Europe: The Dark Continent (IC)

by **Arvenia** » Fri Nov 27, 2015 10:33 am

Åland, Yiddish Empire
After days of battle and sacking, Åland was conquered by the Yiddish Empire and is a Yiddish territory. All the defending vikings were executed. Jews could move there to build up new synagouges. Mariehamn is ruled by Lord Peeta Senapitta.

Karelia
Russian Tribes were forced to retreat into the northern part of Karelia due to the strong Yiddish army and bad weathers. Karelia is no more than a wasteland, according to Lord Commander Vladimir Petrov.

by **Bill Cosby Island** » Fri Nov 27, 2015 10:46 am

The Tokhtamysh Khanate- The Wolves of Europa!

Bucharest, Ottoman Empire

The fur trader stroked his chin as he walked past two boys shoveling snow into heaps at the side if a cobblestone road. The recent weather had rendered his expedition crew stuck in the fort of Bucharest longer than expected, but he didn't mind. Bucharest was a nice place- it was mostly quiet apart from a rebuilt market district where people spent the winter selling grain, preserved meat and accessories like jewelry that could be crafted regardless of the seasons. The people were friendly in the market, too- they were very willing to accommodate for the trader's poor Turkish if it meant they could sell something to him. Many at the markets were also willing to buy things and barter with the traders, and as a result they had used high-quality fur caught up river to restock their ship's supplies.

A book slipped out of the trader's belt and landed on the cold, wet path. He bent down to pick up the book, pushing a folded up piece of paper back into its pages. The book was a journal, existing partially because he needed it to record which areas should be settled by the Khan and partially because he wanted to record his journey for himself and write a long narrative about the travel in his spare time. He'd traced several rough maps of the Danube's shores, showing forts and mountains as it went.

He felt a great need to document the situation in Europe. After all, the Genoese maps of late Europe were, despite their supposed reliability, somewhat outdated- many settlements had disappeared off the map entirely, while near Bucharest where the Danube ran west Turks were setting up villages left and right. Most were only a few years old- Bucharest had only been set up earlier this year, in fact. The Ottoman cavalry that haunted the streets of the city were a testament to that.

Tana Epak, Ukrainistan

A short, stout man with a pointy metal helmet and a two-layered red robe approached the Khan. His extravagant-looking clothing and his greasy black mustache lead Kashin to assume he was a Turk upon seeing him- after all, what other realm with business concerning him would dress their messengers so well? Kashin was excited- he loved dealing with foreigners. They were just so interesting in every way. Their clothing was foreign, their accents were often colourful and even their faces looked different. It was like meeting a mystery person every time.

"Greetings, noble Khan", said the envoy before bowing to Kashin. His accent was not as severe as one would have assumed from a Turk- he was obviously well-versed in Tatar, and probably in other languages as well. "Padishah Bayezid I, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, has requested that I come to you with an issue of utmost importance. You see, the Sultan has seen it fit to expand upon the Danube. However, it is clear that your nation also seeks claims to lands in this region, especially in Rumania. The Sultan, being the most kind and reasonable man he is, has asked that you negotiate land borders with him." Kashin seemed satisfied by this proposal. "I am glad he is the reasonable man he is. Allah bless him", he said before reaching for a map and unravelling it. He began pondering the expanses of his future kingdom for a short time before pulling out a pen and drawing a crude border. The Ottoman Empire would get former Wallachia, and the Tokhtamysh Khanate would get former Moldavia. Carpathian Transylvania (the North and East) would go to the Khan, and the southwestern parts would go to the Sultan. The border on the Danube would be a little further east than Silitria (an Ottoman city according to the plan), while on the coast the border would be just south of Constanta (a Ukrainistani city according to the plan). Kashin would also offer to protect Bayezid's kingdom against foreign aggression in a Guarantee of Independence.

TO: Sultan Bayezid I of the Ottoman Empire
FROM: Khan Kashin Khan of The Tokhtamysh Khanate
I would firstly like to thank you, esteemed sultan, for being considerate of my realm's sovereignty. You are a thoughtful, reasonable man, and I wish you the greatest of luck in running your kingdom. Secondly, I will reveal to you my plan for dividing Rumania. Silistria and all of Wallachia west of it shall go to your realm, while my realm shall start east of Silistria and encompass the Moldavian area of the Danube. My southern border shall be shortly after Constanta, a city I covet to add to my realm with nothing south of it that interests me. In Transylvania my borders shall start at the carpathians, handing you the Southwest and I the Northeast and North. Given your graciousness, I will also offer to guarantee your realm's independence should you accept this deal and be attacked by a foreign aggressor.

Sincerely, Kashin Khan of Ukrainistan and his loyal subjects.

by **Cartagine** » Fri Nov 27, 2015 11:22 am

Hafsid Kingdom
Kirkent

King Abd al-Aziz II had arrived at Kirkent, one of the captured cities at the coast of Sicily where he recieved news he did not know about. Apperantly settlers from the North African coast had settled here already. Abd al-Aziz II wondered how he could not have noticed about it before he started his conquests, but it was too late for that now. Only two options remained, either whipe them out and take their lands or placing them under his protection from now on.
The King didn't want endless struggle nor did he want to lose too many men, but before he could make his decision a rider appeared to the city, carrying a message from the leader of these settlers. It seemed that these people's wanted to ally with the Hafsid Kingdom. Abd al-Aziz II saw it as a show of weakness considering that he took parts of their nation, but even so he still started to consider it. The Balearic Islands and Malta had been taken without much resistance and word had arrived earlier that Sardinia had been as good as taken aswell. This could be the Kings chance to take Corsica aswell as with such alliance he could spare the troops without any trouble.
He returned a letter and send the rider back from where he came, hoping that these people would accept the offer. If they accepted the King would send his fleet towards Corsica, if not he would continue the conquest of Sicily.

To: Sultano Aymen II
From: King Abd al-Aziz II of the Hafsid Kingdom
Subject: Response to the offer of an Alliance

May peace be upon you and may mercy be shown to you. I do not know if you are aware of my conquests of your lands, but be aware that i had no previous knowledge of your existance. It is a pleassure to see brothers on this land that desire peace and prosperity.
I have considered your offer deeply but i do not believe that an alliance is in our best interests, not that we aren't friends or brothers, but for the reason that we will not be able to dedicate ourselves completely to such alliance if bad things occure. We are no rich nation and a war in Europe is expensive to maintain. Today there are other priorities that lie ahead concerning the continent, priorities that allow us in the future to be able to maintain such war. For now we cannot accept such alliance you seek, but instead, becouse you are our brothers and we do not wish abandon you and your people, i have an offer you might want to consider.

I propose that your nation will become a vassal of the Hafsid Kingdom until you are able to stand on your own feet.
The Hafsid Kingdom will offer full protection in defensive matters and will aid in offensive matters if it deems the plans to be profitable in terms of our joined security and prosperity.
The Hafsid Kingdom will also make you top trade priority so that you may never lack resources you cannot obtain.
At last, the Hafsid Kingdom will offer help in any domestic matter that Moorsia might require, wether it be construction workers, the training of soldiers aswell as the provision of educated people's.
In return of this offer the Hafsid Kingdom requiers Moorsia to send all trade coming from the east through Hafsid lands so we both be able to make profit from it.
Moorsia will also be requiered to aid the Hafsid Kingdom in any defensive and offensive war that may come in the future, with generous rewards provided for the aid ofcourse.
Moorsia will recognise the conquests of the Hafsid Kingdom into their lands recently and it will acknowledge them as Hafsid territory, in return for this the Hafsid Kingdom will alow a shared rule over its lands on Sicily.

I hope that you consider this offer well as i do not want to see brothers fighting amongst eachother nor do i want to bring ill upon the people that share blood with mine.
May God lead you to a just decision and may God show peace between our nations.

by **Akksum** » Fri Nov 27, 2015 11:45 am

Berlin, North German Empire

Suum cuique! (To each his own!)

Emperor Wolfram Döhl sat in his map room, looking across a nearly black map of Europe that he bought from a mapmaker. He looked across it, seeing few major nations on it. He saw his nation, and he saw the many nations in far distance, a few catching his eye. He looked at the Muslim nations to the south, and south-east seeing a Khanate that was quite massive compared to his nation. Though due to the stability of a Khanate could easily collapse under its own weight. He took up a pen and paper, writing 2 separate letters to two separate nations,

To: Khashin Khan of the Tokhtamysh Khanate
From: Emperor Wolfram Döhl of the North German Empire
Topic: Alliance

Khashin Kahn of the Tokhtamysh Khanate, I, Emperor Wolfram Döhl of the North German Empire hereby ask you for a military alliance between our two nations. Though the distance between our two nations is great, but so can the bond between the two of us. As you may know I am a Christian nation, but look down upon the Roman catholic church for its actions in this disaster, and its actions in the past to foreign groups. The Muslim religion might of spread through war, but has settled itself within the regions of the middle-east and must be recognized by the people of the world. With this I am wishing to increase tolerance in your nation with the new branch of Christianity, the true way of the Christian way. The German Catholic Branch. I do wish to hear back from you Kashin Kahn, and I do wish to label you a friend if possible. May allah guide your step, and may you live a prosperous life.

To: King Wenzel von Prag I of the Kingdom of Bohemia
From: Emperor Wolfram Döhl of the North German Empire
Topic: Alliance

King Wnzel von Prag I o the Kingdom of Bohemia, I, Emperor Wolfram Döhl of the North German Empire hereby ask you for an alliance. Even though the kings of Brandenburg, and Bohemia in the Holy Roman Empire never seen eye to eye, I wish to change that. Seeing as the plague that ravaged out great lands is fading away, I see the mists as a dawning of a new age. A new age, a better age, brighter age. As you might know my country has broken off from the Roman Catholic church due to their actions during the great plague that ravaged Europe, destroying many of our former foes, and allies. I wish for you to do the same, I am not saying you should follow the same faith as my own nation just a new branch. The North German Empire founded the German Christianity branch, we mixed in elements of our past of Paganism, to Christianity not to mess it up but rather to help it flourish. I do wish to hear back from you, King Wenzel von Prag I. May God guide your step.

North German Empire (Saxony-Anhalt) - Thuringian Border
General Christopher Gegenbauer
1st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Calvary Regiment, 1st Archer Regiment (2nd Army of the North German Empire)
Operation Surprise Party

General Christopher Gegenbauer continued to march his men across the German region on the quest of unification tasked by the Emperor of the North German Empire. He had brought his men on a long campaign, and believed their morale was becoming more and more wary as time went off due to the endless march. He set up camp along the border of Thuringia, wanting to let his troops sleep for a moment for moving on the march due to the long length they have been through. He smiled watching them goof around within the camp, but he was also suprised to see how battle ready they were. Many of them carrying their weapons on their backs as they went around the camp, he as proud to see the North German army act like this...

Bremen
General Siegmund Fleischmann
2nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Regiment, 10th Infantry Regiment, 1st Calvary Regiment, 2nd Archer Regiment
Operation Blind Paladin

General Siegmund Fleischmann arrived in Bremen with his massive army, set up defense within the city once they captured it. They initialized the normal protocol to dispose of the plague ridden bodies, and institute a Militia force to hold onto the major city. General Siegmund watched his men move around, some running about to do certain tasks before they headed out. Once everything within the city was sorted out, they marched on from Bremen towards the capital of Lower saxony. The capital of Lower Saxony wasn't as far as it was, and now they had a few fresh men added to the stack, while also a major trading port on the North Sea. The North German Empire was proporous...

by **Maljaratas** » Fri Nov 27, 2015 1:21 pm

As was his custom, King Hjarnar Arisson of Iceland began his day with a walk throuh the palace gardens. The Icelandic scouts reported that the black plague of Europe had finally ended. But what to do now? The one great thing in our favor is that all the rest of the Europeans had most likely completely forgotten about Iceland.

In the Parliment
"King Hjarnar has proposed expeditions to Greenland and beyond, secret expeditions back to Europe to find more refugees, and that we should keep our existence here a secret", said the speaker of the house. "Do we have any questions?" "Yes", said the reprrsentative of the Catholic Church, "how are we supposed to go without contact with Vatican?" Another spoke up, "and what about the arts and sciences? We have always depended on Europe for these things." "Simple", said the house speaker, "the King has proposed we deem our church leader here the leader of a new one, and to spend more of our budget on finding ways to promote the sciences. If there are no other questions, what do you vote?"

All three proposals pass 61-16

Greenland and beyond expedition:
3 ships, full of supplies and 50 men each. Ships are only filled 3/4 so as too leave room for stuff to be brought back

Europe refugee ships:
Smaller ships, 50 total, spread out among the coast of Sweden, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, as well as the assorted island. Each ship has 20 crew, room for an additional 30, supplies, and room for personal belongings of the 30.

by **Togeria** » Fri Nov 27, 2015 4:39 pm

Cartagine wrote:
Hafsid Kingdom
Kirkent

King Abd al-Aziz II had arrived at Kirkent, one of the captured cities at the coast of Sicily where he recieved news he did not know about. Apperantly settlers from the North African coast had settled here already. Abd al-Aziz II wondered how he could not have noticed about it before he started his conquests, but it was too late for that now. Only two options remained, either whipe them out and take their lands or placing them under his protection from now on.
The King didn't want endless struggle nor did he want to lose too many men, but before he could make his decision a rider appeared to the city, carrying a message from the leader of these settlers. It seemed that these people's wanted to ally with the Hafsid Kingdom. Abd al-Aziz II saw it as a show of weakness considering that he took parts of their nation, but even so he still started to consider it. The Balearic Islands and Malta had been taken without much resistance and word had arrived earlier that Sardinia had been as good as taken aswell. This could be the Kings chance to take Corsica aswell as with such alliance he could spare the troops without any trouble.
He returned a letter and send the rider back from where he came, hoping that these people would accept the offer. If they accepted the King would send his fleet towards Corsica, if not he would continue the conquest of Sicily.
To: Sultano Aymen II
From: King Abd al-Aziz II of the Hafsid Kingdom
Subject: Response to the offer of an Alliance

May peace be upon you and may mercy be shown to you. I do not know if you are aware of my conquests of your lands, but be aware that i had no previous knowledge of your existance. It is a pleassure to see brothers on this land that desire peace and prosperity.
I have considered your offer deeply but i do not believe that an alliance is in our best interests, not that we aren't friends or brothers, but for the reason that we will not be able to dedicate ourselves completely to such alliance if bad things occure. We are no rich nation and a war in Europe is expensive to maintain. Today there are other priorities that lie ahead concerning the continent, priorities that allow us in the future to be able to maintain such war. For now we cannot accept such alliance you seek, but instead, becouse you are our brothers and we do not wish abandon you and your people, i have an offer you might want to consider.

I propose that your nation will become a vassal of the Hafsid Kingdom until you are able to stand on your own feet.
The Hafsid Kingdom will offer full protection in defensive matters and will aid in offensive matters if it deems the plans to be profitable in terms of our joined security and prosperity.
The Hafsid Kingdom will also make you top trade priority so that you may never lack resources you cannot obtain.
At last, the Hafsid Kingdom will offer help in any domestic matter that Moorsia might require, wether it be construction workers, the training of soldiers aswell as the provision of educated people's.
In return of this offer the Hafsid Kingdom requiers Moorsia to send all trade coming from the east through Hafsid lands so we both be able to make profit from it.
Moorsia will also be requiered to aid the Hafsid Kingdom in any defensive and offensive war that may come in the future, with generous rewards provided for the aid ofcourse.
Moorsia will recognise the conquests of the Hafsid Kingdom into their lands recently and it will acknowledge them as Hafsid territory, in return for this the Hafsid Kingdom will alow a shared rule over its lands on Sicily.

I hope that you consider this offer well as i do not want to see brothers fighting amongst eachother nor do i want to bring ill upon the people that share blood with mine.
May God lead you to a just decision and may God show peace between our nations.

"Sultano." A messenger called out before entering the Sultano's chamber. "Yes, what is it?"

"We have received word back from the Hasafids. Here take this letter of their king." He said before handing the Sultano the letter. The man looked at it for a long time before speaking. "I see it seems we have no choice. Send to him my words from your mouth: I Aymen II of Moorsia accept his terms." The Sultano said before reclining in his chair.

The messenger nodded before leaving, heading for the docks to sail to the land of the Hasafids.

Hours Later
The Sultano remained motionless before getting up. He was assured that his "alliance" with the Hasafids was assured. With this he looked to the north for further conquest. He would move north in a campaign to surround and conquer Rome, after that he would raise the banner of the sickle and star over the capital and build a grand mastiff in the name of Allah.

He called his top general over, Amar Gabrino of Sheba. This man was loyal, he was brutal, and he knew how to get a job done. With him as his sword he would strike a blow to take land in the north. Amar was skilled in many things and breaking down his enemy was one of them, he would enter the cities and his elite corp spread disinformation around the public cause a state of unrest before using to capture the city. With his elite archers named the Apallo(Ah-Pah-Lo) taking from the name Apollo of Greek mythology their goal was to cause massive casualties on the enemy from afar as well as from the shadows. As the Sultano gave Amar the order 275 Apallo along with 31 trained elite were dispatched to begin heading northward as well as eastbound to secure a foothold in Southern Italy.

Planed conquest:

by **Bill Cosby Island** » Fri Nov 27, 2015 4:55 pm

by **Bill Cosby Island** » Fri Nov 27, 2015 10:22 pm

The Tokhtamysh Khanate- The Wolves of Europa!

Tana Epak, Ukrainistan

Following the delay of the original fur-trapper expedition's return seemingly due to snowy weather, smaller expeditions taking perhaps a week at a time had been sent to survey the forts of Caladda and Brăila. The harsh conditions made such expeditions a risky endeavor, but nonetheless all of the minor travels to the fort had been a success so far. Once the weather had cleared, the forts would be settled by a band of loyal peasant refugees who had recently come in from the North. However, when this settlement would be possible was a question that could only be answered by time.

Kashin, however, was taking his mind off of such administrative duties. He was reclining on a hessian sack filled with dried beans and watching the fire in front of him crackle and flicker. The air in the room was warm, stuffy and smelled of burning wood- it was far more inviting than the cold humidity outside, however, where snow was drifting down onto the meadows and forests in a thickening layer of frozen whiteness.

Kashin heard the thick wooden door of the room creak open and a pair of boots loudly tap across the floor. It was one of his advisors, clad in a heavy black fur coat to withstand the cold outside. He carried a short stack of papers and a pen. The advisor sat on the floor next to Kashin and flicked through the pile to find the right piece of paper before pulling out a document covered in the Arabic script that was standard in the kingdom's legal papers and everyday writing. Kashin looked at him. "Greetings, my advisor", he said. The advisor made a smile illuminated by the fire, got up and bowed before the Khan. "I have important business to arrange with you", he said ,"as you know, me and a few other of your loyal administrators of the realm have been working on a charter for a fur company. Such a fur company would allow us to employ fur traders and profit more off of their catches. We'll pay them what we like for their work as well. I think you'll find the idea has a lot of inspiration coming from Native European and Turkish corporate practices. If you'd like to know more, I have a document here detailing the full thing.

The Khan grabbed his eyeglasses and leaned over towards the document sitting on the floor. He read through it carefully, and pretty much all of it seemed like a secure, well-thought out idea. He quickly signed the document with his signature at the bottom and stamped the paper with the seal of the Khanate. Now that the document was approved by him, efforts could be made to set up the government-sponsored enterprise and bring in fur trappers from foreign lands to work in Ukrainistan.

by **Bill Cosby Island** » Fri Nov 27, 2015 10:56 pm

Akksum wrote:
To: Khashin Khan of the Tokhtamysh Khanate
From: Emperor Wolfram Döhl of the North German Empire
Topic: Alliance

Khashin Kahn of the Tokhtamysh Khanate, I, Emperor Wolfram Döhl of the North German Empire hereby ask you for a military alliance between our two nations. Though the distance between our two nations is great, but so can the bond between the two of us. As you may know I am a Christian nation, but look down upon the Roman catholic church for its actions in this disaster, and its actions in the past to foreign groups. The Muslim religion might of spread through war, but has settled itself within the regions of the middle-east and must be recognized by the people of the world. With this I am wishing to increase tolerance in your nation with the new branch of Christianity, the true way of the Christian way. The German Catholic Branch. I do wish to hear back from you Kashin Kahn, and I do wish to label you a friend if possible. May allah guide your step, and may you live a prosperous life.

To: Emperor Wolfram Döhl of The North German Empire
From: Kashin Khan, Khan of the Tokhtamysh Khanate
Topic: Alliance

Greetings, friend. I am humbled to have received your letter- it is an honour to be greeted by the esteemed ruler of a domain as great as yours. In the years after the fall of Old Europe, you are a guardian of Christians and the native European folk who inhabit these vast tracts of empty land. It only makes sense to accept your alliance, so that our realms may coexist in this great continent we inhabit. Your nation has a beautiful, ancient culture just as ours does, and no good would come from us attacking one another. Our cunning archers and your brave knights are both disciplined warriors who are better off working together.

Regarding the German Catholic religion, I definitely admire your efforts to seek truth. Our prophet and architect of the faith, Mohammed (PBUH), did the same, and while I personally do not believe in your doctrines we are all people of the book, and thus we can coexist under god. There are very few Christians and no Germans in my realm- however, should some choose to seek safety in my borders, they will be given the same rights as Muslims given they pay Jizya as is mandated by Islamic law.

May god guide you too, brother. I wish the years ahead to bestow you with happiness and good fortune.

Sincerely, Kashin Khan of Ukrainistan and his loyal subjects.

by **Empire of Donner land** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 1:59 am

A New Era.
Republic of New Amsterdam.

The land of New Amsterdam was now mostly functional. People took up jobs farming their land and planting crops. People were being fed and the economy was growing at a good rate. Any crime was being supressed by a small Millitary presence in Villages and the Capital city. People now began to have children and the population began to grow steadily again as people felt more safe. 1400 was a new Era as Europe began to rebuild. News had reached them that even England now had a functioning society but news had also reached them that Europe was also being resettled by the Middle Eastern nations. Tuur, the leader of New Amsterdam began thinking ahead to ensure that the Republic could defend itself and become bigger eventually forming the Netherlands. Tuur first focused on restarting the European economy, knowing that the English were still alive he ordered the building of Trade Ships to be sent there and hopefully bring in money to help rebuild both nations. He however did not know of any surviving European Nation's in France but the Germans aparently did survive as he received news of them rebuilding as well. He immediately had a Diplomat with a convoy of 10 other men as body guards to be sent there until they ran into some form of civilization being rebuilt. Tuur envisioned the future if Europe, and it was better than the old. Much better.

by **Tracian Empire** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 2:05 am

The Despotate of Morea
Δεσποτᾶτον τοῦ Μορέως
"Θα επιμένουμε"
"We will persevere"

Northern border of the Despotate, city of Lamia

3000 Morean soldiers, led by the Domestikos Manuel Kantakouzenos himself, were getting ready to march, near the gates of the Morean city of Lamia. The sky was covered by clouds, but the temperature was pretty good, hopefully allowing the Moreans to march in good conditions. The Ottomans had already started to crack down on the rest of Greece, and the Despot decided that he was going to take advantage of this to bring some of the lands in Epirus under his rule. A few hundred men and a few ships had already been sent to take care of the small islands on the coast, and Corfu, the big prize. If everything was going to go well, Morea was going to annex a few bits of land, and leave to rest to the Ottomans.

The soldiers, even if they were just a pale shadow of the once powerful Byzantine army, were pretty good armed and trained, most of them being experienced regulars, while the rest of 1000 were recruits and even some mercenaries. The lands that they were going to attack were mostly shared between small nobles, and it shouldn't be a hard job. Kantakouzenos was ready for anything though. Some of them might even join Morea without fighting, as an alternative to falling into the hands of the Infidels. The Despot was of course, going to send a few gifts to the Sultan in order to convince him to leave these lands in Morean hands.

At noon, the small army started to march, singing old military songs, the military songs of an Empire that once ruled the East...

City of Paphos, Cyprus

Two ships were sailing towards the port of Paphos, a small city in the south-west of Cyprus. The port wasn't large, but that was the reason for why they choose it. The ships closed in, having no flags or other signs of identification.. As soon as they stopped in the port though, they launched a small number of boats, filled with armed men. Before the city's small garrison was able to realize what was happening, the city had fallen.

Led by a Morean officer, trusted by the Despot, this small number of soldiers, about a hundred, were supposed to instigate the Cypriot population at rebellion against the Catholic Latin rulers of the island, and pave the way for the small Morean army coming from Crete. The Catholics weren't exactly popular among the Greek population, and Morea was certainly going to use this to its advantage.

Trebizond, the Empire of Trebizond
In the morning, a small Morean trading ship arrived in the port of Trebizond, the capital of a small Greek Christian country with the same name, one of the many other Byzantine successor states. The Moreans, who obviously looked like merchants, seemed to be here only for trade, but their real objective was much more important. Organizing a coup d'etat to bring this country under the Despot's control. It certainly wasn't going to be easy, but the Palaiologos already had a small number of supporters in this country, and Alexios IV Kommenos wasn't exactly what could be called a popular ruler.

After reaching the city, the "merchants", started to sell their goods, while waiting for the night to come. That was when they were going to meet with their contact in the city. The merchants were led by the brother of the Despot himself, Manuel Palaiologos.

by **The Northernmost Americas** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 2:10 am

Imperial Arsenal, Galata
The sounds of metal and splitting wood lasted well into the late hours. Finally, dusk brought a brief halt to the din. Workmen deserted the arsenal, and the evening shift filtered in through the perimeter fence. Bayezid overlooking the arsenal eyed a dozen or more keels, only half covered by sheds. "Tell me again vizier. Those are?"
"Galleys padişah. Eighteen banks of oars. Armed with a few falconets."
"I thought the our gunsmiths promised culverins?" Ali Pashah glared at the ground, unsure if his sultan was being purposely obtuse. "They did padişah, but the recoil would crack the decks."
"Hmmph. When will these vessels be ready then?"
"God willing, perhaps half a year."
Bayezid wheeled his horse around and beckoned the vizier. "Come vizier. I tire of naval matters. Have we received a reply from the Tokhtamysh Khanate?"
"Yes padişah. The terms were favorable. May they have your approval?"
"Yes, yes. I want a reply sent back to them asking them if they fancy possession of the Crimea. Then, send a message of goodwill to Moorsia."

by **Korhal IVV** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 2:22 am

A fleet sailed through the dark night of the Black Sea, illuminating the area with their lamps. Their white sails fluttered ferociously in the great winds, and within their holds are weapons of war and mercenaries and regulars that will wield them as well ordinary citizens that will colonize. Moving quietly through the shadows, they sought for the coast of Romania. Slowly, but surely, they reached the white sand beaches and landed their forces in a quiet way. Within the flagship, sat the commodore, Pistos Kuzukius. He has been given orders to expand the New Byzantine empire to the northern Balkans, including Romania and Bulgaria. The rest will be left to be taken by the Ottomans and Moreans and for themselves.

Meanwhile, the attack has begun. Flaming arrows rained down from the fleet and demoralizing the remaining tribes/barbarians in the coast, whilst the attacking Neo Byzantine forces forced those who resisted to submission. They kept on pushing for 5 more miles before setting up camps to rest and resupply.

The Byzantine conquest, the first in millennia, has begun.

by **Conwy-Shire** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 2:22 am

The Grand Duchy of Savoy
Chambery

It was snowing in Chambery, again. Fine flakes of snow flurried downward from heaven, whilst a rumbling front of clouds loomed in the North. The windows of the Château de Chambéry were shuttered tight, and inside the pale walls of the Ducal house candles burned like lonely fingers of pale light. Amadeus de Savoie, the eighth of that name, stood shivering as he peered through the cracks of an old window-screen. Behind him, a naturalised Savoyard poured over one of the few maps of Europe in the Chateau. The man was recently returned from his journey, and now compared the notes of a hastily scrawled map with the much more complete, and more ancient, parchment on the stained-oak desk of the map room.

Looking up from the aged map, the explorer finally broke the silence
"My Duke," he began, pushing himself away from the table. "My travels down the Rhone revealed little but ruins, however this map of yours indicates many great settlements, including some by the name of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Lyon."
"Good, good," Amadeus began, turning his back to the faulty shutters. "I thank you for your service to Savoy, you will find the final installment of your employment in the care of my steward."

The Explorer, unsure of how to depart, simply nodded his head and fled the room. No sooner had the double-doors shut behind him they opened once more, this time heralding the entrance of the Ducal Chancellor, Abramo di Susa. The unlanded Italian nobleman did not say a word, slowly striding towards the two abandoned maps on the table, before he was joined by the Duke.
"Corsique," Amadeus stated, pointing a sharp finger at the island. "We need that island if we want to rediscover maritime power."
"But my Duke," Abramo protested. "That man you just dismissed mapped out the entirety of the Rhone river, those lands are abandoned and ripe, we know this!"
"We do, and I said nothing of leaving it that way," Came the Duke's retort. "We shall occupy the island of Corsique, populate it with freemen of the Grand Duchy, and protect it with mine own Ducal Guard. Of the lands watered by the Rhone, I shall declare commissions to the nobility."
"How will you assure their success, without the benefits of state sanction?"
"They won't be assured," came Amadeus' response. "Those who identify as descendants of the French and Occitan will spearhead our drive into the Rhone-lands, their ancestry will be enough to ensure their dedication to the cause, if not enough to ensure their success."

extent of expansions

by **Togeria** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 3:08 am

Nothing To Lose

The land in the south were near ripe for the taking. Sparsely populated populated it made conquering the lands easy. There was one problem with this however, the few settlements that were left were defended to the best of their ability and this doubled for cities. The general Amar looked to use this to his advantage. Looking to keep his force as strong as possible his men were ordered to carry goods. From those goods the captains were to ride on horse back with detachments of ten armed elite to ride to the settlement and earn their favor. These campaigns would prove mostly successful until one event outside the city of Bari.

Battle of Bari

Captain Osman as well as Saiid rode south to set control of southernmost portion of Italy. Combined their force was 30, earlier reports talked of a fierce tribe known only as the "Quelli Vestito". They were described as fierce hand to hand fighters as well as excellent seamen. They would prove essential to the growing empire setting up trade. Upon sighting of the tribe Osman counted their number in total he counted 40, it was unknowable of how many of their force were men. He pulled out a sack filled with many crops as well as cloth, handing it to a soldier he had them ride to the tribe hoping to negotiate their peaceful annexation into the empire.

This would not be the case.

As the soldier arrived he returned without the sack, content Osman smiled, but it would quickly fade. "The tribe. They have taken the sack, but not sworn their loyalty." Saiid looked at Osman before calling him over for discussion. It was decided that their force would wait till night. Faking a leave they had a scout go and report the movements. They gathered in the center of their settlement some leaving to go to the beaches and fish others checking the cattle. In this moment of weakness as darkness was encasing the land the men rode. Their plan was to split and trap the settlement between their two forces. As they rode getting closer and closer to the settlement men began screaming war cries, as the settlement was now alert someone from the enemy settlement made a call an enemy soldier throwing a sharpened stick into one of Moorish soldiers, killing them. The 7 appallo reacted, firing their arrows in succession at the spears throwers downing at least 9 as a result. As some of men came charging out with knifes and swords those on horse back pulled out their swords bearing a resemblance to that of the Scimitar they charged into the men getting taking down as many as they could while the apallo fired their arrows into the men fighting back. As they the fighting ranged on the small force closed in taking the village leader and cutting him down thus ending the fighting.

At the end of the night 11 of the 30 Moors would fall as 21 of the settlers would fall victim to the attack. This would be the only battle of the Southern Campaign as the sparseness would lead to few skirmishes. The tribe would be annexed and the flag of Moorsia raised over them as the dead were left there for them to bury.

Rest of the Campaign
As the Campaign continued only few battles such as the one fought in Bari would be fought. Totaling in 21 Moors dying. As the they reached the Pescara River however Amar would be satisfied at his accomplished mission. He would call of the campaign as a success and ride back to share the news with the Sultano.

As the Sultano received word he would sigh in joy. With the south fully under his control he would send out messengers to sail and ride through the peninsula and tale of the glory of the state of Moorsia. As this happened he would begin a process of raising a force designed to sack and overrun Rome by force and legitimize Moorish rule over the peninsula.

by **Bill Cosby Island** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 5:00 am

The Tokhtamysh Khanate- The Wolves of Europa!

Tana Epak, Ukrainistan

The Khan was absolutely livid. A small band of just over three hundred settlers, sent to establish civilisation in the fort of Constanta, had been brutally attacked by invaders from across the Black Sea. The fort which Kashin had so coveted as a southern border and a fort in which to create valuable industry had been assaulted and taken. He knew exactly who had assaulted his prized citadel, too- the Neo-Byzantine swine of the Crimean peninsula had been so kind as to display their banners for all to see as they pillaged the fort and moved in. Apparently the announcement of an official border in the Balkans had not reached some people.

Kashin was now walking through the halls of his palace, his Asiatic face red with anger and frustration. He turned a corner and entered a room where his most trusted military commanders, many of them governors of cities throughout the realm, were all sitting around a round table. Kashin quietly walked in, straightened his fur coat and sat down on the one seat that was still vacant. He cleared his throat before beginning to speak ,"as we all know, Greek scum from the Crimea have taken our city of Constanta! We need to take the city back with a surprise attack, and then enact revenge upon their petty infidel realm! That is why I have called you and your fittest, bravest men here in a quest for glory. I have several Mingghan of soldiers to contribute to the campaign myself- every second young man in the citadel has been conscripted, and several hundred Turkish mercenaries have been so generously sent to me by the Turkish sultan. I am sure that you have all brought as many men as you can?". The military commanders at the table all nodded.

Kashin spread out a piece of paper onto the table. It was a map of the fort of Constanta itself- of course, some parts would be damaged or patched up, but the major entrances would still be there. The door's largest entrance was on the northern wall, the direction that the Khanate's armies would have to attack from. However, this was too obvious of a strategy- upon sighting the fort the armies would move east and flank the entrance of the fort from there. Once in the fort, they would massacre every Christian and Greek there before reporting to the capital and regrouping for an offensive on the Neo-Byzantine capital. it was the perfect plan- the unsuspecting Greeks had no idea of what was about to happen, and by the time their distracted army found out it would already be too late.

With the plan decided, Kashin and all of his military generals stood, left the room and walked to the entrance of the Palace. It was modest compared to other palaces, most likely rebuilt from the city hall of Tana Epak's old fort. It had marble columns and newly-built statues of Jochi, Tokhtanysh and Kashin atop stone fountains. It was very much a refurbished piece of traditional European architecture. The men hopped onto their horses, which were kept in a stable next to the palace, and rode off to the gates of the city.

Outside, seventeen thousand men sat on the grass talking and tending to their horses. They had bags of preserved meat and arrows on their backs, rendering them able to live off the land and survive periods without fresh food. And they would need it- such a large force of men would strip the landscape clean of food as it went, even if it did gather supplies from towns to the south as had been planned. Kashin gave a loud battle cry, and the soldiers all repeated it and stood up. They would march for Ukrainistan!

by **Togeria** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 5:32 am

Changing Times

He was close, he could sense it. He over looked a map of Europe and stared at his prize intently,"Amar to me!" He boomed in excitement. The general walked to the Sultano greeting him before responding. "Yes Sultano."

"How far?"

"How far what?"

"How far can we move up the Italian Peninsula?"

The general stood for a moment before responding. "With the tribes we've captured it's safe to say our number is bordering 13,000 and with word of some migrating here from the around the region it may reach even reach double if not barely."

The Sultano looked at the man,"That does not answer my question."

"There is no doubt we can move north sir, but the farther we go the more we stretch our force. I would at our extent as of now we can reach to the Arno and Bolnge Rivers. Farther then that and we risk collapse. We need to sway more followers Sultano."

"Silence. I know, you say we can make it to the Bolonge and Arno rivers and so it will be done. Gather a force as big as you can manage and begin a march north, and when you do conquer Rome in my name."

The general nodded before walking out.

Map of Conquest:

Preparation
As the the state grew so did the force. With newer recruits coming in and being trained, Amar to this as a chance to assemble a force strong enough to bring victory to the state. Before he did this however he accumulated enough coin about 12,000 Moorish Crowns to have payed for local mercenaries to bolster his force. Rome would have a large army and the battle would no doubt be a bloody affair. Taking from some of the newer recruits he was able to bolster a force of 2,341. Days later word would be received that 141 mercenaries would join his cause.

He had 300 Apallo readied along 300 cavalry. 100 would man catapults as the rest of the force would comprise of regular foot soldiers and and spear men.

He looked at the men before nodding off and giving the word. As his last trick of deception he looked to fool the leaders of Rome in putting down their guard. Contacting the Sultano, he wrote a letter wishing to send a delegation over to discuss peace between the fragile state and the growing kingdom, citing the value of trade could help both grow. As the letter was sent the men waited two days before it was returned, the Romans accepted the proposal and said they awaited the delegations.

Battle of Rome
Taking this chance to begin the march. Telling keeping silence as they marched they kept slightly along the Apennines until they were able to pass the Pontine Marshes. Keeping a steady pace, Amar kept a steady pace so then they would reach Rome in the dead of night. After days of long marching once they were close he ordered his men to take rest during the night to recover. During the day he gave order that they train, eat, and prepare. As evening turned into night they set march again finally reaching the city as the night encapsulated them. The looks on the soldiers faces gave their surprise away as the men called out. The cavalry was set on standby as the catapults having been prepared during the day began firing onto the walls of the city. Some of the soldiers charged out from their walls wall intent on encircling the men. Giving the call he had his men spear men armed with shields and elongated spears move the front, forming square formation brandishing their shields with their spears stuck out to impale swordmen coming in to attack. They kept their shields high when those aimed with crossbows came to fire. The Apallo situated behind the the spearmen begain firing into the sky so that their arrows may fall on the charging enemy soldiers. As the force backed away into the walls, some ballista stationed on top started taking aim at incoming Moorish soldiers taking them down by the tens of hundreds. some catapults took aim at the ballista as the main force focused on the front wall to break through. In a last attempt to break the formation enemy cavalry numbering 50 rode to hit the force from the side, Moorish cavalry stationed in the back rode to hit them straight one. As the Cavalry clashed the Romans fought bravely but were subdued as some soldiers to to lead them away from the main force a second smaller cavalry detachment riding to hit them from behind.

Soon after hours of focusing on the walls they gave way allowing the soldiers inside. In the front a force of 300 some shown to regular citizens armed for the fight readied for the Moorish force. Apallo gathered firing on the men before swordmen charged in to attack the remaining few before they were subdued.

The next days of fighting of was harsh city fighting as the Romans recruited all from the young to the old in the defending the city. Though on the second day as their forces started dwindling some surrendered to the Moors without fight. The main battle flared up again outside the Vatican, Swiss guard combating harshly against the Moorish spearmen. Again the Apallo proved invaluable firing from afar before main formations attacked. After the fourth day Rome was all but captured, the hard days of fighting culminating with the force raising a black flag above the Catholic Church. In all the battle was the bloodiest the Moors would come to face the Roman force being quite adept in defending the city and almost pushing the invaders out in certain points. As the flag was risen, Amar made promise that all Catholics would be able to continue their worship and that Moorsia under Sultano Aymen II would be risen to new heights.

Still the damage was severe and bloody as the men and those who had survived the fighting would have to clean and repair the ruins of the capital, and even then the thought they would have to do so under an flag of Islam was too great of a humiliation for some.

The Rest of the Campaign
Keeping good on his promise to the Sultano, Amar took the flag of Rome down and gave it to a group comprising of some of his soldiers, mercenaries, as well as those who have sworn loyalty from Rome to Moorsia. This would be rode around the Central and North of the peninsula declaring Rome had fallen and in its place, Moorsia would lead it to a new era of prosperity. As the men rode they contacted the allies of Rome sharing the news and giving word that the princes who gave loyalty to Sultano Aymen II would receive the highest of privileges should they swear loyalty and covert. The commoners and peasants were given word that their suffering would end as the a new era would grace Italia. Men as the men reached their destinations of the Arno and Bolonge rivers they laid their flag down before riding back south to Rome. This process would continue over the coming months as the Empire assessed their gains and began sending men north to protect their interest. As the Sultano reached Rome he was filled with joy as the eternal city was once his and in hands of the Moors. With this he looked to making Rome the capital of the Muslim World.

Casualties
Moorsia:
113 Cavalry
341 Swordmen
219 Spearmen
59 Apallo

Total: 732 dead of 2,482

Rome:

317 Ground forces
50 Cavalry
51 Civilian Force
31 Swiss Guard

Total: 449 of 1,137

by **Bill Cosby Island** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 5:49 am

The Tokhtamysh Khanate- The Wolves of Europa!

The Fort of Constanta

A grey stone fort stood solidly on the far horizon, moving sideways upon it as the Ukrainistani armies marched east towards a secluded grove of forest from which they would launch their attack. Kashin Khan was atop his horse, looking at the fort through a rudimentary pair of binoculars. They had not been spotted yet, and if the whole army could reach the forest before making a dart for the fort the attack would be successful. There was a larger garrison at the fort than what had been expected, but it seemed to thinly-spread to be numerically superior to the Khan's armies.

It was a warm day with thin, whispy cloud cover, far from the heavy snow at the beginning of the year, Kashin thought. It was the perfect day to launch a battle and run in there like a bezerker with nothing to loose, hacking at the enemy with your sword as you went. He decided to hold a short meeting with his generals under a tree.

"Do we attack now?", asked Kashin, looking over at the fort in the distance for a second. "I think we should do it as quickly as possible", said a city governor from the North ,"they've probably spotted us now; it's wise that we charge now before they can alert their ranks of our arrival." The general consensus from the rest of the generals was in line with this, so they decided to leave the meeting and return to their armies. Kashin stood in front of them, waving a magnificent shining sword. "We are going to attack the fort now!", he yelled at the men ,"when we get close enough, we will unleash a hellish rain of arrows upon the garrison before breaking down the entrance of the fort! We will do this with no remorse and no mercy! Death to the Greek pigs!" The soldiers cheered, and soon a thunderous sound of horse hooved began to echo across the meadow as the army approached the fort.

The Greeks shot projectiles at the attackers with slings and crossbows, but they were isolated shots. The garrison of the fort had been taken largely by surprise, and were met with a barrage of arrows that rained down upon them and pierced their flesh. After this barrage, the garrison retreated into the fort, and the armies of the Khan moved towards the entrance. It was a great wooden door, roughly cut from local trees and decayed by the elements in its use. The soldiers knew exactly what to do- some of them carried crossbows with flame cartridges designed in Russia, and they were shot at varying points of the wooden door. The resulting flames spread across the wooden door and ate at its blackening structure.

However, as the door was burning anf the Ukrainistanis were cheering, the enemy decided to counterattack. A shower of arrows from the top of the fort above rained down on the army, forcing them to hold their shields high and flee from the gates of the fort. After the barrage was finished, one of the commanders shouted "regroup!", and the invading force charged at the entrance of the fort once again. A large hole had been created in the door now, with the flames tickling its edges and producing a column of smoke that extended high into the sky above the fort. The Ukrainistanis charged through this hole in the door, rushing past the flaming wood and arrow fire from enemies. Casualties were heavy, but now that the army was pouring into the fort they had gained a new advantage.

Horses began to wearily climb the complexes inside the walls of the fort and men attacked the garrison at their most defensive locations. Wooden houses were looted and lit afire by flaming arrows, and Greek families were slaughtered. Before long, More groups of light cavalry were pouring in the side entrances of the fort, hunting down the garrison within. The city became an orgy of fire, blood and screaming as the garrison tried desperately to hold off to Turkic invaders.

As the sun began to dip in the sky and late afternoon began, the last Greek soldiers surrendered and were dragged out of their fort to the harbour. The Ukrainistanis laughed as they were thrown onto a single row boat and pushed into the black sea. The boat was very crowded- men were kneeling upon one another and holed up on the sides of the boat, making rowing almost impossible. These men would either drown at sea or wash up at shore, never to disturb the Khan's most rightful claim to the city again. Even if nearly eight thousand men had been lost in this battle, it was still a great triumph of light cavalry and archery over infantry and swordsmanship that would be told in historical ballads for centuries to come.

by **Remnants of Exilvania** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 6:52 am

To: King Wenzel von Prag I of the Kingdom of Bohemia
From: Emperor Wolfram Döhl of the North German Empire
Topic: Alliance

King Wnzel von Prag I o the Kingdom of Bohemia, I, Emperor Wolfram Döhl of the North German Empire hereby ask you for an alliance. Even though the kings of Brandenburg, and Bohemia in the Holy Roman Empire never seen eye to eye, I wish to change that. Seeing as the plague that ravaged out great lands is fading away, I see the mists as a dawning of a new age. A new age, a better age, brighter age. As you might know my country has broken off from the Roman Catholic church due to their actions during the great plague that ravaged Europe, destroying many of our former foes, and allies. I wish for you to do the same, I am not saying you should follow the same faith as my own nation just a new branch. The North German Empire founded the German Christianity branch, we mixed in elements of our past of Paganism, to Christianity not to mess it up but rather to help it flourish. I do wish to hear back from you, King Wenzel von Prag I. May God guide your step.

To: Emperor Wolfrahm Döhl of the North German Empire
From: The Regency of the Bohemian Kingdom
Topic: Alliance

Sehr geehrter Herr Kaiser Döhl,
We have no intent to continue the struggles between us in the former Holy Roman Empire of German Nationality but we our utterly disturbed by the fact that you called yourself Emperor. That goes against the very constitution of the Empire! Nevertheless, we are willing to overlook this minor fact as we currently are busy with reuniting the kingdom. If you`re asking why his majesty, König Wenzel von Prag I, doesn`t make this letter personally, we feel obligated to tell you that his majesty is still too young to participate in state affairs. For the time of his education the regency will take matters into their hands and ensure that our king gets his great Kingdom as a present to the day he finally takes matters into his hands. Also we`re disgusted about the fact that you dared to separate from ou holy lord and the one and only teachings leading to salvation. That you even dared to talk about those heathen paganisms is pure heresy but as a matter off fact we, the surviving european powers, will have to stand together in all facettes of chrisitanity and fend off the Muslim attacks from the south and the east. This isn`t only the beginning of a new, a brighter age, but also the first step to a war for our very own survival and the survival of our culture and religions. Though we`ll gladly accept ypour alliance and maybe we should share some trade between eachother to help rebuild what the black death has destroyed.

Möge das Licht Gottes euren Weg erleuchten und euch von den Schatten der Makel reinigen!

Kingdom of Bohemia
Große Entscheidungen werden nicht durch Reden order Wahlen getroffen sondern durch Blut und Eisen!
(Great decisions aren`t made by speeches and votes but by Blood and Iron!)

Th army had gathered just out of range of any bow or crossbow that could be fired from the wall. The city of Prague looked rather empty and like a giant ruin but that was of no concern to the gathered Bohemian forces. It was a major epidemics hole with it`s tight streets and the former large population. And it also was Bohemia`s capital, their capital. No word was spoken and the whole world seemed to stand still while the soldiers and religious fanatics were waiting. Waiting for one command. Finally, after 5 more minutes a lone rider came to the front. He also didn`t really speak and instead just waved the flag of Bohemia before riding off towards the city.

That was the signal all of them had been waiting for. Now that most of them already lost their patience they were itching to get into some action and with loud shouts and waving torches they stormed towards the city`s walls. In the background a few catapults began to throw their deadly load over to the city. With the fire ammunition of the catapults raining down in various parts of the city and a large and loud army storming towards the gates and the wall, the residents of Prague finally awakened from their slumber. The time of the attack had been well chosen as most of the people were lying in bed and it was too dark for accurate shots with bows and crossbows on longer ranges. And they also had to deal with many of their fighting force weakened by the the slowly vanishing plague. And so they waited for the attackers while shooting occasional shots at them.

Finally reaching the wall the Bohemian troops first sent a volley of fire arrows over the wall while others were bringing in ladders to climb the wall. Within minutes a hard fight over the wall ensued but the well trained and geared Bohemians quickly managd to dispose of the ragtagged defenders. With the corpses being thrown down the wall into the city the Bohemians rejoiced in their victory in the battle of the wall while the city of Prague was burning in the back ground. Soon battering ramms were in place were the Prague militia still managed to defend the gates and broke through, opening the way for the main army. From there on it was an easy campaign. With most of Prague`s defenders killed at the wall the Bohemian forces met little resistance when retaking the city with their full might. Many of the defenders just gave up at the sight of the Bohemian columns marching through the opened gates and narrow streets, killing everyone who dared to oppose them within this burning city.

Soon the city and the surrounding areas were under Bohemian control once again. Immediately the Bohemian forces began to restore order in the city and rebuild the parts that were destroyed during the attack. Also, a real witch hunt for those who were infected by the plague began. The priests claimed that this plague was the punishment from god and would only befall those who were great sinners. The bodies of those sinners and their living places were usually converted into giant pyres for the dead who weren`t disposed off yet.

Southeast and North of Prague

While the main army had made it`s way to Prague, 2 much smaller sections had been going north an east to restore Bohemian rule in the lands. They weren`t as mercilessly as the main army and consisted of very friendly soldiers who had been specifically chosen to win the people`s hearts. As most of the regions they came into had fallen into anarchy they were very successful in spreading their message of order and prosperity. The people also had remembered that they had once been part of the Bohemian Kingdom and didn`t even remember it as a bad time since everything they encountered ever since it fell apart was the plague and raiding bandits claiming themselves to be Lords or Kings.

by **Orthodox States** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 10:10 am

The Great Mongol Tribes

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The Horde Awakens!!

In the southern tribe, members of the army are doing their daily manly things, such as hunting, wrestling, and practicing their weapons like their bows and swords. All of a sudden a order sounds for the men to assemble. The men assemble in a single file line and await what announcement or punishment they are about to receive. Finally after a few minutes the southern tribe leader appears and announces to the men that the policy of expansion of the clans will be announced and held today.

"My horsemen! We know that today is the day that the policy of expansion will be discussed, and whenever or not we shall send a diplomat to the west when we grow powerful enough. I will be voting for the annexation of the south and take the eastern ports. If we have to go annex the eastern regions, then i trust all of you will fight to the last horse!.

The line of horsemen shout and cheer for their Tribe leader, and praise Tengri for their future victory.

later...

In the make shift camp in one of the provinces of the horde, the tribe leaders attend the 2nd discussion on expansion. The 1st discussion happened years ago when they annexed Portions of Siberia. There is 5 Tribe leaders, to prevent a tie. Each Tribe leader will present their idea and explain why they want to expand and how that expansion will aid the rest of the tribes. Finally the first Tribe leader goes up in the middle of the camp and announces where they are expanding.

"My fellow tribes, I question why we aren't looking down east and exploiting the rich provinces of the Manchurian? Many of their cities have valuable goods needed for the tribe. This would not only give resources that we can trade to other nations, it would let us gain access to ports, so we can build a navy and so we can send ships to go explore the seas. That is why I propose we annex the region of Manchuria. However, this will take time, and many soldiers will die in the resulting battles." -The Southern Tribe leader (Khan Ganbaatar)

"Oh sure, the east is great and has ports, but what about our brothers in Central Asia? Our Turkish brothers have been converted or worse, and the Tartars have all gone and went somewhere west. Our conquest of the past have displaced our brothers and we have been weakened as as a result. We should expand north into Siberia to get more land for our livestock, while having minimal loses from battles." -The Northern Tribe leader (Khan Otgonbayar)

In the voting, 4-1 the Tribes obviously wanted to annex the eastern regions occupied with the Manchurian. How the tribes will handle with the Manchurian will also be discussed once the lands are annexed. Meanwhile the tribes will be trying to expand their ranks and get ready to annex cities in Manchuria. However, obviously this cannot all be annexed all at once, and the armies of the Tribes will take some time to get there.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Obviously such a glorious cause of our tribe to annex parts of Manchuria should not depend on the other tribes!" said Khan Ganbaatar, who decided to, against the tribes wisdom, attack his portion of Manchuria. As a result, the eastern tribe also disobeyed and went across to attack their portion of Manchuria.

Khan Ganbaatar decided that in order to annex his portion of Manchuria he must have a unified army on the march and have 2 groups in battle, the 2 group would total 1000 men total. As the soldiers traveled they raided the countryside and took livestock, murdering most of the villagers from the surrounding rural areas. After a few days the army finally found the tribe that controlled the region. It was a wooden fort with archer nests but it was relatively well defended. The 1st group went to besiege the front of the camp while the 2nd group went around the castle to its back.

After a few moments the archers on both sides shot at each other, causing the 1st group to lose 35 men in the first engagement, while the enemy lost only 20 men. Meanwhile in the back the 2nd group had built makeshift ladders for the soldiers to climb up the walls and open the gate. The ladders were made in a hour so they were very weak and fragile. The archers went up first, then the light infantry, and then the heaviest infantry. Meanwhile the Archers shot at them, causing the 2nd group to lose a total of 54 men from the enemy archers. After the back wall was taken the 246 men on the wall split up to go left and right. The archers in the archer nests fought but were cut down. Once the walls were taken, the gates were opened for the 1st group. By now the 1st group had lost 135 men from archer fire because of lack of defensive measures. As the Mongolian archers shot from the walls at the now wavering Manchurian infantry, The combined Cavalry of 600 poured into the castle and shot at the already fleeing spearmen.

The aftermath of the battle was chaos, as the Mongolians killed all soldiers who defended the fort. Khan Ganbaatar also suffered a wound that was caused by archer fire. However, the province was won, and the Mongolians had praised Tengri for their honorable victory.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, The Eastern Khan sent 1000 soldiers to annex the port city east of him. The army went across the province to find a poor, hungry, and almost decayed village. When asked about the village the mayor told the Khan that the previous winter had taken a heavy toll, and with the bandit raids his people have been in the worse state they have ever been. The khan proposed that if he can annex the city then the village will be protected from the bandits and be given food. The village was annexed that day after a few hours

by **Tracian Empire** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 11:42 am

The Despotate of Morea
Δεσποτᾶτον τοῦ Μορέως
The Despotate of Trebizond
Δεσποτάτο της Τραπεζούντας
"Θα επιμένουμε"
"We will persevere"

Cyprus, the Despotate of Morea

The Morean soldiers sent in Cyprus successfully accomplished their objective. The Greek population rose in rebellion against the Catholic rulers of the island, and a week later, the combined Morean and rebel forces destroyed the few Catholic loyalists near Limassol, the same place where a few centuries ago, the Crusaders destroyed the local forces, taking control over the island, with only a few hundred losses. With Alexander Kantakouzenos ruling over the island in the name of Despot Theodore, Cyprus now belonged to the Despotate of Morea.

Central Greece
Moving fast, the Morean troops managed to gain a pretty good piece of land before the Ottomans arrived, losing only a few hundred man in some small battles with the local nobles. The population, scarce as it was, welcomed them as liberators.The island of Corfu was also brought under Morean control. With this, the entire Greece was now shared between the Ottoman Empire and the Despotate of Morea, its vassal.

Trebizond, the Despotate of Trebizond

A month after their arrival, the Morean agents managed to instigate a coup d'etat against the Emperor, Alexios IV. Rebel forces, under the command of Manuel Palaiologos, stormed the palace, killing Alexios, and after taking advantage of the pro-Palaiologos feelings of the people, Manuel crowned himself Despot of Trebizond, marrying the daughter of the now dead Alexios. In the following weeks, the few locations of loyalist resistance were destroyed, bringing the entire Trebizond under the rule of Manuel.

Messages were sent to Constantinople, in order to inform the great Sultan Bayezid that Manuel was ready to swear his loyalty to him, and that Trebizond will pay a tribute. Still, Manuel and his people were fully aware that they had to strengthen their Despotate. The best way to do this, was to expand in the surrounding areas. A few small armies, totally numbering not more than 4000 men, left the Despotate to attack the small Turkish emirates that were standing between Trebizond and the Ottomans. A small group of people, numbering only 200 men, led by a trusted Morean officer, left north, heading for Georgia, in order to see for themselves what the situation in there was.
http://imgur.com/khWK4wy

by **Togeria** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 3:40 pm

Changing Times

Domestic Policy
Days after the conquering of Rome were spent in glee and celebration. His men had done it, he had done it, Rome the once all powerful capital of the Christian World now shined under the banner of Islam. This was not the final step however it was thing to take territory and another to defend it. The duchies of his land had sworn their loyalty to him and with this he would bolster his forces to defend the homeland when so need be. Even now he had his ministers go around the land and tally the total population of his conquered lands. That was not his only objective in the wake of his conquest many parts of Rome were destroyed, luckily they were easily repairable and known of the landmarks were seriously damaged. At this however he made it clear of his intentions to Muslimize the Vatican and bring it under Islamic Influence.

Lastly he had his men scatter into city after city to encourage settler states to migrate there unless of course they worked farms. On the coast he encouraged trade to fund the state while also making sure to keep his oath to the Hasafids and have some merchants sail to their lands as well.

Ending Isolation
He long suspected of the isolated state of Europe and to its extension Italy. With Rome under his rule the question came who would know of his dynasty and their work. On this fear along he assembled a collection of 30 men who's skills varied from sailing, navigation, horse riding, and map reading. With this he would give them enough coin to sail to other nations as well crop to feed themselves. He called them his thirty messengers and their missions were to head to the north, south, east, and west of Europe to tell that Rome has been refounded and its glory and prestige reigned over the peninsula again. At this he would give word that if any ask who accomplished this his words would be Rome has been refounded and seceded by...Aymendian Empire.

Name Change
As the empire grew it was clear something greater and more awe-inspiring then Moorsia would be needed. This was done in part to show an evolution of the state and in part to sound more appealing and mystifying to Western settlers. At this the state was renamed Aymendia the capital Rome would be allowed to keep its name instead changed slightly to the more Arabic sounding, Ruma.

by **Maljaratas** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 4:05 pm

Greenland and beyond
Journal Entry
The voyage to Greenland had been cold. Although everyone knew Greenland was cold, everybody was too frozen to think of anything more desciptive. They made contact with after reaching Greenland, they had sailed along the coast, from the North-Western most town on their old maps. Most were abadoned. The few remaining towns were in the warmest parts, with very good land. These towns all agreed to join Iceland, provided some autonomy. Must remember this when we return home, we can make more farms.

Refugee Voyages
250 from Sweden
100 from Ireland
500 from Scotland
Total: 850

OOC: Claimed the 4 Greenland provinces on map. For the refugees I did basic math for 1400 with 95% population missing.

by **Bill Cosby Island** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 6:46 pm

The Tokhtamysh Khanate- The Wolves of Europa!

The Dneister Delta

A huge fleet of leaky rafts drifted across the river. Horses were forced down and tied to the rafts by their legs, and men sat in eachother's laps to save room. The waters of the river were a very dark blue, moving slowly and smoothly as the flurry of wood, man and horse was carted back and forth across it. This arduous task would take all morning.

Kashin Khan was sitting in a makeshift tent. It was a small canvas thing with a table and some blown out candles, nestled in the Bessarabian woodland that surrounded the deep blue river. He would be one of the last to cross the river, as he was busy writing letters to foreign Despots and Sultans, namely the ones of Greece and Turkey respectively. Their realms had promised to help him in the destruction of the Neo-Byzantine state, on one condition- the cities of Vosporo and Kaffa, as ethnically Greek cities and strategic trade ports, would be ceded to the Despotate of Morea, a vassal of the Ottoman Turks. Such a deal seemed reasonable- the Tatar peoples of the peninsula, who would probably cooperate with Kashin against the Neo-Byzantines, were mainly in the north, and the southwest was more densely-covered with towns than the southeast which Kashin had promised to give to the Greeks. After all, what Kashin needed for his realm was manpower and settlers for the European continent. Trade cities under another country, especially a friendly country, were no bother to him so long as his merchants could trade in said cities.

He was writing a letter to confirm such a beneficial deal and make sure that his allies to the South would be able to assault forts in the Crimean Peninsula along with him. His army had ten thousand men, and would pick up perhaps a few thousand more from the local Tatar tribes. Over the next few days they would be travelling and ferrying over the Dneiper as they went before meeting with locals of the peninsula to plan an attack.

by **Bill Cosby Island** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 8:00 pm

The Tokhtamysh Khanate- The Wolves of Europa!

Saky, Neo-Byzantine Empire

Kashin and his top generals moved quietly across the field on their horses. The sun was just about to make its final move under the horizon, turning the dark blue sky into black. The ground was poorly illuminated, but the dimly-coloured figures of trees, grass and tents in the distance could be seen. The Khan was dressed in a thick fur coat and a fur cap to stay both warm and smart-looking for this important meeting.

The horses moved towards a large fire surrounded by what looked like a dozen large tents. Around the fire sat huddled families of nomads, all talking and laughing around the fire as they waited for the spit above the fire to finish cooking a decapitated goat body. They were pretty similar to people you'd see in Ukrainistan- they spoke in a tatar dialect Kashin and his men could understand easily, they dressed like Ukrainistanis and ate a lot of wild game. If Ukrainistan were to conquer this peninsula, the Tatars of Crimea would make a loyal addition to the cavalry and local government of the region. Kashin waved to the families before heading to the largest tent, which was positioned directly in front of the fire. That tent housed the leader of this nomad camp, who had arranged to see the commanders this very evening.

The local Tatar leader had round, light blue eyes that stared into Kashin's. They both bowed to eachother, and the leader gestured for Kashin's men to take a seat on the cushions that sat in a row on the tent floor. "I am glad you have arrived", he said ,"it interests me that you have come to see me on such an insignificant night as this. Do you require my aid for something unconventional?". Kashin nodded ,"Yes, we do. We would like military aid from your men against the Greek rulers of this peninsula. If your loyalties are with him, than we shall march on towards the capital without you but not harm your tribe."

The local Tatar leader was surprised. Clearly he had not heard about the armies advancing towards the Crimean Peninsula, which was not surprising given his people seemed rather independent of the rest of the world. If they did submit to the king south of them, it would only be nominally. "This seems like a very... interesting journey", said the Crimean leader ,"But what would be in it for me, or my tribesmen for that matter?". "Well", Kashin replied ,"How do the local Greek rulers treat you?". "They don't even write to us", said the Crimean ," all they do is make us pay a small amount of tax each year, and they don't even notice if we don't pay it every now and again. I think they have bigger problems than my people, and I don't see why that should change." "Well", said Kashin ,"Given you are a Tatar tribe who follow the teachings of the prophet, I think it would make sense to give you local governance of the Peninsula should you help us. You and your tribe would become very rich off this, no?". "You make a very enticing case now that I mention it", said the Tatar leader ,"I am assuming we would get a large amount of revenue from trade and taxes and give a portion of it to your treasury?". "Yes, that is true", said Kashin ,"and I would be open to negotiation regarding this portion within reason." "I like your ideas", said the Crimean, scratching his chin ,"I guess we will help you, and we can negotiate the exact details tomorrow. I'll lead you south to the capital with my tribesmen tomorrow- I'm pretty sure a large band of then are going to arrive back from a hunting trip tomorrow morning." Kashin got up and bowed once more at the Crimean. "Thank you for your time", he said before walking out of the tent with his men over to their horses.

Europe: The Dark Continent (IC)

In Iceland

Iceland

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