UPDATE 5 600 AF
As more nations rise and tensions start growing as competition for land increases several nations turn toward increasing their military power. One of those who decide that protection is needed in such a troubled time is Higoria who initiates a massive expansion of the army. This does not go well with the commoners though who fail to see why it is necessary considering the already large size of the army. They go along with it, though grudgingly.
(Higoria: -1 Confidence)
Just as massively Higorias spending is on military, just as massive is the spending from Imperia on constructing a high quality road net. There is not enough to completely complete the program, but the amount of construction undertaken is, nevertheless, impressive. Apart from now being able to move relatively quickly through the land, it also aids farmers going to the cities and merchants travelling around which, in return, bring a financial benefit.
(Imperia: +Gregengrad economic centre)
Returning from a long voyage visiting the neighbouring lands king Vrasz of Dashtaka has returned home and he was pleased with what he saw. Not all was well though and to deal with it he set out on a massive spending spree. First he sponsored several local craftsmen and encouraged them to start trading with the neighbouring cities and nations which they did willingly enough. This had a positive effect on the economy making Dashtaka a true economic power
or at least a bigger power than their neighbours.
He also set up a new system of protection by making weapons training obligatory for all males over 16 years of age in order to have a stronger home defence in case of emergencies. All this was accepted by his people, though not all very equally pleased with it. Knowing the threat posed in the south from Almega they saw the wisdom in it and went along.
To train the citizen levy the king ordered the troops to drill them again and again and whilst it did make the troops somewhat better, it was not something enjoyed by most participants. The citizens felt the army was too rough and the army felt it was beneath their station resulting in several desertions and general discontent.
If the army didnt like that, they did however approve of some proper battlefield training. Striking northwards they entered barbarian lands and made quite good progress. In fact, campaign is probably not the best description as they were aided by Almunia and had such superiority of numbers that it was more of a slaughter. Several flights of arrows descended on the unprepared barbarians making it relatively easy for the infantry to gain an advantage in the confusion and uncertainty spreading amongst the barbarian ranks. As the enemy fled they were attacked by the Almunian army and scattered for good. The success was such that the army commander sent his forces west afterward and fell upon yet another barbarian tribe. This time things were less easy and more casualties were suffered as the attack bogged down against fierce resistance.
(Dashtaka: -2 Happiness, -115 soldiers, + 1 Military Training)
To the east more warfare is in progress as Calador also embarks upon conquest. Recruiting more troops and drilling the mercilessly the Caladonian army swells to just under a thousand strong. Figuring the best use for a strong army is to employ it against others the army is ordered westward against the peaceful nation of Torpestan. Hopelessly outnumbered and with inferiors training and equipment the Torpestani are completely overrun in the initial stages of the war and retreats to their capital. Managing to get most livestock and grain in from the outlaying farms before the Caladonian army arrives they bar the gates and prepare for a siege.
With his troops not having enough supplies to outlast the defenders the general has a tough choice between storming the walls or retreating. Considering his advantages he eventually orders the archers to exhaust their entire supply of arrows before sending in his troops. Even so the battle is a close thing as the defending troops fight tenaciously and it isnt until the archers are committed to the assault that the balance finally swings. The Caladonian troops finally emerge victorious, but at a tremendous cost.
(Calador: -460 soldiers, - 45 archers, +2 spending points next turn from loot Torpestan)
Moving to the front in Succubu the Iberian lord recruits more troops in an attempt to end the war with one, decisive push. However, the Iberians also recruit heavily trying to preserve their freedom. The Iberians have a slight advantage in numbers and in training allowing them a slight progress at first. Splitting the army the Iberians try to outflank the Succubi, but without much success as they pull all forces to protect the capital. Several small battles erupt and in no instance with a clear winner. The divided Iberian armies simply dont have the numbers to overwhelm the defenders and make only slight progress. They do, however, manage to mostly encircle the capital leaving the defenders in an unenviable position. Even so, resistance continues and so far it has held. More progress came in the south where one of the commanders committed the reserves realizing that most of the opposing troops had been pulled out of the area.
(Iberia: -60 soldiers. Succubu: -100 soldiers, -1 economy)
Things are somewhat more peaceful down at Ironal, at least initially. Continuing the expansion of the economy makes Ironal stronger and stronger and all is well until a group of merchants suddenly fail to return to Ironal Mar. An investigation reveals the butchered remains of the traders in barbarian territory and despite claims of innocence the High Lord is in no mood for their so-called babblings. Instead he replies by sending in his entire army burning and slaying as he goes. Several villages are burned to the ground with all men slain whereas the women and older girls are used for sport by the soldiers. Eventually they too are killed as they are too weak to keep up. This act of terrorizing seems to work pretty well as the army starts encountering empty villages as they move further. The act has, however, caused tensions with Spret who claim the actions were unnecessarily brutal.
(Ironal Mar: -40 warriors)
Moving north we get to Syldavia who continues their advance into Phala. Having clear superiority of numbers and slightly better leadership the Syldavian troops do well against the battlehardened Phalans. It is still no easy fight and they pay in blood for every step they take. Beating a small Phalan force the Syldavian army lays siege to their capital in an attempt to force their surrender whilst focusing most troops against the barbarians east of Phala.
(Phala: -60 warriors, -1 economy. Syldavia: -110 warriors).
The war between Rajo and Mearlekrol continues unabated as Mearlekrolian forces continue their drive north taking more and more land from the outnumbered Rajan forces. Only the tactics of the Rajan commanders keep the situation from being completely hopeless. Having overthrown their king the Rajan nobility tries to negotiate a ceasefire and put an end to the war, but so far with little luck although negotiations have started.
(Rajo: -80 warriors, -1 economy. Mearlekrol: -70 warriors)
Siberia and Slava also continue to fight it out. Their forces are close to even in size, but with the advantage to Siberia for having better troops and commanders. The battle line is pretty static, but eventually Siberia manages to inflict a crushing defeat on the Slavic army causing the nation to surrender knowing that they have no chance if they continue to resist.
(Siberia: -110 warriors, +2 spending points next turn. Slava)
Capitalia in Almega develops into a religious centre!
Diplomacy
To: Ironal
From: Spret
We are not sure we wish to trade with you right now.
To: Ironal
From: Karak
Yes, that sounds nice. We would like that.
Next Update:
Friday, July 28th at 18,00 CET and from then on that will be the deadline every week!