1096 RP (IC, Closed)

[Southern Babylonia]

OOC:

Welcome to our Crusades-based RP!

OOC Thread
Chatroom
Map

ATTENTION: If you haven't read the rules on the OOC thread, or need a reminder, go there.

Have fun, and may the best n00b win!

IC:

Lydiannopolis, Kingdom of Carrolydia
January 3rd, 1096

King Allanius II, the sceptre in his hand, calmly sat at the far end of the table with a broad and welcoming smile in his face. It was a common sign of kindness among Carrolydians for the host, be he king or peasant, to sit at the end of the table opposite the door, as a mark of having the common hostly goodness to not make your guests walk as far to their seats as you. The guests the king so cheerfully housed today were arguably more worthy of this formality than any others; they were the main governors, lords, generals, admirals, clergymen and businessmen from across Carrolydia. With any luck, their meeting today would solidify much and decide their hearts. Once all were seated, Allanius stood up and began the conference.
"Friends, allies, honoured lords," he added the last acknowledgement with a bit of sarcasm, "I bid you welcome to the city of Lydiannopolis with open arms. You may stay here as long as you wish, pleasantly I hope. However, first we must discuss some pressing issues." Feeling his throat dry up, he paused to take a small sip of wine. Some guests imitated him. It was no secret that the king was insecure doing something apart from the group. He continued:
"First of all, I wish to remind you that not everyone at this table worships the same gods. Although we are a Christian kingdom, the people have all liberty to choose their spiritual beliefs. This is a fundamental of a true and proper nation. Recently the rates of tension between ethnic Lydians and ethnic Jutes have diminished greatly, and we have seen increasingly optimistic conversions. But there are those who would deny our people, their people, all people the right to worship as they please. You know of whom I speak. I speak of the Pagan tribes that have raided and pillaged in our lands in the past. We are beset by them to our North and East. But now they no longer dare invade. They think what harm they have done can be simply hidden or covered up. But we must retaliate. We're at a new peak for national sentiment. Our army is composed of a whopping 5% of the population, and these are proper soldiers, with peasant levies not even consisting of half of this. Mercenaries flock to our cause at low prices. And now we'll press the advantage while we still can. Turning to a group of Viking Commanders under the Carrolydian banner, he ordered:
"My allies, for the next 5 months you can freely raid all unfriendly Danish Isles and Islands that you wish, from Anhalt to Bornholm. I wish for you to claim what lands you see fit as well, and generally make an example of these foes. I hope you will not disappoint."
The Viking men nodded complyingly, not making any effort to conceal their joy at finally getting some action and a hefty paycheck. Odin willing, this expedition would bring them great advantages. The king wasn't finished yet, and now addressed the emissaries towards the other end of the long table.
"My friends, the Germanic Christians to our south are in a very tight space and craving for breathing room. I wish yo to travel into their lands, and bring propositions of trade and alliance to those who seem strongest. Be back by summer."
With this Allanius stood up again and raised his glass:
"To freedom!"
"To freedom!" responded the chorus of voices, before promptly emptying the highly decorated cups of wine. With all the tongues slightly freed, the true feast could start.

[The imperial canadian dutchy]

1096
Rome

Bells ring through the city of rome as the new pope Magnus I of Italy is crowned and as the lord protector Tytos IIX is appointed. "People of christendom i bid thee hello my election is for the best for i and only i will be able to bring christ justice upon the infidels of the holy land or killig and coverting the heathens of the north so ibid thee Dues Vult!" The responsee to this godgiven speech was thunderous applauds The heretics would know no mercy all of them would be slaughtered.

The pope stepped back and began to speak with his lord protecter, "good job old man your doing gods work now we disscus what i proposed earllier....." dralled the lord protecter
"yes yes the crusade will happen and when it dose all of islam shall fall to our knees" cheerfuly said the pope "it will be glorius christendom will once again own jerusalem!" cheered the lord protector.

[Ostereichs]

Trayns,Kingdom of francia
January 3rd,1096
As his majesty king sebastian sat on his throne reading the monthly news of the kingdom one of his advisers came crashing through the door yelling:your majesty your majesty,yes peter said king sebastian whats wrong?pagans! pagans! to the east have raided one of our towns
how many dead said the king? 200 women,children and the old have been beheaded.The king with anger said ready the army take 2,000 men
and some calvary we are going to teach them a lesson!just then the minister of money came running through the door my king he said happily
our economy has gained 1,000,000 teils,the king filled with joy said put that money into the navy,education and the church yes my lord said the minister. With the king getting ready to go to the pagans his son cam through the door then spoke:father why do you kill these pagans?
the old king replied:son these people kill our brother's and sisters also they are hated by the lord, father can i help you said the prince? my dear son said: the king you are my beloved to me than the world it would pain me if you were slain in battle please for the safety of the kingdom you are my heir my son if i die do not forget me nor will i forget you,then he set off with his army.

[Bering]

Prince Vladimir looked at his assembled advisors, they were the best his nation had to offer and currently they were waiting for a report from the Cossack force that head been sent out to scout the northern border. The footsteps echoed as the men approached his throne room, their were three in all. Two were guards who had been sent to meet the Cossack leader as he had arrived to give the news to the prince in person. The Cossack leader was an older man with graying hair and a large scar across his face from a fight the Prince was sure.
Upon seeing the Prince's nod the man began his report, "It was as you feared the Pagans in the north lands have been killing the faithful," The man said with a hint of sadness. The Northern lands have long been divided between the Pagans and Muslims, many of those who adopted Islam fled to The Sultanate for the protection it offered while others stayed on their lands and lived the way they wished. Now it seemed that the Pagans had begun a massacre of the faithful and would not stop.
"My lord, you know what you must do" his chief Adviser, Ahmed Reznov said, "We must free the faithful from the land and chase out the pagans!"
"Yes, it must be done, I feel the Cossack forces should be enough to handle this matter?" He asked the Cossack leader, The man merely smiled and began to leave. The Cossacks of Slavia had a fierce hatred of the pagans due to the fact that they had been the first Muslim reverts who had been chased out by the old Pagan rulers. Upon the his families conversion, Vladimirs great-grandfather had seized the throne and chased out many pagans which the Cossacks had taken great joy out of it, channeling their exiled ancestors through each battle in the name of the one true God. "Our path is chosen, may Allah protect us in this," Vladimir said.
"How could he not? we are saving his people from the Djinn tricks," The royal Imam Imran Kalashnikov said.
"I hope you are right," The Prince said as we heard the Cossack lord marshal his men for combat.

[Lymantatia]

January 3, 1096 in the capital of Saxonia, which is Wargen

King Nicholaus I watches from his castle Wargen. He later starts work on a factbook on Saxonia. He has an army and galling. His army and galling goes to war. As he starts he is given a pen (quill and paint). Then he starts writing. He says that he will put it in his library. He goes there, and it has 7,200 books there. He is surprised. He does work on the book.

[Halleon]

Kingdom of Normandia
January 3rd, 1096

King Richard of Normandia rode at the head of the army which numbered to a total force of 6,000 men. The Force contained 4,500 spear-men, 950 archers, 400 light cavalry, and 150 Heavy Norman Knight Calvary. Recent border clashes had resulted in the call for invasion for the land bordering Normandia known as the East Midlands. The King's first task was to reclaim what little remained of Free East Anglia, the man that ruled the small area was a Norman Nobleman who had fought beside William during the Norman Invasion of England. After Williams death, the noblemen refused swear a oath of loyalty to anyone that didn't prove his strength, Richards brothers had tried but failed. After Richard had assumed the Throne he had been hard pressed with the numerous affairs of running the Kingdom but now Richard would reclaim this man's loyalty.

Soon the Castle appeared just over the hill as the force approached the Castle, the King was taken aback by the Sight of the Old Nobleman surrounded by his men at arms. The Old Noblemen shouted out a Challenge,"Who goes there and dares trespass on my land, with such a force as thee?"

With a smile on his face King Richard spoke," It is I, your rightful King, I have arrived to reclaim what is rightfully mine." With a gesture of his hand he pointed out his force to the Old Noblemen. Speaking again,"You have reached a Old Age, you might not be able to see that Force before you correctly? It is rumored that you will not re-swear your Oath of Loyalty to none of Williams Children, until one of his sons proves his strength?" Finishing the words with a smile the King waited for the old mans response.

The Old Noble smiled as he reached for his sword, slowly drawing it out, as he swung it over his head. Speaking in a loud voice the Old man sounded determined,"A simple Challenge, he who kills the other will have the rights to these lands?" Before giving the King a chance to answer the Old Noble pressed his heels into his horses side as he charged at the King.

King Richard had his sword out as soon as the Old Noble began to charge, as they got near each each other Richard moved in the saddle to avoid the Slash of the Nobles Sword, afterwards hitting the Old Noble hard in the head with the butt of the sword. Knocking him from the saddle, falling with a grunt the Old Man struggled to rise. Richard pressed the sword to the Man's throat as he spoke,"I have proven my strength, I shall spare your life, but you will swear your loyalty to me."

The Old Noble grunted as he spoke,"Just like your damn father, he once had a chance to kill me but forced me to swear my loyalty to him." With a sigh the man swore his loyalty to Richard and swore the service of him and his men to King Richard. With the task complete the King could resume marching to the East Midlands.

OOC: I'm using this map as a reference and that noblemen's lands are only three states, according to this map that would be what's left of East Anglia)

[Garwall]

Brest, Brittany
Castle of Brest
1096
3rd of January

The grand hall was filled with people, adorned in all manners of clothing akin to that of the Frankish people to the east. A flowing red carpet stretches the length of the central area, richly gilded with golden-colored threading. At the end of this carpet lay a massive throne, flanked on both sides by figures encased in armor, in their hands massive broadswords. It was almost as if he was watching it from outside himself, as a figure proceeded down the length of the carpet. He was young, with auburn hair reaching his ears, strong and muscular body, with a confident stride that begs leadership. Conall approached the throne, and knelt down. What happened next, Conall could not believe. A robed man, aged in years, approaches him, in his hand, a gilded crown worthy of a true King. Around his neck, was the cross that symbolized a man of the Catholic church. The man slowly placed the crown atop Conall's head, as he slowly raised and faced the multitude of people behind him, who began to open their mouths to sound out the triumphant call of honor to their new King...

Suddenly, Conall jolts forward, his chest heaving, drenched in a cold sweat. He grits his teeth, and banged twice on the wall of his chambers. A few seconds later, an armored figure enters the room. "What is it, my Chief?" Questioned the Guard. "Get Old Bran, quickly." The Guard nodded, and departed with speed.

A few minutes later, a robed figure supported by a stick carved of oak shuffles into the room. His face was wrinked with age, his hair grey and sparse. "You called, my Lord?" Conall looks at the man directly. "It happened again." The man's face turned from a friendly smile to a frown. "You mean the one of the crown, yes?" The Chief nodded, pacing back and forth. "I've already been crowned Chief, damn it. Why does this vision haunt me so?"
"It is a sign, my Lord. A vision sent by the spirits of your ancestors." Conall frowned. "And what do my ancestors want of me? I have spent day and night wondering what could have possibly betwixt me, and what the purpose of this vision is. I am lost, Bren. I am truly lost."

Bren shuffled forward, coming within inches of Conall, placing a hand on his shoulder. "My Lord, we have landed on foreign shores. Your Father's land is gone, and we are but refugees floating on a sea of loss and sorrow. But this land begs opportunity, a chance for our people to prosper like never before. The soil here is fertile, the land green." Conall looks at the man, confused. "Does this speech have meaning, Bren?" The sage nods. "You are destined for greatness, my Lord. But what greatness means, you must look deep within yourself for that." Conall nods, sighing. The Druid begins to wobble towards the door. "Now, if you don't mind me, an old man needs his rest, for his duties require much of him. Goodnight, my Lord."
The door closed behind him, and Conall was left in darkness, sighing. He thought of his father, and of his old homeland. "My Father was a conqueror, a true warrior," he mumbled to himself as he attempted to drift back to sleep, when suddenly, an epiphany began to dawn over the young Chief. "The lands here are fertile... And ripe for the taking..." He stood up abruptly, throwing off the blankets that covered his bedding. He quickly laced on a pair of riding pants, threw on a tunic, and strapped his customary longsword across his back, and exited his chambers. "Where are you going, my Lord?" His confused guards asked. "To wake the men. Our future awaits, while these bastards sleep it away." And with that, he set off for the barracks.

[Southern Babylonia]

January 3, 1096 in the capital of Saxonia, which is Wargen

King Nicholaus I is impressed and starts work on a factbook on Saxonia. He had an army and galling.

OOC: At least 8 lines per post please.

[Shnercropolis]

Heraldem Kingindorn, Honnendor
Aughty-en Naeswan (January 3, 1096)
High King of Honnendor's Kingindorn, Nawrwerd IV sat in his stone throne in the stronghold of Heraldem Kingindorn. It was the oldest fort, nearly 300 years old, and still the strongest. The grandike surrounded a hill, a 20-foot-high, 10-foot-thick stone wall with guard towers every 100 feet. Behind the grandike, a village and some farmland kept the rest of the Heraldem running. Then came the granmoat, a 30-foot-deep, 30-foot-wide ditch surrounding the sonswall, which was a smaller and newer wall around the grankeep, where Nawrwerd sat and ruled.

The throne room was not a grand sight, at least not to the "civilized" people of the South and East. The stone seat was not raised at all, but sat at a grand table, where all the heads of state and retainers sat and ate. No banners adorned the walls, and most of the clothing within was either fur or leather. At the moment a feast of deer and bread was being served. The castle guards ate with the king's assistants, and general merriment (greatly assisted by ale) was on. A band played in the far side of the room. Of course, this was official business. Nawrwerd had called them together for a reason, and he needed to announce it before they all became too drunk.He stood up, and shouted in his booming battle voice, "Silence, ye silly dumbledings!" Everyone had a laugh at the king's jest, and shut up. The king then continued, stating, "I have called ye here for the reason of a new edicts to be spread amongst the people." The runners took out pens and paper and nodded for him to continue. The king began speaking in a very officious tone, in order to prove that he was not making laws drunkedly "To this day on for'werd, the troops of the king shall be roused to the south. The march shall be 'till we reach the southlands of Noor, wherin the king's armies shall ravage the land and take it for Honnendor." He paused and waited for the runners to write it all down. He continued, "We march in 3 days. Any Herald that doth wish to join shalt be welcome." The runners completed the messages and stuffed them into their runnderbags, and the merriment continued.

[The Union of Imperial Macedon]

OOC: EEP! I feel like I'm far too excited for this than I should be ...

IC:

Pella, the capital of the Kingdom of Macedon, a magificent city that embodies the glory of Ancient Greece, a center of philosophy and spirituality, yet strong in military traditions that have been passed down and improved upon since the time of the Great Kings. When walking through her streets, it seems like the darkness of the Middle Ages has given way to the enlightened times of the Classical Mediterranian,as philosophers, Priests, and merchants walk and chatter among its pristine marble pillars and masterfully crafted mosaics of both Saints and Ancient Heroes alike. In the courtyard of Pella Castle, an imposing citadel in the center of the city, the Macedonian King Theodosius, clad in royal plate and mail with a flowing royal purple cape, sternly inspects a regiment of Macedonian Infantry, standing at attention, cleanly organized before him, as his son and heir, Joseph I walks out of the castle gates to meet him, he places his fist on his heart in salute and bows before his father. "I am here as you requested, Father, what do you wish of me?" Theodosius turns to his son, " My son, I am placing you in charge of Pella when I leave to campaign against Epirus, you will oversee all matters of the Kingdom, including the council with the Constantines and Allandians, if they accept the summons I have sent them." Joseph respectfully stands before his father and replies with a nod, "Yes, father. I will not fail you." a page brings the Kings horse, a magnificent white steed, possibly from Arabia, to the King's side. Theodosius places an encouraging hand on Joseph's shoulder and says, "I know you won't, son. I have the utmost faith in you.", he then mounts his horse and says, "God be with you." "And also with you." replies Joseph, and the King begins trotting off, followed by a unit of Katapracts and other Macedonian units.

Message sent to Allandium and the Kingdom of Constantinople

"Honorable Sovereign,

With utmost respect, we give you this summons from His Royal Majesty, By the Grace of God Sovereign of Macedonia, Theodosius III, to attend a council in the Royal Capital of Pella to discuss trade relations and a Pact of Mutual Defense. If you accept this summons, you may attend yourself or send a loyal representative with 4 bodyguards maximum, We look forward to your swift reply,

Signed,

Theodosius III, King of Macedonia"

Mobilization

2,850 units of the Royal Macedonian Army

900 Macedonian Infantry


850 Vardariotai Horse Archers


600 Katapractoi


500 Macedonian Guard Archers


Epirus Campaign

Theodosius III leads his Army of 2,850 men to the west of Macedon, into the Barbarian territories of Epirus, the Vardariotai run ahead first to skirmish the barbarians where they can,and raid farms and other infrastructure as the main force plows through.

[Aeken]

Alhambra Palace,
Granada, the Kauqe,
1096,
Januar 6th

Inperialeko Guardia Orokorra(title) Feln gathered to the joint meeting with the Errege Militante Muhammad Agindua, Jihad bastioia, eta Gibraltarian and the Autocrat himself to discuss the expansion of Islamic and Kauqe rule in Iberia. The Islamic Knight of the Royal Militant Order of Muhammad, Bastion of Jihad, and the Gibraltar Imams Younes Dayekh lead the talks, frequently interjecting to the Autocrat's plan.

"But what if we-"

"No. What we need to to send traders in the north to slowly convert Iberia into what it once was."

"How are you-"

"I am confident in my 20,000 strong order, Autocrat."

And with that, chapters of the order where placed throughout the Kauqe, and small northern parts of Iberia(north of the Kauqe). A diplomatic chapter was also sent to the Muslim Slavia, a possible ally for the Kauqe.

[Carathon]

Frankfurt, Imperial Diet - Kurz Imperium


The Diet

Whispers and sayings flew through the air freely as those of blue blood and high standing chattered among themselves quietly. They wondered, why were they here, why had the Imperator called an meeting of the diet? It had better be for an good reason. most thought.


The room was ornate, in an neo classical style similar to many important Kurzan buildings, but this was - undoubtly one of the grandest of them all. It was difficult not to see the tri colored flag flying and the dual headed eagle frozen in an peptural shriek and not feel an sense of pride in Kurz being your homeland.

Watching over it all was an unimagably detailed potrait of what the Kurzans thought themselve to represent, unifyers and protecters of the land between the Rhine and the Order - Lady Germania.

With a soft thud, all eyes looked upwards, at the man with the garnish, yet not too flamboyant cloak and clothing. Jewels sparkled gently off his crown, and his still young face surveyed the crowd of nobility.

SILENCE! He yelled, hushing all those who were still speaking.

Silence. He repeated softly, his steely grey irises lingering over each and everyone of them for an solid minute.

Then with an strong, rousing voice Reinhard Von Ricther IV began his speech, one that would be recorded in the history book and remembered for decades to come.

Dear Friends, gentlemen - sons and daugthers of Kurz. I ask you, do you, do any of you remember, or can even grasp the splendor of our once great nation - the splendor of which was the Kurz Imperium, centuries ago?

Once, the double headed eagle ruled over Germania and beyound. Under our wise guidance, the land prospered and wealth flowed like waterfalls into our cities. Our expansion, our power and our GLORY! seemed..... limitless. But, tragically the age of scientifc progress and cultural domiance ended, our glorious Imperium fell into decay and ruin, as our adminsters, governors and nobility grew fat, fat and greedy off the wealth we had accumlated.

Our wide spreaded Imperium went into an free fall, with an never ending series of rebellions and riots, compounded with the grevious corruption and...greed in the ranks of our peers.

The nobility sunk into their seats under the accusing gaze of the Imperator.

Now the Kurz " Imperium " is a mere shadow of it's former self, barely more then it's original self in 300 B.C.E.

Suddenly the Imperator rebegan in an postive vigour.

But now..NOW we have stablized, our armies are once again strong, and our engineers constantly work on roads and aqueducts to improve our already fertile lands. But we shall not be sated with the temporary hollowness of " stability. " We will use our new founded strength to forge ahead, onwards - onwards to greatness!

On an quest, an glorious grand final quest - not to regain our former splendor - oh no, but to SURPASS our ancestors, to create an all encompassing Empire the likes of which this world have ever seen!

Those pathetic pretender kingdoms, no more civilized then the barbarians our ancestors fought eons ago will be wiped off the face of the planet, and be united under the benevolence of this new Empire.

However, I cannot hope to accomplish this dream alone. I ask you to support me, support me into making fanasty into reality, support me in crushing any who wish to divide us, support our future generations into making an utopia in the likes of the palaces of gods!

Only together can we arch over our foes! Arching over and moving ever...ever onwards! For an all encompassing immortal Empire that will reign across the land until the gods themselves fall from the heavens!

Sieg Über Alles!


SIEG ÜBER ALLES! Was the universal response. The Imperator smiled to himself. The nobles were puddy in his hands now.

Events -

Scouts are sent to neighbouring nations.

The 1st Legion is moblized to reclaim the lands western north of the Imperium, and are sent to fight the scattered cities and counties and bring them into the fold. Three Provinces gained.

[The imperial canadian dutchy]

1096
rome

The barracks of the papal army in rome was a buzz the troopps were being sent out to deal with the princes and dukes around rome. " hello men today you may of heard that we are riding out and we are those insolent bastards south of us think they can remain indepent from god chosen but they cant gods king shall rule all of italy not some but all!" this was met with aplause from the men the lord protector got on his warhorse and prepared to ride south.

men taken 2001
500 dragon riders
509 blacl legionars
700 pike men
300 archers


(taking 5 provices south of rome)

[Garwall]

Brest, Brittany
Castle of Brest
1096
3rd of January

The thump of boots could be heard throughout the city, as hundreds, if not thousands of Madec kin, clansmen, retainers, and sellswords roused from their lodgings. Outside of the city, in various holds and towns, hundreds more awake from slumber as the hastily penned missives travel throughout the Dukedom. Meanwhile, in the high halls of the Castle of Brest, the bleary-eyed Captains, Nobles, and scholars of Clan Madec gathered in the wee hours of the morn.

"Damn it all, Conall. Ye've got us up at a downright unholy hour, you do," growled a particularly pugnacious Captain, who has earned his right to speak a such to his Chief. "Settle yourselves, gentlemen," called Conall, who had ample time to posture himself, and stood at the head of a grand table. "The great ancestors of this proud Clan have come to me, in a vision," he began, eyeing the men around him. "Although we have known little but loss in the years of my Father and myself as Chief, it has been known to me that we are not yet beaten."
"We have been guided here by our ancestors that had fought, bled, died, and conquered throughout the Isles, and built the greatest Clan that we've ever known. We are here for a reason, and that reason is that the Madec name is too large to be scrawled across the Isles. My friends, Spirits' will has made itself evident, that we are to spread our wings, like the Raven heralding great change, over these lands that the cross-people call Gaul. We must strike without haste, and show our people that the Madec name is not cursed."

Conall paused, grabbing a nearby cup, and drank deeply of the liquid inside, presumed to be water. He slammed the cup down onto the table, and looked around. "I have called the banners of the Clansmen, and they are coming here at this very moment." One of the older members of the council interrupted. "And what do you plan on doing with this army you are raising, young Conall?"
Conall had expected this. He was still a green boy, and needed to prove his mettle. "I plan on doing what my father did. What any proud Madec did. Fight, and win." With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the council, and left.

Several hours later

Four thousand Madec Ceithern had gathered in the city, from the outskirts, along with nearly five hundred Gallowglass warriors drawn from true Madec stock. Additional forces were already on their way. Conall sat in a saddle, atop a fearsome brown Charger, clad in mail armor and half-plate, with a sword across his back. Bren was at his side, as he trod towards the gate, his host following loyally behind him. "Wait until the other two hosts have gathered, then direct them southeast, in the direction of my own. See to it that the Nobles are kept in check, and don't burn the city down while I'm gone." Bren nodded, apparently lost in thought. "Must you do this, my Lord?" Conall nodded. "I must find this city, Bren. The city in my vision. I fear that if I do not find it in time, that our people will be doomed." He nodded at Bren, smiled, and picked up speed as the gates began to open in front of him. His host followed behind, as they prepared to set off into the unknown.

[Canadian Davsland]

April 25, 1096. Stockholm.

Falgor the Terrible rode out to greet his troops and civilians with a rousing speech. He stood out in front of everyone brandishing a shiny sword.

"Brothers, today we stand united to unite all of Scandinavia under one people, and one banner. We will fight our foes and come out not only victorious, but stronger. There are people who want to convert us to another another religion, but we will resist them and Odin will protect us. The efforts of the Christians will fail and they will be forced to return to their own lands and deal with their defeats. In conclusion my brothers, we fight for victory, and the defeat of our enemies!"

[Shnercropolis]

Heraldem Kingindorn, Honnendor
Aughty-en Naeswan (January 6, 1096)
After the mustering, there were around 8,000 soldiers in the Honnendin host: 4,000 of the king's men and 4,000 sellswords bought by the Heralds. They now camped around Fort Morth, a small walled-in area with a hold on one end and a watchtower on another. King Nawrwerd opened his tent flap and readied himself for battle in the cool dawn air. The ale from last night's dinner had worn off finally, and he was ready to command. He turned to a runner of his, "Go to the curdler camp and tell them to go and kill any fighting man they see beyond our lands." The runner sprinted off.
--a few hours later, Noor--
the knights and horsemen rode into the green rolling hills of Noor. The heralds had already argued and quibbled amongst themselves how the lands would be split up amongst the houses, so their sellswords were marching off to those areas of the Noorish kingdom. The King had reserved the province where the Noorish king held his seat, and demand surrender. Then the king's host would march to each fort, and demand surrender before the heralds' sellswords broke in. It was tradition to demand surrender before taking any fort.

Nawrwerd sighed. This was going to be a long day or two of riding. Suddenly, a runner approached and pulled out a roll of paper. Nawrwerd called for a halt and said, "Read on, runner."
The runner read, "Herald Nethyn II proclaims that the lands in the east are visible indeed from his future seat of power, for on the coast it be. He wonders if he may have the king's blessing to put his host into the command of his trusted officer and pursue an expedition to yon far coast on a fishing boat, yer highness." Nawrwerd had often wondered what lay there, but was unsure of the water. He asked, "How many men shalt he be takin' with him?"
the runner said, "perhaps 3 or 4, sir. Only the best, of course."
Nawrwerd then proclaimed, "be sent back with my blessing." The runner ran off and the march continued.

[Tskhinvali]

Berlin,Reichpalace,Kingdom of Brandenburg (January 3rd 1096)

"AL HAIL KING FREDERICK!ALL HAIL THE KINGDOM OF BRANDENBURG!"

This scream was heard 3 times in the hall of the Reichspalace.Frederick Stolch had been crowned King of Brandenburg and he was only 17 years old.Immediately after the end of the crownment and the party that followed the King met with his military advisors.At 298 AB the Fied of Brandenburg,Karl Stolch had declared his Fiefdom a Kingdom after the withdrawment of the Kurz Imperium from their area.Now his military advisors had spotted several scouts from the Kurz Imperium which had reformed recently.Even though the scouts were left to think that hey hadn't been spotted an entire parade of the army had been set up for them in order to believe that the Imperial Army of Brandenburg had over 100,000 troops.That was a lie.The Army of Brandenburg had only 80,000 soldiers which were poorly trained.In order to get some war experience the get ordered immediately after his crownment an attack on the independent fiefdoms west of his Kingdom.

Three Days Later(January 6th 1096)
The six Fiefdoms captured by the Kingdom of Brandenburg costed the imperial army 2,000 troops.But the price in blood had increased the experience of the armed forces.A map of the captured territories was posted in every town of the Kingdom.The territories around the Kingdom of Brandenburg which were in pink were the once that had been captured by the imperial army.

[Anitgrum]

Three miles outside Tripoli, Libya
March 6,1096

Marcus Quintus rode out in front of his army. His white painted breastplate glistened under the mighty North African sun.

“The Berber think they can get away with burning and pillaging our lands? Shall we let this vile disease feaster and spread throughout the Republic?”

“No!” The army screamed with one voice.

“We must teach the barbarian their place once and for all by crushing them beneath our heel!” Marcus unsheathed his sword and pointed it toward the east. “Onward for the honor for the republic.”

Two legions and two hundred cavalry marched passed their general. After three solid hours of marching the legions of Marcus finally meet the Berber army on the field of battle. The Berber had gathered a force for all across Libya that outnumbered the army of Marcus Quintus two to one. Undeterred by the more numerous Berber the legionaries formed their line in the shape of a crescent. With the Equites Divina guarding either flank. The Berber deployed a shorter line thicker line of infantry. They advanced forward intent on breaking through their enemy’s center. Meanwhile the cavalry of the two armies clashed on the left flank. The center of the line fell back under the Berber onslaught. The infantry on the flank however quickly moved to the rear. The Berber had just stuck their head in a noose and now Marcus would squeeze the life out of them. After twenty minutes of slaughter the main Berber army had been completely annihilated. The cavalry had long since retreated to fight another day as the last Berber spearman took his final breath. The mighty legions of the republic had only suffer one hundred and fifty casualties. With the opposition out of the way the legions of Marcus Quintus moved to seize Tripoli in the name of the Republic. Much to the surprised of the invaders the inhabitance of Tripoli opened their gates in submission. The battle wary legions triumphantly marched in the city. As the sun set in the west Marcus stood atop the tallest minaret in the city and gazed upon the waters of the Mediterranean.

“I have won a great victory here today but the enemy is yet to be defeated. I still have more battles to win before Libya is pacified. This is merely the beginning” Marcus thought to himself.

[The Knockout Gun Gals]

The Sultanate Manor-Alexandria, Egypt.

Sultan Akbar III, the current Sultan is watching his entire Sultanate. A big, yet massive area, with governors ruled the provinces, the agricultural expansion was almost finished, and the trading ports had been finished. More and more, however, was the news about the minor civillian unrest happened at one of the province. Sultan himself send 2.000 Archers, and 1.000 Shielded Islamists, led by General Ali Imran and General Hakar Imran to quell the rebellion.

"Today, many things will happened, Sultan. In the strange land of Europe, Pagans and Christianity factions waged war against one another. In Arab land, however, The Muslims need a coalition." said Chief Advisor Hakar As-Syura.
"Hmmm......we must be cautious. Strengthen the defenses of the walls that bordered our borders, and send more troops to patrol the borders." said the Sultan himself.
"Yes."

[Sassinia]

Masser, Capital of Massuria/Masseria*, 5:55 PM

The Sultan was just in his Palace, fixing himself up in the mirror, when one of his reporters burst in.

"Hail Allah! O Sultan, a army of Infidel Barbarians have intruded our sovereignty!"
"Very well then,", said the Sultan, "We will crush them with our own.".

With that, he ordered the reporter out and the Sultan walked outside and traveled to the military base, where he commanded 550 Troops to go and fight the Barbarians. Another reporter also said that the Barbarian Army was only about 220 Men, but they were fierce, so the Sultan also commanded another Regiment of 350 to come and wait just in case the main army was losing. Masseria was out to war again.

* Some Historians disagree about the actual spelling of Masseria, some say it is Masseria, others Massuria.

[Aeken]

Barbarian Territories
Iberia
1096
Januar

Errege Militante Muhammad Agindua, Jihad bastioia, eta Gibraltarian sent 2,500 troops into the north, where they came upon the slowly gaining Castillians. They had not yet formed a solid government, but camps like the ones they saw were common throughout Iberia. Archers positioned themselves over the ledge that led over the camp, and readied to fire. The rest of the group flanked the sides of the camp, as the other 2,000 also formed around the small Castillian camps. The sound of arrows flinging out of the bow could be heard miles away, along with the plopping of bodies.

Days later, the AMMAJBEG( ) had captured four provinces on the east coast. The Kauqe in Granada cheered, as they had won a greatly needed victory to make Iberia theirs once again. The Sarri Autocrat Inperialeko Guardia was sent in to stop any possible violence in the recently conquered region as the Islamic order had left to the distant Baleric Islands, where they sought to make a headquarters. A new chapter was also sent to the Sultanate in Egypt, where they thought they could get a reliable amount of support.

[Ostereichs]

Yarmi,pagan duchy of metz
January 7th 1096
As king sebastian's army surrounded the city of yarmi his general louis started to talk of his plan:your highness i recommend that you place the catapults north,south,east and west of the city so when a wall breaks they move all their forces to that wall wile we break the other walls,then we enter from all sides also position the calvary around the woods outside the city so when we need them they will come from all sides.Good plan said the king now all we have to do is send a messenger to the duke of yarmi for his surrender and what if he refuses? replied the general then we kill him and his family now general order the attack!

yes my lord replied the general, then the general had given the order:catapults ready,set,aim and fire,fire at will he said.The general said to the king:do you miss your family my lord? yes replied the king i am out here for them,im here to fight for their future!
how will they live in a pagan infested land it is my duty to protect my kingdom,family and my religion.Yes quit right my lord i bid you goodnight may your rule never end goodnight general the king replied with a smile.

Tryan,kingdom of francia
January 8th 1096
As his majesty was seigeing the city of metz the nobles in francia plotted to kill the king when he came back so that they may gather the money of the kingdom into their own pockets,but the prince found out and hurried to metz were his father was he came screeming:father! father! the nobles are plotting to kill you! the king in shock ordered the general to carry on with the seige and he will return to tryan.
After many days of riding on horseback the king entered tryan and had ordered the city to be locked down,then he ordered 1,000 soldiers to be rounded up and brought to the royal court so that they may face their punishments.

[Zutendaal]

january 3th

Principe Vital I Michele sat on his throne while overthinking his warplans..yes,this time Genoa crossed the line.

Venice and Genoa have been boycotting each other for a long time, so one could finally get the trading monopoly of the mediterranian, but now Genuan ships have intercepted one of Venices largest arabian gold convoy's, killed all the sailors and stole the cargo.

Principe Michele , surrounded by important by dozens of members of important trading families and generals spoke
"They will pay for what they have done. We will block their port and make sure no tradeships can leave or enter their city...they will starve and surrender." He stood up and quickly looked around. then he adressed the generals
"Mobilize our troops. I want 50 gallions patrolling their port at all times and also send a land army through Lombardy. Send 1000 venecian guards, 10.000 foot soldiers and 500 cavalery, and the usual siege weapons with greek fire. If Lombardy tries to stop us, tell them they will be rewarded for their loyalty to us..."
his public had a grim look in their eyes. This decision will be the end of Venice, or the beginning of it's most glorious age yet

january 19th
the port of Genoa has been blocked permanently by Venecian galleons for a week now. although it was impossible to supply such a larg city via land, Venice had send a land army too. They just reached the city, stated circling it and making camps.
the trebuchets where loaded the next day and started firing with rocks at the city walls.
Genoa had tried to break out of the port with dozens of galleons, but they had no chance, because they couldn't manouvre easily out of the port with that many ships.
The admiral of the fleet knew they would surrender in a few day's, at most a week.

january 22th
Genoa made a last puch, this time on land. They opened their gate and released 150 heavy cavalery. they galloped to the siege line and lost a dozen horsemen from incoming arrows, but when they arrived they clashed with a line of venecian guards. they fought long and hard but the venecian numbers won the battle. A few hours afterwards, a single horseman ,unarmed rode from the city to the sieger. It was a message, Genoa declared their surrender. the men all cheered and ran into the city plundering what they could find: jewelry, meat,no,not even the women where spared from the soldiers! The general walked into the palazio to speak with the conquered leader of Genoa about his personal future...

[Kherkov]

Königsberg, Prussia

Rain pattered down on the palace roof. The King looked out of the window, seeing the dark grey sky and the water falling from the heavens. Prussia was a relatively new state; it had only existed for around 40 years. But in that time, it had become a power. The navy was weak, but the army was a force to be reckoned with. 45,000 strong, with highly elite and trained units, the Kingdom of Prussia was pretty much safe. For now. Prussia would need allies. The other Germanic nations to the west would surely expand east at some point, and so allies in that area could benefit Prussia greatly. Niklas decided that Brandenburg seemed like a useful and powerful ally, and so began to draft a letter to King Frederick.

His majesty King Frederick of Brandenburg,

In turbulent times such as these, it is wise to choose your allies carefully. One must choose another nation with the same interests, the same religion, and the same aims. Our nations are both under threat from the other Germanic nations. We both share the religion of Catholicism, and I believe that both our nations will prosper together with a military alliance and trade agreement. Together, we can make ourselves known in Europe, and make other nations tremble at our knees.

I thank you,
His Majesty King Niklas I of Prussia.

The King placed the letter into an envelope and sealed it with wax. He pressed the King of Prussia's seal into it. Niklas then got up and went to his attendants. "Send a carriage and a diplomat. Deliver this letter to Berlin at once." The attendant nodded, and went straight to work.

[The New Lowlands]

Queen Alyssa of Rûm sighed drearily as her advisors, once again, had decided to battle out their differences in her court, in her capital, rather than in the privacy of their own homes. She leant her head on her hand, the small circlet she wore instead of a crown glimmering against her dark hair, and glanced between the two of them.

"My family is at least as honourable as yours!" Screeched Bucephaai Andrei at Bucephalai Marcus.

Both the men, testosterone-ridden loyalists who wanted to reclaim all the world for a new Roman Empire, had been arguing about their family's honour for the last four days. At least.

"Never!" Marcus retorted, "my family is twice as honourable as yours!"

"Impossible!" Came Andrei's reply, "my family is eight times as honourable as yours!"

"Peace..." Alyssa whimpered, slapping both palms against her forehead.

"Well, we have ten times as much honour as you!" spoke Marcus.

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

"SHUT UP!" yelled the Queen, thoroughly annoyed. The steel-armoured Varangians in the room bristled, putting their hands on the heads of their axes as Alyssa glared at the two of them.

She reclined further into her throne, mumbling to herself inaudibly in soft Northern Arabic. Christians could sometimes be most uncooperative; it was a pretence she herself had to live with, though, to be one of them.

"Bucephalon Marcus." The young man jumped to attention, stiff as a board. "I commission you with this; go North with two legions of Akritai and as many of your fellows as you can gather, and subdue the Thracians or whatever they call themselves these days, there. Be kind in if they surrender and show no mercy if they fight; We cannot have them continue to resist us."

Marcus let out a breath in relief. "Yes, milady," he managed to stammer, turning about and running out of the room.

Five-thousand men, a number of archers, and roughly two-hundred and fifty Bucephalai would accompany him. Calculating internally, she noted that it would normally be enough to start a coup; luckily, though, Marcus was still young, loyal, and naïve, and would not think of doing so.

She turned herself to Andrei, an impassive expression on her face.

"Bucephalon Andrei." She began, examining him. His reaction was far more composed; he bowed at the mention of his name.

"You will take yourself and a part of three Westwards, to this 'Macedon' we hear so often about. Hear the King's words. You have permission to speak on my behalf."

Andrei nodded gravely. To be given permission to speak on the Queen's behalf was not a duty to be taken lightly; some would say, even, that it was far more important than subduing rebellious "outer provinces." He bowed once more, turning and leaving the room. Two of the Varangians sealed the great doors behind him.

Alyssa slumped in her chair. Finally, some peace!

[Areas Being Subdued Displayed Here]