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

1110

Since I can't find any OTL events for this year, then I will give everyone who posted last turn a mod event.

Shortly after agreeing to the Triumvirate, Bohemond of Taranto makes an attempt to seize more de-facto power. During a pilgrimage for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, Bohemond claims to have uncovered an Anti-French conspiracy among the Crusaders, which have come in league with the Saracens and ancient pagans. In the midst of panic, Bohemond confines the sons of King Robert to the Tower of David, and mobilizes his army near the city.

Chieftain Wuyashu of the Jurchens establishes his current border against the Liao to the Suifen River, not currently planning to expand further yet. The Liao Emperor raises 15,000 troops at Liaoning against the Goryeans, and demands that they return the territory to the Khitans or will be attacked.

With the external threat looming of the Crusader Normans, the remaining tribes around OTL Tunisia and Algeria centralize under the Banu Hilal clan to form a single Sultanate. The Hammanid Sultanate remains independent but quickly joins the alliance in fear of the neighboring Almoravids.

Sultan Badit of Shewa is captured by a tribe of Shia Muslims near Aden, who will send him back home for an exhuberant ransom.

In Sardinia, Beatrici of Arborea's defiance against Felip-Pere gains admiration by comporary writers, likening her to Veturia.

In Uppsala, Bishop Gauberg becomes greatly beloved by the common people, and according to rumors revives the sick by praying over them. Many Sapmi come to the Church by his words.

Princess Anne Komnae, daughter of Emperor Alexios I visits Armenia to include the perspective of Demyan's house into her biography, the Alexiad.

In Brussels a small dog in a scapular is spotted eating a oublie (medieval waffle), this combined with the dress leading to a nickname of the dog "nonneke zoet" (sweet nun). The Crusades have suceeded to import orange water to the Lowlands and northern France.

• Saxony: The Duke of Saxe-Luneburg is looking for potential young brides for his young sons, Hugo and Wulfric (both born 1088) from good noble families (Mod or player response).
  • Mod Response: Helen Piast of Sandomierz, third daughter of the Duke Władimir (b. 1090) is offered to be wed to the elder brother.
• Papal States: The success of the Crusade in Tunisia is pleasing for both the Pope and the Consistory, as the Gospel spreads in every direction from Europe. Urbanization increases in both Latium and Tuscany, now directed by the authority of the well-educated clergy from the University of Bologna. Cardinal Leo of Ostia returns from the Tunisian Crusade with a newly-trained generation of naval officers for the growing Papal navy, mostly stationed around the Island of Corsica. Cardinal Leo of Ostia asks to purchase a few Norman Drakkars from the County of Sicily (Sicily response). The Neo Platonic school of Chartres continues to expand with Anslem of Laon as its chancellor. Adelard's mathematical system of Arabic numerals is becoming more popular and systemized, finding it a much easier way to explain geometry. Peter Abelard has now become a teacher at the school for rhetoric and philosophy. Papal legates are sent through the Kingdom of Jerusalem to keep in contact with the Syriac Orthodox and Nestorian Churches, hoping to keep them allied to the Latin states in order to undermine the Orthodox and Muslim forces in the region. With the situation of Christendom doing well, the Pope decides to relax a bit and retire to the Lateran Palace, where he meets again with the Angel Ariel. Having gained his trust for these many years at this point, the angel offered Pope Paschal a chance to a higher level of power and understanding of the universe. As the Pope agrees to this deal, the angel responds with a startling confession. This power is not something that her authority, the Archangel Michael, approves of letting mortal man obtain, so to do so would take a great cost of energy on her part, and at the expense of her holiness. After thinking this over for some time, Paschal responds that regardless of what the Archangel thinks, he is willing to risk it for her sake. With a mischievous smile, Ariel thanks Paschal for giving his word for this effort, so she may at last begin the ritual. One nuncio named Benedict, along with his servants heard this ritual as it took place, and was shocked to think the Pope had been consulting with demonic forces. Whlie Benedict himself did not report this at the time, rumors had spread that the Pope had been breaking his vows of celibacy to take on a mistriss. Under pressure from these rumors, Paschal summoned a Synod of Bishops and Cardinals at the Capitoline hill, and declared under oath before Mary and the Saints that he has not taken on a mistriss. Shortly after this synod, the Pope dispatched Benedict as a job of a priest in Tripoli, hoping to hear the last of him there.
  • Sicily: The ongoing war with the Muslims of North Africa require all of Sicily's ships, and thus Count Roger must decline.
• Kingdom of Jerusalem: With Bohemond having basically seized the power in Jerusalem, Tancred of Galilee join forces with Patriarch Arnulf of Chocques and together they reunite an army of Italians and Knights of Military Orders to confront Bohemond and his army outside of Jerusalem. A brief battle happens, with some men of both sides being hurt or killed. The confront is interrupted by the arrival of Archbishop Teobald of Tyre, who is able to convince the three leaders to meet and discuss the situation with the Haute Cour. Bohemond defends his position, saying that what he did was necessary to save Jerusalem from the "Muslim-Pagan Plot" and shows the evidence that he had from the existance of this plot. Tancred and Patriarch Arnulf aren't convinced by this story and remain sceptical of the entire thing. Meanwhile, the seneschal Baldric and Deacon Pietro of Bologne went to investigate the said "Muslim-Pagan Plot". After some search, they discover that the evidences presented by Bohemond were fabricated by himself and planted by his servants. The duo presents their discoveries before the Haute Cour, the three leaders and Archbishop Teobald. With these evidences of Bohemond's lies, the Haute Cour, Tancred and Patriarch Arnulf accuse him of treason. By this point and after seeing his ambitions once again frustated, Bohemond have a mental breakdown and starts to laugh maniacally. He pulls a knife and stabs Patriarch Arnulf of Chocques in the back and attempts to kill Tancred of Galilee. To restrain him was necessary five men and even so he fought as a beast, stabbing more two men before he was disarmed. Now restrained, Bohemond starts to scream nonsensical thing and to curse Demyan of Edessa and his descendants for what they did with him. Then Bohemond is dragged and imprisoned at the Tower of David, while still screaming that he will return, kill all of them and be King of Jerusalem. The children of Robert Scalio are safe, they were taken from their captivity in the Tower of David and brought to the Royal Palace of Jerusalem by orders of seneschal Baldric. With Bohemond imprisoned, physicians arrive to take care of the wounded. Patriarch Arnulf of Chocques is badly injured and the physicians think that he will need much time to recover. With two members of the Triumvirate out of comission, the Haute Cour appoints their replacements. Due to his efforts, the Frenchman seneschal Baldric is appointed as Bohemond's replacement as representant of the French party and to replace the now convalescent Patriarch Arnulf, Archbishop Teobald of Tyre is appointed as the representant of the clerical faction. Is decided that Bohemond's family, his son Bohemond, and his wife Constance, will remain at Jerusalem and will not be antagonized. Now that things returned to normal (as normal as it can be in the Kingdom of Jerusalem), the new Triumvirate approves the construction of a shipyard in the city of Acre. They once again write to Adelaide del Vasto asking her to buy 7 ships and to hire Sicilian shipbuilders [Sicily reponse needed, please]. A similar letter is sent to the Republic of Genoa, asking them to sent shipbuilders that will be well paid for their services [MOD response needed, please]. Girard I of Roussilon and the 50 veteran knights that arrived from Spain are welcomed by the Triumvirate. Then they order the construction of military center in Jerusalem to train the soldiers according with the instructions of the Spanish. Later this year Bohemond, who is now nicknamed as the Mad by the people of Jerusalem, escapes from his prison in the Tower of Davi by killing with bare hands the guard who was responsible to give him dinner. After a chase across the streets of Jerusalem and Bohemond killing more ten innocent passerbies in a gruesome way, he is finally captured. He is brought in chains before the Triumvirate and the Haute Cour, while (of course) screaming improprieties against Demyan of Edessa, the Rus and the Church. Is decided that Bohemond is a danger to all inhabitants of the city and of the KIngdom (and possibly a danger to any living being in the world). Then he is put inside a cage, with his hands shackled, mouth gagged and deported to Rome, where Pope Paschal II must decide his fate [Papal response needed, please]. In his chronicles about the Crusades, Archbishop Teobald of Tyre writes that Bohemond seemed to be "another person, as if possessed by a demon". With Patriarch Arnulf of Chocques still recovering from his wound, Archbishop Teobald of Tyre assumes Arnulf's project of revitalization of Jerusalem. The Church of the Sorrows of Mary is finished in the fourth station of the Via Dolorosa. The Triumvirate agrees (for now) with the Seljuk's conditions for the Truce.
  • The Republic of Genoa will supply the Jerusalem navy
  • Papal response: Bohemond doesn't stay long in Rome, as the Pope does not want to deal with this prince himself. Bohemond, his wife Constance and son Bohemond II are sent to Sweden on the charge to continue the crusade against the Norse pagans
  • Sicily: The ongoing war with Tunis unfortunately requires all of Sicily's ships, however a number of shipbuilders and craftsmen are sent to Jerusalem to help develop a fleet.
• Kingdom of SWeden:King Sigismund II and Queen Agnes celebrates the birth of their first child,a son who they decide to name Gustavus in honour of Sigismunds grandfather. In other news the kings sister returns homw with an elderly english gentleman who says that he is the rightfull king of England,the king obviusl thinks hes mad but allows him to marry his sister,at the end of the year she gives birth to a son who they name Æthelred in honour of one of his claimed ancestors. As is usual for people who marry into the family,the king grants him the honoury title of Duke of Gustavia. One day the duke arrives at the royal palace asking for an audience with the king which he is granted. Begin secret:The duke says that he is Edgar Aetling,one of two survivng members of the house of Wessex,the king says that he will not help in pressing his claim on england,which edgar agrees to and only ask that the king make sure that the wessex dynasty continues,a thing the king agrees with,end of secret
• Sultanate of Shewa: Badit offers the tribe land in Shewa, many slaves and gold. He also offers to stay with the tribe for a few months to better understand their customs. (Mod response, will post more after reps one)
  • The Sana tribe appreciates Badit's courtesy, and will let him stay that time. They will allow his servants to return to Shewa to fetch back the gold and slaves
  • Con’t: Badit enjoys his time in Yemen becoming a better equestrian and learning the lore of the land. The young Sultan is in love with the jagged land that reminds him of home. He takes on of the tribe leaders daughter as a wife. When he returns to Assab he names it to Bint Halid after his wife. He observes the growing market and multi ethnic traders that occupy stalls. Knowing he need to get food to this isolated settlement, he returns to Adama with a plan. Bint Halid also shows her first signs of pregnancy in the late half of the year. Slave raids are undertaken, they are formed into road crews and begin to form something of a road heading towards Bint Halid. Badit hears of cisterns and begins a long study into them. Also the most navagible parts of the awash begin be slightly diverted in its lower course through the fresh water lakes. To allow boats to transverse the interior.
• County of Sicily: The allied Iberio-Norman fleet’s victory over the Muslims provides some breathing room for the Normans regarding their defense of Djerba and Pantelleria. Nonetheless, news that the tribes of Tunisia and Algeria have allied together to form a single government confirms Sicily’s fears that an extended war in North Africa is inevitable. The year 1110 marks the end of Adelaide del Vastos regency, with Roger II now assuming full rule over the County of Sicily personally. Roger, seeking the glory of a victorious crusade, wants to immediately lead his 8,000 men against the Muslims of Tunisia, however he is counseled against such action by nearly all his lords and advisors. With 15,000 Almoravid troops, 7,500 Egyptians along with the tribes of Algeria and Tunis, they advise him that no Norman army could capture and hold anything on mainland North Africa. In particular, the Greek Emir of Palermo Christdulus, tells the young Count, “To destroy a kingdom to win a battle is no victory. Your first act as ruler of these lands and its people should not be to lead us into disaster.” Reluctantly, Roger II yields to the advice of his counsel. Instead, Roger elects to continue utilizing the Normans’ naval supremacy to weaken the new Tunisian Sultanate. Word is sent to mercenaries and pirates throughout Italy and Greece that Muslim naval power is defeated, promising loot and plunder to any who join the Normans in Sicily [MOD RESPONSE NEEDED]. Additionally, Norman envoys are sent throughout northern Italy seeking to gather ships, emphasizing that a concentrated Muslim naval presence in North Africa poses a threat to all of Italy’s trade and security [MOD RESPONSE NEEDED]. Envoys are also sent to the Armenians in Cilicia, requesting to hire 20 ships as mercenaries for the war in North Africa [ARMENIA-CILICIA RESPONSE NEEDED]. Additionally, seeking to cripple Tunis’s naval capacity, 2 ships loaded with men are sent at night into Tunis’s main harbor. The men are armed with sacks of fat, barrels of oil and other combustibles. Using muffled oars and the cover of darkness, the plan is for these men to sneak into the dockyards and burn as many ships and naval facilities as possible, aiming to destroy Tunis’s entire port [RNG NEEDED]. In the meantime the main allied fleet remains on guard at Pantelleria and Malta, ready to guard against any further naval attacks.
  • Genoa and Venice will both contribute some ships to gain port access on the Barbary coast
    • Ramon makes it clear that he expects to be included in these concessions should they be achieved
  • Demyan Agrees to allow him to hire 20 ships from his fleet with their crews surving as mercenaries however he requires an advance of 50,000 gold pieces.
• Goryeo Dynasty:With the Liao dynasty weary of the Goryeo actions and raising an army, Yun Gwan decides that the troops along Changja River will not move out of their forts except for the small suply envoys needed to feed the troops. These troops being mostly fed grains instead of the usual rice, as grain grows better in the harsher climate of the north where tempatures often go bellow freezing. As Yun Gwan offers to release all captured Wanyan Jurchens if they agree to not attack the lands South of the Yalu and Tumen river(Mod response). Yun Gwan and Emperor Goryeanica hoping to establish a more formal and friendly relation with the Jurchen in the face of a common enemy. As the emperor Tianzuo is more of a threat with their forced prostetution of married Jurchen women. An action unpopular with both the Goryeans and Jurchens who fear it. Yun gwan 4.550 troops whom having met with Goryeans under Liao thumb tell of stories of forced prostitution of their women, brutal taxation and the disregard for their property and safety.
  • The Jurchens agree to the deal
• Armenian Cilicia: Demyan feels truely blessed in this year with his wife Beatrice giving birth a son who is who he names Pyotr after his deceased brother, Once more providing a legitimate heir once o consolidate his legacy and bloodline. News of Bohemod's capture and subsequent exile to Sweden finally permanently removes his Norman rival from the region. tuhus allowing him to rest a bit easier, though he can't hep but admire the boundless ambitions of Bohemod the Bastard though these very ambitions proved his undoing. As Demyan enters his 50th year looking now to the preservation of his legacy, and his kin, to this end, he extends his support for the new rengency of the young Norman Princes and extends an olive branch to Jerusalem by reaffirm his unwavering support and pledging allegiance to the young Prnce Reynald of Jerusalem as the Prince of Edessa, he also offers his services as a middle man in dealings between the Normans in Jerusalem and the Emperor in Constnatinople. Expansion and restoration of old fortifications in the region continue employing Armenian Masons, and Rus Sappers to improve the old Abbasid Castle of Urfa, while he also commences the retoration of Caeserea in Eastern Anatolia prioritizing the old Roman fortifications. He also commissions the construction anew a Cathedral and monastery to be built into the caves of Cappadocia in honour of the great victory achieved there against the Turks avenging the disaster that befell the Greeks there decades ago. He envisions the new religious complex to mirror the beauty and splendor of the cave Monasteries of Kiev> He invites the Order of the Holy Sepulchre to partake in its construction.The visiting Princess of Constantinople and Kiev is given the grandest of welcomes with Demyan striving to inspire a good impression while he continues to rely onhis ties to Constantinople and Kiev to further consolidate his position, and hopes that the words of Anna may sway new adventuring Rus and Northmen to journey to his domains in the search on employment. Valentinos Milakos and the Greek officers continue to implement military reforms, making drilling seasonal and restructuring the chain of command. Demyan seeing the benefits in becoming well versed in in Greek warfare takes to the lessons and ideas of Milakos who begins to Tutor him in Greek and and in military theory. The Rus newcomers continue to settle down into the region many of them taking to raising sheep, cattle and horses while the local greek and armenian farm estates are left to their old ways simply required to pay a small tribute in many cases lower then hat they previously had to pay the Turks or Armenian nobles, hoping ot endear the locals to them. Many of the first Russo-Armenian offspring of these men and their wives are born as well. Demyan invites many of the displaced Armenians and other christians from the recent violence in the region to settle in the Sparsely populated Upper Mesopotamia as around Edessa along with Caucasians who might wish to flee the ongoing violence in the region being granted small plots of land to cultivate under his protection in exchange for an oath to him as their lord and an annual payment of tribute, His agents also seek to build ties with the larger Armenian Diaspora that is spread .across the Lower Caucasus, the Levant and Upper Mesopotamia to stay informed of the Domestic affairs of his neighbors (Mod Response.)
  • The Armenian vassals under the Seljuk empire ally with the Cilicians
• Ghaznavid Empire: After camping in occupied Sindh for two years, Rehman Khan Lodhi begins another push. He has hired about 2000 mercenaries from the Punjab and the occupied area of Sindh and is now pushing harder towards Thatta, the capital of Sindh (ALGO NEEDED). Meanwhile, Sultan Mas'ud III has focused on expanding the city of Lahore with the construction of a new library and hospital in the city.
• Sultanate of Tunisia:"إنها الآن أو أبداً! يجب أن نتحد لطرد هؤلاء البرابرة من هذه الأراضي الجميلة والمقدسة. سيتلقون عقابهم! (It's now or never! We must unite to expel those barbarians from these beautiful and holy lands. They will receive their punishment!)." [Hassan, Sultan of Tunisia]. As the rest of the tribes and kingdoms were unified to us, Hassan orders to raise all the men and ships that are possible (between our special units and those from the Hammadids and other kingdoms/clans). There are send the rest of the troops existent in the realm to the battle. Meanwhile, more masons are hiring to build more fortresses on the coasts. [Algo needed]
  • Sicily dip: In light of the apparent stalemate between the Tunisian and Sicilian Norman forces, Roger II offers a seven year truce recognizing the current borders of Tunisia and Sicily.
  • Tunisia response:The truce is accepted, and we recognize the current borders with Sicily.

• Hakia: It is believed that by the early 12th century, the Hakians transformed from a tribal chiefdom (a proto-state) to an archaic, albeit authentic, state society. There was a Council headed by the Supreme Chief (a primus inter pares), which had administrative, legislative, and judicial functions. There was a codified law code and an oral constitution. The Hakian state also monopolized the means of lawful violence, and claimed jurisdiction over an area rather than people. While this state was small like other archaic states, consisting of the settlement proper and the economic hinterland, there was also traits associated with later more complex states. There was a hierarchal system of government forming out of the permanent subjugation of local chiefs. The state had enhanced taxation powers (involving more than just tribute) and other got revenue from enforced monopolies. Finally, there was social stratification with a three-way distinction between Hakian citizens (inhabitants of Hakia proper and the descendants), Hakian confederates (allied populations), and legal foreigners. Teekatamakari died c. 1110, aged around 70. At Teekatamakari's death-bed, he had one last vision from Maala Yooriwa, in which he saw her holding a "child of joy", who was implied to be the incarnation of the Sun. After he died, the Miracle of the Sun occurred, during which the sun 'danced' and changed colors. While oral tradition shows he only had one daughter, Uhyooli, it is believed that Teekatamakari probably had more with Seewata. Some suggest his other children died in infancy, were adopted by close kin, or that Seewata was naturally infertile. After Teekatamakari's death, the office of Supreme Chief went to his nephew, Kopalai, who was in his late 20s. Uhyooli would fall into relative obscurity, but she would later be considered one of the progenitors of the Twelve Clans that would form by the mid-12th century. Kopalai's tenure was relatively uneventful and unmarked. Starting with the Miracle of the Sun, the Hakian solar cult became more exoteric, with numerous individuals claiming to receive divine visions and occurrences of the "dancing sun" phenomenon becoming more frequent. The Hakians construct more canals and weirs to irrigate land, while runoff diversion is used in areas further from the river. The main staples are maize, beans, and squash - while agave is planted in drier areas. Cotton textiles, ceramics, cornflour, and corn beer are traded.

• House Barcelona: As affairs in Arborea collapse into chaos, Emperador Ramon is forced to intercede. He offers Beatrìci and the gravely wounded Torbero a deal. Swear fealty as vassals of House Barcelona and be assured succession through their family’s lineage. Ramon also promises to restrain the anger of House Cardona. As part of the deal he adds a clause stating that if Torbero dies heirless, the Judicate should go to Felip, Bernat's son. (Mod Response) In recompense for House Cardona, Ramon will grant exclusive charter over Tharros (fast becoming known as Tarés to the Catalan merchants) to the descendants of Bernat de Cardona as well as serve as guardian to Bernats’ two children: Felip and Elena. With his wife’s family engaged in a brutal naval war with the Moors, Ramon continues his support. Although the war is largely conducted by the Sicilians, Ramon does send a ship to the small island of Galite Islands to establish a small tower and expand the harbor, forcing the few fishermen, some of whom are even Christians, to accept Catalan rule. However, he focuses his personal efforts in Valencia and Provence. He invests in a series of Provencal monasteries and scriptoriums. In Provence, he also begins construction of another royal shipyard, like that in Barcelona. He brings a number of local shipwrights into business together and then imports several Catalan advisors who help to establish this naval yard in Tolon (Toulon). He also oversees the construction of several major castles and the planned outpost towers in the mountainous interior of Valencia.
  • While Arborea has lost much recently, the council does not want to accept this deal
  • Ramon personally entreats the council to reconsider, reminding them of the threat Pere-Felip. However, after negotiations collapse. Ramon leaves in frustration. He does assign a number of his personal retinue to defend the quarters of Felip, Elena, and Beatrici, who he wishes to see personally protected in whatever comes to pass. After his departure, Pere-Felip begins his assualt on the palace, intent on capturing Torbero and the council.(Algo or Mod Response?)
• Khalilid Egypt: Now that the truce with Jerusalem has been signed, Adbul Majid focuses westward.. As the truce between Tunis and Sicily has been signed, conflict in the region would be over, for now. The court in Cairo is very concerned at the Norman presence in the area. They will be dealt with, albeit not currently. Now to the south. In order to secure the Red sea Haji route and project power in the area, an army of 9000 is sent to conquer Sukain and the surrounding tribes, (Algo needed) Meanwhile, back home, much of the troops in Sinai leave the area, but 5000 still remain. The production of Dinars is also going successfully, too. The navy is in in a good state, as sailors of the old Fatimid caliphate are training new people for it. However, with the large fleets of Norman sicily and the Italian city states, Egypt must keep up. Unfortunately, the timber of the levant and markets of turkey are not accessible, and Sicily will surly intercept any trade agreement between Morocco and Egypt. The hope is that we will be able to purchase timber from the peoples and kingdoms of the Soudan.Following the truce between Tunisia and Sicily, the troops sent return home. In other news, Ahmed Ibn Adbul Majid is taught Arabic and greek philosophy, and he is learning to memorize the Quran. No doubt this boy has potential. Adbul-majid fathers twins this year. A girl, Amara, and a boy, Abu ibn Majid.
• Kingdom of France: More sieges along the Seine lol kill em (Algo Request)
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 12th full year of the reign of King Godwin "Scyling" of England and Denmark. He is the second member of House Godwin to hold England and the first to hold Denmark. He has many siblings: 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; and Ulf, who is unwed (1067). Godwin was married to Princess Sigrid Svendsdatter of Denmark and has sired three children through her: Edwin, Aetheling of Denmark and England (b. 1070), who is wed to Margrethe Skjalmsdatter Hvide; Wulfstan (1072), Earl of East Anglia, who is wed to Matilda of Scotland, securing an alliance with the Scots; and the late Eadgyth, Queen of Jerusalem. Edwin has a daughter with Margrethe Skjalmsdatter named Agnes. 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. Godwin is popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. In Denmark, he reigns with an iron fist, allied to the remaining Estridsens and the English lords he has introduced to replace rebellious nobles. The worst revolts have petered out, though they do still happen and likely will for some time. Though Godwin 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. Right now, the sons of Morcar squabble over their father's realm. The region was split among three heirs and their hatred for each other seems to keep an otherwise powerful vassal otherwise occupied. The year begins with a revolt of several Hiberno-Norse clans in Ireland, though much of the violence takes place between Irish clans. Many of the troops that had been in England return home to aid in the harvest. Along with the return of most forces from the Second Crusade following its conclusion, England is at a point where the vast majority of her military commanders are at home. Thanes whom haven't seen their homesteads and manors in years return to tell tales of their victorious battles. No crusader is more famous in England than Edmund Haroldson (b. 1040s), brother to the king. The veteran of the Andalusian crusade, Edmund has represented English interests abroad for many years. He also has a reputation in certain circles for being particularly lewd. The chivalrous English thane is seen as a popular hero across the country and to those who fought alongside him. However, many in the courts, including some of the clergy, are beginning to take a dim view of his rakish and drunkard nature. Into his sixties, the behavior has become considerably less charming, as he has grown overweight and is perpetually sweaty. In April, Magnus Haroldson dies. His second son Gregory (b. 1075) is named Marklord of Wales. Following the death of Magnus, a witan is called for housekeeping purposes. Debts are settled, important trials are held, and plans for construction projects are laid out. By now, the infrastructure of England is light-years ahead of where it was when House Godwin began its rule. The roads traveling between northern and southern England allows for easier trade and transit within the country. Where it was once easier to simply take a sailing vessel from the different halves, it is now safe and common to travel from Yorkshire to London by horse. This, of course, is not to say that this does not happen, and indeed annual flooding in the fens makes travel hard and washes away its fair share of bridges. England is, and always will be, a maritime country and home to some of the most experienced and daring soldiers in Europe. The Witangemot of 1110 is followed by a visit to Denmark, where affairs there are likewise settled. True to his word, Godwin begins shifting control of investiture of bishops over to the papacy, though expects the same rights and privileges the English crown enjoys extended to Denmark. The placing of English bishops throughout Denmark allowed Godwin to secure allies within the clergy of Denmark. It also gave him a custodial role in solidifying the church's presence within Scandinavia. Danish and English lay clergy, especially missionaries, proselytize throughout the Baltic.
• Cumans:It is the eleventh year of the reign of the Khagan Bonyak. His wife (Ayse) bears twins named Sevench, and Iskandar Bonyakovich. Bonyak raises 4,000 Yedisan Raiders, 3,000 Sharukan Archers, and 1,500 Qipchak cavalrymen. With the Codex Cummanica, conversion efforts are more effective between Kipchak and Oghuz people. A church is built in Sharukan.

1111

This year represents 15 in binary, or F in hexedecimal. This is the last year in history that is represented this way.

The Norman Dynasty of France has dearly been cursed by God, as three Dukes in a row had been slain in battle: Once out of ambition (William the Bastard), one out of piety (Robert Curthose), and one out of pride (William Rufus). The latter Duke being a Sodomite, unmarried, the House of Normandy has become extinct. In accordance with the agreement with the King of France, the Norman lands is divided with part going to the Duchy of Aquitaine led by William IX "the Troubadour". The rest of Normandy, is bestowed to Count Theobold "the Great" of Blois, who assumes the title Duke Theobold I of Normandy. Thus the inheritence of the House of Normandy is divided by the Houses of Poitiers and Blois.

King Philip I "the Amorous" of France dies after a long and controversial reign. The affairs he held between two women are left as the legacy of the Kingdom. His son Louis VI "the Fat" becomes the new King, but he struggles with some authority against his half-brother Philip, the Count of Mantes, who is the son of King Philip's second wife.

Not wasting any further time, the Liao Dynasty proceeds to attack the Goryeo at the Yalu River, hoping to stop their advancement before completing their fortifications.

In Ireland, the petty kingdom of Munster moves in to assume control over the city of Waterford, expelling the Norse influence completely. Donald O'Brian is appointed as king of the region.

Duke Roger Borsa of Apulia dies, and is succeeded by his son William II.

The city of Milan begins to slowly grow in power in Northern Italy, as it has recently subjugated the commune of Lodi.

The Donglin academy is established in the Song Dynasty.

Þórður Gilsson completely takes over the Icelandic isles, becoming the first Aðalhöfðing (Archchief) and is now formally known as Þórður I of Iceland.

• County of Sicily: The truce with the Sultanate of Tunis frees up the Norman fleet from its defensive posture. While the naval power of the Normans was enough to face down the Muslim world, the war made it obvious that naval might will be decisive in the upcoming wars with the Muslims in North Africa. To that end, Roger II agrees to a plan to expand Norman naval holdings along the coasts of North Africa without violating the truce with Tunis. A portion of the Iberia-Norman fleet (25 ships) is sent to attack the islands of Kerkennah with 4,000 men [ALGO NEEDED]. Additionally, scouts based in Pantelleria report that an island exists at the mouth of the gulf of Tunis that is currently uninhabited (OTL Zembra). Five Norman ships are sent to establish a Norman presence on the island of Zembra. The Normans are surprised to find the island is a natural fortress, with towering cliffs that dominate the nearby coastlines. The Normans quickly build a fortress on top of the cliffs and a small rudimentary port. While these constructions are done quickly, they amount to little more than a few shacks surrounded by a wooden palisade and a small pier capable of harboring two ships at a time, one on each side. Upon being informed of the island’s natural defenses and its capability to dominate nearby coasts, Roger sends professional engineers and craftsmen to the island, seeking to build extensive fortifications on it. The 20 new galleys, built over the last five years, are added to the Norman fleet, which now numbers 60 ships. The 20 new ships however remain at port in Palermo in order to provide naval defense for the island of Sicily itself. The expansion of the fleet significantly raises naval expenditures, however Sicily, now flourishing under Norman rule, proves capable of sustaining it. With Sicily now serving as a main middle man for merchants traveling from Europe to the Holy Land and vice-versa, Sicily’s ports are bustling with mercantile activity. Additionally, the unrestricted naval and mercantile access granted by the Byzantines to Norman traders provides lucrative opportunities in the eastern Mediterranean, where Norman merchants become common sights in Byzantine ports. For the first time during the Norman rule of Sicily, trade revenue becomes more important than domestic tax and agriculture revenue. Domestically, Roger II shows much more tolerance and acceptance of Islamic culture, repealing his father’s “Heathen tax” and sponsoring the construction of several mosques throughout the island. Roger II, a well-learned and intelligent leader, fluent in Arabic, Greek, Latin and Norman French, also engages in extensive studies of the Quran and of Islamic culture, becoming very appreciative of it. Seeking a bride to give him heirs and solidify the Hauteville dynasty in Sicily, Roger II sends messengers to his ally and brother-in-law Ramon Berenguer II, asking if there are any prominent Iberian noblewomen he could recommend for a royal marriage [HOUSE BARCELONA RESPONSE].
• Kingdom of Jerusalem: The Kingdom of Jerusalem enters the year of 1111 still under the regency of the Triumvirate. The military center in Jerusalem is finished and the veteran knights that arrived from Spain start to train vuture soldiers. Among these knights, Girard I of Roussilon becomes the most succesful in teaching military tactics. Unfortunately, Patriarch Arnulf of Chocques not survived the wounds caused by Bohemond, the Mad, and died after months of suffering with fever and infection. While in his deathbed, Patriarch Arnulf asked Archbishop Teobald of Tyre to forgive him. After being forgiven and receiving the last rites, Patriarch Arnulf died. A mass is celebrated by his soul at the Church of the Sorrows of Mary, which he ordered the construction. After the mass, he is burried in this Church. With the death of Patriarch Arnulf of Chocques, the Haute Cour writes to Pope Paschal II proposing that Archbishop Teobald of Tyre be made the new Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem [Papal response needed, please]. Raynald of Hauteville and his siblings continue to be educated by Deacon Pietro of Bologne. The Hauteville children soon become friends with the other ward of Archbishop Teobald, Leo of Cilicia, the bastard son of Demyan of Edessa. The Triumvirate accepts the offer of Demyan of Edessa for him to be a bridge between the Kingdom of Jerusalem and Empire of Byzantium [Armenia-Cilicia response needed, please]. With the production of sugar and oranges being succesful in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, soon some bakers start to produce a dessert made of sugar and orange, the candied orange peel. The seven ships bought from Genoa are stationed at city of Acre. The construction of the shipyards in Acre are finished and the shipbuilders that arrived from Sicily start to work in the construction of two new ships.
  • Papal dip: Theobold of Bari is appointed as the new Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
• Sultanate of Tunisia: A group of 4,000 Sanhaja Infantry, 2,000 Bedouins, and 1000 Desert spearmen led by Habib Ar-Rahman al-Nasr is sent to annex the Misrata area. The Hawwara Berber inhabitants (among other tribes living there) will be left alone, only if they pledge loyalty to the Sultan. [Algo needed]. The conquest campaign finished, and Yahya orders to restore the ports and shipyards in Tripoli and Misrata, while new defensive buildings appear on the eastern coast. Some of the local shipbuilders and masons travel to Morocco and Egypt to learn more techniques, also, some troops do the same to update tactical movements. Now that Tunisia shares frontiers with Khalilid Cyrenaica, the trade is flourishing again.
• Cumans:It is the twelfth year of the reign of the Khagan Bonyak, he declares war against the Pechenegs. Bonyak wants to purge the paganism, 15,000 men in total (with the new troops trained last year) will support the conflict. In other news, it is founded a settlement named Sokalshuganakhu [OTL Odessa]. [More to add later].
• Armenian Cilicia: As peace slowly but steadily returns to the near east following almost 20 years of non-stop fighting, Demyan and his men settle into their new home. New fortified settlements akin to those in the Rus frontier begin to emerge as garrison towns from which Demyan's men can defend against enemy incursions, and protect merchants traversing the lands. The presence of the Rus also act as a stabilizing presence within their communities due to their good standing with both the Greeks, and Armenians who have often come into conflict with one another. Milakos's reforms continue with drilling, and rotational garrisons helping to instill discipline among Demyan's men. more to be added later.

• Papal States: Pope Paschal II continues to expand the church domains with increased urbanization in Tuscany and Latium, supervised by the new generation of educated clergy. The Neoplatonic school of Chartres continues to produce new commentaries on Plato and Boethius, now in illuminated manuscripts. The Papal navy continues to expand at Ostia, building a new port at Ajaccio. Cardinal Leo of Ostia asks for the Papal navy to have regular training with the naval activities of Sicily during their Crusade (Sicily response). The Spanish presence across much of Sardinia now poses an even greater concern for the balance of power in Italy. Pope Paschal offers to place the Judicates of Gallura and Logudoro as protectorates of the Papal states, to save them from potential subjugation from Catalonia (mod response). In Ireland, the Pope sends Bishop Gille as a legate to re-organize the island in light of the ongoing Gregorian Reforms. Since the days of Saint Patrick, the island had existed under a system of monasticism with no centralized church organization. After centuries of disunity and Norwegian invasions, the island had been falling back into paganism. The Pope sends Bishop Gille to organize the Synod of Rath Breasail, which places Ireland under the archdiocesan system as the rest of Europe. In light of the recent death of Duke William III, the Paschal publishes an encyclical about the abomination of Sodomy, and uses the recent Franco-Norman war as an illustration of God's wrath on the practice. Meanwhile, the Nuncio Benedict returned to Rome from Tripoli, and publicly declared he had been miraculously preserved by God in order to expose the harlotry being carried out within the Roman church. The Consistory of Cardinals found this to be a very troubling sign, and wondered what person he may be accusing. They petitioned Pope Paschal to convene a hearing to investigate the matter. Paschal, however, refused to do so and confined himself to the Abby of Monte Cassino. Benedict and the other Cardinals convinced the Abbot of the monastery, Bruno of Segni, to betray Paschal and force him to return to the Vatican. Paschal agreed to convene a hearing, but only if it is done in strict privacy, in accordance to the scriptures. The consistory complies with this, and in the following hearing Benedict reveals that the Pope had long been sleeping with a strange and alluring woman. Paschal, being under Ariel's spell, refused to betray her trust, and continued denying he had taken any mistriss. Seeing this denial in the face of evidence, the Consistory flew into a rage, and stormed the Lateran palace as an angry mob determined to find and execute this woman. When they found the Angel Ariel in the royal chamber, she revealed her true nature as a blinding aura of light, but filled the room with a stentch of brimstone. Ariel, now pregnant with a child, tells Paschal her time had come to leave this world once her child had been born. Paschal gives the name of the child as Giovanni, and sends Ariel away to live in hiding in Helvetica. The Consistory of Cardinals, marveling at this vision, decide to never speak of this issue ever again.
  • Sicily: Roger II will allow Papal naval officers and sailors to observe and participate in naval engagements.
• Sultanate of Shewa: Badits first child Haila is born to Bint Hailid. He continues his public works and begins to break sections of the kingdom up to be more efficiently and ruled by Gadiis. The Royal Gadii is the largest comprising of most of the Awash interior. It’s self is broken up into the interior and exterior Gadiis to contribute to the larger council. Waaqa worship made more syncretic and mosques/Waaqa temples are built in Oromo lands. What ever scholarly works are imported to Port Bint Halid then translated at the library in Adama. The route between the Awash And Bint Halid is more fortified and the last stop before the mountainous land is made a town to better protect and communicate with the trade routes. The port is also slowly expanded to allow Badits interest in ships to be explored.
• Kingdom of Sweden: King Sigismund II travels to England to visit his sister Anna who is currently living there. In his stead,his brother Carl Johan rules as regent for several weeks untill. Meanwhile Bohemond the mad arrives in sweden,he is immidelt yput into chains and sent to Kebenekaise,the highest mountain in sweden,where he will live in a tiny cottage att the top until his death. Bishop Grauberg is welcomed back to Stockholm where he is greatly rewarded by the king. Moreover,the king travels to Finland where he inaguarates the new road between the karelian protectorate and the capital of Sigisfors. King Sigismund and Queen Agnes celebrate the birth of their second child,a daugther who they name Agnes in honour of Queen Agnes. Moreover the king begins funding the royal navy and army more and increases the army to 12000 men.
• Obotrites (Nakonids): King Henry shifts his residence from Mecklenburg to Liubice (Lubeck) for its position between the Wagri, Obotrite proper, and Polabians. In continuation of his past policies, he encourages his subjects to engage in agriculture. His attention turns to the Rani of Rugia to the direct west of him who he intends to annex them in order to prevent them from continuing to raid his lands. He organizes an expedition of 6,000 men comprised of Slavs and Saxon alike to seize the town of Stralsund which sits at the narrowest crossing to Rugia proper (Algo Needed).
• Khalilid Egypt: It is time. A massive expedition of 15,000 is sent to subdue the myriad tribes of the Hejaz region. They will first subdue the north and then go for the south (Also, they DO NOT go through Aqaba). They will conquer the scattered tribes north first, then advance south. The ultamate goal is to subjugate the Hejaz to secure the red sea maritime route. Egypt will have defacto authority in the area but it will recognize the Banu Hashim as the emirs of Mecca. (Algo Needed) The armies will be one by one taken out, with forts built in the area to secure our hold. Meanwhile, 10 new ships begin construction. The wood of the nile is enough but may not be of the highes quality. An offer is sent to all shipbuilders displaced by the wars in the Middle East to be employed in shipbuilding for the sultanate. (Mod response)
  • Hejaz will build ships for Egypt at the port of Jeddah
• Goryeo Dynasty:The Liao dynasty after years of friendship and loyalty to their cause have deciced to cross the Yalu river. This thus forces Yun Gwan to relocate 1.430 soldiers for each of the 7 forts to reenforce, these 10.000 soldiers are send to the army of the sacred Mt Peaktu. Each of the 7 forts on the chanja having around 4.700 soldiers from now on, as these forts are still important to protect Goryeans in the area. Yejong allthough prefering to have armies protect Goryeans allows any Goryean north of the Goryeo Jangseong (great Goryean wall) to own weapons to defend their familiy, farms and themself. As the Goryean army army cannot be at the hundreds of tousands of farms beyond the wall. Yejong calling up any people who can use a pike or shoot a bow to join the Gorean army, the emperor hoping on a doubling of his forces to defend against the enemy. These new soldiers being ordered to directly go to the Chongchon River, in order to prevent the Liao dynasty from attaking Seogyeong the northern capital.
• Kingdom of the Franks: Rejoycing for the succesful reign of King Philip, his conquest of last viking remnant in France, and his being a cool dad that took me out to get ice cream when mom was mad, King Louis VI holds a two week celebration in Paris begining with his coronation by the Primate of the Three Gauls. Secondly he takes what spoils of war he gained from the conquest of Normandy and send them to the Pope to help him fund crusader armies. King Louis then calls on his (direct) nobility to come to Paris to renew their feudal vows and obligations. King Philip then rallys more levies to replenish the army that conquered Normandy to ~6,000 men and marches to the county of Maine to occupy it. Messengers are sent out before the army to the Duke of Aquitaine stating that the county of Maine will be taken as royal lands from the now defunct Norman dynasty, arguing that no lands were promised to the Duke and that he misinterpereted the peace deal offered to the Normans. (Mod Response) If the Duke of Aquitaine agrees to leave the County of Maine the King will march back to the Ile-de-France and disband half the army but keep on any "professional" troops, the King will then march around the region hearing complaints from lords, towns, and guilds, issuing justice accordingly, and suppressing rebellious nobles and bandits. (Algo Request) The King will request all forts along the Vexen region and along the Seine in Normandy to be destroyed by the new Duke of Normandy or allow royal garrisons to operate out of them. (Mod Request) The Marchands de l'eau is established along the Seine river between Paris and the Channel with the sole authority to tax and regulate goods and travel down the river, a port city will be established along the coast and in conjunction with the Paris, Rouen, and Vernon branches will tax and regulate the flow of goods. An additional 20 indendants and 30 marshals will be appointed to oversee the County of Maine and Duchy of Normandy.
  • Duke William IX agrees to give up the County of Maine
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 13th and final year of the reign of King Godwin "Scyling" of England and Denmark. He is the second member of House Godwin to hold England and the first to hold Denmark. He has many siblings: 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; and Ulf, who is unwed (1067). Godwin was married to Princess Sigrid Svendsdatter of Denmark and has sired three children through her: Edwin, Aetheling of Denmark and England (b. 1070), who is wed to Margrethe Skjalmsdatter Hvide; Wulfstan (1072), Earl of East Anglia, who is wed to Matilda of Scotland, securing an alliance with the Scots; and the late Eadgyth, Queen of Jerusalem. Edwin has a daughter with Margrethe Skjalmsdatter named Agnes. 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. Godwin is popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. In Denmark, he reigns with an iron fist, allied to the remaining Estridsens and the English lords he has introduced to replace rebellious nobles. The worst revolts have petered out, though they do still happen and likely will for some time. Though Godwin 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. Right now, the sons of Morcar squabble over their father's realm. The region was split among three heirs and their hatred for each other seems to keep an otherwise powerful vassal otherwise occupied. Last year, Sigismund II of Sweden sent his sister Anne over to England for a possible marriage arrangement. Early this year, a marriage between Anne and Cnut Edwinson takes place. In recent years, tensions between England and Sweden have risen due to Swedish sanctions - a result of England's fight to free the British Isles from Norwegian influence. This marriage, however, will ensure peace and stability will reign in the North Sea. The visit of Sigismund II is met with joyous celebration and a great feast is held to celebrate the marriage. Sigismund is invited to this year's Witan, held on Candlemas, to discuss the logistics of a defensive alliance with England. Time and care is spent ensuring that Anne will receive instruction in the English language and does not remain a stranger in a foreign land for very long. Cnut is likewise expected to learn Swedish. Construction of castles within England continues, with many cities that had been Burhs in more ancient times now constructing castles or even building mighty walls around important parts of the city. Edinburh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, enters final stages of construction. The castle has been under construction since 1097, though there is a long history of fortifications on Castle Rock stretching back to the iron age. Wulfstan personally holds a banquet in Edinburh castle with many Scottish nobles to celebrate victory in Ireland. Notably absent, despite having done much of the legwork, is Ulf Haroldson, who is still attempting to establish a power base in OTL Dublin. In July, Godwin Scyling suffers a heart attack. He survives, but is in awful condition for the latter half of the year. He finally gives up the ghost after another heart attack on 11 November 1111. His last words, in delirium, are "34." A funeral is held for Godwin Scyling. In his life, he aided his father's many military exploits and was a commander at the Battle of Dover Fields. Through great ambition and tenacity, with love for his wife Sigrid, Godwin sailed the North Sea to challenge the nascent Hvide family. As Denmark had changed England over the span of two centuries, England began its transformation of Denmark. The peace that followed that bloody war was a test of Godwin's statesmanship. In 1097, he became the sole ruler of England and Denmark with the passing of Harold II, and he presided over some of the most important changes to the Catholic Church in England since its adoption by St. Æthelberht of Kent while still ensuring that England would be allowed to keep many of its ancient traditions. He then presided over the same process in Denmark. On the very same day, Edwin Godwinson is crowned King of England and Denmark, by the Grace of God. He is given St. Edward's crown and staff and is cloaked in the shroud of Harold Godwinson. King Edwin immediately calls the Witan to discuss domestic affairs and ensure that land grants are indeed given per Godwin II's will. The earls and reeves of England support Edwin, as he has proven to be a competent leader and administrator.
• Kingdom of Galicia: Jimena bears Xavier two brothers whom they name Manoel and Joaquim, the couple believes the succession is saved for now. As one of the King's plans to expand the naval power, he begins the construction of the Royal Shipyard in Brigantia. Also, 10 galleys are in production at Porto.
  • France: No, the tariffs between our realms will remain the same. (tariffs are big money free trade doesn't exist)

• Almoravid Empire: with the start of the assaults on our brothers in Tunisia, we look forward to helping them to the best of our ability on land providing supply through trade routes. With their proposal for a formal alliance made including Egypt, this Triple Alliance is viewed as the symbol of the brotherhood of the three nations. Meanwhile Sultan Ali's partner, Captain Ibn Tumart of the Black Guard, convinces his liege to go with him to continue their studies and lead the nation from the great city of wisdom; Cordoba. The Castle of Gibraltar continues construction. In the meantime, the value of our trade continues to provide tremendous wealth. In the summer, 2 emissaries arrive in Pisa and Genoa. Seeing that they are rivals to the Catalans as well as the fact that the Almoravids do not want to fuel their enemy's treasury, the Genoese and Pisano Merchants are offered a deal regarding but not limited to the Wool, Salt, Copper, and Gold of the empire. These valuable goods would receive discounted tariffs in exchange for barring the Catalans from receiving any of the goods from sale (Mod Response).
  • Pisa and Genoa will sustain peace with the Almoravids, even while supporting Crusades against other nations
    

1112

With the growing economic prosperity of Western Europe over the last few generations, middle class merchants and educated peasants enjoy a much greater self-organization. As a result, local communities across France and Germany push for greater autonomy beyond existing feudal rule. In the city of Laon, France, an epicenter of Neoplatonic education, this push is now coming to a head. Bishop Walric of Laon leaves for Paris to become the new Chancellor of France, but in his absense the peasants compel the city council to adopt a communal charter. Walric appeals to King Louis for permission to abolish this charter, which was illegally created in his absence.

After the recent successful campaign by King Louis "the Fighter", the local Baron Hugh of Crecy was captured along with 1,200 of his troops. This curtail of feudal power helps alleviate oppression of the peasants, and further emboldens them for seeking further reform.

Raymond of Burgundy, the husband of Queen Urraca dies. The Queen suggests elevating her son Alfonso as the new Count of Portugal, with the approval of the King of Galicia.

Duke Boleslaw III of Poland has is brother blinded and locked in prison, but this cruel act is severely repimandanded by the Bishop of Krakow.

Herman II of Baden becomes the first Margrave of Baden.

Teresa is spotted in the town of Myerebeke taking a piss against a windmill and thus ruining a whole sack full of flower. That creates a spike in grain prices for two weeks in the town

In an attempt to improve the harsh Icelandic life King Þórður organizes Þórðsstað. A center for fishing in the north. He sends envoys to get root vegetables seeds and sends a poet to the royal court of Sweden to solidify Nordic Relations. He also orders a the Cathedral of St. Thorlak to be built in Reykjavik.

• County of Sicily: The loss of Christodulus is met with mourning in the Court of Roger II. Having been a loyal servant of both Roger and his mother, his death is a deep loss for the Norman Count. However, the death of Christodulus opens the door for the rise of a new leader, George of Antioch, who had recently found service with the Norman Court and who is now promoted to admiral of the Norman fleet. With the islands of Kerkennah and Zembra captured and beginning the process of being turned into Norman fortress-ports, Roger II begins to look for additional areas to expand. Of primary concern for Roger and his nobles is Egyptian support for Tunis, which was key in preventing Norman Sicily from taking the offensive against mainland North Africa. With that in mind, Roger plans to break the lines of communications between Egypt and Tunisia. Assembling an army of 8,000 men (800 Norman knights, 2,200 Norman levies, 5,000 Saracen and Greek recruits) Roger II sends the new rising star George of Antioch, to assault the city of Cyrene with 25 ships. [ALGO NEEDED]. An additional secondary attack is made against Sirte with 4,000 men (500 Norman knights, 1,000 Norman levies, 2,500 Greek and Saracen recruits) and 20 ships led by Archibald Grosvenor [ALGO NEEDED]. The attacks are planned simultaneously, so that the Egyptians, if they attempt to rush reinforcements, should be unable to relieve the attack on Sirte as they are dealing with the attack on Cyrene. Both armies gather at Malta before departing at the same for their respective targets with the hope of timing the attacks simultaneously. An additional 15 ships are sent to patrol the waters around Cyrene to intercept any attempt by Egypt to reinforce Sirte or Cyrene by sea. The ongoing fortification of Kerkennah and Zembra continue. On Zembra, the craftsmen and engineers sent by Roger II begin construction of a moderately sized Norman castle on the island. While small in comparisons to some of the mighty castles built by the Normans, the castle, built on the high cliffs of Zembra, should prove to be nearly impossible to capture while being perfectly positioned to overlook and defend the island. The port of Zembra is also expanded, with more piers being built and a deepwater harbor being planned. On Kerkennah similar fortifications are made, as the ports of the island are fortified and a Norman castle is built on the largest island. Domestically, Roger begins to patronize scholars from across the Mediterranean. Roger encourages the Greek Churches and Islamic mosques he and his mother sponsored to begin teaching lessons in reading, writing, religion and philosophy to nearby nobles, paying large salaries to Greek, Muslim and Latin thinkers and scholars from across the Mediterranean who come and teach. In Palermo Roger, inspired by stories of the Abbasid House of Wisdom and seeking to build his own center of learning, sponsors the building of a large cathedral which he plans to use as a school. Additionally, seeking further protection for Norman Sicily’s new island holdings, Roger II invites the knights of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre to establish fortresses and garrisons on the islands of Djerba, Kerkennah, Zembra, and Malta, as well as offering the island of Lampedusa to the Order as their own fief subject to his rule [MOD RESPONSE].
  • The Order of Holy Sepulcher will staff forts on these islands
  • Egypt response: A massive army of 13,000 is assembled to defend Cyrene. As well as 30 naval vessels will are sent to combat the Norman fleet from the north. The troops are sent to attack the occupying (because by the time they get there cyrene will be occupied) and force them out of the area. More below
  • The Republic of Venice supports the County of Sicily.
• Kingdom of France: I'm just vibing in the ritz car. The King decides that Bishop Walric cannot both act as Chancellor of France and demand the dissolution of the Charter of Laon and that he must choose between accepting the Charter and staying the Chancellor or choose to remain in Laon and be allowed to revoke the Charter. King Louis continues his campaign of exercising royal authority and rights across his domain while simultaneously campaigning with his Royal Guard of 1,000 semi-professional troops to enforce his rights on rebellious barons and bandits. All rebellious barons that are subdued will have their lands stripped to become Crown Lands. Additionally he will use his force to leverage additional concessions against smaller barons through conforming them to the Parisian legal code and assuming direct control of their forts or replacing their commanders with loyal captains. New marshals and judges will be appointed to further extend the reach of royal authority throughout the French realm. The Château Versailles will again be expanded with the laying down of a foundation for a large Shell-Keep Castle to act as a headquarter for the Royal Guard, it's officers, and a dedicated team of engineers to be hired from the Universtiy of Chartres. Additionally with the new pool of funds from the conquest of Maine and Normandy the Royal Guard will be increased to 2,000 year round soldiers divided into 500 mounted knights conscripted or chosen from Norman vassals, 200 heavy infantry in the English Huscarl tradition, and 800 pike-men. A stone keep will also begin construction in Paris to further assert royal authority and the law within the city while hosting the permanent Royal enforcers in the city. Due to a misunderstanding of the King of Galicia's previous request, a diplomatic and trade delegation will be sent to offer good will and to reintroduce relations between the merchant guilds of Northern France to Iberia before continuing on to Lisbon in the Almoravid Emirate for the same purpose. The French Legal Code started under King Philip will be continued by Louis with new scholars and administrators sent to Normandy and Maine to gather laws and customs before recording and judging them for inclusion in the Code. A new Castle will be constructed in La Gravelle in the county of Maine along the border of Brittany. The King also invites some of the scholars of the University of Chartres to begin a satellite campus in Paris. New Intendants will be assigned to Maine to administer the Crown Lands there as well as in any land seized from rebellious barons. The King invites the high nobility of France to Paris at the end of the year to celebrate Christmas in the Paris Cathedral as well as to hear their petitions and disputes before celebrating again the final defeat of the Viking Normans with the Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Blois among others.
• Republic of Venice: Faliero orders the construction of more shipyards at Venice City. He plans to get over Pisa and Genoa at any cost. The Doge is now looking new lands to acquire, so he raises an army of 9,000 men (1,000 Venetian Knights, 6,000 recruits and 2,000 levies) to conquer the city of Dubrovnik with 28 ships [Algo needed]. If the Pope wants, the Republic will contribute some ships to extend his Holy Navy. [Player Response].

• Khalilid Egypt: As promised, Cairo recognizes the Banu Hashim as the emirs of Mecca. 6000 troops stay to ensure no funnines occours and the rest leave. News of the attack in Cyrene reaches Cairo. This attack is unprovoked. If the Normans take Cyrene, they can easily, march to the Heartland of Egypt, something that cannot be allowed. As well as the 13,000 sent, another 3000 is sent, making a grand army of 16,000. The archers will attack the normans from the back while the infantry and calvarly rush to the enemy. 30 boats are sent to attack the 15 Norman ships at sea. Sirte is deemed to be lost for the time being, as Cyrene is much more important. The Norman presence there can be uprooted later. Meanwhile 10 of the 15 ships finish construction for the Medditerreiniean fleet. . The total fleet of 45 will destroy the 15 ships before reinforcements can arrive. (Algo) 10 more ships are paged for construction likley finishing within 2 years.
• Kingdom of Jerusalem: Is the begining of another year and the Kingdom of Jerusalem is still under the regency of the Triumvirate. This year Raynald of Hauteville turns ten years old, soon he will be able to rule by himself. While that doesn't happen, Raynald and his brother Richard are still being tutored by Teobald of Tyre and Deacon Pietro of Bologne. Prince Richard become friend of the young Leo of CIlicia. With the approval of Pope Paschal II, Archbishop Teobald of Tyre is enthroned as the new Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. He continues with the project of revitalization of churches and buildings started by the deceased Arnulf of Chocques. Girard I of Roussillon and the other Spanish veterans continue training soldiers in the military centers of Jerusalem. The construction of the 2 ships by the Sicilian shipbuilders continues in the shipyard of Acre. At the moment, the fleet of Jerusalem is formed by 7 ships. The Triumvirate orders the construction of fortifications in Ascalon.
• Iceland: Þórður organizes a mass root vegetable farm in Reykjavik of onions and potatoes and during the meeting of National chiefs at Althingi he gives out potatoes and onions along with seeds to prevent famine. Þórður marries Hanna Loftsdóttir and in December Sturla is born as the first heir to Iceland. The chronicler and priest Ari Thorgilsson was offered the bishopric of Iceland and crowned Þórður with the crown of Ingólf and commissioned a throne made of the Öndvegar.
• House Barcelona: By some miracle or curse, Felicia becomes pregnant after several years of infertility and her brush with death delivering the twins. While Ramon is overjoyed he also despairs, fearing that the words of the midwife will come to fruition, taking his wife and unborn child from him. To the west, with Pere-Felip in control of Oristano and with most of the Arborean council dead or captured he goes about legalizing his takeover. He bribes or coerces enough of the council to elect him Judge and then promptly dissolves the body. Those most supportive councilors are granted positions in his administration as local magistrates and those resistant are stripped of titles and most of their property. He implements similar reforms to those of Torchitorio to the south, modernizing agriculture and installing a Catalan-inspired regime. Pere-Felip proceeds to move the capital to Tarés and explores expanding silver and lead mining infrastructure to increase yields of the island's profitable mineral exports. Emperador Ramon is disappointed to hear that Beatrici has vanished in the siege, but without evidence of her demise he can only imagine that she has fled into exile somewhere beyond Pere-Felip’s reach. Back in Spain proper. Ramon continues to invest in rebuilding the castles, towns, and monasteries of Valencia. As these new territories are settled, new Sagramentals are raised and planted into the earth. Like a great field of spears to oppose the invaders of the south. The monstrous fortress being built at Penyal d’Ifac continues its construction. A tower is built at Cap d'Or along with a naval station in the protected harbor just to the west. Signal lights are to be used to communicate the presence of enemy fleets to the tower to launch a force in opposition from the harbor at Cap d’Or. Far to the south and east, the Galite Islands are quickly turned into a pirate base from which raids are launched against shipping along the north african coast. Tidy sums are routinely raised from seized cargos and forced bribes. In Provence, the royal shipyard is well underway. At present the Provencal Fleet consists of some 20 vessels, but Ramon seeks to expand that to a full 30 hulls that will be based out of Tolon for the service of Ramon as Count of Provence. The request for a bride from Felicia’s family in Sicily is considered. Ramon, interested to cement ties with what he considers to be a powerful ally in undermining the Saracen and Italian threats to his power, agrees. He offers his sister, Èlisabet (b. 1084) as Roger’s bride.
  • Sicily: Roger gladly welcomes Elisabet as his bride and Countess
• Sultanate of Shewa: Adama continues to steadily grow as rudimentary cisterns are built into the northern hills. While wells are dug to give access to better drinking water. Badit also try’s to implement better health and hygiene systems. Port Bint Halid continues to grow and soon wood arrives form the interior and small trade ships are built to trade with the Red Sea. We ask Egypt if they would like to commence trade and build better relations (Player response). Tribes are also paid to raid around Zaila to suffocate it. With end the end of the year Badit raises an army of 10,000 Troops ( 700 cavalry, 2,300 trained warriors, 7,000 levies) to directly attack Zaila from the north and west. (Algo needed) Incase reinforcements are needed he raises a new army of 5,000 troops from the Gadii system and keeps them close behind the main army to carry supplies but also reinforce the attack if needed. To build more closeness to the Oromo Badit takes a Oromo wife in his 23rd year. The rudimentary roads expand gradually beyond Adama. While the Awash is still being redirected to run through the freshwater lakes by Adama. More works are imported to the library in Adama, and stewards are sent to Mecca to learn what they can.
• Egypt is willing to trade with the Shewa and provide some support against the Christians and Jews

• Papal States: Pope Paschal II continues to expand the church domains with increased urbanization in Tuscany and Latium, supervised by the new generation of educated clergy. The Neoplatonic academy in Chartres continues to proliferate commentaries on Plato's works, more specifically the theological implications of Timeaus and Phaedo, as well as commentaries on The Republic and Laws. These latter commentaries become of great importance for the scholars of Laon, in conjunction with the writings of Boethius, which advocates for greater accountability of princes over their subjects. The Papal navy now has a full officer core trained from their time in Tunis, and will now commission seven ships from the Venetian navy, bringing the total size of the navy in Ostia now to 14 ships. Pope Paschal again reaches out to establish a protectorate over the Judicates of Logudoro and Gallura of Sardinia, to defend them from the ambitions of the Spanish (mod response please). In Scandinavia, a Synod of Rokslide is held shortly after the death of King Godwin, assuming control of papal investiture over the entire Jutland peninsula. Bishop Arnold of Rokslide presides over this synod, but the Primacy of the Danish churches are still controlled by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This Synod also went as far as to appoint new Bishops of Halland and Scania, on the grounds they were part of the Danish realm even though they are outside of Saxon control. Meanwhile, the angel Ariel goes into Helvetica to the town of Chur, where her identity is protected by the Church within the local Prince-Bishopbric. Her child was delivered by a local priest named Adalgott. She whispered the name for the child that was given by the Pope, before vanishing to the realm which she originated from. Adalgott, shocked by this vision, immediately had the child baptized at the small Church of Chur, and gave him up for adoption. The child was then raised by a local merchant named Berthold, where he was christened with the Italian name Giovanni Pasceliani, or in German as Johannes Pascelius, or in English as John Pascelion.
  • Logudoro and Gallura first are apathetic to interact with the Pope, but they had no choice that accepts his protection due to the brutal arrival of the Spanish.
• Kingdom of Galicia: Our talented workers finally completed the Royal Shipyard in Brigantia; now, seven ships are under construction, and the ten galleys built past year are now available. In Royal issues, the King accepts the elevation of Alfonso as the new Count of Portugal; he and Petronilla are in an arranged marriage.
• Kingdom of Sweden: King Sigismund II trvaels to England after hearing the tragic loss of his father in law Scylwig. He and Queen Agnes pay their respects at the burial before splitting up to do some business in England. King Sigismund II heads to meet with king Edwin of England to discuss the possibilty of an alliance as well as the possibility of lifting the saanctions on England.(English Response needed)Meanwhile queen Agnes travels to meet some of her siblings. Following this they depart from England and travel to Sigisfors in Sigismundia,here they are welcomed in a great feast attended by most of the ruling elite in Sigismundia. Meanwhile the king proposes that an intervention in the war in Rugen should happen and therefore begins planning an invasion.Meanwhile king Sigismund II blatanly slams the pope for appointing a false bishop of Halland,even though halland is under royal investiture,Therefore he says that the pope should withdraw this bishop or face the drawbacks(PAPAL RESPONSE NEEDED) After a long night of negotiating,Sweden and the Obotries sign a deal in which the obtories will be a protectorate under Sweden,this protectorate will have a very large amount of autonomy while also not being considered a part of sweden,but considered within its sphere(agreed to in DC+Nathan witnessed it)
  • Papal response: Pope Paschal II does not take this reprimand lightly, and insists that the universal Papal investiture has been divinely ordained from the days of the Apostle Peter, of whom Paschal has taken his seat. Certain princes have gradually come to accept this universal fact to relinquish the royal investiture, which has been accepted across the entire Holy Roman Empire as far as the neighboring kingdoms of England and Denmark. Therefore, the Pope does not withdraw the Bishop of Halland
  • Obotrite Response/Clarification: Prince Henry agrees to become a protectorate of Sweden on the guarantee of no integration, no forced conversion to Christianity, and autonomy in regards to expansion.

• Saxony: With growing economic prosperity across Western Europe including France and Germany, the Duke of Saxe-Luneburg encourages commerce. Meanwhile, in Saxe-Anhalt, the Mayor of Anhalt, a prosperous merchant, inspired by the events occurring in France, gathers a group of disastisfied townsfolk and marches to the Duke of Saxe-Anhalt, who has been resistant to change, demanding a communal charter. The Duke nobly suggests he will grant a communal charter to whoever can find a way to lift a large rock that is blocking the way in and out of his castle. Nobody succeeds, and the people go away without a communal charter. Nevertheless, the Duke of Saxe-Anhalt's great wisdom becomes renowned throughout the land because of this incident.
• Goryeo dynasty: The great Yun Gwan has died of old age just after defeating the Liao with his mighty Changja river garisons. Yun Gwan becoming 72 years old and having outlived many emperor's who he loyaly served to protect. Yun Gwan death being able to mean many things, some bureaucrats hoping it will ensure a lasting peace in Goryeo, while others hope an even greater men will arive. One men who has a reputation for coastal defence and more naval orriented warfare is Bong Suck, who has defended the southern coastlines for more then a decade. But with the death of his comander he's called to temporarly take up the role as defender of the North, defender of the sacred mountain. Bong suck thus gaining control over the 47.450 soldiers who were formaly under the great Gwan's control, allthough many soldiers are being recruited by the great emperor Yejong. Bong Suck's first move is to send a small envoy of 100 diplomats and soldiers to the Liao dynasty (mod response). The dear general hoping that atleast a truce and possible peace can be made.
  • The Liao dynasty accepts a truce
• Obotrites: The campaign against Rugia continues with the army launching an assault on the city of Strasland once more in the hopes that it will capitulate (Algo Needed, 674 Rough Riders/Cavalry and 4,700 Wendish Spearmen). The offer by Sweden to become tributary is not well received by the Henry but he ultimately chooses to concede due to the threat of them intervening in the conflict with Rugia and striking the undefended Obotrite heartlands. The continuing flow of German immigrants is met with concern as tensions mount between the Slavic Pagans and Christian Germans but ultimately it is decided to permit them to reside on the periphery of Obotrite land for now. In the meantime, Henry supports a policy of coexistence between the two groups to keep the peace and ensures that the Germans will not force their religion upon the Wendish. The displaced pirates/vikings following Denmark's unification and personal union with England are encouraged to join Henry who offers them stable pay for their services with the wealth gained from Wendish trade. The pirates/vikings are dispatched to patrol the coastal regions of the Obotrites to protect the merchants from any pirate who refused to take up service with the Obotrites. Henry also continues to encourage merchants to visit his realm and conduct business so long as they behave themselves properly.
• Sultanate of Tunisia: Yahya declares a conquest campaign against the Mahdia Zirids. An army of 9,000 Sanhaya Infantry, 5,000 Bedouins, and 3,000 Desert spearmen are sent there; Habib Ar-Rahman al-Nasr leads them [Algo needed]. Meanwhile, Al-Zaytuna Mosque is turning into one of the major centers of Islamic learning, and a lot of scholarship activities are developing there.

• During the early 12th century, Hakia made strides towards early statehood. For example, an elected body of magistrates known as the Aniame Yoememta (literally "Servant of the People") carried out executive functions previously done by the Supreme Chief's retainers (which consisted of junior warriors). Each Aniame had jurisdiction over a particular activity. The Deputy Chief was an ex-officio position given to the head of the Southern Lynx Society, and had jurisdiction over law enforcement. The Interior Minister was in charge of population counts and supervising the governments of other pueblos. The Deputy Judge was the head judge in the absence of the Supreme Chief. The Tribune of the People served as the ombudsman, relaying the concerns and complaints of the Hakian citizenry. The Master of Ceremonies headed over civic and secular rites, and the reception of special guests. The Head Astrologer conducted religious rites. The Treasurer oversaw the collection of tribute and the trade monopoly. The Head Overseer oversaw agriculture, and organized labor works. While the Steward of the Spears oversaw the production and storage of military equipment. Many of these officials were aided by assistants, with many of these bodies developing into ministries as the Hakian government grew. While Hakia claimed jurisdiction over the other pueblos, this was initially based on military hegemony. Sometime during the tenure of Kopalai, the Council of Confederates was established, with each pueblo sending a delegate to deliberate and vote on common issues. During the first such meeting, Kopalai and other Hakian delegates testified being witness to the Miracle of the Sun, and convinced many confederates to adopt Hakian liturgy and solar worship. A monopoly on copper was established, which was used for the manufacture of spearheads. During this time, the traditional pueblo spear, which was perhaps 2.5m in length, was replaced by a much shorter spear that was 1.2m (30cm to being the blade). Nevertheless, this new spear was suitable for both slashing and thrusting. The use of these shorter spears is complemented with the use of bisonhide shields, which help protect against enemy projectile fire. Around this time, Kopalai invented the "bison horn formation", which consisted of a strong lagging center, and a highly-mobile and offensive right wing and left wing. A rear replenished any losses. Prior to actual melee, light infantry (the archers and spear-throwers) would engage in skirmishes - using their superior mobility to evade enemy engagement. During the main phase of the battle, the center will engage in melee while the wings would flank the enemy with the goal of encirclement - the rear would also deal with attempts to break out of the encirclement. Asides from this shift in tactics, the five warrior societies began to organize themselves into age grade regiments, with the junior warriors also responsible for carrying provisions. The first instance of the bison horn formation being used dates to c. 1112, when according to oral tradition, Kopalai invaded the communities of the modern-day Conchos-Rio Grande junction (known as the La Junta Indians). Kopalai invaded them with 1,000 warriors, comprised of 600 spearmen, 200 spear-throwers, and 200 archers.

1113

Waldric decides to remain as Chancellor, and the city of Laon adopts a communal charter. The landless merchants and peasants are very pleased with the result, and praise King Louis "the Fat" for his wisdom. Many simlar communal charters are adopted in cities across eastern France and western Germany.

The Republic of Florence subjugates the Contado region of Italy.

Peter Abelard, a teacher of philosophy and rhetoric in Paris, falls in love with one of his pupils named Heloise, who is an avid philosopher and mathematician in her own right. They begin exchanging flirtatious letters, indicating their attraction mainly by intellect rather than physique.

Chief Wuyushu of the Wanyan confederacy dies, and is succeeded as leader by his brother, Chief Aguda. Emperor Tianzuo sends an expedition to confirm the loyalty of the Jurchen tribes as Liao tributaries, but the Wanyan under Aguda repulses them.

Wang Ximeng completes the painting Thousand Li River with Mountains for Emperor Hizong of Song, the largest landscape painting in Chinese history.

Teresa is spotting in the town of Hilset at the mainroad, as she has gotten used to the area she's living in. Teresa being very well know to the locals, so much that "a Tessa" becomes slang amongst the locals for a stray dog.

• Ghaznavid Empire: Rehman Khan Lodhi continues the campaign in Sindh and moves to besiege Thatta. He is joined by the 4000 cavalry under the command of Ibrahim Khan Suri who have returned from the Levant (ALGO NEEDED).
• Papal States: The Papal navy expands its ports to give a token show of force in the protection of northern Sardinia. Of course, the Papal States is in no position to actually contest the naval powers of the Mediterranean, but the sheer protection of the Church is sufficient to ward off the ambition of local princes. A woman is found in Gallura who has fled from Arborea, who is believed to be Princess Beatrix. In order to ensure her protection, the Cardinal Pietro Senex confides her to a convent as a nun. In France, the scholars a Chartres expound on the writings of Plato and Boethius on the nature of feudal government, and how the ambition of secular rulers must be curtailed for the dignity of the people. This is primarily interpreted in line with the pax dei that was championed by the Pontificate of Urban II. A branch of this school is also extended to Paris, particularly the works of grammar and rhetoric conducted by Peter Abelard, and his attentative pupil Heloise. In Germany, a young woman named Hildegard of Bingen gains a reputation for being spiritually communed with God, often having visions in ecstasy. She therefore volunteers to join a convent in the Rhine region, along with her friend Jutta, to study theology and grammar. Bishop Otto of Bamburg confirmed her vows for monastic life. In Scandinavia, the growth of the Church and expansion of Christendom has allowed for a firmer hand to be given over the princes in the north. Pope Paschal insists on his authority of appointing Ascer Thorkilsson as Bishop of Lund and Halland, on the basis of the Pope's universal authority of clerical investiture, and threatens to excommunicate King Sigismund II if he does not comply (Sweden response). Pope Paschal was pleased with the works of his father, Sigismund I, for the benefit of the Church in Finland and against the pagans of Sweden, but this piety has clearly been lost on his son. Among the Germanic Slavs, the Pope appoints the Archbishop of Hamburg the responsibility of expanding Christianity to the pagans beyond the borders of the Holy Roman Empire. Vicelius, a legate and priest from Bremen, asks permission from Prince Henry of Obritrites to preach Christianity to the people of his nation, and to construct churches in major cities (Obritites response). The Archbishop of Hamburg intimates to Prince Henry that the eventual absorbtion of his state into Christendom will ultimately benefit his political authority as well. In the Holy Lands, the Pope wants to eliminate remaining threats of incursions within the sphere of the Crusader states and Christendom. The Pope asks the neighboring nations of the Byzantine Empire and Armenia-Cilicia to proceed to dismantle the Denishid dynasty of Rum, eliminating Islam from Anatolia completely (Armenia and mod response please).
  • Obotrite Confederacy: Prince Henry is willing to accept the missionary from Bremen. However, recalling the staunch resistance of the Wends to prior conversion efforts, he would require the acceptance of a few conditions. The first condition requires non-forceful conversion attempts on the Wends. Secondly, the construction of the churches will be permitted but however they will only be relegated to the towns/cities of German colonists/immigrants or made up of mostly of Germans. (Papal Response)
  • Papal dip: we agree to this
  • Demyan Ivanovich agrees that the time is nearing to finally expel the remaining Turks from Anatolia he requests that Emperor Alexios also provide support in en-devour (Byzantine response needed).
• Hejaz: An imam, Ibn Abdul Hakim has recently been gaining traction in Hejaz. He points out that Islam has been lately getting corrupted by Bidah (innovation). Many people have been making severe errors such as prostrating to graves or trying to communicate with the dead. His fiery speeches gain more traction. "The religious downfall of the Sabeans was their prostration to the sun. Prostration in the Islamic sharia is a form of worship and for Allah (swt) alone! Today you have these "muslims" who have no clue about the Quran and prostrate to graves as if it is a trivial manner. Without any shame! Why is that? They prostrate to graves! Some even prostrate to their living pirs (saints). Doesnt that make you angry? No more prostrating to the graves, nor Tawafs (circumambulations) around graves! People say that when they perform Tawaf around the grave of a prophet, saint, or some individual this is done only out of respect. I am asking you; 'did any of the Sahaba or Ahlul Bayt ever perform Tawaf around our prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, according to authentic, fabrications excluded, narrations?' The Muhajirs and Ansar (sahaba), the Ahlul Bayt and mother of believers, none of them ever performed Tawaf around the Prophet or his grave. If you claim otherwise, produce evidence if you are truthful!" His fiery speeches has gained the attention of the Emir of Hejaz, Ibn Rashid who requested a meeting with Imam Ibn Abdul Hakim. The Emir was impressed by the Imam's understanding of the deen and places him as the sole Mufti of Hejaz, allowing the Sheikh to decide who gets to becomes the Imam of the two holy Masjids, Masjid al-Nabawi and Masjid al-Haram. Meanwhile, shrines taht are deemed a stepping stone to shrik (polytheism) are smashed, as well as tombs that are unacceptable high off the ground and have a known record of people preforming prostration. A plan is drawn out to spread true Tawhid into the Najd region, just as prophet and his companions did a little less than 400 years ago. Modest attire is encouraged, with white clothing being recommended intead of floral colors, additionally many Imams now eschew the Hejazi turban in favor of a white skullcap. Furthermore, in addition to a Najd expedition, plans are drawn out to achieve naval influence in the Indian ocean and spread the "true faith" across East Africa. The previous Fiqhs are respected by increasingly a new understanding begins to develop, it being called "Ahl al Hadith," and being pioneered by Mufti Ibn Abdul Hakeem. He does have his private detractors, who call his understanding of the religion "Hakeemism" and attack the Emir as a "Hakeemite."
• Kingdom of Jerusalem: With Raynald of Hauteville still too young to rule the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the regency continues in the form of the Triumvirate. The construction of the 2 ships at the shipyard of Acre is finished this year and now the fleet of the Kingdom is formed by 9 ships. Seeking to expand these numbers even more, the Triumvirate approves the construction of more 2 ships. The construction of the Church of Saint Godfrey of Bouillon in the city of Jerusalem is finished. The body of Saint Godfrey is moved to this church and burried under the altar, so mass can be celebrated above the remains. The ceremony of the burrial of Saint Godfrey in the new church is made Patriarch Teobald of Tyre ad several nobles of the Kingdom are present, including the members of the Haute Cour, Tancred of Galilee and Baldric. The construction of fortifications in the city of Ascalon continues.
• Sultanate of Shewa: With Zelia under our control the port is reinhabited with Amhara and Oromo traders. His army quickly moves on Berbera marching into the port. However it is not sacked not even looted as it is the most vital port to our trade. With control of the most ports in North West Africa Badit offers tribes and cities in between Berbera and Adama to join the Sultanate. All cultures will be treated fairly and continue life relatively unchanged. Local grievances will also be worked out at a grand meeting of all leaders. (Mod response, will post more after mod response)
  • Most tribes accept, but many prefer retaining effective autonomy with nominal tribute sent to the Sultan
  • Cont: Hearing of what’s happening in Hejaz Badit offers refugees a new home and place to practice freely. He also sends envoys to Egypt to ask them to asses the situation (Mod/Player response). With most of the land between the coast and the End of the Awash secured Badit moves his court to Dire Dhare as the Oromo call it. Improvement along the Awash continue as it is still vital to food supply. Badit’s first Son Badi is born and placed into the Royal Gadii with the other tribe leaders sons and local boys. The sultan makes trips to the coast to oversee the Gadii system be implemented and learn what he can about his new Somali subjects. The trade routes are improved to allow for smoother travel around the nation. Mosque begin to be built in all the new tribal areas to serve as meeting and teaching centers. In 4 years time the first Sultanate Grand Gadii will be held encompassing envoys of every parcel of land. Fortifications are built to the north to face the Christians and Jews. Badit seeks to make Shewa a shimmering star in Africa.
    
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 2nd full year of the reign of King Edwin of England and Denmark. He is the third member of House Godwin to hold England and the first to hold Denmark. He is wedded to Princess Margrethe Skjalmsdatter Hvide of Denmark and has sired two children through her: Cnut (1092) who is married to Anne, Princess of Sweden and Æthelstan (1099) who is unwed. He has two siblings: Wulfstan (1072), Earl of East Anglia, who is wed to Matilda of Scotland, securing an alliance with the Scots; and the late Eadgyth, Queen of Jerusalem. Edwin has a daughter with Margrethe Skjalmsdatter named Agnes. 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. Edwin is popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. In Denmark, he reigns with an iron fist, allied to the remaining Estridsens and the English lords introduced to replace rebellious nobles. The worst revolts have petered out, though they do still happen and likely will for some time. Though Edwin 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. Right now, the sons of Morcar squabble over their father's realm. The region was split among three heirs and their hatred for each other seems to keep an otherwise powerful block of vassals fighting among each other. Cnut and Anne have their first child, though he is stillborn. This comes as a devastating blow to the young Aethelings. Cnut Haroldson marries Ingrid of Derby, daughter of Osbeorn Morcarson, securing an alliance with his southern neighbor. Last year, Edwin spent quite a bit of time in Denmark putting down a revolt in Scania. The synod of Roskilde kicks up quite a bit of proverbial dust and the installation of a few controversial bishops causes general discontent within the Catholic Church in Denmark. This has caused quite a stir in Swedish courts as well, with the situation evolving rapidly. As the church insists on treating territory not administered by the Saxons as Danish territory, England makes note of this claim should the need arise. Edwin personally invites Sigismund II to Roskilde with a Papal legate to discuss a possible compromise in Sweden similar to the reforms carried out in England. However, general discontent culminates in a brief revolt in Trelleborg, which Cnut Edwinson puts down with ease. Meanwhile, back in England, Wulfstand serves as regent while both his brother Edwin and his nephew Cnut are in Denmark. He serves the realm competently. Later in the year, Edwin returns to England. The most striking difference between the Kingly Moots of Edwin and his father Godwin are that Edwin has spent most of his life administering Denmark. Though he continued his father's tradition of appointing Anglo-Danes to positions within Denmark, his policies are decidedly more lenient on the Danes. This also makes him popular in circles in the north. The Kingly Moots also see an increased amount of Normans fleeing the war to the south. Many artists, theologians, and mathematicians make their way into English borders. In December, Edwin announces he will be travelling to Rome to visit the Pope, as is long-standing tradition for English kings to do upon being newly-coronated.
  • The Pope welcomes a visit of King Edwin Godwinson
• Kingdom of Sweden The previus year saw the birth of a conflcit between the king and the pope,which in local circles has been dubbed the swedish investiture conflict. It is noted that England had something similiar just a couple of years ago and then a compromise was agreed upon. The king travels to Roskilde at the behalf of the king of England to neogtiate with the pope. The king agrees to give up his rights to appoint bishops on two conditions: Same compromise as the english and the acceptance that Sigismundia is the rightfull name over the area the pope calls "Finland.(PAPAL RESPONSE NEEDED) Following this,the king travels home but leaves his brother Carl Johan to negotiate. The king travels to meet with Prince Henry of the Obotries as their new protector.The king asks for permission to send a brigade of 100 troops to train the Obotires troops to imporve their effiency. Crown prince Gustaf celebrates his fourth birthday,with the king sending out an offfer of betrohal to the english king(ENGLISH RESPONSE NEEDED)
  • The Pope is willing to make this deal
• Cumans: It is the fourteenth year of the reign of the Khagan Bonyak. He is furious after his defeat, so he forms an army of 11,000 Yedisan Raiders, 5,000 Qipchak cavalrymen, and 4,500 Sharukan Archers, from surviving and new units to support the battle against the Pechenegs. [Algo needed].
• Goryeo dynasty: The emperor Yejong also starts to look into manners to expand and make the Kwangeo civil exam more efficient and better in coverage. Allthough even with this in mind he still refuses to allow peasantry to take the Kwangeo. As he belives that peasants are not able to take such responsibilities and lack the knowledge of the duties of a bureaucrat. Allthough General-admiral Suck Bong is more open to common man taking the Kwangeo exam, as Bong is more open to merit based examination and service. One other thing that Yejong is growing is the censorate which is in charge of checking the correctness of printed word in Goryeo. Yejong wanting to make sure no ill is spoken nor printed about him, the protector of all Goryeans defender against foreign barbarism. As a way to enforce his autority and gain respect emperor Yejong requests to emperor Huizong for Song musical instruments to be sent to his palace in Gaeseong, so that he can conduct Confucian rituals (mod response). A man without disrespect is General and protector of the sacred mt peaktu Suck bong, who decides even with a truce to keep his soldiers at bay. Bong believing another war of conflict coudl quickly follow and that he needs his small force of soldiers just to be sure. Even when he allows those who were being recruited and had joined his army to return home to civilian life, as their civilians skills far outdo the benefits of their millitary service, as one cannot fight without a pike or on an empty belly.
  • The Huizong emperor will provide every resource needed to perform the Confucian rituals, at the King's expense
• House Barcelona: Felicia’s pregnancy is difficult and strenuous. As she enters labor the midwives grow increasingly concerned as the baby is not coming with ease. The labor continues into the night and as the candles burn low, a son is born to Ramon and a love taken. History will recall that while their marriage had been arranged, as most all marriages of strategy are, Felicia and Ramon shared a close, loving bond. A small but well appointed funeral is held for Felicia on the grounds of the royal chapel on Montjuic. Ramin is devastated by these events. He withdraws from public life and turns towards caring for his children. Though he has more than sufficient help, he disregards state-duties to spend time with the last ties he holds to Felicia. He can be found walking the grounds of the monastery of Montjuic at all hours, silent and sorrowful. To the south, the re-settlement and conversion of Valencia continues with many moors and Mozarabs converting to Christendom. The Mozarabs are generally well-treated in this process with those that convert awarded positions in local governance or small plots. More watchtowers are constructed across the south.
• Iceland: Þórður goes on a voyage to the Swedish court along with Ari the Wise so Ari can then Chronicle the Catholic history Iceland had missed out on, Saints, crusade and Papal politics. (Swedish Response needed)
• County of Sicily: Elisabet of Barcelona arrives in Palermo to be married to Roger II. In a ceremony at the main cathedral in Palermo, the two are formally married, thus further cementing familial ties between the House of Barcelona and the Hauteville dynasty of Sicily. Roger, being openminded and multicultural, allows leaders of the various religious and ethnic communities of Sicily to attend, with Orthodox Greeks and Islamic Saracens coming to attend the wedding and pay respect to the new Countess. Within a few months Elisabet becomes pregnant, and later gives birth to a healthy baby boy, whom Roger names Roger III after himself and his father. As the war in Libya continues with no news for now, Roger II focuses on domestic issues, continuing his policy of patronizing scholars of all religions, and overseeing construction of his shining new cathedral in Palermo. The cathedral, named the Cathedral of St. Michael, in honor of the Normans’ warlike patron saint.
• Armenian Cilicia: Having grown restless over the past few years of peace, the aging Rus warlord heads the calls from Rome to finally expel once and for all the Turks from Anatolia. He gives the order for the mustering of the Armenian and Rus levies under his command and for the allocation of sufficient supplies for the coming campaign. Upon the advice of his advisor Milakos Demyan postpones till next year the war so he can finish drilling and reorganizing the themes which will provide a some 10,000 men to bolster his own 8,000 Rus and Turkic warriors. The Armenian lords aligned with Cilicia are also asked to provide reinforcements. administrative and military reforms continue under the supervision of Milakos and his fellow Greeks whose emphasis on drilling and reorganization of the levies has begun to show results. Demyan's children begin their formal education with the young Eva proving an avid learner who continues to charm those in her life. Trade continues to grow as the scars of war slowly but steadily fade away. The new fortified towns built by the new Rus settlers continue to grow in importance acting as centres for trade and as places of gathering. more to be added later....
• Oborite Confederacy: The fall of Rugia after two years of war secures the borders of the Oborites from their repeated incursions. The levy that was raised to fight them is released from proper compensation for their services. The attention of Prince Henry turns to putting the pirates/Vikings to good use and he decides to reestablish the Jomsviking that had been crushed in 1043 at Jomsburg under him. He dispatches an invite to any survivors of Magnus I of Norway's campaign against the Jomsviking offering them a position at the head of this new group with ample pay for their services (Mod Response). The acquisition of Rugen gives access to fertile land on the island to which Henry dispatches experts to help in establishing irrigation for agriculture. At the request of the Papacy, Prince Henry alots a portion of his war chest from the acquisition of Rugia to the purpose funding the construction of churches within German-majority settlements. Furthermore, the missionary Viecelius is permitted access and assigned a proper escort to ensure his safety against hostile Wends as well as his compliance with the agreement for his presence. When questioned by his advisors as to why he was treading closely to a dangerous line with his subjects, Prince Henry informs them that he does not wish to agitate the Christians that surround the Obotrites hence his willingness to cooperate.
  • They will work for money
• Kingdom of France: The King sends an official envoy to the 'Duke' of Brittany (intentionally ignoring his self declared independence and Kingship) and requests that he come in person to Paris in accordance with his feudal obligations. Meanwhile development of the castle at La Gravelle will continue with a detachment of light cavalry sent to the region to provide patrols of the area against a possible Briton attack. (Mod Response) Additional messengers will be sent to the Gallo speaking areas of Brittany to begin persuading the local nobility to agitate for a peaceful return to Kingdom of France. In return for cooperation promises of expanded land concessions, tax privilege's, and payments are offered. (Mod Response) Further envoys will be sent to Lubeck, Hamburg, and Utrecht branches of the Hanseatic League with the offer to establish a Kontor (trade post) in Rouen, Paris, and Honfleur with the exception that the Crown be allowed to levy a 1% duty on goods of ships stopping in Honfleur to resupply but not trade. (Mod Response) A fleet of 10 medium river barges are to begin construction on the Sarthe and Mayenne Rivers. The King will led the Royal Guard along with some local levies (~4,000 total) to besiege the rebellious Aymon Vaire-Vache and as well as Louis' half brother Philip and his ally Amaury III de Montfort. Continuing the development of French legal code, the King begins implementation of the compiled laws in Paris and surrounding baronies as a trial to see if the code is practical or needs to be revised. To facilitate this the King will leave the sieges of the rebellious barons to his lieutenants in the Royal Guard while he personally travels the areas surrounding the Ile-de-France hearing petitions and settling disputes. Next the King travels to Orleans during the fall to address a gathering of Nobility summoned from Normandy and Maine to address petitions and disputes while helping integrate the realms into Royal control. Abbot Suger will be appointed provost of the new University in Paris to lead the teachers from Chartres. In response to the spread of communal charters across France, the King issues that only he may appoint judges and marshals to decree and enforce justice but allows the cities to petition for the removal of appointments as well as provide nominations for the position.
  • Duke Alan V of Brittany, in the memory of both his father and mother, refuses to recognize a feudal obligation to France, but doesn't appear to raise any offensive levy
  • The nobles of Brittany grow agitated against the Duke with this offer, particularly the former queen consort Ermengarde of Anjou
  • The Hanseatic League doesn't exist

• Almoravid Empire: with the trade secured in Italy, no longer must the Almoravids pbe forced into the markets of their enemy. Their equally as efficient partners will also undercut any negative consequences to the nation's finances and economy. In the meantime, Sultan Ali decides to begin preaching his new vision for the empire in the courts where his vassals all gathered during the Holy holiday of Ramadan in the great city of Cordoba. After a long period of speaking, he had convinced the court in his favor to commit to an egalitarian solution of rule to truly being together the multi-ethnic Empire. This is what Islamic Leadership was intended to be. Of course there were the lords of Murcia and Granada who had argued against such matters and made no promises. There was also the Governor Malik al-Assan of Ghana who had strongly rejected this wish believing this may only incite further autonomy of the region. They argued for an hour in the courts before the Lord of Ghana was dismissed. On his return to his residency in Segou, he and his caravan of devout followers had went "missing". He was soon replaced with Shevare ibn Ber as Governor, Ghanan Native loyal to the Empire. On May 9, the People of the Faith Decrees were ratified by the varying vassals excluding a few states. He promised those that didn't sign "would soon come to terms with the needs of their lands soon enough" with a smile on his face. The Ulama who had questioned his and the dynasty's leadership prior had begun to fall back on their previous ideals. He had been seen as potentially "corrupted" with his questionably close relationship with the Black Gaurd leader and bestfriend. Not only him as a person but the corrupted leadership of some parts of the empire brought into question how faithful were they to Allah. Now with this new take especially after being the student of multiple religious scholars in Cordoba, he had become more or less, very well respected. The positions of Vizier and Prime Minister had been left vacant for what would soon be a decade. As a result to make the ruling of the empire easier, he entrusts two great men to be by his side in ruling the Empire. Omar al-Rasheed would be appointed as Vizier for his valiant services in the military and his career in Andalusia. Meanwhile Muhammad ibn Tumart would be positioned as Prime Minister, the right hand to the Sultan. Meanwhile at the Arsenal of Algeciras, 50 more ships are ordered to be constructed consisting of 35 moorish galleys and 15 new ships designed from the great minds of the Levant who had moved to Andalusia. These ships would be called Sadies or "Swifts". It combines the light nature of the smaller Arab Galleys with 2 large sails to optimize direction and faster movement making them difficult targets to strike as much as they would be difficult targets to avoid. They would also be equipped with patrolling metal spikes which are designed to damage and break oars as well as a pointed iron front stern to ram into other ships and have the greatest likelihood of causing damage that if multiple were to strike, it could leave the enemy crews left to the sharks. This construction plan is anticipated to take the next 2 ½ years. In the meantime the Moorish Longships inspired for faster trade along the Atlantic Seaboard as well as being capable of protecting trade leads to greater levels of Traffic directing to the English Channel. The growing superiority of the Almoravid Fleet has made the Empire capable of defending their entire trade. With such great prosperity and power, it is intended to be used to the fullest with an envoy sent to merchants of the Franks of the English Channel as well as the Aquitaine. They offer favorable trade terms that would make it permissible for them to receive a lower amount of trade tariffs for the purchase and trade for our goods. In exchange the Almoravid Emissaries wished for them to barring the Spanish Kingdoms from their trade of our goods (French Response Needed). Continuous piracy of the Catalans continues with the Barbary and Andalusian Pirates working hand to hand to target Christian merchant vessels. The value of trade within Timbuktu rises as Lord Sahel Ag Bekkai orders the construction of the Sahel Mosque. Meanwhile the renovations of the Leonese region has turned it into a bustling place for those of Arab-Berber descent, especially those within the Levant. The Lord of Salamanca had begun to channel the exodus catholics of Leon to be moved to Ksar el-Kabir if they refused to convert to the one true faith. Placing them in the Moorish heartland would be an ideal place to keeping the region stable as well as preventing a rebellion that the Northern Leonese can take advantage of. Meanwhile the Great Mosque of Toledo is completed. The Green and Gold of its exterior can be seen for miles across the walls of the city. A symbol of Islamic Rule restored in the region for a long time to come. In the meantime Sultan Ali wishes to "clear his way for his Hajj" with his allies' subjugation of Hejaz, a friendly path across Maghrib and Egypt is now clear. Yet he readies for conquest. The past years of reforms and development have left the veterans aging without much to do except continue to train the young and ready themselves for what will be more inevitable conflicts to come. The discipline and military resolve of the Almoravids are unique and oddly placed in time and to truly take advantage of their grand army, they wish to showcase it once more. 15,000 men gather in the Tlemceni and Orani Region. The 10,000 men of Tunis also turn around from Tunis. All ready to march on the Empire's thorn on their side, The Hammadids. In the meantime, a greater extent of fortifications began to be constructed from Ontinyent to Alcoi which would then connect back to the already built wall and fortifications that extend to Mascarat. Meanwhile Omar al-Rasheed appoints Captain Sana ibn Rudrighiz, is made into a general following ghost experience gained in the Iberian Crusade as well as his leadership in Tunis. Being of Mozarab descent, he had the most experience within their legions. As a result, he is left with the task of incorporating the Mozarab Divisions of Al-Andalus into the grander professional armies of the rest of the Empire. Enslaved Leonese and their children, as well as Christians caught through the Barbary pirates had begun to be brought to Malaga, Lisbon, as well as the Rif. They were left under the care and leadership of General Sana and were brought to Seville in the late Summer for strict training to be the warriors to defend their homeland. Being taught the word of Allah as well as being fed well and being trained alongside the main Divisions of the Spear and Cavalrymen of the main army, Sana's young army as well as the rest of the Mozarab Divisions begun to catch up to speed with the rest of the Empire's high-disciplined army. Having true hearts of a warrior and being more capable than they had been under the Great Sultan, Yusuf ibn Tashfin. Sana's Division reforms were brought towards the Sultan that winter as a collected paper including all the changes and noting the previous flaws of the army and how they have countered that. The veterans of the Iberian Crusade were granted greater ranks within the military seeing that they were the greatest experienced out of any ranking elite of the military Sana, they would suit best with the leadership of the times. Sana recommended that the Sultan should have Prime Minister Muhammad ibn Tumart have someone appointed by Governor Shevare ibn Ber to lead the Sudanese Army. Before the new year, Captain Souri Ag el-Hamous was appointed as General and granted the powers to lead in the reformation of the Berber-Sudanese forces regarded as "The Sahels". In the meantime, new bridges for river crossings are developed that now lead a clear network transporting goods and people from Timbuktu to Salamanca.
  • France: The King accepts the envoy from the Almoravids and allows them concessions to build trade stations in Paris and Rouen while encouraging the Duke of Aquitaine to allow traders into Bordeaux to increase the wealth of France.
    

1114

Much of Europe under influence from the House of Hauteville is impressed by the initial success of the Libyan Crusade, even during their naval setbacks. Archibald Grosvenor's sacrifice at Sirte is viewed as a pious act of chivalry, and he is honored postumously as a worthy knight.

According to one legend circulated by an obscure chronicle, Archibald met his fate dueling against an Egyptian commander named Lysander. Archibald initially disarmed Lysander, who then exclaimed "it's a good thing I always carry two swords", and stabbed him through the heart. Lysander's last words to the crusader were Rex Draconum mittet ad salutat ("King Dragon sends his regards"). No version of this legend appears in Muslim accounts.

An Earthquake hits the Levant, being felt across the north Syrian region from Antioch as far as Edessa. While this causes a lot of local panic, no major damages occur.

With the crusades and trade on going there is a big exchange of foods and tastes as orange blossom water being added to a variant of the communion wafer meant for regular consumption.

Conon of Cornouaille, the half-brother of Duke Alan V of Brittany, secretly approaches the King of France that he will restore loyal feudal obligations to the King if he is supported to assassinate or coup the Duke in a decisive move, given popular support from the nobility and Princess Ermengarde.

King Donald of Scotland looks for a suitable marriage for his son David (b. 1096).

The wooden cathedral of Chichester in England is destroyed by fire.

Saint Nestor the Chronicler the reputed author of the Primary Chronicle of the Kievan Rus dies age 68

Emperor Hui Zong of the Song Dynasty sends a gift of Chinese musical instruments, for use in royal banquets to the Korean court of Goryeo, by request from King Yejong.

• Ghaznavid Empire: Rehman Khan Lodhi continues the campaign in Sindh and moves to besiege Thatta (ALGO NEEDED).
• Khalilid Egypt The forces regroup in the deserts near egypt. 3000 more is added to the forces and they attack again. Now that the Normans occupy cyrene and are spread thin,, the army will attack every single detachment in the area. The ships blockade Libya from any Norman Aid that may come. (Algo Needed) The navy is also on gaurd in case the normans counterattack. 9000 troops are sent back to gaurd Sinai in case the Hautivilles attack. The 6000 in Hejaz too are in high alert. An offer is sent to the Berbers of Libya to join the Egyptian forces and drive out the Normans, and in exchange gain autonomy. (mod response)
  • The Berbers accepted the deal.
• County of Sicily: News reaches the island of the successful capture of Cyrene and Sirte and the victories over the infidels of Egypt. The news causes widespread celebration in the Norman Court, and Roger declares that this is a sign God intends for him to rid North Africa of the infidels for good. Additionally the news of the victory spreads through Europe, earning the Normans in Sicily both admiration and praise for their wars against the infidels. The news is not all good, however, as word also reaches Roger that his friend Archibald Grosvenor fell during the Battle of Sirte, with many reporting he died after singlehandedly capturing an enemy tower and holding it long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Archibald’s death deeply saddens Roger, who grew up with Archibald almost as his brother, and devastates Archibald’s aging father, Ceneric Grosvenor, who becomes so depressed from the loss he dies in his sleep after refusing to eat for several days. The loss of both Archibald and Ceneric Grosvenor, who acted as brother and father to Roger respectively, throws Roger into an even deeper sadness. With the loss of both Ceneric and Archibald, rule of Syracuse falls to Archibald’s younger brother Auber Grosvenor. Despite his name, Auber is nothing like the Aesir’s bear, instead being born a small and sickly child who grew into a thin and sickly man. Nonetheless while Archibald developed into a famed warrior, Auber grew into a learned scholar, spending most of his time in Churches and libraries reading books rather than fighting. A common saying regarding the two Grosvenor brothers is: “Archibald carried the sword, Auber carried the book.” Auber soon distinguishes himself as a talented bureaucrat, focusing his efforts on improving Syracuse’s dock and infrastructure while also increasing the port’s revenue by nearly 15% in his first few months. In the meantime, Roger emerges from his sorrow determined to make sure Archibald did not die in vain. With Archibald now remembered as an honorable knight who died bravely fighting for Christ, Roger invokes his name to summon foreign support for the Crusade, sending diplomats to Venice, his cousin William II, and the Italian city states for money, soldiers and ships [VENICE RESPONSE] [MOD RESPONSE]. Additionally, Roger reaches out to his father in law Ramon Berenguer seeking ships and troops for his war against the infidel [HOUSE BARCELONA RESPONSE]. In Libya, the cities of Sirte and Cyrene are heavily fortified, with the Normans repairing and improving upon local fortifications. Leaving a 1,000 strong garrison to hold Sirte, the Normans dispatch 3,000 men from Sirte to Cyrene. Additionally, another 5,000 men arrive to the city of Cyrene from Sicily. As Egypt is likely to focus its efforts on attacking Cyrene, the Normans focus on holding the city itself. Seeking to divert Egypt’s attention from Cyrene and potentially taking another city in Libya, Roger dispatches George of Antioch to capture the city of Tobruk with 3,000 men and 10 ships (200 Norman knights, 800 Norman levies, 2,000 Greek and Saracen recruits) [ALGO NEEDED]. In addition, the 15 ships scattered by the Egyptian attack link up with the 25 near Cyrene, and the 20 sent to Sirte also link up with the main fleet at Cyrene. The main Norman fleet of 50 ships seek out and attack the Egyptian fleet of 35 [ALGO NEEDED].
  • Apulia, Genoa and Pisa will contribute some units and ships.
  • Catalonia will contribute 30 ships to the effort.
  • Venice will contribute 5,000 men and 30 ships.
• Kingdom of the Franks: The king will begin holding an annual Hastiludes in and around Paris and Orleans to coincide with locals feasts with positions offered to champions of the games as either serving in the Royal Guard or as local forces under marshals. A new Guard unit will be established in Le Mans and consist of 800 infantry and 200 light cavalry to train year round and be lead by the current second in command of the Royal Guard. The King also accepts the offer of Conon telling him to prepare for a coup in two years time. (Mod Response) The King again implores Duke Alan of Brittany to reconsider his position and reaffirm his feudal obligations to the throne. The fortress in La Gravelle will continue being bolstered with additional garrisons and scouting cavalry with some probing excursions into Briton territory to test the response of the local forces. The King reaches out to the Duke William of Aquitaine and asks that he revoke the promise of marriage between his son and the Catalan princess and instead encourages his to arrange a marriage between William and Aénor de Châtellerault. The King cites the ambition of the Catalans in territorial expansion across the Pyrenes and tries to convince him that the marriage is a plot to seize his throne. The King also offers up some cash to cover any expenses the Duke has incurred in the ordeal. (Mod Response) The King requires that all men of fighting caliber around Paris begin training with longbows three days a month to provide levy's to the crown. The King leads a levy of 3,000 men through vassal lands to reaffirm obligations and to appoint loyal judges and marshals throughout the land overriding local candidates. New churches are to be built across Maine to win over the clergy there as well as a donation to clergy in Brittany to win over Gallo clergy. A Cathedral will be built in Rouen adjacent to the Almoravid quarter to flex Catholicism on them. Admiring the martial exploits and piety of the Sicilian-Normans in Libya, the King encourages the faithful in his kingdom to go and fight under the banner of the Italo-Normans while sending a chest of gold to support them.
  • Conon and Ermengarde agree to this
  • William will think it over
• Armenian-Cilicia: Following the final preparations of final phase of the Anatolian Crusade, Prince Demyan Ivanovich raises an army 18,000 strong made up of his seasoned Rus and Turkic warriors, and newly drilled levies of the Armeniac themes some 10,000 men made up of local Armenians and Greeks, while his ally Emperor Alexios provides a further 10,000 men. Demyan, and Milakos decide to split the force into 2 main army groups of 12,000 men with a smaller group of 4,000 men. Milakos leads the forward army made up mostly of Greek and Armenian levies with a small group of veteran Rus acting to fortify the resolve of the men while Demyan leads the second army group made up of his veteran forces and the Armenian levies with his feared Varyag the now reorganized into a Tagmata drilled by Milakos are held in reserve. Haven taken the time to standardize this new force, the Varyag Tagmata are dressed in a manner akin to that of the Varangian Guard that protect Alexios. Now acting in a more disciplined manner the two army groups advance methodically advance upon the Danishmid city of Sivas screened by the third army group made up of the Chorni Koobuky and light cavalry made up of local levies who carry out hit and run tactics. Demyan taking a page from his old master King Monomakh of the Rus agrees to a battle plan laid out by Milakos. He has the Rus Sappers, and Armenian masons build Earthwork fortifications to the South of the city within the Protection of the hills and mountains of Northern Cappadocia from which the Chorni Klobuky carry out a series of Raids in a hit and run campaign to draw the Turks into an Ambush where Milakos and the first Army group are in wait to make the enemy think this is the main force that has encamped, while the second force will move in from the high ground to encircle and crush the Turks, He also sends out agents to incite further rebellions among the locals (Algo Needed). Back in Cilicia trade steadily starts to grow as Greeks, Rus, Latins, and even the occasional turks come to barter. The Rus fort towns between Tarsus and Edessa steadily consolidate a safe route for supplies and trade between the two regions as new settlers arrive in the region (Caucasians, Christian Turks, Rus, Armenians, Greeks, Latins) in the search of a new home or employment, with them come an influx of craftsmen including blacksmiths, carpenters, masons, Jewelers,medics, alongside Preachers and adventurers. The new fortifications of Edessa are continued. The young Eva proves to be an ever harmonizing force in the Ivanovich household with the young girl scorning her mother Beatrice for shunning Eva's bastard brother Ivan saying how Jesus preached love slowly coming to understand the complicated dynamic of her family. At the insistence of her father she and her two brothers are to be given a formal education with all three being educated by several greek scholars, and some of the brothers of the Holy Sepulchre. Through this Eva comes learn that her brother Leo is under the care of Latin Patriarch Teobald, and she writes to him in Jerusalem seeking to learn of how he is (Jerusalem Response).
  • Jerusalem diplomacy: Patriarch Teobald answers that Leo is fine and is growing fast. Leo lives with the royal children and is a friend of them.

• Mogollon Culture (OOC): Starting the twelfth century, the region begins experiencing a population boom, which could be attributed to changes in agricultural practices. The Jornada Mogollon abandoned dryland farming (which relied on runoff diversion) and built more elaborate irrigationworks. They constructed dams for water storage, flood control, and to a lesser extent water diversion; more extensive canals were built while preexisting canals were buttressed by levees. This was enabled by the use of corvée, with men constructing/maintaining irrigation works when not on hunting, trading, or diplomatic expeditions. The use of night soil and dogs as draft labor dates back to this period, and further boosted agricultural productivity and increased cultivated land. It is also believed that changes in settlement patterns, with settlements lining rivers, and a decline/end in intervillage warfare contributed to agricultural changes.
  • Hakia: In the Council of Confederates, Kopalai forbids intertribal warfare, raids, and vengeance parties. Any grievances between two or more parties from different villages will be solved by the Council of Confederates, with the wronged party receiving monetary compensation. Kopalai invades the La Junta Region again with 1,000 men. He leaves his wife, Ilitchitaabu to govern the pueblo together with his righthand-man Chumtitaaso, who is also Deputy Chief and Head of the Southern Lynxes. He begins ordering provisions from allied villages to help finance the weakened La Juntia Indians.
• Sultanate of Shewa: Badit hears of the situation in Hejaz and ask refugees if they would like to settle in Shewa. (Mod Response) Badit travels around the nation learning more about his new subjects and making sure they are properly adjusting to the Gadii system. Mosque are built close to sycamore trees in Oromo lands and also designated as Gulma (temples of waaqism) to aid conversion and community ties with Muslims. Somalis begin to teach the Oromos in Zeila about seamenship. The first Shewa made trade ships with Oromo and Amhara crews begin to trade around the Red Sea and Horn of Africa. A large masque begin contraction in dire Dhwara along with a castles in the hills. Berbera is also fortified and a permanent garrison paid for by the Sultan remains their. The trade routes and awash continue to see infrastructure improvement. Cisterns in the Royal Gadiis are paid for by the Sultanate itself with a monopoly on trade. The other Gadiis see minor improvements.
  • Some tribes in the south move to Zeila but not many
• Kingdom of Jerusalem: The Kingdom continues to be ruled by the Triumvirate, due to Raynald still being underage. The construction of the the two ships by the Sicilian shipbuilders continues in the shipyard of Acre. The construction of fortifications in the city of Ascalon are finished. The Triumvirate approves the revitalization of buildings and churches at the cities of Tyre, Acre and Ascalon. With Raynald soon coming to the age to take over control of the Kingdom, the lessons about how to be a good and Christian ruler are intensified. With the aproaching of Raynald's age to rule, the Triumvirate start to search for possible wifes for the now 12 years old, because as soon as he reaches 15 Raynald will marry. Letters are sent to France, Holy Roman Emperor, Spain, Italo-Normans, Byzantium and Armenia-Cilicia asking for possible brides in the future [Players and MOD response, please].
  • Saxony: The Duke of Saxe-Anhalt offers his daughter, Adelaide (b. 1100), (who is a relative of the Holy Roman Emperor and member of the powerful Ascanian Dynasty).
• Goryeo dynasty: Emperor Yejong and recieve Song musical instruments, for use in royal banquets from song emperor Hui Zong. Yejong even while realising these instruments are still put into use for ceromonies, the king in actuality having desired instruments for religious ceremony. Suck Bong even looking at the possibility of using musical intruments for deception to either make an enemy think that there is an army where there is none, or to even directly intimidate the enemy by creating the illusion of being outnumbered. This last one being very important in the eyes of the Admiral-generalitat Bong as he knows the only enemies to be a threat to Goryeo are those who have more resources and effort to spend on war. Bong hoping the emperor will stay neutral for the moment on the Jurchen-Liao issue as they seem to be more and more in conflict, which Goryeo does not want to get affected by.
• House Barcelona: Distraught with the loss of his wife, Ramon descends into darkness. He grows bitter and violent. His advisors become increasingly worried as he falls further into alcoholism to cope with his grief. His children Pere-Ramon, Ximena, Agnes, and Ramon-Berenguer all suffer to some degree. Thankfully, their principal nurse, Bèlem, is able to spare them excess punishment from their father. In his aggrieved state, Ramon is comforted by Bèlem in a scandalous relationship the two keep secret. In more proper terms, Ramon approaches William IX, Duke of Aquitaine and Phillippa, Countess of Toulouse, about arranging a marriage between their son, William, and Ramon’s daughter Ximena (b. 1106). In doing so, Ramon hopes to make allies of his northern neighbors Aquitaine and Toulouse. As part of the negotitations, Ramon seeks to establish a formal trade relationship with Toulouse.(Mod Response) In court, Bèlem makes her influence known carefully. Though just a nanny, she carries a certain degree of wit that most lack. She persuades Ramon to begin building a winter palace in Valencia, a city she enjoys greatly, as well as invest in a large and well decorated Galera to serve as a royal yacht. In this time, Ramon also oversees the finalization of the fortress at Penyal d’Ifac while in Valencia before dispatching ships to aid his allies in Sicily.
  • William will agree to the marrriage with Ximena
• Sultanate of Tunisia: While the truce with normans is finishing, Yahya orders to build fourteen ships in Tunis and Tripoli; also, more fortifications are in construction at Misrata and Tabarka. He raises an army of 15,000, consisting of 8,000 Sanhaja Infantry, 4,000 Bedouins, and 3,000 Desert spearmen; they will oversee the coasts. At Al-Zaytuna, comments and studies increase in diverse areas such as maths, medicine, and philosophy. Copies of the books and other material developed there are distributed or hidden to avoid its destruction by the normans. The Sultan invites intellectuals refugees to reside in Tunisia.
• Republic of Venice: After the disastrous battle in Dubrovnik, Faliero now put his eyes on Duklja, so he organizes an army of 2,000 Venetian Knights, 6,000 recruits and 2,000 levies. They will be leaded by himself; and he sends 29 ships to conquer the city of Ulcinj. [Mod response].
• Obotrite Confederacy: This year, Prince Henry decides to launch a campaign against the neighboring Lutician Federation to his south. He begins his assault on the outlying town of Demmin with a force of 6,000 men to a clear a path to the capital of Rethra (Algo Needed, Troops: 20 Wendish Jomsviking, 5000 Wendish Spearmen, 980 Wendish Rough Riders). Henry takes Woldemar with him on the campaign to educate him in warfare and help groom him to take over as heir when Henry passes on. Henry in coordination with tribal chiefs/lords begins to delegate small portions of land sufficient for a church and a garden in German communities as a part of his agreement with the Papacy. The Jomsviking are offered residence in the port city of Strasland and Henry sends the pirates/Vikings he recruited to join their order who he hopes to employ as the professional core of his army.

• Kingdom of England: Now is the 3rd full year of the reign of King Edwin of England and Denmark. He is the third member of House Godwin to hold England and the first to hold Denmark. He is wedded to Princess Margrethe Skjalmsdatter Hvide of Denmark and has sired two children through her: Cnut (1092) who is married to Anne, Princess of Sweden and Æthelstan (1099) who is unwed. He has two siblings: Wulfstan (1072), Earl of East Anglia, who is wed to Matilda of Scotland, securing an alliance with the Scots; and the late Eadgyth, Queen of Jerusalem. Edwin has a daughter with Margrethe Skjalmsdatter named Agnes. 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. Edwin is popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. In Denmark, he reigns with an iron fist, allied to the remaining Estridsens and the English lords introduced to replace rebellious nobles. The worst revolts have petered out, though they do still happen and likely will for some time. Though Edwin 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. Right now, the sons of Morcar squabble over their father's realm. The region was split among three heirs and their hatred for each other seems to keep an otherwise powerful block of vassals fighting among each other. A revolt of thanes under Cnut Haroldson takes place this year, forcing Edwin to remain in England for the first few months of the year to put the revolt down. These thanes have had their properties unlawfully seized and many of their families slaughtered by Cnut. Many of their housecarls join this revolt, and beseech Edwin to revoke the Earldom of Northumbria from his cousin. Their cause is noble, and many know that the king will not take this lightly. Edwin puts the revolt down with ease and the thanes that participated in the revolt that did not surrender are executed. Their estates are seized and granted to local men who joined the king against these thanes. Those that do surrender, along with many housecarls and reeves, are used as witnesses in a trial against Cnut Haroldson. The earl must pay a weregeld for those he unlawfully executed. Naturally, the noble scion is furious that his actions have consequences, but knows that the men who joined his banner were not fighting out of loyalty to him. They fought because they dare not oppose the King of England. When Edwin returns to Winchester, he learns of the pregnancy of Anne of Sweden. Knowing of her difficult pregnancy previously, Edwin elects to wait to visit Rome until after the child is born. After a long and arduous pregnancy, Cnut Edwinson and Anne of Sweden have a boy born on the holy day of Pentecost: Alfred of Godwin. Around this time, the -son suffix is dropped from members of the Godwin family, though the tradition continues in the north for much longer than it does in the south. Edwin, along with the aged crusades-veteran Edmund Haroldson, Princess Anne of Sweden and her infant son Alfred of Godwin, and the Archbishop of Canterbury travel to Rome to meet Pope Paschal. Early in his tenure, Edwin brokered a deal between Sweden and the Papal States at Roskilde, halting an investiture crisis that would have embroiled Scandinavia. Now, Edwin is here to discuss matters of state and affairs with the Holy Father, speaking with Paschal in Latin himself. He discusses his objectives and plans for his rule: the extension of papal law over the rest of the British Isles. Edwin requests Ireland and the North Sea Islands as a papal fief to bring the disparate peoples of these more distant reaches of Christiandom closer to Church law. Furthermore, he pledges more men and architects to the castle in Tyre, which is where the English presence in the Holy Land is at its greatest. Finally, Edwin requests that Pope Paschal baptize his newborn grandson Alfred. Edmund Haroldson makes an ass out of himself a few times at the beginning of the visit and is told to stay out of sight and out of mind. Anne of Sweden, being a woman in the 12th century in Rome, is also out of sight and out of mind. The two begin an affair that remains secret from Edwin for the entire trip. Back in Denmark, Cnut Edwinson enjoys the few months without a wailing newborn in the palace. This bliss allows him to accomplish wonders: he proposes a few new shipping lanes into southern France and Galicia, he commissions a series of fortresses in Skagenshire (OTL Skagen) and Holstein, and has an affair with the wife of the High-Reeve of Aarhus. We will check in with these love-birds later.

1115

Countess Mathilda of Tuscany dies, having enjoyed a long reign of cultural and economic prosperity. Having no children, the House of Canossa ruling over Tuscany and much of Lombardy has become extinct. This leads a question between the Emperor and the Pope over how her inheritence should be managed.

Chief Aguda of the Wanyan Confederacy assumes the title of "Emperor Taizu", claiming the Mandate of Heaven away from the current Liao Emperor. The Liao attempts an attack against the revolting Jurchens with 700,000 troops, but are crushed in defeat. Following this victory, the Jurchens are fully unified into a nation known as the "Great Jin", or the Jin Dynasty.

In the Paris school of classical rhetoric, the canon Fulbert discovers that his niece, Heloise, has been leading an affair with the grammarian and philosopher Peter Abelard. Disapproving of this behavior, Fulbert attempts to have them separated, but they continue to meet in secret and exchange coded romantic poetry.

In Saxony, Hugh of Saint Victor publishes several works on the theological nature of Catholic mysticism, and establishes the Victorine Order of Monks.

In Japan, Minamoto no Tameyoshi quickly rises in political power in the court of Emperor Toba, after he swiftly settles a riot in the capital city of Kyoto. This is a significant step in the rising power of the Minamoto clan.

The states of the Mexican valley are united under a powerful Mixtec dynasty, ruled by the ruthless aristocrat "Eight Deer Jaguar Claw".

• Kanem Empire: In the eighteenth year of his reign, the Mai Dunama I, Kanem continues to be a nascent empire under the Muslim-led Sayfawa dynasty that has a lot of full potential. Kanem continues to improve the road systems by sending professional engineers from N’jimi within the empire especially in the rural provinces in order to improve logistics and to connect the rural communities to the imperial capital of N’jimi which is connected to Trans-Saharan trade, this would make the rural provinces prosper on their own thanks to N’jimi and the Trans-Saharan trade. As more merchants from Egypt via oasis-cities Zaouila (formerly Byzacena) & Kufra and Arabia via Ethiopia arrived to Kanem, the economy continued to prosper. While N’jimi is a great city surrounded by Sunni-Islam Maliki schools, merchant markets, a pot of rich cultures of Kanuri, a Kanuri-subculture Kanembu and Islamic culture, the city isn’t located in a suitable land to settle especially in times of famine. The Mai decides to send its available urban planners and engineers to Lake Chad (which is located west of N’jimi) to see if settlements are appropriate to be built around Lake Chad due to its arable land surrounding the lake. Since Dunama I is a Muslim devotee, education became important under his rule as he believed that education can transform Kanem into a powerful nation. He believes that education is the responsibility of each and every individual in Islam and to acquire knowledge has been made compulsory by divine commandment that’ll benefit Kanem. He wanted the citizens of Kanem regardless of their socio-economic background to be literate. While Kanem’s education is only centered in N’jimi and the rest of the empire being simple-minded farmers, merchants (the working class in general) and slaves, the Mai believes that education will not reach the rural provinces until all road systems in Kanem are improved. Since it takes time for the road systems to improve and education being one of the priorities under Dunama’s rule, Kanem sends its emissaries to Egypt via the city-state of Kufra (one of the important oasis cities in Trans-Saharan trade) to establish trade relations in order for the Trans-Saharan trade prosper more & discuss or to share different ideas, traditions and knowledge (especially their own known-world maps) between Egypt and Kanem which both of these nations may come from a completely different background despite sharing the same faith. (i.e. sending Kanem students who will become future nation-builders/scholars of the empire to Egypt to acquire more knowledge and more technology). [EGYPT RESPONSE] as the Mai believes or assumes that the road systems will be completed once Kanem students who were sent via the Egypt-Kanem agreement (if the Egypt player accepts the treaty agreement with Kanem) have graduated in Egypt and went back to Kanem to become public servants, scholars or other professional fields in order to increase overall literacy in Kanem regardless of their field they choose. Meanwhile, Kanem sends several missionaries to the tribal kingdom of Kano and the surrounding ethnic Hausa small kingdoms to spread the teachings of Islam towards heathens as it is Kanem’s mission, the sole Muslim nation in the region and are considered part of the future territories of the Empire [MOD RESPONSE]. Lastly, Kanem sends a military expedition comprising of professional 2,000 Kanem cavalry, 3,000 Kanem troops (1,000 spearsmen, archers and swordsmen each) to subjugate the Hausa peoples near the tribal Hausa kingdom of Kano located in the southwestern portion of the Empire as part of Kanem’s slow expansion and more slavery (in addition to make this specific/uncontrolled land; (OTL northeastern Nigeria) a military stronghold to mount for future military campaigns against Kano and other neighboring small Hausa states). [ALGO NEEDED].
  • Egypt: We accept the treaty.
  • King Gajamasu of Kano allows Muslim missionaries into his nation, but imposes limitations on where they may operate
• County of Sicily: With the Egyptians recapturing Cyrene and the war taking its toll on both sides, Roger extends a truce to Egypt. Roger offers to return Tobruk to Egypt and withdraw completely from Cyrenica so long as the Egyptians cede the coastline between Misrata and Anabucis (current El-Agheila) to Sicily and offers a truce of ten years [EGYPT RESPONSE]. In the meantime Roger and Elisabet celebrate the birth of their second child, a beautiful baby girl they name Edith. Seeing the success Auber Grosvenor has at improving Syracuse’s economy and infrastructure, Roger II invites him to Palermo to be made “Emir of Emirs” (essentially the leading bureaucrat / governor in charge of all others). Auber becomes the first Norman to hold the position, and quickly gets to work making improvements to local infrastructure, dock facilities, and more. Despite being sickly and weak, Auber can often be seen personally planning projects throughout Sicily. His knowledge of Greek, Latin, Norman and Arab languages and culture allow him to easily work with bureaucrats, administrators and locals throughout the island’s various ethnic and religious communities. Domestically Roger continues to sponsor the building of religious and cultural institutional of all religions and people’s of Sicily. Latin Cathedrals, Orthodox Churches and Islamic Mosques are constructed throughout the island. Roger views this as a chance to further solidify the loyalty of his non-Norman subjects and to help educate the populace. Trade continues to be a lucrative part of the economy, with Italo-Norman trade with the Normans of Jerusalem and Greece in particular being incredibly beneficial to the economy. In Sicily’s North African island holdings, the knights of the Order of the Holy Sepulchure aid the continuing fortifications of Djerba, Kerkennah, Zembra, and Pantelleria. With Lampedusa being given to them as a personal fief, it begins to see an uptrend in wealth and population growth as the Knights establish trade posts and docks on the island, encouraging some to move there for the new opportunities. On Zembra, the construction of a moderate Norman castle on the heights overlooking the island is completed, while a small port is built, complete with piers and a deepwater harbor. The port is also fortified, with Norman and Sepulchre knights helping to build stone walls around the port. The knights also establish a monastery for the garrison and their families to worship in.
  • Egypt Response: We (albeit reluctantly) agree.
• Kingdom of Galicia: The King hire Galician, Briton, and Basque shipbuilders to work at the Royal Shipyard. Starts the construction of eleven ships in Brigantia and Porto. He orders to raise an army 11,000 men with the Iberian unit types available. In diplomatic issues, Xavier welcomed the visit of French delegations at 1112, and now he accepted the English propose.
• Sultanate of Shewa: Badit continues to build the nation around values in the region. The Gadii system continues to be spread outward from Oromo lands. Harari scholars begin to transcribe the Oromo language to aid the spread of Islam and tie them closer to the nation. Somalis provide great naval knowledge to the nation and soon trading dhows with Shewen crews begin to go around the horn to trade. Construction continues on the grand mosque in Dir Dhara, along with infrastructure such as cisterns and wells. Trade routes continue to see improvement make transit more smooth. Slave raids to the southwest bring much needed labor to the Sultanate. Badit begins to think of ways to give older slaves guaranteed freedom. He once again travels around the nation getting to know his subjects in sitting in on local Gadiis. Even occasionally talking at them. He insist that all together, all cultures in the sultanate will see progress, growth and prosperity. Talks with Afar tribes in the Northwest commence to bring them into the Sultanate as well. (Mod response) Blacksmiths all over the nation are paid to provide a store of weapons and armor to their local Gadii by the crown. Scholars also begin to teach their classes in mosque. Sufism is actively promoted by Badit, and the Oromo Eekea is recognized as a Shewen Holiday. Putting ancestor worship into the culture of the whole nation.
  • The Afar tribes do not yield to the Sultanate
    

• Papal States: Pope Paschal II continues to expand church domains in the Holy Roman Empire, consolidating control of the Church across northern and central Italy. The expansion of the Catholic church continues with the successful Crusades in various places. A bishop is placed over the Lordship of Sirte, creating the first diocese in Africa since the Roman Empire. In the Baltic region, many hundreds of Germans begin migrating into the lands of the Obotrites, particularly around the city of Holstein which has become a large trading hub. Vicelinus is appointed as the first Bishop of Holstein, and begins construction of churches in that city. At home in Italy, Paschal II is greatly saddened by the death of his beloved friend and patron, the Countess Mathilda of Canossa. The Cardinal John Coniolo, however, produces a document signed in Mathilda's handwriting, in which she had bequeathed all her lands and titles to the Church upon her death. This generous donation is perfectly within her character, as a pious ally of the Papacy. Pope Paschal pre-emptively dispatches 1,000 of the Varangian guard to occupy the Castle of Canossa, before any worldly princes can seize on her lands. The Pope sends a formal request to the Emperor Conrad III to recognize the legitimacy of this document, and allow for the Papal states to annex the Margrave of Tuscany (Mod response, please). When King Edwin of England and Denmark arrived in Rome, the Holy Father personally administrated the holy rite of baptism on his oldest son, Alfred Godwin. The Liber Pontificalis gives the most detailed account of this ceremony. The Italian, French and English scholars built off of the Neoplatonic School of Chartres continues to expound on commentaries of the works of Plato and Boethius, and how they may be properly applied to princes in modern Christendom. At the abbey of Bingin, the aesthetic nun named Hildegard learns how to play a psalter while she works at tending to the sick and hungry. Now seventeen years old, the holy woman takes great lengths to dedicate her mind and body to God.
  • Emperor Conrad III anxious about the growing power of the Pope declines to recognize the inheritance as legitimate and demands that a secular noble be placed in power. However we would not be against a division of the lands of the former Margrave.
• Sultanate of Tunisia: Yahya continues his plans to fortify the coasts and acquire units and ships with measure. The Sultan sends a proposal to the Hammadids; they will receive protection against the Normans or the Almoravid raids only if they become in our vassals. [Mod response, please].
  • The Hammadids decline to vassalage however they would agree to pay tribute in exchange for protection.

• Hakia: The pacification of the La Junta Indians came with a great expense: 600 warriors were captured, including Kopalai himself. In his anger, Chumtimaaso promptly massacred some 100 La Junta warriors, and cursed the remaining thousands to slavery. The 10,000 La Junta Indians were herded to the Northern Floodplain, where they were distributed to Hakian citizens (some given to allies) and put to work as farmhands. Chumtimaaso, as Deputy Chief, took leadership of Hakia and the Alliance. Receiving news of Kopalai's absence, some 500 warriors from the Cave-Worshipping Clan took to arms and marched to Hakia to enact their grievances: they demanded a dissolution of the Alliance, and a return to their ancestral ways - preaching the end to the Cult of Maala Yooriwa and refusing the Word of the Chief-Prophet Makuakteekata. When Chumtimaaso refused, the Cave-Worshippers' war party attempted to raze Hakia - sending many Hakians into flight. However, the remnants of the White Bears, joined by people from all walks of life - women, children, and elderly - engaged in a valiant defense of the town. Kopalai's son, Utteaknassuame, earned a name for himself by spearheading the defense of Hakia. Just as Utteaknassuame raised a spear to throw at one of the fleeing enemy warriors, the sun began to dance and change color: first shifting to a light pink, then to a rich red, and then a pitch black, as the sun became engulfed by darkness. After a few moments, light began to return, but not from the sun, but from an apparition. 'It is Maala Yooriwa!' the people proclaimed, and the fleeing Cave-Worshippers stood in awe. Maala Yooriwa then spoke, 'you fools! The Sun shines on all!' and spoke of the need to unite to fight evil within their communities. As the sun return, Utteaknassuame told his enemy, 'now you have seen her, go!' The Cave-Worshippers' warriors were shocked by the miracle and the mercy of the Hakians, and when they returned, they renounced their ancestral ways and burned down the Cave-Worshippers. Chumtimaaso convened his allies to announce the miracle, with the Cave-Worshippers, once hostile to the Hakians and their apparent delusions, standing by his side as witness to it. Chumtimaaso then declared a nine-way feast (as three is an auspicious number) and ordered all his confederates to profess their faith in the Sun by dunking themselves into a body of matter and emerging from it, just as their earliest progenitors had once done. While Makuakteekata united the Jornada Mogollon people politically, it is only after the Second Miracle are they united in spirit. United by this symbolic rebirth, another 1,500-strong war-party all trained in Hakian methods of war marched to the town in which Kopalai and some 600 warriors are held captive. Provisions were brought on travisos carried by dogs, with provisions supplemented by gathering and hunting. Each warrior laid five torches to superficially enlarge their numbers. A few squads are also sent in the enemy's view in order to taunt the enemy: shouting obscenities, promising to raze their fields, and diminishing their manhood. Prior to melee, slaves and light infantry fire arrows and throw spears at the enemy - using their mobility to evade any enemy engagement. The bulk of the war-party (two-thirds), organized under the "bison horn" formation (characterized by a strong center, rear, and two mobile wings) then encircle the enemy. The warriors use their shields to guard against enemy projectile fire, while using their free hand to thrust/slice enemy warriors with their short spears, which are hardened with copper. Prior to battle, the war-party pray for dance for divine favor and invincibility (ALGO REQUEST).
• Khalilid Egypt: Now that the truce with the Normans is signed, Egypt will not have to worry about its western frontiers, for now. After all, the area the normans have seized is notoriously full of bandits and desolate, (Secret) and we can always supply Tunis by the way of Berber caravans (although the normans dont know that, teehee and if they do, then the caravans will be reinforced, Secret over) A large amount of naval vessels have been damaged, and it will take a few years to recover. (Note, the algos did not give the amount of ships lost, unless I have a fleet of thousands, so im simply using reasonable guesses to the amount of ships taken during the conflict).As promised, the Berbers of eastern Libya are given autonomy. More importantly though, a number of forts are constructed all over Cyrene, principally near the population centers, and crucial roads and routes. This is to make sure the Normans, or any threat from Europe can never attack Egypt again. Early in this year, Abu ibn Majid snaps his neck as he falls off a horse, and Amara has been seeing some strange visions as of late. The loss of his son clearly pains the Sultan, although he must move forward. Ahmed Ibn Adbul Majid is now Eleven years old. He has nearly memorized the entirety of the Quran, knows fluent Arabic and Greek and is being taught philosophy of the likes of Ibn Sina and Al Farabi. Truly, he is shaping up to be a good heir. On the matter of Jerusalem, though. Roads are being constructed in Sinai, and the troops in the peninsula are on guard. Fortunately the Bedouins of the peninsula are loyal to Egypt, so when the time comes, it will be smooth sailing. Adbul Majid accepts the Soudanese students from Kanem, and allows them to settle in Cairo. Otherwise, Egypt is profiting from the Red sea trade, now that it has principal control of both coastlines. One thing to note is that with the presence of the crusader states, you can see a handful of Italians making their way on the maritime route. The red sea ports are filled with spices, silk, tea, china and all sorts of other things from Asia, certainly riching the local Emirs of these towns. The rch merchant sultans of Yemen might prove troublesome, but Ahmed wishes to avoid overexerting Egypt. In other news, some aid in the forms of arms, armour and some horses are being sent to the Adal sultanate, in order to fight the Jews of Seimen and the Christians of Axum.
• Kingdom of Jerusalem: The Kingdom is still under the regency of the Triumvirate. Regarding the necessity of a bride for Raynald of Hauteville, Patriarch Teobald suggest the young Eva of Armenia, saying that this marriage can make an alliance between Jerusalem and Armenia-Cilicia. Both Tancred and Baldric agree with this idea. Then, a letter is sento to Demyan of Edessa, asking for the hand of his daughter Eva for Raynald and to establish a formal alliace of mutual defense between Jerusalem and Armenia-Cilicia. If accepted, the wedding will happen in 1118 [Armenia-Cilicia response needed, please]. The offer of marriage made the Duke of Saxe-Anhalt is also considered, but the Triumvirate offer in the place of Raynald, his young brother Richard (b. 1104), the future Prince of Galilee, having be declared heir to the title by the childless Tancred. If accepted, the marriage will happen in 1123 [Saxony response needed, please]. The construction of the two ships in the shipyard of Acre is finished, now the fleet of the Kingdom is formed by 11 ships. The Triumvirate orders the construction of more 2 ships. The economy of the Kingdom is growing due to the trade with the Republic of Genoa and with Armenia-Cilicia. The young Raynald receives military training from both Tancred of Galilee and Giscard I of Roussilion, both veterans in wars against the Muslims.
• Goryeo dynasty:Bombastic music is played at the borders of Goryeo, music not of instruments but of horses and feet marching. As the Wanyan Jurchens proclaim the Jin dynasty against the currently ruling Liao dynasty. Allthough Goryeo itself has a truce with the Liao a peace treaty was never signed. Suck bong being curious at how he can possible use the lack of peace treaty to his advantage, as General Suck realy wishes for more of a buffer between Goryeo proper and her borders. Thus Suck Bong personally sends a message to Liao Emperor Tianzuo wishing for a peace treaty between the two states (Mod response). Bong hoping to not only gain land but legitimacy for both Emperor Yejong, Goryeo and himself, as restoration to Gugoryeo could give a sign to other foreign powers that Goryeo is a free and independent nation able to withstand hardship.
  • Tianzuo will agree to a peace treaty recognizing the forts of Goryeo as the border
• Kingdom of the Franks: The King makes one final request that Duke Alan of Brittany reaffirm his feudal obligations with the promise that no ill will be maintained between the two and that he would not be punished for the actions of his Father. In light of the pending request of the King, further scouting raids are sent into Brittany along the frontier as well as the local nobility are encouraged to provide a united petition to the Duke to bow tot he King. (Mod Response) The Chateau Verailles will have dedicated training fields be built for Hastiludes, particularly games involving lances, to allow the knights of the Royal Guard to compete in their training and better hone their skills. Areas for non-equestrian games will be built as well such as wrestling arenas and pole-arm contests. A new series of Livre's will begin minting with the sole right to mint them being held by the Crown. In response to the growing prosperity and wealth of the Guild in France, the King will grant them privilege's to operate around the Seine river basin free of Royal tolls in exchange for adoption of the new Royal Livre as their sole currency of use within the region. (Mod Response) Within the Royal demense non-Livre currencies will be banned from use and collection by taxmen. The paths leading to important areas of France, Orleans, Chartres, and beyond are often little more than dirt worn down by frequent use. The Crown will begin construction of the Route du Roi, a cobblestone path, connecting Paris to Chartres and from there to Le Manns and Orleans (expensive). The King will again sharpen his steel with combat experience leading the Royal Guard (1300 spearmen, 500 Compagnie d'ordonnance Huscarl, and 200 Compagnie d'ordonnance cavalerie lourde) and 2,000 extra levies to march against rebellious nobility and barons. (Algo Request?) Envoys will be sent to Rotterdam, Hamburg, and the King of England (London) to negotiate the founding of French Quarters in the cites for merchants to base themselves in and to establish privilege's between the local and French merchant guilds. (Mod Reponses) A fleet of six river barges will be constructed on the Seine river to facilitate trade along the river during peace, but primarily be used to ferry troops up and down the river basin to combat banditry and piracy in the region.
  • Duke Alan V says that he will despise the Capetians after what they did to the Normans, of which his mother is one
  • The guild will expand their work in France
  • Hamburg will open to French trade
• Kingdom of Sweden: After a joint meeting with both english and Icelandic leaders,King Sigismund II has agreed to a joint invasion of Norway in order to reclaim what the three consider rightfull territories within their sphere of influence. Therefore the king issues the following orders:The Norweigan garison of 1000 sapmi troops will make its best eeffort of capturing the king at the royal palace,due to the former good relations,the capital should be lightly protected. In addition he sends 10000 troops with 3000 reserves behind him to head towards Oslo (ALGOS NEEDED).The troops are led by field marshal Einar Grauberg,swedens best strategist.Following the unsuccesfull but very bloody battle of Oslo. The king hires 3000 novogorodian mercernaries with his own money.These together with the remaining 8000 troops are ordered to once again oslo.If the suceed they will continue,if they fail,peace engotations will start.(ALGO NEEDED). With the secong battle decimating the norweigan forcces,the new danish troops reinforces the numbers to 12 swedish soldiers surrounding the city.King sigismund II personaly visits the front to begin negotiations. Seeing as norway would be to weak to plausable counterattack,he proposes these Terms: Norway will cede the provinces of Bohuslän,Idre and särne,Sweden will help rebuild Oslo in return. All prisoners of war will be given back and peace will remain henceforth between the two countries.(MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) With the treaty of Brömsebro signed,swedish forces return home to a victorius parade.Everywhere over the kingdom people celebrate the incorporation of a new integral part of Sweden. People start calling Sigismund II Sigismund the great or the lion of the north
  • Norway will only agree to this if Sweden abandons their ties to Iceland

    Sweden agrees to the peace treaty.

• House Barcelona: Bèlem secretly bears Ramon a child this year, however the boy succumbs to disease after only three months. Ramon and Bèlem both mourn the loss secretly. However they are unable to hide their activities from Pere-Ramon who grows increasingly upset with his father’s philandering. Pere approaches Ramon one evening, demanding that Ramon cease his activities. Ramon refuses to take guidance from his young son resulting in a growing rift between the two. With the betrothal of Ximena to William of Aquitaine, Ramon’s trade fleet gains access to ports across Toulouse. Trade with France through Provence and Toulouse picks up as the Route of the Islands enables Catalans a very competitive trade position in bringing goods west from Sicily, Greece, and beyond. This prosperous trade fills the growing Catalan coffers, as does the vast commercial activity in Valencia and the hugely productive Ebro Valley. As his commercial activity pays off, Ramon has grown increasingly wealthy, as has the class of merchants that support his enterprises. These men, largely Catalans, Jews, and Valencians, have created a growing class of urban elite, similar to those found in the Italian republics. Well educated and well funded they begin to petition for greater rights and more access to the king himself. Uncomfortable with these events, many nobles express displeasure at the prospect of having to share the King’s ear, and are quick to squash such pretensions.
• Armenian Cilicia: Following the successful state of the new Anatolian campaign and the fall of Sivas, the Eastern Christian Host rest the winter thereto rest up. Demyan feeling his advanced years decides to remain in Sivas to rest and act as a rear guard, rumors of him taking the daughter of a Greek noble by the name of Aspa (1092) as his mistress also spread.During his time in Sivas a group of stray hounds, and canines that have been trailing the war host for some time become a lot more comfortable with the men and Demyan himself takes to one who he names Vuk (Wolf) after his dead firstborn. The Prince sends word up north asking seeking out new warriors from the Cumans and Rus to join in this new campaign and seek out their fortune, his agents also hint at land grants to those who remain in his service (Cuman and Mod Responses). From Sivas, Strategos Milakos leads a 15,000 force, march on Ankyra (Ankara),Turks in an attempted Feigned retreat drawing the turks into an ambush at otl Ankara The remaining 6,000 men (plus northern aid) will shadow this battle to prevent an encirclement and act as a reserve force (Algo Needed). Thoros of Armenia continues to matters of state proven a rather capable administrator attending to the needs of his court and delegating tasks to his courtiers and clerks He continues to pursue stronger relations with the Latins in Jerusalem and seeing an opportunity to build closer ties he proposes an introduction of his niece the young Eva who insists on seeing her brother Leo to the soon to be King Reynald of Jerusalem (Jerusalem Response). In the port city of Ayas A new fort and Port are commissioned by Thoros to capitalize on the growing trade network developing in the region. A Latin quarter and Rus Quarter emerge, with the Rus patrolling the port as the Fleet operates out of the protected Cove. Greek carpenters are busy working away on new galleys, while Armenian Masons construct walls for the Port. He also commissions more churches and monasteries. The Rus Clergy steadily trickle in after requests from several of the Rus settlers for those who preach in their native tongue.
  • Jerusalem diplomacy: The Triumvirate is happy to welcome the young Eva. Patriarch Teobald will present her to Raynald of Hauteville and she will also meet with her brother Leo.
• Iceland: King Þórður raises 1000 men and sets sail for Norway where he plans to take the town of Søgne to aid his Swedish brethren with the plan to burn the town that Kveldúlfr so greatly despised (Algo Needed). His son and heir seems to have a difficult eyesight and is thus proposed by Ari the Wise to learn the Bible off book to still be a good Christian ruler. The vegetable farms yield good results as Icelandic families are well fed.
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 4th full year of the reign of King Edwin of England and Denmark. He is the third member of House Godwin to hold England and the first to hold Denmark. He is wedded to Princess Margrethe Skjalmsdatter Hvide of Denmark and has sired two children through her: Cnut (1092) who is married to Anne, Princess of Sweden and Æthelstan (1099) who is unwed. He has two siblings: Wulfstan (1072), Earl of East Anglia, who is wed to Matilda of Scotland, securing an alliance with the Scots; and the late Eadgyth, Queen of Jerusalem. Edwin has a daughter with Margrethe Skjalmsdatter named Agnes. 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. Edwin is popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. In Denmark, he reigns with an iron fist, allied to the remaining Estridsens and the English lords introduced to replace rebellious nobles. The worst revolts have petered out, though they do still happen and likely will for some time. Though Edwin 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. Right now, the sons of Morcar squabble over their father's realm. The region was split among three heirs and their hatred for each other seems to keep an otherwise powerful block of vassals fighting among each other. Edwin and his party return to an England at peace. Wulfstan spent his time as regent negotiating with unhappy thanes in Mercia, many of whom have raised grievances against their high-reeves and earls. As they kept the peace, they are promised rewards when Edwin returns, which the king happily fulfills once he returns home. Cnut, in the meantime, has spent much of his time alone drinking and whoring. The wife of the high-reeve of Skagenshire is pregnant, but the high-reeve believes it is his. The mysteriously-pregnant servant, however, does not have the best story. Cnut's bastard son - Carl - is born. By the cruel hand of God… or perhaps merciful… the child dies a few days after being born. His affairs are - thus far - unknown. Indeed, soon after Anna of Sweden returns home to Roskilde, she shows signs of pregnancy. A daughter named Leofgifu is born late in the year. Cnut is too embroiled with his own affairs and the events that will soon be described to realize that Leofgifu is probably not his. Indeed, she is the bastard daughter of Edmund Haroldson! Discussions with the Swedish over how to handle the Norwegians come to a mutual conclusion: war. The Witan is held in Roskilde and several Danish and English landowners attend. Swedish vassals are also invited to attend. This is the first time a Witan has been held in Denmark. Not a few generations ago, Norway and Denmark shared a crown. Some members of the old guard in Denmark yearn to return to this. However, the Archbishop of Canterbury decries that the expulsion of Vikings from Britain is not yet complete, a belief with which many northern vassals agree. A call for war goes out; many housecarls in the north flock to their lords' banners. Messengers are sent to Scotland, inviting them to take revenge on the Norse in Moray. The English armies march with purpose to the north, intending to quickly seize the Isles. About 7,500 men in total - 5,000 infantry, 500 cavalry, and 2,000 longbowmen are sent north in three groups, first intending to pursue a scorched-earth policy in the Inner Hebrides, intending to seize weapons and destroy forts and funnel the fighting men into a trap. The English pick the Inner Hebrides clean before moving north. By the time they have reached Skye, what armies the Isles will be able to raise will likely be protecting the settlements on the island. At this point, the descendents of Godred Crovan will be given an offer - fealty to England. Otherwise, the English, led by Cnut Haroldson, draw the Norse warriors into a battle in Skye. (Mod response needed if mercy is chosen, algo needed if death is chosen). Regardless of the outcome, the rest of the year is spent fanning out through the rest of the Isles, removing any hostile outposts that remain. At the same time, Sweden is attacking Norway. Edwin sends a force from Denmark - about 4,000 led by Cnut Edwinson (not Haroldson) - to assist the Swedes.
• Obotrite Confederacy: Although the Jomsviking serve Prince Henry, a man by the name of Blagoja Krylov, has risen to fill their ranks as their field commander. Blagoja was said to have been abandoned as a baby and raised by a pack of wolves. Eventually, he was found by a berserker who raised him in the ways of the Wolf Cult of the Berserkers. The man went on to prove himself in various battles against the Danes and Saxons of Denmark and eventually leading his own host before being displaced by Denmark's unification. Prince Henry sends his son, Woldemar, to train alongside the Jomsviking to better his combat skills. Orders are issued to engineers to begin building forts along the River Elbe at key crossing as a security measure to observe the influx of German colonists and also to serve as a defensive line should conflict with the HRE ever occur.
• Almoravid Empire: The Sultan enters the Mosque of Salamanca the first week of January visiting the land. General Sana asks to meet him that evening with the Prime Minister by his side. They discuss the state of Al-Andalus and how across the Toro river and the grand walls, their enemy awaits them. A selected transcriptor recorded their conversation found in the Library of Cordoba today where it introduces Sana in his Black uniform within his quarters. "My Sultan, it is beyond an honor to meet you so casually, well to be fair, I never have many guests anyhow except those brats that harass me night and day" he laughs. "Oh it is fine, after all, I have never been the "formal" type of man myself though I am the ruler. Your forces? Of course they would, after all you are a father to them" the Sultan replies. Ibn Tumart a stains from conversation as he awaits outside speaking to the General's wife, Alicia. Their conversations can be summarized in one line at the end of the transcript: "There is a lion waiting to pounce on us all from our north. The Infidelic Asturians will not stay at bay forever". Sultan Ali had been fully aware. It is exactly why he led projects to expand the fortifications along the border for almost the past decade. This "peace" never truly existed. It had been a truce they had been fortunate enough to have lasted so long. After all, as his father's son, he was born and baptized by war, and even though he was a warrior's son and inherited his skills, he loathed having to use them. Pointless bloodshed all in the name to protect their faith and to ensure Allah's word reaches to as many souls as possible. A noble cause but the lives it had stripped have been far too many. He promised the General that his hard work and dedication will never go to waste. As this occurs the news of the Libyan Crusade reaches the Sultan in Cordoba. Disappointed but in good faith of the Egyptians capabilities, they send an envoy to Cairo telling them that if they need any assistance at all, they may always ask. Lord Said al-Can at this time had quickly turned the Bay of Gibraltar into a commercial sector for trade leaving and entering the Mediterranean. The walls of Algeciras stand high with the new structures giving a fresh look and appeal. The Alcazar of Gibraltar situated on the rock could be seen partially completed. It's large structure and elegantly crafted design was a sight to behold. The ready surprise invasion of Algeria had been called off given more important needs at the time. Lord Ramzi ibn Yusuf of Oran had begun to expand the port of the city for the sake of greater trade but also helping expand the naval support network of the empire. For years this had been developed but now as a major port city in North Africa, the lord wishes to take it a step further by funding a more secure dockyard that may be safe from the assault of pirates and enemies alike. The reconstruction of Murcia leads to the expansion of fortifications along the Mar Menor taking advantage of its geography to construct fortifications that would make the Bay area a greater challenge to penetrate. The barrier islands are rather tight and as a result any fleet that would attempt to squeeze its way in would be faced with hellfire. In the meantime, Assad al-Amari of Lisbon begins to construct a network of fortifications to better defend the city's walls. The port of the city is well secured and being a center for not just trade but also the navy would make it difficult to penetrate. By sea or on land. Back in Marrakech, Ibn Tumart had returned to appeal to the Ulama insisting on theological law reform. In the meantime Ali has a son named Al-Iskander I ibn Ali. This is with a Mozarab concubine from Leon that he married the year prior. Sultana Ruza had become pregnant again giving birth to her second son, Kifin I ibn Ali. Meanwhile Sana's Army continues to grow stronger and more disciplined.

1116

'Bohemod manages to escape confinement in Sweden and seeks refuge in Germany offering his services to Emperor Conrad III. The Emperor seeing an opportunity accepts and offers to provide Bohemod with an army and recognize him as the ruler of Tuscany if he pledges obedience to the Holy Roman Empire.

With the rising power of the Jin Dynasty, the Huizong Emperor sees an opportunity with dispatching against their old rival, the Liao dynasty. After several months discussing back and fourth across the Bohai Sea, the Jin and Song dynasties come to a mutual alliance against the Khitan Khanate. The Huizong Emperor calls in their ally and sister state, the Goryeo Dynasty, to join in as a triple alliance. The balance of power in East Asia between China, Mongolia and Korea has now been broken.

King Eystein II of Norway finds himself unexpectedly besought with enemies as a result of the recent Norway-Sweden War. Having made peace with Sweden, the King dispatches a fleet of ships in an attempt to support the last stronghold on the Hebrides, another to secure control of the Faroe Islands, and the bulk of his forces to attack Iceland.

Emperor Alexios I supports the Armenian expansion in Anatolia with 5,000 troops, as his last major campaign.

Alfonso the Battler, being much more interested in following his mother as ruler of Aragon, abdicates his title as Count of Portugal to his cousin, William of Macron.

King Coloman of Hungary and Croatia dies, and is succeeded by his son who is crowned King Stephen II.

Another fire in England destroys the monastary of Peterborough.

Aak music becomes widely popular in the Goryeo court.

• Oman: The Imam is furious; because the Seljuk authorities are more inefficient, there are a lot of tension between the Ibadi natives and Sunni Turkic elite; also, it appears that they ignore these lands. For the above reasons, Rashid breaks out any contact with Kerman, also he calls out to take up arms. A group of 10,500 is sent to expel the Turks. The troop consists of 5,500 infantry and 5,000 cavalry units. [Algo needed.](More to post).
• Kanem Empire: The battle against uncivilized Hausa tribes located southwest of the Empire proved to be a decisive victory. Thousands of Hausa tribesmen were killed from the onslaught coming from the Kanem army although there were casualties on the imperial troops. Those who were killed in action in the battle were sent back to N’jimi to prepare for an Islamic burial ritual specifically made for them. Although this will not be the last Hausa tribe that Kanem would face since there are more Hausa tribes west of Kano with Kano being a Hausa kingdom. In the occupied land; Hausa men, women and children were separated. Those who resisted were killed on sight in order to strike fear among Hausa people. Weak and old people were also killed as they won’t be useful on Kanem’s slavery. Strong men were forced to be slave laborers and they began constructing a military camp and settlement infrastructures in the area guarded by the Kanem army just in case a slave revolt occurs, women were sold to sex slavery and children were sent to N’jimi to be educated in the ways of Kanuri and Islamic cultures. The captured children are made to be brainwashed, convert to Islam and integrate them to the Kanem society. 300 cavalrymen, 300 spearmen, 200 swordsmen/archers each (total 1,000) stayed in the occupied land while the rest went back to the capital. Plans were made to make the occupied land integrate as a core territory. Kanuri people that belonged to the low-class of the society settled in the occupied land and built their own businesses and such, this was made to spread Kanuri culture or to ‘colonize’ non-Kanuri areas that aren’t part of Kanem and avoid overpopulation in the core territories especially in N’jimi. By this year, the big chunk of the occupied land is fully annexed to the Empire although it’ll take a couple of years for the new land to be integrated to the Kanem civilization. Meanwhile back in Lake Chad, the urban planners saw a potential of building a metropolis and a new imperial capital envisioned by Dunama I specifically in the center tip of Lake Chad as experts stated that it wouldn’t affect the northern farmlands. They went back to N’jimi to report to the Mai for the update. The Mai insists on waiting for the first batch of students who went to Egypt as they must hone their skills in this upcoming project with the help of veteran architects/engineers who aren’t exposed to foreign education as guidance. Lastly, two spies were sent to Kano to know the current situation of their tribal nation. (1) acquire information about Kano’s internal politics & (2) get to know the situation of Kano. [MOD RESPONSE].
  • Kano is a largely peaceful city-state ruled by the Bagauda dynasty. The people of the city are of the Hausa, but their dynasty has migrated from the south among the Sao people. With the climate hot all year round, much effort is made to irrigate farms from the Hadejia River from Lake Chad, following the Shadouf system. Their rulers live at the largest building on Dala Hill. The religious elite are a class of shamans worshipping Djinn, who roam freely this part of Africa.
• Papal States: Pope Paschal II is not going to sit idly by as the secular rulers push back on the power of the Church, which previous Holy Fathers of Gregory and Urban fought so hard to maintain. Pope Paschal makes a seething speech, denouncing Bohemond of Taranto as a Judas Iscariot, a traitor to the Church, a murderer, hypocrite and brigand, who has always worked in opposition to the Church while feigning an air of insincere piety. This speech, incidently, is one of the best primary sources on Bohemond's biographical life. The Pope also gives special exemtion to the children of Bohemond still in Jerusalem, who are not denounced in this act. The Pope issues an excommunication against Bohemond and any Prince who allies with him. He calls on the allies of the Catholic Church from the norhern Italian republics, the Duchy of Apulia, County of Sicily, Empire of Iberia, the three noble Holy Orders, and the Kingdom of Jerusalem to contribute for a Holy war against the usurper of Tuscany (mod and player response please). These forces along with 3,000 Papal troops will gather at the city of Tusculum, then push north to attack the city of Florence (algo request). The Pope sends a German Cardinal as legate to request support from Welf II, the Duke of Bavaria and Margrave of Verona. As Mathilda's former husband and now widower, the Cardinal seeks to persuade Welf that Mathilda's wishes to bequeath her possessions to the Church was true and should be respected, and thus asks for his support in the war against Bohemond (mod response). Meanwhile, in France the Cardinal Guy of Burgundy lives a life where he attempts to balance his lavish lifestyle against his obligations to the Catholic Church. Among the social gatherings of the House of Ivrea, he falls in love with a certain woman named Margaret, and soon she becomes pregnant with his bastard. Hoping to keep this a secret to not expose a scandal, Cardinal Guy sends off the woman to raise the child in Galica, and live among the Castlian Branch of the House of Burgundy.
  • Jerusalem diplomacy: The Triumvirate sends 1,000 men to help the Holy Father in his Crusade. Patriarch Teobald also sends the deacon Pietro of Bologne with Teobald's writings about Bohemond's madness and his evil actions in Jerusalem. In these texts is the conclusion that Bohemond's madness could be due him being possessed by a demon.
  • County of Sicily: Roger II will send 4,000 men to aid the Pope in his fight against Bohemond the Mad Crusader
  • Pisa, Genoa and Apulia will send 16,000; Bavaria will move 5,000 by its part to aid the Pope.
• Kingdom of Jerusalem: The Kingdom remains under the regency of the Triumvirate, due to Raynald still being underage. The young Eva of Armenia is welcomed in Jerusalem by the Triumvirate and the Haute Cour. Patriarch Teobald presents Eva to her brother Leo, who is studying o be a priest under the care of the Patriarch. Eva is also presented to Raynald, with the two being friendly with each other. Hopefuly this growing friendship will end in marriage. The construction of the 2 ships in the shipyard of Acre continues. Seeking to expand the fleet of the Kingdom even more, the Triumvirate orders the construction of a shipyard in the city of Jaffa. A letter is sent by the Triumvirate to Count Roger of Sicily, asking to buy 5 Sicilian ships [Sicily response needed, please]. Another letter is sent to Emperor Ramon, asking to buy 5 ships from Barcelona [Barcelona response needed, please]. To have a place for the fleet stay, the Triumvirate orders the expansion of the ports of Acre and Jaffa. This expansion have also the intention of increasing the arrival of merchant ships in the Kingdom. Due to trade agreements with the Republic of Genoa, an Italian community is being formed at the city of Acre. Meanwhile, due to the trade with Armenia-Cilicia, the presence of Armenians and Rus is increasing at the city of Jerusalem, with some merchants of these two groups establishing themselves in the city. The trade continues growing in the Kingdom, with spices, sugar and fruits from the Levant (such as oranges) being exported to Western Europe through Genoa and to Eastern Europe through Armenia-Cilicia. This years occurs an expansion of the production of sugarcane and fruits (mainly orange). The Spanish veterans, led by Giscard I of Roussilion, were succesful in training the military of Jerusalem, including the military orders, with the tactics used by the Iberians. Giscard, together with Tancred of Galilee, continue training Raynald. They also start to give military training to Raynald's brother, Richard, and to the young Bohemond II, who is also a pupil of Patriarch Teobald. The entire Kingdom of Jerusalem is horrified with the escape of Bohemond, the Mad. The common people of the Kingdom start to talk about the "Return of Bohemond", an event where Bohemond will return to the Holy Land with a large army. In his march to there, he will leave a path of destruction and blood and upon reaching Armenia and Jerusalem, he will annhilate all the people in these two kingdons. In his chronicles about the crusades, Patriarch Teobald writes about Bohemond being the Hostis Mundi, the Enemy of the World. He also writes about the legend of the "Return of Bohemond". Seeking to warn the Holy Roman Emperor about the actions of Bohemond in Jerusalem and how dangerous he is, the Triumvirate writes to the Emperor, sending the reports about the crimes that Bohemond did against the people of the Kingdom, including the assassination of Patriarch Arnulf of Chocques [MOD response needed, please].
  • Ramon agrees to sell such ships, ordering his shipwrights to begin work immediately.
  • Sicily: Roger II agrees to the sale
• County of Sicily: With the Treaty of Cyrene being signed, the Normans have gained their first foothold in North Africa and broken communications between Egypt and Tunis, with Egyptian soldiers unable to reach Tunis without being intercepted by Norman troops or taking the harsh inhospitable desert route. Roger is quick to dispatch administrators and engineers to the town of Macomedes-Euphranta (modern Sirte) along with an additional garrison. The garrison and engineers quickly begin improving the town’s fortifications while also planning and beginning construction of a Norman castle there. Roger receives report that while the land is not suitable for intensive agriculture, it nonetheless does have potential for grazing and livestock. Additionally the town of Macomedes-Euphranta (OTL SIRTE) sits on the important North African trade route linking Egypt and North Africa, and thus from here the Normans are able to impose tolls and taxes on passing by merchants. The city also serves as a stopping point for merchant ships traveling along the coast. Seeking to consolidate the new territory into one administrative region, Roger II creates the Lordship of Sirte out of the newly captured region and awards it to Auber Grosvenos’s second son, the infant Renouf Grosvenor. In a stroke of political genius, Roger declares that until Renouf can come of age to govern the Lordship personally it will be governed by a regent appointed by Roger to administer it in his name. Seeking to settle Normans in the new lordship, Roger also gives lands in the new Lordship to independent Norman farmers who move to Libya. Most take up careers in livestock herding and grazing, raising either sheep or goats. Domestically, Roger continues to build his Cathedral of St. Michael, which becomes Palermo’s first building that illustrates Sicily’s blend of Norman, Arab and Byzantine culture. The Cathedral, while built in the style of a Western Church, also contains Islamic arches and iwans along with domed towers reminiscent of minarets and a central raised dome in the style of the Byzantines. Byzantine mosaics and Islamic murqarnas also decorate the Cathedral, illustrating moments of Christian and Norman history. Roger expends a great amount of money patronizing Greek, Muslim and Latin scholars and philosophers, hoping to entice many to teach and reside in the new Cathedral. In military matters, fortifications of Sicily’s new holdings continue, with Norman castles now built on Djerba, Kerkennah, Zembra and Pantelleria and most docks and cities on those islands being fortified with stone walls, ditches and moats. The girl Edith born to Elisabet and Roger unfortunately dies after only a few months, with her loss devastating both Roger and his wife. Elisabet becomes distant and withdrawn following the infant’s death, spending most of her time alone in her room. Roger deals with the infant’s death by throwing himself into his work, planning military campaigns and infrastructure projects for his various holdings. The repair and refitting of the navy continues, with any ships damaged during the latest battles being repaired and others being improved upon. Having sold five ships to Jerusalem, the shipyards begin construction of another five ships which should be completed within the year. News reaches Sicily and Southern Italy of Bohemond’s return at the head of an army. Having gone insane and rampaged through Jerusalem slaughtering innocents, Bohemond is by now detested as a madman even by his own Norman kin. Seeking to aid the Pope and to stop who the Normans now call “The Mad Crusader”, Roger assembles an army of 4,000 men and dispatches them north under Ozouf de Pomeroy to aid the Papal forces.
• Khalilid Egypt: Now its time to expand the navy. The 10 ships from 1112 are finished, and are added to the fleet. An offer is sent to the Berber tribes of Libya, to promise no malice towards our caravans and to guide them through the desert to Tunis, and they will be paid handsomely. (Mod Response) If the normans dare attack our caravans, then that would be a violation of the truce, and Egypt will be forced to go to war. Muslim shipping fleets too, will be reinforced. Our plans are to support Tunis navally by the way of small but agile fleets of ships. They will be too fast or the normans to intercept. And even if they do, the ships are armed with professional troops to ward off any raids. To the east, an expedition of 6,500 is sent to subjugate the city of Sana’a. This will be the first step of expansion in Yemen (ALGO NEEDED). The force shall be made up of 4,000 infantry, 2000 cavalry and 500 archers.
• Goryeo dynasty:The Jurchen Jin have rissen up against their Liao overlords, and Suck Bong is left to his own innitiative. Allthough he dislikes the Liao he knows due to the border conflict with Wuyashu the previous leader, that a mobile and nomadic force is a far greater danger. Suck Bong thus allows the signing of the treaty of Shěn Zhōu, which give up some Liao land in return for Bong's millitary support. Suck Bong thus calls upon Goryeans, Jurchen to arm and defend the new border, as the new border is only nominally controlled. Suck Bong thus sends a messenger to the Song, that if they're willing to help set up a Goryean fleet to blockade the Liao River (Mod reponse). The great protector of of mt Peaktu fearing that the Liao would blockade the Tumen if war would be declared upon them by Goryeo. He thus declares that no war shall start until the Liao and Tumen Rivers can be protected and controlled by Goryeans, as Goryeo lacks a good navy. Suck Bong even using his Song instruments in a shrine right after writing this in the hope of angering the mandate of heaven against Goryean ennemies.
  • The Huizong Emperor agrees to help support the naval expedition on the Liao River
• Armenian Cilicia: Demyan and Aspa are interrupted by one of the Old warlord's retainers who comes in with a nervous messenger who brings word of the escape of Bohemod from his northern prison and of his bargain with the Emperor Conrad III. Demyan bursts in laughter and he says "They should've let me kill him but that would have been a sinful act no my beloved? I denied him his prize once before, he is the Pope's problem now." Despite this comment he send a message to Rome expressing his support for the Pope and calling Bohemod an Adulterer and a Murderer, A man dominated by his lust for power (Oh the fucking Irony). Envoys from Sivas are dispatched to Tarsus agreeing to introduce Eva to the young Reynald. He tells some of his men to accompany the young Eva to Jerusalem alongside a sizable donation for the mother church, he declines to go himself as he is overseeing the campaign against the remnants of the Turks (:P). Following the inconclusive but bloody encounter with the Turks at Ankara Milakos pulls back to the Ankara river just beyond the reach of the old Greek walls. The Rus and Armenian sappers get to work fortifying the camp building earthwork dugouts reinforced by stones, and timber. From this position he sends out the Chorni Klobuky and light cavalry to carry out raids on the surrounding area to cut off supplies and prevent the turks from sending out scouting or foraging parties, these raids are carried out to keep the enemy busy while the crusaders move to lay siege to Ankara. Milakos sends word to the reinforcements from Constantinople to establish a fortified position to the West of Ankara to divide force the turks to divide their attention or risk being cut off from the west. Demyan leaves Sivas in late August once the summer heat begins to die down and after the 3,000 turkic warriors sent from Cumania have arrived. Demyan and his 8,000 strong make their way a little North of Milakos taking the high ground acting as a reserve force that will either move to exploit any weaknesses in the enemy's position or to reinforce Milakos should it be needed (Algo needed).

• Hakia: During his captivity, Kopalai had an intense religious experience in which he saw the incarnation of the Sun. He identified the man with the "fair child" from Makuakteekata's visions. The man came from a land "lush with vegetation" and "abound with food and drink". However, he lived a simple, virtuous life, preached his wisdom through stories, but was eventually killed by "copper-clad men". The Sun then cursed the land with six years of darkness, during which nothing grew. When the light returned in the seventh year, the Sun was surprised to see that some humans survived by sharing their food and belongings. The Sun allowed these survivors to populate the night sky as the stars, among these survivors, was his mortal mother, who became the Moon. Kopalai grew to believe that the Sun would appear - in its human form - to judge the Indians. He believed that the vision served as a warning to what would happen if the Hakians "descended to a path of darkness". Kopalai was supposedly shaken by the experience; when his son came to retrieve him, he noted that his father "emerged from captivity as a different man". Kopalai ordered the Hakians to forgive his former captors, rather than pursue any vengeances against them. While the memory of his captivity was obscured by recent military successes (including his triumph over the La Junta Indians), his enthusiasm for further conquest seemed to have dissipated. Instead, he focused on religion, with his contributions to the development of Hakian Religion earning him the epithet of "the Architect". Among these contributions include the creation of a religious canon, which consisted of stories outlining creation, cosmology, Makuakteekata's life and visions, historical events, and proper liturgy and religious doctrine. Kopalai also established the Council of Twelve. Despite its name, the body consisted of thirteen persons: twelve judges (representing the twelve constellations) and the Supreme Chief (who represented the sun). Unlike the Council of Elders, the Council of Twelve functioned strictly as a court. In addition, the Council of Twelve also had the role of enforcing religious orthopraxy, with each of the judges supervising kiva rites to make sure they are executed correctly. It is also believed that the practice of baptism by immersion emerged during this period, both as a rite of passage and an initiation rite. Baptism symbolized birth, a view that stemmed from the belief that the first humans emerged from underwater. The conflicts of Kopalai's chieftaincy solidified Hakian statehood as it united the pueblos against a common enemy, and under a common religion. Furthermore, the role of the Aniameyoememta (magistrates) and the Council of Confederates was expanded - as was the state's ability to extract taxes and labor. The cessation of inter-village conflict and changes to the pattern of settlement (with pueblos relocating near bodies/sources of water) enabled the construction of larger and more complex irrigation works and the abandonment of dry farming. Population counts indicated a population of 20,000 in the Rio Grande floodplain alone in the early 12th century. Kopalai's chieftaincy would later be succeeded by the "Duumvirate", during which power was be shared by Utteaknassuame and Uhyooliaamume - Kopalai's son and nephew, respectively. Uhyooliaamume was born to Uhyooli - Kopalai's cousin and Makuakteekata's daughter, and Chumtimaaso - Kopalai's Deputy Chief. Kopalai and Uhyooli wed their children together: Utteaknassuame was wed to Yoore (aged 16 and 18 respectively), while his twin sister Kuruese was wed to Uhyooliaamume (aged 16 and 25 respectively).
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 5th full year of the reign of King Edwin of England and Denmark. He is the third member of House Godwin to hold England and the first to hold Denmark. He is wedded to Princess Margrethe Skjalmsdatter Hvide of Denmark and has sired two children through her: Cnut (1092) who is married to Anne, Princess of Sweden and Æthelstan (1099) who is unwed. He has two siblings: Wulfstan (1072), Earl of East Anglia, who is wed to Matilda of Scotland, securing an alliance with the Scots; and the late Eadgyth, Queen of Jerusalem. Edwin has a daughter with Margrethe Skjalmsdatter named Agnes. 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. Edwin is popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. In Denmark, he reigns with an iron fist, allied to the remaining Estridsens and the English lords introduced to replace rebellious nobles. The worst revolts have petered out, though they do still happen and likely will for some time. Though Edwin 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. Right now, the sons of Morcar squabble over their father's realm. The region was split among three heirs and their hatred for each other seems to keep an otherwise powerful block of vassals fighting among each other. With the Inner Hebrides secure, about 1,000 men are stationed in the region to fight any sort of uprising or raid that might take place. Most of the Norwegian army appears to be taking some sort of punitive action against Iceland while the rest are dealing with an invasion by Sweden. The resistance English armies might meet are largely limited to opportunistic attacks by pirates. However, a significant incursion on the Isle of Islay does take place. A pirate named Konall Mac Ìomhair uses a small harbor as a base of operations as he raided up and down the Scottish and Irish coastlines. Taking cover among the anarchy of war, this pirate base is finally destroyed by a contingent of housecarls led by thane Rudolf Blackwell. In the meantime, the majority of the English army that invaded the Inner Hebrides fans out to destroy or otherwise occupy the Norse-Gael fortresses along the Outer Hebrides before moving into the Orkey islands. About 6,000 English ships land in the Orkneys, hoping to draw out any remaining resistance in the Isles. (Maybe Algo?) On other shores, the Danish armies that linked up with Swedish forces to assault Oslo fall back with their allied armies. They take a moment to regroup and call for more reinforcements. About 2,000 more Danish and English forces arrive to fight alongside whatever armies the Swedish need them for. Meanwhile, back in England, the reconstruction of the two cathedrals that were lost begins. Southern England is abuzz with new building projects - new cathedrals, churches, and castles are being constructed throughout Wessex and Sussex. By this point, these earldoms have been more-or-less dissolved and absorbed into the crownlands of England, though the regional names will always remain. A hallmark of Edwin's reign is an almost hyper-fixation on ensuring his crownlands are defensible as possible. A new wave of stone castles sweeps the crownlands of England.
• Cumans: In the seventeenth year of his reign, the Khagan Bonyak, organize an army of 13,000 Yedisan raiders, 7,000 Sharukan archers, and 4,500 Qipchak cavalrymen with surviving and new units to perform the final lunge against the Pechenegs [Algo needed]. A group of 3,000 Christian Turkic mercenaries are now in disposition of the Cilician king. The Khan requests to Kiev and Cilicia some shipbuilders and other workers to aid the construction of shipyards in Sokalshuganakhu [Mod and Player response].
• Kingdom of the Franks: Due to the repeated refusal to uphold his feudal obligations to the King, Louis strips Duke Alan of Brittany of his titles and land and declares his half brother Conan Duke. As the planned Pro-Conan coup begins to sweep Brittany, the King rallies his Royal Guard and 4,500 levies around the new La Gravelle castle and surrounding fields prepared for the army. (Royal Guard-1,300 fulltime spearmen, 200 knights company de'ordenance, 500 huscarls company de'ordenance. 4,500 levies-3,800 assorted infantry, 700 archers from around Paris) The army will march into Brittany and make for Nantes along the Loire River using the river barges constructed in years past to provide logistical support, allowing the armies to march with all haste. As they go along they will link up with the pro-French gallo nobles and encourage them to rally behind the new Duke with men and arms while intimidating those who previously refused the French offers into submission, by force if necessary. [Algo Needed] (If Alan surrenders without a fight the King simply crowns Duke Conon in Nantes and takes Alan prisoner if possible) The King also issues a letter to the Duke Conan that the rebel Duke Alan should not be put to death and that as he assumes the title of Duke he must maintain the state of the Dukedoms affairs including diplomatic obligations. Additional Intendants, judges, and marshals shall be appointed across the Royal demnse and small vassals to tighten the Kings grip on the land. Should events not turn out favorably for Bohemond in Tuscany but he escapes, he will be offered refuge in France under the protection of the King due to his familial ties. (If I get my hands on him I'm forcing him into a monestary to live out his days under 24 hour watch)
• Sultanate of Shewa: Badits second son and third child named Malsi is born, he is born to his Oromo wife. The development of Dir Dhara countinues as it sits in the middle of the nation and at the center of trade routes. Badit continues to travel around the Sultanate to ensure the Gadii system is implemented properly. The first ships of non Somali design begin trading in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Badit commissions his most trusted Somali sailors to detail how they navigate the waters. Harari becomes the language of mediation in the Sultanate. Fortifications to the north are expanded and regularly manned.
• Obotrite Confederacy: Prince Henry authorizes the minting of coins with a wall and tower on one side while the other has a double cross on it to standardize trade within the territory of the Obotrites. Issues begin to appear in regards to the pagan clergy to are concerned with Henry's Catholic faith and fear potentially being removed by Henry. To address their concerns, Henry travels to the religious center at Arkona and holds discussions with the volkhv within the city. The discussion rages for days with Henry reiterating his intent to not force conversions in a forceful manner but also his intent to support coexistence between adherents of Catholicism and the various pagan religions within his lands. The volkhv are eventually calmed and manage to extract Henry's guarantee that he will not force paganism upon the Wendish people. Henry goes even further so as to assure the Volkhv that the Jomsviking he has reestablished will work to protect the various pagan religions provided that they are the defenders. Woldemar participates in a hunt with the Jomsviking to slay a particularly savage boar that had been rampaging onto farms around Strasland with it reportedly having a hide made of iron. Woldemar manages to slay the beast through the use of various traps to drive it into a spear pit he had constructed earning him the nickname of "Iron Hide" after the boar. Prince Henry begins to alter his policy of indifference towards incoming settlers and works alongside local nobles to alot land to them for them to settle and develop.

1117

In Northern Italy, a massive Earthquake strikes across the Margrave of Verona. Aftershocks of this earthquake causes significant damage across several major cities, destroying many works of Pre-Romanesque architecture around. This causes many people in the Margrave to lose their homes, numbering in the thousands, but miraculously not very many casualties.

In the coalition war against the Liao, the Jurchens score decisive victories at Huanglong and Changchun, pushin the border against the Khitans up to the Liao River. The Song Dynasty, while building a new navy for the Goryeo, deploys their own at the mouth of the same river. The Liao Dynasty concentrates their forces in a desparate attempt to control this river valley.

Bohemod enters Italy through Tyrol laying siege to Milan at the heads of an 11,000 strong army.

King Eystein II of Norway surrounds the capital of Iceland with a fleet of 50 ships, and issues the demand for Iceland to restore their tributary status and give up prisoners to be used for honorable blood vengence.

King Ramon II of Catalonia inherits the County of Cerdanya, further increasing Catalonian influence in France.

The Kingdom of Axum under the Zagwa Dynasty consolidates control over the Ethiopian highlands, proclaiming the start of the Ethiopian Empire. This creates a powerful Coptic empire of East Africa dwarfing the existing regional power of the Shewa Sultanate.

Sultan Ahmad Sanjar of Khorasan invades Afghanistan to attack the city of Ghazna, capital of the Ghaznavid Empire.

The Berbers of the city of Gabes revolts against the Sultan of Tunisia.

King Koimala succeeds at uniting the archipeligo of the Maldives into a single Kingdom.

The magnetic compass is first used for maritime navigation purposes during the Song Dynasty in China.

• Sultanate of Tunisia: Yahya sends 18,000 men (10,000 Sanhaja infantry, 5,000 Desert spearmen, and 3,000 Bedouins) to suppress the rebellion, they are led by Habib. As the obtrusive Normans are now meddling in our affairs, Yahya hires 4,000 Mamluk Heavy Cavalry to support the battle against the Gabes rebels. [Algo needed]. [More to be added.]
  • Sicily dip: Sicily has sent 12,000 men (2,000 Norman knights, 5,000 Norman levies and 5,000 Greek and Saracen recruits) to aid the rebels in Gabes and makes it clear to the Sultan that an assault on Gabes will be considered an act of war against Sicily. An additional 5,000 troops (500 Norman knights, 1,500 Norman levies, 3,000 Berber cavalry) are used to intercept the Mamluk reinforcements as they travel from Egypt [ALGO NEEDED].
  • Tunisian response: (Secret) Habib orders the Mamluk troops to move by the way of Berber caravans in the desert, but if they are intercepted, the same amount of Desert spearmen will be raised to support the battle; also, the scorched earth tactics will be applied in the battle. (Secret over).
• Saxony: The marriage offer from Richard of Jerusalem is accepted. The Duke of Saxe-Anhalt is quite alarmed by things going on in Tuscany, and advocates a compromise between the Papal States and the Holy Roman Empire. The Duke of Saxe-Luneburg, meanwhile, travels to the court of the Holy Roman Emperor, where he meets with Bohemond. He is in fact impressed with Bohemond, who he describes as calm, courteous, and not seeming insane at all. The Duke's two sons, Hugo and Wulfric, are also both impressed with Bohemond. The Duke's daughter, Wulfhilde, even falls in love with Bohemond. This attitude causes a rift between the Ascanians and the Salians
• County of Sicily: Hearing of the rebellion in Gabes, Roger II offer his support to the rebels, sending emissaries offering an alliance wherein the city of Gabes will agree to be a protectorate under Norman Sicily but will retain total autonomy over taxes, religious matters and more. In exchange Norman Sicily will defend Gabes against the Sultanate of Tunis. Roger also emphasizes his tolerance of Arab culture and Islam during the negotiations [MOD RESPONSE]. After nearly a year of being distant and separated following the death of their daughter, Roger rekindles with his wife, however not so much out of romantic passion as out of a desire for another child. Elisabet, too, treats her role as Countess more as a duty to provide children than to be a wife to the Count. However while the couple does not fall wildly in love, with both being rather stiff, awkward and shy about their marriage, they do begin to grow more comfortable and open with each other. This year Elisabet gives birth to a baby boy, whom they name Tancred for Roger’s grandfather who led the Normans into Italy. Roger also takes steps to normalize his military hierarchy, which prior to this was an amalgamation of various admirals and generals, along with his administrative bureaucracy. Firstly, Roger organizes the military command structure so that there is one “Prima Praefectus” as overarching commander of Norman Sicily’s forces during wartime, and creates a number of “Marshals” to serve as a military class which Roger can draw from to command his armies. Additionally, Roger separates the title of “Emir” from its military connotations, instead making it a purely administrative role similar to a royal governor. To exemplify this, Roger appoints Marshals to each city serve as military commanders separate from the Emirs who govern the city. Roger believes that by splitting the military and bureaucratic command into two roles he will ensure no one official gains too much power as he can always pit the local Emir against the local Marshal. Additionally, Roger gets rid of the title “Emir of Emirs” and instead creates the role of “Chancellor” to serve in its place, with the Chancellor being the head administrator in Sicily in charge of all other Emirs. Auber Grosvenor, the previous Emir of Emirs, is instead dubbed the new Chancellor and George of Antioch, who has shown his strategic prowess during the Norman-Egyptian War, is made Prima Praefectus. A number of other Marshals are created, including “Admiral” John and Ozeouf de Pomeroy. Roger II and his commanders also take note of the highly skilled and trained Catalonian bowman, who utilize a unique weapon to the Normans, the Longbow. Seeking to utilize these new troops, Roger sends a request to Ramon-Berenguer asking for a detachment of longbowmen to train Norman archers in the same style [HOUSE BARCELONA REQUEST] Norman Sicily’s economy continues to flourish largely due to an abundance of trade opportunities now open due to the crusades. Norman merchants trade with Armenia and Jerusalem while bringing goods back from the Holy Land to sell to friendly Catalonian merchants based in Sardinia. Additionally, the unlimited trade and naval access granted to the Normans by the Byzantines allows Norman merchants to access the lucrative markets of the Eastern Roman Empire. With a number of fortifications established off the North African coast and in Libya, the Normans of Sicily also impose tariffs on muslim shipping and trade between North Africa and Egypt while Christian pirates continue to loot and plunder, albeit more ineffectively due to an increasing Muslim naval presence. Roger also takes note of the fact that the presence of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Sicily’s North Africa holdings greatly aided development of these areas, with the Order’s knights providing stability, safety and the Order itself paying for infrastructure improvements and expansion of settlements. Seeing this success, Roger invites the Order to begin setting up monasteries in the Aeolian Islands along with castles and fortifications in the Lordship of Sirte [MOD RESPONSE NEEDED].
  • Lordship of Sirte: The Norman garrison and engineers sent by Roger continue construction of fortifications around the city of Sirte, beginning with the foundation of a Norman castle and constructing fortified walls around the city and the port. As Norman settlers trickle into the new Lordship they begin to seek out new lands for settlement as livestock herdsman, raising goats and sheep. Additionally, the regent appointed by Roger is tasked with three main objectives: fortifying and pacifying the area, settling Normans on the land, and securing the local trade routes for taxation. To that end, the regent begins surveying the trade route, planning to fortify key trade posts and establishing others. The hope is that these fortified trade posts will provide sources of safety amidst the trade routes and bases for Norman forces to police the area to safeguard merchants and Norman settlers. The Bishop appointed to the Lordship also arrives and establishes himself in Sirte, where he quickly commissions the construction of a Church. The regent also reaches out to the local Bedouin tribes, promising to pay them annually if they refrain from attacking settlers and merchants while also providing local aid against bandits. While many tribes accept the payment, the regent is cautions regarding their loyalty and does not believe he can count on them as allies yet.
  • Gabes will accept support from Sicily
  • The Order will build forts in Sirte
  • Ramon agrees to send 30 veteran Sagramentals trained in Longbow fighting. However, in his letter, he notes the length of time needed for a man to learn to use the bow with skill and accuracy such that it may be a decade until the Sicilians can muster such a force.
• Kanem Empire: Nothing is happening within the Empire under the twentieth year of his reign, Mai Dunama I. The Mai let the Kano kingdom enjoy their deserved peace for now as there is no reason to interact with them just yet. Meanwhile, mosques were built southwest of the Empire to increase the conversion rate in the region with missionaries from N’jimi actively converting Hausa slaves to Islam. The empire continued to flourish thanks to Trans-Saharan trade and the open relations with Egypt. The Mai is still waiting for the first batch of the students to come back to Kanem for the upcoming project which’ll take two years from now as these students need to graduate from their respective professions. Meanwhile, the Kanem embassy in Cairo heard of a native European holding in Tripolitania coming from the local Egyptians who gossiped about it everyday. The embassy was able to acquire information from the recent war between Sicily and Egypt. These recent events that happened in Libya spread to the Kanem Empire via the Toubou oasis city-state of Koufra (OTL Al Jawf, Libya) in Cyrenaica region. While this doesn’t concern the Mai, the Mai worries that an Berber Ibadi oasis city-state of Zaouila (OTL Zawila, Libya) led by the Banu Khattabs (who are Berber Ibadi Muslims of origin) which the city-state also has a lot of black population of Kanuri origin & one of the important oasis city-states in Trans-Saharan trade due to its privileged position, would fall to the heretic Christians in the future. Even though the Kanem Empire raided Zaouila decades ago under Hume, the first Sayfawa emperor, the raiding stopped under the current Mai (Dunama I) since he wanted to focus on the empire’s economy & advancement and protecting the Trans-Saharan trade. Dunama I had a legitimate justification to make Zaouila the northernmost city of the Empire and expand its influence to the Fezzan region due to European/Christian presence in the region (specifically Tripolitania). In order to protect the Trans-Saharan trade, an emissary is sent to the free city-state of Zaouila. The conditions were to make Zaouila part of the Kanem Empire in exchange for protection from raids orchestrated by hostile nomadic tribes, making their city prosper more and grant non-Muslims in the city a "Dhimmi" status which is a legal protection under an Islamic nation (meaning that non-Muslims can continue to practice their non-Islamized culture and their beliefs without fear of persecution) [MOD RESPONSE]. This was made to make the people of Zaouila and the Banu Khattab family satisfied of new-found luxuries from Kanem (that includes improving the Empire's image) and expand the Empire's influence outside of Kanem, specifically the Fezzan region and to fully consolidate their control of the Trans-Saharan trade in the future. This also includes attempting to contact the Toubou tribes in the Fezzan region in order to integrate them to the Empire which’ll happen later on.
  • Zaouila accepts the deal

• Byzantine Empire: Agricultural: The nation needs to modernize its agricultural industries to grow. To do this several measures will be taken. The first will to be to introduce the "Consilium imperatoria terra procuratio" otherwise known as the "Imperial Land management Council". A special council designed towards informing the Emperor and advising him on the agricultural and pastoral needs of the nations farmers and ranchers alike. The council will also establish food standards, will do inspections of land, and will give a royal seal to produced goods that have been inspected that will show that they are of good quality. This will help to ensure better agricultural practices, help to create safer and healthier farms and ranches, and give farmers and ranchers reason to make good quality goods so as to get this seal that will make their goods sell for better prices at market. The council will also perform the duty of sending aid in the form of teachers and trainers to help educate farmers and ranchers in a better way to cultivate crops and yields from herds. They will help to implement proper and effective crop rotation and increase the level of crop rotation. One way they will do this is to introduce seeds to farmers of different crops so as to better increase production on their land utilizing crop rotation. These seeds will be bought and cultivated from all over the near-east, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Crops like potatoes, wheat and barley, grapes and dates, and so on will be able to be provided throughout the nation. Fields will now be able to produce at least three or four yields per year rather than the usual one or two of rice which will also mean a better diet across the nation to help impact starvation and food shortages as well as increase overall health and physical wellbeing. Farmers and ranchers will also be organized into and "collectives". This collective farming will help to bring together smaller, more ineffective and inefficient farms into larger, more lucrative and better producing farms. These collective farms will be formed through government incentive allowing for massive fields across the nation that will have the ability to better pay workers, utilize more of the land and output more by hiring and using more workers to sow, manage, and read the lands, increase efficiency and production, and gain farm owners more money. The council will direct this and will also lease out tools to these collective farms. These tools like plows, iron rollers, land levelers, and so on. These will be produced by craftsmen who will be paid thereby creating jobs and establishing and growing professions. They will then be leased out to farms and ranchers who will pay to use these tools to massively increase production efficiency and to ease labor of workers. The king will also authorize the ability of farmers and especially ranchers to lease out government land. This way they can increase grazing surface area and crop production area which will lead to larger yields of crops and animal products. A certain quota will need to be met to use this land and once met any more will go straight to the farmer or rancher. This will allow farmers and ranchers to increase production of their goods, have healthier animals due to better grazing grounds for ranchers, lead to more money to farmers and ranchers who can begin using said money to buy more land, more seeds, hire more workers, grow their businesses, have income and incentive to pursue finding better ways to do their jobs including inventing new tools and methods of farming and ranching, and all while filling food stores of the government and providing a great boost to national income through the sale and export of these goods. Infrastructure: An infrastructure initiative is instigated throughout the Empire. New roads will be made across the country connecting major cities and even villages and towns. This will also include sewage, waste removal, running water, and plumbing (in the form of rudimentary aqueduct systems in most cases with larger and grander aqueduct systems in larger cities). In more remote areas of the nation we will rely on older forms of this to carry water from far away places and to water crops and for people to drink whereas in cities more advanced forms of this will be used such as the inverted siphon system and pressurized piping like what was used in ancient Greece so that in areas of the nation that are more important they will receive actual plumbing, sewage, waste removal, running water (making sure to not use lead pipes lol) more thoroughly than in the rest of the land. Within the cities especially, paved roads will be made and leading out of cities. The advanced systems of infrastructure will be attempted everywhere, but in regions where it is entirely uneconomical or improbable due to terrain older forms will be relied on instead of simply doing nothing. This infrastructure development will include government buildings renovating, expanding, and even creating new provincial civil administration buildings and locations in areas of the nation that did not have them before as well as mustering grounds and training grounds for provincial army mustering and training areas. Economic: The land of Byzantium will begin to institute a few plans to further the development of the land. This plan will incentivize workers and build manufactories in Byzantium (mainly major cities). Relying on craftsmen a major need for them will arise and government investments in campaigning for these workers will be made. A sort of "propaganda" campaign will take place to encourage people to join "industrial" fields. Although this will not be truly industrial these manufacturies will heavily resemble guild houses and be able to output a large production of manufactured goods. Actual guildhouses will be encouraged and allowed to operate within these manufactories with a royal letter lmuch like letters patent, the guild system being supported and merchants involved in the goings on of the "industry" with the construction of new Guildhall and formation of new guilds. The lands of the Empire are ripe with natural resources and bountiful land and the Emperor begins a new program to better understand and develop these resources. To begin the Emperor will authorize an extensive survey of the lands Empire alongside the regular census. Better maps will be created and information on deposits of natural resources, land with good soil, areas of available and sustainable lumber industry, and so on will be gathered. With this a survey of already existing operations such as logging, mining, and farming will occur with reports being gathered and sent to the Emperor and his advisors. Problems within these pre-existing operations will be given attention and a focus on increasing efficiency and solving these problems will happen. At the conclusions of these new surveys new projects in mining, logging, farming, and other industries will be created. Military: The volatility of the times leads the Emperor to believe that military operations are in order. To begin Emperor Alexios I Komnenos raises the banners, and makes a call for all loyal vassals to raise their levy. The Armies are to gather as normal where the Emperor will begin a strict training regimen. The personal retinue of the court of Emperor Alexios and the royal family as well as that of the doukas of the Empire and other vassals will exercise according to the specification of the Emperor and military commanders. A Standardization of Drill will occur within the army, The megas domestikos will issue a drill pamphlet for all officers, this will be written by professional scribes and dictated by professional troops most especially veterans to ensure that all troops can be properly drilled in the same situation and understand bugle calls, and other instruments used to order the armies of the Empire. A Grand military council will be formed and presided over by the Emperor and made up of the most able and talented military commanders of the Emperors vassals, which will oversee the mustering and training of the forces of the Empire.
• Obotrite Confederacy: News of the revolt by Skarbimir within Poland senses an opportunity to make a grab for Pomerania which has been under Polish dominion. He dispatches an envoy to Skarbimir offering his support in exchange for Pomerania being handed off to Henry (Mod Response). In preparation for Skarbimir's agreement to his proposal, Henry mobilizes 8,000 troops from across his domains on the border with Poland. Henry appoints Woldemar as the head of the troops that will move to aid Skarbimir in the hopes that he will prove himself capable as a commander. After careful consideration on how to best use the forces alotted for his disposal, Woldemar marches his troops behind the main force of Skarbimir into Silesia and the town of Wroclaw hoping to secure the vital region and position himself to strike at the enemy rear if they expose themselves. Woldemar uses the Wendish light cavalry to conduct reconaissance and keep him informed if Boleslaw moves his forces into the region. If Boleslaw does happen to be in ther region than he would want information on his army size to make an informed decision. (Algo/Mod Response for Wroclaw and possible enemy movement?/ Army: 600 Jomsviking, 1000 Rough Riders, 6400 Wendish Spearmen).
  • Skarbimir will agree of making Pomerania a vassal of Obotrites in exchange for their support in his revolt
• Kingdom of Sweden: King Sigismund II returns home to stockholm as a hero,people start calling him Sigismund the grea and build monuments to him everywhere. While he was away,the madmen Bohemond somehow managed to escape from kebenekaise.The king says that he cant spare men to hunt him down at the moment but prays for the popes continued health. After this he travels to the karelian vassal and asks for them to accept bein ginterated into Swedemn.If they accept they would have the same rights as the largely self governing Sapmi province with them being aloweed to elect their owl leader and similiar.(Mod Response) Following this the king orders the continuation of the Finnish crusade while also keeping an eye on the Obotires campaign in Pomerania.The king asks to be alloweed to send a garrison of 100 to protect vvital roads from bandidts,(Obotires response needed)
  • South Karelia accepts it
• Sultanate of Shewa: Badit has his first national Gadii bring together the multiple cultures of the Sultanate. All in attendance are heard and grievances are handled. Seeing the threat to the north and having readily prepared for it Badit tells the Gadiis to mobilize. While the Ethiopians have the numbers, we have access to the trade in the area and better quality. Trade to Ethiopia is also cut off. First 4,000(700 heavy cav, 3,300 light cav)riders are raised to harass Ethiopian trade from the Red Sea in small groups, recombining if a decisive victory can be had (Algo Needed) Another 10,000 (1,000 cav, 4,000 trained footmen, 5,000 levies) are sent through the Afar region paying tribal leaders as they pass through, making a beeline for Liebila (Capital of Zagwe). However just to gain the attention of the Ethiopian army. If engaged they fein retreat with the levies and allow the riders and trained men to ambush the enemy.(Algo needed) The main army of 30,000 troops (5,000 riders, 15k trained men from Zeila campaign, 10,000 levies) makes the main move on Liebila hoping to catch the Ethiopians on their back foot. Marching on in the highlands using valleys to guard their movements. When the city is approached is is surrounded and cut off before the army moves in. Hoping to catch the Royal family. (Algo needed) Badit ask other Muslims in the region to join them in removing the Christians from Africa. (Player/Mod response, will post more after)
  • Egypt response: Egypt will send a minor detachment of 2000, 5 Naval vessels and some finances to aid the Shewa.
  • Cont: With the coast being the best front Badit ask the Gadiis for more troops to reinforce the coastal army. Sending 6000 troops and decides to switch the the strategy to leading the Ethiopians in to the Danakils. A further 4000 troops are sent to replace some of the losses in siege of the Ethiopian capital. And a further 5000 are sent to reinforce the Northern Fortifications. At the End of the first Gadii a multicultural cabinet is set up. Calls for more men are asked seeing victory will be close. Trade continues to bolster the funds for the war. And allows the economy to remain steady. The Ethiopians will lose much money. Badit continues to organize the Gadii system around the nation.
• Papal States: The Battle of Florence proves to be a decisive victory for the Catholic Church. Pope Paschal issues a papal bull that all those killed in battle in fighting an excommunicated prince is granted an immediate indulgence. Additionally, the Pope orders the monks of Monte Cassino to pray 100 days for each soul. In total, a value of 1,000 souls had been lost in the field of battle against the Devilish Bohemond, while 70 persons had fallen to disease. This coalition of military is organized under the young commander Pietro di Columna, which is anglicanized as Peter of Columna. Having fully occupied and annexed the city of Florence into the Papal States, Peter leads the coalition of forces further north to sieze the city of Parma, halfway into the Lombard Kingdom. A total force of 12,000 troops led by Peter de Columna attacks the city of Parma (algo request). Peter has proven to be a competant Italian commander during the campaign in Florence, although this first battle was certainly weaker in strategy than his later victories, it would prove to be an important work of experience. In Paschal's old age, he places the Chancellor of the Holy Roman Empire, Giovanni di Gaeta, in charge of administration of Rome. The Papal navy from Ostia works in conjunction of the Genoese navy to fully blockade the coast of Lombardy, in support of Peter's invasion. The earthquake in Verona is taken as a sign from God by the Pope, as he proclaims that the very earth shakes in rejection of Bohemond stepping on it. Papal legates in Syria continue to work on improving relations with the Assyrians and Orthodox, in expectation of supporting their destiny in the future.
• Kingdom of Jerusalem: With Raynald reaching 15 years of age this year, the regency of the Triumvirate comes to an end and he takes total power of the Kingdom as King of Jerusalem. However, the members of the Triumvirate, Tancred of Galilee, Seneschal Baldric and Patriarch Toabald, still have influence over the decisions of the young king, acting as his advisors. By the agreement with Demyan of Edessa and Thoros of Armenia, the wedding of Raynald of Jerusalem and Eva of Armenia is celebrated by Patriarch Teobald in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. By advice of Seneschal Baldric, King Raynald approves the expansion of farms across the Kingdom for the production of grains and cattle to be used as food for the Kingdom and also for the production of products (sugar and fruits of the Levant) that will be exported. Since most of the Kingdom is a desert, most of these new farms are made close to the Jordan River, from were water can be taken. The King also approves the expansion of sugar refineries and order the construction of roads to facilitate the transport of refined sugar to the ports of Acre and Jaffa. With most of the military of the Kingdom trained under in the military tactics used by the Spanish, Tancred of Galilee convinces King Raynald to establish a levy for the defense of the Kingdom. By the levy will be recruited recruit 1,500. To help prepare the soldiers, Tancred suggest the creation of military centers in the main cities of the Kingdom, where the men will learn the tactics teached by the Spanish. King Raynald agrees and these centers start to be build in Acre, Tyre, Jaffa and other cities. The construction of the 2 new ships are finished and the fleet of the Kingdom increases to 13 ships. With these bought fro Barcelona and Sicily, the fleet of Jerusalem now have 23 ships. Seeking to fill these ships with a trained crew, King Raynald writes to Count Roger of Sicily and Emperor Ramon asking for veteran sailors to come to Jerusalem and help train sailors for the fleet of Jerusalem [Barcelona and Sicily response needed, please]. Patriarch Teobald counsels King Raynald to build a convent in honor of Saint Mary and Martha in Bethany, near the Tomb of Saint Lazarus. The idea is approved by the King and the construction of the convent begins. After it's finished, the convent will be given to nuns of the Benedictine Order. Seeking to increase the number of Christians in the Kingdom, King Raynald by his own idea sends invitations for Normans and Italians affected by the conflicts in their lands to come to the Kingdom of Jerusalem. They will receive part of the new farmlands that are being created [MOD response needed, please].
  • County of Sicily: Sicily agrees to send a team of veteran sailors.
  • Many people from Tuscany and Spoleto travel to Jerusalem
• Goryeo dynasty: manse ! manse ! manse ! is what the dear soldiers of Suck Bong shout, as they are assembled fora new war against the Liao togheter with the great Song. The Jin and the Song advance on the Liao, and Suck Bong decides to do the same, He advances his troops from the newly established border. The troops of the Sacred mountain army push into the towns of :Tonghua ,Meihekou which lie just past the newly established border. With this advance Suck Bong decides to set himself up at the town Gungnae the ancient capital of gugoryeo. All new troops going a further 2 week look training with drill and skills specific for this more northern hill and forrest area of the Liao river valley. 25.000 soldiers reporting to Gungnae for this special training and equipment. Thus the 33.000 strong force build by Yun Gwan to protect the Changja River, is moved to the west to attack Donggang and the Dalian peninsula. These attacks being made as to support the Song in their blockade of the Liao River. Suck Bong with the help of Song naval engineers orders the Building of 10 small junks (25 soldiers each) and 4 big junks (50 soldiers each) and 1 great junk (70 soldiers each). This all to be able to navally blockade the Liao river and thus the city of Shěn Zhōu and Shuangtaizi City, This in hope of starving out the Liao homeland from recieving suplies. The new so-called Gungae army, as it is relatively untrained is forced to just help supports until a new attack in the north eastern direction can be taken.

• Khalilid Egypt: Now that we have taken over Sanaa, disloyal emirs are put to the sword, and loyal ones replace them. Back home, the army merits an expansion, and with control of the Red Sea and Haji trade routes, its safe to say that this expansion can be paid for. Adbul Makid makes a call for all loyal Emirs to raise their levy. And they do, as a total of 10k is raised with levies, mostly from the lower Egypt and Nile delta areas, where the majority of the population lives, making a total force of 40-45K. These armies are entirely Native-based, as mamluks have been replaced by them. That isnt to say mamluks do not operate in Egypt and North Africa, as Tunis’ recent war has shown. With Sicily's resources exhausted, Adbul Majid sees an opportunity, however, Egypt is still in a truce with them. Aid is sent to the Shewa, in hopes that they can crush the Axumites. Meanwhile, Adbul Majid wishes to make Alexandria a centre of learning. An important trade nexus that sadly, lost relevance after the islamic conquests. The hope is that by revitializing the city Egypt will be given yet another source of income. And so it shall be. More mosques, roads and houses are built in the city first and foremost. These buildings succeed in drawing potential residents to the area. Now it is time to revitalize the educational secretary. Schools are ordered to be built in the city. Obviously, this takes time, these schools will be likely completed in 3-4 years from now. The port is also revamped, with new bridges built and docks expanding. Now, onto the navy. In order to compete with the sicilians and Genoese, who are supplying Jerusalem, 20 new boats are slated to be built for the navy. Such a large amount of boats being built at once would be expensive for any nation, which is why these boats are slated to be completed over a period of a decade. Half of these boats are to be reserved for supplying troops in distant lands in times of war, as looting would not be sufficient enough to provide the troops. As Egypt has multiple ports and a large pool of sailors, the navy will be a formidable force in the years to come.
• Armenian Cilicia: With the fall of Ankara, the Turks now on their last leg are allowed to withdraw from the field of battle with Demyan, and Milakos agreeing that to give chase would be unwise, specially as the Old Rus's health starts to decline. Milakos remains at the head of of the Russo-Armenian-Greek army however Demyan and 2,000 of his personal men fall back to Cappadocia. Following the wedding of his daughter Eva to King Reynald, Demyan decides it is time to make one last last pilgrimage to the city of Jerusalem. While still an imposing figure at 57, Demyan finds that his armor as well as his mind weigh heavy on him. Leaving behind his now pregnant mistress Aspa behind in Caesarea to avoid angering his wife Beatrice or to cause further scandal. The old Rus makes his way south from Armenia once the Syrian Summer is nearing its end, Upon reaching the gates of Jerusalem the old rus and his men set up camp outside the city walls requesting to be allowed entry as a pilgrim andthat he be permitted to remain the rest of the year as a guest of his new son-in-law and Patriarch Teobald who he proclaims he will join in giving alms to the poor as he promised oh so many years ago (secretly he implores that Teobald arrange so that his son Leo may be present as well)(Jerusalem Response). Trade continues to grow while new settlers from Greater Armenia, the Pontic Steppes, and from the West slowly trickling into lands of Eastern Anatolia, and The Upper Mesopotamia. The new Garrison towns in the region continue to grow into trade outposts. Greek carpenters, and craftsmen continue to toil away in the port of Ayas which continues to grow in importance as Rus, and Italian traders visit the city for goods from the Near East. The standardization of drilling, and arms of the Armenian levies continues. Following the example set by the Order of the Holy Sepulchre Thoros I and the Catolicos of Armenia commission the construction of new churches, Monasteries, and hospitals. The Rus, and Armenian clergy begin to carry out mass together and a dialogue on Theology, and Philosophy begins as the influx of new ideas brought forth by the Rus, and Latins enter more and more into Thoros's court while many Armenian nobles take to the attire and customs of their new neighbors. A jousting tournament is held in Sis. The Rus Fleet based in Ayas continues to protect Eastern Christian traders in the Eastern Med and Black Sea trading goods to the Rus in Crimea.
• House Barcelona: Ramon decides to send a degree of support to the Papacy in its efforts to contain Bohemond the Mad. 3,000 men are assembled and sail to meet the papal forces in support of the campaign. While on route, Ramon has the captain of the expedition, Hugh the Great of Empiures deliver a letter to Constantine I of Logudoro, seeking to establish a trade embassy from Ramon with a guarantee of Constantine’s continued status as king. (Mod Response) Meanwhile, Pere-Felip de Cardona is sent to oversee the establishment of two Catalan Quarters, one in Jaffa the other in Acre. These districts will be populated by Catalan merchants who previously had to stay and live with either their French or Italian counterparts. Ramon continues his affair with Bèlem, much to Pere’s anger. The two often clash with words over the arrangement. As part of his rebellion against his father and in a effort to escape an unwelcome, Pere embraces militarism. He raises the local boys into “companyias” that clash with wooden sticks marked with colored ribbons. Amongst the chaos can be found Blai and several generations of his offspring that Pere insists be kept as household pets. Gifted in persuasion and capable of leadership in his own right, Pere leads his rabble in mock battles, terrorizing whole sections of the city pretending to be knights of the land. While leading these bands of sailors’ sons and bakers’ boys Pere grows in tactical wit, physical skill, and charismatic prowess. In honor of his childhood companion, he takes a mock standard: the image of a Galgo in gold on a red field into these battles. The young man, having been educated by the finest minds in all of Christendom and with a keen interest in history and philosophy, proves an apt commander of the bands of unruly boys who follow him with an unexpected degree of fanaticism. In court, there are whispers of both the impropriety of his conduct and the young man’s obvious skill in battle. In his time in court when he is not in school, Pere becomes an avid chess player, besting men many times his elder through trickery and skill.
• Kingdom of the Franks: Within the newly reintegrated Duchy of Brittany the lands belonging to the former Duke Alan will be granted to new Duke Conon along with a lavish ceremony in Nantes attended by the King and his army with the subtle reassurance that if Conon tries to follow in his half brothers path he can be deposed just as easily. The land and titles of nobility that supported Alan as well as many less than enthusiastic Breton nobility (not Gallo nobility) will be seized for supporting treason and divided evenly in thirds between those who supported the King, the King himself, and low nobility from the Ile-de-France region to increase the presence of Parisian culture in the region. Many of the levies will be sent home from the army while the King and the Royal Guard will tour in Brittany to help return order and law. The Parisian merchant guilds will be granted privileges to operate in Brest and up the Loire river from Nantes to further integrate the trade networks including into the larger Atlantic trade network booming from trade with the Almoravid Empire into the Mediterranean. Envoys are sent to the Almoravid court and the Count of Sicily to negotiate permission to construct a French Quarter in Lisbon and Syracuse respectively. (Player Response) Intendants and Judges are appointed to the new crown lands in Brittany as well as scribes are sent to begin codifying the laws of Brittany. The Legal Code started by Louis' father, Codex Iuris Modo Gallico, is deemed acceptable after trials in the Ile-de-France and implemented throughout the crown lands of France and those lords too weak to resist its enforcement.
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 5th full year of the reign of King Edwin of England and Denmark. He is the third member of House Godwin to hold England and the first to hold Denmark. He is wedded to Princess Margrethe Skjalmsdatter Hvide of Denmark and has sired two children through her: Cnut (1092) who is married to Anne, Princess of Sweden and Æthelstan (1099) who is unwed. He has two siblings: Wulfstan (1072), Earl of East Anglia, who is wed to Matilda of Scotland, securing an alliance with the Scots; and the late Eadgyth, Queen of Jerusalem. Edwin has a daughter with Margrethe Skjalmsdatter named Agnes. 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. Edwin is popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. In Denmark, he reigns with an iron fist, allied to the remaining Estridsens and the English lords introduced to replace rebellious nobles. The worst revolts have petered out, though they do still happen and likely will for some time. Though Edwin 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. Right now, the sons of Morcar squabble over their father's realm. The region was split among three heirs and their hatred for each other seems to keep an otherwise powerful block of vassals fighting among each other. The withdrawal of Swedish troops vexes the English and Danish soldiers fighting in the war to no end. The armies that assisted the Swedish forces near Oslo withdraw to the Glamo River where earthen trenches are constructed in anticipation for some sort of retribution from Norwegian armies. Some sort of counterattack. This never happens. A Witan is held late last year that extends into the New Year. Not long ago, Norway and Denmark shared a monarch. The death of Harald Hardrada all but solidified this, though the two remained closely linked and dependent on each other for trade. A witan is held early in January to discuss the possibility of continuing the Swedish attack, though many in England consider this nothing more than a vanity project for Edwin, the housecarls under Godwin's employ are always willing to fight on his side. A few of his thanes - Hedwig of Sixpenny, Alfred Wellington, among others - convince many more English hiredmen and housecarls to travel to support the Danish troops and finish what Sigismund started in Norway. The 6k forces from Denmark are supplemented by another 3k from England led by Edwin himself, who takes command of the army and the war. A call for more warriors goes out and the Anglo-Dane armies surround Oslo and put it to siege. In late April, the army of 9k + whatever others decide to contribute march on the battered 2,192 remaining soldiers in Oslo (mod response for more mercenaries plus algo). This move remains fairly unpopular in southern England. Wulfstan himself believes that this is a fool's errand and is bound to end in disaster. However, this would not be the first time the English aristocracy has been wrong, nor will it be the last. Though the process of turning into something resembling the OTL Parliament will not finish for nearly a century, the concerns of the members of the witan are usually enough to talk the English kings out of some of their wackier moves. In 1090, the witan famously convinced Harold II to not expel every foreign chef, perhaps saving English cuisine from the depths of hell itself. However, the witan was unable to convince Edwin to remain in England. His epitaph - triumphant or slanderous - will be determined in the coming months. Notably absent from the witan is Edmund Haroldson, uncle of King Edwin. He travels to Rome with about 300 men, ready to contribute these men to the search for Bohemond, who has been making massive waves since his escape from prison. While the 300 quickly join the effort, Edmund visits the Pope to seek Papal support and permission to fly the Papal Banner in Norway in exchange for English help in bringing Bohemond to justice and enacting the Gregorian reforms in Norway. (Papal Response needed)

1118

In the midst of the new Papal-Imperial conflict over northern Italy, Pope Paschal II has now died. A new Papal Conclave is opened to elect a new Pope, consisting of 24 Cardinals from mostly Italy and France, with a scattered extra from England, Spain, Germany, Hungary, and Scandinavia.

In the Muslim world, Caliph Al-Mustazhir dies in Baghdad. Unlike Christendom, the Caliphate is immediately succeeded by his son, Al-Mustarshid.

With the triple alliance against the Liao Dynasty, the Khitans suffer catastrophic defeat across the Liao River. The real benefactor of this victory becomes the Great Jin, which swiftly annexes the river valley all the way down to the Liaodong Peninsula. Of the course of a few months, the fortresses of Goryeo no longer share a border with the Khitan Khanate, but the Jin.

Emperor Alexios I of Byzantium dies, having stabilized and revitalized the Empire from the jaws of death, and restored it to a formidable regional power. He is succeeded by his son who becomes Emperor John II, the first peaceful transition of power in over 40 years.

Sultan Muhammad Tapar of the Seljuks dies, and is succeeded as Sultan of Hamadan by his son as Mahmud II, while Ahmad Sanjar stilll reigns as a rival Sultan in Merv. The central authority of the Seljuk empire is gradually disintegrating as local Atabegs form their own regional dynasties.

The Kingdom of Gwenydd quickly expands to annex states in Wales outside of England's control, as they are distracted fighting against the Norse.

King Eyestein II of Norway offers to relinquish all claims to the Kingdom of the Isles to England, and pay a lump sum of one-time tribute as an offer to end the war.

The revolt of Count Skarbir against King Boleslaw III of Poland escalates to a longer conflict throughout this year, in which Pomerania breaks off as an independent state.

The city of Como becomes a willing ally of Bohemond, and enters his protection as a vassal, due to their long-standing rivalry with Milan

With the ongoing wars of Cumania against the Penechegs, many of them migrate south and are allowed to live in the Kingdom of Georgia by David IV.

In Paris, the philosopher Abelard has his lover and colleague Heloise pregnant, which is discovered by her uncle Fulbert. Fulbert orders that Abelard should be castrated, and both of them confined to separate monasteries by force.

In Saxony-Anhalt, a great fire destroys half the city of Madgburg, one of the largest cities in Saxony.

At the Battle of Kennegal, the Hoysala Dynasty decisively defeats the Chalukya, but this has negligible effects.

Vikram Chola becomes Regent of the Chola Dynasty.

There are growing complaints among the Italo-Normans of Sicily over the massive manpower, and money spent for little gain in North Africa.

While the Algerians have been forced to submit once more, resentment towards the Banu Hilal that dominate the new Sultanate of Tunisia begins to emerge.

• County of Sicily: The defeat at Gabes is a disappointment for the Norman forces, and Roger decides that the time has not come for attacking the Tunisian mainland yet. While the wars in Africa have expanded the Norman holdings, they have also severely depleted the treasury, leading Roger to agree to halt any further expansion until the treasury can recover. The Norman forces regroup at mainland Sicily while the Norman fleet is deployed to their bases in Kerkennah, Zembra and Pantelleria to protect against any Tunisian counterattacks and to raid Muslim shipping between Tunis and Egypt. In the meantime, Roger appoints several Marshals from the family of Eugenius, a favored naval officer and admiral serving under Roger’s father and brother. Eugenius and his sons Nicholas and John are made Marshals of Sicily, while their brother Philip rises to the rank of “Emir” of Palermo. The family’s influence extends greatly throughout the Norman Court and contributes significantly to the preservation of Greek as the primary language of the administrative bureaucracy of Sicily. As Chancellor of Norman Sicily, Auber Grosvenor continues to improve Sicily’s bureaucracy to make it more efficient, with tariffs increasing by 12% from trade revenue alone. Sicily’s economy continues to flourish, with merchants from across the eastern Mediterranean arriving to do business in Sicily. With Sicily perfectly positioned between East and West, merchants use Sicily as one giant marketplace essentially to do business with merchants on the other side of the Mediterranean. The increased trade revenues allow for lower taxes on farmers and peasants, resulting in most peasants and farmers thriving. The bountiful harvests combined with low taxes and feudal obligations allows many farmers to sell their surplus harvests for profit. Sicily also witnesses the arrival of many more Lombards than usual. While Lombards had been immigrating to Sicily since the Norman conquest, the recent wars in Africa and demand for soldiers has increased the opportunities for the Lombards, who have begun migrating in much larger numbers during the past five years. With most lands in Sicily already claimed by Norman settlers or locals, the Lombards quickly establish themselves on the sparsely populated islands that litter Sicily’s coast, including the Aeolian Islands and the Aegadian Islands. Aided by the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, the Lombards help to develop the islands and populate them. The Lombards also establish themselves in Sicily’s North African holdings, with the island of Djerba, as the largest island, witnessing a significant increase in Lombard migration. Roger and Elisabet have another child this year, a daughter they name Adelaide after Roger’s mother. Elisabet, who was devastated by the loss of their prior daughter, is utterly devoted to the new infant, spending all her time in the infant’s presence and even refusing to allow nurses or servants to hold the child.
  • Lordship of Sirte: The construction of new trade posts and fortifications of existing ones continues under Roger’s regent. Lombard migration provides a new wave of setters who establish themselves at various trade posts while also building new livestock farms amidst the coastline of the new Lordship. The regent also commissions the construction of two fortresses, one on each border of the Lordship, with one fort being constructed on the border with Tunis and one built on the border with Egypt. Word also reaches the regent of an inland Libyan city, Zawila, being annexed by a mysterious Empire from somewhere deep in Africa. Curious, the regent sends a mission of 3 merchants, a priest and 5 guards guided by friendly Bedouins to Zawila to investigate [KANEM RESPONSE].
    • Kanem Empire: As the Normans arrived at Zawila, the northernmost city of the Empire, the city is a bustling city itself with many people coming from different lands. Imperial Kanem flags were hoisted on the city's forts which it'll be their first time seeing the banner. Kanem soldiers; ranging from spearmen, swordsmen to cavalry were equipped with red-colored quilted armor or gambeson, that includes the cavalry's horses - meaning they aren't some tribal people but came from a highly civilized nation. The Normans can witness a Kanem soldier kicked a West African slave to the caged caravan, swearing at the slave in Kanuri tongue. Though the Normans won't be persecuted nor get arrested as Christians in Zaouila due to its special status as "dhimmi" unless they started to attack, that's a different story. People that entered and exited the gates looked at them with suspicious eyes, that includes the Kanemite soldiers. Meanwhile, a Berber man in his 60's emerged out of the city's gates accompanied by 4 Kanem swordsmen and 4 Berber soldiers, approaching the Normans. They looked at them with suspicious eyes as it is their first time seeing white-skinned people. To the Normans' eyes, the old Berber seemed to be the governor-type. The Kanemites and Berbers accompanying the man were ready to unsheath their takouba swords just in case things go south. The Berber man locked his eyes to the priest for a moment, then shifting his attention to the Bedouins. He began to speak at them in Arabic, "Are these the heretics from the rumors that settled in the north?" The Berber awaits their response. The atmosphere was rather intense especially that they're very cautious to the people they haven't seen before. [SICILY RESPONSE]
      • County of Sicily: The Norman merchants would respond that they are Christians from the Libyan coast, and that they understood this city to be tolerant to all who wished to visit here regardless of their faith. They would answer that in their cities themselves Muslims and Christians are allowed to practice in peace, and that they hope the same will be offered to them.
        • Kanem Empire: The Berber governor nods. He said that they are only allowed in Zaouila and warned the Normans not to venture further south or else they'll face dire consequences. Nevertheless, the governor welcomes them...saying it in a dryly tone. The governor and his men went back inside the city to do their daily survey of Zaouila.

• Kanem Empire: After the deal was accepted by the Banu Khattab family, Zaouila was formally annexed to the Empire which skyrocketed the Empire’s economy. This is the first time in Kanemite history that their economy became greater than ever before and it’ll be greatest once Kanem gains control of the entire oasis-cities in the Trans-Saharan region or the entire Trans-Saharan trade as a whole although there are surely obstacles that the Mai will face in the future. The Mai made sure that Zaouila will be one of the important cities in the Empire, making it one of the priorities to improve the oasis city into a great city, along with the future imperial capital construction project. The road from Bilma to Zaouila became active and human activity in the Fezzan region increased which the Toubou clans [farming businesses] were benefited by the sudden increase of human activity. Caravans coming from Zaouila to the core territories drastically increased. Since Zaouila has its own sophisticated irrigation system that fits for a typical oasis city, the Banu Khattab dynasty were directly ordered by the Mai to send its workers to Bilma to build the irrigation system. On the other hand, the governor of Bilma, under the direct orders of the Mai as well, sent its people to teach the local Zaouilans on how to make salt & natron production through evaporation ponds and building date palms on the outskirts of the city. Since Zaouila is now part of the Empire, the map of West Africa was given to the Kanemite officials because Zaouila is particularly notable as a centre of the Black African slave trade, mainly West Africans. The Empire’s perception towards West African people became equated to slaves. Nevertheless, the Empire managed to chart out West Africa including the nation-states in the region thanks to Zaouila. Overall, this increased Kanem’s source of income as a whole; ranging from West African slaves, caravans from North Africa and Zaouila. Meanwhile, an emissary is sent to establish formal relations with the Sultanate of Tunisia and to establish trade relations as well in order for the Trans-Saharan trade prosper more (w/ Tunisia having an alternative trade route in North Africa) [TUNISIA RESPONSE]. This is to make Trans-Saharan trade finally connected to North Africa and make it an important trade route (especially with the Christian presence in Tripolitania). This was also to make the Empire elevate its status from a minor regional power into a major regional power in Africa, known for its rich resources, a medieval Islamic empire centered deep in Central Africa which isn’t charted by the known world map for Europeans and its grip control of the Trans-Saharan trade. The Empire has completely monopolized the economy of the northern Trans-Saharan region, specifically the Fezzan region. Lastly, while the region that separates Bilma and Zaouila are uncontrolled, they are inhabited by the Toubou people who are Sunni Muslims. According to the sources in Zaouila, the Toubou people are either as herders and nomads or as farmers near oasis. The Empire learned that their society is clan-based, with each clan having certain oasis, pastures and wells. The Empire also learned that the Toubou people have a Derde, a title held by the highest religious and political authority among the Toubou peoples. The Mai decides to peacefully assimilate them as they are fellow Muslims. Kanemite emissaries were sent to the Derde, the overall leader of the Toubou clans, to join the Empire in exchange of protection and making their farming business prosper. Since they’ll be considered minorities in the Empire, the Empire promised to let their culture intact, build a settlement between Bilma & Zaouila that will be predominantly ethnic Toubou and their children/future generation of the Toubou people will be given free education from kuttab (elementary) to ibn sina (high school) by sending them to the Madrasa in N’jimi to increase their overall literacy (NOTE: Although Ijazah/Higher Education doesn’t exist in Kanem Empire just yet, that’s why Kanem college students were sent to Egypt in the first place.) [MOD RESPONSE].
  • Tunisian response: Yahya received the emissaries he wishes to establish formal diplomatic and trade relations with Kanem. The Sultan warns the Mai that the Normans are abusive people who meddle in domestic affairs. He gives copies from the Gabes battle accounts that described how the Sicilians intruded in a Berber quarrel to avoid the Normans say: “that is false, the battle did not occur,” or something of the sort.
  • The Derde accepts the deal, which leads to several clans of Tobou to migrate south closer to the heartland of Kanem
• Kingdom of Jerusalem: News of the death of Pope Paschal II arrive on Jerusalem, leaving King Raynald and the court very saddened. A mass is celebrated for the pope's soul in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Patriarch Teobald. King Raynald and Queen Eva so far have a good marital relationship and soon the queen becomes pregnant. Late this year, Eva gave birth to a boy, who is named Robert in honor to his grandfather, King Robert Scalio. Queen Eva also become a patron of the Church in the Kingdom, funding the construction of a church in honor of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, patron saint of Armenia-CIlicia, in the city of Jerusalem. The Queen also orders that new olive trees be planted in the Garden of Gethsemane King Raynald and his court welcome Demyan of Edessa during his stay in the city of Jerusalem. Together with Patriarch Teobald, Demyan participates in the distribution of alms for the poor of the city. Demyan also participates in the celebrations of both the Holy Week and of the Day of the Cross. Fulfilling Demyan's request, Teobald arranges a meeting between him and his son, Leo, who is studying to be a deacon in the cathedral of Tyre. Leo seems to be a bit cold with Demyan, probably due to resentments regarding him never coming to visit Leo. The veteran sailor that arrived from Sicily are welcomed by the King. Soon they are sent to Jaffa and Acre, where they start to train sailors to be the crew of the ships of the Kingdom. Due to his work training the troops of Jerusalem, Girard I of Roussilion is appointed by King Raynald as the new Constable of Jerusalem. By suggestions of both Girard, Tancred of Galilee and Seneschal Baldric, King Raynald order the construction of walls and a fortress in the city of Tiberias. By orders of the King, the port of this city is also expanded and the fishing in the Sea of Galilee is encouraged. The King also orders the construction of fortifications and fortress near important springs of the Kingdom, such as Sepphoris and Tûr'ân. Roads are build to connect these fortress to near towns and the springs. There permanent garrisons will stay, with these garrisons having been trained in the Spanish military tactics. King Raynald gives part of the new farmland established near the Jordan River to the people that recently arrived in the Kingdom coming from the Italian Peninsula, this way establishing serfs. These people will have as their landlord the King of Jerusalem. By the King orders, farm lands are established in the coast of the Sea of Galilee and near the city of Tiberias, with some of the Italians receiving lands there. Even so, most of the Italians that arrived in Jerusalem settle in the cities, where they work as artisans and merchants. Due to the arid climate of the Kingdom, most of the meat consumed there comes from the caprines, which are more resistent.
• Duchy of Aquitaine:The duke begeins this year by going on a large tour around his tow realsm together with the Duchess.He visits cities from the capital of Bourdeux to the smallest of cities.In many of these smaller cities,the duke and duchess are well recived and talk to the locals about their worries and problems.This tour causes the dukes popularity to skyrocket and he is generally seen as a loving monarch of the duchies.Later this year,the queen is beset by a small sickness,for which she nonetheless recovers from.The duke visits the border with France where a series of forts are built in orer to prepare for any French invaasion of her lands,this is done even through the duke is a vassal of the French king.The duke travels to spain to meet with the emperor and discusses varius forms of treaties and such. However on his return home,the duke visis the Royal army and makes a rousing speech in their honour.In other news,the duke ends his affair with Dangereuse de l'Isle Bouchard and travels to officialy say that he is sorry to his wife.After an hour long scolding by Philippa and a specif promise to never again betray her trust,Philippa says that she has forgiven him,but will never forget the affair.

• Iceland: Hearing of England’s advances King Þórður raises the 500 men he has left, gets the crop surplus and prepares for a siege. With the sea freezing over during winter the King devises a plan to wait until winter and when the ship get stuck in the bay the archers will draw up flaming arrows and shoot to the Norse ship (algo needed). Bishop Ari sends a recommendation to to the College of Cardinals of Cardinal Mazara to become the next pope.
• Sultanate of Shewa: The war with Ethiopia continues Badit uses his Egyptian allies to train some more professional troops. They aren’t sent North to secure the supply line to Ziway. Another 5000 trooos aren’t sent to replenish the numbers at the siege. Badit sends spies into ziway to try to light fires to burn the enemy out. He also ask his former captors the Sana’ tribe if they would like to join the war for more bounty than they gained kidnapping him (mod responses) The Army in the afar continues to use hit an run tactics to draw the Ethiopians into the Danakils. As the cavalry army decides to regroup then hit the inner trade routes. Ziway is slowly becoming an island. Troops let Ethiopians know that their Emperor does nothing to help them while people in Shewa prosper hoping to get some turncoats. The Navy begins to blockage the Ethiopian coast strangling them even more. The Awash counties to see its banks become more and more green with the irrigation projects showing off. Northern Fortifications are improved and extended. Badit offers any Ethiopians willing to settle in Shewa good farm land and protection along with rights granted by the Gadii system. (Mod response)
  • Sana is not interested to fight Ethiopia
  • The Coptic citizens of Ethiopia fear the Shewa as a ruthless raiding people, and consequently retreat into the Ethiopian highlands instead of responding

• Papal States: Pope Paschal II receives the embassy of Edmund, who has now visited Rome a second time on behalf of the Kingdom of Angles. The Pope was sickly and in old age, so most of this visit was hosted by the Cardinals Lamberto Sannabecchi and Guy of Burgundy. Ordinarily, the policy of the Catholic Church has strived for maintaining peace between Christian nations, along the Pax Dei of Pope Urban. However, war is currently justified in struggle of God's authority over the envious princes He has placed over His vineyard. Norway is the last nation of Northern Europe still holding on to Princely investiture, and this should not remain much longer. Earl Edmund's expedition to Norway is approved by the Pope to bring papal investiture to the Norwegians. This is the last recorded action of Pope Paschal II before his death, which was certainly forthcoming after an impressively long papal reign. An early legend of Pope Paschal said that his final words said something to the effect of "My flesh must end up in the path of the Lord", although various different versions have wildly different wording. This is often associated with the legend of John Pascelian, the supposed bastard son of the Paschal by an Angel, and these words were a warning that the child should stay on the side of holiness, and not follow the path of his mother as a fallen Angel. However, this seems to be a mangled translation of the original Old Italian, and most likely referred to the Pope's final will to be carried through the Via Majestera, a major street in Rome. After Paschal died, a new conclave is organized for electing the new Pope, which is now hotly contended with such a plethora of different competent individuals in Rome. As the war against Bohemond continues, Cardinal John Conouli corresponds with Pietro Columna as he proceeds with the battle of Parma (more to come).

• Armenian Cilicia: Demyan now at the age of 58 ponders on his life up until that moment as he wonders the Bazaar of Jerusalem by one of his retainers by the name of Anton Fyodorovich, and by Patriarch Teobald who he has come to enjoy the company of greatly. Venturing through the various stalls he talks with Anton, and Teobald about the long road they have all followed t. Having spent the better part of the ill this point, lamenting the death of his beloved brother Pyotr. Having spent thelast 30 years going from one battlefield to the other in the pursuit of wealth and glory, starting all the way back when he and his brother first took up arms back in 1090 when Pyotr first awnsered the calls of thier former liege King Monomakh to take up the cross. Demyan for all of his wealth, and power and despite being blessed with many children, proclaims that he feels empty and unfulfilled having spent most of his life indulging his every whim and ruthlessly disposing of all those who got in his way, and now fears that the pearly gates might be closed to him. This feeling of despair is only intensified following the encounter with Leo who declares that the Great Prince Demyan is nothing more then a murderer and a adulterer who abandoned not one but 2 families, Leo takes his leave from the presence of his father after he says that he will never forgive Demyan for what he did to Leo, and his mother Raqel who rumor has it passed away not long ago in abject poverty. This leads to the warlord going into a melancholic state dedicating most of his time to prayer. It isn't until the birth of his grandson Prince Robert that a bit of his old spark returns. Demyan ultimately ends up remaining in Jerusalem for the rest of the year to spend time reconnecting with his daughter and grandson (Jerusalem Response). In Caesarea Aspa gives birth to a daughter who she names Eugenia Back in Tarsus the education of Ivan and Pyotr Demyanovich continue now together with Prince Constantin. As Eva and Demyan are not present tensions begin to arise between the half brothers as Pyotr influenced by his mother and cousin who detest him as a bastard. Following an altercation with Constantin that nearly ends in both boys dying Ivan is sent to Jerusalem by Thoros I to go stay with his father. Thoros continues his policies promoting trade with the Rus and Latins, appointing his men to administrative positions in Cappadocia, and Selucia, and commissioning new churches, and monasteries. Milakos and the Christian host begin carrying out raids against the Turks to force to weaken the fighting spirit of the remaining turks however He doesn't move from Ankara which he is fortifying. Milakos sends an offer to the Turks offering them the chance to submit (Mod Response).
  • The Turks refuse to submit to the infidel!
• Goryeo dynasty: War brings the spoils of war, with some of the Bong and his men capturing big ware houses of arms, food, and other items needed for local courts and officials. Included in this loot are many plants meant for the royal gardens of the Liao, Suck Bong ordering for the gardens to be kept and maintained. He also asks for some samples to be send to his own palace at Gungnae, so he can see if any can be of use for him or his forces and people. Suck Bong being very busy as alot of land is now occupied by his forces, this making place for a awkward and tense peace. As the Liao have fallen in the place the Jin and the Song have risen, Wonsu Bong thus sends out envoys to the Song to renew the alliance just made. The Wonsu desiring to not only make it an alliance of War but one which can make a lasting peace (mod response). While at the same time ordering troops to stay on the new border, to prevent rogue generals and armies from attacking Goryeo. Suck Bong does realise with the death of the Liao dynasty comes people, as the Liao are a semi-nomadic people. He thus allows them to continue living in the lands he occupies on the condition that they must disarm themself or join the army of Goryeo as her Cavalry (mod response?). The Wonsu allthough having had them as an enemy respecting them and beliving they could be good auxilary forces for Goryeo which lacks in cavalry tradition and nomadic culture. Suck Bong willing to assimilate and blend both culture in the name of the Goryeo dynasty and history, while not enforcing either culture on the other. Yejong allthough he is slightly angry at the breach of power of Suck Bong he does congratulate the General for his achievements and restoration of Goryeo to her true ancient borders.
  • The Huizong Emperor is willing to maintain their alliance after the war
  • Many hundreds of Khitan people migrate to Goryeo to join the military
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 7th full year of the reign of King Edwin of England and Denmark. He is the third member of House Godwin to hold England and the first to hold Denmark. He is wedded to Princess Margrethe Skjalmsdatter Hvide of Denmark and has sired two children through her: Cnut (1092) who is married to Anne, Princess of Sweden and Æthelstan (1099) who is unwed. He has two siblings: Wulfstan (1072), Earl of East Anglia, who is wed to Matilda of Scotland, securing an alliance with the Scots; and the late Eadgyth, Queen of Jerusalem. Edwin has a daughter with Margrethe Skjalmsdatter named Agnes. 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. Edwin is popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. In Denmark, he reigns with an iron fist, allied to the remaining Estridsens and the English lords introduced to replace rebellious nobles. The worst revolts have petered out, though they do still happen and likely will for some time. Though Edwin 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. Right now, the sons of Morcar squabble over their father's realm. The region was split among three heirs and their hatred for each other seems to keep an otherwise powerful block of vassals fighting among each other. The delivery of the Papal banner to London rallies an otherwise annoyed fighting population. The Archbishop of Canterbury officially endorses the English campaign in Oslo and tries to rally local lords in England to go fight. Word of the arrival of the Papal banner quickly spreads around the two kingdoms. However, the actions of Gwynedd have caused many in central England, especially the Marklords of Wales, to side-eye what is happening in the region. The independent Welsh states not annexed by Gwynedd are officially given protection and an alliance is extended to the fearful populace. Gwynedd is given exactly one chance to stand down. (Mod response) Edmund falls ill this year and indeed passes away sometime in November from a combination of old age and illness. However, the Papal banner is taken to Denmark, where again the English try to recruit more people. Calls to arms are sent to mercenaries in Germany, Sweden, the Obotrites, and more. About 5,000 from within English and Danish borders arrive, not including the mercenaries. England is prepared to draft and pay for another 5k mercenaries and will probably not hire more than that this turn. Mod response needed for how many mercenaries I end up drafting. Once again, the forces led by Edwin Godwinson attack. They attempt to draw what Norwegian forces they can out of Oslo by way of feigned retreat, where the English would attempt to crush what army the Norwegians send. The English defenses are bolstered by more earthenworks and will cause great damage to the Norwegian armies. After weakening the defending army, the English will again attempt to take Oslo with 11k + whatever mercenaries they are able to hire. The Papal banner will fly proudly alongside the wyvern banner of England and the personal banners of the lords involved in this battle, providing +1 holy damage to all English attacks. (Algo needed, 11k + mercenaries, Huscarl|Western Knight|Early English Longbow led by Edwin Godwinson)

• House Barcelona: Ramon hosts his to be Brother-in-Law William IX, Duke of Aquitaine. The two spend several hours discussing their alliance, the upcoming marriage between their children, and the potential for future investments. Ramon advises William to keep Philippa, his wife close, and to return to the God-ordained way of the world. Upon hearing this, Pere confronts his father once more, asking him to return from his own hypocrisy. Acquiescing to his son’s demands, Ramon ends his affair with Belem. He begins looking for a new suitable wife from amongst the Catalan nobility. During the spring Ramon takes a tour of Valencia with his children. They tour several cities, castles, and farming districts. Along their travels, Ramon notes the improvements made to the transportation systems available across the country, the expansion of the existing Islamic irrigation networks, and the growth of flourishing Christian communities throughout the region. Catholics from Catalonia, Provence, France, and Aragon have all settled in the mountainous regions that were savaged by the fighting of the last crusade. Between these communities of Sagramentals, Christian Mozarab communities have emerged as a prominent part of the cultural fabric of society in the region. Ramon instructs local leaders to be accepting and supportive of the Mozarabs, seeking to keep them as valuable allies against Moorish invasion.
  • House Barcelona Addendum: The Almoravid plan collapses nearly as it has begun. A fleet of ships, many old row boats, small fishers vessels, and other assorted craft, numbering 280 attempts to pass by the stronghold-watch house at Penyal d’Ifac. Immediately watch fires are lit and the entire realm knows of renewed Moorish invasion. A fleet is assembled in Barcelona incorporating the Barcelona, and Provençal fleets, as well as any other local volunteers and those ships from Empuries the resultant force numbers 300 strong and sets forth under the overall command of Hugh II “the Great” of Empuries. All of the ships are armed with fire-arrows and armored with wetted leathers. It splits into two commands, with 60 ships dispatched under his son Ponç Hugh. A talented leader in his own right, Ponç Hugh takes command of his fleet and strikes South to defend the Balearic Islands. The fleet will attempt to encircle the Almoravid fleet while it camps ashore and use fire ships to attack their unmanned ships while at dawn. (Algo & Naval Rebalance Needed) Meanwhile, Hugh II sets forth to catch the enemy fleet unawares in the coastal water. Copying those tactics he witnessed while in service to the Normans, he attacks from the seaward side with his enemy towards the land, launching fireboats into the enemy fleet before rushing in to use his ship’s armored bows to catch and destroy the enemy’s oars. Though slower in the long run, the greater manpower of the Galeras Normandals allows them a greater sprint speed across short distances by which they can catch, grapple, and overwhelm their enemy. (Algo & Naval Rebalance Needed) The Sagramentals are called to arms with 30,000 assembling in Tarragona. Ramon meets his army there before calling together his allies the Aquitainians, the Provençals, and Normans. As word reaches him of attacks further west. The gravity of the situation becomes clear. A crusade is called forth to defend Christendom from its enemies. A messenger is sent to the Pope, requesting that he send aid, while others are sent to the courts of the Franks, English, and Germans requesting men or money to fight back the Moors. As more men flood in, the army swells to 45,000 strong and Ramon moves south to counter the attacks on the Valencian frontier which have been hampered by small units of Sagramentals placed just to slow, disrupt, and annoy any invading army. These men stick to the high ground, sending bolts, arrows, and rockslides down onto an unsuspecting and foreign enemy which struggles to keep pace with the nimble units in the high rocky terrain of interior Valencia. Arriving at Valencia proper, Ramon finds the city surrounded, but untaken. He quickly and quietly moves to encircle the entire Almoravid force attempting to gain entrance. He makes it clear to his commanders, none shall be spared, no quarter given, and no prisoners taken. His army spreads quickly across the Valencian coastal plain, with fast mounted-longbow units securing the high-ground above the invading army before General Sana can respond. From there the noose tightens as more Sagrementals come to bear and a rain of death falls from the sky, blanketing the Almoravid army in dread as bolts and arrows begin to pelt them from beyond their own ability to respond. While Ramon places 12,000 men to the west to defend his rear, the remaining 33,000 close in, slowly drawing nearer, continually repelling charges with concentrated arrow fire and counter-charges by heavy knights. When the Almoravid host is exhausted by the continual barrage, a series of well-placed cavalry charges by heavy western knights shatter sections of the Almoravid lines, reaching to the city gates where the garrison is hard pressed to hold back the naval attack and defend the walls. The battle is to be fierce, but upon its completion, the Almoravid assault should be firmly defeated. Those who attempt to flee will need to break the Catalan lines and then escape the 12,000 force defending to the west which will be on the lookout for fleeing Almoravid warbands. Few survivors are expected. (Algorithm Please) With a crusade called, Ramon assumes overall command of the Iberian forces. He sends letters to Alfonso the Battler of Aragon, promising more men for the following year, but asking him to delay the Almoravid advance for as long as possible. Other letters are sent to Queen Uracca of Castile, with a promise of money to aid in the campaign. Meanwhile, a letter is sent to Xabier of Galicia, asking him to take command of the Iberian Atlantic fleets, as well as those of Aquitaine, if William IX will allow it, and sail south to attack Almoravid ports on the Atlantic. (Aquitaine Response) Further north, an army of peasants and other slower volunteers is assembled, trained, and prepared for the coming year where they will join the fray and throw back the invaders. Cries resound of "Deus Vult!" as Christendom marches to the defense of Iberia from the Moroccan Hordes and their Ghanese slave-soldiers.

• Obotrite Confederacy: The news of Pomerania's break away from Poland leads to Henry withdrawing his forces from Poland. He justifies this by saying that Skarbimir can no longer uphold his end of the deal struck for his assistance and promptly sends orders to Woldemar to move north to Pomerania. Woldemar's forces move to lay siege to the city of Szczecin which neighbors Obotrite borders (Algo Needed/ Army: 600 Jomsviking, 1000 Rough Riders, 6400 Wendish Spearmen). An envoy is dispatched to Boleslaw of Wrymouth informing him of the decision of Prince Henry and urging him to accept the Obotrites withdrawal and not pursue further conflict (Mod Response).
• Almoravid Empire: The Sana' Forces continue to show progress as some of the most disciplined young men of the times. General Sana had left his wife a note that he would be taking his men to East Toledo for "better training". He promised to see her again the next Spring. Meanwhile Sultana Ruza and her husband Ali talk about the state of their family. Kifin ibn Ali and Al-Iskander ibn Ali were both young and expected of them to help lead and carry the dynasty forward. What was most important to them more than all else was ensuring that at the time of the Sultan's death, their ancestors' homes may still be standing. Ali understood better than anyone else at this point what was on the mind of their people. The fear of obliteration by Los Reyes Católicos was high. Regardless of the bliss of profit and stability, and prosperity, that thought remained consistent. They all saw it as a matter of time; that they may end up just like the Valencians. An occupied people under a foreign regime that wished to eliminate their existence until all that's left is their stolen accomplishments, their women, and their children. Their only purpose of existence would then come down to being trophies of a bygone era. That's why Ali had made it his initiative to defend his father's empire. He had to live up to the man he was. He could not allow another inch to be lost and that is why at the end of winter, at the hour of a new dawn, 175 ships including 65 fireships gather and move into Barcelona and like the grim reaper with his scythe, they begin cutting down and igniting the ships of their fleet with Syr ibn Bakr and his men swiftly pulling his fleet to shore to set ablaze the port in its entirety. Syr ibn Bakr intended on taking the city all by surprise with the chaotic situation of a barrage of tar flaming arrows slamming into the ships by the pier left and right. In addition to this, the fireships filled with tar and oils alike are ignited and left drifting towards the enemy. He combines this with the swift movements of the vessels, being able to quickly slam into them destroying the flagships of the Catalan fleet. They consist of 60 Sadies, 50 Arabhiya Safinas and 65 Maghrebi Alsufuns. With the gravity and risks of the situation higher than ever, a rear-guard is used to flank any reinforcements pushing them into a bubble surrounding and encircling the enemy. Their own vessels intended to burn and destroy the Almoravid Fleet would instead burn their own. The swift and nimble nature of the Al-Murabitun Fleet makes it clear to the Christians their strategies of ramming and breaking the oars of the fleet would not work as effectively as they had in years past. The flame arrows sent back at the ships would fail to do much as the decks had been made wet prior to their assaults. The quick movements of the ships would make it also difficult for the arrows to strike. This strategy of encirclement is even more guaranteed with speed. The combined fleets of the Barcelona Realm would then begin to be slaughtered by fire, and arrow before any Moorish Vessels can be tied down and battles can begin on deck. As a result of this, the numerical advantage withers. Syr's lifelong experience in combat would not go to vain and he will overcome his enemies in this decisive battle of the sea.Following a success, the heart of the sworn enemy of the Almoravids is given the issue to be burned, a fire that will ignite the heart of Al-Andalus to live forever more. This would be achieved by burning the port area igniting the varying wooded dockyards following the surprise attack.Enemy ships not destroyed but with a devastated crew, would be taken. The embers of the fires ignited would hopefully spread to engulf varying parts of the city provided there is no existing means to put out the flames (RNG/ Algo Needed). At the same time to the south, the Andalusi Murcian Fleet strikes the Christian ships at Valencia numbering 90 captained by Lord Said Al-Can. The main fleet consists of 35 Sadies and 15 Maghrebi Alsufuns. The remainder are fireships, old vessels or fishermen ships which would be used when needed understanding the enemies tactics of war after years of service and combat. They would face a massive amount of small vessels passing north towards Valencia. There they would release their fire ships and send them raining arrows ignited with tar that would stick to the vessels they land on and combust them (Algo Needed). Following this assault on obliterating their target practice at Calp, they surrounded Valencia's shoreline assaulting the port as well as the vessels there locking the city from much needed supplies for enemy combatants. This is specifically directed at Christian dockyards. Lord Said al-Can being the former ruler of the region would be able to recognize "the new additions' ' (Algo Needed). As the surprise campaign escalates, only less than a day after, under the guise of 45,000 men, General Sana's forces are ordered to march on Valencia. They are composed of 18,000 Sana Forces, 8,000 Al-Murabitun Light Cavalry, and 7,000 Al-Murabitun Heavy Cavalry, 6,000 Al-Murabitun Bowmen, and 6,000 Heavy Infantry. The goal would be for his professional soldiers to be able to retake the region after what had been viewed as years of oppression and occupation. Many of the people would likely be disgruntled by their overlords who had stained their lands with pastures to produce pork and introduce a faith against what even the Arians and Mozarab Rite of the land believed. After receiving previous reports from the expeditionary Light Infantry of saboteurs as well as a massive army moving south, they understood that if they were to win the battle, they had to plan smartly. The city, by a minor force, would be cut off from any supplies and any exit points trapping the forces and caging the enemy within. Fires would be ignited around the city defenses as well as fires being propelled into it to give the impression of a large assaulting force from a distance. The light infantry, experts in quick movements would be able to report saboteurs and engage combat with them, cutting them off, slaughtering, and capturing none. Being native to the region, Sana and his men would walk a path that avoided debris and stood in ranges that were secure from upsets of mud or rocks. This would eventually climax in a highly stealthy plan to surprise attack the incoming army. After luring them, they would begin by taking the high ground by surprise from the enemy's bowmen only leaving them left for dead and to be crushed as they struck them from behind in an overwhelming flanking maneuver. The Heavy Cavalry would charge them down the foothills crushing and killing members of the Sagramentals and Bowmen ranks in-mass. As this continues onward, they would move onto then strike the rear forces protecting Ramon's army slicing through like butter and moving into the core where they would rendezvous with Sana's men. The Bowmen would then follow up by positioning themselves in the blood-stained high-ground raining hellfire just like they planned on them. The end result would be blood and burns raining across the battlefield. In the meantime, the remaining men would be encircled at this point with the light infantry setting fires around the only exit points of the battlefield. The only way out is being baptized by the flames. As the encircled men and Ramon's forces are trapped, they would make an attempt on his life intending to leave as little men standing just as they would do the same. The knights and enemy cavalry left vulnerable would then proceed to be further slaughtered by the Hasinas Cavalry. The fighting is believed to be absolutely a massacre and bloody but who will be left standing is left to be known. During the battle, Sana gives the order to kill the commander. Capturing them at the least is a necessity during the engagement. (Algo and RNG Needed). In the meantime, Sultan Ali would order Omar al-Rasheed to invade the "unholy" union, Leon-Castile. From the city of Zamora, 18,500 men of the Andalusi Army gather in the city. They consist of 5,000 Al-Murabitun Heavy Infantry, 3,500 Andalusi Riahs, 4,000 Al-Murabitun Light Infantry, 3,000 Arabhiya Hisanas, and 3,000 Al-Murabitun Light Cavalry. Before departure, they hold a massive prayer within the city and before long, they proceed to march on the city of Leon. The relatively flat terrain of the region makes it perfect for swift movement of the Andalusi Riahs and Arabhiya Hisanas leading up to the city. This aids them in immediately surrounding it, cutting it off from supplies on all sides. The Riverways leading up to the city are flooded with waste leading down the Bernesga River. Omar offers any surrendering garrison members as well as civilians much hospitality if they surrender knowing the city will soon turn into a hell on earth if they choose to remain. After all, infidels are those that wandered away from the one true faith, it is not their fault that they are indoctrinated by corrupted greater powers. Not before long, trebuchets and catapults begin firing at the defenses drenched in flammable material and are laid to waste at the walls as well as any towers within the city. This is accompanied by the Light Infantry Bowmen striking men standing by defenses as well to further cut away at the garrison. The remaining bulk of the army in the meantime would use the city bridges to rendezvous with the Riahs and meet at the Castelo de Leon. With their forces, they would then storm through the castle gates after isolating the royal army and garrison of the city which they have faith they'll retake (Algo Needed). Understanding the state of the situation, 15,000 men would be stationed in the Badajoz region while the Moorish Atlantic Fleet would protect the region around the strait of Gibraltar including the shores of Iberia and Morocco. The lords meet once again to discuss the situation concluding this war was well in reason and put their faith as always in their ruler and Allah the almighty. More reinforcements ready as the war rages. For once the surplus of the treasury begins to be used up for the good of its people. War will determine their fate. Sultan Ali as he awaits news from the campaigns orders the Privateering Order to take Palma knowing very well of the lackluster situation the Catalan Navy would be facing in a matter like this. The numbers total 65 ships of the Privateering Fleet led by Talaal ibn Raaji, the most famous Berber Pirate of the Barbary loyal to the Almoravids. He and his men, if they succeed in their operations, are promised the Balearic Islands to be their domain. Talaal puts his faith in his lord as they had fought side by side in the Atlantic and now he serves his liege in retaking what is rightfully theirs from the Christians. With the arrival of the enemy fleet, they would surprise the commander by isolating the Bay of Palma as the ships would engage with those positioned there. The surprise comes as they distance themselves leaving decoys in the harbor to catch them off-guard. Talaal orders his men to set fire to the decoys, pinning the enemy even more in the harbor. They would use pack formations numbering from 2-4 to isolate vessels and bombard them with tar arrows and storm the ships sword and blade to take them over. The more nimble vessels would then prioritize flame bows and projectiles to ignite the other enemy vessels as the assault would rage. They hope to capture the commander Hugh and take them with them on their "expedition" as they would proceed to shore. This would conclude with Captain Talaal leading his men ashore to Gentilicio. There, they would use the flat side of the city to circle around to La Almudaina, assaulting and overwhelming the city garrison after cutting it off from resources. The fort of the Muslims and the city of the Muslims would be retaken (Algo Needed). Later, Imams of Zaragoza secretly receive an envoy to host a rebellion seeing that they had suffered being occupied for many years now knowing very well the tolerance of their overlords is a downward ticking clock. They are promised aid in the form of military relief as well as supplies (Mod Response Needed). Meanwhile Ali calls upon the Tuareg and Ghana Lords requesting them for not much military aid for the time being as they have committed enough and their men should be awarded for their services in the past. They are truly honorable people in the eyes of Ali just like all the rest of his subjects of the one true faith. The Sultan simply requests for the General and Volunteers of the veterans to be on standby. Being the most experienced on-land from the region, their might and prowess would prove them worthy of greater glory if they are needed. In the meantime, trade from the region continues to move swiftly throughout the empire ensuring that there will be a sustainable amount of revenue pulling in as the war rages. The Rock of Gibraltar now home to a fortress, is now seated by Ibn Tumart and Ali while the Sultana is kept in Marrakech with her sons and family. They cannot afford them to be locked into the conflict. He leaves the management of Morocco to his trusted uncle asking them to keep his family safe. Being loyal to the dynasty as well as very liked amongst the other lords, he takes his time to create distractions from the conflict such as commissioning new art projects in Marrakech, the blossoming cultural capital of the Berbers.

1119

Habemus Papum! Abbot Enrico di Mazora Vella from Sicily is elected the new Pope, who takes the papal name of Benedict X. Benedict rises to power amidst the escalating conflict between the German forces under Bohemond and the Italian forces under Peter Columna.

Bohemond has taken Milan. Pavia, which traditionally has a feud with Milan, offers Bohemond aid.

The Christian world is taken off guard by the sudden coordinated attack by the Muslims of Spain in a campaign that can only be interpreted as an attempt to re-subjugate the Iberian peninsula under Islam. All the Stem Kingdoms of the Iberian Empire join in the conflict that renews the ongoing Reconquista.

King Boleslaw III of Poland and Skarbir reach an accord, where the King relents to allow the monarchal title of Poland to be elected among the nobles, while he retains the title of High Duke as hereditery. As Pomerania has become independent, their tributary status is relaxed to that of mutual protection, in exchange that Pomerania allows unrestricted evangelization for the population.

As Eystein II of Norway has been held prisoner, the kingdom greatly destabilizes with the previous "Petty Kingdoms" in Norway push back against the capital for their own autonomy, especially in Finmark and Halogoland. The nobles convene in a council in Trondheim to decide on the matter, and collectively appoint Earl Sigard "the Crusader" as de-facto leader in Eystein's absence. The nobles petition the English forces in Oslo to release the King in exchange for capitulating any terms Edmund will impose.

In Tunisia, the itinerant Philosopher Ibn Tumart appears from his long pilgrimage across Mecca and Baghdad, having recieved a new religious mandate to purify the nations from corruption. He travels across the cities of Mahdia and Tunis, drawing large crowds of influence from his firey speaches. He denounces mixing of genders in public, which leads to sexual temptation, as well as public drunkedness and other acts of corruption and hedonism. After gathering a crowd of disciples at the city of Mellala, he begins organizing his followers for putting his beliefs into political action.

Unorthodox religious movements appear in Europe as well. In Tolouse, French theologian Peter de Bruys publishes an essay claiming that infant baptism is invalid for salvation, and that baptism must be accompanied by genuine individual faith.

Hugues de Paynes, a French knight from Champagne, makes pilgrimage to Jerusalem this year along wtih eight other knights, sharing a common bond for their piety and love of the Church in Jerusalem. After making considerable donation to the Latin Patriarch Teobold, these knights consider they should remain connected by some sort of fraternal society.

A severe earthquake hits Gloucestershire and Warwickshire.

Fortifying their position at Shenzhou, the Jin Dynasty continues to press their invasion of the Liao up to the Nashui River. The Song Dynasty mounts an attack against the cities of Nanjing and Xijing.

Zhu Yu, a Chinese historian, writes his book Pingzhou Table Talks (published this year), the earliest known use of separate hull compartments in ships. Zhu Yu's book is the first to report the use of a magnetic compass for navigation at sea. Although the first actual description of the magnetic compass is by another Chinese writer Shen Kuo in his Dream Pool Essays (published in 1088).

• Pomesania Prussian Clan: After his father had died due to an unknown disease, Posmeso had ascended and became leader of the Pomesania Clan, Posmeso had made plans to unite the fractured clans of Prussia under his control, He begins to strategize a plan on how he shall invade the Prussian Clans. He claimed the title King of Prussia and begins to assemble an army to march to the city of Elbing in Pogesania, they begin their march and lay siege to the city of Elbing the only city located in Pogesania(Algo Needed/ Army 2500 Prussian Infantry, 1900 Prussian Archers, 1700 Prussian Cavalry). A second army led by his trusted commander Viesturs had led an assault on the city of Lobau in Lubavia (Algo Needed/ Army 2000 Prussian Infantry, 1600 Prussian Archers, 1500 Prussian Cavalry). After Posmeso's victory over the Pogesanians in the Battle of Elbing the Pogesanians surrendered and was conqured by Pogesania. Posmeso's victoriuous army began to march north towards the Vistula Lagoon into Warmia clan territory, as Posmeso began to march to Braunsberg with his victorious army, they were met by an army of Warmia, led by their elderly king Auseklis. Auseklis was an old man who had led his forces during their war with Natangia but due to his lack of knowledge in tactics he was pushed back and had been forced to make peace. Warmia had heard about the defeat by Pogesania in Elbing and had decided to meet the forces of Posmeso as they marched to Braunsberg. They met near the Vistula Lagoon, the two armies with near equal size. (Algo Needed/ Army: 2292 Prussian Infantry, 1870 Prussian Bowmen, 1610 Prussian Cavalry led by Posmeso II). The second army led by Viesturs had won a tactical victory over the Lubavians during the Battle of Lobau and the Lubavians had surrendered and was also conqured by Pogesania. Now Viesturs begins to march into Sasna Clan territory to meet their army and force a quick surrender. Viesturs army was surprised by an attack by the Army of Sasna during their crossing of the Alle River, half of Viesturs army had already crossed the Alle River, when the Army of Sasna attacked Viesturs army. (Algo Needed/ Army:1932 Prussian Infantry, 1540 Prussian Bowmen, 1440 Prussian Cavalry led by Viesturs). After the loss of Viesturs, Pomeso had sent two more commanders Irbe and Banis to lead each army and reinforcements of 500 Prussian Infantry 200 Prussian Cavalry to each army. Irbe was sent to the army near the Vistula Lagoon waiting for the arrival of their commander and reinforcements, and Banis was sent to the army in the south near the border of Sasna waiting for their new commander and reinforcements. Irbe was ordered to march the northern army to the city of Brandenburg and had laid siege to Brandenburg to defeat the Natangia Clan (Algo Needed/ 2030 Prussian Infantry, 1323 Prussian Bowmen, 1520 Prussian Cavalry led by Irbe).After the defeat of Sasna forces during the Battle of Alle River they were forced to surrender. The southern army led by Banis was ordered to cross the Bartia Clan border and follow the Alle River to the city of Heilsberg as they followed the Alle River they were met by the forces of Bartia led by their king Bartion. (Algo Needed/2320 Prussian Infantry, 1380 Prussian Bowmen, 1480 Prussian Cavalry led by Banis). After the defeat at Brandenburg and Heilsberg. Posmeso had gathered the remaining forces and prepared the tribe for a defensive war. Gathering manpower in Pogesania and was able to gather support in Pomesania to hold against the other tribes. The remaining forces had gathered in Elbing to hold against the forces of Aurkelis and Bartion and the rest of the Prussian tribes. The army of Aurkelis and Bartion were larger than the Pomesania army but Pomesania was led by their leader Posmeso, Posmeso had made a speech telling the men what may happen if they lose this battle and the men swore that they would fight to the bitter end. The 2nd Battle of Elbing began during the afternoon, Posmeso had ordered his Prussian Infantry to form an spear position, the rest of his Prussian Infantry were positioned on the left and right inside the spear position.The infantry of Aurkelis and Bartion had began to move forward towards the Prussian Infantry and clashed, due defeat of Pogesania at Brandenburg and Heilsburg made Aurkelis and Bartion underestimate his enemy. Posmeso had noticed that his enemies weak flank was one the left he sent half of his cavalry led by Banis to attack the enemy weak flank on the left and had the other half of his cavalry stop any attempt by the enemy to outflank him on the right. Posmeso had positioned his Prussian Bowmen in the back of the spear . The tip of the spear had began to be pushed back while the other sides of the spear tip had held on to their formation. The Prussian Cavalry had successfully pushed the enemy cavalry back. The tip of the spear had been pushed back far enough for the left and right Prussian Infantry to attack it's exposed left and right sides while the Prussian Cavalry enclosed the trap by attacking the north. Most of the enemy infantry had been encircled while the enemy cavalry tried to free the encircled forces they were stopped by the other half of the Prussian Cavalry while some of them attacked the enemy archers. All the enemy infantry that was encircled was slaughtered by the Prussian Infantry and Cavalry. The Prussian Bowmen had been shooting at the remaining enemy forces.( Algo Needed 4400 Prussian Infantry, 3100 Prussian Bowmen, 4000 Prussian Calvary). After the decisive victory during the 2nd Battle of Esling, the advisors of Posmeso had persuaded Posmeso to sue for peace. Diplomats were sent to all the tribes of Prussia to ask for their acceptance of Posmeso as King of Prussia, Ruler of the Prussians and the establishment of the Kingdom of Prussia to stop the unpopular war, Pomesania had defeated Pogesania, Lubavia, Sasna, Bartia, Galandia, Natangia at Elbing and Warmia at Braunsburg. It will be in your best interest of Sambia and Nadruvia to accept the terms of the peace to protect their people from possible outside invaders (Mod Response). To alleviate worries of the elders about the intentions of Posmeso as King of Prussia. Diplomats were sent again to Sambia and Nadruvia and the other Prussian clans to ask for their allegiance to the King of Prussia and acceptance Posmeso as Ruler of the Prussians. He explains his reasons for starting a reckless expansion, Posmeso wanted to unite Prussia militarily if diplomacy didn't work and also explains how the clans leaders were going to be the nobility of the Kingdom of Prussia. If we aren't united as one we would fall one by one from other outside invaders. Posmeso made an persuasive and inspiring letter to all the Prussian Clans about accepting Posmeso as King of Prussia. (Mod Response). After diplomatic talks have broken down, Posmeso rallied his men for one last campaign to Braunsburg. Posmeso's scouts had heard that Natangia, Bartia, and Warmia had gathered their troops in Braunsburg and was preparing to attack Pomesania. Posmeso led his men and marched to Braunsburg, to meet the forces of Natangia, Bartia, Warmia for one final decisive battle, if Posmeso defeats the army at Braunsburg he would have defeated the armies of Natangia, Bartia, and Warmia and it would leave Warmia, Natangia, and Bartia open for invasion and forcing the surrender of the Prussian Clans . Posmeso's army had reached Braunsburg and prepared to attack the forces outside Braunsberg. The 2nd Battle of Braunsberg began in the morning, Posmeso had concentrated his most of his forces on the left flank, the Coalition army marched foward to meet them, his center and right were deliberatly weakened and while his left engage the right flank of the enemy, his center and right slowly retreated, after the right flank of enemy had been defeated the left flank attacked the centre of the enemy forces and the left flank of the enemy forces, had sent forces to try to attempt to realive the center forces, the center and right flank of Posmeso's forces had attack the enemies left flank and had encirled the enemy forces and had slaughtered the enemy. (Algo Needed/ 4330 Prussian Infantry, 3100 Prussian Bowmen, 4000 Prussian Cavalry). After the 2nd Battle of Braunsberg ended with a victory for the Pomesania, the defeat of the coalition army at Braunsberg had led to a stalemate of the remaining Prussian Clans and Pomesania and peace was made that Pomesania would keep the lands they conqured (Mod Response). The Prussian War of Unification had ended with no clear victor. After the war Posmeso had to rebuilt his newly conqured lands and had made several decress. The first decree was the Catholic Decree signed by Posmes allowed Catholics into Prussia and the pagans to become less hostile to the Catholics. Posmeso proclaimed a new dynasty of the House of Bernius. Posmeso had sent letters to Lithuania , Estonia, Latvia, Obotrite Confederacy, Denmark, Kievan Rus, and Sweden asking to establish trade routes and good trade relations (Obotrite, Sweden, Denmark,and Mod Response). Posmeso had begun to establish new military reforms which would benefit the Prussian Army and make his soldiers professional soldiers . Commanders would be taught military strategies and tactics by their superiors,and the soldiers of the Prussian army would be taught to be disciplined during battle, and would be trained to become more efficient and become professional soldiers. Posmeso had also established a new elite class of troops. With the following reforms to the military economic reforms were also established; he required taxes to be paid in coin not with goods and perishable wheat, and Posmeso had also levied new taxes which demanded a fixed amount based on wealth asking the richest citizens to pay the most, and had also appointed the leaders of previous Prussian clans as noble families which he appointed as tax collectors who thy answered to the King of Prussia but the noble families weren't given enough power to oppose the King of Prussia. Posmeso was benevolent to his subjects, but he wouldn't allow his benevolence to be a sign of weakness, so executions began, not many were executed and none he believed to be unjust, he wanted the nobles and other Prussians to know that the Kingdom of Prussia was ruled by a tiger not a lamb. He would be benevolent to the loyal and merciless where disloyalty met him. The New reforms for the economy allowed Posmeso to stockpile money incase of any attempted surprise invasion and also allowed Pomeso to afford a military overhaul. Posmeso had also ordered better road networks to be built across Pomesania, allowing his army to travel more quickly and to allow supplies to reach his armies faster. Posmeso had also ordered the construction of a fort in Elbing making it easier to defend against invaders. Some Prussians had resisted the new reforms but had little support in the court and some had tried to revolt but were defeated by Posmeso before they could attempt a revolt. Diplomats were sent to Lithuania asking for an alliance between the two nations (Mod Response). After learning about the deal with Natangia and Sweden, Posmeso had called his ally Lithuania to ask for assistance for incase the any invasion of Posmesania (Mod Response). Posmeso had made a speech to the army and the people to inspire them "What I'm about to say isn't meant to stop you from not joining the upcoming war, You may go where ever you wish, but I want you to know what may happen during this war and if we lose. I'll begin with my grandfather Posmeso I, when he found you you were mere peasents wearing hides and was tending to the sheeps, and you could barely defend yourself against your neighbors. Under him you began living in cities with good laws and customs, he had turned you from peasents and slaves to ruler over those very some barbarians that plundered your lands and that is what my grandfather Posmeso had done for you. Great enough on its own but small from what you will gained from me, We crossed the Elbing river and defeated the Pogesania in the Battle of Elbing, and had defeated Lubavia in Lobau, now you rule over the people you had conqured their riches become yours, now you are conquerors of the Prussians, and we defeated the Warmia, Sasna, Bartia, and Natangia armies but we could have conqured them, if the you hadn't retreated at Heilsberg and Braunsberg, and if the elders hadn't been critical of the war. Now as we see today the Natangians had made a deal with the Swedish in the North to began a staging ground for a invasion of our homeland the land that my Grandfather and worked hard to build and the land the I had conquered for all of you. I stand here asking your help, to defend and protect our homeland from the Nordic invaders from the North, and to conquer the traitorous Prussian clans that had sided with the Nordic invaders submitting to the will of the invaders and giving up without a fight. You may leave if you wish but remember you had went home and had left your homeland unprotected, leaving yourselves and your families under the protection of foreigners, that you could have defeated. (Mod Response)
  • Unfortunately, Posmeso has become unpopular from most of the Prussian clans by his reckless expansionism, but the Pomesanians and Pogesanians recognize him as King of Prussia, albeit some clan elders are still skeptical of his intentions
  • Response: We get that, but we don't really have threat of invaders as the Polish Christians are pretty easy to loot with raids, and the Lithuanians to the north are peaceful to us
  • Lithuania will make an alliance
  • Lithuania will help keep the Swedes at bay
  • The military shows great respect for King Pomeso's wisdom, but this does not significantly increase stabiliy
• County of Sicily: Habeus Papum! The news of the election of Enrico de Mazara as Pontifex Maximus causes widespread celebration throughout the island of Sicily. The Normans of Italy, having fought the Pope in open warfare upon their arrival in Italy, now have a Pope elected from their own ranks. Roger II sends Pope Benedict X an extensive and lengthy letter congratulating the new Pope and expressing his hopes for a new period of even closer relations and friendship between the Normans of southern Italy and the Papacy. Roger declares himself a friend of Benedict and pledges his economic, military and diplomatic support. Domestically the treasury slowly but steadily refills as trade profits from Sicily’s numerous port cities continue to accumulate. Fees on merchants using the ports, tariffs on imported goods and taxes on Sicily’s thriving merchant class all contribute to the royal treasury’s steady recovery. In addition, Sicily’s thriving agricultural base and income from consistent pirate raids against Muslim shipping add to Sicily’s revenue stream. With Roger II taking a break from expanding his holdings for now, he is free to focus on his academic pursuits, particularly his pet project the Cathedral of St. Michael. Now used mainly as a center of learning, the Cathedral sees vibrant debate between numerous philosophers, scholars and religious experts of all faiths and ethnicities. In addition, a small library grows as incoming scholars bring with them scrolls, books and other documents. The Cathedral also hosts classes and lectures for Palermo’s upper class, including Norman nobility along with wealthy merchants and landowners. Mosques and Churches across the island also offer classes, though these are mainly classes on religious studies and literacy. Roger’s eldest son Roger III, reaching the age of six, begins his martial training, learning the basics of horse-riding. Roger II also hires a number of tutors for the young Roger III, hoping to give him a brilliant education in Arabic, Greek, Latin, along with the various religions and philosophies of Sicily’s multicultural populace. Roger also wishes to have another child with Elisabet, but she remains utterly devoted to Adelaide, refusing to spend anytime away from her daughter, straining their relationship just as they began to warm up to each other. A report is received from the Lordship of Sirte stating that contact has been made with a mysterious inland African empire that exists beyond the deserts of Libya. The report contains descriptions by a team of Norman merchants, guards and a priest describing a thriving city guarded by obviously well organized and armed soldiers and governed by Muslims who barely tolerate the existence of Christians. Roger is quick to send back orders ordering the Normans of Sirte to avoid any further contact with this Empire and to be on the lookout for any hints of aggression from them.
  • Lordship of Sirte: The regent is quick to send his report on the city of Zawila to Roger II, concluding that the empire in Libya is powerful and distrustful of Christians, particularly the Normans. Ordered to avoid contact with them and keep an eye out for any signs of aggression, the regent focuses on maintaining a Norman presence on the coastline, finishing his project of fortifying many trade posts and building new ones in vital locations. Norman and Lombard settlers also aid the construction of these trade posts, which operate as centers of Norman power in the Lordship. Construction of the fortresses on the Lordship’s borders continues as well.
• Obotrite Confederacy: The news of Boleslaw's success in reunifying Poland under him makes its way to the court of Prince Henry. He views the arrangement with Pomerania as a major incovenience but sends a dispatch to Woldemar to continue with his assault on Pomerania while being wary of an extremely likely chance for Polish intervention in the conflict. Prince Henry also sends spies and scouts to give him an assessment on the Polish troops numbers and position(s) for the Polish military (Mod Response/RNG). Woldemar pursues the withdrawing Pomeranian forces using his light cavalry to harry them and drive them towards the town of Stargard where he hopes to engage them (Algo Needed/Note: 584 Jomsviking, 973 Rough Riders, 6229 Wendish Spearmen). More to be added later...

• Papal States: Benedict X had a relatively short papacy, but it was instrumental in the process of settling the ongoing struggle between the Pope and Emperor, as well as many other dynamic events happening in Europe at tha time. One of the first things he needed to address was appeasing the Frangipane family, who had grown considerable political influence with the death of Paschal. The Pope placed Cencio II in charge of some military assisting Pietro Columna for the invasion of Lombardy, with the promise of granting the Frangipanes a noble title after the war. To appease the Sicilian benefactors that helped him to his position, Benedict nominated the Bishop of Palermo as Cardinal to replace him. For the war against Bohemond, Benedict has a much less cautious approach than the previous Pope, and has ambition of punishing the Emperor for this treason against the church. Pope Benedict X issues an excommunication against Emperor Conrad III, and calls on the allied stem duchies of Saxony, Bohemia and Bavaria to rise up against the non-Christian sovereign (Saxony and Mod Response). Frederick Hohenstaufen, the Count Palatine of Swabia, is also asked to join the revolt (Mod Response, please). Cencio II and Pietro Columna divide their forces, with 1/3 of the army under Cencio will attack the city of Pavia first, drawing off the Bohemond's forces for Pietro to strike their exposed flank (Algo request). Benedict reaches out to his home country of Sicily for additional troops to replace those who have fallen in combat so far, at least 2-3,000 (Sicily Response). With the unprecedented attack on Spain by the Almoravid moors, the Pope immediately begins organizing the Catholic states of Europe in preparation for a Crusade in Spain as soon as possible. The war in Italy against the Emperor takes precedence, however, and for now Spain will have to rely on their own allies. Still, Benedict X writes to states across Occitanian France and Burgundy, as well as England, asking them to help Spanish brethren. At this time, many independent scholars from the Neoplatonic school of France and Italy have grown a certain appreciation for the Arabic texts that have preserved classical philosophy down the ages. Peter the Venerable, a monk of Cluny Abby, begins a Latin translation of Al-Kindi, the most famous Neoplatonic scholar of the Muslim Golden Age. Still, the Catholic Church will not let the grass grow under their feet when it comes to apparently heresies nearby. Peter the Venerable publishes an essay outlining five distinct logical errors by Peter de Bruys, and overall defends Infant Baptism as known to Catholic Dogma. Pope Benedict X holds a council of Bishops in Toulouse that officially denounces this "Petrobrusianism" as a heresy.
  • County of Sicily: Sicily sends 2,000 men to fulfill Roger's promise and aid the Pope.
  • Saxony: The Duke of Saxe-Anhalt denounces the Emperor and calls for a grand revival of the Alliance of 1484. The Duke of Saxe-Luneburg refuses to take up arms against the Emperor.
  • Bavaria denounces the Emperor and sends its full support to the Pope. Bohemia follows suit shortly after.
• Byzantine Empire: Developing the coast: The Emperor recently has set in motion new programs that develop the coastal regions of the Empire. This began with dredging projects around many coastal regions, allowing for burgeoning coastal regions to grow their ports in capacity, navigability, commercial value, defensibility, and overall size and allowing for completely new ports to be established or existing large ports to continue to grow at an exponential rate. This will include the construction of dams and dikes along coastal waterfronts and seabound rivers and streams. This both allows for greater coastal development and agricultural practices as well as recovering and exposing valuable mineral deposits or marine life having commercial value. New dockyards have been constructed, including sizable new military wharf's which can support heavy dromōn and Triple-bank trireme production and mooring. The Emperor has also established the "Αρχων για τα νερά" or "Archon of the waters", which is a magistracy responsible for the coastal waters and waterways of the empire. This office will be held by a naval official raised to tile of "Archon" of the waters, responsible for the staffing and inner workings of the office which shall manage all of the coastal waters and waterways of the Empire. To provide expert assistance, the Archon employs a number of professional personnel, including secretarial staff and hydraulic technicians. These are drawn from the burghers and hold their position for life. In addition, the Archon employs the advice of experienced fishermen nominated from the fishing guilds of the main settlements around the Empire. The duties of the Archon are many, main ones being to keep the many commercial waterways and wharfs/docks from silting up, maintain the entries to these waterways wharfs/docks open for navigation, maintain the appropriate sandbars intact, and regulate the rivers flowing into commercial ports and waterways. In addition, the Archon also has a fiscal aspect, as it is responsible for the collection of a five percent inheritance tax, through which it finances its work and balances the budgets along the many waterfronts and waterways of the Empire ensuring correct bookkeeping and taxation methods whilst maintaining tax and tariff efficiency. Reducing corruption and Nepotism: The Emperor has decreed corruption an epidemic, among the bureaucratic echelons of the Empire work is slowed and funds hemorrhaged as corrupt officials and institutions continue plaguing the Empire. To the end of ridding the Empire of this bloat the Emperor has made decrees for harsher sentences in regards to corruption and expands its meaning beyond the exchanging of money, but also services and benefits in the form of gifts or quid-pro-quo agreements. Certain agencies will be streamlined, with some offices and bureaucratic institutions being merged in an effort to trim the fat off these institutions. The functions of the quaesitor will be expanded to include the investigation of corruption on a civil level and as such a board will be established . This new board called "Ο Αρχωνός του Εσωτερικού" or "Archon of the Interior" which is an office that shall establish checks and balances on the many internal bureaucratic institutions of the Empire. Chief among these the complete phasing out of all positions passing on through a hereditary or bought status, only can any official bureaucratic position be earned through a merit based system, and of course, the investigation of corruption. The board will be headed by two men who will be titled "Archon"'s of the Interior. One shall be directly appointed by the Emperor whilst the other will be chosen by board members, board members will include provincial overseers of each Theme. Every Theme will provide one through their own board created on a local level in every Theme which is part of the full Imperial board. Each Archon will be rotated out for a new one every year, to keep with a policy of maintaining and reducing corruption, and to not allow any Archon to grow too used to his seat. Administrative staffers of the Archon of the Interior will also be rotated throughout different parts of the Empire and into different roles every few years for the same reasons. Each Theme board will manage the oversight of Theme quaesitors, with overall power and administration being that of th imperial board which will be located in Kōnstantinoupolis. Army reform and Centralization: These are new policies being undertaken by the Emperor as the nation recovers from old wounds and begins anew. Keeping in line with anti-corruption and nepotism efforts in the bureaucracy similar policies will be extended to the military. No position with the exception of the Dux, officer or otherwise, will be gained through birth nor purchase. Keeping with new standards of practicing and training, in-the-field wargames and oral boards conducted to examine the aptitude of soldiers and officers will be the new method for advancement and promotion (as well as prowess shown on the field in actual battle.) Furthermore, all official military positions within the Byzantine military will be (with the exception of the personal retainers of the Dux's) transferred to a direct military command established beneath the Emperor. A military council of Dux's, the Emperors royal family, and meritoriously advanced soldiery headed by the Emperor will select both from among their number (and from among candidates within the regular soldiery) positions as field commanders of forces within the Army. These field commanders will retain command of their respective force for one year only, until transference to another force or position. This will help with the delegation of military duties and the autonomous command of Byzantine armies whilst consolidating the forces beneath the direct control of the Emperor. All Thematic soldiers will be bound first and foremost to the Emperor and will only answer his call to arms taking oaths to this matter and becoming entirely shifted within the administrative oversight of the Emperor directly through Constantinople. Anatolian Crusade: The Empires raised troops totaling 36k will march to the combined force of Armenians, Rus, and Byzantine mercenaries to bolster their number in preparation for the complete eradication of the Turks from Anatolia. The soldiers will drill hard on their march, they will even conduct night training to better their prowess in the face of darkness, raising the standard of professionalism and utilizing this time to speak with the Dux's and focus on their concerns and grievances, a sort of "Field court" in which face to face encounters can allow for diplomatic ties between the emperor and his internal vassals to strengthen and possibly grow into friendship among some of them.
• Kanem Empire: The twenty-second (22nd) year of his reign, the Mai Dunama I, will be considered one of the greatest years of the Empire under Dunama I’s rule has ever faced as this was the start of a new era in Kanem… the golden era of infrastructure and economy. Culture and arts will have to wait. Basic road systems within the core territories that were built four years ago were completed, that includes southwest of the Empire’s territory that was conquered three years ago. The entire rural provinces/communities in the core territories are fully connected to the imperial capital of N’jimi, with rural businesses such as farming are thriving as merchants from the capital are buying fresh fruits such as mango, pineapple, orange, papaya and guava which is common in the Empire. Basic road system from Bilma to Zawila begins its construction which’ll take around four-to-five years due to how far Zawila really is. The distance between Bilma to Zawila takes around 861km. Meanwhile, news spread across the Empire that the first batch of Kanemite students in Cairo, Egypt have finally graduated. The first batch have finally arrived back at Kanem and were quickly put into pressure by the people and to the Mai himself due to the Mai’s envision to uplift the Empire into a first highly advanced civilization in Central Africa. The first batch of graduates vary their professional fields; ranging from engineers, architects, urban planners, agriculturalists, etc. Meanwhile, an underground aqueduct begins its construction from Lake Chad up to Bilma due to the fact that the northern territories of the Empire are nothing but endless deserts. The underground aqueduct is copied from Persia’s qanat which is a system for transporting water from an aquifer or water well to the surface. This type of aqueduct was introduced none other than the first batch of the students who graduated from Egypt. Meanwhile, the Mai received a message personally from the Sultan of Tunisia, stating that the Normans who appeared in Zawila last year are abusive people who meddle in domestic affairs. Although the so-called Normans don't have logistics and resources to go beyond the deserts of Libya or to the modern-day central region of Chad (which are the core territories of the Empire/heartland of Kanem), the Mai doesn’t underestimate anyone even if it’s a heathen uncivilized tribe. The Mai sends a personal message to the Banu Khattab family to increase its security specifically Zawila as Zawila is the only city that is considered a gateway to Kanem (even though it’ll take several months to get from Zawila to Kanem heartland due to how poor the road systems are in the newly-annexed northern territories of the Empire). Meanwhile, the Mai sends an emissary via Bilma to the Gao Empire in West Africa to establish formal & trade relations between two empires to strengthen the Trans-Saharan trade in West Africa (especially the slave trade). The Empire also wishes to purchase 5,000 West African slaves from their nation in exchange of riches and luxuries [MOD RESPONSE] as they will be used for constructing the future imperial capital. Kanemite agriculturalists, engineers, architects and urban planners fresh from Egypt were sent to the southeast region of the Empire inhabited by the Sao people who were left neglected from the Empire’s needs. Agriculturalists were helping the Sao farmers to enhance their farms and taught them new modern irrigation systems that are similar to the irrigation system in the Nile River, other agriculturalists began building their own farms near the Chari and Bahr Erguig rivers. Sao children are also given a chance to go to Madrasa in N’jimi to learn the ways of Kanem without forgetting their culture. In short, to make future Sao people literate and educated. Urban planners began their task of finding a suitable settlement to build in order for the Sao people to be connected to the imperial capital despite basic road systems already being built although Sao people aren’t that literate as Kanemite people. The urban planners manage to find a settlement to build near the confluence with the Logone River. Engineers and architects began to build a port settlement - calling it Injamina (OTL N'Djamena, Chad) which’ll take one or two years to be finished. Meanwhile on Lake Chad, the construction of a stone bridge that’ll connect to a nearby has begun by young Kanemite workers led by engineers and architects fresh from Egypt. The future imperial capital will be centered on the island, it’ll take four to five years (three to four years with slaves) for the stone bridge to be completed. This future capital will be called Sadayna (ATL city). Settlements near the construction site (stone bridge) are built mainly for construction workers and soon for slaves. Lastly, the Ijazah/Higher Education department began its construction in a madrasa at N’jimi so that students in the future will no longer go to Egypt although this’ll take several years to complete. Military academy that is styled from the Khalilid Egypt also began its construction in the capital. At the start of this new era, the Empire poured their resources mostly on infrastructure in the core territories, expanding the Empire’s territories will come later in the future unless it’s necessary.
  • Zawila Governorate: A report coming from the Mai has been received by the Banu Khattab family, who rules the newly-formed Zawila Governorate, the northernmost region of the Empire. The governorate began to increase its security of the oasis-city. A military camp has begun its construction in Zawila with the help of the local Zawilans for ‘security purposes’.
• Kingdom of Jerusalem: The construction of the new 2 ships in the shipyard of Acre is finished this year, now the fleet of the Kingdom of Jerusalem is formed by 25 ships. The Sicilian sailors that arrived in the Kingdom last year continue training more sailors to work in the fleet of Jerusalem. KIng Raynald approves the construction of fortress in the cities of Tyre, Jaffa, Nablus, Acre and Ascalon, where permanent garrisons will stay. These men are trained with the Spanish tactics. After meeting with Hugues de Payens, Patriarch Teobald suggest to him and his friends that they should create a military order. This way they could use their military knowledge to help the Christians of the Holy Land [MOD response needed, please]. Deciding to reunite the ecclesiastic and secular lords of the Kingdom to discuss religious and administrative matters, King Raynald calls for a Council that will happen next year in the city of Nablus. Demyan of Edessa continues as a guest of King Raynald. With the arrival of Demyan's son Ivan to the city of Jerusalem, tensions between Eva, Leo and Demyan increases. Due to having be an orphan and seeing that Demyan is really being sincere, King Raynald arranges a special dinner in Easter to try to help restore this family that he is now part. He invites Demyan, Leo and Ivan. Raynald's brother, Richard, and his future bride Adelaide of Saxe-Anhalt, who arrived in the Kingdom recently for their marriage next year, are also invited. The dinner started well, but soon things deteriorated and the dinner came to an abrupt end. Witnesses of the event say that plates and food were throw, while King Raynald watched frustrated and Adelaide became horrified. Meanwhile Richard, who witnesses say that was very drunk, laughed of the entire situation. After this fiasco, King Raynald talks with his wife Eva and is able to convince her to forgive her father. Having forgive him, Eva talks with her brother Leo and after some effort she is able to convince him to also forgive Demyan. This way the family is restored. In homage to this event, Queen Eva orders the construction of a Church near the Garden of Gethsemane.
  • They agree to form a military order
  • Papal dip: The Pope requests for Jerusalem to raise more Crusader forces to fight in Italy against Bohemond
    • Jerusalem diplomacy: King Raynald sends 800 men to help the pope.
• Goryeo dynasty:Allhough the war against the Liao is technically not over, Suck Bong has no active front with the enemy. Suck bong thus having to start and consilidate his power and establish a stable and welfaring economy. The first step of doing this all is the creation of a new city for his navy from San Shanpu , 6.000 of the Gungae soldiers being ordered to build up defences, make place for mansions and for a good habour. The naval ellements in Suck Bongs general staff knowing that this peninsula would be able to monitor the Liaodong bay and the Bohai straits. the Wonsu having grown more favourable of naval actions and naval forces then he ever was, Bong even thinking of making a kwangeo exam for naval units and bureaucrats. This to increase naval capabilities and economic benefits from less piracy against Traders from the Song, Wa and lands even beyond. Wonsu Suck introduces yellow troated martens to the small town as a measure against both dangerous wild life and rodents which may try to eat food stocks. A total of 200 Martens being introduced to the city, which his troops name the city after. The Martens being semi terratorial and defending and walking up to 50 Li a day (20km). The wonsu hoping he can eventualy train them for his general staff to be used as hunting animals, as they often prey on small deer and once in a while on panda or boar. The port now being named Cho-Hang (貂港) marten city by the Great Wonsu, Bong seeing the animal as the defender of the city and port. Even with the foundation of the new town, the Wonsu decides to keep his own headquarters at the city of Gungnae, which he invites alot of botanists, labourers and architects. This all to revive the ancient goguryeo capital, and continue the botanists whom is named Namja, he is able to use his knowledge on birds and insects to help the Wonsunate gardens of Gungae. The Wonsu as a devout Taoist, wanting new gardens and temples so he can practice his faith. Possible even invite taoist scolars and botanists to harmonise the relation between heavens, nature and the people. While having this all done the Wonsu sends envoys both to the Song Dynasty and the new Jin emperor Taizu, asking for a formal agreement on borders of the 3 kingdoms (mod response). Suck Bong Hoping to establish borders at the current lines of occupation, thus giving the Jin and the Song most of the land. Suck Bong belive that the lands taken would be fair to everyone, the Goryean occupation alltough big, not being of to much vallue compared to the cities captured by the Song and Jin. The Jin being able to capture most of the Liao, and even their capital and the main river. With the end of war the seas get safer not having to worry about Liao or Jin Piracy. Thus a Rich merchant offers the Great Wonsu 3 small junks in return for some experienced sailors and fighters. General 石峯 (Suck Bong) accepting as he does need the ships for his small but growing navy. Thus the merchant after paying workers, architecs and many more people is getting his 3 small junks made for himself. It being expected to take about a year or two to complete the ships.
  • The Jin respects the borders of Goryeo established in their treaty with Liao, but asks Goryeo to recognize tributary status to the Jin Emperor in the same relation they formally had to Liao
• Kingdom of England: Now is the 8th full year of the reign of King Edwin of England and Denmark. He is the third member of House Godwin to hold England and the first to hold Denmark. He is wedded to Princess Margrethe Skjalmsdatter Hvide of Denmark and has sired two children through her: Cnut (1092) who is married to Anne, Princess of Sweden and Æthelstan (1099) who is married to Maria Øysteinsdatter (1100). He has two siblings: Wulfstan (1072), Earl of East Anglia, who is wed to Matilda of Scotland, securing an alliance with the Scots; and the late Eadgyth, Queen of Jerusalem. Edwin has a daughter with Margrethe Skjalmsdatter named Agnes. 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. Edwin is popular throughout England, especially among the thanes. In Denmark, he reigns with an iron fist, allied to the remaining Estridsens and the English lords introduced to replace rebellious nobles. The worst revolts have petered out, though they do still happen and likely will for some time. Though Edwin 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. Right now, the sons of Morcar squabble over their father's realm. The region was split among three heirs and their hatred for each other seems to keep an otherwise powerful block of vassals fighting among each other. Hostilities die down once word that Øystein has been captured spreads across Scandinavia. Negotiations begin, but are hampered by distance and infighting within the English witan. By the time a set of terms is able to be delivered, it is already May. Seeing the impossibility of holding Norway in peace, Edwin decides it is best to allow Norway to retain its independence. Another set of terms is delivered in June. Norway is now effectively a tributary of the Kingdom of England. Iceland is given independence. The remaining North Sea Islands now fall under English jurisdiction, including but not limited to the Kingdom of the Isles, the Faroes, and the Hebrides. Many of these places are already occupied. For a full set of terms, see Folkmoot of Oslo. The Thanes occupying land in the regions began quickly divvying up land. In exchange for occupying land, the thanes and housecarls participating in the occupation are granted land in the region they hold. The Earldom of Sodor is created and granted to Leof Richard Saeward. He sees to the division of the land into hundreds, most of which are accepted by Edwin. The soldiers in Norway return home in time for harvest season. Many of them are returning home to a new call to arms: Crusade in Andalusia! Cnut Haroldson is to gather 4,000 English warriors and aid House Barcelona. Cnut has recently led troops on behalf of his father in Sodor and is now sailing north to link up with the forces of the Iberian Crusade. The establishment of English Merchant quarters throughout Scandinavia gives English guilds an edge throughout the North Sea and will for centuries. Guilds and merchants in England, which formed something of a proto-capitalist guild structure in OTL, begin acquiring land in these merchant quarters. England formed a breadbasket for Scandinavia already and is an integral part of the northern economy. It seeks to make the region virtually economically dependent on England. The earthquake striking England brings several building projects in the region to an unceremonious end. The affected cities instead must focus on the reconstruction of their broken streets.

• Sultanate of Tunisia: Yahya reject Ibn Tumart denounces; because the acts he described are extremely uncommon, and those are always punished, specially the mixing of genders in public. The corruption had not been a serious problem in the realm, but the Sultan orders to increase the punishments against these acts. Also, he sends 7,000 men (3,500 Sanhaja Infantry, 2,500 Bedouins and 1,000 Desert spearmen) to oversee the Tumart's movement. [Algo needed if there is an actual revolt].
• Sultanate of Shewa: The Sieging army of Ziway is reinforced again now that supply lines up to the castle have been secured a total of 43,000 (20k vet infantry 5,000 riders, 6k archers, 12k levies) men now surround the city and with it cut off from the outside for 2 years Badit offers one last chance to let them surrender and all will be spared. 24 hours is given, if not the hammer will fall. (mod repsonse, If declined Algo please) The Cavalry army and army in the Afar merge to take out the Ethiopians coastal army (4,000 riders, 5K vet infantry, 2k archers, 6k levies) (Algo needed) Once thst force is destroyed the will hold the army in Liebila in place. (Algo needed, will try to post more after) Badit not wanting to waste more lives offers the Ethiopia a Truce with lands gained (Mod response) The border is also reopened to allow trade to continue. Badit refocus inward continuing his irrigation projects and road building. He continues the construction of Dir. More time is spent getting to know each culture that is in and around the Sultanate.
• Khalilid Egypt: Now Ahmed is 15 years old. He has been taught greek and arab philosophy, and can recite the Quran. Egypt itself is prospering economically. The schools of Alexandria are finished, and teachers are arriving in the city, making it a minor hub for education. A request is sent to venice, to negotiate trade agreements with Egyptian ports. The only condition is that they are not allowed to support Norman Sicily. (Mod Response) Meanwhile, the Sulayhids are hunted down and killed. (Mod Response?) This is to decapitate the local dynasty to avoid any major revolts. The fleet is slowly expanding, and there are lots of trained sailors from the old Fatimid Caliphate. Egypt at this point uses local levys, as the Caucaus is cut off, and the mamluks in north africa are not high enough in numbers.
  • Many members of the dynasty are killed, but Queen Arwa herself escapes
• Cilician Armenia: Demyan following a long stay in Jerusalem during in which time much has happened reconciling him, come to the decision to join the great host forming in Ankara for one last push against the Turks. With a newed fatih in God and having finally made peace with his children Demyan says his goodbyes and heads out with Ivan to finish what he and his brother set out to accomplish all those years ago. Joining Up with Emperor's men at Ankara with his ever loyal Rus, and their Greek and Armenian Compatriots Before leaving for battle Demyan addresses his men " My brothers in arms for years we have waited for this day. The day that god should see fit to grant us the privileged of carrying out his holy work and he has granted us his grace. We will be remembered for all of history as the ones who turked back the tide and purged Anatolia of the Eastern Devils." Demyan taking command of the Eastern Christian Host splits the Army into two groups one led by himself and the other lead by the Greek Strategos Valentinos Milakos march out to meet the remnants of the Turkish Army catching them at Nicopolis (Afyon Central Anatolia). Demyan orders his Cumanian allies and light cavalry to act as screen force carrying otu hit and run raids against the enemy forces so that the great army can advnace upon their position in good order. Demyan's feared varangians are held in reserve moving agianst and ordered to run down the enemy lines once they have been worn down. Demyan orders that no prosiners are to be taken as they have refused to submit.The Cuman cavlary lead by the Chorni Klobuky will encircle the turks should an opportunity preent itself. The howls of Demyan's warhounds with some witness acounts fro mthe battle suggesting that they saw the Old RUs Warlord go in and outof wolve form as he and his valiant Rus went into battle (Algo Needed).
  • Jerusalem diplomacy: Impressed by Demyan's bravery, Tancred of Galilee reunite 500 men and follow him in the battle against the Turks.
• 'Kingdom of Sweden:'Following their victorius campaign in Norway,King Sigismund II returns hom to stockholm to be greeted with the news of a massive war happening in the Prussian region.The king,not wishing to see anyone dominate prussia offers the remianing tribes a deal,cede the port of Köningsberg and some adjectent houses and streets to sweden,and in exchange sweden will help them in any future war against the so called King of Prussians(MOD RESPONSE NEEDED)Following this most of the forces are sent to Sigismundia where they continue with the crusade in Sigismundia.Following the suces of the deal with the Natangians,the 500 strong garrison arrives in the twon and immidetly begins administrating it.They name it Fort Skandia and begin putting up defensive positiions all around the territory.King Sigismund II appoint famous naval officer Erik af Sparre as the frst governot of the port.
  • Bartion, king of Natangia will take the deal for a port at the river separating Sambia from Natangia
• House Barcelona: Following the battle of Valencia, Ramon’s injuries prove enough to force his withdrawal from the field. During the battle, an Almoravid mace had crushed his shoulder and afterward his right leg was shattered when his horse collapsed on top of him. He leaves his army under the command of his lieutenant Pere-Felip de Cardona. Pere-Felip is aided by his nephew, Felip de Cardona, adopted son of Ramon-Berenguer, and Ramon-Berenguer II’s son Pere-Ramon. Aside from the war, Ramon Berenguer II sends a letter to Ramon I de Baux, seeking to marry his sister, a long-time bachelorette to the count to secure his support in Provence (His OTL Wife does not exist but is best approximated by Elisabet as both were daughters of Gerberga of Provence) (Mod Response Please) Christian galley slaves, liberated from the Almoravid fleet are granted asylum. Many are asked to take up the banner of Barcelona and fight on as rowers for the fleet. These men are often willing to go to war to avenge their fellows, allowing several ships to be repaired and put to sea under the power of these experienced and now invigorated rowers. Seeing interest from Sweden, the injured Ramon permits Elena to be betrothed to the heir to Sweden. (Swedish Response)
  • Marriage accepted
  • Removing retconned algo results
• Abbasids: Al-Mustarshid declares the Caliphate must return to its formal glory, and retake Al-Iraq region, so he calls to rebellion against those barbarians who tried to downgrade the authority of the Caliph. It is organized an army of 10,000 men between 6,000 infantry and 4,000 cavalry for the uprising. [Algo needed].
• Saxony: The Duke of Saxony sends 13,000 troops to attack the Emperor's stronghold in Swabia, hoping to catch him unawares. (Algo needed). They hope to meet up with Bavarian or Bohemian troops on the way.

• Hakia: In the Realm of the Gods, Taa'ao'ou [Sun-God] gathered all gods and spirits to discuss matters relating to men. At this time, the People had fallen into complacency. The men beat their slaves as if they were dogs, and exercised no moderation in regards to alcohol. The women too, partook in such things. The spirits were displeased, and that year, they refused to water the people’s crops. As a result, half of the seeds sown either failed to geminate or withered before harvest. Taa’ao’ou spoke, “O, the sadness I get from seeing the state of men is immeasurable!” He contemplated creating the world anew - leaving the people of the Third World to rot. He put the proposition to a vote; but the gods and spirits were split. Then spoke Maala Yooriwa, “My Lord, let’s think not of those who are unjust, but those who are. The people of the past world had been condemned to rot, just as we are debating now. But in the end of the test, so many survived, they now populate the sky as stars.” Taa’ao’ou replied, “Your wisdom has not failed me before. What do you propose?” Maala Yooriwa then said, “We should give the people another chance. I shall descend to the mortal world to give them good news.” Now, let me tell you of a young boy. It was night, but it was far from dark - the light of the stars illuminated the nighttime sky. And in the middle of a field stood a youth, no more than fifteen years of age. He was mesmerized by the stars’ beauty. He wondered to himself, ‘where did the stars come from?’ Suddenly, there was a flash of light and the figure of a woman materialized from nothingness. “Greetings! I have come to tell you of good news!” said the woman. “Who are you?” The young boy asked. “I am Maala Yooriwa”. Maala Yooriwa then took on a more familiar form: the form of a spider. The young boy then bowed down in respect. “I had not recognized you! Forgive me for intruding on this space, for it must be sacred.” Maala Yooriwa then reassured him nothing was wrong, and said, “No. I have come here to tell you of your destiny.” And as Maala Yooriwa finishing telling the plan the gods intended for him, the boy stood there baffled. He thought to himself, ‘how could I, a mere boy, be given this destiny?’ Even before the boy could utter a single question, Maala Yooriwa then disappeared. Years pass, and the boy emerges a young man. He is expelled from his pueblo for his “heresy”, and together with a hundred followers, is exiled south. However, instead of succumbing to the desert, he and his followers brave the elements and found a new town. This young man is who we know as Makuakteekata, the Chief-Prophet. Makuakteekata founded a great pueblo: Hakia. And under his rule, the Hakians prospered and lived a life of virtue. The men and women alike toiled, but abundance was the fruit of their labor. Their fields were green; their granaries filled to the brim; and fat were their turkeys and rabbits. As the man chosen by the gods to deliver good news to the people, he liberated the people [of the Jornada province] from the curse of blindness. Justice returned to the land, and so did the rain. When Makuakteekata was on his deathbed, Maala Yooriwa decided to reveal herself to the world. Gone was the time of when the spirits would hide from mortals. Maala Yooriwa appeared with the light of a thousand suns, visible from all corners of the world. Makuakteekata left the world with two great lineages: that of his nephew, Kopalai, and that of his daughter, Uhyooli. And this is where we shall begin the story. The seeds Makuakteekata have sown have sprouted into a sea of maize, which extends as far as the eye can see and more; and the finest of the crop are his two descendants: Utteaknassuame, Son of Kopalai, and Uhyooliaamume, Daughter of Uhyooli. They are beautiful; beautiful in mind, body, and spirit. Their ancestry have set them up for greatness; Utteaknassuame was also Spawn of Husanakame, the Great Puma of the Desert. Makuakteekata and Husanakame were great men. Utteaknassuame and Uhyooliaamume were also great men. However, great men are not always without flaws. While ambitious, the younger Utteaknassuame was hot-headed and lacked good judgement; and the elder Uhyooliaamume, while wise, lacked a strong will. It was right after the War of The Painted [La Junta Indians] and the Second War of the Sun when Kopalai announced the heir to the chieftaincy. With a loud voice, Kopalai spoke: “Among the men and youths of the pueblo, I only see two worthy of following me in my footsteps: my beloved son Utteaknassuame, and my beloved nephew: Uhyooliaamume. My son and nephew have fought so valiantly during the war [against the La Junta Indians], and I am sure they will fight with the same courage and valor in the future. I will make my final decision in a year, until then, I will take in both of them as my mentees.” What Kopalai said had displeased Utteaknassuame, and provoked a mix of anger and disappointment, filling him with trepitation. ‘Am I not my father’s [Kopalai’s] son? Why would he not give the chieftaincy to me? Does he not recognize the man I am. A man destined for greatness? I am the next in the great line of chiefs - fate demands it!’ Utteaknassuame resigned to his room, but his thoughts continued. ‘If the chieftaincy does indeed fall to my cousin, what should I do? I am the Spawn of Yooania - beloved sister of the Chief-Prophet, and the Spawn of the Great Puma of the Desert too. My ancestry is just as noble as my cousin’s. How could my own father condemn me to this fate. I can already envision it: me, the rightful heir, resigned to a life of subserviency and unrealized potential!’ Utteaknassuame then called upon his sister, Kuruese. Fortunately for Utteaknassuame, Kuruese was the wife of the cousin he hates so much. Kuruese spoke, “My beloved brother, do not occupy yourself with such thoughts. I believe in you and your rightful destiny. However, it is not the time to be idle, nor to be belligerent. You need to prove your worthiness - not only to our father, but the people of the pueblo”. Utteaknassuame asked how. Kuruese replied, “The Chief-Prophet had been self-assured of his worthiness - after all, the spirits had spoken to him since his youth. However, he failed to convince the people of his pueblo, and was cast from it - though not without attaining a sizable following, both from his ancestral town and the surroundings of his new home. Nevertheless, the people’s loyalties were varied. It was only until he waged war did the people obey and respect him - not his words, thoughts, or persona. It was his martial power.” Utteaknassuame understood what his sister was saying, but also had thoughts. “But has our Chief-Prophet spoke nothing but of peace and order?” Kuruese interrupted his question and slammed the table in frustration, “Do you not want to realize your destiny? Do you want to be relegated to a life of unrealized potential, a life that you will regret? In order to pursue a life of greatness, you need to shed your weaknesses! Do not rely on the kindness of others to get what you want. Come not with the word of peace, but with the spear! True power is when the enemy trembles in fear upon the mere mention of your name!” Kuruese then left Utteaknassuame alone in his chamber to collect his thoughts. Utteaknassuame shared his room with Yoore, his wife and the sister of his sworn rival for the chieftaincy. While he harbors negative sentiments towards his cousin, he does not extend them to his wife. Utteaknassuame cared greatly for his wife, and recognized how his absence could hurt her. However, Kuruese’s words rang in Utteaknassuame’s mind: war is the ultimate display of power, and Utteaknassuame craves power. Utteaknassuame spent the night by Yoore’s side, in a loving embrace. He did not sleep that night, however; he knew what he must do. After spending the night gathering his resolve, he told Yoore of his planned departure. While she was left in tears, she understood and agreed to keep it secret - at least until he left the pueblo. Utteaknassuame then gathered his friends and allies, and their slaves, and departed for the next pueblo. There, he lied and informed of an upcoming war, thus causing the pueblo to contribute their troops. He repeated this until he acquired a sufficiently-sized army of 1,000 - many of whom are enslaved. He then departed northwards to the River Gila to fight the pueblos there. When the Hakians were notified of Utteaknassuame’s sudden departure, Ilitchitaabu, mother of Utteaknassuame, wailed in tears. However, Kopalai was enraged and convinced of his son’s insolence, decided to designate Uhyooliaamume as his successor. Yoore, while having foreknowledge of his departure, still felt despondent. Suddenly, she felt lightheaded and spew the contents of the stomach into a clay bowl. It was readily clear to her what was the cause of her sickness. Yoore thought of her husband, and his whereabouts. Up north, Utteaknassuame and his troops were resting by a river, when he saw a spider web between two large mesquite trees. He took this a good omen, and continued his march.
  • Note to Nate: I need an algo : )

1120

In the midst of the Second Investiture War, the recent Pope Benedict X dies. A new Conclave is held to elect the new Pope.

The Second Investiture War begins to unravel into further chaos. Emperor Conrad III is slain in battle by the Duke of Saxony at the Battle of Ulm, leading to an immediate destabilization across the Holy Roman Empire. As Conrad has no clear succession of either his personal domains or the Empire, a new Imperial Election must be held to decide the new German Monarch. The remaining Salian Dynasty had become largely tied to the ruling Bilung dynasty of Saxony by marriage, but also the Hohenstaufen family claims succession by right of being the Count Palatine of Swabia.

Bohemond takes advantage of the papal focus on Pavia, marches on Piacenza with 16,000 threatening the rear of the Papal army, while 5,000 men move to retake Pavia.

The Second Almoravid War continues to be locked in combat between the Christian states and the Moorish empire. Zamora ends in a stalemate with Alfonso the Battler turning away the Almoravids and taking the city of Zamora. The Iberian-bred Longbowmen gain reputation in Western Europe for single-handedly leading many victories for Christendom.

The Kingdom of Poland makes one last attempt to recover Pomerania from the Wends, and sends 17,000 troops to attack the Obortrite encampment. The Duchy of Pomerelia centered at Danzig officially submits as a Polish vassal.

The Pomesanian tribe's attempt to establish the "Kingdom of Prussia" in a single year of his reign turns out to be short lived. The military led by Banis becomes tired of the high death tolls demanded by King Pomesmo, with little to offer in return. With his further attempts of taxing the decimated population and imposing draconian executions, the people rally behind Banis for a revolution. He storms the palace to seize the personal wealth of the Pomesanian king, then migrates one quarter of the population east to settle in the newly-conquered region of the Pogesanians, where Banis is proclaimed their king. While still at war with the Natangian coalition of tribes led by King Bartion, Banis maintains a more cautious approach for slowly building his military before attempting to strike again. This revolt puts the stability of the remaining population of Pomesania back at equilibrium.

The 7,000 troops sent by the Sultan of Tunisia become enamored by the charismatic teachings of Ibn Tumart, and decide to join his religious movement. He arrives in the city of Fez, and encounters a princess of the Almoravid dynasty, the sister of Sultan Ali Ibn Yusuf. Ibn Tumart publicly denounces her, for shamelessly going in public without the formal veil of Muslim women. Having stirred up a spectacle across the city of Fez, Ibn Tumart demands a personal audience with the Sultan to debate him in theology.

The Jin Dynasty continues to crush the armies of the Liao, and lays siege to the capital city of Shangjing. The Song attempts to invade the Liao directly from the western territories, but are driven back.

The Song Dynasty itself begins suffering setbacks of their own. In Hangzhou, a large-scale peasant revolt rises against the Emperor led by a Manichaean merchant named Fang La.

In Jerusalem, Hughes de Paynes establishes his fraternal order of knights, who don't have a name yet. Other people in Jerusalem believe that the fledgeling state deserves to have a codified set of laws, as an example for all other states beneath the Naval of the World, and to smooth out the contradictory customs that all the different settlers in Jerusalem are accustomed to.

The Croyland monastery in England begins recording its own Chronicle, comprising events throughout the British Isles from the abbey's perspective.

• Pomesania Tribe: After the death of Posmeso, the newly crowned Banis King of Pomesania had first made talks with Pogesania about a compromise between them that would put the interest of both nations. Banis proposes that Pogesania would be intregreated in Pomesania and but would still retain the laws and customs of Pogesania, and laws and taxs would only be allowed to change if the repesentative of Pogesania and the King of Pomesania would both agree. In exchange Pomesania would intergrate Pogesania lands and people into Pomesania and Pogesania would protect Pogesania from possible invaders like Natangia in the west, the possiblity of Natangia or Warmia invading was possible due to the weaken state of both nations (Mod Response).
• Kingdom of Sweden:Fort Skandium sees extensive investments this years as shipbuilding facilities and ports are built in the area while in the surrounding area small defensive structures are constcuted.Crown prince Gustaf celebrates his coming of age and therefore begins taking up his first official duties as crown Prince.The king names him commander of the garrison in Fort Sakdnium.Meanwhile the Sapmi and karelian states petition the king for the creation of their own 1000 strong small armies which the king agrees to.These units would nominally work under the respective regions but come under swedish control in times of war.Meanwhile after having served in nearly every war since the death of King Stenkil,Field Marshal Einar Grauberg dies at the impressive age of 88.He is granted a state furneral in the royal church in Sweden and thus becomes the first sapmi person to get such a furneral.After his death,his son General Sture Grauberg is appointed as the next field marshal of Sweden.With his fluency in Karelian and Sapmi and swedish playing a big role in this.
• County of Sicily: This year marks the 10th year of the reign of Roger II as Count of Sicily. To commemorate his first decade as Count, Roger tours the island of Sicily in a grand procession. Roger’s wife, Elisabet, refuses to join the procession, insisting on remaining at Palermo to care for the young Adelaide. Irritated but unwilling to force his wife to attend, Roger tours the island with his heir, Roger III, and his youngest son Tancred. The royal procession first moves north to Messina, seeing the vibrant merchant and seafaring culture of Sicily’s northern coast before reaching the city itself. Greeted by Ozouf de Pomeroy’s wife ruling in his stead while he fights Bohemond the Mad Crusader in northern Italy, the procession spends a week at Messina, where Roger takes note of the bustling ports and vibrant markets, filled with products from across the eastern Mediterranean and Western European merchants purchasing such products. Roger then proceeds south to Syracuse, another flourishing city thriving from trade and mercantile activity, where he meets an Arab noblewoman, Safiyyah bint Abdul, allegedly while he was riding and saw her bathing in a nearby river. Taken by her beauty and charmed by her wit, he would spend nearly a month with her in Syracuse before finishing his tour by returning to Palermo through the inland road. Traveling inland Roger sees Sicily’s abundant agricultural base, with farmers growing everything from wheat to olives to grapes, along with great herds of cattle being tended by herdsmen. Roger particularly takes note of the success of Norman and Lombard settlement in Sicily’s hinterlands, creating new communities to farm what was once uncultivated land. Roger is celebrated by the entire island as he does his tour, with native Muslims and Greeks as well as Norman and Lombard settlers greeting him warmly due to his tolerance and construction of numerous mosques, Churches and Cathedrals. Fluent in Latin, Norman French, Arabic and Greek, Roger is able to communicate with them all, and is happy to find his people living in relative harmony. However, Roger does take note of the relatively chaotic state of the local administration, with each ethnic and religious community (Mainly Arab Muslims, Greek Orthodox and Norman and Lombard Christians) having their own judicial system. Roger makes plans to eventually stabilize the island’s administration by creating a legal code to standardize the island’s administrative and judicial systems as well as bring the various systems into one cohesive bureaucracy. Militarily, the training of longbowmen under Catalan veterans who have mastered the weapon continues slowly, as the weapon takes time to master. Some experienced archers prove unable to adapt to the new bow, and Roger instead begins to train new recruits in the weapon, with some proving more able to wield it than Roger’s regular archers.
  • Lordship of Sirte: With the establishment of fortified trade posts and the fortification of Sirte along with the construction of a Norman castle, Norman rule over the Libyan coastline is largely solidified. Lombard and Norman settlers continue to raise sheep and goats in their farms in the Lordship, with the area able to support grazing by herds of livestock. Tariffs and taxes imposed on merchants traveling the trade route along the Mediterranean littoral also provides a stable source of revenue for the Lordship, who uses parts of its funds to pay local Bedouin tribes to not harass or attack local settlers or merchants. This year provides an interesting opportunity for the regent to gain the favor of a local Bedouin tribe who has come into conflict with another tribe. After appealing to the Norman regent for help, the regent instead invites both leaders to Sirte to hopefully resolve the issue peacefully, with the goal of improving the Norman’s status among the Bedouins and establishing some authority to mediate over them.

• House Barcelona: With the war ongoing, Ramon sends his son Pere-Ramon to rally reinforcements that have been gathering in Barcelona. These include 2,000 volunteers from Aquitaine and stragglers from the call to arms. These men bolster the force in Valencia. Taking some time to regroup. Ramon sends letters to the Sicilians and Venetians seeking ships and men for his war. He offers both gold and trade concessions should they be victorious. (Sicilian and Venetian Responses) After reviewing his army, Ramon sends a letter to House Baux and William IX of Aquitaine, seeking that each send 2,000 able-bodied men. Ramon is clear to ask for fervent men of god from among the peasantry of both regions, rather than trained soldiers, as these men are to receive training in Barcelona before joining the effort (Mod Responses). Ramon also sends a letter to Olegarius Bonestruga, Bishop of Barcelona and Tarragona, seeking his help in rallying men from the parishes to arms with instructions to convene at Barcelona where they will be trained.
  • County of Sicily: Roger sends 30 ships and 5,000 men to aid Barcelona in its fight against the infidel.

• Papal States: The situation across Italy, Germany and Spain begins to become dire, as the actions of the previous two Popes have reduced these two secular empires to fall into a state of disorder. The surviving Cardinals in Rome become heavily divided in their decision of how to proceed, while the Papal Election is ongoing. Guy of Burgundy and Lamberto Sannabecchi continue to push with the war against Bohemond, expecting him not to yield too easily. 3,000 troops led by Cenecio II will hold the defense at Pavia (algo request), while the remaining 9,000 troops will encamp just north of Piacenza. The two Cardinals reach out to their allies Saxony and Bavaria, having freed up the front in Germany, should send at least 5,000 troops to support the front in Italy (mod and Saxony response). Should this aid come, then Pietro Columna will strike with the two armies on either side of Bohemond from the north and west, while a small militia of 100 soldiers are left to garrison the city (algo request). The Consistory of Cardinals informally discusses the demands they will impose on Germany, having been exhausted with this needless conflict over the Church lands in Italy, the secular Emperor of Rome should be permanently punished. Suggestions include breaking up the Emperor's titles, or relinquishing military to the Pope's authority. Of course, none of this can be formally demanded as a synod of Bishops can only be called by the Pope, who isn't elected yet. However, the other faction of Rome has different priorities. Pietro Pierleoni and Peter Senex secretly extend a diplomacy with Bohemond, promising to let him and his descendants rule as King of Lombardy if he acknowledges authority of the Pope and Emperor, and will redirect his army to fight in the Crusade in Spain (mod response, please). This faction is less interested in dominating the German empire, seeing the Moors in Hispania threatening Christian princes as a much higher priority. Other Cardinals, however, are more concerned about the church itself than politics. Cardinal Corrado Demitri dispatches Anslem of Treviso, a Papal Legate, to preach the gospel in Pomesania and become an "Apostle of the Prussians". Once he arrives in the region, Anslem works to establish the first churches in Skandium, where many German colonists are quickly moving to. (Pomesania and Sweden response). The House of Ivrea from Queen Urraca sends their children to live in Rome, out of fear of the Almoravids. They hang out often with the Orsini family, one of Rome's prominent noble houses. William, the bastard son of Cardinal Guy, makes close friends with the Orsini child Giacinto Bobone, who was fourteen years old. William lives a good life as his foster parents treat him with love and respect, as well as his new friend Giacinto. The eight-year-old John Pascellion, however, does not fare as well. John's mother had now died, and his step-mother Gertrude proved to be an abusive mistress. One day, John told his father and mother that he has re-occurring lucid dreams, giving strange signs of things to come. Shortly after hearing this, Gertrude had the child spirited away to his step family in anther village, who urged him to have more prophetic dreams in the hopes of making them rich.
  • Bishop of Barcelona and Tarragona Olegarius Bonestruga suggests that the Cardinals revoke the Holy Roman Emperor's lordship of the Arelat, and cede it to the Holy Iberian Empire as punishment for his crimes.
  • Bohemond returns a message to Pierleoni and Senex, expressing an interest in their proposal and an openness to their idea. He requests that the Cardinals direct the Papal forces to withdraw from Pavia, in a show of good faith. After all, if Bohemond is offered the crown of Lombardy, he ought to be confident in his sovereignty over the region. -Rex
• Kingdom of Jerusalem: The death of Benedict X is mourned in the Kingdom and Patriarch Teobald celebrate a mass for his soul in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. King Raynald continue with his projects of building fortresses in cities of the Kingdom. This year fortresses are build in the towns of Bethlehem and Arsulf. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the church that was used for the coronation of Raynald, starts to be restored and receives new decorations by orders of Queen Eva. The Queen also funds the establishment of Armenian monks in the city of Jerusalem. Her actions are supported by Patriarch Teobald, who thinks that these actions will help establish good relations between the Armenian Church and Rome. Since the arrival of Demyan of Edessa, the number of Armenians in the Kingdom increased. King Raynald orders the construction of two new ship in the shipyard of Acre. By now, the Sicilian shipbuilders already teached their office to other Latins and even to the some Armenians that are now living in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This way a guild of shipbuilders is established in Acre. Guilds of merchants and artisans also appear across the Kingdom. By order of the King, the ports of the city of Caesarea are expanded and fishing is encouraged there. The city also receives a fortress with a permanent garrison. By suggestions of Seneschal Baldric, King Raynald writes to Emperor John II Komnenos in Constantinople asking to buy from him 5 ships to be used for the fleet of Jerusalem. The King also proposes an alliance of defense and trade between the two kingdoms. To solidify this alliance, Raynald proposes the betrothal of his son and heir, Robert, with Emperor John's daughter, Eudokia Komnene (c. 1116) [Byzantine response needed, please]. While he stayed in Jerusalem, Demyan of Edessa teached some of the soldiers of the Kingdom his tactic's of war. Soon these soldiers start to teach others in the military centers of Jerusalem and Acre. This year Queen Eva gives birth to a new son, who is named as Baldwin. Prince Richard and Adelaide of Saxe-Anhalt marry this year. Richard causes a scandal during the wedding feast, by being very drunk. Even so, the new couple have a daughter late this year, who is named Hodierna. In the Council of Nablus several canons regarding the religious and administrative situation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem are established. These canons establish punishments for several crimes and the situation of the Church in the Kingdom (the same canons established in the OTL Council of Nablus). The main point of the Council is that by suggestion of Patriarch Teobald, King Raynald grants Hughes de Paynes and his friends with a wing of the Royal Palace, the Temple of Solomon, to be their headquarters. The King also offer the recently build fortress in Bethlehem as their headquarter, with the Church of the Nativity as their main Church. He says that Hugues and his friends must choose one of these two locations [MOD response needed, please].

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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