1066- A Different World IC

[World Anarchic Union]

History as we know it has changed. The Vikings have defeated the Normans and the British Isles are their for the taking. Meanwhile, the Roman Republic, while having lost some lands, has remained and is an enemy of both the Vikings in the north and the caliphates of Islam in the East and South. Christianity has not spread as much and its strongest supporters are the Kievan Rus. The Roman Republic has retained their lands in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Albania, Switzerland and Austria but have been pushed out of the Asian and most African lands except Egypt and Libya. You must choose which side you wish to take and if you want the world to change or remain the same.

OP:World Anarchic Union
Co-OP:Danish Confederacy

[Sanabel]

Imperial Ethiopia is flourishing. There is a surplus of food. Rice and fruit production is up, as is cattle production. Ivory farms have Mining output is growing tremendously, with huge amounts of gold, silver, and salt under control of the royal family. Emperor Bashulo of Aksum has just been crowned after the death of his father. The previous emperor, Ebu of Aksum was inspired by Rome. He used his own nation's wealth to increase merchant trade within the empire, and began a road building scheme to unify his lands. One thing he struggled with, however, was his nations isolation and lacking military prowess. The farming and mining output could increase without the constant threat of barbarians and Arab slavers. His current army uses overwhelming forces to fight enemies, armed with wood and copper weapons and leather armor. Emperor Bashulo has begun making a large professionalized force. He has also instilled a form of conscription for peasents to defend themselves. He wishes to trade precious metals and food with European countries in exchange for metal armor and weapons, as well as training.

[Das Germane imperie]

Prologue

It was a dark day. The grey clouds covered the sun, whose rays carefully tried to get through the thick branches of the trees. The King, Brosa Ulvbane kneeled infront of the runestone, with his sword in his hand.

"Odin, great Allfather. Give me strength. My life has taken me everywhere, from the cold winters of Russia, to the Italian fields and the Scottish highlands. I have always preached peace, and I have tried to make my bloodthirsty vassals understand what bloodshed gives, but they do not listen. I am loosing the grip you gave my grandfather, and I'm afraid my son won't become the king when I die. I beg to you, Oh wise, to protect my children, as I fear that I will soon leave this world. If the house of Sverker gets the power, they will bring the world into war once again, and we will only see our people suffer. When I meet you in Valhalla, I shall drink your mead, eat your pork and slay your enemies but I shall not leave this world without knowing that my children will be safe. Please, protect them".

The king stood up, and looked down on the runestone once again. Then he turned around, and sat up on his steed. He rode through the dark forest, until he reached a large field. You could see the city of Birka, more or less the capital, even though the King did not live here all the time. It was an island, and the main trade hub of the Baltic Sea. The population had grown a lot in Birka, there lived over 4 000 people there. A lot of them were merchants from lands far away, but most of them were Germanic. He had gathered all noble houses here, and the beaches were full of longboats. Tents filled the plains as all the Jarl's had travelled to Birka. The king had called upon them for a great ting.

[World Anarchic Union]

ROMAN REPUBLIC

Rome was full of life. The people gathered in the marketplace, the forum, and talked to each other. They discussed matters of regular life, politics, philosophy and religion. Markets had been set up with merchants selling different products from across the Republic.
The world was changing at a ridiculous pace. The Vikings were a major force in the north, looting, pillaging and selling their loot. Different kingdoms had been established in Europa, threatening the stability of the Republic and democracy. Caliphates were a major force to be reckoned with, whose aim was to spread their religion, Islam. The Republic had maintained itself for a millennia and expected to do so for another. The army was preparing, training to confront the enemy on every front.
That day was the inauguration of the next leader of the Republic as elected by the Senate. His name Augustus Markos Antonios III. His goal: Expand, Divide and Conquer. The people trusted him and he planned to seize lands lost from previous rulers. The Senate would play a major role in aiding him to expand the Republic to every corner of the known world. He knew the gods were watching him and were on his side.

The wind had turned. A new era was approaching. The world was changing. And nobody could stop the wheel of time and progress from turning. As the grand armies of the world were preparing and marching, the politicians and kings arguing and declaring war on one another only one thing was certain. Nothing would remain the same.

[Dain II Ironfoot]

Qarṭāj

Prologue

For years Abyaz Mannan had been stabilizing Qarṭāj and had planned his way to re-establish the great empire that once dominated the region. The grand city of Qarṭāj had finally been completed and had been named the new capital of Qarṭāj. A city where trade quickly took hold and increaed rapidly, a city where its citzens valued their lives and supported their leader, a city where religion was practiced in its fullest. Markets filled with all kinds of goods and the harbour filled with trade ships and the ever increasing navy of the nation. Abyaz Mannan knew things where going to change now that his nation started to thrive. Unlikely alliances would be forged, wars would be waged and colonization would become a reality. Only Allah could tell where the world and his nation would end and it was just a matter of time before Abyaz dared to challenge the will of Allah.
For now it was just the silence before the storm, a time feared by even the greatest leaders that ruled this world.

[Sanabel]

Prologue:



The Emperor watches from his palace in Diriba, as the High Rabbi blesses the huge caravan. They will carry tons of gold, silver, ivory, and African spices throughout the courts of Arabia and Europe, and will exchange them for military and metallurgic experts, to increase the Empires military prowess. Secretly, the Emperor wished for an alliance with Rome, to honor his father. For years his father had condemned his nations isolation from the world. He wanted to be a relevant nation, and this was the latest effort to do so. As the 3,000 man caravan departs the capitol, the Emperor summons his court. There is work to be done.[/

[The Peoples East Africa]

Grey clouds filled the sky. A chilling breeze that would freeze you to the bone was racing around all of the Kingdom, shaking the many flowers that decorated the countryside. Thousands were gathered today in the capital, Rouen, to celebrate Thor day. This was the true day when Thor came to the world in the form of a carpenter in Nazareth. The Slavic Empire had warped the truth for their own corrupt beliefs.

Everywhere, soaked banners lined the walls of every house and inn. All work was cancelled, even children got out of school. Inside the grand castle of the king, Richard the Great, roaring fires warmed the five hundred guests invited to the grand feast. The three biggest boars from his personal farm had been slaughtered for this occasion. Mead and wine were being passed around. The atmosphere was one of happiness.

Though not all was calm. Richard had heard news of a new Roman leader being elected. One who was going to expand his republic, either peacefully, or by the sword. In the north, the peace between the English and the Scottish could only hold for so long. The Vikings were being as mysterious as ever. His spymaster informed him that a far away kingdom of Jews may finally be breaking the isolation that they had embraced for so long.

The world was like the weather above the castles roof. It was calm for now, but there's a storm coming.

[Cymrea]

Southeastern Norway

He began at the edge of the vale. Kneeling, the loamy ground of the floodplain gave slightly beneath him. He reached a broad, thick hand into the stream there and brought the water to his mouth, letting the cool liquid trickle along the sides of his tongue and down his throat. It tasted of minerals and algae – good earthen flavours; perhaps the vale was finally ready for crops again. It had been many summers since anything would grow in this part of the Østfold. Such was the price of victory.

Satisfied, he stood. The ground sprang back and the saturated soil absorbed the small puddle that had formed under his etched steel greave. He took a deep breath and tasted the air as well. Casting his ice-blue eyes back toward the city, he could clearly see the storm clouds forming against the surrounding mountains.

The sunlight slashed between two tall peaks to the east, casting a watery golden glow on that side of Halden. The Stone City, it was named in the conqueror’s tongue of the Danes. Not especially creative, but it suited the fortress nonetheless. It had been carved from a smaller mountain that thrust like a wolf’s tooth from the soft jawline of the vale. What had begun centuries ago at the feet of the mount with caverns and low walls now included every bit of living rock: curtain walls, bridges, towers like the spears of almighty Tyr. Halden loomed over the vale, dominating the land around it.

The fortress city was old, wind and water worn, but it stood jarl-proud and iron-hard like an old warrior. And like those venerable elders, its continued existence was a bold testament to its strength and experience. Only the strongest, the worthiest warrior could command such a fortress and the dozens of Skandians within. For the past twelve summers, he – Jarl Thorvald Haraldson – was that commander.

Thorvald headed back toward the fortress. Though clad in his armour, he was not overly encumbered and kept his pace light. A fist of young warriors emerged from Halden as he approached the West Gate. Their lighter hides and beardless chins indicated their youth, as did their snarling vigour. They ran in formation, bearing all the armour and weapons they would wear into battle. Alongside them ran their serjeant, a barrel-chested veteran with a scar running over one milky eye and a topknot of snowy hair cascading down the back of his otherwise bare head. The serjeant roared an order at the young warriors. They picked up their pace and pounded their short hafted war axes to their shields as they passed their jarl, shouting his name.

“All praises to Odin!” he bellowed back. The fist of warriors repeated his words, but Thorvald was already focused again upon the gate. When the portcullis was raised, it was an open mouth of stone with a long throat that could swallow three full fists of enemies before they reached the hinged ironwood gate. And when that mouth was full the portcullis would crash shut, the murderholes would open, and the West Gate would devour the enemies trapped within.

Thorvald passed beneath the stone archway and continued inside. Posted sentinels ensured the gate was open for the jarl and he entered the city. The gate opened onto a wide square, surrounded by thick stone walls with towers and battlements; a broad avenue stretched away to either side. At the far end of the square was a narrow cleft in the rock, the entryway into the warrens of Halden.

The streets were narrow and dimly lit by torches. In the deep shadows were the entrances to the cavernous barracks and training halls. Halden was sparsely populated, held by a skeleton garrison; with the ground ready for planting, more food meant more residents and fighters to hold the southeastern vale.

Thorvald followed the labyrinthine pathways up and up, climbing through the avenues where the women and adolescents lived and worked, up to the open-air temples and halls where the leadership resided. In cleverly engineered channels in the stone walls moved heated water, brought to a boil by geothermal vents deep below in the roots of the mount. Even so high up, the water was kept hot through pressure and the entire fortress was blood warm.

Three hours had passed since Thorvald stood by the stream in the vale. Now he strode into the great hall, an immense round chamber, pillared with massive columns and domed with the very peak of the mountain. Save for the low wall that encircled the space, the hall was open to the icy air. Breathing easily and relishing the contrast between the thermals of heat from the fires and walls and the frigid breezes, Thorvald Haraldson sat upon the carved marble seat.

Loken Skycaller, skald of Halden, placed the jarl's coronet upon Thorvald’s brow, the thick twisted ram’s horns curling on either side of his head. The shaman return to his appointed place near the jarl's seat. With a nod and a gesture, Thorvald indicated his readiness to the heralds.

“Bring in the prisoner,” he ordered.

[Das Germane imperie]

Chapter 1 - The ting

The Magnates, Jarls and greater merchants were gathered in the great ting. The king sat down on his chair of carved wood. In the middle of the ting, stood the speaker, who pleaded for the men to be silent. In front of him sat Erik Sverkerson, his rival from the house of Sverker. He was a young man of only 24 years, but he had made his voice heard, and many powerful men in the kingdom supported and respected him.

"I call the ting open, and on behalf of the gods, I welcome you. Now, I shall give a word to the king, whom have summoned you all here" The old speaker sat down.

"Men of Svíþjóð, it is good that you have come here. I have called upon you because of your own will to go to war. I want to tell you that I have no will in going to war. I am the king of Svíþjóð, and my reign shall be remembered with peace and prosperity. That is it" The king sat down, slowly but carefully watching the men around him, who looked at him with hate.

"Does anyone want to add something on that matter?" The speaker asked. The ting was silent. But, after a few seconds, Erik Sverkerson stood up.

"I have something to say" said the young noble. King Brosa met his gaze "I know that I speak for everyone here when I say that the King is unfit to rule. We are Vikings, we are proud men of the north who should conquer and take what is rightfully ours, not rot and die when we are mighty warriors and excellent sailors. I challenge the king on a hólmganga!"

King Brosa gaped and looked shocked on Erik Sverkerson. His power was broken. If he would refuse, he would have to leave Svíþjóð. If he would loose, he would die. If he would win, he would have enemies in House Sverker.

"King Brosa Ulvbane, do you accept this hólmganga?" the speaker said lifeless

"I accept the hólmganga." He said furiously.

"The King shall meet Erik Sverkersson in a Hólmganga in 6 days, were they will fight over this cause. I declare the ting dissolved".

[Dain II Ironfoot]

Qarṭāj

Chapter One: The Rise of Qarṭāj

Royal Palace, City of Qarṭāj, Qarṭāj
After many years of studying and learning about the old Empire of Carthage Abyaz Mannan finally realized that he was ready to put Qarṭāj on the map as a city and as a nation.
For a long time the Romans had been celibrating their victory, but this would be short lived. For now though Qarṭāj was too small to start real action against the Romans and so Abyaz had to wait, he had to make alliances and he needed to set a strong base for any war with the Romans. He already knew what to do and orders had already be given out, soon Qarṭāj would rise to a never ending glory...

Harbour, City of Qarṭāj, Qarṭāj
"On board lads, we're leaving!" Shouted Captain Basir Farran to his men. The day of war had come as fifty ships where about to leave port in order to capture the Island between Qarṭāj and the Romans. It was an Island of strategic importance when it came to the defense of Qarṭāj itself. Within an hour these fifty ships filled with soldiers where about to depart to this Island, not knowing what they would encounter there but knowing that their lives where worth it.

On the other side of the Harbour a single ship had set sail, this ship had a whole other purpose, one arguable of much more importance then the armed fleet that departed on the same time. On this ship sat Ajia Mannan, daughter of Abyaz Mannan. She had her own mission, a diplomatic one in the far north of Europe. She was going to act as an envoy for her father in the search of men. Men had been short in the times of Carthage and they still where at this day and just like in the old days they where in need of men that where willing to fight for any payment of some sort.
Ajia had insisted on doing this for her father, not only to show him her capabilities but also for a much more perverted reason. Ajia always liked so called barbarians, she did not know why but something about those man attracted her. She now would be walking amongst them, something she could only dream of a few days ago.

Military encampment, City of Tozeur, Qarṭāj
General Waqif Elamin watched over the encampment that had been set up a few weeks earlier. It was almost time to do their part for Qarṭāj. The General had been given orders to conquer the lands to the south along the border with the Romans. These lands held some value but more importantly these lands held people and people where needed these days. Some 2,500 men had gathered at the encampment, ready to fight and die for their country, and just like the General they where confident as Allah would guide them towards victory or paradise.

Military encampment, City of Oran, Qarṭāj
A simular story took place in Oran, where General Quaid Fahs had been in command of some 2,000 men. Their goal was simular, conquering lands and peoples to the south. A job that wouldn't be hard as there where only a few settlements in the south. Quaid was only worried about the sun, a foe more dangerous in the south then any army could ever be. Large amounts of water had been stored for the trip and a carefully planned route would be taken to ensure their survival in the deserts.

---

Claimed areas (about to be conquered) shown in white:

[Serbatijan Empire]

A Beggining of an New Era



For years and years Balkia was growing and growing, but now when Grand Despot Vladimir Andjelkovic the III came to the rule, he made sure that his future Balkian Empire will be remembered in all parts of history.

After 2 weeks when he came to rule he decided to follow Western actions and finally make Balkia an feudal country but still limit the rights of land owners. While he was looking out of his balcony in his palace, his son Milos Andjelkovic the IV came in to the room.

"Hello father," he said as he gets in "You called me?". Vladimir replies slowly "Yes my son. Last night i had a dream of our nation's future....it was glorious...and i want to make sure that my dream becomes reality." Vladimir stops and then begins telling his son of what he dreamed of "We began expanding trough the ruins of Europe....we began conquering and defeating our foes....we discovered new lands and meet people that look way diffrent than us...we invented machines...researched many and unexplainable things.......our Empire was one of richest....in our throne room there was tons of gold......and then after a while my dream ended....when my rule ends....you will take over, and make sure that everything i told you becomes true. You understand son?", Milos then says calmly "Yes, dad. I understand."

[World Anarchic Union]

ROMAN REPUBLIC

Augustus Markos Antonios III was inspecting a map of the known world. He looked for areas where Rome could expand to.
Maybe north to the unorganized tribes. Or south of Libya. Then he witnessed an island, north of Libya and south of Rome which was not under Roman control. He ordered the Roman general to arrive at his chambers.
Julius II, the general of the Roman army, arrived swiftly at the chambers of Augustus. He bowed to the newly inaugurated leader of Rome.
"General Julius, I want you to organize the military and prepare the navy. Sail at dawn. Your objective is clear. Bring this island under Roman control. This is the first area where the Republic will expand to next. I expect this island to be under our control by the following month at most."
"Of course. The military will be deployed to bring democracy to the native inhabitants. Should they resist, the military will crush their barbaric ways." Julius said and after bowing once more, left the room.

After the general left the room, Augustus once more inspected the map. The future needed to be controlled by the Republic and only through conquest would this happen.

The ships sailed at dawn as instructed. Each accommodating over 80 soldiers. The ships were 40, each prepared for naval warfare. The general had decided to join the campaign to see the conquest at first hand and become more in favour with Augustus. He prepared that in two weeks they would have captured at least a part of the island. He noticed that the wind had turned. He wasn't prejudicial but this seemed like a bad omen. He prayed to Neptune, Zeus and Mars for luck and ordered the other soldiers to do the same. Little did he know about who else was heading to the island.

[Caribica]

Londinium, Kingdom of England

King Harold Godwinson looked over the city of London from a balcony in Westminster Palace eating an apple. Being King of England was not as rewarding as he thought it would be as a little boy but he had big plans for England. He would unite Britannia, of course there were obstacles. The Scots and the Vikings we're being pests as always but the King's army he was raising could deal with them both. First, there were diplomatic games he would have to play, Normandy was leaning heavily towards the Scots and if they joined then it's likely that England would lose the war, plus after the failed invasion of England a mere few months ago they weren't on the best of terms. But Norman diplomats had come to England with an offer to buy Cornwall in exchange for neutrality during the war, an offer that could not be refused. Things were going to get better for England.

To The Honorable King Richard of Normandy,
We accept your offer to purchase the County of Cornwall and expect 15000 pennies in payment.
From King Harold of England

(OOC: Tell me if 30000 is too much because I have no idea what the value of Medieval money was compared to modern money.)

[Cymrea]

Hærvejen, Denmark

The chieftain, Jarl Wyglas, had died. First, the thralls of the jarl laid him in his grave, over which a roof was erected for the space of ten days - until they had completed the cutting and sewing of his clothes. They also brought together his goods, and divided them into three parts. The first of these was for his family; the second was expended for the garments made; and with the third was purchased strong drink, against the day when a girl resigned herself to death, and would be burned with her master.

To the use of wine the people of Hærvejen abandoned themselves in mad fashion, drinking it day and night; not seldom does one die with a cup in his hand. The family of Wyglas asked of all his girls and pages, "Which of you will die with him?" Then one of them answered, "I." From the time she uttered that word, she was no longer free; should she have wished to draw back, she was not permitted. The girl who so spoke was then committed to two other girls, who were to keep watch over her, accompany her wherever she went, and even, on occasion, wash her feet. The people occupied themselves with the dead man - cutting out the clothes for him, and preparing whatever else was needful. During the whole of this period, the girl gave herself over to drinking and singing, and was cheerful.

During this time, Arngrim, the noble who would next be jarl, found a rival whose name was Thorkel. Thorkel was ugly and foul, a dark man among this ruddy fair race; he plotted to be jarl himself. Arngrim himself did not direct the preparations, for he was not of the family of Wyglas, and it is the rule that the family prepares for the funeral. Arngrim joined the general merriment and celebration, and acted no part of lordly conduct, except during the banquets of the night, when he sat in the high seat that was reserved to the jarl. When a Northman is truly lord, he sits at the head of the table in a large stone chair with stone arms. Such was the chair of Wyglas, but Arngrim did not sit in it as a normal man would sit. Instead he sat upon one arm, a position from which he fell when he drank overmuch, or laughed with great excess. It was the custom that he could not sit in the chair until Wyglas was buried. All this time, Thorkel plotted and conferred among the thanes.

When the day was come that Wyglas and the girl were to be committed to the flames, his longship was drawn ashore on the banks of the river. Four corner blocks of birch and other woods were positioned around it; also large wooden figures in the semblance of warriors. In the meantime, the people began to walk to and fro, uttering words of praise to the gods.The dead jarl lay at a distance in his grave, from which they had not yet removed him. Next was brought a bench, placed on the ship, and covered with cloth of gold, and pillows of the same material. There then came an old crone, whom they called the angel of death, and she spread the personal articles on the bench. It was she who had attended to the sewing of the garments, and to all the equipment. It was she, also, who would slay the girl. She was smoke dark and thickset.

When the people went to the grave, they removed the roof and drew out the dead jarl. By this time, he had turned quite black from the gelid cold. Near him in the grave was placed strong drink, fruit, and a lute; except for his colour, the dead man Wyglas had not changed.

Arngrim and Thorkel stood side by side, making a great show of friendship during the burial ceremony, and yet it was apparent that there was no truth to their demeanours. The dead jarl Wyglas was clothed in leggings, boots, and a tunic of golden cloth, and on his head was placed a cap made of the same material and trimmed in sable. Then he was carried to a tent on the longship; the thralls seated him on a quilted bench, supported him with pillows, and brought the drink and fruit, which they placed alongside him. Then the thralls brought a dog, which they cut in two, and threw into the ship. They laid all the jarl's weapons beside him, and led up two horses, which they chased until they were dripping with sweat, whereupon Arngrim killed one with his sword and Thorkel killed the second, cutting them into pieces with their swords and flinging the pieces forth into the ship. Arngrim killed his horse less swiftly, which bore some import to those who watched.

Two oxen were then brought forward, cut into pieces, and flung into the ship. Finally was brought a cock and a hen, killed and thrown in also. The girl who had devoted herself to death meanwhile walked to and fro, entering one after another of the tents that they had there. The occupant of each tent lay with her, saying, "Tell your master I did this only for love of him."

Late in the afternoon, the girl was led to an object the people had constructed, which looked like the frame of a door. She placed her feet on the extended hands of the men, who raised her above the framework. She said, "Lo, I see here my father and mother," whereupon they let her down. Then again they raised her, and she said, "Lo, now I see all my deceased relatives sitting". Once more they let her down, and then lifted her a third time and she said, "Lo, there is my master, who is sitting in Valhalla. Valhalla is so beautiful, so green. With him are his men; he calls me, so bring me to him." Then she was handed a hen, whose head she cut off and threw away.

Then the girl was led to the longship. She took off her two bracelets and gave them to the angel of death. She also drew off her two anklets, and passed them to the two serving maids, who were the daughters of the angel of death. Then the thralls lifted her onto the ship, but did not yet admit her to the tent. Men came up with shields and staves, and handed her a cup of strong drink. This she took, sang over it: "With this, I take leave of those who are dear to me." And then she emptied the cup in one draw.

By this time, the girl had become dazed. She made as though she would enter the tent, when suddenly the crone seized her by the head and dragged her in. The men began to beat upon their shields with the staves, to drown the noise of her outcries, which might have terrified the other girls and deterred them from seeking death with their masters in the future.

Six men followed her into the tent, and each and every one of them had carnal companionship with her. Then they laid her down by her master's side, while two of the men seized her feet, and two the hands. The old woman known now knotted a rope around her neck and handed the ends to two of the men to pull. Then, with a broad-bladed dagger, she smote the girl between the ribs, and drew the blade forth, while the two men strangled her with the rope until she died.

The kin of the dead Wyglas drew near and, taking a piece of lighted wood, walked backward, naked, toward the longship and ignited it without ever looking at it. The funeral pyre was soon aflame, and the longship, the tent, the jarl and the girl, and everything else roared up in a blazing storm of fire.

[Zoblus]

"Oh mighty Allah!, give me the strength and wisdom to continue to guide the empire to the path of righteousness!"Abdul Haadi Ibn Saleh, Emir of the Almoravid Empire, finished his prayer to the almighty Allah and looked out of the window of his palace to the city below.

The Almoravid Empire was thriving, with the Trans-Saharan trade routes within its territories, there was no doubt about it. All goods destined for Europe, Asia, and the Middle East had to pass through Almoravid hands first. They had recently acquired these trade routes after a campaign into Mauritania proved extremely successful, and along with valuable trade came something that was priceless, converts. Those people who lived in Mauritania, after seeing the strength of the Almoravid forces, judged that the Almoravid god had to be stronger, since they had won no battles against them. They converted quickly, all taking the Shahadda only days after the final Almoravid victory. Now Ibn Saleh had his eyes on a bigger prize: Al-Andalus.

His armies were nearly ready, but they needed more time. For now, they would have to stay within the empire's land and protect the merchants. All this trade had made the emir's rich, especially considering that some of the largest gold mines were located within the southern portion of the empire. All this gold had gone into improving the trade routes, the cities, and the state of the army. Now Emir Ibn Saleh called upon his court in order to plan out what else needed to be done in the empire, for war was soon to come.

[The Peoples East Africa]

Once the feast was over and a religious ceremony was said, Richard went to his private quarters. The coming war to the north was the one thing on his mind, and he didn't know what to do. Should he join the Scots or the English? What was best for the Kingdom? Before he could make much progress in choosing, his squire knocked on the door.
''My lord, a raven has just arrived from King Harold.''

Richard jumped up out of his seat and ran to the door.
''Come in quickly! I must read it at once.''
He ripped it from the squires hand and instantly began reading. Not long ago, he had sent diplomats north to discuss the purchase of Cornwall. It was the perfect location to station a large force to defeat any Vikings who had the nerve to land on the island. And if Ireland ever interfered too much, they were just a boat trip away.

His face curved into a smile as he read the short letter.
''Perfect, they've accepted the offer.''
He frowned at the next bit.
''15,000 pennies? That king is mad. But it will all be worth it.''
He barked at the squire:
''Call the kingdom treasurer and have five longships prepared on the coast.''

''Yes my lord!'' he replied before running off.

Not two minutes later, the treasurer arrived.
''The English accepted the purchase, but they want 15,000 pennies for it.''

''A reasonable sum for such a strategic piece of land. I will start gathering it together at once.''

''Good, I have five ships prepared to safely bring the money to Harold. I'll send 100 knights as well. They can built a motte and bailey from which to administer Cornwall.''

The next morning, at dawn, five longships carryings 20 knight each set out to Cornwall. On board was the 15,000 penny price to pay for the land they were going to land at. It was stored in a wooden chest, decorated with gold edges, and the emblem of the Normans on the front.

[Sanabel]

Chapter One: Discovery


Caravan:
"Yaweh has blessed us," thought Prince Yacob, Third Son of the Emperor. At just age 16, he was showing promise as a leader, yet was considered to be brash by his not much older father. This mission would test his worthiness. The six and a half foot tall prince was sick of riding his camel. The beast was unfitting for someone of his status. His father had told him to ride the animal as opposed to his litter as it made him more humble. He wore a simple satin, gold plated kippah instead of his crown, a satin tallit instead of his royal robes, and, of course, as he always wore, his tefillin. Whatever his father desired he would do, for he secretly hoped his father would make him a commander in their new and improved military.


After two months of travel, they had finally reached civilisation. They had lost very little throughout their journey, despite ceaseless hardship. When they had reached the coast on the Ethiopian roads, it was too stormy in the Red Sea to get across into Arabia. So, they began walking North towards Egypt, until old maps got them lost. When they thought they had found their way, barbarian attacks got them turned around. They didn't lose any precious cargo, but they did lose four Ethiopian lancers. Luckily, one of Yacob's servants was a Bedouin man from that area of the desert, and he managed to get them in the right direction towards the Mediterranean, while avoiding the Almoravid caliphate for fear of persecution. They exhausted all of their food supplies, lost ninety eight men to the sun, and ate two draft animals before reaching civilization. They stopped at the first city they reached, which was in a land unfamiliar to the travellers. The lanky, dark skinned Africans were surrounded by unfamiliar peoples. Upon reaching the city center, they quickly realized they were in a Muslim land, and became uneasy. Through the use of a translator, Yacob quickly requested an audience with the city's ruler, which was found to be the city of Tozeur, in Qarṭāj.

The Emperor's Court:
Emperor Bashulo of Aksum sat quietly in his large stone palace. He listened intently while his advisors ramble on about his course of action. Eight tribes from Somaliland had just sworn allegiance to the Crown in Diriba. The man strokes his beard while intently thinking. Then he suddenly says in a deep commanding voice to the tribal representatives below him, "BRING ME AS MANY MEN FROM EACH TRIBE AS YOU CAN MANAGE. I DO NOT WANT MY PEOPLE STARVING, OR THE OUTPUT OF MINERALS TO END, HOWEVER WE HAVE A SURPLUS IN ALL FIELDS. WHAT WE NEED IS MEN TO TAKE ARMS AGAINST OUR ENEMIES. SOON WE WILL HAVE THE WEAPONS AND TRAINING, BUT WE NEED SOLDIERS," Then he continues in a softer voice to his servant, "We will need to accumulate at least an army of 30,000 men to start with. Our nation can handle that. We will need them shortly. Spread word to the Tribal leaders, and have them all convene in the city of Adwa."

[Caribica]

Westminster Palace, Londinium, England

"Excellent." King Harold said after reading a scroll with news of the finalization of Normandy's purchase. "Mother, I just had and idea, what if we betroth my daughter Gunhild to a son of King Richard of Normandy? It could keep them out of the war because now we're their family." He said.

"That could work m'lord." said his mother and chancellor Gytha.

"Magnificent, send a message to the king of Normandy asking for a betrothal between Gunhild and one of his sons. Once this is done then we can finally unite Brtiannia once and for all!"

"It will be done Harold."

To The Honorable King Richard of Normandy
I request a betrothal between my 13 year old daughter Gunhild and your 16 year old son.
From King Harold of England.

[The Peoples East Africa]

Richard was sitting on his throne when his squire read out the proposition from Harold. He put down his mug of wine.
''This was what I was not expecting. A full blooded Norman to marry a Christian. Not just any Christian, by a daughter of the man who insulted the Last Duke?''

The Royal Advisor spoke what he thought:
''It would stop them from warring us, my lord. And it would solidify your claim to the English throne.''

''That is true. But then there is the Scottish. Not joining them is one thing, but marrying their enemy is an insult to them. I still value the life of a Scotsman over that of an Englishman.''
He stroked his chin, deep in thought.

''I will sleep on this offer. A nights rest will clear my mind, and help God to show me the right decision.''

[Zoblus]

The Preparations


"Good emir, what have you called upon us for?" asked Jamaal al-Rahman, one of Emir Saleh's most senior advisers

"The empire, while stable, needs more work. How is the construction of the new roads going in the south?" responded Saleh.

"Your Excellency, the construction is going as planned and will be completed within the next few weeks" answered Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, governor of the southern region. "What, may I ask, is the reason why you ask about the conditions of the roads?"

Emir Saleh paused, thinking about what he was soon to plunge the empire into, then he answered bin Rashid calmly "We are to prepare for a war, and I want to have the roads done so that the army may move with speed to the battle field."

He paused and looked at the faces of his advisers, all five of them. There was a general sense of shock on their faces, as war was something they weren't expecting.

Al-Hiram, his top general, was the first to break the silence by saying: "Your Excellency, how many men do you plan to use for the initial invasion?"

"Right now, I am not sure. Keep the men alert for now, I am to have a message sent to them when the war is ready to start." As he said these words, Ibn Saleh took out a map of the known world and signaled his advisers to move closer.

"For right now, I want to strengthen ties with our neighbors. That means expanding our trade caravans to new areas. And I have the perfect partner in mind." He pointed at the city of Adwa, a major city within Imperial Ethiopia. "I want new trade routes extending to Ethiopia, for I wish to make them l not only our friends, but our allies." And with that, he dismissed his advisers, leaving him alone in his throne room to look at the city below.

[Russian people of america]

Royal Estate

The sound of laughter and music filled the air around the large, impressive estate. A delicious smell came from the kitchens, a much worse scent from the stables. In the Main hall was demitri, making his away across hall to his room. He stopped before the door, pulling out two keys, he unlocked the heavy door, slipping inside quickly.slipping inside, he found himself greeted by his younger brother, Alexis. The young boy refused to move, much to demitri's annoyance. "Move" but the child didn't, becoming angry, he pushed him out of the way and barged into his room, grabbing hold of his bow before returning to tutor outside, after a lesson or soso he would be better with his aim, but for now just hitting the target was good enough. Meanwhile Ivan sat in his war room, despite the empire being at peace. He was discussing the possibility of strengthening the army with his advisors, as well as sending ambassadors to other nations. News had spread from the west, apparently the English were having trouble with celts, it would be better to prepare in case the wars that would follow spilled out close to slavic land. Of course it wouldn't, but what if Normandy or Rome became involved? It didn't matter, all they could do was wait for ambassadors to present themselves, or perhaps deals or pacts.

[Das Germane imperie]

Chapter 2 - Hólmganga

The sky was filled with fog, just as the seer had said. A thousand men stood on the shoreline, watching as two small ships sailed away. He could see Erik Sverkerson grin from a distance, and looked away. The ships slowly started to go in different directions, until both reached the opposite ends of the island. King Brosa Ulvbane was dressed in heavy chainmail and furcoat, with an opaque helmet on his head. They both walked alone, slowly to the middle. Two men enter. One man leaves. Erik was dressed only in a padded jacket, trousers and boots. They both had a medium sword in their hands.

"When I'm king, Ulvbane, no one will protect your children" Erik said, provocative

"When I have cut your cock off, I will feed it to you!" Brosa shouted angered, and went to attack. Erik parried the blow easily, and stabbed Brosa against the legs. Brosa managed to fend of the stab in time, and got ready to defend another attack from Erik, but they both looked each other in the eyes instead, both waiting for a reaction.

"You know you can't defeat me. You have become fat and old"

"Age comes with wisdom" said the King, trying to be calm and rushed forward to attack. Whilst Erik got ready to parry Brosa instead swept Erik's legs with a directed kick, and he fell to the ground. Brosa looked down on him with a twisted smile, but met a confident glance. As Brosa tried to Stab him in the stomach, Erik rolled away and stood up, attacking him swiftly from the side. He stabbed him vigorously in his side, and the King fell to the ground. Erik took his sword and threw it away. He sat down beside the king and whispered in his ear.

"I will kill your sons, rape your daughter and slaughter your wife like the pig she is" Erik whispered silently. A tear fell from the King's eye as Erik rose again, and made himself ready for beheading the king. Blood ran out from the King's side and he was already in a puddle of it, but there had to be more. Erik made the process short with the sword and took the King's head, and held it high, so that the men in the boats could see it.

"The King, is dead"

[Zoblus]

The Fleet

"A letter from the Emir, sir," said Yasin, steward to the General Fareed Zahra. Zahra took the letter and read quietly it's contents.

To: General Zahra
From: Emir Saleh
General, today I entrust you with a great task, a task of the utmost importance for the empire. I need you to prepare the fleet for a possible invasion, and a large one it will be. I need you to prepare forty vessels, each to be capable of transporting one hundred men, and yet maintain an appropriately high speed. These vessels, when assembled, are to be moved to Tangier, the port city in the north, and are to remain there until I order an advance. For now, I will not disclose who is our target, but remember: do not go forth until the "Bells of Eternal Life" have rung.
Signed,
Emir Saleh

[Serbatijan Empire]

Preparations for War

Vladimir began mobilizing as much soldiers as possible. He plans to take control over Bulgarian tribes in shortest time as possible. Troops began wavering for their grand Despot while feudal lords tried to get as much supplies from their lands as quick as possible and begin invasion.



As armies prepared, Bulgarians got a bit suspisious because they saw how on Balkian-Bulgar border armies were being put. They asked for non-aggresion pact but Vladimir ignored it and claimed that hes a bit busy so he doesn't have time for reading the treaty. Invasion of Bulgaria is expected to be in 14th April.

[Dain II Ironfoot]

Qarṭāj

Chapter One: The Rise of Qarṭāj

The Island
Two days after the fleet led by Captain Basir Farran had left the harbour they arrived at the south-west side of the Island. A small fishing village there submitted to their rulers instantly and the few local guards handed over their weapons. The Captain watched over this land, it still seemed larger then people told him, but then, islands could be large he assumed. After recieving directions from the locals the army inmediatly marched on towards Melitta, one of the largest cities at the Island.

City of Tozeur, Qarṭāj
Upon hearing of of new people from far away lands governor Muhammad Rahim got all exited. He loved to learn about cultures and promoted such matters throughout his city. He quickly got on his feet and told the guards he would meet them right away. Joined my a small amount of guards the governor walked through the city and towards the markets where he noticed them. Black people, dressed in fancy clothing and with interesting goods. At first the governor though these people came from the far south, but upon recieving some information it turned out they came from further east, which was much interesting to say at least. The governor decided to approach them to see what he could do for these fine people.
"As-salamu alaykum" the governor said as he walked up to the people, "I have heard you requested an audiance with me but upon hearing of new people i could not wait to meet you right away" he continued...

Sout-East of Qarṭāj
"Get that gate down!" General Waqif Elamin shouted as he watched over the city his army had besieged earlier this day. Few villages they had passed on their way here and without any opposition they made their way to the first city. Now here they where, a small city it was, filled with Sunni worshipers. This city had closed its gates for the army, a clear sign they rather faced war then peace. General Waqif Elamin found out that the leader of this city claimed that Sunni's would get prosecuted in Qarṭāj, a big lie it was. In fact, almost half of the nation was Sunni.
But if this leader wanted to resist then that was fine, Qarṭāj would take the city anyways.
Soon two large elephants where guided towards the gate, covered by archers they would tear it down in a matter of minutes. From afar Waqif watched it go down and sure, within moments the gates slapped open. "Take the city!" he shouted to his men who almost inmediatly started to run towards the gates. Not even an hour later the city had been taken and their leader was dragged to the Streets where the locals where gathered aswell.
"From this day on you will all be citzens of Qarṭāj, granted full rights as along as the law is being followed. This man here has told you many lies about Qarṭāj, such that we would prosecute Sunni people! Hah, look at these soldiers here, most of them are Sunni themselves! We are a tolerant people, we are a tolerant nation." the General spoke to the people to keep them from fleeing the city. The leader of the city was executed upon charge of spreading these false lies shortly after.

South-West of Qarṭāj
General Quaid Fahs had a much easier time in his conquests. Numerous villages and small cities had been taken without any fights so far, it was almost too easy one would say. The general didn't blame them though, how could a few dozen or a hundred people defend themselves against 2,500 men? It would be a move that would be doomed to fail. For now everything went as easy as it could and the only harship that remained was the sun.