NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC:
Sparta-like nation - Kampfers
Greece-like nation - Lorkhan
Rome-like nation - Imperial isa
Egypt-like nation - 1st Peacekeepers
China-like nation - Seraya
Mongol-like nation - Nueve Italia
Maya-like nation - Aztec National League
Aztec-like nation - Aztec National League
Carthage-like nation - New Manth
Japan-like nation - Living Freedom Land
Persian-like nation - Maldorians
Viking-like nation - Wanderjar
Ottoman-like nation - Ok-La-Ho-Ma
Celt-like nation - Nitrodymium
Goth-like nation - Die Zweiten Reich
Hittite-like nation - The Mewokian Isles
Phoenician-like nation - Honako
Assyrian-like nation - Aitrovia
Teuton-like nation - Waldenburg 2
Korean-like nation - Burlovia
Babylonia-like nation - North Calaveras
Byzantine-like nation - Emporer Pudu
Gaul-like nation - Auralinia
Isael-like nation - New Brittonia
Inca-like nation - ShuHan
Hun-like nation - Isamistan
Etruscan-like nation - Carloginias
Saracen-like nation - Corbournne
Scythian-like nation - Carloginias

There's the list of who's who.

RULES:
Everyone starts with 1 city and the surrounding landscape. They also start out with 10,000 people, and grow no more than 40 people per day. However, if you conquer land, you can gain upto 150 people in the early stages of the game. In later stages, I'll update that the population growth numbers. Also, note that you loose people in war.

You'd be using the technology your nation had at its PRIME. Yes, I do realize there's a time difference. That, however, will allow you to advance over time, rather it be on your own or with allies you forge before the big war begins. (So, yes, this is also a civ building RP)

For travel... during the early stages of this RP, it will take 1 day to move 100 miles for anyone on foot (military or not), as well as for building supplies; 1 day for 150 miles for anyone on horseback (excludes supplies being hauled by animals), military or not; 1 day for 75 miles with any seige equipment; 1 day for 100 miles with any ships or boats.

We use the standard world map.

THIS IS A CLOSED RP FOR ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE SIGNED UP! If there is anything left in the signup thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=532216), then you may signup. This offer will only be left up for the rest of today.

OOC thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=532708) - PLEASE KEEP OOC CHATTER IN THERE!




IC:
The large ViZionarian village - named Tikal - sat there, nessled in the Guatemala rainforest. The village was fairly compact, and there were no huge buildings to note of yet. These people were very into their art and their knowledge. The ViZionarian people had already created a fully written language - the only one known in the America's - and mathematics and astronomy were also strong points.

And while diplomacy and politics was a strong suite of these people, their military was not. However, they could fight valiantly when needed. That would change, however, once Liard's son, Jaque, would take over as the leader of the ViZionarians. He had great plans for the ViZionarian nation. He would lead them to become the strongest power around.

The great NC village of Babylon stood in its glory, it was not huge but it was still beutiful, the people busy about there dutys. NC had been around for many a year, and still stood, despite inavasions, it existed, while others turned to dust. Perhaps its greatest advantage was endurace, and the will to survive. But nothing would prepare them for the onslaught that would come...

OOC: I'm just going to use the same names as my NS Nation.

IC:

Kampfers (RL Sparta)

High General Klischten stood next to Ephor Richtoff, overviewing the construction on the city beneath them. Richtoff was overseeing the building of a new grainery, and Klischten was overseeing the expansion of the walls.

Klischten called out to workes below. "Make sure to build them strong! No army shall ever march on Sparta and live to tell the tale."

He turned to the Ephor. "My men move out tonight. Call the middle aged into active duty. I will take the young and strong. We will expand this glorious kingdom! Our hoplites shall march all over their so called 'archers' and 'swordsmen'. Once we have conquered them, enlistment will take place. Their archers will fire away from the rear like the cowards they are, and the swordsmen will protect our Phalanx's flanks. Once combined, our force will be the fear of these lands."

Ephor Richtoff looked at him and smiled. "Bring glory to the Kingdom of Kampfers. But protect the boys."

That night

High General Klischten mustered the young men, ages 16-25. "Kampferians! Tonight we bring glory to the flag! Do not disrespect your forefathers! Fight for your honor!"

The Kampferian boys went through the custom of saying goodbye to their mother. Each recieved his sheild, and his mother would state "With this, or upon this." There would be no cowardly fleeing from these boys. No. They were not boys. They were men.

They aligned in column formation, each's sword at his side, and spear raised in the air. The gates slowly swung open. The Kampferians marched out. A cheer went up from the city, and the gates closed.

Deep in the forests of Gallia, the leaders of the five clans gathered together under an ancient oak. They and their ancestors had for generations fought each other, quite often over the most trivial slight. Now, they had put aside their dislikes and suspicions, at least temporarily, to talk peace and cooperation.

Victrix of Clan Thangur stood first, and held up his hand for silence. Looking intently at each of the Clan Lords in turn, he finally spoke. "I would first say to all of you...welcome. This is a big step for all of us. The last time we saw each other, a war started over a goat." They all chuckled. "You have all heard the rumors coming out of the east and south. Tribes and clans such as ourselves are on the move, seeking lands for themselves. Now, you know and I know that if they come around here, they'll regret it 'til the day they die......which would be soon, and quick!" Again a laugh from the crowd.

"These wanderers are still far from us, seemingly taking their time while moving hither and yon. But I've heard recently that not a few of them are becoming agressive, attacking and looting small villages, killing the men and enslaving the women and children. I will make my case simple, and short. We must band together, work together, fight together in the face of this threat."

A younger man, Jharrd by name, of Clan Odyr, broke in. "And I suppose YOU would be in charge of this proposed alliance."

Victrix glared at the younger man. "If all of you so chose, yes. If fate chose you, then you'd be the leader of the Clans. What I propose is we take a day to talk amongst ourselves, consider all aspects of the alliance, and then have a trusted Druid priest place six carved runes in a sack. Each of the leaders of the five clans will pull out a rune. The priest will make note of which runes were picked. The runes will be the Master Rune of each individual tribe or clan, plus one blank piece of wood. The clan leader who picks the blank will become the leader of the five clans when and if we find it necessary to come together against a threat. Agreed?"

There was some grumbling and not a few crude remarks, but at last Tesmer of Clan Ludi spoke up. "Aye, that seems fair to me. If you can't trust a Druid, then we're all doomed."

Much nodding and agreement was followed by two large kegs of mead and a side of beef. The men soon forgot their differences and dug in with a barbaric gusto only seen in the northlands of Gallia.

Little did they all know what lay in store in the near future............

NC was still weak, it only had one city, which was babylon, it needed to expand, the time for peace was over, it would have to engage smaller nations, starting with the south and east. They were now begining the steps of an Empire, a holy one led by the Emperor(and presumed son of god)Kash.It would be him to lead the armies of NC against the ignorant tribes of the east.

Carved into the foot hills of Jutland and straddling the Baltic sea was the seat of the Kings of Waldenburg. It was an over glorified term for the tiny city made of mainly limestone and whatever would could be scrounged from the nearby countryside. This tiny city, Blünderburg, was hardly the peak of civilization, and though had outlawed human sacrifice was still dictated by the druids and servants of the Norse Gods.

It was a sprawling town, covering as much land as possible in an attempt to make it's self bigger, and converged together on the hill top fortress of the King's of Waldenburg, also carved out of limestone which came in abundance in the area. Though not particularly defensive, it certainly stated the powers of the kings. It was a gray land and swept with bitter Baltic winds that breed a stern and even more bitter nation. It was also a land on the expand, King Rupert had ordered his cavalry band to begin scouting for villages, which would be more easily subjugated then Waldenburg's more visible rivals. Within days Waldenburg would unite the Teutonic races.

((OOC: Think of my High General as having the same effect on his troops as King Leonidas in the 300.))

IC:

At the Crossroads

The Kampferian army had been marching with great fervor, and was greatly pleased when High General Klischten allowed them to rest. They were at the crossroads. The road West took one to Corinth via Olympia. The road East took one to Corinth via Mycenae. High General Klischten called over his son, Evan, a lower General. "My son, in order for the Kampferian empire to rise to it's full strength, we must take both East and West. The Mycenaens are likely to fight. I will take that route. Take your men to the city of Olympia. Present them peace, and power. They will likely accept. With any luck, we will meet again at Corinth. In Olympia, enlist the men of their army into immediate service. Take the same age range as our force, and leave the elder ones to defend the city.

Kampfers

In the city, work on the grainery was progressing well. The civilians also laboured on the walls, and a new temple to their favorite god, Ares. He would see their warriors through the night.

Olympia

The younger Klischten and his troops marched up to the city gates. Upon request, he laid down his weapon and met with the rulers of the city. "Men, I bring you an oppurtunity. The Kampferian Empire is expanding. We offer your city the chance to be a part of something greater. It will still be a city, you will still be it's rulers, yet you will answer to Kampfers and your warriors will fight for them. We demand no trubute, no sacrifice. Just your cooperation, your warriors.

The Olympian response was short. "Your military forces are far superior to our own. We wish not to have our ladies raped and out graineries pillaged. We accept your gracious offer."

Klischten and his troops entered the city. They picked out the boys of the army, both swordsmen and archers. The size of that part of the Kampferian army, 1/2 of what had set out from Kampfers, effectively doubled.

Mycenae

The Kampferian army was not recieved so kindly here. Arranged in phalanx formation, the elder Klischten called out to those in the city. He was answered by an arrow screaming past his ear. Klischten called out to them one last time. "We will wait here for common sense to prevail. Or you will fight us. You can not remain in there forever."

As if in response, the gates of the city rumbled open. Out marched the army of Mycenae. Fairly undertrained and underequipped, their size would not help them any. The Kampferians advanced slowly, using their sheilds to deflect incoming arrows. Finally, the Mycenae army broke loose, and rushed at the Kampferians. Many were skewered on the long pikes of the Kampferians. Men fell in the phalanx, but were quickly replaced. A few of the brighter Mycenaen soldiers rushed at the sides of the phalanx. Kampferians in the last two rows hurridly withdrew their pikes and pulled swords. They rushed to the sides and dealt with the threat. The flanks were secure. After an hours worth of fighting, the Kampferians had succeded. In all, they had killed 1340 Mycenaen soldiers, and captured 660 more. The Kampferians had not gone without losses though. Out of the 1000 man attacking force, only 600 remained. 400 of the captured Mycenaen soldiers were enlisted to march with the Kampferians. They would not join the almost sacred phalanx, but rather guard its sides.

Having completed the integration of the two major roadblocks in between Kampfers and Corinth, the two armies marched on to Corinth, resting first as to not tire the soldiers.

King Halys stood on an tower overlooking the harbor of Manthian Carthage and the small fleet of warships within. Normally, the Manthian fleet did little more than protect Manthian merchants from piracy in their trading trips around the Mediterranean, but this day they would play a more active role in expanding Manthian power. Galleys were loaded with soldiers, who would sail along the African coast, using the sea to bypass long marches and some enemy defenses.

The first order of business would be to subjugate the small ex-Phoenician colonies of Hippo and Leptis Magna. Carthage's merchant fleet was growing, and needed new harbors along the African coast. And addition to serving as naval and trade bases, the two cities would also help expand Manthian power through the North African countryside.

A messenger ran up to the tower as the King descended. As the two tall warriors guarding the King looked down moved forwards, the man prostrated himself.

"The nobles have gathered to pray for the success of Manth. They await you to lead the ceremonies."

Halys shook his head. He had no patience for the religion, and little more for the city's nobles.

"Tell my son to lead the ceremony in my stead. As for me, I sail while the tide remains fair."

The sounds and smells of a bustling trade post washed against the walls of the palace at Chang An like sea waves in a raging storm. Inside, however the war council stood in silent reverence as King Liang Serai, the third of his line, entered the throne room. He gazed around the premises, nodding to Xian Fei, the lord grand strategist and the four generals, Bei Fen Ma, Jiu Jian, Cai Meng and Cao Lu. From between two silent eunuchs, a somewhat ragged man stepped forward. His strong heavy armor was heavily battered and he hardly kept on his feet. One of the eunuchs read out loud:

"General Ci Cao, Commander of the Eastern Forces and the outpost at Tong Guan!"

The general bowed to the assembly.

"Your heavenly excellence, my dear colleagues and excellencies. I have come before you with grave and disturbing news. The tribes of the central plains are on the move. They have taken their kin and belongings and set out for a small settlement just a day's journey east of Tongguan, called Luo Yang. This presents an immediate threat to our borders. As you may see in your wisdom, our outposts have already been hit by their raiding parties. Many good men have been severely injured in the fighting. I therefore humbly request an imperial decree for expansion into the central plains to crush these barbarians."

The king nodded to Ci Cao and raised his hand towards Xian Fei.

"You have spoken well," the grand general said, "I will personally lead an army against them and crush what ever their unworthy leaders may throw agains the glorious imperial army. But I expect that we will hit a bee's hive as soon as we march past Seraya's borders. Therefore, the next three months will be dedicated to preparation for great conquests, aimed to oppress any barbarian uprising as it may appear. Speaking for the council, I decide the following plan in this matter:"

And the council listened for many hours as Lord Xian explained what would later be known as the Three-Arms-Scheme.

The Three Arms Scheme (http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9712/serayinaplansfe9.jpg)

In the first months, Jiu Jian would set out parallel with Xian Fei to secure the Southlands and cut off possible escape routes for fleeing barbarians. He was given instructions to hire local village leaders instead of destroying them, securing a stable civic foundation. Meanwhile, General Xian would lead the main host into the central plains, brutally slaughtering whatever resistance was put up against him. The goal for both: reaching the Great Sea in the east and meeting up at it's shore. With the taking of the Riverlands, there would be enough space for Cao Lu to maneuver in the Mountainlands, where he would secure imperial superiority. All this was to take place over the course of one year, allowing enough room for strategic preparations.

In the first hours of the morning, the council concluded their session. The king was escorted to his quarters and slept soundly. When the noise of the city rose again, it was accompanied by the clanging of the smithies - preparing for war...

Liard has ordered a large clearing of trees - 15 miles by 15 miles - to be made. The population, being as large as it is at 10,000 people, needs to have a larger village. A city infact.

He has also named Jaque, his 18 year old son, as the general of the ViZionarian army.

Hippo

Things so far were going according to plan. A pair of Manthian merchant ships were sitting in the harbor, as well as a single galley escorting them for protection against pirates; the rest of the Manthian fleet had disembarked some miles away to make the remainder of the journey on foot that night, so as not to tip off their presence. The soldiers had mostly stayed aboard their ship whilst the merchants socialized and hawked their wares to put the population at ease. Just one visit among a large number each year, after all. As night fell, the men had come ashore to spend the night in a large travelers' house such as many port cities kept for that very purpose.

Meanwhile, the main body of the Manthian army cautiously made its way towards the city. Many a muffled curse could be heard as soldiers stumbled in the darkness, but surprise was vital and no light could be risked.

Fuhrer Rommel sat on his horse. Behing him followed a small group of his closest confidants. They had left the Imperial City (RL Konigsberg/Kalingrad) three days earlier to look for either valuable allies or enemies. The Fuhrer so far had found only a few others in the area itself. It seemed as if the lands was ripe for the picking. He alreay ordered scouts to also be sent to the east as far as the Neiman River to the north and east and as far south as the Vistula to the south and west.

"Ramcke, ready a small contingent of warriors, I want to make sure our dominance of this area is total before we worry about anything else."

"Yes sir." Ramcke said before heading off back to the city. The expidition would move north to secure the lagoons and gather up some citizens to be joined into the soon to be city-state. In behind the Fuhrer stood the pride of the Reichs people. A large Catherdral stood in the cities center and was a beautiful testemant to its local power.

"We will be masters of this area soon men, all we need to do is but reach out and take it from those that oppose us." THe Fuhrer finished before heading back down to the city. ALready the people were building irragation fields and improving on the local fod production. The smiths were always at work making new swords and shields, and carpenters built new houses for the community to grow. Earlier that day the Fuhrer had ordered the building of a harbour on the waterfront. It would be small, for a time, but it would help provide food in the form of fish for the people.

Kampfers

Building in the city had expanded from being a simple grainery to being houses as well. The temple was also being built, but at a slower rate as more important things beckoned. A new barracks was under works to house the soldiers, and a market was underway so that they would soon be able to trade.

Olympia

The peaceful entry into the empire was busy constructing a stronger wall. They were also focusing on constructing a new armoury. Houses were being constructed at a standard rate.

Mycenae

The cities residents had resigned themselves to being a part of the Kampferian Empire. With most of their soldiers dead or gone with the Kampferians, they now relied heavily on them for defense. They were in the midst of constructing a small shrine to Apollo, and they were also building a new town center.

In the Ephor's office

Rictoff sat back after hearing the news of how Klischten's conquest was going. With that, he had added 2 major cities to his kingdom. He estimated his total population to have swelled to about 30,000. Once Klischten returned from Corinth, he would go about the much simpler task of conquering the smaller towns in the region. In all, the region housed between 40,000 and 60,000 men, and soon, they would all be in his control.

King Samuel stood up and said,
"Men, it is time to expend. We need to find the coast, I am ordering scouts to search to the coast. And tell me if you any other tribes. We need construction on farms. The permanent temple needs to be completed. Second, we need a proper military for this new nation. Goodbye."

Darkness... The voice called. From the depths of hell the cries of the forsaken could be heard throughout the land. Shadows danced around the fires of yet another fallen city as the savage Norsemen paved an Empire of slaughter and chaos from the ashes of peaceful villages. Bodies stricken bare, flesh picked clean from their very bones lay strewn about the countryside as they had tried in vain to flee. Those who had not been killed right off faced worse punishment as they were sacrificed to the daemonic Dark Gods of the Chaos Lords. Eight sided stars erected from torn metal, engraved into each stone in every building, and carved into the rotting flesh of the fallen shown who was responsible, and pleased the blood craving Gods....


Malakai, Lord of the Norsemen, Champion of the Gods of Chaos, and uniter of the clans stood tall amongst his armor-clad warriors. Grinning beneath his helm, he lifted the face mask and wiped the drying blood from his brow. Of course, the blood was not his, but of the many people he had slain. Many more would come too, and he knew this. The Wanderjarian Clans were united, the Eye of Terror, a realm of horror and hell worship was moving, and the daemon Gods would recieve their dues. He, as their champion, was sure of it.


"As we march across the globe," He called out, "We shall bring pain! We shall bring suffering! We shall bring death! But most of all, and finally, we shall bring Chaos!" The swords of a thousand warriors beat heartily against their shields, and all howled with blood lust. Hell had come to the world, and its name was Wanderjar.

Darkness... The voice called. From the depths of hell the cries of the forsaken could be heard throughout the land. Shadows danced around the fires of yet another fallen city as the savage Norsemen paved an Empire of slaughter and chaos from the ashes of peaceful villages. Bodies stricken bare, flesh picked clean from their very bones lay strewn about the countryside as they had tried in vain to flee. Those who had not been killed right off faced worse punishment as they were sacrificed to the daemonic Dark Gods of the Chaos Lords. Eight sided stars erected from torn metal, engraved into each stone in every building, and carved into the rotting flesh of the fallen shown who was responsible, and pleased the blood craving Gods....


Malakai, Lord of the Norsemen, Champion of the Gods of Chaos, and uniter of the clans stood tall amongst his armor-clad warriors. Grinning beneath his helm, he lifted the face mask and wiped the drying blood from his brow. Of course, the blood was not his, but of the many people he had slain. Many more would come too, and he knew this. The Wanderjarian Clans were united, the Eye of Terror, a realm of horror and hell worship was moving, and the daemon Gods would recieve their dues. He, as their champion, was sure of it.


"As we march across the globe," He called out, "We shall bring pain! We shall bring suffering! We shall bring death! But most of all, and finally, we shall bring Chaos!" The swords of a thousand warriors beat heartily against their shields, and all howled with blood lust. Hell had come to the world, and its name was Wanderjar.

Fuhrer Rommel was pleased. The vast tracts of land along the coast Ramcke was scouting where unpopulated, perfect for agriculture. A mere 2500 citizens had come under his control and he planned to travel to each village to make sure the people knew who there new overlord was. These people would come to respect him. One way or the other. He also ordered a close confidant, Fedor Von Bock to head west with 500 men to propose a sort of pact between himself and Danzig, the only other city in the region that could have the power to match him in any sort of conflict.

It had been decided that the Carloginian civilization had to expand. From the capital at Veii the King of Carloginias had brought in his various ministers, vizers, and generals and told them of the news- They were to expand and begin dominating Central and Northern Italy. From Veii's strategic location it could gradually move up the Italian Peninsula and conquer the cities along the Northern Coast.

The town bells rang loud and true, calling on soldiers to report to the town square. Some were reluctant to come and the Town Guard was sent out in order to bring them out and force them into the square. It took several hours before the men had all been amassed at the square. The King was there awaiting them to get there. He then proceded to divide them by age and then divide them into their veterancy. This being done he selected 1,000out of 1,500 to go out and begin the conquest.

The men proceded to go to the armory where they were equipped in proper Carloginian Equipment. The process of arming the men took only an hour as the King had been gearing for war for several weeks. The King ordered General Gerard Harlander to command the men going into battle. The King expected the newly aquired cities to provide him with troops.

The order to march was set out on the warm spring day they marched in loose formation until scouts could spy the city in the distance, which they prompty did that evening. General Harlander kept most of the army in the dense brush as he approached the city of Caisra. He took only a hundred men with him as he went to the gates of the city and demanded a surrender with promise of fair treatment to citizens and soldiers alike. Their answer was a bold laugh.

"I offer you once to leave my walls, Carloginian,"

"I give you one last change to surrender."

"Your life is forfeit."

The gates of Caisra opened and the army of the city numbering a mere 600 ran out of the city, blood lust in their eyes. The General made a slow retreat towards the brush. The organized army of Carloginias made a surprise attack on their rear flank as the 100 men stopped retreating and began fighting. 300 made an attack on the rear. The Carloginians made short work of the Caisrians; however the Caisrians soldiers fought bravely their general seemed like a good man but he had unknowingly led his men into a trap that would cost him his very life. Harlander felt pity for them as the blood squirted from the wounds of the Caisrians and even his own soldiers alike. It reminded him that he had to be strong. The Caisrians threw down their arms in pairs of twos, threes, and eventually tens and twenties. 400 were left alive, and there was a total of 150 Carloginian casualties. The disarmed 400 Caisrians went first towards the gates of their city and General Harlander led his army of 850 towards the city. Caisra's ruler's eyes widened and opened the gates for Harlander.

The city had been taken. As promised, the citizens of Caisra were well taken care of. As were the soldiers. None were brutally hurt, it was not the Carloginian way of war.

"General, I am sorry please do not hurt my city or anyone in the city I beg you." Caisra's ruler was pleading with Harlander

"I would not do that. But your 400 warriors are to join my army. In exchange you may keep your wealth. You may keep your city guard to defend the city while we are away. You are officially apart of Carloginias. I hope you agree."

"The warriors may accompany you and fight. And I do agree with the terms."

Truthfully, the man was extremely happy that he was able to keep his vast stores of wealth. The men, women, and children had expected the worst from a foreign invader but the troops were treating them well and were kind to the children. Even repairing some of the town's houses. The army would camp here for a week to continue to help the citizens and to give the soldiers a well deserved break.

((OOC- If my interpretation of the Caisrian force wasen't adequte I'll edit it.))

As always a cold wind rippled the furs wrapped tightly around every man in King Rupert's army. They had learned through years of raiding and inter-tribal skirmish on how to dress for battle. They wore little armor, for there was hardly any to be had after the nobles had been kitted out. Like Waldenburg's many neighbors, it's warriors carried very little in the way of bows and nothing in the case of siege equipment, to make up for this lack of versatility the axes and swords were wielded with a ferocity that terrified the more 'cultured' tribes of the south.

"Rigel take you men down the center then fan to the left the cavalry will take the the job after a moment and the right should be occupied for quite some time." King Rupert trotted down his line waving over a few choice commanders and conference with them before the 1100 Waldenburg infantry arrayed against the smaller armies of the city of Ribe, 40 miles distant was the town of Ribe, merely a wooden stockade town with it's armies drawn out to field. Ribe had ridden out to stop the advance of Waldnenburg on the city, King Rupert had sacked one village and enslaved another, they were triffling affairs, about forty people each, no defense but an insult that would not stand in the case of Ribe.

"Arrange your archers on the knoll over there and try to draw their infantry up it. If they fall into that then we begin." Rupert waved off his son who command the complement of forty archers, all that Waldenburg could field. The line started to move, hundreds of warriors bashing their weapons upon their shields and screaming. This was an all to common part of Teutonic warfare and the Ribeans looked hardly terrified, instead of cowering back they started to form tighter units and positioning spears to meet he forward rush of Waldenburger infantry. And time paused as the two armies faces each other one with cavalry an archers flanking and the other forming up to protect all angles.

A shout of the hill about 120 feet away from the Ribean lines announced the first volley of arrows which mostly just plunked into the ground or quivered to a halt in the shield wall. About half a dozen Ribeans fell, the rest easily filled their place and looked as though they would not move for a couple of archers. Again a volley, again a hand full of casualties, again the space was filled.

"Do you think arrows are cheaper then men?" Rupert asked to a noble in line next to him in the main body of infantry. There was a ripple of laughter from the nobles in his guard and a slightly less enthusiastic sentiment of the foot soldiers.

"Sir they're breaking, they're going after the archers!" A noble screamed over the battle cries of the Ribean Charge, where half the battle line was pounding across the field and up to the knoll where the archers had been hassling the enemy for nearly thirty minutes.

"Charge!" Rupert's men began a countercharge and stormed towards the charge on the archers, without a doubt about to catch them on their right or have archers slaughter them from behind at point blank range.

"Sir that's only half their men we'll be caught between the lines."

"Only for a moment provided the cavalry manage." The two lines met Rupert's infantry taking the Ribeans in the side at full steam and already swinging with sword and battleaxe. The archers saved of their problems momentarily fled off the knoll and down behind the infantry line, they would be of no use in a melee. And true to the chance the Ribean second line collided with Rupert's left splitting his forces and fighting erupted on both flanks now. But the cavalry the last undeployed force on the field, nearly 150 men were now positioned behind the Right of the Ribean army and began their quick charge into battle.

"Majesty we have the final counts 107 dead and 318 wounded. Lord Hisron is dead also, he was trampled by the charge. About 400 of the enemy escaped the rest are dead or captured." Rupert waved away a bloodied aide, the battle had been a close run thing if the cavalry hadn't folded the Ribean right Rupert would be the one making terms.

"Majesty we don't have enough men to attack Ribe, to many of them escaped if even hald of them make it home they can hold the city indeffinately."

"Have the cavalry ride to Ribe try and cut them off on the way if possible. But once they reach Ribe present them with these," Rupert motioned to a stack of heads belonging to the nobles of Ribe, and a few other trinkets. "Offer them decent terms if they surrender, no slavery no death, let's see if we can't bluff em. We'll take the spoils back to Blünderburg and await your return in five days." So it began.

Babylon(Northern California)

there was much land to be conquerd, but the population was a problem, the Holy Empire of NC would become big, but couldnt defend its borders, settlers were sent from Babylon to the out reaches of America, hopefully brining them the territory and giveing them the vast resources of the land.

Caisra

The crisp Mediteranean air filled the lungs of everyone in the new Carloginian City of Caisra. The town since it's capture had been treated well and the mourning wives and children whose fathers and brothers had been killed in the fighting were visited and comforted by the soldiers. Many of them were visted by General Harlander himself who had made residence in one of the city's villas. The families tried to be forgiving, but the loss of a family member at the hands of war is a very trifiling thing, so he didn't expect much aside from loyalty from the town.

He wanted the city of Tarcha to join Carloginias without a fight. Because of this, a diplomatic envoy was to be sent to the city in order to garner an agreement between the Kingdom and the City-State who would soon undoubtly be isolated. Before he had set out the King at Veii had given Harlander a set of cities that he wanted in his command without a fight and what terms to offer them should they at all be interested in this. Carloginias was a nation where money did the talking and he knew that the leaders of Tarcha would be estatic in joining Carloginias as soon as money was mentioned.

Upon writing drafting a letter, he sent his closest companion to lead the expedition to Tarcha. He would be escorted by a contingent of ten men who would act as his body guards should the natives in Tarcha turn hostile towards them. Yletz Gladus was the one who would be negotiating terms with the Tarchanian leaders. He was a large and imposing man with deep set brown eyes who could pierce into the very soul of people. Gladus was also a very intelligent man, skilled in the ways of diplomacy. He had been born and raised at the court, a favorite of the King.

Gladus watched the gates close behind him at dawn as he made his way to the city of Tarcha. They were on horseback and it would take roughly four hours to reach the city. The people of Tarcha were notourious for recieving guests well. Their respect for foreign peoples was rooted out of their Greek ancestory. The road that they travelled was a dirt one. Carloginians had already begun seeing the importance of roads throughout their city and villages in the surrounding lands. It made travel quicker and safer and allowed mercantile interests to flow better.

Babylon(Northern California)

there was much land to be conquerd, but the population was a problem, the Holy Empire of NC would become big, but couldnt defend its borders, settlers were sent from Babylon to the out reaches of America, hopefully brining them the territory and giveing them the vast resources of the land.
OOC: I hope that's your PLAN, and not what you've already done. You can't simply just "be in America" that fast... NC, please refer to OOC thread.

This is the ancient world.. America was first sighted in Midieval Times. This should go in OOC thread too, lol.

Khentii Province, near the Burhan Haldun Mountain Range

~ " All heed to the Great Khan's will!"

Vachir Olzvoi held his hand up to the men gathered in the hut, and there was immediate silence. Magnai Khan, the Great Conqueror, Head of the Saihan Clan, and current Ruler of the Mongol Tribes, shifted uncomfortably in the bamboo chair set up for him at the back of the makeshift tent. He had called the heads of the other tribes to his capital near the Onon and the Kherlen rivers to discuss the beginning of The Expansion.

" My fellow tribesman," he began, using a term that officially united all in the room as brothers, " our borders demand to be pushed outward. Our new state of Nitalia cries out for more land, and for more places that our glorious people can settle."

" But where, Great Khan?" A minor Clan's head, Tilik Gonbat, questioned such a move. " We have already subjugated the River Folk who have dare struck at the might of Nitalia, but where else may we turn?"

The night outside brought the cries of the night birds, hunting for the mice and rabbits in the field. The Steppes were a harsh land: only the strong would survive, and the Nitalian people had learned to appreciate and imitate that lifestyle. Magnai Khan looked out of the tent's flap at the starry sky before him, and then turned back towards Tilik.

" I've heard that the Mountainlands to the South East of here are ripe for the taking." (Seraya)

The other Clan Heads nodded in approval of the wise choice: from there, the entire Kingdom that those Mountains protected would be open to their conquest.

" Zeng Sai, will you honor us by leading our men there?"

Zeng Sai, the Tree that Defies the Fire, stood and bowed towards Magnai.

" It would be a privilege, Great Khan. Our mangudai will have them running very soon."

" Good: see to it." With that, Zeng Sai left the room to prepare himself for battle whilst the final plans were made out among the others still left in the hut.

Magnai Khan's empire would expand very soon ... already his people had established their first city, Ulaan Baatar and it was growing rapidly every day: the infrastructure, though at first temporary, was finally being solidified, whilst people from the River towns in the area flocked towards the city daily.

Meanwhile, the weapons of the Wars of Conquest would still be suitable for the attack on the Mountainlands, save for one thing: seige weapons. The Mongols of Nitalia had the knowledge to create Drills, Catapults, Rams, and other such engines, but their true weapon was the mangudai: the Horse Archer. Able to fire on the move or even in retreat, they were an elite, highly mobile force with the surprising strength to decimate larger, slower armies with ease.

It would take, at most, a few weeks to assemble the soldiers, prepare the siege weapons, and finalize the battle plan, but afterwards, Magnai Khan could revel in his newest conquest ...~

King saul recieved a report from a soldier.
"We have founded the town of Azzah (Gazah) on the coast."
"Good."
"We have scouts everywhere, we have found the nation of Carolingas, what should I do?"
"Send out a rider containing this letter, 'This is from King Samuel of the Brittonians, who recieves his power from The Almighty, the One and Only God who lasts forever. Brittonia would like to start amicable relations with you, and hope that this ensures our feiendship.
King Samuel II."
The king gave the soldier a bag of 200 gold coins to be given to the leader of Carolingas.

"Also, King, we have conquered most of the Levant."
"Good job, now head east."

Hippo

There had been no movement from Hippo lately save the steady pacing of guards with torches, and King Halys was beginning to get nervous. Had his men been caught earlier and revealed the plan? Or perhaps they had lost their nerve, or worst of all, turned traitor. Despite the quality of Manthian sailors, their land forces were few and had to be supplemented with mercenaries. For those types of men, loyalty was worth only the weight of their purses.

Suddenly shouts broke out near the gate, followed by screaming and the clash of weapons. Halys leapt up.

"It is our party! The men are attacking the gate from the inside! Quickly! To the wall, to the wall!"

Inside was chaos. The ambushers had seized the gate in force and were defending the wall from the inside, against confused enemy soldiers who were rushing out of their houses hastily and often partially armed. With only fifty or so Manthian soldiers having seized the gate, the enemy had numbers on their side, but the Manthians were doing everything possible to increase chaos - shooting at torchbearers, tossing firebrands into houses, and shouting contradictory orders in as best an approximation they could manage of the local accent.

A company of Hippan soldiers finally managed to form up in some kind of order, and were advancing towards the gate under cover of shields, making steady progress against the hail of stones anad arrows from the Manthians on the wall. As they neared twenty yards, they broke the shieldwall and charged at the few Manthian defenders on the ground. Fighting was fierce momentarily but the Manthians were quickly being overwhelmed.

"The gates!" one cried. "Close the gates!"

A cheer went up as the last Manthian soldiers between them and the walls fell or fled. The first few men ran to the gates, throwing themselves against the gates and beginning to push them shut.

"Bring the bar! Hurry!" one man called. That was when a corresponding cheer went up from the Manthians on the wall.

The Hippan soldier barely had time to yell before he was cut down. A great crush of bodies forced the gates open, and nine hundred Manthian soldiers poured through the gates like a flood. Like a wolf among sheep, Halys Reisschart had entered Hippo, and now he would glut himself in its devastation.

As the sun rose over the smoking city of Hippo, the last enemy forces were being routed out. Despite being caught by surprise inside their walls by a superior force, the city had put up a valiant fight. Many Manthian soldiers would never return to their home city, and many more would bear scars from the vicious urban fighting. Bodies, both invader and defender, lay scattered throughout the streets and in some parts of the city fires still burned unchecked. Still the city was essentially in Manthian hands, and thanks to the early capture of the gates few citizens had managed to flee.

The last remnants of resistance had retreated to the temples of the city gods. Under orders from the King, the Manthians had stormed the doors, slaughtering the defenders over the sacred altars and carrying off the treasures that various rulers had donated to the gods since the founding of Hippo. Civilians who had joined the soldiers in sheltering in the temple were dragged away despite their wailing, to the great square in front of the temple where the surviving populace had been gathered. Women wept and men shuddered under the eye of the Manthian soldiers as, one by one, each was brought before a Manthian magistrate. The question was simple.

"Will you give up forever your hostility against the city of Manth and its people, and swear to be the friends of Manth in perpetuity and to obey the dictates of the King and Senate?"

Those that assented were spared. Those that refused were shackled and led off to the docks to be sold into slavery.

Kampfers

Qusay had come to Greece aboard a Carthaginian merchant ship bound for Corinth. From there he, and the small group of soldiers accompanying him for protection from bandits, had traveled for days through the Greek countryside, passing through several cities on their way to the eventual destination. Kampfers. Finally the city was in sight.

Qusay motioned to his men as they rode towards the city. He must take care to be polite to the Kampferians. He came with offers of friendship, but on the other hand, one of the Corinthians had told a story involving Kampferians throwing diplomats down wells...

Kampfers

Qusay had come to Greece aboard a Carthaginian merchant ship bound for Corinth. From there he, and the small group of soldiers accompanying him for protection from bandits, had traveled for days through the Greek countryside, passing through several cities on their way to the eventual destination. Kampfers. Finally the city was in sight.

Qusay motioned to his men as they rode towards the city. He must take care to be polite to the Kampferians. He came with offers of friendship, but on the other hand, one of the Corinthians had told a story involving Kampferians throwing diplomats down wells...

Kampfers

"Halt! Who goes there!" A voice called out from a tower.

Hustling out of a secret door in the wall were 50 hoplites. They quickly formed into a phalanx formation and advanced menacingly towards the New Manthians.

Kampfers

Qusay held up a hand, and his guards stopped. He himself rode forward a little to get to the range where he wouldn't have to shout.

"I am Qusay of Kadry, emissary of Manth. I come in peace to seek audience with the leading men of Kampfers."

Kampfers

The gates swung open slightly. More hoplites marched out, and parted, froming a path in the middle. The other hoplites fell in with them. Then, Ephor Richtoff walked out. The gates swung closed behind him. The Ephor and the High General were equal in power, and with Klischten gone, he held it all for a time.

"Greetings, Qusay of Kadry, emissary of Manth. I am Ephor Richtoff of Kampfers. What brings you to these lands? I take it that you do not seek military action by the poor army you have brought with you. Perhaps you seek trade, or perhaps more. Speak now, before I order my men upon you." Those rumours from the Corinthians weren't all false.

Corbornia (RL Damascus)

Sultan Suleiman ibn Abd al-Amin looked out over his city of over ten thousand citizens. While proud of his bustling metropolis, he realized that it would need to expand if it were to survive into the future. His knowledge of other cities expansionism frightened him, and he decided that now was as good a time as any to begin his conquests. He devised a plan for the conquest of Syria and summoned his generals, each of whom commanded five hundred soldiers.

Two of them would march their infantry forces south to Al Qunaytirah and As Suwayda, respectively, and pacify the peoples there. The third general, the Sultan's most trusted, would lead a daring cavalry expedition north to Tadmur, where he would proceed to conquer the region, and devastate those who refused to pledge loyalty to Corbornia. The general would be given free reign over the rest of the northern areas, and he would be allowed to operate as he see fit in bringing the communities there under the Sultan's control.

Al Qunaytirah

Following their long march in the hot desert sun, the Corbornian soldiers were tired and thirsty, but there was one obstacle yet. The army four times the size of their own that stood in front of them was not eager to surrender its homeland, and would not be defeated without a fight. Though the numbers seemed daunting, this was not completely true. The Al Qunaytirahans had simply put together peasant rabble and called them "fighters." The Corbornian troops were highly trained professional soldiers, and were more than prepared to rout their foe.

The battle began routinely for the foot soldiers, they charged at each other across the desert sands in the midday sun. Screams and shrieks filled the dry air, and the whooshing of arrows fired by both sides ensued. The Corbornian archers immediately displayed their superior skill, and each one's bow landed twice as many arrows on the enemy as their counterparts'.

Not long after the archers had begun their duel, the infantry met in the middle of the battlefield. The clashing and clanging of swords, spears, and shields emanated for miles, and the civilians of the town cautiously left the relative safety of their homes to get a better view of the action. Bloodcurdling yells resonated from the center of the fray, as both Corbornian and Al Qunaytirahan bodies fell to the ground, victims of the bloodshed. While the lucky ones sustained instantly fatal blows, many others simply suffered mortal wounds, which would lead them to die a slow, painful death.

It was not yet an hour into the engagement, but already the experienced Corbornian soldiers were proving their extensive training paid off. Quickly gaining the edge over the opposition, it soon became evident that their mettle and valour could not be matched. The scared and confused Al Qunaytirahan laborers began to break ranks and flee, and the Corbornian general's orders were to pursue them "to the fiery pits of hell." Many began to surrender once in the city's streets, and, to allow the Corbornian soldiers to round them up, the General cancelled the pursuit order. Those that continued to flee would be allowed to do so. Either they would die of thirst and have their bodies picked apart by vultures, or they would come crawling back to the city on their knees, begging for mercy to the Great Sultan.

The casualties for the Corbornians were around fifty percent. The Al Qunaytirahans had incurred seventy-five percent casualties, and could no longer sustain themselves in a battle. The five hundred Al Qunaytirahan soldiers who had not fought to the death or fled were made part of the Corbornian Army.

Casualties/Starting Force

Al Qunaytirah: 1,500/2,000
Corbornia: 250/500

As Suwayda

As the sun began to slowly sink towards the horizon, the Corbornian troops began to catch their first glimpses of the outskirts of the city. Though they had not yet been made aware of their companions' successes to the west, they faced an army very similar to that which their comrades had fought and defeated. The battle might well last into the night, and thus the troops were well aware they might end up killing their fellow Corbornians as well as the enemy As Suwaydans.

The battle began much the same as the last, but this time, archers of both sides took refuge in farm houses and mills, firing out of the thin windows from both the first and second storeys. Much like modern urban warfare, soldiers would hide behind corners of buildings. Waiting for the enemy to run past, the soldier would bring his sword or spear to bear and cleanly slice his opponent's head off without him ever even seeing it coming.

Casualties were much lower this battle than the last, as both sides and generals behaved more cautiously. By nighttime, both sides had stood their ground, but the As Suwaydans had suffered worse, and their leader called for a ceasefire and a meeting with the enemy general. Obliging, the Corbornian general made his way to the centre of where the bloodshed had taken place.

"Good sir," the Sultan of the city began, "No cause can justify this kind of bloodshed. Just ask us what you want, and we will provide you with it."

The general was blunt. "We want your city, good sir, to pledge loyalty to the Great Sultan Suleiman ibn Abd al-Amin and allow itself to be absorbed into the Corbornian Empire."

After a heavy sigh, and seeing he had no other choice, the leader facing him replied, "Very well. We will comply." The Corbornians had lost half their men, but their opponents, the As Suwaydan Army had effectively ceased to exist as a fighting force. The five hundred that did survive were incorporated into the Corbornian ranks to protect their formations.

Casualties/Starting Forces

As Suwayda: 1,000/2,000
Corbornia: 100/500

Tadmur

By this time, the sun had long since disappeared from the western sky. Nighttime had fallen, and the desert was quickly cooling. The cavalry had finally arrived at their destination, and what a sweet feeling it was. They were authorized by their general to run rampant throughout the city. They rode up to the city gate, and began to use the ropes they carried with them to scale the wall. The guards were able to cut a few of the ropes, but the fall was not great, and soon the defenders were overwhelmed by the cavalrymen. Proceeding to slit the guards' throats, the attackers opened the gate, and then climbed back down to their horses.

The Corbornians flooded into the city, charging the remnants of the guards and the small groups of militia that had formed up. By this point, the slaughter was well underway. The horsemen rampaged throughout the town. Killing men, women, and children, the victory was throrough. Any resistance that popped up was quashed as if it was a minor rebellion in a massive empire. Pursuing the dissidents into the centre of the town, the cavalry stampede towards them, severing heads with their swords and impaling bodies on their lances.

The surprise assault having overwhelmingly succeeded, the Corbornian General ordered the enemy's heads to be displayed on pikes around the city walls, to show any potential opponents the strength of Corbornian Empire. Already having much influence over Sultan Suleiman ibn Abd al-Amin, this victory would only enhance his reputation in the court, and he was beginning to have designs on the throne itself. Very few Tadmurian soldiers had survived the attack, and those that did were to be made slaves and soldiers within the Corbornian Army.

Casualties/Starting Forces

Corbornia: 50/500
Tadmur: 1,750/2,000

Shiraz

Groups of Persian National Cavalry assembled by the parade field, adjacent to the King's mansion. King Ghiyath ad-Din Mehmed I Tapar quickly paced among the stiff Cavalry units.

"Persians! You are our noble warriors! For too long have the people of Tehran not pay their tribute. These people must be taught a lesson! Charge through them like ripe wheat, cutting down those who oppose. Ride, my men!"

And with that, the National Cavalry group sped off into the horizon. Blood would be spilled tonight.


OOC: Just starting off with a "OMFG Pay j00 tribute!" thing.

Corinth

The two armies met at the convergence of the road outside of Corinth. They combined the armies together. In all, there were around 3,000 men. Around 1,600 of those were fully trained Kampferian hoplites. Together, they marched in unison towards Corinth. Upon arriving at Corinth, they marched around the city twice. Determining that only two gates allowed passage into the city, the troops were once again divided. Klischten and his son led their armies to the different paths, taking up position along it. The elder Klischten walked to the front.

"Citizens of Corinth! From this point foward, you will remain under seige from the Kampferian Empire, until you surrender or face our army in the field. No food will reach your gates. Remember. WE ARE KAMPFERIANS!!!!!!"

A horrific cry arose from the troops. It was enough to shake the morale of even the most professional armies.

The city of Corinth lay silent.

OOC: Time for a siege! What is a realistic RL time period for me to wait?

As the Persian National Cavalry reached Tehran, the local bell rang, alerting a local militia force to the parade grounds. Cpt. Tipu Raheel, of the Tehran Reserve, stepped forward to address the Cavalry units.

"What is the matter, brothers? Based on your insignia your from Shiraz. I hope we didn't do anything wrong." he worried.

One of the horsemen stepped forward and rudely replied to the militia captain. "You and your lazy people haven't paid your tribute."

"This is a big misunderstanding! We have payed it. Not get out of Tehran." the captain roared while picking up his spear.

"Too late, captian." one of the horsemen units plowed right through Raheel, pummeling him. "Kill these traitors!"

The Persian National Cavalry then sped past the confused militia group, flinging their spears at the group. 75% of the volunteers were immediately slain, while the rest seeked shelter. Their pain would soon end as the cavalry swung around cutting down the horrified men...

OOC:Sorry i was gone so long.

Imperial City
Fuhrer Rommel was pleased with the progress of his men. They had occupied some more territory to the north and reached Danzig. Now the only obstacle that remained was the proposed merger between the two. So far the claims had fallen upon deaf ears. Rommel greatly disliked this. He had already expanded the Reich to some 24 000 people with no fighting. Now it would be diffrent.

"General Richenau gather 650 men for war and be ready to follow me tommorow morning." Rommel ordered. The city would succumb one way or the other. Already 100 men were there waiting for him. He would just have to crush the city by force, and since it had a population of only some 6000 people including the surrounding area, plus it lacked fortifications besides a palaside wall, it would fall quickly.

ooc- i don't know what to do

i feel retarded asking for help

OOC:Sorry i was gone so long.

Imperial City
Fuhrer Rommel was pleased with the progress of his men. They had occupied some more territory to the north and reached Danzig. Now the only obstacle that remained was the proposed merger between the two. So far the claims had fallen upon deaf ears. Rommel greatly disliked this. He had already expanded the Reich to some 24 000 people with no fighting. Now it would be diffrent.

"General Richenau gather 650 men for war and be ready to follow me tommorow morning." Rommel ordered. The city would succumb one way or the other. Already 100 men were there waiting for him. He would just have to crush the city by force, and since it had a population of only some 6000 people including the surrounding area, plus it lacked fortifications besides a palaside wall, it would fall quickly.


OOC:WRONG ACCOUNT! BUT SAME ACTIONS TAKEN

Constantinople, The New Rome
For hundreds of years, the dual walls of Constantinople have stood, for hundreds of years a symbol of the strength of the Empire. Emperors, Warlords, and Patriarchs have passed, ages have come and gone, but the city remains. Scarred by the ravages of numerous sieges, they have borne witness to the birth of one of the most influential cities in the East.

Now, standing atop these walls, Emperor Rovanos Kommenoros, the first of his line, took in his city. Sprawled out before him were ten-thousand people, thousands of soldiers, and beyond that... The World...

He was the first of his dynasty, the beginning of a new era, and he had to make a name for himself. The glory days of his Empire had come and gone, the rule of the Mediterranean was but a dream to him. But that did not mean he was trapped here, in the Bosporus and in obscurity! The name of Rovanos Kommenoros would be known, throughout the known world...

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

Three days later, a messenger arrived in the court of Emperor Kommenoros, bearing news from the west. Rovanos was not blind to the situation on the stunted Greek peninsula, the actions of the foreigner Klischten were known to the Emperor. Now, though, he knew for sure. The High General was besieging the city of Corinth, and solidifying his position on the Peloponnesus..

Gathered in the great hall of the central keep, and palace for Emperor Kommenoros, Rovanos was taking his visitor.

The messenger was flanked by a pair of armored guardsmen, the Herculiani, and guards of the Emperor himself. Also assembled was the Orthodox Christian Patriarch of Constantinople, Gregory IV, and one of the Emperor's closest advisors, Philippikos the Turk. The latter was a renowned general from Anatolia in his earlier years, but now as he was advancing in age, better served his Emperor as an advisor in the capital.

The Emperor, seated at least fifteen feet above the five men, on a golden throne atop a flight of stairs, looked down on the open-air courtyard below. He spoke, "Long have I known of the aggressive attitudes of my Peloponnesian neighbors, but never have they advanced so far as to threaten us, we must look to the south, where the Arabs are expanding unchecked, let the fool have his siege,"

The messenger, kneeling, and making certain not too make any eye contact, replied, "Your excellence, I report only what I have seen and heard. It is the belief that they will not stop their expansion until they are checked..."

The Emperor, for the first time, lowered his gaze to watch the nearly prostrate kneeling man before him, "Do you disbelieve the words I say?"

"Hastily, the messenger responded, "No, certainly, no. All I mean is that-"

"Do you seek to contradict your Emperor, your State?"

"No!" The man flattened himself, to the bemusement of the Emperor, who continued, "Like I said, the foreigners of Kampfers can wait..."

The messenger, at a nod from Philippikos, was hauled to his feet by the Herculiani and removed. As he left, the old general spoke, "Sir, he does only say what he thinks, and I would venture to say that he is not too far off..."

The Turk said this without the bowing and without the forced avoidance of eye contact that was expected of lesser men. He had known Rovanos for decades, and was beyond such frivolities. The Emperor responded,

"That may be true," he said, his tone having obviously fallen from the lofty-commanding voice he had addressed the commoner with, to a more conversational tone, "But again, we must look elsewhere, our Empire is small, and for years the outlaying Black Sea cities have been beyond our reach. Let us fortify our rear before looking to our front,"

"Certainly, but a prolonged campaign to the East would draw many resources otherwise needed to defend our West, should the Kampferian pagans arrive at the walls of the city itself, it would not do to have the armies afield..."

"Of course, but our city is remarkably well fortified, as you know. Even a miniscule force here can be a deciding factor. In any case, the foreign cities will not take much force to bring back into the fold, perhaps we dispatch a corps of the standing cavalry, and make up the rest with levies, it would suffice,"

"Of course, but again, it would only draw attention, and what if we should fail? It would make us look weak, a docile beast. If we are to leave the city, we must do so in force, and return victorious before anyone can take advantage of it."

"A risk, perhaps, but is the other not the same? Then yes, we can agree. Send word, I require a general capable of leading my armies afield, new blood will flow through our veins..."

Philippikos left the room with a bow, and was followed shortly by Gregory IV, who, despite having nothing to add to the discussion, thought it worth-while to keep inside the loop, as it were, to reaffirm his presence to the secular elite. It made him look more important, simply.

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

Ten days following, after rallying the cataphractii, the standing guard of the capital and superb heavy cavalry force, a general was chosen. Servius Quietus, a man native to the Old Rome, and an experienced campaigner, was selected. He was good friends with Philippikos the Turk, and despite Servius' advanced age, Philippikos was confident in him and his abilities.

Surrounding the core force of three-hundred heavy cavalry, a levied mass of two-thousand peasant-militia were assembled. Each mad had gone through some rudimentary training, and was equipped largely with his own weapons. The estimated number put the force at roughly eight-hundred archers and twelve-hundred spearmen.

Besides this, a mercenary company, comprising of two-hundred Saxon axmen and led by their captain, a man known as Henry the Bastard, was hired on, much to the ire of the Orthodox authorities. They regarded the Saxon people as barbaric and pagan, but they were sated with the knowledge that they were operating in far-off lands, and would likely die... This last fact was not mentioned to Henry, who was promised a large sum of solidi, as well as all the loot he and his men could transport back.

The force, numbering twenty-five hundred men and six-hundred horses, set out for the Black Sea port city of Trebizond, and the return of the Empire to its deserved glory...

Outside Danzig

Fuhrer Rommel stood outside the city with his men. The small army of 750 men was arrayed for battle. Already flaming arrows ad been shot and some of the wall had been burned, but some 1500 men were already there. They were reading and Rommel was letting them. He planned to show his power using superior shows of force to seize control of the area. Once the enemy was ready he silently ordered his cavalry to move. The enemy army was mostly citizens with spears, but a small core force of some 200 men were hardered warriors.

"INFANTRY ADVANCE!" He ordered. Richenau moved forward with his men. The armies stood some 600 yards apart. Rommel's men advanced beneath a strong shield wall. Arrows would not be able to piece the Huskarls superior armor. The Cavalry stood ready to attack, General von Falkenhorst waited for the order as the forces clashed. Immediatly the powerful Reich infanty stood and held against the poorer troops of Danzig. Soon numbers began to take effect and the Reich troops were being pushed back, however this was only in the center, the flanks held. Rommel nodded and Falkenhorst charge the enemy flank ith the 100 cavalry troops. They dug deep into enemy lines and forced much of the enemy to run. With that fatal move the battle would be done. In two hours the enemy was surrendering or dead. The battle had been costly, some 300 men had died, although these numbers could not be replenished. Danzig and its area of influence was now under Fuhrer Rommels control.

Imperial

as the young King of Imperial marrys the daughter of a age King from another Kingdom Two Legions and one unit of Equites were camp near the boader of another Kingdom waiting to see if it be war or peace

Camp

"so the King marrys and we sit on our ass wait to see what that lot do"said the Primus Pilus as he point to a map when a Primi ordines walks in

"Sir a scout from the Equites has return with a report of enemy troops heading this way"said the Primi ordines

"sound the the alarm "said the Primus Pilus

Danzig

Fuhrer Rommel sat on his horse. His position had been consolidated. Better yet, no major power or proper resistance had yet to be encountered. The population of the Reich had just hit 15 000. Small, but these people would now form a strong base for him to launch further campaigns. His goal was simply to expand, and one direction held promise beyone compare. West, to the west hundreds of small cities existed in an incoherent mob of quarreling states. It was ripe for a strong leader to crush. His goal was to reach the Oder River. Its banks could form a good defensive position to hold back the remaining barbarians, but this was far off. He would need thousands of men to accomlish this goal, and he simply didnt have the manpower to launch such a campaign. Even with the losses replenished he had a mere 1500 men if he wanted to call all his forces to a sinlge place. HIs eyes would remain in the east, for now.

"Ramcke, lead your cavalry east and put up flags marking our lands. I want to make sure this side of the Neiman is ours and remains that way. I expect you to report back in a month with news of sucess."

OOC: Sorry for my extremely delayed response. In any case, here it goes. If this seems long, this is my intro to the RP, I can assure you most won’t be this long or character focused...

IC:

Although one would expect the village of the newly settled Aztec people, situated at a higher elevation to be dry this time of year, the summer rainstorms made the already high temperatures all the more bothersome. Some of the people would naturally wonder why the priests chose this site. However, to speak such words was absolute heresy, especially with the situation unfolding with one of the people’s beloved leaders.

The twenty year old Eztli Cuetlachtli walked in to a leaky hut like building, made of scraps of canvass, tanned animal hides and wood. Eztli’s dark face dripped with a mixture of rain water and sweat. He walked up to a priest and asked quietly, “What’s going on? Will my father live?”

The priest said to Eztli, “Your father is gravely ill, I doubt he will live much longer.”

Eztli looked past the priest and looked at his father, lying on his back on a bed; seeing his father in that vulnerable position made Eztli cringe at the thought of his own mortality. Quietly, Eztli took off his cloak and walked up to his father’s side.

Huemac lay cold and unresponsive, covered by a blanket. The only way that they could tell that his body was clinging on to life was the slow steady rising and falling of Huemac’s chest. Huemac’s sobbing consort was knelling next to him, wiping the rainwater off his forehead. Eztli put his hand on his father’s arm, fighting back the tears welling in his eyes. Yes, his father was older, but still strong. This made no sense, Eztli had seen many people die during the wandering. Some by his own hands, but this imminent death made no sense.

A priest put his hand of Eztli’s wet bare shoulder. “I must talk to you.”

Etzli walked out of the tent back into the pouring rain. Although it was his natural instinct to go back in and get his tunic, he knew it would be no protection. All was quite in the small village. It wasn’t the rain forcing the people in, for rain wasn’t much of a pestilence to them. Rather, they were praying to the pantheon of gods for their befallen leader.

Etzli was lead to a small edifice, unsure of what the priest had to say to him. Etzli sat down, but felt more nervous when he noticed the priest was still standing – could this be an assassination?

The priest looked down and said sternly, “You know your duty – your father was vying to be the second Uei Tlatoani of our people. It is on your family’s honor that you continue his battle.”

Etzli stood up in shock, “I am a warrior – look at me, my strength is my body. I can’t…”

The priest snapped back, “You are compelled to! It is the only way this can happen, your father is as good as dead right now, and we must have you, as his only son carry on as his successor.”

Etzli knew that the selection of the next Uei Tlatoani would occur tonight. He also knew that his father’s blood rival would be glad to hear of his father’s demise. It was also likely that Etzli may not live pas the night either – that was why he didn’t want to get into politics.

Six hours later…

Etzli was walking alone during a break in the rainstorm, contemplating what was coming. He didn’t feel like he would be selected to be the new Uei Tlatoani, but fate had an interesting way of playing with people. He looked at the surrounding rocks, remembering different events in his life that occurred here. Memories of friendship, lust, socializing and danger flooded his mind as he past the rocks were he spent much of his growing years after the wandering.

Suddenly, something pushed him faced down into the ground, something so strong that no wind could have done it. Rolling over instinctively, he noticed he had barely missed a rock that would’ve come down upon his neck, surely killing him. Grabbing the hair of his attacker, he pulled down with full force, trying to make him loose his balance. With his opponent on the ground, he grabbed the shoulder of his would be assassin, only to be met with a punch to the chest. Winded and stunned, Etzli fell back on a muddy patch of dirt. Regaining his strength, he tackled his opponent, trying to knock him down once more. Although he had success in brining down his opponent again, he felt a sharp stinging pain slash across his abdomen. Getting up, he put his hand on his stomach, feeling blood oozing out of a wide cut. The man grabbed Etzli’s shoulders and tried to overpower him – but this was only a distraction. Distracted by this apparent attempt to overpower him, Etzli tried to compensate but left himself vulnerable – the attacker kneed him in the stomach, causing him to fall back in pain.

The two men fell into the dirt, panting heavily. Feeling weak, Etzli laid back flat, fumbling in the dark for his obsidian knife strapped to his leg. His attacker got off from on top of him and kneeled by the downed Etzli. The attacker grabbed his obsidian dagger with both hands and raised it above Etzli’s chest. In the moon light, Etzli saw his eminent death above him. In a flash, Etzli tackled the attacker, driving his dagger deep inside the man’s stomach. Twisting the dagger, he could feel the blood drip from the wound on to himself, a sensation he had felt too many times before. The man dropped the dagger, which fell on Etzli’s bare back, causing another cut on Etzli. Several more times, Etzli stabbed his attacker, not even knowing of who he was. After knowing the man was dead, Etzli dragged his attacker under the moonlight. Anger filled him as he realized who was responsible for his father’s death and this attempted assassination.

Fifteen Minutes Later…

Tezozomoc sat with a myriad of priests laughing and discussing his plans to establish the nation. All knew that he was ruthless, and it was no surprise to him that his only competition, Etzli was nowhere to be seen. Regardless, there was no one else for the electorate (the elite and the priests) to select – he would become the Uei Tlatoani in only a matter of minutes.

However, the jovial affair was interrupted with the arrival of the bloodied bruised and mud-covered Etzli. With hate, Etzli yelled out, “You have your son do your dirty work and this is what you think you deserve!?! Your son is dead, Tezozomoc, it was a pleasure killing the fool.”

The priests slowly distanced themselves for Tezozomoc, who was glaring at Etzli furiously. Etzli walked up to Tezozomoc and threw the dagger that Tezozomoc’s son was carrying on the table, saying “You’re ruined now. The only way you can reclaim your honor would be to add your blood to that blade, but I am going to deny you that privilege.

Etzli lunged after Tezozomoc and a brief scuffle ensued. A loud scream broke the fight, and Etzli backed off, watching Tezozomoc slump over in a growing pool of blood. He then turned around and saw the priests and electorate. It had become obvious who had become the new leader.

Etzli said loudly, “My first decree is to create a centralized military, no more of this waste of having the farmers and peasants fight. Sleep now, for tomorrow and for the rest of my reign we will all work.”

The Carloginian diplomat and honor squad reached Tarcha with little delay aside from a soft rain coming down as they rounded the hill of the city towards it's gates. The diplomat was wearing bright blue robes, that could only show the elegance and power of the Carloginian civilization in Italy. Many of the citizens of Tarcha were awe-strucken as the Carloginian contingent made their way towards the palace. Never before had they seen such riches bestow anyone in their fair city.

Even the city guards did not hesitate to allow the Carloginian diplomat to see their ruler and even allowed a small part of the contingent to stay with the diplomat. Which he politely refused. He simply stated that trust was the foundation of unity. He walked slowly. His padded shoes not making a sound against the stone floor. Truthfully, he was rather tired and sore from his ride from Caisra to Tarcha, but he felt that it would be well worth it.

The Carloginian diplomat held his head high, his shoulders back, and walked straight. Just as if he knew exactly where he was going, even if he didn't. THe guards hastily tried to put him in the right direction. The man accepted the help humbly and thanked the guards for their help to him. It was not long before they arrived before a large wooden door. The two guards stationed there bowed before the diplomat, mistaking him for a King.

"Rise my friends, I am no King. However, I do humbly request to see your ruler." The man's voice was almost musical. The guards were mezmerised and had no choice other then to comply with the diplomat's request of them. The wooden doors slowly creaked open and the diplomat walked in confidently and adressed the man sitting before him on a throne of marble.

"Great ruler of Tarcha, I come to discuss important business with you."

Even the ruler of Tarcha was amazed by the voice of the diplomat. His voice could influence the masses.

"Your business, noble sir can be discussed after we feast. You being here is undoubtly an honor. Servants, bring this man all degrees of sustanence. Together we shall feast."

"You are too kind, your majesty."

OOC: Time for a siege! What is a realistic RL time period for me to wait?

OOC: Well, Corinth could basically withstand a siege forever as they were a port city and could bring food in by sea. However, read on...

Qusay took a moment to compose himself. Normally as a diplomat he would have started with all sorts of flowery words - the great king blah blah blah sends greetings to the glorious lord of blah, whose dominions reach as far as the sun blah blah blah. Word was that the Kampferians weren't particularly receptive to that, either. So he cut straight to the point.

"Greetings, Ephor Richtoff. I do indeed come seeking trade, as there is much that Manth can offer, especially if your men take the port of Corinth, which would offer a stopping-place for our ships. Manthian traders visit many nations and can offer all manner of goods to Kampfers, from precious metals out of Iberia and Tyrian dyes to more practical cargo such as Egyptian grain or Dacian iron.

However, as you have guessed the King has sent me here to do more than trade. To put it shortly, stories of Kampferian martial prowess have carried to the King's ears even in Carthage, and he is impressed. Whilst Manth is a power on the sea, we seek allies to complement our forces on land, and no city in the world has a finer army than Kampfers. The King wishes to know whether Kampfers would be interested in signing a treaty of trade and mutual assistance in war between Manth and Kampfers. He also wishes to make it known that Manth would not merely expect to fight proxy wars via Kampfers while remaining in the background, and that Manthians are fully prepared to assist Kampferians as equally as we would hope to be aided ourselves.

For example, I have heard that Kampferian troops are besieging Corinth with hopes of capturing it. Despite your powerful army, you can do nothing so long as they remain within their walls and refuse to fight; they, meanwhile, will be able to hold out indefinitely as long as they can import food by sea. Manth, however, has sufficient naval power to blockade the city and prevent food from reaching it, thus forcing them to come to terms with you."

Qusay paused momentarily to see if all this was going over well.

"King Halys Reisschart is prepared to offer this to Kampfers, in pursuit of an alliance of equals - not of one city subordinate to the other - in which both states will benefit jointly from their successes. What say you, Ephor Richtoff?"

For example, I have heard that Kampferian troops are besieging Corinth with hopes of capturing it. Despite your powerful army, you can do nothing so long as they remain within their walls and refuse to fight; they, meanwhile, will be able to hold out indefinitely as long as they can import food by sea. Manth, however, has sufficient naval power to blockade the city and prevent food from reaching it, thus forcing them to come to terms with you"

Ephor Richtoof mulled it over. "That is a good offer. The combined strength of our forces shall be a terror to the whole world! With this seal" he said, motioning to his finger, "I bind Kampfers as your ally. Go now, and tell your people of this good news. Fear not to send word to us should you need our aid."

With that, the hoplites retreated into the city, as did the Ephor. Kampferian hospitality was not a strong point.

Over time, the five clans extended their territories, sometimes peacefully, more often violently. Tribe after tribe, village after village fell to the combined forces of the united Gallic Clans. In just a few years, they controlled most of north-central Gaul, and now stood poised on the edge of a great victory. Before them stood the large town which would one day be called Paris. It was defended by a motley bunch of town guards and mercenaries hired by the wealthy merchants to protect their interests. There had been no real threat for years, and so they were ill-equipped to face the Gauls.

Victrix stood on a knoll over-looking the town. "A ripe plum, eh?" The others agreed. "We've come a good distance, men. We're about to reap the harvest of our ambitions." He looked at them one by one. "The morning will see us at the gates............."

The Reich borders had expanded enormously. Now the problem lied in the fact that his people where spread about. The population of the Reich had reached 20 000. This was an enormus feat for such a short time. Now came the difficult issue of making sure this area was consolidated. No other city-states stood against him in the area. The Fuhrer's power was absolute. Domestic enemies would prove little threat. The true threat came from gold. He had none. His vast lands produced much wheat and foodstuffs, but it lacked a good trading location. It was true that Imperial City was an important stop when travelling the baltic, but few ships actualluy travelled that direction. What he needed was a location that would provide him with a better trade location. Another port further west would be perfect. Long had his eyes been drawn to a place called Hamburg.

"General Falkenhorst, tell the shipwrights to contruct dozens of warships fit to sail. I want them to be the best ships I have ever seen." Rommel said. Falkenhorst left the room and went to work. Within three months 50 vessels capable of carrying 1000 men in total. They would sail when the Fuhrer ordered to secure a port further to the west, and mab even make contact with another nation.

Greek Coast

Forty Manthian warships had sailed from Manth upon the King's word, stopping to reprovision in Tarentum and then sailing for Corinth. Aboard were a thousand Manthian sailors, the cream of the Manthian fleet. That morning they had boarded and seized five Corinthian merchantmen carrying supplies for the beleaguered city. The crews were being held on a small uninhabited island, pending transport back to Manth as slaves. The ships would be integrated into the Manthian merchant fleet.

Soon, however, the Manthians would face more determined opposition - there would be no way the Corinthian navy, even outnumbered, could allow the only supply lines into their city to be cut. Under the watchful eye of the Admiral, Sash Arvando, the Manthian fleet had drawn up off the Corinthian coast, waiting for the defenders to sally forth.

Hippo

New inhabitants were moving into the city under the watchful eye of a Manthian garrison. Plenty of room was available for loyal Manthians to replace those of the cities inhabitants who were now dead or enslaved. The presence of a strong loyal population base would help prevent any revolt in the near future, and the garrison would also stay on for another generation or so... until the native populace forgot that they had once been an independent city, and grew to accept Manthian rule.

The main body of the Manthian army under Halys, however, had returned to Carthage. There were other cities in the near vicinity, and there was also the threat of Numidian tribesmen to the south which would, eventually, have to be dealt with.

Tenochitilán, late afternoon…

It had been less than a day since Etzli had been declared the Uei Tlatoanini of the Aztec people. Already, though, it was clear the old ways of disorganization and primitive tribalism was dying. Already, almost 1,000 men ranging from young adolescents to middle aged men had been drafted into this new military. Many more had been selected to be laborers, working tediously clearing land (20 miles by 20 miles.) Others toiled, making the weapons that the warriors of this new government. Of particular notice was the club/sword like weapons, the macuahuitl. Piles and piles of obsidian stone littered these weapon manufacturing centers. In addition to the various melee weapons the Aztecs used were the various missile style weapons, most notably the atlat – a spear throwing weapon that was both devastating and startling accurate. While the military seemed more like a rag-tag group of men with partially constructed weaponry, it was more than what the people had ever had.

Etzli kneeled in front of an altar, praying to the various gods. It would seem only right that the new leader of the people would make a showing of faith. However, his thoughts were interrupted by an advisor breaking the peace…

“Great speaker, I have bad news.”

Angry at being interrupted, Etzli growled back, “This better be worth my time.” He got up and put on his tunic and headdress, knowing this would require a more regal look. “What do I have to take care of?”

The advisor said staunchly, “Some of the people are resisting our military draft. Both yaoquizqueh (commoners) and telpochcalli (elites) are refusing to comply with their orders.”

Shaking his head, Etzli walked outside and was lead to the rebellion. It was a rather noisy rebellion of fifty or so people. Although it was relatively small, it still was a rather bad show for the new regime.

Etzli raised his hand and said, “All of you, you must give to your people. Under my…”

The crowd only grew noisier and clearly more upset…Etzli was glad to see that several of his soldiers stood behind me in case if someone was foolish enough to try to harm him. He spoke again, “This sacrifice must be felt by all, we must all share…”

The unruly crowd became all the noisier. An angry, not much taller than Etzli moved and stood toe-to-toe to the Tlatoanini. Clearly, something more dramatic would need to be done. Etzli wanted to stab the man in front of him, but he couldn’t kill every man who opposed him. Politically, it was unwise and ultimately unpractical. He knew that only an example of true leadership could resolve this issue.

“I have no intentions of staying safe while I ask you to fight for your people. I will be there on the front lines, fighting along side. I will participate in this sacrifice that I am asking you all to do.”

Individuals in the crowd laughed while the remainder remained skeptical. The man who was standing toe-to-toe with Etzli smiled and said, “How do you expect to lead us to battle and victory? You haven’t even had victory in keeping a woman with your more than one night!” Many more in the crowd laughed loudly.

Clearly unhappy with this was going, Etzli asked sternly, “Have you ever killed a man? Have you ever killed more than one? I’ve killed many, I killed two last night. The only reason why I’m alive now is because I know how to kill, how to fight. I’ve lead people to their death and I’ve lead people to victory. Whatever happens though, I will not lead you to cowardice…”

Hours later…

Etzli stood on the balcony of his stone palace. The interior of Tenochitilán was much more developed – stone buildings were common place instead of the rickety huts which dotted the outskirts of the city. He noticed an advisor walking towards him, prompting him to get up. The advisor saluted him and said, “Speaker, our reports are in, we have 1,021 people registered as active military. They will begin training tomorrow; however, we only have weapons for 20% of our military. In addition, we have about 1 mile cleared, so it will take a bit of time to finish clearing out the rest of it – I would say no less than a month.”

Noticeably stressed out, Etzli rubbed his forehead. “What else is there to know?”

The advisor put his hand on Etzli’s shoulder, “Well, you better get a cup of coca, we have a lot to discuss.”

After discussing the various issues before them for hours, Etzli said quietly, “So you think this is a good idea?”

The advisor said bluntly, “Yes, we know what’s up north. We know what type of opposition lies up there, but we have no idea what lies south. We have to send a scout party as soon as possible to see what’s down there.”

Etzli looked towards the horizon and said, “Tomorrow’s as good of a time as any time.”

Tarcha

The feast being at the court of the ruler of Tarcha was large and wonderful. THere was all degrees of pleantries including dancing, games, and many other things. Tarcha's ruler had given the Carloginian diplomat a taste of hospitality. To eat, the Carloginian diplomat had boar, deer, sweet potatos, and grain. The latter two had been imported from Mesopatamia. They were truly an exotic taste. Not even in court did the Carloginian king hand out such feasts.

It was not long after they had finished their meal that the ruler of Tarcha said that "Now that we are done feasting on our feast, what brings you to my fair city of Tarcha?"

"The people of Tarcha are a proud and wonderful people, noble sir but as city-states give rise to Kingdoms and kingdoms give rise to empires everyone on the Italian Peninsula is in grave danger. I come to you to ask you to join the Kingdom of Carloginias-- wait sir if you have protest allow me to ease it and perhaps convince you to join our fair kingdom."

"Very well, go on."

"As I previously stated, Italy is in danger from outside forces, particuarly Gaul and Rome to the south. Romans are nothing but greedy and imperialistic and we must unite to defend ourselves from outside forces. In exchange for you accepting this proposal, you keep all of your wealth, you continue to act as the head of the town's decision making process, and you are enobled and granted an estate in Veii. We both know that Tarcha has a large population. Upon you agreeing, 1,000 new Carloginians will be recruited as part of the new army. The walls of this city will be upgraded and you and your family will recieve utmost protection.

"The proposal is most agreeable, but what about the city when my 1,000 men are away? Who is to defend my family? Who is to defend the town's walls incase of an attack on my beloved Tarcha.?"

"The answer is simple your lordship, we recruit another 500 men from the peasentry and train and equip them and make payed soldiers out of them. It is a slight answer to their monetary problems and they will have their own place to live and their mouths will be fed."

"I suppose.." The man's answer was sad and reluctant, but he knew that the city coulden't stand up to the might of Carloginias. Coupled with the fact that the terms of annexation were rather pleasing, he had no qualms about giving up independence of his city state to Carloginias. As the man walked out of the room with his gallant blue robes, Tarcha's ruler could not help but think that he had been visited by some sort of hero or King.

Carthage

Getting passage on a ship to Carthage wasen't exactly difficult. The same Carloginian diplomat from Tarcha was on his way into the wealthy city of Carthage. This time, in dashing green robes. Upon arrival into the city he was welcomed by some of the citizens of Carthage who were nothing but kind to him. His guard did not stir up much fear in the city. Rumors told of Carthage's army winning a stunning victory against their opponents in North Africa.

In order to navigate the clogged streets of Carthage, a guide was hired to take them to the Carthaginian palace. Diplomatic negotiations with the Carthaginians was an utmost.

Upon arriving at the gates of the Palace, the man told the guard at the gate "I am here on behalf of the Kingdom of Carloginias. An expanding Italian Kingdom. I request an audience with the rulers of your city in order for our two countries to begin diplomatic negotiations that will benefit us in more ways then one."


Jerusalem

In response to gold being sent to the King of Carloginias, the king invites the lord of the Holy Land to come to Veii to dine with him in the splendors of the richest city in Italy. It would be here in Veii that the King of Jerusalem would be showered with paintings and frescos made right there in the city. Those paintings would be worth a fortune anywhere in the world.

Imperial City

Rommel looked over plans that had been set before him. They were plans for a barracks, one in which the troops would be trained and disciplined. Rommel took reat nterest in this issue. He had a small force of some 200 men that were trained and had the best equipment, but they were needed to protect the homeland and couldnt be spared on far off ventures.

"How many men could this building hold?" The Fuhrer asked the architect standing in front of him. The man was short and had a build that matched his trade. Small and wiry.

"If built it could easily hold 1000 men, 500 more if they didnt mind to much crowding." He replied.

"How long is your build time estimation?" Rommel asked.

"Two months before the men can move in, five before it is totally finished and has fortifications." The architect said.

"How many men would be needed to build it?" A curious Rommel asked.

"No more than 500." The architect responded.

"Then begin its construction." Rommel ordered with a nod. "And sir, what is your name?" The architect paused for a second.

"I have no name my Fuhrer." He answered.

"Then what shall I call you?" Rommel asked.

"My childhood nickname was Raptor, I took care of birds of prey for hunting to earn it." Raptor answered.

"Strange, but fitting. Now begin contruction today." Rommel ordered.

Imperial

after getting word of a battle won the king was looking at maps

"Etruscan waste of our time Carthage,Gaul are one's to watch and may try to move through the alps and hit Etruscan which i believe they can handle them"said the King to a Aid
"now i'll be back in my room with my new Wife let me now when the Centurion Black gets here"said the King then leaves the map room

As the Persian National Cavalry reached Tehran, the local bell rang, alerting a local militia force to the parade grounds. Cpt. Tipu Raheel, of the Tehran Reserve, stepped forward to address the Cavalry units.

"What is the matter, brothers? Based on your insignia your from Shiraz. I hope we didn't do anything wrong." he worried.

One of the horsemen stepped forward and rudely replied to the militia captain. "You and your lazy people haven't paid your tribute."

"This is a big misunderstanding! We have payed it. Now get out of Tehran." the captain roared while picking up his spear.

"Too late, captian." one of the horsemen units plowed right through Raheel, pummeling him. "Kill these traitors!"

The Persian National Cavalry then sped past the confused militia group, flinging their spears at the group. 75% of the volunteers were immediately slain, while the rest seeked shelter. Their pain would soon end as the cavalry swung around cutting down the horrified men...

The Persian National Cavalry galloped over the bloodied wreaks of Tehran militia, towards the city center in the heart of the town. Upon watching the massarce of their fellow Persians, the reinforcing militiamen quickly layed down their weapons, horrified of what would happen to them. One of the men soon spoke up to the cavalry.

"Ok! We will give you some money, just stop this nonsense." he begged.

"Heh heh. Very well."

A few militiamen soon ran out of one of the buildings, carrying a small but heavy box. Upon opening it, the cavalry commander saw, to his surprise, coins after coins. The Persian horsemen soon thanked the Tehranians for their quickness and target practice with their militia, and then sped off into the horizon.

Imperial hour later

the King walks into the Map room and there stand was a Centurion Black

"ar Black have you carryed out my orders"asked the King

"as order i've sent Diplomatics to Sparta, to the Vikings and to China and sir we should watch out for the Ottomans"said Black

"Ottomans yes we should"said the King

The Emissary from the Imperials was apprehended as soon as he arrived at the locale of the Wanderjarian camp. Drug to the hovel of their Warchief Malakai, he was thrown before him on his knees as the massive warrior stood before him.


"What do you want knave?" He demanded. "For if it is worthy of my ears I may yet let you live."

The Emissary from the Imperials was apprehended as soon as he arrived at the locale of the Wanderjarian camp. Drug to the hovel of their Warchief Malakai, he was thrown before him on his knees as the massive warrior stood before him.


"What do you want knave?" He demanded. "For if it is worthy of my ears I may yet let you live."

"my King sent me here to form a War Alliance with you as he and his Cousin see you as fine brave warriors"said the man

"my King sent me here to form a War Alliance with you as he and his Cousin see you as fine brave warriors"said the man

Several blood caked men in heavy armor showed obvious effort in restraint with the large battle axes they carried. Their fur covered armor was wet with blood and had pieces of gore still yet entangled within it. The Chaos Lord and Champion looked down on the diplomat and replied simply, "An alliance? With us? We have no doubt that we are fine warriors and more than adequate to crush your empire, thus what is in our interest to restrain ourselves?"

Several blood caked men in heavy armor showed obvious effort in restraint with the large battle axes they carried. Their fur covered armor was wet with blood and had pieces of gore still yet entangled within it. The Chaos Lord and Champion looked down on the diplomat and replied simply, "An alliance? With us? We have no doubt that we are fine warriors and more than adequate to crush your empire, thus what is in our interest to restrain ourselves?"

"there are many others more richer then us like Carthage and Ottomans and have you ever fought in the desert "said the man

"there are many others more richer then us like Carthage and Ottomans and have you ever fought in the desert "said the man

"I cannot say we have." Replied the Champion of Khorne. "However, if you can provide war for my people, then we shall ally. Otherwise, we are not interested."

Imperial hour later

the King walks into the Map room and there stand was a Centurion Black

"ar Black have you carryed out my orders"asked the King

"as order i've sent Diplomatics to Sparta, to the Vikings and to China and sir we should watch out for the Ottomans"said Black

"Ottomans yes we should"said the King

The same response for the Manthian diplomat greeted the imperial diplomat. Hoplites formed a menacing circle around him.

"What is it you want, pray tell me, before Ares unleashes fury on your form?"

Ephor Richtoff questioned.

"I cannot say we have." Replied the Champion of Khorne. "However, if you can provide war for my people, then we shall ally. Otherwise, we are not interested."

"bad place for Vikings who are use to the cold and as for war yes that is caming as the Etruscan who are a waste of our time have sent poeple to Carthage which will lead to something one day with them and there many others who are on the move as well"said the man

The same response for the Manthian diplomat greeted the imperial diplomat. Hoplites formed a menacing circle around him.

"What is it you want, pray tell me, before Ares unleashes fury on your form?"

Ephor Richtoff questioned.

"my King sent me here to form a War Alliance with you as he and his Cousin see you as fine brave warriors but you don't have a Navy"said the man

"my King sent me here to form a War Alliance with you as he and his Cousin see you as fine brave warriors but you don't have a Navy"said the man

"Hah, we are allied to the Carthinagins, who have the greatest navy on the seas. However, we will ally with you on one promise. You sally forth with your grandest army and march on Athens with us. What say you?"

"Hah, we are allied to the Carthinagins, who have the greatest navy on the seas. However, we will ally with you on one promise. You sally forth with your grandest army and march on Athens with us. What say you?"

"Athens and Ottomans if may be "said the Man

Carthage, Manthian Royal Palace

The rumors the Carloginian ambassador had heard were proved true on his journey through Carthage, as much of the city was still celebrating the victory over Hippo. Music floated through the air and wine was still flowing freely in many parts of the city to welcome the victorious Manthian army home. A rich city from its trading fleet, Carthage was also showing its liberality and a grand carved marble pillar was being erected in a square near the harbor, to commemorate the capture of the rival North African city.

Two purple-cloaked guards were lounging by the twin sculpted lions at the gates of the palace. When the Carloginian envoy approached and announced himself, one went running into the castle. The other stepped forward to greet the visitor.

"My companion here has gone to inform the palace of your arrival. The king has just returned to the city, and I am sure he will receive you with the hospitality which is due a guest from far lands."

Sure enough, the other soldier soon returned with a group of white-robed servant girls, who escorted the Carloginian ambassador into the palace and offered him a meal, a bath and fresh, cool clothing to prepare him for his audience.* Once the guest had been suitably refreshed, he was escorted into the throne room, where King Halys Reisschart had just entered in full regal outfit to receive the Carloginian.

"Sit." the king commanded, motioning to a chair at the foot of the dais. "I trust that all has found you well in your visit to my city. I am told that you come on behalf of the Carloginian nation."

*OOC: also serves as a discreet check for concealed weapons, not that YOUR ambassador is but I want to establish that this sort of thing is standard...

Corinth

After the seizure of a further seven ships and several days of stalemate, the Corinthian navy had finally been driven to action. Twenty-two ships put forth in the early morning to face the forty-strong Manthian fleet, sailed by Corinthians who, if they lacked the numbers, skill and quality vessels of the Manthians, nonetheless had the benefit that they were fighting nearly on their own doorstep, and with the fate of their city depending on their actions.

Over an hour of maneuvering saw the two fleets draw ever closer, the Manthian fleet keeping the open sea to its back and attempting to hem the Corinthians in against the shore while the Corinthians attempted to slip around the Manthian lines and attack from upwind. As an early morning breeze blew off the shore, however, it finally pushed the opposing lines together. Twelve Manthian ships faced off in the center against nine Corinthian vessels while, in a calculated gamble, six Manthian vessels faced five Corinthian on the left flank in order for sixteen ships to be deployed on the right flank against Corinth's seven. The Manthians had left a reserve of six ships, but the Corinthians, outnumbered, had been forced to commit all their ships to the initial push.

The left made contact first, the ships cautiously jockeying for position in attempts to ram each other. One Corinthian ship had been driven aground and another rammed by the time the opposing centers met, at the cost of two Manthian vessels rammed, one sunk, the other entangled with its attacker while the crews fought viciously across the listing decks, the Manthians in an attempt to leave their stricken vessel and capture the Corinthian ship, the Corinthians to defend their craft and push the Manthian ship off their bow, leaving it to sink.

Action in the center was much the same, as archers shot arrows at opposing crewmen and the Manthian flotilla attempted to outflank its enemy and gang up on individual ships, while the Corinthian ships in tight formation attempted to split the center and divide the Manthian fleet in two. The defenders met unexpected success, perhaps due to contrary winds or the locals' greater familiarity with the waters, catching several ships in unfavorable position and opening up a wide gap in the center. The Corinthians were quick to exploit it, pouncing on the broken formation and sinking several ships.

On the right, however, crushing numerical superiority was taking its toll. Three Corinthian ships had been destroyed at the cost of one Manthian vessel, and the others were scattering and fleeing. Six vessels pursued the retreating Corinthians, while the remaining seven turned to roll up the Corinthian formation in the center. Coinciding with the entry of the reserve, the dismayed Corinthians were caught between the hammer and the anvil as they scattered to pursue fleeing Manthian vessels from the broken center. After sinking or capturing eight of the nine Corinthian vessels in a fierce fight, the Manthian fleet finally turned its attention to the battered left wing, relieving the hard-fighting ships and pinning the last coherent Corinthian force against the shore. All four remaining ships were captured after running aground or being boarded. Of the remainder of the fleeing Corinthian fleet, mostly surviving ships from the right wing, most were hunted down and captured while a single vessel managed to escape, rowing fast down the Peloponnesian coast.

Manth: 6 vessels sunk, 1 captured (later recaptured)
Corinth: 12 vessels sunk in battle, 9 captured during battle or while fleeing, 1 escaped.



North Africa, around Hippo

A major rival city had been captured, but that said nothing of the people of the countryside; small farming communities and fishing villages which generally attached themselves to a nearby larger power for protection. Parties of Manthian soldiers were visiting such villages all around Hippo, informing them that the political situation had changed and that authority would now flow from the palace in Manth and not from the rulers of Hippo.

Most accepted it without argument. Such changes of government were not uncommon, and unlike city-dwellers, the country folk could live their lives relatively unchanged; rather than the implications to their freedom or any such abstract concepts, most were more concerned about what this would mean for the price of fish or grain. Mant were even happy to have joined Manth, rather than the more insular Hippo, as a commercial power like Manth would offer far better opportunities for advancement and enrichment, even to the common folk, than had the autocratic rulers of Hippo. Few would be unhappy that their grain would now be bought by Manthian merchants and sold around the Mediterranean rather than shipped to the local lord as tax.

There were a few pointed questions as to whether the Manthians could provide the same security from raiders as the city of Hippo had, but the villagers were assured that the nomadic horsemen to the south would not trouble them. Of course the Manthians knew that this would not strictly be true; the nomad raiders would certainly try their luck against the new occupiers. Plans were already in place for dealing with that, and winning the loyalty of the country folk.

The messenger came,
"I have something for you, from Carolingas."
"Well, read it", King Samuel said.



Jerusalem

In response to gold being sent to the King of Carloginias, the king invites the lord of the Holy Land to come to Veii to dine with him in the splendors of the richest city in Italy. It would be here in Veii that the King of Jerusalem would be showered with paintings and frescos made right there in the city. Those paintings would be worth a fortune anywhere in the world.

Tell him this,

"The king of the Brittonians is honored to come. I will leave immediately.
From,
King Samuel of the Brittonians who receives his power from Hashem, the Almighty, the One and Only G-d who lasts forever."

The messenger continued,
"We have explored the coastline, and claiming the Egyptian areas, the Eastern Levant, and Anatolia."
"Good. . . good."
"Upgraded our defences on the boarder regions."
"And discovered this nation on the farthest coact of the Mediterranean. They call themselves the Manthians."
"Well, send them this note.
"This is from King Samuel of the Brittonians, who receives his power from Hashem, The Almighty, the One and Only G-d who lasts forever. Brittonia would like to start amicable relations with you, and hope that this ensures our friendship."
David gave the messenger 200 gold coins.
The messenger ran off, this will expand the Brittonian influence in the world.

8km North West Of Imperial City

The merchant ship sailed out bearing the Reichs flag. Now a powerful weapon in itself, the Reich was the northern powerhouse. Regardless the vessel was under attack. Saxon raiders from the far west Pomerania had attacke dthe ship and took its cargo. Now the last crewman was on the top of the mast lighting the vessel ablaze so that the garrison in Danzig could take revenge before he died.

2 Days Later Imperial City
"I grow impatient Falkenhorst, I want those ships ready,and soon." Rommel said angrily.

"My apologies Fuhrer, only a third have been completed so far, they await your approval befor ebeing set to sea." General Falkenhorst said.

"They need not my approval, yours is well enough, however we have a change in plans. Instead of Hamburg our new goal is Stettin. It is where these raiders hail form and is a perfect place to demonstrate our power.

"May I ask how we should engage sir?" Falkenhorst asked.

"Kill all that resist and seize as much land as you can before the locals become to aware of your presence." Rommel explained. "You need to lead the men. Reistance will be little, I expect no more than 500 men to resist you."

"Yes sir, I shall depart immediatly." Falkenhorst said. He immediatly organized 340 men for travel to the area. The 17 ships were well contructed and easily sea worthy. Falkenhorst would take 100 of the Reichs best men with him aalong with 240 levies with minimal training. The engagement would be decided at sea. The Raiders would be fooled and crushed in turn.

OOC:Time to use RTW to simulae the battle...

Baltic Sea, Off German Coast

"Tell the men to aim for quick victory." Falkenhorst told his men as the 17 ships sailed towards the raiders. They would have ran, but they were trapped. So being good German warriors they readied there ships and sailed for battle. They were outnumbered 3 to 1. As the battle began 9 of the Reich vessels landed there men ashore so they could move fast to secure as much land as they could. In total some 180 men were ashore just as the arrows flew from the Reich ships towards those of the Raiders. The experience of the raiders was shown early on. A reich ship was sunk from a ram in the first phas eof the engagement. Soon after the Reich vessels through sheer number and superior fighting skills crushed the raiders taking over 3 of there 5 ships and sinking the other two. The men sent a ship back to Imperial city with some 100 slaves and prisioners. The men landed ashore and move into small groups of 50 travelling from each small village to another. The tribes that resisted were given an hour to change there mind before they were destroyed. Before the day was out the Reich had lost only 90 of the original 500 men that had begun the expedition, and 60 of those were sailors. It was expected that in a week the entire area north of Stettin to the Baltic would be claimed as the lands of the Reich. It was almost displeasing to discover that a mere 500 people lived in the new area, but it gave the Fuhrer a good staging point to secure Pomerania in the future when his numbers were greater.

OOC: Please refer to post 77 in the OOC thread (2nd post in page 6)

Imperial City

Fuhrer Rommel was greatly pleased. Another 10 ships had been finished. The fleet was no large enought to protect the Reichs maritime trade. To take away from the news was the loss of over a third of the force under General Falkenhorst that the Fuhrer had sent to secure a port further west. The work on the barracks was going well however and each day the men trained for combat and honed there skills. The major obstactle to any campaign the Fuhrer launched now was distance. The city of Berlin was several hundred kilometers from the heartland and far out of reach for his army. In response to the heavy losses Rommel was dispatching 250 more men to reinforce the 250 still remaining in skirmishes with the local tribesmen.

OOC:Did everyone just lose interest in this?