Medieval Total War Interactive AAR

[Grothgar]

First of all i would like to mention that this thread is for those involved with this game only. If you have something to say or you want to join when i undoutably conquer a province http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif then please use the other thread, you cant miss it.

Right, i have posted this before, but this is the situation in regard to provinces etc

PROVINCES:


Province Name: Rum
Governor: Amir Sabbah
Player: Tyrac

Income: 583
Expenses allowed: 1166
Resources: None
Trade Goods: None

Taxation: Normal
Loyalty: 200%
Base Loyalty: 157%
Zeal: 23%

Religions: 1% Jewish, 2% Catholic, 2% Orthodox, 95% Islam

Buildings in Province: Fort, Spearmaker, Town Watch, Royal Palace, 20% Farmland, Horse Farmer, Mosque

Buildings which can be built:
Name of Building Time to be built Cost of Building
Fort and Motte 1 year 100 Florins
Watchtower 1 year 100 Florins
Bowyer 2 years 200 Florins
Inn 2 years 400 Florins
Ribat 4 years 300 Florins
Horse Breeder 4 years 400 Florins
40% Farmland 4 years 1000 Florins
Keep 8 years 1000 Florins

Units buildable in Rum:
Name of Unit Time to be trained Cost of Training
Horse Archers 1 year 250 Florins
Urban Militia 1 year 100 Florins
Peasants 1 year 50 Florins
Spearmen 1 year 150 Florins
Emissary 1 year 100 Florins
Alim 1 year 100 Florins


Province Name: Armenia
Governor: Amir Khan
Player: Gregoshi

Income: 302
Expenses allowed: 604
Resources: None
Trade Goods: Silk, Spices, Gems

Taxation: Normal
Loyalty: 164%
Base Loyalty: 114%
Zeal: 29%

Religions: 3% Catholic, 3% Orthodox, 94% Islam

Buildings in Province: None

Buildings which can be built:

Name of Building Time to be built Cost of Building
Watchtower 1 year 100 Florins
20% Farmland 2 years 600 Florins
Inn 2 years 400 Florins
Fort 4 years 400 Florins




Province Name: Edessa
Governor: Amir al Mu'tasim
Player: King Edward

Income: 309
Expenses allowed: 618
Resources: None
Trade Goods: Silk, Spices, Gems

Taxation: Normal
Loyalty: 136%
Base Loyalty: 106%
Zeal: 26%

Religions: 1% Catholic, 1% Orthodox, 98% Islam

Buildings in Province: None

Buildings which can be built:

Name of Building Time to be built Cost of Building
Watchtower 1 year 100 Florins
20% Farmland 2 years 600 Florins
Inn 2 years 400 Florins
Fort 4 years 400 Florins


Province Name: Syria
Governor: Amir al Muntasir
Player: RunAway

Income: 304
Expenses allowed: 608
Resources: None
Trade Goods: Gems

Taxation: Normal
Loyalty: 145%
Base Loyalty: 112%
Zeal: 24%

Religions: 3% Catholic, 3% Orthodox, 94% Islam

Buildings in Province: None

Buildings which can be built:

Name of Building Time to be built Cost of Building
Watchtower 1 year 100 Florins
20% Farmland 2 years 600 Florins
Inn 2 years 400 Florins
Fort 4 years 400 Florins


ARMIES:

Army Leader Unit Type Number of Unit Total Army Size
Amir al Mu'tasim Horse Archers 40 340
Spearmen 200
Peasants 100

Amir Sabbah Bedouin Camels 80 200
Desert Archers 120

Amir al Muntasic Horse Archers 80 180
Spearmen 100

Sultan Suleyman I Ghulam Bodyguards 21 301
Amir Khan Horse Archers 80
Spearmen 100
Peasants 100


ROYALTY:

Name: Title Age Special Attributes:
Suleyman I Sultan 53 Well Educated (+1 Acumen and Command)
Suleyman Prince 13
Ayback Prince 11
Osman Prince 8


DIPLOMACY:

Unit Type Valour
Emissary 0


THE SITUATION:

My Brother Amirs, I am your Sultan.
Some call me Suleyman I, some call me the destroyer, some call me that annoying git, when they dont think i can hear. I am here to launch us on an odessy of discovery, conquest, pain, blood, and yes gold.

To the North and West we are bordered by the corrupt unbelievers, The Byzantines, they follow the same God as the other section of Christianity, The Catholics, but they have decided to worship in a different way. Just as well we have no such divisions in Islam.

To the South we are bordered by our brothers, The Egyptians. Their land is rich and their forces well trained. They follow the one true God, Allah, peace be upon him, yet they cannot be ignored as a threat. They are trecharous, and are sure to reach for any oppurtunity we present them with.

There are no uncontrolled lands around us, so no easy pickings. Whichever way we advance we will be met by heavy resistance, but i believe with a strong heart and the belief in our god we will triumph.

Our Treasury is more or less solvent with 856 Florins coming in this year from our accumulated Provinces. Our treasury, after years of wise investmant, is quoted at a respectable 8000 Florins, which will be used to fund our expansion and building scheme.

CHOICES:

I see only one choice my brothers, WAR, the only question which needs consultation is with whom. Do we challenge the might of the Byzantine Empire, which although great is on the wain, or do we turn upon our brothers in arms and invade Egypt, which although a trecharous response, would bring us the rich lands they they hold.

I, as Sultan, wishes to attack the Non-Believers of the Byzantine Empire, but my mind is not set in stone, we will need 1 year to move forces to either fronteir and this is plenty of time for you, My Governors, to put your case across.

If you wish to construct anything in the provinces you call your own, then just send a messenger to inform me. (ie post on the board http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif ) If it is within your expenses allowance then it will be passed with no quibbles from me, unless funds are tight in which case i have the right of Veto. If it exceeds your expenses then put your case across to convince me to expend funds from the treasury to allow it.

OOC (Out of Character):

Right, if i get the responses from my Amirs then i will play a turn later tonight, if not then tommorow should give you enough time to post, thank you everyone, http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[Gregoshi]

My Great Sultan,
I will build a fort to protect Armenia from incursions from the Unbelievers. To support Your future plans, I will raise taxes to High for the present. Though our people may grumble, and who wouldn't, they understand the need. My horse archers and I are at your service.

As for future plans, when one wishes to construct a great building, a solid foundation is necessary. To do so, one must look down (South) before he should look up (North). Egypt is our foundation.

As the sands obey the Wind, I obey your Will.

Amir Kahn,
Amir of Armenia

OOC
Request: Grothgar, can you also include what armies are in each province?

[Grothgar]

You know i thought i was missing something from that post. Now i know what it was http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Thanks Gregoshi, but hey you are my most loyal general http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Right heres the information.

Sultans Army/Amir Khans Army:

Location: Armenia
Total Strength: 301 men
Unit Diposition: 21 Ghulam Bodyguards
80 Horse Archers
100 Spearmen
100 Peasants


Amir al Mu'tasim's Army:

Location: Rum
Total Strength: 340 men
Unit Disposition: 40 Horse Archers
200 Spearmen
100 Peasants


Amir al Muntasir's Army:

Location: Edessa
Total Strength: 180 men
Unit Disposition: 100 Spearmen
80 Horse Archers


Amir Sabbah's Army

Location: Syria
Total Strength: 200 men
Unit Disposition: 80 Bedouin Camels
120 Desert Archers

[Tyrac]

Build-Watch Tower-- The protection of our Sultan and his Heirs is my first duty.
Build-Alim--The Voice of Allah but more importantly the eyes and ears of the Sultan in the provinces of the infidel.

I suggest we look to the West and North for war and land. Better to spill the blood of the infidel then that of our fellow believers.
Send alim to scout the lands and to bring the word of Allah to them. (Much easier to hold new provinces if they share your religion)

/ooc
Are we able to bank money unspent? i.e. save some up for larger projects?
Do we control Alims/emmisaries we build? (that could get complicated)

[Grothgar]

My two most loyal advisors offer me differing directions to conquer and to make war on. This will be a difficult decision. I must know that whatever my decision you will support me, i am in need of all my troops in this uncertain time.

OOC:

No, money that is unspent is given to me, ie the bank, Its just that if you want to create a building which is worth more than your allowance, i have to okay it. So its just an amount which you can go up to. And that counts Buildings and Units.

As for Alim's, Emissaries, Assasins etc. If you have a specific mission planned for them, then yes they are under your control, otherwise ill just use them for general missions, counter spying. Although all emissaries are mine http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

If you wanted to assasinate Gregoshi you could tell me to get them up to valour 3 before attempting it, and i would. But thats almost an exception isnt it. Just email me if you want to do that lol

[Grothgar]

After taking the matter under advisement it is my decision that the fertile lands of our muslim brothers will be the first to be added to our growing empire. While it may seem trecherous in the extreme to turn on our brothers in arms, it is my final decision.

In accordance with my wish in the last year we have repositioned our forces in Syria and Edessa with the following forces.

Amir Sabbah/Amir al Muntasir's Army

100 Spearmen
120 Desert Archers
80 Horse Archers
80 Bedouin Camels


Sultan Suleyman/Amir Khan/ Amir al Mu'tasim's Army

21 Ghulam Bodyguards
120 Horse Archers
300 Spearmen


I have decided that the army under my command will invade from Edessa while Amir Sabbah's army will wait in Syria to repel any invasions from the Egyptians. Syria borders 4 of Egypts provinces and will be vunerable until the army under my command advances far enough. To facilitate this advance Rum will be training 2 units of Spearmen at a cost of 150 Florins each year.

Under the construction of my wise Amirs, a watchtower was built in Rum and also a watchtower in Syria was erected to gather information from the provinces that are in our invasion plan. In Edessa and Armenia Fort's begun construction which is expected to take 4 years of hard labour.

This year i feel that our forces are unstoppable and will brush aside any who stand in our way. The Amir who emerged from the mosque has been sent along with the emissary to beg an alliance with the Byzantines, this is only temprarary until the Egyptians are subdued. 200 Peasents were left on the borders with the Byzantines to present an illusion of strength.

What is your decision my loyal Amirs?

[Tyrac]

Build -Fort and Motte; if the infidels see our weakness they will come.
Build -Spearmen

In your address you stated that Rum would be building 2 spearman. While my plan was to build at least 2 spears over the next turns I was under the impression that it was my descision to make. If all I get to do is call for one building every 4 plus turns or so (and even more later)there is not much point.

Also you implied that armies would be nominally under our control. Yet my army has been split up and moved.

[RunAway!!]

Let's see. I believe my territory would be most benefited by the immediate dispersion of funds for the purpose of constructing an inn.

I protest the conquest of our Muslim brethren. We should let them live; for while they do, Crusades will not approach our southern borders. The lands of the Byzantines to our north also are rich in tradable goods, and would provide a good starting point for my ..err.. our glorious empire.

[Gregoshi]

Bah Crusades What is a crusade?

The Byzantines have easier pickings to the west which will most likely embroil them in a war with the Hungarians. And the Pope cannot be too happy with them sitting at his door step. No, we needn't worry about the Byzantines for a while. Their eyes will be looking to the West when we stick the dagger in their back. They will crumble like a clay jar when that happens.

As for Egypt, do we yet know where their strength lies?

I shall oversee the construction of the Armenia fort and participate in glorious campaigns for our Great Sultan.

Amir Kahn,
Amir of Armenia

[Grothgar]

Tyrac, while the provinces are nominally under your control please remember that i am the Sultan and so i have the choice of veto. Also i may call up a levy from all of my provinces, where i order them to prepare troops to my liking. So yes you have the choice, i havent played the turn yet. You could say you dont want to build them but as it was your sultan asking i would look very dimly upon that.

Also yes your armys are under your control, but i am the supreme commander, i am your Sultan. If you protest the coming war so much that you dont wish to partcipate then i will not throw your unit into battle. It is your right. But when gearing up for war i am entitled to move the armies and split them up as i see fit for the realm.

Also not Tyrac your army hasnt been split up, your in command of two armies now http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

So while i understand your complaints/questions I am playing the game lol. If you say in your policy for the turn that you dont want to do anything, then ill take your unit out of the army http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif But of course i will look dimly upon this.

RunAway your entitled to your own opinions but your Sultan has decided that war with out Muslim Bretheren will be more profitable in the long term than war with the Byzantines. Also we will have to conquer them eventually, why not now? But if you protest i will remove your forces from the attack.

Gresgoshi, we will have a situation report of the dispersion of the Egyptian Forces tonight at about 6pm GMT. And excellent, im glad your willing to participate in our campaigns of glory. You are Under my direct command precisely because i expect that sort of loyalty from you.

[King Edward]

Greetings My Fellow Lions of Allah

I herby pledge my full support for the conquest and subjegation of our eygptian brethen. There trade goods from Antioc and tyrolia will goo along way in funding the armys needed for the eventual Conquest of Constantinople

Once My Province has constructed its fort, I request watch towers followed by border forts to prevent our vile enmeys using any underhand tactics to end my promising carrer rather too soon.

For the Glory of Allah

[Swoosh So]

Interesting....... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Grothgar]

Ahh Amir al Mu'tasim how nice of you to join us. Were the dirt roads in the province not to your liking, or did your spearmen have trouble keeping up with your swift Horse Archers. Never the less you are here now and it gladdens my heart you know i have yet more support for my decision to advance into Egypt.

It was a difficult decision but as Amir Khan wisely pointed out the lands are richer than could be gained within the same amount of time from the Byzantine Empire.

[Naagi]

Great Sultan, your wise decisions shall truely bring fame and glory to your mighty empire. Only Allah guides me to your side. If my services be needed you but only have to ask.


(Naagi waiting in the building que.) http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[kataphraktoi]

Great Sultan of Rum, Lion of the East, Shadow of God

I am Nicephorus Strategopoulis, I command a Kataphraktoi unit in charge of one of the fortresses to the West of the city of Nicaea.

Life as a soldier is not good these days, all or most of our pay have been diverted to the useless barbarians the Latins.

My men and I feel no loyalty to this so-called Emperor of ours, he cares not one bit for his true army, the Roman army, there is no where for us to turn, our families are starving and there is no longer protection from your devastating raids.

We have decided to cede to you our fortress on these following conditions:

- My Kataphraktoi unit be included in your service Great Sultan
- We may rule this fortress in your name as your subjects
- Our religion be tolerated
- Our families and properties respected
- Our children are exempt from the child tribute from whom I believe you train your Yeni Cheri (Janissaries)

In return we will give you our loyalties - allow us to take revenge on the Latins.

May you reply quickly

At your service

Great Sultan

[King Edward]

Wise Sultan,

I must Advise Caution in Kataphractoi's request. he may inform the Emperor of our plans agains the Egyptians which means the Byzantines could take advantage of this. The christians must be treated with caution

OCC
I dont mean i dont want Kataphrctoi to play, we have no taverns, and at this stage if we could get mercinary Kat's then the drain on our funds would be substantial.

[Grothgar]

Early Reconnasaince by scouts cleverly planted in the Egyptian Peasants by the watchtower in Syria has revealed the following information.

Antioch: Sultan al Mustali I

21 Ghulam Bodyguards
60 Nubian Spearmen

Tripoli:

60 Nubian Spearmen
100 Peasants

Palestine:

60 Nubian Spearmen
200 Peasants

Arabia:

40 Bedouin Camel Warriors


I plan to attack Antioch as it is the northern most province of the Egyptian Lands and then work my way down the coast. The force in Syria will stand by and wait for a weakness to expose itself or the number of provinces bordering it falls to 2 or under.

That is the plan, any objections, or anything you would change. Any protests?

Ill play the next turn at about 8pm GMT

[Grothgar]

Well if you had any protest, youll have to log it next turn lol. Here is what happened.

Our gloruis armies swept the ill prepared Egyptian forces out of Antioch with almost no resistance. The cowardly curs didnt even put up a fight, they retreated, the Egyptian Sultan is obviously a coward of the highest order.

The people in Antioch are outwardly supportive of their new regieme but there has been a few signs of sabotage. It is only small things but it could add up. The Egyptians have re-grouped but their forces are weak and ill prepared for the coming storm.

My Army will halt in Antioch for the next year to help the province accentuate to our rule. If any counter attack is made by the Egyptian Forces it is sure to be scattered amongst the sands of Syria.

With the capture of Antioch i have promoted a man i have great confidence in, i feel he has the right grasp of governing and he will be a good addition to our Forces. Welcome Amir al Ma'mum and his unit of 100 spearmen.

In Rum the Motte and Bailey was constructed with minimum cost and minimum time, all together a satisfactory outcome. An inn was started in Syria, it is hoped that when it grows to a certain size it will allow the recruiting of crusty mercenaries, a safe-gap if our forces are beaten on the field.

The forts in both Armenia and Edessa are continuing apace, with reliable reports putting the construction at its half-way stage.

A bit of bad news, the Byzantines do not wish to sign an alliance with us as they see our aggressive actions as destabilising to the region. Our emisarry took a boat and has ended up in Genoa. The Alim is in Constantinople and is preaching the word of Allah, also he is trying to persuade the Byzantine Emperor to see the wisdom of an alliance.

I leave the rest up to you my loyal alims. What do you wish for the coming year?

[Tyrac]

Build- Farmland 40%
Build-Spearman

[Vasker]

Greetings Sulton Grothgar

First let me congratulate you on the conquest of Antioch. I am pleased that you have choosen me to govern the province.

I would like to have built a Watch Tower this year fallowed by a Border Fort the next year. I do not trust the poeple of this land yet, they are in need of watching. I would like enough troops to stay in Antioch to keep the taxation at low for the next two years.

May Allah bless you great Sulton

Your servant Amir al Ma'mum Prince of Antioch

[RunAway!!]

Continue work on the Inn until it is finished, and then I would like to enquire as to the nature of mercenaries our empire attracts.

[Gregoshi]

Congratulations My Sultan, My Sun

Accept my apologizes for missing the attack strategy session. I ate some bad fruit and was, ah, preoccupied with personal business.

We have an opportunity here. If we can position the main army in Syria, we threaten 3 Egyptian provinces. Even better, if the foolish Egyptian Sultan stays in Tripoli, a successful attack in Palestine will cut him off from the rest of his Sultanate. Then it is a matter of the Sultan's death or capture...think of the ransom If he moves to Palestine before our armies are ready, we still threaten 3 of their provinces.

These are my words. Only You can tell if they are foolish or wise. As always, I follow.

Once the Armenian fort is complete, Watch Towers are the next order of business.

Your Loyal Servant,

Amir Kahn,
Amir of Armenia

[HopAlongBunny]

Hey It even makes good reading for non-participants http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Kill'em all http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[Grothgar]

My dear loyal Amir Khan, While your plan has merit, it does fail to take into account that the army under out joint command is needed in Antioch to ensure the population stay loyal. There are simmering signs of unrest and i estimate that it will take a few years of occupation until the natives see that our rule is the more enlightened.

So for this year my/our army will stay in Antioch to allow the peasants to aclimatise to our rule. The Army in Syria, under the command of Amir Sabbah, will also stay to present a united front and to scatter any counter attacks to the wind. As much as i would like to commit Amir Sabbahs expertise in the field to do so would leave an unopposed path through to our capital.

Oh and while it may be a trivial thing Vasker, its Sultan lol, i could behead you for saying it wrong http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Naagi would you like to put your name down for a specific province? An Eygyptian one would probably get you in the game quicker than say an english one http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[kataphraktoi]

There has been skepticism of my pledging of loyalty to the Great Sultan is this not true, most assuredly I can reafffirm my profession of loyalty to the Great Sultan, I have implored the magnificent one, the shadow of God for the province of Constantinople should he achieve it in the future, I have even asked for the position of Grand Eunuch thereby putting to the sword literally myths of any duplicity.

For I am happy to govern any province if any are available to wait for that day when Constantinople falls.

From Nicephorus Strategopoulos

[Gregoshi]

Once again, My Sultan sees what the unwise cannot. Who else but you can see into Your people's hearts? I will be with my horse archers and awaiting Your next command. I am but the sand.

Your Loyal Servant,

Amir Kahn,
Amir of Armenia

[Aleborg]

Well, as my absolute faith in my Sultan im completely sure he will find the best place for his loyal servent.
Anyhow Palestina or Tripoli look very nice, but i come from a very poor family, and just seeing my Sultan knows i exist is the best present for me. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I also saw u in conversation with other sevants all of them best qualify than me, so i will wait paciently until u think i can be useful.

Ur servant.

[Naagi]

Oh great Sultan, whichever province that needs my attention I would gladly lend my service. I can build you a wonderful fleet with which to bring in the riches from far off shores, or I can enlist the finest warriors to fill the ranks in your armies. All you have to do is give me some land and I will turn it around to your service, and Allahs.

Naagi http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Grothgar]

Plenty of events to concern your brains with this year my loyal Alims. As expected the Inn in Syria reached a large enough size for a few hundred mercenaries to make their way there to get drunk and be merry.

Discreet inquiries have revealed two units willing to be signed on to our Islamic Revolution. They are 40 Mounted Crossbowmen at the modest cost of 150 Florins and 40 Bedouin Camel Warriors for 62 Florins. They can start up right away with no training.

In Antioch a large imposing series of Watchtowers was built around the province and spies in the province have noticed a lot less sabotage than before and an even more showy display of loyalty in public. It is enough that the Tax rate could be raised to a Normal Level without adversely affecting it.

In Rum new techniques of farming were started, including field irrigation and crop rotation, it is hoped that after 3 more years of this it will begin to show divadends. Also the finest architechs in our land have noted that the forts being produced in Edessa and Armenia only need at most 1 years work on them to turn them into fully fledged border outposts.

The border of watchtowers in Syria has again paid divedends with reports that an Army has moved into Tripoli to counter ,what the egyptians must be thinking, our feared attack. However it is reported that almost half the Army is made up of peasants which have no place on the field of battle. To Counter this however this army is lead by the Egyptian Sultans only son. Prince al Mustali.

On that basis, and theme my own son, named after me, Prince Suleyman has come of age and i have placed him in command of the forces in Syria.

I plan to invade Tripoli despite the resistance which will be encountered, it is a big chance to strike a blow against our enemies. To further these ends i have gathered 2 armies, one from Syira and part of the Army in Edessa which will be combined under my command in the invasion. The total strength and disposition is detailed below.

Invasion Army

21 Ghulam Bodyguards (Sultan Suleyman I)
40 Horse Archers (Amir al Mutasim)
120 Desert Archers
300 Spearmen (Amir al Mamun)


I feel that under my inspired leadership this army can destroy any defenses the egyptians throw in my way. The 120 Desert Archers are coming from the Army which conquered Antioch, although i have left enough troops in the province to make the peasants loyal.

The rest of the Army will come from Syria and as i said before i will be leaving command of the remaining troops under my son, although he is experienced and i have left the honourable Amir Khan, one of my most trusted governors, to look after his welfare and to help my son defend the province if it is invaded. The forces left behind will be:

Syrian Army:

20 Ghulam Bodyguards (Prince Suleyman)
80 Horse Archers (Amir Khan)
100 Spearmen


Also as i have said i will be taking the archers from the Army of Antioch which will leave these remaining units stationed there, under Amir Sabbah, my Chief Eunuch, i have every faith in his ability to follow orders and look after the province.

Army of Antioch

80 Beduoin Camel Warriors (Amir Sabbah)
80 Horse Archers
100 Spearmen (Amir al Muntasir)


The Egyptian army in Tripoli, as has been mentioned, is udner the command of Prince al Mustali and with half of the army consisting of peasants even the rest of the army has no relevance.

Army of Tripoli: (Egyptian)

20 Ghulam Bodyguards (Prince al Mustali)
40 Beduoin Camel Warriors
180 Nubian Spearmen
200 Peasants

So my Amirs, my heart and head is not set in stone, it is up to you to decide if you wish to advance into tripoli, especially those Amirs who i have by my side, and also what, if anything, needs doing to improve the provinces under your governorship.


OOC:

Just the stats of the new Prince, and also that of the Prince of Egypt

Name: Prince Suleyman

Loyalty: 4 (ungrateful brat http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif )
Piety: 4
Dread: 2
Command: 4
Acumen: 4

Special Attributes: Pride (-2 Command, -2 Acumen, +3 Valour)


Name: Prince al Mustali

Loyalty: 6
Piety: 3
Dread: 5
Command: 3
Acumen: 0

Special Attributes: Killer Instinct (+2 Valour, +1 Dread)

[Naagi]

Oh great one, your plans are indeed bold. In one move we could limit the Egyptians bloodline to just the Sultan until another comes of age. Furthermore, more of his lands would become our own. Though I must suggest caution as, even though our combined armies should indeed crush the prince, we must watch for other support from surrounding lands. From the look of him, the prince could be a worthy foe, and it would be a devastating blow to have you fall in battle. Strike hard and push this coward from the jewel of Tripoli.

Naagi http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Aleborg]

Well, i hope with the help of Allah and ur tactical support we will face this war in the correct way and have a great victory
Dear Sultan pls dont forget the Byzantyns frontiers. This world is very dangerous and u cant trust anyone.

Ur loyal servar.

[RunAway!!]

Excellent..the mercenaries have arrived. I wish to hire the Camel Warriors, but leave the infidel Crossbowmen behind. I would now like to set my province to building myself a might fort; and...at the same time, raise taxes to High, because I don't have enough wealth.

[Gregoshi]

My Sultan,
Do we know what forces the Egyptians have in Palestine? If they anticipate the invasion of Tripoli and their forces are strong in Palestine, You might be in for a nasty surprise should they reinforce the Prince. Bewary in battle My Sultan, we cannot afford to lose you. Do not worry about your son, I shall take care of him as best I'm able.

I am the sand.

Your Loyal Servant,
Amir Kahn,
Amir of Armenia

[Grothgar]

Latest scouting reports from Palestine report 61 men in the vicinity. However it is vastly significant that these 61 men happen to be the Sultan of Egypt, al Mustali himself along with his bodyguard of 20 Ghulams. Also included in his retinue is 40 Beduoin Camels. I am confident that if these join the battle then i might be able to wipe out the entire Egyptian faction on one fell swoop.

[Vasker]

In his command tent Amir al Ma'mum Prince of Antioch yells out in rage “bring me my scribe”
Moments later his guards return with the Amir’s scribe.

Amir al Ma'mum “ You fool you misspelled Sultan in the letter you wrote for me The Sultan can call for my head for any reason. Your life ends today Guards take this fool away from me. I want his hands cut off, make sure he does not bleed to death from his wounds. I want his eyes gouged out. Then take him far out into the wilderness and leave him there to die. Let the buzzards pick his bones clean. And get me another scribe.


Greetings Sultan Grothgar

I am in full agreement in your plan to attack Tripoli this coming year. I believe that the Sultan’s forces will be strong enough to defeat the army in Tripoli even if they do get reinforcements from Palestine. I am grateful that you have saw fit to have me and my men take part in the coming attack.

I’m sure you have heard that the people of Antioch have adjusted to our rule faster then I first thought they would. There for I suggest that the tax be raised to Normal Level. I still want the Border Fort built to ensure their loyalty. After the Border Fort is finished I believe a Fort is the next project to start. We are at war already with Sultan al Mustali and I fear that the Byzantines may not wait for us to finish our campaign with al Mustali before they launch their attack against us. I will prepare Antioch to train fighting men for the coming war with the Byzantines.

Your Loyal Servant
Amir al Ma'mum
Prince of Antioch

[Aleborg]

Yes great Sultan, listen the words of Amir Al`Mamun, we can trust in anyone and need to be strong in all the fronts.

[Grothgar]

As is the custom of the Turks, in total disregard to the customs of the western barbarians, we have our yearly meeting now. (thought it was a profound statement didnt you http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif ) This meeting is to comment on the events of the past year, 1090, and to set our minds around the tasks which will face us in this new year.

The first and greatest news is that the Army under my command, along with some of my faithful Amirs, took the Province of Tripoli off the Egyptians. However this glory was tarnished by the Egyptian Princes failure to offer any fight at all. Obviously Cowardice runs in that family.

In the taking of Tripoli items worth 200 Florins were found and returned to our treasury. Also a watchtower was torn down, it was obviously used to spy on our forces as ours have been on theirs. The populace, obviously seeing what a benevolent rule the Province of Antioch has been placed under are profusing more and more loyalty then previously thought.

On the home front, however, things start off badly and there is a famine in the Province of Antioch. This, along with the conquest of Tripoli, has obviously convinced the simple minded peasants that Allah is not on our side, and it has taken drastic tax cuts to persuade them not to rebel. Tax rates have been set to very low, but fortunately, the newly conqurered province of Tripoli should surely compensate the money lost.

This year a Border fort was built in Antioch, it seems this, along with the Army stationed there and the tax cuts, is why the province hasnt blown up around our ears already. Also the long awaited Forts have been completed in Armenia and Edessa allowing Peasants to be conscripted from our provinces, although i truly hope it doesnt come to that.

In Rum about half the farmlands have been upgraded to the new techniques we began last year, it is hoped that in 2 years the entire province will be upgraded, greatly improving farmland output. Our Alim has moved into Greece as it has been reported that this province has a substantial Islamic following, and as we will have to go that way eventually we may as well prepare the way.

Our emisarry is seeking out the Italian Doge for an alliance, not of power sharing but just of conveniance. It is hoped that when hostilities occur with the Byzantines Italy will follow our lead and distract them. Also with the fall of Tripoli i have promoted to Amir the commander of a unit of Desert archers for their good conduct in dealing with the conquered muslims. Please welcome Amir al Turkumani to our exalted ranks.

On the troops front another unit of spearmen arrived to bolster my sons Army as well as the newly Recruited Mercanary Beduoin Warriors which have been purchased on the orders of the Amir of Syria. As Mercenaries go they are a loyal bunch with none of the usual rif raf expected at inns.

As for the Egyptian Army it has regrouped in Palestine and now outnumbers my own in Tripoli and also my sons army in Syria.

Preliminary Scouts report the following Numbers

Egyptian Army

21 Ghulam Bodyguards (Sultan al Mustali)
20 Ghulam Bodyguards (Prince al Mustali)
120 Bedouin Camel Warriors
180 Nubian Spearmen
200 Peasants.


This army however would surely taste defeat on those lands which were its own from either one of our armies so i have no worries about this force. Yet anyway.

I think that covers it my Alims, if anything occurs to you which hasnt occured to me then just tell me, i wont execute you, unless your being annoying. ( http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif ) Also i would like your building orders and troop training orders, if any.

[Naagi]

If it be the great Sultans wishes for me to command the great land of Tripoli, I would like to start by building watch towers, to help warn us of upcoming danger. Then I would like to start construction on a fort to keep the unruly at bay. Although if the Sultan wishes another (Aleborg) to take command, then I would suggest delaying any further advancement until we can fully control the situation. We must pose a strong front to the evil Byzantines so as not to draw their attention until we are ready for it. As always your faithful servant.


Naagi http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Gregoshi]

Congratulations on the taking of Tripoli, My Sultan The suckling Prince of Egypt clings to his father. spits

In Armenia, I will build Watch Towers.

I whole-heartedly agree with My Sultan's decision to ally with the Italians.

Your Loyal Servant,

Amir Kahn,
Amir of Armenia

[Vasker]

In his command tent Amir al Ma'mum Prince of Antioch sits at his desk brooding over the most resent news from Antioch. Famine all year, peasants blaming the Sultan they say he has made Allah angree that Allah no longer smiles upon the Sultan. I had to lower the tax rate to keep them from their rebellious ways. The Fort will start to be built soon and after it is finish a Town Watch will be built then I will be able to keep more troops in Antioch. Well news of our victory in Tripoli should set their minds at ease. I can’t believe the Egyptians turn tail and ran from the field of battle again. They are either cowards or they have a nasty surprise waiting for us in Egypt.

Ma’mum begins to write a message to his Sultan

Greetings Sultan Grothgar,

Even thou the news from Antioch was not what we would like to hear there is some good news. The Border Forts are finished and work on the main Fort will begin shortly. I ‘m sure there won’t be another famine for some time. I was wondering how long we are to stay in Tripoli? And have you any reports of the Byzantine troop movements along our borders?


Your Loyal Servant
Amir al Ma'mum
Prince of Antioch

[Grothgar]

He was one of the few followers of Islam in the Byzantine Region called Trebizond. He had kept his religion a secret because there was no power of islam in the land. But recent stirrings from the east and the amazingly fast progress made by the Turkish Sultan, Suleyman I had intruiged this humble farmer. Also he had heard that in the Province of Rum there was new Farming methods being implimented and he dearly wanted to see them.

So one night he had just packed up his belongings, which only amounted to a pack across his back and made his way along the trade roads to the border with Rum. He had seen troop movement all along his route and he wondered what this meant. He saw something off in the distance and then he knew, he had to warn the Sultan.

He started to run and although he didnt know it, he had reached Rum. He was soon picked up by a border guard who held him under questioning until the real purpose of the mans mission was revealed. Panic immediately set in with the head of the Border Guard lending this simple peasant a horse and detailing off two of his men to accompany him.

They rode like the wind, running horses into the ground, swapping them at other border posts to allow them to keep up their trek. They were detained again in Antioch, which being a conquered province had more stringent procedures. However after going to the captain of the border guard in this region he was given permission to pass.

They swapped horses for the last time and rode until they reached the Sultans Encampment. They were met about a mile out by a detachement of 10 Horse Archers who were patrolling the plains for game and of course on the lookout for any insurgents. The peasant spilled his story i na flood of words, terrified at the arrows he was looking at, pointed at him.

The peasant was escorted to the encampment where he met another captain of the guard, who heard the mans story and rushed with him to the Sultans Tent where he was in a meeting with his Amirs. The peasant rushed in and abased himself before the Sultan.

Captain: Im sorry your eminence but i really think you should hear what this man has to say.

Sultan: Well i will be the judge of that, speak man, dont leave us waiting.

Peasant: Sultan, your eminence, the Byzantines are Gathering for an attack

There was pandimonium in the tent with Amirs leaping to their feet and exclaiming but the Sultan Remained calm, although a hint of worry crossed his features.

Sultan: The cowardly curs, where are they going to attack, and when?

The peasant just burst out laughing. Everyone looked at him until he had stopped sufficiently to get some words out.

Peasant: I fooled the Sultan, the Byzantines are not going to attack, the forces in the field are hardly enough to beat those peasants you have stationed in the field. And now, you die.

The peasant flung himself at Sultan Suleyman who only just dodged aside as a dagger thrust into the tent flap where he had been. Amirs were trying to make room for their Swords to be unleashed as the peasant, now obviously an assasin, lunged again for the Sultan. The blade dragged across his Mail leaving a bruise but didnt penetrate the fine links.

Leaving himself exposed after such an attack the assasin was easy prey when the Sultan drove his sword up under the arm of the assasin, driving through bone and muscles until his sword met the assasins brain. The assasins body contorted and wriggled on the sword before he went still.

Sultan: Well it seems like someone wants me dead. But i want to know how all my famed border protection failed to question this man thoroughly. Its obvious that whoever wants me dead has the resources to do so. We will need to be mroe careful.

(By the way this didnt happen http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif. Its just a flavour post http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif )

[Aleborg]

Brrrrrrrr, i was very frigthened when was reading it.....
So u have to be care all the time. Build towers to control and so on.

U have to understand that ur figure is important for all of us, not only for ur own, so any kind of care is not enough..


Loyal servar.
Ale

[Tyrac]

Build-Spears

We should raise taxes as high as the peasants can bare. The costs of mercenaries and additional troops worries me. Let us not forget that peasant levies are cheap and an easy way to keep their fellow peasants in line and loyal.

I have consulted with the border scouts and many of the capitals foremost architechs and engineers. We have launched and ambitious survey of the borders and have drawn out a plan for a massive series of Border Forts. I do not trust the Byzatines at all. They are well known for dishonourable use of spiess and dirty assasins.

With the large numbers of workers being hired and the teams of high level building experts gathering in Rum, I have made plans for an even more ambitious project.
The construction of a mighty Keep which will proclaim the power and wealth of the Sultan to all

I am overjoyed that we have taken Tripoli. For years I have been hearing tales of the mighty Horse Archers known as Turcoman horse. I am certain that with the proper developement in Tripoli these troops will become a Focus of our desert Armies
I plan to continue to train and equip the units Spearman that form the current backbone of our armies. However Horse Archers excell in the deserts that we now fight in. Does the sultan require some of them instead? Although I cringe at the terrible expense of their training.

Also I have a request. The need to run my provence from afar using messengers and letters is hurting my efficiency. I am certain my physical presense in Rum could wring a great deal more out of the peasants and those working on construction I realize that the need for troops at the front is vital but with our sucesses I am hopeing that soon I will be allowed to return to Rum.

Ever the most loyal of your servants.
Amir Sabbah of Rum
Chief Eunuch

OOC I wanted to outline for you my plans for the next several years in terms of the build order in case I miss a turn or some such although I do not plan too.
After the farms are finished I want to turn the watch towers into border forts then begin construction of a Keep. Soon the other provinces will be able to handle production of the lower end units so I want to push for higher tech in Rum.

In terms of troops I was thinking of continuing on spears until another provence can churn them out.....hopefully soon. I could make horse archers but they look like a bad investment when we can soon get turcoman horse out of tripoli.

[Naagi]

Indeed the attempt on our Sultans life is tragic, and our guard must be stepped up. We must strive to protect the Sultan at all costs, even with our own lives. Surely it was just the jealousy of the foul dogs under the Byzantine king. I will try and get our network of watch towers up in Tripoli before the end of the season. With those in place I wish to request a unit of Amir Sabbah's spearmen to help patrol my borders until I am able to raise the levy. With those spearmen and my desert archers we should be able to continue with the plans to build a fort, so in the event we are invaded, we'd stand a much better chance to repel them. Future plans for Tripoli is to get our economy started, though as mentioned the Turcomen horse could be a wise investment. I shall leave the direction up to the Sultan on this, maybe a balance between the two.

Does the Sultan plan to eradicate the Egyptians entirely or just cripple them? This was a question I have been pondering lately, as I do not wish to make enemies with the powerful Almohads with the Byzantines still on our backs. Maybe we could just push them into a corner and take the choice lands for ourselves.


OOC Btw Ive never played the turks and dont have a working system right now, thought it was fixed last night but still broke, so not sure what all I need to build Turcoman horse. Besides stables someone give me a list plz. Would like to get a trading post up with a couple ships out to bring in more revenue though as well.

Amir al Turkumani
Count of Tripoli
Naagi http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Grothgar]

This is a revised list of the Provinces before i post what happened last turn. So you can all look and plan ahead if needs be http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Oh and Naagi you need a Horse Breeder to Train Turcoman Horse. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif


PROVINCES:


Province Name: Rum
Governor: Amir Sabbah
Player: Tyrac

Income: 583
Expenses allowed: 1166
Resources: None
Trade Goods: None

Taxation: Normal
Loyalty: 200%
Base Loyalty: 157%
Zeal: 23%

Religions: 1% Catholic, 1% Orthodox, 98% Islam

Buildings in Province: Fort and Motte, Spearmaker, Town Watch, Royal Palace, 20% Farmland, Horse Farmer, Mosque, Watchtower,

Buildings which can be built:
Name of Building Time to be built Cost of Building
Bowyer 2 years 200 Florins
Inn 2 years 400 Florins
Ribat 4 years 300 Florins
Horse Breeder 4 years 400 Florins
40% Farmland 4 years 1000 Florins
Keep 8 years 1000 Florins

Units buildable in Rum:
Name of Unit Time to be trained Cost of Training
Horse Archers 1 year 250 Florins
Urban Militia 1 year 100 Florins
Peasants 1 year 50 Florins
Spearmen 1 year 150 Florins
Emissary 1 year 100 Florins
Alim 1 year 100 Florins


Province Name: Armenia
Governor: Amir Khan
Player: Gregoshi

Income: 334
Expenses allowed: 668
Resources: None
Trade Goods: Silk, Spices, Gems

Taxation: High
Loyalty: 164%
Base Loyalty: 114%
Zeal: 29%

Religions: 2% Catholic, 2% Orthodox, 96% Islam

Buildings in Province: Fort, Watchtower

Buildings which can be built:

Name of Building Time to be built Cost of Building
Fort and Motte 1 year 100 Florins
Border Fort 1 year 200 Florins
20% Farmland 2 years 600 Florins
Inn 2 years 400 Florins
Town Watch 2 years 200 Florins
Merchant 2 years 800 Florins
Royal Palace 2 years 1000 Florins
Keep 8 years 1000 Florins



Province Name: Edessa
Governor: Amir al Mutasim
Player: King Edward

Income: 309
Expenses allowed: 618
Resources: None
Trade Goods: Silk, Spices, Gems

Taxation: Normal
Loyalty: 136%
Base Loyalty: 106%
Zeal: 26%

Religions: 1% Catholic, 1% Orthodox, 98% Islam

Buildings in Province: Fort, Watchtower

Buildings which can be built:

Name of Building Time to be built Cost of Building
Fort and Motte 1 year 100 Florins
Border Fort 1 year 200 Florins
20% Farmland 2 years 600 Florins
Inn 2 years 400 Florins
Town Watch 2 years 200 Florins
Merchant 2 years 800 Florins
Royal Palace 2 years 1000 Florins
Keep 8 years 1000 Florins


Province Name: Syria
Governor: Amir al Muntasir
Player: RunAway

Income: 334
Expenses allowed: 668
Resources: None
Trade Goods: Gems

Taxation: High
Loyalty: 145%
Base Loyalty: 112%
Zeal: 24%

Religions: 3% Catholic, 3% Orthodox, 94% Islam

Buildings in Province: Watchtower, Inn

Buildings which can be built:

Name of Building Time to be built Cost of Building
Border Fort 1 year 200 Florins
20% Farmland 2 years 600 Florins
Fort 4 years 400 Florins


Province Name: Antioch
Governor: Amir al Mumun
Player: Vasker

Income: 459
Expenses allowed: 908
Resources: None
Trade Goods: Silk, Spices, Gems

Taxation: Low
Loyalty: 114%
Base Loyalty: 46%
Zeal: 28%

Religions: 5% Jewish, 5% Catholic, 5% Orthodox, 85% Islam

Buildings in Province: Border Fort

Buildings which can be built:

Name of Building Time to be built Cost of Building
20% Farmland 2 years 600 Florins
Inn 2 years 400 Florins
Fort 4 years 400 Florins
Port 4 years 800 Florins


Province Name: Tripoli
Governor: Amir al Turkumani
Player: Naagi

Income: 495
Expenses allowed: 990
Resources: None
Trade Goods: Cotton, Sugar

Taxation: Normal
Loyalty: 146%
Base Loyalty: 46%
Zeal: 26%

Religions: 5% Jewish, 5% Catholic, 5% Orthodox, 85% Islam

Buildings in Province: Watchtower

Buildings which can be built:
Name of Building Time to be built Cost of Building
Border Fort 1 year 200 Florins
20% Farmland 2 years 600 Florins
Inn 2 years 400 Florins
Fort 4 years 400 Florins
Port 4 years 800 Florins

[Grothgar]

In direct contrast to the events of the year before last, this last year was quiet, well reasonably so anyway. The large plan of building was continued all around the Turkish Nation. Watchtowers were built in Tripoli, Armenia and Edessa which leaves these provinces with no ongoing projects at the moment.

In Syria it is thought that the Fort is about halfway from being completed, which ties in with our experience of other forts. In Anitoch, as ordered, the peasants have been hard at work building another Fort, although they have just begun and it is estimated 3 more years will need to be taken.

And in Rum the improvements in the Farmland have almost been taken up by the entire region, only a few outlying farms have been unaware of the new methods, they are being persuaded to upgrade their farms as well.

As my Amirs have asked questions about my plans for the Egyptians i have decided i will stop after i have taken up to the province of Egypt itself. This will include Palestine, Arabia and Sinai (I think). I have no wish to wipe out our islamic brethern, its just they held the foundations to our fledgling empire. After this, we will keep a strong border guard and turn our attentions north.

In Preperation for the push into Palestine next year i have called up some troops which were garrisoning Antioch as the province has recovered from its Famine and Taxes have been raised to Normal.

The Army which will invade Palestine is thus:

Ghulam Bodyguards (Sultan Suleyman) 21 men
Ghulam Bodyguards (Prince Aybak) 20 men
Horse Archers (Amir al Mutasim) 80 men
Bedouin Camels (Amir Sabbah) 80 men
Desert Archers (Amir al Turkmani) 120 men
Spearmen (Amir al Mamun) 300 men

As you can see, this Army is heavy with the prescence of my Amirs, if any of you wishes to pull out to look after your provinces then just tell me, although i will say that if this battle is won then it will almost end the War.

Also you may have noticed that another one of my sons has been judged Combat Fit and is joining my army for this battle before he is given his own command. He is a fine boy, many would say much more suited than my elder boy.

Name: Prince Aybak

Loyalty: 5
Piety: 2
Dread: 5
Command: 3
Acumen: 5

Special Attributes: Killer Instinct (+2 Valour, +1 Dread)
Materialistic (+1 Acumen)

Also there is the army under my elder son, Prince Suleyman in Syria, whose composition includes this:

Ghulam Bodyguards (Prince Suleyman) 20 men
Horse Archers (Amir Khan) 120 men
Spearmen 200 men
Mercenary Bedouin Camel Warriors 40 men


And as i took most of the army of Anitoch to gather in Tripoli there is only a few left in Antioch itself. These include.

Spearmen (Amir al Muntasic) 100 men
Horse Archers 40 men

After reviewing the troop compositions of the Egyptians it is my plan to order an all out attack. The Syrian Army will attack Arabia, and my army will attack Palestine. If this is a success then it will destroy the Egyptians as a fighting force.

Your decisions my Amirs

[Gregoshi]

My Sultan,
Armenia will build Border Forts to keep out spies and assassins. I had a terrible dream about an assassin trying to kill you. That cannot happen. After the Border Forts, we will work to improve our Farmlands and increase the flow of Florins into the Treasury.

Regarding military campaigns, I will play whatever role My Sultan wishes of me and my men.

I am the sand.

Your Loyal Servant,

Amir Kahn,
Amir of Armenia

[RunAway!!]

I would like to enquire as to whether any new mercenaries have made themselves available. Also, I see my peasants are still holding back; I demand the taxes be raised to Very High. Should there be any signs of rebellion, I would like to request to return home and put down the insurrection.

[Naagi]

Great Sultan you have laid my worries to rest, as I did not wish to open the doors to yet another power before we have consolidated our holdings. With your plan we may effectively cripple the Egyptian people, while keeping a buffer between us and our other Muslim brothers. I would offer the suggestion of sending a skilled emissary to the Almohad king requesting an alliance with him. Then once our trade is up and running we could profit greatly from their riches. Also we might try and offer a ceasefire to the Egyptians, though I do not believe they will accept it.

As to the lands under my care, I would like to continue with the plan of building a fort. Though I will need a unit of spearmen to hold the province's loyalty, maybe another governor would spare me some. The taxes may even need to be lowered a little to subdue their complaints. It will be more profitable to get the populace behind us now, so we can increase them later.

It will be a great honor to lead my desert archers into battle under your leadership. We shall fell many a foe, and make them easy targets for our infantry brothers. Amir al Mutasim will surely have a great impact on the advancing unit as well, for his horse archers are fierce and swift. You have many generals that would like nothing more than to please you with a mighty victory.


Amir al Turkumani
Count of Tripoli


Naagi http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Vasker]

Greetings Sultan,

I'll be staying by your side as we continue the war against the Egyptians. I just hope they stand and fight like men this time.


Your Loyal Servant
Amir al Ma'mum
Prince of Antioch

[Fate Amenable to Change]

[Palestine]
Omar scratched idly at the thick black scab of blood on his arm, idly wondering if the accursed Turk who'd driven his spear through the heavy shield had enjoyed his long dark journey through the underworld, courtesy of Omar's scimitar.

An enemy war bugle roused the drowsy men, shading under the date palms of a minor oasis outside Damascus Assembling with the quick practical movements of men used to war, they moved to take their positions. A sighing of wind (?) through the palms, a brief shadow across the sands as if a flight of birds had wheeled on the wind, and Omar was struck cruelly by a slender arrow that pierced his throat. His body fell beside those of his countrymen who'd been caught by the swift Turk horse archers.

Wheeling back into the dust, the horse disappeared, and Omars eyes slowly dried in the burning morning light. Eyes filming to grey, mouth already open to the eager flies, his dying ears heard distantly the savage battle upon the plains. Omar would have rejoiced had he seen his compatriots superior tactics and inspired counterattack, and the invading Turkish Prince Aybak pitched into the sand, his horse falling under him, his arrogance bleeding into the dust along with his life......

The invading infantry, having triumphed on the plains, came to the wells to slake their thirst. Climbing the palms for their prized fruit, they spared barely a glance for Omar and his comrades, now littering the bowl of the oasis like bundles of dried rags, merging into the rubbish of war.

[Grothgar]

This year, looking in from the outside, looks like an unbridled triumph for the Turkish Empire. Two new lands were gained, Palestine and Arabia, the building scheme continued apace throughout the realm, the conquered provinces are becoming more assimilated with the teachings of our empire and the Egyptian Force which invaded our lands was dispatched.

However it is that last phrase that caused the most pain and grief this land, and certainly I, your Sultan, has ever felt. In the course of repelling the Egyptians from Tripoli my second son, Prince Aybak, only 17 years of age and in his second year of commanding his unit, fell under the hooves of the Egyptian Camels. But let is not be said that he fell running from battle, he attacked a unit of Bedouin Camel Warriors at least 6 times his size, all to save some Desert Archers from being slaughtered.

This certainly saved the life of Amir al Turkmani who was leading that unit of Desert Archers and they wreaked vengeance upon the unit which slew my son.

Also, though outsiders will not know this, 2 of my loyal Amirs lost their lives on that bloody field as well. They were Amir al Mutasim, of Edessa and Amir Mumun, of Antioch, one who had been in my service since the beginning of these troubled times, and one who had only recently joined my service, I fell both their losses keenly.

But again let it not be said that they died in vain. Both of these brave warriors committed themselves with valour and their deeds will live on throughout our memories. Amir al Muntasir, who led his unit of fierce Horse Archers, harassed the Egyptian force from the start of the battle, always retreating wisely to continue showering their enemies with arrows.

And when the arrows ran out did he retire from the field? No he did not, he charged and routed a unit of Bedouin Camels, the same unit that has killed me son. This was his final charge because he was cut down and so he did not witness his unit chasing 2 units of peasants off the field, riding them down, capturing them and putting them to the sword.

But if it is possible, Amir Mumun unit of Spearmen probably decided the entire battle. 100 Men on the far right of the army held off 180 Nubian Spearmen and 100 Peasants who attacked them at the same time. Wave after wave of Nubians almost bent the back of this unit but there was Amir Mumun, leaping in to salvage victory where there was none. Although losing 2/3 of their number they managed to hold the entire right flank of the Army before charging down the hill and catching the Egyptian General on his Camel.

Amir Mamun himself held off almost 25 peasants who had charged the flank of his Spearman unit, with his 2 most trusted bodyguards they charged into battle and routed the Peasants, this made the Nubians waver and as they saw this pillar of fury cutting through their ranks they turned and fled. But it was not without cost. In the wild melee Mamun had been severely wounded by a spear thrust, and although he ignored it for the remainder of the battle, infection set in and he died in the arms of his retainers.

Onto more pleasant things while this Army was invading Tripoli Amir Khan had mounted an expedition into Palestine, and when they found it unguarded they took the province for the Sultan and were able to capture the remaining Egyptian forces which were routing back. This enabled a ransom of 2772 Florins from the Egyptian Sultan, worried about losing his son in the same way I lost mine.

Also my other son, Prince Suleyman, Invaded Arabia and from reports it was the most one sided battle ever. The Horse Archers under my sons command peppered the Egyptians with Arrows and they just withdrew from the field with just over half their army devastated for no return. This army managed to retreat to Sinai with my son pursuing them all the way.

The plan of building was continued, with a fort rising in Syria, Border Forts being constructed in Edessa and Armenia, the entirety of Rums Farmers embracing the newer farming methods which greatly enhanced the revenue of that province. A fort started construction in Tripoli and in Antioch a line of watchtowers were built to look over the Egyptian Forces.

To end this on a brighter note, in the year in which I lose one son, I gain another, My Wife has given birth to a healthy son, who is called Aybak, after his brother who he will never know.


Sorry for the delay, i havent been able to access the forums all day http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif If you look in the other post King edward and Vasker youll see your new Amirs, and also as Palestine has been taken im looking for an Amir for that. Arabia has been taken but as its income is so low its just not worth the hassle to give it to an Amir, so ill be running that.

Also i would describe the battle better but i do have it saved, so if you want to Email me at Grothgar_1999@yahoo.com then ill send it to you http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Fate Amenable to Change]

The thick, cracked beer-stained fingers delicately moved the counter across the checker board. This tavern owner in border Anatolia didn't drink with his merchant customers, he played with them. The thickset, peasants exterior concealed a sharp mind. He played badly, as he was careful to never improve his game - the tired merchants who straggled in the door of The Unhappy Horse sought comfort and cheer, not more poor fortune.

Pholas provided both, plus a game of checkers they couldn't lose, and they in turn informed him (all unknowingly) of the events across four provinces. Pholas was a much better informant for the Byzantines than he was a checker player

Tonights discussion, with a minor functionary from Antioch, puzzled him.
Ab-a-cas?, repeated Pholas slowly.
Abacus, repeated the merchant, for counting with.
Desparately, the merchant sought an analogy, imagine these checker counters threaded onto kebab skewers, 5 at a time, and stuck into a frame like a box. Pushing them left, and right, you can count hundreds - thousands Multiplying, dividing, square roots

Pholas, who'd long since settled into a routine where he only ever needed to count as much as a week, or a week of weeks, was stumped. But he remembered enough to make a good report to his area controller, Straticus.

Straticus collated information from a dozen taven owners, farriers, astrologers, hookers and shoe salesmen. He was meticulous, methodical, anal retentive by nature - ideal to the task of converting between multiple time zones, three differing calendars, and phases of the moon. But Pholas' homebrew base-7 counting system messed with his mind, often driving him away from his desk and pens and into the arms of his catamite, who reported everything he heard through an entirely different set of agents in a long mesh all the way back to Constantinople

An unintended consequence of all this doublechecking, cross checking, counter-cross-checking was the creation of a huge interconnected web of information, carried in the heads of Constantinoples agents - the worlds FIRST true neural network Some surprisingly accurate answers could pop out of the system, to questions that had not yet even been asked. It was part of the mystique accorded to the Byzantine spy system, that it was so often right So, the Turks were girding themselves for a long war, not merely a minor spate with the Aegyptians.

So Pholas stood looking at the stars, as he closed the tavern for the night, beside the dark brown logs of the home that had nurtured him, underneath the chipped painted signage of an unhappy horse, that swung, well, unhappily in the breeze, and he wondered what part these ab-a-cas would come to play.
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[Gregoshi]

My Sultan,
It is with great gladness and terrible sadness that received the news from Tripoli. Had I but known of the loss of Prince Aybak, I would have sent you the head of the Prince of Egypt rather than the paltry ransom you received instead. Know that his life if forfeit should we cross paths again.

The losses of Amir al Mutasim and Amir Mumun are tragic too. The death of Amir al Mutasim was as a crushing weight to my family. He was to wed my eldest daughter next year. It eases my heart some to hear how courageously they fought. Should I be so lucky to greet Death with a deadly bow and a terrible sword.

For Armenia, I wish to introduce the advanced Farming methods used so successfully elsewhere in Your Great Empire (Farmlands +20%). I shall also notify my council back in Armenia to raise taxes to Very High if the people are able to bear such a burden without breeding discontent.

Finally, congratulation on the birth of Your infant Prince.

I await further instructions from You for I am the sand.

Your Loyal Servant,

Amir Kahn,
Amir of Armenia

[Tyrac]

Build- Spears
Build- Border Forts

[Aleborg]

Sigh, im so sorry to hear that news, but also glad coz the died in battlefield, killing the enemy and fighting for the glory of our (ermm, ur... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif ) great empire.
Now they are in the fields of Allah, looking to all of us so we have to continuous their hard work to reach the greatest glory.
I have heard both of them (Amir Al Mutasim and Amir Mumun) have one really prepare son each one, so it will be a honour for them to take their fathers place in order to serve the great sultan and to vengance their fathers die.

Ur loyal servar

[Naagi]

Great Sultan it is with great sadness that we were unable to save your son as he saved us. When the tide of battle swung against us, Prince Aybak came and freed my unit so we could again unleash our death upon the Egyptian army. It troubles me that we were to slow to save your son. We shall erect a monument in the city to forever remember his valour. It is not enough but I fear all that we can do.

The Egyptians must have known they would be broken if they did not strike back, but now they have only infuriated the great Turks and our vengence will be swift. Onward to victory against these foul cur, and make the Egyptian Sultan hide in a hole. With their lands now ours we shall indeed be known throughout the world, and must take great care to keep others from coming to claim us.

The fort has begun construction and will take a few years to complete, though I believe Tripoli is now safer than before since the Egyptians have been beaten back. We shall continue to hold this land, and would like to increase taxes back to normal.

Amir al Turkumani
Count of Tripoli


Naagi http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Grothgar]

All in all my Amirs, a quiet year. Forces gathering on either side of the new border, our forces readying for an attack, and i assume the Egyptian forces are readying for the same. It seems the Eyptians are getting desperate as over half their force is made up of peasants.

After the Tradegy of last year my Son, Prince Osman came of age and he has joined me, hopefully his life will last longer than Aybak's.

Buildings continue to spring up across the realm, Border Forts in Syria and Rum, allowing us to keep our eyes on the various agents flying round our provinces at the moment. Antioch is now the proud owner of a fort, which once again allows peasants to be trained, however this should only be used in the direst straits.

Our Treasury is going strong, our last estimate puts it at 13567 Florins.

This is all my Amirs, after the events of last year it must seem quite boring, but dont worry im sure that this year will bring death, glory and plunder. The attack against Sinai happens in october.

TO WAR

[Aleborg]

Not bad news really. It is nice to have a rest before we make the main and stronger attack vs egyptians and send them to the other world.
Troops need a rest, and then we can also send reinforcements and give time to ur son to arrive to the whole armies.

Ur loyal servar.

[Naagi]

The people of Tripoli are steady working on the fort being raised there. We use the lull to send messages between the families and their soldiers. Much word arrives about how we shall soon be victorious over or enemy, for their sake I hope fate smiles upon us. Though I do not see any real trouble out of the remaining Egyptians, surprises are known to happen. An emissary should be dispatched to try and make terms for a ceasefire once we take Sinai, else we will constantly need to watch over our shoulders. With the capture of Palestine, we should be able to increase revenues in a few years. We have taken some rich lands, and some not so rich lands, but the Egyptians have lost much. Eyes must now be turned to our other neighbor, for it would not surprise me if he is not looking our way. Also I hear the vile dogs leader, some call him the Pope, may even send armies to capture 'the holy land' from us. If they should take up arms against us, we must be ready. These things I relay to you my Sultan, and now I must go prepare my troops for the upcoming battle for Sinai.


Amir al Turkumani
Count of Tripoli


Naagi http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Fate Amenable to Change]

Yusuf Al-Khan, newly Amir of Palestine, folded away his prayer mat and stood to look out the window to the city below. His heart filled with pride as he considered Allah's providence during the year.

Firstly, the Amir of Tripoli had accepted Yusuf's camel corp for the strike against the Aegpts, and though terribly pressed they had aquitted themselves well. The battle in Tripoli had revealed the devastating attack strength of Bedouin camel warriors, and the Sultan himself had seen this.

A Major in the Sultans bodyguard had asked for Yusuf by name, a name passed on by the Amirs Quartermaster who's facility with an abacus was matched by an equally excellent memory

A terrifying strength of camel corp would be needed in the years ahead, Palestine was the Mecca of camels, and Yusuf their master His promotion to Amir was swift, as indeed are many decisions in time of war.

[Tyrac]

Amir Sabbah took the parchment from the hands of the messenger. Clearing aside the dozens of similar parchments from the table he spread it open. Nodding his head in approval as he noted the details of construction plans for the New Keep. This is the largest construction project our people have yet attempted. Every detail must be checked and rechecked. He muttered to no one in particular.
Then a frown appeared on his face and he began to write and make changes to the plans. That FOOL He did not leave room here for the improvements we have planned to the Royal Palace.
Turning to the messenger he said, Take these changes to the cheif architech in Rum and inform him that was the only mistake he is allowed. Another, and he shall be used to demonstrate proper spear thrusts for the next unit of spearmen.

Build Spears.
Begin Keep.

[Grothgar]

After the mauling his forces took in Tripoli the Egyptian Sultan has reverted to type and has once again failed to fight for one of his Provinces. Sinai fell with minimal resistance and the Egyptian Empire is crumbling around us as we speak.

I know that my prefered goal was to take Sinai and then negotiate a peace treaty with the Sultan and our emissary is on his way to negotiate this as we speak. However with the Egyptian Forces in dissarray this may be the time to strike. However i leave this up to you my Amirs, what is your decision.

The treasury is burgending under the strain of 13540 Florins, and our annual takins exceed 2000 Florins. This has enabled us to keep up our building program throughout the land. Also it has enabled us to train many regiments of Spearmen, which are being spread about on the border of the Byzantine Empire.

A Fort has been completed in Tripoli, thus allowing a focal point for our peasants. It will also incourage craftsmen into the province, thus allowing more businesses to be set up. A Town Watch has been formed in Edessa, allowing the training of Urban Militia, armed with Polearms, for a nice piece of mashing.

Armenia has become the second province to embrace the advanced farming methods pioneered in Rum. However it still hasnt come up to the standards of Rum, this would take another 4 years.

Taking an example of Edessa, Syria has started to form its own town watch, this should be completed next year at the latest, organising those patrols can be a nightmare. Also on the construction Front, Antioch has started a Port, although deepening the harbour will take some time, no matter the cost and time of building the actual harbour. And in the Capital, Rum, a Keep of immense proportions has begun construction, this amazing product of human engineering is estimated to take 8 years.

Our Forces will hold Sinai, so any of the Amirs which would like to return home to see their families will be able to, although i would propose you wait for a year or so just to see if our offer has been accepted.

Thank you All.

P.S If anyone wants the game email me at Grothgar_1999@yahoo.com and ill send you it http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Naagi]

Once again our forces are triumphant, thanks to the great leadership of our Sultan. With the taking of Sinai, I am still of the mind to halt our attacks and try for a ceasefire. Now we must turn our attention towards the Byzantines, for their armies are strong and we must be wary. I shall again stay by my Sultans side in case the treacherous Egyptians launch a counter attack.

As for Tripoli, with our fort completed we now can raise able bodied men in case of emergencies, and we will now start work on the town watch. Maybe with some patrols the final elements of unruly citizens will disperse. Also we would like to begin some training of these able bodied men, to man the fort in case of attack. We are glad that Antioch has started a port, and would like to follow suit soon so we too may enjoy the riches of the world.

Amir al Turkumani
Count of Tripoli


Naagi http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Fate Amenable to Change]

The recruits arrayed in lines across the shade dappled square of the garrison were nervous. Their new commander had a reputation to fear. Yusuf al-Khan, they whispered, is a harsh man

Yusuf, at that very moment though, was desperately placating his wife, who was demanding a good marriage for her daughter, Indihar, newly come of age.

She'll be 15 next year, then who'll want her, she'll be too old, his wife thundered Yusuf would rather relish the prospect of all out war with the Aegpts, against the prospects of finding a match his wife would condescend to approve of. Wrapping his headress with shaking fingers, he strode outside to review his troops, thereby receiving the second upset of the day.....

They have no camels ?, roared Yusuf incredulously, but this is Palestine, not some peasant province in Georgia Well, then, we'll build facilities and , what, open training schools? Monthly pay? when did pillage go out of fashion?

It slowly dawned on Yusuf, that being Amir may not be all hot baths and Twinings Arabian Breakfast tea as he had pictured. The new recruits quailed under Yusuf's speculative eye.


Letter to his most puissant excellence, Sultan Suleyman,
we will need facilities to produce camel corps in Palestine, or we'll be the laughing stock of all Arabia


your most humble servant,

Yusuf al-Khan
Amir of Palestine
Master of Camels
Scourge of the Infidel


OOC what is the setup in Palestine at the moment?

[Vasker]

Sultan Grothgar

I'm please to hear that work on a Port for Antioch has begun. I plan on making Antioch a trading hub that will rival Venice. I do think that it would be a good idea to build a Town Watch after the Port is done. I want to get to the point where Antioch can train Spear and Arrow troops. Also the land of Antioch is fertile and would benefit from the new farming methods being used in Rum. There is so much I want to do in Antioch. I'm so grateful that you chose me to replace the late Amir Mu'mun. Well all in do time.

You asked if we should continue our war with the Egyptian Sultan. Egypt is a rich providence with fertile farmland and trade goods. The Sultan of Egyptian has shown himself to be a weak leader to us his people and the rest of the world leaders. I'm sure the Sultan of the Almohads has taken notice of what has befallen the Egyptians. If we do not take Egypt some one else will. The Sultan of Egypt is not fit to rule. We should attack before the Almohads get their hands on Egypt. I say we continue the war and take Egypt for ourselfs.

I'll be staying with the army.

Your Loyal Servant
Amir al'Abbas
Prince of Antioch

[Fate Amenable to Change]

[THE KEEP]
The little tea cart was perched on the very edge of the building's earthworks.
The Sultan certainly knew how to build self-respect.... the Keep of Rum was going to be a huge bastard of a building

The landless, the shiftless, the un-employable ( and quite a few shoes salesmen), bent their straining thews against the bones of the soil and threw the building's skeleton into near sky. Large blocks of stone floated on rafts, via newly trenched canals, to the white dusted squares where the stone masons worked.

Pouring tea for the retreating day shift, Ibrahim marvelled again at the new sense of vigour in the cities people. The air of commerce, the smell of florins, and the lure of opportunity had drawn many into the city. He'd listened to his cousin, and moved into small business himself, with satisfying results.

Ibrahim flicked the counters from side to side, assessing the days trade and planning his requirements for the week. Three more bushells of tea, the abacus clacked in a hollow voice, as Ibrahim prepared for the night. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smokin.gif

[Grothgar]

It is with a heavy heart and a tear in my eye that i report to you, my Loyal Amirs, that my Father, who the world knew as Sultan Suleyman I, passed away from an infection last month. This note should be reaching you about now, as my coronation has been rectified and i am now known as Sultan Suleyman II.

While i dont think i could ever replace my father, Allah bless him, i will try to continue the success of his building program. However grim news, The Egyptians, obviously bouyed by the death of my father have rejected his offer of cease-fire and they are building up forces in Egypt. I am leading some of my forces down, but it will take me some time. Amir Sabbah will be joining the Army as well, under his guidance the battle should be won.

The Building Program which so prospered under my father will be continued in my reign. Watchtowers were built in Sinai to keep an eye on the Trecherous Egyptians and a Border Fort was erected in Tripoli, this was required to keep the Loyalty of the provinces up, it seems they dont view me as a capable ruler after the exemplerarly rule of my father.

And a Town Watch was formed in Syria, this has started training Urban Militia to join our forces in Sinai. A Horse Farming craze has swept Armenia, it is hoped that with much upgrades Armenian Cavalry will be able to be trained and a Spearmaker was employed in Edessa, this is to take the burden of Rum.

My Amirs, without your support my father could not have prospered and i hope you will remain loyal to me.

[Aleborg]

Allah save the sultan Suleyman II

Terrible news indeed, his name will be in our minds until our die. Thx to him we have reached inimaginable targets, building so many things, creating many employes here, and getting better the life of all of us.
We must keep his good work in order to glorify his name to the eternity.
In me u will have a real loyal servar. The son of the great sultan is now my great sultan.
Ask me and i will give u my life immediately if necesary.

And please forgive me about my language and words. I couldnt go to school as a boy coz i had to work hard in the fields with my parents. Now, under the great protection of u and ur father (he will never die in our hearts) my sons can go to school and im sure in a few years they can also be great men and great servars of u.

Ur loyal servar.

[Gregoshi]

My Sultan,
It is with heavy heart that I received the news of Your Father's death. Fate is cruel that it allowed Him to die disease ridden rather than in battle. Alas, the hardships along the Road of Conquest proved more treacherous than any Egyptian sword or arrow.

Please know My Sultan, that You have my total loyalty as did Your Father. Sadly, the Great Path of the Turkish Empire came late in life for Your Father. But with You, the Great Path stands before you in the fullness of Your youth Let it be said down the Ages that Sultan Suleyman II was second in name only

Armenia is poised to begin training more fine horse archers. We shall begin as soon as we are able. I wish to build a trading post, but I may need some additional funds to do so. Armenia has valuable trading goods which will yield more florin for the treasury.

My personal horse archers are ready to do Your bidding. A strong, fresh wind blows in the desert I am but the sand.

Your Loyal Servant,

Amir Kahn,
Amir of Armenia

[Grothgar]

A Slow year my Amirs, at least compared to the hectic years of my fathers rule. But i see much good in it because it allows me to gain control of the reign and learn how to rule, which i would have learnt from my father if fate had not been so cruel.

My loyal Emissary is again asking the Egyptians for a Cease Fire as Byzantine Forces are amassing on our border, they say it is military exercises and we do trust them, to a point. I myself am on my way to the Egyptian Border to oversea the negotiations, or to lead the attack, whichever is necessary.

Buildings sprung up over the Empire this year with Forts being constructed in Palestine and Arabia, further assimilating them into our culture and way of life. Horse Farming has been taken up as a passion in Armenia, however at the moment the quality and size of the Horses mean they can only be used for Horse Archers and for Pack Trains.

A Border Fort was built in Sinai, this is to catch any assasins who should attempt to murder me or my loyal Amirs when we are watching over the Egyptians. And the last building to be completed was in Edessa, where a Qualified Spearmaker has taken up shop, this should ease the burden of Rum and allow the training of more strategic men.

This is all my Amirs, may Allah bless all our souls

[Fate Amenable to Change]

[Chancellors Palace, Province of Rum]
The Chancellor watched Yusuf feeding the ducklings, in the Palace pond, with alarm. Any more of Yusuf's enthusiastic beneficence, and these ducklings would soon be decorating the bottom of the exquisitely tiled pool.

The ducklings were gorging on unused desert rations.....dates, apricots, millet cakes, semolina balls, buttered sesame rolls......from Yusuf's long journey from Jerusalem, Palestine. The Chancellor could swear that Yusuf was doing it deliberately - baiting the Chancellor to object to his benevolence Creating a precedent Yusuf could twist into an advantage during the ensuing & imminent negotiations on the provincial governor's budget

What ducklings were not quickly despatched by Yusuf's care, risked being sucked into the maelstrom of his hairy stinking camel's maw - drinking as if it hadn't seen water for weeks (it hadn't ).

The two men eventually walked into the cool of the frescoed Palace meeting rooms, to sip coffee and praise the benefice of Allah, to discuss the crops and the rains, the health of their families, and their camels, the marriage possibilites between their clans, and -finally- the building budget for the coming year.

Outside, a lonely duckling paddled forlornly through the pond lillies, looking for its playmates but seeing only squashy yellow blotches on the shallow mosaic bottom, rocking gently to the currents in the warm water. It listened for the gentle coos and quacks of its siblings, but heard only Yusuf's camel pissing nonchalantly against the manicured palms along the Eastern wall. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smokin.gif

[Demon of Light]

I'm bumping this topic because I really don't want to see this idea die.

One comment I have: Are people getting provinces to control or characters to control? The difference would tend to be exemplified by the death of the 2 Amirs a while back. I thought that Gregoshi and King Edwards CHARACTERS were dead with the end result being to place them to the back of the line to wait for a new character and likely a new province. Instead they kept their old province and were simply assigned new characters. Was it your intention to make this a policy or did you just do it because you like having those people around.

I have more to say but I'll save it in case I need to bump this again.

[Aleborg]

Quote[/b] (Demon of Light @ Feb. 06 2003,15:50)]I thought that Gregoshi and King Edwards CHARACTERS were dead with the end result being to place them to the back of the line to wait for a new character and likely a new province. Instead they kept their old province and were simply assigned new characters.
Hey Demon.

Im really not sure also what happened with both of them.
Anyhow, i think the best way, (as i said in a post of 26th January) is to give back to their sons the tittle of their fathers as they are really well prepare to be an extraordinay Amir.

Me, loyal servar of the great Sultan Suleiman II http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Gregoshi]

OOC: It was Vasker's Amir that bought it along with King Edwards. If only mine had died so gloriously. My Amir has been baby-sitting the Prince-now-Sultan and participating in mop up operations. However, I'm now with the Sultan's main army licking its chops at the Rump of Egypt.

Aleborg is right. if our character dies, we just get the next governor for that same province.

I'm anxiously awaiting the next moves too, but Grothgar indicated he had some reality items to content with.

[Kraxis]

Ohhh... I would like to join in, but I would like to have a province where there would actually be a need for construction. So if there is anything going on in Arabia I would gladly join in as Lavrence of Arabia... I mean Amir of Arabia (or what tile that is). Was Sinai conquered as well? Well I would like that one if it has more importance than Arabia. Don't want to be some fringe governor, that is boring.

Damn I sound like a selfimportant brat... hahaha http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Grothgar]

As Gregoshi mentioned i have had some real life issues to contend with, in fact this last week has been such a bitch that its hard to see something good in it.

However i dont want this idea to die either so i will post next turn, i promise this, i hope most of my troubles are behind me.

And yes you get a province to control, otherwise when we get to the end game, if your character died you would have to wait ages if you were at the back. So you play the governor and all his decendants.

See you all tommorow

[Grothgar]

My loyal Amirs,

The Egyptian Sultan has again shown his unwillingness to sign a cease fire to end this unfortunate conflict, despite having his army destroyed and humiliated before him. This kind of affront to our power cannot be allowed to stand, i intend to launch the invasion of egypt this very year, the Egyptian forces outnumber us but once again a large portion of it is made up of worthless peasents and i am sure, with your loyal help we will crush whoever stands in our way.

In domestic news i was forced to make many decisions, or to allocate them to my assistants, the messages obviously were lost on the road, i have been moving around a lot to be in a position to lead the attack this year.

A huge program of buildings were started this year with a fort started in Sinai, this is to insure that our forces will always have a place to stage attacks from into the egyptian heartland. In arabia, with its vast tracts of land, a Horse Farmer set up shop, it is expected that eventually the wide plains of Arabia will soon be prime breeding country.

In Armenia, after protracted negotiations with the local tribesmen a Horse Breeder is being brought in to increase the local stock. The Armenians refused to ride our present stock of horses but interbreeding with their own horses has started. This will lead to harnessing the valuable troops.

Another province has adopted the practices of advanced farming and it is hoped that within 2 years the output of Palestine will have increased by 20% and a trading post was started in Edessa to take advantage of the large number of tradeable goods in that province.

And while still on the building front a Port was built in Antioch, hopefully this will allow our merchants vast numbers of ports to explore and a Bower was built in Syria, thus allowing our hardy desert archers the bows they need.

I am asking for a lot in this attack my Amirs, but times like these cause for a definitive solution, it will be victory or death, who is with me

[Gregoshi]

Just say the word My Sultan and I shall show you what Armenians can do in battle

[Fate Amenable to Change]

O Magnificent Sultan,

My humble forces, worthless peasants though they may be, have volunteered, nay, demanded, to fight by your side
My house is yours, my people fight with you, may Allah be with us.

O wondrous Sultan, I must have a word with you concerning your worthless Chancellor - again he has told me that Palestine will never produce Camel Warriors Have the sands of the deserts replaced his brains? Have the feathers of ducks stuffed his ears? I am Yusuf, Master of Camels, I desire to sweep the deserts of our enemies for you

PS my wife sends her wishes to your household, may your harem be ever plentiful, may your coffee be never bitter nor cold

Yusuf,
Governor of Palestine

[Demon of Light]

Here's more questions for Grothgar: How much control does an Amir have over their army? They are obviously at liberty to join an attack with you or opt to sit a battle out. Can they move an army into an enemy or rebel province on their own? This would seem to be appropriate if someone is Ambitious but such power may be beyond the scope of what you would prefer. Further, are Amirs at liberty to create an emissary for the purpose of bribing a rebel army? (assuming the rebel army's price tag is within the Amir's allowance) If they can, would they then gain the army (seeing as how they paid for it) or is it ceded to the new Amir of the province the rebels were sitting on?(seeing as how the new Amir could really use them) Could an ambitious Amir control two provinces if they conquered/bribed another province and appointed a new Amir from the ranks of the former rebel army or perhaps their own?

P.S: has anyone heard from Vaskar or King Edward since their deaths?

[Naagi]

Great Sultan it appears my caution is for naught. The Egyptian Sultan seems to not understand his dire position, and will fight to the last man. Now my views are that they must be removed from our lands, and let all record of them be stricken from history. I will lead my archers to battle the final Egyptian stronghold, and aid in your glory.

Have your dutiful emissary instead continue on into Almohad lands, and see if an alliance can be struck between us. Surely the Khalif can see the benefits of joining forces against the Catholic scum. With this treaty we could then focus most of our attention against the Byzantines, and maybe gain some of their rich lands as our own. Surely by now they see us as weak and we can gain the advantage of lessened forces along our borders.

In Tripoli I wish to continue with the construction of a fort, and when it is completed the building of another port is in the plans. The people of Tripoli are behind your greatness.

Amir al Turkumani
Count of Tripoli



Naagi http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Grothgar]

Sultan Suleyman II stands up in his command tent to address this meeting, present are all his Amirs except Amir Yusaf who is guarding the border with the Byzantines. An expectant hush decends o nthe Tent as the Sultan Stands to address his loyal servants.

My Amirs, as you know, we have sighted the Egyptian Force in the Hills of Egypt, there is no doubt that battle will be joined tommorow morning. Allah favours us and thus we shall be victorious It is my wish that you all follow me into battle, with your aid we will carry the day, if you die on the sandy plains, then your place in the afterlife is secured

A cheer sounds out from all the Amirs, which quickly falls silent as the Sultan wishes to speak again.

Now that my declaration is complete we will move onto the more mundane matters, of which this year there was surprisingly few.

Intensive Farming has begun in Antioch and Syria this year, again taking example from Rum, and it is hoped to extend this empire-wide eventually, our farmlands are our future, we need to feed the masses. In this regard this has been introduced in Palestine boosting the output of the region about 20%.

Edessa is another province to open up Trading roots with outside influences, it is hoped that the taxes i can levy on the goods will provide a substantial boost to the treasury, and taking the lead of Armenia, Arabia has begun farming horses and Camels, this will take the pressure off Armenia and Rum for troop production.

This is all my Amirs, tommorow will bring blood sweat and death, but it will also bring Victory


OOC:

Demon of Light, you raise some interesting issues http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Let me see if i can answer some of them...

Yes Amirs can move their army into a rebel province or create an emissary for the express purprose of bribing said province. In fact if they wanted to they could create an assasin to kill one of their fellow amirs http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif As for the province issue, i would think that i would allow them to run 2 provinces for a while, before handing the reigns over to another player http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Vasker]

My Sultan,

I'm pleased to hear that we will finally march on Egypt and have our final battle with the Egyptian Force. I look forward to leading my spearmen into battle. It will be good to be finally done with the Egyptians. Then we can begin our march back up the cost. Antioch will have changed so much by the time we get back. I can hardly what to see the changes there. I think after the farm land improvements is complete a Town Watch would be next to build.

Your Loyal Servant
Amir al'Abbas
Prince of Antioch

[Demon of Light]

Grothgar: There are a couple of issues you didn't address.

Who controls an army bribed by an Amir? The Amir who did the bribing or the Amir who gains the province? Can Amirs independantly decide to invade territories controlled by other factions? If the answer is yes, what conditions must be in effect for an Amir to commit such an act?

P.S: I'll admit it. I'm just looking for a pretext to bump this topic.

[Fate Amenable to Change]

[Armenia, Garrison]
In the evening cool, Yusuf rested on his favourite cushion, and attended to the last of the days chores - the reports from Palestine of the province's governing...

Yusuf painstakingly read from the parchment that his son, Abdul, had sent to him...
deer fathar, we have bein very busi, digging long irrigashun diches from the wells for watering the new crops. The barlei and millit are growing well now, and little fishes are swiming in the diches for us to eat.

We had an Aegypt konsultant for a little while, but he kept talkeng about prob-lems of 'salinity', 'occupational health & safety', 'water access rights', 'native wildlife diversity' and other things we didnit unnerstand so we took him out to the iirigashun diches and drownded him. Fishes eat him, I theenk, ha ha.

Your sun,
Abdul
deputy guvenor of Palestin

[Demon of Light]

This thread's noble mandate has fallen and even now its body is being borne away.

(Chant, Murmer, Invoke) The thread lives

[Gregoshi]

OOC: Me thinks the new Sultan leave much to be desired. He must have the procrastinater V&V. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Fate Amenable to Change]

Grothgar
......Grothgar
........where arrre you ??


(Indihar)

[Fate Amenable to Change]

[Grothgar the cat]

Indihar chewed her pretty, petulant bottom lip... where was that dratted cat?
Her mother had been on her back about looking after her pussy all month, to care for it late at night, be careful of the company it keeps, not to let anyone pet it too much, check it for ?fleas?, that sort of thing. A lot of fuss over one little Grothgar

Her mother was taking entirely too much interest in her, for Indihar's liking. At 15, she was looking forward to leaving childhood behind, and doing something interesting (like her brothers), but she was afraid of being tied down with some dope of a husband. She'd sneakily saboutaged the chances of several suitors now, (her poor father, Yusuf, was experiencing her mothers wrath over presenting such unsuitable matches from the ranks of his peasant garrison).

Deciding that intrigue and misdirection were a game she might excel at, she set her sights on a career in diplomacy, or politiks, and planned how to meet the 'right' people. During the weekly family outings to Jerusalem's churchs, she'd noticed the newly established inns in the city. These, she was sure, might provide an opportunity for an enterprising girl (no...not that sort of girl, she decided, but perhaps one posing as a boy) with information to trade.

Indihar wriggled her slim form into a non-descript servants uniform, slipped her delicate feet into hessian slippers, bound her lustrous hair in a rag and glided through the front gate of the family home to test her disguise, and track down Grothgar before her damn pussy became a liability.
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Aleborg]

Oh Great Sultan, we need u as the great guide u always have been.

Im completely lost in this high and hard world where we live without ur friendly hand taking mine and helping me to cross the bridge....


Ur loyal server.

[Demon of Light]

Bag it and tag it. This idea is dead. Even if Grothgar returned, I doubt he could reassemble everyone again.

[Kongamato]

Wait until after VI comes out and start a new one.

With the new ability to save in between battles, all the loyal generals can now fight their own battles.

This will be excellent. Their actions will bring them vices that may require them to be assassinated out of the game.

[Grothgar]

Hello everyone, as many people have said, this thread is most probably dead, it was a noble idea, and a great idea if i do say so myself but unfortunately real life has a way of crapping on all your best laid plans.

I am going through one of the worst periods of my life at the moment, my mum has just discovered she has cancer that looks to be terminal, my sister crashed her car and is in hospital and my company is letting many jobs go and i dont know if im going to be one of them.

So i hope youll forgive me for letting this fall by the wayside, although i am sorry that i didnt get back to you earlier, but if you want a reason for that look up one paragraph. Im just not in the mood right now, im sorry but thats how it goes, maybe one day i might start this again, especially with VI on the horizon.

But for now i think i might be having an extended leave of absence.

[Fate Amenable to Change]

Yusuf, Abdul, Indihar and all the clan wave Grothgar goodbye, http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif
and wish him well during this tough time

......but Yusuf and his family will continue to haunt these forums


BTW thanks for the upgrade guys

[Fate Amenable to Change]

[The adventurer]

...sat in the dim murk of the tavern, back against the wall, beside the door to a rubbish filled side alley. Smoke curled lazily from his water pipe, the opiate drug adding an air of theatre that he desired to create for his meetings. Information was always useful in his line of work, the ignorant walked a precipice to disaster

His temporary drinking companion slumped into a stupor, head on his arms beside his clay mug of sour beer. Raoaster Jhones slid the drunk off his chair, onto the floor, to make space for the boy walking quietly toward him. The boy had promised Raoaster information of a most interesting kind - inside knowledge of the Palestine Garrison The boy, introducing himself in a low whisper as Indi, stepped gracefully over the drunk on the floor, and slid like a desert snake into the chair.

Raoaster raised an eyebrow as he recognised an extradinary grace to the boy's movement that might presage a successful career as a thief, an adventurer, or even an assassin He had lost his last apprentice to ill luck, and a stray crossbow bolt........he put those thoughts out of his mind to ask Indi a few preliminary, probing questions.
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif

[To Be Continued.]

[Lord Of Storms]

To The Sultan Suleyman , Great one I have heard of your magnificent deeds and wish to pledge to you my services , My Life ,my Sword are yours to command .Place me in any of his Great Ones lands and give me a chance to prove my worth. I await your response Great One... OOC: I would be honored to join you all in this Interactive game I started reading the thread and was engrossed. I hope I can become a part. Thanks TSOS.Grothgar when and if you start back up I would like to join in ..Sorry to hear of your troubles . Hope all goes well.

[Gregoshi]

Grothgar, I'm terribly sorry to hear about your situation. Don't worry about this little game right here - you have your priorities right. You take care of your mum and sister the best you can. Good luck with the job too.

Thank you for taking the time to start this game. I know from all the information you posted here, that it was no small effort to collect it. It was great fun while it lasted. Also, it was the closest I had come to playing MTW in two months and for that I thank you. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/pat.gif

Stop by the forums when you can. There will always be a place by the fire for you.