Roleplay of the World 1252 (IC, Open)

[The Holy Dominion of Inesea]

Kiev, Kiev

Dear Baron Oleg
From Tiberius Titus Constantius Augustus Caesar
Dear Old kievan friend, If you remember so many years ago you offered me many skilled mercenaries. I have finally come for need of them in the threat of Ayyubid Invasion, Name your price and it will be done, Nothing is too expensive to save this last Christian stronghold.
DEUS VULT!

To Tiberius Titus

For the price of 500,000 Zhyoltis and accepting an Exclusive trade Deal with Kiev, we can send 200 Ships and 15,000 Soldiers.

Kaniv, Kiev

General Markov watched as the city burned. From high on the hills on the Kievan side of the border, he gazed upon the falling Pereyaslavl. A massive rebel army, the Federal Army, was besieging the city. And the city itself seemed to have revolted against the King. Throughout the Civil War, Kiev had maintained a obtuse viewpoint. As the Federation expanded, Kiev allowed same rights to people. As the cities fell one y one, Kiev did not act. But now the threat was too close to home. Pereyaslavl was a mere 86 kilometers from Kiev. Kiev, the Royal City and birthplace of the Rus. Kiev was not going to let a large army attack and siege a city so close the Heartland unwatched.

So here General Markov and the 1st Kievan Regiment waited and watched. If the Pereyaslavite Army moved to close to Kiev, 15,000 men would rain upon them. The 1st Kievan was composed of the 1st Kievan Infantry Great Company, the 3rd Kievan Infantry Great Company, and the 2nd Chernigovan Calvary Great Company.

A rider rode up to the General and handed him a letter. Markov opened it expecting order and paled. His Subordinate, Baron Shtaka, asked what happened. Markov replied, "We are to rescue the Pavel."

[Kavantye]

Székesfehérvár, Kingdom Of Hungary

"what Strides we have made, my brothers and sisters rejoice to another Glorious year in the Kingdom of Hungary" He raised his goblet in the air. a toast was raised All of his closest friends and family as well as his vassals and nobles paid their respects to the king by kissing his ring
"my liege, most Venerable leader Anasztaz Dunai of The kingdom of Hungary , shall i show you to the council of the elders."
Anasztaz Dunai leaves the throne, and enters the council for the first time. He thought of his gratitude tword his father whom died during the annexation of Moldova and whos orders were to cede the throne to Anasztaz for he was a far more benevolent and competent ruler than any of his other sons.

[Pavlostani]

Pereyaslavl

"Son of a Catholic whore!" Chernov felt a blade brush against his back. He spun around and stabbed the Pavelite soldier between the eyes.

"Behind the barricade!" Zholkin's men were dying, the professional army was quickly overpowering them. Heinrich von Kohlenstoffburg did not suffer fools.

"Kohlenstoffburg!" Chernov roared. The mercenary general turned to see the Federation soldier advancing, a steel flash through the air in front of him cut down soldiers.

"General Chernov. Where is that frightful Alexeyev or your pet Ax?" The German general turned to the Federal.

"I'm here!" Kovalenko protested.

"Our friend Alexeyev is dealing with Lannister. Have you wondered where your support is?" Chernov gave a wry grin.

"Damn him, and you!" Kohlenstoffburg swung his sword at Chernov which the Russian parried, then thrust at Kohlenstoffburg. A rock flew overhead and demolished a building nearby.

"Damn!" Chernov exclaimed, then slashed Kohlenstoffburg's chest. The German looked down at a long red scratch.

"'Tis naught but a flesh wound." He shrugged the wound off then wildly swung his sword clanging off Kovalenko's armor.

"Ack!" The exiled general stumbled backwards, noticing a laceration on his arm. Kohlenstoffburg swung again and disarmed Chernov. The Russian fell backwards into the barricade, and by sheer luck found a war hammer. He saw the fear in Kovalenko's eyes, the Army vaulting over the barricade, and Zholkin's rebels pushing back.

"Anton Kolinski!" Chernov swung the hammer, and to his surprise, felt Kohlenstoffburg's chest implode on contact, the ribs crushing inwards, stabbing into the heart and lungs they sought to protect. The German gasped, and stared at Chernov's cold blue eyes.

"My lord... victory to you." He whispered with the last air in his lungs, and expired.

Russo-Kipchak Federation
Near Caspian Sea

"Pirates!" Oleg Karichnekov pointed. A motley fleet approached, a flag overhead.

"That ain't no pirate flag. Those are Khwarezm. What are they doing this close to the border?" Gavroche Thenardier, the son of a French merchant noted.

"Nothing good." Karichnekov fretted.

[Mauretania Tingitana]

Marrakech, Almohad Caliphate

The Almohad caliph was getting ripe in his old age. His dream of Andalusia firmly under Almohad control had been realize. Now all that remained was the eyesore known as Carthage. For years it had evaded his grasp, and no matter how many sieges were begun, nobles kidnapped or caravans raided they continued to survive, if not thrive. But this time, by Allah's sweet mercy, the caliph would crush them once and for all.

A message was sent to the Abbuyid Caliphate.

Peace be upon you, dear brother. I seek an Almohad-Abbuyid alliance against the cursed infidels of Carthage. Once the city is taken, we shall divide the land and spoils. What say you?

[Elerian]

Marrakech, Almohad Caliphate

The Almohad caliph was getting ripe in his old age. His dream of Andalusia firmly under Almohad control had been realize. Now all that remained was the eyesore known as Carthage. For years it had evaded his grasp, and no matter how many sieges were begun, nobles kidnapped or caravans raided they continued to survive, if not thrive. But this time, by Allah's sweet mercy, the caliph would crush them once and for all.

A message was sent to the Abbuyid Caliphate.

Peace be upon you, dear brother. I seek an Almohad-Abbuyid alliance against the cursed infidels of Carthage. Once the city is taken, we shall divide the land and spoils. What say you?

The Caliph not wanting his general to have all the glory of the sacking of Carthage had met up with the army bringing much needed supplies and an extra 3,000 men. The men he brought were the elite guard mainly for the protection of the Caliph but also as shock troops on the front lines. He received a letter from the Almohads separated by only the Carthaginians the Caliph wished to bridge the gap and reunite the two Muslim brother countries. The caliph ordered a letter be sent to them this letter stated:

To: Almohad Caliphate
From: Ayyubid Caliphate
My brother we will ride down these infidels with you we are already approaching the city of Carthage. If you do not hurry my brother you will your blade will not taste their blood. Come as soon as possible for we cannot wait for long.

The Caliph was not much of a fighter nor a effective tactician so he left that to Al Adil his more than capable cousin. On the way to Carthage the Caliph was reading a book about a unit of Persian fighters named the Immortals and how they were the elite troops much like his bodyguard. Upon his return to Alexandria he would reform this elite unit as his personal guard and unstoppable force.

[Pavlostani]

Pereyaslavl

"Pickerin. They are coming." Pavel stood on the steps of his mighty palace, looking through a window at the warfare on the streets below. The Lord Chancellor Pickerin observed the battle with a sour expression.

Streets of Pereyaslavl

Chernov retrieved his sword, and looked down at Heinrich von Kohlenstoffburg's body.

"The son of a bitch had it coming." Kovalenko sighed. Kohlenstoffburg's mercenaries had broken, and were fleeing. Chernov winced, they were headed to Kiev.

"Enemy marksman!" A soldier shouted. Chernov spun around and saw a crossbowman high up fire a quarrel at him. Before Chernov could react, a man through himself before the bolt and cried out as it plunged into his leg. Three archers fired and killed the crossbowman.

"You there!" Chernov ran over to the fallen warrior and wrenched the man's helm off. White hair and startling blue eyes looked at him.

"No... no!" Chernov gazed into Kolinski's face.

"Goddammit son, I'm fine. Someone get me a crutch and something to put on this wound!" The rebel leader snapped.

"Lord Kolinski, why?" Kovalenko ran over to his former subordinate.

"Because my leg fucking hurts!" It was all Kolinski could do not to scream.

"No, I meant why did you sacrifice yourself?" Kovalenko clarified.

"Chernov's a good man. Besides, its just a leg wound. I've never seen anybody die from a simple leg wound, unless it got infected. Which is why we have medics, dammit." Age had made Kolinski irritable.

Two rebels got a litter for Kolinski and carried him off.

"Always liked the man." Kovalenko laughed. Both soldiers were shell shocked and didn't quite realize that Anton Kolinski had almost sacrificed his life to save Chernov.

"Let's get that son of a bitch Pavel." Chernov turned to the palace. Zholkin's rebellion had pushed south towards Lannister and Alexeyev.

"Lannister will be busy fighting on two fronts. Let's go." Chernov and Kovalenko ran to the palace past the dead or dying.

"Ready to make history?" Chernov asked.

"I made history thirty years ago." Kovalenko snapped, and then they shoved the doors open.

Alexeyev-Lannister-Zholkin Conflict Zone
Pereyaslavl

A mace took Alexeyev's bannerman by surprise.

"Damn!" Alexeyev growled, and hacked down one of Lannister's men. A great horn went up.

"That's from the palace! Something is happening!" A soldier cried. All fighting stopped and the soldiers, rebel and mercenary alike turned to the palace, waiting and wondering what was happening.

[The imperial canadian dutchy]

Emperor Tiberius sat in his study disheartened with the speed of the Ayyubids advance, decided because of his reacceptance back into the church of the Romans, to request help from Christendom to repel heathen Invaders.

To Lords and Ladys of Christendom
From the Catholic Emperor of Rome and Africa
Dear Comrades in the north I assume many of you have heard the cries and perils of Rome's successor, if not currently The Heathen Ayyubids and most probably the Moslems of Mauritania we plead for your support and your soldiers! We Must forge a Christian Kingdom of Africa! We must End the Heathens Hegemony!
DEUS VULT!

Dear Oleg
From the Emperor of the South
We Graciously accept your offer but we would kindly ask how you would like us to make the Payment?

[Mauretania Tingitana]

The raising of the caliph's army from all across his domain had begun. In a few short weeks, thousands would join the call for a jihad on the infidel city of Carthage.

[Valentir]

Imperial Villa, Constantinople, Byzantine Empire
Emperor Titus sat on his balcony of his Villa. Before him lay the vast open seas and his Grand fleet of 250 ships. But it was not enough to combat other fleets in the world so Titus had more ships ordered. And he also had the IBTF dispatch traders and builders into the Middle East to see about creating a Byzantine controlled trade route from the Middle East to India. Titus also had his armies rallied and he sent an invasion force of 30,000 to invade Celicia. And another force of 10,000 was sent to invade Zeta. Meanwhile around the Empire a new Road system was being built. It would be a series of paved roads the would span the entire empire. And in many cities in Anatolia Orthodox Churches were built and new markets and even Banking housing were built. But Titus was getting old and he had to finish his Imperial Project before he died. So he got together his council and they discussed the details. Meanwhile letters were drafted and meanwhile on Crete..............

IBTF HQ, Crete, Byzantine Empire
Chancellor Maximus, the new Chancellor of the IBTF sat at his desk. He looked at the new flag of the IBTF. It was purple and had the letters IBTF in gold on the bottom. And in the center it had the Byzantine Double-Headed Eagle. The flag was glorious and Maximus was delighted. But in the meantime Maximus began to send traders, scholars, builders, guards, and IBTF officials to Antioch to begin building a new trading post there and to strengthen the Byzantine Trade there. And in Anatolia new Trading Posts were set up and in Greece the IBTF began to make ships for the Byzantine Navy. But Maximus thought that making ships was not enough. So he hired 30 Mercenary Dromons and 20 Mercenary Galleys, costing him a good 4000 Imperiums. But Maximus was pleased and sent letters to several prominent leader requesting the rights to build trading posts and merchant areas in cities.

Dear Ayyubid Sultan, I would like to have your permission to build Byzantine Trade Posts in Cairo, Gaza, Alexandria, Damascus, Medina, and Suez and trading ports as well. Sincerely Chancellor Maximus of the IBTF

Dear Pope of Catholics, I, Chancellor Maximus of the IBTF on behalf of my Emperor accept your offer of an alliance. And I would also like your permission to build Byzantine Trade Posts in Rome, Antioch, Jerusalem, Acre, Malta, and also trading ports as well.

Dear Sultan of the Almohades, I would like your permission to build trading posts and ports in Algiers, Marrakesh, Cordoba, Valencia, Toledo, Lisbon, and Granada. Sincerely Chancellor Maximus of the IBTF

[Mauretania Tingitana]

Byzantine Empire

To His Majesty the Emperor of the Romans, the caliph is indeed surprised by your request. Historically our two peoples haven't had the warmest relations. What would you give us in exchange for a centre of trade?

[Valentir]

Byzantine Empire

To His Majesty the Emperor of the Romans, the caliph is indeed surprised by your request. Historically our two peoples haven't had the warmest relations. What would you give us in exchange for a centre of trade?

Dear Almohad Sultan, We will allow Almohad merchants to use our trade routes and cut the tariff of using the Marmara Straits in half, as well as selling you weapons for your campaigns.

[Elerian]

The Caliph's army was 3 days march from Carthage passing by any city instead of attacking to save time and because of the fact that this would soon be the Caliph's territory. As the Caliph wasn't a fighter he would not partake in the coming battle but stay to the side and allow the real warriors to do their duty. He had brought the concept up in a meeting with Al Adil and he was a bit skeptical of it but he would be swayed in time. The Caliph also received a message from the Byzantines. He was unsure if it was a wise idea to let them set up trading posts in his territory as they were infidels but he humored the idea and sent a letter back stating:

To: Byzantine Empire
From: Ayyubid Caliphate
We will only agree to this notion if you give us something of yours in return. So what will you be willing to part with?

[Mauretania Tingitana]

Byzantium

The caliph has a counter-proposal:

A single center of trade will be allowed in Tangier. However, we request the formal assistance of the Byzantine navy in blockading the Carthaginian port in our upcoming war. Should you assist us, full, unrestricted trade access will be allowed in every major Almohad city. Do you find these terms acceptable?

[Valentir]

Dear Almohad Sultan, I will not risk war for the sake of a few more coins in my treasury. Until you can put aside your warmongering and learn how to trade I announce this deal is over. Sincerely Chancellor Maximus

[Valentir]

Dear Ayyubid Sultan, Nevermind, this will go nowhere really, we both know that. Sincerely Chancellor Maximus

[Alleniana]

To King Henry III,
We seek a trade treaty and an alliance. There are many enemies in the world and being so close and both major powers, although in different spheres and ways, we can ally and fight anyone who dares sully us. Trade agreements can also strengthen our economies.
From the Republic of Pisa

[The imperial canadian dutchy]

Centurions Drawing room, Carthaginian Sewers, Carthage,Southern Roman Empire
Archon-Centurion Davos Alexandros Mycean was the Commander In charge of Carthage's first defense the "Catholic wall" which is the largest and most advanced wall also the most manned as the Inner wall or sortie force would be mostly made up of Kievans who will greatly bolster the defenses against the Heathen forces which seek to destroy the last Pillar of True Christianity in Africa, Davos had planned if they are able to defeat the Caliphs forces and the Moroccans than they would seek to Liberate the Copts of Alexandria and the people of Cyrene, He still holds out hope that one or two catholic powers will come to the aid of this Latin Bastion. But Davos was desperate for men and a powerful friend in this war so he began writing a letter to the people who had taken his city of birth....Pisa

Dear: Repubblica Mare Porte Pisano
From the Catholic Southern Emperor
Dear fellow Catholics, I am sure you have received our letter sent to every Catholic Ruler, but since we are truly desperate we require your help most of all, the Muslims Jealous of the Progress of Christianising the people of our nation have started a Jihad or Holy war apparently, So we Beg for your help! in return for helping us we will offer you a large merchant quarter in Alexandria once it is seized, Carthage and Leptis Magna.
Deus Vult Catholic Brothers

[Pavlostani]

Pereyaslav
Palace of the Tsar

"Pavel Pavlovich!" Chernov and Kovalenko stormed into the throne room. Guards instantly drew their weapons, and rushed at the two soldiers. Chernov and Kovalenko spun and cut down two flanking guards, then turned to the approaching. Kovalenko drew his ax and cut one down, Chernov engaged in deadly swordplay with the other.

"Chernov!" Kovalenko cut down a guard coming from behind his friend, then threw his ax, beheading the man Chernov was fighting.

"There goes your little army Pavel." Kovalenko called to the Tsar.

"You fool! Even now, Lannister is destroying your army. Killing me won't do anything." The aged tsar looked down at them with wild eyes.

"Pavel, I know you. These actions of yours, they can't be you in your right mind." Kovalenko stepped up. Pavel's eyes flashed for a second, recognizing his favorite general, then turned cold again.

"Nonsense. It is you who is in the wrong of mind." Pavel snapped.

"There's a beast in every man." Chernov said quietly. "And it stirs when you put a crown on his head." He added.

"Indeed. So, do you want his head or me?" Kovalenko asked.

"Stop!" Two men ran into the chamber.

"Ah, if it isn't Lord Chancellor Pickerin." Kovalenko turned to one of them, then froze, looking at the other.

"I've seen your face before." He whispered.

"I'm afraid I don't recognize you." The man said.

"You're that fellow from Novgorod! You fled here after the Russian invasion. Your name was something like Sergov, or Sertegov..." Kovalenko struggled.

"Sergetov." The man clarified.

"You! You started this mess. You compelled Pavel to invade Chernigov, and in turn to attack the Kipchaks in a blood lust!" Kovalenko roared.

"After Pavel invaded Chernigov, I poisoned his wine in revenge. He should have never helped the Russian dogs. He slowly went mad, and has become susceptible to... suggestion." Sergetov's eyes gleamed with malice.

"Then you are responsible for every death in this war." Chernov stepped to the dais.

"And the Kipchak Wars. Tell me, how is your old friend Tupolev doing?" Sergetov gave a positively evil grin. Pickerin looked at him, then suddenly there was a flash of steel and blood everywhere.

"He's doing great." Pickerin whispered into Sergetov's ears as the Novgorodian bled out. Pavel gave a shout, and stumbled back. Pickering lifted his bloody dagger and stepped towards the fallen leader. Screaming, Pavel grabbed the Great Horn, and blew three blasts, heard across the city.

"Fifty years ago, you sent me on a hellish journey through the Cumani Khanates." Pickerin whispered. "Kolinski was my friend, and ally. You tried to kill me and him at Samara. We survived, and I swore that I would kill you. You seem to be missing your guards now, so it's time for the truth. My name is Ivan Tupolev, and today, I have my revenge." The Lord Chancellor plunged the knife down into Pavel's chest.

[Grand Duchy of Nardin]

Otto Wittelsbach strolled around in his private garden, pondering the plight of the Carthaginians in Africa. Once more he pulled out the letter from his coat pocket and read:

To Lords and Ladies of Christendom,
From the Catholic Emperor of Rome and Africa
Dear Comrades in the north, I assume many of you have heard the cries and perils of Rome's successor, if not currently The Heathen Ayyubids and most probably the Muslims of Mauritania, we plead for your support and your soldiers! We Must forge a Christian Kingdom of Africa! We must End the Heathens Hegemony!
DEUS VULT!

The Duke sighed and replaced the letter, wondering. Their nation had been recently returned to the Faith, as he had. The urge to aid his fellow Catholic rulers was great, and yet many obstacles sat in the way of that aid. For one thing, Carthage was hundreds of miles away, and more importantly, Bavaria was nowhere near the sea. Perhaps an alliance of some sort could be made with a coastal nation. But which?

He began to pace again trying to think. What about Pisa? They had a navy, and he had an army. Why not ask them to embark on a "crusade" together in which to save Catholic Africa? He immediately warmed to the idea, and once again went on a search for his now weary chief messenger, after composing a little note, of course.

To the Council of Pisa,
Greetings to you from the Duchy of Bavaria!
As I am sure you all know, Carthage has been attacked by the heathen Ayyubids and their rabble of allies. I propose to the honorable members of your council that we work together to save our brothers in Faith, before they are overrun. I would ask that my armies would have passage through your lands and access to your fleets, all of course will be paid for. We must act quickly, for if Carthage is destroyed, who will be next?
Hopefully awaiting your reply,
~ Otto II Wittelsbach, Duke of Bavaria

[The Holy Dominion of Inesea]

Mediterranean, C Day-2

The armada was composed of ships recently stripped from Byzantine Ports. The soldiers were either Pact Security Officials, or troops brought in from the north. It was what appeared to be a large flotilla, but any true naval tactician could see that it was truly not what it appeared. The core of the fleet was composed of 25 Navee transports and cargo ships. These bulky ships had little protection, and hence were most protected. Around them were the raiding ships, the Snei and Snekka. There were about 100 of these longships, varying from 40 to 100 men each. And around them was the combat arm of the fleet, some 100 Galleys and Hulks. Not large, not large at all, but more than sufficient to handle the Heathen navies. Two days out was the fleet. Two days......

[Ogedei Khan]

Somewhere east of the Byzantine Empire

"Khan!" The outriders returned.

"What news?" Ogedei Khan turned to the approaching riders.

"The Golden Horde has fallen. An alliance known as the Pact has decimated it." One of the riders informed the Khan.

"I see." Ogedei mused the information.

"Ready the cavalry. If our allies from the north won't help us take these Byzantines, then we'll have to do it alone. This Europe shall soon come under Khanate power." Ogedei gazed over the land, land that he knew he would one day own.

[Alleniana]

To the Duke of Bavaria,
We are interested in your proposal. We would be willing to embark, along with you army, on a Crusade to Carthage. We own all the islands excepting Malta in that area of the Mediterranean, and they can be used as a base for the retaking of Carthage. Our ships will be at your service, and we will make sure that they are available at a low price. We will send an army of around 25,000. Can we ask how large the army you propose to send by our ships is?
From the Council of the Republic of Pisa

To Kiev,
We have recieved information that you are hostile to the Byzantine Empire. They are not our best friends either, despite having granted us a small treaty, and we are offering our help should war erupt. In return, we would like some of their land, but no more than that. Is this acceptable?
From the Council of the Republic of Pisa

[G-Tech Corporation]

Estes Border

The clamor of clinking chainmail and the the slap of leather harnesses on horses filled the air, and Duke Imshav Gorin shifted in his saddle, taking the weight off of his bad right leg. Today began the final chapter of the remnant state that clung to the borders of his lands; the Imperial missive allowing him to make war upon Estes had arrived a fortnight ago by courier from distant Moscow, and now the assault could begin. Trumpets blared briefly, and then wardrums beat out the rhythm of the advance. The few former Imperial soldiers that were the heart of his army advanced in lockstep formation, while the peasant-levies and men-at-arms tramped in a loose order across the border. In time the local lord would know his lands were under attack, but Imshav wasn't worried. Estes had been nothing since it had been invaded by Sweden in his Father's day, and even now it was nothing but a sad land of hovels and impoverished pagans.

Nilsky Novgorod, Novgorod Province, Great Russia

Whisks of steam hisses from the mold as Zloety poured the molten gold alloy into the shapes in which it would cool. How curious, to see gold in the shape of a coin instead of the silver he had seen over his entire lifetime. But the mint orders had been cleared at the highest level by the Master of the Imperial Purse himself; trade between nobles and wealthy merchants had grown to such a degree that a more valuable currency was needed, and these new Golden Grivnas would do the trick. Each was worth approximately fourteen Grivnas- they had a thin nickel coating over the gold layer which he still had to add to protect the coin, and a silver core for weight and durability, but Zloety was proud to make such a beautiful coin. He stamped the Grand Prince's heraldry on the coin and the mark of the Novgorod mint as the gold cooled, then carefully layered warm nickel onto the work of art before placing it into the strongbox next to him.

Bolghar, Volga Bulgaria

Archduke Petrov Cherenkov stifled a smile as he rose from his low bow; the Emir of the Bolgars was truly fat beyond belief, and the varicose veins and exploded arteries in his face spoke of of opulence unmerited in a ruler. But his smile was not for the man on the throne. No, it was for the willowy veiled figure next to the corpulent sovereign. Abal stood there, his wild rose of unsurpassed beauty; his lands abutted the Russian border with Volga Bulgaria, and a happenstance meeting of the two had slowly blossomed into passion and temperate love. Now the old Bolghar had finally agreed to give his only child to a man of the Rus, after some subtle encouragement from the Grand Prince's ambassador.

Many long-winded speeches followed, but eventually the two left with his retinue and a dowry that filled a caravan miles long. They rode side by side, speaking in low whispers, and then they prayed together in emotional voices, thanking God for concealing her conversion from her pagan father and for the souls of the Bolghar people.

Aralsk, South Caspar Province, Great Russia

The foreign merchant, a short man with what Ivan thought were strange eyes and a odd complexion, jabbered on and on in Persia at the other guard on duty at the gate of the fortified outpost near the Rodinagrad of Aralsk. His companion's face slowly became less jovial and more serious, and Ivan felt his heart sink towards his boots. Eventually the trader's caravan moved on, and Karmenkov spoke to the other guards quietly in urgent tones.

"That merchant speaks of vast hordes of armed men to the east and south, as far as the Silk Road and all along the border. I'm sending you to the Rodinagrad to warn Baron Imres, and get word to the Archduke if necessary. It may be nothing, but I've never known Yui to exaggerate. The rest of you, be on your guard. Freis, Quassam, ride north and south to alert the other outposts. They need to know we might be in for some trouble."

Armored heads nodded, and the Riders were informed. Watches were doubled, and slowly the border area came to an alert. A few scouts were dispatched to the east in parties of ten to assess the realistic disposition of these "large hordes" of men.

[Valentir]

Assabia, Ethiopian Empire

Emperor Assab sat on the throne in his palace. He drank water and ate fine food. He looked over the daily records and read over letters sent to him. Indeed Assab was a busy man. The young Emperor Assab, only age 24, had inherited the throne 4 years earlier. Assab had proven to be a dynamic and skilled ruler. Ruthless and cunning and as well as handsome and a ladies man. But Assab had little time for having intercourse with women. Troubling times had come to his empire as smaller kingdoms had begun to prepare for what expected war with Ethiopia. So Assab was always preparing and watching, being ever cautious with every move. But he had some relief for his army, numbering 25,000 along with 50,000 militia, was strong and well armed. His army had very good equipment and Assab was himself a excellent general. But Assab, always taking an extra step of caution, wanted to increase his army size, mainly he wanted to add cavalry, of which he only had 2500. So Assab and his generals went to his personal military camp high in the mountains above Assabia. But before they left Assab began to start some new building and reform projects. Around Assabia, the capital of Ethiopia, new housing and farms were beginning to get constructed. And along the river Assabli watermills were ordered to be built. Meanwhile deep in the mountains North-West to Assabia more iron and gold mines were beginning to be built and opened. But that was all the attention Assab payed to his people. He was more focused on the military campaigns he had set................

Emperor's Military Base, Mountains North-West of Assabia, Ethiopian Empire

"... And so Emperor Assab if we begin to increase our military numbers and draw their entire army into attacking us across the Assabli River we can destroy their main force and advance into their little kingdom almost unopposed. However we would have to face attacks from the South and possibly the North," said General Malkur as he pointed out his strategy on a map of Ethiopia. The emperor and many generals nodded in agreement to this strategy. But General Solomon disagreed. "No, if we try that then we would be attacked by all sides and would face complete annihilation as our forces could never fight a four front war!" Some Generals agreed and many did not. But in the Ethiopian Absolute Monarchy it was up to Assab to decide. Assab began to speak, "I think that we should increase our military numbers by conscripting and army 5000 cavalry and 5000 infantry as well as 2000 archers, then we can try General Malkur's Plan and see what happens and go from there," finished Assab as he crossed his arms. Assab dismissed the military council and went back to Assabia and his palace.

Royal Palace, Assabia, Ethiopian Empire
Assab went back to the palace and relaxed for a little while. He slept with his mistress Emeylia in his gardens before falling asleep. Later when he woke up he got in some undergarments and went to have tax collectors go collect taxes and tariffs and began to send out his guards to find new mistresses. While this was going on Assab got into his daily attire and went to inspect the blacksmiths and forgeries within the Palace District. Assab walked around the armouries and forgeries. Thousands of weapons were being made for his massive army. Helms, swords, shields, spears, bows, arrows, pikes, scimitars, maces, axes, breastplates, chainmail, and many more things were all being forged. And down in the lower district Assab went to the bustling markets to buy some food for the palace and see what the new clothing in style was. Assab then for the rest of the day went about his daily routine. Finally it was night. And all round the empire the seeds of war were being planted. Assab's plan would happen soon, and he would emerge victorious........

[Mauretania Tingitana]

Every able-bodied man in the caliphate was summoned to join the jihad on Carthage. Though minor garrisons were left to guard the city, a horde of 400,000 troops armed with camels, catapults and ladders had converged on Carthiginian territory, intent on sieging the ancient city. The caliph himself led the charge as they crossed the border and made their way to the coast.