Sorry I couldnt make this as epic as some people wanted... Mistakes and missed things are likely
Dead nations = Panga, Chamka, Kinland
New nations = Juhtland, Karinthia, Shimazu
380-395 AD
Almost all the world is at war. Great empires crash into each other, but none of them are giving way. It seems many years of strife lie ahead. Ass the death toll rises, science and trade still find ways to flourish in a few isolated corners of the world.
Global Events:
The Pangari Wars
Almost everyone in Panga was expecting the veteran loyalist forces to return from the new world, and then defeat the republicans with a few quick battles, before the Taej or anyone else became involved. They werent expecting their Emperor, Panago-He, to suddenly abdicate and surrender all of Panga to the new republic. But that is what happened nonetheless (whether Panago-He was forced into this or not, no-one can know for sure).
The republicans moved quickly to establish control over the north of Panga, spreading propaganda everywhere
Civil war had been avoided, and now Panga could unite to reclaim its former glory, starting with the conquest of Quipeng. The people were left with a choice support the republic, or support the total defeat of the country.
There were still many opponents of the republic, especially among the loyal troops in the new world. But without the Emperor, there was nobody left for them to rally around.
The Republic mobilised its forces to continue the invasion of Quipeng. Their troops were enthusiastic, but inexperienced. There was no overall plan for the war, and all decisions were left to the inexperienced republican generals. Things did not go well to begin with
At the city of Quinyan, the Pangans faced a Taej army that outnumbered them two to one. Pangas heavy infantry fell victim to mass formations of Taej bowmen. The Taej also unleashed new heavy gunpowder rockets, which exploded in mid air, raining metal shards onto the enemy below. The Pangans were routed, and many were cut down by large numbers of Taej cavalry as they fled.
The Pangans were forced to retreat from Quipeng, but they vowed to return. The cities of the republic were fortified against attack (there were only a few half-hearted probes by Taej forces), while inventors and engineers were called in to work for the army. The republic tried to gather support from Pangans living abroad.
Many more troops were recruited. A handful of experienced commanders were recalled from the new world in order to train them. But almost all of the veteran troops were still kept overseas, fighting against Hocatelco (see below). It would be a while before the Pangan army in asia could match the Taejs level of experience (from their wars against the Taroists and other rebels).
Most of Pangas navy was recalled to asia, however
The Pangans eventually attacked again, this time making the most of their naval advantage, in terms of both numbers and experience. The Taej navy (together with that of their Quipeng and Yutanese vassals) was defeated in several battles on the chilly southern seas. The Pangans overran the island of Hiunga, and used it as a base for raiding all along the southern coasts of the Taej Empire - from Tosunga to the Ongan territories.
Almost everywhere the Pangans went along the south coast, there were some ethnic Pangans or other minorities who were willing to provide some assistance.
The vastness of the Taej Empire was intimidating in itself. But Pangaris soldiers were driven by republican propaganda, an epic battle to regain the lands of our forefathers.
The Taej struggled to catch up with the Pangans. The military districts werent equipped to defend against sudden large-scale invasions by sea. Though they still had a much bigger army overall, they rarely had enough force in the right places. They also had a few remaining peasant revolts to deal with.
Panga avoided any more big battles like Quinyan (though countless smaller battles were fought) and managed to capture several coastal cities with daring assaults (including the huge eastern city of Tanzu, which was heavily damaged). The Pangans had their own basic cannons and rockets by this time.
Pangari raiders reached as far inland as the cities of Iri Heju and Zanung. The Pangan navy fought its way up the eastern end of the Taejon river as far as Bingol. The western islands of Yutan were invaded too
While the Taej were distracted in the east, another attempt was made to invade Quipeng. The Pangans used their latest inventions here - Large hot air balloons were used at platforms for catapulting gunpowder grenades on the enemy. They also had a steam-driven, enclosed, mobile, armoured carriage, known simply as the Pangan Engine. It ran on wheels, and had enough space inside for several crossbowmen or hand-cannoners. Because it didnt rely on vulnerable horses, there seemed no way of stopping it. The sights and sounds of the Engine were very unnerving for the Taej and Quipeng troops as it advanced relentlessly towards them, throwing out deadly projectiles and clouds of steam (except for the occasions when it suddenly broke down).
The Pangan inventors had envisioned much bigger machines, running on tracks, and carrying their own cannon artillery. But the technology and industry of Pangari just wasnt enough to make this a reality. Even the Pangan Engine was rarely used in combat - it was so difficult to get it to the battlefield that it could only really be used in sieges. And even then, it could only run on flat ground.
Anyway, even if the inventions didnt really turn the tide of the war in Pangaris favour (or make up for the disadvantage in manpower), they did help to inspire confidence in the Pangan soldiers. But the new republic has proved incapable of waging the epic war that its ambitious leaders had wanted (especially as one foot remained in the new continent). Taejs economy and manpower have not been seriously damaged, and Pangari is now the one who seems overstretched.
It is all a far cry from the peace and stability during the celebrations at Tianzou. War clouds now hang over the great palace, and
Asias great minds seem focused on death and destruction. Who knows if the spirit of the enlightenment will ever reappear?
> Pangari: -2 Light Infantry, -12 Heavy Infantry, -4 Light Cavalry, -3 Heavy Cavalry, -5 Caravels, +2 Yuan Junks
> Taej Empire: -3 Light Infantry, -10 Heavy Infantry, -3 Light Cavalry, -2 Heavy Cavalry, -5 Galleys, -3 Caravels, -2 Yuan Junks
> Quipeng: -1 Light Infantry, -3 Heavy Infantry, -2 Heavy Cavalry, -3 Galleys
> Yutan: -1 Light Infantry, -2 Heavy Infantry, -1 Heavy Cavalry, -3 Galleys, -2 Caravels
War in the south of the new continent
The Taej-Pangari war spread thousands of miles of in the west. After news of Emperor Panago-Hes abdication reached New Panga, a small force of Pangan adventurers set out to attack to the Taejs fledgling colony of Zhizou in the south. Resistance was surprisingly strong, and the Pangans had to retreat.
Zhizhou was left too weak to resist becoming a protectorate of the emerging Chimuko Empire, as it launched a major campaign of conquest in the south. It is said that the Taej colonists were treated with great respect by the Chimuko emperor, and some became trusted advisors in his court. It was also said that the emperor was greatly interested in Taoism.
Some Taroists had been exiled to Zhizhou. It is rumoured that their ideas have taken hold among the people in the south of the Chimuko Empire.
Anyway, most of the empire now practised Orhadism, which had spread from New Panga. Orhadist monks from Ormash were also gaining an influence here (see Ormash).
Thousands of Pangan soldiers kept up the fight against Hocatelco. They fought all the way along the southern end of the central straights, eventually capturing the city of Tanilkat. The island of Tahanku was also invaded. There wasnt much resistance - Hocatelco made little attempt to rebuilt its navy, and basically abandoned its empire south of the straights. But Tecochen was kept well guarded.
The Pangans had now reached the eastern ocean (as it was known to the Umidians and europeans). The straights were mostly safe for merchant ships. In the midst of all the ongoing wars, trade between Panga and europe was actually increased.
Back on land, the Pangans had helped stir up native peoples against Hocatelcos empire in the south. They had been useful allies in that war, but they now formed their own strong tribal coalition known as the Zocon, based in the mountains west of Catochen.
> Panga: -2 Light Infantry, -1 Caravel, -1 Galley
> New Panga: -1 Light Infantry, -1 Heavy Infantry, -1 Caravel
> Hocatelco: -4 Light Infantry, -1 Heavy Infantry
> Zhizou: -3 Light Infantry, -1 Heavy Infantry, -1 Galley
> Zhizou becomes a vassal of Chimuko
> Chimuko: -3 Light Infantry, -3 Heavy Infantry
The East Ocean War
The Thulean-Umidian war spread even further, and got even more complicated. Both sides were rushing to mobilise more resources. Umidia gained ships and funding from its traders guild (see Umidia). Things were more extreme on the Thulean side (see Thulean League). Anti-Umidian feeling was stirred up throughout the League. Far from caving in, their people were eager to get revenge and restore their pride.
After the battle at Kemperof (see last update), the surviving ships from the Thuleans ocean fleet were divided up and sent on raiding duty. Privateers from Yihamcoross and Transnoagar joined in the action. Umidia still had a big advantage in naval power on the ocean, but it now faced the same basic problem that the Thuleans had faced namely the defence and supply of many different islands, scattered across vast stretches of ocean.
At the same time, the Thuleans gathered their huge european fleet (mainly made up of short-range galleys) near Ys, and sailed south to the island of Astura, to disrupt Umidian shipping. The Umidians gathered as many ships as they could to defend the straights of Oriant. The Thuleans wanted to avoid a head-on battle, but were eventually forced to fight in the Battle of Pelanto bay.
This was a bloodbath; hundreds of ships and tens of thousands of men were killed on both sides. The Thulean tactic of overwhelming numbers didnt quite work out. Umidias weaker galleys and caravels were overrun, but a few well-armed Galleons were able to hold the centre of the battle line - repelling many boarding attempts in the process, and sinking many galleys using their cannons at close range. The Thuleans were beaten back, and Astura came fully under Umidian control.
For the next few years, the Thuleans sent scattered raids all across the east ocean, crossing many thousands of miles - from Astura and the straights of Oriant, to the far-flung outposts of Kemperof and Taphi. Umidian garrisons often found themselves threatened from both land and sea, as they kept fighting against all kinds of rebel factions, especially on the largest island of Ember. Some garrisons came close to being overwhelmed.
Most of Umidias ocean fleet was divided between trying to catch the raiders, putting down uprisings, and keeping the various island garrisons supplied. A smaller portion of Umidias fleet was gathered for a cautious attack on Mahutan island - the Thulean garrison couldnt do anything to prevent a blockade, but they were determined to hold out in order to protect their remaining trade routes (see Thulean League). By now they had built several strong fortifications, manned by large garrisons; some were even armed with captured Umidian cannons, or basic Thulean copies (which were probably just as dangerous to their own crews).
The fighting was desperate, but progress was being made. The Great Chief of the Hanawauk even sent some help (see below). But more troops and supplies were continually being drawn in, and the Umidian commanders were worried about overstretching their forces. They eventually decided to withdraw, leaving half the island pillaged and in ruins.
Elsewhere, the native kingdom of Ohukal pushed back the over-extended Yihamco raiders. Ohukals king converted to the Sarukian (Mahal) version of Theosim. This reduced Umidias influence a little, but also had the effect of calming the fighting between Theosist factions. Thulean raids still caused some trouble for Umidias southern colonies.
> Thulean League: -18 Galleys, -1 Caravel, -3 Ys Sloops
> Umidia: -2 Light Infantry, -2 Heavy Infantry, -10 Galleys, -3 Caravels, -2 Galleons
> Catalia: -3 Galleys
> Yihamcoross: -3 Light Infantry, -2 Galleys, -1 Ys Sloop
> Ohukal: -4 Light Infantry, -2 Galleys
Battle at Ember
During this time, the Thuleans were making great efforts to counter the Umidian weapons. Captured galleons were sent back to Saint Gustparsberg to be disassembled and studied in detail. New shipbuilding ideas were gathered from far overseas. The result was the Thulean Ship of the Line, stronger and typically larger than the Galleon, but lacking in one area Thulean metalworkers and engineers simply couldnt duplicate the quality of the Umidian cannons (at least not in such a short space of time). Instead, the new Thulean ships were outfitted with an assortment of basic cannon-type weapons and heavy ballistas.
Thulean shipyards went into overdrive. A large number of Ships of the Line were eventually built, and were suddenly used en-mass to attack the island of Ember. The Umidians had settled into a pattern of long ocean patrols and counter-raiding tactics; they struggled to gather enough ships to meet this new threat. The Umidian garrisons were in a very dangerous position by the time help arrived in any numbers.
The Ships of the Line did well in their first major battle, proving to be basically unsinkable by cannon fire (at least, the current average of cannon fire). But the Thuleans own cannons also did little damage to the Umidians - despite a lot of training, they couldnt overcome their inexperience, or the limits of their less-sophisticated weapons. The fearsome new Sea Dragon troops helped even the odds once things came down to boarding actions. These were evolved from the old heavy Pictish and Koltyre infantry, highly trained and carrying gunpowder grenades amongst other weapons.
Both sides were looking to score a crushing victory over the other. But Ember ended as another inconclusive battle. Few ships were actually sunk or captured. The Thuleans battered a hole in the Umidian defences, and landed troops to besiege the city of Ember itself. But much of Umidias ocean fleet was still intact and lurking nearby
Meanwhile, the rebels in the interior of the island started fighting against both sides.
The Thuleans still had grand plans for the re-conquest of the east ocean, but found themselves stuck at Ember for now.
> Thulean League: -2 Ships of the Line, -2 Caravels, -1 Ys Sloop, -2 Light Infantry, -2 Heavy Infantry, -1 Heavy Cavalry
> Umidia: -3 Galleons, -1 Caravel, -2 Light Infantry, -2 Heavy Infantry, -2 Light Cavalry, -1 Heavy Cavalry
The North-West war
The fragile peace in the north-west of the new continent was shattered by Thulean soldiers, as they marched out from Kintag to invade Kinland proper. The Thuleans were eager to show that they were still a strong power on the continent. They made good use of cavalry forces along the coast, and Kinlands new capitol of Kellhauk was soon captured.
The Kinlanders managed to regroup in the dense forests of the interior, and the Thuleans were finally stopped at the town of Rohuo. Though by this stage, Kinland had been reduced to the status of a minor chiefdom.
The Scota tribes rose up against the Kinlanders, and ended up fighting against the Thuleans also. The Scotans refused Thulean offers of citizenship, as they still hated the Thuleans for taking their land in the first place.
The Great Chief of Hanawauk declared his support for Kinland once again. Hanawauk massed an army in the south, and pushed into the Thuleans Yahoss peninsular, overwhelming Thulean garrisons there. Hanawauk even sent some supplies to aid the Umidians while they were attacking Mahutan island (see above).
The Thulean-backed army of the Alganwi took the opportunity to push further into the north of Hanawauk land.
> Kinland: -5 Light Infantry, -1 Galley
> Kinland is no more
> Thulean League: -2 Light Infantry, -2 Heavy Infantry, -2 Light Cavalry, -1 Heavy Cavalry, +1 Galley
> Hanawauk: -6 Light Infantry, -2 Heavy Infantry
> Alganwi: -3 Light Infantry, -1 Heavy Infantry
The Ascension Wars
Events moved quickly after 380 AD. Almost all the all the nations of north-west asia became involved in this war...
First and foremost, Tian made the long-awaited move of invading Jara. Great speeches were made in Tian. Ormash was vilified as an aggressor and destroyer of the peace. Tians leaders declared the beginning of the Ascension Wars to being peace to the world under Tians protection.
The cavalry reserve forces were called up, and there were also great efforts to recruit and equip more infantry soldiers. Roughly one million men were now serving in Tians army. The size of the combined invading forces was (at least) equal to anything in history.
Hordes of Tianese cavalry quickly isolated Jaipav, Jaras former capitol. But the city had already been abandoned. The Tianese then pushed up to the central mountains region. Ormash and its allies were waiting patiently at the heavily-fortified city of Kaiep, but the Tianese didnt attack here. Instead, a separate army advanced through the southern jungles, spearheaded by the Rangers, whose ranks had recently doubled in size (though this had diluted their level of training).
As for the rebels who had risen against Ormashs troops, these were not exactly supportive of Tian either. The Tianese expected a warm welcome, but the Tianese often had to fight their way through the rebel-held areas of the jungle.
Ormash and Kymash joined forces to try to block the southern advance. Ormash had been in the process of fortifying the area. The Tianese used various tricks and traps to capture some of the unfinished forts. Many hard battles were fought in difficult terrain (often steep hills covered in jungle). Tians Rangers had an advantage here, but troops on both sides suffered appallingly. Many of the casualties were from heat and exhaustion.
Meanwhile, over in the west, Ryakhi joined forces with another large Tianese army, and charged down from the coast towards the rebel-held area near the city Naman. The rebels were more cooperative in this part, but many still ended up fighting against Tian as well. There was some skirmishing around Naman itself, but the Tianese didnt press an attack there. Instead, they turned back to the coast, towards Ormashs city of Khanapor
Videssos had now joined the war against Ormash and Chamka, but a combined Videssian/Ryakhi fleet was defeated by Ormash (see below). The waters around Khanapor were raided, but they couldnt be fully blockaded. Ryakhi also had bad luck on land also; Their army suffered from a series of mishaps and mistakes, and they often ended up isolated from their allies. A strong force of Ormash cavalry sallied out from Khanapor and badly mauled the Ryakhi army. Tians army was finally able to besiege the city, but it is still holding out at this point.
Tian was also looking for support from Garuda. But that country didnt enter the war, or make any obvious attempts to support either side. Garudas leaders downplayed their treaties with Tian, and claimed they had been defensive treaties only (which wasnt strictly true). The country remained focused on overseas trade and founding new colonies in the west.
Apart from the south, there has been little fighting, considering the large armies involved. Jaran loyalists and most of Ormashs forces are well fortified in the mountainous regions of central Jara. Tian has almost succeed in isolating them there - the last corridor of land between Jara and Ormash/Kymash is being desperately fought over. Supply trains are constantly attacked by Tianese raiders, and there are already some serious food shortages in the north.
Jaras people are suffering from all this, and they have mixed feelings about Tian. Some of the rebels are siding with Tian, while others are actually rejoining the loyal Jaran army, in order to defend the country.
Ormashs armies were equipped with new Vodash artillery pierces (named after the city where they were first designed). Basically these are small battlefield cannons, light enough to be towed around by a few horses, or to be housed in existing forts. Much was expected of these weapons. Although they had the effect of frightening and disorganising the enemy, it was soon found that they were not so useful for actually killing them.
The cost of the war has been enormous for Tian. Its manpower is stretched to the limit, and the treasury is once again shrinking fast.
> Tian: -7 Light Infantry, -9 Heavy Infantry, -5 Light Cavalry, -1 Heavy Cavalry, -1 Support
> Ryakhi: -6 Heavy Infantry, -6 Light Cavalry
> Ormash: -7 Heavy Infantry, -3 Light Cavalry, -2 Heavy Cavalry, -1 Support
> Kymash: -2 Light Infantry, -4 Heavy Infantry, -1 Light Cavalry, -1 Heavy Cavalry
> Jara: -6 Heavy Infantry, -1 Light Cavalry, -2 Heavy Cavalry
Invasion of Chamka
Meanwhile, Videssos had launched a huge invasion of Chamka, with no less than six separate armies invading from different directions, by land and sea. The Chamka had been expecting an attack, but were left paralysed, as they tried to decide where to send their forces. Fortunately for them, the Videssians were also confused - The scale of the invasion was bigger than anything the Videssians had attempted before. Their plans came undone as different armies became delayed or ended up in the wrong areas. The Chamka had a chance to reorganise, and were able to defeat the combined Videssian/Hojo forces in the north-west.
Inevitably though, the superior quality of Videssoss weaponry and leadership began to tell. The commanders drew up new plans and continued to advance. Chamka lost a lot of troops in an attempt to defend Angor and Kiwat. The Cham used the dense forest as best they could, but constant ambushes were not enough to prevent the loss of all the major forts and towns.
By now, Videssos had also declared war on Ormash, citing their disrespect for Phosists, and the continual threat they pose to regional stability. Ormash honoured its treaty with Chamka, and had already dispatched a small force of cavalry to help them, backed up by some Vodashas. The force was intercepted at sea by a combined Videssian/Ryakhi fleet off the coast of Chamka, and battle ensured.
Ormashs ships were outnumbered two to one. Some were overloaded with horses, and most of the Vosashas were stowed below decks. But despite all this, things went well for them. Many of Ryakhis galleys managed to crash into each other, and were then overrun by Ormashs caravels. The Videssian ships didnt have much better luck.
Still, by the time Ormashs expedition arrived, the King of Chamka had gone into hiding (along with his treasury), and all central authority had collapsed. Local tribes rose up in rebellion. The remnants of Chamkas army withdrew to the south-west coast, where their generals tried to re-establish some kind of control with the aid of Ormashs forces.
Large areas are still in anarchy at this point. Videssos imperial machine will take some time to digest this new chunk of territory. Hojo has also begun pushing to reclaim its old territories along the western river area.
> Ryakhi: -5 Galleys
> Hojo: -3 Light Infantry, -3 Heavy Infantry, -2 Light Cavalry, -1 Heavy Cavalry
> Videssos: -5 Light Infantry, -5 Heavy Infantry, -1 Light Cavalry, -1 Heavy Cavalry, -3 Galleys, -1 Caravel
> Chamka: -13 Light Infantry, -8 Heavy Infantry, -3 Light Cavalry, -1 Heavy Cavalry, -3 Galleys
> Chamka is no more!
> Ormash: -1 Light Cavalry, -1 Heavy Cavalry, +1 Galleys, -2 Caravels
Invasion of Koyon
Videssos wasnt finished yet. A separate invasion was directed at Ormashs islands north-west of Oda/Koyon. The Videssians had just enough force to overrun several islands, before they were stopped by stormy weather and lack of supplies.
Further south, the country of Oda collapsed into anarchy, as rumours spread that their leaders had agreed to annexation by Ormash, to the dismay of the people. At the same time, the Videssians tried to encourage Oda to attack Ormash, promising to stay out of former Koyonese lands if they did so. For now, the people of Oda were too busy deposing their government to intervene against Ormashs garrisons.
There was also another rebellion in the former Koyonese lands - partly inspired by Videssoss arrival, but also by the announcement that a surviving heir to the throne of Shimazu was taking up arms, to reunite Oda and Koyon and to expel all foreign troops. The Shimazu cause began to gain support from all sides, while other areas were carved up by emerging Oda/Koyonese warlords (including some former Ormash allies, who decided to desert). Videssian ships also began to disrupt Ormashs supplies. Things became very chaotic.
Ormashs garrisons are now in a difficult situation. Reinforcements of cavalry (along with some Vodash artillery) have saved them from collapse for now.
> Oda is no more
> Shimazu appears
> Ormash: -4 Heavy Infantry, -1 Light Cavalry, -1 Heavy Cavalry
> Videssos: -1 Light Infantry, -2 Heavy Infantry, -1 Heavy Cavalry, -2 Galleys, -2 Caravels