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EUROPE
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The Empire of Aragon
Henry III the Infirm, King of Castille, Emperor of Aragon, Restorer of the Faith
Diplomacy: Sardinia(no effect), Salamanca(F)
Growth: Saragossa
      Henry ordered the capital of Saragossa expanded to provide housing for the steady influx of rural population looking for jobs. Fountains, sewers and public baths were built there as well.
      The cultivation of Asturias was completed, with celebration. Numerous castles were built in Andalusia to protect that most valuable region.
      Henry ruled, and as running Aragon was a lot of work, Prince Don Dantae helped with administration. Nights he spent with his lovely wife, siring a son in 1413, a daughter in 1415 and another son in 1416.
      Henry also announced a major trade agreement reached with the Merchants of El'Iskandria. The Merchants would henceforth operate Aragon's trade routes, and were hiring all Aragon's trading cogs and crews. In addition, Henry granted the Merchants a number of monopolies on Aragonese imports.

      Priests from the church in Aragon began talking to village elders. When Roman Cardinal Giaquinto and his retainers arrived in Aragon in later 1413, he met with the priests then began a close search of the countryside. In 1414, the Cardinal, his retainers and a group of tough-looking laymen swept down on one village in the predawn hours and made a number of arrests. There was no Aragon government involvement.
      Cardinal Leroux arrived in Talavera (the last bastion of Islam in Iberia) from Rome where he and Roman missionaries converted Muslims to Catholics. Other priests from Rome spoke passionately at churches throughout Aragon, exhorting the people to God's service.

      The elderly diplomat Don Santago, having been expelled from Bastia on Corsica¹, took ship to Sardina, already in contention between Morocco and the Madragian Emirate. Confused by differences in language and religion, he gave insult to the island's ruler, Count Dorgali, by demanding audience on a Friday, the Muslim sabbath. Dorgali ordered him to leave on the next ship to Spain, and take all Spanish missionaries with him, adding that "barbaric Iberians" were not welcome on his island.

¹his Intel support was arrested searching files in the Bastia town hall. Oops!

The Empire of Greater Britannia
Geoffery I, Emperor of Greater Britannia, Grand Duke of Flanders, Keeper of the Irish Talisman of Faith
Diplomacy: Poitou(no effect)
Growth: Bordeaux in Gascony, London in Sussex, Doneigh in Munster
      Geoffery, emerging from mourning, remarried to a spirited Frenchwoman, Angelique, who'd caught his eye at a royal ball early in 1413. Invigorated, he ordered the expansion of cities plus a huge movement of families and materials into Eire, doubling the populations of Connaught and Munster. The same was done for Auvergne in France.
      Geoffrey also commanded inns, museums and concert halls built in Paris, to make it a world-class center of culture. In Brittany extensive irrigation systems, silos and gristmills were underway to assist agriculture.
      All this paled however to the great project begun in London - a cathedral built in praise of God, to be known as St. Paul's. Artisans from all Brittania were sent to ensure the best of everything, with Sir Roger Wellford to make sure everything ran smoothly.
      Alas, Geoffrey was not destined to see the results of his planning. In the winter of 1413/1414 he developed a nasty cold which turned into pneumonia which killed him at the age of 39. His son from an earlier marriage was only 8 at the time, so Queen Angelique declared herself Regent until the boy became of age to rule. This was (grudgingly) accepted by the nobility as there was no other living relative of the late king.
      Sir John Black ran into diplomatic trouble in Poitou when caught in bed with the wife of the local lord. His protest - "... but I thought she was a tavern whore!" - didn't help. The lord cursed him and reached for his rapier, but Sir John was quick enough to grab his clothes and be out the door. After a hard ride he and his retainers made it across the border to Limousin ahead of the pursuing guardsmen.

The Republic of Sweden (prev Kalmar)
Gudrun Ericson, Altkansler of the Kalmar Senate
Diplomacy: Hordaland(F), Veposkava(NT)
      Gundrun focused the resources of the Republic on the colonization of the Livo-Joki wilderness. Large numbers of excess population accepted offers of homesteads. That underway, she went to Hordaland to personally conduct diplomacy with assistance from Bynnar Gunnarson, soldier-turned-diplomat.
      The cultivation of Estonia was completed and the people rejoiced. Their joining with Sweden some years back had paid off handsomely.
      Erol Halfhand was ordered to distribute excess food to the people, but those who waited eventually gave up and left. Some was found rotting, but most was unaccounted.
      The royal road from Lorhar-Jarvi north across the Arctic Circle into icy Oulanka was completed, although frostbite and other misery afflicted the laborers. A few workers vanished while venturing away from camp and the project managers blamed wolves or the weather.
      The ArchDruid said this was but the beginning of the natural world's displeasure at Man crossing the Arctic Circle. "The far North is to remain pure, untainted by Man," he spoke. Gundrun listened patiently and thanked him and his fellows for their concern. The priestesses of Freya had already assured her the Druids were mistaken.

The Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation
Henry II, King of Bavaria, Kaiser of the German Reich, Roman Emperor of the West
Diplomacy:
Growth: Frankfurt in Alsace, Munich in Bavaria, Liege in Brabant, Mulhaus in Burgundy, Navarone in Calabria, Naples in Campania, Strasburg in Champagne, Kopenhaven in Denmark, Bavaria in Franconia, Haarlam in Friesland, the Port of Gibraltar, Koln in Hainaut, Utrecht in Holland, Kiel in Holstien
      Henry II continued to build up the Holy Roman Empire. Surplus population from the countryside was sent to increase no less than 14 cities, many of which also had new public baths, fountains and markets added. Several royal roads were begun in the north.
      Perhaps the most audacious project - politically, at least - was the construction of a fortress in Bohemia by the banks of the Danube River. Bohemia was contested between the Empire and the Kingdom of Poland. The construction of a fortress was a direct challenge to Polish ambitions in the region. When the fortress was completed it was named "Dresden" and garrisoned by troops loyal to Bardon Kladno, a Bohemian of Germanic ancestry who was loyal to the Empire.
      Baron Marcus, a Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church, worked tirelessly to increase the faith of the Empire. He was assisted by priests from many parishes, plus others sent from Rome itself by the Pope. By the end of 1416 a tremendous religious revival had swept the nation, and church attendance was at an all-time high.

The Roman Catholic Church
Boniface IX, Bishop of Rome, Pontiff of the Apostolic & Reformist Catholic Church, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Servant of the Servants of God
Consecration: none
      Boniface IX, feeling the authority of Church was threatened by the teachings of John Huss¹ in Bohemia, in early 1413 issued a Writ of Excommunication ². Boniface, old and frail, was a learned scholar and efficient administrator, but lacked charisma and was no rouser of emotion. His Writ failed to generate fear in Huss or his followers, and Huss continued his teachings.
      In early 1414 Cardinal Mario arrived in Bohemia representing the Papacy, to investigate the Hussite movement. Despite language difficulties, he determined that no secret society was at work. The teachings of Huss were the man's honest feelings against smothering (and often corrupt) Church hierarchy.
      However, being a member of that very hierarchy, Mario understood the danger of what Huss was teaching, and the need to crush it. In 1415 he and his retainers seized Huss and put him on trial for Heresey.
      "He was ordered to recant certain of his opinions. He replied that he could not recant until he was convinced of his error. He was told it was his duty to recant if his superiors required it of him, whether he was convinced or not. He refused to accept this view."³
      Judging Huss guilty, Mario ordered Huss to be burnt at the stake as a Heretic.⁴ Unfortunately Mario lacked the soldiers to enforce his ruling⁵, and the crowd which had gathered to witness the trial rioted and freed Huss. In the violence Mario and some of his retainers were killed, and the others badly injured, as were a number of the Hussites.
      Realizing a line had been crossed, Huss and his followers began arming themselves.

¹Huss - a learned man, indeed a university rector - had been influenced by the writings of a man from Britannia named Wycliffe. These writings were a condemnation of authoratative, traditional, ceremonial religion. Wycliffe had argued - and Huss was teaching - that Man could and should know God as in Biblical times, without need for layers of Church hierarchy.
²in OTL, this happened in 1412.
³from The Outline of History by H.G. Wells (yes, he wrote nonfiction too) summarizing the trial of John Huss.
⁴in OTL, this happened in 1415.
⁵in OTL, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire had provided the muscle to enforce the court's ruling.

Kingdom of Poland
Lech, King of the Poles
Diplomacy: Pomerania(FA), Bochnia(F), Bohemia(no change)
      King Lech saw to the ruling of the Kingdom. In 1416 he traveled to Pomerania to meet with the local ruler, Baron Wolin, who thereafter swore fealty to Lech.
      The King's virility diminished some, and despite enjoying young Queen Breznice from time to time, he sired but one child, a son in 1415.
      Ambassador Panbuk ran into an undercurrent of uncertainty in Bohemia while visiting its feudal lord, Baron Brutno. While loyal to Lech (he's father of Queen Breznice!) he was clearly worried about the building of a fortress in the region by the Holy Roman Empire. And worse, the fortress being garrisoned by his longtime rival, Baron Kladno.
      "German influence grows daily," Brutno complained to Panbuk, "while those like myself who favor Poland receive no support." Brutno promised to relay his concerns to King Lech.
      In late 1416 Queen Breznice, a Czech like John Huss, expressed sympathy with the Hussites, and urged Lech to help them.

The Avar Kingdom of Hungary
Stefan I, Khan of the Avars, Lord of the Steppe
Diplomacy: Slovakia(T), Moldavia(EA), Transylvania(AW), Prague in Slovakia(NT)
      King Stefan ruled the kingdom while lieutenants were sent to bring the regions which had revolted some years ago back into the Kingdom. Stefan spent his nights with his young queen, Orovska, daughter of Count Tisovec of Slovakia. They had a son in 1413 and a daughter in 1414.
      Cardinal Joseph arrived in Hungary in mid-1414 from Rome where he and Roman missionaries turned a sizable number of Eastern Orthodox to Catholicism. Soon afterward a delegation of Eastern priests implored King Stefan to expell the "dogs of Rome".

      Hungarian diplomats made progress everywhere but Transylvania. There, Lord Hellfire encountered a strange language and outright hostility from the lord of that mountainous land, Count Vlad. Frustration led to argument, which led to insults. The cruelly handsome Vlad laughed and pointed to Hellfire.
      "Impale him!" Vlad ordered to his guardsmen. Swords were drawn on both sides and Hellfire and his retainers fought their way free, although Hellfire was wounded by Vlad and a number of retainers were left behind dead. When Hellfire reached the safety of Carpathia he sent a brief note ahead to his King: "Vlad is insane!"
      Soon rumor filtered through the mountains that Vlad was raising an army.

The Byzantine Empire
Justinian, Eastern Roman Emperor, Master of the Scholae, Patriarch of Constantinople
Diplomacy: Serbia(EA),
Growth: Makhachkala in Vasi, Ephesia in Lydia, Samatsagma in Galacia
      Basil ordered a new city built in Vasi, giving the Empire a port on the Caspian. Two other cities were expanded, and public inns, stables and baths built in regions across the Empire to assist travelers.
      The cultivation of Illyria and Vasi were both completed. Justinian ordered a week of public celebration to mark the accomplishment.
      Laertes set out for Patzinak, homelaned of the White Order, with a long line of horse-drawn wagons carrying seige equipment and engineers. He returned in 1415 by himself.
      Justinian sired a son with his favorite concubine in 1414. But in 1415, another concubine died in childbirth. The Emperor was grief-stricken.

      Meanwhile, Prince Nikos and his retainers sat in a Serbian prison after accidentally insulting clan leaders during negotiations. The elderly lieutenant Castor was sent to check on Nikos' condition. After some bargaining with Mihajlovic, the most powerful Serbian lord, this was allowed. Nikos and his party were thin and pale from confinement but had not been mistreated.
      Castor returned some months later with a large Byzantine force including Anastasios (brother of Justinian and heir to the throne), Price Costas, other lieutenants, and over 20,000 mixed cavalry and infantry. The Byzantine leaders met with Lord Mihajlovic and gave him two choices: alliance with Byzantium or punishment for imprisioning a Byzantine prince. Seeing the error of his ways, Mihajlovic pledged loyalty to Justinian.

      In 1414, Eastern Orthodox officials noted declining church attendance. This trend continued during 1415 and 1416. Worse, an attitude of questioning was spreading among the more junior priests, saying all the pomp and pagentry was foolish and the gold spent on churches should be given to the poor. A few priests even openly called for museums and theaters to be open on Sundays as alternatives to church services.

The Varangian Empire of Russia
Ivan II, Czar of all the Russias, Kniaz of Vlatim
Diplomacy: Latvia(EA)
      Ivan ordered stone walls with towers built around a number of cities to improve the security of the population. Irrigation ditches were dug in Chernigov and Kirivitch to help farmers. The royal road from from Polotsk to Kur was completed amid celebration.
      The virile Czar enjoyed the company of Czarina Katrina, who birthed a daughter in 1414, a son in 1415 and another daughter in 1416.

      Missionaries were sent to Lithuania to convert the pagans, but their own lack of piety made the Lithuanians contemptuous of them, and they were driven out by an angry mob of peasants.

The Suzdal Horde
Vladamir, Master of the Hunt, Forest Lord, Czar of the Suzdal
      Diplomacy: None
      The Suzdal, having hunted the forests of their homeland to the point of scarcity, crossed the Middle Volga on rafts and migrated west into the wilderness of Kirov.
      OPEN FOR A PLAYER

The White Order of Saint Demetrius
Cherina Rumitsav, Grand Mistress of the White Order
Diplomacy:
      Grand Mistress Cherina, aware of the Suzdal foot horde to the north, mobilized the resources of the nation to build a Great Wall to fill the "Patzinak Gap" - the open plains between the Don and Lower Volga rivers. Endless wagon loads of earth and blocks of cut stone converged on the border of Patzinak and Torki, where thousands of laborers toiled to build walls and towers.
      Meanwhile, the leaders and armies of the Order were deployed to meet any attack by the Suzdal. In 1414 Princess Natasha received Laertes of Byzantium, who had brought with him seige equipment and engineers to help.
      By the end of 1416 the Great Wall was completed and the populace felt much more secure. If the Suzdal came now, they'd pay a heavier price.

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North ASIA
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The Empire of Nippon
Kichiro, Regent of Nippon
Diplomacy: Kagoshima(FA), Kumamoto in Saga(A)
Growth: Aomori in Akita, Nagoya in Aichi, Takeda in Taiwan
      The progression of society from Clan to Open continued peacefully.
      In 1415, Takeda Tamasaki, eldest son of the late Emperor, reached the age of 15 and was officially proclaimed heir to the throne. A skilled swordsman, he had a reputation for a hot temper. The following year his brother Suwo came of age and was made a Prince. Suwo was courtly and well-mannered, and considered his older brother an uncouth thug. Tamasaka considered Suwo an effete wimp. The brothers' relationship was rocky and boded ill for the future.

The Glorious Empire of Bei Song
Hun Seng, Emperor of the Manchu, Explorer of the Northern Lands
Diplomacy: Mukden in Sikhote(T)
Growth: none
      Emperor Hun Seng, leaving the bureaucracy to run the nation day to day, rode to Mukden with the army to parley with its rebellious nobles. Tempering his success was news General Lao Han, based in Rongjiang, had died after a bout of heavy drinking.

The Jung-Mo Empire
Seong-Lee, Emperor of Korea, Protector of Northern China
Diplomacy: none
Growth: Qingdao in Shangtung, Cheng'Tu in Bao'Ding
      Seong-Lee arrived at the rebellious city of Yen-Ching in late spring 1413 with an army of twenty thousand. At his command the men began digging seigeworks around the city. Within a few days a delegation of nobles from Yen-ching sought audience with the Emperor to present him with a gift. It was a large jar, which when opened was found to contain the head of the city leader.

      General Kim-Cha and his own army, also of twenty thousand, had marched alongside the Emperor's army as far as Yen-Ching, then parted company and continued north along the road through Lu'an and Liao'Tung until by June 1413 he was at the border of Bandao. The previous year the King of Bandao had cut off the ear of the Emperor's diplomat Chan-Lu and sent it back to the Emperor. Such things are not tolerated.
      Kim-Cha's army headed south along the road into the wilderness of the Bandao. The King of Bandao raised several thousand militia and - knowing the home terrain and having light units for scouting - ambushed the Imperial army where the road ran through thick forest.
      The fighting was desperate, with Jung-Mo cavalry at a disadvantage in the constricted area. General Kim-Cha and the King of Bandao met by accident with a clashing of sword on sword. "Insolent dog!" cursed Kim-Cha. "Imperialist pig!" hissed the Bandao monarch back at him. Kim-Cha was wounded in the leg, but even as the King of Bandao cried out in triumph, the general's own blade struck and the ruler's helmeted head went flying.
      As word of this spread, the soldiers of Jung-Mo rallied, fighting out of the ambush. Over 2,000 Bandaons were killed or captured while inflicting around 300 casualties among the Jung-Mo, mostly infantry.
      The Imperial army fanned out to pacify the countryside. The diplomat Chan-Lu was found chained in the empty palace of the late King, worn and thin and minus an ear, but otherwise alive. With cold weather approaching, the Jung-Mo went into winter quarters.

      With the coming of spring 1414, General Kim-Cha left a garrison behind and led his army to the Bandaon port of Galedon. His wound had never healed well and he was feverish, but still a commanding presence. No sooner had his troops begun digging seige lines than the city leader and retainers came rushing out to surrender, as Galedon had no walls or troops.

      In late fall of 1415, an exhausted dispatch rider reached the Emperor and gasped his message: the Alung-Gangri, a savage horde from the steppe, had crossed the northern border into Liao-Tung, looting and pillaging.

The Alung-Gangri Horde
Gyanendra Khan
Diplomacy: None
      In the spring of 1413, the Alung-Gangri moved in a serpentine manner through northeast Asia, encountering other, equally bloodthirsty nomadic peoples and adding them to their great host. Over 20,000 Tatars and Mongols joined throughout 1413, and in mid-1415, the great clans of Manchuria too, adding over 40,000 more warriors. By now the horsemen of the Horde blackened the steppe, almost 400,000 warriors, and the great mass of oxen and wagons following with families and possessions formed a procession that took days to pass a given spot.¹
      As fall of 1415 approached, the horde neared the city of Suiryu in Hsuing'Nu. It was small, without walls, at the crossroads of some dirt tracks used by farmers and herders. At the Great Khan's command it was sacked, to give his warriors some sport and training. Civilians were beaten if they attempted to resist the looting, but there were only a few deaths.²

      The horde then swung southeast and neared the border of Liao-Tung, northern province of the Jung-Mo Empire. A few days after the first waves of mounted nomads crossed the border, scouts returned to the Khan to report ten earth-and-log forts at key locations. Without supporting mobile units, the forts were at a disadvantage, and were stormed one by one. The resistance held up the horde a few weeks, and cost it several thousand warriors, mostly light infantry, killed or wounded.
      The brief campaign also highlighted the Horde was far larger than the Great Khan could efficiently command. Units went for days without new orders. This time it didn't matter since Gyanendra had overwhelming numbers. The horde settled down to winter in the region while stripping it bare of anything remotely useful or valuable.

      In late December of 1415, General Kim-Cha, long weakened and feverish from his leg wound, died of pneumonia in Galedon. It was a bitter ending to the year.

      In the spring of 1416, two feudal vassals of the Emperor - self-indulgent Yeung of Kaifeng and young Jobai II of Hopei - gathered their forces to march north to engage the Alung-Gangri. The combined force, numbering some 8,000 troops, did not begin its march northward until May due to Yeung's insistance on assembling many wagonloads of luxuries and concubines to make his campaigning comfortable.
      Gyanendra Khan, meanwhile, had gotten the vast nomadic migration moving in early March, while snow still lay upon the ground. Moving southward through Liao-Tung, he came to the port of Ta'Ting, and ordered it sacked. Unlike the previous city to be so handled, Ta'Ting was both larger and had strong high walls around it. It was also equipped with thundersticks - huge, spiked logs to be rolled down the walls, crushing ladders and climbers alike, then drawn back up by winches and ropes.³.
      The Horde lacked seige engineers, but Gyanendra put his vast army to work making ladders. The Imperial soldiers atop the walls had no illusions about victory, given there were no mobile forces within the city to reinforce them. They simply resolved to sell their lives as expensively as possible. This they did, extracting a toll of the climbing nomads. However the thousands of mounted Alung-Gangri archers sent clouds of arrows at the tops of the walls, picking off the defenders despite the protection of the parapets. Eventually there were too few Imperial soldiers remaining, and the foot nomads made it to the top. Crazed with blood fury, the nomads swept the walls, fought their way down to ground level, and opened the city gates from within, allowing their mounted kinsmen to enter. The city was given over to looting, and among the wares stolen and sampled were the contents of wineshops. The warriors' unfamiliarity with strong alcohol soon added drunkenness and then wanton violence to the sack, and the city's inhabitants suffered for many days.
      Not one to linger in any given place, Gyanendra got the horde moving east through Liao-Tung toward Bandao. Meanwhile Yeung of Kaifeng, commanding the feudal levy, decided the Alung-Gangri could not be caught before his time of service was over, so he ordered the levy to turn back the way it had come. Jobai II, eager for his first battle, was deeply disappointed.
      The horde next invaded Bandao following the same route as the Jung-Mo had some years before. The Jung-Mo garrison of two thousand cavalry was commanded by a nobleman with political connections to the royal court, but minimal skill. His troops were outmanuvered and crushed, and took only a few hundred steppe warriors with them.
      The Great Khan had intended to press on to the port of Galedon, but realized the changing leaves signalled the coming of colder weather, and the end of the campaign season. Surprisingly refraining from looting Bandao⁴, the Alung-Gangri instead began preparing winter quarters.

¹as witnessed with astonishment by a group of encamped Chin missionaries.
²Suiryu's inhabitants abandoned the city afterward with little more than the clothes on their backs.
³a T'ang dynasty invention. The ropes and winches were a later improvement to allow re-use.
⁴perhaps because the Bandao had welcomed the nomads and provided guides, believing "the enemy of my enemy is my friend".

The Chin Chinese Empire
Chin Li, Emperor of the Middle Kingdom, Master of the World
Diplomacy: Kienchou(EA) Tai'Li in Nan Chao(T)
Growth: none
     Chin Li poured the Empire's resources into changing wilderness to farmland, completing such efforts in no less than six regions! Numerous parades and harvest festivals were held in celebration. At one, Chin Li proclaimed General Chin Lee to be heir to the throne, since the Emperor had not yet produced offspring.
     The cultivation effort was accompanied by two long sections of roadbuilding, extensive public works in both Shenshi and Shentung, and numerous earth-and-log forts at strategic locations. The legendary Chin bureaucracy monitored all projects with their thousands of workers.
     Armies were set in motion to guard the borders. One under Chang Kow marched to defend against the Tumet Horde, while another under heir Chin Lee rode to defend against Kambuja. Both forces were in place by the end of 1413. The borders remained peaceful, much to the relief of the soldiers. In early 1415 Chin Lee and several retainers were swept away into a foaming, rain-swollen river when the wooden bridge they were riding across collapsed under them. Chin Lee's 2nd in command received a field promotion to army command.
     Missionaries were dispatched to distant Hsuing'Nu to teach Mahayana Buddhism to the nomadic pagans there, but made no progress.

The Celestial Realm of Buddha
Hung Lo-Chan, The Robed Wise Man
Consecration: None
      Hung Lo-Chan continued lengthy meditation common to the Ch'an school of thought, seeking Enlightenment above all worldly concerns. Yet Enlightenment did not come. His medidations were filled with darkness and foreboding.
      OPEN FOR A PLAYER

The Tumet Horde
Subutei II, Khan of the Tumet
Diplomacy:
      As their herds and mounts had about exhausted the Suzhou steppe, Sabotai II ordered the Tumet northwest, back into Yumen where they had grazed some years before. The region was sparsely populated, and its grasses had regrown. The cattle and horses fed well, with many calves and foals born. Tumet warriors trained constantly, drilled by Subutei in the tactics of his father, a master of war.
      In the Spring of 1416 that training paid off. [see Clash of the Hordes]
      OPEN FOR A PLAYER

The Kyzl-Kom Horde
Khan Batur Kyzn
Diplomacy:
      The Kyzl-Kom, realizing the grasslands of Turfan had been eaten to stubble, moved out early in 1413, recruiting over 13,000 warriors from the nomads of the Suachu area. But as the migration continued yet further east through Kucha and Sinkiang, population was virtually non-existant. So Batur turned the long columns of riders and wagons in a huge curve south through the arid waste of Takalamaklan and Khotan. Population here too was very sparse, and those who remained professed fealty to the Alung-Gangri who had swept the area years earlier. ¹
      In 1414 the Kyzl-Kom moved through the homeland of the rival Alung-Gangri. Given Batur's standing orders to attack any other hordes, they burned the strongholds of Alung-Gangri tribal chiefs, ² then headed west through the deserts of the Memar Tsaka and Bukha Magna.
      The year 1415 saw the Kyzl-Kom again in familiar grassland - much welcomed by the hungry herds and mounts - continuing westward through Tsaidam and Tsinghai. But here, too, to the growing frustration of Khan Batur, population was low, still not enough to provide a meaningful number of new recruits. The desolate Datong Shan was traversed in the winter of 1415-1416, the passage over the peaks into Yumen begun with difficulty. Scouts soon returned to their Khan with the news that another Horde, the Tumet nation, already occupied the rich grazing land.

¹ it takes many years after a horde "sweeps" a region for it to become repopulated.
² homelands of hordes have several field forts to represent the leader's personal stronghold.

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South East ASIA
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The Khemer Empire of Kambuja
Tran Cau, Emperor of the Khemers, Mask of Hidden Glory
Diplomacy: none
Growth: Mangfu in Nakhon
      Tran Cau ruled from Angkor Wat, overseeing the converting of the economy from Agrarian to Free. Much time was also spent with his wife, who bore twins (girl and boy) in 1413. At last, a son to inherit the throne! thought Tran Cau with relief. Another boy was born in 1415 and a girl in 1416. Barren women began praying to the queen for fertility.
      The Emperor's previously stated intention to return to Buddhism from Hinduism was not acted upon, leaving the populace confused as to which belief was "right".
      Last year three mid-level officers had reported being approached by a minor nobleman seeking to bribe them. The nobleman, arrested, had claimed to have been hired as a go-between by men "speaking Khmer with a Chin accent". A search of the meeting place (a room in a run-down boarding house) turned up various Chin objects. Now, his fears apparently justified, Tran Cau again unleashed his agents in search of any sign of foreign infiltration, especially in the military. They soon returned to the boarding house, having been summoned by the owner. He handed them a wooden tube sealed with wax, the size used to transport scrolls.
      "This was given to me in the marketplace," he explained, "by a man whose face was hidden by the hood of his robe. He said 'give this to the Chin'. By the time I turned around to tell him they had left in haste, he was gone." The agents opened the tube, and indeed it contained a scroll, written in Chin symbols, as well as a small pouch of gold Chin coins. As a curious crowd had gathered by now, all was taken back to the headquarters of the Emperor's agents for study.

The Island Kingdom of Java
Adrissa III, King of Java, Master of the Spice Isles
Diplomacy: none
Growth: Komono in Bali, Mataram in Flores, Sandarava in Java, Singhasari in Kediri, Sundas in Pajajaran, Matara in Sri Lanka, Bengkulu in Sundas
      Besides mass city expansions, water and sewage systems were built in Komono and Mataram for the public health. Meanwhile yet again the shipyards in Pajajaran were instructed to build great numbers of merchant vessels, and soon required double shifts to stay on schedule.
      The Emperor and his lieutenants were rarely seen. In his place, the hard-drinking young heir Sudhansu ruled (when not attending parties) and married a minor noblewoman who caught his eye. She bore him twins (boy and girl) in 1413, but died in childbirth a year later. Not one much for mourning, he married her sister in 1415 but that wife, too, died in childbirth. At her funeral another woman caught his eye, they married and by end of 1416 she'd had a daughter by him.
      The Hindu priesthood traveled throughout the kingdom to carry the words of the gods to every village, stressing piety and devotion, and the effort paid off with increased religious fervor in the population. Missionaries were sent to Chengtu in Hainan, but made no progress there. They had far better luck in Sulawesi, convincing the remaining pagans to become Hindu.

The Khemer Empire of Burma
Rangsey Shan the True, Emperor of the Khemers
Diplomacy: Mitikaya in Assam(NT), Assam(EA), Bhutan(NT)
Growth: Bassein in Pegu
      Rangsey Shan ordered the postal road between Samatata and Assam upgraded to a royal road. Forts were built and Mandalay given formidable stone walls. In addition to ruling the kingdom, Rangsey spent time with his concubines. A daughter was born in 1413, but thereafter no further children. In 1416 his favorite concubine became pregnant, but slipped in the communal bath, hit her head on the marble and died soon thereafter. The populace began to mutter about the lack of a male heir.
      Missionaries were again sent to Prome, where they previously had success, but local monks condemned the priests' teachings, causing a sizable percentage of locals to return to Buddhism. In Assam and Gtsang the missionaries did better and converted small numbers of the populace to the Hindu faith. Clearly the fervor of the Burmese missionaries needed to be greater to accomplish their task. As one village leader noted, the Burmese lacked enthusiasm, and, worse, didn't bring any gifts.
      A second wave of missionaries arrived, coming from Chola, and these men were highly motivated to preach Hinduism. Apparently too motivated for the laid-back rural folk of Arakan and Assam, where Buddhism regained ground in reaction. The missionaries had better results in the cities of Xie and Mitikaya. In Bhutan, language differences led to perceived insult which led to the missionaries being chased out by an infuriated mob.

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South West ASIA
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The Chola Mandalam Empire
Aandeleeb, Chola Emperor of Mandalam, the Left hand of Vishnu
Diplomacy: Kharnata(F), Chela(F), Anhivarta(F), Chera(A), Jihjhoti(T), Gaur(C), Madurai(F), Calcutta in Nadavaria(FA), Cuttack in Kalinga(EA), Maghada(F)
Growth: Patna in Gaur, Kaunaj in Rajput, New Delhi in Uttar Pradesh
      Aandeleeb began 1413 by banning Cholan merchants from trade with the Merchants of El'Iskandria. No explanation was given. His second action was more popular; he proclaimed his brother Durvisa - a favorite with the ladies of the court - a Prince of the Empire.
      Next, the capital was swept with the excitement and pagentry of not one but two royal weddings. Both of Aadeleeb's sisters were in their mid-twenties and wanted husbands, they informed him. Misha was married to 45 year old Khauros of Kharnata, and his other sister Yutika to 31 year old Chanak of Chela. Both men, staunch Allies, were thus elevated to Princes.
      Aandeleeb then turned the rule of the empire over to the bureaucrats in order to supervise a census of all Cholan regions and cities. Census-takers fanned out across the Empire, returning with detailed lists of pretty much everything. At night the King enjoyed his bride, a Madurai noblewoman. Her first child was stillborn, but in 1614, 1615 and 1616 she had daughters.
      Servants of the King fanned out across the Chola Empire to conduct diplomacy. Most achieved great success. The most difficult time was had by Radhaswami, who returned to Gaur where a scandal involving several members of his staff had sunk his efforts the previous year. He met with the deeply suspicious leadership, offering gifts, and proposing a marriage between the handsome Prince Durvisa and a Gaurian noblewoman. The Gaurian nobles admitted that Chola had some claim on their land, but wouldn't agree to anything more. In their next lives may they be reborn as worms! thought Radhaswami.
      The mercenary leader Gumbiwnanna returned to Maghada on behalf of his Cholan employers and met repeatedly with Maghadan leaders, with great success.
      While the diplomacy was underway, Chola's missionaries were sent into northwest Burma to spread the Hindu faith among the Buddhists. [see Burma]

The Hindu Primacy
Gandhi, Blessed of Vishnu
Consecration:
      slept...

The Empire of Sirinigar
Vakal, Emperor of Sirinigar
Diplomacy: none
Growth: Mysore in Chitor, Drahala in Punjab, Multan in Sukkur
      Vakal ordered various works such as public wells and inns for travelers improved life in rural Chitor and Gujerat. Large numbers of merchant vessels were built in Multan and Mysore for river trading. were built in
      The Emperor also made two announcements: the economy would be changed from Agrarian to Free, hopefully encouraging craftsmen and general creativity, and a census would be taken, to tally people, crops and beasts. The popular and charasmatic General Gajarupa would be in charge of the census effort.
      Vakal then devoted his days to ruling the kingdom, and his nights to enjoying his young wife. She bore him a daughter in 1414 and another in 1416.

The Sinkiang Horde
Kara Shahr, Lord of the Sinkiang Steppe
Diplomacy: none
      The steppe grass in Sinkiang having been eaten down by the horses and herds of the Sinkiang, it was time to move to, literally, greener pastures. Kara Shahr viewed the flight of a flock of scavenger birds to the west as an omen, and ordered the Sinkiang westward into Turkman lands. [see Turkman]

The Emirate of Turkman
Hasim, Regent (for Hused, future Shah of Bukhara, Emir of Merv)
Diplomacy: none
Growth: Turkman in Bokara, Samarkand in Kara-Khitai, Nishapur in Khurasan, Khiva in Khwarzim, Tashkent in Otrarsh
      Regent Hasim continued the program of city expansion begun by the late Shah Abdul. Walls were then begun around each of them. The army was greatly increased since Regent Hasim, like the Shah before him, worried about his neighbors.
      It paid to worry, for soon came news that the region of Kashgar on the eastern edge of the Emirate had been invaded by the Sinkiang Horde. It took some weeks to get organized, but in early May 1413 Hasim rode forth with the army, leaving several thousand infantry behind to keep order in the capital. He was accompanied by Abu-Hamid as second in command.

      Meanwhile by the end of May the Sinkiang held Kashgar, there having been no garrison to require fighting. Parties of nomads raided farms for food, but there was no organized looting - yet. Kara Shahr was more interested in pressing on to the region's city, also (confusingly) named Kashgar.
      The city had neither garrison nor walls, so Kara Shahr, his lieutenant Bagrash Kol, and their retainers rode in triumph down the main street and into the marketplace. Around them citizens were fleeing, pushing and shoving and screaming. The Lord of the Sinkiang laughed to see such fear simply due to his presence, and paused, turning to give orders to his men. At this point two different teams of assassins struck. The first missed Shahr but wounded Kol. The second, acting while retainers pursued the first, managed to kill Shahr.
      When the retainers returned to the Sinkiang camp with Shahr's body and the wounded, there was grief and fury. Many wanted to burn the city to the ground. But as Bagrash Kol insisted despite the pain of his wounds, that was a decision for the next Lord to make. Which got the clans arguing who would be the next Lord, since Kara Shahr had died without ackowledged children. For days clan chiefs bickered and met and offered deals and promises.
      Then, surprisingly, the most powerful chief, claiming he was insulted that he had not been chosen immediately as new Lord, decided to quit the Horde, taking his people with him. Although in much pain, Bagrash Kol tried to talk him out of fragmenting the Horde, but the departing chief was adamant, and heated words were exchanged. The chief claimed insult, and his guards seized Kol and executed him. By the end of June about 40% of the Sinkiang had parted from the main group.¹
      What remained of the Sinkiang was still camped when scouts brought word in July of the approach of the Turkmen army. Panic ensued and it was each clan for itself assembling against the Regent's force.
      Regent Hasim, Abu-Hamid and the army of Turkman - over 56,000 mounted warriors, the great majority heavy cavalry, surged forward. Opposing them were 18,000 remaining Sinkiang, many horse, but some on foot, with women, children and the old armed with whatever knives and axes came to hand.
      The Sinkiang charged as well, but the force of the Turkmen struck like a thunderbolt, scattering the mounted nomads, trampling the foot nomads beneath iron-shod hooves, and swirling around the tribal encampments, cutting down any defenders who came at them with a weapon. It was butcher's work but, as Abu-Hamid noted, it had to be done. By the end of the day the Sinkiang were destroyed as a force, some 15,600 warriors dead and the rest wounded and captured. Nearly 5,000 civilians had died before the rest had surrendered.
      Turkmen losses had been less than 2,000 dead and 4,000 wounded.

¹it is this group which now comprises the Sinkiang kingdom on the map.

The Khanate of Scythia
Razuli ar-Rhani, Regent for Xerxes, Khan of the Scythians, Lord of Afghanistan
Diplomacy: Registan(T), Baluchistan(NT)
Growth: Masshad in Firoz Kohi, Kabul in Afghanistan
      Razuli proclaimed his 8 year old son, Xerxes, heir to the throne of Scythia, rather than one of the sons (currently aged 12 and 11) of the previous Khan. This break with tradition led to considerable grumbling among the nobility, some of whom were relatives of the late Khan.
      Lieutenant Sanglant undertook a dangerous diplomatic mission to Baluchistan, which was actively hostile towards Scythia. Apparently his words and charm proved effective for the Baluch tribes softened at last.
      Concerned with the security of Afghanistan, on the far eastern border, Razuli ordered forts built at strategic locations. He then led the army - despite being 62 years old - to that region, clearly expecting some sort of invasion. Ahmet, a feudal ally, accompanied him. In the harsh winter of 1415/1416 Razuli caught a cold, which became pneumonia, which proved fatal.
      Razuli had left a decree with Ahmet in case of his death, appointing Razuli's wife Scintilla new Regent until their son Xerxes came of age. A woman ruler, even as Regent, was unheard of, yet Ahmet was staunchly loyal, and brought the army (and Razuli's body) back to the capital. Before the populace he read the decree, handing the scepter of rulership to the Scintilla. The nobility already opposed Xerxes as Shah, and now the common people murmured uncertainly at the sight of a woman - even a very attractive woman - on the throne.¹ But the army kept order and the tension slowly lessened. Near the end of 1416 Ahmet left for his fief, wishing Scintilla luck.

¹especially in an Islamic nation! Luckily for her the religious strength of Scythia isn't very high.

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The MIDDLE EAST incl Nile Valley and Arabia
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The Holy Imam of All Islam
Imam Mohamad ar-Rhani, The Holy Imam of all Islam, Old Man of the Mountain and Highest Follower of Allah, Beloved of Scythia
Diplomacy:
Growth: Tabriz in Azerbaijan
Consecration: Pemba in Zanzibar(AB), Jordan(MN),
      Mohamad ar-Rhani oversaw the completion of a royal road from Tabriz to the port of Acbreigt in Georgia and extensive Public Works in rural Azerbaijan. Nor were defenses overlooked; a large number of earthen forts were added in Azerbaijan as well as a formidable stone Fortress.
      Shiite missionaries were dispatched throughout Asia Minor and as far south as the Nile Valley, gaining converts except in Carhae where a particularly active local Roman Catholic priesthood spoke against them.
      Mohamad ar-Rhani returned to Azerbaijan to consecrate a cathedral, but only days before the completion of work heavy rains began. A minor river near the cathedral site overflowed its banks and swept away much of the recent construction as well as homes from the nearby village.
      Mullah Abdul, in Amman observing the expansion of the monastery there, was aghast when a wall and scaffolding collapsed, killing a dozen workers. One of Abdul's retainers who investigated found the mortar mixture was wrong. Local workers refused to return to the site.
      Mullah Aziz had returned to Azerbaijan to meet with rural leaders, but choked to death at his welcoming banquet.
     

The Safavid Empire of Basra
Nuh'a-Din ibn Nur, Shah of Baghdad, Spokesman of God, Chosen of Allah, Guide of the Faithful, Most Learned of the Holy
Diplomacy: Syria(C), Kuwait(A)
Growth:
      The Shah oversaw the continuing work on expanding the royal road network. A road from Media to El Burz was completed, and an extension onward over the mountains to Shirvan was begun. In Mesopotamia and Selucia there was much rebuilding of public works destroyed six years ago by the Dubai Horde.
      Asalih initiated diplomatic talks with the nobility of Syria¹ and after much discussion the local leaders agreed the Safavids had at least some claim on them.
      The army with Musafa was reinforced in case the Dubai returned, but as time passed it became apparent the Dubai were otherwise engaged. In early 1416 word came from Basra that Musafa's father had suffered a severe stroke and had died several days later. Musufa was now Shah.

¹Syria was UN and should have been neutral color on the map.

The Madragian Emirate of Aleppo
Hasan al-Salud, Emir of Aleppo, Servant of Allah, Guardian of the Western March
Diplomacy: Cilicia(+4YfC), Carhae(+12YfC), Isauria(A), Psidia(FA)
Growth: Antioch in Aleppo
      Hasan al-Salud ordered a large program of public building in Hassanchop in Edessa. Museums, theaters, and public baths were begun. Hasan hoped such secular delights there and elsewhere in the Emirate would divert people's interest from their religion, but imams everywhere spoke out in anger against such temptations being open during prayer hours.
      The Emir had his younger brother (and current heir) Salad'in al-Salud rule at his side, but it did not go well. Salad'in while a decent warrior and smooth-talking diplomat, was a miserable administrator, having no interest in paperwork or making decisions, and spent more time in taverns than he did in his office.
      At least the Emir fared better with his concubines. They bore him daughters in 1413 and 1414, and a son in 1415.
      Prince Aga Ali Turrela, having previously failed badly at diplomacy in Pamphyla, was sent to Cilicia to redeem himself. He did so, before dying in his sleep in late 1415 at the age of 70.
      In late 1416, the ruler of Sardinia, Count Dorgali, announced the Emirate no longer had any claim to his island. [see Morocco]

The Mamluke Sultanate of Egypt
Uzayr, Sultan of Egypt, Ruler of the Upper and Lower Nile, Defender of the Holy Land, Master of the Seven Seas, Sword of Allah, Invincible Overlord of the Mamluke Empire
Diplomacy: Aswan(A)
Growth:
      Sultan Uzayr ordered every able-bodied man and horse conscripted to expand the army to enormous size in anticipation of the Dubai Horde heading for Egypt. Foundries worked around the clock producing wrought iron bars, which blacksmiths pounded and welded to make falcons. Stonecutters labored to carve stone into ammunition.
      Should invaders come by sea, Admiral Mahmud Ali was given command of a large force of triremes based in the Nile delta.
      While reviewing the army late in 1613 to witness its training, the Sultan's horse spooked at the sound of several falcons being discharged, throwing the 68-year-old Sultan, who died of internal injuries and bleeding later that day. His younger brother and heir, Mustapha, thus became Sultan. Eventually Mustapha ordered the army back to its barracks when it was apparent the Dubai were not coming.

      The cultivation work in Dongola was not funded. The workers went home and weeds began taking over the land that had been cleared to that point.

The Merchants of El'Iskandria
Jamil al Haysin, Merchant of El'Iskandria
Business: Corinth in Morea(BO), Somantha in Surashtra(MA), Madidia in Tunisia(CI), El'Qahira in Mansura(BO), Surat in Anhivarta(MA)
      Merchant representatives proved quite successful in expanding their business, often in the face of language differences and religious hostility.
      New trade was established with Zimbabwe and Comoros, and an agreement reached with Aragon to operate their trade routes. However, when Merchant captains attempted to carry the trade of Egyptian ships, those sailors knew nothing of any such deal, and so kept running their own routes.
      Late in 1416 Jamil, who dabbled in astronomy as a hobby, was peering into an arrangment of magnifying lenses of his own design, and noted a new comet, very very faint in the night sky.
      "A sign from Allah," he muttered to himself, knowing comets were often omens, "but a sign of what?"

The Tihamat Horde of Arabia
Shaqra al Tihamat, Servant of Allah, Restorer of the Faith
Diplomacy: None
      Shaqra, motivated by the sermons of his spiritual advisor Mullah Qasim¹, led his followers into the Al'Bayad desert to toughen them for the days to come. The compromises that led to the unification of Islam had corrupted the true Faith, taught Qasim. By sword and fire Shaqra vowed to serve the will of Allah and purify Islam of such corruption.
      OPEN FOR A PLAYER

¹Qasim preachs the ultra-conservative teachings of Ahmad ibn-Hanbal (d. 855 AD) known as the Hanbalite school of Shari'a law. In OTL only the fanatic Wahhabi of Saudi Arabia are followers.

The Dubai Horde of Arabia
Ras al Khaimah, Sword of Death
Diplomacy: None
      Still ragged and impoverished from their loss to the Safavids several years ago, the Dubai headed westward in Dahy towards the border with Madina. Their khan, Ras al Khaimah, consulted more often with the outsider Faisal than with his presumed ally Rumah al'Riadyh. Riders of Al'Riadyh could not help but notice how much influence this Faisal seemed to have.
      In a border town matters came to a head. Guards heard loud argument from the tent of Ras where he, Faisal and Rumah had been dining, and Rumah stormed out with his retainers. They headed to a nearby inn, seeking wine and hoping to ease their foul mood. But the more they drank, the more Rumah vented.
      His anger at Ras and Faisal was noted by several strangers in hooded robes who exchanged glances, bought wine and approached Rumah's table with it, offering sympathetic words.
      The next day Faisal barely escaped death when an arrow shot by him as he passed near the tents of the Al'Riadyh camp. The Dubai guards with him searched without result.
      That night, an assassin slipped into the Dubai khan's tent while his guards were distracted by a loud group of Al'Riadyh passing by. But the assassin tripped in the dark while attempting to stab Ras. The khan grappled with the man until guards subdued him. The would-be assassin was put in chains while Ras heated up irons in a coal brazier for "questioning".
      The next day the border of Madina was reached. A Sheban force of over 10,000 mixed cavalry and infantry was drawn up and the royal banner of Sultan Mutlaq was seen. The Dubai, who had twice that many warriors, all mounted, were puzzled their khan did not order them into battle, and even more puzzled when Ras al Khaimah and his retainers, accompanied by Faisal (in Sheban robes!) rode to a Sheban delegation awaiting them. [see Sheba]

The Sultanate of Sheba
Waliyudeen Mutlaq, Sultan of Sheba, Patriarch of Islam
Diplomacy: Dubai(FA), Hadrahuht(A)
      Mutlaq surveyed the approach of the Dubai khan and his retainers, and he greeted the young khan. The two rulers and their retainers entered the tent of the Sultan and spoke for quite some time while silent servants brought food and drink.
      Afterward the combined group rode to between the Sheban and Dubai camps and the khan of the Dubai spoke aloud: "People of the Dubai! No longer must we wander the desert, homeless and hunted! The Great Sultan of Sheba offers us shelter and honor in his service! This day I, Ras al Khaimah pledge my loyalty to the Sultanate!"
      The Dubai were surprised and murmured amongst themselves, but discipline prevailed and they crossed peacefully into Madina, the warriors, then their women and children, where many wagonloads of needed food awaited them.
      The warriors of Al'Riadyh did not accompany them, however, having broken camp and ridden east while negotiations were in progress.¹ Rumah al'Riadyh was heard cursing his former lord in colorful fashion.

      The Sultan was saddened to hear of the death of Admiral Fadil at the end of 1413 in a collision between his warship and another during manuvers in the Bab-Al-Mandab. His chief of staff, a young nobleman, assumed command.
      A delegation of Sheban merchants complained to the Sultan their ships were denied entrance to Cholan harbors. The Sultan promised to investigate.

¹it is this group which now comprises the Al'Riadyh sheikhdom on the map.

The Coptic Kingdom of Aksum
Tobin VI, King of Aksum, Negus Negesti, Lord of the Coptic Wilderness, Lion of Judah
Diplomacy: Radom(C)
      King Tobin VI, Prince Atri, and other leaders moved with the army to Sennar to await the onslaught of the Wadai Horde.
      Not all thoughts were towards war, however. Public inns, baths and fountains were built in rural Harar and the cities of Dongala and Bur Sudan. And while in the field, Tobin received a delegation of ship captains who complained Chola still refused them trade rights. The King assured the captains he'd investigate.
      Suaks, a middling diplomat at best, and dealing with differences in language and religion, astonished everyone by persuading the fierce tribes of Radom to agree Aksum had claim to their land.
      When it became apparent the Wadai were not invading, all breathed a great sigh of relief. King Tobin however realized he needed some idea what the Wadai were thinking, to avoid living in a state of perpetual apprehension. So the suave diplomat Bithi and his retainers were dispatched on a long journey west through harsh lands to seek the Wadai. [see Wadai]

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The Rest of AFRICA
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Cav Count COMPLETE!

The Island Kingdom of Comoros
Hussain the Handsome, Prime Minister of Comoros, Ruler of the Waves
Diplomacy: Sofala in Betismarsaka(EA), Mandaro in Mahabo(F)
Growth: Pemba
      Hussain ordered some adjustments in merchant shipping as well as new trade routes opened to Egypt and Scythia. Public works construction continued in Sakalava.
      Fishermen from Sofala reported catching several strange armored fish. They were shown to Hussain while he was there on a state visit, but neither he nor Sofala city officials had ever seen their like before.
      Meanwhile 17-year-old Shirazi II, heir to the throne, travelled to Mandaro accompanied by Abdallah and a small fleet of merchant dhows. The ships were a gift to their ally Moraf of Mandaro, who in exchange (of sorts) provided his 16-year-old sister Majunga as a bride for Shirazi, uniting the two families. Following the royal wedding, Moraf was proclaimed a Prince of Comoros.

The Empire of Great Zimbabwe
Ayize, Emperor of Sofala, Master of the City of Round Towers
Diplomacy: Barotse(F), Igombe in Barotse(C), Zambia(F)
      Ayize commanded a royal road be built linking the regions of Gorongo and Me'Lela, and it was begun, utilizing the previously constructed bridge over the Zambezi River. Meanwhile, the royal road between Me'Lela and Makura was completed in late 1416.

      Kumugumu Tallblade, assisted by heir Dingara and Prince Karis, began a diplomatic sweep of the Barotse-Zambia area. Discussions went well in Barotse, but ran into problems in its city of Igombe. A retainer got into a drunken brawl with an Igombe city official over insult towards the official's wife. They ended up killing each other. Then towards the end of 1415 Dingara was bitten by a poisonous snake that entered his hut at night. After several days of high fever he died. The Igombe elders took this as an evil omen and ended discussions.
      The cultivation work in Zambia was not funded. The workers went home and weeds began taking over the land that had been cleared to that point. Tallblade had to work hard to overcome Zambian resentment of this.

      Meanwhile Chief Poketale, given the letter from Jomo¹ by the King, set out in mid-1413 to locate other practitioner's of ju-ju among the man's family. The family had a home within the Great Enclosure itself as they were of minor aristocracy. They already knew of Mpundu's death, explaining they had sensed it although he died far to the north.
      Poketale read them the letter and they nodded grimly. "We have all had feelings of dread," said Mpundu's father, "but nothing as clear as what my son must have seen before he died."
      "What do you sense?" pressed Poketale.
      "Something hungry," said another ju-ju man, an uncle of Mpundu, "hungry, cruel, and without mercy."
      "Many somethings," added another, "more each year."
      "In my dreams I have seen eyes," whispered a wizened elder, "yellow eyes, the eyes of hunters, and teeth, sharp sharp teeth."
      There was a moment of eerie silence after the old one had spoken. Then: "And old," added a cousin, "older than us, older than men."
      "From where do you sense these ... these hunters?" asked Poketale, shaken.
      "Northwest," said another uncle, pointing, "where the jungle grows thick and deep and darkness itself calls it home."
      Chief Poketale thanked them for their time and returned to report to the King, then spent much time searching the city. He returned often to speak to the family of Mpundu, frequently smoking herbs said to give visions, in ever-inceasing amounts, trying to sense what they sensed, to see what they had seen. From one of these sessions in early 1416 he never awakened.

¹written last year, providing a detailed account of Jomo's witnessing Mpundu, a young ju-ju man, dying after receiving a terrible vision of the future.

The Republic of Venice
Badoglio III, Doge of New Venice
Diplomacy:
      slept...

The Kingdom of the Kongo
Anjabu Minunge, Tallest of the Tall, The Big Man, Stomper of Little People
Diplomacy: Benin(FA)
      Once again, Anjabu concentrated much of the Kingdom's resources on the cultivation of Vili, bringing the project to completion.
      The Ibis¹ shamen from Benin largely kept to themselves in the Temple Quarter of the capital. However the High Shaman did visit Anjabu several more times, each time reporting an increasing sense of foreboding about the future, and urging the king to evacuate the kingdom. "It is like watching the sky darken and knowing a great thunderstorm is approaching," spoke the High Shaman, "the air itself seems charged with impending doom."
      "I appreciate your warnings," said the King, noticing the men and women of his court had fallen apprehensively silent. "But I see no thunderstorm and the air is no different than yesterday." The King, a born diplomat, had no wish to insult the belief of his guest.
      "We of the Ibis see more than most, oh King," responded the Shaman, who then took his leave. Some days later he and his party sailed home to Benin.

¹West Africans considered the ibis to have oracular powers.

The Kanem-Bornu Empire
Nasem, Supreme Chief
Diplomacy: Ife(C)
      The Empire's position was precarious between two hordes, the Iguidir to the west and the Wadai to the east. Chief Nasem ordered construction of field forts, walls for the cities and increases in city garrisons.
      Having lost his queen in childbirth, Nasem remarried to a noblewoman, Sarh, from the region of Koumogo, in part to quell "uneasy feelings" in the populace there. She birthed a son in 1414 and a daughter in 1415.
      The King dispatched Prince Amida II and lieutenant Saminwe to meet with the stubborn leaders of Nupe, hoping to convince them close ties with Kanem-Bornu were in their best interest, given the danger from the Iguidir Horde. Discussions had barely begun in early May 1413 when a runner burst into the room and gasped, "the Iguidir have crossed the river! They slay all in their path!" There was stunned silence in the room, and the faces of the Nupe leaders were masks of fear.
      "I told you so," said tactless Prince Amida. [see Igiudir ]

The Igiudir Horde
Amir Al-Mu'mineen, Feared warlord of the Igiudir
      Diplomacy: None
      Al-Mu'mineen had made a mistake. Some years ago he'd led his horse nomads south of what he since learned was the "Tse Tse fly line", with the result 99% of their mounts had died. The Igiudir had since stayed in Oyo, working its population like slaves while former horse warriors trained to become foot warriors.
      With Oyo well looted, the tribesmen were growing restless, and the Amir decided it was time to move on to richer lands. A strong believer in Fate, he shook in his cupped hands "the bones" - finger bones marked with symbols - and tossed them onto the floor of his hut, then studied the result.
      "Across the River, to Kanem-Bornu," he muttered. He stepped from his hut and spoke to the assembled clan chiefs. "Build rafts!" he commanded, "we invade Kanem-Bornu, where wealth beyond counting awaits us!"

      By late April 1413 hundreds of rafts had been built just out of sight of the river (and any curious Nupe fishermen). At first light one morning thousands of Iguidir carried them like a wave to the riverbank and into the water, loaded aboard weapons, belongings, and themselves, and began paddling for the far bank. As each raft touched land again, most of its occupants debarked, leaving only enough to take the raft back across for the next load.
      Within a few days the entire Horde had crossed, including women, children and all their possessions. Ahead of the civilians the warriors ranged far, moving by clans, stealing, and slaying any Nupe who dared to resist.

      Kanem-Bornu had 5 earth and rock field forts at strategic locations, and around them rallied about 3,000 Nupe militia. None had illusions about stopping the Iguidir - estimated at over 30,000 warriors - but they'd buy time for their families to escape. Saminwe of Kanem-Bornu, having more skill at war than any of the Nupe leadership, was given overall command.
      The Iguidir had no seige equipment, and most of them lacked armor, and for the majority of their army this was their first campaign as foot soldiers. But offsetting that was bloodlust and thirst for loot. Still, it took them until late summer to take the forts and kill, wound or capture the native army, who had fought desperately. The defenders had managed to kill over 2,000 nomads and wound about 4,500.
      Al-Mu'mineen watched as Iguidir women slit the throats of enemy wounded, the night lit by the burning of the final fort to be taken. Should we stay here and lick our wounds, or loot the region and move on? he wondered. He turned and headed for his tent where he kept "the bones" for deciding such important things.
      Preoccupied, he didn't notice a figure slip from the shadows behind him until a hand covered his mouth and a blade found his heart. By the time his body was found in his tent hours later, the assassin was long gone.
      The Amir had no legitimate heirs and no clan chief would yield power to any rival clan. The Iguidir, without leadership, stayed in Nupe.
      In Oyo, meanwhile, amid the ruins of their villages, the natives cautiously celebrated their newfound independence from foreign rule, and prayed to Allah the Iguidir would not return.
      OPEN FOR A PLAYER

The Wadai Horde
Shaman Am-Timan, He of Inner Vision, Lord of the Wadai
      Diplomacy: None
      Am-Timan came from a long line of mystics. For the past several years his visions of yellow eyes hovering over bloody bodies of Wadai had driven him near to madness. Finally, the feeling of impending doom grew strong enough he could sense its source: to the south, where forbidding, mist-shrouded jungle stretched darkly as far as one could see.
      He convinced the chiefs of the Wadai clans of the need to migrate away before this grim future befell them. In early 1413 the Wadai crossed the border into Salamat.
      One night he found one of his retainers dead in his tent, apparently poisoned, having sneaked a date from a tray prepared for Am-Timan to eat.¹ After that his tent was heavily guarded even when he was not there.
      The Wadai moved quickly into Salamat, without looting, to put distance between themselves and what lurked behind. After many miles they halted to graze their herds and horses. Local nobles kept watch but were not foolish enough to provoke the 40,000+ tribesmen. Besides, it appeared the following year the Wadai would be leaving Salamat for Kreda.
      In the summer of 1414 a stranger with retainers arrived from the east. He was taken by guards to meet with Am-Timan. Discussions continued for many days that followed. Whatever was said, it led to Am-Timan halting further movement by the Wadai.
      OPEN FOR A PLAYER

¹remember the monkey from Raiders of the Lost Ark?

The Kingdom of the Akan
Akanosh of the Jaguar Tribe
Diplomacy:
      Akanosh, well aware of the Iguidir Horde on the kingdom's borders, spent much of the kingdom's wealth on building an army. The rest was distributed among various research for military improvements.
      OPEN FOR A PLAYER

The Arguin Directorate of Ghana
Orin Ghasim, Arguin Director of Ghana, Protector of Kumbi-Salem, Conqueror of Timbuktu
Diplomacy: Boure(T), Gorouol(C), Takrur(NT), Okoikoi in Takrur(T)
Growth: Mopti in Segu, Conakry in Gambia
      Ghasim found housing for the increasing rural population by founding a new city, Mopti, on the Upper Niger, and by expanding the ocean port of Conakry. He also proclaimed his son Murshid heir to the throne, and his daughter Hanifa a Princess of the realm.
      Sea trade was begun with Morocco, Akan, and even Aragon, bringing prosperity to the merchant class, and introducing European goods to the marketplace.
      Next, the king and his lieutenants exploded into a frenzy of diplomacy. Their task was made easier by all the regional and city leaders around them being Muslim and Arabic-speaking like themselves. Greatest progress was made in Boure, where marriage between a local noblewoman and Murshid was arranged, bringing the region from Hostile (due to previous diplomatic failure) to Tributary.

The Almohad Emirate of Morocco
Astaba ibn Sayid, Emir of Morocco
Diplomacy: Sardinia(FA), Oasis of Tamarasset(NT), Oasis of Ghadames(NT)
Growth: Mistratah in Gefara, Rabat in Merrakesh
      Astaba expanded both Mistratah and Rabat, and began extending the royal road network from Fez west towards Rabat. A massive Public Works building program continued quality-of-life improvements to all cities and to rural Sicily.
      Mohamed, elder son of Astaba, was proclaimed heir amid public celebrations. He spent his days at his father's side, learning the art of rulership.
      Lieutenants fanned out to conduct diplomacy. In Sardinia, Farosh Alim was able to persuade its ruler, Count Dorgali, to exclude all Madragian influence.
      In late 1414, the heir Mohamed was injured during sword practice. He concealed it, thinking that true warriors did not complain. The wound became infected and after several days of high fever he died at the age of 19. The Emir was grief-stricken and ordered a month of mourning.