Ic: Age Of Kingdoms

[emily123]

Hello Friends! This is the main part of the Roleplay where you post your turns and get replies
The link for Oc for this thread is
https://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=466568

We have One player
The mighty Russes led by their leader Wolk

 

[Wolk]

Russes

If one flies over our planet from west towards easy, coming into Europe from the Atlantic ocean, one would see curious landscapes. The lands of Spain and Portugal are rugged, mountainous, with plateus in the middle. Further on lie the forests, foothills and rivers that cover France and Germany. Then the continent really spreads its wings and explodes into vast expanses. From Poland begins Russia, which goes on, and on, never to end. It was in the southern part of those lands, in present day Ukraine, where the climate is warmer, that the civilization of Russes was born.

On the shore of a mighty river they had a prospering town of about one thousand roofs. The grasslands around it were flat like a table, and amazingly fertile. Trees were rare and while most of the local demand for wood could be satisfied, the larger trunks for large-scale construction had to be floated down the river from farther north. Tribes inhabiting those areas were similar to Russes, and always happy to trade for food, which their colder climates and pooer soil didn't allow to grow as easily. Although the land was flat, decent quantities of stone could be found scattered around, left here by the giant glaciers during the last ice age. It wasn't the prime source of building material, but the inhabitants were not doomed to a life in grass-thatched huts either.

The men of the town were mostly farmers, hunters, fishermen and shepherds. Farmers and shepherds provided the bulk of the town's food. They raised poultry, horses, sheep, pigs, cows, and goats, grew wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruits and vegetables. Those were later made into flour and bread, sweets, beer and vodka.

Every day the hunters, united and organized into bands of three to twenty men, went out into the steppes with their trusty bows. The hunting was not so much for food, although it did provide a nice source of nutrition. Food was easier to get by farming, herding, gathering fruit and nuts, or by fishing. The hunters, however, provided the all-important fur and leather, from which all clothes and many other items were made.

There was a blacksmith, too, and a couple of skilled craftsmen, who supplied the rest of the population with tools and other minor goods.

The people had a religion. Their diety was Yarilo, the god of the sun, although his presence did not exclude other gods. In Yarilo's honor, a lovely shrine was erected in the middle of the village. Unlike the huts surrounding it, the shrine was made of stone, and was larger by comparison. Inside stood a crude statue, that of the god itself. People came here to pay respects and bring sacrificies, while dignified members of the community acted as priests and conducted appropriate rituals.

Women were homemakers, craftsmen, farmers and gatherers. It was on their capable shoulders to take care of the mirriads of things men ignoredmake sure life went on happily. There was also a healer, a wise woman, who knew many good herbs to aid the others' ails.

The market plaza was usually where trades were made. It was conveniently close to the small dock, where fishermen returned to. There, people traded part of what they harvested, gathered, caught, killed, or made for other necessities. The only form of money was copper, which could be fashioned into all kinds of useful implements and therefore very valuable, while still being small and non-perishable. This made it a nice medium for exchanges.


The ruling family of Russes consisted of most skilled and powerful warriors and hunters. Through their brute force, they had authority over the rest, and as the tribe grew, these men were going out into the field less often, having many issues to resolve and mediate at home. They were the judges, the enforcers, and the leaders of war.

Their undisputed leader was named Oleg. A great big, tall, broad-shouldered man with a thick, wild beard and abundant curly hair on his powerful chest, he could crush through a stone with one hit of his deadly mace. His long hair went down to the shoulders, and together with fur armor he wore, made for a fearsome sight. He rode an equally fearsome and well-bread horse - brown, with white spots here and there, it was a beautiful and courageous animal.

***************

The Wedding and resulting expansion

The day was a very special one. More than a month ago the leader of Russes, Oleg, and the leader of a nearby smaller town have decided to united their forces into a single entity. The neighbours were also Russes, spoke the same language, had the same culture. It was therefore easy for them to be unified - they were already practically brothers.

As the leader of larger of the two realms, Oleg would become the ruler of the union, for it was recognized that there could be only one supreme leader. His counterpart, Vladimir, would stay in his former town and rule there in the name of Oleg, ensuring the daily life of its inhabitants was not disrupted, and that the town prospered.

Trade was quickly established, with horse-drawn carts beating out a permanent dirt road between the two settlements, and boats going up and down the river with goods. They carried all kinds of goods. If it was produced in either of the cities, some of it was shipped back and forth for trade. This system was not merely shuffling goods around. It allowed the craftsmen and farmers to specialize more than they did before, due to having a larger market. People in both towns got access to goods they didn't have before, and competition pushed craftsmen to improve, and learn from each other.

Besides this, there were the former fishermen, many of whom now carried goods back and forth. They built bigger, sturdier boats for their new task. It wasn't long, before many of them took some time off when there was not much to ship across, and instead went up and down the mighty river exploring, seeing if they could find other settlements on its banks to trade with. Each carried a small amount of cargo, just to give the other villages a taste of what they could deal in. If lucrative spots could be found, they would be back to load up to the brim with the most lucrative of cargoes, and repeat the trip.

The people celebrated. The day was a holiday for the whole town, and a joy that their leader, their Knaz, was getting married. The feast was massive, with food and beer in abundance, and all were having a good time, both from Vladimir's side and from Oleg's.

The bride arrived in the afternoon, togather with her father Vladimir. The woman was lovely, made even more so by her wonderful wedding dress, which was made not from furs and hides, but from coloured wool, with only the best of furs attached in all the right places for decoration. The dress itself was a precious work of art, and it underscored the young, natural beauty of it's fair-haired owner.

The ceremony took place in the temple, where there was nowhere near enough room for all, who wanted to see. It was only when the pair came out of the stone temple, the mighty warrior Knaz carrying his young bride, that the crowd roared in approval. He kissed her deeply, lovingly, holding the union of their lips for the longest time, and then they disappeared into the sturdy home of the Knaz's family after spending a little bit of time with the guests.

Those with a lewd interest gathered by the fence that night to listen to the newlywed's first night. They weren't disappointed; the now Knagina, Ekaterina was quite audible in her pleasure, and generous in praise to her husband's manhood.

 

[emily123]

End Turn#1 for Russes

WEDDING
Your King's marriage to the neighbouring tribes princess was a grand afair which will be talked for a long time now.

POLITICAL
As a result of your wedding a strong alliance has been forged between the two towns.
Now you have a more secured border as now you are considered a strong regional powers along the neighbouring towns.
Economy is also in better shape as the traders can roam more freely between the two states.

MILITARY
You now have a bigger military but level of warriors in Vladimir's army are poorly trained and are just good enough as town police with almost no fighting skills.

Construction
No new construction project had been done except the paved road between thetwo towns.

Research
very little research work had been going on as the entire town was in festive mood

Personal
Your new Knagina, Ekaterina is now pregnant and will soon give birth to a baby girl.

Your status at kingdom level-
Population-5000+3000
Army-500+200
No of towns-2

 

[Wolk]

OOC: I'm assuming turns are 1 year each, like we talked about, right?

Diplomacy & Expansion

The contact with other towns is still limited. Apparently, the river trading boats have not yet found great trading partners. (OOC: I'm assuming that, since you didnm't say my traders/explorers found anything major) However, in their explorations the boatsmen learned the lay of the shores and the land they could see from the river. They now knew where the more fertile places where, where they might find a valuable resource of some sort.

This proved to be a fantastic way of ridding the towns of excess population. People were coming of age, and doing so in much greater numbers than people died, as was usual in the pre-industrial world. Instead of waiting for disease or violence to bring population levels back to what the land could support, the Russes had the ability to widen their lands instead. Young, enthusiastic men and women sailed up and down the river and established small frontier settlements of fifty to two hundred people on the sweeter spots. Most of them had been planned for a much larger population, with the intention of growing in the future.

Such a settlement would be based around one large, fortified central building, made of wood, clay, and a primitive, naturally occuring form of cement, with which the outsides were smeared, making the structure far less flammable. The fortification included a sturdy wooden stockade and a small dry moat. It was ment as a place of refuge for the village in case of an attack, and was expected to hold on its own for several days until the army from the capital arrives to lift the siege.

The economy of such villages was very different from one village to another, but usually centered around agriculture, logging, or mining. At this early stage of civilization's development, large mines were not yet required, as small quantities of metal could be found right on or very near the surface. The metal, logs, foodstuffs, or other commodities, were taken back to the Capital for sale on the market, and exchanged for other necessities.

Each village was ruled by a powerful and respected warrior, who held several other fighters with him, and swore his loyalty to Oleg. It was the village warrior's responsibility to tax the people living in his land, provide law and order, as well as security in his village, and at times of war he will be expected to arrive to join the Knaz's army with a contingent of troops, whose size depended on the size and wealth of the village.

Men from Vladimir's tribe, too, were allowed and encouraged to take part in this expansion, which, Oleg hoped, would strengthen their loyalty even further, since they now saw a benefit of belonging to the larger union. However, none of them were allowed to build separate settlements, and those who did were delt with swiftly by Oleg's army units, which patrolled the river from time to time. A village was not an easy thing to hide, after all. Instead, the people of Vladimir's tribe were mixed in with those of Oleg's, forced to interact with each other, to mix and mingle, until almost all distinction between them was lost. There would not be 'Oleg's villages' or 'Vladimir's villages' - only villages of the Russes.

Internal Affairs

The same kind of policy that was conducted during settlement of new lands was implemented in the two towns. At a time when marriages were arranged by parents, and parents could be easily influenced by their ruler, it was not a very difficult task to ensure that people married a lot between the towns. Even when the children were still too young to marry, they were often bethrosed in advance, which created a bond between their families.

Build

All of the construction materials and available labour were put into the buildup of new settlements, leaving relatively little for the two towns themselves. Thankfully, relatively little was required, too, since most of the new adults and some of the old ones were going into these very villages to live. The work needed to ensure everything was in good repair was done, but no new buildings were constructed.

Military

Seeing the sad state of Vladimir's army, Oleg had most of it shipped off to new colonies as garrison. There, they would mix with the well-drilled troops from his own warriors and be brought up to shape. Their training was now responsibility of each village's head warrior, who was always picked from experienced, skilled men with good leadership traits.

This left the fifty or so troops that he had to leave Vladimir to avoid leaving his town without any protection or law. These were the finest of Vladimir's two hundred, and Oleg hoped they would be a decent fighting force. To make sure of that, he sent fifty of his own good troops to join them, bringing the garrison of Vladimir up to 100, while his own town's was 400. Although fewer troops than before, he knew he could count on all of them now, and in the event of serious trouble, several hundred more fighters would come from the new villages and converge onto the Capital, making for a very large reserve.

Economy

The economy had to cool down a little from the boom that it was at before. The outflux of working hands into the new villages ment that fewer things were produced. However, there was no worry. Everybody knew the new settlement construction was an investment, and once they were established, both labour and raw materials would flow as if from the legendary Horn of Plenty.

Harvest

As usual, everything was dropped for the harvest. From little to large, young to old, all went to the fields to ensure that the food peasants grew during the whole year would not spoil or waste. Those who did not were rounded up by the troops, and sent by force. The soldiers themselves, too, took part. With the exception of those on active duty, they were on the fields, helping everybody else.

Research

There were no big, wise men sitting over parchments with weary eyes. Practical advancements came naturally - as larger boats were needed to travel farther up and down the river, they were constructed, and the technology was learned through mistakes and simple brightness of the builders. As the fields were plowed, it wasn't long before some peasant realized it would be a lot easier to do with tools made out of iron. As the settlements built their fortifications up, plenty of valuable lessons were learned in architecture. And finally, the most important advancements came related to the new resources found in new lands. More metal ment more metal tools, better clay ment an improvement in pottery.

The most curious discovery was made on the sandy beach of one of the new villages. There, a few men observed lightning strike the sand, and found an interesting new material where it hit. The material didn't look as if it was brought by the lightning and just stuck into the sand. In fact, it seemed to go from a solid form into the grains of sand gradually, as if the sand was molten and then dried up again. This was exactly what happened, one man was convinced. He studied the clear, transparent material, and tried to make it himself. However, the sand was difficult to melt, and only in a blacksmith's furnace did he manage to get glass. Still, a lot had to be learned before the glass could be furnished into anything sellable - how to cool it, how to blow it. Perhaps by the end of the year he would have something.

Personal

The Knagina Ekaterina gave birth to a lovely girl, Olga. The joy was immense, and Oleg, the big, burly Knaz, turned into a gentle and loving father around her. When he did leave her side, however, he was still just as serious, only slightly happier.

Defence & Offence

Since most of the military is busy elsewhere, the operations are limited to patrolling of the borders, rigorous training, and enforcing law and order. In the villages, too, new units are being fleshed out by each of the head warriors. They do not yet practice as much, since hands are needed on construction, but already they are somewhat capable forces, driven by the desire to protect their own little settlement from whatever threat might materialize.

 

[Elayne]

Vienna was an ostensibly peaceable city with gabled roofs and wide cobblestone streets and plazas. The tall, pale haired Lady Evelyn stood on her balcony, overlooking her city, her mood reflective as she contemplated the reports her Ministers were giving her about the savage raiding that had left a distant cousin's holdings in all but ruins.

Diplomacy

Evelyn turned to face her Ministers, straightening her brocaded corset slightly as she focused first on her Internal Minister Tomas. "Of course we shall receive the refugees with grace and care," she instructed. "We will accept them into our city and take steps to help them become settled as loyal citizens of Vienna," she commanded, though despite her compassionate words her mind was racing as she contemplated the opportunities provided by the sudden influx of people and soldiers.

Build

"Of course, such an increase in population must be accounted for," Evelyn continued, adjusting her thick blonde hair. "Tomas, I want you to summon our masons and carpenters and begin building suitable homes and farms so we can house our new citizens and have enough farms to feed them all."

Military

On the other hand, the threat of savage raids so close to her border was disturbing. As Evelyn thought about it, she didn't like the idea of savages raiding into her own realm, without the buffer of her cousin's holding.

She turned to the captain of hrer guards, William. "William," she began. "We must send a troop of guards to my cousin's lands to secure them and make sure the savages don't penetrate further."

"Pick one hundred of your best men, skilled riders all," she instructed. "I want them to go into my cousin's holdings to help rescue any other refugees who might need our aid. While they are there, I want them to identify the savages who have caused such damage and scout out how strong they are."

If the bandits were weakened, Evelyn might be able to make a move to annex her cousin's holdings, expanding her own power.

Research

Lastly, Evelyn turned to her Minister of the Exchequer, Charles. "Charles, with the threat of conflict looming on the horizon, I want to make sure our soldiers are as well equipped and armed as they could be. Cavalry in particular will be important so we can defend our holdings and react swiftly to enemy raids. I want you to summon all our local horse ranchers and set them to breeding and training better war horses, both light and heavy, so that our riders will mounted on swift, deadly and reliable mounts."

Personal

Her decisions regarding her fallen cousin's holdings made, Evelyn dismissed her ministers for the day. She padded down into the hall of her manse, settling onto her seat and adjusting her skirts around her long, slender legs.

After she was settled, she called for her butler and announced she would be meet with petitioners for the rest of the day, allowing her citizens to enter one by one and present their concerns to their noble ruler, so that Evelyn could hear their affairs and weigh her actions accordingly.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Ard Righ Cathaoir stood on the wall of his chief fortress at Cashel, and watched the mist in the valleys of his wide green realm in the chill morning air. He nursed a mug of warmed mead as he slowly woke up to face another day.

Diplomacy

The kings of Ulster and Connacht were near to blows over a blood feud between two ruling clans. Cathaoir had dispatched monks and his personal champion to preside over the negotiations with the threat that if they did not settle their grievances according to the brehon laws that he would intervene and they would have war with meath, leinster and munster and the high king.

Build

The annual borume had been brought in and Cathaoirs engineers had returned from Britain and their examination of the old Roman roads. He planned to take this knowledge and start a great project that will knit Eire together with good roads.

Military

A particularly brave chieftain of a minor clann near to cashel had staged a midnight raid of Cathaoir's cattle resulting in the death of 12 good warriors that had been guarding them. Such offense could not go unpunished for it undermined the authority that had been granted him under the Great Fal. Along with this insult, his own clan in the far north at Inis Eoghain, were near to war with the O'Donaill's so he would dispatch assistance there if need be, and the Norsemen had been raiding the coasts and destroying monasteries so he would need to build a navy to challenge them at sea.

Research

Research had been completed on roadbuilding and he now ordered men to work on developing a ship based on that of the raiders so he could challenge them at sea.

Personal

As always right after the borume Cathaoir had to go down to the fields to initiate young boys into training and accept freshly proven warriors into his fianna.
So today he planned to ride down and watch the hurling and the combat exercises so he could make his decisions

 

[macmillian]

IC: Age of Kingdoms

The New World : Uncas.....

Was the head of the Pequot people and Leader of the Longhose to which they belonged. They had made peace with the tribes and nations to the south and now they were trading partners with the aligned Longhouses of the North East. There was not much to trade as most of the tribes in the east had about the same resources.

Food was a major trade item as was finished goods of leather an hides and furs. Uncas had traveled with a small group among the southern tribes and learned much about the people and their leaders to the south.

The villages consisted of huts of varing size. The size depended on the size of the family unit. Each family unit or a group of famils would raise the crops, gather other foods from the forest, strams and lakes. The men would hunt of play games. The games was between opposing families or even villages. The Games was actually training for fighting and for war.

Uncas was aware that the best groth for his people was west, towards the great river that ran north and south. One day he would follow the mighty river to the sea.

 

[emily123]

Russes

Diplomacy-
Your idea to have your people marry their children between the two villages has worked well and the people between the two villages are now getting along better.

Expansion-
Your men have settled in two new villages sucessfully while two of your new establishment had to be abondoned due to the sudden floods in the location due to rise in river levels. And the people from those settlement had been sent to these two settlements.

Build-
No new buildings were constructed in your old towns.
New settlement now have a Village centre with a small granary and a small warehouse.

Military-
Stamina of your Military has increased well, but dueto lack of proper training time their skilled have not improved to satisfactory level.

Economy-
You have invested a lot of resources in trying to establish the four colnies out of which you were sucessful in establishing two. you lost a lot of money but it was invested well. Now your treasury is low and you need to earn more else your treasury will moveto bankrupsy in a year's time.

Harvest-
The harvest was good but could have been better ifskilled labour was not moved to new settlement.
You lost a lot of food in the two floded settlements.

Research-
Research is moving on very slow pace at the moment. You have learnt how to make glass but not know how to use it to benefit for civil purpose but your men are near to the breakthrough it may take them another year.

Personal- Your daughter is growing into a healthy child, and your wife is well too and is helping you in managing the two towns well.


Your neighbouring towns are forging alliances and there are three major alliances being formed. Your spies inform you. You can either stay neutral or join any of these alliances.
However the motive of alliance formation is still unknown

 

[emily123]

The Austrians

Diplomacy
The exiled people reach your city and your people gracefully recive them. The people and the soldiers swear to be loyal to you.
Caiptain Damiscus tells you that your both nephews have been captured by the raiders but both are alive, he also tells you of the secret passage to the town.

Build
You have enough houses available by the fall of winter for all your new citizens.Farms have also been prepared.

Military
Your captain wiliam took 100 trusted warriors wth him and tracked down the enemy and in form of shock attacks has weakened them a lot. He has also managedto save both your nephews (AGE-5,3 yrs) who were with a few trusted old servants of your cousin. He also managed to rescue another 300 people while the rest in the town are all dead. If you send him support in time you might be able to secure the town.

Research
Horse breeding is going well. A trader from Asia has visited you and offered to supply well bred war horses which are a it expensive!

 

[emily123]

The Irish

Diplomacy
Your envoy to kings of Ulster and Connacht seems to have worked atleast for the time being.

Build
The construction of the road network between your allied town is going in full swing and will be ver by the next winter.
Howeverthose sections where the road netwrk has been done are now seeing an upswing in trading and the military now patrols the area with the road network more efficiently.

Military
Your entire force has been put on alert and are now training harder.

Research
Your research team has worked wel and hard and have now developed a ship better ten tose used by raiders only trouble is they are difficult to build and thus take longer time, however you have two of these ships ready.

 

[Elayne]

The Austrians

Military

Evelyn gathered her advisors into the main hall of her manor to hear the report from Captain William regarding the events in her cousin's burned out village.

After hearing the messenger detail how the raiders had been weakened, Evelyn decided that it was time to make a stronger push to annex the village. "I believe that the raiders can be ousted," she told her advisors. "I wish Captain Damascus to take 100 of the soldiers we rescued from my cousin's lands, men who know the terrain well. He will lead them as scouts and use the secret passages into their village to gain the advantage over the raiders and catch them off guard."

"Meanwhile, two hundred of our infantry are to quickly join Captain William and reinforce him. Take to him the orders that he and Captain Damascus are to quickly seize the village as a base of operations, then begin hunting down the raiders."

Build

After consulting with her advisors, Evelyn decided that the cost of maintaining a campaign to seize her cousin's lands and improving her own troops would be prohibitive. She therefore decided to begin building shops that would quickly bolster her economy.

"I wish to establish a new small market here in Vienna to help stimulate trade in the city," Evelyn decided. "I also wish to encourage skilled crafters to begin building work shops here in the city, particularly for fine goods."

Research

With a sigh, Evelyn authorized the expenditure of gold to buy good stock from the Asian merchant, to help accelerate her own horse breeders program.

As horses become available, Evelyn orders the best stallions and all the mares to be kept back for breeding, while the lesser stallions are to be gelded and sent to Captain William, to help get all her soldiers in the field mounted on good horses.

 

[Wolk]

Diplomacy-
News of a growing alliance were troubling. The most important question on Oleg's mind was who his neighbours were allying against. If the alliance was for mutual protection against foreign raiders, like Tartars in the south, then of course he would agree to provide assistance. If, however, the fellow tribes were preparing to engage in internal warfare with one another, it needed to be made known that such enterprises would not be looked upon very favourably. The strength that he now weilded due to the union between the Capital and the town of Vladimir, as well as the establishment of two new fortified colonies not far away made him powerful enough to withstand against any alliance on his own, if need be.

Unification and strengthening, he maintained, needed to be achieved by peaceful means, wherein the leaders and people of each tribe will be given a place in the power structure of the unified kingdom, like Vladimir was given as his vassal. To this end envoys were sent to immediately neighbouring tribes, singing praise to the fate of Vladimir and his people's life under Oleg's rulership, and offering the same to everyone for the pure economic and security benefit. After all, the envoys were persuading, who is to guarantee that your ally comes to your aid in a time of need if nothing threatens his own domain? Nobody! But who can honestly believe that Oleg would stand idly by when town of Vladimir, a part of his own domain, is under attack? Nobody! Their domains, too, can enjoy the same protections, the same prosperity, and the same power as Vladimir. Their citizens could have access to the new colonies with all of their riches still to be exploited.

Expansion and Exploration-
The floods were a sad setback, but there is no bad without some good. Now, at least, the two settlements were twice as large as they otherwise would have been, better protected and fortified. With these two rapidly growing villages there was no immediate need to build any more settlements, and so none was planned.

On the exploration front, however, not all was as good. Oleg had a strategic plan to use the Russes' position on the mighty river to foster trade with faraway lands. But those faraway lands needed first to be discovered, and the first step to that was thoroughly charting the river itself. This year some of his warriors would be doing just that.

Furthermore, the areas around new villages was to be even more thoroughly explored by hunters, and maps to be made by the warriors in each village and town.

Build-
The boats and barges used so far were clearly insufficient for serious seafaring, nor carrying large loads between towns and villages or even foreign traders. To remedy that, the people in the Capital began construction of a new shipbuilding wharf. Logs for it would need to be imported from heavy forests far up the river, but they would be split into planks right on sight by a big new mill, which utilized the river's power. In addition, it would also be capable to grind grain, making it into more valuable flour.

The growing population and export needs required an expansion of the craftsmen's shops. The new settlements also flooded the Capital with an abundance of raw materials, which needed to be processed and made into goods. To meet this demand, new shops were being built and opened in both Capital and Vladimir. Even the villages would get a few small shops to supply some of their own needs.

Military-
The military was expanded with new recruits to keep it proportional with the size of the population. These recruits were mixed into the existing units, where veterans would bring them up to speed, as was done before with Vladimir's poor troops. From the existing troops, one hundred were selected to form new sea units. They were broken into six groups of fifteen, each to be equipped with three 5-man boats of the kind current traders used. They would be used to patrol the river, quickly respond to emergencies, scout and chart it, as per exploration directives. This practical experience would hopefully give the men needed on the water experience before they are equipped with proper ships upon the wharf's completion, and make the core of the Navy.

The rest of the troops would train according to their status. To have everyone train all the time would be an incredibly heavy burden on the economy. Instead, there was a fairly small number of core warriors - perhaps three hundred in total. They trained most of the time when they were not busy with duties. The rest were free to work, but were gathered twice a month and drilled for two days each time by the full-time warriors. The ratio was to be one full warrior for nine men-at-arms, which ment that with three hundred core warriors an incredible 3000-man army could be gathered for the land's defence, which was nearly the entire male population of the kingdom. Gathering of this army for a lengthy campaign would be the equivalent of a human body going into a fever, sending all its resources into an effort to fight the enemy, even at great cost to its other functions, and certainly was not to be used lightly, unless the vital interests of the state were at stake.

Economy-
The raw materials and harvests that would come in from the new villages are expected to create a wealth of resources. As many of these resources as possible will be processed and either consumed or sold. Most importantly, the port provided a great place to control and tax the trade, especially trade with father towns. With the new marine military units the amount of shady economic activity would hopefully drop and the treasury would share in the overall prosperity brough by the expansion.

Research-
With the new wharf and mills being built, rapid research is needed into ship designs and other naval weaponry. The people who were building the wharf and then the ships themselves would look into it as much as they could. At the same time, the influx of raw materials required research into craftsmanship, and ways to make better, higher quality items. This was in the domain of the craftsmen, who were now more numerous, and didn't take long to organize a guilt to share experience, regulate their own affairs, etc.

Of course, the glassmaking was showing great potential, and Oleg himself took interest in it. Though no fancy goods could be made out of it just yet, he had the masters create simple thick slabs of the material, which was then inserted into the windows of his keep. Needless to say, this started a fashion, and the profits would finance the glassmakers' further development into jars, bottles, goblets, and the like.

Personal-
As much as Oleg loved his little Olga, he wanted a successor, and more than one, in order to ensure the stability of governance in the kingdom he was creating. He was young enough, and loved his beautiful wife Ekaterina, the result of which was that the pair often slept long into the morning, exhausted by a long, wonderful night.

 

[emily123]

The Austrians Turn #2

Military

As planned your strong infantry of 200 soldiers joined Captain Williams, while Captain Damascus led his 100 men through the secret passageways leading to the army barracks.
As planned by you Captain Williams with 200 men attacked the town from the North Gate and the raiderers converged to attack on them. Captain Damscus at that time attaced the eastern gate and killed off the enemythus elping 100 of your trained infantry in together they attacked the raiders forces killingmost of them and taking 50 soldiers as prisoners.
The attack was sucessful and you recaptured the town, although you lost 30 infantry and 10 cavalary.
The town was in ruins but you were able to rescue around 100 people all of whom were skilled craftsmen or farmers.

Soon it will be winters and Captain Williams informs you it will not be wise to go further chasing the raiders atleast for now.

Build:
As desired by you a new market has been constructed near to the place where new immigrants had settled.

Economy
Helped by the new market and better warehouses the trade at the moment is booming however it can become better.

Research
Your breeding programme is going well and there is a good boost in population of horses. Your wise man have designed a better saddle which is more comfortable for the rider and helps him to stay mounted on the horse if he loses minor balance.

The New town-
Captain Willias along with his Cavalry and 100 infantry has reached Vienna along with 100 rescued men, and informs that the town though captured is in a state of absolute ruins. However he points out that this town is situated at a tactical location and is fit to be reestablished as a millitary fortress-town. He also advises that if a paved road is built between the two towns movement would become very swift between Vienna and the new town.

 

[emily123]

Russes turn#3

Diplomacy
Your envoys reached your neighbouring Kingdoms and most of them were recieved warmly by the states. The neighbouring kingdoms although willing to align with you were not ready to become like Vladamir.
they were although quite ready to have trade routes established between there town and yours, butagainst the idea of working like a vassal for you.
they want to become a friendly neighbourhood kingdom with youwith no offence treaty.

Expansion and exploration-
Exploration work of routing the rivers was not possibledue to massive flooding this season.
however your hunters and warriors were able to map surrounding areas of your nearby settlements.


Build
Your constrction projects were now moving at snails pace due to the flooding of rivers and it is estimated that your wharf will not be available by the end of next year.

Military
Due to the flooding your naval idea could not take off however your new soldiers trained well and were inducted in infantary.
Your peasants trained well and could act well as town militia

trade and economy-Again due to the flooding of river naval trade was in tatters and the land routes too were fetching less profits but it was a better economic year with new colonies helping your main town.

Research-
Although the wharf construction was held up but the research part of the wharf had been constructed and new models could be made and tested.

At last you were able to make plain glass and use it as windows and sheets.
The glass has quickly become a rage in your town and more people were buying it. The few traders on land route did not like it a lot because they broke enroute to their towns maybe it will be a better trading item once the sea route opens up!

Personal
Although little olga took a lot of your energy and love but still you managed to sleep with your beautiful wife Ekaterina resulting in another pregnancy, this time you will have your first sucessor

 

[rengadeirishman]

Diplomacy
Ulster and Connacht had been settled, but negotiations with the norsemen in limerick and dublin had faltered war was coming.

Build

the roads were coming along nicely and one large road from cashel had been established to the nearest friendly port at Killmacduagh, branches off the main road had started being built as well. The beginnings of the navy had been established by good strong ships with spear throwing bows mounted onto them

Military

Cathaoirs personal warband had put the rogue chieftain to rights and retrieved his cattle and wealth as well as taking the chiefs after the destruction of his clann. Also a good batch of young warriors had been chosen and proved themselves in battle much increasing his army

Research

research had a breakthrough in iron mining which allowed more iron to be brought up, drastically reducing the price of iron for making armor and weapons with, Cathoair had been able to procure body armor for his own personal warband and the veteran warchiefs of his various bands of fianna

Personal

Cathaoir's wife Aisling was now with child, his first. Cathaoir had also begun preparations to go to war with the norsemen at limerick to secure the port there and drive the invaders out of Eire

 

[Elayne]

The Austrians

Lady Evelyn welcomed Captain William back warmly, glad of his recapture of her cousin's holdings.

After hearing him out, Lady Evelyn decided that his plan had merit... and meshed well with what she had already intended.

Strategy

"I wish for my cousin's village, Prague, to become a fortress town that will prevent raiders from reaching Vienna itself. Captain Damascus will have command of it and will develop buildings suitable to stationing and training soldiers."

"Vienna, I feel, with the new influx of craftsmen and tradesmen, has the opportunity to seize economic dominance over the region. I wish to develop Vienna into the foremost trading town possible."

Build

Evelyn decides that to encourage travellers and traders to come to Vienna, the town needs to be focus on building facilities that invite visitors.

She orders her ministers to begin building a tavern and a well regulated brothel, to encourage traders and mercenaries to come to Vienna.

Economic

After reviewing the maps with Captain William, Evelyn agrees that a road needs to be built to connect Prague and Vienna. However, road building in winter is difficult, so Evelyn decides to spend the winter stock piling and raising supplies for the road to be built in spring.

Military

With the military back in the town, Evelyn instructs Captain William to begin retraining the soldiers in her Vienna Company, making sure that every man has a horse, a sword, and the skills to use both.

She also instructs Captain Damascus in Prague to begin training his soldiers in archery and the pike, to hold the ground they've seized from the raiders.

Research

Evelyn is pleased with the research being done to improve her cavalry.

She decides to expand the program, covering not only breeding and training fine horses, but also researching swords and armour appropriate for a mounted soldier to use.

 

[Wolk]

Russes

The expansion had gone well, much to Oleg's satisfaction. He had grown his people from a small tribe to a sizable kingdom, built an army that was more than capable of defending the lands and the people that occupied it, and lifted the economy to a new prosperous level. But one kingdom was too small, he realized. All around him, other Russian and Slav tribes were also growing, from the Germanic tribes' borders all the way to the cold deep steppes in the East. There were many, and many were power, but only if they were united.

The alliances that grew around him were led by confident people, Oleg began to trust after studying them closely. They could bring brighter future, more security, victories over stronger external enemies, like the Turks in the south. Finally, after much consideration, the envoys were sent to the leader of the largest neighbouring kingdom. Oleg's lands would unite with theirs by bethrosal between little Olga and the neighbouring king's infant son, and the people would unite on the same proven model that Vladimir's town joined Oleg. So it was written, and so it was done.

The resulting kingdom would be so vastly powerful, combining the two greatest powers in the area, that all smaller tribes were to soon easily fall under their influence. The people would be united, and Knaz Oleg slept well knowing it was largely through his doing. Though, of course, history would remember the other leader - the one who would lead the new united Russian tribes into the future. Czar Ivan.

 

[emily123]

The New World : Uncas.....

Was the head of the Pequot people and Leader of the Longhose to which they belonged. They had made peace with the tribes and nations to the south and now they were trading partners with the aligned Longhouses of the North East. There was not much to trade as most of the tribes in the east had about the same resources.

Food was a major trade item as was finished goods of leather an hides and furs. Uncas had traveled with a small group among the southern tribes and learned much about the people and their leaders to the south.

The villages consisted of huts of varing size. The size depended on the size of the family unit. Each family unit or a group of famils would raise the crops, gather other foods from the forest, strams and lakes. The men would hunt of play games. The games was between opposing families or even villages. The Games was actually training for fighting and for war.

Uncas was aware that the best groth for his people was west, towards the great river that ran north and south. One day he would follow the mighty river to the sea.

OOC: Well it is fineplease set a starting point for Uncas and post their first turn

 

[Jagged]

OOC Emily....Let me know what you think and if you need any more details. what problems does the young king have to deal with now that he has taken command.



The Kingdom of Prussia


Background

Fredrick Bismarck swung the ax down on the large piece of wood on the stump breaking the piece evenly down the middle. Another typical day at the farm he thought. No the country estate as his mother told him it was to be referred to in her letters. For Fredrick it was home for his mother it was an escape from the pressures of court and place to be with here son. He had found memories of playing in the mud and rain with a woman who acted only like a queen when the situation dictated other wise she was his mom Ann. She was the one who taught him to read, ride a horse and use a sword. Not that his father William was not willing but he was always so busy with his order. Commanding the Teutonic Knight’s chapter in Prussia was no small responsibility. At least that was what the letters would say though rumors of mistresses and other children made there way to Fredrick even as a teen. His mother would cry and drink often then spend time trying to lose herself with her son. Time with his father though had been limited to state functions and letters from all over Europe. When word of his death did come to the family he and his mother wept privately in the palace chapel and then nothing would be said about him again. The marriage of the young queen to the local head of a powerful military order seems like the perfect match, but it had not been the case. His mother said all the heartache was worth having him but he had always wanted her to be happy.

Taking a break Fredrick put the ax into the stump and walked over to a young servant girl holding a bucket and took a long drink of cold well water. He thanked the woman and looked her up and down as she walked off down the path to the kitchen of the main house. She was lovely too look at but you could tell she had the muscle to do the heavy farm work she most likely had to do once she got home. As he sat down on the stump he looking out at the large fields of wheat and his mind returned to more pressing matters. His mother who he loved would be dead soon. Her surgeon was sure of that it was only because of how strong she was had she already died. The woman who was first to be a knight in her lands and ruled for 14 years before taking a husband and had never been ill was ruling from her bed. She spent most of her day sleeping then dealing with a rush of advisors and ministers so that the small state could run properly. He would have to take the throne soon.

Becoming King of Prussia was never something that appealed to him as a boy. His mother was only too happy to have him spend his teen years at the country estate. He rode, hunted, and fished worked with the local craftsmen and patrolled with the local sheriff. He did whatever he wanted. School for six weeks then time spent in the forge or at the jousts. He would travel to Vienna and visit with their royal family as well as others. He navigated rivers and heard cattle. He did just about everything except prepare himself for the throne except maybe become a knight.

Later that night Fredrick made his way back to the palace on horseback and went straight to his mothers chambers not wasting time with food or washing. She smiled up at her tall strong boy and took his hand. She would hold it until she could hold it any longer and quietly crossed over. The days following would be a blur of state functions. Bearing his mother one day and being knighted as a head of the Teutonic Knight’s local chapter the next. Finally in Berlin at the central church not far from the palace a new king is crowned. There is much to do and little time to do it….enemies are around. It has become my responsibility that the black eagle of Prussia never loses a feather.

 

[emily123]

The Irish

Diplomacy
Ulster and Connacht had been settled indeed but not for long as they joined hands with the Norsemen.On other hand your negotiations with the Norsemen went terribly wrong and now the war is not far Norsemen have started attacking your allies and have already destroyed one of them Meith While High King, Leinster and Munster have taken up the survivors from the state of Meith and bribed their armies to return now it is your turn to stand and face them along with your Allies and attack them immediately.

Build
Owing to sudden attacks on your allied kingdoms your forces have errected two layers of Wooden Pallaside walls on your frontiers.
our road construction project is a bit disturbed but you and your now left allied cities are well connected helping in a swift army march from one city to another city swiftly.

Army
Your Navy is training well and younow have a fleet of 10 warboats the largest in surrounding region.
Your army is also training hard and is on constant alert due to sudden attacks by Norsemen and general skill level of your army is rising

Research
Due to good advance in iron ore mining you extract more and better quality ironfrom earth helpingyour men to create better weapons and armour.
Also the production of weapons has gone up and you are earning good profits on export.

Personal
Your queen Aisling will give birth to your first son.

Also while roaming near the tavern area you met with a trader who offered you some weapons (bow and arrows) and you were amazed to see how good they work from a range. he offered to buy you a few of these as the wood in your area was not good to manufacture bows and if made from Iron it will be to heavy to carry around.

 

[emily123]

Austrians

Strategy
Prague had been turned into a Millitary fortress reducing the Millitary burden on your Capital City Vienna where the Traders and Craftsmen settled.

Build
A lot of Millitary structures have come up in Prague and all the walls have been repaired.
In Vienna New markets and craftsmen guilds have been established
A Grand Tavern and a big Brothel has been established on the outskirts of the trader market area
A good road has also been completed between Vienna and Prague helping in swift movement of Army and peoples.

Army
Captain William has beguntraining people in Vienna to be able to fight along with armyin case of a sieze also he is recruiting promising talents into the army.Captain Damascus has also started to recruit new pikemen and archers to defend the city of Prague

Research
Your researchers are working hard and have developed lighter swords which shall bemore comfortable to your Cavalry.
Also they have been able to make a thicker powerful sword for your infantary.

Economy
Helped by new traders and artists you are slowly enroute to become a strong economy.
trades are growing well and farmers have had a great harvest this season.
Your Economy advisor advised that if you could tweak tax rates a bit, Economy of the kingdom can get better.

 

[emily123]

The Prussians

Welcome aboard Jagged please post your first turn

 

[Elayne]

Lady Evelyn is pleased with the progress her Austrians have made towards regional dominance.

Build - Vienna

With trade beginning to boom in Vienna, Evelyn encourages her builders to maintain their focus on economic structures. She orders the construction of workshops devoted to producing fine cloth and linens to trade.

Build - Prague

With Prague's new role as a military fortress well underway, Evelyn sends a message for Captain Damascus to build an archery range and a swordsman pit to continue training the troops stationed there to maximum proficiency.

Economy

Having discussed the economy with her Ministers, Evelyn decides to adjust the tax rate. She decides to restructure taxes to be somewhat light on the lower and middle classes, feeling that with enriching the general populace will create an upward surge in the economy.

Military - Training

With most of her treasury tied up in expanding the economy and researching, Evelyn doesn't feel she can expand the military at this time. Instead, she instructs her two captains to focus on training and reequipping, making sure that all of her soldiers are better equipped and better trained than any of her closest rivals.

Diplomacy

Evelyn instructs merchant caravans to head forth from Vienna, scouting out the nearby areas to make contact with nearby cities that could become trading partners... or rivals.

Research

Generally pleased with the level of research coming from her blacksmiths and armourers, Evelyn issues the most successful a reward to encourage their continued efforts. She also instructs her smiths and researchers to focus on armour for now, feeling that well armoured troops will serve her best.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cathaoir rode atop his faithful horse, Brennos, resplendent in his tartan and gleaming armor, around his neck was a thick torc of gold and atop his head a strong helmet with an attached crown. on his hip he wore a mighty sword and strapped to his horse was his iron shield. Behind him stood the assembled ranks of all his fianna and the fianna of his loyal vassals, along with the stout men and strong lads who were able and willing to bear arms. Across the plain of clontarf stood the armies of connacht and ulster as well as the army of the Norse kings of dublin and limerick. He was outnumbered, but far from hopelessly so, as the enemy army had only half again his number and the horses, warriors, and equipment, including excellent new bows he had recently purchased for his archers, were superior. His offers of settling by duel had been refused so he was left with no choice but full war. He rode in front of his ranks of footsoldiers and cavalry giving his speech "Today we fight not just for a rath but for all of Eire! May God and St. Michael put strength and vigor into our limbs and guide our hands against the sea wolves and the traitors to our land! FAUGH A BALLAUGH!!!" he roared as he led the charge of his men.

 

[emily123]

The Austrians

Build Vienna
Your new trade fortress is getting up well. New workshops are being constructed steadily and so are warehouses. Your city has become a great Trading centre.

Build Prague
As amilitarycentre Prague is lagging behind in economic buildings and only farmers are now left there.
But as a military extension of Vienna city is getting along well.
New barracks are being constructed to station the newly trained troops.
Also on your order Captain Damascus has started the construction of a new swordsmen pit and a new archers range.

Economy
Your Economy is definitely on a surge and there is a good inflow in your royal treasury, but due to massive construction work going around a lot of money is being spent too.
The decrease in tax rates is welcomed by the populace of your towns and people are now working harder as they have never done.

Military
As decided and instructed by you your army is going under a rigourous training regime and is now eing equipped with better weapons and shields.

Research
Minor improvements in weapons has been made but nothing really exciting has been done

Diplomacy
Your Scout and envoys are moving around the area and have contacted two small villageswho are willing to do trading with your cities and if handled properly will enter into an alliance with you.

Personal
OOC: i would love you to start something here