Fighting continued in south east europe. Catalya soon withdrew all its troops to the coastal cities, abandoning the inland areas to the superior forces of Anguile. The siege of Lisht went on and on - the Catalyans had no hope of breaking it, yet they had just enough strength to repel each Anguilian assault. Anguile could not prevent supplies from reaching the city by sea, while many citizens were ordered to evacuate to other parts of Catalya, thus reducing the strain on the city’s resources. The city of Lisht became more like a fortress - one which is cracking, but still holding out. Oriant was also besieged, but it too is holding firm.
At sea, Ys renewed the attack on Astura, eventually conquering the island. A great number of new ships ensured the defeat of the Catalyan navy – although the victory was not as complete as Ys would have liked, and the Catalyan navy remained a threat. Ys nonetheless went on to attack Logrono, the southernmost Catalyan colony in Africa – here they were again surprised by the strength of the Catalyan defence, as the local Catalyan traders had hired many african mercenaries. After much fighting, Ys was unable to capture the mainland colony, though the nearby island was taken.
Finally, after years of inactivity, the commander of the Anguilan fleet decided to put to sea without any official orders, eager to prove himself – and succeeded in scoring a surprising victory over the much more experienced Catalyans. The Catalyan fleet was now all but destroyed, however this has come too late to have any effect on the mainland sieges just yet.
*Anguile: -4 Campagnards, -4 Grognards, -1 Galley
*Ys: -5 Kornden Militia, -4 Coastal Levies, -4 Galleys
*Catalya: Military: -4 Catal Infantry, -2 Mercenary Horse Bowmen, -4 Mercenary Impi, -2 Mercenary Hoplites, -6 Galleys
Despite the heavy casualties of their last campaign, Ormash pressed the attack against Oru with massive reinforcements (including new pikemen and armoured horsemen), and also made efforts to sway the loyalties of the Oru people - Ormash publicly declared that Oruism would still be allowed under its rule, but most of the Orians remained devoted to the leadership of their supreme monks. More fanatics joined the remains of the Oru army, and although Ormash had at least five to one numerical advantage in every battle, it was Ormash that again suffered the heaviest losses, as the Orians fought on fanatically...
In the end though, Ormash simply overwhelmed the country with its masses of troops, retaking the capitol of Oru itself, and expanding its control into the northern mountains. Fanatical resistance still continues in the most remote of these areas, though it is contained and apparently inconsequential to Ormash’s occupation of the rest of the country. Ormash commanders have also been reluctant to attack these last Orian strongholds for fear of further heavy losses.
*Oru: -6 Ascended Warriors
*Ormash: -4 Imperial Guard, -11 Spearmen, -1 Pikemen, -1 Horsemen
Finally, the Khiman pirates were kept in check by the Pangan and Rayamese ships. Several Pangari galleys were lost, but this was due more to bad weather and accidents than enemy actions.
*Panga: -1 Galley
...
Non-military Events:
Agrinese Empire
Having receiving no official blessing from higher authorities, the controversial Mycenaean alchemists took their knowledge of concrete with them to the Agrinese Empire, where it was put to good use in various construction and re-construction projects.
*Agrinese Empire: +1 Infrastructure
After Prince Tarkantyr of the Agrinese Empire, the intended husband of Princess Helen of Mycenae, met a rather sudden demise during his attempt to seize power, Helen soon found herself married to one of Bazilevs Karlyk II’s sons instead. A grand ceremony was held in Argos - a colourful mixture of cultures and customs was on display, and vast quantities of fine foods and alcohol were consumed. But this was also serious show of unity between the two civilisations.
*Dynastic marriage and improved relations between Agrinese Empire and Mycenae
Taejon
The peoples of Taejon now have a universal written script, an iconographic system that can be used with all spoken languages. Minorities can still speak in their own tongue, but must use the new written script for all official business, or face hefty fines and taxes. This has caused outrage among some populations, although it is not as bad as having their own scripts banned altogether. The universal written language has made it easier to transfer knowledge and ideas across the lands of Taejon, and has encouraged literacy among the people in general. The script has also been learnt by scholars in Panga and Ormash.
Meanwhile, the new religion of Taoism takes root in the farmlands of Taejon, with a small but devoted band of followers. The faith is sure to spread further as its teachings are written down and spread from city to city.
*Taejon: +Science rate, Taosim appears in Taejon
Panga
Influenced by aspects of Taoism and other beliefs, Pangari philosopher Kiun Nangav formulates a theory of vital energy called ‘Ki’, which flows across the earth from south to north, animating all forms of life. His theory explains why the southern peoples are more intelligent, virtuous and good natured - because they receive the energy in its pure state, while the peoples of the north receive only the diluted energies (this theory being formulated before Yaktan exploded into violence). As proof of his theory, Kiun Nangav draws attention to how a thin piece of metal, when placed freely floating in a bowl of water, will slowly orient itself north/south, as it responds to the flow of earthly Ki energy (this effect would later be called magnetism!).
At the same time, the rulers of Panga were ordering many explorations to be undertaken to explore the vast expanses of the western ocean. It was now widely accepted that the earth was a globe, and that unknown lands may exist in the west. However, many ships were continually being lost at sea. Several years and lucky escapes later, one of Panga’s well-educated sea captains realised that it would be possible to orient oneself at sea in all weathers and at all times of day, by using the effect described by Kiun Nangav – divine navigation, using the flow of earthly Ki energy as a guide! Using such devices on their boats, Pangan sailors eventually reached a new island in the far west, said to be a wild and harsh land, populated by strange tribes and fierce warriors.
*Basic compasses in Panga!
Pictland
Trouble is brewing in this harsh, but wild and romantic land. Cultural influences from the south are nothing new, but they are now having greater impact. An increasingly wealthy and powerful class of merchants (many Yssians immigrants and their descendents among them) is causing friction with the traditional warrior aristocracy (which is undergoing change itself, with the introduction of cavalry warfare and a new mounted elite). Both groups are competing for land ownership, and economic and cultural dominance - usually avoiding violence, but there has been an increasing amount of trouble across the islands.
It is feared that Pictland may soon begin breaking apart, with pro-trade, pro-Yssian factions on one side, and aristocratic warrior factions on the other. For the other powers in the region, it may be in their interest to support one of these sides above the other…
Colexia
Different factions continued to jostle for position. With confused loyalties, and little sense of direction, it was easy for internal conflict and disorder to thrive. Few peoples have any real sense of nationalism at this point in history, but this was even less so in Colexia. For a while, there was some serious fighting going on between clans and minority groups, and a total collapse of the country seemed inevitable. But now the unstable republic has been replaced by a new kingdom, under king Olek I, who has proved to be a very capable leader, and has managed to begin building a new sense of identity for the country that spans Pictish, Zekulian and Yssian cultures. On one hand, he has generously rewarded loyalty, and has been merciful to all rebels who agree to recognise the kingdom. On the other hand, he has brutally crushed all those that defied him. Colexia remains stable under King Olek I, but many doubt that the new kingdom will continue long after his death.
Saxony
The confidence of the Saxons is restored, and much wealth was looted from the recent conquests. After having being sacked by the East Goths, Oldenburg begins to recover as a trading centre. As Saxony’s power and influence grows, more foreign advisors and men of knowledge find their way to Dresden, where they debate with tribal mystics and sages about life, the universe, and everything. No other place in the world has such a varied and colourful mix of ideas.
*+Trade centre in Oldenburg, +science rate
Ys
The mood in the Ys League is mainly one of confidence and excitement. Military news has not been all that great, especially with the abandonment of the Gilburg peninsular to the goths, but Yssian sailors continue to bring back tales of adventure from their explorations in the south, inspiring new generations to take to the seas. Growing trade profits fuel the continued shipbuilding and exploration.
However, life among the fledgling colonies is hard, and increasing numbers of troops are needed to guard them against both land-based tribes and seafaring pirates (many former Catalyan sailors have now turned to privateering). But some colonists, especially the merchant elite in Sulchan, have become rather wealthy, and enjoy standards of living higher than in the capitol of Ys itself, as they have access to the best of both worlds – trade with the middle east and south asia (via the Altynai colonies) has brought ideas like running water, improved medicines and sanitation. Indeed, comforts and luxuries from as far away as Panga and Taejon can be found here, together with all the luxuries of Yssian lands. All this sophistication has yet to catch on in Ys itself though, as the journey to the furthest colonies can take the best part of a year - while there is a considerable level of isolation, and a system of governors and colonial codes has made the colonies more self sufficient, the colonists remain loyal to the Ys league at this point.
Saruk
The Kingdom of Saruk is also benefiting from this trade and sophistication. While the region remains stable, Saruk is gradually absorbing ideas and technologies from both europe and asia. The culture of Saruk is undergoing a quite radical change, from inward-looking tribalism to free-thinking expansionism. But this change may also bring instability in future… Already, measures have begun to crack down on any insubordination or disorder. Meanwhile, the ‘Nomad’s Capitol’ was completed at great expense to serve as the new centre of government, around which the new city of Saruk took shape.
*+Science centre in Saruk, +science rate
Kenbu
Various nomadic peoples and tribes have come under the sway of the emerging power of Kenbu, and its influence has spread across the island and beyond. Contact has also been established with Yssian and Altynai traders. As with Saruk, the leaders of Kenbu have shown a keen interest in new technology, and are embracing foreign ideas.
*+Science centre in Kenbu
Umidia
Among the various peoples of north Africa that have recently come under Umidian rule, there is a mix of both inspired loyalty and deep resentment. Some welcome the seeming strength and stability of Umidia, while some still pine for their lost independence. Africa has never seen an empire as large or as strong as Umidia is now, and it is taking a while for the people to get used to the idea. In the homelands of Umidia itself, confidence remains high, and the king is revered by the people (at least, for as long as glory and victory continue). Vast wealth is also flowing into the captiol – although, it is being spent just as fast, on the military campaigns and road construction projects.
Random Issues:
Saxony: The Fate of Almothian slaves
Many slaves were captured during the recent campaign, mainly Finnysh and various germanic peoples. Should they be freed, sold, or set to work for their new masters?
Agrinese Empire: Restoring the Pyramids of Argos
The construction of the pyramids is often wrongly attributed to the Argosian Empire. Indeed, the scale, shape and style of the structures, and their strange internal chambers, is unlike any of the Argosian’s own monuments. Agrinese scholars discovered ancient texts that point to a much older origin, a time well before the city of Argos even existed. It is known that the outer appearance of the pyramids was restored by the Argosians around 1750 BC, but their original creators are unknown.
The appearance of the monuments has deteriorated again over the centuries, and it is suggested that they be restored – at great expense, of course - with certain cosmetic additions, to project the power and glory of the Agrinese Empire and the Bazilevs! Some Agrinese scholars also want to explore for hidden chambers said to be buried underneath. But all this might offend the ‘hellenistic’ peoples of the empire (and relations with the Mycenean peoples), who would prefer that the legacy of the Argosians (at least, the legacy as they see it) be left alone…
NPC Diplo:
From Rayam
To Shimazu
We propose a formal alliance and mutual trade rights!
From Rayam
To Ormash
Ginash has long stood as a neutral area between our borders. Ormash is clearly on the rise, and we would recognise your full control of the Ginash region, should you wish to press your claims there. We also propose that our peoples become more assertive against the threats from the militant Ulak barbarians – will you sign a defensive alliance and trade rights treaty with us?
From Catalya
To Anguile and Ys
Again, we stress the importance of peace for all our peoples, so we may end this age of destruction and return to more civilised concerns. We are willing to make very generous peace terms – wouldn’t you rather receive our wealth as tribute, rather than fighting and destroying it?
Possible Rebellions:
Judean rebellions remain a possibility. Ongan rebellions were recently put down in former Yaktan lands, and further attempts are unlikely, but remain a possibility in the Pagan-claimed areas. Oru fanatics will continue to cause trouble, but are unlikely to be able to do anything as long as the Ormash military remains concentrated in the area. Altynai peoples of the mainland have neither the strength nor the will to rebel against Agre.
Spending Points Results:
Videssos (1): new cities and colonisation in neighbouring lands
Umidia (1): increase in war elephants, immortals, and horse bowmen
Saruk (2): ‘Nomad's Capital’ wonder completed, large increase in camelmen
Ys (1): large naval increase
Panga (2): large naval increase, tech increase
Saxony (1): increase in galleys and spearmen
Ulakam Empire (2): very large military increase!
Mycenae (1): military increase, ‘art of war’ construction accelerated
Ormash (1): increase in most advanced troop types, some troops updated to new weapons, small cultural boost
Agrinese Empire (2): large military increase, +1 economy
Taejon (1): Increase in technology and production
Kenbu (1): Increase in technology and science level
Bonus Points:
Agrinese Empire (Das), Ulakam Empire (KrimzonStriker), Taejon (alex994) - story bonuses
Stats:
Here (from first page)
Notes:
@Contempt, if you see this, could you send some kind of confirmation that you intend to play as Shimazu?
@The Farow, you sent orders for sending two points, when you only had one – only half a point was spent on each thing.
Cultural and terrain maps not updated this time (they will be when enough new land has been explored). Religious map may soon be added, either that or some kind of icons of the main map to represent the different fatihs.
Waiting to hear more about Saruk’s ‘Theosism’ and Kenbu’s ‘Imperialist Tarrism’ (?) before I add them to the game.
Armoured horseman is no longer a Mycenean UU, but will refer to generic ‘knights’ of all cultures in general.
Non-military stat changes will no longer be mentioned in the update, unless they are mainly due to random or lucky events.
Map:
Im not through yet, not by a long shot!! Hope you like it. 
Ahhh thanks alex, your suffering has truly made my day. 
