Village Warriors....the War Gods call you forward.

[RoneLith]

DIPLOMACY

"I feel it is time to test Namiko," Ryutetsuo says to his gathered cabinet of Samurai. "We both know her as a good warrior and as a good lady, I want to know if she posseses other qualities as well." His Samurai's eyes lit up, hoping that Ryutetsuo would begin to court the young woman. "She should be sent on a mission of trade a peace to the villages we found along the coast." The Samurai eyes fell to the ground, would their lord ever take a wife? "Send her with a small wagon of some of our finer wares. Also have her attempt to set up permanent trade aggreements."

SPY


"Tran's villiage must be kept watch at all times, I want to know how much he is building and just where is he getting the money to do so." Ryu sighed, it pained him to ask what he knew he must. "Also find out who has been taking the captured weapons from the pirates. This is an act of Treason and we will not stand for it. Use only your most trusted spies and find out where the weapons are going. I suspect they are going to Tran, if we can prove this your orders should be clear."

BUILDING

"Begin work on a large stable for our new horses and make sure there is enough room to accomondate any new births. Also let our Samurai with farms know that they too can keep and breed their own horses if they so choose. Next I want the plans for the Shipyard, how long it would take and how many resources would be used."

ROLEPLAY

Ryutetsuo stood in his field and looked back at his village. He smiled, no longer a village he thought, Now I have a city. Cities need to be protected, with winter comming he did not belive Tran would be foolish enough to attack, still against a ground force his city would be hard pressed to defend. A wall was needed in much the same way it was used for the pirates. He would tell his Samurai to begin plans for a strong stone wall...after he returned from his walk in the fields.


END TURN

 

[Jagged]

1 down 3 to go.....

Tales of the Vikings....


Roleplay

While out on the trail you find among your personal items a lock of Astrid's hair woven in a braid wrapped around a pink ribbon. Before you began your journey you believe it was the first time you saw her cry though she tried many times to hide it from you and others.

Ngoc talkes to you before you leave and surprisingly speaks in your tongue and says, " Great war chief I protect your woman until you return." She bids you well before returning to your houses.

Diplomacy

Lars takes charge of the village but he makes it clear is only during you absents and you shall find your village and home how you left things. He wishes you well and arranges for a prayer to be held to wish you and the others that go on the quest the best.

The other village leaders settle in for what they hope is a short wait. They nod in approval, but all have their doubts to whether you can do what has never been done in the past.

The Quest

The map is a good enough guide to your destination, but what you are to enounter is says nothing. As you ascend the mountain you know it was best to have sent the horses home. The path up is difficult and rocky and you find it difficult animals let alone men could make a home in their rocky southern mountains.

You hit a plateau and you and the rest of your party manage to pull yourselves up onto this rockey shelf. In the misty air you soon see pile after pile of skulls. Each is sorted by race with piles for bears, wolves, boars, and humans as well. All of you clutch your weapons alittle tighter realizing how high these pile are......Riggs even takes a count of one pile and yells back......."over 100 bear skulls in this pile alone."

Another voice thunders from the fog, "110 black bear skulls in that pile...the large brown ones number 141." Next comes a hardy laugh as what looks like a bear walking on two legs comes from the fog to confront all of you.....It is soon clear though it is a man a strong tall one who towers over even you walks over. His skin is scared all over and is wearing little but for bear skin boots, loin cloth and and of coarse the cape with the bear head sitting on top of his...others emerge similarly dressed and soon you count some 25 of these warriors with fire in their eyes. They pound their shields with the sides of their swords some even seem to be nawing on them.

"Hello Olaf we have heard for a time you seek us.......we knew of you since the stream. You really should post a watch.....not much for a future king." He laughs hardly walking past you with what seems no fear of you andyour warriors.

He smirks and looks you up and down. "How nice you have killed a wolf. We are not beneath mercenary labor though and I am willing to hear what you have to offer.....I am Frithiof and I speak for the others. We do not see the need to kill you since we find that you will bring only more opportunties to cause death and destruction."

He looks out down from mountain looking past whatever is other their in the world or the next.

"We want women, gold, weapons, and the chance to ply our given 'craft'. We are not farmers and do not wish to live like ones. We raid, we fight, we hunt and breed. So take a moment and think what you have to offer my people. We are few, but what we are capable will negate even the large numbers of warriors......Take your time."

Training/Trade/Research

The time is welcome for men to compete and share ideas. There is wrestling and weight lifting of coarse, but with the new longbows your men dominate. Crafts are traded and though no major discoveries are found, but some minor improvements can be made to current ideas. Of coarse your given many gifts which Astrid excepts happily though she is unsure if she will share all her new toys with you once you return.

Harvest

As spring comes about the work on the half finished farms begins once again. With these complete and another good growing season you will at the least enough for all if not a surplus. Other ideas like fruit and wild animal meat are also in good supply as well.

Trade

The "Trader" setups shop and sells many items to the residence of your village that have money to spend. Other village leaders find time to buy, sell and trade also though the "trader" moves to them as well. Foreign items like Egyptian perfume and Rome wine are at a high price but they are very rare. This man seems to have access to good suppliers.

 

[Jagged]

2 down 2 to go...

The Romans.....an empire one day at a time.


Roleplay

Guennola walks up behind you and rubs your shoulder as she thinks of what you are speaking of and finally in latin she utters, "it was once a town of the Gauls but it is of many more foreigners now. The Gauls are the majority in the Army, but the peasants are mostly of Greek and vikign descent though many others have left their mark even building structures more native to their homes."


She goes back to her lessons though when your subordinates. The all seem in line with the idea that village and the settlement will grow together and be a large city that will need to be defended in the very near future........perhaps even the summer for all you know.

War

Your friend Actaeon a Tribuna Laticlavius returns in victory proudly on a new white horse dragging prisoners behind him with their hands tied and chains around their necks. Next comes wagon loads of plunder including furs, tribal weapons, and jewelary. After this typical glorious ceremony in the middle of the camp in spring you friend comes to you warped in his ankle length fur cape and hugs you.....

He laughs and smiles at you as he raises his arms to the sky in triumph. "A gift for the next Caesar."

He tosses you a bone handled blade with a scabbard and made from blue silk and gold thread.

"It is good to be home my friend for the spring"

Iphicles Primipilus sends back the runner with a message for you during the first days of the spring, "The winter here was not bad my young friend. We have constructed huts with in a triangle walled structure in order maximize the men I do have to fight with. The Fort also contains storehouses and workshops but only modest ones. We have begun work on a trading post though and you should see Celtic goods in your markets soon."


Draga takes two squadrons of 4 ships each for exploration and trade. The rest quitely moor of the coast. Though many are also being alfitted for sea voyages.

Training

Centurians go out recruiting and though the offer to serve in a modern professional army that pays well there are simply few that are able to join. Many of military age have inherited land to farm from those killed in battle and can't leave.


In the end though 100 hardy young souls are being trained in basic military skills and physical fitness. They can promise perhaps the same number in another three months. Your staff believe that your recruiting pool will grow, but only if you give it time.

Building

The spring brings the completion the workshops for the siege engines. The engineers are pleased with their new surroundings and with in the first few weeks you have two new siege weapons to show. Though they assure you others will take longer they say you will have all the equipment you require by the summer.

The shipyard is a massive project and has only begun. The amount of timber and brick is almost staggering and the amount of buildings is all most a village on to itself.

The shrines to Mars are completed for each individual unit and some even have a laymen taking on spiritual duties of the unit he is assign. This leads to many of the local women and their children often joining in in prayer and taking care of the shrine.

Harvest

Until planning begins the ax is the tool of the land downing many of the tallest trees. Many of the local tribes demand though that past customs of planting new trees for those that have fallen be continued. Hauling it from woods to worksite is still a long tiring process though.

The barrels are filled as requested and are a good source of water until proper wells can be dug.

Diplomacy

The word is spread about the island as your request for skilled workers and good for your markets.

In the spring some of these efforts bring results. Foreigners from about the island seem the group to heed the call the most. Greek artists arrive along with Saxon boat builders, Russ wood workers, and Asian silk makers. They all seem attracted the other group of foreigners on the island.

Other Details

The Economy....

The low taxes increase trade some among your people, but your not an economy power house yet. A Pair of Mongol ships do come to your settlement and a re suprised to see so much activity in a area often thought to be dead to trade. Though they mostly resupply themseleves and buy a few extras both captains promise to let others know that there is place to trade here once again.


Immigration

No spies have yet to be caughty by the new department but the streets are soon less clogged. With the requirement that you must register or have reasons to be around the rebuilding area few bother to go there or the new docks there are under contruction. At the very least theft has dropped down. The Arab, Viking, and other foreign ships that arrive after the Mongol ones all seem willing to follow the rules though many are rowdy just the same when business is complete. The promise of land impresses many though no new settlers have headed out to claim it.

Prostitution

The new location is a pleasant enough to the women and it is also an easier area to partol. There are no more fights and the women keep clean and the brothel pays tax like all other business in town. Davida a mistress to one of your officer's a Roman woman as taken over organizing the women. She has asked for you to build public baths like the ones from home and for a statue of the Venus near the brothel. She promises that she can make a donation to the Republic in gold.

 

[Mantra]

Roleplay:

Arilias embraced Actaeon in return. "You are most welcome my friend, but I am no Ceasar. I am but a servant to the Republic. Still, there is much to do."

Actaeon nodded and motioned Arilias back towards the wagons. "There is something I must show you. This prisoner was the leader of the village, or at least, the only leader still alive. Among the plunder, we found this."
He offered a small sack to Arilias, who opened it, pouring several small lockets into the palm of his hands his face darkened considerably.

"Where did he get these?" Arilias asked. Actaeon motioned back to the prisoner. "He took them and sold the families to the Gauls." Actaeon said.

In one motion, Arilias drew his Gladius, smashing the hilt into the prisoner's face. He crumpled to the ground and froze as the Tribune's sword tip touched his chin.
"Do you know what these are?" he asked in Celtic. "This ia a Bulla, A Roman charm, given to Roman children by their parents at birth. You dare to exploit Roman children? How many were taken?"

The man remained silent for a moment before anwsering. "37."

Arilias was outraged. "You have not the courage to meet us on the beaches, but you steal children from Roman colonies! Coward! Deviant! Such crimes call for crucafixion."
The man paled at the thought of the horrid punishment. Arilias knelt down, keeping the sword leveled at the cowaring man's throat.
"But that will not be your fate. You will work hard, very hard, to rebuild the settlement your people ruined."

He stood, motioning to some of his legionares. "Take them to the docks. Tell the director of work to set them on the new breakwater, for as long as they have the strength to carry rocks."

The Gladius slid back into it's scabbard as the prisoners were led away. The bullas were placed back into the sack and wrapped carefully before being tucked into his belt.

"Come Actaeon, you have done well, both in the field and in exposing this crime. There is to be debate as for what to do with the colony and your words are welcome."
****************************************************

Arilias met with several of his leutenants to include Guennola, the high priestess, Davida and Aristotle. Many things were debated and argued before decisions were made.

Land ownership was the first desision to be made as a fundamental nessesity to survival. It was decided that only Citizens and Patricians from among the people could be landowners. Arilias accended to Guennola's desire to allow those young men who had taken up their family farms to become Patricians in the eyes of Rome so long as they offered a small tribute each year to the Republic. All other land was claimed by Rome to be distributed as seen fit.
There was also much argument about the Norsemen. Many did not wish to offer land for them to settle, but Arilias pointed out that a deal had been struck and would be adhered to. Besides, none could deny that the arrival fo Nordic families would be benificial to the colony.

"I will go to the Norsemen tomorrow." Arilias said. "Draga is at sea, but there are many famalies under his banner and other spokesmen might be found to negotiate."

The next issue was about the disporportion of women to men in the colony.
"I am not willing to allow the Legions to marry." Tyrus said. These mistresses are one thing, but the troops are the defenders of this colony, not homemakers. I agree that it might settle some of our settlment and population troubles, but I am not willing to sacrifice the integrity of the Legions."

It was finally decided that those who had loyally served but were now too injured to continue in the Legion would be released from this requirement and may pursue famalies. Also, some of these loyal men would be sought to act in the capacity of quartermasters, scribes, inspectors, landlords and the like. The idea being to show that these good men were still valuable to the Republic and offer them positions of service where they could still work towards their goals of citizenship.

"There is another issue I have noticed. Roman sandals are good for most situations, but in these woods, we need a more sturdy boot. The grieves can be fascened over the boot for added protection. I wish to comission boots for the Legionares."
****************************************************
Explore:

With winter receeding, my scouts will again head out to add to the map of the island and get a good lay of the land. They will note places that would be good to defend, ambush, hide and the like.
Survey teams will also explore for any potential resources in the area that might be useful.

Diplomacy/Trade:

Some of the huts and tents outside the encampment will be converted into a marketplace. A place where the trading and hiring can take place away from the construction and township. I will also start hiring laborers, carpenters and engineers for work projects. I also want to hire a few leatherworkers and boot makers to handle my request for boots.

All workers must register, as they are hired, temporary help, not settlers. Once registered, they get a hosing and work assignment. If any workers turn out to be from the Gaul city, then they will quietly be investigated and possibly arrested.

Build:

With the arrival of spring, several work projects can commence. My first project is the repair of the farms around the original Roman settlement fields. These will also be the first set of farms I wish to have resettled. I would also like to set the foundation for and build a fortified farm in the center of the area around the 'abandoned' village. This will also be some of the land I plan to deed to the first Viking families.

Reconstruction of the city will also begin. This way we can use the layout, foundations and water sources of the old city. Any brick or stones which can be reused will be collected and added to the stockpiles of building materials I collected over the winter. Any debris and wreckage will be dumped into the sea to be used to form a breakwater for the harbor. Work on the shipyard will be directed. I only need storehouses and some additional docks for now. The rest will come in time. This way, I can use the manpower and resources for other, needed projects. I do however, wish a tavern be built in the shipyard area.

My final big project will be the construction of appartments and homes in the city's housing districts. As they are completed, start moving the people out of the huts and temts and into the appartments. The huts will be used for workers quarters.

Lastly, Davida will get her statue of Venus, but a bath house will have to wait for other priorties.

Harvest:

New trees will be planted, but, new trees must be planted 100 yards farther than an arrow or siege stone can be fired from the city walls. No attacking army will ever use the forest for cover again.
Wood will continue to be harvested to fuel the demand for construction, but I will use log carriers, (basically a pair of wheels and an axel) logs can be stacked on top of two carriers and pulled by horses or oxen for faster travel.

Planting will also begin around the new farms. Grain will be planted along with vegitables and the like. I would also like grapes planted for wine as well.

As a special project, bird nests will be tracked and captured from the woods, preferrably, pigeon or dove eggs. These birds will be raised and trained as messenger birds. Birdhouses will be built at the city, the forward garrison and at the fortified farm that's being built.
Train:

Of the 100 men seeking to join the Legoins, 60 will go to Actaeon to be trained to serve as calvary. Their first duty will be to go and capture horses for themselves. Ammonanus will be named as Master of Training and take the remaining 40 (and any future recruits) for training as infantry. The recruits wll help with the building to help build up their strength and stamina as well as learning combat.

The Legoinares will also practice swordsmanship and wrestling hand to hand in order to keep their skills sharp.

Spy:

With the influx of traders and workers, these men will likely be frequenting the taverns, halls and brothels in my towns. Davida and the tavern owners will discreetly be asking about the Gaul city, defences, troops and the like. In addition, I will resend some of my tattooed scouts to learn what they can. Finally, I will send one Viking ship with some trade goods to the Gual city via the trade ports to sell goods and buy livestock. They will also try to gain information about the city.

War:

A couple of Viking ships and my Tririmes will patrol along the seas in order to gain some experience. They will also seek to isolate, board and sieze any Gual ships they encounter if possible, but I want no major ship battles. Easy pickings are just fine for now.

I will also deploy 200 troops into the woods as skirmishers and raiders. Their job will be to scout the Gual territory and gain knowledge of the ground, locate any 'soft targets' farms, merchant caravans, supply stores, etc. They will attack any such targets of opportunity they find, stealing livestock, supplies and the like (or destroying them) and slow the Gaul war and supply efforts. Others will locate any water sources and either block or divert them.
Remember, these are raiders and skirmishers sent out in small teams of 20 to 50 men. I do not want them to engage in any battles. Better to run and hide in order to harass the supply lines, not get wiped out by superior forces. This is not cowardice, but tactics. If the target is too strong, then leave it alone.

I will send the two new catapults to Primipilus's garrison. If there are any women archers ready, send 50 to him as well. Likewise, see if any of the locals would be willing to assist as militia. I am willing to supply arms and armor if they do.

 

[Jagged]

Visigoth (finally)


Roleplay

The home and finally are fine and the arrival your father's family as welcome. They have mucht to share and are Goth/Romans in their ways. They sing praises to your gods, but the shrines they build look like Roman ones.

The home life is good especially since you are now out of the house with the melting snow and chilling wind gone. Your father does question why you have tied Wulfa to a tree in the back of the property. The matter is settled though when you build a kennal for him and two additional dogs given to your family by a Saxon trader. The large wolf howns frollic about and soon are playing with your brother an sister.

Your friend Wallia has proposed marriage to his long time love Helchen. Since this is the first wedding in the new temple this is by no means a private event. Things are only amplified by the fact that Wallia is the son of the highest-ranking elder Athalaric. Needless to say the list of those who are invited for political and economic reasons is long before family and friends are added.

Harvest

The harvesting of lumber is complete along the path to the fishing village of your new allies. Already runners say time is cut down tremndously and getting lost is a thing of the past.

With the arrival of the spring the new hunting lodge is a project that has not shortage of volunteers to both build and live and work in the facility. Within a week of its completion a huge boar is taken down by one of the Mahak with a good spear and some hunting dogs he traded for in your village.

Fish and other sea food start to appear on the tables around the village more frequently. One group of fishermen have a particularly brutal encounter with a shark. It takes many blow from axes and spears blooding it until a spear thurst to the eye finally finishes it off and they are able to bring the trophy into shore. You receive a gift of the beast's teeth as proof of the story. One of the Mahak's best warriors was responsible. A foreigner to the tribe, and Asian named Shiro.


Facts of Note

Roderick and Recared continue on as your father's army captains and have taken well to your changes as they see them as improvements. Since many of your tribe has had contacts with Romans they are well aware of other methods of making war and even perhaps better ones. The latest captain Saphrax is young but a very able rider and even before the creation of the new unit owned 8 horses. He is thrilled to show the full potential of the horse as a war machine.

A passing Vikings longboat stops at the Mahak's village. Among the trophies and warstories shared over the fire the Vikings display walrus tusks, seal pelts, and the jaws of sharks. They tell of an island with some of their countrymen, other Norse but mostly Asians who have many interesting items to trade. They are interested when they hear there is an inland road and promise to return before summer.




Building

The new temple sees its first impressive service in the wedding of Wallia as it is first public event. The surrounding grounds and statues are completed just in time. Already many Goths from all over are attracted to this new structure and come to your village to traded and worship. Some even to stay. All visiting nobles are impressed by the new structure and there is much Politicking and talk of the future.

As noted before the new hunting lodge is completed and shows success early one as meat is even more regular in the village market place.

The shipyard goes into a more active planning stage in that things are being layed out and timber and personel to do the work are gathered. The ambitious project attachs all manner of people from merchants with items to sell to men in search of work from all villages and even Roman renegades interested in abling their knowledge of design and construction for gold and glory.

The armory is easily completed with heavy secure doors and a central location in town. Kasen is simply happy to have more space in his workshop for access stock. Now those without good equipment have a place to do and arm in a time of crisis.

The path to the new settlement is slow and hard work. Finally though the destination is reached and with the lumber taken from the path along the way work begins. The look out tower as of now is the first and only permanent structure. Along the path though some huts are built as well as shrines for good travell. The paths allow for easier travel from the coast now all the way to the center of the island it would seem.

Explore

The boats head out and travel the rivers and coast of your island. The trip North to the coast is not a direct one and is easily done without having to move the boats over land at all which makes a big difference.

Along the coast these is simply not enough time to log in everything that is found. From places where seals sleep for the night to good coastal sites for docks to ships seen your men do alot marking what they have found in notes and on crude charts. They are not sailors so the maps are of limited detail but useful none the less. Of the many interesting finds though you do locate three other Visigoth villages on the coast of island. All are welcoming to your men and trade and talk with them giving them food and shelter whenever it is needed. There is little difference in them and are all around the same size as your tribe though the are of coarse more active in trade and fishing. Vikings are regular visitors along the coast you find. There are a group of Romans though that still round their island plying their trade as best they can and proudly still fly banners declaring their allegiance to the old empire.

Training

Training is more then its ususal casual weapons practice. Your men all are issued the new equipment. All have the armor you want them to have as well as the new weapons. The training goes well as the men see the need to know more then one form of warfare. Though the will to be an individual warrior is still strong among many. The new arrows and axes are greatly prized though. All are pleased with the equipment. The new cavalry looks good if not amatuerish. This will end in time though and practice and more practice are all that a needed.


The Asian Villagers.... (long missed player)

Diplomacy

Namiko is nothing if not loyal to her lord. She is nto pleased though that you have sent her way, but takes her best robes and armor. Along with a cart of trade items she brings one of her own and 12 foot soldiers of her own she has raised. The wear her symbol on their armor though she proudly places your Dragon flag a the head of the group. She leaves you a flower before heading down the coastal path.

In several weeks time she returns with a whole cart filled with different items including Persian carpets, Greek statues, Welsh longbows, and Jade jewelary.

She speaks to you the first night of her return.

"The village is almost as large as the one you rule my lord though they do not have samurai so they are not as poweful as you....The village is controlled by a woman called Kaede. She is young but is skilled with horse and blade as well as knowledgable as a navigator of ships. She wishes to meet with you and do more then trade. She is without allies and has few friends to chat with like you my lord. She praises you for the victory against the pirates that raided her ships and territory as well. She gave me this for you......."

She hands you a very long sword with a stingray scabbard and bone handle. "She hopes you like it and can use it well in defense of your home."

Spy

Several of your most trusted agents are placed near Tran's village and watch it day and night. To be sure is organizing his troops into a more focussed and brutal unit. It seems he has been spending his time well. He is not on the defensive though and has built no walls around the village.

The source of his funds seems to be a pair of small silver mines that draw a good income and foreign merchants are always willing to purchase. He has little to trade though and needs a war.

Samurai take on the task of finding the traitors seriously and search and question about the stolen arms and equipment. The answe is more shocking then you ever thought. On a rainy night your Samurai drag 8 monks from their beds force them out into the courtyard of the temple as the rain pounds down on them.....Kobayakawa Hideaki a samurai of the has recently recruited warriors and built his own fortified farmer leads the hunt.

He holds one monk to the dirt his hand on his sword. "My lord they were doing it to line their pockets with gold. We caught the merchant buyer in the woods with some of the missing weapons. In their chambers we found gold pieces. Shall we kill them now?"

All the warriors in their armor now being hit with rain look to you for your word on this matter.

Building

The new stables are the first to go up near the center of town for all the new beautiful horses your village now has for both work and warfare. The animals seem to like their new quarters and are protected by the elements. Food is easily brought to them and there is plenty of room to properly train them....

Your samurai that are now increasing in number have all built or are in the process of building fortified farms. They breed their own strings of horses and many impressive animals are seen when they ride into town. With these independant farms many samurai seek adventure all over the island. Whether is is battling bandits or wild beasts they search out challanges every day if they are not actively training.

The shipyard and harbor becomes the largest of building projects since the temple was originally built. The plan calls for long docks, roads, warehouses, workshops, and dry docks. The whole spring keeps all hands not farming busy working on the project. Though it is not completed at the end of spring boats are able to dock at the first of the completed docks.

The defensive wall you wish will have to wait unless you are able to creature more workers. It is no small task though that you have a city of thousands now and perhaps are the largest group on the island that is most advanced.

Roleplay

The winter ended and the spring warming up the island Tran has not come. All indicators though point to a summer offensive from Tran and the few small allies he has in the region. Your allies pledge support and it simply needs to be called on in the time in need.

Namiko has taken over running your house hold and servants do what they are told your armor is always well kept, and your house is well stocked. Your a man of power and strength now though some things are unsettling.....

One event of note is that there are at least 100 of the samurai class including 4 women. All have built or are in the process of building farms with defenses and each has 20 warriors trained and armored by the samurai. They carry the banner of that warrior and are dedicated to that warrior. Some are even better armed then your troops depending on funding.

Foreigners are becoming an increasingly larger group in your city. Vikings are the largest of the groups in your city. The break down is something like 70% Asian and 30% foreign. The Happy Dragon has many different faces there but these new arrivals for the most part simply want to live and work without a problem and do not dispute your rule.

 

[RoneLith]

Roleplay

Ryu sat in his room silently relaxing the day away. Having only just rissen from sleep he needed time to comtemplate the days action and to will the sleep from his eyes. A small tap came on his door a few minutes later. "Come in Yui," he said. Slowly the door opened and a hansome older woman sat on her knees before the door.

"My Lord," she said softly. "Namiko wanted you to have this before she left." She entered the room and placed a small box at his side.

Ryu opened the box to discover a small cherry blossom in side. Its simple beauty and perfect shape, the delicate petals and sweet smell a small tear streaked down his face. Namiko belived she was being sent away because he did not trust her, what he told his men was not entirely true. She was the only one he did trust completely, with his life and the life of his people. This one gift meant more to him than a thousand peices of gold. "Yui," he said softly after a time of comtemplation.

"Yes, My Lord."

"I would like this flower preserved in its natural state, and attach a ribbion of silk to it so it may be worn in the hair. I would like this done before Namiko returns."

"When is she expected to return, My Lord?"

"Tommorow, can it be done?"

"Yes My Lord." She bowed took the box and started to back away. When she reached the door she stopped for a moment and looked back at her Lord. "May I say something, my Lord?"

"Yui, I have told you, you do not need to be so formal with me when we are alone."

She smiled, "Namiko is a fine woman and will make a grand wife."

"I know Yui, I want her to love me for who I am not because I am her Lord."

"May I make a suggestion," she asked, then promptly did not wait for a reply. "Why not build her a garden filled with these flowers, as a symbol of your love and respect for her."

"You and I think alike my friend. I have already decided to do so." He turned his head and looked at her fully, the sight of him made her blush and her heart flutter.

"You truly do have a powerful effect over woman, my Lord."

He smiled his own face blushing. "Thank you Yui, if you will excuse me I must get dressed."

Yui bowed and stood up taking the box. "Of course my Lord."


_____


In the evening he stood before a group of his Samurai and the traitous Monks bowing before him. They had stolen alot from him, money and weapons that could have been used to help his people. He knew he should have them all killed as a warning to others, however this might have an adverse effect on the people of his city. His decision would be hard but benevolant, to show that he was not completely without feeling.

"You have stolen not from me, but from our people, lining your own greedy pockets with gold. What I do now is a lesson to all those that wish to steal from the people of this land." Under his breath to one of his Samurai he spoke. "Kill seven, leave one alive." His Samurai nodded and set off about his task.

When it was finished he stood before the final one, cowering at his feet. "All the wealth that your group had gathered, will be given back to the people you stole it from. From this day on no monk or priest shall be allowed to carry more gold than they need to live, all must be given back to the people. In helping others shall you be closer to god." He looked out at his people that had gathered he grabbed a small bag of gold captured from one of the Monks. "They had stolen from all of us, I take one coin for myself, the rest is yours! We shall use it to make our city greater!" The crowd cheered and immidiotly buzzed about what they would do. He turned to his advisor, "I want a poll of my people, what do they wish to do with the money and weapons? Whatever they decide we shall do."


_____


The next morning Ryu once again sat willing the sleep from his eyes. Yui placed a small tap on his door and entered without waiting for his acknowledgement, hoping to catch a glimpse of her Lord in the proscess of changing. She was dissapointed to see him already changed and ready to start another day. His smile told her that he knew what she had been planning. 'It must be hard for her as a widow,' he thought.

"Your gift for Namiko is completed my Lord," she said placing the box at the door way. "Also her caravan has been spotted, she will be here in and hour or so."

"Thank you, Yui."


After she had gone, did he finally look at the completed gift. It was perfect, the main flower was still intact but the bulb had been removed and replaced with three pearl pins to keep it in place while in the hair. The petals lightly shine with gold dust and the silk was embriodered with gold thread. The care that had gone into createing it was increadible. Surely he would call on this craftsman again.

He met Namiko at the gate to his home, before she even had a chance to speak he took the his opprotunity and stepped down from the raised platform that led into his home and walked to her. She was indeed a fine woman, he smiled as he apporached, a blush escaping from her. When they met he spoke, fearing if he did not keep his resolve he would run from her side and hide in a closet somewhere. "I recived your gift." He said trying to hide the obvious nervousness in his voice.

"Oh, that it was uhm..." she spoke just as nervous as he.

"Thank you," he smiled at her as she beamed with pride, that her Lord would thank her for such a small gift. "However, something like that does not belong on a man, for it is much to delicate for me to do anything with. It is however perfect for a young woman." He motioned to his men and quickly one of his Samurai's children ran up to him with the box in his hands. He turned to the young child and took the box from him. "Thank you Sumei."

"I looked at it," he whispered to Ryu.

"Oh, did you now."

"She's gonna cry."

Ryu couldn't help but smile, "Go back to your father now." Sumei nodded and ran back to his family. Ryu turned back to Namiko who had a sword in her hands.

"This is from Kaede to the south, she thanks you for destroying the pirates and hopes that we can do buisness."

He took the sword and slid it next to his own, he would inspect it later. This was the only thing on his mind right now. "Namiko, as thank you for your undying loyalty I present you with this gift." He opened the small box for her and presented it to her. The gold shined in the sun and the delicate petals seemed to flutter in the wind. He removed the ribbion from the box and handed it to an aide that sensed his need. His heart pounded in his chest as he stepped forward to put it on for her. As his face approached her ear he spoke just a breath of air, "There is no one that I trust more than you."

In the same instant she did the same. "I love you, Ryutetsuo."

Both of them stopped and looked at each others eyes. Both of them shocked at the words shared between them. Their aides and fellow Samurai all held their breath waiting for their next move. It seemed nothing happened, time was at a still until finally an aide of Namiko's pushed her in the back with the hande of his sword, she fell into Ryu's arms and subsquently their mouths met in a kiss. At first she tried to pull away, her embarassment too great to continue, but in his arms he held her and it did not matter anymore. Here was the man she loved and knew that he loved her in return, let them see.

END

 

[Tonofnoise]

Turn 5 (9 pages yea baby)

“I funny thing happens to a man when we thinks too much. He spends so much time thinking about what is happening and what to do about it, that life passes him by. A man should control his life with a mix of wisdom, gut feelings, and faith. Each like a strong spice never too much of one or it will over power the others. Wulfa if you were a man how would you view life?” Wulfa perking his ears up turns to look at Tufa with a simple look of, yes what ever you say the sun is warm. Sitting a top of a grassy hill Tufa looks upon all the people in Bain hustling around trying to get their chores done while enjoying the spring air. There is not a trace of snow left anywhere north, south, east, or west of the village. In the center of town 15 some people, mostly those of Hunananths’ family busy to get the new temple in order and some decorations up. New visitors can be see traveling in and out of the village every day. People from the Mahak village to the north, people from along the shore coming inland to get supplies or trade their goods. Some Roman citizens from Syracuae have made travels to Bain to see family or friends. Other Visigoths come to town for food, pray, or even just to see what’s new in this once quite village. From a distance the young chief could hear his name being called by passerby’s. “What would a great man do,” Tufa again ponders before getting up for his chores. Plow the fields, chop down trees, till the earth, press the oats, and feed the dogs. A simple life mixed with training and helping his best friend ready for this big day. The first couple weeks seam to fly by. With out a blink of an eye Tufa is standing and toasting his friend Hunananths and Helchen to a wonderful life together. Praising the God, Pyerun for their blessed union and for good fortune to come to this village. Than standing and watching life pass by him as his friend and wife head to their first night together. Barolra step next to the young spectator, “You don’t have to speak to the Gods to know that is many things on your mind.” “As always your sight is that of an eagle.” “Not an eagle but of a father. What troubles you on this your friend’s happiest day?” “ Please don’t see me as having ill thoughts on Hunananths wedding day. My love goes to him and his wife. I hope to care for many children who look like him. My mind has been else were for quite sometime. I would help me greatly if I new where it was so that I might bring it back and regain my clarity.” The two continue to watch the people shuffle out of the temple and to the great hall to celebrate. Some seventy to ninety people from his village and surrounding have come for this day. “The Gods will be please that you celebrate them with marriage.” “I could see no better gift for my friend and his wife. I think the whole village should rejoice in their love for each other.” “And I think you need to find your head.” Tufa chuckles in the idea of questing for his head. “And in what direction do I travel to find my head ow wise Barolra?” “Well that simple as your heart and stomach where it would go. The brain tends to travel to one of those two places.” The old man smiles and leaves the room leaving just Tufa.
The next morning Harjareks house is a bustle with people from the Mahak settle along the show showing Harjareks their final plans for the artwork to adorn the shipyard. Carving of seals, sharks, and whale inlayed with bronze and shells are the main theme to their design. Some works are lost in translation but the shipyard is near complete and 2 ships have been made and have travel twice up the coast to the Mahak village and back. The captain of one of the boats, Nuhak, tells of 3 Visigoth villages between Bain and the Mahak village north. He tells that group of Vikings travel these shores and trade pelts and furs. Wala tells of his experience with the Vikings both good and bad. “We must keep are eyes one them. Their mercenaries nothing less!” The group of men continues to talk for an hour before Nuhak and Mahak woodworkers leave to return to their shops. Quietly Tufa sits down besides his father at the great table. “Yes, Tufa?” The sound of his voice is low and slow caution as to what is coming next. “Good morning father, I hope you slept well.” “I did, thank you. Are you joining me for pleasantries or is there something you wish to speak about?” “There is father, I wish to travel once with captain Nuhak. To get away from the village for a brief time, just to regain my thoughts and my focus.” “All those ideas of yours finally throwing you for a spin, I see. The two break a smile and drink a little mead. Harjareks sinks into his chair and folds his arms over his belly. The hunting lodge is almost complete, the shipyard is done except for some carvings, the temple is done, and I got word that the first team is half way to the new settlement. As captain Nuhak yourself if he says yes let me know and I’ll send word to Waihtiwulfs that you coming. You’ll still have to get your chores complete but its ok with me.” While standing Tufa looks at his father, “ How far have you traveled father?” A smile cracks Harjareks face, “I’ve walked and ridden more miles of this island than I can even count. I’ve seen rushing rivers, towering waterfalls, open plains, and lush forest lite by the sun above, but every where I went nothing looked better than standing out my front door and looking at your mother gathering herbs in the garden. Go Tufa, catch the captain before he gets to far.” “I will be back soon father.” “I’ll tell your mother you’ll be gone for a couple days. She’ll worry less if I don’t tell her where you are.” From the front door Tufa could see Nuhak still backing his horse for the trip home. He ran out the door, leaving his family for a short while.
Over the next six days Tufa traveled with captain Nuhak and his crew of nine. The sailing was smooth with no disturbances. Every other night Tufa visited the other Visigoth villages. He spoke with their village elders and chiefs about the village of Bain and the treaty they have with the Mahak village to the north. They spoke of path that they had built to connect their villages and tried to convince each village to have them too build a path to this main road, this allowing better mainland trading between the tribes. Each night Tufa spoke to the men and women of each village of his plans to reconnect his island and open free trade. He spoke how unity, not only for all Visigoth, but also for all that we left behind by the Romans. He told each of the villagers that Bain was training an army that could be ready any time if another village was being attached by savages, Vikings, or any tribe who can to destroy a village for no reason other than greed or savagery. He invited any of the best smiths, horsemen, shipbuilders, warriors, herbalist, and thinkers to Bain, to share ideas, plans, or techniques. At every village the reaction was positive with a few who wished to be left alone or who questions was Tufa trying to be the next military power in this island. Several of the Elders knew Harjareks was still the ruling war chief and blew Tufa off as trying to over step is boundaries. But every village he visited he spoke of the great plans and his love for his village, people, and all Visigoths. Each morning before leaving the three villages Tufa gave the directions to each of the villages elders to where Bain was in correlation to their village and to the main road. Encouraging them to also build a ten-foot wide path of earth and stone connecting them to the other villages. And after He set sail for the next village, he wondered if his youth over shadowed his passion.
On the ninth day the ship came upon the Mahak village. Ten to fifteen other boats of different sizes circled around the port fishing or making their way to Bain to see family. Instantly, Tufa was surrounded by Mahak people who have never a Visigoth other than Waihtiwulfs. Their eyes seem to be by the hundreds following him as he walked off the boat onto the docks. Every step he took was one step closer into a world unlike his own. Every face was different that his own; every word out of their mouths was unlike his. He has heard the Mahak people who lived in the village speak to each other but most times they spoke Visigoth out of respect. “Waihtiwulfs, my friend I could use you right now,” he spoke under his breath as he got to the end of the dock and was confronted with an entire village and no idea where to go. “Tufa,” a voice cried from the right side of the crowd. “You have come welcome.” The voice grew closer as the crowd started to move making a path. Finally after forcing her way through the huddled masses Dyani appeared with a bright smile, which allowed Tufa to breath a sigh of relief. “Yes, I can to see your village. I had never been away from my home before, so I traveled with captain Nuhak.” Dyani turned and stated speaking to the crowd. “Anuck guyi rideana dorcetti Bain, yiokley da rutrues Tufa.” Their faces brighten with an array of smiles as they walked over and started shaking his hand. “What did you say?” Tufa asked while being over run by Mahak men and children. “I told them you are the future chief of Bain. Many people are grateful to you and your village for offering land and great trade.” She took the overwhelmed Tufa by the hand and led him through the crowd.
The two walked around as Dyani showed all about her village to the marveled young man. From the fire pits where the fish and whales from the days catch were smoked to the different huts and their totems, which lay before them. After some time had passed the two met up with Waihtiwulfs who was sitting with Abachka, the village chief. “Tufa, does my old eyes deceive me?” Clinching to his walking staff, Waihtiwulfs gets up from his bench. “Please, my friend don’t get up one my sake,” Tufa says abruptly. “Ow don’t worry about me I’m just trying not to reinjure a sprained ankle. No need to fuss. Come here and let me look at you. Tufa approaches and stands tall before Waihtiwulfs. You have been working hard this winter. It shows, your shoulders are broader. Before I forget please let me introduce Abachka the chief of this village.” The two reach to sake each other’s wrists, “ I’m told that I have to thank you for sending Waihtiwulfs to speak of trade between our villages. The agreement has done great things for out village.” Tufa smiles with pride. “When I first learned of a village who’s people were different that our own I could only see a chance for growth between our people. We share this island together, why should be not make the best of it together.” “Spoke like a true visionary,” Abachka replied. “I insist that we have a feast in your honor Tufa. A feast to celebrate our villages growth together.” “I thank you for welcoming me into your village with open arms.” Abachka turns to look at Dyani, “ I see you have yourself a guide to our village.” “Yes Abachka, Dyani has been every so wonderful as to show me all there is to the Mahak village.” “She is one of the bravest we have in our village. He father and mine fought the Romans together. He two older brothers died while fighting a troop of Viking warriors when I first became chief. And she was one of the first and best to travel between our villages and keep our people updated on events. Dyani I would wish for you to keep Tufa company while he is here in our village. Dyani bows her head with a smile. Please don’t find me rude for asking but how long are you going to be in our village? I want to make sure all your accommodations are met.” “I’ll be traveling back with captain Nuhak in 2 days.” “Thank its settled, we can make room for you with Waihtiwulfs, Dyani will should you around and get you anything you need, and every night you will eat with me and my family.” The four stood there in front of Abachka hut for another hour before readying for the feast. Over the next two days our young warrior went hunting, fishing, ate, and enjoyed every aspect of the Mahak life. He even had the pleasure of passionate kiss the last night he was there from Dyani, as the two laid on the beach looking at the moon and stars. They spoke of each other’s lives and dreams for the future. Dyani hoped to be a mother of a large family and to someday travel outside of her village for longer than a couple of days. She has traveled south to all three of the Visigoth villages including Bain. And has ventured north to find nothing of interest. They spoke of their loyalty to their people and what they envisioned what will be in the future.
Morning broke on the third morning and captain Nuhak readied his crew to leave back for Bain. Tufa already awake and finishing his morning meal with Waihtiwulfs and his family receives a summons by one of Nuhak’s men. “My lord the captain calls its time to leave.” While rising to his feet Tufa turns the young man, “Thank you Buris, tell the captain I’ll be right there.” Both men bow their heads and Buris steps out closing the door behind them. “Well my friend its time for me to leave. I hope to see you in a couple of months at the next elders meeting. I think the Elders should know all that is happening here and how it could benefit Bain and the Mahak people.” “By then I should be able to make the trip, if the Gods favor my ankle.” The two men hug and share their goodbyes. Tufa shows his thanks for Waihtiwulfs’s family and to Abachka for their generosity. “Any time Abachka you and your family wish to visit Bain please just show up on our front door and I will make you as welcomed as you have made me.” “Time will tell, my people in Bain have not seen their Chief in some time. This might serve as a great incentive.” The two men locked wrists and said their goodbyes. Down towards the docks Tufa travels waving back to several Mahak people wishing him safe travel. Several small children have begun to follow him as he travels to the ship. One very small child has a hard time keeping up but tried all he can. “Hold there young man. Tufa bent over and picked the child up and continued to walk towards the dock. As Tufa and the children come upon the docks the smell of ocean breeze fills their lungs. The warm sun hovers over the ocean providing light and warmth to all the Mahak fisherman at sea fishing for their daily meal. As they come up to the dock Tufa’s eyes widen as he gazes upon Dyani standing on the docks in a blue dress made of silk, sandals, and gold arm rings. “Hello Dyani. I didn’t see you on my way down here. I was getting worried.” “I was here. I knew the captain was leaving early this morning. I was think you would be here early but when you weren’t I waited. Should I get used to you being late?” Chuckling Tufa replies, “I would love to say No to that statement but I would hate to lie.” The two stood silently for a second before Captain Nuhak broke in, “My lord the winds are good and time to leave.” “ Yes Captain thank you for holding. Dyani I have to go.” “I know, you have a village waiting for you. Do I dare ask when will I see you again?” “Soon I hope. I don’t know when you plan on traveling to Bain next but when I can get away from my responsibilities to see you I will.” “Please don’t promise anything that you can’t keep. I know your life is your village and I can not come between that.” Slowly the two leaned forward and met lip to lip. For a brief moment the two where in they’re own island alone away from all responsibilities, which was brought to a halt by several children giggling. “You should go, Dyani said reluctantly. Here give me the little on.” Passing the wide eyed child off Dyani smiled. “I have to say you do look good with a child and hand and several others all around you.” “Some day if the Gods favor that day will come.” The draw plank slid up into the side of the boat. The sails opened to a might gust of wind and the boat was off. Standing on the aft of the boat our young chief waves good bye to Dyani and the children as he heads back to Bain.
“The winds are good my lord we should be back in Bain in about 3 days do you wish to stop or head straight home? We have supplies.” “Lets head straight home Captain Nuhak thank you.”
Three days passed with out event and Tufa returned to Bain and his family. Over the next couple of days Tufa spoke with his family and friends about his trip and the people he met. He spoke of the three other Visigoth villages to his father and the conversations they had about building a path joining all 5 villages together. Harjareks’s response was as usual mixed but supportive. One after noon Tufa and Hunananths sat on a grassy knoll and discussed his plans for the up coming year. Their main focus was on a full time mobile military that could defend Bain, its expansions, and their allies. Using both foot soldiers and cavalry to help aid a mobile force. Also a large wagon draw by several horses could make troop movement easier and could help with moving injured troops and equipment.

One the last day of the second month of the new spring, Tufa dressed with the help of his mother and sister to meet the Elders to lay out his plans for the up coming summer. Hunananths met him at the front door of his family’s house and the two rode to the great hall. Up the great stone steps the two walked till they reached the massive oak doors. Two heavy knock could be heard before both doors opened and Tufa stepped inside closing the door behind him.
Tufa came to the center of the circle and knelled, “Great Elders, I come before you today with my plans for the up coming summer and fall.”

Build:
The settlement to the south Visen is our main concern this summer. A defensive wall of wood needs to be built along with a mill, forge, several food storage buildings, barrack, and great hall. The wall should surround all sides but that of the waterfall and river that is leads too with 4 towers for archers. A mining shed should be constructed as well for tools and supplies. There should be room inside for one hundred and twenty people and animals.
The 2 hunting lodges should support a kennel for dogs and the lodge closest to Visen should double as an outpost and troops stationed there incase Visen is attacked. For speed a small barn for up to 4 horses should be built along with a stock for food and equipment.
To aid with constructions of Visen surrounding trees will be cut and nails made here in Bain and shipped either by land or by sea to Visen.
With the extra land I would like to section off an area strictly for training, archery, and cavalry. Any extra land should be used to crops only.

Explore:
I still wish for 2 ships to travel south and map any thing they found. I was able to speak with 3 other Visigoth leaders in my travel that I did not know about. If there are other villages between Visen and us I want to know so that we can make an alignment. By wintertime we should have maps from Visen to the Mahak village and to the shore so we know all that surrounds us.
Diplomacy:
I wish to offer assistance cutting down a path between the 3 Visigoth villages and the main road we created last summer for the Mahak people and us. I hope this will promote trade between them and us.

Training:
With the help of captain Roderick, Recared, and Saphrax I wish for our army to be more mobile to defend Visen and our neighbors between the Mahak village and us. I have offered our services to the three other Visigoth villages in exchange for use of some of their best troops. I still insist on four divisions to the army, Archers, footmen, spearmen, and cavalry. I want troops to start patrolling in teams of 10 men the roads between Visen and the Mahak village. In addition 2 large wagons well be constructed with the sole purpose to transport troops and equipment. We’ll need to breed some horses to pull the wagons but this will allow for more mobile troops. I fear with armies attacking Syracuae these bands of berserkers will soon see us as a target.
Several troops of sound minds need to learn from Barolra his tricks for aiding the sick in the field and produce several bags of different healing medicine.

Harvest:
Continue to plant new crops to keep up with the needs of the people and troops. The two hunting lodges should bring it more game and with an increasing fishing market food of different types should keep us feed through the summer.

Trade:
With the three other Visigoth villages in speaking terms with us I would like to open trade with their people. Try and bring some of there warriors, smiths, seamen, and healers to our village to learn from each other. Also I would hope to trade plans for the future and see if our villages could grow together.

*Bring me war and the screams of battle. My body nor my mind will know its true strenghts until put to the test.

 

[Jagged]

The Romans

Roleplay...

The men sent to the docks are worked to death during the completion of your new harbor. Many find it is a fitting crime considering not even a trace of the Roman citizens and soldiers posted here remains. Even among the tribe no one took captives of the Roman colonists. Overall though most residences of the island seem to consider you their new lord and master. may bow their heads to you as you walk through the streets. They do not seem to wish to be part of the great gloriuos empire of Roman.

Actaeon walks with you one day by the farms near the coast. Draga's small fleet that went out "trading" and mapping. He turns to you, " look my friend this is a most simple affair really. You have ememies here that is clear with at least one city left for you to capture. That is the only clear part of this picture. Does it not strike you odd in the least that you were sent to relieve a garrison that had not been heard from in years? Sent to hold together an empire that has long since fallen apart. You should consider yourself Caesar. The men need a strong leader to rally behind. Do you not think these savages follow you because you speak for Rome?!! They see a man who led the army that won probably the largest battle in this island's history. That glow will not last long though. Establish yourself as lord and master of this land. In time they will simply follow you for lack of any other leader." He pats you hardly on the shoulder. "Back home you could be nothing more then a threat to your brother and a servant to your father. You can be more here if you only realize it and seize it."

He walks off and mounts his horse being held by his subordinate and rides off towards the new settlement.

The land distribution goes well with the local Gauls keeping what is in their familes, but now paying tribute based on the amount of farmer land they own. The land of the dead is handed out first your Roman officers and wounded veterans followed by the Norse allies. Many Roman style farmer houses (see OOC thread for description) are built as well as Viking long houses. Norse families slowly begin to arrive and they are soon planning crops, herding cows and sheep, and setting up shops. Soon Norse crafts are sold in the market place. Some even begin to fill the ranks of the Legion as replacements. It is also not surprising that a Norse designed boot wins out as the best for combat and hiking. A new facility is built inorder to fulfill the important and large military contract. Your section of the island now has a ver diverse community of people living on it.

The wounded veterans with injuries that range from severed limbs to hurt badly enough not to serve on a line unit begin to fill the civil service positions. They are clerks, post office workers, (though they fill more of a customs role at this time) tax collectors, and police and fire duties. Also importantly Centurions have erected a recruitment office in both the rebuilt settlement and reorganized tribal village. Soon there are records on the best soldiers on the island and those suitable for military service as well as other important skills.

The order for legioniares not to marry is posted and made clear through the ranks. It is difficult to enforce though and even though the barracks are completed many women and children move in and out of the the military post. Guennola makes her protest know to you and is always quickly to make her point known, "love cannot be prevented my lord."

One night you wake to find her in your chambers despite that a guard has been posted. She stands before your bed completely naked in the moon light in all her pagan glory and smiles at you and asks curiously, " so you will not marry either and only keep a mistress?"

She soon slides under the bear skins with you and soon you are enjoying all manner of delights with a golden haired beauty. She is not like Roman women though and after many hours of pleasure she falls asleep in your arms. The next morning she dresses and smiles over at you, "if you wish my company again please send for me I would enjoy your company outside of our work place son of Rome."

Later the same evening as the discussion with your friend you are called to a partly completed warehouse near the docks. Drage stands there smirking surrounded by at least a dozen wooden chests as well as exotic animal hides, impressive looking weapons and hand crafted items like Persian rugs and Asian wood works. "Your tribute, tax, and donation to your personal coffers young Roman. There were many Persian and Greek settlements. Now I planned to take pocession of my lands and build a fortified farm. More of my people wish to raid and trade like I have so other boats will be leaving soon. More expeditions leave the port more gold to you....and your colony."

Trade

The influx of people to the colony creates the need for a whole new bureaucracy to handle the records and registration of workers and businesses. You are among the first to receive the sturdy Viking boot. It is good for marching and running and keeps feet warm and dry in the rainy weather. The boot maker has taken over the space of three store fronts alone to keep up with demand for the boots for the army. Your agents though have yet to uncover anyone from the remaining Gaul city, but have already started to gather information and have a network of spies and informats that know both Latin and Celtic as well as other local dialects.

Trade seems healthy and with the additional manpower work proceeds quicker then planned. The legioniares to badly hurt to serve in battle soon are being known as the "reserves" and often check papers of the workers and watch over the current civil projects. One veteran with a bad limb named Foster drives away several hungry wolves from road workers. Also with the presence of the soldiers the quartermaster reports that all tools are being turned in at the end of the day.

Half way between the "abandon village" and the rebuilt colony town an enterprising travellar named Giles builds the first inn with a bar named, The Nector of Rome which serves Roman food and spirits as well as local beverages. Common man and noble drink together and much business goes on as well as local politics. The structure is an impressive two story building with stables, and its own well. Giles plans to grow his own grapes and has already begun plow the fields nearby. He promises you that soon you will be able to enjoy wine produced here on the island rather then wait for the choices that the ships bring. He has high hopes for his inn and has a statue of Bacchus the Roman God of wine in the garden.

Building

The changes as you shift the focus of different areas. Soon there is nothing but farms where the native village once stood. The Vikings are soon making it part of their culture with long houses, hunting lodges, ale houses, and even a new pair of small chapels to Freya and Thor for worship. Though their loyalty could be questioned it is much greater then the Gauls and Celts that still fill the island.

With all the new jobs and the constant flow of foreign sailors into the area the new apartments fill up in the new settlement once they are completed towards the end of the spring. Also with the rebuilt farmhouses you need not depend on the local farmers alone for a food supply. You now have farms close to your storehouses and well within your safe zone.

Draga as well as the many other captains are impressed with the new docks and soon they are buzzing with activity. Ships loading and unloading, repair work on other vessals and new settlers from other islands fill the harbor area. Any given day one can look out on the harbor and see Asian, Greek, and even other Roman vessels arriving for trade. Soon storehouse space is at a premium as raw materials like lumber, stone, and iron. Though some craftmen say some merchants have placed larger orders of finished items. Your people tend to buy finished items that cannot or have not been produced locally.

A ale house built primarly to entertian sailors is built not far from the main docks. It is named Home from the Sea which serves a hardy brew and has a shrine to Neptune on the grounds. Many rowdy parties have taken place. Dominicus who tends bar there informs your guards that Mongals have arrives and spent much time in the bar and have inquiried about purchasing a large number of weapons including seize engines like you have already built.

Davida thinks the statue of Venus is lovely and looks glorious in white marble on a pedestal in the garden of the brothel. She is displeased but understands that the baths take time to build though she believes they will only bring more glory to Rome. She does protest the delay in an interesting fashion by sending out many of her women to bath and wash their clothing in the public fountain. The Centurian named Ace complains that it is causing disorder. He does not complain to much but soon the women are content to bath in private.

Harvest

The range is measured out and accordingly trees are not planned that could possibly give any cover to an approaching enemy. In compliance with the order some trees are taken down ahead of schedule. Trees are planned and great care is put into not wiping out the supply of wood. The log carries make the work go quicker and with less injury. As in the past grain is planned and there should be a surplus if all goes well with the crops. Gardens are grown at many of the house holds so they have more of a variety food items. Animals are grazing in the fields and wild game is soon appearing in the mark place. Giles seems to have the best spot for producing grapes, but others are trying as well, and hope to make a good quality of wine. You are told though by your scribes that if you plan to enlarge the army more farms will be needed to support thriving communties and troops.

Train

Actaeon and Ammonanus both supervise the building of a training grown that will be used to mold future warriors. Banners are put up and signs with patriotic and inspiring words are posted throughout. The training camp soon has its own staff to maintain it and aid in the training of the new recruits. Actaeon as per your order has man first capture wild horses but then at the docks does buy some fine Viking warhorses including several for himself. Soon you have a good solid unit of 40 riders. They learn how to use a lance, sword, and shiled from horse back. They can rescue a downed member and ride two ahorse. They steadly improve over the spring. Ammonanus is a slave driver with the new men who now number 100 assign to infantry training by the time the camp is finished. They soon learn how to fight in tradtional style and are taught the lesses learned from recent campaigns. Since some have not come from Roman stock a small school is setup to teach crafts like wood working, and bridge building that will be useful in the army.

Flavia reports to you that you can have as many as 250 female warriors if you allow her cousin to settle with her large clan. She of coarse expects religious freedom and land to support such a large group, but she promises you veteran troops. She greets you at the main fire one night in little else besides her boots, sword and bear skin. She kneels to warm her hands and looks to you, "they were employed by Greeks for the last 5 years to put down slave revolts and have done a good job of it. Besides you know they are loyal to you as am I......."she tosses a oddly curved blade on the ground infront of you.....it drips with a odd smelling substance. "It was poisoned and held by a man waiting along your riding path. One of my women found him first while she was out hunting. Look in the shadows....."


Spy

If your enemies in the remaining city have been spying on you it is not through the workers it seems. All are registered and check up on but nothing anyone does seems to be out of line. Seems odd that no one comes from that city to get work while so many from all over the island have done so as of this spring. Sentries around your military sites report nothing out of the ordinary.

Your Viking trade ship that detours to two other islands first to make it clear that they are not from the other side of the island soon bring you a report. It basically confirms what Guennola had told you though, but with added detail. The city populated by a large number of Greeks roughly 60% while the remained is divide between Vikings and other barbarians. The army is mostly filled with Gauls though. The city is built up with impressive docks and a large market place as well as impressive housing for its people. There is a high town wall with three large gatehouses. There are many farms out side the wall but serveral inside the walls as well the majority of the residences. They seem battle ready and keep careful watch out for the invaders. Though no one including your special scouts can confirm a number many believe they can still field a sizable army to fight you with or make a solid defensive action.

War

Spring does not bring the sounds of battle as much as it does routine. A hand picked force of legionaries patrol the woods and encounter everything from renagade Gauls to wild bears. A more complete map is made of the island and the territory between your home base and the last hold out city. No heavy action is committed though your personel believe they are being watch, but are never able to catch any spies. Many of your officers trade with the farmers they encounter and say the diplomatic route has only strengthed the bond with the local.s The units assign rotate out every month and each often report similar occurances.

Primipilus happily excepts the new weapons and even builds special fortications to place them in town. He does request though that he be given individuals that took part in the building of the devices so that they can be maintained and repaired properly at least until they can train his personel.

Things are quite and many think to quite.........

 

[Asterion28]

My apologies to the war god for the delay, my fate is in your hands....

The Quest

Olaf stands before this intimidating group, their eyes never leaving him. His three companions stand but a little way behind. Frithiof, stands still and as confident as a lion amongst a flock of sheep, awaits his reply. With a voice quiet and yet equally as confident, Olaf makes his reply; "It is true, I come here seeking your talents as warriors. Our peace has been disrupted by the Romans and this is a force not to be underestimated. We seek your assistance in banishing this foe either on the battle field of even simply by your presence with us. I have not yet encountered these men but I know of the concern in the voices of my brothers."
Motioning to the piles of skulls Olaf enquires; "The bear is certainly a large and powerful adversary, tell me, how did you slay these Gods of the animal kingdom? with a spear? an arrow? A sword perhaps?" Frithiof interjects, "The bear who's skin I wear, killed my son while I was away. I hunted this beast down for 5 days with nothing but my two hands and the fire that burned in my breast."
Olaf nods his head in acknowledgement and offers his sympathy, "My deepest sympathies for the loss of your son. I am soon to become a father myself."
Frithiof replies, "May your children have better fortune than mine. However you still have not stated whether you accept our conditions."
Olaf speaks to all the warriors present; "If it comes to war with the Romans, you may slay as many of them as you wish..." at this the men's chanting increases in volume and intensity. "We offer you half of any plunder we may gain...." Again the tempo increases as their excitement grows. "There are many women in my village alone who are captives.' As Olaf speaks the volume of the chanting and the drumming of the shields becomes deafening. "These women are fiery, strong willed women." Olaf pauses, then with an intensity of voice as to be heard by all; "If any one of your men try to take any of these women by force, I will personally see to it that that man dies."
Silence...
"Do not doubt me or my word. These people certainly were valiant foes but they have accepted our village as their new home and I am in charge of their safety and well being. I will not tolerate any harm to these people and for your information Frithiof, this wolfskin was a gift from my wife. She killed it with her bare hands to protect one of the captives children. She still wears the skin of the one she killed as a young girl...."
Olaf waits for a while for this to sink in, then he addresses the group; "We will provide whatever needs you have if you fight with us, good food, better ale, clothing if you need it, if your men need new weapons our smith has been working hard to manufacture many weapons of steel, these too are at your disposal. If you wish to come and reside with us for any period of time, there is always room in our warlodge for warriors such as yourselves. As I stated there are many women in our village alone who I am sure would enjoy your company but you must respect my rules. If you choose to fight with us, the combined resources of the 5 villages will be with you should we go to war. There are rumors that the romans are building galleys with hired help and it is entirely possible that some of the men working there may have viking blood in their veins. Of course we are building our own fleet of galleys. Now it is up to you.... take your time."

Diplomacy (at the village)

There is much discussion and learning between the villagers and their visitors. Tools, trade and harvesting techniques are swapped. Friendships are forged. Future visits are arranged between villages. A definate and regular trade route is arranged for the trading of foodstuffs, animal skins, livestock, tools, weapons and metal stock. Lars questions the trader as to where he obtains his supplies and if any other comodities are available. The talk around the village though mostly centres on the task their leader has undertaken.....

 

[Jagged]

The Asian Empire....

Roleplay....

Business before Pleasure

The Monks kneel before you cowering in the cold rain that pounds down on all assembled. Once you give the order to kill seven of the eight swords are drawn and in a frenzy of slashes the monks die bloody deaths as heads roll out onto the muddy ground. The one remaining man in his orange robe shakes in fear as he nods hearing your words of how the order will change. Gold and all that it brings will no longer be part of their order......they will live a simple life of prayer and work free of worldly corruptions.

Weeks after this event a group of monks break of from the main temple. Though they continue to worship the same and even build their monastery in similar fashion to the one on the grounds of the main temple their order is that of Sohei monks. This order includes Warrior Monks, lay brothers and soldiers. The soldiers of the temples are known as Ashigaru. They fight with basic infantry weapons like the Naginata (glaive) some of which boast 4 ft blades. They wear liter armor or armor under their robes. The robes are white or liter brown and a head cowl or Hachimaki (head towel). The new type of Monks attracts many members including some landless samurai, which wish to continue to serve. No sooner is the group established then sects begin and find homes among the now growing clans. Some of the largest houses have their own small groups of Shei.....it will be interesting to see them in battle for the first time.

Pleasure......a new woman in your life.


Your new wife to be is over joyed with your gift of jewelary and a garden all meant out of love and feeling. Namiko shares he first night sharing love with you in the chambers it is very soft and gentle at first as you take her virginity, but soon there is nothing but passion overflowing.
She smiles at you rolling around in the silk sheets under your animal skin covers in the early morning hours, "I was hoping this would come soon. I wanted my first time to be with you, but was having trouble waiting. You must have sensed it was time my love.....You are a wonderful man Ryu." She climbs on top of you once again and soon your engaged in the warm passion you share with Namiko.

In the morning Yui smiles at you both when she brings you both two piping hot mugs of green tea. She leaves the mugs on the chest at the head of your bed. She is polite for the whole exchange but way out with a naughty grin utters, "with all the noise you two were making we should children running about these halls in now time. Which is a good since I will still be able to play with them before my old age." It is just the older woman playing with you and showing her love which is a good sign.

Many have said since the dawn of time that without women their would be no civilization. Now what happens when a man has civilization?? Many that keep facts and records have already said you have done much to insure your place in the island's history with your new army, elite class, and establishment of a large town and least of all a formal religion. Your wife is not only beautiful but clever as well. You wake one morning to find that she has divided your dining hall in half and has brought in tables, chairs, books, maps, and rice paper screens to divide the room. On one wall hangs a impressive looking drawing of a compound set in the hills just south of the village. It includes a barracks, an armory, gardens, stables, a temple, a tea house and of coarse an impressive looking castle palace. Namiko comes out and bows before a servant brings you your tea. It has only been two weeks since you presented your gift of love and a bit less since she took up residence in your home but she has already taken well to running the house hold. She makes sure all supplies are stored and accounted for and that all the animals are taken care of as well as the maintaince to the house itself. She makes sure the house hold guards are keeping high standards and the servants are busy and do not dare steal. She seems like a fine choice. She bows to you once you are close then just comes to you and gives you a warm hug. "Darling it will be such a wonderful home for us once you have defeated Tran. You are to campaign against him soon my love? A new Mongal bow maker has found his way to the village and I have already engaged his serves here at the house. He will make you the best bow. Also a Roman chart maker and navigator came in with a trade ship I had to offer him alot of gold and a wife but he has agreed to remain. Calleo is brillant and can teach our men to be sailors as well as provide us with information of the trade routes and islands round us my love. He asks also for a modest dwelling by the sea to chart and make notes. I needed to ask you first though is what I told him in the mean time though he is staying at the Happy Dragon. Oh that is the other bit of news my love. Your Viking subjects have also built an ale house and called it the Red Horn. It is large but many say the spirits and food there are very good. I hope my news pleases you my love. Oh and I bought new sandles my love." She giggles and offer you breakfast.


Diplomacy

On the first day of the third week of the turn a scroll arrives by courier at your house. You are out hunting tigers with some of your samurai, but Yui sends him out with a guard to your location as quickly as possible. The courier not surprisingly asks if you liked the sword given as a gift and how Namiko is doing. On the business end of things though a formal request to exchange ambassadors, open up trade between villages as well as build an actual road for over land travel. She has already built a small hamlet primarly for logging in between the two towns which already has a large bridge built over the river that leads to the sea. She also would like to pledge her support behind you in the coming battles. She says she can offer troops, and necessary supplies. She plans to make a state visit in the first month after the summer and that you can talk then about all matters.

Building

Many of the older residence of the village joke that this is the year of the hammer since they are heard so often down in the bay. Slowly but surely the docks and buildings take shape. Some take longer due to mistakes, but your men learn from these mistakes and soon strong docks and buildings are in place. The dock yards are complete along with necessary workshops and lumber yard. After repairs are made to the junks and are checked out the newest project begins. Many local men have ordered new fishing boats. Strong and improved versions with larger nets. It is not long before fish now more then ever begins to be part of the daily diet of your people. The docks soon are a lively place as foreign travellars begin to arrive. Some of the first merchant traders to arrive are Romans who are eager to by many of your goods that are exotic to them, but also grain and oranges to make the jounery home more enjoyable. It is not long before you and Namiko are enjoy Roman wine with dinner. One captain even gives you the impressive gift of a Roman short sword with a scarbard that boasts gold and jewels.

With the docks up and running those peasants not employed in the new commercial area begin work on the defensive wall. The short stone one will remain while a new taller stone one will be built behind it with gate houses. The qork begins quarrying the stone necessary and then improving the roads in the area of the wall. This was necessary anyway since the intense traffic from the docks. Soon though as summer progresses you see a tall wall begin to take shape. The towers and gate houses also go up and will help defenses. With the new wall going from the high cliffs on the left to the ones on the right insures that nobody will have an easy time of it it landing attacking the village. Your military advisors see it as an important step but would like to see the whole town surrounded by a wall.

New Business

The small group of Apaches and other tribesmen that take up residence in your village give you the gift of a canoe as thanks for allowing them to live among your people.

Your Samurai only grow in strength as many if not all have built their own fortified farms. Many have as many as a hundred retainers (men-at-arms or landless samurai) which benifits you because they take charge of feeding and training these men. Anayama Beisetsu who was already a great military man and land holder is even taking the project of building a castle. Hôjô Masako one of the few women samurai and a war widow often patrols the roads new her home and has twice killed bandits in battle. Minamoto Yoshiie the flinty old warrior, hunter and friend to your father has even gone on raids against Tran and has killed his soldiers. He has provided maps to you of the area near and around Tran's village as well as copy of the contract Tran has with Mongal mercenaries. Takezaki Suenaga who immigrated to the region some years ago with stories of fighting Mongals, hunting lions with Zulus and killing walrus beasts in the Northern regions has built a temple to Bishamon God of War and Defense, one of the Seven Deities of Good Luck. It is of coarse smaller then your main temple, but it brings many warriors to his compound to vist and stay.

Hana a friend of Namiko and Yui has setup a pleasure house in the middle of town. It is a small compound with a wall and guards. Inside a guest can enjoy themselves with the best food, spirits, music, and of coarse women. The only restriction is that a guest must leave their weapons at the front gate. This does not please the samurai but still they visit. Hana has already started to show signs of wealth.

 

[Mantra]

Rome

Roleplay:

Arilias took a moment for himself as he walked along the beach to think. His guards and runners were not far away, but he was alone for the most part. He held up his arm and watched as the young falcon he named ‘Obsidian’ glided down over the water, finally landing on his padded leather arm guard. As a youth, Arilias had enjoyed learning falconry and was training this newly acquired bird to hunt and return. It was calming, as it gave him something to do which did not involve the lives of thousands. He sighed, there was still much to do....
It was late at night when Arilias dismissed the servants and guards from around his lodge. Now there were only four people there, Actaeon, Ammonanus, Ancus and himself. His most trusted lieutenants all gathered round in the greatest of secrecy.
“There are many dark events on our horizon my brothers. We must act swiftly to counter them and I invite you all to speak freely.” he said. “ We all long for news of home, yet everywhere we hear of the disillusioned and the abandoned garrisons and colonies of the Empire. Citizens left to the whim of barbarians, spoiling for revenge against their former Lords. Everywhere we hear of the collapse and the decadence of Rome. This saddens me, but it also causes in me the need to act. It has been said by some, that I should take up the title of Caesar, to attempt to restore the glory and duty that was and is Rome. What are your thoughts of this?”

The discussion was frank and honest, exactly as Arilias wanted it. He quickly moved on to his next point.
“There is more and more pressing problem we face. While the Gauls are still a threat, they may be waiting for a strike from the inside of our own camp.” He took the dagger and showed them all. “They have taken to the shadows to win. We have a possible traitor within our midst. If there is one I do not trust, it is Draga and his ilk. Their loyalty has always been in question and his allegiance has been more to gold than to duty. Some within the Vikings support us, at least for now, but I cannot keep Draga at sea forever and their questionable loyalty is exactly why I wanted them divided between the three farming homesteads. If we can keep them divided, then we can slow any treason, but now Draga wishes to build a fortification in his part of the farmland.”
“I will not yeald the initiative or the field to the Gauls by waiting. We will begin the attack and force Draga to prove his loyalty. Here is my plan....”

“Ancus, find two good scouts and two Vikings who are loyal to us. Sneak down towards the Gaul city and hide in a position to observe the port. I will order Draga to attack it. If Draga is loyal, then your men will assess the damage. If he does anything to betray us, then run back and report it. The Vikings will add proof to any charge against Draga. Then we can deal with him.”
“If the traitor is not Draga, then you are to attempt to learn who. Any questions?”

“Finally, cap all the wells in the city and keep everyone away. Tell the people that the wells have been contaminated with the salt seawater and are useless. Start bringing water in from outside. This may make any spies or enemies overly confident if they think our capitol city is without fresh water.”
The group separated and Tyrus went to visit Aristotle, his Legion surgeon.
“Aristotle,” he called and produced the dagger. “I have a job for you. Identify this poison and where it comes from. Then I want you to create an antidote for it.”
********************************************************************

The next morning, A message was penned for Primipilus: Commander, You are hereby instructed to erect and fortify any defensive structures as you see fit. It has been shown that much of the terrain around you is heavy woods and largely impassable by massed forces. You are tasked with the protection for the only direct pass between our lands and those of the Gauls. Guard them well and by whatever means necessary. - Arilias Tyrus

The message was sent with 100 sets of leather armor, spears and bows for the town militia.

Build:

With the influx of loyal workers, supplies and economy, the building spree continues: First and foremost, Tyrus will make a public dedication in each of the Roman towns. Each will have a monument in the town square, topped with the Roman eagle and blessed by a priestess. From now on, the ‘Abandoned village’ (where Draga is) shall be named Rusticus, the garrison shall be Rentineo, the ‘primary settlement fields’ farmlands will be called Homestead. Last but not least, the ‘Capitol’ city will be called Valde Glorria.
A fortified farm will be built in Homestead and Draga will be allowed to build his fortified farm in Rusticus. In Valde Glorria, the primary temple in the heart of the city will be rededicated and concecrated to Jupiter and building will commence in earnest. Down by the dock area, the shipyards will be expanded to allow a workshop and launch to be built. The Welsh and Viking ship builders will begin construction on new Roman Trimires
In addition, cisterns will be constructed in the city and one in each township. These will be used later to hold and heat water from the aqueducts and used for storage and bath houses which are planned in the future.

The blacksmiths will also fire up the siege workshops, making 10 additional stone and spear throwers. These will be the smaller types that can move with the army. They will also work on building a covered ram.

Trade/Diplomacy:

As sailors, traders and merchants flow into the Home from the Seasinformation will be gathered to add to our world map. Such things as trade routs and port towns on other islands, fishing areas, tidal currents, etc. Hopefully, we might learn of things beyond our island. Any Roman visitors will be asked about news from abroad. Also, if any are willing to join forces or in need of protection. Put the word out that we are looking to reunite any Romans who are still willing to believe in the Old Republic. Specifically, I an seeking Roman weaponsmiths and armorers as well as any Legionaries to come and join us.
Also, the Mongol captain was brought to the State’s office to meet with Tyrus.
“Greetings Captain.” Tyrus said, wearing his robes of office. “I have heard that you wish to purchase weapons and siege machines. I might be willing to consider this, but such trade requires a treaty. I invite your leaders or a designated representative to come here for negotiations.”
Arilias made a gift of several barrels of apple brandy and Roman wine to the captain and the Mongol leaders. He hoped that good trade and barter would come from his foresight.

Harvest:

In the fields, the first of the Spring wheat was ready to be gathered, the wheat sent to the granaries and markets while the chaff was gathered to be used as hay. The second crop of grain will be planted for the fall.
Arilias noted the request by the army for more foodstuffs, assuming that the army might still expand. The new fortified farms would help, but Tyrus also commissioned for the building of several small fishing boats. These boats would begin gathering fish, preserving them with salt and using that to help add to the food stockpiles.

Train:

Arilias will personally lead the high Priestess to the training ground. There they will sacrifice the largest and strongest bull I have and consecrate the land. The training ground will be consecrated to Mars, the God of War. Hopefully, we will gain his blessings for strength, determination and discipline. The new Field of Mars will be the primary training grounds for all Legionaries.

I would like to hire one or two Greek hand to hand specialists who will be assigned under Ammonainus to train the new Legionaries in Greco-Roman wrestling techniques. The 100 men will continue to drill and train in order to fill in the positions of fallen infantrymen. I would like to try to draw enough young men to completely man in the Legion, have 120 cavalry and a 100 man garrison at Rentineo.(Not including local militia) (I need about 160 more thusfar)

Arilias will also take a few moments to train in swordsmanship by dueling with Ammonanus after hours, just to keep his own skills sharp.

Spy:

I have a special job for about 20 agents. All of the men who have Celtic tattoos, perhaps a few of the Celtic women or even an Amazon or two if they volunteer. All of these people will be stripped of anything Roman and given instruction of everything we know about the Gaul city and sent in various ways and times. More details of this later in war.

I will also have some select people looking in on the Viking settlements as well as having Giles and Dominicus and their staffs looking out for ‘subversiveness’. Sometimes people talk too much when liquor is involved. Find out what’s going on.

War: (with a touch of diplomacy mixed in)

Flavia:
Arilias went to visit Flavia at her encampment the next night. As they sat before the campfire, Arilias tossed a dagger made of fine steel and etched with detailed scroll work. The scabbard was good leather and silver glittered from the hilt. “This is for your warrior who discovered the assassin.” He also tossed a small purse of coins to her. “This is yours. Your loyalty and service are well noted Flavia Your cousin and her followers are most welcome here.”
He paused to toss another branch onto the fire. “There is an issue I wish to discuss with you however. You and your Amazons were hired as mercenaries, as mercenaries, you may not own your own land.....”
“However, I would like to make you a counter offer. I would ask you and your cousin to remain here, as Roman Auxiliaries instead of mercenaries. As Auxiliaries, you and your Amazons would draw a salary and be entitled to all Roman support services, similar to what the Legions enjoy now. I will grant you your land and religious freedom as well as the opportunity for any of your Amazons to become Roman citizens after 25 years of service in exchange for allegiance”
“If this is not acceptable, then I will still grant your cousin permission to remain and offer you religious freedom, but you may not own land. Regardless, I have a task for you and your cousin. War has come and I have a mission for you and your Amazons.....”

Draga:

Arilias smiled at the tribute returned by Draga. He looked over the loot and rolled one of the Persian rugs and handed it to the Viking leader as a gift of gratitude. “Well done Draga, but there is little time for more raids. We are going to war and I have a mission for you and your Vikings. Prepare your fleet and men for battle....”

The plan:

Draga and his fleet will sail under the cover of darkness and attack the Gaul port. His mission is to bottle up any ships there and blockade any sea supplies and support. The city is not the target, only the shipping. He may board, capture or sink any ships he encounters. Shut down all shipping and fishing for the city. Sinking a few ships in the mouth of the port would completely blockade the port. Draga’s presence would prevent any Gaul attempt to clear the channel.

Meanwhile, Flavia’s Amazons, 200 infantry and my cavalry under Actaeon’s command will attack the grounds around the city. Destroy any Gaul patrols and sack these farms outside of the city. Shut down any aqueducts or water sources into the city. (if any)

All women, children, elderly men or seriously wounded will be released to return to the Gaul city. Only men of fighting age or female warriors will be kept as prisoners. This is meant to flood the Gaul city with refugees and force them to expend supplies faster while cutting off any food and supplies from the outside farms, the sea or trade. It will also flood the city with new faces from different cultures who are trapped in the city and provide cover for my spies in the city.

The land force is purposefully small. They should be able to wipe out these farms and any patrols, but they are not a major force. This is to hopefully lure out a Gaul force to pursue them. If this happens Actaeon and Flavia will fall back and lure the Gauls into prearranged ambush points, manned by Arilias and the remaining infantry forces. Draga will NOT be told anything about Arilias and the infantry positions. Only that Arilias and the infantry is remaining at Valde Glorria.
If the Gauls do not come out to challenge my forces, then we will take possession of the farms, supplies, crops and livestock unopposed. Encampments will be made far enough away as to be out of range from the city. Fortify the camps and keep close watch on the night. The main body will still base to the rear for now in order to react to anything odd. If Draga does anyting ‘funny’, then Arilias and the infantry can rush forward to protect Actaeon's force or fall back to the city to defend it from any trouble.

 

[Jagged]

You can't hide the Visigoth Pride!!!!!


Roleplay

Time changes a man and that can surely be said of the one called...Tufa. The past season has brought much change to the young warrior and aspiring chief. With your father still leading the village and council Bain is in good hands. It frees you from your daily labors to have the adventures you have had of late. You just have to look about your room to find evidence of your latest adventures. In one corner there is a Mahak war spears decorated with feathers and charms. Also there is a viking shiled painted red and black along with a battle ax given as good will to the son of the village chief. On the table stretched out is a chart a gift from an Egyptian sea captain for repairs done to his ship. The first to be worked on in your new ship yard. Wulfa and his new friends enjoy eating and drinking from Asian pottery. The animals do like the new kennel though, and your father has purchased more of the large dogs from the Saxon trader. These large and tough beasts are still friendly and though breed for hunting and guard duty they can still be found playing with the village children. The bowls are a sigh of your familie's wealth and importance since so many eat from wooden bowls. Your mother and sister also enjoy gifts of bolts of Egyptian cotten and Asian silk. Your father keeps busy with running the village and personal projects around your home which include a larger workshop, smoke house, and guest house for other visiting nobles to stay in with their families. He makes it clear to you that diplomatic efforts remain the same, but one should be prepared.

Over the past weeks many Romanized Goths return to your village and surrounding ones. Partly to regain some of their cherished past, but for most it is because citizenship is more of a burden then an asset. Once citizenship represented freedom and strength. Now it is more a symbol for those who pay tax and get less with every passing year. Syracuae still stands though and trades and continues to survive. Most of the those leaving are from outlying settlements. The Romans build villages with a set population in mind and once that is filled to its maxium another settlement is founded. This produces many more craftsmen then normal with the duplication of so many goods and services. This makes your market place more diverse then ever as latin is heard in many of the booths. The latest addition to the town square is The Iron Wind open by Orban A Roman once married to a Goth woman. She died in the past winter and wished her children to be close to her kin so he relocated and has been going well in his new profession as tavern owner.

As to your personal life both Dyani the beautiful runner, and Valdamerca the strong and cute butcher. Dyani shares a meal with your family one day and it so happens Valdamerca is making a deliver and has new ribbons in her hair. You father comments after the brief but telling exchange that he has never seen ice form in such warm weather and suggests you clean house. He says this on one of your many walks and gestures to the butcher's hut. Houseside Valdamerca is throwing hand axes at a target and isn't missing a beat. He reaches down and pets Wulfa, " having two women trying to gain your love is flattering until someone gets killed. Becareful son......" He laughs and you walk on down the road.

Building

Visen certainly comes together as a settlement with all the work going on in the area. Defensive towers, wallks and a main hall big enough to hold all settlers are completed. An added bonus is that there is actually a surplus of wood. Many of the new arrivals are more then willing to settle new land and do work. The chance to have their own land is a motivating factor. The walls are impressive and it leads for your father to begin improvements on your home village defenses. The three other Visigoth villages the three chiefs Eurico, Theodoric III, and Pelayo agree to cut paths to the road to the sea. Eurico even begins to organize a cavalry partol for when the road is completed. Though they all agree it is a Roman idea it is still not a bad one overall. Pelayo a chief who is said to take religion and trade seriously praises your efforts and even sends masons to your village to study your temple. The outposts prove not only to be a good for defenses, but also help improve communication. All enjoy the neew training ground though whether they are in the army officially or need practice space. With the new arrivals you and your pers look across from the field one day to see men dressed in Roman armor both plate and mail practicing with javalins and short swords. It seems some have brought things with them on their return home.


Exploration

Your latest efforts involving seafaring bear fruit as you soon see. Besides improving your sailor's skills and keeping up diplomatic efforts with other leaders you soon have one of the few nonRoman maps of the island and surrounding areas. One interesting fact noted is a small island north of the Mahak village where many seals rest and sun themselves. The crew only take enough skins to sell and use though. They also site a large sea creature that some believe is a monster, but most of the Mahak think is a whale. The maps are useful because they make settlements good fishing spots and dangers like shallow water. Abachka and his people are impressed by the strides and how far one can sail in the new ships. Soon more plans are drafted to build more of these ships including a more impressive large version.

Training

All your captains Roderick, Recared, and Saphrax soon have your troops formed up into the four divisions you requested. The is much fighting as some families are broken up with the new assignments and of coarse class warfare goes on between those who can afford horses and get assign to the cavalry and those though are regular foot soldiers. Your captains also want to know what they should do about the mercenaries that pass through from time to time looking for work. Barolra has begun some teaching of the healing art to your soldiers. At best every man can now stablize a fallen brother which should mean less deaths. Wounded may mean out of action, but it is always prefered to death. Though it has not officially become part of your arsenal a number of men assign to patrol the roads have adopted the Roman javalins to bring down wild animals and bandits.

In uncertain times none of the three chiefs are willing to spare soldiers. All make it clear seperately that it is not a matter of trust but readiness and the need for manpower in the fields. Few can afford a large standing army. Most only have a small corp of soldiers that partol and perform guard duty in peaceful times. Though almost every man is a warrior it takes time for them to assemble.

Harvest

The tables are fool of good food as the crop flurish. Many of the older villagers have not seen crops so good or their tables have so many choice. Meat, bread, fish, vegetable all fill the plates. For many a peasant their source of food is their primary worry, but with solid food sources there are more positive feelings in the air. Hunting is good bolstered by the new dogs, and with more Roman blacksmiths arriving the quality of farm tools as also improved.

Trade

Though other leaders may not want to be full allies yet gold is always a good thin g to have as merchants begin to make their way back and forth as the road is completed. Some skilled workers immigrate, but most of your new arrivals are from the Roman territories. For the first time though more foreign made items then ever are seen in the market place from not just other villages, but other islands.



INVASION...........!!!!!!!!

Some wish to work and earn what they want out of life while others are more then willing to take what they want with as little work as possible. The Franks come from the sea with with fire, fury, and a passion for destruction. No less then 40 long boats land on the sandy beaches near the Mahak village. A massive flood of Norse warriors slam into the Mahak village and raze it destroying all buildings and those who dwell with in its boundries. Waihtiwulfs's wife is among the first to bring the grim news of the invasion. Bryanna his foreign bride falls from her horse infront of your house blood and with an arrow wound. As she is tended to by your mother she tells of what happen and how her husband fought heroically to protect the women and children of the hamlet. First until he was out of arrows then with a spear then finally over powered swing his sword and shield dying with honor.

The invaders have destroyed the hamlet but left the ship yard intact probably for their own fleet. You father has already sent out word to the other villages and riders to look for other who are perhaps hiding in the woods with the Franks. Dyani soon comes in as you and your father are arming yourselves. She is exhausted but reports that several children are hiding in a small cave. Warriors and a wagon are sent to fetch them...

Scouts soon report that the Franks who are well armed and many have mail armor are spliting into three portions. One to guard the ships and booty, another to guard a strategic river crossing that would allow the other villages to send renforces in this direction......the third and larges perhaps number 1200 warriors is marching towards......Your village the Mahak scout reports.

Your father wishes to meet them on the open grown near the first few Visigoth farms. There are small hills for you to station troops and will prevent any damage to the village and prevent civilians from being injuried. He has a hard time settling down the warriors assembled outside your family home.

In full armor he addresses them......"To a real warrior, power percieved may be power achieved. We wait and show that we can use our minds first. We will not rush out and meet them today, but tomorrow morning. In a strong position ready for their assault. I will not forbid any of you from attacking today but you will die and your sword will be missed.!" He walks back in side and continues to prepare.

The next morning you look across the empty field and see nothing.......then as the sun comes out and the early morning fog lifts you grasp the first site of the banners, of your newest enemy.

Your father yells out....."Ready on the right......ready on the left??? Stand fast. Let them come and then we will drive them back into the sea!"

OOC: limited pre time for battle but I am sure you will want to do a few things in the day and nite you have...improve the plan, raid let me know what you will do to improve your odds. Otherwise play the turn normally.

 

[RoneLith]

ROLEPLAY

Ryu sat with his friends and advisors considering many of his next options. With his new wife out in her garden he simply thought as his advisors deliberated on what to do. A grand prosperity had come to Tetsuo, many feared though that they might soon out grow the original plans for the wall. Ryu knew that would happen, in fact he had counted on it, with his city pushed to the wall they would simply build another wal father out and grow to that one. It would provide protection twice over. That was far into the future however and need not have been something to worry about. What concerned him most was Tran, he was beginning to thing that he should attack him, militarily he belived he was the stronger but would his men come to his call and fight for him as they did before?

"What is the current strength that we can call to us? I need an accurate count on all surrounding Lords and their Samurai." His voice filled the hall and the arguments stopped.

BUILDING

Standing with his advisors at the first wall Ryu looked out on the feilds of his lands. Many Samurai with farms and large homes dotted the area, even a castle was beggining to take shape. "After the docks are complete," he said to an aide that was writting down his orders. "I want a large festival held in the honor of those men that built it, it will last for one week. I then want those men to come to this point and start some rather interesting work. I want those men to dig a trench about twenty feet wide a few feet from the wall. I want it to have a soft slope on that starts only three feet deep for the first five to six feet and then it needs to have a sharp drop about ten feet down and about five feet wide, the same for both sides. After the trench is finished, I would like spikes of sharpend bamboo and iron from the sword we collected from the pirates placed on the city side of the trench but not to be sticking any higher than level with the grounds. They need to be large and deep able to still stay stading with a man impaled apon it. After that I want a bridge that is not only strong but can easily be removed when an attacker threatends. Finally when that is finished we need to be able to flood the trench, diveret part of the flow from the nearby river. Would like fish and other small creatures in there as well to keep it clean so it does not develop a stink. Understood." Ryu looked out at his feilds once again once he recived a count of his soldiers it was time to think about attacking. "One more thing, I want the trench to be hidden. Place Sheets of canvas over the trench that will hold under wind and weather and cover that with foliage and leaves to match the surrounding plain. The idea being that an attacker will think it is solid land and will fall right into the spikes impaleing themselves and any horses." With that many men building his trench it should not take too long at all, and when his city grew past the bouderies of his great wall it would be a smiple matter of taking the trench apart and filling it with sand and stone. Speaking of sand and stone..."All the dirt and gravel gathered from the trench I want made into roads, you will need more dirt than that will come out of here so use what ever means nessacary to complete them. Build interlocking stone plates to be placed over the sand, make sure it is strong enough to withstand weather and foot trafic. I want traveling in my city safe and fast."

SPY

"Send out our spies to Tran's villiage, determine just how strong he is compared to us and how much of an affect are the raids that haven been going on doing. Also should they see an opprotunity to sabotauge his operations, do so. Keep some spies here and have them scoure the countryside for spies and sabotures, bring them to the samurai and have them find out who he is working for, and any other information they might have. After doing so, kill them. Then send a rider dragging the dead body or bodies back to Tran's village, he is to stay out of arrow range but make sure they can see him."

That should be all for now, END

 

[Tonofnoise]

All Shall Feel My Fury (don't worry only 7 1/2 pages this time)

"Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself." Paul Bryant (American football college coach. 1913-1983)

To the east the sun rises over the village of Bain. Spring has firmly set and the groves are starting to show life. All the villagers are out either at market, the temple praying, or tending their lands. It is a busy time around Bain, many of the improvement that has been made has brought merchants, worshipers, and travelers looking for a place to stay of the night or for good. News comes in weekly about the quick growth of Visen, the new settlement to the south. New and more metals are expected to be coming in once the mill has been set up. Barulus, a young runner in Visen, brings the most recent news to the elders meetings. “Great and wise elders, I bring the latest news from Visen. The main wall has completed constructions. The walls are made with 10-inch thick wood standing 20 feet high with 6 defensive towers and a walk around the entire wall. The great hall also has been completed with extra room for guest and travelers. The basement to the great hall has been completed for addition storage or as a bunker incase of invasion. With in the next 2 months the mill and blacksmith shop should be up and running.” “Thank you young Barulus, said Horoald, of the white fang clan. We wait till next you return with more good news.” The young man stands and bows while leaving the great hall.
While the elders meet, Tufa and Hunananths stand on the grassy knoll over looking the new training field. “ Everything is coming out as I hoped. Our troops have started to work together. The horsemen are looking great, and we every have some javelin troops from Syracuae.” Hunananths turn, “you have done great things for this village. We are the main port on this coast and please travel to us to live, trade, get supplies, or to worship at our temple. You should sleep well at night you have taken this village and made it a city.” “The city of Bain, Tufa pauses and jokingly thinks to himself. I like the sound of that.” The two men stand and watch the train for several more minutes before the sound of horse hoof steps could be heard coming from their right. Roderick, Recared, and Saphrax all riding their horses Braum, Worshem, and Sperio climb the hill to stand beside the Tufa and Hunananths. “Good lord Tufa, Recared said while bowing his head. The troops are going to run sword practice till lunch than Saphrax request that the men go for an 8 miles run. Do you have need of the men at any time today?” “No, captain we have no need of your men today. Please take them for a run and tonight double their rations. They have worked hard and they should eat well.” “You are a good and fair leader Tufa. We are proud to serve you.” The men shake hands and the three men ride off to the training grounds. Tufa and Hunananths talk for another minute before Hunananths return home to help his newly pregnant wife, Valdamerca. The two received the good news not to long after their marriage. Both are hoping for a boy to help work the fields but would praise the Gods for whatever healthy baby they get.
The rest of the afternoon passes on as normal, which we found to be the eye before the storm. Later that evening while eating dinner with this family Tufa and Harjareks are shook in their chairs as they hear what sound like a mob forming outside their house, their oak doors are flung open by 8 men carrying 2 women both dirty and bleeding. Andaswintha is the first to stabilize the women. Turning to her eldest daughter, Sovia summon Barolra quickly, Tufa get me some clean water and clean rags.” The children ran at their mother’s request. The two women were Sonyania, Waihtiwulfs's wife and Bryanna his foreign bride. Both women’s clothes are torn, dirty from smoke and mud, and covered in blood. Harjareks stands and heads outside. On his porch are the 8 men who brought the women and captain Roderick. “Captain what happened to these women?” Roderick approaches, “My troop and I were finishing patrol between here and the Mahak village. We were feeding our horses at the outpost when we noticed a large amount of smoke coming for the Mahak village. Our troops really didn’t take notice thinking they were smoking a large sea creature, when 2 ladies on horseback came charging past us. The two women were riding the same horse. We caught up with them back outside the village when we found the young Mahak woman has been show with an arrow and beaten.” Angered by the news Harjareks turned to the rest of the troop. “Who did this? Who would attach these defenseless women?” The men looked at each other not knowing what to say for they had not stopped to asked the women nor send scouts to the Mahak village. In the silence Wala steps in and puts his hand on Harjareks’s shoulder. “Brother, Waihtiwulfs’s wife is able to speak now.” Harjareks turn to captain Roderick, “Captain you need to send several of your scouts out to give us information and to let the other Visigoth tribes know of the threat just above them. Also send a runner to the Mahak encampment here in Bain they should know what we know.” In side Bryanna fights for every breath while Sonyania calms herself and tells of the attack to the Mahak village.
The news she brings is that of bravery and sorrow. An entire village killed for no reason. Women and children killed and burned for no reason. The news of Waihtiwulfs death hits hardest. Harjareks and Wala the two pillars of strength are even shaken to the point of crying. Their childhood friend and village elder dead is body one of the many killed against an unstoppable force. An hour passes by, a long and emotional one. Bryanna loses her fight with death. Her lungs fill with her own blood and tears. News comes on from Captain Roderick’s scouts and from Dyani who was running back to the village when the attack happened. They report that a massive army of 40 boats landed right back nightfall and attack the village. Everyone was killed except for a small group of children who were out playing in the woods. Dyani tells of a cave she took them too where they could be safe. The eldest child of twelve was in charge. The army of Vikings men had split up into 3 groups. One to guard the boats, another to check a pathway to the northwest, and a huge force of some 1200 well armed men coming straight towards Bain. They should be here by daybreak. “This news you bring Captain is grim. Gather your men and Captain Recared and Saphrax. Have everyone meet us at the temple in one hour. Harjareks turns to a tired and scared Dyani. “My young lady please tell the eight men outside where your children are at. We need to bring them to safety. Also run to your encampment and summon Captain Nuhak and Chief Inupiaq. They must be brought up to speed and we will need their help.” Dyani tried to wipe the tears from her eyes as she walks out of the dining room. As she leaves Tufa stands aside the doorway looking into the room engulfed in death and sorrow. The two pass and Dyani reaches and grabs Tufa’s hand. He turns away from the images in front of him and the two stare at each other with out saying a word for a couple of seconds but they know this might be the last couple of seconds they may have together. He kisses her hand and glides to down his right cheek. Keeping his eyes closes he tries to savor this last moment of calmness. Dyani again tries to hold back the tears and pulls her hand away slowly. She turns away and runs for the main door. Harjareks walks up to his son. “You can not stop her pain now. The only thing you can do for her and let her do what she needs to do for her people.” “I know father.” Harjareks walks back outside where the entire village has gathered to hear the news. The questions start fighting out from the scared populace like bees from a shaken hive. “How many are there?” “Are we going to die?” “We must fight them now!” “What about the children?” Their voices increase until Harjareks booming voice silences them all, "To a real warrior, power perceived may be power achieved. We wait and show that we can use our minds first. We will not rush out and meet them today, but tomorrow morning. In a strong position ready for their assault. I will not forbid any of you from attacking today but you will die and your sword will be missed!" He walks back in side and continues to prepare. Tufa stands by the door way as his father walks by. One voice cries out from the crowd. “Tufa you have given us an army, can we defend ourselves.” Harjareks stops just inside the hallway. He closes his eyes. Tufa looks at the young women. She holds a young baby in her arms and has the look of fear painted clearly on her face as if a Viking was staring right back at her. He has never in his life seen one of his people look so afraid before. The young war chief takes one step after another towards the railing of the deck. “Yes, we have an army and yes we can defend ourselves. But most of all we can win against these men from the sea. Look around you and you will see what I see. Visigoth, hundreds of strong, proud, healthy Visigoth who have something stronger then flesh and steel. We have a reason to win. These men who are coming to this village know nothing of us and are fighting for nothing other then greed. But we have a reason. We will fight for our mother, our sisters, our children. We will win cause Pyerun; god of thunder and justice will see us through this troubles time. But most of all we will win because no man, army, or God above can stop the might of the Visigoth people. And tomorrow morning these men will fall back to the sea in which they came from and know never to come here again. For they have stood again and have lost to the Visigoth people! Tufa bounds his fist against the wooden railing and the once fearful crowd erupts in cheer and relief. A massive weight of fear at once was lifted and the crowd begins to chant. “TUFA, TUFA, TUFA.” The young warrior turns and heads back into the house while the chant continues. Standing inside the doorway his father with a smile, “Tomorrow they will follow you to victory.” “No, father tomorrow they will follow us to victory,” and Tufa continues to his room to ready.
At the temple the village elders, Captains of the army, Wala, Harjareks, Tufa, and Hunananths meet to discuss the plans for battle. Time is short but several things are very clear. First a letter needs to be written to chiefs Eurico, Theodoric III, and Pelayo asking for them to sent troops to cut off any reinforments from the north army and to cut off the army’s retreat. We don’t want to lower their defenses but if we don’t work together to defeat the Viking threat Bain my loose and there is nothing to stop them from attack their three villages. Captain Nuhak, Chief Inupiaq, and Shiro, the Asian warrior arrives to offer their assistance. Chief Inupiaq steps forward, “Bain village elders I have come to offer what help the Mahak people have. We have twenty strong warriors and Shiro.” A middle aged Asian warrior steps forward and bows deeply to the elders. His face shows age, wisdom, and, and pride. With a thick Asian accent he says, “My name is Shiro Sangye Wang-due, I am a Tibetan monk of Buddha and soldier. Our men are strong with spears and knives. My men and I will be an honor if you will allow us to fight along side you against the murderers of our families and friends. Again he bows his head deeply waiting for a reply. The elder men look around at each other not sure an appropriate response. Tufa moves his way to the bowed warrior. “Shiro Sangye Wang-due, Tibetan monk and friend to both the Visigoth and Mahak. You and you Mahak warrior will be a great bonus to our war against the Vikings.” Tufa lowers his head as a sign of respect. The two men shake hands and return to the center of the room where tomorrow’s strategy is being laid out. “Early in the morning all the dogs must be woken and readied for battle,” said Hunananths. Twenty minutes or so go by before there is a huge commotion at the front door to the temple, five women including Dyani, Sonyania, and Andaswintha coming walking into the center of the temple. Harjareks looks perplex as to the arrival of his wife in such a manor. “Andaswintha what is the meaning of this commotion?” With fire in her voice and anger in her motion Andaswintha walks up to her husband. “How dare you summon a meeting without including the women of his village.” Studded and now angered by his wife’s tone Harjareks fires back, “You were not need to discuss plans for tomorrows battle so you and lady Sonyania were not summoned.” “And why not did you except us to be sitting at home tomorrow hoping everything was going to turn out alright. We all heard the news. There are 1200 men walking towards this town and there are only about 700 of you men. And once they get done with use their not going to just leave, No, than their going to come for all your wives, daughters, and son not old enough to pick up a sword. We will be raped, than killed, and some take back a trophies.” Silence filled the room. We may not be strong enough to carry and shield and an axe, but give us a spear or a bow and we fight for our families too.” “This is absurd, you will not fight tomorrow, no woman will. We need you to take care of our children.” “The youngest ones will be take care of. All the children will meet here in the temple tomorrow morning and pray to the God until you all return from battle,” said Dyani in a soft voice. A low mumble was heard across the temple as the men all talked to each other. “We are as strong as any of you men and this village needs all the people we can so get armor and weapons ready for us. I will make sure any able woman with either the Mahak or Bain village is there and ready to fight.” The five women look across the room than turn and walk out the temple doors. Harjareks addresses his men, “Well men go home to your families. Tonight maybe the last night you have with them until we all meet up in the great after. And tomorrow we meet these dogs on our soil right at the north gate tower.”
That night no man, woman, or child slept. Many prided, some cried, some stayed up tell each other how much they love each other but when sunrise was close everyone in the village had only one thing on their mind. Children young and old helped their parents ready for battle. All the children and kids too young to fight locked themselves in the great temple and began to pray. All fighters meet at the opening to the northern pass. Anyone who was not strong enough to stand was sent to the top of the tower with bows. The Mahak warriors gathered with great spears, hand axes, and knives. The women reserve armed themselves with spears or bow and arrows. Barolra and 6 of his shaman gathered with banners and started to bless each warrior. The Calvary readied along with the team of dogs. Each dog had a spiked collar for protection. Romanized Visigoths readied themselves with spathas, shields, and javelins. The archer readied with short bows and had 2-handed axes for melee. The center of the force was a shield wall of men armed with round shields and hand axes. Behind them spearmen each with spears 10 feet long. They stood in single file as they all heard the sounds of drums getting closer and louder. The earth shook with each step this army took. The smell of fear was so strong the weaker warriors started to feel nauseous. Roderick, Recared, Saphrax, Wala, Harjareks, Hunananths, and Tufa all mounted on horse road together to the battlefield. As they road, Tufa for the first time came face to face with the reality of war. No black bear armor, no finely crafted spatha, nor god above was going to be the great weapon in this battle. The men and women at the battlefield, their guts, their blood was going to be what wins this battle. Not Tufa or his father made any difference once the battle began. As they stood on the hill looking over their troops hundreds of eyes turned to them with fear and uncertainty. “Go to them son. Tufa turns to Harjareks unsure himself. This is your army; these are your people, they believe in you to lead them to victory. You need to give them the courage they need to win.” Hunananths puts his hand on Tufa’s shoulder, “If you show them you have no fear they too will have no fear.” The scared boy under the covers of a young man was put to rest as Tufa galloped out in front of his army.
“Friends, mothers, father, brothers, you know why were here. This is not something we wanted but we knew that at sometime someone was going to try and take what we have worked so hard for. These men coming towards us are what we trained for, what we readied ourselves for day and night and now they are here. They don’t know us, they have been walking all night, destroy anything they come in contact with and now they think their going to come here and do the same. But they will not because they have not seen or felt the fury, the power, nor the might of a Visigoth army. We are Pyerun chosen people. We are the strongest race on this earth. We are the most powerful race to walk on these soils and this soil belongs to us. Behind you are your children and to get to them these Monsters will have to get through you first. To get to your homes that you have spent your lives building they will have to get through you. To destroy all that we have they will have to get through you. So let them know that no force on this earth can break through the wall made of Visigoths people. When they show their faces show them we are not afraid of them but that they should be afraid of us. For we will be victorious!”
Tufa rears his horse back and thrust his sword in the air and the army exploded in cheers and yelling. Riding back and forth on front of his army Tufa yells to his people to ready them to encourage them. A chant of Wuvhas Muhal Adon, None Shall Pass, begins while the troops bang their weapons against their shields. The young war chief again centers himself in front of his army and the morning fog lifts and marching from the northern passage are the Viking horde. Banners of a sea dragon lead the way as hundreds of armors men come pouring out of the passage. Their numbers keep growing and growing never seeming to stop. Until a bounding noise comes from the back and this army of men armed to the teeth stares at Tufa in the center on his black horse in black armor. Just a kid nothing more, and women fighters, what a joke. From the hill Harjareks yell,” Ready on the right...ready on the left??? Stand fast. Let them come and then we will drive them back into the sea!" And with one final raise of his sword Tufa points to the commander of the Viking army with this sword. “ NONE SHALL PASS!”

WAR:
The main army will hold their ground in the center keeping a tight shield wall. Behind them will we the standard spearmen. On either flank will be the Romanized Visigoth throwing javelins first than arming with sword and shield supported by the Mahak spearmen. One the other flank will be the archers lobbing shots until they are in melee range. All ranged attack should take out the flanks first keeping them all together for the spearmen to pick off. The cavalry will try and swing around to the rear and cut off the head of the force and kill from behind. With all hopes if they retreat they will run in to the other Visigoth forces guarding the roads. The women troops will support the archers when they get into melee range. Once everyone is in melee range the two flanks should turn in surrounding the force in a triangle of swords, axes, and spears.
**Ow yes I can’t forget any cavalry or separate quad they try and pull off UNLEASH THE HOUNDS and let our cavalry take them out. YUMMY HORSE MEAT.

 

[Jagged]

The Vikings...........Hail the new King???


BY THE BLOOD OF OUR FATHERS
OUR SWORDS WILL ANNOUNCE THE DEATH OF THE GIANTS
IN THE NIGHT OF THE THUNDERSTORM
WE'LL BE VICTORIOUS OR OUR BLOOD
WILL SPILL AS WE RETURN
TO THE PLACE OF THE BEGINNING
WERE OUR SOULS WERE BORN

WHERE MY SPIRIT FOREVER SHALL BE WHEN I LEAVE THIS WORLD BEHIND
POWER AND MIGHT IS IN MY SOUL, I FIGHT TILL I WILL FREEDOM FIND

FIGHT, NORTHMAN FIGHT


The Quest....

Frithiof ponders what you have to say after the others have moved off to the sides. His group is roughly one clan that has adopted the bear as its symbol. They have few women so they are willing to make changes.

"A new challenge for the warriors is a welcome one. Killing Romans has not been done in many years. Who we fight does not matter it is as long as we fight that is important. So you defeated these head hunters I have heard....their women are tough and that will meet our needs." He smiles and looks to the distance. "No worries to you though.....they come willingly if not at all."

"The plunder will be good payment for battling the enemies. It is common though and since we are special we will want our own warlodge in time. Also these lands stay ours and ours alone. No settlars to these lands and none but us shall hunt our game. We do not farm and wish not to take on that profession. We make war.....So if you wish to become a great King it would be wise of you to heed what we say. Some of us will return with you to your village I have heard from the wind that you are having a meetings of importance there to determine who shall rule....."

Soon you and your companions are heading back to your village with your new allies in your on going war with the Romans. Four warriors ride with Frithiof and his wife Iduna who is a mix of Viking and Amazon blood. She seems eager unlike her husband to see what women are wearing, buildings built and in general how people live in villages. They all ride massive warhorses which like them are scarred and battled tested. It impresses the others in your party that these all most mythical warriors ride with them and talk with them by the camp fire. Frithiof himself carries a huge longsword on his belt along with a shield but the ax he has on his back is perhaps the largest you have ever seen. He weilds this weapon one would think suited for giant though with easy and finesse. Their strength is all most unreal and their prowess as hunters is with out question as you find on the journey back to the village. You have never eaten so well while camping.

The return home.......

Soon though you are home to the triumphant cries of your people and the arms of your loving wife Astrid. Her belly has seemed to grow since you have been gone or perhaps you have simply not noticed until now. She comes out and hugs you warmly infront of all flanked by your servant woman Ngoc who bows to you and takes your gear and mount and heads back to the house. Oskell conducts a group prayer giving thanks to the Gods for your safe return. The other chiefs seem most impressed by the new warriors though. They are surrounded as villagers look on curiously. The Bezerkers seem to care littke that they are one display though Iduna does dismount and give proper greetings to Astrid and even gives her the give of a red shall with flowers sowed into it.

That night the couple stay with you both while the rest of the bererkers stay at the warlodge with your warriors and drink and get to know your men. For the clan leader and his wife who have lived in a cave this a change for them and not unwelcome. It takes them many long hours but they finally settle into laying on a bed in their area of the house.

Diplomacy

With the arrival of the bezerkers many are impressed including the leaders of the other villages. The simple fact that you found them and lived shows that you are an able diplomat, but them agreeing to join you shows their respect for you as a warrior. This is in addition to the defeat of the headhunters the one local enemy on the island. You have done much for all and you have won great respect for your efforts. So all other discussion of trade and projects is suspended so the matter of the new government shall be discussed. It is clear to all that you should be king of a united Viking state controlling the whole island. Leaders still wish to maintain local control but they want to know your thoughts on your obligations to them and what they need to do for you.....Also there is talk of a standing army and how best to deal with the Romans. Meetings go into the night so that all matters can be settled and that the leaders may return home to their lands and oversee things directly. They wish to crown you come summer so there is much to do this spring.

Old Business

You sit with you men in the great hall to listen to news and be briefed on what has happen during you quest. You think little of the raccoon climbing down from the rafters and eating off you plate onces you have finished. A small child of one of the women cooking playfully chases after it with a wooden sword until it hides in an empty barrel.

Lars informs you that all things have run as well as possible in your absence. Planting has been going on and the fields tended. A great deal of trade has gone on with the other villages as well as other foreigners. The men have trained on ships and as ways continued with their weapons and bows. The captives seem little trouble as of late though a few onces that have escaped and are living in the woods have caused some problems.

Váli Oakenhorse of your tribe has been out riding alone on the Northern shore and three times has encountered landing parties looking for food and water. Two of the parties were Romans and the other was Persian. One of the Roman ones left shore quickly. The other though numbering 6 died at the hands of this intense and strong warrior. The Persians only exchanged bow shots with the warrior from the shore line though before rowing back to their galley.

Asgeir a skilled wood worker they only rescently moved to the village has taken to building small boats for sail. He in fact has already started a second business going out sailing with others in a descent size boat and brings in fish and large crabs from the bay.

Kaðlín a Viking woman that works odd jobs around the village including serving ale at the main hall is also know as a prostitute. She in now being held for your judgement. She killed a visiting Viking one night with a dagger then his sword. She claims that after pleasuring him began beating her and she was simply defending herself and did not mean to kill him...Astrid had her held as a prisoner to await your judgement and also to prevent the man's relatives from killing her out right. Kaðlín has two little boys from her late husband and a third from another is often seen playing with them when she is allowed to walk around outside in chains. Astrid makes it clear to you that the man was found with almost all his gold and Kaðlín had many cuts and bruises. Things are clear to her but it is a matter for the chief to decide.

Haklang a navigator and adventurer has brought his small ship in for repairs and allowed his crew shore leave to rest and enjoy their pay. He like many Norse both raid and trade though the latter has been the more frequent one since he has but a small ship and crew. Many have talked to the likable man and bought his wears and listened to his stories over drinks. It is reported that he has several charts of the surrounding area and knows of an Asian inhabbited island as well as a nearby Persian port which Romans often use. He is friendly and well liked by all so talking to him is easy. As a show of thanks for hospitality of the village he has give Astrid a gold neckless, and advice on all maritime matters from boat building to map making to all those in the village. He has taken up tempory residence in a small hut near the water and pays well in gold for all done for him while he is staying in the village.

 

[Jagged]

The Romans


Roleplay

Life on the new island takes some adjustment to be sure. Your table once filled with intellectuals, poets, and statesmen now seats Vikings sea captians, Centurians, and Gaulic mistresses. You do not attend Circus Maximus to see different games, but have to settle for bar fights out side Home From the Sea. At your father's estate at home you had many fine horses here you keep Viking stallions. Instead of hunting with Senators in grant parties you hunt with Flavia and her Amazons. 'Obsidian' though seems to enjoy his new surroundings and nests in your falconary on your new fortified farm. Your estate though according to your status and wealth is the largest on the island. Draga's doesn't even compare. Guennola has started to keep house for you and though she is a wild woman you find little to complain about and she keeps you happy in always. She sees that the shrine to your God is taken care of and sits across from yours in the garden of the mainhouse. If you are an Emperor it is a backwoods one. Your peers insist though that if Rome is to be restored to its former glory it has to start here on your island.

Actaeon, Ammonanus, Ancus all meet at your house and drink and eat late into the night disussing your political situation. Since your first meeting weeks have pasted and the scout ships take turns monitoring the harbor of the last hold out city. There is not much shipping traffic just the regular fishing boats which are becoming harder and harder to avoid. Still they gather valueble navigational data about the area which should make landings easier. Finding the traitor has not been so easy though. Being more watchful and increasing guards has helped though and your friends say there is improvement in the situation. Spies in your payment have watched and have even been inside Draga's new home, but have nothing to report except finding charts of the neighboring islands. Not unexpected but what was of interest was a Roman chart showing a route to large Roman City called Syracuae. It is supposed to be an impressive place of commerce and a stronghold of Rome.

Your men also rely personal events of interest. Actaeon has started a large horse farm and soon hopes to have enough of a herd that Roman Knights are a common site gain. Trades from across the water have brought many interesting breeds and through experiments he believes he now has strong and fast warhorse. Ancus relays how he was attacked on the street one night while heading home. Though he quickly dispatched both attackers with his ax he wonders who would dare try. He has also built a home away from the barracks and has a wood working shop.

Guennola is often your company in the evenings and after you meet with your friends she brings you a glass of wine with a smile. She wears a dress typical of a Rome woman but with her Celtic jewelary and sandles. With strong but gentle hands she rubs your shoulders as you drink. "I know you have much on your mind my love but I hope the mighty Caesar will have time to raise a son as well."

She sees you turn your head and smiles. "I have only layed with you and I am at least three months into my pregnancy. The women in my family always have boys first. A strong warrior and heir if you will have me.....we need not marry. I know that is not what you want. Just to live here with you..So the child knows you as well. Think on it I will be in my room."

Aristotle rides to your estate the next day bearing information. "The poison that coats the blade is a Roman one. It comes from plants we had back home. Very pretty but very dangerous if mixed properly. I have not seen it in sometime since your father took charge and brought order to things.


Primipilus sends a message back delived by a young man on a fast horse. Building has gone well. We have built a traditional fortress like we would in the field but enforced for long term defense. Thank you for the extra equipment it will be put to good use with our new militia which has no shortage of recruits. Be well my friend I look foward to seeing you again.


Building Projects

The work continues as the homes and shops only improve. There is plenty of work to be done and money to be made. The island's settlements feel more and more like Roman towns every day. The ceremonies dedicating Rusticus, the garrison at Rentineo, Homestead, and your new Capital of Valde Glorria. Are great and glorious celebrations fitting of Rome. Flowers are thrown in the streets and for one aswsome day you feel all the splendor of Rome. At that moment your not a Roman outcast and a frontier garrison commander, but future Emperor. The people have water, food, and are protected. Roman, Gaul, Celt, and all others cheer for you one that day. Your another step closer to regaining Rome.

The docks and workshops build the equipment to order and are eager for more work. The Trimires cut through the waters of the bay, and are impressive to look at as well as sail on once the final touches are completed. The seige engines destroy target after target on the practice field. Your officers are happy to have such a clear edge over their enemies.

Trade/Diplomacy

The Mongol Captain named Cong is interested in a treaty and infact the village from where he calls home is but some 40 miles from the mouth of the bay. He wishes to know your terms and if it is only for traded of arms or other things you are interested in as well. He reveals over many drinks that they have a good size town and fight often among their island neighbors. With all the Asian tribes building or already having built stone walls around their main villages things are at a stalemate. He says the thought is with these advanced weapons that they will be victorious. They have many warriors but few craftsmen. Infact many of the ones they do have are Asians not of their tribe.

The Home by the Sea is the typical rumor mill as always but some good information is still gathered. Though there is still much to learn about the surrounding islands navigating them has become eaiser. With the information gathered the seas are know so there is much less risk. Also many tales have been confirmed of Draga and his raiders. They have kept to their promise of only raiding nonRomans but have taken a great deal more silver from Arab traders and have not reported it to you....and your customs people. The other interesting fact is that Romans have heard of your new settlement and in the last season (turn) alone close to a 1,000 Roman citizens have come to settle on your island with the word still going around.

Harvest

The planning ahead is pay off and at least for the time being there is enough food for both civilian and soldier. Fruits and vegetables are sold in the market place and the average citizen finds they not only have a good supply of food, but choices as well. With solid settlements and property lines only more farms are built and many people in the towns grow gardens. A small number of Asians have settled near the harbor community and in the wet areas have begun to grow rice. Guennola sees that your table is filled every night with Roman and Celtic foods and spirits. The new boats bring in catch after catch of fish and vrabs from the bay. If you watch the suppy it should be a good source of food for many years to come.

Training

Ammonanus updates you about the training during your weekly sword practice on the grounds of your estate. He says you are steadly improving even Flavia thinks so as she to practices with you from time to time. The new Field of Mars is open with great ceremony as the bull is killed in ritual fashion as your warriors cheer. This impressive act is helpful and Centurians report with the number of current recruits you will soon have your legion back to full strength.

The Greeks instruct in wrestling and weight lifting. Your men learn quickly and though they have not had to test it on the battle field matches are popular among your troops and many wrestle in their free time as each cohort's champion squares off in the circle of battle. Even in the down time their warrior edge is kept sharp.

Spying

Your 20 agents soon return with drawings and descriptions of the remaing Gaul city of Toulouse. They know the lay out the temple locations and that the garrionson is typically 500 but with all the visitors to the area the troops available could number as high as 4,000 but nobody can know for sure.

The Viking settlement seems quite, but more closely guard. The Vikings have even put out their own patrols. Some even think it is tp look for spies. There have been no problems though and no major changes have been hidden from your eyes other then the extra silver you have heard about already.

WAR (We Are Right)

Flavia always is happy to have you at her camp. While there you notice the shadows of nude women dancing by fires to strange and different music. The Amazons are different type of people and very different then Roman women. You even witness a Amazon trading her baby boy to a Roman woman for a little girl.

Flavia plays with the dagger in the fire light as she listens to your offer before finally looking up at you...."my cousin arrives at the end of the month with her women. She wants to put down roots so becoming Roman Auxiliaries I think will be exceptable to her as part of us remaining here on the island. As to war we have our present agreement until it is concluded. We keep our Goddess and you keep your Gods that is the way of things. I will be building my farm soon then....."She smiles at you....."I was glad the assassin was stopped."

Soon Draga under your direction has the city blockaded so that no ship can land its cargo and no ship can leave though some have tried. He sends back a report to you on a small but quick ship. He has currently taken 6 ships of various types and nations the the majority of them (4) are Persian. The blockade is supplied by other ships so that it can remain as along as the weather holds out. Some weeks into the operation though the first navy battle is fought against 6 well armed Arabic merchant ships trying to relieve the city. They were a tough enemy but Draga's force quickly over took them thanks to superior numbers. The deck to deck fighting was brutal though when they were boarded as Viking axes clashed with Arab scimitars. In the end though the Arabs were drown or slaughtered and the ships taken with holds filled with bread, wine, and arrows for the beseiged city.

On the land front of the war the raids have been devastating. Actaeon's cavalry working with the Amazons have fought a tough campaign against the Greek/Gaul forces in the area. Farms have been burnt to and merchant caravans taken and looted and driven back military units behind the protection of their walled city. Alcibie who first gained fame as a scout of the Amazon soon is taking many heads. She sends you the skull of a Greek mercenary captian she took in battle along with a scroll. No hamlet outside the main city is left standing. To keep things swift and numbers hidden your cavalry allow Amazons to ride double on their horses. Speed is increased and the raiders have yet to be caught by the enemy troops in the area. The war painted Amazons and the armored cavalrymen of the legion make fine partners in war. Euphorbus who was trained as an assassin by Flavia has taken his place with the legion again and once again is hiding in the shadows. He has had some many secretive and mysterious kills that the Gauls believe a ghost stalks them in the night.

Things are far from over though and Actaeon says that the Gauls still have an able army even if it choses not to bother with the raids. They seem unwilling to abandon the garrison to deal with the cavalry is his opinion.

 

[Mantra]

Roleplay:

Arilias captured Guennola’s hand drawing her back before she could escape. “I will take you to wife and our child will have a father, as is proper. You have given me great insight into the Celtic tribes about the island and brought both happiness and organization into my home..and my life.” He kissed her, letting her slip away as he stood, looking out the balcony towards the forest...and the enemy.
“But do you understand what you are asking? You will be a queen in your own right, a citizen of Rome, and wife to one who is about to plunge into an idealistic crusade. All to restore a greatness few believe in anymore.” Arilias clenched his fist before him. “I will make it right again, I will restore the Republic of Rome for the people and wipe away the corruption.” He looked back to Guennola. Will you come with me then?”
************************************************************************

Arilias again met with his commanders in secret. “ Draga has set upon the Gauls with a fervor. Clearly, they are not in alliance. Perhaps he is not behind this, or perhaps he has the idea of being a Caesar unto himself. Either way, Draga and the majority of his men and ships are in the battle. Perhaps now is the time to learn what Draga is planning.” He motioned to Ammonanus. “Take the skilled hunter, Euphorbus and a few others into the night, some of the Vikings may be sympathetic to our cause. Secretly ask them what is going on in Draga’s camp, why these patrols and fortifications? If they will not answer to loyalty, then perhaps a bag of gold...or the point of a Gladius will gain you information. Either way, learn the truth.”
“We are off to the war front. I leave you, loyal Ammonanus, in command of Valde Glorria, but remember, if these traitors cannot reach us, you are the next likely target. Be aware, be ready...and if possible, take one alive.”
*************************************************************************

City Development (RP)

“We are growing very quickly with so many new people flooding into our community. New laws must be passed before we depart for the front. In addition, although we have much, we have no independent sources of metal ore, cotton or wool, and some other critical materials. Trade is our lifeline, but we must be able to support it and our city.”
Arilias sent out several messages, to be posted in all the townships, taverns and inns:
Citizens,
No amount of words can express my gratitude, pride and joy to see the rebirth of the Roman Republic as it was always meant to be. From my seat in Vlade Glorria to the Legionnaire in the field, to the shopkeeper in Rentino, to the Farmer in Homestead and the shoemaker in Rusticus. We all have a part in the idea that is the Republic of Rome. Yet all this comes with a duty which links us all together. It is decreed that a national tax is levied on all members of the Republic, to include such Citizens as myself, to be collected once a year. In addition, all who own a business or enterprise, shall be called upon to offer tribute, a small portion of profits, be it coin or product, to support the needs of the State. This offering, which we are all a part and must share the burden, shall be used to support the needs of all members of the Republic, great and small, Noble or Laborer and to provide for the defense of the State.
Hail the Republic!
-Arilias Tyrus, Governor of Valde Glorria, Tribune of the Legion

He finalized the new law, making it clear that no member, including himself, were immune to the laws and that no tax or tribute would be excessive or a burden. That done, there was another law to be penned:

Incentives of Citizenship,
- A citizen may own land and private enterprise
- A citizen is entitled to free and safe passage throughout the Republic
- A citizen is freed from all taxes due to the State, but tribute is still required if an enterprise is owned
- A citizen or his children, may be enrolled at the University free of charge if desired
- A citizen is entitled to food and shelter in any Roman city, community, estate or garrison
- Only a citizen may hold Public Office
- Only a citizen may command the Legions
- A citizen, serving in the Legions, is free to marry
- The proven status of a citizen shall be considered an asset in all things of the State.

There was a final order, but it was a private order to his Legion scribes and quartermasters. Rationing was to be implemented at once. True there was no danger of starving or shortage, but Arilias wanted to make sure that there would be a stockpile in case of disaster. In addition, the State would have the first choice of any foodstuffs which came to market.

Build:

Valde Glorria was expanding, growing and becoming greater every day. The massive influx of workers, craftsmen and merchants were a sure sign from the Gods. Gone were the crude tents and flimsy huts that marked the occupation of the former Gaul raiders and the carnage they had caused on the old garrison. Now new homes and shops sprouted up everywhere, catering to the needs of the Republic. Arilias truly thought of it as a rebirth, as if the great Roman Eagle had re-emerged to spread her wings again. Work projects sprang up quickly as the people took pride in their city, their part in offering rebirth with their sweat and toil for the Republic. Now nearly a thousand Romans had come, seeking to believe in the idea, the hope, that was Rome.
There was a danger of overcrowding in Valde Glorria, and many other projects which could be done in other towns. To that end, Arilias ordered 150 of the foreign workers to Rentino to build a proper road and another 150 to Homestead to begin working on basic fortifications. Then they would report to the garrison commanders for additional projects.
Meanwhile, back in Valde Glorria, The massive temple to Jupiter was scheduled for completion. In addition and at long last, two public bath houses were to be constructed. Davida, the brothel mistress, was tasked to manage the bath houses.(and to be kept separate from the brothel)

Trade/Diplomacy:

Romans:
Arilias made it known that all those Roman countrymen who could prove true citizenship, shall be recognized in the Republic as well. Also, any Roman craftsmen will be taken into the city and offered work. (That ought to draw new members to me) The offer will be circulated back to their home townships as well as Syracuae. In addition, any Legionnaire who chooses to serve the Republic shall be gain immediate acceptance into my Legions.

Mongols:
“I will make this offer to you, Captain Cong.” Arilias said. “I will trade you and your army ten of our smaller, mobile catapults. I think they shall fit your needs and tactics well. You may conduct your war and we shall not interfere, unless you ask for military aid. In return I shall ask for 50 sheep, 30 bags of wool and 500 of your superior saddles.(The Mongols used saddles with stirrups and saddle horns) In addition, if there are deposits of metal ores taken in your conquests, we would like to claim one of them. You may have anything else. Is this acceptable?”

Captured ships:
I will send three Triremes down to retrieve the captured ships, supplies and prisoners from Draga and return them to Valde Glorria. There were 4 Persian, 2 Greek and 6 Arab merchant ships taken in battle. First and foremost, any charts and maps are seized and copied,(at the least, I have the routs back to their home ports) all cargo, weapons, money and equipment is also seized from the ships and the sailors. All captives will be well treated, but added to the labor pool for their stay. I will allow one sailor from the Persians and Arab ships each to return home as a goodwill gesture with a message. ‘All goods have been captured on the field of battle by Rome. However, the Republic has no quarrel with your homelands and you may come and barter for the return of your sailors and ships.’
My offer: 100 gold coins for each man, 250 for any captain or navigator, 3000 for the each ship + 30 chariots with horses (for the Persians)and 3000 for each ship + 500 bags for wheat, 500 bags of wheat germ (seed) and 10 pots of scented oil (for the Arabs)
However, the Greek vessels and sailors are seen as a part of the Greek mercenaries, fighting for the Gauls and are now captives.

Harvest/Explore:

Returning to the quarry, I will again have stone blocks cut and stored if they are not being used for any current projects. Wood will still be cut, but move farther out, thinning other parts of the forest without endangering the forest itself. It will also help to prevent wildfires somewhat. I will also have people seek out clay deposits (should be pretty easy)
Meanwhile, my hunter/gatherers will go out again, foraging for food. We have already found apples, I’m looking for other fruits and berries that can be transplanted, like blackberries,, rhubarb, onions, cherries, raspberries, etc. They are pretty common in forests growing wild. Berries will be harvested and if possible, plants will be gathered and replanted into gardens and farms. Berry plants also have the side advantage of being rather thorny, so in the farmlands, they can be planted as makeshift hedgerow barriers.
In the deepest parts of the forest, my explorers will also search for precious and semi precious stones which are common to forest areas. (Amber, emeralds, diamonds, etc.)

Train:

Ammonanus will continue to train the new Legionaries and any new recruits. The training is harsh, long and brutal, but these are to be Legionaries of Rome, the greatest solders in the world! Toughness, skill and discipline are key to success.
There will also be a school of engineering added to the training camp. All solders will train in engineering for construction of fortifications, roads, surveying, etc. but 100 new recruits will be designated as engineers and learn additional things like bridge building, siege warfare and building larger projects.
Aristotle will also be invited to come into the training grounds as well and teach basic medical skills to the legions, but also to train some field surgeons.

Spy:

My agents will return to infiltrate the Gaul city, perhaps taking a few of the most skilled Amazons with them, more of that in war.

Draga’s maps will be copied, but not taken (that would arouse suspicion) In addition, search to see if there is any evidence of Draga’s treason or accomplices. Find what and where he’s hiding the stolen loot.
One of my Triremes will be sent to the city of Syracuae to scope out the city and make diplomatic ties. See if this is where the poison was purchased and if Draga did it.

War:

The sound of drums and the footfalls of over a thousand men-at-arms had heralded the arrival of the Legion. Arilias surveyed the city as they came into view. Draga’s fleet had kept the sealanes blocked and Actaeon’s cavalry and Amazons had leveled the outlying farms and flooded the city with refugees. The city had already been encircled with defensive earthworks, manned by Arilias’s forces and now the reenforcing Legion infantry was securing the city perimeter. Back in the treeline, several ladders had been constructed and the newest siege engines, to include the tortoise, the heavy covered ram, was ready.
It was time for the Gauls to pay for the slaughter of the old colony. Once Toulouse fell, the last barrier on this island would be removed. The island would be his.....

The Plan:
That evening, Draga and his men will move onto the docks and the marketplace in an attempt to storm the walls. Don’t bother with torching the ships or anything, capture them if possible. This attack is primarilly a diversion however.
Once the attack on the sea wall begins, my spies and Amazons hidden in the city will sneak to the city gate and attempt to sabotage the gate and open them, if the gate is opened, my Cavalry will rush in, hold the gate and allow my Legions to pour in. Once inside, charge to the barracks, temple and any palace, kill anyone who dares to raise a weapon against us.
If the spies fail, any survivors will fall back and hide in the city masses to escape. The siege engines will provide cover while the tortoise is moved into position and smash the gate.

While the attack gate is underway, (either the spies or the ram) the Amazons, covered in mud and black warpaint, will sneak out of the treeline and use the siege ladders to attempt to scale the walls at another location. Once they make the wall, they can fire their bows down on any defenders and cover either the Legions or the Vikings. Whichever gets through the wall first.
Once inside, I don’t want a massacre any burnings or mass looting. Secure the city and take prisoners.

 

[Jagged]

The Asian Empire.....Tales of the Dragon Prince


Roleplay

Namiko sits with you and your advisors holding your hand. You conduct the meeting in your houses since the castle is yet to be completed. Though it should be completed in the falls months just before winter. With the docks completed all focus is on this project since no stone work can be done once it is cold out. The long solid oak table with the cravings of dragons in it was a gift from one of your Viking subjects in celebration of a Norse holiday. It confortably seats 20 for meals and discussions like now. Though it is your custom to sit on the floor Namiko says it is to impressive for it to go to waste. Yui walks in with a tray filled with mugs of tea since the meeting has gone long into the night after dinner.

Minamoto Yoshiie your father's old friend has taken a liking to Norse Ale and drinks down anothe mug full before he stands and reads his report. "My Lord you asked for a count of all warriors under your control. I have taken this one step further. But first the information you requested. Your Samurai can field 12,500 men-at-arms and warrior monks" (the ones that live on their personal estates). Hôjô Masako interupts the report. Looking over at you she says, " some of us are willing to provide further mercenaries, but we need time to organize." Yoshiie gives his old friend a smirking look before he continues. She merely cuts an orange with a fruit knife and playfully sticks out her tongue.
"The forces of the state number Some 300 soliders while the militia has grown to some 800 because of all the foreigners (Norse and Native American mostly) joining the ranks. The main monestary has trained some 300 warriors that pledge their loyalty to you and the state. I took extra time to count all those warriors not directly undercontrol though as well. At any given time there are some 2000 soldiers in the area. They are escorts to merchants, body guards, marines on ships and mercenaries passing through the area. He pauses for a moment and takes a drink as the rest of your advisors talk among themselves. Namiko says, " Kaede promies to send her troops as well once we are ready to move. She even wrote me saying she will send her son to lead the troops." Then he continues with his presantation. He starts by laying out a map of the island detailing the region where Tran calls home. "As you all know I have conducted raids against Tran and have found some interesting facts. Though your spies can tell you more I can report that Tran can field some 12,000 troops of various types with an important detail. At least 8,000 of them are Mongal mercanaries who want gold and are eating Tran out of house and home. They need to attack soon. It worries me thought hat if they are not paid they will raid and kill all over the island. We have to move and destroy them with one swiping blow!

It will not be simple but they all agree to start forming up their troops so they can go on the march as soon as possible. They make it clear that though it is bad to stay to long in the field. Remaining in camp to long has its own dangers. Anayama Beisetsu makes a gift of a model of his completed castle to you and Namiko and hopes you can come for a stay soon. The meeting soon adjourns after a discussion of other local matters and tales of good hunting and new items aquired. Some ride for home while others stay for the night in the guest quarters.

That night Namiko cuddles close to you in bed caressing you and then whispers, "we need our own samurai. Your men.......ah your friends are loyal but will that always be the case my love? A Lord must be master." She smiles and rolls over. "Think about it my love."

Later that night you awake to a sound in the halway. It is to late for Yui to be up and Namiko lays next to you peacefully in her slumber. You arise and dress at least from the waist down and take your sword from its holder next to the bed ad head out into the halway. Namiko wakes and stands pulling on her kimono and taking up her broadsword. She whispers, "I come with you...and do not say no." With no time for a debate you both walk out into the halway. You move up the main halway heading northward while Namiko caughtiously moves south never out of site of each other.

In low light you see the stair case and then two bodies. Your guards layed out dead. You kneel by one seeing the throat slit you call for Namiko to come up but before you can finish the words someone moves across from the shadows behind you.........before you can rise up you turn and block the blade strike coming out of the night with the sound of metal hitting metal like at the forge. The figure pushes down on his blade trying to break your grip but you roll out and and thurst your blade into his stomach driving it through until you can see the glint of your blade on the other side of his body. You pull out your sword in time only to deal with another attacker. You dodge a throwing star that wedges itself in a beam. You run and jump over the railing around the stairs and come down on the invadeer clad in black cutting through his head and into his chest. You pull your blade out of the bloody mess and your eyes dart around the room. Once your satisfied you are alone you look at the body of the first attacker. Clad in black skin tight silk you pull off the mask. An Asian man but not a face you know........then you realize Namiko has not jointed you. You rush back down that halways and find a body of another one of these invaders. A short blade is in his throat with blood gushing out of the wound. He is dead then you almost die of shock seeing Namiko laying against the wall crying. Blood drips from her chest and onto the floor in her hand an odd weapon you have only heard of the throwing star.

She looks over to you and smiles as blood drips from her lips, "my love you live. I am sorry I was not able to warn you...he he..was a poor shot, but...." She holds up the star which has a green substance on the edges. "It matter little with poison like this..." She coughs up blood and once more siles at you...." I ask only that you think of me from time to time, and that you light a candle in the garden on my birthday." She slumps over a few minutes later looking peaceful. You caress her hair feeling so helpless. You are drawn to the sounds of battl ein the courtyard though. You run back down the halways and take the stairs quickly eager to kill more of these assassins.

You walk out to find Hôjô Masako in a lose robe standing over the body of another one of these assassins who had a bow. She holds her own bow and her sword. Minamoto Yoshiie is using his bare hands on what looks like the captain of your guards. He is rentless in his beating of the man who finally falls to the ground. Yoshiie kneels and begins to slowly break the man's neck. Masako stand stands in your way before you can intervine. You hear the neck break and Yoshiie scream traitor.

Masako looks at you with serious eyes. "We.....we were laying together when we heard the North gate open. Your captain killed the two guards there and let these black clad assassins......Ninjas into the castle. We ran to warn you but this archer had us pinned down. I found my bow and was able to kill him while your old friend found the traitor." She looks at you and puts down her bow and caresses your face which shows no sign of pain. " You hide it well but what is wrong? Were you wounded?" She looks in your eyes and just sighs.....


The rest of the night is spent searching the house and the surrounding grounds with no luck. Anayama Beisetsu arrives early in the morning and insists that you stay at his castle until the whole kingdom is searched out and spies are found. Namiko's body is taken to the temple for preparation for burial.


Building

Despite tragedy the next day with extra guards you ride out to see the work on the walls and trenches begin. The plan is clear it is just matter of time to move the earth and stone. Though some residence live outside the walls they re not considered part of the city proper. Inside the city block by block they move closer to the walls as you said would happen. A damn is built by the river so that water can be diverted in time and flood the trench line. It will be make a very good defence against invaders and make it that much harder for spies to enter the city undetected. You do ride out several times to the castle site and see it take shape over the spring. The work progress goes well but it is not the same without Namiko to share it with you think as you head for home.

Spying

The town guards frantically search through the town searchinf for spies. The Samurai soon join them to support them in the hunt. Suspects are killed informants tortured. Every ship is looked over and no piece of cargo goes unsearched. Guards are doubled at your house with a new oath of loyalty. This purge has driven away if not killed all enemy spies in your town.

Spies and sabotures send word back through a network of friendly merchants that they continue the shadow war against Tran. They confirm troops numbers camped outside the city, and that stores are growing low. They make matters worse by setting fire to a store house and burning down Tran's main forge. They promise to make Tran pay for the treachery as of late and you soon hear that Tran's eldest son his heir is drown while fishing. It provides little confort but is a good move against an enemy.

 

[Jagged]

The Visigoths........Crisis and Conflict


War.....(the biggest issue at the moment.)

Prebattle Events

Every man has his own ritual before a battle to prepare ones self. Armor and weapons are polished after final repairs and sharping is done. The war dogs are fed enough to be hungry just before battle, and horses are saddled that morning. Piles of quivers of arrows are left in the square for those who need them to collect them before battle. The shrines are filled with young warriors praying and you even heair the words in praise of Mars by some of your latest Roman subjects. Mahak's dispossion is the most sullen of mind sets. While some of your warriors joke and drink at fire side before the battle the warriors of the crushed tribe only sing. It is their death song and their preparate is to gather their weapons and put on warpaint. A few even disappear over the night. It did not seem that they were the type to run though......you get the answer the next day though. Roderick, Recared, and Saphrax all see to their units individually prior to the battle though with all the additions to the army in the last few hours keeping unit integrity isn't easy. This is because people join with cousins and friends rather then stick with comrades. Blood ties are the most important to many. Wala says not to worry though, "as long as they come to the party I doubt who they come with is truly important."

The next morning you and your father ready yourselves for battle. Your father Harjareks takes out his best equipment including a long sword and solid steel breast plate and chairmail armor. "Son the battles don't change it just takes longer to get ready for them...." He laughs and goes with you to meet the three captians and other leaders before the battle. He relays the plan to the others and describes the hill where you will make your stand. "My son will lead the troops while I will take the hill towards the rear with the reserves. We have not heard from our other tribal allies, but I do hope they are attacking the Franks at the river crossing as we speak. Of coarse the Romans have yet to appear to defend their island." A hail of laughs is heard around the room. "At any rate we have to stop them here.....the people are rallied and those who invade us only want plunder. The gods are on our side."

As the army moves down the trail you see and hear the cries of the people of your village. They wish you well as temple priests bless you as you march off one joining you carrying a holy symbol. As you move down the trail you encounter one of the Mahak and you think death rides a horse. Covers with messy black warpaint now dripping from sweat a warrior rides down the trail on a Viking horse. His weapons are all bloody on a rope around his next is at least a dozen Viking scalps. He nods to you and turns around to join you......as you ride to battle.


The mother of all fights.......(The Battle)

You arrive before the Franks on the field of battle and prepare the site as best you can. Archers and javilin throwers get an idea of the range by tossing and firing to get an idea of range so ammunition is wasted later on in the battle. Soon though you hear the Franks marching up the trail. Soon they are in site. Like you they do not have one uniforms and the line is dotted with many differen colors as they march out on to the field. They break of from one long straight line and into two long lines one breaking left and one going right. There line is very long but only two or three men deep. The many shields locked together but hampered by the diversity of weapons. They move foward with you commanding the center...this will be anything but easy. These men are veteran raiders and warriors, but you stand in their way. It won't be easy for them either, and you will see to that.....

They walk across the field slowly at first banging on their shields with their weapons to imtimidate. Your men scream and bang back and soon the first arrows are flying. The Franks continue to march foward though raising shields from time to time. If one of their number drops from arrow or javalin another quickly fills the gap while wound crawl away from the formation. Soon though they are at a run surging foward up the slight slope into your lines of battle. Your men brace themselves for the attack while Shiro who was firing his bow puts it down with the extra arrows and picks up a spear with an interesting head on it (a Yari you haven't seen many Asian weapons) and steps up to the line.

The fighting is fierce on the line as your men attempt to repel the attackers. Both masses of humanity pushing against each other trying to drive each other off the hill. As some of your men are pushed back the spearmen push foward to close any gaps in the line. The Visigoth Romans on the flanks drops their bows and javalins in favor of their large half barrel shields and short swords. The large shields block the Frank's weapons mostly axes and allows them to attack the Franks who are exposed. Kasen also take a place on the line and he and other use the new heavy ax which he impressively breaks a shield with then takes off the arm as well with one solid chop. For what seems like an eternity both side push and hack with little adancement either way until the cavalry is released along with the dogs. The cavalry comes around the faltering left flank and begins to hack into the enemy line. Spears break off in enemy shields and knocking others down as horse run them down. The dogs with their spiked collars only add to the confussion. The Franks are clearly enemies and are soon feeling the preassure. Then finally the line collapses in on it self. This in turn drives the whole enemy line back. A prominent looking warrior among the Franks stands out trying to rally the men and impressively slays two dogs and takes off the head of horse almost does so before Saphrax rides up and jumps from his horse knocking down the man and pulls his blade and kills the man. He stands back up holding his head putting fear into the Franks.

The enemy pulls back taking their wounded with them screaming out curses and war cries. They form a defensive square and soon are reforming their ranks. A few over zealous warriors run down from the slope and chase after the Franks and are cut down. Dicipline holds on your line though so when the Franks rally again you are yet not moved again. The line holds though your taking more and more casualties. Your father has brought in the reserves and you see many women either carrying wounded off the line or taking their place on the line. you see Valdamerca on the line as she hacks into a Frank with her heavy blade you have seen her use so many times on animals. She is strong and fights without fear. The competition to fight better then the women and prove themselves in battle inspires your warriors and you cannot help but drive your troops foward into the field. You push them back and though the Franks once again try to form a defensive square it breaks against your intense moral driven attack. They are surround on three sides and things have been reduced down to a number of personal fights rather then two large formations clashing. Soon the Franks break and many are running. To be sure many individuals try and make a stand but they only delay the inevitable. You have one the day. You take time to reform your lines and stablize your situation. The archers step infront of your line and soon arrows are raining down on the retreating Franks. It looks as you have one the day.


The Aftermath.......

The enemy are driven from the field and for two days there is alot of mopping up to do as Franks run hide and make their way out to the beachs where their ships are to be found. You soon establish that you killed some 480 plus enemy warriors over two days. The bulk of the dead were killed on the first day at the battle. They are buried in mass graves near the field while their weapons are piled up and load into wagons. Soon your arsenal will be over flowing with swords, waraxes, spears and round shields. Now though there are graver matters to handle. Your men count some 220 dead of your ranks among the dead is Hunananths. Dynai finds the body and and brings you over. She is herself is badly wounded in several places though she has been bandaged she walks hanging on her spear. For one moment at least you do not feel so victorious.

On the diplomatic front you do recieve word from your allies across the river. A scroll arrives at your battlefield camp that they are across the river and have recapture the old Roman bridge and hamlet located on the river. They killed many of the Franks roving around the country side. This allowed for your men to drive to the sea and hurry the already disorganized evacuation of the island. Three longboats are captured. The ships are in good shape and ready for use. The village is safe and the invaders have been driven back from your shores. Now rebuilding and healing needs to begin.......


Some weeks pass before you hear from Romans. They wish you to come to the capital to discuss the current situation. Your uncle only laughs. "It isn't until someone else is victorious does a Roman take notice. My boy we are going to see a once great capital but still a fine city."

 

[Jagged]

Joining us a Russian Princess......Mistress of the steppes

OOC: Welcome aboard my dear this is your first turn as you find yourself in the first year of my world (as far as the players are concern) and it is a hot summer on your island. The island is inhabited largely Slavic and Russian Vikings. Many are still Pagan, but Christian beliefs are begining to take over thanks to your Grandfather. He wanted the diverse people of the island united at least under one thing and he picked the new Christian religion.

Your story.....Name: Katarinya Kerenin
Age: 24
Description: Katarinya is a tall woman, around five feet and nine inches, with long auburn hair that falls to the middle of her back and sharp green eyes. Her skin is fair and smooth, her body slender and lithe. She is nimble and gracefully on her feet, favouring elegant gowns of silk and satin.

History: Katarinya grew up in Moscovy, the small city of the Russian people. Her father, Andery, was the Tsar of the City and his right hand man was Vladimir, his finest general and a brilliant infantry commander.

The second youngest of Andery's children, Katarinya was often overlooked by her father and considered valuable only as a potential bartering chip for political marriage. Her mother died of a chest cold when she was young in the harsh winter of Moscovy, and Katarina was raised primarily by a nun who taught her languages, spoken and written, along with a hefty dose of theology and history.

At the age of thirteen, Katarinya was sent to a finishing school for young women, a common practice of the nobles of Moscovy. Isolated from the undue and potential corrupting influences of the court and men, Katarinya was taught the tools of a noble woman; primarily etiquette and heraldry, how to dance well and how to converse pleasantly with a suitor, how to dress and apply cosmetics. Katarinya also showed a flare for finance and learned how to manage a household, the basics of trade and economics for use when her husband had to attend more important affairs.

Cut off from the courtly world, Katarinya studied and waited the day her father would introduce her to the Court in a Grand Ball.

That day would never come.

Vladimir, her father's trusted general, rouse up against the man he called brother, deposing Andery and executing Katarinya's brothers. His troops came to the academy to seize the young woman, returning to Moscovy, for what ends she would never know.

But along the road, she was rescued by a band of Cossack horsemen, proud loyalists who hadn't forgotten her father, and with the held of the wild tribesmen, Katarinya lead a counter coupe, deposing the treasonous Vladimir and installing herself as the Tzarina of Moscovy.

Now, Katarinya seeks to reunite her Court and rule her people in her own right.


No changes to the story other then I must say some things may be more primative then you may think they are......The Dark Ages are the technoloy high point of my world and nobody has advanced that far as of yet.

Where you begin the story....

You find yourself in the small coastal town of Kiev (around 1,100 people). It has a harbor and a budding trade in furs, timber, and horses which is the principal business of the Cossacks besides mercenary work and piracy. Your cousin Vakhtang and his Danish wife Dorothea who is pregnant with their fifth child and welcome you into their home (a fortified farm with horses and large fields). They are happy to have you arrive and give you a guest hut for you and Vanya to live on the property. They all are Chriastians in the village aside from the Cossacks and Vikings who are devote Pagans. Your rescue was due largely to the character of your father. He was a good an fair man that always kept his word to the Cossacks whether it be legal matters or payment for mercenary work. The town's population grows in the winter when the Cossacks settle in for the winter. Some even own farms and rent them to locals to work until their return so there is food for the winter even if plunder isn't good.

You settle into your tempory home and over the days news comes to you from merchants and passing travellars of all that goes on in Moscovy. None of it good it seems. Nobles loyal to your father are murdered in their bed as a new group of "black monks" are employed by Vladimir. A strange religious order that are brutal in their actions and fanatical in their devotion. There is even stories of them raping nuns and stealing children and taking them back to their fortress. Part of Moscovy is even set on fire when people demand food when the market is shut down. Vladimir seems to be setting up a new order, and is securing loyalty through gifts. You soon find Vladimir's mistress is now taking up residence in your familie's summer castle. She is even riding your horses (a gift from a Cossack Chief). Vladimir's ugly daughter has even taken your room in the Moscovy castle and is wearing your dresses since she says she is the new Princess!

Vakhtang's father is killed in the street while trying to organize your household guards to resist the new Tzar. Many of the people are to much in fear and are without a leader to lead them against this new tyrannt.

You are making the best of the situation and all considered your situation could be worse. Alive healthy and among friends. Your cousin's little ones take a liking to you and often follow you around on the farm. Dorothea is happy to have you help and be a "sister" to her and help with the kids. Over the days many come to pledge their loyalty and you look out the window your first night and find a fire blazing infront of it with Cossacks sitting around it talking They are well armed veterans. They cheer for you before you return to bed. The next morning they are there and during the day.....that night the men change but your always guarded. The farm has its own pair of German smiths named Anson and Gerlach who make tools and weapons. The men are brothers and their sister Ann is your servant. There is also a stable, workshops, storehouse, and most impressive is a small library put together by Dorothea. Your brother has built a large chapel to the new Christian god, but on the otherside of the small cemetary is a old Pagan shrine which is used often for prays. You find Vanya has changed little since you were alittle girl running around the gardens. Just now she doesn't have to chase you as much. She turns the small dinning room on the first level of the small house into a class room. A large map hangs on the wall, a book shelf filled with different texts on a variety of topics. In the morning she still insists on lessons every day. Latin, Russian, Norses languages are taught as well as mathmatics and religion, and history are also taught. She loves you though and gives you a gift of a gold cross for you to wear. Still she is a good cook and she can tell she loves you alot. After about a week you decide you must begin not only regaining your Empire but perhaps expanding it as well.

OOC: Starting Assests.

You did leave school with all your baggage intact and it was taken with you by the cossacks. It includes all your valueble jewelary, furs, dresses including some of silk.....your family Bible (contains history and shows your right to the crown) and your mother's crown (another important piece).

Your families' blessed battle standard. Meant to be carried into battle it proudly displays your family crest and is blessed by the head of the church. The priest (a kind older Greek man named Acrisius) that tends to the family chapel secures it in a secret vault under the chapel and tells you and you alone the location and gives you the only other key to a lock box in the hidden space. He tells you other relics are there as well. At night or other times when the priest is not at the chapel a guard stands at the door of the chapel.

Cossacks are not the only group loyal to you since the coup (the Cossacks number have a fighting strength of some 600 but more can arrive in days). A Norman Viking ship has arrived with 50 men led by Freki. He pledges his loyalty, his men and his ship to your cause to retake the throne. As a young man your father was travelling to another island ruled by Romans. He saw Freki fight and kill a lion in a gladitor match. So impressed your father bought his freedom and returned him to his home island. He gave him food, gold, and weapons wishing him well and never asking for repayment. He figures his help is the least he can do for your family. He is roughly your father's age and is a tall scared Norsemen. He gives you the gift of a fur cloak which is very warm.



So you begin your campaign in the summer from here.....please pm with any questions or post on the OOC thread if you think the rest of the class will benifit....lol

 

[Elayne]

The Russians

Katarinya left her small hut, a miserable situation for a woman of her station. Still, she was determined to not be bowed by her circumstances.

Rumors of murders and Satanic orders floated out of her beloved home, Moscovy, and Katarinya knew that Vladimir's usurpation had upset the natural order. Only by returning her own rightful line to the throne could she ensure the safety of the people.

However, Katarinya knew Vladimir was widely feared as a general. To unseat him, she would need cunning and determination as well as armies.

Katarinya put on a fine, formal dress, pulling her long hair back into a soft tail, reserved and businesslike, then swept on the cloak Frekki had given her as a sign of her respect for the courageous sea captain.

Exploration

The first stop Katarinya made on her tour of the town was the Cossack encampment. She met the chief with a graceful curtsy, then let him lead her to the central fire where she could speak to the gathered riders.

"My friends, if we are to unseat this devil Black Vladimir from Moscovy, we'll need to outsmart him. I need to know how I can use the very land against him, and no one is wiser about the lands than the Cossacks. Would you please send a dozen of brave riders to scout the island and map it, so I know how the land lies for my campaign? I especially need to know where the other towns are, in case I can find allies there."

Katarinya smiled warmly at the Cossack chief as he nodded and summoned his riders, then headed out to her next stop.

Build

Katarinya's next stop was to visit her cousin Vakhtang. She greeted him with a familial embrace, nodding at him serenely as she looked over his peaceful farm.

"Dearest cousin, when the Cossacks rescued me from Black Vlad's thugs, they escaped because their horses were finer by far than Vlad's blackguards. I would like you to help me find some men who know husbandry to construct a ranch and stables so we can breed horses of fine stock for our own riders."

Train

After her conversation with her cousin, Katarinya headed to the Church, to say a quick prayer. She prayed that God would bring justice on the traitor Vladimir before his evils ruined the land.

Afterwards, she smiled to the priest Acrisius and her tutor Vanya, beckoning them over. "Good Father, Aunt Vanya, I've been thinking about the story of David and Goliath. It seems that a small person, with God's help and some cleverness, can defeat even a very large monster. I would like you to begin teaching the townspeople's children, and even the Cossacks and Vikings if they'd agree to come, how to read and write and the basics of civic philosophy."

Katarinya unbound her hair as she took a seat on one of the pews. "If you'd permit, I would like to read passages from my own family bible to the children. The parables might inspire them with what they can achieve."

Katarinya thought that reading parables as stories would be enough to subtly encourage Christian views without offending the pagans amongst her followers.

Roleplay

Having set the seeds of her plans, Katarinya swept out her thick auburn hair to the farm. She changed from her formal gown to a more comfortable dress, sweeping out her thick auburn hair and letting it fall loosely around her shoulders and back.

Katarinya felt the urge to do something productive for herself, so she borrowed an older farm horse that wasn't needed to practice her riding. She sat sidesaddle, her skirts folded demurely around her legs, tugging the reins as she led the horse through some quick paces.

After she was done, she smiled and petting the horse's nose and returned it's stall, brushing out his coat herself.

Returning to her hut, Katarinya decided to get some exercise for herself as well, performing a variety of balletic stretches to release the tension in her muscles and relax herself.

After she was done, Katarinya slipped into her bed, thinking about what her next move should be.

 

[Jagged]

The Roman Empire........(at least the start of one)


OOC: Interesting fact for all players is that the Romans were one of the few groups to control a large part of the 110 island world. Also there are many smaller
"islands" and kays on the world. The 110 figures in the islands that are available to players to begin. Granded I had high hopes.......(not sure how I would handle a 110 players..) but I hope you all are still having fun.

IC: Back to the game..........hazzar!!

Roleplay

Guennola comes behind you and rubs your shoulders kissing your neck. "You need not make me a wife if another would care for you better. And if I embarress you great son of Rome all I need is that you keep me and your child in a house and come to see us from time to time. I do not wish for more gold or food then I need. But I do wish to be your queen but out of love not obligation or that a few more Celtic warrior will join your ranks or that the next Celtic king you meet will be willing to talk with you.......I care for you and that has grown. In the beginning I just laid with you now I lay with you because I care. If I am to be citizen and queen I wish to keep my name and that we are partners in rule.....I do not think it is much but simply fair".....she kisses your neck. "think on it....."

Euphorbus and the others skilled at scouting have little to report. Either the Vikings have written little down or they are not plotting your fall. Draga wishes to be a great chief maybe king but it does not seem he wishes to do it at your expense.....at least it doesn't suit him at this point. Guennola says she has heard little from here people as well. One night over dinner she says, "perhaps he is like a lion you keep as a pet. He may even consider you as a friend, but not a day passes that he does not think how to escape or kill you....you have to be vigilant with him is all. For now you need his ships. You don't have a navy and we know nothing but islands." She sighs....."be watchful is the best we can do."

Your new wife to be gives you a gift of a gold chain with the symbol of love....."You need not wear it in public but wear it when you thing of me..."

City Development

The message is made public in regards to taxes, citizenship, and other civic matters and generally it is well received. At least as much as new taxes and orders can be handled. Most agree to pay and the Romans flocking to your banner soon are falling in line. Many of the Celts and Gauls see the advantages and begin to look into citezenship. A promise of citizenship after military service looks good to many. Your numbers will grow in time and the coffers will fill. At this time your people assure you that money will not be a problem. No profit but your paying for your projects and military for the time being.

Building and improvements......

Most people are busy improving their own homes and many huts soon become farm houses with shrines, workshops and fields. More food is produced and the people are more capable of making tools, weapons, and raising live stock. Many sheep and pigs are about and being herded in fields between the settlements. Cachamwri who is Guennola cousin has a thriving herd of cattle and his workshop boasts fine goldsmithing thanks to his new home workshop.

The roads and fortifications are completed by the end of summer despite the intense heat. All enjoy the extra security and an easier trip between settlements. Many of your messagers say that the trip is reduced by half though they wood like to see patrol stations up and down the road. The high point though is the temple to Jupiter which includes a fountain, a statue of the god and a large temple complex. Shining father written in Latin is above the large entrance to the temple along with the lighting bolt and eagle seen often all over the site. For the soldiers a statue of Mars his son sits proudly in a chapel built on the main temple grounds. All are impressed and can't wait until you open it officially with celebration and party. The priesthood has no problem finding recruits and for your fine work promises you a holy banner to lead infront of your troops. Davida and her women are thrilled with the new baths and are among the first to enjoy them...she keeps a seperate ledger for them and from what she reports and pays in taxes business is booming. A hot bath is something to be saviored by many. So pleased she sends you the virgin woman Dido as a gift to you....for your pleasure or anything eslse she says along with a cask of wine.


Trade and Diplomacy

Romans:
As per your request many new families go about proving they are true Romans so they can settle and be citizens of the empire once again. Many have documents ranging from land certificates to marriage licenses to documents recording birth from temples. The documents largely range from half a dozen islands. Some who were slaves or subjects of another empire bring records showing when they were taken or what their Roman names were before they were forced to change. The town hall is filled with those like the ones mentioned above every day. Many make pleas directly to you so they can live in the new settlement.

Mongols:
Captain Cong grunts his disproval. "Fine you will have what you ask for once we return. You will have the arms we want crated and waiting on the docks for us when we arrive. We do not need your pretty army. We have our own soldiers. The tall walls of our enemies is all that keep us from slaughtering them all and winning the war. They coware behind wood and stone. The don't even fire their bows at us or a hail of arrows will bring them down. We want the equipment for the end of summer that is all we want."

He and his cohorts and get up and leave. Soon they are sailing home to gather what you have asked for to pay the cost of the seige engine.

Captured Ships & Prisoners

Soon your customs office is filled with piles of maps, charts, and navigational notes as they are translated into latin and put onto large Roman maps. Trade routes are marked and mathmatics are done to calculate the distance to other islands. It is alot of work and goes on for most of the summer with few results though the best minds in the settlement work on it and even take maps with them to the bar as they drink and work. You will not have the whole ocean mapped but you will fill in alot of the map between home and your new island.

The Greek captives begin their lives as forced labor since they are mercenaries unworthy of ransom. Many people mostly friends and family of sailors and Vikings throw rocks at them as they land in the docks. Their ships are filled with arms and armor as well as typical items like food, navigational equipement, and tools. The Persian Prince Kaveh sends back an angry scroll that practically screams at you that he will burn in hell and that you should beg forgiveness and return his men before he comes to take them back. Only the Arabs of the large trade city of Bagdad pay ransom of wheat and gold in full for their men and ships. They seem except this as part of doing business though they are not pleased at the amount of goods and gold they must pay. Batale Queen of Arabian and Egyptian territory tells you she wishes for a treaty so this situation will not occur again. She plans to send her sister Sitar will arrive at the end of summer to negotiate with your kingdom.

Harvest/Explore

Your search for food continues, but not without some solid results. You find berries and a simple ride through the area shows you budding apple trees and berry patches being grown by many peasants. The logging continues and there are a fixed group who are the best at it for call themselves lumber jacks since they are very well skilled at taking down trees. After that they are brought to the wood cutters who turn them into lumber for use. No real metals or jewels are found in the great woods but that does not stop a flury of prospectors from taking to the woods. Not results are found yet, but many have high hopes you think as you watch another mule train carrying tools and supplies. A poor noble with his family is handling the train with hopes of regaining their fortune once gold is found. Perhaps only a dream but they have little else after losing so much.

Training.........."Its not training unless its raining"-countless D.I.s

Ammonanus continues the brutal training and soon replacements for those you have lost in prior encounters. There has yet to be any deserters as of yet and Celt, Roman, and other foreigners seem to get along well enough. The long training helps to create a better skilled soldier then your enemy. It always has in the past so the tradition of hard training is continued along with improvements where needed like how to battle in a wooded area and how to use Celtic and other foreign weapons. The engineering school is soon up and running so the new recruit soon knows how to setup camp, dig a proper ditch, and build a wall in the best possibe way. The best canidates to pass through the school are soon called back to be combat engineers and fill the role for the legions. Aristotle mostly teaches how to stablize a injuried or dying soldier so that he may survive until a proper surgeon is able to see the patient. Aristotle says wit this training the wounded will heal faster and you will have less dead soldiers in battles to come.

Spy

No one can seem to track down where the poisons exact origins. It is of a Roman blend and it was on your home island. Who bought it and gave it to the assassin. Flavia jokes with you over dinner one night, "next time let him stab you and we will take him and ask where he came from and who hired him." She playfully pushes you but with such strength you almost fall off your chair.

The Amazons inside the city report that they can handle a long seige because every home and business virtually has a garden and livestock. Public parks have also been set aside for growing. The seige needs to be won by force of arms not waiting out the enemy.

Draga's loot is not in any secret place. It is located mostly in his home thought the exact location is unknown. What is known is he does send a percentege to his homeland and no one seems to know why......

War.....

Excuting your plan is not simple but it takes off one night. Days before more Amazons were slipped into the city until they and the Romans spies number roughly 50 warriors. They have a mixture of different weapons. Not long after the army arrives they perpare to strike.

Draga's fleet strikes late in the day attacking the harbor. They sail into the harbor and quickly take or sink many small fishing vessels and cargo ships. More then a few large merchant ships are set afire as the Vikings run rampent. Axes take off legs and heads as they drive them from the docks. Draga rallies their troops around a Greek built statue of the God Neptune and try to force their way into the city proper. Though there is no wall surrounding the harbor area the defenders mostly miltia and mercenaries clog the holes. They fight them from behind barriers in streets and arrows. From windows fly arrows and boiling pots are poured out on the advancing troops. No armor can prevent burns and slowly the raging Viking force is pushed back to the safety of their ships. Arrows are exchanges as the ships slowly pull out of the harbor. The defenders cheer for the moment they have won the day.

As the defenders rebuild defenses around the harbor and fight the fires fully expecting the attack the next day your people inside the walls take advantages. Centuries in the streets, walls, and towers silently drop as arrows and knives fly through the night. Before the guards inside the gate house know it they have attackers inside the towers with them....the battling is fierce. You even see an Amazon throw a soldier over the wall to his death. One manages to sound the alarm and troops come up from the harbor and ajoining towers but it is to late...the gates fly open and a flaming arrow is fired. Your cavalry gallups to the rescue making it into the city. Soon they are fighting in the streets as Amazons fire arrows down doing their best to hold the gatehouse.

Your cavalry continued the good idea and took many Amazon women with them riding double they continue to fight on horse while the women dismount and join the fight on the walls. A enemy priest rallies a large number of milita to retake the wall and almost do even Actaeon is wounded and is carried off by soldiers and his Amazon mistress Alita to safety. Your best troops men-at-arms storm in to join the fight. This establishes a beachhead so that troops continue to stream into the city. The fighting in the streets is among the hardest your warriors have encountered. Many of the stone buildings become minifortresses and each has to be stormed. Your ram is used many times on key buildings like the main temple, city hall, and armory. It seems there are rivers of blood fill the streets. Soon Viking and Roman troops meet in the center of the city. It is more symbollic then strategic, but good proganda for the troops. One artist even scetches it down and promises your mural in honor of such a great event. It is two days before your staff allows you to enter to city to see the last warlodge fall. The last of the fantatical Gauls die fighting surrounding the shrine to their god. Much of the invasion is marked by brutal fighting and compassion for the women and children. While the Celts fight on many of those to surrender are Greek warriors fighting in pay of the city. Some even offer to work out a price to fight on against the Celts and Gauls. Many merchants and captains who are in the harbor wish to sail away now that the fight is over with their goods.

Not including the Vikings and a handful of Amazon some 500 legionaries lay dead in the streets. Hundreds of others lay wounded in buildings being cared for by your people. Everyone looks exhausted as they pile up captured arms and armor. Fires that were burning now are your problem, but your managing without to much of the city being lost. Your staff tells you that it will take weeks even months to gather up all the booty and keep track of all the people and structures that survived the battle. Resistance around the island should be reduced now that the last stronghold has been taken.

There are cheers still though men are exhausted. Another great victory.......You know control the island!

 

[Jagged]

The Russians........A Princess plots her return to power.


Roleplay

It has been a season since Vladamir as taken then throne from your family. He has crowned himself Czar in a ceremony where he took the crown from the head of church and placed it on his own head. This was a clear volation of tradition. What is more his own wife died under mysterious circumstance. Not a month later he has announced that he would take a new wife and have her crowned along with him which he did. Not much is known about the Asian Princess Kita other then her home island is to the North and her father Warlord Shing has the last stronghold among thousands of warring Mongols. His army is strong though and filled with veterans. It seems that he is in a strong enough position to send some 300 pikemen to form an impressive honor guard for his daughter. To the Northeast is another Asian dominated island where her uncle Tran the Cruel is another impressive warlord who is known for fighting his neighbors more then foreign invaders.

The new Czar has made few friends as he assassinates nobles and gives out their lands to various henchmen. Also he is levied a high tax against all merchants to finance his new army of loyal and well armed troops. This is unsettling since your beginning in exile only a few have flocked to your banner. Your cousin can pledge some 200 well trained soldiers to your cause and the Cossacks promise some 600 riders to your cause, but need to be paid and will take time to organize. Add another 50 Vikings. This gives you some 850 you can count on to start a campaign with and hopefully more will come to your side when you march out to meet the General in battle.

Father Acrisius says he has talked to some other church leaders and says in time they can organize 300 knights and 1000 footsoldiers through a secret network setup by the church. He tells you this one day as you come to pray. "You can have more flock to your cause, but once in power they wish you to declare a crusade against the Pagans and the the church be free from all taxes. When you are ready they will the pledge for you to sign and swear to my child."

Once you walk from the church you see a group of children giggling and playing infront of the Pagam shrine. These are the same children that come and listen to you under the tree when you read Bible stories. Your father a good Christian never pursued a total Christian state. Your mother in fact continued to pray to the Pagan gods in her shrine in the Kremlin. She always considered Vanya a good teacher who happen to be Christian. Your religion was your choice. What will you have to do to restore your kingdom?


Each day is much the same. You wake in the morning and after a good hardy pesant breakfast you go through your lessons, ballet, and take Igor (the friendly old farm horse) for a ride. You help your cousin with his village and are out meeting peasants and any visitors who come to pledge their loyalty to you as the true ruler. Afternoon is spent playing with your cousin's children which gives your sister-in-law great joy. At all times the Cossacks are with you as a steady group of 8 large men armed with axes and scimitars follow you always. The rough life of the village has caused you to abandon the finer clothing for peasant woman's clothing and cossack boots. Another Viking gift is a blade weighted and made for a woman to use. Day after day in the summer even after dinner an old Cossack named Esaulov takes you in the back of the farm and teaches you to fight. Much of it is swing and cutting logs apart. One day you look down at your beautiful white hands and despite gloves your hands are callous. Your building muscle to it seems.

Though in the middle of the summer your situation does improve some. Your cousin announces that you are moving into improved residence. A local noble who was friends with your father was gravelly ill when you first arrived not having any heirs leaves you his whole estate which includes his Fortified Farm (read the OOC section for details on structures) it produces cattle, Cossack horses, and wheat. The home is in good shape and simply in need of a good cleaning. On the grounds you find a small arsenal of weapons, a small boat, and several sets of fine china. Also he has some 2000 in gold bars stored in a hidden location which he reveals to you in a touching letter regretting he can't do more for you the sweet daughter of such a good friend.

As your settling in one night there is a knock at the door it is your baby sister Lenusya carrying her two year old baby boy Jan warped in a dirty blanket. She is crying. Your father in a fit of rage through her out of the place before little Jan was born, because she had laid with a visiting Viking. He said a princess could not be have in such a way. Your mother kept in communication with her and had seen little Jan once before. "Please......Please take us in sister. I have walked for days and can give him little more then my milk please...even if it as a servant take me in to your house."

Exploration

Your tours of the Cossack camp and village go well. Infact every where you go people stop what they are doing and bow their heads. It happens so much that you have to ask them to stop doing it so often so work can continue on without delay. Soon you know many of the families around and in the village. Who is having children, who is improving their farm, and what the merchant's sell. This is home if only for a time. The Cossack camp is a friendly place and you are well liked by the tribe. One night you even attend a great party where there is much eating and drinking. For entertainment there is alot of trick riding and even races. The night finishes with the whole camp watching some Egyptian belly dancers. The women are exotic and dance beautifully. One woman even dances especially for you praising the princess.

In weeks following the party riders begin to return and slowly maps of the island come together. Finally in your new home on the living room wall a large map covers it showing you the capital and the 6 villages including your own. Distances to villages are noted, but they there has yet to be diplomatic contact since the Cossacks have raided many over the years. Finding allies has to be up to you...

Build

Your cousin Vakhtang fully agrees with you after returning your embrace and listening to your words. "I will see that we build a large ranch for us at the village and I am sure you will find men willing to work your new lands and raise a large number of horses. They are beautiful and swift are they not?? We will not be many but we will have the best cavalry no?"

You discuss the improvements and ideas over the coarse of dinner and into the night. You always must keep in mind that you are an honored guest but still a guest and can only suggest directions.

To answer your call for men able to raises horses comes a surpising applicant. A week after speaking with your brother a Sioux warrior arrives at your new estate with a small band of 30 men women and children. His name is Akecheta a honored warrior. "Hello great queen. I am told that you are in the need of strong horses. We consider them a gift from god and will prepare only the best for you to use for your soldiers. I only ask is that we can have part of your land to settle and live and raise our young ones. In time you will have some of the best animals." His wife Petunia smiles at you walking with two young children tugging at her she giggles and pulls always and hands you a charm. "It will keep evil spirits away from your house. We know you have had far to many visit as of late."

Training

Vanya is not lost her touch and there is always something to learn every day. From how a boat is built to learning latin to how glass is made she continues to fill your head determined to make you the smartest woman that will take the throne. If you are not improving your mind you are improving others. You spend time reading to children and this leads to teaching them how to read and write. Many farmers are amazed that their children are able to read better then some of the adults.

You build your body from sword work and ballet and you ride daily improving steadly. Your not ready for war yet but your getting there.....

 

[Elayne]

Roleplay

Katarinya was suitably mournful when word came of her father's friend passing, despite her inner contentment to be receiving his estate. She attended the funeral in dark colours, and publically vowed to name her first daughter Elayna after his wife.

Constant ill tidings came from Vladimir's people, warning of him concluding powerful alliances through marriage with heathen warlords. Katarinya was disturbed by the grim news, but her own situation was positive as she slowly learned the names of the people of her holding and began to win their respect and affection.

Still, a bright light was brought into her life when her long lost sister Lenusya returned. Katarinya greeted her sister with tears and a tight embracing, saying nothing about her illegimate child Jan, instead focusing on repeating her joy that her sister, whom she had thought killed, was returned to her, welcoming Lenusya and her son into her home.

Katarinya was somewhat mournful that her hands were beginning to show callouses, even as she worked out with Freki, learning how to use the gift of her sword. She casually found the woman in the village with the softest hands, a spinner, and asked for advice on a cream or unguent that could help keep her hands feminine despite her exercises.

Still, Katarinya was proud to find her strength increasing, feeling more and more confident in the saddle as she took Igor out for longer rides.

At the Cossack festival, she watched their riders performing fantastic tricks, leaping into and out of the saddle at a gallop, picking up handkerchiefs off the ground, and other daring stunts. Katarinya applauded politely and handed out compliments to the boldest riders, realizing she still had much to learn about horsemanship. Then, the Cossacks brought out an Egyptian dancer, who danced a sensuous dance. Katarinya didn't feel the same obvious lust the Cossack men did, but noticed the differences in the woman's style, focused on her hips and belly rather than ballets focus on the limbs. Discretely, Katarinya asked the woman to visit her farm sometime and see if she could teach Katarinya some new dance steps to add to her exercises.

Trade/Spy

Katarinya took the map offered by the Cossacks gratefully. It would be disasterous to use the raiders as diplomats, but as scouts they excellent.

Instead, she had five wagons loaded up and sent one to each of the other Russian villages to establish trade routes and sell goods. In addition, she made sure a charming young man went with each wagon to act as a provacteur, stirring the other Russians against Black Vlad by spreading tales about his heathen ways, his Devil Monks, and his plans to allow the chinese to annex Russian lands. Hopefully, her agents could sour the people's feelings against Black Vlad, to hamper his own diplomacy and perhaps improve her own standing with the people.

Diplomacy

Katarinya continued to visit the camps of the Cossacks and of Frekki's vikings. She insisted that her younger sister Leshuya accompany her, hoping that her sister might take a shine to the members of one camp or the other.

Katarinya herself made sure to learn the names of prominent Cossacks and Vikings and began to look for gifts appropriate for each group, to keep their loyalty cemented to herself.

She fended off Father Acrisus, contemplating his offer of Church aid, but never quite commiting. Katarinya feared if she openly declared for the Church, she might well lose her pagan followers. She placated Father Acrisus as best she could, suggesting the Christianity might be best spread through the example of Virtous Living, and continually dodged entanglements. She would have prefered that Christianity would spread through her followers, but she couldn't risk dissent, not while her own position was threatened by Vladimir. Besides, she didn't like the idea of setting a precedent for people being free of royal taxation.

Build

Katarinya was delighted when the foreign warrior, who called himself a Sioux, arrived with fine horses.

Katarinya greeted him kindly and politely, asking about his people curiously and welcoming him to settle on the ranch that Vakhtang was building to raise horses. She took the charm with delight and smiled at Petunia, and made sure to have a small silver crucifix necklace sent to Petunia in return.

In the meantime, Katarinya was considered about improving the trade about her town. She had learned from Vanya that gold was as important to warfare as steel. Katarinya invited a group of prominent shopkeepers to her home for dinner, smiling at them warmly as she lead them to their seats.

"Gentlemen, I've asked you hear to ask about trade. What does our village do better than any village on the island? I'm told it's textiles. I would like to establish our firm presence in trade in these, to insure that we always have enough gold to feed our people and see to our security."

Katarinya sets about convincing the wealthier shopkeepers to invest in setting up more shops to convert the wool from the Cossack herds into velvet and lace for trade.

Explore

Afterwords, Katarinya visits Captain Frekki and asks him for a favour.

"Frekki, my uncle, I hope to ask you to take your ship on a voyage from our village. I would like to know what islands lie near ours for trade or alliance. Can your Vikings investigate the waters around ours and see what there is to be discovered?"

Train

Katarinya continues her lessons in the church, emphasizing literacy with a light brushing of Christian theology. Hopefully, several of the children will show an propensity towards a clerical life and will be able to join the Church as ministers to spread the faith or at least see to healing and inspiring her people.

In addition, she finds several young girls who show some skill with a needle, and encourages Vanya to take an interest in them, teaching them embroidering and lace work in particular to help encourage trade, but also sums and latin to help them become educated young women as well.

 

[Jagged]

The Romes.......(sent to me via Email from Mantra. Serving overseas)

Roleplay:



The fighting in the streets was not over, although the tide of battle had tipped dramatically in Tyrus’s favor. Even then, his staff could not control his desire to be at the front lines, even in this dangerous time. On more than one occasion, his scouts were met by their commander in person as he directed smaller actions as well as the whole of the battlefield. He had met with Draga’s advancing Vikings in the city center and now, finally, he rallied them all as they charged up the steps of whatever palace or city hall these damnable Gauls had.

“Forward men! FORWARD!” He shouted, just as the ram splintered the barricaded doors. He pointed up to the top spire for the building and the flag that waived there. “Bring be that banner!”

His men roared forward, followed by many of the Viking and Amazons who had followed him in. The battle was won; the enemy just hadn’t realized it yet.



**Two days later, in Valde Glorria**



There was a great celebration in the whole of the land, but none as grand as in the capitol. Work was suspended for the day, even the men in training were given a rare day of rest to attend the ceremony and feast at the temple of Jupiter.



“At the high point of the festivities, Arilias stepped forward, splendid in his full armor and cape.

“Brethren, today we celebrate a tremendous victory. Today the island has been made whole under the banner of Rome yet a general is but one man within the army. There are many heroes in this campaign and today, we come together as one to recognize some of them.”

“To Actaeon, Tribune Lathia of the Legion, I award this Phalerae of service. (A decorative medallion, worn on the breastplate) Wear it proudly to let all know of your valor. To Draga, Norseman and leader of the Viking forces, Offer you this bag of gold, in payment of your service as well as this silver Armilla. (Armband) Wear it proudly so that so that all know that Rome respects your courage. To Alcibe of the Amazons, I present this banner, torn down from the top of the enemy fortification, in recognition of your efforts in securing the wall as well as bringing our own Actaeon to safety. Finally, to Flavia, commander of the Amazons, I present this golden torque, (Necklace) in recognition of your skill. Wear it and know that your efforts and sacrifices are not forgotten.”

“Yet there is more. To Flavia and her Amazons, I also present a bag of gold, also in payment of their services, and with this payment, I end their term as mercenaries. I a proud to announce that Flavia and her forces have agreed to support us under the banner of Rome. Kneel Flavia of the Amazons.” Flavia did so as a steward stepped forward behind Arilias. Arilias turned and took a roman helm. Holding it up for the crowd for a moment, he placed it on Flavia’s head. In addition, a wide belt, with a ceremonial pugio, the dagger of the Legions, was also handed over to the Amazon.

“Rise Flavia, Centurion Principal, commander of the Auxiliary.” Arilias said.

The crowd cheered their approval and Arilias dismissed the decorated warriors. Afterwards, at the climax of the celebration, the priests of Jupiter stepped forward, offering a sacred Aquila, the Holy Banner of the Legion to Arilias bearing his own crest. Two crossed Gladius lying over a wreath. A banner emblazoned with the words ‘Strength and Honor’ was stretched between the downward points of the Roman swords. Beneath the crest was the ever-prominent ‘SPQR’ and above sat the Roman eagle, cast in gold and clutching a brace of thunderbolts in its claws. Arilias held it aloft, letting the evening sun glint off the banner before handing it over to his Aquifier.



Build:



- Along the coast near Valde Glorria, build a seawall with towers to defend the territory from the sea. The city itself will have a moat dug around it, encircling the city.

- A large tower will be built at the farthest edge of the breakwater overlooking the harbor of Valde Glorria. The very top will be used as a lighthouse to help guide ships at night or during stormy seas, but it will also house a ballista as well as several archers from the city militia to help guard and protect the harbor. No ship can enter the harbor without passing by the tower.

- The farms and docks which were damaged or destroyed in the fighting of the Gaul city will be rebuilt.

- I have 6 Triremes as well as the two I salvaged when I got to the island. Build as many more as I can.



City Development (Build):



In Valde Glorria, I will have a University built and offer advanced education to those willing to attend. Likewise, those scholars, artists and philosophers willing to teach may enroll to become professors. Attending a University will require that one pays for tuition each year. Citizens may attend at no cost. Likewise, I shall expand the teachings in my Academy. (For the sake of argument, the University is civilian, the Academy is military) All the maps that have been acquired will go to the Academy where scribes will be trained in cartography. Likewise, weapon smithing will be considered a military specialty. Even some of the more skilled and trusted Vikings will be asked if they wish to send instructors to teach navigation.



I have some ideas taken from the battle of the Gaul city. Any government building, (scribe shop, smithy, tax center, whatever) in all towns, shall be reinforced and capable of being used as makeshift forts should the walls ever be breeched. Also, caldrons will be made which can pour hot liquid down on an enemy at the wall. Stones will also be gathered and stacked to throw down at attackers as well.



For as successful as my lands have become, we still have no independent source of raw metals. Since we have captured so much arms and equipment, the best stuff will be used to outfit my forces and city militias, the rest will go into smelters and recast into more needed things.



Cachamwri will be invited to operate a special smelter inside the civic center. As we have no gold or silver mines of our own, foreign coins and some plundered treasures will be melted down and recast into coins. This shall be the new Roman Talon and the currency of the land. It will have the Roman eagle with SPQR beneath it, and my likeness on the other side.



Trade:



Back in Toulouse, those captains who wish to sail away must first allow any maps and charts they have to be copied, (if I don’t have them yet) and they must surrender a mere 5% of their cargo, (It could be a lot worse, don’t complain) If they have nothing, then we will take nothing and they are free to go. In fact, if any of the captains are carrying needed supplies, food or raw metal ore, then I will make an offer to purchase it and invite them to continue trade with us. The exception will be if any of the ships or crews is a part of the Greek mercenaries or Persians from Prince Kaveh, then the ships, crews and cargo are all seized.



The siege engines will be made and crated for the Mongols. When the payment arrives, distribute the saddles to the Calvary and save the wheat for next spring. If and when the Mongols offer us a mine, send over a mining crew and 50 Legionaries to guard the mining camp.



Harvest:



As autumn settles in, the crops from the fields will be harvested, cured with sea salt, stored and have a small portion set aside as seed crop for next spring. The fishing boats will be sent back out gather what they can at Toulouse.



Diplomacy:



An invitation will be made to the Governor and city representatives from Syracuse to visit our city. They will be escorted over on our finest Trireme and brought to my city hall for an honorary feast.

“Greetings Citizens, fellow Romans.” Tyrus said, dressed in his official robes of office. I am pleased to finally meet with you. In these trying and dangerous times, it is good to see that Roman cities still stand. Come, let us eat and talk of Rome.”

I want to see how things are going in and about Syracuse. What, if any troubles they have and what their attitudes are like. I would like to see about the possibility of merging their city into my providence. In return, we shall offer to help them in any way we can, all who can be proven as citizens will receive equal respect as my citizens do and their leaders may continue to hold office.



Some of my men will ‘rescue’ the Greeks from being berated by the locals, and then gather them all together at the legion Field of Mars.

Tyrus entered the field in his full armor, flanked by Ammonanus and Flavia, now wearing the belt and helm of a Roman Auxiliary officer.

“Greeks,” He began, his voice carrying across the field. “You have fought well and I salute you, but you are defeated nonetheless. You have fought for gold, under the direction of an honorless Gaul who butchered Roman colonists and stole children from their beds. What has it gotten you? Even now, your homelands are not interested in even negotiation for your return.”

He fixed each before him with an icy stare. “You all might as well be dead.”

Arilias broke the gaze and began pacing before them. “Some of you have offered your swords to me for a price, I have a counter offer. You want gold, I will offer you pay. You want to fight; I will give you something worth fighting for. You want live for the moment; I will offer you something to believe in. I offer you the chance to join me as Roman Axillaries or if you wish to enter training, perhaps even legionaries.”

There was a moment of silence. “The choice is yours gentlemen. Join me or…..well, there is a city to be rebuilt and the labor crews always need new men.”



Plans will be made to welcome Sitar when she arrives. As the ransom was paid, the Arabic sailors will be freed immediately as will their ships. They may either leave as they choose or stay in the city as guests.



Train:



My naval forces will practice formation fighting, navigation and boarding procedures. So far, the only naval forces Kaveh or any others have seen are Draga and his ships. Draga’s ships are transports and merchant raiders whereas my Triremes are warships equipped with rams and ballista. Faster ships, built to kick ass and deliver boarding parties. Hopefully, they will be a distinct advantage if someone comes looking for a fight.



Actaeon and his cavalry will be reassigned to relieve Primpilus at Rentino. There he and his wounded men may heal with as much safety and luxury as can be afforded. Once there, he will use Rentino (the most centered garrison in my lands) to send out patrols and sentries along the roads as so many have requested.



In every city and town, I will organize a standing militia. Citizen soldiers, willing to protect their homes, but are not equipped as the legions are. All militia will wear the basic leather armor and/or the chain shirts and helm. All will carry a spear (or pike) and a longbow. (I’m sure I have enough from captured arms) Their mission is to support my forces in combat, the heavy fighting is done by Legionaries.



Explore:



Meet with this ‘poor noble’ who is organizing the exploration caravans. Let him tell me his story. I will offer to share in the costs of the explorations if I get a % of any profits and if there is none, then I shall take an equal % of losses. The stipulation is that he must also agree to allow my surveyors and cartographers go with the teams. The cartographers will add onto any unexplored portions of my island maps and keep records of the trips.



Aristotle and his students will search out any of these ‘poison herbs’ which might be found in the wilderness. They will be illegal to grow or possess unless permitted by me. Any other samples found in the wilderness will be destroyed.



Spy:



Ask the Greeks or Arabs about Prince Kaveh and his group. Any information is useful. Likewise, talk to the Asians settling on my island. Do they know anything about Cong and his Mongol hordes?



War: The Aftermath:



Round up the remaining prisoners. I need an accurate count of the dead among the Vikings and Amazons as well as what plunder is taken. Teams of scouts and criers will ride around the remaining parts of the island to locate any possible villages or hamlets which might still remain. Announce that Toulouse has fallen and they must come to swear fealty to Rome. They will also see what, if any, resources Toulouse was gathering from the land. (Mines, farming, fur trapping, whatever)



A healing and rest area will be based in Toulouse. (To prevent having to move them) The wounded from both sides will be cared for equally and Aristotle and his healers will provide for the base camp. If possible, priests will see to the most grievously wounded to aid in healing or perform funeral rites. The enemy dead will be burned or buried as their customs require. Roman dead will be returned to their home towns for funerals.



If possible, seek for any possible survivors from the old Roman forces in the prisons or among the slaves. They along with any captured Roman equipment or trophies will be restored.