OOC: pretty naff update after all this time, and no real spotlight. Format is slightly different yet again. And I have a feeling ive missed quite a few details. But im eager to move to a BT now, unless there are any major objections.
…
On the borders of Gothland, the Great Warlord of the Talani rides at the head of his large army, surveying the landscape in front of him. His battle-scared and weather-beaten face showed little emotion, his asian eyes gaze across what is to him a cold and foreign landscape, full of strange peoples and cultures – but a land with many riches of its own, and no strong empire like the Agrinese to guard it all…
On the other side of the grassy plain, a small collection of war banners is becoming visible, as the morning mist begins to clear. It is the army of the Goths - determined warriors, but pitiful few in number, as the Great Warlord soon sees for himself. The warlord is about to turn and give the order to attack, when a sharp sound splits the air – Saxon battle-horns! As the mist clears further, it reveals thousands more warriors approaching - Saxons, Colexians, Anguilans, all with their own banners and musicians. Despite their differences, the europeans have chosen a single battlecry, a simple word from the Saxon language…
“Out!”
…
Thousands of arrows darken the sky near Ugadai, as the Taejon army advances towards the Yutanese soldiers. Many are struck down by the rain of death. But the determined Yutanese hold their ground, until the spears and pikes of both sides finally clash together. After almost two hours of fighting, somehow it is Taejon’s line that cracks first. The triumphant Yutanese begin to break ranks and chase them down the hill… Only for hundreds of Taejon cavalrymen appear from all directions, slicing the disorganised Yutanese soldiers to pieces…
…
In the rebuilt Great Library of Atil, and in the academies of Agre, great discussions and arguments are taking place. Everything from the meaning of life, to how society should be organised. Many ancient texts and scrolls are being used as examples. But a subtle change has occurred… For the first time, the words of these ancient philosophers are no longer held as sacred, and fewer are looking to the past. With greater confidence in their own culture and their own abilities, they are talking excitedly about the future, a destiny in their own hands...
…
175-150 BC
The Empire of Taejon continues its eastwards expansion with the invasion of Yutan, while the Agrinese Empire reasserts its authority over the lands of Karthia. Europe’s future is uncertain… A show of unity by the western powers drives away the Talani, but the Ys League battles the Picts in the north, and Anguile is divided by civil war once again. Disaster, rebellion and religious hatred blight the lands of Africa. Many other battles are taking place around the world, yet the major powers remain at peace with each other.
For some, there is nothing but war, oppression, and poverty. While for others, it seems that a golden age of peace and prosperity has arrived. Most are still somewhere in-between…
…
Taejon Expansionism
In 175 BC the peoples of Taejon and Yutan were enjoying very good relations, and remained semi-official allies after their victory over Zakutan. Taoist beliefs and Taejon culture were spreading far into Yutanese lands. Taejon had also agreed to hand over some of its recently-captured territory to Yutan. But this transfer of territory never took place, and Taejon troops began massing along the border. Still, the Yutanese refused to believe that Taejon would betray them… But that’s exactly what was about to happen.
Of course, Taejon’s Emperor Taizu had prepared some excuses for this - downplaying Taejon’s agreements with Yutan, and announcing his condemnation of the ‘unfaithfulness’ of Yutan’s ruler to the old traditions of the Yaktan Kingdom. But as Taejon’s massive invasion of Yutan began to unfold, it was still seen as a cruel backstab by many observers, causing some serious damage to Taejon’s image (and also worrying the leaders of the autonomous areas within Taejon’s borders).
The invasion force was divided into three separate groups, each of which outnumbered the entire Yutanese army by itself. Taejon’s troops benefited from their extensive training, and their commanders were competent on every front. It seemed like Yutan would quickly collapse, just as Zakutan had done. But after the initial surprise and shock had passed, Yutan’s resistance became surprisingly strong. Their ill-equipped and outnumbered forces fought very well, and although they were unable to repel the invaders, they did give them many unwanted casualties and delays. Taejon also found it difficult to supply its forces as it moved away from the main road networks in the west.
So, the war was frustrating for Taejon, despite its overwhelming advantages. Tough siege operations then had to be carried out at every Yutanese city. Luckily, Taejon’s leaders had been prepared for this, and plans were in place to overcome the defences. In some places, Taejon’s engineers even went as far as diverting rivers in an attempt to wash away the foundations of the enemy’s walls (with only a little success, despite the vast effort involved). But as the years ground on, it was Taejon’s superior resources and sheer force of numbers that gradually overcame Yutan’s defences.
Yutan’s captiol, Uskuadar, fell to Taejon after a gruelling two-year siege (the Yutanese had been receiving supplies by sea). But Yutan’s resistance in the south still remained strong even then. At the start of the war, Taejon’s forces had had a tough time crossing the many branches and estuaries of the great Taejon River where it empties into the southern seas. The survivors of Yutan’s army had then gathered here. It was not until the other Taejon armies could attack from the north east that this resistance finally cracked.
All of mainland Yutan is now conquered by Emperor Taizu’s forces. However, many of the captured cities are in ruins, and are of little value at the present time. Yutanese resistance continues in the southern islands - despite the loss of several ships in mysterious fires and accidents, Yutan’s experienced navy was able to ward off the smaller Taejon fleet, and keep control of the southern seas. However, the Yutanese fleet is now dwindling, as the southern colonies are struggling to support it.
Taejon: -12 Pikemen, -5 Composite Bowmen, -3 Horsemen, -4 Armoured Horsemen, -2 Galleys
Yutan: -9 Spearmen, -4 Swordsmen, -3 Brutes, -4 Horsemen, -4 Galleys
(the majority of Taejon’s losses are attrition suffered during sieges)
Rebellions against Taejon and Panga
Away from Yutan, Taejon had more troubles. Decades ago, when Zakutan collapsed from within, its citizens where not expecting to remain part of the Taejon Empire for very long. Taejon was seen as a benevolent force, and hopes were high for a rebirth of the former-Yaktan peoples. Now, not only were they being forced to remain under the Taejon Empire, but Yutan and the last remains of Yaktan Kingdom were also being conquered. Resentment grew, until the people were willing to risk an open revolt (after all, they had a lot of weapons and experienced soldiers left over from the sudden collapse of Zakutan). As Taejon’s forces were bogged down in the fighting in Yutan (including almost all of their cavalry), well-organised revolts broke out in the cities of Zonguldak and Bingol.
More trouble began after Taoism was made the official religion of the Empire. The Oruist minorities were feeling increasingly persecuted, despite the fact that the imperial government had announced tolerance of all religions. Oruists in the former-Gyutan city of Ismatan joined the rebellions. And, yet more trouble flared up as radical Ongan separatists took the opportunity to launch their own rebellions against their Taejon overlords in Orung and Ohan (enforcement of Taejon education and language on the Ongan peoples was also a small factor in creating this unrest), the rebellion eventually spreading into the Pangan-Controlled area of Onguhn (the captiol of the former Ongan nation).
The rebellions have already been put down in Bingol and Ismatan, but other areas are still in rebel hands. This is a region with many clashing cultures and religions - it will take time for Taejon to establish its control over the vast new territories of the east, especially as the local populations now have a rather negative view of Taejon. It remains to be seen how all this violence and bitterness will affect Taejon’s cultural influence. Meanwhile, Pangan officials are already blaming Taejon for the Ongan uprising that has spread to their own borders.
Taejon: -6 Taej Spearmen
Panga: -2 Kian Guard, -1 Pikemen
The End of Karthia
If the Karthian leader Dalkar I thought Ulakam would stand by him, he was wrong. The Khan did offer him and his retinue a safe haven in the Ulakam Empire, but the promises of vast wealth and thousands of soldiers were never fulfilled. The only army on the way was one from the Agrinese Empire – a large and very well equipped army, led by Grand General Teodan, veteran of the last days of the hundred years war (rumoured to have been one of the first soldiers to enter Sarabalyk, the former Altynai capitol). Teodan was surrounded by younger officers who lacked experience, but were fresh from the new military academies in Agre, and eager to seize any opportunity to make a name for themselves…
Hearing of the imminent Agrinese arrival, and seeing that the Ulaks were not going to get involved (and were in fact withdrawing westwards), the enemies of Dalkar I suddenly became more bold. But before any kind of pro-Agrinese coup could take place, the Karthian ruler had already fled the country (taking refuge in the Ulakam Empire). By the time the large Agrinese army arrived in Kandahur, there was no real resistance. In fact, the Karthians were fighting amongst themselves, various factions each desperate to be the one in power when the Agrinese arrived (and thus, hopefully to become the new puppet rulers backed by Agre).
With arguments and violence still continuing in Kandahur, Agrinese troops advanced into Ulasan and Amalu. Ulak forces had already robbed these cities of all their wealth (which wasn’t very much to start with), and then destroyed the farmlands in the area, dug up the roads, and collapsed the mine-shafts. And then most of the inhabitants were forcibly relocated to help the growth of Ulak cities further west. The Khan was determined to leave nothing of value behind. Understandably, the few remaining, impoverished, starving inhabitants of these cities were generally supportive of the Agrinese arrival, despite having a primarily Ulak culture themselves.
Dalkar I had tried to break away from Agre’s grasp, and this had been a dangerous situation, risking a military clash or possibly even a new full-scale war. But the Ulaks seemed to back down first, leaving the Agrinese to tighten their grip on the region. Unwilling to risk having another vassal ruler of Karthia, Bazilevs Konstantyn I (or possibly Logad Talokenes, the prominent chief advisor of Konstantyn I, who was increasingly making the political decisions himself in the name of the Bazilevs) ordered the incorporation of the region as an autonomous province of the Agrinese Empire. Karthia’s soldiers either disbanded, or joined the Ulakam or Agrinese armies. It would all seem like a victory for Agrinese, although there is a rumour that Ulakam received large sums of money in return for withdrawing…
In the meantime, the former-Karthian lands are left as some of the poorest in the civilised world, with a rather traumatised and disillusioned population.
Agrinese Empire: +4 Horse Archers (Karthian recruits)
Ulakam Empire: +3 Spearmen, +1 Horse Archer, +1 Horsemen.
Horse Archers are now a standard unit for the Agrinese Empire
Karthia is no more
Agrinese Empire vs Librians
The homelands of the Librian tribes had seen much strife over the past few centuries. After loosing a lot of their manpower to the Talani in recent years (either killed, enslaved, or recruited), the Librians seemed (to all outside observers) to be in a rather weak position. Yet, they still found enough strength to check the advancing borders of the Agrinese Empire, at least for now. The small Agrinese force sent against them proved to be insufficient, despite the presence of some strong cavalry forces. It soon found itself being harassed from all sides, and only a small amount of ground was gained (it is rumoured Logad Talokenes engineered this lack of success as a way of damaging his political opponents, although there is no evidence for this).
The Librians were also benefiting from a new breed of charismatic leaders, who are working against the spread of Agrinese influence. Some are even beginning to talk of reuniting the tribes into a single country once gain... But they would still see to have a long way to go to achieve that. In recent centuries, there has only been any kind of real unity when an outside threat has appeared, most of the time the tribes are content to carry on their ancient grudges against each other.
Agrinese Empire: -1 Agrinese Pikemen, -1 Armoured Swordsmen, -1 Horse Archer
Sar collapses into anarchy
Agre piled on the pressure, surrounding the island with a strong navy (one the Sarese made no attempt to counter), cutting off supplies and trying to spark a pro-Agrinese uprising. A collection of wealthy merchants tried to take power, hoping that a pro-Agrinese regime would be able to restore trade… But the result was the complete collapse of any kind of central authority. The city of Sar and the island itself are now divided between warring militias, while the people starve.
The Agrinese fleet continued to circle the island, although a troop landing was not attempted. It seems it would take a fairly substantial force to take control and bring order to the island.
No significant losses for the Agrinese navy
Sar is no longer a trade centre
Western European coalition against the Talani
The Talani were refused safe passage through Saxony and Gotland. They would have to fight their way through, and they were all too willing to try. To meet this threat, the newly-crowned High King of Saxony had succeeded in gathering a large army with foreign allies from all over europe, the first such army in history. In terms of numbers, it was primarily it was a Saxon army, with western Goths making up second place, a small Colexian force the third, and a handful or Anguilans making up forth place (most of Anguile’s forces being tied up as civil war erupted in their lands). All were under the overall command of the High King of Saxony. Altogether, the Talani were now outnumbered almost 2-1. The stage was set for a mighty showdown between the peoples of europe and the warriors of the far west…
But the result was an anti-climax. The Talani did not press the attack, and instead withdrew to the west after some minor raiding and skirmishing. It was an important show of force by the european allies, and it will be a while before the Talani or other barbarians decide to threaten the borders of Gothland and Saxony. But after advancing a short distance into Talani lands, the Colexians and Anguilans quickly returned to their own concerns, disappointed that there was going to be no glorious victory to celebrate (and unwilling to help Gothland and Saxony to gain more free territory).
Gothland: -1 Tribal Spearman, -1 Horsemen
Saxony: -1 Spearmen, -1 Horsemen
Colexia: -1 Blood Wolves, -1 Horsemen
Anguile: no significant losses
Mycenaean expansion into the north
Mycenaean troops had success in gaining some land from the Librians (already distracted by the Agrinese move towards Leipzi) and from the western end of the Talani-claimed domains (poorly guarded by some of Talani’s allied forces). This was a rather limited and cautious advance, as the Myceneans were concentrating on rebuilding their army during this time.
Meanwhile, Motria and the Talani have signed a temporary cease fire. This may upset Motria’s other neighbours, but the country’s manpower is looking very thin at the moment, and needs time to recover.
Mycenae: -1 Pikeman, -1 Raider
Slaughter on the Serpent Sea.
With encouragement from the Ys League, the East Goths made attempts to invade the Lenyahd peninsular, recently conquered by the Picts from the Ys. However, the East Goths had only a handful of suitable ships, and their efforts amounted to little more than raiding parties. The Picts soon retaliated against Gilburg in force, doing a great deal of damage to the East Goths, although the Picts were soon forced to leave to deal with threats elsewhere...
Meanwhile, the fact that the East Goths perused their own selfish interests rather than join the fight against the Talani was met with considerable resentment from the warriors of Saxony and Gothland.
Pictland: -2 Tribal Pictish Warriors, -2 Tribal Spearmen
East Goths are now rather weak
The two Leagues combine against the Picts
By 170 BC, a great shipbuilding effort was underway in the coastal cities of the Ys League, the likes of which had not been seen for centuries. A few years later, the Ys had a huge new navy, and were ready to take on the Picts…
A series of sea battles were fought around the Herbidean Isles, almost all of which ended in crushing defeats for Pictland. The Ys League kept control of the waterways, keeping the Pictish islands somewhat isolated. The North League soon declared its support for Ys, and sent its ships in support. The Pictish position was now severely weakened, although it was impossible for the Ys to prevent some supplies and troops crossing between the main islands.
The combined forces of the Ys and North Leagues now tried a series of raids and invasions against the Pictish islands, but could only hold on to the smaller islands east of Skye. All the while, the North League was coming under increasing influence from Ys…
Ys League: -2 Galleys, -1 Kornden Militia, -2 Coastal Levies
Pictland: -7 Galleys, -3 Tribal Pictish Warriors, -3 Tribal Spearmen, -2 Horsemen
North League: -1 Galley, -1 Kornden Militia, -1 Pictish Warrior, -2 Spearmen
Anguilan Civil War
Peace in Anguile was short-lived. Only a few years after the final defeat of Catalya, a civil war broke out. The main cause was the seizure of farmland by wealthy and greedy senators. Not content with taking ownership of Catalyan land for themselves (denying the Anguilan veterans of their promised shares), the senators began to take land from within the borders of Anguile itself.
The Anguile Empire was still officially a republic. The Emperor was head of state, but was a figure-head ruler with little political power. The new Emperor, Vivusaire Lauré, was determined to change that. Emperor Vivusaire went behind the Senate’s back, and appealed to the people and to the veteran soldiers to support him in taking back land from the senators. He either underestimated the Senator’s response, or overestimated the effectiveness of his own moves. In any case, after surviving an assassination attempt, Emperor Vivusaire mobilised his supporters, and civil war began…
Most of the country is now under the control of Emperor Vivusaire, although the Republicans still have a good deal of territory and resources at their disposal.
Anguile Empire is now ruled by a monarchy government
Anguile Republic has appeared as a separate nation
Umidian Civil War
Soon after 175 BC, peace was signed between Mycenae and Umidia. The Umidians now gathered a large army at Pithas, and moved south against the rebel forces of prince Hano with all the resources of their empire behind them, including all of the Immortal Warriors (whose code of honour prevented them from acting against the king), along with the newly trained ‘Phalangite’ pikemen (who soon proved capable as elephant-killers). The Umidian king denounced his traitorous son, and it was rumoured that he intended to have him publicly crucified in Oryx as an example to all… Hano did indeed lose his life later on, after a final crushing defeat by the loyalist army. But before that, the rebels enjoyed over a year of success against the loyalists, wearing down their larger army with many ambushes, deceptions, and a variety of devious tactics. Prince Hano had somehow gathered a surprising amount of money and resources, which he used to good effect.
But, inevitably, the rebels could not hold off the might of the whole Umidian Empire. The peoples of Bantlwan eventually turned their back on the rebels in the hope of receiving leniency from the Umidian loyalists. As for Hano himself, he took his own life rather than be captured – but his dead body was still found by the loyalists and crucified as an example!
After this grisly episode, some rebel forces still remained as bandits and outlaws (their only choice, as no mercy was offered by the Umidian king), continually lurking on the fringes of the Umidian borders, skirmishing with the Umidian forces as they moved southwards, towards the minor power of Kantu. As the years past, the lands of Kantu became a chaotic mix of former-rebel bandits, native warrior tribes, descendents of Catalyan colonists, Yssian immigrants, Kenbuan-Tarrist fanatics and Umidian sympathisers (including many warlords bribed by the Umidian king). The Umidian Empire has been making inroads into this area, although the routes of supply and communication back to Oryx are becoming very stretched.
Meanwhile, the Immortal’s code of honour is being spread to the whole Umidian army. All new soldiers must swear loyalty to the king above all others, while surrender is now seen as a huge disgrace...
Umidia: -2 Phalangite, -2 Immortal Warriors, -4 Bowmen, -5 Horse Bowmen, -1 War Chariots, -2 War Elephants
Judean Rebellion
While Umidia’s forces were engaged against Hano, the Judean peoples were encouraged to rebel by radical separatists, who had suddenly come to prominence in Judean culture. Umidia’s reserve forces were eventually able to stamp out the revolt, although a great deal of disruption and damage was caused to the areas around Jerusalem and Beer Sheva.
Umidia: -1 Phalangite, -1 Bowmen
Videssos and Muskovya vs Nakuri
Videssos and Muskovya carried out a well-organised invasion of the Nakuri homelands. Even with the dense forest for protection, the Nakuri peoples needed some inspired leadership and a good deal of luck to defeat the combined invasion force… Unfortunately, they didn’t get any of either. Most of the Nakuri lands were eventually conquered, but not before a good deal of blood was shed. Muskovya suffered worst, and not just because of its inferior soldiers – the Videssian army had the way paved for it by Phosist converts living around the border territories, who naturally sympathised with and aided the Videssian cause…
Videssos: -2 Haloga Imperial Guard, -3 Spearmen, -1 Namdaleni Cavalry
Muskovy: -4 Tribal Spearmen, -2 Tribal Swordsmen, -3 Horsemen
Meanwhile, the Videssian borders were gradually expanding in other directions, but there was no major fighting. Videssian envoys established contact with the Cham – they are a semi-civilised people, heavily influenced by Rayamese culture, and seem to be rather peaceful.
Ulakam expansion into Azar lands
The Ulakam hordes continued their war against the Azar peoples. A rather large army of Ulak cavalry was able to capture the west of Azar lands with little difficulty.
Ulakam: -1 Horse Archer, -1 Horsemen
Ginash partitioned
The minor power of Ginash had long stood as a neutral territory between Rayam, Ulakam and Ormash. All three had owned the territory at some point. Ormash and Ulakam reached an agreement to divide up the territory of Ginash between them. Ginash itself could do little to resist... Ulakam’s rangers spread fear and panic in the forests and jungle of the north, while Ormash’s Imperial Guard quickly dominated the south. Amongst the local people, there are many sympathisers for both Ulakam and Ormash, and many cultural influences are felt from these lands. There is little sign of any rebel movement at present.
Meanwhile, foreign observers look on nervously. Cooperation between Ulakam and Ormash is not exactly what Rayam and Agre had wanted to see…
Ulakam: -2 Spearmen
Ormash: -1 Imperial Guard, -1 Horseman
Orian rebels
Ormash tackled the remaining Orian fanatics with two different tactics. Firstly, Ormash soldiers tightened their blockade along the southern banks of the Manash River (spies watched carefully for any outside help from other borders, but it seemed the Orians were receiving none). Secondly, greater efforts were made to incorporate the Orian faith into Ormashian culture, and combine it with the Taoist influence from Taejon.
The Orian rebels remain in the north, although they now have less support from the former Oru lands, and the defences of their mountain strongholds have been weakened by lack of supplies. Meanwhile, it seems that a new religion is beginning to take shape in Ormash, a fusion of Oruism and Taoism – combining the fanaticism and militarism of the former with the philosophy and intellectualism of the latter.
Several skirmises occurred, but no significant losses for Ormash
Oru rebels are now looking rather weak
Khimian pirates attack Pangan and Rayamese ships
Exploration and colonisation of the western ocean continued to be a large strain on Panga’s navy. Khimian pirates took advantage of this. After years of relative inactivity, they began mounting a surprisingly large number of attacks on Pangan trade ships near the coast. Rayamese shipping has also been affected to a lesser extent. The strength of the Khimian pirate attacks is surprising, given that they continued to lose their own lands to the expanding borders of Shimazu…
Panga: -2 Galleys
Rayam: -1 Kanmoyu
Pangan Mercenaries
The Navvian Guard are some of the best-equipped soldiers in the world, and their training is not bad either. But a career in the Pangan military rarely offers much chance of action (in fact, the mainland borders with the great powers of Taejon and Ormash have seen centuries of inactivity). Pangan mercenary groups are once again venturing into other lands, seeking employment in foreign armies. Some are already working for the Rayamese. However, the number of mercenaries may soon begin to dwindle as Pangans focus on the threats to their own nation – the twin threats from both the ferocious tribes of the far western islands and the rebels in the eastern territories.
Ormashian soldiers enter Gyutan
It seems Gyutan is now under Ormash’s sphere of influence. Gyutan is now a ‘protectorate’ of Ormash (IE a vassal state), and there is a considerable presence of Ormashian soldiers along the Gyutan-Taejon border. Sacrificing some freedoms to Ormash may be a smart move, as the army of Gyutan would have needed considerable luck to survive a prolonged war against Taejon. In the event, Taejon forces made no attempt to attack Gyutan, focused as they were against Yutan.
Fanatical Orians within Gyutan are unhappy about their country aligning itself with the conquerors of the sacred Oru homelands. This has caused a considerable amount of instability, but so far there have been no major revolts.
Gyutan is now a vassal of Ormash
Project Aqueous demands it!!
Personally I greatly enjoy role-playing the various different rulers here; as you had noticed, they are all different from each other (though Baralyk-Khanal III is somewhat similar to Bazilevs Aleksandyr I; that said, there are also many differences, Aleksandyr wasn't so obsessed about leaving his mark on geography, but on the other hand he was both more insane and more capable of doing harm with his insanity).
I thought you were the Panda's or something... 
But I got it up, hope you like! 
