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

1090

After the last attempt by the Hvidian Dynasty to reclaim control of Denmark, their control of Zeeland has emploded. Their desparate methods squeezing larger levies out of the Danish vassals have finally caught up to them, which has left the region economically desolated. Aude is captured by King Sweyn III and is imprisoned. Sweyn now has the full support of most of the Danish nobles, while the English forces have occupied most of Scania and a beachhead near Rosklide.

Pere-Ramon of Barcelona is selected as King Ramon I of Spain. This election is contested by Alfonso VI of Castile, who voices that Pere-Ramon stole what he deserved. For most of the nobles in Spain, this election comes secondary to the ongoing conflict amidst the invasion of the Almoravids

Béjaïa (or Bugia) becomes the capital of the Hammadid Dynasty in modern Algeria.

King Laomann of Scotland dies, which throws the kingdom into a political crisis. As soon as his son Kenneth is crowned as King Kenneth IV, a large-scale revolt erupts from the Scottish clan leaders across the nation. They demand an end to the Norse domination of Scotland, and to restore their confiscated lands from Argyll and Bute. An clan-allied army closes in to besiege the castle where the two surviving members of the House of Dunkeld are kept. King Kenneth and the Norse Gaels reaches out for help from his historical allies, namely the Kingdom of Isles, Cork, and Norway. Meanwhile, the Scottish clans reaches out to England and Limerick for support.

Vladimir II Monomakh hears a rustling outside his tent and sees a cloaked figure, the glint of his dagger visible in the moonlight. The prince draws his sword and roars at the intruder, who runs away into the darkness.

The Kipchak horde turns south and invades Alania in retaliation for last year's raid.

Abu-Mohammad Jafari , A Kutama Berber who once served in the army of the Fatimid Caliphate convinces several of his kinsmen to try and kick out the Turks they carry otu a series of raids against the Seljuks in cairo.

Hassan-i Sabbah captures Alamut Castle in the mountains of Persia, and founds a Nizari state there for his disciples, the Asāsiyyūn.

Qin Guan, Chinese poet of the Song Dynasty, writes the Can Shu (Book of Sericulture), which describes a silk-reeling machine that has the world's oldest known mechanical belt drive.

Troubadours begin playing in western Aquitaine (Poitou and Saintonge) and Gascony

• Britanny: In the second year of an independent Britanny, Alan IV marries a rich noblewoman known as Constance. Parades across the nation celebrate the occasion. The Council of the Estates hope that the couple live happily. Alan IV orders the construction of the College of Vannes, an educational institution for young men of Brittany, as a monument to this wonderful year. Now, with the ships nearly done, trade is opened up. Britanny offers any nation in Western Europe or the Mediterranean trade with Britanny (Player/Mod Response). The Council of the Estates commissions a military theorist, a little-known Breton soldier and philosopher known as Benedict. He will teach officers and soldiers alike in combat and tactics. He shall also lead an expedition to various countries, noting down their strategy. Alan IV also commissions a chronicler to note the important events in each year. This chronicler is one of the nobles, a man named Phillip. Furthermore, the Duke of Britanny would like to donate to the Papal States, showing his loyalty to the Pope and his Church. The Council of the Estates also decides to change the title of Alan IV, since his nation no longer swears fealty to France. It is decided to grant the title King of Britanny to Alan IV and all further heirs to the throne. The Duchy of Britanny shall henceforth be known as the Kingdom of Britanny. Alan IV sends a delegation to the Pope, asking for permission to grant the title of King of Britanny (Papal response) More to be added...
  • The title of king can only be granted by the Pope.
  • If you really want to declare yourself the king without Papal consent, let me know. This cross out is more for your own protection because you may not like the consequence of the result
  • Pope Urban II says he does not grant Brittany the title of King

• Kingdom of Sweden:Following the battle of Zealand,the king orders most of the royal army to join up with the english forces to attack Roskilde.Meanwhile preparations for the integration of Blekinge into sweden Proper as the king appoint his brother Carl Gustavus to be the local governor until the war is over. Cal Gustavus takes the first steps of issuing amnesty for all people who fear swealty to the new king. Meanwhile local pro danish rebels are sucesfully subded with the occupation of kalrshamn. The king accepts the alliance with Norway and prposes a state visit to the capital of Norway(Norway response needed). Meanwhile the king visits the frontlines before holding a speech to the army,in which he praises the royal armys ability to fight. In other news,the king says he is searhing for a wife oh crown prince Gustavus Adolpus(any interest nation response)King Gustavus II proposes a peace treaty to Denmark and england which states the following:Denmark is to cede Halland and Blekinge to sweden and ceding Jutland to the english. Denmark will be able to remain an independent kingdom located in Zealand and Scania.(MOD RESPONSE AND ENGLISH RESPONSE NEEDED) Following the deal reached with England,Sweden formally annexes Blekinge to the kingdom but renames it to Gustavia in honour of the king,In Gustavias capital Gustavskrona,the king orders the greatest and biggest fort ever built,it will be called.
  • Norway dip: Norway is honured to have the king of Sweden visit.
  • Sweyn III of Denmark accepts the deal, and asks for Swedish support as he anticipates England to invade
• Papal States: From the preliminary groundwork laid out last year, Pope Urban has a full itinerary planned for his activities in 1090. First, throughout Spring he continues to improve the quality of the Jewish ghettos of Rome, and encourages the rest of Italy and Germany to follow this same model of Semetic tolerance. He also continues to support the writings of Leo Christiano and Nathan Jehiel, which places the Jewish ghetto as its own special place within the community of Christendom. Urban also continues to sponsor Romanesque art to proliferate around Italy for the most modern Churches, such as the Church of Saint Germanias in Modena, and the recent development in Apulia. In Summer, the Pope leaves Italy to travel to Spain, where he will personally crown Pere-Ramon of Barcelona as Holy Emperor of Iberia. The Pope travels by sea from Latium across the Tyrrenian Sea to Barcelona, by way of Caligari, and he reaches out to the Norman navy of Apulia to escort him on his safe journey (Apulia response). This gesture by the Pope in Spain is somewhat criticized by many of the Cardinals, who point out it is rather premature to be claiming Spain for Christendom with the ongoing war against the invading Moors. Urban essentially ignores this critique, however, and insists that it is better to settle the politics of Europe before they fall under actual power than afterward, which becomes a facet of Urban's policies from then on. The Pope stays in Spain at Emperor Ramon's pleasure for a few months, and leaves by land to France in Autumn. In November of 1090, Pope Urban II assembles 400 bishops across France and Italy to be presented at the Council of Clermont. The main focus of the Council is to enforce the previous policies that Popes Gregory VII and Urban II had been building up to this point: the explusion of Simony and Sodomy from all clerics, the supremacy of the Church in Rome, and the eternal peace between European monarchs under the Pax Dei. However, Urban also utilized the council for making a formal response to the embassy of Emperor Alexios, who had appealed for western support against the Turks during the Council of Piacenza. In a grand speach on November 19, Pope Urban II formally declares that the princes of Europe should put asside their internal feuds and join forces in a Crusade to reclaim the Holy Land. Should this declaration be supported, the Holy Father will then organize the Crusade in a larger Council next year. Upon hearing this message, all the Bishops present at the council were moved by the Holy Spirit to be chanting "God wills it! God wills it!" But Urban also caught a glimpse of a beautiful woman in the far end of the room, who nodded her head in approval.
  • Duke Roger I Borsa is happy and honored to help Pope Urban II reach the Iberian Peninsula. The Duke offers a galley with an escort of 5 of his new war galleys to make the transport of the pontiff.
  • Emperor Pere-Ramon sends an escort to meet the Papal convoy. In private talks with the pope he offers to help supply a naval force to transport the crusaders.
• Duchy of Apulia and Calabria: Early this year Duke Roger I Borsa marry with Adela of Flanders. Soon Adela gives birth to a son who is named as Charles. With the 30 new galleys already built, Duke Roger orders the construction of more 10 galleys. The construction of the Abbey of Bova continues, under the supervision of Duke Roger and Bruno of Cologne. The Duke plans to make the abbey greater than the Abbey of Cluny in Francia. The abbey will also have a scriptorium and a ecclesiastical school. While in the Duchy, Bruno of Cologne introduce the Carthusian Order, preparing the first monks that will occupy the Abbey of Bova. After hearing about the Council of Clermont, Duke Roger I sends his brother Robert (Scalio) of Hauteville and the monk Serviliano of Reggio as his representatives.
• House Barcelona: Habemus Imperator, the crowning of Emperor Pere-Ramon I, Emperor of Iberia, King of Catalonia and Zaragoza, takes place in the Cathedral of Barcelona. In attendance are lords from across Iberia, Provence, and southern France. To celebrate his coronation he has a crown commissioned to serve as the Crown of the Holy Iberian Empire. With the now uncertain peace taking hold over the land, the result of the massive naval build-up is recorded. The Royal Fleet of Pere-Ramon stands at some 70 Galeras Normandals. With a healthy navy and wanting to support the Crusader effort. Pere-Ramon approaches Roger I and Pope Urban II with a plan by which the Catalan and Apulian Navies may provide sanctioned transport to British, French, Iberian, and Italian crusaders at predetermined rates. (Apulian and Papal Response)
  • Duke Roger I of Apulia and Calabria agrees with Emperor Pere-Ramon. He proposes that the Catalan fleet be used to move the crusaders to Apulia and from there the Norman ships will transport them to the East.
• KIevan Rus: Hearing word of Pope Urban's speech and the council of Clermont Grand Prince Vladimir II Monomakh declares he will attend the council personally and will commit Kiev and the Rus to the cause. To fullfill his promise of payment to his Cuman allies, and to help shore up the coffers of Kiev with the recent military activities Monomakh decides toonce more attempt to lay waste to their Kipchak rivals on the Steppes. Deciding to to focus on the affairs of the State he once more places the overall command of the expedition to Prince Oleg. At the Head of 28,000 Rus (Kiev and Rostov), Chorni Klobuky, and Cuman mercenaries eager for plunder launch a massive series of raids into the lands of the Kipchaks from the Don River. Oleg and his men lay waste to all that they cant grab off the ground torching entire fields and villages. Prince Oleg, in agreement with the Cuman Khanagree to share the plunder equally, and men from both camps are put in charge of retaking. (Algo Response). Monomakh now after years of campaigning with little break, decides after another pilgrimage to the Kievan Cave Monastery takes to his duties as ruler of Kiev. He continues the various reforms and infrastructure projects started by him and his father before his departure to partake in the Investiture war, expanding roads across his domains and building new outposts, and forts along the frontier and major rivers to improve and protect the trade of Rus merchants and Rus settlements. He also allocates more funds to the church particularly for the purpose of building new churches, and monasteries, as well beginning the construction of a new University in Kiev under the supervision of the Patriarch of Kiev for the purpose of educating new priests and scholars. He also commissions the construction of new walls for Kiev contracting the now well established Teutonic Masons of Tver. Hoping to bring more Germans, Monomakh continues to welcome German artisans and masons to settle offer them good payment for their services, and land to settle down in the Kievan Crown lands (Mod Response). He also begins the project of expanding,reform, and standardize the Ruskaya Pravada (Rus Law) using some of the insight he gained into Latin and German law while in the west. In an assembly of the Kievan Veche he lays out his plans to implement new artisan, and merchant guilds and to strengthen the rights of the cities to ensure their continued prosperty and development. The port cities of Oleshye, Tanais, and Timurtarakan continue to grow as trade from the Black Sea going north, and Rus pelts going south along drive more and more people to these cities. As some of the long ships are finished more are comissioned bringing the title fleet of the Rus to some 35 ships with more on the way to protect rus interests in the region, in particular to protect tighten Rus control over the Salt trade in the region from potential piracy. Searching for a future bride for his first born son Rogvolod now a 10 begins he sends out envoys to the lands of the Germans, to Scandinavia, and to Constantinople in search of a bride for his son, in partiuclar he proposes an engagement between his son and (Mod and Player responses needed). The young Rogvolod continues his martial training as well as his formal education, meanwhile his younger brother Mstislav proves uninterested in his martial education taking to books and prayer. Sensing no point in continuing to push his younger son into a military position instead places him under the care of the monks of Kievan Monastery to continue his education. 1,000 more Rus are sent to serve Emperor Alexios in his Varangian guard. News of the great victories of Oleg, and his death during the push to the Volga reaches Kiev, Monomakh declares his nephew Vasily (1087) the son of Oleg the new khan of the Chorni Klobuky. He also proclaims Oleg a martyr of the Rus having fought valiantly for them and for god, this sentiment is echoed by the Patriarch of Kiev, with the deceased warrior being given the greatest honours. He brings the young Khan to Kiev to be raised with the rest of the family while many of the strongest men from within the Chorni Klobuky are rewarded withlands and titles of their own for the service to the Rus becoming members of the Boyar. The Plunder of the great raid is to be divided amongst the allies and men of Kiev, while lands in the Don-Volga Basin are now opened to the collective usage and settlement of the allies.
  • The Teutonic Masons grows as more Germans settle in Tver
  • Anna Komene, daughter of Emperor Alexios, is nine years old
  • Grand Prince Vladimir II Monomakh agrees to the betrothal between Rogvolod of Kiev (1080) and Anna Komene, and reaffirms the alliance between Kiev and Constantinople.
  • Saxon diplomacy: Magnus (Billung), Duke of Saxony, offers the hand in marriage of his youngest daughter, Sophia Magnesia (Billung) of Saxony, currently 11 years old, perhaps for Monomakh's younger son.
  • Monomakh agrees to the Saxon proposal Betrothing his younger son Mstislav (6) of Kiev to Sophia Magnesia of Saxony
• Alania: In the new parts of our nation we continue to build forts to protect our lands. By the forts small villages increase in population 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 gained from expansion. Lots of outposts start to continuing construction along our boarders. With our raids last year unsuccessful except for bringing back some loot, we head home to find that the Kipchak horde invading our lands after just losing to the Klevan Rus. What we do is, we set up our army in a defense line so they cant get any further then where they invaded. (Algo needed) We ask the Klevan Rus for help so we can get the Kipchak horde out of our nation. (Klevan Rus response) General Simon Kashibadze moves quickly to assemble the line of defense. He commands the army from the top of an outpost. Pointing out into the battlefield Simon yells out "hold the ground". After holding the ground our military torches the land in front of them so the enemy cant get close enough to attack us. Then they withdraw withdrawing to the mountains and hills and fighting a guerilla war against the kipchaks. After we burn our fields and the grazing lands and poison the watering holes to cause attrition and make them withdraw. The cavarly screen their cavarly while most people withdraw to the mountains and hills. We let our own lands burn so the enemy cant get any further so we can keep our lands to ourselves. Looking at is son he tells him to hold view of the invading army by telling him to use the Astrolabe and calculate how far away they are from them.
  • Pope Urban II sends an embassy to Alania headed by Peter of Ancona, to ask the King of Alania to join forces with the Byzantines and western Christians in a Crusade
  • Alania Dip: We except the offer and send some troops to the south Caucasus with the Klevan Rus marching with our armies
  • Vladimir II Monomakh realizing that an alliance with the Alans against the Kipchak promises to support them sending redirecting the Great Kievan Raidin party against the Kipchaks once more. Alans can hold out for a season, and allow Monomakh to prepare for a prolonged campaign which would secure his eastern Front. He however sends envoys to the Oghuz imploring them to aid the Alans, as they two are at war with the Kipchaks, and the Kiev will commit to aiding in this endevour as is in the common interest to drive back the kipchaks (Mod Response)
    • Oghuz will join in the conflict
    • As a follow up to the successful raids against the Kipchaks. Oleg Once more decides to drive the Savage Kipchaks East of the Volga once more and lay claim to the rich grasslands of the the Don-Volga Basin for the Cumans, Oghuz, and Rus, Mustering the coalition of Cuman, Rus, Oghuz, and Alan's Oleg after allocating men to protect the plunder, while he and his men. With 25,000 Rus,Cumans, bolstered by 10,000 Alans (Alan player agreed),and 20,000 Oghuz under the overall command of Prince Oleg now make haste leaving a small force to protect the plunder of the Great Raid. The Rus Druzhina form the center who in a tightly packed wedge formation will move to run down the Kipchaks while their Steppe allies who assault the Kipchaks in rotatation never letting up taking advantage of the slight numerical superiority to out shoot the enemy kipchaks on either flank. Oleg keeps his Chorni Klobuky as a rear reserve in a slanted formation to prevent a potential feigned envelopment by the kipchaks if presented with an opportunity to carry out an encirclement of their own to shatter the enemy forces (Algo Needed).
• Norway: We continue our modernization of our cities. As the King of Sweden is visiting, it is pivotal to keep him safe with guards in order for Norway-Sweden relations to not sour.(Secret:) Olaf wishes to discuss the course of action to take in scotland with Godred and Cork (PLAYER RESPONE NEEDED!!!) He proposes that we intervene on King Kenneth's side, but there must be a concrete agreement on what to do first. (Secret Over) Olaf sends emissaries to the Rus to negotiate  sending troops, traders and settlers through their lands, and we will agree to pay tax (Kiev Response). If they accept, king Olaf will arrange a force of 1000-2000 to link up with the crusader’s army. Otherwise, back home, Olaf sees dark clouds above Norway, and is weary of the English. He arranges the construction of several castles and forts in crucial areas, the southern cities and the Swedish border.
  • Monomakh welcomes traders and settlers of his varangian kin to the lands ofthe Rus, troops however he can not allow short of a common enemy.
• Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh: [Secret] King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) takes interest in King Olaf of Norway's suggestion to intervene in the Scottish Civil War and pledges his forces to that endevor, whenever it may transpire. Furthermore, overtunes are made to the allied Kingdoms of Waterford and Wexford, promising plenty of riches to be made and even lands and titles to be awarded to second sons, if they pledge on King Kenneth's side, informing them of Norway's intentions to support King Kenneth's side. In addition, an appeal to character is made, stating that we cannot let our own kindred be slaughtered in Scotland. [Mod Response] [Secret End] As King Ìomhar Mac Oitir of Corcaigh also prepares for war, training levies and inspecting the defenses of his domain, the construction of defensive fortifications in the surroundings of the city of Corcaigh (Cork) takes place, as aggressive actions by the Ua Briain led coalition are to be expected. The reassertion of Norse influence over the southeast coast of Ireland has led to the reemergance of small scale raiding against the Irish clans in the area by the emboldened Norsemen.
  • Waterford and Wexford supports Cork. However, the Kingdoms of Ulaid and Mide joins on the Scottish clans
  • Kingdom of Norway: (Secret) Olaf is pleased to hear of King Iomhar's support of a Scottish intervention. He suggest an invasion force of around 6000, 4000 Norwegian troops, 2000 Norse Gaelic troops, to invade Scotland. But, we must know the When and Where of the invasion. Olaf of Norway proposes to link up with King Kenneth's forces sometime within the next two years, however, further planning is needed. Meanwhile, back home, longboats are being drawn, and men are preparing. (Secret Over).
• Läänemaa: With the recent subjugation of the Samogitians by the Lithuanians to the south still fresh in the minds of the people of Läänemaa, the ambitious Elder Kalev decides to take advantage of the current of uncertainty that flows through the county of Läänemaa by increasing the power he holds in small measures, centralizing more power around himself rather than having it spread out between the various parish elders. However, Kalev realizes that no matter how much power he holds in Läänemaa it will be short lived if he does not soon respond to the encroachment of the Christians into the region, and as he weighs the choices he must make, Kalev decides to go down what he sees as the more pragmatic path, that of conversion to their foreign faith. Elder Kalev realizes that by converting he opens up the option of levying Christian aid in order to gain more land and power for himself and his people, compared to the potential downfall and conquest if they do not convert. With his decision made, Kalev sends out a handful of secret messengers, picked from the men he trusts most, telling them to seek the ears of powerful Christian monarchs who might be interested in the region and to ask them for a priest of their faith that can come to Läänemaa and bring about the conversion of our heathen people. (Anyone Response) With his larger plans now laid out, Elder Kalev also sends out two official messengers, one to Sakala and the other to Saaremaa, asking the nearby counties to strengthen their ties with Läänemaa by signing a defensive agreement as well as trade agreement. (Mod Response)
  • Envoys from Kiev are dispatched to the Laanemaa along with a Priest of the Easter Rite.
  • Norwegian Envoys, missionaries and Priests are dispatched to Laanemaa.
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 23rd 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 the House of Mercia together in alliance. He has many siblings: 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 married to Lǫgmaðr Guðrøðarson. 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. For now, the north are incredibly pleased with Harold II's actions and are supportive of his war to secure the Danish throne for Godwine Haroldson, though the Earl of Lothian is a little skeptical. The Godwin family controls much of England; realistically, a non-Godwin coming to the throne next will not happen. The most powerful non-Godwin landowner is Edwin of Mercia, whose son Eric is poised to inherit should he pass away. The Godwins had come to Denmark many times before as allies and friends of late kings, loving husbands to beautiful wives, and fathers to boys who would one day grow up to be king. Harold Godwinson never wanted to set foot in Denmark as a conqueror. The voyage from England to Denmark was cold and windy, much more than he would have liked. Yet, as the ship pulled into its harbor and towers of black smoke rose from the ravaged city of Roskilde grew closer and closer, Harold II was transported to that fateful day in 1066. The smell of dry January air, thick smoke, rolling seas, and an incoming snowstorm evoked a sense of hope. When he had first become king, nothing was clear. The next day was not a given, he could have lost his throne or his life several times, and yet he beat them all. Now, here he was, surveying yet another transition of power to ensure that it went smoothly. Harold II was quite the administrator even before he became King of England. By this point in his life, he had redefined civics and law in England. Soon he would do the same thing for Denmark. He was traveling to Denmark to ensure the Folkmoot of Roskilde went well, and that the transfer of power from the waylaid Estridsens and the utterly beaten Hvides to the House of Godwin was as bloodless as possible. He had also arrived early enough to observe the funeral of Skjalm Hvide. His body had already been retrieved by Godwine Haroldson when the late king died. Now, a ceremonial ship filled with many of his old possessions and his sword carried his bones into a watery grave. Those identified as his closest and richest housecarls were also honored in the funeral. 20 ships in total carrying the most wealthy fallen warriors were set ablaze and allowed to sail into the North Sea. Much of the army in Denmark is sent home. Only the housecarls of Godwine Haroldson remain in Denmark; the hiredmen return to their farms and their lives. The Norwegian troops are sent back to Norway along with much gold, as was promised to the kingdom. Plans to construct several defensive fortifications are drafted this year, particularly in Scania and Zealand. Many castles and estates in Denmark can trace their histories back to this moment. Indeed, this is monumental, not only for Denmark, but in England as well. The mass cancellation of remaining Danegeld debt, along with the taxing of Denmark, is a massive undertaking. Therefore, Harold II issues a census of both England and Denmark. Each shire of England and hundred of Denmark is surveyed so each person can be appropriately taxed. This survey is catalogued in what historians will call the Domesday Book. The money England made in this war has been more than enough to cover the war expenses and debts owed to Norway. Back in England, Magnus Haroldson administered the realm. Around this time is when the Scottish crisis breaks out.

1091

Emperor Rudolf Rheinfelden dies. The Swabian house has very few surviving members, so his only son Berthold immediately ascends as the next King of Germany

News of the Council of Clermont is followed by a wave of support from the nobility and the Commoners alike, inspired by the thought of salvation and glory. Nobles from Across France, Italy, Germany, and even as far away as Alania, and Kiev many Christians vow to take the sword and cross, and answer Urban II's call.

Once the Christian threat was subdued, Yusuf ibn Tashfin returned to Africa. As soon as he crossed the Gibraltar strait, several emirs immediately stopped recognizing his authority and resumed paying tribute to Christians. It was in Marrakesh, during a period of reflection and correspondence with the Caliph of Baghdad, that he realized it was his duty to reverse the decadence of the taifas and promote Islam, righteousness and justice in the Iberian peninsula. Now, less than a year after they departed, the Almoravid dynasty invades Spain again with a massive army, and completely occupies the Taifa of Seville, which submits as their direct vassal. Yusuf calls on all other emirs to surrender now or suffer the same fate.

The Pechenegs could not be kept at bay for long. Their raids picked up with greater intensity and brought them closer to the heart of Byzantium with each passing season. Over the winter, they ravaged Thrace, and by this spring, the invaders are practically at the gates of Constantinople. Alexios Komnenos, his military strength at a record low, offers hoards of wealth to the Cumans and other mercenary groups if they will turn against the Pechenegs. Thousands take up the deal and head to Thrace, but with the ongoing Kipchak wars in the Pontic Steppe, turnout is much lower than expected, and some even defect to the opposite side. Ultimately, the Byzantine coalition fails to stop the Pecheneg advance in one of their worst defeats, what has been referred to by historians as a "second Kayseri". The Pechenegs then lay siege to Constantinople itself, with naval support from Chaka Bey of Smyrna.

In Denmark, Sweyn III makes the calculated decision to accept the treaty presented by Harold Godwinson. However, three weeks later his brother Olaf "the Hungry" leads a rebellion of several other nobles of the Estridsen family. Sweyn is put in the same prison the previous king Aude was just in, and the Danish nobles launches a series of raids against the English expedition sent to survey the country. Olaf himself is not only concerned about the Saxon domination of the country, but also feels threatened by the treaty that deprives him the title of Duke of Jutland in favor of his elder brother.

The situation in Scotland is deteriorating, as Kenneth IV has withdrawn to the heartland of the Norse Gaels along the northern Scottish coast, and lost much of the south to the rebel clans. The Dunkeld brothers Donald and Malcolm have escaped from imprisonment, and has taken charge as dual leaders of the revolution. Fighting continues throughout the year.

A freak tornado occurs in London, wrecking the London Bridge, the church of St Mary-le-Bow, and over 600 houses.

Stephen II of Croatia dies, having no heir to rule the kingdom in his place. As the nobles cannot decide on a successor among themselves, the queen mother Helena reaches out to invite Laudislas, the King of Hungary, to occupy the nation himself.

In Normandy, William Rufus attempts to lead a rebellion against his brother Robert for control over the Duchy

• The Isles: Retreating from Munster after a series of successful raids, Godred Crovan returns to Britain. He takes advantage of the unstable situation in Alba to reassert control over the Hebrides and Highlands, and retake the peninsula called the Rhinns once and for all. Such actions put him into direct conflict with the Laomann-era clans of Norse-Gaels along the coast, who would like to stay in power under the auspices of King Kenneth for as long as possible. (Mod Response/Algo)
  • Kenneth offers to cede the Rhinns without a struggle if the Isles lends some mercenaries for his support
• Britanny: The Duke and Duchess gives birth to a son, who shall be named Alan. The population celebrate the birth of the new heir. The Council of the Estates orders the construction of the College of Nantes, split into two distinct sections- the educational institution of the University of Nantes, and the military institution of the College of Arms. The Breton Army are to be trained in the College of Arms, whilst other men may volunteer to go to the University of Nantes, or go to the College to join the military. More to be added.
• House Barcelona: The return of Yusuf ibn Tashfin to Iberia is taken with concern and anger in the court of Emperador Pere-Ramon. Facing a potential invasion of the Christian realms of Iberia he sends out messengers to prepare a call to arms for the kingdoms of Iberia with the messenger sent to Garcia II of Galicia, an offer of marriage to his young son Xabier (b. 1078) with Ximena (b. 1083). (Mod Response) in the coming year. He also personally attends the Council of Clermont where he extolls the need for defense of Europe as well as offense in the east. He asks that the pope support the defense of Iberia from the Almoravids by redirecting some force of the crusaders, perhaps those who would otherwise have to travel the furthest. (Papal Response) Finally, he seeks a meeting with King Philip of France and Betrand I of Provence, hoping to raise forces from his traditional allies. (French and Provencal Responses) With his diplomatic moves completed, Pere-Ramon spends his spare moments organizing the consolidation of resources with which any war may be waged. He has a great many bolts and spare crossbows gathered, and purchases substantial food reserves to prevent the outbreak of famine. A partial call to arms is issued late in the year, with several thousand Sagramaentals raised in opposition to any incursion by the Almoravids.
  • Marriage approved
  • William Bertrand of Provence and Philip the Amorous of France will help Barcelona
• Kievan Rus: Hearing word of the Siege of the constantinople, and the risks of losing a key ally and trading partner, Monomakh sends out the orders to provide assistance to the Greeks.Envoys are dispatched to Crimea to see if the Greeks would be willing to accept the support of the Kievan Long boats to try and relieve siege of Constantinople at sea so that the city can be resupplied and reinforced by the Rus and their allies, meanwhile envoys are dispatched to his Alanian, Cuman ,and Oghuz allies with the promise of good pay by Constantinople should they assist in breaking the Pecheneg siege on the city with the end of the war against the Kipchaks. Another envoy is sent to the court of the King of Hungary, also seeking their assistance in saving Constantinople reminding him of the threat that the Steppe nomads pose to his own domain (Mod and Player responses needed). Some 5,000 Rus, and Chorni Klobuky hunger for payment also agree to join with the thought of wealth beyond imagination in mind, they are led by a young Kievan Boyar Pytor Ivanovich, more to be added later. With the backing of tjhe Italian and Greek ships The Rus devise a plan to lure Chaka Bey's fleet using only the Greek ships to make it look like a desperate attempt to break the blockade following a token attempt to do so the Greek Ships break off and attempt to lure the Turks away meanwhile the Kievan Longboats will make an effort to encircle followed by th Latins coming up through the Sea of Marmara, The Greeks at this point will attempt to unleash Greek fire on them (Algo needed). The Rus, Maghyars, Alan , and Georgians meet at the Danube and at th head of an army 30,000 strong The attempt to Starve off the Pecheneg's laying siege to constantinople with the Rus raiding their scouting and foraging parties while the HUngarians, Georgians, and Alans dig in to the north of the city to cut the Pechenrgs employing German masons, and Rus sappers (military engineers) to build earthwork reinforced fortifications between the Rhodoen mountains and the Istranca Mountains trapping the Pecheneg Army in the Thracian Plains to Starve them off, and weaken their fighting resolve (Algo Needed)
  • The Byzantines accept the support
• Kingdom of Sweden:Following the treaty of Roskilde,the king arrives home to stockholm. There he is welcomed and hailed as a true hero for Sweden,winning back halland and takin control of Gustavia. The king however is well aware of the threat the english kingdom now makes to Norway and Sweden and decides to build a defensive castle line conisting on a fort on the border with scania,one in Gustavia and one in Halland. A joint military exercise between Norway and sweden is proposed (norway response needed).The king begins small effort at converting the pagan population in Gustavia while at the same time promoting the swedish language over the danish one in Gustavia and Halland.Following the military exercise in Sweden,2000 swedish troops head to Oslo to participiate in one there. There they will make camp untill the exercise is over.(Secret King Gusatvus II is worried about the rumours that have heard about England planning an invasion of Norway and therefore prepares to put Defensive plan A into action,he also sends an envoy to th e pope to ask him to put sanctions on england,An envoy is sent to norway guaranteing them that the alliance will be held,)
• Norway: Unfortunatley, Norway is preoccupied with events in Scotland, but a few hundred troops journey to Sweden for this military exercise.
• Norway: The Time has come. 4000 men on several longships are dispatched to Scotland. They land in the Norse-Dominated northern coast and link up with Kenneth’s forces. Together, they journey south to engage with the Dunkeld Brothers. (Algo Needed). Meanwhile, Olaf sounds a call for Norse clans and cities to intervene in order to prevent the slaughter of our kin. They will be promised much land, gold and slaves if they join. (Mod and Player Response needed.) Olaf appoints a certain Magnus Barefoot, his only son, heir of Norway in case things go awry. He is given elite military training in the capital. Olaf promises Hakkon Mangusson, cousin of Magnus Barefoot  land and riches in Scotland if he involves himself into the war. (Mod Response). At home, the construction of forts and castles in the south and west proceed smoothly, and they are around 60-70% done. However, the young Magnus barefoot sees dark clouds above Norway, and donates some of his finance into completing the costal and southern fortifications. (Secret) Magnus and Olaf have heard word from some traders that England is planning an invasion of Norway. Olaf is preoccupied with Scotland but Magnus dosen't want to take any chanches, and orders fortifications to be built in Oslo. He rallies some 4000 men who did not leave for Scotland, and travels south to the coast. (Secret Over)
  • The clans in Norway will support the call of their King. Norse in other countries don't care
  • Hakkon Magnusson will help out
• Duklja: Constantine Bodin is alarmed by Hungarian occupation of Croatia and sees it as a threat to independence of all the Balkan countries. He decides to cease minor hostilities Duklja had with Ragusa and gathers an army. He expects his subjects in Raška (his nephews Vukan and Marko), as well as in Hum and Travunia, to join him. A letter is sent to ban Stephen of Bosnia with an offer to stay neutral (Mod Response). Queen Jaquinta travels to Venice to obtain diplomatic and financial support and ask the Venetians to convince the King of Hungary to leave Croatia (Venice Response). Once Constantine gathers a substantial army, he marches to Croatia in an attempt to capture the castle of Klis. King of Dioclea hopes that Croatian nobility would meet him as a liberator.
  • Bosnia will remain neutral
  • Venice will support Duklja, however Hungary has no relations with them
• Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh: King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) declares in favor of King Kenneth IV of Scotland, his Norse-Gael kindred, after the Norwegian entry on his side in the Scottish Civil War, in response to the offers for much land, gold and slaves made by the Kingdom of Norway to the Norse-Gael cities of Ireland while seeking our support, but likewise because we cannot stand by while our kindred are getting slaughtered. King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) raises 1.500 men under his command, board severel longships and sail to Scotland, landing in the Norse-Dominated northern coast and link up with King Kenneth’s & King Olaf's forces. The overall command is rightfully given to King Olaf of Norway, as he has contributed the most men to the allied force, its only natural. King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) calls upon his allies, the Kingdoms of Waterford and Wexford, whom have both already declared their support for King Kenneth IV of Scotland, to officially join and contribute men to fight in his side, heeding the Norwegian offers of much land, gold and slaves for each of our three Norse-Gael cities. interest in King Olaf of Norway's suggestion to intervene in the Scottish Civil War and pledges his forces to that endevor, whenever it may transpire. Furthermore, overtunes are made to the allied Kingdoms of Waterford and Wexford, promising plenty of riches to be made and even lands and titles to be awarded to second sons, if they pledge on King Kenneth's side, informing them of Norway's intentions to support King Kenneth's side. In addition, an appeal to character is made, stating that we cannot let our own kindred be slaughtered in Scotland. [Mod Response] As King Ìomhar Mac Oitir of Corcaigh's regent continues to be on standby, preparing to defend the Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh (Cork), training levies and inspecting the defenses of his domain, the construction of defensive fortifications in the surroundings of the city of Corcaigh (Cork) takes place, as aggressive actions by the Ua Briain led coalition are to be expected. The reassertion of Norse influence over the southeast coast of Ireland has led to the reemergance of small scale raiding against the Irish clans in the area by the emboldened Norsemen.
  • They Agree.
• Papal States: Urban returned to his chamber in the Lateran Palace to pay homage at the feet of the Angel Ariel. Ariel removed her outer robe, and instructed Urban to look up to her, as she said "God has given to you this land flowing with milk and honey. Now, just as God handed over the Canaanites into the hands of Joshua the son of Nun, so too has he given up the Saracens to the worthy knights of Rome." Pope Urban immediately understood the meaning of this vision, and how he must quickly capitalize on the widespread popularity of the Council of Clermont. Romanesque Cathedrals continue to be built around Modena and Apulia, while the Jewish ghetto is subsidized in Rome, but both of these things now day a backseat in light of current events. The Pope issues a decree saying that all warriors of Europe who dedicate their strength and honor in the ways of piety, humility, peace and generosity will, and always has been, the perfect example of holy knighthood, following in the traditions of Joshua and Charlemagne. As a first example of this order of holy knights, the Pope officially reognizes the Hospitaller Military Order of Saint James di Canossa as the first Christian military society, who have taken vows for themselves as a kind of warrior monks loyal to the Catholic Church. This religious order was first created by Countess Mathilda during the Investiture War, but has not been yet recognized under the Papal pax dei. Meanwhile, many monks and priests under the authority of the Council of Clermont had been sent all across France and the Holy Roman Empire, especially led by Peter the Hermit and Raymond de Bourges, to call support from commoners and peasents. To the Pope's surprise, this has resulted in an overwhelming turnout of support, as huge stroves of population from every level of society now presses for their own participation in the upcoming Crusade. Popr Urban immediately becomes concerned how the sheer logistics of this endevour may prove to be their undoing, not only in the contempt between princes and commoners, but also the pride between individual princes. Pope Urban calls all the princes joining in the Crusade to convene at a council in Ravenna on the Feast of Pentacost, which will organize which armies will be coordinated on each of the three fronts, as well as settling potential disputes of landed titles. The rulers of Catalonia, Castile, Galicia, Apulia, Sicily, France (and nobles in France: Normandy, Brittany, Lorraine, and Vermandois), Saxony, Swabia, Bavaria, Flanders, Tuscany, Pisa, Genoa, Venice, Hungary, Poland, England, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Kiev, Georgia, Alania, and Byzantium are specifically invited via the highest order of clergy in their respective nations (Mod and player response). The commoners and peasants volunteered from across Europe are instructed to arrive in Ravenna on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, and will soon after be assigned each of the armies of princes they will serve under as the greater militia in the Crusade. Deus Vult!
  • Emperador Pere-Ramon wishes to attend, but may be unable given the threat of renewed Islamic invasion in Iberia. In his stead he plans to send his son Ramon Berenguer along with other notable dignitaries and representatives from among the Catalan Counties.
  • Britanny: The Duke of Britanny will come in person, along with a delegation of nobles and military advisors.
  • Norway: Unfourtunatley, Olaf is preoocupied with Scotland, but he sends representitives of Norway.
  • Duke Roger I Borsa travels with a entourage of knights and prelates to participate in the talks about the organization of the Crusade. His brother Robert (Scalio) of Hauteville and the monk Serviliano of Reggio are part of the entourage. Duke Roger I would like to offer some of the Apulian ships tp transport the crusaders to the East
  • Grand Prince Vladimir II Monomakh accompanied by his personal retainers travels to Ravenna we he implores the Pope to send aid to the Greeks and Rus now to allow to prevent the fall of Constantinople. In particular he requests naval support ,to bolster his own fleet. Aside from that he pledges 5,000 Rus and Chorni Klobuky to the Crusades.
  • King Giorgi II of Georgia is eager to assist, but he is busy because of the kipchak invasion in Alania and the thread of the Seljuks. His son David with an entourage of Tadzreuli cavalrymen, monks and nobles travels to Ravenna. He offers some of the best units, especially the heavy cavalry ones to the Crusade. We ask the Pope for military aid in the southern frontier.
  • The Duke of Saxony comes straight from the funeral of the Emperor Rudolf of Rheinfelden to the Council of Ravenna where he enthusiastically backs the Pope's cause, shouting "hear, hear!" whenever the Pope says something and also gets very drunk and excited, as he hasn't had a chance to get out for years.
  • King Giorgi II Bagratides of Alania sens a small platoon of troops to Constantinople to help the Byzantium empire out.
• Duchy of Apulia and Calabria: Duke Roger I Borsa and his wife Adela of Flanders have a daughter, who is named as Gertrude. The construction of the Abbey of Bova continues, with the abbey being build in Romanesque style. According to the Duke plans, several towns and cities across his domains are being urbanized, with roads being made and restored to facilitate the movement of the common people and merchants. With Pope Urban II spreading the idea of a Crusade against the Muslins, Serviliano of Reggio becomes one of the greatest supporters of this idea in Apulia and Calabria, with him constantly preaching about the necessity of a Crusade to give freedom for the Christians in the Levant.
• Al-Murābiṭūn: The throne of sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin was not a traditional chair, no see, for he embraced war, and would only go where his army went. His old age had began to take a toll on his activity however, as while he went where his army would go, he didn't necessarily engage in combat. After crushing the frail army of Seville, sultan Yusuf would visit the captured Emir Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad in his prison cell. The room was dark with but a spare light emitting from the upper window where bars held the desecrated emir in place. The floor, decayed and showing signs of little overgrowth, likely an ode to the decaying power of the Iberian taifas, was where Al-Mu'tamid would sit. Yusuf would walk into the room, holding a candle that would color the otherwise dimly-lit room. In his military outfit, connected with the golden casing and hilt of his sword: dirty but still reflective, and as his beard swayed, he would sit on a chair, looking downward to the prince in the cage. Al-Mu'tamid would spit at the feet of Yusuf, who returned with a smirk and the kicking of dirt at the prince's faded, tattered royal clothing. While the exact nature of what they said is colluded in mystery, its inferred that for the most part, it was a one-sided discussion: Al-Mu'tamid would no longer speak to Yusuf, ignoring his questions of the location of Al-Mu'tamid's children or statements made until Al-Mu'tamid would simply grow tired and fall asleep. After this tiring night, Yusuf would raise his hand, signaling the men in black cloth to enter the cage and begin savagely beating the prince. After his hair had been grabbed and his head bashed, Al-Mu'tamid could only continue to cry out in pain. With leather and a battle axe, Al-Mu'tamid would lose his left leg. Sultan Yusuf didn't care to watch, so as he left the prison and walked into the street, he would be greeted by the people of Seville with great enthusiasm, and of course, the elder sultan would return this kindness. Yusuf was a former tribesman, a Sheikh of the Lamtuna turned righteous leader and now, as he stood where former emperors and caliphs of varying degrees stood, he felt great definitive power. His sons, Ali, Muhammad, and Dawud, would meet their father Yusuf at Al Mubarak, where they would dine on lavishly arranged meals, eating atop some of the finest dishes in Iberia while the most promiscuous of women would be lined for Ali, Muhammad, and Dawud's taking. After this meal, they would be met with some of Seville's most famous poets and artists, for Yusuf was a patron and Dawud wished to be a painter for he was obsessed with the illustrations. For Yusuf, his children could only wear the finest ribbon and cloth, whether it be sown by the most beautiful women to have walked the earth or taken by force from a Christian who was now trespassing on the ground of the most exalted. While the economic output of Seville was primarily agricultural with wine, wool, and salt, gold extraction in al-Mansha would prove the endeavour more lucrative and thus, a stronger motivation to grip the trade and resources of Iberia. The threat of a northern invasion didn't break Yusuf's confidence, no, it encouraged it. It's said in one circumstance, when asked by one of his royal advisors in regard to Barchenona and their expansion, he simply stated that their living only emphasizes Allah's will to test his followers, that their system is corrupt and that the church does not provide for the common man, proclaiming that "...they exist as the epitome of sin." So what did the emirs of Iberia say then (Mod/Player Response Needed)?
  • Seville, Almeria, Grenada, Ceuta, and Mercia ask to be left control of their lands if they submit as direct vassals of the Sultan
    • Almoravid dip: "Does it look like I care about your autonomy? I'm giving you all one chance, just one chance to dethrone yourself," of course this is paraphrasing of what Yusuf actually said but, as aggressive as it may seem, this was necessary. On a side note, however, the diplomats sent to Toledo would solely ask them to become a vassal of the empire mainly due to it's close proximity to the northern neighbors. A loose promise is all Yusuf's diplomats would give to the prince of Toledo in return for an answer (Player Response Needed).
    • Seville, Almeria, And Ceuta Submit. Granada and Mercia refuse to Submit. Granada and Mercia muster an army of 10,000 to resist the
• Alania: In the new parts of our nation we continue to build forts to protect our lands. By the forts small villages increase in population 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 gained from expansion. Lots of outposts start to continuing construction along our boarders. With our wars against the Kipchak taking a toll, our turnout to Constantinople turns to be just a small percentage of our military helping the crusades out.
• Hungary: King Géza of Hungary and Croatia offers 20.000 men to aid the Kievan army (Kievan response needed). The King travels to Croatia and accepts the crown. He ask the Pope to bless the Union (Papal Response Needed)
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 25th 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 the House of Mercia together in alliance. He has many siblings: 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, King of Denmark, 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 married to Lǫgmaðr Guðrøðarson. 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. About 5,000 men, led by Godwine Haroldson, march to put down the rebellion and free the Jarl of Jutland. They offer a bounty for Olaf the Hungry, hoping one of the rebels will give them up. The men are told to be merciful to anyone who surrenders and shows fealty to Godwine Haroldson. Knowing the populace may chafe under such heavy taxation, Godwine delays the geld payments for a year for all but the richest Danes. The tax collectors instead focus their efforts on England as the survey the landscape and collect information for the census. The process of surveying England reveals that the construction of castles along the Welsh and Scottish borders has progressed well, though the interior of England has seen focus largely shift away from castlebuilding, especially in the past decade of natural disaster after natural disaster. For now, resources are being spent either aiding Denmark or preparing for whatever is happening north. Before the war with Denmark, England had prepared its soldiers in the Marklands to jump at the first sign of trouble. Now, trouble has reared its ugly head, and its name is full-scale revolt throughout Scotland. There is a revolt of the Scots against Norse influence. The growing Norse influence in the British Isles outside of England has been concerning through Harold II's court, though with the marriage of his sister Gunhild to Lǫgmaðr Guðrøðarson with the intention of curbing a growing Scotland, England offers to sell some used ships from its Danish campaign to the Isles at discounted prices. Harold II calls his witan in late June to discuss what should be done about the intervention from the Norwegians. Though many of his northern vassals are eager to unleash their armies, the southern vassals argue that now is not the time for a war of aggression. Harold II believes that, though the Dunkeld Brothers represent Scotland's best chance of holding off the Norse, they will unite the Scots against English territory in Lothian and Northumbria if they have their way. The king believes it best to wait, allow England some breathing room between wars, and check to see how everyone is doing come next spring. One freak tornado and a Papal conclave later, Harold II pledges 3,000 men, led by Edmund Haroldson, to the Crusade. They leave England not knowing the utter shitshow that is about to happen. Godwine Haroldson is captured by pirates in Denmark after beating Olaf to the coast. Edwin Godwinson is put in de facto control of the army and the young prince presses another attack to capture Olaf. Assuming some offer of ransom is sent, the armies know who holds Godwine. They launch a plot to rescue him. [Mod response/algo]
• Georgia: As the Kipchak war is over The troops enrolled to Alania come back and they are sent to Constantinople front, with some reserve units (6,000 in total). David has the interest to marry with a Rus noble. [Player response]. Giorgi II oversees the construction of the fortress on the frontier with Seljuks. More roads were added in the eastern part of the domain, for increasing the trade. With the pacification and the restorations works in Tbilisi, the city starts to flourish again.
• Lithuanians: In those warm days of summer, the royal family officially accepted the God's word in their minds and hearts. Naujokaitis, Austeja, Užugiris and Algimantas were christened as: Lukas, Sophija, Mattis and Dominykas respectively. In autumn, some preachers and converts with 1,440 men (for protection against possible uprisings) went to Samogitia and some churches are raising there.
• Emirate of Toledo: Journals of the life of Omar I al-Rasheed in January indicate a time of jubilee for the Emir. In the Castle Zamora, the light glistened brightly as the quarters indoors filled with members of the court. The marriage of Amirah and Omar would commence. The date was January 17, 1091. It was a period of truce between the enemy and the victorious army of Al-Andalus. Omar had speculated how long it would be before another outbreak of war would occur. The rays of the sun and bright blue sky laid upon the arid plains to the south as he looked out from the castle across the sapphire waters of the Douro River. At this moment with his wife, he felt as if he stood from the top of the Toubkal in the mountains of the atlas. Amirah on the other hand looked brightly ahead to her future, not knowing what to come but happy with the man she had learned to fall in love with. Just the year before Omar had met with her father,  Christian of Leonese Nobility. Him and his assets were to be seized as well as his role stripped as count after what would be his execution. With a merciful heart though, Omar had made a deal. In the journals written in the spring of 1090, it was believed Omar had seen Amirah de Zamora out across the Douro River, the very river that they both gaze upon at present. After meeting Amirah in her father's quarters after interrupting the Emir and the counts meeting to offer wine and a pitcher of fresh water as they discussed the current situation, Omar decided to make an offer they could not refuse. The Count of Zamora would be granted administrative lead over the city of Alcoi to the south. He would have to disown his possessions in Zamora but gain a minor position in the court of Toledo. In addition to keeping his life and this newfound status, Amirah would be married to Emir Omar I. Now back at present, the Emir and his wife would head back to Toledo and leave El-Huadiz to his possessions of Zamora. In the Castle of Toledo, the Emir would be greeted with quite the interesting proposition. A demand to be a vassal to the Almoravid Dynasty is given. This is an exclusive offer seeing that the taifas had been given the order to submit. The fall of Seville being another interesting event that lingers in the thoughts of his. His father who was king prior had struggled against the Emir of Seville and to see him topple so easily shows the fragile state of the taifas in comparison to Toledo leaving no wonder for why Yusuf himself had arrived to clean house of "our weaker brothers" as Omar would write. This raises questions over our allies of the past but now there really isn't much prospect to look forward to for the future of Toledo if they bite the very hands that fed them. This was clearly evident when Omar would later write  "The Christians are vultures waiting for one of us to falter and in an instant, they would swarm on us all one by one. Yusuf sees this and to the princes this may be evil but to me, this is a saving grace for our future". To Omar this is all about survival. "In a situation where the taifas led a resistance movement, who would they call as an ally when the Christians lead an army to come for all of their heads? The very leaders that promised us a future and salvation that we had betrayed?". This would be paraphrased from a later restored version of the missing pages from Omar's Journal entries. In the end, Omar agrees full heartedly with utmost loyalty to be a vassal of the Almoravids. During this time Uwrlandu II, the former vizier's son begins a pilgrimage to Baghdad where he intends to study at the many libraries of the city. He brought 48 other scholars alongside him to set sail for Alexandria after Omar I insisted to bring as many others with him. They would be tasked with returning a bounty of wealth and knowledge as a commission from the Dhunnunid Dynasty. Meanwhile Albarracín sees an expansion of fortifications as well as an order being given by El-Huadiz to begin working on the walls of Zamora. The Castle should expand with city walls beyond the castle to make it a great site of defense. Through these means, strong defensive points can be established. In the meanwhile, Valencia, an important muslim city of trade along the Northwestern Mediterranean coast sees a greater increase of ship construction with 8 more sent to be built in the provincial region as well as in Denía in the next 2 years. September 17, 1091 would arrive and Omar II Almunstasir, the Emir's son, would be born.

1092

After the conclusion of the Council of Ravenna, the Princes of Europe become ready to fight for the Will of God, launching the First Crusade. Robert Scalio of Apulia has been elected King of Jerusalem from the Hauteville dynasty. The Crusader armies are organized into four distinct groups, respectfully led by Count Godfrey of Boullion, Count Hugh the Great of Vernadois, Duke Robert Cutnose of Normandy, and Count Bohemond of Taranto. [Note these are NPC armies, it doesn't include military contributed from players, which you can send wherever you want].

After the heroic victory narrowly defeating the Norse invasion, the two Dunkeld leaders rallies their two armies for a concentrated invasion of the north against Moray

After fleeing to the coast, the rebel leader Olaf is captured by the same pirates who had previously captured Godwine Haroldson, hoping to take two kings for the price of one. The two Danish kings Olaf and Godwine are forced to share bunk beds for three weeks, until their grit and will manages to work together to escape the pirates and return to Rokslide

The nobles in Croatia are confused by the inaction of Hungary, wondering if he will actually occupy the kingdom or not. This grows into particular anxiety as the armies of Dioclea are occupying the kingdom from the east.

The collapse of order in Denmark over the last decade has caused a large influx of Danish people to migrate north into Sweden, settling in the Swedish controlled areas of Scania and Halland. The new generation in these regions become infamous for adapting to a distinct Danish accent

Vratislaus II of Bohemia dies, and is succeeded by his eldest son Bretislav II. At this point, the rulers of Bohemia remain more of a puppet to the foreign Rankovich dynasty ruling in Moravia

William Rufus' rebellion is crushed by Robert II of Normandy, who works to rebuild the military of the Duchy

Su Song of China constructs a large clocktower powered by water in Kaifeng

The storms and flooding across England's coast has caused Kent to become inundated with water, reshaping the coast into the banks known as "Godwine Sands"

• Britanny: Alan IV is estatic at the idea of a new military campaign. Being a military strategist, he orders a force of 2,000 men to be ready to set sail immediately. More galleys are built in early summer, and merchant ships are commissioned. He requests that 1,000 of his soldiers, led by Benedict, be able to march through France to Iberia (Mod response). Meanwhile, he leads another 1,000 on his galleys. He sends a messenger to Carmona, requesting that they let his army set camp in their land, offering to pay gold and gifts in order to stay in Carmona for a few months (Mod response). If both nations refuse, he shall sail his entire army into the streteching plains of North Africa, with light equipment and armour, and plans to sail in supplies every month. He puts his brother Matthew II in temporary control of the country, and orders a mass levy on all able-bodied men, to be trained and sent off to the camp within a year. Alan IV deploys all his forces on a long march through France to the Mediterreanean, whilst his galleys move through the Strait of Gibraltar to meet up with them. He decides to send his infantry first onto the desert plains, then 200 cavalry. The men have light swords and shields, whilst some 400 have spears and lances. The supplies are mainly water bottles, and the primary food is bread. Patrols are sent out to find camels to be used as a means of transport. In late August, after resupplying from home in the autumn season, his 2,000-strong force, with 200 cavalry and 150 camels to carry supplies and equipment, marches off to Anitoch, and lays siege to it (Algo request). More to be added.
  • France agrees and allows Britanny to join forces with Hugh the Great
  • Carmona is in Almoravid territory
• Papal States: As soon as the Council of Ravenna was concluded late in 1091, the Pope exited the Basilica di San Vitale to address the enthralled crowd of the People's Crusade. The Pope gave a brief homily on the first chapter of the Book of Joshua, and exhorted the people to follow the princes of the four Crusader armies, as they are God's appointed ministers. He summons the navies of Venice, Pisa, Genoa, Barcelona and Apulia to dispatch these armies from Ravenna to their respective fronts of the Crusade, both the princely armies and the people. Immediately following this, the Pope assembles the stem Duchies and Cardinals to Ravenna to commence with a dual coronation, both Emperor and King. While the coronation of Emperor Berthold is not quite as glamorous or popular as the coronation of his father Rudolf, it was nonetheless made up for by its ceremonial significance, being in the same presence as the first King of Jerusalem, the Navel of the World. It was also officiated in the presence of every royal dignitary that was still around after the end of the Council of Ravenna. Berthold Rheinfelded is crowned Holy Roman Emperor, and Robert Scalio is crowned as King of Jerusalem. This ceremony, official as it was, would mean nothing without enforcing the claim by bringing Robert to Jerusalem in person. Robert is instructed to harry to the Holy Land along the same ships accompanying Godfrey of Boullion, which will land in Jaffa (Apulia response). In October 1091, the forces of Robert Curthose arrives by sea to attack the city of Tripoli in the Levant, consisting of 17,000 regular infantry, 3,000 knights, and 10,000 peasants of the Popular Crusade, being transported on 80 galleys from Venice and 80 from Pisa (algo request). In November 1091, the forces of Godfrey of Boullion arrive to seize the city of Jaffa, being accompanied by Peter the Hermit and numerous other Papal legates. This force consists of 21,000 infantry, 4,000 knights, and 10,000 peasants, transported by 90 galleys of Genoa and all the ships loaned from Naples and Barcelona (Apulia and Barcelona confirmation) (algo request). The Priest Fulcher of Chartres will preside over the holy rituals after the Siege of Tripoli, while Peter the Hermit tends to the flock under Godfrey of Boullion. The army of Hugh the Great, consisting of the greatest French and Flemish knights, will arrive in Spain on behalf of King Philip I of France, to assist the Emperor Ramon against the Saracens. This army consists of 8,000 infantry and 2,000 knights, along with 10,000 French and Flemish peasants. Finally, the call of Alexios will be answered by the fourth army of the Crusaders, led by Bohemond of Taranto. They will swiftly move across the Aegean Sea to arrive in Constantinople and relieve the siege by the Penchenegs, assisting the Kievan Rus there. This fourth army consists of 4,000 infantry, 1,000 knights, and 10,000 peasants of the People's Crusade. The Archbishop Gerard of York will act as the Papal ambassador to coordinate with the Byzantine Emperor, as well as ensure a smooth relationship with the resident Greek Patriarch.
  • Barring extenuating circumstances, 40 Catalan Galeras will assist the effort.
  • Duke Roger I Borsa offers 20 war galleys to assist the Crusade. Robert Scalio, King of Jerusalem, will led an army of 3,000 infantry soldiers and 500 knights. Robert's army will join his forces with Godfrey of Boullion and together they will reach Jaffa.
• Kingdom of Sweden: After ruling for nearly 12 years,King Gustavus II dies after a short term sickness at the age of 41. He is succeded by Crown prince Gustavus Adolphus. The new king immidietly begins the royal tour over all of sweden,visiting such places as Visby and Gustavskrona in Gustavia. After that the young king inspect the army and issues a royal decree that it shall be increased to 10000 troops. After returning home,the various vassals arrive to swear to oath of lojalty to the new king. At the feast,the king meets a young woman only known as Altun who comes from a far far away land. The king immidielty falls in love and dedicates the entire feast to her. After the feast is over,the king proposes to her on the condition that she converts to christianity,a condition which she agrees on. After this they are married in the cathedral in Stockholm in a lavish ceromony. later in the year,the royal couple welcomes the birth of their son who they name Carl Johan.The new king accepts the alliance proposal by Norway. After many decisions the king agrees to send an army of 2000 swedes to join the crusades.
• Al-Murābiṭūn: "10,000... are you sure?" Yusuf would ask, his hand brushing along his beard while he thought with great difficulty the challenge presented towards him. With his other hand, he would bring up the apple, of which he would take another bite before Mazdali ibn Tilankan would respond, "Yes Yusuf." The Sultan would then ponder as he sat atop the Palace throne situated in Al Mubarak. His advisors, vertically facing the throne were discussing war policy, with the adjacent room's conversations echoing and filling the palace chambers. "Mazdali Tilankan, this is a serious problem, 'so' serious in fact, I'm just not sure we can survive in Al-Andalus any longer..." silence would leave laughter to erupt between both men, with Yusuf finally saying, "When you sack the cities and kill the princes, do make sure Ali is there and present. I wish for him to see what his throne shall exert upon his succession." "Of course, Ali shall be in great care." With a nod and a bow, Mazdali ibn Tilankan would take to the streets of Seville, going to the barracks and brothels that held much of the army and began organization promptly. By March, after a few short battles between the forces of Granada and Mazdali, moreso proxy conflicts between a small army a dozen kilometers ahead and the Granadan forces, the capital would come into view by morning and the time had come. Mazdali's army compromised Sudanese contigents, numbering a total of 17,000 by the time of their arrival at Granada. The city would be besieged on March 15 (Algo Needed), meanwhile commander Syr ibn Abi Bakr, another one of Yusuf's frequent collaborators, would lead an army of 13,000 to Mercia around the same time for the same reasons (Algo Needed). This conquest of Al-Andalus was essential to the consolidation of the region in addition to hindering the continued aggression made by the northern emperors.
• Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh: After experiencing a stunning defeat at the hands of the rebellious clans of the south, King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) retains the presence of his 1.000 men, becoming determined not to yield to the southern clansmen and the Dunkeld brothers, Donald and Malcolm, leading them, viewing them as beneath him, but never again willing to make the same mistake he did when he marched south to crush their forces, never again willing to underestimate them, for he has learned a valuable lesson, greatly strengthening his resolve to see them dead, willing to do almost anything to get his vengeance from them, for this has now turned personal for him, after witnessing his younger brother, the only relative he had left in this life, to be slain by the clans. As King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) has been given command of the joint allied host, he fervently oversees the construction of fortifications all along the Duchy of Moray by his forces, emphasizing on the defense of the castle of Iverness, blocking the mountain passages leading to the city from the east, south and west and posting a meagre force to fend off any enemy attempts to advance through these routes and also ride back and notify him to act accordingly to counter their movements, in order to cover his flanks, while mainly focusing on the construction of a fortified defensive line (an 1 meter deep trench with a 2,5 meter tall wooden wall behind it) along the coastal route [IRL locations: Newton of Petty - Culloden Moor - Dalroy], where he expects the enemy forces to advance through, to block their advance, arraying his troops to man up that defensive line, with the castle of Moray located in really short proximity from that line, ready to fall back with his army into the castle of Moray, determined to make his great last stand there, depending on the outcome of this decisive battle that is about to occur. [Algo Needed] Fully aware of the danger of his bloodline getting extinct and leaving no heir to suceed him as the King of Corcaigh (Cork), King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) requests to marry a daughter or sister of King Kenneth IV, to whose defense he has rushed to, fighting alongside him all this time. [Mod Response] King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) is upset that his allies, the Kingdoms of Waterford and Wexford, only dispatched 100 men combined to support their mutual ally, King Kenneth IV, although he refrains from showing his frustration with them in public. As King Ìomhar Mac Oitir of Corcaigh's regent, his Chancellor, continues to be on standby, preparing to defend the Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh (Cork), training levies and inspecting the defenses of his domain, the construction of defensive fortifications in the surroundings of the city of Corcaigh (Cork) takes place, as aggressive actions by the Ua Briain led coalition are to be expected. The reassertion of Norse influence over the southeast coast of Ireland has led to the reemergance of small scale raiding against the Irish clans in the area by the emboldened Norsemen.
  • Kenneth offers his daughter Hedwig (b. c.1075) to be married and agrees on the alliance at haste
• Duklja: With the capture of the castle of Klis, Constantine Bodin now enjoys a strong defensive position. Rather than advance further into Croatia, Dioclean army stays in Klis and prepares to meet the Hungarians in the mountains of Dalmatia. Apart from several raids on the cities of Split and Trogir, no significant military action is taken. Instead, Constantine Bodin calls Croatian nobility to elect his brother Dobroslav the King of Croatia.
• Duchy of Apulia and Calabria: With the election of Robert (Scalio) of Hauteville as King of Jerusalem, his brother Duke Roger I Borsa together with other nobles, reunite an army of 500 knights and 3,000 infantry soldiers to participate of the Crusade. Under the leadership of King Robert, the army travel to meet with Godfrey of Boullion and his soldiers. Robert's army unite with that of Godfrey and together they participate in the siege of Jaffa. The monk Serviliano of Reggio follows the Norman army, preaching for the Crusaders. Meanwhile, Duke Roger I Borsa and his wife Adela of Flanders have a son, who is named as Louis. The construction of the Abbey of Bova continues. The organization of the Abbey is made by the Italo-Norman Carthusian monk Boemund of Vandes, who Duke Roger plans to ask Pope Urban II to be appointed as Abbot of Bova. The urbanization of the Duchy continues, with several roadsalready made and restored.
• Alania: In the new parts of our nation we continue to build forts to protect our lands. By the forts small villages increase in population 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 territory we own with their domesticated animals to help the aniamls be familiar to the lands they are using. The nomadic pastoral grazers are semi skilled in fighting and weapon use, so while doing their job with their domesticated animals they also protect our boarders from invations too. We also have professional trained troops on our boarders so we can keep our nation safe. Lots of outposts are continuing their construction along our boarders. The 3,000 troops that were sent to fight the crusades, is put into one of the four groups of larger mixed armies to fight with. Simon Kashibadze is accompanying the larger groups of troops at the crusade. His eldest son Luka is now the acting head general of the army while his father is away. His other son Dito is now in charge of the family farm until his father returns from the crusades wars. (Mod Response) A giant look out tower/clock starts contruction in the capital city. The king wants more bigger structures to be built so that people can see from higher distances and then see farther way. The construction of the biggest church in the region takes place this year, the church itself will have a massive bell that will be able to be heard for miles away from the city itself.
• House Barcelona: The arrival of the forces of the Iberian Crusade inspires hope across Iberia that the Almoravid invasion may be resisted and even thrown back. However, after reviewing the grand force, Francesc de Cardona imparts his concern to his lord Pere-Ramon. “My liege, though these French knights are well met and certainly valuable warriors, we must be careful. They are not accustomed to our and our enemies’ tactics. We should make great effort to arrange training for them. Moreover, my lord, the peasants who accompany them are woefully in need of arms, training, and leadership. I would offer that we train them in the use of crossbows or, if proficient in their use, war bows. Through this we may be able to create a very powerful force of archers, one able to repel our enemies’ horsemen.” With this argument, Emperador Pere-Ramon is swayed to make haste, slowly. He persuades the French and Provençal nobility that the Iberian kings need the year to reform their armies. During that time the Iberian nobles hosting their French and Provençal counterparts subtly instruct them in the ways of war on the peninsula. The peasants that joined the campaign are similarly trained in volley fire, the crossbow, and war bows. These weapons are procured at great expense from manufacturers across Iberia, Provence, and France. Having seen to this, Pere-Ramon summons King Alfonso VI to treat before the campaign. “Alfonso, my part time rival, I know we do not always see eye-to-eye, but we are not dissimilar you and I. I wish to offer you a position at my side as Commander of the Vanguard and I will appoint to you a portion of those lands we may take. Should you wish to not join this endeavor, I will understand, but I must recognize a wise leader and experienced commander when given the chance.” After a brief conversation the two part ways. Returning to his work, Pere-Ramon utilizes Francesc de Cardona immensely. The young general has proven to be an excellent aid to the Emperor, and his service will be required in this endeavor. Francesc is granted de facto command of the joint Crusader force and will serve as aide de camp to Pere-Ramon during the crusade. As for strategy, the two determine that to root out Islam in Iberia they must act as a shovel in rooting out a tree. To do so they must take the coastline, securing Iberia from future incursions from Africa, and isolating the muslim states economically.
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 26th 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 the House of Mercia together in alliance. He has many siblings: 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, King of Denmark, 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 married to Lǫgmaðr Guðrøðarson. 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. Word of the Scottish victory over the Norse reaches English courts and Harold II gathers his most powerful vassals in a Witan to determine the best course of action. Rumors of a possible noble marriage between the upstarts in Corcaigh and the family of Kenneth of Scotland lead the council to believe that some sort of unholy alliance could occur should Kenneth win against the rebels. Ulf Godwinson is sent as an emissary to the Dunkeld rebels. There, he discusses reigning in the marklords of Lothian and sending a force to defend the land of the rebels. Many of these marklords are Anglo-Danes. Ulf is an Anglo-Dane. Since the end of Roman occupation of Britain, the peoples of the island have been forged and reforged, stronger each time. Once, long ago at Lindisfarne, the Norse brought the sword to England. Over time, the English showed them just how to use it, now both at home and abroad. About 3,000 hiredmen, some veterans of the war with Denmark who already miss the heat of battle and the beckon of the Wyvern Banner, offer to join the Dunkeld brothers in exchange for the rights to what Scottish land remains south of the Antonine Wall. However, after the response from Norway to England's warning, these 3,000 men promptly march north to join the Dunkeld cause. Harold Haroldson tries to convince the Scots living in the southern uplands to likewise join. (Mod response) In the meantime, the rest of England is quite peaceful. The number of acts of God has gone down, no doubt because England joined the Crusade. Engineering projects that haven't been smote by an angry deity are finished. Castles along the Welsh border are finished and the border with the rogue Britons is as defensible as ever. Along the Scottish border, castles in the southern uplands have also allowed the English to turn the region into a veritable killzone for anyone foolhardy enough to invade the border region. In the sleepy town of Oxnaford, work is well under way on a number of building projects. One of them is a school. In fact, it is better than a mere school. This is a Lorehall, or what others might call a "university." Teaching may or may not have started by this point. We will check in later on Oxnaford Lorehall. This year, Edwin Godwinson has a son named Cnut. Although he suffers from poor eyesight, he is a healthy baby. As the newest generation of Godwins comes of age, a few marriage alliances are proposed. Wulfstan Godwinson (b.1072), Earl of Kent, is proposed to marry any daughter of age in France to secure an alliance with the Franks (Mod response needed). Ulf Haroldson is proposed to Marianne Johanesdottir of Sweden to form an alliance. The economy of England is doing well, with the most entrepreneurial Thanes using the money acquired in the war with Denmark to build ports, taverns, town halls, or trading fleets. The last one especially seems like the next big thing to transform England. An expedition is sent to Novgorod to establish trade relations. Additionally, Anglo-Saxon traders arrive in Saxony to establish an Anglo-Saxon-Saxon section of the Anglo-Saxon trade routes with Denmark and Germany. (Mod response needed for Novgorod, Saxon-Saxon response needed). Meanwhile in Roskilde, Godwine and Olaf escape a group of pirates. During their time in captivity, they became close and even worked together to escape. During his captivity, Godwine's forces managed to eliminate the rest of Olaf's forces. As he arrives in Roskilde with Olaf, the latter is named an oathbreaker and usurper. Breaking an oath in Medieval Scandinavia and in England was a terrible crime. For breaking his alliance, Olaf is tried, found guilty, and beaten to death. The reconstruction of Roskilde and Scania goes very well. As Godwine had managed to spare Jutland from the horrors of war, the region proves to be a saving grace for Denmark. Still, many Danes have migrated north to Sweden. This further confounds census-taking, which is still going well back in England. The regions that are abandoned soon become home to criminals and brigands. Land is sold at a discount and many Danes and Englishmen make their fortune this year acquiring empty farms... if they can manage to restore them. Many of the civilians who died in the war were either thralls or low-ranking freedmen. This seems to have put a massive and permanent dent in the slave population in Scandinavia, which was already diminishing by this point anyway. Archbishop Arnold of Roskilde writes to the Pope, taking much credit for freeing so many slaves and updating the Holy Father on the status of the remaining thralls in Denmark, which act more like peasants in other parts of Europe. The þēowe (thralls) in England by this point have also largely been freed from outright slavery and instead work the land in a way similar to peasants.
  • Donald and Malcolm accept the English alliance
• Norway: Following the defeat of last year, Olaf falls back to Moray. He, along with some other Norse leaders oversee the construction of massive fortifications on the city. Our forces of 8000+ are stationed to defend it against the impending Scottish invasion. Olaf appoints Hakkon Magnusson the next person to lead the army in case things go awry. We aid Iohmar in the construction of fortifications of the nation, and we will fight valiantly for its defense. (Algo Needed) We send some of our troops to defend and block the crucial Mountain passes from the enemy. Back home, Magnus hears word of the first crusade. He sends a quarter of his forces in the south to link up with the Crusader army. (Mod/Player Response? IDK how this works so feel free to cross it out if I did something wrong) Norway wishes to open up relations with the new king of Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus (player response)
  • Kingdom of England: An invasion of the British Isles will not be tolerated. You are instructed to disband your army at once or be tossed into the sea, for there is not enough land in Scotland to bury so many men. You shall be given safe passage to Norway, or perhaps the Holy Land where the true enemy is.
  • Grand Prince Monomakh invites his norse kinsmen to come crusade in Anatolia, and llows them safe passage through the Varangian RIver system.
  • Kingdom of Sweden: Sweden reafirms Norways right to defend its interests in Scotland and warns England that any attack upon Norway will be met with with a response from sweden-
  • Kingdom of England: The Swedish delegate is politely but firmly told to sit back down.
  • Kingdom of Norway: We have our right to defend our interests in Scotland. We will not cave in, and we order more forts and defenses to be constructed in Moray and Norway.
• Kievan Rus: Grand Prince Vladimir II Monomakh Returns to Kiev to to news of the great victory at Constantinople, and to a young Monk by the name of from the Cave Monastery with news that Nikon the Dry has passed but on his deathbed he claimed that Hegumen Feodosy of Kiev had spoken to him telling him it was god's will that the the Muslim Heathens be driven from the frontier of Christianity and the Holy land reclaimed. Seeing this as a sign the Patriarch of Kiev calls on all the Rus to come to the aid of their kin in the Near East, Grand Prince Monomakh echos this call. 1,500 Druzhina from Kiev answer the call along 3,000 more Chorni Klobuky, meanwhile a voyi of 12,000 peasants and freemen join the call. The force ships off to Constantinople to join Forces with Pytor. messengers are sent to the ret of the Rus asking those who wish to join the crusade answer the call (Mod response) In Constantinople Pytor Ivanovich coffers in a grand council with the Greeks and the latins under Bohemond of Taranto to decide on the next course of action. Pytor Ivanovich segguest that the Crusaders await the reinforcements and take the time to build up siege equipment across the straits and build up a force there. to make combined assault on Smyra using the combined Crusader Fleets help take the fortress and then from there progress into the interior of Anatolia. To this end he requests that Alexios begin mustering Greeks to help out mainly Greek engineers, and as many volunteers as possible (Papal and Mod response needed).
  • The Byzantine armies are brought up to 18,000 from the morale boost of having Orthodox allies present in the capital.
  • 5,000 Rus peasants will join the Crusade.

1093

While hunting in the mountains, Sultan Malik-Shah suddenly falls dead. The vizier, Nizam al-Mulk, is blamed, almost by reflex. The Seljuk Empire then spirals into confusion, as reports of a Christian invasion from the west make their way to Isfahan around the same time. When the guards at Isfahan jail are distracted, Kilij Arslan, the son of Suleiman ibn Qutalmish, makes a daring escape. He leads an army of Yiva Oghuz to Anatolia, where he ousts the governor and retakes the Sultanate of Rum. Meanwhile, the other beys start fighting for control of eastern Anatolia. The Emir of Damascus takes charge of the effort to defend the shores of the Levant against the Crusader onslaught.

Following the surprise intervention of the Christians and the defeat of their advance units in Thrace, the Pechenegs regroup near the defensible Balkan Mountains. Accepting that the jewel of the crown is now too well-guarded, they disperse back to their usual tribes and governorates, remaining at the ready should the war horns blow or an opening arise. They also manage to exact tribute from the Theme of Macedonia.

Bohemond, now styling himself Duke of Durazzo and Arbano in addition to Prince of Taranto, takes advantage of the chaos of the crusade to establish control over over Thessalonica and Strymon before reaching Constantinople to convene with Pyotr. Emperor Alexios is appalled to see his mortal enemy approaching, and opts to hold the meeting outside the city instead. He hastily agrees to the Rus' suggestions, anxious to send the Normans off to Anatolia as soon as possible.

The recent victory of the Norse-Gaelic alliance in Scotland has reached a stalemate in the Scottish Civil War, as the Scottish clans still hold power across the south with English backing, while the north has a large population of immigrant Nordic people. This has effectively restored Scotland to its ancient borders with the Nordic Kingdom of Morray set in the northern coast.

The Croatian nobles revolt against Hungary, seeing as his army is ineffective to occupy their country. They depose Queen Helena and elect Peter Snac as the new King of Croatia. They ask Dioclea to leave or they will have to attack the Castle Kis.

Anslem of Aosta is made Archbishop of Canterbury

The kingdom of Semien begins a series of expansions into the former Empire of Aksum. The descendants of Queen Judith are attempting to consolidate their reign over Beta Israel to defend their Jewish kingdom from the Christians along the Blue Nile and the Muslims to the north in Egypt.

A particularly bad series of storms leads to intense flooding in southern India, destroying crops and homes.

Empress Dowager Gao of the Song Dynasty passes away and is replaced by Emperor Zhezong, who immediately begins to purge his court of the previous administration. Relations with the Western Xia begin to disintegrate.

• Britanny: (first of all, my Antioch siege hasn't gone through the algo). Alan IV calls for his 1,000 reserves that had been levied and trained whilst he was gone. He also converts five of his galleys to have long spears, the equivalent of a naval ship. He also trains 300 of his soldiers to be proficient in archery, adding an archer detachment to his Crusader force. A lot more to be added...
  • I'm not in charge of the algo, but I would guess its delayed because Antioch is a bit inland from Tripoli, so you are better off joining the rest of the Crusaders there
• Scotland: King Malcolm III quickly reaffirms his support for the English, and prepares for a more aggressive approach to the civil war. With his 10,800 soldiers of the 2nd Alban Army, and 7,000 under his son Edgar coming, he decides to engage the Norse enemey at Bogroy, or Inchmore. Most of his soldiers are infantry, with a light contingent of infantry and archers. His force, made up of men in the Highlands region, knows the terrain well, and so they have no difficulty forming up on the battlefield, or fighting on their home land. He makes the first move by firing arrows into the city, then attacking on all three sides (Algo request). His plan is to hold the line long enough for Edgar's force, coming within a few days, to arrive. Meanwhile, he begins to build a fleet of 10-20 galleys, which takes a lot of time given most of the workers are off in battle. He knows that the Norse has a foothold in his region, but they do not have a lot of strategic locations, which is what Malcolm is after. Furthermore, in his officer's tent with his officers, he realises that he cannot invade Norway- he barely has a fleet, save a few merchant and trading ships. So, he calls for local clans and tribes to contribute directly to the war effort, primarily sending soldiers or making weapons (Mod response for the recruitment). He also sends a messenger to Norway: "You have been preparing for the rain. Now the clouds have passed." In other words, we have no intention of an invasion... not just yet.
  • Those numbers are fairly high even if Scotland was at full strength, there are a total of 12,000 foreign men in this conflicted between both sides, so Id say the numbers for Scotland are closer to 7,000-8,000 max.
  • To be specific your own army is 7-8k max, which is what Scotland was using in the war up to this point. You currently have 4k total foreign troops helping you (3k from England and 1k from Limerick), giving a total of 11-12k size army you can work with. Let me know if you have any questions
  • Scotland: Very well, very well, let's say 7,000 laying siege with the foreign soldiers to come within a few days. (Algo request) I was working off your database by the way.
  • The armies on the database are updated on the fly because "standing armies" don't exist at this time period, its more for reference than a strict policy.
• Kingdom of Norway: Norway will not back down, we send around 1500 more troops from the mainland to scotland, and we build fortifications at the border. In addition, we block a large amount of crucial mountain passes from the enemy. Following the Scottish assault, Olaf assembles a force of 8900 to Link up with Cork’s forces in Iverness (or wherever they are). We carry out much of the same strategy that Iohmar’s forces used. (Algo) To the east, our forces of 1000 make the safe trek through the Kievian lands. The army links up with the rest of Kiev and their alliy’s forces. Back in Scotland, the building of forts throughout the Duchy of Moray continues. In the war free north, more people from Norway are immigrating in Northern Scotland to start a new life. These people will become infamous for intermixing with the local Scottish and creating a distinct mixed identity in the future. Not wanting to risk a counter invasion on the city of Moray, the settlement is fortified, with forts and castles and watchtowers built in the vicinity.
  • (Out of character) I've never heard of two turns in a year. (Johnson)
  • What do you mean, that was a response to scotland. Yeah ok maybe I formatted it wrong but wasnt a whole turn. Fitzy
  • 1. Your first turn in this year was on you not backing down and sending 1500 men over. 2. If you don't know where your allies are, maybe your king doesn't either. (Johnson)
  • ????? I was just unceartain where cork's army was due to the long turn. In character i would still know where they were because they are my allies. What point are you making?? Also that was a response to scotlands turn on not backing down. So how is it two turns, other than not being formatted properly. Regardless, I think we should let the mods decide. (Fitz)
  • There have been numerous examples of this kind of thing, 2 or even multiple posts in the same turn that lead to terrible formatting, occuring in the past and it has never been disallowed, nor even a discussion arose to disallow such a thing, simply because it is much more convenient for players who have issues to coordinate with each other due to their different (or even completely opposite) timezones, he has also specified that his previous post was Work In Progress (W.I.P.) in his turn above, as in unfinished, that there was "more to come", so he could quite literally move everything from here to his previous post, editing it to include all of the additional text here. If you have an issue with the formatting, that could be debated, but there is no rule that disallows players from posting their turns in an unfinished state and completing them later on, as long as they mention that they posted their turn in an unfinished state in the first place. So, in conclusion, I would say that Fritz is very well within his rights to improperly format his text, which even through ugly in the eye, it is still allowable by the game's rules, especially since he specifically stated that his first post in this turn remains in an unfinished state and excuse me if I'm wrong here, but this comes off to me like you're trying to use the strawmen fallacy and argue semantics in order to invalidate the most crucial parts of his post in this turn and thus gain a substantial advantage in your ongoing war against your main opponent, which is by default an act of metagaming. (Bear)
  • Only pointing it out, ok? Didn't mean any harm or meta-gaming. (Johnson)
  • Mod: moved Norway's post to connect with his original post that said "more to come". This isn't a case of metagaming as he originally said to send 1500 "more" troops which would be around this same number. Please sign your posts, but it would be preferred to contact a mod than starting an unnecessary argument
• Duklja: Although Constantine is disappointed by Croatian nobility electing Peter Snac (rather than his brother Dobroslav) the King of Croatia, at least Hungary is no longer a threat. Klis, however, is a prize Constantine doesn't want to let go. In this ancient castle, once the capital of Croatian monarchs, he proclaims Dobroslav the Count (Župan) of Primorje and gives him Klis as a fiefdom. Dobroslav swears fealty to Constantine as his suzerain. The army stays in Klis, still waiting for an enemy which doesn't seem bother to come. Meanwhile, negotiations are held. Nearby cities of Split and Trogir are asked to provide the crusader army with ships, and are threatened with more raids if they dare to refuse (the Pope would hopefully notice the efforts of Constantine). Messages are also exchanged with Peter Snac - Constantine offers him to recognize Peter's rule over Croatia and conclude a defensive alliance against Hungary in exchange for accepting Dioclean claims on Klis. (Mod Response).
  • Peter Snac agrees under the condition that compensation be given.
• Kingdom of Sweden:With peace once again hitting Sweden. The king begins the second northern offensive against the local sami people with 4000 troops being diverted to that front. They are to be commanded by Einar Graburg,General of the northern realm(algo needed). The king visits the Skånelinjen(the defensive line consisting of three forts,blocking the entrence into sweden proper. These forts are named Gustavia,Hallsberg and Engholm. These three forts slowly but steady begins to develop into smaller settlements outside the forts,therefore providing the forts with ample food and water. Meanwhile the king recives word that the scottish nation might be planning an invasion of Norway should they win in Scotland. Therefore the king makes prepearation to send an addional 500 troops to norways capital.
• Papal States: With the crushing defeat of the Seljuks by the combined Catholic army landing in Jaffa, the Crusaders under the banner of Godfrey de Boullion walks ashore onto the blessed Holy Land. This marks the first successful military offensive outside of Europe since the fall of the Roman Empire. The people pray in reverence for the land which is truly flowing with milk and honey, which the wretched Saracens have occupied since the apostacy of Mohammed. Every road and town from now one was once treaded by the feet of Jesus Christ himself and his apostles, they very footsteps of God on Earth. This and other sayings are presented to the Crusaders in a homily by Peter the Hermit, who is all-too pleased to organize his surviving peasant army into the Promised Land. Hearing word that the Seljuk Sultanate is now falling into disorder, the time had come for Godfrey to press on to capture the Holy City itself, leaving a defensive force of 4,000 troops behind to defend the coast. As many villages and smaller cities between Jaffa and Jerusalem capitulate to the invaders, Robert Scalio takes command to nominate individual Counts and Mayors for administration of these lands, of which Giselbert of Clermont is named Count of Jaffa. After receiving a report on the situation in Palestine so far, Pope Urban writes back to stress that it will do them no good to achieve glory in body if they defile their soul, and as such they should uphold all Christian virtues of mercy, generosity and kindness to the people they have subjugated, so as to be a better Godly example than the godless Saracens that ruled before. Being fully supplied and well-fed, the army under Godfrey de Boullion proceeds to lay siege to Jerusalem with 30,000 troops, comprising the same proportions as before. The army is divided into two groups, as Godfrey of Boullion himself leads an assault attacking from the north, while Raymond of Tolouse brings his army up from the south. After cutting off any outer defenses for the city, the Crusaders then bring Italian siege weapons to mount of the walls of Jerusalem from the outisde. (algo request). Meanwhile, the army of Robert Curthose is making their way to siege the city of Antioch. Robert Scalio wrote to this army from the south, indicating his decision naming Rotrou of Perche as the new Count of Tripoli. After receiving this letter, many people in the Norman army were aghast to hear that Jerusalem was already under siege, and begin arguing with Robert Curthose why they are wasting time at Antioch when the Holy City is almost taken. The Norman Duke, with many flattering language, manages to calm down most of the army on their approach to Antioch, but about 500 knights breaks off to join with Godfrey. About 4,000 troops are left behind to occupy the newly-formed County of Tripoli. The remaining 25,000 troops under Robert Curthose arrives to begin the siege of Antioch, joining the forces of Alan of Brittany (algo request).
• KIevan Rus: On the 12th of April, in the year of our lord, his majesty, King Vsevolod I of Kiev passes, following his funeral, The Patrairch of Kiev crowns Vladimir II Monomakh King of the Rus before the Veche. Trae cotinues to grow. Missionaries continue to spread the word of god among the Rus and their neighbors. Pyotr Ivanovich decides to move on Smyrna. Following a year of resupplying and preparations for a prolonged campaign The Rus-Norman forces march. Pyotr settles on a loose siege for the city, He decides on using the hilly geography of the region to his advatange setting up choke points to blocakde the city by land while the combined crusader fleet blockades the waterways into the city just outside of range of the two approaches to the port. Keeping the Druzhina and Latin knights in reserve he has the infatry build earthernwork fortifications from which the Rus and Latin archers may operate, while The Chorni Klobuky scout the area toensure no encirclement (Algo Requested).
• Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh: King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) marries Hedwig, King Kenneth IV's daughter, in a magnificent, but rashed ceremony, sealing his alliance with the Scottish King in the process. Later that year, Hedwig bares him a son, known as Rögnvald amongst his people and as Raghnall to the Irish. After successfully driving off the Scottish clans from Iverness, in what was called the miracle of Iverness, he backs down on his previous tactic of strengthening the fortifications surrounding the city of Iverness and in the the whole of the Duchy of Moray in general. Still aware that he holds a significant disadvantage and utterly unwilling to face a similar defeat like the one he experienced 2 years ago by hastily invading the territory of an overwhelming foe, he staunchly refuses to fall into his enemy's tactics and advance as far as Bogroy to engage his Scottish foes, with the allied host under his command falling behind and manning up his recently constructed fortified defensive line along the coastal route [IRL locations: Newton of Petty - Culloden Moor - Dalroy], which is the only route of advance, the same defensive fortification line that enabled him to successfully fend off the previous Scottish attempt to march to Iverness, while also fervently overseeing the joint effort of the allied forces to further fortify that defensive fortifications line even further [digging an extra 1 meter for the trench, now filling it with sea water, while also adding up another 1,5 meters to the existing wooden wall behind the trench and reinforcing its wooden base with stone to render it more solid, transforming his existing defensive fortifications line to one wiith a 2 meter deep trench, filled with sea water and a 4 meter tall wooden wall with a stone base behind it), with the castle of Iverness located in really short proximity from that line, ready to fall back with his allied host behind the safety of the formidable walls of the castle of Iverness ready to retreat to the safety of the walls of the city of Iverness with his allied host if the defensive fortifications line is breeched, determined to make his great last stand there. Additionally a meagre force is posted to stall any enemy attempts to advance through the mountain passages of the Highlands leading to the city from the east, south and west, but also ride back in great haste and notify King Iomhar, if they decide to divide their forces and march against us with the intention of flanking us, so that he can act accordingly to counter their movements by retreating within the safety of the imposing walls of the castle of Iverness from the defensive fortifications line. At the same time, neither is King Iomhar willing to allow his enemy to advance as North as Inchmore, instead utilizing the advantage that the defense of this mountainous terrain provides him to the maximum degree possible, to face this numerically superior enemy force with the numerically inferior allied host under his command, deciding to block their route of further advance to the North by assembling and hidding all of the allied forces at the abundance of lushness which covers most of the depth of the narrowest part of the southern pass (IRL Alltsigh - The Lochside Hostel area) is right next to the Loch Ness Lake, which along with the tall bushes blending in the tall trees that cover most of the southern pass, rendering it almost impassable and certainly impossible to see through, making it the perfect cover for a surprise attack, where the allied host would ambush the overextended portions of the enemy's overstreched marching formations (similar to the IRL Battle of the Teutoburg Forest), where the terrain would provide them with the ability to effectively nullifying the enemy's numerical advantage by arraying the ranged forces of the allied host in a wide fashion, raining down a sea of arrows and tying up their startled opponents from assisting their flanks, luring them to go after them into the forest further inland, which is filled with a wide range of freshly laid out traps by our allied forces, allowing our melee units, our bravest warriors that lead this charge, to encircle the bulk of their forces by fiercely descending upon the two ends and the middle of their overstreched formations with this well coordinated surpise attack, cutting them down and fiercely pressing on with our attempt to push them further towards the Loch Ness Lake, utterly overwhelming them in the process, while at the same time intentionally leaving enough of an opening for the most disheartened formations of the enemy forces to flee for their very lives, while also posting adequate forces to defend the flank of the allied host by ambushing whatever scouts the Scottish clans make use to scour the forest path (Great Glen Way IRL), which is entirely impossible to traverse a full army from, much less resupply it. Thus halting the Scottish clans advance by crushing their forces on their way to Inchmore, which is located to the west of the city of Iverness. The only way to bypass the Southern route would be to traverse through the treacherous Western Highlands passes through Loch Alsh, which, being firmly within the territories of the Kingdom of the Isles, which is the bitter rival of the Scottish clans and would never allow them through their lands willingly and would oppose their advance within their heartlands, in either case we would learn of it and adjust our plans accordingly, marching a flexible smaller force of 2.500 men, under King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) himself, that is seperated from the allied host in Iverness, to wear the forces of the Scottish clans through the clever use of guerilla tactics and scorched earth tactics, depriving them of food and shelter, burning all villages and scotching all fields alike in or near that path, while also repeatedly ambushing isolated pockets of the enemy's forces on the narrowest parts of these tricky passes, all the way to Iverness, beneath the safety of the walls of which King Iomhar and his harassing forces retreats in the end, preparing to make his last stand defending the city of Iverness, depending on the outcome of this decisive battle that is about to occur. [Algo Needed] King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) retains the presence of his 1.000 men to the ongoing wareffort in defense of his ally, King Kenneth IV, becoming determined not to yield to the southern clansmen and the Dunkeld brothers, Donald and Malcolm, leading them, viewing them as beneath him, but never again willing to make the same mistake he did when he marched south to crush their forces, never again willing to underestimate them, for he has learned a valuable lesson, greatly strengthening his resolve to see them dead, willing to do almost anything to get his vengeance from them, for this has now turned personal for him, after witnessing his younger brother, the only relative he had left in this life, to be slain by the clans. King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) is upset that his allies, the Kingdoms of Waterford and Wexford, only dispatched 100 men combined to support their mutual ally, King Kenneth IV, although he refrains from showing his frustration with them in public. As King Ìomhar Mac Oitir of Corcaigh's regent, his Chancellor, continues to be on standby, preparing to defend the Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh (Cork), training levies and inspecting the defenses of his domain, the construction of defensive fortifications in the surroundings of the city of Corcaigh (Cork) takes place, as aggressive actions by the Ua Briain led coalition are to be expected. The reassertion of Norse influence over the southeast coast of Ireland has led to the reemergance of small scale raiding against the Irish clans in the area by the emboldened Norsemen.
• Alania: In the new parts of our nation we continue to build forts to protect our lands. By the forts small villages increase in population 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 territory we own with their domesticated animals to help the aniamls be familiar to the lands they are using. The nomadic pastoral grazers are semi skilled in fighting and weapon use, so while doing their job with their domesticated animals they also protect our boarders from invations too. We also have professional trained troops on our boarders so we can keep our nation safe. Lots of outposts are continuing their construction along our boarders. A giant look out tower/clock continues its construction in the capital city. The king wants more bigger structures to be built so that people can see from higher distances and then see farther way. The construction of the biggest church in the region continues its construction place. We send our condolences to the new king of KIevan Rus after hearing of the passing of King Vsevolod I, King Giorgi and his son David go up to the Klevan Rus lands to attend the funeral. When Vladimir II Monomakh gets crowned we send a gift to him to congradulate him of his new title. Our brave troops are somewhere in east Anatolia after getting routed by Pechenegs but then the Hungarian Black Horses come save them from almost getting destoryed. Our kings son David is actively looking for a wife to marry. (Anyone can respond)
• Nordmark/Brandenburg: The Margrave of Nordmark declares the independence of his realm, Nordmark (Northern March), from the Duchy of Saxony. He persuades his surrounding Marches to secede from Saxony and unite under a confederation known as the Geronian Confederation.
  • Mod response: they decline at the moment
• House Barcelona: With the crusader forces assembled the army swells to well over 55,000 men, an unmanageable number in the less-forgiving core of Spain. To increase the chances of success in this effort, Pere Ramon grants command to a force comprised of British Longbowmen and Men-at-Arms, the forces from Brittany and Provence, and the forces of Castile, Galicia, and Aragon to Alfonso VI with the other two kings to serve as advisors and deputy commanders. This force, numbering nearly 18,000 is to first retake those areas captured by Toledo. They are then to proceed down the coast and secure the important city of Lisboa. From there they shall attempt to distract any Muslim forces advancing north into Castile, Leon, and Galicia and generally maintain a strong harassing defense. To cause chaos in the core of the peninsula, 2,000 Jinetes are deployed under the leadership of one of Alfonso’s top commanders to raid Muslim supply lines, attack reinforcement columns, and harass the enemy should they pursue any of the larger forces. Meanwhile, the main host of French, Catalan, and Flemish warriors, numbering 36,000 are to proceed down the coast, raising Albarracín to the ground before proceeding to lay siege to Valencia. (Algo Needed) To aid in this endeavor the fleet of 70 Galeras Normandals, fast well-handling ships of substantial power, is recalled and used to blockade Valencia, as well as probe the harbor defenses. Hugh II, Count of Empúries is placed in command, a veteran of the previous Balearic Campaign, his skills as a naval commander are respected throughout Catalonia. Siege weapons are to be brought with both armies to aid in the fighting. Tactically, Fransesc de Cardona employs his old tricks. He uses local soldiers to scout for his army, and, upon contacting the enemy, uses his cavalry to bait the enemy into attacking his forces while they hold defensible positions. Expecting any major battle to take place on the mountain road to Valencia, Francesc counts on his archers’ superior crossbows to defeat those of his enemy. The rough terrain should impede cavalry on both sides, forcing any such contest into a linear battle wherein the side with better positioning and superior range would have the advantage. With that in mind, he intends to be certain to keep his archers on the high ground. His advance south from Zaragoza takes him past Albarracín to Requena where he turns east, approaching Valencia from the west and trapping his enemy between the high-ground and the sea. To the west, Alfonso VI is given more or less free reign to pick his battles as he pleases. Arriving at the walled city of Zamora to find it very well defended, Alfonso decides to thus pick his battles. He marches south to Salamanca, laying siege to the less well defended city and cutting his enemy’s lines of supply and communication. (Algo Needed)
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 27th 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 the House of Mercia together in alliance. He has many siblings: 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, King of Denmark, 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 married to Lǫgmaðr Guðrøðarson. 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 battle against the saracen in Iberia rages on… yet many eyes are pointed northwards as the Norwegians seem to be attempting to fill the void left by Denmark. The year begins with England launching a series of raids on Norwegian ships travelling to Scotland. Many of these ships are left over from the invasion of Denmark. Because many of Norway and Scotland's ports are frozen by this point, most ships are coming from and going to southern ports. English ships are able to intercept enemy ships carrying supplies, soldiers, and orders. Later in the year, English ships focus primarily on any ships going into the Moray Firth. They focus primarily on stopping Moray from receiving supplies and resources, though the sailors that are plucked from the sea are interrogated. Occasionally, raiding parties will land, set fire to fields or fortifications, and sail away. The greatest act of espionage, however, comes when English agents attempt to set fire to Inverness' defenses, which would largely be wooden by this point. (Mod response needed for both raids and the burning of Inverness). Though the wotan is called to discuss how many people to field, Harold Haroldson personally spearheads the campaign. Most of the soldiers that are sent are Northumbria, though the odd warrior from Mercia is not too out of the ordinary. Harold II wishes to keep this war from spilling into Scandinavia, though Godwin Haroldson orders several attacks on Norwegian ships this year. The shipbuilders along the Kattegat coast, however, do keep busy making ships in case Norway decides to escalate things. During Scotland's invasion of the Inverness area, about 3,500 Northumbrians join the fray. By this point, the English raids should have had some noticeable effect on Moray's food supply. They are transported by English galleys that sail alongside the forces sent by Scotland. If they do run into trouble, these ships can easily provide support. If the force makes it to Inverness, the 3,500 men land to support the Scottish armies. In the meantime, fire ships are sent into Moray Firth to burn the fortifications, docks, and maybe all of Inverness in a raging inferno (Mod response needed for fire ships).
  • The fire ships severely hampers the Norse ability to supply their military
• Emirate of Toledo: Valencia, the crown jewel of the Mediterranean port. Lord Said al-Can, the lord of Valencia and a retired privateer from the Barbary sits from his estate looking at the golden and lapis colored waters of the sea. In the past, the Emir oversaw the port and the Emirates fleet but now as of 1092, that duty had transferred to him. The 32 galleys at the port had not been needed for conflict since their attempt of taking the Balearic Islands. This mission unfortunately never would fall through and now the enemy in Barcelona administers their fallen brother's lands. He would smile for a moment, not thinking of much of what was to come. When he looked out to the rising sun, he could only think about how enjoyable it was to be at sea. It was in his blood after all and so too was the thrill. Known as "The Wolf" by the Barbary Privateers, he now faces a crusade by the sea. Merchant traffic had continued as usual and with this, rumors of a fleet approaching the shore quickly spread from the market place to the work space of the commander. He would send a letter that would dispatched on horseback and sent to the Emir immediately. In fact the urgency was so great, two horsemen would be sent to ensure the message was received. The Grand Vizier, el-Huadiz would read it while brushing his mustache. He wasn't surprised. It was his second year in this position after succeeding el-Rudrighiz who came before him. From all he had gone through up to this point, it was something he would react to only calmly as he would let Omar make the final decision. And with that order, just as the horsemen left, so would they return. In the end, the order was given with two words "Defend Valencia". That was all Naval Commander Said al-Can needed before he smirked, closed the letter, and went off to ready his men at the port. The court meeting a year prior had left all the lords of the emirate aware of the circumstances of this coming crusade. This had given the impression that al-Can had nothing to lose. All of the fleet would be used to protect the coastline at all costs. The 32 galleys would be used to their full potential. Being smaller but more agile and speedy than their larger Christian counterparts, they would be perfect in a sea of chaos. Prior to setting sail, a letter is sent to Yusuf asking for naval support in order to prevent further incursion on the shore (Almoravid Response). While at sea, al-Can would organize the galleys by 8 captains with each governing 4 ships. al-Can being in charge of his own group. The other 7 captains alongside al-Can would use their pack-like formations to avoid rammings by the christian vessels and isolate the ships to then rain arrows on them and then board them. The largest of ships would have flame arrows rained on them by Alramah Bowmen. The goal would be to set off firestorms aboard the wooden vessels and encourage chaos on board to slow down their reaction times since their speed would be a weakness. These tactics would encourage vulnerability and make it more likely for ships to be stormed and taken over but also destroy their fleet and send their plans sinking beneath the waves. The privateering tactics of al-Can would be applied in war for the first time. To the emirate, this war is just starting (Algo Needed). In addition, The Grand Vizier had rallied an army of the veterans alongside new blood and mercenaries after a call for jihad. This force numbered 24,000 men in total. 10,000 men would be sent out to guard Zamora's walls while 14,000 would be dispatched to defend Valencia. Omar I al-Rasheed would defend Zamora. Though it is the estate of the Grand Vizier, the city holds sentimental value to the Emir and his wife. Meanwhile Grand Vizier el-Huadiz would assist in the defense of Valencia by land with his cunning tactics against the larger army. North of Castellón de La Plana, a trap would be set by the crusaders in a territory they aren't very well familiar with. The arid rocky climate of the Sierra would leave the path of movement difficult. Supply lines would be assaulted by 700 troops using guerilla tactics alongside another 700 from Omar's army used on sabotaging missions as well. This would include setting fires, bowmen assaults, as well as triggering rocks slides in the rocky areas of far Northern Valencia. The main armies would remain stationed in Valencia and Zamora though. Valencia's fortress and Zamora's walls would do both the Emir and the Grand Vizier well. To inconvenience the crusaders that make it beyond the sabotage, the Carraixet River's bridges would be destroyed to prevent crossings to reach Valencia. The river's width would make the crossing of catapults impossible. This would leave the men left to either swim and drown or cross the treacherous Serra Calderona. By the time they reach the walls of Valencia, el-Huadiz hopes alongside Yusuf's aid, they can push these crusaders back as they would deliver them showers of arrows, and catapults launches. They also hope that the port may be protected to ensure that Valencia's supply may not be as jeopardized (algo response). Meanwhile Omar's army in Zamora would have an ensured supply line. The roads and bridges connecting the city to the south would ensure that supplies would be well in reach while it would be very difficult for the army to surround the city. The north face would have Alramah Bowmen ready while the south would constantly be scouted and secured. The Alramah Longbowmen would send flame arrows targeting camps and catapults hoping if enough would rain on them, the wood would catch fire and so would the men manning them as they would be equally targeted. Yusuf's men would be awaited to hold and then lead a counterstrike (algo needed). WIP
• Al-Murābiṭūn: It was an early morning when messengers from Toledo would arrive in exhaust to Cordoba. They wished to speak to Yusuf ibn Tashfin, but of course, he was in Seville at the time. It's said that the messengers would forgo eating in an effort to reach the Sultan as quickly as possible, with one of them even catching a fever and perishing along the way. The messengers would finally arrive in Seville, but of course, their bad shape had deteriorated their look and weren't accepted initially based on their smell. However, after a banquet held by Yusuf in their honor, the plight of Omar I al-Rasheed would leave Yusuf feeling a certain way towards the northern kingdoms, more than he did prior and he already felt like they were imposing on him. So of course, this made him angry. "ERGH!" Yusuf would screech, "I'M ANGRY!!!" Yes, he was. This anger by Yusuf would be so hilariously painted by Dawud in his later years, though the original painting was lost sometime in the early 13th century. With that said, Syr ibn Abi Bakr ibn Tashfin would lead a number of Sudanese contigents to the aid of Toledo's vizier, el-Huadiz, in Valencia [Algo Response Needed]. Further emboldened to take action, Yusuf, along with Abu Bakr ibn Ibrahim ibn Tashfin, would march northward to Toledo, where with the knowledge of the attack, would march onwards to Salamanca [Algo Response Needed]. The policy of this year was simple: get off my fucking lawn. At the Battle of Salamanca, it's said that Abu Bakr ibn Ibrahim ibn Tashfin would make an attempt at killing Alfonso VI when given the opportunity. This opportunity would come when the armies engaged, and it would taken with Abu Bakr grabbing the tip of a small blade and whipping it at the monarch [Assassination RNG Response Needed]. The Almoravid navy is also sent to aid Toledo. WIP waiting for responses.
  • Response: 43. The attack on Alfonso severely wounds his arm but his personal guards comes in to protect him, capturing two of Abu Bakr's retainers in the process.
  • Despite this, Alfonso would die later in the battle, of injuries sustained while fighting.

• Saxony: The Duke of Saxony sends an army of 10,000 troops to cancel the rebellion of the so-called "Northern March of Brandenburg" (Algo needed). If this is unsuccessful, the Duke sends word to the Holy Roman Emperor, his previous ally, requesting assistance in putting down this disturbance and challenge to the proper authority in the Empire. (Mod Response needed). An army of Saxon peasants sets off for the Holy Land to join the Crusaders' armies. An army of noblemen and knights, led by Otto, Count of Ballenstedt, also leave for the Holy Land to join the Crusaders.
  • Emperor Berthold swiftly sends support to crush the rebellion, and hopes to expand the Duke's demesne into the surrounding March

1094

Jerusalem has fallen to the Crusaders, and now the Kingdom of Jerusalem is officially proclaimed. It is now up to the Crusaders to defend the region from ongoing Muslim molestation

Europe sees a hard winter this year, along with another epidemic of fever-plague (typhus) that is spread to Palestine by the Crusaders, where it breaks out among their camps. Among the fallen are Bishop Adhemar of Le Puy, the papal representative who was known for personally leading the warriors of Christ into battle.

In the wake of the continued deterioration of Seljuk authority in Syria, followers of the Hashashin begin expanding their influence in the region. Most de-facto power in the region has fallen into the control of the Emirates of Damascus and Aleppo

Berkyaruq, the eldest son of Malik-Shah, defeats an army loyal to his baby brother Mahmud at Barudjird. Afterwards, he seizes Isfahan and Baghdad, where he is proclaimed sultan by the caliph, and has Mahmud and his mother poisoned. Since Tutush was slain by crusaders at the Homs Gap, Berkyaruq is able to consolidate his control over eastern Syria and Iraq. He does not, however, send an army to fight the crusaders, being too occupied with the rebellion of his uncle Arghun Arslan in Khorasan. This leaves Tutush's sons, Fakhr al-Mulk Radwan of Aleppo and Shams al-Muluk Duqaq of Damascus, to face the Christian threat, alongside Yağısıyan of Antioch

Following up the relief in Constantinople, Emperor Alexios sends out an expeditionary force in an attempt to capture Nicaea, but is immediately stopped by the Turkish forces

A new group of about 4,000 Torkils migrate into the Kievan borderlands near the Dnieper. In the east, the Kipchaks absorb several tribes that were formerly part of the Kimek Khanate

After Alfonso VI of Castile has died in battle, his daughter Urraca is made Queen of Castile and Leon, who is married to a Burgundian Count. She immediately assumes a role in the internal politics of Spain to uphold the image of her father as a martyr for the Empire

The First Crusade in Spain has taken a devastating toll on both sides of the conflict so far, as both Catalonia and Toledo have fallen into an economic depression, and seen the death of several nobles in battle

William Bertrand II of Provence dies, which wills the title to his daughter Gerberga. By marriage, this makes Emperor Ramon the Count of Provence as well

After the attacks on the Norwegian fleet by English fire ships, they are now much more hampered in the number of troops they are able to occupy in Scotland. In the face of ongoing conflict in the region, a large number of Norse begin to emigrate back to Norway or the Hebrides islands. For the clans in South and Central Scotland, they see this as an opportunity for a fighting chance

The ongoing conflict in Scotland ,and the massive presence of foreign fighters and the mounting death toll has left the Scottish clans bitter, and impoverished. A poor harvest this year leads to famine, while tensions grow among the Scottish clans, and their Saxon allies.

After Nordmark's failed rebellion, the County is fully re-incorporated as a direct vassal of Saxony. With instability in the region, the Wends carry out a series of raids into Jutland and Saxon lands

• Scotland: Malcolm dies, and is replaced by Donald, his brother. Immediately. he orders a new tactic. He would guard the exits. The bottom of mountains, the clearings of forests, all those would be guarded, so that nobody can get in or out. 3,000 of his men will see to that. Furthermore, he sends 10 of his galleys, each one with 50 soldiers each, to guard the waters around Inverness. The fleet also has a variety of merchant and trading ships, as well as boats with stocks of supplies. He will now starve the city out. There will be no offensive until the conditions are right. However, many of Donald's officers wants progress. And so, he recruits local traders, and they attempt to sow dissent and anger in Norway, particularly in the lower class (Mod response).(WIP)
• Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh: King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) mockingly adopts the moniker "Germanicus", drawing parallels between the historical Battle of Teutoburg Forest, in commemoration of his desicive victory against the Anglo-Scottish host at Inchmore, refusing to cede them an "inch more", instead just sending them packing back to the south with their tails between their legs. King Iomhar "Germanicus" of Corcaigh (Cork) hereby calls his long standing ally and friend, having shed the blood of their enemies, fighting side by side and bonding in the process, King Godred Crovan of the Isles, to intervene in the ongoing Scottish Civil War in support of his ally's King Kenneth IV's side and against the falsely proclaimed King, Donald Dunkeld, who has slaughtered thousands of our kin in his blatantly mislead persue of Kingship, under the misguided pretence that the end justifies the means, no matter the cost and suffering that was done in his name. Furthermore, hoards of wealth are described to have been gained from the Anglo-Scottish host as loot by the allied Viking host after their victory at Inchmore, facing down the full brunt of the Anglo-Scottish host, which was desicively defeated and driven back to the south. [Mod Response] Queen Hedwig continues to watch after King Iomhar's only son, known as Rögnvald Ivarsson amongst his people and as Raghnall Iomharsson to the Irish. (WIP Warmoves to be added) King Iomhar of Corcaigh (Cork) retains the presence of his 1.000 men to the ongoing wareffort in defense of his ally, King Kenneth IV, becoming determined not to yield to the southern clansmen and their falsely proclained King, Donald Dunkeld, that is leading them, viewing them all as beneath him, but never again willing to make the same mistake he did when he marched south to crush their forces, never again willing to underestimate them, for he has learned a valuable lesson, greatly strengthening his resolve to see them dead, willing to do almost anything to get his vengeance from them, for this has now turned personal for him, after witnessing his younger brother, the only relative he had left in this life, to be slain by the clans. King Iomhar "Germanicus" of Corcaigh (Cork) sends word the Kingdoms of Waterford and Wexford of the great riches their fellow 100 Viking acquired from their great victory against the Anglo-Scottish host at Inchmore, leaving hoards of valuable loot in the wake of their disorganized retreat, while also prasing their valiantness and their bold exploits, claiming they've slain around two dozen Anglos and Scots each. Not only this is a well crafted, yet subtle attempt to incite envy from the folk of Waterford and Wexford towards their of neighbours and all the hoards of wealth they have acquired thus far, but also an implication of the ever lasting glory they have missed out on, for they must prove worthy of their ancestors, to secure their fate in the afterlife. This is done in hopes of enticing even more men from the allied cities of Waterford & Wexford to fight on King Kenneth IV's side, with promises of hoards of wealth to be acquired. (Viking martial traditions and expectations in the afterlife, although they might not be pagans anymore, Celtic Christanity and their local churches did incorporate most of their previous customs and traditions, to generate acceptance among the locals for their assimilation to Christianity, as was done in Scandinavia and various other places etc) [Mod Response] As King Ìomhar Mac Oitir of Corcaigh's regent, his Queen Hedwig, continues to be on standby, preparing to defend the Petty Kingdom of Corcaigh (Cork), training levies and inspecting the defenses of his domain, the construction of defensive fortifications in the surroundings of the city of Corcaigh (Cork) takes place, as aggressive actions by the Ua Briain led coalition are to be expected. The reassertion of Norse influence over the southeast coast of Ireland has led to the reemergance of small scale raiding against the Irish clans in the area by the emboldened Norsemen.

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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