HISPANIA! (OOC Thread)

[PVodogaz]

HISPANIA! - IC&OOC thread

(The following is from my short story that won first prize in the NSW Creative Fiction Writing Contest. I will post 10 posts and then will call any interested parties to the fold.)

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hispania is a work of fiction, purely based on historical happenings. The Alternative History Series, begins with Hispania (Modernly known as Spain), and breaks from history in 710AD. From this point on it is not based on historical fact but on pure historical fiction, the 'what could have been?"

I will only give a brief run-down on Visigothic history to 700AD in a time-line and from 710AD will give life to the anarchy and purity of fiction of characters and events.

All references and characters are based on fact at the beginning and then fantasy from then on. Hopefully, the reader shall enjoy Hispania, as much as I enjoyed writing it up.

All copyright subject to the author
19/09/1999

Petar Gilderic Reccesuinth Vodogaz

 

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Historical Timeline

AD98: Goths under Beric migrate from Scandinavia to the Baltic shore.

AD150: Under Filimer, Goths settle in the Black Sea Steppes.

AD220: Goths set up well-defined state centred on the Dneipr Valley.

AD238: Goths divide into two sub-groups: Ostrogoths and Visigoths.

AD258: Goths discover Seamanship and raid Asia Minor.

AD271: Romans abandon Dacia. Gepids settle in abandoned province.

AD305: Ulfila born.

AD332: Visigoths accept ARRIANISM, by Ulfila.

AD341: Ulfila consecrated as Bishop of the Goths by Pope at Nicaea.

AD374: Nomadic Hunns destroy Ostrogoth empire of Ermanaric.

AD376: The Visigoths entire the Roman Empire enmasse.

AD383: Ulfila dies at Constantinople, in exile.

AD397: Visigoths temporarily settle in Illyricum.

AD401: Alaric I of the Visigoths ravage Northern Italia.

AD408: Visigoths withdraw into Tuscany.

AD410: Visigoths plunder Rome.

AD412: Visigoths cross into Gaul.

AD 415: Visigoths settle in the Roman province of Aquitaine.

AD462: Visigoths conquer Septimania and Narbonne.

AD471: Visigoths begin to colonise Hispania.

AD498: Franks expand into Septimania, taking Bordeaux.

AD507: Visigoths retreat into Hispania.

AD549: Visigothic kingdom established at Toletum.

AD589: Visigoths converted to Catholism.

AD592: Reccepolis established.

 

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700AD

The Year of the Beating Drums

Caliphate of Tunis

Abdullah ibn Tariq al Mustafha, only lived for one purpose and that lay in the conquest and expansion of the one true religion, that of Allah's Islam. Tariq believed in the concept of conversion by sword or instantaneous death. He believed that Islam would one day rule the world and he hoped it would be during his life-time.

Now as he kneeled, before the Caliph, Hasan Walidah, prostrate he only had one point of discussion at hand, the mission was of the land across the Mare Nostrum Sea.

"Arise Tariq. Why have you asked for an audience?" asked the Caliph.

"May Allah shine on you. I ask for your approval, by Mohammed, for a new conquest....?" Tariq asked.

"Ah! Tariq, where?" the Caliph responded icily.

"My Lord, the rich and wealthy land of Andalusha."

The Caliph began to answer, then a wide smile crossed his face and just as quickly vanished.

"Why?" was the simple question faced by Tariq.

Tariq became annoyed, his face turned a deep red. Why must I answer to this mongrel...one day I shall kill this fat, pompous and useless being.

"Why! Because we are born to conquer by the word of the Koran, to expand our religion to the infidels and barbarians!" Tariq cried out vehemently.

"Yes, correct Tariq! Your answer satisfies me. Muster up your people into a formidable army and when the time is right, by the hand of Allah, we will attack the pagans!" the Caliph cried out joyously.

So, Ibn Tariq left Tunis, back to Rabat to begin preparations.


Kingdom of Toletum

King Egica of the Visigoths sat upon his throne, pondering alone the many problems of the state. He was the Eldest son of King Wamba. He remembered his father's advice on the future of the state, that of, to ensure the security of the nation, conscription to the national army of all able bodied men had to become law. These army units were than to be posted at garrisons all along the southern coast.

Egica was disturbed by a knock at the throne-room doors.

"Come in," Egica called out.

A young man, slim built with black hair and pale white skin ventured in. Egica instantly recognised this young man, as the son of a wealthy noble.

"Yes, young Roderic, what is it that you want?"

Roderic stood at the gold studded throne in awe and wonder. He saw King Egica in his splendid royal robes and his breath was momentarily taken away, as he gazed upon the crown. The crown was suspended just above the head height of the throne. It was made of silver and on it's sides were different coloured gems. On the front was the Latin word REX, meaning King.

Roderic had a burning desire to be king, to wear the clothing of kings and to enjoy the high class life that kings enjoyed.

"I am here to speak to you about the Franks and their threats on our kingdom," Roderic answered cooly.

King Eqica knew of the major threats sent to Toletum from the court of Tournai of Charlemagne. Five threats within two months.

"Yes Roderic, come closer, sit by my throne and speak to me of your views concerning the Franks," Egica said.

Roderic came forward, bowed toward the throne and sat on the right-side of the throne. As he settled down, he dug into his pocket and slowly took out a small dagger.

"Do you know King, that you have jeopardised our state. You are a weak, petty king, with no spine. You deserve nothing more than what you shall recieve - "

"Enough! This is sacrilege! What are you saying, you fool?" King Egica snapped.

Roderic raised the dagger high into the air, he felt his weight force down the dagger into the King's vulnerable chest. Oh! What power to have one's life in your hands, thought Roderic imperialy. King Egica gasped for air, as he looked down on the blood flowing freely from the wound.

"I shalt be the next King," Roderic said with a sly smile.

As he said this, he stood and put his hands to the king's throat. King Egica slumped back weakly into his throne and the crown hung empty, awaiting to be claimed.

 

[PVodogaz]

702AD

The Year of the Dark Foreboding

Council of Toletum XV11

It had taken two years of internal disorder in the Visigothic kingdom, before Roderic was proclaimed King. The tribal council at Toletum, full of disgruntled nobles elected Roderic King, very reluctantly.

The son of slain Egica, Ardila took flight to Barcelona, vowing revenge on all who pertook on the plan to slay his father and help Roderic gain the throne.

Two popular nobles, Witiza and Archila from Narbonne disgusted at the happenings in Toletum, raised popular support and an army of 10,000 freelancers.

They threatened to march onto Toletum and de-throne Roderic and install Egica's son Ardila on the throne as the rightful heir. In responce, Roderic recalled all army garrisons from the Southern coast of Hispania, leaving it open to enemy attack or invasion. All garrison units regrouped outside in the fields of Toletum, 28,000 strong.

The XVII Council of Toletum ratified that Roderic was rightful for kingship and allowed the march on Narbonne.


Frankish Court at Tournai

The spy awaited the King. The spy did not have to wait long, as King Charlemagne had expected his nephew back, alongwhile. The arched doorway swung inwards and their walked out King Charlemagne.

"You have returned. Safely and without trouble I hope?" the King asked anxiously.

Carloman stood up and bowed deeply towards the King.

"Yes Uncle, I have returned safely, only a little tired. that's all," he replied formally.

"Come," Charlemagne beckoned and they embraced. The king put his hands firmly on his nephew's shoulders and looked him over approvingly.

"Now. Tell me about the news out of Hispania."

Carloman took a deep breath and answered;

"Well, my highness, if you choose to attack now, our armies will not meet much resistance. The Kingdom of Toletum is beginning a Civil War. It is a time of disorder and it is our chance to plunder and take territory."

Charlemagne nodded his understanding.

"Carloman, please let General Pepin know that we are to begin marching on Narbonne within a full day......"

Footsteps loud and hard, decended swiftly down the steps into the throne room hallway. Around the corner came a breathless servent-girl who curtsied and blurted out;

"General Lothaire has sent me to fetch you, my King, he says to tell you the territory of Regensbourg and Passau have been destroyed by a new unidentified people!"

"Are you sure?" the king asked.

"Yes my Lord," the servent answered.

To Carloman, the King said;

"New message to Pepin, he is to now take his regiment towards the east. The Kingdom of Toletum can wait. I shall return and take the Kingdom when I take care of this new emerging threat."

 

[PVodogaz]

705AD

The Year of the Talisman

Talisman

His forefathers had helped tear-asunder the great Roman empire of the West, and wrested from its dying clutches, the wealthy land of Hispania. As the young boy looked over the city of Toletum, on horseback, he knew he overlooked the great capital of his people and the heart and core of Hispania.

He was filled with waves of pride and honour, as he gazed upon the royal standards of the ruling royal family, the Amalasuintha's, blowing erect on the stiff Atlantic breeze.

The young boy, the next heir to the throne, was known for his bravery, honour and courage, but most of all, for his prediction which he called, the Talisman prophecy.

He always remembered the dream, in which, the Talisman first appeared, proclaiming the glorious future of Hispania. The young boy knew, he would play the biggest part of the Talisman Prophecy.

The young boy, took hold of his long sword, and clutched it in the air, and exclaimed;

"I shalt lead my people, I shalt conquer in the name of thy country and shalt forever make my enemies tremble in the name of the Talisman!"

The boy shouted aloud, and as he did, he threw the sword downwards into the soft ground. The sword thrust halfway into the ground and hung hilt up from the ground.

The double headed eagle gleamed brightly in the setting sun.

 

[PVodogaz]

708AD

The Year of the <Time Lax>

The Time Lax Event was to take place again. This event only came every 3 million years. When the Laws of the Universe slowed at the end of its 3 million year cycle, all time and space and time continuum stopped for that briefest mili-second of time - but that was enough.

Above Earth, Space shimmered as if on a low heat grill. All around the Earth, appeared miniture Earth's. All events were played out and different histories were reached.

All of sudden, these histories on parallel Earth's crawled back to 708AD. And it was here, where the tear in time began and quickly widened in all directions.

A tear met a Earth, all life on this Earth stopped as if freeze framed, and the Time Lax began to transfer this history into the central original Earth.

And then above the Earth, Space began to heal itself, as the Time Lax receded into its new 3 million year cycle.

And, it is at this point where conventional history ends and the parallel history begins.

 

[PVodogaz]

Character Call

The postings previously gave a small idea of the story and plot lines.

Anyone who is interested should leave posts of their introductions here and I will create a new thread when we have at least characters from the time period from all sides.

Next posting i will do a dossier on my character

Cheers



-------------------

'Ethics for Today'

Forward the Foundation, shall it be known as such that in the epoch that humanity finds itself, only then shall each of us know what we had and what we lost for that is our frailty.

Immanuel Kandt

 

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My Character Introduction

Character Dossier

Name: Peter Freebourne

Age: 30

Nationality: Australian

Description: Green eyes, dark brown sandy hair, 6f7 stocky build 130kg (246lbs) fit.

Background: At the age of 20 joined the Australian SAS and moved up the ranks by the age of 27, to the rank of Major.

At the time of Time Lax, character was enroute to London for a meeting with SAS their.

Character has a high pain threshold (.92 on the Atherboldt scale), he is proficient in weaponry and survival techniques.

 

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Characters

Some characters from within this time period are;

Main Frankish Characters

Charles Martel
General Pepin
General Lothaire
Carloman
Brunhilda
Mathilda

Main Avar Characters

Khagan Bhajan Turku
Momocil
Jartai
Yumen
Nikita

Main Roman Characters

General Lixius Aetius Romulus
General Basil Theodosius
Emperor of the East: Justinian II
Bishop Ignatius Xyforleus

Main Visigothic Characters

Roderic
Ardila
Hermenegilde
Witiza
Sunnila
Amalasuintha
Goiswintha
Illberic
Gilderic

Just some ideas for interested parties.

 

[PVodogaz]

When The Hammer of Judgement Fell

Journal Entry of Peter Freebourne

The Coming Dark Ages

I have no idea where I am or what year this is, yet. But I plan to work this insane situation out.

Humanity would learn for once, that they could not forestall change. Fate played its hand and dwelt the Earth, my Earth a glancing blow. In the cosmic scale, a little blow but for Humanity a massive impact. Nothing could protect Humanity from the vestiges from deep Space.

But, Humanity had already done the damage by launching nuclear missiles at each other on my Earth. They were the lucky one's. Nuclear fallout spread and wiped out millions and irradiating the land.

Forever, the world had changed, and change would come. Mankind had thrown the dice and paid the price. No God saved Man from each other. Lest, the penalty was going to be paid.

Till next time, this is Peter.

 

[PVodogaz]

New Cast Call

This thread is reopening for a new cast call in the ORP forum. Initially it was created for the SRP but due to the content and the work required for this thread it fell short of people joining. However, I asked for the thread to be changed here and wish to call on interested parties to join.

Interested people can either:

Play a historical character

or

Create a new character as I did.

It's a drama/action/sci-fic/romance/fantasy all in one.

So if their are any interested people, feel free to PM or post here.

The enclosed threads is the background story to 710AD.