Domesday (Map Game)

Even before the auspicious sighting of Halley’s Comet in 1066 ushered in a new era in the High Middle Ages, the world was undergoing a period of transformation. In December of 1065, King Ferdinand the Great’s death led to the partition of his Spanish kingdom into three parts. And, just a few weeks before the comet sighting, Edward the Confessor had died childless, triggering a succession crisis for his island realm of England.

The era to come is at the peak of the Middle Ages, an era where chivalric knights and population growth seem to be setting Europe up for expansion - and religious tensions are coming to a head. But elsewhere around the world, from the Icelandic frontier in the New World to the Mesoamerican civilization; from African tribal kingdoms to the Far East, regional tensions are ever present.

Welcome to the world of Domesday!

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The Game

1080

Facing a lack of support from the other Iberian Christian kingdoms, Alfonso VI enters into correspondence with Pope Gregory VII, inquiring as to how he might bring his realm closer to Christendom.

Alfonso VI secures tribute from Badajoz, much to the chagrin of his brother, the king of Galicia. This was done in part thanks to the prowess of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar ("El Campeador"), Alfonso's right hand man. After the mission to Badajoz, however, disagreements between the two lead to Rodrigo being dismissed from Alfonso's court. Left as a wandering knight, Rodrigo offers his service to Pere-Ramon in Barcelona.

A synod is held in Brixen by Henry IV and the imperial clergy, confirming the deposed status of Gregory VII and electing Guibert of Ravenna as Antipope Clement III.

The Battle of Flarchheim featured a snowstorm that caused confusion on the field. The most decisive act came when Otto of Nordheim made a sweeping attack on Henry IV's camp, then routed his Franconians. Rudolf's forces were unable to capitalize on their momentum due to the weather, however, and both armies retreated from the field. Overall, the Saxons were left in a better state (morale and casualty-wise) than their foes, but more will be needed for their Revolt to succeed.

Sokal of Cumania launches an invasion into Hungarian Wallachia in an attempt to restore hegemony north of the Danube in favor of the Kipchaks. As a result of this, Cumans and Pechenegs cross the Danube into Bessarabia, where they camp on lands belonging to the Byzantine Empire.

The Armenian principality of Cilicia is founded by Ruben I, the "Lord of the Mountains".

Almoravid Sultan Yusuf finishes conquering the Tangier Peninsula, and expands his empire to Tenes in Algeria. His recent success would draw fevor from the ruling Prince in Seville, Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad, whom would abandon his title of "Caliph" as a sign of good will between both residing realms.

Mehmed Sukhan would perish this year in the Second Battle of Bursa, his successor being named in his son Sulaiman, though he would be assassinated in Keysari moments before his coronation. This would leave the sultanate to adopt further Persianate culture with the arrival of Seljuk Prince, Kutalmışoğlu Mānsūr, in Anatolia. Mānsūr would appoint himself "Qaysar-i Rum" (Caesar of the Romans), gathering support among the many warlords that now exist in power throughout the region.

Shen Kuo begins a campaign against the Tangut dynasty of Western Xia on behalf of the Song Dynasty

A famine begins across Peru and its neighboring regions. Yikes sis.

• Leauge of Mayapan: Huanac with his foot soldiers and Bowmen would engage with the Kiche people of the highlands. Rather than directly attacking,he orders the soldiers to hold in defensive positions while the Bowsmen stay at the back and pick off the enemy. (Algo Needed) Meanwhile back home, Tomac, undeterred by the recent storm sets out on a large expedition to the south. He would eventually make it as far as OTL Miskito coast before heading back to Mayapan. In cuba, brave souls continue to trade with the primitive peoples of the island. One of them would land, and introduce the Mesoamerican ball game to the locals, before leaving. Back home, we continue the refurbishing of cities. The Roads speed up trade and some once abandoned sites are now home to thousands. The Lords of the cities wish to commence a Defensive pact with Tulxtla, in the event that a Texcocoan would wish to reform the Toltecs. In fact, Tomac, now home would try to discuss with the Huehemac of Tulxtla to open an embassy in their capital city. (Mod Responseeeeee). Otherwise, the Cenotes continue to be full, and harvests are plenty. Maybe the Maya can enter a second golden age?
  • Tuxtla accepts.
• Francia: With Gâtinais now as part of the royal desmene, King Philip I orders the construction of a fortress at Château-Landon, the main town of this region, to secure his new territory. Also seeking to expand and protect the crown lands, the king start to fortify the region called as French Vexin (Vexin français), a region bounded by the rivers Epte, Oise and Seine, which was separated from the Norman Vexin in accordance with the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte of 911. This year, King Philip I and his wife Bertha of Holland have another daughter, who is named as Anne in honor to her paternal grandmother, Anne of Kiev. With the king's support the construction of the Benedictine Abbey at Sens continues. The synod held in Brixen by Henry IV and the election of Guibert of Ravenna as Clement III is met with apprehension by King Philip. The king isn't a great supporter of the reformers made by Gregory VII and is very inclined to support Clement III. However, after discussing this matter with the Benedictine Raymond of Bourges, who Philip I has great admiration to the point of making him the king's confessor, the king is convinced to support Gregory VII. While preaching with support of the king, Raymond of Bourges denounces the so-called Synod of Brixen as a fraud and the clerics that participated in it as blasphemers. To Raymond, Guibert of Ravenna is a viper and a liar, who is using the dispute between the pope and Henry IV to gain power. Seeking to show his support to Pope Gregory VII, Philip I sends Archbishop Godfrey and Raymond of Bourges to visit the pontiff and ask papal blessings for the new Abbey at Sens and a relic of Saint Benedict of Nursia to be placed there [Papal response needed, please].
• House Barcelona: With alliances secured, Rei Pere-Ramon focuses his efforts on his internal reforms. He oversees the implementation of the Sagramental system, continuing to cement it into Catalan society. His efforts there result in a large, modestly equipped force of farmer-soldiers ready to be called to war at a moment’s notice. Pere-Ramon then holds a contest among his newfound shipbuilding experts, pitting his native Catalan builders against teams composed of Venetians, Romans, and Normans. The result is a unique, interesting design. Inspired by the speed, agility, and flexibility of their Norman counterparts a team of Catalonian and Venetian shipwrights construct a galley in the clinker style. They are forced to adopt a much stronger internal framework to keep the larger galley-like ship from collapsing into splinters. The result is a larger, more durable hybrid between longship and galley that takes many additional features from northern Cogs. These ships prove to be quick, tough vessels that sacrifice some of the galley’s rowing speed for better sailing and greater freeboard. This higher freeboard and the present of a small aft-castle makes these ships powerful naval combatants. Rei Pere-Ramon orders several of these ships built to serve as the core of a new navy for the kingdom. With the building of such a fleet now underway, Pere-Ramon can return to his school. He aids in the oversight of the construction, and even personally designs an amphitheatre for lectures and the school’s administrative building. Later in the year, the Rei is approached by a well dressed, if clearly ill and exhausted man who claims to be an advisor and general for Alfonso of Castile & Leon. Upon verifying his identity,Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar’s offer is accepted by Pere-Ramon who sees the talented man as a potential asset against both his Christian and Muslim rivals. He is granted a the newly completed castle at Alcañiz and a place at court in the service of Rei Pere-Ramon commanding a portion of the king’s own retinue. The invasion of the Baeleric Islands by the Taifa of Toledo stirs fears of piracy amongst the merchants of Catalonia. To counter this move, a task force of ships and 5,000 men is assembled to seize the northern-most island, Menorca. (Algo if Needed)
• The Kingdom of Arles: The County of Arles would recover from its massive debt and weakness to mobilise their troops and prepare to mobilize for Europe, as William III Attempts to find a situation to the mess, however, it is still unsure what Arles will do next.
• Kievan Rus (Monomakh): Prince Vladimir, and his new bride Katerina have their first child, a boy by the name of Rogvolod Monomakh following their honeymoon period in Smolensk while Monomakh was busy with fortifying his position and fully establishing control over his recent captures. In the meantime the men under Monomakh's command got a chance to rest a little. In the early spring the prince sends out the orders for his forces to get ready to march. At the head of an army 8,500 strong Monomakh moves to Break the alliance between Vseslav of Polotsk, and Gleb of Novgorod. An envoy is dispatched to Vseslav offering him peace on the grounds that Vseslav renounce his claims on Kiev, recognizing Vsevolod as the Grand Prince of Kiev, and the King of the Rus. Momomakh makes it clear that in exchange for vseslav's nominal acceptance of his father as the ruler of the Rus Polotsk would be left to its own devices and exempt from taxes, and levies.In a gesture of good faith Monomakh offers to return to Vseslav his wife and son who have been the guests of Vsevolod since Monomakh took Kiev (Mod Response). More to be added later
  • Both of the princes are willing to relinquish their claim to Kiev and acknowledge Vladimir as long as their domains remain independent
  • Monomakh says he and his father would be willing to recognize the Principalities of Novgorod, and Polotsk as hereditary fiefdoms of Gleb, and Vseslav and their descendents as long as they recognize Kiev as the supreme authority of the Rus, and they contribute agree to back a series of reforms that would end the constant Fratricide that plagues the Kievan Rus. He invites Gleb, Vseslav, and the lords of Rostov to a council in Smolensk to broker a lasting peace amongst the Princes so that Proesperity might return to the lands of the Rus (Mod Response).
  • The princes agree to negotiate on a treaty
• The Isles: The Isles see a good harvest this year, giving the king confidence enough in the wealth of his realm and the health and strength of his people to press his ambitions. It is to be noted that the kings of the Isles were usually kings of Dublin as well, and Godred Crovan is not one to break tradition. He arrives at Dublin with an army of 1,000 [or however many can reasonably be raised for this campaign], determined to be crowned king by peace or force (Algo). As to the issue of papal investiture, Godred has no strong opinion on the matter. He will wait to see which pope will emerge victorious in Europe before making any statement of support, but even then, he expects such distant affairs will have negligible effects on his own realm. He does, however, support Bishop William in Hebridean affairs, and grants him the necessary funds to build a tower on St. Patrick's Isle.
• Papal States: Pope Gregory was walking in the Vatican Gardens again when he came across a statue he did not recognize: a glass statue perfectly in the appearance of a beautiful young woman, lightly clad in a radiant white dress. Gregory was cautiously hesitant at first, considering this could be another vision from the angel Ariel. Instead, as he approached the statue he felt her embrace again, with a voice that whispered "Do not be deceived, for an image is only as strong as the power people give it, just as there is a false image of the Chair of Peter". Having received this vision, Gregory knew what he must accomplish as his next moves. Much work has been achieved in the advancement of the Gregorian reforms and the strength of the Church, but far more work is left to be done, for the secular powers are still strong in the world. Gregory announces that Guilbert of Ravenna is excommunicated for falsely claiming the title of Pope, having been elected in a synod of secular bishops and priests in violation of the decrees of Pope Nicholas II, while Gregory was elected without the Emperor's appointment, as scripture bears witness this is not required. As such, all the priests and Bishops formarly under Guilbert's authority are no longer bound to serve him. Gregory writes to France to send a Papal legate named John of Nursia to bless the Abbey de Sens, and bring with him a relic of Saint Benedict with him, who thanks the King of France for his continued support of the legitimate Pope. He also writes to Castile and offers them political support in their position over Spain, and offers to send them Bishops if they work at the effort to spread Christianity into Andalusia (Mod response). He is tactful to not alienate the House of Barcelona, where he does not confirm Alfonso as Emperor but implies that he could bestow this title in the future. He also writes out to Primate Bishops established in further territories which have been long-standing allies of Gregory to this point, as giving the proper leverage of his sustained recognition in other kingdoms, namely Stanislaus of Kiev and Lanfrac of Canterbury (England and Rus response). On the subject of the ongoing and escalating civil war in Germany, the Pope decides that Henry is starting to fall on the defensive at this point, which the Saxons should capitalize on to fully depose the Emperor from power, they only require raising a larger army to score a decisive victory. The Pope organizes a mass recruitment movement, where holy men of monastic orders are sent to various parts of Europe to speak before both Princes, Lords and peasants, urging them in defense of Christendom and the Holy Father to rise up in support of Emperor Rudolf. The organization of these efforts place the following monks and priests in control of the effort in various regions: Raymond of Bourges in France, Geza of Matyas in Hungary, Peter de Honestis in Italy, and Bruno of Cologne in Germania. Raymond is especially invited to visit the Pope while he is stying in Tuscany, and recieves his blessing as a rock of the Church among the Franks (France response). Geza, having studied theology in Rome for quite some time, is now sent as an itinerate Priest to call Hungarian nobles to support the Pope (Hungary response). The exess mercenaries of the Papal military, including the Slavic guard loaned from the Rus, are sent to Bavaria to further bolster the armies of Rudolf. Although this leaves a skeleton force to defend the city of Rome itself, the Pope feels this is a calculated risk, in the hopes of bringing a decisive end to the civil war before Henry is able to invade Italy. These efforts bring the extent religious orders of the Benedictines, Carmelites and Carthusians to full potential.
  • French diplomacy: King Philip I welcomes the Papal Legate, John of Nursia, at his court in Paris. Raymond of Bourges happily accepts the invitation of Pope Gregory VII and travels to meet the pontiff in Tuscany.
  • Alfonso VI of Leon-Castile accepts this arrangement.
• Hungary: The King raises 15.000 to defend Wallachia against the Cumanians. We continue the invasion of Bosnia (Algo needed) and offer them surrender now and escape having a Hungarian Governor and rather having their own parliament, Ban and a representative in all of the Royal Committee as well as the preservation of Bosnia Cyrillic (Mod Response).
• Kingdom of Sweden:Victory!The brave swedish forces amrches to another glroius victory.In the battle of Ödestuga a decisive and devaststaing blow was dealt to the rebelions cause,with their leaders killed,they decided to lay down their arms. After this victory,the army and king marches victoriusly in a huge parade in the royal capital.After this,the king returns home to the royal castle where he holds court most of the days.Reconstruction of the village of ödestuge takes place,while the rebeliions leaders are all executed to serve as an example.]
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 14th year of the reign of King Harold II of House Godwin. He is married to Ealdgyth (Edith) of Mercia, which has tied House Godwin of England and House Hwicce of Northumbria and Mercia together in alliance. He has many siblings: the errant Tostig Godwinson, whose whereabouts are unknown; Gyrth Godwinson, duke of East Anglia, who is married to Judith of Flanders; and Gunhild Godwinsdatter, a nun. Harold II has sired several children through Edith the Fair, his previous wife whom he married in Danish tradition. They are Godwine, Earl of Kent, who is married to Princess Sigrid Svendsdatter of Denmark; Edmund, who is married to Margaret of Wessex and is unlanded; Magnus, Marklord of Wales, who is married to Gwenlian ferch Bleddyn thus forming an alliance with Gwynedd; Gytha, who is married to Alan mab Konan de Rennes; Gunhild, who is unwed. He also has sired Harold (1066) and Ulf (1067), both of whom are too young to marry or hold lands. The population of England is roughly 2 million, with most of the population being centered around Winchester and London. Though the majority of the people in England are of Anglo-Saxon descent, there is a sizable Scandinavian population, especially in regions once under the control of the Danelaw. There are also a number of Britons, especially along the Welsh and Scottish borders as well as in Cornwall. Though the monarchy of England is more-or-less absolute, the Witenagemot is a folkmoot of secular and clergymen who advise the king, discuss legislation, and hold judicial hearings should the need arise. If the reigning monarch were to die, the new one will be chosen among the eligible Æthelings in England, though they typically choose members of the deceased monarch’s family. Harold II is widely popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. Though he maintains alliances with those in his family as well as with the sons of Ælfgar of Mercia, tensions are known to run between earls from the north and south of England. Fighting in the southern uplands continues into the year. England must fight for each hill, each mountain and crag. Slowly, the wyvern banner unfurls over more and more hillforts as they burn. Smoke billows through the hills, rolling down into the lowlands of Scotland. This campaign is costly, though the English gain a second wind when about a thousand Irish mercenaries arrive from the west to reinforce their position at Galloway. At the same time, a naval offensive led by English ships from Mercia led by Edwin of Mercia himself arrives on the coast of Strathclyde. After a winter of deadlock, the English army advances. By now, Lothain has been taken by English forces, which is where the bulk of Harold II's forces are. They move west to the river Clyde as their forces in the west savage the Moors in Strathclyde before sacking Ayr. With the Scottish forces racing south, Harold II hopes to catch them in the lowlands. The English and Scottish forces clash in a mighty battle at Cathures (the Cumbric name for Glasgow). Here, the English are able to make ample use of the cavalry they brought, along with the Longbowmen. Truly, if the English had brought chiefly infantry as they have in past battles with Scotland, their army would have been destroyed. It is a battle of exhausted armies and it becomes clear that if one presses an attack, they will lose. A defensive position is maintained south of Cathures as hostilities peter out… for now. A truce is proposed and while the English did not regain the Antonine Wall, the border is farther north than it has been in centuries. The Earldom of Lothain is restored and granted to Waltheof Siwardson, son of the famed Siward Diger who fought against the Scottish King Macbeth. Cumberland is made into a shite and placed under the jurisdiction of Northumbria. (More)

• Saxony: With the recent mass recruitment program instigated by the Pope, Rudolf, feeling confident, marches against Henry near Hohenmölsen on the White Elster river, with his army of 36,500. He hopes this time to score a decisive victory, and to topple Henry, altogether, once and for all (Algo needed).
• Kingdom of Alba: With the English continuing to advance deep into the Alban highlands and the Morayan armies mostly crushed into dissaray, Laomann quickly begins rushing South, leaving a force of roughly 1,500 men behind as he frantically rushes South. With all his forces at his disposal, Laomann meets Harold's armies outside Glasgow, rallying the defenders of the city to defend their homes and their fatherland against the enroaching invaders attempting to destroy all they have built. Laomann knows that the outcome of this battle will determine the fate of the nation and the British Isles for centuries to come, and, for the first time in many years, sincerely prays, begging for success. (more to come).
• Taifa of Toledo: As the King of Toledo continues alone in his path of acquiring dominance over Al-Andalus, a letter is sent to Alpuente. Over the past Years, Alpuente had suffered incursions from the Christians in the north with the fall of the wall that was Saragossa. Essentially breaking the barrier between Al-Andalus and Christian Iberia. Now with Toledo being the only defender of Alpuente, a letter is sent to the Emir, in order to secure the city long term to be in the hands of Islam, as done with Valencia, they are asked to join us under the banner of Toledo (Mod Response). Soon after this, war would be declared on the Taifa of Dénia with the Balearic Islands being surrounded. This would be done as a pre-emptive measure against potential future meddling by Seville as well as helping unite more of the region. Some 1,000 men would be landing at Medina Mayurqa (Present day Palma) engage with the garrison on the island and capture the city. A remaining force of 7,500 would march on Dénia as the port would be blocked by Mozarab Privateers. This force would be led by the King himself, Yahya Al-Ma'mun. Ahmad El-Rudrighiz would lead the Alramahs to form a pincer formation that would leave the Dénian Army encircled with the southwest and center flanks being secured. After catapults would pummel any notable defensive points, the Cavalry in the form of the Riahs would rapidly close in on the northwest perimeter. As the army would close in, Al-Ma'mun would have the Riahs flank the sides of the encircled army to quickly lead to a collapse of the enemy formation. The job of the Alramahs at this point would be to cut down as many men as possible while leaving no means out for the enemy army. The end in mind would be a decisive battle that would lead to the surrender of the city (Algo Needed). Meanwhile Omar al-Rasheed would leave to Fez to study after years in Valencia. The young man would soon inherit the Taifa and would have to continue where his father would leave off. The Noble Family of the House of Fadel would begin to have a feud after Riyaal had visited his brother Abdul in the summer of 1080. Riyaal had refused to relinquish his property titles to Abdul after taking residence in Toledo. Therefore still remaining the title holder of Cuenca and his estates in Elvas. This would only leave the estates in Bacarotta and Olivenza in Abdul's name based on their father's will left behind. This would heavily anger Abdul to the point of pure rage and absolute resentment of his brother for feeling betrayed of what he should be entitled as the leader of the House of Fadel in Badajoz. Riyaal ibn Fadel meanwhile would receive a promotion following the retirement of Uwrlandu early in the winter as well as an arranged marriage between Sasha bint Fadel and Prince  Omar al-Rasheed. The infrastructure improvements after 15 years leads to an efficient network of roads for trade and movement across the Taifa. Fortifications around the entirety of the city of Toledo begins.
  • Alpuente accepts.
• Kingdom of Cholollan: As a fire would rage across the heart of Mesoamerica, refugees from the beautiful and once-thought-to-be eternal city of Tollan would walk fourty days and fourty nights before arriving in the Court of the deceased divine-king Huehmac's uncles, Tecpacyāōtlpin and Xōchtlimic. They ruled in dual-fashion, for their father, the grand-father of Huehmac and Toltec Emperor, Matlaccoatzin, designated their rule as such upon the great pyramid, Tlachihualtepetl. The rulers were brothers, elder in their age but influential as after the abandonment of Tollan, the regional capital of the Valley would remain in fluctuation for decades following. According to the one few surviving sources of Mesoamerican history recording, the Teotlatectlahtollotl, the "rule of two", known as a duumvirate, would work throughout the reign of Tecpacyāōtlpin and Xōchtlimic respectively, and it would be respected through this pact that the first to die would see his eldest son son ascending the throne, and thus the remaining elder ruler would guide his nephew and likewise though power would remain in similar capacity. This of course was a broken system, to be exploited and later abused surely, but for the time being under Tecpacyāōtlpin and Xōchtlimic, Cholollan was seen as the rightful successor state to the Toltecs, and as such a number of policies enacted by the late Toltec Emperor under Huehmac would be re-vitalized in Cholollan, with the city adopting the term of "Tollan" as a secondary name while it's military prowess would maintain similar capabilities as well.

• Hakia: By this time, Hakia has grown into a bustling town, with nearly a thousand residents. Yooania is wed to Husanakame - Teekatamakari's mentee, and heir apparent. She gives birth to a son later this year, named Kopalai. O'oubwia, the elder brother of Teekatamakari and Yooania, and consequentially, Kopalai's uncle, visits Hakia. O'oubwia is joined by his jezebelian wife, Naposa. When she first laid her eyes on Kopalai, she felt something that she had never felt before; perhaps, it was the desire for motherhood? No. Perhaps it was the desire of a successor. A successor that would befit a man like O'oubwia. In Kopalai's eyes, she saw the strength and courage of a warrior; the faith of a priest; the wits of a leader. Being the snake-like seductress she is, the Sky Father cursed her with barrenness, earning her both ridicule and contempt among the villagers. However, the villagers' laughter is not limitless. Naposa is thick-skinned, but when the laughter becomes unbearable, all she has to do is seduce her husband - the village chief - to do her bidding. One time, Naposa heard that the daughter of a woman who bullied her during her youth was due to give birth. Though the woman had made restitution years ago, gifting her a fine cotton scarf, and washing Naposa's feet, the mercy Naposa had shown then was feigned. The night before the woman's daughter's planned labor, Naposa accused her of poisoning the village turkeys and ordered three men to jump on her stomach - which the readily-influenced O'oubwia permitted. The night after, despite the woman's daughter's incessant prayers, the baby came out stillborn. Indeed, Naposa was a despicable woman; but she is a smart one. Naposa relayed her plan to abduct Kopalai to her husband. "The gods did not curse me with barrenness. They blessed me. They blessed us. For, I do not have to suffer the protracted pangs of labor, and you do not have to suffer the pain of either the child or me dying in the act!" She continued, "the gods have given us a child; though not from my womb, but the womb of your sister - Yooania." O'oubwia was hesitant, and understandably so. Yooania was his sister, and he loved her as she loved him. Naposa was enraged, "so you love your sister more than you love your wife? A man without love for his wife is no better than a captive eunuch!" With those words, O'oubwia lifted his hands - though he is stopped from striking his wife by his very own brother, Teekatamakari. Teekatamakari was flabbergasted. "Does my eyes deceive me? What has driven you to commit such an act?" Teekatamakari's soothing words were countered by O'oubwia's bellowing; even Teekatamakari was taken aback, how did his brother, his beloved brother, turn into this beast of violence and hatred? Teekatamakari left his brother and sister-in-law alone. Naposa seized the opportunity to chastise him into doing her agenda. "You have lost so much respect, my most holiest; even your brother, who is supposed to revere you and fear you, have taken the liberty of opposing you." "Nonsense!" O'oubwia retorted. Deep down, however, he had reached the same conclusion, though he still had qualms about putting his brother in his "place". However, uncertainty would soon turn to certainty. During noon, the Sun reached its peak. Its rays penetrated the land; no gap or crevice will be left unlit - for the Sun is the ultimate judge. It was during this time of the day that O'oubwia saw a woman enter a kiva. For other communities, a woman was polluted by her menses and hence was prohibited for the kiva. However, Maala Yooriwa said that the Sky Father believes differently, that mothers are superior to fathers, that women are helpers of men, are gifts to men; and Teekatamakari believed her. O'oubwia hit the poor woman, and dragged her by her hair to Teekatamakari's pueblo - demanding an explanation to the perceived sacrilege. Teekatamakari was gravely enraged by this injustice: his kind eyes were filled with the anger of righteousness, while his hands tightened into fists - ready to strike. Teekatamakari stood up from his chair, and the room fell silent. That was when O'oubwia noticed that his little brother was a much greater man than him. Not only in stature, not only in build but in person. O'oubwia couldn't help but cower. He loosened his grip on the woman's hair, and his mouth fell agape, looking for a justification that was not there. If his village had witnessed what had just occurred, perhaps Teekatamakari would no become chief of one village - but two. After an awkward silence, O'oubwia released the crying woman from his grip and looked down in guilt; his downward gaze was low as Teekatamakari's chin was held high. O'oubwia later that evening bid farewell to his brother, as did his wife and his retinue. It was that night the unimaginable happened. The quiet of the night was replaced by Yooania's wails, as her and Husanakame would soon find that their beloved son had been abducted.

1081

The Norman Duchy of Apulia allies with the Republic of Ragusa to attack the Byzantines in Dalmatia, succeeding to occupy a region they now call Albania.

Upon the death of his father, Constantine Bodin becomes King of Duklja. He sides with the Normans in Albania, but opposes the Hungarians in Bosnia. He also vassalizes the Principality of Hum (Zachlunia/Pagania).

Boleslaw II, the exiled king of Poland, travels to Rome to beg forgiveness from Pope Gregory.

Chaka Bey establishes a base of power in Smyrna, where he starts building a fleet with the help of Christian shipwrights.

Sultan Malik-Shah would complete his conquest of Egypt following the Siege of Cairo, which ultimately saw the deposition and later extinction of the Fatimid dynasty at the hand of the Seljuk Empire. This would mark the peak status historically achieved by the medieval Oghuz Turks.

Unable to contain rebellion, the Byzantine Emperor, Nikephoros III Botaneiates, would be assassinated this year. While the Byzantine general Andronikos Doukas would fashion himself as imperial successor, this would be challenged by Alexios I Komnenos, another Byzantine general whom likely ordered the assassination of Nikephoros III, leading to a number of internal battles over the title of Emperor.

• Kievan Rus: A great feast is held in Smolensk following this, Vladimir Monomakh meets with Glebs of Novgorod, Vseslav of Polotsk, and with the boyars of Rostov in the fotress of Smolensk with Patriarch Andrew representing the church as a mediator between the Princes. Vladimir lays out his proposal to his former adversaries. He offers a full pardon from Kiev and recognition of the respective domains of the princes and of the Nobility, in exchange for a pledge of fealty to his father Vsevolod as Grand Prince of Kiev and King of the Rus, and to him Vladimir Monomakh as the heir to his father. The Principalities of Pereyaslavl, Kiev, Chernigov, and Smolensk will be reorganization into the crown lands. Inheritance shall be based on Primogeniture principals applied as a revision of the Russkaya Pravda (Rus Justice).The Princes of Novgorod, Rostov, and Polotsk will be recognized as the highest authorities within their domains as vassals of the King of the Rus, and will be entitled to collect taxes, from which 20% will be giving to the Crown, and may retain the rest. They may levy and maintain armies of their own however they are oblidged to act in rthe better interest of the Rus during times of war and to provide men to fight in the army of the Rus. Each Principality will also have a Veche modeled after the Kiev Veche (City Council) who will be the voice for the merchants of the cities, and for the Boyars. The Princes will be obliged to act in the interest of their men and the subjects of the Crown that reside in their domains. Furthermore The Crown will have a monopoly on taxing the Varangian trade routes and foreign goods that enter the realm Should the Princes have disputes amongst themselves they are to seek the Mediation of the Crown who will act as a judge (Mod Response). Further more Monomoakh proclaims that the new Rus Kingdom shall be a christian kingdom he says that non-christians will not be persecuted however they will be obliged to pay a tax to the state as protection, while Christians will be obliged to pay tithes to the church. Monomakh, and new bride Katerina grow closer as the cumanian princess becomes a close confident to the prince, advising him of the customs of the Steppe peoples, and helping him improve his knowledge of the language and of their ways of war. The Princess Katerina furthermore begins learning how to read and write in Old Slavonic aided by her husband, in the process she comes to truely embrace her new faith. Towards the end of the summer the Princess becomes pregnant with Monomakh's second child. The new fortifications at the port city of Timurtarakan is completed and efforts to begin expanding the port there begins while 4 new long boats are commissioned by the forces of the Prince now in control of the city.
  • While some Princes express reluctance, they ultimately accept.
• Francia: The construction of the fortress at Château-Landon continues, the building starts to be called as Château du roi. Besides the construction of the fortress at Château-Landon, King Philip I orders the construction of another in the French Vexin. Last year Roger II, Bishop of Beauvais and Grand Chancelier de France (Grand Chancellor of France) died, due to that King Philip I appoints Geoffroy de Boulogne, Bishop of Paris, to replace the deceased Roger II as the new Grand Chancelier. To supplement or assist the new Chancelier, Émeric of Orleáns is appointed by the king as the Garde des sceaux de France (Keeper of the Seals of France). The Papal Legate, John of Nursia, is welcomed by King Philip I and his court in Paris, with a feast being made in his honor. In the day after that, the John of Nursia, Philip I and a royal entourage visit the Abbey of Sens. There the Papal Legate bless the Abbey and after a solemn mass, the relic of Saint Benedict is deposited in a golden reliquary in the Abbey's chappel. King Philip I and his wife, Bertha of Holland, have a son, who is named as Louis.
• House Barcelona: As the new Galeras Normandals enter the service of Rei Pere-Ramon’s ambitions of a naval empire grow more real. As a result of the arrival of the master shipwrights from abroad and the construction of so many galeras in such a short time there is a clear need for planning and organization behind the construction of more galeras. To accommodate this, Pere-Ramon sets aside funds for the construction of a shipyard and school adjacent to the campus of the General School of Barcelona. The idea being that this shipyard will serve as the core of the kingdom’s shipbuilding capabilities in the capital, while also enabling the development of a skilled force of shipbuilders trained in the fast evolving Catalan style of shipbuilding. Though not the first shipyard in history, this shipyard will come to be a pillar of House Barcelona’s power. With the concentration of skill, resources, and facilities in such a single, dense facility future kings will find themselves in the possession of a powerful center of production, innovation, and growth. Alongside this shipyard, Rei Pere-Ramon sees the need to organize the dockyards of the city and begins personally outlining plans for their expansion and redevelopment. With these structural works underway and work continuing on the General School, the wealth and splendor of Barcelona grows increasingly clear. Having secured the mouth of the Ebro and most of the Ebro valley, taxes on the grain and other crops produced by this region provide a significant supply of income to the crown which is used to fund the various construction projects across the kingdom. The Sagramentals, those families settled across the newly acquired territories of Zaragoza, Lleida, and Tortosa in exchange for military service, have grown into a formidable and established socio-economic force. Their pseudo-middle class income, numbers, and property ownership collectively make them a powerful group within the kingdom. Thanks to their collective buying power demand for many luxuries, high quality goods, and high quality armament has increased drastically over the last few years prompting the development of larger, more efficient bloomeries, greater imports of find eastern goods, and higher prices for locally made cloth of high to middle quality. Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar is dispatched with seven of the Galeras Normandals to Menorca to aid in securing the island and building a stronghold on the Mola Peninsula to augment the minor defenses that occupy that area currently. Having organized the a loyal administration and set about securing resources and labor for the project, Rodrigo rallies the force sent by Pere-Ramon and hires soldiers from among the Menorcan population to lead 6,000 men in an assault on Mallorca. (Algo Needed)
• The Isles: Godred Crovan takes the throne of Dublin after a successful military landing that deposed the previous claimant. This is the feather in his cap, bringing his dynasty the kind of prestige held by its predecessors as rulers of both Dublin and the Isles. The newly-crowned king tries to rule justly and reasonably, without demanding too much of the burghers in their feudal obligations. His lenient tax policy would have the effect of encouraging economic growth in that city, one of the principal ports of Ireland. In order to pay for war costs and grow Mann's coffers in the short term, a series of raids would be conducted around the sea where the Isles hold sway, including coastal areas of Britain and Ireland. While the standard practice of raiding was reduced somewhat after the Treaty of the Rhinns, Viking raiders now once more encroach on the Cumbrian coast, taking advantage of the recent war to plunder the region of Strathclyde. On a more diplomatic note, Godred sends representatives to the four principalities of Wales, hoping to improve relations. (Mod Response)
  • All four principalities in Wales wants to improve relations with Mann

• Tonga: Joshua VIleton, begins expanding in Oceania.
  • You need to have a more believable name
  • Leauge of Mayapan: Huanac would retreat back into league territory to regroup, setting up a sizable fort with large defenses. He would share the spoils of the recent skirmish among his men, bolstering unity. In the later half of the year, Huanac, with his jaguar warriors, Bowmen and spearmen to strike at the weakened Kich’e army. He would surround the army, ordering the bowmen to pick off the enemy and the Jaguar warriors and spearmen to directly engage in battle. (Algooooooooo). Meanwhile, back in the east, as maritime trade becomes more common among the Maya and other Mexican groups of the caribbean and the gulf of Mexico, boats would become bigger and better at long distance traveling. An avid trader, Ma Cab Ki, would observe his child playing with a toy boat next to some paper. Later, after months of construction, Ma would invent a ‘Sailboat. `` The sail `` would be made mostly out of Reed and cloth. Ma would try out this new design on the sea. He would depart from Tulum. Weeks later, he would be found in the Tuxtla port city of Na-Coatzacoalcos(located  at Coatzacoalcos OTL), in dire shape. He was starving, dehydrated and smelled of salt. Worse still, the “Sail” was completely destroyed. Because of this, traders would continue to use paddle powered canoes, and knowledge of the sail would eventually be only mentioned in folklore. Otherwise, the (realativley new) King of Mayapan would do something novel: He would teach the (upperclass) masses to write. This way, our history shall be immortalized forever, and it won't be lost with death.
    
• Kingdom of Sweden:This is a great year for Sweden,as it sees the danish province of Halland being ceded to Sweden in the treaty of Gothenburg(agreed between me and danish player in discord) In exchange for this,king Gustavus Is sister Maria will be wed to the Danish king and a official allaince will be signed between our two countries. Meanwhile Gustavus I marias maria Von Oxenstierna,a noblewoman from the coastal city of Gothenburg,Later this year they welcome their daugther who they name Ingrid and is the heir apaprant. Meanwhile the king goes on a royal tour this year.
• Taifa of Toledo: with the fall of Dénia and Mayurqa, the King celebrated with a banquet. His son though would not be present as he would still be studying in the Almoravid Caliphate hoping when he returns, to be a well fit ruler for the people he is destined to lead. Dénia's defenses begin to be reconstructed with the city's castle being renovated in order to strengthen defenses if ever needed again in the near future.  With the fall of Menorca to Barcelona, this indeed rattles concerns by the courts. Another part of Al-Andalus had been stripped and these incursions on the lands of the Islamic People of the peninsula had been leaving the Court unsettled. The people of Toledo are blessed to have camaraderie with the King of Castile and Leon but no very well this delicate balance could not last forever. In light of this, it would be asked in a letter laying out these concerns to the Caliph to the south if they may liberate the island. If not, this could open the door wide for further Naval expansion by Barcelona and may see the extinguishing of Islam on the island (Mod Response). With Alpuente also now apart of the Taifa, Toledo would like to work on its northern defenses. Alpuente was sorry to be protected and as a result, the castle and walls defending the city of Alpuente would begin to see expansion in order to ensure that in case an invasion were to occur, the enemy would have to fight tooth and nail. The emir of Murcia would be offered a similar proposal to that of Alpuente. Seeing that Murcia would be at the mercy of their much more powerful neighbors, it would be asked for them to join under the banner of Toledo promising the Emir and his family a position within the court, protection of their estates, as well as security of their land and wealth. For peace and for Al-Andalus (Mod Response). The Fadel family feud over inheritance remains unresolved. This would worry King Al-Ma'mun as he would fear this may in fact spill into a conflict between the 2 cadets. wip
  • While the Almoravids share Toledo's concerns, they are hesitant to go to war over the loss of a single island. The sultan encourages Toledo to recover Menorca themselves. Should Mallorca fall, however, he promises to take swift action.
  • Murcia refuses.
• Kingdom of Denmark: Canute IV cedes halland for a marriage alliance with sweden and marries princess maria of sweden. some nobles are angry that the king traded away an important danish province like that.
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 15th year of the reign of King Harold II of House Godwin. He is married to Ealdgyth (Edith) of Mercia, which has tied House Godwin of England and House Hwicce of Northumbria and Mercia together in alliance. He has many siblings: the errant Tostig Godwinson, whose whereabouts are unknown; Gyrth Godwinson, duke of East Anglia, who is married to Judith of Flanders; and Gunhild Godwinsdatter, a nun. Harold II has sired several children through Edith the Fair, his previous wife whom he married in Danish tradition. They are Godwine, Earl of Kent, who is married to Princess Sigrid Svendsdatter of Denmark; Edmund, who is married to Margaret of Wessex and is unlanded; Magnus, Marklord of Wales, who is married to Gwenlian ferch Bleddyn thus forming an alliance with Gwynedd; Gytha, who is married to Alan mab Konan de Rennes; Gunhild, who is unwed. He also has sired Harold (1066) and Ulf (1067), both of whom are too young to marry or hold lands. The population of England is roughly 2 million, with most of the population being centered around Winchester and London. Though the majority of the people in England are of Anglo-Saxon descent, there is a sizable Scandinavian population, especially in regions once under the control of the Danelaw. There are also a number of Britons, especially along the Welsh and Scottish borders as well as in Cornwall. Though the monarchy of England is more-or-less absolute, the Witenagemot is a folkmoot of secular and clergymen who advise the king, discuss legislation, and hold judicial hearings should the need arise. If the reigning monarch were to die, the new one will be chosen among the eligible Æthelings in England, though they typically choose members of the deceased monarch’s family. Harold II is widely popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. Though he maintains alliances with those in his family as well as with the sons of Ælfgar of Mercia, tensions are known to run between earls from the north and south of England. England sees a particularly prosperous year as the men who had been in the army invading Alba are now able to return to their fields and cities. Harold II names some 300 thanes, including 10 Scottish men of valor and prowess in battle who aided the English side. These men return to their lands heroes while others are gifted plots of land in Scotland. As was the case in Wales, the land is divided into semi-autonomous Marklords (marcher lords). These Marklords are largely responsible for the defense of Cumbria. The raiders from the Isles rob the Isles of workforce necessary to construct new castles. A punitive force of 300 men pursues these brigands into Islander territory in Strathclyde. They do not show much restraint and are largely employed by the Marklords. Normally, Northumbria would spearhead some sort of larger response, but a curious thing takes place: Morcar of Northumbria dies. His only offspring are daughters. At the witan, Edwin of Mercia appeals for the earldom of Northumbria, but Harold II instead gives the title to his son youngest son Harold, citing that it was held by Tostig Godwinson prior to Morcar and that it is returning to the Godwine family "now that a competent candidate has been found." Owing to both his oath of fealty and alliance to King Harold II, there is absolutely nothing Edwin of Mercia can do. Still, many thanes and local lords rise in revolt across Northumbria, forcing Harold's hand in the matter. These rebels are fought across Northumbria in brutal fashion. Nonetheless, these sporadic revolts keep the royal housecarls busy until winter. Harold Haroldson marries Anna of Durham, daughter of Morcar, furthering the royal ties between Godwin and Ælfgarson
• Hungary: The king will remain steadfast in Wallachia and will raise an extra 5.000 to defend (Algo needed). Whilst his campaign in BOSNIA will be focused now more on executing 10% of the population of each town (Algo Needed) and we still have our offer to preserve the Bosnian language and have a Bosnian governor (Mod Response Needed)

1082

Alexios I Komnenos is crowned emperor of Byzantium, ending the brief civil war. His first act is to confiscate church treasures to pay for defense against the Norman invasion, an unprecedented move. His second act is to establish a trade and defense pact with Venice, granting them extensive trading rights in exchange for military support against the Normans. These actions come too late to stop the armies of Robert Guiscard and his son Bohemond, who defeat imperial forces at Arta and Ioannina, and then lay siege to Larissa.

The Anatolian beys expand their domains, while new beyliks are established at Bitlis and Harput by Seljuk veterans.

The Hejaz has become functionally independent since the fall of Cairo, although its ruler, Abu Hashim of Mecca, nominally recognizes Seljuk suzerainty. Various Saharan tribes have similarly drifted away from the central authority of Egypt, reducing foreign influence in the desert.

Henry the Long of the Nordmark wants to marry Vsevolod of Kiev's daughter, Eupraxia.

Thanks to successful trade agreements with the Cumans, Kievan merchants now control most of the Don River and the eastern shore of the Sea of Azov.

An alliance of Cumans, Uzes and Pechenegs reoccupy Wallachia after having defeated Hungarian forces on the field.

Bosnia accepts the status of a Hungarian banate after Constantine Bodin withdraws his claim.

Adelbero is deposed by his brother, Ottokar II, as margrave of Styria. Ottokar then promptly joins the Gregorian faction.

The Investiture War in Germany appears to still remain a stalemate, as well as the ongoing Schism between the Papal seats in Ravenna and Rome.

People in Halland refuse to pay taxes to the Swedish king while lords in Denmark grow upset over their king's apparent wont to trade their lands for simple political marriages. The local lord flees to Norway and Harald Hen, brother to Canute IV, seeks papal blessing to press his claim on Denmark. He gathers 2,000 from unruly nobility in Denmark and arrives at the head of an army in Jutland.

• Saxony: The Emperor is pleased to see more noblemen, such as the Margrave of Styria, joining the fight against Satan (i.e. the ursuper Henry). With the help of the Pope's mass recruitment scheme, and support from other nations, the Emperor Rudolf is feeling increasingly positive about victory at last in the Investiture War. Rudolf decides to intercept and attack Henry's army as it passes by the Elster river, isolating it from its allies. They attack with 37,500 troops (algo needed). During the battle, Rudolf gives orders to some of the soldiers in his army to specifically seek out Henry and assassinate him (Mod response to see how this goes).
  • Envoys are dispatched by Monomakh to Duke Rudolf of Saxony informing him of Monomakh's intentions to bolster aid him with 2,500 cavalry (druzhina heavy cavalry, and Steppe horse archers). He requests that Rudolf accept him as a comrade in arms and a brethen of the faith.
  • Saxon diplomacy: Emotionally, in front of a large crowd of people, Rudolf embraces the envoys and horse archers and informs them that he acknowledges Monomakh as a true brother-in-arms.
• Papal States: The work of the Benedictines and Carmelites in gathering international support has been a success, and Pope Gregory is confident that the whole of Europe has given their support for his supremacy over the Church over the illegitimate election of Guilbert. Even in his advanced years, the Pope will yet live to see the remaining supporters of Henry gradually dwindle to the region surrounding Franconia and their allies. News of the First Battle of Elster finds the Pope more somber than it does for Emperor Rudolf, as Gregory was hoping for a decisive victory. The Pope calls for the German clergy to conduct 30 days of mourning for each man killed by the Anti-King Henry, in remembrance of the fallen in this war (Saxony Response). The Pope is hopeful that Henry cannot sustain these ongoing stalemates, as their manpower is far more limited than the greater outside support of Rudolf, whose popular levies continue to swell. Even so, Rudolf may require an international intervention to bring the war to a decisive conclusion sooner. The Pope reaches out to Mathilda of Tuscany, as well as the rulers of Pisa and Genoa, expressing his belief that Henry will eventually be compelled to invade Italy itself. Out of fear of this, he asks them to gather an Italian army to invade Franconia in support of Rudolf's faction (Mod response). Archbishop Godfrey of Bourges acts as Gregory's liaison to the King of France, and continues to gather support for the Gregorian Reforms among the French clergy. King Boleslaw of Poland is granted forgiveness by Gregory, and an accord is reached to verbally support his claim for the throne of Poland in exchange for enforcing the Gregorian reforms, bringing the Kingdom of Poland under the direct influence of the Catholic Church. A concentrated effort is sent for planting churches and converting communities within Spain, as the realm of Christendom grows there.
  • Monomakh sends word to rome informing Pope Gregory that he will be leading a contingent of 2,500 men to aid the Gregorians in the Investiture War as advised through the holy words of Hegumen Nikon the Dry, who saw a vision while praying before the remains of his now deceased mentor Feodosy. Monomakh requests that the Pope give his blessing to this venture and he send word to Poland, and his allies in the lands of the Germans to help ensure safe passage.
  • Matilda of Tuscany offers her full military support to the Pope. However, she considers an invasion too risky at this time, and keeps her army in Italy, guarding the fortified Apennine passes.
  • Boleslaw II accepts the papal accord and makes the return journey to Hungary, visiting religious sites along the way. News of the meeting with Pope Gregory precedes the king's arrival and leaves Poland in an uproar. Boleslaw spends the rest of the year gathering supporters to help take back his throne, while his brother and the Polish barons prepare for the worst.
  • Saxon diplomacy: The clergy agree, and Rudolf thanks the Pope for his generous concern.
• Kingdom of Denmark: Canute tries to gather what lords he still has command over against his halfbrothers invasion. He also orders that rumors be spread against Harald's character one rumor says he killed his father king Sweyn to try to take the throne. Canute also asks mercenaries to help him in return for whatever payment they have. Canute also asks blessing from the pope against this pretender and offers Sweden access to a port in Bornholm in exchange for help. In the middle of this Queen Maria becomes pregnant.
  • The Pope sends a legate to negotiate with Canute. He offers to support his claim to Denmark in exchange for placing the investiture of the Danish churches under Rome
  • Canute agrees
• Kievan Rus: With the end of the Rus war of succession and a steadily resurgence in trade along the Dnieper and now the Don river, efforts to rebuild and reform the Rus realm begins. In a grand ceremony Vsevolod is proclaimed King Vsevolod I of the Rus while his son the architect of this achievement is proclaimed his heir, This is recognized by the Veche of Kiev, Patriarch Andrew, and by the various Boyars, and the Princes of Novgorod, Polotsk, and Rostov. Following the festivities, Prince Monomakh makes good on his promise and once more returns to the Cave Monastary of Kiev and in an act of humility personally attends to the resting place of Hegumen Feodosy, and partaking in prayers with the monks there. He also personally donates a large sum to the Monastery to help pay for the renovations and expansions being carried out by German masons. It is here that Monomakh decides to aid the Gregorian faction in the investiture war raging on in Central Europe. Vsevolod I approves of the marriage between his daughter Eupraxia to Henry of Nordmark. In an act carried out by Patriarch Andrew most of the men serving directly the Crown of Kiev are baptized in mass in the Dnieper river echoing the actions of Vladimir the Great. The leader of the Steppe horsemen now in the service of the Kievan Crown Khan Kanzik is among those who convert to the Eastern rite willingly upon the urging of the wives of both Queen Anne, and by Princess Katerina who are from the lands of the Cuman themselves. In recognition of his service and his new found faith Kanzik is baptized as Oleg Polovetskaya and is granted lands and title becoming one of the boyars of Kiev. He and his men are granted lands in good pasture lands in the frontier region. As trade with the Cumans grows Rus merchants and ships are once more travelling in large numbers up and down the vast river systems of that make up the old Varangian trade routes connecting the Baltic to the Black Sea. The Port of Timurtarakan begins to grow as Rus merchants begin setting up shop there to better engage in trade in the Black Sea. Trading missions are sent to Constantinople, Georgia, and even to the Seljuk Turks and the Beyliks of Anatolia with the intent of renewing old trade agreements once held by the Rus with these lands (Mod Response). Taking advantage of the large deposits of Salt within the lands of the Rus, and the abundance of pelts Monomakh advises his father to begin establishing a crown tax on the sales of these goods to foreign merchants to help improve the revenue of the crown. Monomakh continues to oversee the construction of new outposts and forts along the Southern and Eastern Frontier to protect against possible incursions or raids from the various peoples of the Steppes while also serving as places of trade between the Rus and the Steppe nomads. Monomakh also continues the policy settling new arrivals from Scandinavia along the Don and Dnieper river expanding this policy to Free peasants and to Christians from the rest of Europe, offering them lands to live off of in exchange for service to the crown. This is done in an effort to strengthen the new crown of Kiev and to ensure that enough men are able and ready to help protect the domains of Kiev. Before departing to campaign in the land of the Germans, Monomakh is blessed with the third pregnancy of his beloved Princess Katerina. Mustering 2,500 of his personal retainers from Chernigov, and his Steppe warriors under the command of Khan Oleg (formerly Kanzik of the Pechenegs), Monomakh personally leads the men accompanied by Princess Eupraxia, he requests permission to pass through Poland, and asks that the Poles join him in aiding the Gregorians. He also extends to the Poles a gesture of friendship offering them fine good from Constantinople, and from the silk road (Mod Response). Once he arrives in Saxon lands Monomakh and his veteran forces (Druzhina cavalry, and Steppe Horse archers) will move to reinforce the men of the Duke of Saxony, and his soon to be Brother in law Henry the Long. He and his forces will focus on flanking the forces of the king of the Germans. The Steppe archers under Oleg will harass from afar the opposing forces and should the opportunity present itself they will feign a retreat trying to draw the anti-Gregorian forces into an ambush set up by the Gregorians in a suitable location (to be determined, and to be added to any algos that involve Saxony in this war).
  • Constantinople and Georgia are eager to trade with the Rus. The Seljuk Sultanate of Rum would also consider the merits of the Black Sea trade and entertain the northern merchants.
  • Duke Wladyslaw is persuaded to allow Monomakh and his men passage through Poland, but he will not assist them further.
  • Monomakh is approached by a messenger of the exiled Polish king Boleslaw the Bold, who informs him that he has just received the pope's blessing and recognition as the legitimate king of Poland. If the Kievans help Boleslaw oust his brother and retake the kingdom, he promises to do everything in his power to aid them and the Gregorians.
  • Monomakh takes Boleslaw's offer into consideration and ultimately decides that the exiled Boleslaw could prove a useful ally. Monomakh agrees. Monomakh marches back into Poland with his cavalry to meet up with the forces of Boleslaw the Bold i. The combined Russo-Polish forces march on Wladyslaw and the Polish Barons that expelled Boleslaw. The Steppe horsemen led by Oleg Polovestakaya raid the estates of the Polish barons to draw them out and make chase against the Pechenegs who will lure the men loyal to Wladislaw into an ambush in the Carpathian foot hills between Silesia and Krakow where Monomakh, and Boleslaw's men will attempt to encircle them meanewhile the Steppe warriors will regroup following the feigned retreat and shower the Poles with their arrows (Algo Needed)
• Francia: The construction of Château du roi in Château Landon continues. Seeking to also give the city of Paris, location of the royal court, more protection, King Philip I orders the construction of fortified walls around the city. Abbot Raymond of Bourges, back from his meeting with Pope Gregory VII in Tuscany, continues to preach in favor of the Gregorian reformation and of the authenticity of Gregory as the true successor of Saint Peter. Together with Archbishop and Grand Chancelier de France, Godfrey (also known as Geoffroy), they make attempts to convince King Philip I to intervene in favor of the pontiff in the war between Imperial and Papal factions, but Philip I have no desire to meddle in this conflict between the German princes while he needs to establish his control over his own domains. However, not desiring to leave the pope unprotected, King Philip I writes to Mathilda of Tuscany and Pope Gregory VII offering to send 3,000 men under the comand of Thibaut, Seigneur de Montmorency, to help protect the Apennine passage in case of a possible Imperial invasion of the Italian Peninsula [MOD and Papal response needed, please]. Under abbot Raymond of Bourges the Abbey of Sens establishes a scriptorium, a monastic writing room where books will be organized and copied. The marriage of King Philip I and Bertha of Holand starts to give signs of breaking apart, with the king constantly complaining about his wife being obese.
  • Matilda of Tuscany accepts the offer.

• Hungary: With a victory in Bosnia we laid the troops down but 5.000 on which we sent to Wallachia (Algo Needed). We ask Polotsk to send as many men as they can to fight in Wallachia (Response Needed). During the battle of Wallachia many men report seeing the late Stephen Göran fighting alongside them with the Spear of Saint Stephen, when the battle was over the Ghost ascended to the Heavens. The king sends a letter to Sokal of Cumania “We need not remind you of the loss of last year have the Cumanians in the thousands were sent to the after life by the Majestic Ghost of Göran and so we offer you the guarantee that Hungary shall not advance past the Wallachian territory as long as the Cumans draw breath in exchange for the Cumans release their claim on Wallachia.”(Mod Response needed). We assure Bosnian Ban that no Bosnian lives will be lost in the Hungarian Defense of Wallachia.
  • Id say the mods should be the ones who should answer that I am no longer in direct contorl of Polotsk they are a vassal (and a relunctant at that to kiev at present) so their actions would be outside of the control of Kiev. Nkbeeching
  • Polotsk sends 800 men to help Hungary
  • Sokal rejects the Hungarian offer, calling it "mere words, without substance".
• Mayapan!: After the rather uneventful last year, he would once again regroup his forces for a head- on battle with the Kiche, using the tactics from 1080 (Algo Needed, please). Meanwhile up north, the drought that ended classical Maya civilization is starting to end. Rains begin to be more common and the soil rich. Writing also spreads to the commoners, with recording information being a priority. Scribes are now in demand in cities like Itza and Uxamal. Indeed too, in the cities, a new law has been passed. Some parts of the harvest shall be set aside in public granaries, for all to eat. Maya farmers also begin rotational cropping, planting chillies and Squash during the Maize harvest. Turkeys and their eggs are beginning to be an integral part of the Maya cuisine, due to the valuable source of protein. A dish called Ba'alo'ob would be one of the main meals of the Aristocraty and some of the lower class. The meal comprises of fried dog, served with turkey egg and roasted Maize. Art, too, sees a resurgence. Many statues, masks and other pieces would be made during this period. Finally, some Maya explorers set up a small trading post in the northern Nicaraguan coast to trade with the locals. This post would be seasonally inhabited. During the hurricane season, it would be abandoned, and after, traders would come back to the area.
• Kingdom of Sweden:Due to the rebellion in Denmark and our alliance with denmark,The king decides to raise he grand army of 10,000 and march to he border with Denmark.Moresover he establishes the Halland Army under command of Erik Sparre to keep the region of Halland calm and peaefull.He is ordered to treat the danes gently as the king does not want another revolt.The queen gives birth to a son who they name Gustavus Adolphus and is destinied to become the next king when king Gustavus Adolphus dies.The king decides to recognice the claim og Pope gregory as the rightfull one.
• House Barcelona: Gerberga bears Pere-Ramon another daughter this year; however, she falls ill soon after her birth and perishes before she can be christened. With the establishment of a royal shipyard the rate of production of Galeras Normandals accelerates dramatically. Wood is systematically sourced from the pyrenees as needed. The rise of this new fleet of ships enables growth in the king's personal trade, which makes Rei Pere-Ramon quite wealthy, but also helps suppress piracy and otherwise support trade conditions. The expedition of Mallorca returns having engaged in a series of skirmishes against pirates and minor muslim nobles on the northern coast of the island. These raids will become emblematic of the future of naval warfare in the region. With the growing naval power of House Barcelona allowing it greater international focus, Rei Pere-Ramon sends Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar to Murcia to negotiate protection and a pariah against the expansionism of the Taifa of Toledo. (Mod Response) Rei Pere-Ramon grants Rodrigo domain over the newly conquered Menorca and provides him with a small fleet of ships, instructing him to prosecute a ruthless campaign against piracy in the region. Back in Catalonia the yearly Consell Comtal proves eventful as Rei Pere-Ramon suggests that all of the counts adopt a unified currency to facilitate commerce. (Mod Response) The consell goes on for several weeks as the counts find many topics to deliberate and address. These range from minor border disputes to debates on the transport and sale of various trade goods. Rei Pere-Ramon is central to these negotiations and uses them to great effect, awarding properties to his allies and vassals and undermining those less loyal to him. The result of this is generally a greater degree of loyalty among the Catalan nobility and the centralization of influence around House Barcelona. Rei Pere-Ramon then convenes the League of Cardona and requests that his Sister’s Father-in-law, Sancho Ramirez of Aragon be invited to join the league. (Mod Response for the Catalan Counties and Aragon) In doing so, Pere-Ramon seeks to build a defensive alliance spanning the Pyrenees to oppose both the Moors and the ambitions of Alfonso IV. Furthermore, he suspects that in matters of the league the other counties in Catalonia will support him over Sancho Ramirez in most cases.
  • Feeling threatened by Toledo, the Taifa of Murcia accepts Barcelona's protection in return for tribute.
• Lithuanians: Aras, concerned about possible viking and rival tribes raids, sends emissaries to negotiate an "alliance" with the Chiefdom of Latgalia for mutual protection. Also, Naujokaitis, son of Aras wants to "marry" with one daughter of Selonian chief. (Mod response for both tribes). Finally, we will train 500 druzhina spearmen and 330 pecheneg archers.
  • Kievan Diplomacy:From Krakow Envoys from Kiev are dispatched to Chief Aras of Lithuania requesting that Rus merchants be allowed to engage in trade in his lands.
  • Lithuanian Diplomacy: Aras accepts the Rus merchants.
  • Selonia is eager to extend a marriage with Lithuania. The Latgalians however are wary of an alliance
• Yucu Dzaa Iya Nacuaa Teyusi Ñaña great lord of Yucu Dzaa decides to recruit more men for the army of the city.

A messenger is sent to the lord of the city of ñuu tnoo requesting an alliance to be able to subdue the neighboring citiesMod responce

We will begin the invasion of the cities of Tezolt and Tlaltennago(In case of mistaking the name of the city, the purple and violet points would be my right side). Algo need

• Hakia: It has been two years since Kopalai had been abducted, yet Yooania's piercing wails continue to be heard at night. One special night, on a hunting expedition, Teekatamakari had another vision of Maala Yooriwa; this time, she was weaving a robe from spider silk. Maala Yooriwa gave him a wooden statue of a little boy. The following morning, the statuette moved on its own and a voice emanated from it, saying "in this sign, you shall conquer". The sign was that of a small sun. Teekatamakari thus ordered his warriors to carve a small sun into their weapons and shields, and began plotting his vengeance against his brother. Having heard Maala Yooriwa's words strengthened Teekatamakari's resolve. He intensively practiced his skills in archery and warfare, in preparation for the upcoming confrontation. Every week or so, he would also lead a hunting party where each person would only be given three arrows; if they were not able to bring a kill by the end of the weekend, or used more than the three allowed arrows, they would be reprimanded. He also implemented some crucial reforms. He created a "court" consisting of his stewards, attendants, and advisors, who managed the village while he was gone and served as his eyes and ears. Instead of extracting tribute from his subjects, he taxes 1/30th of all produce. Meanwhile, after two years, Kopalai had grown into a vibrant little boy. While he was not of her womb, he addresses Naposa as "mother". The same night Teekatamakari was visited, O'oubwia was also visited, but not from Maala Yooriwa but from one who calls himself the Trickster. The Trickster took off his mask, revealing a beautiful man. He had soft, unblemished skin yet calloushed ashy hands; his long silky hair reached until his shoulders, but his facial features - while beautiful - were sharp and wolflike. He was tall too, with broad shoulders that tapered to a narrow waist. He seemed to be a powerful man. "Your wretched brother will come to destroy you!" he says, he then continued "I have come to bolster your pride; I am your servant, and your paraclete." He said this with a snakelike smile. Perhaps under his beautiful exterior laid something sinister. O'oubwia listened in, intrigued by his words. "You are a Great Man, O'oubwia. Do not let your cursèd brother poison the land with his heresy! The land will be scorched, the prideful will be humbled, and the people will be subject to Teekatamakari's mercy!" The Trickster then burst into flames, and was hit by a ray of light from the moon; leaving a disturbed O'oubwia by himself. He relayed what happened to Naposa, who took the words with delight, who interpreted it as a sign of divine favor (an interpretation that would prove ironic). After 40 days and nights of intense training, Teekatamakari began his trek north with a warring party of 500 warriors. And after another 40 days and nights, he arrived at his hometown. However, O'oubwia was also ready. Teekatamakari arranged his warriors into a long line to exaggerate their numbers, but O'oubwia was smart and did not fall for this farce. Unknowingly to Teekatamakari, O'oubwia had dispatched a small squad of his warriors moments before to abduct Yooania, who was displayed in front of Teekatamakari with a sack covering her head. This galvanized one of the younger warriors, a youth whose wounds Yooania had tended to before - prompting him to run to face O'oubwia despite Teekatamakari's objections. O'oubwia clubbed the boy to death. He then took out a dagger and beheaded his corpse, flaunting the boy's severed head. Teekatamakari became filled with anger, and charged forward with his elite warriors, clashing with his brother's own warriors. Meanwhile, Husanakame and some other warriors successfully retrieved Yooania from the enemy camp. It was then that an intense ray of light hit the ground from the sun, opening a large rift in that earth that sucked in some of the warriors. By this point, it was clear that Teekatamakari's side would win - simply by the virtue of their numerical superiority. O'oubwia became frustrated by this outcome, and fought Teekatamakari in hand to hand combat. This ended with Teekatamakari having him in a tight headlock, though O'oubwia still had the strength to resist his little brother. However, an enraged Yooania came from behind and with the edge of an unusually sharp stone, beheaded their brother. "Cowards!" He repeated this until he choked in his own blood. Another ray of light manifested, though this time, it set fire to O'oubwia's severed head. Teekatamakari had won. He banished Naposa and her family to lands unknown, and after two years of sorrow, Yooania and Husanakame were reunited with their child. Teekatamakari scorched the land of his tometown and salted it so nothing will grow. However, he extended his grace to his former townspeople. Taking pity on a widow, whose husband needlessly died, Teekatamakari assures her that, "just as darkness consumes the earth, only to be defeated by light at dawn, this time of tribulation will end." Most of the destroyed town's former inhabitants chose to accompany Teekatamakari south. The relocatees, who are mostly Tanoan-speaking like the "core" Hakians (the original settlers), quickly assimilate into the population. The new arrivals enlarge the population of Hakia and the surrounding settlements, with both Hakia's success in commerce and in its recent "war" earning it recognition across the land - including the Cave-Worshippers, who detest the Hakian's monolatry.
• Duumvirate of Cholōllān: In the period since the collapse of the Toltec empire, numerous attempts at re-building the eternal throne over the Great Lakes were made by many different warriors of different backgrounds and legends. Many would try and fail, their stories for the most part forgotten but what remained through tradition would describe a time where the region not only appeared to be on the verge of total devastation, but would consist of beauty and romance in that devastation. Different cults would arise out of the confusion over Huehmac's divine ruling ultimately leading to his downfall, but while many turned away from the feathered serpent, Cholōllān would continue to express traditional views backed by stories of fortune and genocide, betrayal and romance. Slaves from the neighboring states of Tlaxcala and the Mazatec states would breed new records of sacrifice, their souls feeding those that chase the evil across the sky that wish to eradicate the land over which we live and farm, but this is getting off topic. One of those stories, of warriors and heroes attempting to re-form the throne that ruled the Valley, would remain in tradition, likely as a result only becoming further romanticized as time went on, but as time went on, would become a staple in the history of Cholōllān that many of it's successors would try to draw succession to. The story begins with an attack on a settlement of Nahua nomads in mid-day by Zatlxōctolli of Cholōllān in the year 1065. While the settlement's location are unknown, it's depicted that these nomads were tribal in comparison to the bureaucracy of the Toltec empire. In this attack, Zatlxōctolli and his band of yellow-colored warriors would kidnap a number of people from this settlement, namely a women named Necalloc. Captured out of the base need, Necalloc would be forced into slavery for the following year, but along the way, would give birth to her son, Tatamac. In the end, Necalloc would make way for Tatamac's escape from the reaches of Zatlxōctolli and the greater Cholōllān realm, but would be sacrificed for her endeavor and the child hunted. Throughout the period of the Toltec civil war, Tatamac would grow many lives, once as a slave, then an artisan, then when the call to arms to usurp the House of Followers, he would stand alongside the traitorous Xāhuachitl in his war against the divine-ruler Huehmac, but while him and his son would be slaughtered and their great city abandoned, Tatamac's hatred for anything Toltecah would remain unparalleled, and ultimately, he felt their removal from the Valley would lead him to the Lake over which the throne sat. So, now that we are up to date, Tatamac would lead a legion from the Mazatec confederacy to Cholōllān in hopes of seeking revenge for his mother's life and most of all, to eradicate the remnants of now-dissolved Toltec empire. Opposite to Tatamac's endeavors, the sons of the duumvirate rule, Huamoctlatl and Xātamitlicoē, would be raised atop the Tlachihualtepetl. Taught in the ways of Huītzilōpōchtli and the teachings of Quetzalcoatl, they would become warlords of the new Toltec state, their undying loyalty emerging through a means of heightened sacrifice periods in addition to a record-breaking 744 sacrifices made. Some scholars may floated the idea that Cholōllān was not a "Toltec rump state", and instead acted more as an advancement upon the original Toltec state, for their military might was far powerful and even comparable to that of legendary-era Xihulta and the Tuxtla Empire. Then, as Huamoctlatl and Xātamitlicoē would be receiving a proper coronation to signify their advancement to jaguar, an attack would be made upon their lands, said to have been invaders from the south in Tuxtla. Tlatoani Tecpacyāōtlpin would allow the deployment of Huamoctlatl and Xātamitlicoē to the southern villages to stop a proper attack on Cholōllān. In the Battle of Tecalco, macuahuitls would bash their way through the heads of unfortunate civilians before the arrival of Huamoctlatl and Xātamitlicoē, whom lead a regiment numbering 3000 warriors while the forces of Tatamac, numbering 4000, would meet the Cholōllān army along the river-side [Algo Needed].

1083

Apologies for the turns being more sporadic, there was an extended break for the holiday season.

The Almroavid Sultanate captures the city of Ceuta and its autonomous Taifa, slowly making headway towards Spain.

King Alfonso VI of Castile sends an army to the city of Talavera de la Reina in the Taifa of Toledo. In his proclaimed title as Emperor of all Spain, he demands that the Taifas should be paying him tribute, and cede territory in the north of the Taifa historically claimed from the Visigothic kingdom.

The constant state of war between Chola and Chalukya has led to the weakening of both empires, with autonomous states cropping up along the frontiers.

Chaka Bey makes further encroachment into Byzantium by invading the island of Chios.

Otto von Nordheim dies of illness.

Boleslaw the Bold accepts the surrender of the remaining Polish barons, imprisons his brother, Wladyslaw, and reclaims the throne of Poland. He then heads into Germany with 4,000 troops to bolster the Saxon armies, honoring his agreements with Pope Gregory and Prince Monomakh.

The prosperous port city of Aden becomes the capital of an independent state in southern Yemen, the Sultanate of Aden.

Harold successfully lands in Denmark and gathers his armies in Zeeland before marching south.

Using superior tactics, trickery, and plenty of Turkic mercenaries, the Greeks defeat the Normans at Larissa, breaking their siege. Robert Guiscard still holds western Macedonia from the fortress at Kastoria, while Venetian fleets threaten his control of the coast.

• Kievan Rus: Having successfully restored Boleslaw to the Polish throne Monomakh and Boleslaw march into Germany at the head of an army 6,500 strong through Silesia. Monomakh sends word back to Kiev to send another 500 men. Monomakh and Boleslaw agree to hold up in Wroclaw where they send a small contingent of riders to deliver Eupraxia of Kiev to Nordmark Henry the Long and to propose a two pronged invasion of Bohemia to knock them out of the war and open up the way into Bavaria and Swabia (Saxon Response required). During a war council Monomakh, Boleslaw, and Oleg decide to try and secure the passage into Morovia along the Oder River where the Bohemian Mastiff declines to prevent a potential Bohemian incursion. Monomakh sends out scouts to determine the strength of the Bohemian forces in Morovia while a fortified camp is set up between the Bohemian Massif and the Oder river. Princess Katerina givews birth to a baby boy who is named Mstislav. Trade continues to grow as Rus merchants can be seen from the Black sea to the Baltics bringing exotic goods from the silk road, salt,fur, and other goods to both areas. As Rus merchants steadily begin to trickle into Lithuania so to do some missionaries lead by an enthusiastic priest named Nikita Mikhailovich a disciple of Nikon the Dry the Hegumen of the Kievan cave Monastery. They request permission to spread the word of the lord in the lands of the Lithuanians and their allies, Nikita give an impassioned speech to the court of Chief Aras of Lithuania speaking of the miracles of the lord and his many blessings, mentioning how through the lord's will Prince Monomakh and King Vsevolod I of Kiev were able to being about the restoration of peace in the lands of the Rus, and of the many great feats of those who have embraced the love of the one true god (Lithuanian response). Having reached an agreed upon plan of action Prince Monomakh, and King Boleslaw make through the Oder Pass with the Pecheneg Horse Archers under the command of Oleg Polovetskaya act as the vanguard screening the advance of the Polish levies armed with spears and bows mainly marching in the middle and the Rus Druzhina on the flanks protecting flanks. Taking advantage of the Oder river to their south and the Bohemian Massif. The Pecheneg Horse Archers will skirmish againast the Bohemians early on to allow for the Rus and Poles to make it through the Pass and once the Bohemians start to form up the Steppe raiders will pull back along the river showering their Bohemian pursuers as the attempt tocatch up falling behind the Druzhina who will be advancing a little bit behind the main continegent who charge into any possible bohemian cavalry that might take the bait from where the Pecheneg horse archers will regroup and continue to shower the enemy forces (Algo Needed). Rus settlement alnog the Don river continues as Varangians, and free peasants move into the region following the merchants and contruction of outposts. Worried by the escalation of the war between Sokal and the Hungarians and how this might impact growing trade and peaceful relations with the Cumans, Vsevolod I upon the advice of his beloved Anna Polovetskaya, and his daughter in law Katerina Polovetskaya both Kipchaks in origins orders that Vseslav of Polotsk cease all support for the Hungarian war effort or risk facing the consequences for his actions. Furthermore Vsevolod following corresdpondence with his son and the council of his wife, and court Sends official envoys to Sokal and the Hungarians offering to try and broker a peace between them (Mod and Hungarian response required).
  • Lithuanian diplomacy: after some hours of pondering the priest's speech and his request, the Chief accepts, thinking it as the only way to save the lithuanian people.
  • Saxon diplomacy: The Saxons agree with Monomskh's and Boleslaw's plan.
• Denmark: Canute gathers the lords still loyal to him and heads north from Roskilde with an army of 4000 men to face and engage his halfbrother Harald. Canute also orders that the heirs of several neutral lords be held hostage in Roskilde, to ensure their loyalty to him under the threat of execution. Queen Maria gives birth to a daughter named Sigrid.
• House Barcelona: Facing a major war to the south and seeing the Almavorid advance into Iberia as concerning, Rei Pere-Ramon redoubles his fortification and naval expansion efforts. His shipyard produces thirteen ships over the course of the year, creating a substantial royal fleet. These ships primarily act as the kings’ merchantmen, earning him revenue during times of peace. However, they also offer substantial military power during times of war and anti-piracy power while travelling on the trade routes. In spring, Pere-Ramon is blessed with another daughter by Gerberga. Fortunately, she survives the year and is christen Ximena. Politically, the Consel Comtal of 1083 is chaotic and eventful. Having been unable to secure a unified currency last year, Rei Pere-Ramon once again requests that the Consel agree to this measure, citing the need for unity in the face of growing chaos to the south. (Mod Response) His efforts this time include outright bribery and executing backdoor deals. He then writes again to Aragon, seeking to add his father-in-law to the League of Cardona in opposition to the Moors. (Mod Response) Additionally, Rei Pere-Ramon sends a messenger to Pope Gregory, seeking his blessing for the league as an instrument of God against the infidels. (Papal Response)
  • The Consel agrees and Aragon joins the League of Cardona.
• Francia: This year the construction of the Château du roi ends and King Philip I travels to Château-Landon to visit the now concluded fortress. During this visit, the king meets briefly with Simon I de Montfort and his family. During this meeting, the King also meets Simon's daughter, Bertrade de Montfort. Philip starts to feel attracted to Bertrade and the two become lovers. This causes him to ignore even more his wife, Bertha of Holland. After his return to Paris, the King soon becomes sad for not having Bertrade near him. Seeking to bring Bertrate to the court, Philip I manipulate his wife Bertha to write to Simon I of Montfort asking him to allow Bertrade to come to Paris to be one of her maids-in-waiting, since she feels solitary at the court [MOD response needed, please]. The construction of the walls around Paris starts this year. Under the Archbishop of Paris, Godfrey (Geoffroy) de Boulogne, and Abbot Raymond of Bourges the Gregorian reforms are carried and promoted in the French territories. Under Raymond leadership, the Abbey of Sens establishes a monastic school. The abbot writes to the canonist Ivo of Chartres, inviting him to come to the Abbey of Sens to give lectures about canon law at the monastic school [MOD response needed, please]. The Scriptorium at the Abbey of Sens start working this year. There the monks divide the labor between those who will prepare the parchment for copying by smoothing and chalking the surface, those who will rule the parchment and copy the text, and those who will illuminate the text. Meanwhile at Tuscany, the 3,000 soldiers under the comand of Thibaut, Seigneur de Montmorency, continue to help the army of Mathilda of Tuscany in protecting Pope Gregory VII and Italy against a possible imperial invasion.
  • Montfort agrees to the wishes of the King
• Alania: Two expeditions are send by King Giorgi, one to the north and one to the east. With these expeditions our nation expands our boarder since nobody claims the lands. Our nation sends an ambassador to the nation south of us Georgia so we can become allies with them. In the capital city of Maghas new infrastructures like schools, churches, and stores are being built. On the outskirts of the city more houses and farms are being built making the area more suburban then it was before. From the outskirts of the city itself you can see the defense walls that draw a boarder of the city itself. The military starts to expand its barricks and recruit some more troops. The King has this royal castle expanded on making it much larger than it was before.
  • Rus Diplomacy: Hearing word of Alanian envoys in Georgia a group of Rus merchants from Timurtarakan carry out a trade mission to meet these envoys and possibly allow for Rus merchants to travel into the lands of the Alan and trade with them and the lands beyond along the silk road.
  • Alania Dip: We allow the Rus to travel in our lands to use the trade routes and get to the silk roads.
• Mayapan: The war has ended in a resounding victory. The remaining Kich’e authority agree to: Deliver tribute (I.E: dogs, turkeys, corn, beans and sacrificees) to the cities of the Leauge of Mayapan, Disarm much of their military, Give much of their gold to the Mayans, and Agree to be loyal. Of course, the local population as well as the local military leaders are enraged by this, which is why we dispatch a large amount of troops to the area, in order to quell any rebellion. In several Kiche cities, the leaders and (some of) the troops captured in war are ritualistically sacrificed to the gods. Huanac would split the spoils among his men evenly. He also scattered the captured Kiche troops among his soldiers, so that they could not plot against him and start a revolt. Meanwhile, back home, the kings are ecstatic about the results of the battle, and plans are drawn up to conquer the minor kingdoms of southern Guatemala and make them tributes.
• Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh: Petty King Ìomhar Mac Oitir of Corcaigh [Cork], after succeding his late father, seriously considers bolstering the defenses of his city, located in an ideal defensive spot on top of the island at the confluence of River Lee, it's only vulnerability exists in the material that Cork's walls are made of, wood, something that renders them vulnerable, much like the rest of the city, to the element of fire, which could have a devastating impact on the city's defenses in a future siege. For that reason alone, Petty King Ìomhar Mac Oitir of Corcaigh [Cork], inheriting a full treasury from his father, initiates this work scheme and hires a young but aspiring Norman architect from Caen to oversee the construction of Cork's new sturdy stone walls, with broad ramparts, along with the addition of solid bastions, to provide an additional layer of defense, modeled after the architectural design commonly seen in the mainland, in place of the city's aging wooden walls. The replacement of Cork's old wooden walls takes place section by section, unwilling to leave our city exposed, with a sizable guard posted at all times to ensure that no enemy force would be able to take advantage of this temporary gap to surprise us.
• Kingdom of Alba: With the end of the war with England in a English favouring stalemate, Laomman if finally free to turn his full attention towards Moray. Although most of their armies had been scattered and crushed in the fighting previously before Laomann was forced to rush south to face English forces, no peace has been concluded with them. Determined to reap at least some gains from this crisis (to make up for the massive amount of land lost to English advances), he turns his armies back to Moray, pushing forward into Moray with some 3,000 men (allowing most of his men to return home), planning to firmly crush the 400 or so remaining men of the Morayan army (algorithm needed). In the meantime, many thousands of refugees flee the English seziure of much of Strathclyde. Many of these are members of the newly landed class of Norwegian "Mercenaries" who form much of Laomann's support base, many of whom had been granted land in Starthclyde and brought in Nordic settlers. Although the "Mercenary" Aristocracy are generally able to make out of it pretty well, many of those Nordic settlers who had not been related to the initial mercenaries who hadn't stayed in Starthclyde and fled the advance of the English are not able to make well of it. Now at serious risk of sinking out of their privaleged stautus, and with many now very poor, a number of them take back their warrior roots and begin arming themselves and seeking work as mercenaries, in order to make a living and ensure they are able to maintain the qualities that allowed them to become so useful to Laomann and his supporters in the first place. They are also joined by a large number of Gaelic Albans who seek to make a fortune or to escape from peasantry themselves and have acess to weapons, many of whom where also settlers sent into the areas of Starthclyde that have now been sezied. These men begin seeking work as mercenaries, selling their services as warriors and bodyguards, as they have little else with which they can do so. Although most hope to enter the retinue and employment of a clan head or lord, many more instead seek employment in areas of conflict, with many going across the Irish channel or Irish Sea to seek employment in Wales or Ireland in the numerous conflicts between the peoples there. Many of these seek employment in the various Norse Gaelic ports in Ireland, from where they move on to the employment of various Irish petty kings, seeking to make their fortunes in the conflicts between the various Petty kings of Ireland. These are the first of what will come to be known as the An Fánaíal, the brotherhood of mercenaries, warriors, and raiders that would form a famous feature of the Alban Gaelo-Norse period and become famous and renowned warriors. For now though, they are mostly just groups of Nordic-Gaelic mercenaries seeking employment and fortune as a way of avoiding a fall into the peasantry, and they do not resemble anything close to what they would latter become. Laomann also seeks to begin various reforms of the way things are run in Alba, in order to ensure it can stand up to another English invasion in the future, and begins looking South of his border for insipiration, drawing up plans to begin introducing institutions similar to those in England for the organization of Alban military forces, in the hopes of creating a more robust system in Alba, although this is in its early stages and nothing is yet implemented. He also begins sending men to study the castle building techniques of various others in Europe, out of a desire to build more robust and permanent fortifications along the Anglo-Alban border than the hillforts that had so abysmally failed in the war that just ended.
  • The remaining men of Moray surrender to Laomann's forces after a final engagement, during which Mael Snechtai himself is killed.
• Saxony: Following deliberations with Monomakh and the Rus, Rudolf and the Saxons decide to participate in a pronged invasion of Bohemia. They decide to invade the south with 12,000 men. They request Bohemian help in this invasion (Mod Response).
  • Bohemia declares support for Emperor Henry IV
  • Saxon dip: As the Bohemian delegates leave his court, Rudolf sadly wonders if he is going senile. He now corrects his mistake and asks for Bavarian help instead. (Mod Response). Once he receives his reply, Rudolf marches with his men to attack southern Bohemia with his 12000-strong army, made up of peasants, foot soldiers and a few knights. He splits his large army into three groups, centre, right and left wing (resulting in his knights congratulating him on his tactical genius). He intends to take advantage of his superior numbers and encircle the Bohemians (Algo please).
  • The Bavarians under Duke Welf rally to the Saxon cause
• Lithuanians: Aras is still concerned about possible raids, and for that reason, starts the fortifications of key settlements as Vilniaus, Švenčionys and Utena, also some units of the army are overseeing the works for suprise attacks. Meanwhile, the Chief sends another diplomatic mission to formalize an alliance with the Selonians (Mod response). The wife of Naujokaitis bears a son in autumn who they name Užugiris.
  • They cautiously accept alliance
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 17th year of the reign of King Harold II of House Godwin. He is married to Ealdgyth (Edith) of Mercia, which has tied House Godwin of England and House Hwicce of Northumbria and Mercia together in alliance. He has many siblings: the errant Tostig Godwinson, whose whereabouts are unknown; Gyrth Godwinson, duke of East Anglia, who is married to Judith of Flanders; and Gunhild Godwinsdatter, a nun. Harold II has sired several children through Edith the Fair, his previous wife whom he married in Danish tradition. They are Godwine, Earl of Kent, who is married to Princess Sigrid Svendsdatter of Denmark; Edmund, who is married to Margaret of Wessex and is unlanded; Magnus, Marklord of Wales, who is married to Gwenlian ferch Bleddyn thus forming an alliance with Gwynedd; Gytha, who is married to Alan mab Konan de Rennes; Gunhild, who is unwed. He also has sired Harold (1066 and married to Anna of Durham) and Ulf, who is unwed (1067). The population of England is roughly 2 million, with most of the population being centered around Winchester and London. Though the majority of the people in England are of Anglo-Saxon descent, there is a sizable Scandinavian population, especially in regions once under the control of the Danelaw. There are also a number of Britons, especially along the Welsh and Scottish borders as well as in Cornwall. Though the monarchy of England is more-or-less absolute, the Witenagemot is a folkmoot of secular and clergymen who advise the king, discuss legislation, and hold judicial hearings should the need arise. If the reigning monarch were to die, the new one will be chosen among the eligible Æthelings in England, though they typically choose members of the deceased monarch’s family. Harold II is widely popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. Though he maintains alliances with those in his family as well as with the sons of Ælfgar of Mercia, tensions are known to run between earls from the north and south of England. The construction of several castles throughout Lothian, most notably Dunbar Castle, takes place across the territory acquired from Scotland. Several new thanes are created this year in Dunbar due to their involvement with the punishments of both Scotland and the Isles in previous years. These wealthy men form the Housecarls of the Wall, a group of Northumbrians in the employ of various northern thanes vying for control of the north. With the investiture controversy to the south, a number of clergy members are being sued for ties to one pope or another. This backlog of court cases has spawned several meetings of the Witan, each growing more confusing and infuriating than the last. Reeves (sheriffs) are sent throughout the kingdom by Lanfranc-aligned clergy. The Gregorian reforms have been controversial throughout England, with some members of the clergy supporting the anti-pope. Archbishop Lanfranc of Canterbury deems that it is unacceptable for any Catholic to support the anti-pope. Many priests who have supported the anti-pope are sacked, including several bishops. However, with the support of the archbishop of York, this move goes by fairly smoothly. King Harold II asserts long-standing Anglo-Saxon traditions by affirming and, in some cases, all but nominating some new candidates. In the meantime, roads between the north and south of England continue to be updated. This includes a series of fortifications along Fosse Way and Ermine Street - both old Roman Roads - though these roads are updated. The shift in importance between Winchester and London continues, with Harold II spending a considerable amount of his reign in London. This means business - such as it is in the late 11th century - begins to shift towards the ancient capital of Britannia. The city begins undergoing a drastic change around this time, as a sprawl begins to expand into the countryside. Something resembling guilds begins to appear in various English cities, though London is seen as the birthplace of guild activity in England.
• The Isles: Seeing the relative sleepiness of his neighbors, Godred Crovan seeks to expand his influence in Ireland this year by securing the allegiance of the Norse ports. To Wexford and Cork, he offers alliances (Mod & Player Response). No agreement can be reached with Waterford, however, which fell into Irish hands some years ago. So Godred attacks Waterford with 1,000 men, to reestablish a Norse-Gaelic kingdom there (Algo). Meanwhile in the home country, Bishop Hamond of Mann declares his support for Pope Gregory VII. An alliance is also requested with Deheubarth by way of marriage to Godred Crovan's daughter. (Mod Response)
  • Wexford and Deheubarth both respectively accept.
  • Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh Dip: Petty King Ìomhar Mac Oitir of Corcaigh [Cork] gladly accepts the alliance to the Kingdom of the Isles, in light of their shared goals and common enemies, bolstering King Godred Crovan's invasion force with 200 men that he personally leads, sailing from Corcaigh [Cork] to the encampment of King Godred Crovan's force to meet up with them and combined their forces, granting King Godred Crovan of the Isles the overall command, which is only right given the apparent numerical superiority of the force he is contributing to this war (Algo). Petty King Ìomhar Mac Oitir of Corcaigh [Cork] motive is clear, to exact vengeance upon the murder of his kinsmen, from the foreign tyrant who brutally enforces his rule upon his kindred, the Irish usurper of Waterford, Ragnall Mac Gilla Muire himself. [Secret] In addition, Petty King Ìomhar Mac Oitir of Corcaigh [Cork] believes that the key to ending this war fast and desicively lies in our ability to utilize an espionage network capable of not only encouraging defections from the Norse majority residents of Waterford, but also induce them into direct action, to take up arms to assert their freedom from their ruthless tyrant, installed by the machinations of foreigners, the Uí Briain and the Uí Cheinnselaig respectively, to be able to stand free and decide their own destiny. These men shall be not left entirely on their own devices, as the planned rising inside Waterford's walls is going to coincide the combined grand assault of the allied host against the vile usurper's regime, this flanking manoeuvre is sure to break his forces and deliver us this much needed victory. Furthermore, they shall be richly rewarded with wealth as well as positions of stature in the new regime, that shall undoutably prevail regardless, but this plan of action shall enable the biggest possible conservation of our forces, which would be undoubatbly much needed in what is to come in the aftermath, defending this newly regain territory from any attacks. As Petty King Ìomhar Mac Oitir of Corcaigh [Cork] resources are pretty limited, we would welcome the direly needed support for this sound plan from King Godred Crovan of the Isles, that is surely going to spare us a lot of time and effort that can better be devoted towards the defense of the city, Waterford, in the aftermath of our victory. (Player Response & Subsequently Mod Response) [Secret End]
  • [Secret] Godred Crovan is impressed by Iomhar's well-thought-out plan, and will put forward all available resources to implement it. [End Secret]
• Hungary: We raise 15.000 to go and support our men and try to retake Wallachia. (Secret) The King sends an assassin to try and kill Sokal and bring destabilization to Cumania (Secret Over)
  • The assassination is not successful, he managed to escape but they could tell it was from Hungary (21/100)

• Taifa of Toledo: from the death of his father returns the Prince of Toledo from Morocco. Al-Ma'mun is ceremonial put to rest in the city from which he ruled. He leaves behind a son and his fortune from his legacy. Emir Omar "Mahra" al-Rasheed now at the head of his Dynasty would want to carry on what his father had left behind. The war of the taifas had left Toledo in a better footing than where it had been in years past and yet, the Catholic Kings remained waiting. Watching for an opportunity to rain hell on them. On a summer evening a sole messenger on horseback would send a letter to the King. Records would later show in a journal the Omar had that he was nothing but calm writing: "ملك قشتالة قد بصق في وجهنا لكننا لا نغضب. الله في صفنا وجهلهم سيكون علامة على سقوطهم. الليلة نستريح ، وغدا نرسم السيوف". A version later translated in English would read "The king of Castile spat in our face, but we are not angry. Allah is on our side and their ignorance will be a sign of their downfall. Tonight we rest, and tomorrow we draw swords". The next morning, an envoy is dispatched to the Almoravid Caliphate. With King Alfonso wanting to make Toledo the first domino to fall in his conquest to be the Emperor of All Spain, Omar would immediately request support (Mod Response Needed). As his father gave his allegiance to the Caliph, so would he as he prayed before setting out for battle. At Talavera de La Reina, Omar would command The Riahs filling in the place that his father had left behind. El-Huadiz would command the Mozarab Bowmen and El-Rudrighiz would command the Mozarab Pike and Sword Unit. The men would total to roughly 9,500. At the city defenses, catapults would be set aside by the garrison already placed. They would be manned with the task of assaulting the enemy's camp to damage supply. With the Tagus River there, Omar would formulate a cunning strategy to impose a flanking maneuver on the enemy. While assaulting the city, some of the Mozarab Alramahs from the Sword and Pike Units supported by the Riahs would engage with the men at the gates. From the east side, Omar al-Rasheed commanding the remaining Riahs would flank the men pushing them around the perimeter of the defenses. As this goes on, the push would leave them pushed into the river. From La Isla Grande, Archers commanded by el-Huadiz of the Alramah Bowmen unit would rain hell picking off one enemy after another as their bodies would drop into the Tagus (Algo Request).
  • The Almoravid sultan is captivated by Prince Omar, but if support is to be given, he asks that Omar pay tribute to his throne. Still, he sends 500 of his "most elite" as a friendly gesture.
  • Toledo's Response: Omar, the Emir of Toledo would humbly respond in a letter giving his thanks to the Sultan and agreeing to the tribute. The envoy sent to give the letter would also gift the sultan a special blade forged from Toledo's finest blacksmiths out of Toledo Steel. The 500 men received would be greatly appreciated as proof of good will.

1084

Happy 2021, guys

Alania's expansion to the north and east brings them into conflict with the Khazars, a remnant of the fallen empire of Khazaria.

The Carthusian Order is founded by Bruno of Cologne.

The Seljuks conquer Antioch from Duke Philaretos.

Chinese chancellor and historian, completes with a group of scholars the Zizhi Tongjian, an chronicle of the universal history of China.

King Kyansittha begins his reign as ruler of the Pagan Kingdom in Burma. He is historically believed to be one of the greatest Burmese monarchs.

Orchestrated by Bishop Wulfstan, construction starts on Worcester Cathedral.

The Saxons and Bavarians occupy southern Bohemia. Seeing this, Austria formally defects to the Gregorian side. In response, Henry IV moves to invade Bavaria & Austria and relieve Bohemia. He also calls upon his Italian supporters to come to his aid. Surprisingly, a large number answer the call, and do battle with Matilda of Tuscany; however, they face difficulties overcoming the 3,000 Franks in her guard.

Robert Guiscard recovers from his defeat at Larissa with a renewed offensive in Greece, outmaneuvering the Romans to capture more of Macedonia and Thessaly. Emperor Alexios is just as fleet-footed on the diplomatic field, however: He successfuly encourages Count Henry of Monte Sant'Angelo to revolt in Foggia, while enlisting Pecheneg mercenaries to raid the Norman camps

In retaliation for the attempt on his life, Sokal of Cumania launches a raid into Hungary over the Carpathian Mountains, while the Uzes (western Oghuz) and Pechenegs take the brunt of the Hungarian assault into Wallachia.

• The Isles: King Godred continues his campaign in Waterford with the help of King Iomhar of Corcaigh. After the events of last year, the city-state is in chaos, as the Norsemen rise up while the local ruler hides in his castle. The capture of the peripheral hillforts would put Godred in an advantageous position to press the siege on the city proper, with the aim of storming the walls, assisting the rebels, taking hostages, and ultimately deposing the king. Wexford, a new ally, is asked to contribute soldiers to this effort [Algo & Mod Response].
  • Wexford helps
• Kievan Rus: The Rus and Poles join up with the Saxon following the fall of Bohemia. Prince Monomakh pleased with the success of Oleg and his Steppe horsemen begins looking to expand the role of the Horse archers within army and continues to observe how these men interact and cooperate with his own Retainers. In private discussions with Oleg, Monomakh promises the Christian Khan more grazing lands for his people and expresses his desire to expand the employment of Steppe warriors under the Banner of Kiev providing them with protection from their rivals, Oleg makes note that it would help Monomakh's cause to deepen his understanding of the customs and needs of the pastoral nomads he seeks to employ. With this thought in mind Monomakh sends messengers to his father suggesting that the crown should work towards building trust, and coexistence along the frontiers of the Rus, where possible, and to strengthen the cultural and economic ties between Kiev these lands. To this end Vsevolod I, with the help of his wife Anna, and his daughter-in-law Katerina begins seeking out Rus merchants, scholars and Priests who can speak Cuman and other Turkic languages and commissions for them to begin compiling their accounts of interactions with the Turkic peoples and their languages and customs. Envoys are sent from Kiev to Sokal and the other Cuman chiefs requesting permission to build a new town to act as a central trading hub and major Rus settlement in the region suggesting that he would likely seek to restore the old greek settlement of Tanais (Mod Response required). In Lithuania the missionaries of the Eastern Rite lead by father Nikita employ several recent converts to assist in the construction of a church in Vilnius to this end Nikita requests permission to do so from Chief Aras (Lithuanian response). Trade in the Baltic Region and in the Black sea continues grow as Rus merchants as the demand for goods like Salt, and Fur pelts steadily rises. Having secured the rights to rebuild the city of Tanais a group of merchants, Boyars, and recent Varangian arrivals begin restoring the old Greek settlement. Vsevolod arranges for several priests to go as well to found a church there to keep watch over the souls of his kinsmen, and to spread the word of god to traders from the region and beyond who visit the town and other rus settlements in the region. In response to Henry's invasion of Bavaria and Austria Prince Monomakh and Oleg suggest that the Combined Saxon, Polish, and Russian army numbering some 19,000 strong carry out a daring maneuver to cut off Henry's men using the combined strength of the cavalry to fully encircle Henry and potentially bring about a decisive end to the war (Response needed from Saxon Player.) To this end should Rudolf and the Saxons agree to his plan Monomkah orders his veteran Druzhina and Chorni Klobuky (Black Hats) as his steppe horsemen have come to be known as by him and his men. to lead the leads the vanguard that will encircle and assault the flanks and rear of Henry IV's army while the Saxon-Polish Infantry will move to assist the beleaguered Bavarian-Austrian forces that are besieged by Henry the false King (Algo needed if plan is agreed upon by the Saxon player.)
  • The Kipchaks permit the Rus merchants to settle in the place known to them as Azaq.
  • Lithuania Dip: Aras accepts the priest's request.
  • Saxon Dip: Rudolf agrees.
• Kingdom of Sweden:King Gustavus Adolphus decides to visit all of his vassal states while also meeting with the local populace.The queen gives birth to a daugther who they name Adda,This daugther is sadly born with only one eye and therefore nicknamed "Adda the one eyed"The king continues to fund and upgrade the navy and the army while also building schools and roads over the kingdom.
• Alania: Thanks to the Khazars our expeditions are brought to a halt. The military sends out 6k troops to wipe out the remains of the Khazaria empire. We also buy 1.5k mercinaries off of Rus and use the help we can get from Gorgia to help us out. (Algo needed) General Simon leads the army into the unexplored territory to defeat the enemy. Contruction of new roads starts this year so we can connect our trade routs to the Rus and the silk roads. A group of ambassadors to the Rus so we can become allies with them and set up trade routs so we can become trading partners. (Rus response) We also send some goods to the Rus as a token of our kindness to them. Our economy increases a few percentages with trade from our allies in Goergia and the silk roads. In our capital city the continuation of buildings being built. The population increases with people having more children. More jobs are created making unemployment drop a few percentages. Jobs within the construction, farming, military and exploration sectors being in higher demand then others.
  • Kievan Dip: Vsevolod welcomes the Alanian envoys and agrees to expand trade and diplomatic relations with the Alan. Vsevolod further agrees to provide 1,500 Rus mercenaries to assist the Alan in their campaign against the remnants of the Khazar a old enemy of the Rus.
• Papal States: Many historians consider that Pope Gregory ultimately found himself entangled in a situation that he never truly intended. He knew from the start that the Dicatate Papum would be controversial, but ultimately through divine revelation he knew it was the best course of action for the church. For the most part, Gregory had succeeded in establishing that Papal supremacy in many parts of Europe during his lifetime. In Hungary, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, and Spain to one degree or another have already organized the local synods that are directly under the Pope's control, fully centralizing Catholocism back to Rome. Overall however, the pivotal question of the Emperor still marks the turning point between Papal or Secular investiture. With Henry and the Salian dynasty firmly at odds against the Papacy, Gregory had thrown his full support for Rudolf of Swabia and the Saxon Nobles to lead the empire instead. The Russian hordes that have crashed through Poland and Bohemia have now become Gregory's ultimate trump card in the investiture war, forcing Henry to become desparate with his attacks. Within the space of time during this prolonged conflict, Gregory has dedicated his time to two general tasks: first, he continued to work with monastaries and clerics across Europe to establish a strong bond with the common people, giving standardized homilies and acts of charity, as well as public displays of Saint's holy relics, for free indulgences. Bruno of Cologne and his new order of Monks is assigned to the services of Bishop Hugh of Grenoble. Secondly, Gregory works with Mathilda of Tuscany, Thibaut of France, and various Italian nobles to establish a temporary coalition of Italian military. Henry has now overplayed his hand by attacking Italy directly, which has now become a threat against Rome itself. The Archbishop of Milan coordinates the strategy to raise 2,000 troops to add to Thibaut's 3,000, which will strike against Henry's invading forces near Parma. Following victory at this battle, the forces should regroup with as much reinforcements as they can to march against Ravenna, the seat of the Anti-Pope Guilbert (algo requests). This Italian coalition, at the pleasure of Countess Mathilda, exists solely as long as Henry continues to pose a threat against Italy, so that the successor of Peter shall never leave Rome. Domestically, new Cardinals need to be appointed to replace the previous ones. Gregory appoints Bishops as Cardinals from Castile, France, Naples, and Bavaria to replace the ones that have died. In addition, the Patriarch of Kiev is named a Cardinal as well, to secur Russia's loyalty during the Investiture war. Barcelona is granted blessing from the Pope for their endenvors. Archbishop Lanfrac is praised for his handling of the clergy in England, and commemorated by the Pope in a personal letter.
• Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh: King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) continues to campaign in Waterford in support of King Godred, although this conflict involves some personal aspects, his effort to avenge the slaughter of his kin against the Irish usurper of Waterford. King Iomhar's efforts to stir an uprising against the rather unpopular tyrant of Waterford seem to have yielded great results, as the Norsemen rise up while the usurper remains hiden inside the citadel of Waterford, throwing the city-state in chaos. The successful capture of the surrounding hillforts places the allied host in an prime position to press the siege on the city proper, coordinating the upcoming assault of the walls to assist the rebels inside the walls in the process, all this effort and blood spilled so that the usurper can be deposed. [Algo needed] King Iomhar reserves the honor to kill him for himself, avenging his fallen father and kin in the process. The works to bolster the defenses of Corcaigh [Cork] are finally concluded, with a sturdy stone wall of Norman architecture, with broad ramparts as well as several solid bastions replacing the aging wooden walls of the city. An alliance is extended to the city of Wexford, to be sealed by marriage of King Iomhar's sister to a suitable match. [Mod Response]
  • They agree to this
• Denmark: With the death of Harald Hen on the battlefield near Roskilde, people think Denmark will be at peace. However the anger of the lords did not die with Harald, some still plot to overthrow Canute and install a new king, not elected from Sweyn II's lineage. Many plans are derailed when Canute dies in a celebratory boar hunt, leaving his wife and infant daughter. The lords go to Isøre Ting to elect a new king. Some of Canute's allies support Svend Thrugotsen, but Canute's remaining brothers also stand for the election. The Anti-Canute/Pro-Harald lords support Skjalm Hvide, who fought with Harald Hen but was spared by Canute after being defeated. Skjalm is acclaimed at the Ting but one quarter of the lords leave before the process is finished and refuse to recognise him as king, even though the process is elective it was expected someone of Sweyn Estridsen's blood would become king. The departure of the lords also makes Skjalm's kingship look illegitimate as it looks like not everyone is in final agreement. King Skjalm invites the lords to come to Jørlunde, the new seat of power in Denmark, and tells them that a Denmark stretching from the eastern shores of the Baltic to even perhaps England, a kingdom where they may have even greater land and glory, is possible only if they pledge themselves to him, rather than stire up strife. It is time for Denmark to look outward and fight.
• Francia: Bertrade de Montfort is welcomed at the royal court by King Philip I and Queen Bertha of Holland and soon she starts to work as one of the ladies-in-waiting of the Queen. However, this only an excuse for Bertrade to stay close with the King, her love. As soon as she arrived in the court, Philip I and her started to meet secretly. For now the affair isn't know by the members of the court, but Queen Bertha can sense that something is wrong, because her husband is being cold and ignoring her. The monastic school is finally established at the Abbey of Sens by Abbot Raymond of Bourges. With the Abbey of Sens already well established and the Scriptorium organized, with the first manuscripts being copied and iluminated by the monastic scribes, Raymond of Bourges returns to the royal court as the King's confessor. Abbot Raymond and Bishop Godfrey (Geoffroy) of Paris continue spreading the Gregorian Reformations in French territories with support of King Philip I. Upon his return to Paris, Raymond of Bourges starts to preach against Henry IV, who he compares with the Antichrist. The abbot says that Henry, the Antichrist, is trying to put his false prophet Wibert of Ravenna, the so called Clement III, in the Throne of Saint Peter as an attempt to corrupt the Holy Church. The construction of the walls around the city of Paris continues, with the fortifications being first built in the Right Bank of the River Seine. Gilbert de Loiselève, a monk from the Abbey of Sens and disciple of Raymond, becomes tutor of Prince Henry, the royal heir. Menwhile, Thibaut, Seigneur de Montmorency, continue to cooperate with Pope Gregory VII and Matilda of Tuscany in the defense of the Italian Peninsula. Under his comand the soldiers make preparations for the battle that will happen against Henry's forces near Parma. With these developments in Italian lands and the influence of Raymond of Bourges, King Philip I agrees to send more 1,000 as reinforcements to Thibaut's troops [Reinforcements to the Gregorian supporters in the algo of the Battle of Parma].
• Kingdom of Alba: Laomann continues his search for better building techniques, eventually settling on a singular idea, realizing that meerly studying foriegn designs would not be enough to strengthen Alban defenses sufficiently against future English agression, which he fully expects, especially after seeing how heavily the English have begun fortifying the new border. Realizing he needs help, he sends a number of emmisaries throughout Europe, hoping to find and grant patronage to foriegn architects and castle builders to advise him on building a new seires of defenses throughout his nation, which he knows he needs to do in order to survive the threat to the south (Mod Response needed to see if I get any success, or a player if interested). However, he is still not yet building anything, as he is still planning things out, although he does have a number of lands along the border surveyed during this time to seek out good locations to build these forts and castles once construction does begin. With the ongoing war in Ireland with Mann and Corcaigh against Waterford, a number of An Fánaíal seek the opprotunity to serve with both sides, but favor Corcaigh and the Isles, due to both being ruled by fellow Norse Gaels similar in culture to the An Fánaíal themselves, who are made up of both Gaelic and Nordic people united by the Norse Gaelic members who form their core.They see heavy action, often put into the worst of the fighting by those they serve with, and thus form strong bonds between eachother, with many of them swearing oaths of brotherhood between eachother, which will form the basis for the latter warrior brotherhood the An Fánaíal would evolve into. However, most continue to be mostly mercenaries and traders seeking to make their fortunes for themselves and their families, and not much more than that. Some of them also begin heading more northwards, where Clan Bogh leads the way in establishing intensive trade ties in the North Sea, with Alban ships, using imported Nordic designs, going farther and farther into the sea to seek trade, especially with Iceland. In other news, with the conquest of Moray now accomplished, it is annexed into the Alban kingdom, with Laomann firmly declaring that it "will never again be a threat to the Alban people". Integration now begins, with the seized land being re distributed to soldiers who served and prominent families who participated, with several Highland clans heavily expanding their holdings into the region. However, the still heavily Gaelic nature of the region leaves them much more cultural similarity to the Albans then in Starthclyde with the Britons there, so far more of the native elite survives and begins being integrated into the Alban (more to come)
  • Some Norman architects would like to construct Gothic style Churches in Scotland
  • Some Frank architects offer their services to King Laomann. A member of this group is Évrard, one of the architects that worked in the construction of the Château du roi in Gâtinais.
  • Laomann gratefuly accepts these offers.
• House Barcelona: Queen-Consort Gerberga bears a third daughter to Rei Pere-Ramon. She is to be named Elisabet. With the failure of Castile to defeat Toledo, a measure of relief comes to the royal house. More Galeras are built in the name of Pere-Ramon. These ships are deployed to combat raiders and also ferry valuable trade goods throughout the Mediterranean. The annual Consel Comtal sees debate regarding the threat from the south as well as Castile to the west. Rei Pere-Ramon uses this pressure to further leverage his authority within the Consel, seeking to formally bind the counts into the “Kingdom of Catalonia.” This aim he keeps secret for the time being. Comte Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar of Menorca suggests that the counts and Rei Pere-Ramon launch an invasion of Mallorca and Ibiza and seize them from the remnants of the Taifa of Denia while Toledo’s attention is focused westward. Rei Pere-Ramon lends support to this endeavor and sends 3,000 men and 25 ships to support his vassal in the invasion. Taking into consideration the forces of the other counts and Comte Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar the total swells to 8,000 men and 65 ships in the campaign to take Mallorca and Ibiza. (Algorithm Please: see description below) These men are to scatter themselves across the coast of the island and execute dozens of minor raids against the small outlying manors and towns. These raids will force the enemy to spread their forces and sow confusion before the host will land in two places to force the Muslims to choose the defense of Palma or the castle at Capdepera, one of the largest castles on the island. Comte Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar personally leads the forces attacking Palma
• Mayapan: We start the construction of roads to keep connected in the south. We too, build a large amount of Fortresses in the south. Back home, in Mayapan, Huanac gets into a relationship with a Maya priestess and has a son, named Ti Xa Huanac Ca. Writing continues to spread throughout the middle class and some of the commoners. Plans are made to eventually tributize the non-Maya peoples of OTL Honduras, and several explorers are sent to map the area. This is made apparent by the resettling of Copan and the construction of a large fort near the Rio Motagua. We also start talks with the king of Xicalango for an economic alliance. (Mod Response)
  • They accept

1085

Abdullah bin Ali Al Uyuni seizes Bahrain from the Qarmatians with military support from the Seljuks, and founds the Uyunid emirate.

The eastern Oghuz, who straddle the Don and Volga rivers, ask the Rus to pay tribute to continue using the southern bend of the Don, which flows through their tribal lands.

Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin of Morocco brings an army of 7,500 to Iberia, deciding the time is right to assist Toledo against their Christian enemies.

The Hungarian counterattack in Wallachia is successful, once more establishing control over the region. The Uzes at this point are scattered across the Balkans, with many of them offering up their services as mercenaries. The displaced Pechenegs rejoin their brethren in Moesia, leading to further encroachment on the Byzantine border.

Robert Guiscard dies of a fever while on campaign. His domains are split between his heirs: Bohemond gets the Greek conquests, while Roger Borsa receives the main title in Italy.

The Investiture Controversy is on track to an early end after the death of Henry IV in battle last year. That event has also left the empire in interregnum, as there is little confidence in Henry's 11-year-old heir, Conrad. The "anti-king", Rudolf of Swabia, is now increasingly upheld as the true king, with the main sources of resistance being the peasants of Franconia and the rival duke in Swabia, Frederick Hohenstaufen.

• House Barcelona: With the capture of Capdepera most of Mallorca falls to the forces of Comte Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar. With Palma besieged by 4,000 men, the remaining 3766 are dispatched to secure the remaining holdouts on the island. As the year wears on these men return to the siege for a final push in breaking Muslim rule of the island once and for all. Siege weapons ranging from traction trebuchets and mangonels to large crossbows are employed to great effect against the garrison. (Algorithm Please) On the mainland, efforts to increase defensive readiness are ongoing. Walls are reinforced, bolts stockpiled, and the Sagramentals marshalled for a more intense training. The Sagramentals, which Rei Pere-Ramon had created several years previously, prove competent soldiers. Largely equipped as crossbowmen or light cavalry, these units tend to have high morale, discipline, and training, if less than excellent equipment. After the extended training they are once again dismissed to their homes. With some success in the war against the Taifa of Mallorca, an emissary is sent to Omar I al-Rasheed of the Taifa of Toledo, offering what Rei Pere-Ramon hopes will serve as a foundation for equitable peace. He proposes that Toledo accept that House Barcelona annex the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, but allow the Muslim population freedom to practice their religion. Additionally, he seeks to ensure an end to piracy against both Christian and Muslim vessels and perhaps to offer the service of Comte Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar as an advisor against King Alfonso in Castile & Leon. (Toleodan Response) Diplomatically, the Consel Comtal goes smoothly this year despite the conflicts. Tribute is gathered from the other counts and payments for services distributed in a process that has become increasingly formalized and uniform. These payments enable Rei Pere-Ramon greater leverage over his allies and the other counts. During the Consel he seeks to secure a royal marriage between his daughter Agnes (b. 1076) and Ermengol IV’s son Ermengol (b. 1078). In doing so Rei Pere-Ramon hopes to secure an alliance between the two houses. (Mod Response) This pact will align the two most significant Catalan states, Urgel and Barcelona, and with luck facilitate the unification of Catalonia into a formal kingdom with House Barcelona the apparent head.
  • House Barcelona Continued: The news of victory from Palma is shattered by the news of Rodrigo Diaz "El Mestre." Messengers arrive in Barcelona with news that he had been grievously wounded in battle and subsequently died. Upon hearing the news, Pere-Ramon is stricken with grief at this loss. He is known to have said "I have lost my Parmenion." In reference to Alexander the Great's right hand man. With this tragedy the campaign in the islands momentarily stalls before Francesc de Cardona is chosen to assume command of the forces.
• Papal States: Gregory VII, now old and advanced in years, sees the tasks laid before him from heaven have been going according to the will of God, but much work is still left to be done. In a consistotory of the Cardinal-Bishops, Gregory iterates his intention to further support Mathilda's coalition, to fully capture Ravenna and take the insolent priest Guilbert alive. One Cardinal, a French man named Odo of Chatillon, spoke up and said that the body of Christ is grateful for Gregory's leadership these years, but the organization in Rome has been strained as the Holy Father has done everything by his own will, and not delegated to others, as Moses had done in the Wilderness. Understanding his criticism, Gregory permitted Cardinal Odo to take up the administration of the Investiture Controversy, and establish God's will over all the earth. Cardinal Odo works with Tuscany and France to further siege Ravenna and capture Cardinal Guilbert (algo response). After this battle concludes in the Spring, Cardinal Odo feels it is necessary to force an end to the Invstiture Controversy as soon as possible, one way or another. To that end, he begins to organize a grand council of all the interested parties of the current conflict, to convene at the city of Piacenza to negotiate. Cardinal Odo reaches out to the current Duke Conrad of Franconia, asking if he would be willing to convene with the Saxons and Rus in a council to end the war, mutually condemn Simony, and restore Conrad to his father's ancestral estates (mod response). As soon Odo issued this request, he returned to Rome to discover that the great Pope Gregory has now died. Odo was stricken with grief to see the Holy Father's body, but he was puzzled by what he saw standing over it: a beautiful young woman, entirely dressed in white with auburn hair, quietly humming as if putting a child to sleep. The woman turned to Odo, with a faint smile on her face saying "God has seen how hard he had worked, and decided to give him rest", and putting a hand to his chest, she continued "now, he has given that task to you". Odo was quite shocked at this vision, but holding to the sacred vows of his office he is hesitant to accept it as truly divine. A Conclave is now held with the living Bishops to elect the new Pope (England, France, Hungary, Kiev, Saxony, and Mod response).
  • Conrad agrees, and travels to Piacenza with his mother, Bertha of Savoy. King Rudolf heads south as well, both to participate in the council and to be crowned emperor by the next pope.
  • Several cardinal-priests demand electoral rights at the conclave, citing a version of In nomine Domini produced by Deusdedit di San Pietro.
  • Patriarch Andrew of Kiev rejects the papers presented by the Cardinal-Priests believing it to be a forgery, and he also casts his vote for Gregory's successor in the Investiture controversy Cardinal Odo.
• Denmark: With the election of Skjalm Hvide as king, and the Estridsens no longer in power, the marriage alliance with Sweden is voided, former Queen Maria and Princess Sigrid are exiled back to Sweden. The lords have wanted Halland back as a Danish posession since Canute IV sold it for his marriage alliance, and this spring King Skjalm lands in southern Halland, near Tylösand, with 4,300 men, while a smaller contigent of ships attacks harbours and towns around the rest of Sweden's western coast, even sailing into Göta älv to raid and disrupt.
• Francia: The affair between King Philip I and Bertrade of Montfort continues, with Queen Bertha of Holland being oblivious to that. However, even with both the King and his mistress being careful in their encounters, Abbot Raymond of Bourges suspects that the King has an extramarital affair, but not know who the woman is. Prince Henry continues to grow under the tutelage of Gilbert de Loiselève. Seeking to solidify alliances with his allies, King Philip I starts to seek marriage for his children. The king writes to William IV, Count of Toulouse (born c. 1040), proposing the marriage of William's daughter and heir, Philippa (born c. 1073) with the royal heir, Prince Henry (b. 1079). If accepted, the marriage will happen as soon as the couple reach a marriageable age [MOD response needed, please]. News that the Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin of Morocco started a military campaign in Iberia are received with apprehension by King Philip I and his court, who fear that a possible fall of the Christian Kingdoms of Iberia can open Francia to Muslim attacks. Due to that, the King writes to Barcelona, offering help in the case of a possible Muslim invasion of their lands. Philip I also proposes the marriage of his daughter Constance (b. 1078), with King Pere-Ramon's son Ramon Berenguer (b. 1079), as soon they reach a marriageable age [Barcelona response needed, please]. Meanwhile in the Italian Peninsula, Thibault, Seigneur de Montmorency, continue to led the Frank troops against the supporters of Henry IV and antipope Clement III. Together with Papal troops and the army of Matilda of Tuscany, they were able to defeat the Italian supporters of Henry at Parma and of the antipope in Ravenna. News of Henry's death are received with great celebration by Thibault and his troops, but the death of Pope Gregory VII saddens them. In Francia, a mass is celebrated in Paris by Bishop Geoffroy de Boulogne in memory of the deceased pontiff. Inspired by Gregory's death, Abbot Raymond of Bourges starts to write a book about the life of the deceased pontiff.
  • The marriage is accepted
• Alania: In the new parts of our nation we start to build forts to protect our lands. By thhe forts small villiges pop up with people moving from the capital of Maghas to the smaller villages. Our skilled workers continue to build more roads to connect us to other nations and trade routs. Within our capital we still are expanding the city by continue to build infrastructure that expands the metro city. Many of our merchants trade goods that are obtained from the middle east and trade them to the Rus for their items of trade. Nomadic pastoral grazers, graze the new territory we own with their domesticated animals to explore the new lands that were won in war. The king's son David starts to take an interest in hunting/fighting. Along the coast of the Caspian sea we set up port towns. Our skilled labourers start making ships. A few ships sail to the other side of the Caspian sea to expand our nation.
• Kievan Rus: With the death of Henry IV and most of the Germans swearing allegiance to Rudolf, Prince Monomakh xdecides to head south to Italy to support the efforts of Matilda and the Papacy against the anti-pope in Ravenna bringing about 1,000 men to for this en devour while the rest of his men under Oleg head back to Kiev and their homes. Oleg takes a detour through the lands of Hungary under the Rus banner seeking safe passage through their domains (Hungaria Response). On his way he makes an effort to recruit many of the Uze and Pechenegs that have now Dispersed from the great Cuman horde that fought against the Hungarians in Wallachia. He offers them good pay and treatment for service under him and Monomakh whose growing reputation he hopes to use to attract these warriors (Mod Response needed). In Kiev Vsevolod I following consultations with the Boyars, Veche, and upon the advice of his beloved wife Anna agrees to pay tribute to the Eastern Oghuz for the continued use and settlement of the Rus along the Don, However in exchange for this Vsevolod requests that a formal arrangement be made for the Oghuz to protect Rus traders and settlements and to open up trade between the Oghuz and the Rus in an arrangement similar to that that Kiev has with the Cumans (Mod Response). Upon crossing the Alps Monomakh hears of the end of the siege of Ravenna and the death of the Pope. He disperses most of his army keeping only 100 of his personal guard made up of a mix of Rus, Varangians, and Chorni Klobuky (Black Hats). He makes his way through Italy on his way to Rome to pay homage to the deceased pope Gregory VII and to witness the lection of the new pope. While in Rome he takes the time to learn more about Italy, Latin, and of the greater christian world (Papal Response). Upon Oleg's return to Kiev now accompanied by 8,000 turkic followers Vsevolod I and his wife Anna to ensure the loyalty of the chrsitian khan grants him more lands along the southwestern frontier of Kiev. He is also bestowed the hand of Vsevolod's daughter Ianka from his first marriage providing a familial tie to Kiev.
  • Oleg hires 3,000 Uzes and 3,000 Pechenegs.
  • The Oghuz accept what they see as simply more tribute. Doru Khan personally guarantees the security of Rus merchants on the Don, so long as the flow of income remains steady.
• The Isles: After the conquest of Waterford, the kingdom is at peace once more, with Norse hegemony reestablished in the Irish Sea. Waterford is set up as an autonomous kingdom, under the protection of both Mann and Corcaigh.
• Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh: After the successful assault of the city of Waterford, with his forces utterly crushed, the Irish usurper of Waterford is no more, executed by King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) for the unprovoked murder of his father and kin, avenging them with that action. As Norse hegemony has been reestablished in the Irish Sea, peace sets in, Waterford lays liberated from the machinations of the Uí Briain and the Uí Cheinnselaig and their puppet rulers, a Norseman now rules over it as an autonomous kingdom, under the protection of both Mann and Corcaigh. An alliance is extended to the newly liberated city of Waterford, to be sealed by marriage of King Iomhar's other sister to a suitable match. [Mod Response]

Footnotes

Archives List
11th Century	12th Century	13th Century
1066-1069 1070-1079 1080-1089 1090-1099	1100-1109 1110-1119 1120-1129 1130-1149
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