Roleplay of the World 1252 (IC, Open)

by **Pavlostani** » Wed May 15, 2013 6:17 pm

Map

It is the year 1252. Europe lies broken after great wars in Byzantium, Italy, France and Pereyaslavl. Now, soldiers tiredly trudge through the mud, as conflict begins to resume. The Great Powers of the Known World have assembled, and nothing is certain except that blood shall run.

by **Transoxthraxia** » Wed May 15, 2013 6:41 pm

King Henry the Third was a king on a precarious throne. He knew this, of course. As he sat in his throne room in London, he thought about how to solve the problem. All of his French Vassals in France couldn't even speak the King's own language. He had thought and thought over this issue. He'd also been collecting information about his vassals. He was worried about their revolt - About their disloyalty in general. However, he couldn't simply revoke their titles and replace them with Englishmen without expecting a full-out rebellion.

He had had this plan in his mind for months. He had hated to do it, but he was seriously thinking of deciding that the cultural gap between the English and the French was too great to ever keep them separate. He would have to merge the two of them, without upsetting one culture or the other. The only alternative was facing a large-scale revolt in France. Reluctantly, he called to his court his expert cabinet - His chancellor, steward, the Duke of Cornwall, and the Duke of Northumberland. He confessed to them that he had figured that there would be no better way to consolidate the large half of the empire that existed to the south of the capitol. Of course, there was outrage amongst the cabinet. Henry had expected this.

"My friends." He started. "Today is the dawn of a new era. My father, the great Henry the Second, was able to not only conquer but keep his holdings in Francia. However, it is clear that, albeit my divine selection, and infinite knowledge, it is clear that the only way to keep the French content is to compromise with them. We shan't abandon the English culture completely - of course we shouldn't. It would be unnatural. However, there must be a compromise between the two cultures if the Angevin Empire is truly to survive the ages. My friends, trusted cabinet. Truly you must be able to see the situation I am in. And fo course, the common people would retain their language, but we, the nobles, would speak another, a combined language of the two. We'd adopt some of their customs, and they adopt some of ours. I shall not give an inch of my - of our land - To the de Valois. Pas un seul pouce!"He sat back in his chair, hoping that the reaction of his cabinet would be more reasonable.

Blois, The Angevin Empire

The Duke of Blois had conflicting loyalties. He was only seventeen, and he had just recently assumed the throne from his now deceased father. So, technically, unlike his father, he had only ever served one king - Henry the Third. But his father had served two - A French and an English. And, of course, the Duke of Blois was a Frenchman. He was nervous, like many of the French dukes under control of the Angevins, that their days were numbered. He had already prepared for the day the Englishman would approach him and demand that his title be revoked. He had been planning this since his fifteenth birthday. And he wasn't alone; practically all of the French dukes were prepared for the same thing. All they had to do was wait until the king made a move against them, and then all of France would be in open revolt against the Englishman. De Blois was ready, and he knew that at least Auvergne and Soissons were ready to follow suite with Blois. Not yet... He told himself. He had to make sure that the King made his move first, to show that he was the bad guy, not they.

Patience. The time will come, he thought. The time will come.

by **Pavlostani** » Wed May 15, 2013 7:01 pm

Pereyaslavl
Pereyaslavl

General Chernov stood on a hill, gazing down on Pereyslavl. Such a terrible city. He mused, staring at the city that was once his home.

"Do we end it today?" The Ax, Chernov's mysterious comrade clambered over the hill.

"I hope we do. How's Kolinski, I heard he was ill." Chernov said.

"He's doing a bit better. He was walking around earlier. His mind is as clear as usual." The Ax shrugged.

"Well, he's an old man. This war's really taken up most of his life." Chernov sighed.

"So, is everything ready?" The Ax turned his attention to the city.

"Pavel's retreated his troops to within the walls. The siege engines are ready, and we have enough rations to last months. Generals von Kohlenstoffburg and Lannister are within the walls as well. Burns is dead, he died at Samara a few years back." Chernov listed off facts.

"Fun. Let's prep the men. We march at sunrise." The Ax decided.

"Hey, why not mention your name to me. It's been almost thirty years, and you haven't answered that question. You're getting a bit old, and I still just call you the Ax. It's awkward to introduce you at parties." Chernov complained.

"Take me to Kolinski. We somehow haven't come across each other during this damnable war. At least, not since Samara, and I doubt he recognized me there. No, his last memory of me would be Luhans'k. I think we should meet again." The Ax ignored the question.

"Dammit, stop reminiscing of your days in the Khanates, we have a war to end. Come on. Back to the tents." Chernov sighed.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Wed May 15, 2013 8:14 pm

The Kremlin, Moscow, Muscovy Province, Great Russia

Grand Prince Alexei Romanov was now old, and his son Dmitri was firmly ensconced in the second half of the dual monarchy, the new fortified citadel of Tsargrad in the former Khanates. Together over the last twenty years they had solidified the Rus hold on her various provinces and conquests, and now the Pact's power stretched from the Baltic to the Artic to the Black Sea to the Caspian with nary an interruption. Time would tell which strength the Rus and their allies would rise to next, but it was sure that such a time would come. Spears rose in the air with a shout as the Grand Prince reviewed the Honored First Muscovy, and beside him the representative of the Patriarch smiled. A new vast Orthodox cathedral would rise near the Red Square, the largest building in the world when it was completed, and Alexei smiled through his salt-and-pepper beard.

by **Elerian** » Wed May 15, 2013 8:38 pm

Carthage-Ayyubid Border
Al Adil the appointed general of a massive 40,000 man army was marching over the Carthage-Ayyubid border into Carthage territory. He was tasked with sacking Carthage and then burning it to the ground. While this was no easy task he wouldn't have been placed in charge had the Sultan have thought he was not fit for the job. His forces had brought a horde of camels packed with loads of food for the journey and along the way they would sack any village, town or city along the way. This would take some time but they were determined to get it done. Some 15,000 extra men were on their way just 2 days behind. They were the cavalrymen of the army the forces currently with Al Adil nearly everyone else was a foot soldier. After that an extra 10,000 would come to reinforce the coastline in case of attacks from the sea. Al Adil smiled at the thought of seeing the Carthaginian king cringing as he and his army raided his throne room.

by **Valentir** » Wed May 15, 2013 8:55 pm

Constantinople, Byzantine Empire
"...And so my people once more we shall rise again and a new era will dawn!!" Emperor Titus yelled from the Imperial Forum in Constantinople. "Byzantium will rise from the ground and be reborn, we are the NEW ROME!!" The crowds cheered as Titus shouted. People clapped and threw flowers at his feet. "We will take back what is ours given to us by god and we shall unleash a New Order of Peace, Faith, and Glory!!" Titus raised his hand and waved to the crowds. He waved and greeted his people. Titus spent many hours giving speeches and talking face to face with his subjects. Titus after the Forum Speech went back into the Byzantine Imperial Palace. He entered his office and took out several maps of his empire and his enemies and allies. Several potential enemies lied in Russia. While many allies lied in the West. Titus started at Kiev, the Evil monster who held a lot of Byzantium ports and had a strong control over Byzantine Naval Bases. This made Titus very mad but he sighed and decided to counteract this. So he decreed that all trade would go through Nicaea and Constantinople and issued a tariff on any merchant who went through the Kievan held ports. Titus also decreed the Keivan Held ports Anti-Byzantine and began to have the Ports in Constantinople expanded and even new one builts. This way the Kievans couldn't hold the Byzantine Trade for Ransom. But Titus had other matters to handle as well. Sicily was his vassal but was breaking free and becoming more independent so he began to have soldiers prepared to move to Sicily to keep them in check. Titus also have 10,000 troops amassed at Iconium to invade Celicia and had a larger force of 20,000 men amassed at Trebizond to invade the Seljuks. Titus then met with his advisers and they all thought it best to ally with the Ayyubids and to increase relations with the Pope. Titus also sent 5000 men to invade Zeta and had his other generals begin to have forces prepared for an invasion of Bulgaria. In the meantime Titus had the Imperial Byzantine Trade Federation move more merchants into the Middle East and had them begin to build Greek Fire Ships. While in Constantinople at the Imperial Arsenal Galleys and Siege ships were beginning to be constructed. Meanwhile in Zagreb......

Zagreb, Imperial Byzantine Trade Federation Headquarters
Viceroy Constantine looked at the map of Byzantine Shipping Lanes. The stretched everywhere except the rotten Black Sea and the North Sea. But these were of little importance. The most important shipping lanes were in the Middle East. The Viceroy looked at Kiev and Pisa, knowing these foolish powers would get in the way of Byzantine Interests. Constantine had 6000 Federation Soldiers and 50 Federation ships under his command. He commanded a sizable army, navy, and had a lot of funds. But this was not enough. Viceroy Constantine ordered that 10 ships and 1000 men go and take over Malta. The force was beginning to be gathered. In the meantime Constantine began to build trade posts in Byzantine lands and sent out letters to various powers.

by **Alleniana** » Wed May 15, 2013 11:58 pm

To the King of Sicily,
We understand that you are under the influence and a vassal of the Byzantine Empire. We are willing to help you out of this position and help you regain your independence which has been lost for some time. If you are interested, we will try our best to liberate you in return for various benefits including trade, alliance and other such.
From the Council of Pisa

by **The Holy Dominion of Inesea** » Thu May 16, 2013 12:04 pm

Royal Palace of The Kievan Rus', Kiev, Kingdom of Kiev

Director Oleg and Grand Prince Arkady peered over a report from the Empire. Gently placing the paper down as to conceal his apparent rage, Oleg addressed his long time pupil and soon to be Lord.

"Grand Prince, I know that this could not have come at a worse time, what with your Coronation next week, but this must be acted upon. The foolish Emperor in Byzantium has reneged upon the Military Assistance Treaty of 1204. Of course, he mustn't have read it very well. He plans to force all trade through Constantinople and Nicaea, or else Tariffs will have to be procured. This, if it is an attempt to weaken our hold on the Ports, is futile, as we are paid by commission, not anything else. As for declaring the Ports "Un-Roman" or whatever they called it, that will have no effect on our trade their, as, well, the Royal Kievan Trade Company has basically withdrawn from all ports except Skyros, preferring to allow local and regional suppliers handle trade. Our merchants bring the products from the Middle East, Europe, or Black Sea to Skyros, and local traders distribute it out. Much higher profit ratio. The only economic threat this could have would be to close the Straits and Marmara Sea."

Arkady nodded and added to that.

"Good Director, very good. From a military standpoint, our base on Skyros can withstand almost any type of siege short of a long term heavy investment. I am ordering protective fleets to be scaled back down and having the excess ships and crews moved to Skyros. I have also ordered all Kievan merchants in Aegean and Mediterranean Ports to come back to Kiev, and having the food merchants sell their wares on Skyros. Likewise, I will order increased wood and Munitions shipments there. In the Black Sea, Crimean and Khanate Holdings are being reinforced. As for the ports, Kievan citizens are being told to come back with their wares and cut off ties."

The door opened and Duke Kolya walked in. He exchanged pleasantries and declared

"The Royal Kievan Fleet and Pact Security Fleet are both being readied. Production at the Odessan, Kievan, and Mykolai Harbors has been increased as well. If we need to break into the Straits, we will be able."

Oleg retorted, "The Straits are free and open. Why would we need to attack them?"

Kolya replied, "They are open for now. But for how long? This new madman of an Emperor will probably attack Skyros and close the Straits."

Oleg, "But surely he realizes that might of the Pact would destroy him?"

Kolya, "Those with lost power forget what they have lost."

by **The imperial canadian dutchy** » Thu May 16, 2013 6:29 pm

Dea 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!

Carthage, Province of Carthage, Roman Empire

Emperor Tiberius stood up in the square of the city of Carthage which had recently endured a baby boom, so there were many children in the square.
"ROMANS!" He bellowed
The citizens now recognizing themselves as romans, did the Roman Salute while chanting "Ave Roma!"
"As, you may well know from the increased readiness on the walls, we are at WAR!" Yelled the Emperor
Small mumbles went through the crowed and a baby cried, a mother then quickly shushing it.
" The Heathen Ayyubids have entered our lands with 40,000 men! with their heathenous souls they probably plan to rape, pillage and destroy all we as Romans have worked to!" Yelled the Emperor with vigour
Yells came from the massive crowed
"And will we let them, Rape our women,And commit Sodomy with our men! NO!" yelled the Emperor
" We will Fight them back for every inch of soil and sand! We will drive them like cattle so far back they will drown in the red sea!" Yelled the emperor again
Cheers came from the crowed.
"So Romans Stand fast! for the enemy approaches do not discontent your selves! Rome will always Prevail!"
The crowed yelled Ave as the emperor walked out of the plaza to the armoury.

Later that day the Black Legion and the white legion were told to train hard and fortify the city and surrounding country side, while the Purple legion was loaded onto the Carthaginian fleet and were told to wait in the sea for further instructions.

Dear Emperor of Eastern Rome
From Emperor of Western Rome
We have a proposition for you.......We would like to split the Ayyubids with you.....you taking the north and East and we taking Libya,and western Aegyptus

by **Pavlostani** » Thu May 16, 2013 7:40 pm

Outside of Pereyaslavl
Battle of Pereyaslavl

"My Lord?" Chernov lifted the tent opening and stepped in with the ax.

"General. I've heard quite a lot about you." An old man turned to Chernov.

"Hello Anton." The Ax stepped into the room.

Anton Kolinski squinted at the two soldiers.

"You look familiar... I'm sorry, I'm thinking about Luha... bozhe moi." Kolinski stared frozen at the Ax.

"Yes, Anton. It's me. I didn't die at Luhans'k like you thought. Sure, the crossbow bolts wounded me, and it was many years before I was the same as I once was. But I did not die in your arms. It takes more than a quarrel to kill me." General Lord Valentin Kovalenko grinned at his former subordinate.

"General." Kolinski fell onto his knees. "This is impossible! I saw you die. Nobody could have survived those wounds. The Cumani killed Kovalenko there." He gasped.

"And so they did. I purged my former identity after I learned what had happened. Those weren't Cumani rebels, they were Pavel's paid knives. The Tsar had grown fearful of my growing prestige and influence, and sought to silence me. I've devoted my life to killing the Mad Tsar since. I was at Samara when you sacked the city, you know. Sitting on a cliff, I overlooked the battle. Speaking of our adventures in the Kipchak Khanates, where's your friend Tupolev, or my comrade Zaharchuk?" Kovalenko asked.

"They're dead. Zaharchuk died at Krasnodar. Crossbows, just like you. I mean, just like I thought you... never mind. Tupolev died at Samara. He was defending a barricade when they were overrun." Kolinski sighed, then broke into a coughing fit.

"Lord Kolinski!" Chernov caught the ailing noble.

"I'm fine dammit!" Kolinski spat.

Kovalenko laughed. "Fifty years has made you rude." He said.

"War has made me rude." Kolinski snapped crossly.

"Say what you will. The siege engines are ready. We can commence within an hour." Kovalenko said.

"Excellent. We'll attack at sunrise. And General... do take care of yourself." Kolinski added.

Chernov and his friend strode out of the commander's tent, not entirely sure what he had just witnessed.

by **Alleniana** » Fri May 17, 2013 1:04 am

Now was the time to see if the old record was correct or not. It specified a specific recipe that could be used to create a powder that would explode with fire, and could be used to do various things such as break things with a large amount in a container, or be used to project things. He had made a small cup of the stuff and was about to set it off. He held a torch next to it from a distance...
The resulting explosion blew the cup to splinters, and pushed him back with parts of the cup embedded in his clothing as well. it had blown his torch out and messed up the whole room, as well as being so loud it made his ears ring.
This was indeed a very useful substance.

by **Liecthenbourg** » Fri May 17, 2013 7:41 am

Rome, Papal States
Pope Gregory the Just of Scotland sat on his throne, pondering the situation of the known World. Jerusalem, Antioch, Acre and Tyre were all in Papal possession. After much thought, he sent a letter to the Carthaginian King

Dear King of Carthage
From His Holiness
I know, the past years have not been grateful for your people, but under much consideration and talks with God himself, I have deemed your people welcome back to the Church, as well as the acceptance of Cardinals and Bishops into the Papal Grounds.

As he finished writing the letter, he gave it to a courier who then began his journey to Carthage.
Gregory then wrote another letter, this time to the Byzantine Emperor.

Dear Emperor of the Byzantines
From His Holiness the Pope
We would like to know, if our two nations still stand by each others side, ever since the Papacy assisted in the pushing of the Heretics from Anatolia we have deemed you friends of the Papal States. We would like to know if you would be open to an alliance, as well as increased trade between our people

He then gave this letter to another courier, who also began his journey.
OOC:I wont be online on the weekend.

by **Pavlostani** » Fri May 17, 2013 7:40 pm

Pereyaslavl
Battle of Pereyaslavl

"Close the gates! Ready the trebuchets!" General Jaime Lannister stood on the battlements of Pereyaslavl before the enemy army arranged before him.

"See that nobody enters or leaves the city." General Heinrich von Kohlenstoffburg ordered next to Lannister. He was too late.

Pavlovskaya Ulitsa

Chernov and Kovalenko kicked open a sewer drain and quickly replaced it. Both of them had forgone armor and their weapons, although Kolinski had promised to smuggle their equipment into the city.

"Alright. The Friends of the ABV are in the Laughing Weasel. That's on Yaroslavom Prospek-" Kovalenko started when Chernov cut him off.

"I know where the Laughing Weasel is. I lost my virginity there about thirty or forty years ago. Cute girl named Nadya. Ah, when she pleasured me with her-" He started when Kovalenko cut him off with a look.

"Sorry. Ah, there it is." The two walked into the bar.

"Valar Morghulis." Chernov told the bartender.

"Valar Dohaeris." The bartender gestured for them to come in.

"Ah, so you are this Chernov and the Ax." A young man said at a table.

"And you are Zholkin?" Chernov asked.

"Name's Pasha Zholkin. So, how can I help you?" The man laughed.

"I hear you have a revolutionary movement." Kovalenko probed Zholkin with his eyes.

"I hear you have an army." Zholkin countered.

"So does Pavel. Please, cause enough unrest in the city, and we'll remove Pavel from power. That is what you want, right?" Chernov asked.

"True... the people have been oppressed for too long, and Pavel's martial law is pushing us. With the impending starvation from your siege, it won't be hard convincing the rest of the populace into an uprising." Zholkin mused.

"So it's a deal?" Chernov asked.

"Upon my honor as a Pereyavlite." Zholkin tipped his hat.

Tver'skaya Ulitsa
Pereyaslavl

"Misha, pass the hammer." Revolutionaries were already hard at work nailing furniture and other pieces of wood together.

"Look!" Mikhail Yeketov pointed. Rocks were being flung over the walls, along with bodies and burning pitch.

"Damn! Outside! Let the barricades arise!"

by **Alleniana** » Sat May 18, 2013 2:41 am

He lifted the scoop from the barrel and spooned a pile of saltpetre fluidly. Pouring the contents into the wooden bowl, he put the scoop down and picked up another scoop in another barrel which was full of ground charcoal. He picked up some, then poured it into the bowl as well. When he broke the wax seal of yet another container, a foul smell arose into the air. It was filled with sulfur, which he added some of to the mix in the bowl. He replaced the lid firmly so that the wax would stick and ensure that the smell did not leak about even more, despite the many odors from mildew, his other experiments, and his previous creations of the stuff. He now had a large bowl nearly a bucket, of powder. He picked up a wooden stick conveniently placed to the side of the bowl, and began to mix it slowly but surely, combining all the ingredients into a new, homogeneous-looking powder. After a few minutes of stirring, he poured the powder slowly, as not to raise dust, into a barrel by his side. It was the last bowlful he had to make, and now the barrel was full to the brim. He smoothed out the surface of the powder in the barrel with the stick, then put it down and lifted the lid of the barrel. He put it onto the barrel, then retrieved his wax lumps from the dusty shelf above the bench where he had been mixing. He lit a candle, illuminating the musty, darkened room. It had only one window, so that nobody could see what he was doing. Holding it well away from the barrel, he softened a lump of wax, then smeared it all around the rim of the barrel, as ordered. He had been told that moisture and other things getting in would mess it up, and possibly cause it to detonate. Once this was done, he lifted the barrel and started carrying it to the door. It was heavy, but it was not large, and it was not the type used for flour or water; it was the small variety, used for wine and spices, and easily graspable from the two sides. He placed it down gently with a soft thud by the doorway, then went back to his bench.

by **Grand Duchy of Nardin** » Sat May 18, 2013 8:02 am

Otto II Wittelsbach stood staring out the window, feeling sick, old, and rather miserable all at the same time. He sighed as he watched the rain gently fall, reflecting over the past. When his daughter had been married off to that good for nothing Conrad, his life seemed to take a turn for the worse. First the Pope, that Gregory of Scotland, had excommunicated him. And for what? Just for disapproving of the marriage of his daughter! Losing his religion was a hard thing to bear. It made his life more lonely, more devoid of purpose. He sighed again.

"Oh, what I wouldn't give to regain the Pope's trust. There must be something I could do..."

Once more settling into his thoughts, he remembered the revolt that he had just put down the previous year. Many of the peasants had turned against him, primarily because of his excommunication. Although it was put down, the people still harbored a grudge against him, and they were restless.

"Arg, there's that matter of faith again!"

After a moment's thought, he called one of his servants:

"Martin! Martin! Where are you boy? Come here, that's a good lad! Make sure you bring your writing things!"

A thin boy, around 14, scurried into the room bringing paper and a quill. He quickly dashed over to the Duke, and pulled up a chair.

"Y-Y-Y- Yes, sir? W-w--what would you have my - I mean - me w-w-write?"

Otto smiled; Martin could always cheer him, even just by being in his presence. He was a good lad, despite his constant stuttering.

"Calm down lad! Alright, please write word for word what I say, and watch your script! This letter will be sent to a very important man."

After he had finished his dictation, he said

"Martin, if you would be so kind, please read it back to me for approval."

His Holiness The Pope; Bishop Of Rome And Vicar Of Jesus Christ; Successor Of St. Peter, Prince Of The Apostles; Supreme Pontiff Of The Universal Church; Patriarch Of The West; Servant Of The Servants Of God; Archbishop And Metropolitan Of The Roman Province; Sovereign Of The Papal States;

I bid thee salutation!
Your eminence, I hope this letter finds you in in good health in both body and soul. I will "cut to the chase", as it is sometimes said, and tell you the primary reason of my writing to you. For these ten years now I have been separated from the church, by your order. I am truly sorry for what it was that I had done wrong, and beg for both the mercy of yourself and God. If any penance is enough to cleanse me from my sin and return to the Church, please, it shall be done! I remain here hopefully awaiting your reply.
Most sincerely yours,
~ Otto II Wittelsbach, Duke of Bavaria

"W-w-will that be all, s-s-sir?"

"Yes Martin, and thank you. Quickly, take this to the head messenger to be sent straight to Rome. Tell him I want no delays this time!"

As the boy ran off, the Duke closed his eyes, and hoped that God was listening to his prayer:

"Please, Lord, forgive my sins!"

by **Pavlostani** » Sat May 18, 2013 8:27 am

Pereyaslavl
Battle of Pereyaslavl

"Heave!" A large ram smashed against the gate. "Heave!"

Meanwhile, ladders rose against the walls and siege towers moved forwards.

"Bloody hell!" Guards ran to the walls, and archers returned fire from above.

Chernov and Kovalenko ran through the streets, hell raining down around them.

"They said our equipment would be here!" They skidded to a halt and ran into a building.

"Greetings, Chernov, and you, Mr. Ax." A man with a horrible scar covering his once handsome face stood before a table with two suits of armor, and two swords awaited them.

"My Earl." Chernov and Kovalenko bowed, seeing Earl Alexeyev, the hero of Mopak standing before them. He had received that scar fighting General Jaime Lannister outside of Ikan almost thirty years in the past.

"Ah, piss on that Earl. Take your stuff, you'll want it." Alexeyev spat, and stepped aside.

"So, what's the score boss?" Chernov asked.

"Kill Pavel. Wasn't that always the score?" Alexeyev gave a wry grin.

By the gate, General Lannister stood before his army in a gilded suit of armor.

"My friends, brothers, et cetera! We came to Pereyaslavl thirty years ago to deal with the insurgency. Well today, we shall finish the job, and end what we came to do. We have labored for thirty years, and we shall finally achieve our salvation! Those are brave men knocking on Pavel's door. Let's go kill them!" And then the ram smashed the gates open, and the hordes of Kolinski entered.

by **Alleniana** » Sat May 18, 2013 11:41 pm

"How much of the occultis pulvis has been prepared?"
"Well over a hundred barrels. They are all stored in a sealed warehouse in the south of the Warren."
"Is that safe?"
"We control the Complex, the Warren especially so. The rumors about the robbers and thieves are untrue; it is just the kind of place where old, odd and generally unusual things find their way to, which gives people the impression that the place itself is foreign and strange and unwelcoming, and therefore dangerous and criminal. In reality, it is full of Pisans, rather than the foreigners who are in the other parts often."
"I see. That is excellent. Keep it safe, and find a new warehouse to store it in. We cannot have it all in the same place, or else everything may be lost with a single accident."
"As you wish."
"Goodbye, and farwell."
The two richly dressed men finished their conversation, and one stood up, draining all the rest of his ale in one gulp, and left the tavern into the dark, tempered by the candles of the inhabitants still awake.

by **G-Tech Corporation** » Sun May 19, 2013 6:31 am

The Kremlin, Moscow, Muscovy Province, Great Russia

"It is decided then" spoke Alexei in his deep voice. The wealthy merchant bowed again lower still, murmuring his thanks for support from the Imperial Will. A formal Great Russian emissary and soldiers would accompany the intrepid entrepreneur's caravan to the fabled East; Russia recieves many trade goods from the nearby route in the Khwarezm dominions, but not Rus man had in recent memory been as far as Cathay. Now that would change.

An emissary was also dispatched from the gorgeous red-brown edifice of the Kremlin was headed north and east, making his way to bandy words with the lords of Volga Bulgaria.

by **Elerian** » Sun May 19, 2013 12:56 pm

Al Adil had sacked a few villages and towns not worth mentioning along the way to Carthage and the army continued its march along. They were currently being supplied with both the camel's supplies that they had carried and also by boat every so often. They were just passing Sfax a small city not worth the effort. They were making good progress but the farther they got from Ayyubid territory the harder it was to supply themselves. But they were being trailed by a fleet of warships from Ayyubid that could make supply runs but it was mostly for the blockading of Carthage along with recon. At the rate the army was going they would reach Carthage within the next week. Then when they arrive a bloodbath would ensue. And most of the blood would be of the Carthaginians.

by **Liecthenbourg** » Sun May 19, 2013 3:33 pm

Grand Duchy of Nardin wrote:Otto II Wittelsbach stood staring out the window, feeling sick, old, and rather miserable all at the same time. He sighed as he watched the rain gently fall, reflecting over the past. When his daughter had been married off to that good for nothing Conrad, his life seemed to take a turn for the worse. First the Pope, that Gregory of Scotland, had excommunicated him. And for what? Just for disapproving of the marriage of his daughter! Losing his religion was a hard thing to bear. It made his life more lonely, more devoid of purpose. He sighed again.

"Oh, what I wouldn't give to regain the Pope's trust. There must be something I could do..."

Once more settling into his thoughts, he remembered the revolt that he had just put down the previous year. Many of the peasants had turned against him, primarily because of his excommunication. Although it was put down, the people still harbored a grudge against him, and they were restless.

"Arg, there's that matter of faith again!"

After a moment's thought, he called one of his servants:

"Martin! Martin! Where are you boy? Come here, that's a good lad! Make sure you bring your writing things!"

A thin boy, around 14, scurried into the room bringing paper and a quill. He quickly dashed over to the Duke, and pulled up a chair.

"Y-Y-Y- Yes, sir? W-w--what would you have my - I mean - me w-w-write?"

Otto smiled; Martin could always cheer him, even just by being in his presence. He was a good lad, despite his constant stuttering.

"Calm down lad! Alright, please write word for word what I say, and watch your script! This letter will be sent to a very important man."

After he had finished his dictation, he said

"Martin, if you would be so kind, please read it back to me for approval."

His Holiness The Pope; Bishop Of Rome And Vicar Of Jesus Christ; Successor Of St. Peter, Prince Of The Apostles; Supreme Pontiff Of The Universal Church; Patriarch Of The West; Servant Of The Servants Of God; Archbishop And Metropolitan Of The Roman Province; Sovereign Of The Papal States;

I bid thee salutation!
Your eminence, I hope this letter finds you in in good health in both body and soul. I will "cut to the chase", as it is sometimes said, and tell you the primary reason of my writing to you. For these ten years now I have been separated from the church, by your order. I am truly sorry for what it was that I had done wrong, and beg for both the mercy of yourself and God. If any penance is enough to cleanse me from my sin and return to the Church, please, it shall be done! I remain here hopefully awaiting your reply.
Most sincerely yours,
~ Otto II Wittelsbach, Duke of Bavaria

"W-w-will that be all, s-s-sir?"

"Yes Martin, and thank you. Quickly, take this to the head messenger to be sent straight to Rome. Tell him I want no delays this time!"

As the boy ran off, the Duke closed his eyes, and hoped that God was listening to his prayer:

"Please, Lord, forgive my sins!"

Rome, Papal States
The messanger ran straight into the grounds of Castel St Angelo, quickly two guards intercepted him and after a brief conversation he was escorted to the Pope.
Once they had arrived, the messanger opened his satchel and pulled out the letter, which the Pope then promptly read
"...Bavaria" he said as he finished the letter, he then sat down and wrote a response.

Dear Otto II Wittelsbach, Duke of Bavaria
From His Holiness the Pope, Gregory the Just of Scotland
I see that you wish to be forgiven under the eyes of God. This, my brother can be achieved as God, is all merciful and will be more then happy to accept you back into the Holy Mother Church. I bid thee welcome and no longer excommunicated.

He then stamped the letter with the Papal Seal, and handed it over to the messanger.

by **Grand Duchy of Nardin** » Sun May 19, 2013 4:51 pm

It had been a few days since the reply had come from Rome. When the Duke had opened the sealed letter, he almost couldn't believe his eyes, and read to four times over just to make sure. Much rejoicing and celebration had ensued, and Otto Wittelsbach was able to attend mass for the the first time in a decade. He felt renewed in both body and soul, and had been sleeping peacefully for a change.

"But that's not the end of my troubles, is it?" he thought.

Otto sat in his private chamber at a desk pouring over maps, assessing the current situation of Europe. He frowned as he looked over the borders of the Holy Roman Empire. Scores of small German nations, barely deserving to be called so. Surrounding the Empire were many larger nations, and although none were overly hostile, what if a few would suddenly see its frailty and decide they want more land?

"If the Empire were to be attacked, surely it will fall," he mused, "There must be something I can do to prevent this."

His eyes darted over to to a larger country to the east of Bavaria. On the map was written, The Duchy of Austria.

"Hmm, the Habsburgs. I wonder..." The Duke said aloud, and then all of a sudden, a thought struck him. He quickly whipped out from a drawer in his desk some paper and began to hastily scrawl a note.

"No time to call Martin! Oh, blast my inferior script! I wish I had paid more attention to grandfather when he taught me how to write..." he muttered to himself. After a few more laborious minutes of writing, he laid down his pen to review his work:

Your Majesty, Archduke Fredrick II of Austria,

Greetings! Dear sir, I send to you this hastily written note on account of business of the utmost importance to the general welfare of the Holy Roman Empire. As you yourself well know, an attack on any front of the Empire could indeed prove fatal to every nation contained within. Therefore, I propose to you an alliance, That not only yourself but any HRE state may join. I call it the Das Helilige Allianz, and through it we may protect the Empire, as is our duty. I pray that you will accept my offer and join me as the co-founder of this alliance, as soon as possible!
Yours,
Duke Otto II Wittelsbach of Bavaria

After applying his seal onto the wax, he flew down the hall and the staircase in search of a messenger.
It was time to restore the might of the Holy Roman Empire.

by **The United Soviet Socialist Republic** » Sun May 19, 2013 5:08 pm

Grand Duchy of Nardin wrote:It had been a few days since the reply had come from Rome. When the Duke had opened the sealed letter, he almost couldn't believe his eyes, and read to four times over just to make sure. Much rejoicing and celebration had ensued, and Otto Wittelsbach was able to attend mass for the the first time in a decade. He felt renewed in both body and soul, and had been sleeping peacefully for a change.

"But that's not the end of my troubles, is it?" he thought.

Otto sat in his private chamber at a desk pouring over maps, assessing the current situation of Europe. He frowned as he looked over the borders of the Holy Roman Empire. Scores of small German nations, barely deserving to be called so. Surrounding the Empire were many larger nations, and although none were overly hostile, what if a few would suddenly see its frailty and decide they want more land?

"If the Empire were to be attacked, surely it will fall," he mused, "There must be something I can do to prevent this."

His eyes darted over to to a larger country to the east of Bavaria. On the map was written, The Duchy of Austria.

"Hmm, the Habsburgs. I wonder..." The Duke said aloud, and then all of a sudden, a thought struck him. He quickly whipped out from a drawer in his desk some paper and began to hastily scrawl a note.

"No time to call Martin! Oh, blast my inferior script! I wish I had paid more attention to grandfather when he taught me how to write..." he muttered to himself. After a few more laborious minutes of writing, he laid down his pen to review his work:
Your Majesty, Archduke Fredrick II of Austria,

Greetings! Dear sir, I send to you this hastily written note on account of business of the utmost importance to the general welfare of the Holy Roman Empire. As you yourself well know, an attack on any front of the Empire could indeed prove fatal to every nation contained within. Therefore, I propose to you an alliance, That not only yourself but any HRE state may join. I call it the Das Helilige Allianz, and through it we may protect the Empire, as is our duty. I pray that you will accept my offer and join me as the co-founder of this alliance, as soon as possible!
Yours,
Duke Otto II Wittelsbach of Bavaria

After applying his seal onto the wax, he flew down the hall and the staircase in search of a messenger.
It was time to restore the might of the Holy Roman Empire.

Duke of Bavaria,

Your offer is interesting. I would certainly support the foundation of an alliance between our noble holdings, and Bavaria seems a good nation to ally with. I have decided to accept your proposal and will accept an emissary to come to my Court in Vienna. Long live the Holy Roman Empire.

Frederick II, Archduke of Austria

by **Alleniana** » Mon May 20, 2013 2:48 am

To the Pope,
We seek your permission to take control of the lands of the Kingdom of Italy, vassal to the Holy Roman Emperor. We have good sources that report their king and the whole government is attempting to use their geographical closeness to you to gain support among men around Europe. They also follow wrong practices as the barbarians of long ago did, and are general barbarians. We feel it would be much better for them to be under our rule, that they may prosper as occurs in our lands. We are formally requesting that the Kingdom of Italy's domains and lands are ceded to us, and their nobles made null and void, for the purposes of forwarding Christianity.
From the Republic of Pisa

by **Liecthenbourg** » Mon May 20, 2013 7:35 am

Alleniana wrote:
To the Pope,
We seek your permission to take control of the lands of the Kingdom of Italy, vassal to the Holy Roman Emperor. We have good sources that report their king and the whole government is attempting to use their geographical closeness to you to gain support among men around Europe. They also follow wrong practices as the barbarians of long ago did, and are general barbarians. We feel it would be much better for them to be under our rule, that they may prosper as occurs in our lands. We are formally requesting that the Kingdom of Italy's domains and lands are ceded to us, and their nobles made null and void, for the purposes of forwarding Christianity.
From the Republic of Pisa

To the Republic of Pisa
From His Holiness the Pope
I, even though being the Head of the Holy Mother Church, have no right to cede lands belonging to the Holy Roman Emperor. I will not justify a war, as I need to see this information on barbarian practices. If you wish to have the lands the correct person to talk to would be the Holy Roman Emperor, not myself.

by **Pavlostani** » Mon May 20, 2013 2:53 pm

Pereyaslavl

"Arise ye Russian people!" Zholkin waved a flag as the Pereyaslavl Revolution occurred on the streets. Men ran to the barricades bearing crossbows, longswords and pikes from fallen soldiers.

"The Federation strikes from behind!" Chernov and Kovalenko ran next to Zholkin.

"Excellent. Behind the barricades, they will stop the arrows and quarrels!" Zholkin drew a naked sword.

"Stop in the name of Pavel!" General Heinrich von Kohlenstoffburg and his army marched before Zholkin's barricade. "Who are you?" He questioned.

"Pereyaslavl Revolution!" Zholkin spat.

"Fire." Kohlenstoffburg ordered coldly. Crossbowmen lifted their devices of death, and unleashed iron death. The rebels ducked behind the barricade, then Zholkin poked his head out.

"Attack!" The rebels catapulted over the barricade, slashing with swords and axes while rebel archers fired from afar.

"Pereyaslavl!" Kovalenko ran into the fray, and Chernov followed.

Kolinskiy Prospekt
Pereyaslavl

"Fitting to fight on a street named after Kolinski." Earl Alexeyev muttered grimly. General Lannister's forces marched on the streets before him.

"Ah, Jaime. Where's that charming Mr. von Kohlenstoffburg?" Alexeyev asked.

"He is busy." Lannister's voice was the stone of the walls.

"Mr. Alexeyev!" An young boy named Boris ran around the corner.

"Mr. Alexeyev, there's fighting in the other side! Mr. Zholkin, and yer Mr. Ax and Chernov are leading one side, the scary German man is leading the other!" He cried.

"Boris, get out of the street!" Alexeyev straightened.

Boris turned around, and for the first time noticed Lannister's army.

"I ain't scared Mr. Alexeyev!" He yelled. Lannister grabbed a crossbow from one of his comrades and fired. The quarrel impaled Boris through the chest. The boy gave a gasp, and stared at the metal arrow in his ribcage.

"No!" Alexeyev ran forward, but two of his bannermen held him back. A second quarrel fired, and Boris fell back into the streets, blood pooling around him. He was eight years old.

"Let go of me!" Alexeyev shook free of his soldiers. He stopped when he saw Boris lying dead.

"Kill. Him." Alexeyev growled through clenched teeth. The Federation army halted for a second, then charged to meet Lannister's forces upon the streets of Pereyaslavl. Flame rose, and the city began to burn.

Roleplay of the World 1252 (IC, Open)

Roleplay of the World 1252 (IC, Open)

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