NationStates Jolt Archive

In the vein of the previous failed thread, Earth: 1000 BC (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=534378), this will be an Earth, primarily set in Europe, and those parts of it around the Mediterranean, except, of course, five hundred years forward.

However, claims will not be based on your NS nation, but rather on the quality of your claim. If your claim is detailed, well thought-out, and realistic, you're likely to get a large empire. If it's a throwaway three-sentence description, you'll probably be stuck with a single province.

The goal of this Earth is to promote good storytelling within an ancient environment, as well as allow people to enjoy the historicality of the time.

Obviously, if you claim a huge Empire, go on a "conquering spree", and refuse to be defeated, no matter the story involved, chances are you won't be around for much longer.

1) You may claim as much as you like, provided you repost the map (either by link or image) in your claim. The claims will be approved or denied by myself. Claims will be approved based on their quality and length.

2) Claims are limited to the Mediterranean area, and will be expanded into northern Europe upon the filling of most of the Mediterranean area.

3) Godmodders and wankers may be ejected without notice

4) Realism is key, people willing to RP realistically are most welcome. Keep in mind

5) As this takes place with variants of our NS nations, it will take place entirely on Jolt.

6) A factbook is necessary, when it comes to social, political, and economic as well as military information.

7) When the present map is filled up, far-Northern Europe and some of Asia will be opened up for claims.

10) Technology will not advance as per history, only when granting special requests for new technology. Keep in mind this is Iron Age technology.

11) Earth: 500 BC is NOT the Earth of that time sociopolitically, ethnically, or in terms of cities and forts. Only geography and natural resources remain the same. You may place your cities, forts, towns and armies wherever you like. Due to rulings on alternate history, you may not play real-life nations from this era. All nations must be of your own devising, however, taking inspiration from this era or even previous or future ones is, of course, perfectly fine.

12) Each day in real life is equivalent to one month in Earth: 500 BC. This is to ensure that the gameplay remains focused on relevent, current events, and allows for character growth without rushing ahead.

13) Earth: 500 BC is a past-tech RP, not a fantasy tech RP. Although priests can be allowed to be believed to have mystical powers, for obvious reasons, they cannot actually have them.

Nation Claiming:
A nation must have five parameters - trade, government, production, military, and navy. These are not precise rules, but rather are roleplay guides to your government, and how it compares to others. They range from 1 to 10.

Trade: The internal and external trade of your nation. Seafaring nations are more likely to trade more. Trade influences how fast ideas spread between nations, and the ability of your nation to obtain what it needs. A nation with a trade of 1 might be reclusive, far inland, and poor, a nation with a trade of 10 might be openly welcoming to foreigners, produces not all that it needs, and probably seafaring.

Government: The power of the central government (if any), and its ability to raise troops, levy taxes, and the power of the monarch/assembly over the constituent cities and states. A nation with a government of 1 would probably be something akin to the Hellenic League formed against the Persians - a lot of independent states under the nominal authority of another for a brief time, whereas a nation with a government of 10 might be like the Roman Republic, which levied great control over its territory.

Production: This should be left to your discretion, and primarily based off the land of your people, although their industriousness and technology could come into this. The poor Greek lands might only have a Production value of one or two, but the vastly rich lands around the Nile would probably warrant a ten.

Military: The military training, tradition, size, levy, etc, of your nation. A rating of one indicates a state that hires mercenaries to do its fighting, and has only a civilian militia when it needs to raise a military. A rating of ten, however, would be equivalent to ancient Sparta, in which each man was a well-oiled fighting machine, raised from birth to go to war.

Navy: Much like military, this rating indicates your nation's naval power. As a Mediterrean-based roleplay, your navy has as much, if not more bearing on international affairs as your military, and so is included. A rating of one would be an entirely land-based nation, where a rating of ten would be the Athenian Empire at her peak.

- - - - -

Nations Claimed:
The Olympian League (Hyperspatial Travel)
Taledon (Taledonia)
The Realm of Mardoc (Kroando)
Empire of Kansiov (Kansiov)
Shakal Empire (Shakal)
Eclessia Empire (Angaor)
The Genuan Trade Federation (Candistan)
The Oblast of Kirov (Wegun)


- - - - -
The Olympian League:
History: The Olympian League was formed in 543 BC, at which point Crete, in collusion with the Makedonians, were invading lower Greece. Crete effectively succeeded in subjugating many Ionian islands, whilst Makedonia moved south, invading central Greece. Many battles were fought in the formation of the Olympian League, and, with the loss of Corinth in the Isthmus, a grand army was gathered from the islands and the remaining Greek city states, and a navy was constructed. The army met the Makedonians many times in battle, and lost many times, each time driven back further south. However, one grand push regained them central Greece, and allowed them to retake the pass known as the "Hot Gates". From Thermopylae, the Makedonians were held off, whilst the fleet attacked Crete.

Failing twice to defeat the Cretan fleet in battle, a great storm wiped out the remnants of the Olympian fleet, who then decided to focus on the destruction of Makedonia whilst new ships were constructed. The army was taken to almost one hundred thousand men, a full third of those hoplites, and Makedonia was attacked, under the command of the Corinthian general Demophilos, who captured the Makedonian king, and brought them to a surrender. Makedonia was divided into city-states, who were then administered, in the Corinthian style, as democracies. Olympia complained greatly about this, wishing to install oligarchs of its own choosing, however, in a great vote, the Corinthian decision was upheld.

In 534 BC, a second attack was launched, succeeding in crippling the Cretan fleet, and allowing a great number of men to be landed on the island. The king of Crete was slain in battle, however, the Cretan army was still immensely powerful, and, before the first defeat the Cretans suffered on their island, they managed to slay almost eighteen thousand men of the League, the greatest number of casualities inflicted on the Greeks so far. With the League now in dissension over Makedonia, and Olympia threatening to pull their ships out, leaving Corinth's men there to die without supplies, Demophilos negotiated a treaty with the new twelve year-old Cretan king. Crete would join the Olympian League, and pay double the tribute of every other state, and, however, would be spared the indignity of being forced to divide into independent democratic polises.

An Olympian advisor, and a Corinthian one would both be dispatched to Crete, in order to help raise the new king, and, of course, to ensure their orders were carried out.

This treaty was signed in 532 BC, and, for the next thirty-two years, Greece was at relative peace. New colonies were founded in Italy and on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, and membership of the League was extended to them. Although hardly a cohesive political body, and animosity between Olympia and Corinth growing quickly, it remained one of the premier powers in the eastern Mediterranean.

In 509 BC, the Cretan king led a rebellion against the League, which left the League superior in naval power, but unable to retake Crete. A second expedition was launched, but the power and wealth of Crete ensured that they were not able to destroy a newly-formed Cretan army. Rather, a blockade was created, and a few pockets of Crete were taken by the League, and, over the next four years, Crete grew poorer. In 505 BC, an attack was led against Crete, taking the city itself whilst the Cretan army was out fighting a Corinthian diversion. This led to a second treaty being signed in 503, with much the same terms as the first. However, now, an Olympian advisor alone was sent, and he dictated terms to the Cretans. As well as this, a contingent of five hundred Olympian hoplites remained in Crete at all times, to prevent any future rebellions.

Now, in 500 BC, the League has begun to shift towards the Olympian oligarchies in power, because of their naval focus..

Trade: 9
The Olympian League was formed primarily to safeguard trade and defend against piracy, and promotes trade, not only among its members, but among other nations. Although some safeguards exist to prevent the dumping of foreign goods to weaken the economy from city to city, and the Adriatic and Italian states often levy a small tarriff (as they are less protected by the navy of the League), trade is mostly open and free. The Olympian League prospers greatly because of this, and, as a result, much of the League's wealth stems from trade.

Government: 3
The League has no strong central government, and is rather an alliance of city-states, most of whom rule their own colonies directly. Corinth is a major city in the League, as it defended the Isthmus of Corinth in the Cretan War, which served to establish the Olympian League. Crete is practically an indepedent isle, maintaining its own king (as it was conquered only three years prior to the beginning of this RP by the League, as Cretan aggression forced the League into existence), and, like Cyprus, pays taxes only, and is not forced to support any military ventures of the League. However, no city-states are required to support the ventures of the League, and so any foreign aggression requires great effort from influental individuals.

Production: 4
Although having a poor homeland in Greece, the Olympian League has colonised some of Italy and the Adriatic coast, and parts of Asia Minor, which are rich, and produce much food. The League is not especially rich when it comes to production, however, and must rely on its magnificent trading ability to keep it fully supplied.

Military: 3
The military tradition in the League varies from polis to polis, in which some city-states can provide many hoplites, whilst others can provide but a smattering of light infantry. Although Corinth, Ischia, Miletus, and Olympia are major contributors to the army of the Hellenes, there is no real standing army of the League, and rather each city-state maintains its army, to be brought together in times of war.

Navy: 10
The League of Olympia has a navy that surmounts the world in power, and with good reason. With over six hundred triremes, each manned by the finest rowers and marine-soldiers, the Aegean Sea is kept free of pirates, hostile nations, and anyone who challenges them through use of their impressively large navy. Each state pays tribute in order to help maintain the fleet, which then acts to defend them all. Ever since the threat of Crete has been ended, though, the fleet has been downsized.

- - - -

The Map (http://i5.tinypic.com/80wutzc.png)

Taledon

History:
It was Aeidus, the Ratian hero who escaped the destruction of his former home at the hands of the Hiap, that first started our race. He and his crew of valiant warriors faced demons and Gods on their journey across the sea, ultimately leading them to the Italian peninsuala. It was there that he was confronted by the King of the Gods, Talean, and was given a sacred task: To found an eternal city to rule over everything on earth. A wife was created for him by the God, and it is this union of divinity and man that we trace our lineage.

Our city now stands as a bastion of law and order, and civilisation unparalled. A great walled fortress in the heart of Italy. It was on this most sacred spot that great battles were waged between our ancestors and the barbarian tribe who once ruled those lands. The Turili, they were called. But we thrust them from our herders village. We drove them from the expanded walls of stone that guarded the temples and houses; And we sacked their holy city of Elia.

Under the Kings of Taledon we have won victory over victory against these peoples, and any others that have tried to impose their will over our lands. We proved ourselves truly the children of the Gods. But things have changed. Our borders were secure, but a new threat had arisen. By some unlucky chance, a Turili became King, and became like a tyrant to the city. His successors were monsters, too, and they oppressed and enslaved our people, making our great city submit to the will of their unwashed tribe.

But now, the trumpets of victory and glory sound once again, as our glorious leader, hero to us all, has expelled the last King, and installed a Republic amongst our people. While in its infancy, it still shows promise, and allows great freedom to our people. We will be great once again, and we will never submit to anyone.

Trade: 4
Trade is rather limited at the current time period. The recent revolution has dissuaded the surrounding cities from trading, but it is not completely shut down, and relations are on the mend as the more immeadiate ones submit to the rule of the Senate. The sea is an unknown, and isn't of much interest with the exception of fishing, making trade with peoples far off non-existant.

Government: 7
While in its infancy, the new Republic is a formidable construct. A nobility, the richest and the educated, make up the Senate, and control the city. The temple is also a large governing force, due to the fact that the city is largely superstitious. It holds its own seat within the Senate to ensure the will of the Gods is followed.

Production: 7
With a city centered around a river, farming is the dominant industry. Highly fertile lands result in large amounts of produce, and there are many livestock farms. Since the land is mountainous and dotted with hills, mining is also a thriving industry, bringing in such things as silver and iron and even trace amounts of gold.

Military: 2
The armies of the Republic consists of its citizens. Every citizen is given basic training in combat, using the traditional hoplite form, meaning that everyone can be called upon when a military is needed. As far as equipement goes, every man must provide his own.

Navy: 1
The Republic is not interested in the sea at this point in time. The only ships the Taledonian people have are fishing vessels or the select few merchant ships that are daring enough to seek out exotic riches. These vessels, however, can be called upon by the Senate if they are truly needed.

The Anderman Tribes:
History:

A coalition formed shortly after the rise of the Olympian League, the Tribes of the Black Sea Coast and the surrounding areas banded together to protect their interests against the larger League. Nearly 500 clans, tribes, and small townships banded together to organize themselves into a single colherent force. At the beginning, some tribes resisted the incorporation, and the largest tribe, under the leadership of Gustav Anderman, with the support of his closest allies, brought them to heel with several devastating demonstrations of his military might. In 534 BC Gustav I was crowned the leader of the combined Tribes, but his reign was short, and just 5 years later, he died of an infection. His son succeeded him, and ruled for the next three decades. Now he is aged, and his health is failing, and his son stands to succeed him, pending the approval of the tribal council. The Anderman Military has waned in the passing years, but the longships of the fleet, and the powerful warriors of its many tribes still give it a significant presence.

Trade: 5

With near total control of the Olympians access to the black sea and the surrounding area, the Andermani have a powerful trade presence, as well as a reasonably powerful economy.

Government: 6

The power of the king and the council is almost inviolate, but the large area they occupy weakens that power in reality, meaning that the farthest flung outposts have near carte blanche to do as they see fit.

Production: 10

The rich lands of the region allow an incredible amount of grain and similar crops to be grown, insuring the prosperity of the populace, and providing a surplus, both for trade and stockpiling.

Military: 6

The main military needs of the majority of the tribes and towns are seen to by the populace. With a fair sized standing army able to react to many of the more heavily populated areas, and a plentiful supply of iron, the military is very ready to defend the nation against any threat they have yet encountered.

Navy: 4

The navy of the tribes is its weakest asset, composed of swift longships, they cannot withstand the ramming attacks of the Olympians triremes, but their speed and swiftness are their only defense against the larger triremes.

I'll probably add more detail later. HT already has my additions to the map.

The Realm of Mardoc
Ruler. Warlord Malthus The Bloody
Ruling Dynasty. The House of Vogort
Population. ?


History. The Realm of Mardoc was initially founded when the Mardocean Tribes of Northern Gaul [France] began traveling to the south as plague hit their homeland farther north. Plague, famine, starvation and a general lack of life hit their homeland hard, and within two years, the majority of the population had been killed off by various natural causes. The Mardocean Tribes, a people whom had moved into this land roughly six hundred years ago, picked up and left, many thousands of people simply gathering their goods and supplies and marching south, in massive carivans and droves of people, they marched their horses, donkeys, oxen and animals alongside the men and women. They moved south. Always south. Always towards warmth. Towards food. They followed game and foraged for life. They came across many different towns, tribes and other cities... which they attacked, looted and pillaged to sustain themselves. Eventually they stopped. They stopped because they had reached the Mediterranean. They then built the city, the city of Vordos.

That was in 1100 B.C. Since then, they had solidified their borders and established a self sufficient economy. They raised the food they needed. They mined what iron they could find. They encountered enemies. Those whom neighbored them, and did not like that the Mardoceans were taxing their trade with the East. They did not like the fact that the Mardoceans were suceeding. And these states attacked them. The tribes of Bord and Cologne, at the direction of the Kingdom of Holgost, invaded from the West, attacking Mardoc with all their furry. These barbaric peoples were told that they would be attacking weak willed, frail people, unused to war.

What they found were true barbarians. Men wielding massive swords, axes, shields and armor. Clad in animal skins, the great Warlord Valg II lead his armies against the invaders, and not only crushed the invasion, pushed them back deep into their own lands, and conquored whatever it was they possessed. Holgost soon met the same fate, as hordes of thousands streamed into the 'civilised' kingdom, slaughtering thousands, pillaging everything, enslaving those whom stood against them and massacring those who did not. The wealth of the land was taken, and a new era was established.

However it was not in such simplicity that Mardoc was founded. Valg's great, great, great grandson, Malthus 'The Bloody' stood to reunite the fractured Realm of Mardoc. In the north, the slave peoples of Holgost had mixed with the sucessful invaders, over the years forming a new 'tribe'. Malthus was a member of this tribe, and it did not take long for the Mardoc people to once again be at war. The pure Mardoc's and Malthus' armies soon met, as Warlord Gornier clashed with Malthus, after tensions culminated with Malthus' General, Commander Hornvorg, capturing and raping Gornier's daughter. The two Warlords clashed, and after thousands lay dead in the fields of Modan, Malthus met Gornier in single combat. The two great Warlords fought for hours, the combat being watched by both armies, as the two paused to await the final outcome. Wounds were inflicted upon both men, with Malthus gaining his infamous 'Long Scar' across his face as Gornier slashed his right eye out with his long sword. However it did eventually end, with Malthus kneeling ontop of Gornier's chest, plunging his blade deep into the man's heart. Malthus then stood atop the hill of bodies the two men had been fighting on, and looked over the army around him. He thrusted his sword into the air, and the entirety of both armies cheered for the new, undisputed ruler of the Realm.

Since this event, four years ago, the trades of mining and farming have sky rocketed, with slaves doing the majority of work in both fields. Additionally a precedent of 'Combat Leadership' has emerged, with any man capable of defeating Malthus in single combat being promised leadership of Mordoc. After killing over eighty men in his first month of the offer, he has appointed his personal body guard, 'Khorn' as the 'test' to get to Malthus. Khorn, a massive, 7'1ft, 330lb beast of a man has killed roughly one hundred and eighty challengers since then... leaving Malthus rather bored. The importance of war and combat cannot be stressed enough in the life of Mordoc Culture, and this is seen in the religion of the people. Though there are other, lesser God's, Karnek is far and above the King of the Gods.

Karnek. The God of War. The most important, idolized, feared and loved God of Mardoc. He is appeased only by blood, and not any blood, but the blood of a combatant. According to his High Priests, he can only be appeased by two men fighting to the death on the alter of his temple. Malthus has been anointed his 'Great Champion', and rules with Karnek's blessing. He detests peace, and during such times, demands battles of artificial variety.

Trade: 3
The Realm of Mardoc has till this point, been looked down upon, despised, and feared by it's neighbors. Few, if any, want anything to do with the Mardoceans, whom they find brutish and smelly. Mardoceans hardly find any need to have contact with their neighbors, unless it is in the form of a raid or attack, and are for the most part, self sufficient. Mardoc's substinant population sells iron and stone to merchants which pass through, but besides that, have little contact with the outside.

Government: 9
The Realm of Mardoc has become extremely unified over the past 20 years, with Malthus destroying his opposition with brute force and intimidation. There are now few alive who would dare oppose anything the Warlord declared, and even fewer who would do so within the country. The nation is governed by a number of Malthus' loyal Generals, all of whom are members of the House of Vogort. [The House of Vogort is Malthus' family clan, which now controls Mardoc. Gornier was a member of the House of Holcier, which is now defunct, as no living members still exist.]

Production: 5
The Realm is not exceedingly rich in terms of production, but they are most certainly capable of producing enough for themselves, with moderate surplus. Using a large slave population, there are scores of mines throughout the Eastern Provinces, Timber Sites in the North, and fertile fields for crops in the South and West.

Military: 10
Military Importance cannot be stressed enough in Mardoc. Every man is expected to be able to participate in armed and unarmed combat, or at least hold his own... or else his property is rather unprotected, for although Malthus will provide protection to his subjects, those whom cannot fight, are often picked on and demeaned. The Army is large, well armed, veteran and very well trained. They take weapons from all numbers of enemies, and practice with them for hours on end. While they do not have the best technique's and strategies, there are few nations which boast soldiers that can match the sheer brutality, strength and anger of the Hordes of Mardoc.

Navy: 1
With little interest in the seas, and the outside world in general, Mardoc has seen little need to create anything in the way of a respectable fleet. With little naval trade, and an army matched by few, they simply keep to the land, and that is the end of the Mardocean Naval Story.

Map of Europe (http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/4430/6wnupldrf1.png)

http://img701.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2007/12/01/6xr5l68-48oxzf8ce.png
I am Yellow

Nation Name:Empire of Kansiov
Head of State:Ivanov I

History:
First founded by Kansiov I, the lands of Ukraine has been transformed into a mini Empire, with a decent army and a vast rich land. Kansiov City, the Birthplace and now Capital of this Empire is Located in today's Sevastopol and is a booming city. In the countryside, happy peasants often greeted countrymen and visitors alike.

Kansiov I founded Kansiov on June 21st 831 BC. It started with a small village with just 467 people, however within 23 years under his rule, the small country became was now a large Nation with a population of 160,000 people. Its expansion was more of an influential ring rather than a military one, which also explains the peace that the area has had for over 300 years. The 1st war that took place was between rival factions and Kansiov was basically thrown in due to a few mini alliances it had with some of the factions in 517 BC, but that war was still was away from Kansiovian soil. Now with almost 300 years of unparalleled growth, would the Empire crumble against the might of Militarily superior Nations? Or would the Golden Eagle soar higher that others wouldn't even dream of.

Trade: 5
Trade in the grand duchy is more or less average. It has a pretty decent Naval port at Krisangrad, but maritime trade is often permitted within the black sea itself. Other routes of trade include dirt roads which lead to settlements North into Russia, although these routes are under constant raids from bandits, thus trade is very limited in the area.

Government: 10
The Empire has always been and will always maintain law and order in Kansiov with a massive scale. Taxation is newly introduced but working smoothly and the Government has Gribil Guards, formed by the great Gribil II to keep law and order in the cities. The moment you step within the borders of Kansiov, the strong Government presence can be felt almost instantly.

Production: 6
The country has a very strong agriculture based "Industry" it is also the main occupation in Kansiov. Other industries include the mining of metals, coal and iron. The Timber industry is also quite good.

Military: 3
The Empire is not very military minded. The military does not include Gribil Guards, which are meant for maintaining law and order, but a small, professional army that keeps the bandits out, Kansiov has almost no ability to wage wars with other Nations.

Navy: 2
In the views of even many Monarchs themselves, a good navy is not needed, since Kansiov's Naval mine is mainly restrained within the Black Sea itself.

Me Claim Here (http://usera.imagecave.com/WR82/untitled.bmp.jpg): Israel, Sinai, Egypt, Northern Libya

The Nile Imperium
Alternate Name: Imperial Nilea
Ruler: Martok, son of Amazone
Ruled Lands: Nile River Valley, Libya, Northern Nubia, Sinai, Palestine
Capital City: Nilea

OOC Note: The History presented before varies much from the modern-day history of the region, though some historical nations are presented (albeit, in different light) to increase the element of realism and historical context.

History of the Imperium

The history of the Imperium is a bit of a long story. 3000 years before the present day, the Nile River Valley blossomed as a place of culture for the ancient Egyptians ruled over the lands of Egypt and Nubia. The Old Kingdom showed as the place of greatest rule in this fertile land of paradise, before internal strife, external invasion, and finally, a religious clash would culminate in the founding of the strongest (and current) civilization to ever rule the Nile Valley.

Yet, the history of the area begins with those of the Old Kingdom. The ancient pharaoh, Sneferu, conquered lands all along the Red Sea into Nubia and throughout the Nile Valley, being the first to unite both the kingdoms of “Upper” (Southern) and “Lower” (Northern) Egypt. After Sneferu’s death, he was entombed in a massive pyramid in the city of Thebes-later, during the Imperial period of the modern day, to be a massive cultural megaplex. After Sneferu, his descendents Khufu, Khafra, and Menkaura continued his legacy in Egypt, bringing about cultural, religious, economic, and social calm and benefit. After Menkaura’s death and subsequent entombment in the fourth major pyramid of Thebes, Menkaura’s hand-picked successor, his nephew Thyra, took over as pharaoh.

This did not suit well with Menkaura’s son and assumed heir, Phiru. Phira quickly gathered up those who were loyal to him, challenging Thyra to single combat on the plains of the Nile River. Thyra, a coward, refused, and began marshaling the Egyptian military to defeat the rebel forces and kill Phiru. Menkaura’s son proved to be the more powerful; however, the initial fights did not go his way. In combat at the administrative city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, Thyra’s 40,000-strong army, armed with scythed-wheel chariots, quickly overcame the infantry-based army of Phiru. Phiru’s army was completely routed, suffering heavy casualties and prisoners of war. When Phiru’s forces heard of the subsequent execution and enslavement of those of his forces, however, more flocked to his banner. Phiru’s forces won a number of smaller engagements therein, finally forcing Thrya’s hand near the religious capital of Giza.

At Giza’s desert flats, Phiru’s forces, now armed with cavalry in the form of camels-an innovative tactic of Phiru’s that proved to be a deciding factor. The camels proved to be able to handle and turn back the chariots of Thyra’s forces, and Thyra finally accepted Phiru’s challenge of single combat. Armed with a spear and with both armies completely surrounding an impromptu “fight ring”, Phiru was hit by a javelin from Thyra in the shoulder, but rushing towards his enemy, gored Thyra through the abdomen while avoiding a slash from his curved blade. Thyra died that day, and Thyra’s army honorably admitted defeat.

Phiru’s reign proved to be successful, but his son, Ura, proved to be completely inept and doomed the Egyptian days. The power of the Scythians, the people of Southern Turkey, at the time was growing large, and Egypt’s power, waxing and waning, was an easy target for the Scythian machine. Though Egypt’s army was far superior, the Scythians proved a more than adequate naval force, overcoming and wiping out the Egyptian navy of primarily bronze weapons with iron-capped ramming tips. A major battle in Aboukir Bay proved to be the end of the Egyptian navy as over 45,000 rowers, sailors, archers, and naval infantry drowned or were killed in combat. A Scythian invasion force of over half a million soldiers entered via naval invasion in Alexandria, setting fire to the city. Miraculously for the relics stored, little of the city burned due to a ferocious storm that struck that evening, scattering the Scythian navy and putting out the blaze. The Egyptian forces rallied to attack the Scythians, but the Scythian force proved too much. The mariners from the North moved into Giza, where Ura awaited, beheading the last pharaoh in public spectacle. The year was 1610.

The Scythians ruled for a long time, all the way to the year 932. In that year, the Scythians were suffering enough at home to the rebellions in the city of Troy on the Adriatic coast that nascent powers from Assyria proved to be the undoing of the Scythians. The Assyrians were a bloody people, lacking the honor that had been such an important virtue in the region. They killed any and all they came across, and had already slaughtered the Jews of the Palestinian region shortly before in massive numbers. Egyptian Scythia was easily next. Assyrian king Terrezar entered into the African lands just as the Trojans were mounting assaults on the mainland of Scythia, splitting the Scythians from the fertile Nile back to the homeland. As a result, Scythian forces were at an all-time low in the region, and the Assyrians, in numbers greater than 1.2 million, outnumbered the 130,000-strong contingent of Scythian defenders in Egypt almost 10:1. Naturally, the battles all went Terrezar’s way.

What came next was horrifying, in titanic proportions. The native Egyptians and Scythian rulers were both slaughtered in terrible spectacles across the Egyptian lands as the Assyrians pillaged the lands, establishing their territorial martial rule as had been in effect across their Mesopotamian lands. According to the Nilean historian Sherdok, “the channels of Giza ran crimson with the lives of millions” (Sherdok, A Treatise on Egypt). Terrezar was ruthless, merciless, and the next hundred years went the Assyrian’s way as well. In the year 810 B.C., a savior finally came to free the Egyptians, who had starved so long under the rule of others-that savior, however, would fall short.

The Nubians of the time were now becoming a powerful force to Assyrian Egypt’s south, and a strong Nubian leader, Turra, came to power in the year 812. In 810, he marshaled North towards Egypt, sending out runners all over undercover to the Egyptian people, promising freedom for only the economic aid to Nubia through light government “assistance.” The Egyptians rabidly sided with the Nubians, and a rebellion, combined with Nubian invasion, began. Unfortunately for the coalition, the Assyrians, who had gone through a period of unsuccessful and short-lived rulers recently, finally had hit the jackpot with Salzar the Unopposed. Salzar marched in a smaller army than the Nubians and Egyptians fielded-outnumbered more than 2:1-but his tactics were simply unmatched. He utilized civilian areas and struck from religious buildings, causing widespread destruction over cities as Turra’s armies were forced back. Salzar pushed the lines back to the Nubian border, and then kept pushing. Titanic battles in Nubia, bolstered through Assyrian reinforcement, destroyed the independence of Nubia a it too became a subjugate state of the Assyrians. The Assyrian Empire expanded to the Libyan shores near Carthage, providing that the immovable object of the Empire would someday be cast down.

That day came quicker than expected. In the year 564, a 22-year old revolutionary from Assyrian Egypt, Amazone, was coming up through the underground resistance movements of Assyrian Egypt. He didn’t believe, as many did, of waiting for outside help-the Assyrians were already being struck by Persian assault on their Eastern Empire. Rather, Amazone conducted his clandestine operations in secret, meeting with leaders of the Palestinian Jew, the Libyan, the Nubian, and the Sinain resistance movements. With a lack of localized strong Assyrian force, as so much military force was drawn to fight the Persian juggernaut, Amazone decided that it was high time to hit the Assyrians and to take back their lands. The dishonorable, tyrannical leaders of Assyria had come to an end in the region.

Amazone marshaled Egyptian underground movements as rebellion struck off across the entire region, destroying Assyrian barracks, stables, ranges, and contingents. The Libyans proved most successful: they forced out their Assyrian rulers, who tried to come to peace terms if the Libyans would provide information on the Egyptians. The Libyans refused, moving in to Egypt as the forces began consolidating. A massive battle in Thebes between the Assyrians and the Nubians, Egyptians, and Libyans destroyed an Assyrian army. Fire ships used suicidal tactics to break apart the Assyrian fleet, while small ships transported heavily-armed Nubians and Egyptians to capture vessels and turn them against the Assyrians in Aboukir Bay. Forced back to the Sinai, a combined force of the four Western powers smashed a stand by the Assyrians. The city of Jerusalem became the final stand of the Assyrian Empire, doomed in three years due to Persian inroads as it was, as the five resistance movements came down with the vengeance of years against the Assyrians. The armies of the Mesopotamians were crushed by the brilliance of Amazone’s tactics, and the Assyrians retreated from the Palestinian lands. The allies were victorious.

Amazone became the leader of a confederation of sorts that badly needed a powerful, central figure, and Amazone was just that man. He made a number of reforms from the capital of Nilea, forty kilometers south of the Nile Delta. Alexandria, Giza, Thebes, Jerusalem, Benghazi, Tel Aviv, and other cities all boomed, while Nilea became a bustling capital. Contact with the outside world was somewhat minimal, mostly only with the Southern Africans and the Arabs. As such, the new Imperium of the Nile became a society very dedicated to self-sufficiency and being able to trust its own abilities. Amazone became a strong leader of a centrist government, but religion itself was something that Amazone detested. He believed that it had failed his realms, and though Nilea allowed religions of all sorts, Amazone, the progressive, instituted no state religion or any Imperial funding to religious motives.

Amazone lived for a very long time given the time period, and his 20-year old son, Martok, took over in the year 510. Martok was a bit of an unknown quality-he had been educated and was generally smart, but little was known of him. He quickly put his ideals to the test after the Arabs of the area of Jordan attacked Jewish Palestine. Martok wasted no time in diplomacy, quickly flexing military muscles against the Arabs. The ground forces of the Nileans crushed the forces of the Arabs, though Martok here showed his true character. Given the chance to enslave or kill the Arab prisoners of war-as Nilea practiced (and still does practice) slavery-Martok instead decided with his greatest motivation-the sense of honor in all paths of life. He spared their lives, returning the defeated (the dishonored, in his eyes) to the Jordanian Arabs as a success of the Nile military.

Ten years later, it is 500 B.C., and Martok still rules at the age of 30. Various threats to his regime have come and gone, from an internal rebellion of a Sinain religious group to an attack by the African Songhai, and Martok has persevered each time. Aware of the past of the region for turnover and mistake, Martok follows honor and pride as he guides his path towards making the Imperium of the Nile the greatest power of the Mediterranean, expanding East, West, North, and South.


Trade: 2
Trade is a very small commodity in the Nile, as Martok (and his father Amazone) have stressed the importance of self-reliance in the Nilean progressive age. This does not infer that the Nileans are poor-far from it-but outside forms of gaining wealth have never caught on with the wary and historically hurt North African populace.


Government: 5
The “Chancellor”, Martok, technically heads the government of the Imperium of the Nile but the Imperium also has a number of “subsidiary monarchs” from the five constituent territories of the Imperium: Palestine, Sinai, Egypt, Nubia, and Libya. As such, it is something akin to an aristocracy ruling the Imperium, even though Martok wields the most power. It is a centralized government, but much power resides outside the capital of Nilea as well. In addition, the nation itself is still young, with many tests sure to come, relying more on setting precedent that abiding by it.


Production: 9
The ability of the Imperium to produce its own agricultural goods is a well-enjoyed benefit of the Nile. Resources amongst the five territories, from mineral and metal mining in Nubia and Libya to agricultural prospects along the Nile River to the production of finished products in Palestine and quarrying in the Sinai, provide the Imperium with nearly everything it needs. Lumber is in slightly short supply-possible, but lacking-in something that the Imperium will turn to trade from Northern Mediterranean civilizations for.


Military: 9
The military of the Imperium is second to none. With years and years of occupation and war to shape the military, the Imperial Army is an unparalleled blend of ability, discipline, and strategy. Intense training, conscription of orphans and abandoned children, and massive campaigns for voluntary enlistment (as well as alternative taxing in the form of parents sending male children on the road to a military life) create a large military quite skilled in the art of warfare and the use of weapons, tactics, and innovation.


Navy: 6
The navy of the Imperium is strong, but building. The lack of wooden resources in the region hurts the construction of a massive navy somewhat, and instead the naval forces of the Imperium have focused on more smaller, faster ships to get alongside and board enemy vessels. Much of the strategy of naval forces relies on creativity or capture to tip battles one way or the other. Additionally, with little interest in lands across the sea (so far), the navy is used primarily as a coastal deterrent, while the army fights most wars of conquest and defense.

Shakal Empire

History:
The Shakal people were first recorded to exist in 614 BC. Led by High Praetor Zalord they founded Shakal City in 613 BC and began a campaign of conquest along the African coast. The High Praetor led a small but strong army of 2,000 men south and made sure that the Empire has a fairly strong agricultural base for population growth. Finding the bulk of the land unsuitable Zalord began to prepare a fleet for exploration in the Mediterranean.

In the spring of 608 BC a sizable fleet of Biremes was sent under the leadership of Admiral Mu'set to find a location that could be used for grain production. After two tense weeks at sea he made landfall on the island of Sardinia. The natives were fierce people that were not conquered but slowly subjacated as citizens. After two years Mu'set left Sardina under governor Hekel. His ships saild on and reached the Iberian coast where Mu'set was overjoyed at the fertile lands along the coast. The native population in Iberia were much more intelligent than there Sardinian counterparts. In early 605 BC Mu'set was forced to fight them in a ptiched battle near the mouth of the Ebro river. After several long hours Mu'set handed the Iberians a defeat and pushed them back. After another two long hard years of guerilla warfare a section of the coast centered on the city of Darano (RL Barcelona) was proclaimed a province of the empire. Mu'set made sure the province was well protected before leaving for him with a much reduced force.

In 601 BC Mu'set returned to Shakal City as a hero. Zalord rewarded him with the office of Grand Majestor of the Provinces. He became the second most influential and powerful figure within the Imperium. The Empire's population slowly grew thanks to the new food rich area and roads were built and created for the next fifteen years. The population eventually reached 50,000 in 584 BC. Zalord, nearly the end of his life went out on a campaign to the west as much as for exploration as for conquest. The lands along the coast held an area suitable for a hearty living with no lack of hardships to make the people strong. The land was scarcly populated and lacked major towns. So Zalord had the city of Thorad founded around 150km down the coast from Shakal City. Like many other Shakal population centers utmost care was taken in the construction of a fresh water source for it. Zalord continued his campaign as far west as the city of Algiers where he died from natural causes in 582 BC.

After the death of the first High Praetor, contrary to many other nations abroad, the most capable was given command, not the first son. So as per Zalord's final wish Mu'set became High Praetor. Being some 53 it was well known he had perhaps a decade before his demise followed. He knew also and having no men of experience he would be made to hand over his rule to his eldest son Jocham who was a brilliant administrator and carried strong political opinion but lacked proper military command skills. For nine years Mu'set made sure that no enemies abroad existed for a campaign to be conducted.

Mu'set passed away in fall of 572 BC and handed over the rule to his son. Jocham immediatly began to spend the money of the state of contructing a new aquaduct for Shakal City. As the project was half completed in 570 BC Jocham recieved word of the Iberians attacking Darano. Jocham inexperienced as he was decided to leave on campaign to defeat the Iberians. On the way a storm blew his ships off course to the east. Several were dashed upon the rocks of the Sicilian coast. His remaining ships made shore and he, believeing they had reached Iberia began to seize the lands on the way. He reached half way inland before realizing that this was not Iberia. Ashamed of his mistake he commited suicide naming General Zo Nol his successor in 569 BC. Zo Nal immediatly made the best of the situation and claimed half of Sicily in the name of the Empire.

The campaign into Iberia rebegan in 567 BC with Zo Nal pushing south along the coast as far as modern Valencia. He eventually negotiated a peace with the Iberians in 563 BC and returned home to quell unrest. In 560 BC he reformed the army making it much smaller, but professional and standing. Three branches came into existance, the Jessua formed the colonial guards, the Illusatari who form the main standing force. The third anf final class are the Cinihandi who are the Empire's marines and sailors. Zo Nal founded half a dozen cities all over the Empire and focused on maintaining order. Fourty years of steady reform led to healthy relations with most other countries of the world and a good world standing.

In 523 BC Zo Nal died and his sucessor Philantine began to control the state. He was corrupt and evil. The 60,000 people of the Empire despised him and began to plot his overthrowing. In 510 BC the Shakal Civil war began with the colonies siding against Philantine. His enemy was Jocham II. Much more military able than his grandfather he led a force of loyal citizens and a single regiment of Jessua against the Imperial forces. by 505 BC Philantine was killed and Jocham II took control at 28 years old. He began to repair what Philantine has destroyed and by 500 BC much of what had been lost was back to its former strength. In 502 BC he began military reform and the standing army was disbanded and reformed into two single entities. The Wehrmacht and the Kaiserliche Marine Korp.

Trade: 6
Trade in the Empire is slowly gaining momentum. Due to its large holdings the Empire relies on merchants for its income. However, its civil war and recent military ventures have made people weary of trade with the Empire. Still, many nations rely more on Shakal trade than the Shakal rely on them so there reluctance is overshadowed by economic need.

Government: 8
The Empire is totally ruled by the High Praetor. He recieves council from an elected council made by the people of the Empire to hear the peoples will. The High Praetor is typically unbound by any obligations althought it is unwise to go against the will of the people.

Production: 5
The bread basket of the Empire is on the Ebro River in Iberia. It generates 60% of Imperial foodstuffs and is therfore well protected. Secondary sources include the floodlands of Western Africa and the clearlands of Sardinia.

Military: 6
The Shakal military is relied upon to keep order in the Empire. The Wehrmacht is well trained and standing meant to protect the lands as the Kaiserliche Marine handles the heavier work.

Navy: 8
The Kaiserliche Marine is among the most powerful naval forces on the Mediterranean. It is equipped with Triremes numbering at around three hundred and has excellent rowers. They are meant for simple protection not the intimidation and power projection of the other Mediterranean fleets.


Map (http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/7098/copyof6wnupldte9.png)

Eclessia Empire

OOC: you can place nations in the north or east it doesnt matter to me

History: The Ecclesian Empire was formed when a peasant named Couronne led a series of revolt in the Kingdom of Brionne. His first revolt was unsucessful and was jailed for ten years and sent to the Colony of Artois where he served all of his time. He was tortured and beated in jail after escaping one night. he travelled to the countryside where he begin to amass a large peasant army which took three years. He soon begin to become popular among the poor and acquired a enough to buy several ships to use to travel back to kingdom with his Army. he soon landed his army on the outskirts of the merchant city of Lorn.

Couronne Army which numbered six thousand at the time was met by a force of ten thousand at Mount lyon. Couronne who was at a numbers disadvantage took 1,500 who manuevered around a mountain pass the battle last for about 5 hours with Couronne Army winning. With the support of the merchants couronne established the Eclessia Empire and with the help of the merchants begin to raise his army with more than 20,000 troops. they continued to fight the Brionne army for three more years with small skimishes they Brionne declared war on Eclessia begin the start of the Eclessian-Brionne war

The War last for 15 years with the Eclessian Army winning several strategic battles and capturing of several important city of Pavona and Tobaro. After fighting for 8 more years the Eclessian Army arrived at the capital city of Oured where they lay seige for 5 more years. Soon the Brionnes opened the gate and the Eclessian Army marched in unopposed. After that Couronne proclaimed himself the King of Brionne.

He conituned to take over neighboring countries and his expansonist policy followed for 300 more years. Soon The Emperor being to proclaim themselves as a direct speaker to the gods and being to have a number of followers. The current emperor Sigmar and he is a direct descdant of Couronne has expand the border over 2 million sq miles




Trade: 3
The current emperor who is doesnt welcome foreginors as much as the past emperors. Has only allowed three ports to trade which is Lorn, Oured, and Pavona. The Emperor does promote internal trade which keeps most roads in fair conditions.

Government: 9
The Emperor has the absolute power over all matters, big or small. He seen as a Divne ruler to the people with a direct connection to the gods. The taxes in the nation are fairly moderate the central govenment keeps strict control and watch over the different provinces.

Production: 7
The Eclessian Empire has a Industrial/Farming mixed economies with countryside being used for farming and mining. The Arts and Porelain industries is strong along with wine and Eclessian weaponsmaking. The Eclessians able to produce enough for themselves with out having to relie on trade.

Military: 10
The Eclessian Army which is a very well organized hierarchically organization.The Eclessians generally followed the same basic methods in battle, although adjustments were made depending on the enemy size/type, Eclessian manpower, terrain/topography, etc. The main prerequisite for a member of the Eclessian Army was fitness, given the long distances they were expected to march.They also had to be fit to be able to fight well and cope with any injuries. The Eclessian military is among the most diverse in old world they have frought numerous battles with barbarians and nations. All soldiers go throught a three step training progam which include Fitness, Group, Weapons and drill training


Navy: 5
The Imperial Eclessian Navy includes a fleet of 160 ships to protect the small number of merchant ships used in the trade cities and transport the imperial army. The Imperial Navy crews are moderately trained and most important duties is to transport the Imperial Army.
Most of the ships are unmanned at this time but can be equipped with a crew in a moments notices

Hey its AB! :D

Hey its AB! :D

Hey, it's me! Hey, WVU and Mizzou lost! (ok, random...)

Yea, football's over so (once again every winter) I have time on my hands until spring track. It's my cycles, so I'll be here 'til March postin'. This looks like a PT version of the (fun) UII that HT had, so I'm definately in as long as I get accepted.

Hit me up wit' MSN when I'm on.

Yeah Foreal Im fucking pissed off about that and hopefully my football season will contiune shit im going to be busy all next week i have a basketball game and playoff game and like two tests

OOC: A'ight, let's not hijack his thread here...and to ask a question I had anyway (and to make this a relevant post), HT, for populations (I guess I should wait 'til I'm accepted, but hell) are we going by "guestimate a reasonable average" or are we researching pop growths to determine the historical populations?

OOC: I would probably say guess beacause it did say that europe is not historically the same as it was in 500 BC

Yes should be way less than a million I guess :(, btw AB could you get on MSN?

Yeah for european countries at least which i guess would really depend on the land area of the nation

Yes should be way less than a million I guess :(, btw AB could you get on MSN?

OOC: I'm gettin' off soon 'nuff...can you hit me up tomorrow aftanoon? I'll be on.

alright ;)

Around 500 BC, I believe Ancient Greece had somewhere between 1 and 2 million inhabitants. I -think-. So, yeah, the Olympian League might be looking at between 2 and 3, and probably somewhere around there for most other nations of that size. Considering that agriculture's still fairly basic, it'd probably be a good guide for everywhere, although some areas, like Kaffa, and the Nile, could probably support more per square-kilometre.

As it stands, guesstimates are fine, provided they fall within something that's detailed above. And, of course, making sure they provide for the differences of each kingdom. Mardoc and the Nile, for instance, while both having plenty of arable land (though much of Mardoc is admittedly mountains), have different governmental systems, and the constantly warfare of the first would probably keep the population low.

Claim: Corsica and northern Italy within the apps.

The Kingdom of Leranda
Ruler: King Larin Ledan
Ruling Dynasty: The House of Ledan
Population:?

History of Leranda:
The people of Leranda have an unclear history, most of which have been lost through time, essentially for the people of Leranda, history began when the house of Ledan took command. Before this time there had been numerous wars for control of the island, as local nobility vied for power. The House of Ledan on the otherhand, students of history held back for years until finally they moved swiftly crushing the weakened armies of the other noble clans who had foolishly ignored the weak cowardly scholars of Ladan. Although the nobles of House Ledan were by no means military geniuses they we're excellent students of history and by applying strategy they broke there enemies slowly. (Strategy means long term methods, such as a scorch-earth tactic or something like that).

The current head of House Ledan at that time, Lord Arrian Ledan after exterminating the entire nobility, read a blunt statement "I have given the people of Leranda peace, your gift in return will be obedience." The House of Ledan has ruled ever since. Overtime the House of Ledan would push into Southern France, but it was more out of need for resources and they set up colonies in those regions rather then took direct control.

Since then, Leranda has been more or less prospering. The people are somewhat nervous, the House of Ledan has a reputation for slight insanity and eccentric behavior, however all in all, most of the peasants agree that its better to be ruled by insanity then by tyranny. House Ledan remains somewhat of a scholarly house, intellectually curious and investigative. Curiousity might indeed kill the cat but for the scholars of Ledan, death is preferable to boredom anyway. Since the founding of the Ledan dynasty, their have been a scattering of towns throughout the land with three major cities. The capital Lorast, the major port Huansov, and the artisan city of Koas.

Trade: 9
Despite its small size, Leranda is surprisingly trade wealthy. This is partly because House Ledan openly encourages trade, due to their natural curiousity for knowledge. It also helps that in Huansov, the major port of the entire country, their is a local deal with merchants. Merchants who can sell a certain percentage of items in the city have their harbor fees cut in half. The result is that the city has gained a reputation for having "anything" and in truth many unusual items do find themselves within the city.

Government: 6
The government of Leranda is a centralized government. However, in practical terms, despite the fact that Larin Ledan may be the King of Leranda, the adults of the family as a whole, although the Ledan family does have a ranking system based on skill, tends to rule the kingdom. The result is that it does not work as fast as normal Monarchy governments who are ruled by one man absolutely. They also give the farming towns throughout the kingdom quite a bit of freedom and Northern Italy is given almost complete freedom in everything except military affairs as long as they continue to send their tribute.

Production: 4
Leranda doesn't have enough land to truly be a agricultural giant and its colonies in Southern France, often are more lumber based, then agricultural based. Still, it has barely enough to be self-sufficient and has no surplus, and most of the time Leranda imports food in peacetime (Wheat all year long is hardly acceptable to most people).

Military: 7
The Leranda military is surprisingly good at what they do. Its surprising because due to lack of a large amount of land the Ledan family has more often then not supported the navy over the military. As a result the Leranda military has often become some sort of Leranda national jail cell. It was first created when Korasa Ledan in desperation gathered an entire city full of drunkards and sent them off into the frontline, when the navy was defeated for the first time. Since then, the army has primarily been composed by drunkards, thieves, and murderers. However, years of constant fighting (The Ledan considers the army expendable and often sends them on suicide tasks), makes the army incredibly combat trained and despite everything the drunkards of the army always seem to come out victorious despite all odds. They secured Northern Italy, crushed rebellions on Corsica and despite all else seem to remain loyal to Leranda. The current general of the army is Sloren Ledan, a misfit who was sent to the army in order to get rid of him. Sloren is loyal to the family but he's somewhat disheartened by the fact that despite victory after victory his family still continues to see the army as expendable arrow fodder.

Navy: 8
The Leranda navy is very good at what it does and has always been seen as vital by the Ledan Royal Family. It is equipped with Triremes, small ships that are fast and can harass larger ones, ships with larger ballistae then average, and even a few small ships whose only duty is to transport the wounded (experienced crewman are too valuable to lose). The navy is well-trained, well-armed and many of their crewman come from proud military lineages with generations of family members serving in the navy.

HT do we have to come up with Factbooks? Or no?

6) A factbook is necessary, when it comes to social, political, and economic as well as military information.
Rule 6.

And Xue, Southern France looks a bit full. You might want to focus on Northern Italy if you want access to the Med.

he can have southern france if HT moves to the British isles and gives me some parts of france thats straight me and he can have his claim

Thats fine, I can move the small settlements to east Italy, to be honest, I'm not interested in playing an Empire, just want to play a small kingdom.

Alright then

Claim: Northern Italy, Corsica and Malta
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m78/kadangadooo/europe500.png

The Genuan Trade Federation
Government:
-Head of State and Government: Viceroy Poccini I
-Representative Legislature: House of Consuls
Ruling Family: House of Poccini

History:

The Genuans began their history in the early ancient times, the foundation of Genua being attributed to the celts in about 2500BC. Over the years it grew rich in trade, especially that of lumber, honey and skins. In 700BC, the House of Allucci took control of the Viceroyship of the City. Wanting greater control over the resources the city traded, the Viceroy at the time, Anzio Allucci, embarked on a conquest to secure the resources to the north and east for Genua.

The conquest lasted 50 years, the Armies of Genua slowly but surely taking control over the North of Italy. Following the capture of North Italy and Anzio Allucci's death, his successor, Giovanni Allucci, sought out more riches. The Genuans didn't have total trade control, and he saw Corsica as the answer. Sending a fleet of troop-swollen merchant ships to the island, they disemarked and began a five year campaign to take the island.

Another 50 years would pass in the Federation, leading up to the demise of the House of Allucci. During a storm known to the Genuans as the Great One, the Allucci's were lost at sea when their ship sunk in the high waves upon their return from a holiday on Corsica. The House of Puccini, headed by the Viceroy's brother-in-law, took hold of power. The Poccini's were a significantly less violent people and focused much more on trade and wealth. The ground army was downsized to a force powerful enough to defend the Federation territories, but the Navy, including marines, had their numbers bolstered. The Puccini mindset saw a powerful navy detrimental to keep a strong merchant marine trade going.

The Poccini's later set up a merchant trading station on the Island of Malta to boost trade in the region. It became a major trade port due to its location in the middle of the Mediterranean and has stayed a vital holding for the Genuans to this day.

Trade: 10
The Genuan Trade Federation is built on trade, its entire existance dependant on it. Lumber, Honey, Wines and Skins are traded from the lands of Northern Italy, Cotton from Malta and Olives and Wines from Corsica. Trade among Consular States is wide and free-flowing, and trade with foreign nations is on basically the same level, though there are some occasional tarriffs. Valletta in Malta has becoma a great center of learning due to the high trade of the Federation, and the House of Puccini and many of the Consuls of the Federated States are known to send their children there for learning.

Government: 5
The Genuan Trade Federation is ran by a Viceroy who decides on the major issues of the Federation, but most of the important issues of local trade are ran by the House of Consuls. Each of the 11 States of Corsica, Veneto, Piemonte, Lombardia, Liguri, Tuscany, Umbri, Marche, Fruili, Trentino and Malta are each ran by a Consul who answers to the Viceroy on the major issues. Genua is ran solely by the Viceroy and is not included as a state.

Production: 5
The Genuan Federation is able to provide enough vital resources for itself to live happily on, and most of the luxuries within the Federation are traded to the other nations of the Mediterranean for more exotic items, a foavorite among the citizens in the Federation.

Military: 3
The Genuan Military since the Puccini's came to power has been a mainly defensive force, with most of the forces being located in outposts and small fortresses on the Northern Border. Troop Barracks are also upkept in each capital city of Federated States, though the nuimber varies depending on the decision of the Consul there.

Navy: 9
The Genuan Navy is the pride of the empire, its vast fleet of ships sailing the Mediterranean Trade Routes of Genuan ships in order to ensure the vital artery of the Federation remains intact. Marines are included in the navy, who's main job aside from protection of the merchant marine is to act as a sort of customs service, collecting any needed tarriffs and inspecting foriegn ships for any contraband.

[Bump.]

The Oblast of Kirov
Map (http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1944/33188159uh2.png)
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/images/r/ro-val6.gif
--Head of State and Government: Tsar Urskoy Decebal


History:
Kirov is almost two nations in one. On the one hand, there are the more civilised peoples of the East and the cities, where the lands are close to the sea and trade. In the West, there are the villages and the gypsies.

Circa 1250 BC, there was a large westward migration of tribes from the eastern steppes, and of particular importance was the arrival of the powerful and wealthy Dhevich. Torn with strife, the local tribes were in no position to contest these lands, and the superior arms and tactics of the Dhevich drove the Ghols, the biggest native tribe, to the west and south, who in turn absorbed the Roten completely. Over the following century, the power of the Dhevich grew, and the city of Kirov was founded.

The settlement of Praag, a city in the west, grew in size as the Dhevich used it to launch incursions into Ghol territory, eventually forcing the Ghol to accept Dhevich rule (who were now beginning to be called Kirovites after their capital city). By this time, the former Ghol city of Wodengrad had grown into a busy port ruled by the Kirovites, and from here the Kirovvites were able to sail the Black Sea, trading and fighting with local tribes and pirates, as well as keeping the Ghols in check.

This state of affairs has existed for over 750 years, and Dhevich and Ghol society has merged over the centuries, to a greater or lesser extent, into the Kingdom of Kirlov. The ruling elite, from whom the Tzars and Tzarinas hail, are of Dhevich heritage. The influence of the Dhevich language and beliefs is more evident in the East, particularly in the cities of Kislev and Wodengrad, while further west the land becomes more wild and the ancient villages and gypsy bands still hold sway. In fact, Praag itself has been reclaimed in a large part by the old Ghol nobility, and in many ways is a separate power in the West.

Kirovites are known as dour, taciturn people, and this is not surprising considering the harsh lands they inhabit. They are as unforgiving as the climate, with a grim, even morbid sense of humour. Frequently the bulwark against the tribes of brabarians, they relish in part the debt owed to them by the people of the Mediterrianian to the south who they protect. However, this does not stop a Kirovite bitterly complaining about this state of affairs at any opportunity. Most Kirovites think that their neighbours have gone soft from easy living in fertile lands, and would benefit from a year or two in the north, or ‘living in the wind’ as the Kirovites like to describe it, in reference to the fierce north winds that often herald a battle.

Kirov breeds hardy people, not only because of the harsh climate and spooky lands, but also due to the constant depredations by raiders from the Northern Wastes. These are usually constant, small-scale affairs as individual warbands and tribes head south in search of glory and plunder. Known by the Kirovites as Kyazak, these raiding parties are an ever-present threat to settlements and caravans across the border. The incursions are short-lived, lasting perhaps only for a season at a time, and either end when winter draws in, or they are driven back by the armies of the Kirovites.

History

Kirov is almost two nations in one. On the one hand, there are the more civilised peoples of the East and the cities, where the lands are close to the sea and trade. In the West, there are the villages and the gypsies.

Circa 1250 BC, there was a large westward migration of tribes from the eastern steppes, and of particular importance was the arrival of the powerful and wealthy Dhevich. Torn with strife, the local tribes were in no position to contest these lands, and the superior arms and tactics of the Dhevich drove the Ghols, the biggest native tribe, to the west and south, who came into contact with the Roten tribe. The Roten were a nomadic people who were overwhelemed by the Ghols. To defend themselves they lived in villages, tribe members rarely leaving thier community, only allowed to have children with members of the village. Over the following century, the power of the Dhevich grew, and the city of Kirov was founded.

The settlement of Praag, a city in the west, grew in size as the Dhevich used it to launch incursions into Ghol territory, eventually forcing the Ghol to accept Dhevich rule (who were now beginning to be called Kirovites after their capital city). By this time, the former Ghol city of Wodengrad had grown into a busy port ruled by the Kirovites, and from here the Kirovites were able to sail the Black Sea, trading and fighting with local tribes and pirates, as well as keeping the Ghols in check.

This state of affairs has existed for over 750 years, and Dhevich, Roten and Ghol society has merged over the centuries, to a greater or lesser extent, into the Kingdom of Kirov. The ruling elite, from whom the Tzars and Tzarinas hail, are of Dhevich heritage. The influence of the Dhevich language and beliefs is more evident in the East, particularly in the cities of Kirov and Wodengrad, while further west the land becomes more wild and the ancient villages and gypsy bands(Ghol) still hold sway. In fact, Praag itself has been reclaimed in a large part by the old Ghol nobility, and in many ways is a separate power in the West.

Kirovites are known as dour, taciturn people, and this is not surprising considering the harsh lands they inhabit. They are as unforgiving as the climate, with a grim, even morbid sense of humour. Frequently the bulwark against the tribes of brabarians, they relish in part the debt owed to them by the people of the Mediterrianian to the south who they protect. However, this does not stop a Kirovite bitterly complaining about this state of affairs at any opportunity. Most Kirovites think that their neighbours have gone soft from easy living in fertile lands, and would benefit from a year or two in the north, or ‘living in the wind’ as the Kirovites like to describe it, in reference to the fierce north winds that often herald a battle.

Kirov breeds hardy people, not only because of the harsh climate and superstitious lands, but also due to the constant depredations by raiders from the Northern Wastes. These are usually constant, small-scale affairs as individual warbands and tribes head south in search of glory and plunder. Known by the Kirovites as Kyazak, these raiding parties are an ever-present threat to settlements and caravans across the border. The incursions are short-lived, lasting perhaps only for a season at a time, and either end when winter draws in, or they are driven back by the armies of the Kirovites.


Trade: 4
Western Kirov is a fertile but isolated land, and few trade manges to get through. However the land is rich in crops, livestock, silver, gold and game. Eastern Kirov trades along the Black Sea, primarily with Kansiov and the Olympion League and trades in what goods it can aquire.

Government: 7
The power of the Tsar is unquestionable, and his word is law. However, the Tsars have made it a custom to leave the people of the west to their own devices, only passing laws over them if a neccessity. The West, in return, has come to view the Tsars as holy individuals, and often pray to them like saints. The gypsies follow no law but thier own.

Production: 6
The west is fertile and excellent for crops, providing surplus food stuffs that can be traded to other nations. The east is a land of cities, where artisans and philiosphers are provided for by the Tsar. Textiles, farm equipment, and weapons from Kirov is quite famous for quality in the region.

Military: 8
The soldiers of Kirov are all battle tested and nearly every man is a combat vetern, due the constant incursion of barbarian tribes. There is a combat instructer put in every village and city by the Tsar to make sure all males are constantly drilled once a week. There is only a small army in peace, just enough to man the forts and make up the Tsar's personal guard. Kirovian Military Doctrine states that if on the attack, all civillian soldiers are entitled to keep whatever they can return home with, and this has lead all Dhevich and Ghol's to look forward to military experiance. The armies are drawn from the scattered stanitsas and towns of the Kirov Oblast, which each provide a standing force of warriors, much like a militia. Ghol horse archers patrol the most western reaches of the country, while settlements with a great Dhevich heritage pool their resources to create squadrons (or rotas as they are known) of the famed Winged Lancers. This tradition is continued by the cities, and the Tzar can command a large number of Winged Lancers drawn from the richest families and their household troops. At extreme times, the various rotas of Kirov are drawn together into larger army groups called Pulks. These Pulks are invariably under the command of a noble of Dhevich heritage and are the closest Kirov has to a standing army. Sometimes, a single Pulk is enough to see off the threat, but other times two, three or more Pulks may combine their forces to counter an ambitious barbarian warlord.


Navy: 3
The Navy is just big enough to defend the small coast and only a handful of vessels are available to protect trade. As such, captains of merchant vessels have taken it upon themselves to arm their ships to protect from pirates. The weapons are not devastating, but do well enough to shy off any barbarians on a boat. Most ships in port during peace.


Major Cities

Kirlov
The capital of the nation and seat of the Tzars and Tzarinas who rule the land, Kirlov is the largest and most developed of the three cities. Situated in the North it is virtually on the border with the Slavs, and many slavic customs and aesthetic values have influenced Kirlov life, literature and architecture. Founded as the capital by the Khans and Khan-queens of the Dhevich people in Year 1 (1150 BC), it has been besieged several times in its history, though has never fallen to an enemy.

At the centre of Kislev lies the Bokha Palaces, the hereditary seat of power rebuilt during the reign of Tzar Boris Bokha after the original Palace Dhevich was all but destroyed during the Great War against the Vodniks in 778 BC

Wodengrad
Originally the Ghol capital, when it was merely a walled town known as Norvard, and later overrun by the Dhevich, Wodengrad is Kirlov’s main trading city and its largest port. Situated on the coast of the Black Sea, vessels from across the Kansiov and the Olympion League come here with goods, slaves, gems and precious metals. Kislev does not have a standing navy as such, but the waters of the Black Sea are dangerous, despite the patrols of the Royal navy, and all merchantmen are armed in some fashion, many to the standards of other nations’ warships, and can be pressed into service by the Tzar when needed.

Praag
Also know as the Cursed City, Praag is the most westernly of Kirlov’s largest settlements and has been overrun by the northern tribes several times. During the Great War against Vodnik, the walls and buildings themselves became completly covered in gore and blood. Wailing screams echoed from roof tops and the ground beneath the city seemed to shift and wraithe. After their victory at the siege of Kirlov, the Kirovites razed Praag to the ground and rebuilt it, though it is still rumoured that a dark taint remains there. The people of Praag are regarded as shifty and nervous by most outsiders, paranoid and potentially in league with gypsy witchcraft. Praag also acts as a rallying point for the scattered horse tribes in times of war, and has a considerable Ghol population. This has led to Praag attempting to cede from the power of the Tzars on three occasions; twice the city was starved into submission by trade embargoes from the south, and on the third occasion, the city was reclaimed by military force and is now ruled by a Dhevich governor responsible only to the Tzar himself.

Religion:
TOR
Description: Tor is the god of thunder and lightning, and is worshipped as a warrior god. He is portrayed as a muscled, square-jawed warrior with a long and curly moustache.. He wields a massive axe with a haft of oak, and uses it to cleave the sky to create the thunderbolts for which he is famed. A warrior god, Tor is the most active of the Kirovite gods, and quite frequently his name is used as a curse on others. For example, the phrase ‘Ty Tor!’ means ‘By Tor!’ and is an exclamation of surprise. On the other hand, ‘Do Tor!’ means ‘Tor’s Bolt!’ and is an entreaty for the god to unleash his anger upon the enemy.

Symbol: Tor is usually represented by the symbol of a thunderbolt, or an axe with a thunderbolt for a haft. Silver is considered the favoured metal of Tor, and it is usual for a famed warrior to have threads of silver woven into his moustache or beard as a sign of thanks to the storm god.

Temples: Tor’s temples are built atop hills and mountains. They are imposing structures of large stone blocks with heavy roofs of wooden logs.

Friends and Enemies: Tor has an indifferent approach to the other gods, and his followers have no particular allies.

Holy Days: No formal holy days. However, during a mighty storm, adherents to the Torian faith will gather outside and give praise to their god. Warriors pray to Tor before and after battle.

Strictures: There is only one known stricture for the cult of Tor, and it is a sensible one – never stand under a tree in a thunderstorm.

Wegun, Candistan, you're accepted. XueLong, although you claimed before Candistan, I'd like you to note that he posted a picture of the map. Although I will accept claims that don't have pictures, since it's infinitely easier to update the map with pictures, they get automated precedence over those which don't. (I was away for much of yesterday at the time I'd normally go on the 'net, so I couldn't update then).

Also, factbooks are desirable, although, for now, those posted in this thread should be sufficient.

Wegun, Candistan, you're accepted. XueLong, although you claimed before Candistan, I'd like you to note that he posted a picture of the map. Although I will accept claims that don't have pictures, since it's infinitely easier to update the map with pictures, they get automated precedence over those which don't. (I was away for much of yesterday at the time I'd normally go on the 'net, so I couldn't update then).

Also, factbooks are desirable, although, for now, those posted in this thread should be sufficient.

*crack on the head* I updated my post, and you should still have my map, if not I can resend it. And I'll probably continue to update my post off and on, adding more history as the spirit moves me.

Wegun, Candistan, you're accepted. XueLong, although you claimed before Candistan, I'd like you to note that he posted a picture of the map. Although I will accept claims that don't have pictures, since it's infinitely easier to update the map with pictures, they get automated precedence over those which don't. (I was away for much of yesterday at the time I'd normally go on the 'net, so I couldn't update then).

Also, factbooks are desirable, although, for now, those posted in this thread should be sufficient.

*Sigh* I undestand, in truth I'm not sure how to make a map in the first place. I don't have powerpoint or anything else like that. Still, I appreciate the fact that your willing to explain why I was not accepted. I hope you have a successful game. :(

When can we start?

My Factbook Is Up (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=544553)

Sigh* I undestand, in truth I'm not sure how to make a map in the first place. I don't have powerpoint or anything else like that. Still, I appreciate the fact that your willing to explain why I was not accepted. I hope you have a successful game.

You know you can just claim some other area right. Just copy the map, paste it in paint, color and label your area, rehost it, and then repost it.

Any who, lets get playing!

The Updated Map (http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/4209/91434341yh3.png)

The Kingdom of Devaraja

Map: http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/5293/500bcku7.png

History: It was said that the Adivasi people had lived in the mountains and valleys between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea since the beginning of time. Of course that could not be true, but they had certainly lived in that area for many thousands of years. The Adivasi acquired the knowledge of agriculture relatively early on from the Fertile Crescent although it was not heavily adapted until more recently. A relatively thriving civilization developed mainly along the river valleys and a cuneiform writing system was developed as several towns grew beyond mere villages. Adivasi culture was based on the worship of a pantheon of gods with the priests dominating the social and political structure. However the Adivasi people never learned how to work with bronze or iron, which would prove to be one of the major factors in their later destruction.

Around the year 0 A.F. (After Firengi, to convert to BC add 1277 minus whatever A.F. year it is) a group of tribes from the steppes to the north of the Caucasus Mountains poured into the valleys where the Adivasi people lived. The various tribes of these invaders had different names for themselves but collectively they were called the Firengi by the Adivasi. The Firengi had domesticated horses and these beasts along with the iron and bronze weapons of the Firengi cut through the soft Adivasi civilization. The Adivasi were enslaved and the Firengi took over as the rulers, introducing a wholly new social system based on different castes that still exists to this day.

Slowly expanding to the south and west over hundreds of years, the Firengi ruled over the Adivasi with a firm hand. There were several minor slave revolts over the years, although most of these were put down relatively easily due mainly to a lack of weapons. This would all change however when in the year 496 AF, when slaves in the mountainous northwestern part of Devaraja rose up against the local Firengi. At this time the Firengi were still divided into regional tribes that often bickered and fought among themselves. The tribe that found themselves with a slave revolt on their hands waited some time before telling the other tribes in order to not appear weak. As the revolt gained more momentum the slave forces grew and more importantly acquired more weapons. By this point, even the local Firengi realized that several thousand of them could not hold down nearly 30,000 armed slaves and they called upon the other tribes for assistance and a combined army was raised to defeat the slaves. After many defeats by a slave army with superior tactics and motivation, command of the Firengi Army was given to a young noble by the name of Shaheen Khadar. Khadar, while brutal, was a brilliant tactical commander and crushed the slave armies. His retribution was terrible as the few moderate Firengis watched on while Khadar slaughtered nearly 40,000 slaves. Even today the name of Khadar is used to frighten slave children.

Just after the end of the slave revolt a major political reorganization took place. Khadar was at this point seen as a hero by the Firengi because of his swift action against the slaves and was elected as the first ever King by all the various tribes of the Firengi, setting a precedent that would continue on throughout the ages. Kings were elected for life from among the nobles of the tribes and over time power became more and more centralized in the hands of the king as the Firengi realized that they had to stay united to survive as they were outnumbered nearly 4 to 1 by slaves. This was also around the time when it became precedent for every Firengi male to serve 20 years in the army. Over time as the social structure became more complex a middle caste arose made up of merchants, scholars, scribes and other such specialists. Also, on mostly a regional basis various customs arose in order to better keep the slaves pacified. All over Devaraja slaves were and still are separated from family and shuffled around to prevent friendships from arising. It is this psychological isolation that helps to control the slaves more than anything and indeed the slave dialect has no word for family. The current king Saral Arjun rules over a stable and at the moment prosperous kingdom.

Trade: 2
Devaraja is a nation relatively rich in metals and agricultural products, however it is surrounded by mountains and has little or no seafaring trade on the Black Sea. Also, the ruling Firengi consider themselves superior to other peoples and are heavily isolationalist.

Government: 9
Devaraja is ruled centrally by the king who has almost complete authority. With the need to constantly watch the slaves, the king can levy troops or raise taxes as he deems necessary. As the ruling minority of Devaraja the Firengi are incredibly united and loyal to the king mainly out of fear for what would happen otherwise.

Production: 6
Devaraja is fairly rich in metals with lots of mines scattered throughout the mountains. There is also a fair amount of agriculture and trade done along the river valleys

Military: 9
Much like the Spartan military, all of the Firengi males are raised from birth to become soldiers and are welded into one central army under the direct command of the king. That being said many are able to retire from the military iin their late 30s and go into other pursuits, though these of course could be called up to service in an emergency. The army is also surprisingly mobile and relies on cavalry to be able to put down slave revolts quickly.

Navy: 1
With little access to the Black Sea and little interest in the sea, Devaraja maintains no Navy of any kind. The only ships to speak of are small fishing skiffs.

I realise your people are isolationist, but surely your nation would be willing to, once the rp gets started, engage in trade with Kirov and other Black Sea nations. We are all conquerers, sons of the tribes that once stalked the nighted forests. We must unite together, lest we became devoured by barbarians, or worse, nations from beyond the Sa of Marmara

Anyone have any information on military sizes?

Link to factbook - http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=544565

One last thing, how do you cut a piece of the map out, so as to focus just on that area? Can this be done with paint?

I think you may be able to go beyond the 3-5% rule of the modern day due to the military sizes/conscription (or enslavement) rules that were often applicable (ie, the Spartan/Assyrian/Visigoth/Hun/etc. armies of the general time period).I wouldn't push too far though...maybe 10% to 15%.

Anyone have any information on military sizes?

Link to factbook - http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=544565

One last thing, how do you cut a piece of the map out, so as to focus just on that area? Can this be done with paint?

Have the map up on screen, with your area in view. Hit the print screen button, paste the map into paint, and copy only the area you want to show. Then just paste that onto paint and save it.

Ah, thanks much [to both of you]. Very helpful.

Anyone have any information on military sizes?

Factbook (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=544561&highlight=shakal)

On military sizes I would say that if pop is like 1 million there is a high chance that a good 60k-150k would be in the military. This is possible because armies mostly got food by the area they were marching thorugh and plundered if needed. For instance my nation (Pop Roughly:2 Million) has around 80,000 standing soldiers and marines.

Factbook (Currently WIP): http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13266353#post13266353

FYI folks, for pops, try this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_demography

Is there to be a main RP thread or should we all just go about making our own? Also... when does this RP start... or has it already?

Factbook (Currently WIP): http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13266353#post13266353

FYI folks, for pops, try this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_demography

aye do you have anything on southern france

IDK, but I want my black sea brethren to start so we can get some diplomacy going.

Aye Kroando your in the same area as me how did you found out about your population

Interested....still openings?

Wegun, No Taxes, you're accepted. Osteia, as in 1914, we're almost always open. Andermani, I seem to have misplaced your map. If you could send it to me next time you're online, that'd be great.


Kroando, consider the RP started. You can RP as you wish from here on in. It's probably advisable to tag the thread with something like (500 BC) in the title, and put a little disclaimer telling people not to post unless they've joined the RP, that links back to here.

Hopefully it will start soon, I will start working on my Factbook now.

Kansiov, how about we make a black sea alliance, or at least swear to keep peace between the three peoples of the Black Sea. We can unite against the barbarians and our foes together, and divide lands yet to be conquered amongst ourselves. Would you be interested?

Hmmm ok, that would be good, considering we won't be battling against each other so early on :P

I'll start the thread.

Heres the Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13272042#post13272042)

I'll put a factbook up in a little bit, but right now I'm a little bit tired/busy as hell with work.

Morning Bump

My Factbook (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13276566&posted=1#post13276566)

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