The Suntan Campaigns
Blood on the Alane
Forces Involved:
Sunta: 80 Archers, 50 Berserkers, 100 Levies
• Sunta: 80 Warriors, 8 Aikings
Teraldur: 140 Spearmen, 60 Archers
All was quiet on the Alane river throughout these two seasons. The Teraldur focused their efforts on the liberation of the Angaladan while the Sunta were conspicuously quiet. With nothing else to do, both forces fortified their opposing banks of the Alane. The forces of Teraldur were much more successful due to their heavy investment in the foritification of the river. The Teraldan earthworks are a sight to behold and now protect every major ford or strategic location contested by the Sunta.
Summary:
• No action, both sides dig in
Forces Remaining:
Sunta: 70 Archers, 45 Berserkers, 80 Levies (disease, desertion)
• Sunta: 80 Warriors, 8 Aikings (disease, desertion)
Teraldur: 130 Spearmen, 55 Archers (disease, desertion)
The Southern Flank
Forces Involved:
Sunta: 150 Archers, 180 Bersekers, 70 Tiaka
• Varra: 240 Warriors, 90 Skirmishers, 45 Aikings led by Chief Vaarmon
• Angaladan: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings
Northern Teraldur Army: 200 Raeka, 240 Tiaka, 100 Archers
Southern Teraldur Army: 200 Spearmen, 200 Archers, 50 Raeka
Teraldur moved against the Suntan forces in Angaladan territory with overwhelming force and cruel intent. While the Angaladan were to be well treated if forced into battle, Tyrion ordered that the Sunta and their Varran allies were to be given no mercy.
The Sunta believed that they still held the initiative, but while they waited for Kraal to return with more warriors, warriors that never came, the Teraldur crossed the river in two places and seized the initiative. The initial landings were uncontested as the Sunta were busy enjoying the pleasures offered by their Angaladan slaves. Those scouts that were on alert brought the news to their commanders who quickly mustered their warriors.
The Varra were first to meet the Teraldur. Vaarmon was a skilled tactician, but the Teraldan forces weremostly elite warriors and he could not prevail. His men fought well, but were forced to leave the field at the end of the day. The Sunta forces engaged the southern army shortly after, suffering a more clear defeat.
The Teraldan strategy to encircle the Sunta failed as Vaarmon successfully led his men out of the trap, but in doing so, he had to abandon most of his supplies and slaves. The Angaladan bonded warriors managed to slip away from their erstwhile masters and joined the northern army.
In a series of three further battles across the streams that feed the Alane river, the Teraldan warriors won two more great victories. Only a fiercely fought rearguard action as the surviving Varrans and Suntans escaped into Suntan territory prevented a complete and total rout. No prisoners were taken by either side. After pushing the Sunta out, Teraldur established strongpoints along the river and reinforced their holdings to the north.
The Angaladan are still without their chieftess, who is said to be held with Kraal’s other wives, but the Angaladan have pledged their support to the Teraldur. They are weak because of the occupation and their lack of leadership, but they will do what they can.
Summary:
• Teraldur attack the Sunta with two armies
• Sunta forced out of Angaladan land
• Angaladan becomes vassals of Teraldur
Forces Remaining:
Sunta: 60 Archers, 80 Bersekers, 30 Tiaka
• Varra: 120 Warriors, 50 Skirmishers, 25 Aikings led by Chief Vaarmon
Northern Teraldur Army: 150 Raeka, 180 Tiaka, 80 Archers
• Angaladan: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings
Southern Teraldur Army: 130 Spearmen, 150 Archers, 40 Raeka
The March of Cul
Forces Involved:
Huroto: 300 Archers, 80 Tiaka, 40 Raeka
• Huroto: 600 Warriors, 200 Skirmishers, 100 Aikings
• Oortan: 320 Warriors, 140 Skirmishers, 60 Aikings
• Lokvar: 280 Warriors, 100 Skirmishers, 50 Aikings
Sunta: 400 Berserkers, 240 Tiaka, 200 Archers, 300 Levies
• Sunta: 820 Warriors, 220 Skirmishers, 110 Aikings
• Welaku: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings
• Terasu: 120 Warriors, 40 Skirmishers, 12 Aikings
• Yolo: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings
• Varra: ~100 second line warriors
Tyrion wondered why the Sunta had failed to assault his weak position on the Alane. Some, rumurs reached him of the answer. While Kraal had planned to strike the Teraldur on both fronts early in the 123 campaigning season, a new threat had emerged to throw those plans into chaos.
King Cul marched into the Suntan lands at the head of an army of two thousand. He would later link up with the Lokvar, enemies of the Sunta, bolstering his numbers even further.
Cul’s scouts had spotted a force of nearly four hundred guarding the northern Sunta border, ostensibly in case the Nakar made good on their threats, but also as a reserve force if the Huroto did invade. They were brutally beaten and almost half of the force was destroyed.
From there, it was easy work for Cul to arrive at and invest Varra. Together, the Huroto and Lokvar have rounded up the defenseless Varra, along with some Sunta, and carried them away as slaves. The Huroto have engorged themselves with slaves, while the Lokvar have forced the remainder to swear fealty to Thane Woljak.
In response, Kraal mustered every man he could to meet the Huroto. Stripping his garrisons and abandoning his forces to the east, Kraal was able to muster a force of two thousand to match Cul. Forced into battle were seven hundred slaves from the various tribes under his command. It took time to raise this army, and by then, the Huroto and their allies had already conquered the Varra. The biggest killer on this campaign for both sides has not been the enemy, but disease, as the armies march and counter-march throughout the central Sunta lands.
Both forces were largely tribal warriors, fierce Tiaka, and savage barbarians. Both leaders knew that the battle would be long and bloody. While Cul could very well lose his army in this battle, Kraal knew he had much more to lose. Even if he won here, he doubted that he would have the forces to hold off the Teraldur to the south, let alone enforce his will on other tribes.
Bolding, the aging warrior walked alone to the center of the field between the hosts. He shouted a challenge to Cul: a single duel to decide the fate of Varra. If Kraal should win, the Huroto would leave and give their word never to return. If Cul won, then the Suntan would leave the field and recognize Cul as lord and master of the Varra. Cul accepted, and strode out to meet his enemy…
Summary:
• Huroto invades Sunta
• Huroto defeat small Suntan force
• Huroto and Lokvar conquer Varra
• Varra -2 power
• Cul and Kraal will engage in personal combat to determine the victor (results will be posted as a story)
• If Kraal wins the challenge, the Varra will gain 1 power
• If Cul wins, the Huroto will gain 1 power, a strip of border land between Varra and Huroto along with the eastern portion of Varra land will be ceded to Huroto, and the Varra will become a Lokvar vassal
Forces Remaining:
Huroto: 260 Archers, 65 Tiaka, 35 Raeka
• Huroto: 520 Warriors, 170 Skirmishers, 90 Aikings
• Oortan: 280 Warriors, 130 Skirmishers, 55 Aikings
• Lokvar: 260 Warriors, 90 Skirmishers, 45 Aikings
Sunta: 320 Berserkers, 200 Tiaka, 150 Archers, 250 Levies
• Sunta: 720 Warriors, 190 Skirmishers, 100 Aikings
• Welaku: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings
• Terasu: 120 Warriors, 40 Skirmishers, 12 Aikings
• Yolo: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings
Other Conflicts:
The Nakar-Vinii War
Forces involved:
Nakar: 100 Raeka, 100 Falkans, led by Kalan
• Five Yomba Fulanti: ~200, led by Rerke
Vinii: 240 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 45 Aikings, led by Chief Vinos
The Nakar’s attempt to defeat the Vinii was mared by an early setback. The Vorthai were asked to raise their warband, but had already had tribute levied against them. The Vorthai refused, saying the war was ill-omened, and that they had already paid their tribute in lieu of service.
Regardless, the Nakar pressed northwards. Instead of Vorthai, they were met by Five Yomba warriors, eager to prove their worth to the Nakar led by a young warrior named Rerke. Together, they marched into the Vinii lands, eager to erase the stain of last years’ campaign.
Vinos, his men filled with arrogance at their previous victory, marched out to face Kalan on open ground.
Now, on an equal footing, the superior training of the Nakar showed. Not only were the Raeka and Falkans superior warriors naturally, but they had been training specifically for this battle throughout 123 before marching out in 124.
The Vinii had heard rumours that the Nakar marched alongside monsters, but did not believe it until the Fulanti were already upon them. With the assaulting them, the Raeka showering them with arrows, and the Falkans scything through their forces at the flanks, the Vinii were thrown into confusion.
The casualties were light for the Nakar, though heavy for their command staff. Kalan was badly wounded (his fate is yours to decide Vert), while the Fulanti leader Rerke was killed by Chief Vinos himself. Vinos was wounded as well, and withdrew to his stronghold.
Vinos remains besieged inside his hall, but it is likely that it will not hold out for long.
Summary:
• Vorthai refuse service due to tribute paid, relations slightly damaged
• Fulanti come unasked to fight the Vinii
• Kalan wounded, Rerke dies
• Nakar’s superior soldiers tell against Vinii
• Vinii retreat to great hall, remain besieged
Forces remaining:
Nakar: 85 Raeka, 85 Falkans, led by Kalan
• Five Yomba Fulanti: ~170, led by Rerke
Vinii: 100 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 15 Aikings, led by Chief Vinos (many desertions after loss)
The Rheni-Voth War
Forces Involved:
Rheni: 400 Levies, 135 Archers, 25 Spearmen, 110 Tiaka led by Prince Bereniki
Voth: 210 Warriors, 60 Skirmishers, 35 Aikings led by Thane Ragi
Prince Bereniki’s requests were honoured by his father. More than five hundred men marched to meet his tiny force. Though most of them were little better than fodder, sheer numbers might tell against the Voth.
Meanwhile, Vor’s son Ragi finally asserted his dominance over the rest of Vor’s brood and marched to war. Both forces missed the better part of the 123 campaigning season as they prepared their forces.
Prince Bereniki once again proved his skill as a strategist. Hiding his archers behind a low hill, half of his levies advanced against the Voth. After a few minutes of ineffective fighting, the Levies broke off and ran. The Voth tasted blood and broke ranks to pursue, led by Ragi himself. At this point, the archers leapt up and fired a volley at the unsuspecting warriors.
The Voth were thrown into disarray, and second half of Bereniki’s trap was sprung. With their warriors already commited, the Tiaka had managed to get into a flanking position. Half of them fell upon the warriors from behind, while the rest prepared to cut off the Voth’s retreat.
Seeing his men cut down around him, Ragi called out Bereniki to personal combat. Bereniki declined, being a better leader than fighter, saying that Ragi’s men were already lost. Though Ragi was incensed by his refusal, he couldn’t argue. He was left with no choice but to surrender.
Summary:
• Ragi takes control of the Voth
• Bereniki defeats Ragi, Ragi surrenders
• Voth tribe at the mercy of the Rheni
Forces Remaining:
Rheni: 320 Levies, 130 Archers, 25 Spearmen, 90 Tiaka led by Prince Bereniki
Voth: 140 Warriors, 40 Skirmishers, 20 Aikings led by Thane Ragi (all prisoners)
The Oerdan-Tarssee War
Forces Involved:
Oerdan: 100 Archers, 100 Spearmen, 100 Raeka, 200 Tiaka led by King Haergar and Captain Lorgar
Tarssee: 200 Warriors, 80 Crossbowmen, 30 Aikings under Lord Tesla
The key to Haergar’s strategy this year was the use of his Tiaka warriors, while the key for Tesla’s outnumbered warriors was the crossbow. The two forces met this time in a field in what would be known as the Battle of Bou’s Field.
Tesla’s crossbowmen dug trenches to protect themselves from archer fire while his warriors placed obstacles behind the trench, aping some of Tessilki and Tikeecee’s tactics.
With a ferocious battle cry, the Tiaka charged the crossbowmen in an attempt to break the Tarssee’s spirit. Many Tiaka were scythed down by the crossbowmen, and those who survived struggled against the fortifications. Lorgar himself led the Tiaka, braving arrow and axe alike as he cut through his enemy.
By the time the Tiaka broke, the rest of the Oerdan were ready to take their place, unmolested by crossbows. Soon, the Tarssee’s pen ceased to keep the Oerdan out and began to keep the Tarssee in. Two hundred archers and Raeka rained arrows onto the compound. With most of their crossbowmen dead or low on bolts, they could little to respond.
Now encircled, only a bold breakout led by Tesla himself saved the Oerdan from certain doom. Only a handful of warriors escaped alive, with many captured. Tesla was wounded with an arrow and has retreated to his personal hall. The stronghold is well protected but poorly garrisoned, with barely a hundred healthy men left to protect it. The hold withstood a siege throughout 124 before surrendering to the Oerdan.
Summary:
• Oerdan win costly victory against the Tarssee -1 power for Tarssee
• Tarssee surrender after a year long siege
• Tarssee at the mercy of Oerdan
Forces Remaining:
Oerdan: 100 Archers, 80 Spearmen, 90 Raeka, 120 Tiaka led by King Haergar and Captain Lorgar
Tarssee: 80 Warriors, 30 Crossbowmen, 10 Aikings under Lord Tesla
50 Warriors, 20 Crossbowmen, and 10 Aikings taken prisoner by Haergar
The Sargothi’s Eye
Forces Involved:
Sargothi’s Eye: ~800 Fulanti Warriors led by One-Eye
Revnor: 240 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings under thane Drago
Rendor: 140 Warriors, 50 Skirmishers, 30 Aikings under thane Galos
Huroto: 45 Archers, 45 Warriors
Validira: 130 Archers, 150 Spearmen, 45 Raeka, 40 Tiaka under King Matteo and Prince Naxis
Isramoc: 240 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings under Lord Roco
Validira’s protective shield spread to envelop the Rendor in 123. The Validirans did their best to endear themselves to their charges and largely succeeded. The Revnor have gotten used to the Huroto and Validiran warriors that have called the place home for the last four years, while the Rendor welcome the helping hand of the their forces.
Meanwhile, after the bloody lesson given to them by the Rendor, the Sargothi’s Eye have turned their attention elsewhere. The expected attack on the Rendor and Revnor never came. Instead, the Fulanti waited until 124 before unleashing their fury. This time, the target was the southern Isramoc tribe.
The Isramoc were caught completely unawarewares. Enriched by gifts from the Nimosans and tolls from their traders, the Isramoc were celebrating their prosperity when the Fulanti attacked. Many Isramoc warriors were killed before they could even grab their weapons as they stumbled drunkenly from the halls of their Aikings or their village squares.
Much of the Isramoc land has been depopulated as men as slaughtered, children enslaved, and women brought off to worse fates.
The Nimosans have been lucky, none of their caravans were caught in the bloodbath, though their trade routes are in danger should the Fulanti return.
Summary:
• Validirans move into Rendor
• Fulanti attack Isramoc
• Isramoc devastated, -2 power
• Nimosan trade routes threatened
Forces Remaining:
Sargothi’s Eye: ~800 Fulanti Warriors led by One-Eye
Revnor: 240 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings under thane Drago
Rendor: 140 Warriors, 50 Skirmishers, 30 Aikings under thane Galos
Huroto: 40 Archers, 35 Warriors (disease, desertion)
Validira: 120 Archers, 140 Spearmen, 45 Raeka, 40 Tiaka under King Matteo and Prince Naxis (disease, desertion)
Isramoc: 100 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 10 Aikings under Lord Roco
(Note: Casualties are not always this high in battles between civilized nations, but the Fulanti know no mercy)
On the Home Front..
While the Nakari are stile leery of their Fulanti neighbours, tensions have not worsened between the two species. The Fulanti, for the most part, have kept to themselves, forming their own social and political networks. Continued expansion to the west has served as an outlet for those who wish to escape them. Though those who have relocated are still unhappy, the colonization has proved to be a good release valve for social and population pressures. The Nakar have attempted to educate the Fulanti in the ways civilization. For now, the focus is on speaking the Nakar language. Those who have taken to the language well are given the chance to learn how to read and write it, though there have been some problems. Many scholars are wary of teaching them, but since they are very well paid, they have taken to the job with gusto anyways. Many Fulanti resent the attempts to teach them, and a few scholars have disappeared, but the desired effect is slowly working it’s way through the Fulanti. Every Fulanti settlement has at leats one member who can speak very basic Nakari. Nakari attempts to educate their Haecomus population have not been nearly as successful. The program has more than adequate funding, but with so many scholars assigned to educating the Fulanti, little progress is being made. In Tasnakari, the people have reinforced the wall around their city.
The uncle of Adalbrandr has sent the leaders of his dissatisfied vassals to see the king regarding their plight. Though they were displeased at having the make the journey and continue to pay the heavy price, they were somewhat mollified by the plunder they were able to secure in the rape of the Margarethe’s land. Adalbrandr has promised to reassess the tribute on his vassals upon the end of the war. The news of his continued success in war, especially in contrast to Hroth IV’s defeats, has garnered Adalbrandr and his warriors great acclaim, helping him to inspire his troops and his uncle to maintain his authority at home. The great bard, Finoir, continues to weave the tales of his exploits. The epic poem of Adalbrandr’s deeds now takes an entire week’s singing to complete when sung straight and the work is considered one of the best of its kind. The other army commanders have been immortalized as well, including the burial march of Othred, the heroic death of Misanisan, and the battlefield exploits of all army commanders.
The Gibraly have focused on the expansion of their glass and pottery industries. The attempted trade route between the Gibraly and Nakar has failed. Due to the wars in Dolu and Snerkitta territory, no merchants were able to make it along the entire route.
Teraldur has focused their economic might on the military and fortification efforts. Though the attacks of the Sargothi’s Eye only directly affect Huroton and Nimosan trade, should they continue, it may also affect Teraldan trade as well.
Werhold has been a den of intrigue since the suspicious death of Earl Othred. The Kaldar have blamed the death on Haeroph, alienating the tribe from the Werar. An assassination attempt was made on Haeroph, give him the excuse needed to hamstring Queen Eothea’s power. Thus began a long standoff between Hearoph’s Werar and Eothea’s Kaldar. Eventually, the Queen was able to escape Werhold to her tribesmen and battlelines were drawn. Siding with the Kaldar were the Serala, furious at their high tribute and at Haeroph’s arrogance in arresting the Queen. Expensive gifts and plunder have helped mollify the Torica and the Bealdar, with some Torica openly supporting Haeroph. Still, only the Werar openly back him, though they back him to the hilt. (das, I’ve largely left the details out of your internal politics. I believe you will do it better justice than I can.)
Beyond the court, Haeroph and his young charge have focused on the infrastructure of the realm. Werhold is becoming a center of the commerce for the region, while the roads are being made safe with the creation of military outposts. The mining efforts continue as well. Overall, Werhold is developing a healthy economy. While not as large as some of the developing southern states, Werhold’s economy is certainly the most advanced, making it well placed for greater expansion in the future.
Hanni is quickly becoming a shining become of civilization in the empty desert. Built on the banks of a narrow river that runs from the mountains through the desert to the ocean, the city is beautiful oasis. Hanni’s architects have experimented with a new architectural style, utilizing the many clay bricks and tiles built by its artisans. Massive expenditure has been put into the land along the banks of the river under the plow. The farmers have begun to experiment with cash crops and a healthy trade has now expanded to include spice and incense. Nimosa continues to treat its vassals well, with its best still attempting to teach the other tribes how to make a reliable living from the desert, though the lack of arable land is becoming a problem. This has drawn visitors from other desert tribes as well as the minor tribes along Nimosan trade routes to see the city.
The Oerdan continue in their quest to recover the important cultural symbols of their past. Haergar has led a party into the Sargothi ruins in his territory. This ill-omened place is said to be the resting place of the legendary Crown of Ernica. Whether these rumours are true remains to be seen. The expedition spent much of their time searching in vain, until the King’s Thune advisor mentioned that many Sargothi building had secret sub-levels. After months of vain searching, a passage was discovered. Strange, unnatural red lighting filled the maze of tunnels and room filled with the decayed remains of what might have been food or living beings. While some metal has been found in the ruins above, there is no telling what they might find. Though finding warriors brave enough to enter will be difficult…
As for things back at home, the Oerdanian economy is growing. The people are pleased that their leaders are following their cultural heritage. The massive land clearing program is also helping things.
The Huroto have continued to focus their attention on the life-giving river around them. The shipbuilders of Skav are now renowned as some of the best in the entire river system. The possible seizure of the southern bank of the Lokaviri River and Lake Tarn could further enhance their dominance of the southern waterways.
The Validiran economy continues to blossom under King Matteo’s stewardship. More land is being cleared for farms and immigrants are coming from far away to word beside the Xanfa. The growing supply of grain has gone either into the King’s granaries, or into the production of alcohol. The dockyards of Validira continue to expand in competition with the Huroto, though not quite as quickly. The diversifying economy continues to please merchants while the alcohol produced is popular with men of all ranks and is beginning to find its way to Varica.
The Kingdom of Darium has continued to focus their entire economy on warfare.
The Dolu have continued to focus their entire economy on warfare.
The Rheni have largely focused their economic might on the way against the Voth.
Rumours:
In Thune lands, the Ciricin-Yumin alliance continues to advance through the lesser Thune cities. After crushing the City-state of Cori, the alliance suffered heavy losses when it encountered Tessil crossbowmen aiding the defense of the city. Tessilki has declared a conference at the town of Yirhsi to unite the smaller city-states against Cirici.
The City-state of Tarnee has declared war on the breakaway Tikeecee republic. Both Tessilki and Karski have declared their support for Tikeecee.
With word that the Pythians plan to escape through Gamar territory beyond the mountains, the Gamars have spread tales of a vast Fulanti army encamped beyond the mountains of which the Seven-Star are but the vanguard. The story has done nothing to stop the Pythian exodus.
A great fleet has set sail southwards from Risano searching for the lost isles of Thune lore. It is not expected that they will succeed, but many have signed on with the fleet.
Adventurers in the northern lands have encountered giant, winged beasts in the north. It is possible that they are the Yomba, massive flesh eating birds that are a stock creature of Haecomus legends.
Diplomacy:
To: King Haergar of the Oerdan
From: King Luci of the Snerkitta
Your son, Luern is our prisoner. If you love your son as a father must, then you will withdraw from the war against us. If you agree, we will return Luern and his men. If you refuse, I will avenge my daughter Lucia with your son’s blood.
Notes:
a_propagandist, you forgot to pay upkeep for this turn. I have deducted it from your spending efforts. In this case, you road building program.
Fuschia, the income for trade routes is already listed in the income line of your stats. The EP worth listed under trade routes is the worth of the entire route, including the income that you and everyone else receives from it. Therefore, you have no EP banked at the end of this turn. Sorry for the confusion.
New Rule:
As it is pretty easy right now to replace lost soldiers, there will now by a manpower cost for every unit raised. Half of the men raised for your military will be deducted from your towns. Unless otherwise specified, these recruits will come from your biggest towns. That way, there is a greater economic effect of mass recruitment.
Map and stats will be up tomorrow.