World News

[Varasd]

WORLD NEWS

This is the place where you can post news about events which have an international effect, for example foreign relations, wars and conflicts, trade, dynastical events, etc..

Feel free to post anything!

[Varasd]

HEIR OF VARASD TO MARRY


Stephan Konsky
Heir to the Duchy of Varasd

Stephan, son of Zvonimir I, of House Konsky, Heir to the Duchy of Varasd, has rounded up the major nobility of the Duchy in order to search for a suitable bride for himself. His father, the Duke, however, wishes that his son marries a noblewoman from a distant realm, in order to gain political alliance from the marriage.

Duke Zvonimir has such, sent messengers across the realms of Europe, to find a suitable bride for his son. All messengers returning shall come to Varazdin, where the Duke and his son will discuss the terms of marriage with all who comes.


Gisela Konsky, daughter of Duke Zvonimir is also unmarried, however, in the letter send across Europe, the Duke has not mentioned anything about his daughter marrying anyone yet.

[Thagan]

---

Having learnt of the plea from the Varasdians, Duke Henry the Second has responded to it, presenting to heir, his cousin, Lady Agnes Firemoth. Lady Agnes is the daughter of Lord Drakon Firemoth; Lord of Riverhelm.

The Lady is a gentle and loving woman, who prefers the art and music to hunt and war; and is an expert in raising children having in numerous times helped her parents with her younger siblings. She has been looking for a groom and is 23 years old.

The Duke himself is looking for a wife and is interested in this proposal from Varasd.

[House of Judah]

EDICT OF SAFE CONDUCT FOR CHRISTIAN PILGRIMS

Being that there are within my lands places of holiness and reverence to the Christian, and knowing of the dangers that pilgrims may face upon the road, in my wisdom I do so declare that no Christian within my realm shall be subject to any duty or restriction of movement beyond that which is present for all persons, nor shall an assault be justified by the Christianity of the victim. Yitzchak I, Lion of Judah

[Saudi Babylonia]

Expansion, exploration and trade

The Kingdom of Saudi Babylon, being in an area devoid of many natural resources, must trade with other cities to acquire many essential and luxury items. Because of this, the people of Saudi Babylonia have travelled northward in search of new land to settle at the southernmost point of the Caspian Sea. The settlers have begun fishing in order to sustain themselves and eventually to trade with the city of Babylon and the other more inland cities and settlements.

The settlers have also encountered a diverse culture known as the Eastern Horde during their travels across the Caspian Sea. The settlers wish to see what goods the people of the Eastern Horde have to offer so that they may trade for mutual benefit.

The already established settlements of inland Saudi Babylonia have also set off to solidify trade and relations with the Kingdom of Judah. More trade routes have been established in order to acquire resources essential, such as copper, but the merchants also hope to acquire precious gemstones and other exotic luxury resources unique to Judah. The merchants also wish to purchase objects of religious and/or cultural importance in Judaism to satisfy the growing Judaistic population in the city of Babylon and beyond.

[Varasd]

ZVONIMIR AGREES TO MARRIAGE PROPOSAL


Stephan Konsky, Heir to the Duchy of Varasd

Duke of Varasd, Zvonimir Konsky, has announced that House Konsky accepts the marriage proposal by Thagan, and that Stephan Konsky will marry Lady Agnes Firemoth. The date on which the marriage will be held is still under discussion between the two nations, but, if the rumours from the court are true, great feasts and celebrations shall be held.

ZVONIMIR AGREES TO MARRIAGE PROPOSAL


Bernard Zrinski, Chancellor of Varasd

On other news, several galleys have left the port-city of Zara, the main trading town of Varasd on the Adriatic sea, as well as caravans on land trade routes. The Duke of Varasd has sent out emmissaries, under the guidance of Bernard Zrinski, Chancellor of Varasd, to propose trade agreements to the involved countries. Bernard Zrinski wishes to create a "Varasdian Trade Route", both naval and on land. The naval trade would go from Judah through Cybelos to Varasd, and from Varasd either West, through Caspiatana to Montresque, or North, through Ebsotz and Polska, up to the Baltic Sea, to the Crusading States.

In the trade proposal, there is no mention in abolishment of taxes, but all agreeing partners agree to provide safe passage to caravans who are authorized to trade on these trade routes.

The proposed route of trade (click to enlarge)

[Crusader]

The Crusading States Pledges to the trade deal.

Bishop-Knight has signed the declaration proposed by Chancellor Zrinski; however a warning to all future traders we have three conditions.

1. Under no circumstances may the traders buy property or give loans to residents, inter-foreign-trader diplomacy is unaffected.

2.Traders may not stray from designated trading roads to ensure maximum safety and protection from authority. Traders may find safe passage into the country from South Prussia up into Marienburg the nations capital; to Königsberg.

3. Traders may not be accompanied by evangelizing priests, under no circumstance may a foreign priest be allowed to apostatize the Pope or Christianity.

We look most forward to the mutual wealth this agreement presents.

-Lord Steward, Reinhard von Lüneburg

[Uili Fianna]

Retrieving the Crown of Brittany



Rose of d'Hôxenie.

Specifically how the Armies of Jean the Fifth d'Hôxenie, Archprince of Bézique, Steward of the Hôxenie, Count of Doré, Count-Palette of Étasèe, and Count of Vérmilleaux marched on the Duchy of Brittany to place the rightful Duke of Brittany on the throne.

---

First, a brief history on the complicated history of Breton succession and how it has woven itself with the Archprincipality to the south and a once minor noble family ruling the small, pleasant and rather overlooked Stewardship of the Hôxenie.

Back in the days of the greatest Breton Duke, Jean-Auguste I, he was fortunate to marry into the House of Bézique when he married Térèse of Bézique. She would not bear him any children though he had a three daughters and a son from his first wife.

The House of Bézique controlled their namesake, the Archprincipality of Bézique. When his father-and-law died his brother-in-law, Sylvaine, was granted the succession over his wife, though she was older. His wife being politically ambitious rallied her husband and launched an invasion of Bézique. Her brother conceded within weeks and the couple was crowned two days later.

The Steward of Hôxenie, Jean, had sided with the Duke of Breton and was justly rewarded with the hand of the Duke's first daughter (born to his first wife), Julie of Brittany. When the old Duke died, Jean of Hôxenie succeeded him as Archprince Jean of Bézique IV. Since he was descended from the House of Bézique through his father, who was the younger brother of Térèse and Sylvaine who died at a young age. He in his own right ascended - his claim being further strengthened by his wife.

A great tragedy would sweep the Royal Household of Brittany and within a year of the ascension of Jean of Hôxenie and Julie of Brittany all her siblings had died of tuberclosis. She was set to succeed to the throne however her uncle Luq d'Homard intervened and installed himself on the throne.

Reeling at this loss of crown and country, the rulers of Bézique have waited a long time to regain their rightful throne.

Back to the present.

Jean lead his army across the boundary road separating Bézique and Brittany, he had only brought half of his invasion force under his command. His army was constituted in two parts, the larger part were mainly Béziquienne the rest where all the feudal levies he had been able to draw from the States of the Crown of Bézique. The rest of the invasion force were under the leadership of Pierre of Vermillion, a knight who had shown great skill and loyalty.

They were to confront the Breton Army at Varnes Bend, which was sliced in two by a shallow muddy river. According to his supporters in Nantes already in the south some nobles had declared loyalty to Jean. Should he have victory at Varnes Bend certain persons party to his coup had suggested that with the presence of a certain key clerical person (the Bishop of Nantes) he could proclaim himself Jean IV of Brittany on the site.

That would have to wait.

For now they had a plan to act on. Jean would confront them at Varnes Bend, while Vermillion would work his way across the river at a shallower part and come up behind the Bretons, while Jean on the other side of the river would have his pikes drawn and archers ready.

It was a bold plan that would require quick movement on Vermillion's part and maybe stalled movement on Jean's part. They had a horsemen going back and forth between the two, since they were only a few miles apart checking their progress.

To be continued...

A family tree to make things more simple.

[Polska]

11 Grudnia,




A messenger rode into Kraków today, bringing with him a traveler from the distant Southern lands. Książę Czcibor has agreed to provide safe passage for any merchants, however it is absolutely necessary that the merchants follow a designated path up to the Wisła, otherwise their safety cannot be guaranteed. A new Gród will be raised near the border, and from there a small group of experienced warriors will wait for the arrival of any merchants. They will then escort these merchants to the Wisła, where they will have access to a boat (and they'll be charged with a small usage tax), and they will have access to any Polish settlement along the river. If they should stray from this path, they may be able to find men willing to escort them, or they may not. Ksiąźę Czcibor cannot promise any security should they wish to move inland. 

[Uili Fianna]

Two Kings at Varnes Bend



Rose of d'Hôxenie.

Specifically how the Armies of Jean the Fifth d'Hôxenie did battle with Luq IV of Brittany, the most incompetent King of his day in the at the small bend of a muddy river.

---

It was just three days since the Béziquienne Archprince, Jean the Fifth had summoned the Armée d'lu Archprénnse from it's home in Hauteville and the surrounding towns, and any army he could draw from the subjects of the Crown of Bézique.This might army was designed assist in his personal goal of bringing the Kingdom of Brittany into the orbit of the Crown of Bézique.

As explained before the d'Hôxenie Archprinces of Bézique owed their Crown to Brittany. Ironic isn't it that they within three generations march an army against the very state that they owed their power. As also explained before the Archprince would confront King Luq at Varnes Bend, with two armies and greater strategy.

If all went well the Archprince would have the nice title, King of Bretons, affixed to his seal. Who knew, perhaps the acquisition of Kingdom of Brittany could be grounds enough for the raising of the rank of Bézique to a more appropriate title of Kingdom, or even High Kingdom.

Within an hour the first restoration army, under command of the Archprince would confront Luq across the water at varnes. While the second restoration army, lead by the Count Vermillion would cross and come around behind Luq, either forcing them into the open arms of the pikes and crossbows drawn across the river, or exposing their backs to the Archprince.

A rider came up to the head of the army informing them that Count Vermillion had crossed and was preparing to get behind Luq within fifteen minutes. The Archprince issued orders quickly ordering the army up and within ten minutes the army had arrived at Varnes Bend.

Not much could be said about this unremarkable place, where practically the future of northern France would be decided.  It was a small grassy plain, separated by a shallow and muddy river, lined with reeds and lily pads on either side. Ducks and weasels and a whole manner of fauna regularly frequented it. A kilometre up or upstream there was a crossing where the water just barely came up to the top of a horses hoof.

As it was summer the sun shined brightly on the water, causing little sprites of light to dance playfully on its glassy surface. On the opposing side, as on the side where the Archrpince's army stood there were trees a bit farther back, behind the long, tick-infested grass. The day was perfect for a historical battle, hot, but not too hot, a slight breeze stirred the reeds and a sparrow chirped musically.

The two kings faced one another, the one carried the white and black standard of Brittany, the other the rose-infused red-and-white standard of the Hôxenie, which had been utilized by the Archprince of Bezique ever since Jean IV. The pikemen on either side drew their pikes so that they pointed at the opposing force on the other side of the river. The Béziquienne archers drew their arrows and fired quickly from their advantageous position atop a knoll just behind the river.

The Breton archers fired back, with not as great success due to their inferior position. Just at the right moment as the tension grew and no discipline could stop the savage warriors from charging across the river at one another, Count Vermillion and his army charged out from the trees at the King of Brittany. Some of the Breton horses where spooked by the cries of the Ram's Horn (used for that very purpose) and ran into the water where they were easily picked off by the Béziquienne archers.

The Bretons decided to charge Count Vermillion hoping to gain enough ground and cut down Vermillion before the Archprince could cross the river and come to his aid. So they did, but within seconds the Archprince and his men where crossing while his archers picked off the Bretons that stayed behind to insure safe crossing. As the Bretons ran right into the arms of Vermillion the Archprince and his mainly cavalry army crossed the river and thundered across the open plains.

The Bretons valiantly fought, Count Vermillion faught Luq of Brittany hand-to-hand and paid the ultimate price, his life. Then Luq turned his attentions to Jean of Bézique who he faught and got a good chop at his leg before Jean plunged his sword into the Breton King's stomach. Within an hour the Béziquienne Armies had won a costly but sound victory. Their greatest strategist had been killed, the Archprince might never be able to walk with his right leg again.

But they won none the less and within the day the Bishop of Nantes was their to crown Jean of Bézique as King of Bretons. A great many southern nobles came to declare their loyalty and it was suggested that Jean marry Anne of Brittany his third cousin and heir-presumptive. Now all that was left to do was to root out resistance in the government and with the northern nobles, whose sympathies lay with the defeated Luqist party.

[Varasd]

CARDINAL ALDUIN DIES

Cardinal Alduin, at the age of 65, has passed away and joined God's Kingdom of Heaven. The whole Duchy is mourning together with the Court of the Duke.
A new Bishop has been appoined by Duke Zvonimir I., after Alduin has been buried with proper ceremonies. From now on, let it be known that Bishop Bakocz is representing the Duchy of Varasd towards the Church.

Bishop Bakocz
Bishop of Varasd

VARASDIAN ARMY CONQUERS NEW LANDS

The regions of Slavonia, Pannonia Inferior and Pannonia Superior have been conquered by the armies of Zvonimir I., of Varasd. All 3 provinces have been successfully conquered, and the lands have been porclaimed property of the Crown.
Prince Stephan has led the army conquering Slavonia, and has obtained a barony on his own in the area, and the soldiers have got their fair share of loot. The nobles who foughts in the campaign are inpatiently waiting for their share of lands, as they are the only ones who did not get any payment so far.

A castle under siege by Varasdian soldiers

[House of Judah]

Those who stood upon the docks of Tyrn could see the carrack slowly approaching the port. The golden Lion of Judah wreathed in olive branches painted on the sail declared its origin in one of the Judean ports. The presence of ship from Judea was not an abnormal occurrence, after all much trade with the east flowed through Judean lands before making its way to the realms of Europe. But this was no trade vessel. True, the captain of the ship had taken on some cargo to help offset the cost of the voyage, but it’s true purpose lay in the small child and the man beside who both stood upon the deck, watching Tyrn grow closer with each passing minute.

The boy was Shmuel ben Yitzchak ben Yehudah, Prince of Judeans. A single season remained until his sixth birthday. He still did not understand why he could not remain in Jerusalem with his family. “Politics,” Rav Immanuel had told him. “If ever in your life you wish to know the reason you must do a thing, it is politics.” It made no sense to the boy, but a five year old would know little about such matters anyways. Still, Shmuel could feel the trepidation in the air, understood in some small way that his father had potentially cast him into peril.

Rav Immanuel looked down at the boy with sympathy. There was no doubt that Yitzchak had sent his son into potential danger. Immanuel had known the now King of Judeans for many years and knew he did not do so lightly, nor for purposes of his own power. By sending his son to a foreign court, the King had secured an oath from Pope Leo VII, the head of the Christian faith, that his realm and his people would not come under threat by Christian lords. That oath could defend his subjects for generations to come, a worthy gain by Immanuel’s estimation. He had seen his own share of war and come to know that no matter the victor, the common man would always lose out in any conflict. The captain turned rabbi would rather live with men than kill them. He shifted his arm and felt it rub against the hilt of his sword. Then again, he would kill them if need be. The boy would be a hostage, but a well protected one.

“Remember, boy,” Immanuel said. “You are a son kings.” Shmuel nodded despite not understanding the meaning of his tutor’s words. The two watched as the ship finally kissed the pier. Crewmen jumped off the rails with rope and began tying it in place as others began lowering the gangplank. Immanuel waited patiently for the plank to be secured before motioning for Shmuel to follow him and striding off the ship. Shmuel followed closely behind as the two disembarked and approached the greeting party.

[Varasd]

ZVONIMIR SENDS MISSIONARIES TO POLSKA

King Zvonimir I. of Varasd has recuited a group of missionaries, and has sent them to the lands of the polish heathens, in order to convert the population to the true faith. Father Adalbert will lead the group of 20 missionaries, and is going to seek out the chieftain of the polish people, to gain entrance to their court, and approval from their local lord to convert the people in peace.

The missionaries are leaving Varazdin this day, and will travel though Pannonia, and territories of Ebsotz, and enter the polish lands from south, and plan to arrive in Kraków soon. They are expecting a safe travel, because they are using the route the merchants are using to reach the Baltic Sea and the Gepidae Order.

Father Adalbert, the leader of the missionaries

[Polska]

Missionaries Arrive in Polska

Drogowit sat against a tree alongside the worn path traveled on by the new merchants coming through the land, his shield laying beside him, along with a sword. Three of his eleven men were off hunting, but the other eight were resting near him, some sharpening their weapons, others praying to the Gods, others discussing personal matters. The sound of a twig breaking a few hundred meters away grabbed Drogowit's attention, his head immediately swiveling towards the noise. Several men were approaching the border, appearing to be wearing some sort of robes. 

"Hej," Drogowit called to his nearest warriors in a commanding tone, motioning his head towards the path once they looked at him. They immediately stood up, shields and spears in hand. Drogowit let his shield stay on his back for the time being, walking up to the right side of the path and setting his sword in the grass, resting his hand on its hilt. Four men stood at attention, blocking the way of the missionaries. 

"Zatrzymać!" Drogowit called out to the missionaries, putting his hand up to signal a halt as they came closer, "Jakie są twoje intencje?" He shifted his gaze between the missionaries, unsure of whether they could understand him or not.

[Juttlande]

Danish Raiding Season Arrives!

"A host of Danish vessels have been seen prowling the waters of the North and Baltic Seas; raiding commerce shipping lanes and harassing small undefended coastal settlements across Frisia, Prussia, and the Baltic. While nominally these raiding parties appear to be operating independently, the raid leaders or "Sword Danes" as the nobles who lead them are so called, are in truth a result of a carefully coordinated plan by one man - Harald Ragnarson.

As High King of the Danes, Harald I has decreed an official opening of the long sought after and bitterly debated raiding season. Following a myriad of causes from overpopulation and crop failure to restless warriors and the threat posed from Christianity, the Danes have decided that now is the time to take to the seas in plunder. Influenced by their seers and priests, and guaranteed a positive blessing from the Gods, they seek fortune and glory at the expense of their Christian neighbors; neighbors who for a long period of time have been demonized by the Danes for imposing strict and unfair trading practices on "pagan" merchants. Now, following the annual meeting at Uppsala, the Jarls of the Kingdom of Juttlande have expressed a desire to raid and pillage and have been granted permission from their King.

While these raiding parties have been largely small and disorganized, there is little in the way of them eventually becoming more coordinated militarily, and therefore posing a greater threat to stability in the North/Baltic Sea regions. Some of the so called "Sword Danes" have even expressed a desire to be hired out as mercenaries, and their ships of battle-tested warriors are full of veterans skilled at quick and mobile raids. Yet perhaps a greater danger lies simmering under the surface, a possibility that the Northmen desire to settle once they've their fill of plundering. For centuries, the Danes have attempted to settle the lands in the east and the Isle of Britain, and the future may hold such a mission on behalf of the Danish High King.

For now however, isolated raids appear to satiate the appetites of these Norse marauders, and their presence is more of a hindrance than a curse. More so, vessels bearing the raven seal of the Danish King have been spared violence, but these are far and few between belonging entirely to merchants from Cybelos. For the rest of Northern Europe however, the future is uncertain."

- Written from the accounts of raid survivors and travelers.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

Edit: Redacted

[Cybelos [ERE]]

City guards on the docks was never an unusual sight in Tyrn, but this certainly was. At least a dozen guardsmen who must have been wearing 50 pounds of armor each surrounding two, less armored, well dressed men. The first being the Duke of Tyrna, Issac of Carmanos , wearing purple underclothes beneath his ceremonial armor. The other man, a paragon of modesty, was the City Governor of Tyrn, Stylian of Tyrn, dressed in all white, sendal robes with a flowing, orange cape that somehow stayed clean whilst ever so slightly dragging upon the docks behind him.

The scouting vessel had pulled into port not a few minutes ago, telling of the incoming ship they were waiting for.  The Judean ship soom became visible in the slight murk of the early hour.

It wasn't long before the young prince, a handsome lad, Shmuel ben Yitzchak ben Yehudah (those poor Judean clerks) and his accompanying rabbi, Rav Immanuel had docked.
The boy was frightened... shocked... disappointed? If so, not in the city, one would hope. Besides, being hard to read will serve him well in the future.

The Duke, Rabbi, and Governor exchanged pleasantries, and the two Cybelosians introduced themselves to the young prince.

About as warm and comfortable as one could expect whilst surrounded by a dozen well armed guardsmen. The Prince wasn't in that much danger, surely. Though, I do suppose any incidents would cause only trouble for our fair Kingdom.

These dozen, faceless guardsmen surrounded the four on all sides on their walk to the court of King Alexander who was, himself, en route to the capital by way of Port Attis in newly conquered Aegyptus.

The Governor showed the prince, Shmuel, to his quarters in the court. Silken sheets and pillows, priceless works of art, and a view of the sea. Of course, the fineries were not going to matter much to a servant of God, who was assured that one guard would be posted outside his prince's door at all times, who would also accompany him whilst wandering the court, and that, three guards would be accompanying him if he wished to see the city proper.

I do hope silk and swords feel like home enough, I know this must be trying.

Daily observations

Stavros the Marcher
Library of Tyrn

[Varasd]

HEIR OF VARASD TO MARRY


Stephan Konsky
Heir of Varasd

Stephan, son of Zvonimir I, of House Konsky, Heir to the Kingdom of Varasd, has been bethrothed to a princess from Thagan, but as the realm fell into ruins, the marriage was cancelles.

King Zvonimir I. has such, once again sent messengers across the realms of Europe, to find a suitable bride for his son. All messengers returning shall come to Varazdin, where the King and his son will discuss the terms of marriage with all who comes.


Gisela Konsky, daughter of King Zvonimir is also unmarried, however, in the letter send across Europe, the Duke has not mentioned anything about his daughter marrying anyone yet. However, some high nobles have already proppsed marriage deals, such as Zoltan Arpad, Chieftain of the Hungarian tribes.

[Varasd]

THE NEW ROYAL GUARDS OF VARASD

After a rather short exchange of letters between King Zvonimir I., of Varasd, and Great Khan Ganbataar, of Azaq, the two rules have agreed that a group of Azaqden warriors shall travel to Varasd, where they will serve King Zvonimir I as royal guard, named as the Azaqian Guard. The ruler of Varasd has sent a large sum of gold and silver on a caravan to Azaq.

Nobody in the Kingdom of Varasd is happy about this decision, however. The slavs of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia, as well as the germans of Carniola are devout catholics, and all of them are wondering why the King is entrusting pagans to serve as his guards. The hungarians, although still pagan to some extend, are suspicious aswell, for the riders of Azaq are very much alike to the hungarian nomads, and they are seeing the Azaqian Guard as a competition. Zoltan Arpad, chieftain of the hungarians is enviously looking at the position which his people could fulfill just as well.  

The Azaqian Guard

CONQUERING LOWER HUNGARIA

The King has used his guards as soon as possible, and rounded up the hungarian tribes under his rule, who were already gathering themselves together, probably for a rebellion.
The new army of nomads - the Azaqden Guard, coming from the East, and the Hungarian tribals, from Pannonia lying to the West, have crushed the rest of the hungarian tribes, in Lower Hungaria, successfully subjugating those tribes living there. The newly conquered hungarian tribes will also be under the rule of chieftain Zoltan Arpad.
Thus, the chieftain of the hungarians, is now Lord of Pannonia and Lower Hungaria, and possesses power and might far greater than any feudal lord of West-Varasd. This, some argue, might become a problem in the future, if Zvonimir I. continues to expand east, and if Upper Hungaria becomes a fief of Zoltan Arpad aswell, he might be stronger than the King himself...

King Zvonimir I is one step closer towards conquering all of Hungaria, as only Upper Hungaria remains. No step has been made towards conquering Transylvania so far.

Map of Varasd, with it's subregions, and claims of Zvonimir I.

[Byzantine_Bithynia]

Envoys dispatched from Constantinople.

With hopes to establish diplomatic relations with nearby nations, the King has dispatched envoys from Constantinople to travel to these lands. The King and his council believe establishing proper relations with with the nearby nations is a must, especially with the other nation(s) of Greece. These envoys go with a small party, so as to make haste to their destination. Each party carries a banner displaying the coat of arms of the Corvinus dynasty and the kingdoms banner. In addition, they also bear some small gifts, for the Lord of to where they travel.

Envoys have been dispatched to the following nations: Cybelos, Judah, and Azaq.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

Edit: Redacted

[Juttlande]

Danes Land in Britain

The first Danish settlers have landed in middle England as part of a colonization effort led by their commander, Prince Knut, eldest son of High King Harald.  While not originally believed to be focused on permanent settlement so early, the Danes have nonetheless come to Britannia with designs to conquer and settle the land.

Comprised of about 600 soldiers and about 400 settlers, the host set off from their initial landing point and moved inland sacking minor villages and hamlets which refused to pay a royalty to the expedition. The expedition proceeded largely undeterred until reaching the Saxon city of Norwich where a substantial garrison forced the Danes to lay siege. Norwich's defenders were able to hold the Danes for several days before a few of them managed to set fire to the city's grain stores, thus forcing a parlay. In exchange for the city's peaceful surrender, Prince Knut decreed that it would be sparred from sacking or looting.

Establishing their new regional capital at Norwich, now renamed to Norwald, the expedition split in two; one led by Knut would resume conquering land to the south, while a second led by a Jarl Bjorn would stay to govern the newly conquered lands. The expedition led by Knut traveled several more days until crossing over into the Saxon Duchy of Suffolk where it quickly set upon the undefended monasteries and inland villages. The only army mustered to confront the Danes was led by Ethelwolf, Duke of Suffolk. The two armies clashed upon a hill overlooking the Duchy's capital of Ipswich, yet the superior Danish military prowess overpowered the Saxons and the battle ended with Prince Knut personally executing Ethelwolf with a spear. Thus the city of Ipswich surrendered and was sacked by the Danes.

Under orders from King Harald, the newly conquered territories are to be organized under a new power - The Jarldom of Norwald. As an extension of the Kingdom of Juttlande, the Jarldom shall be subject to all laws therein and shall be governed by the King's son, Knut. In subsequent weeks, Harald I plans to send additional men to further strengthen his claims in Britain.

[Azaq]

The Mongols!

The Great Khan, Ganbaatar, leader of a group of nomadic warriors including his fellow Mongols, as well many other peoples ranging from Turks, Persian, Rus', and even Greeks, has laid the foundations for a new country in the lands of Taurica and Western Sarmatia, settling his people and their allies down permanently in these lands. Unlike many Turkic and Mongolic peoples, the majority of the Khan's Host follow the god of the Persians - Ahura Mazda - and profess to the teachings of the ancient philosopher Zoroaster. The Khan has let it be known to all that he will expand his Khanate as far as he is able to, and welcomes any sword willing to join him in his conquests, regardless of their home state.

Initial contact with the kings of Varasd and Bithynia have resulted in the establishment of diplomatic relations with the two kingdoms and Ganbaatar's Khanate. The King of Varasd's request for a special guard composed of prime Azaqden warriors has been approved, and an army of great soldiers now march for Hungaria to join him in his conquests under the leadership of the warrior Markörgis, a fellow man of Christ and follower of the teachings of Nestorius. Meanwhile, the envoy sent by the King of Bithynia has been accepted into the Khan's court with open arms, and envoys have likewise been dispatched to Varasd and Bithynia, as well as the nearby Crusader States on the Baltic Coast and to the Polish tribes to their south, seeking to establish relations with them as well.

[Varasd]

Emissaries from Varasd

After an exchange of letters between Bythinia and Varasd, Bernard Zrisnki, Chancellor of Varasd, is traveling to Constantinople to discuss matters of royal marriage between the two ruling houses, and maybe even more. As to avoid the dangerous bogomil heretic lands, the Chancellor is traveling via ships from Fiume to Constantinople.

Gisela Konsky, Princess of Varasd, is not traveling with the group, but the King has ordered that preparations and gifts shall be made for the future wedding.

Bernard Zrinski before his departure

[House of Judah]

The Emir was the last of the party in the room. He looked at Cardinal Daniel: "Cardinal. I am not a young man, and I wish to learn all I can before my time is through. You briefly spoke of a monastery, and I wish to discuss it further."

"Certainly, Your Grace. As I said, it is called Beit Jimal. They operate a hospital for Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land, but you need not remain removed from the city. I had suggested it for Bishop Piero because I believed it would serve him to have a time away from the world. I will speak with His Majesty, King Yitzchak. The palace in Jerusalem has many rooms, and His Majesty may be willing to host you. Failing that, the Nazorean Guard operates a hospital not far from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Jerusalem is a beautiful city, and walking the Via Dolorosa truly can connect a man to the savior in a profound way. Come to Jerusalem and I will gladly be your teacher."

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