Rise of the Crimean Goths

[Konigreich Krim]

Chersonesus, the center of control for the Crimean peninsula, and now the goals of Lord Manroh. Kievan Rus', now the former controller of the city, had fallen in the wake of a civil war between the many states that made up the confederation and the Byzantine Empire has grown to weak to regain control of the city due to violent revolts in its eastern territory. The last contenders for the city, the Cuman-Kipchak Confederation, were now facing the threat of dissolution as ongoing disputes between the Cumania and Kipchak tribes threatened a war between themselves. Sadly for the inhabitants of Chersonesus and the Kievan Rus' garrison that remains there the Goths had been united under Lord Manroh, now declaring himself King Manroh Goth, of the new Konigreich Krim (Kingdom of Crimea).

[Rorukheim]

(Hallo!)

[Konigreich Krim]

In the camp that overlooks Gothia lies several thousand tents for the men that serve under King Manroh Goth. The largest of the tent houses the King himself and his commanders as they plot to take control of the entirety of Krim. Around a round table with a map of Krim on it stands King Manroh, High Commander Shakel, Commander Terau, Commander Ron, and Admiral Pukchau. The map highlights the key areas in Krim, Gothia, the land of the Goths and the Konigreich Krim, Cherson Griechen (Cherson Greeks) in the south, Judeland (Land of the Jews) in the north, and Turkland (Land of the Turks).

King Manroh speaks as he draws a line with his finger from the center of Gothia to Cherson, "Cherson is the prime target. If we get hold of that then we have power of this entire island. Shakel, are the Byzantines making any moves to reclaim it?"

Shakel shakes his head and answers, "No sir, they seem to be preoccupied with the rebellions in their eastern lands. Kiev seems to have lost any power to punish us for taking it, too."

Manroh grins as he is pleased to hear this news, "How many men do we have, round-table?"

Each of the commanders tell them the troops, Shakel answering, "I have gathered 1,789 men from Gothia, sir." Then Terau, "1,143 men from the outskirts." Then Ron, "764 from Gothia, I have also won the allegiance of several Turkmen tribes from the north in the promise that I would allow them a place in our future Konigreich. They didn't give the specifics on how many but I estimated that they would send around 2,000 when called forth." And finally Admural Pukchau, "I have around 400 sailors in the ranks, none of them have seen combat before and most of them were just fishermen before. I have only 5 small galleys."

Manroh nods as Admiral Pukchau's finishes his count. He then picks up several wooden pieces from the ground, with either a 'I' or 'O' encraving on it. He places a 'O' by the coast of Gothia and places four 'I' pieces in the center. He looks up to his men, "What your recommendations?"

They look at each other before Terau blurts out, "As you said sir our primary target is Cherson. I recommend that we send most of our troops towards the city while keeping a few hundred in Gothia."

Admiral Pukchau follows, "I agree, I can send my fleet to take control of Kertsch Strait if I am supported by a small detachment of troops on the peninsula."

Ron then provides his input, "We could use our Turkmen allies in order to secure the rest of Krim, I would personally lead them."

Shekal looks at Ron, "We cannot take too much territory at once, when we take Cherson most of our troops will have to remain in the region to pacify it." He looks back at Manroh, "I recommend we hold off on the invasion of northern Krim until we secure Cherson and the strait."

Manroh nods, "I agree with Sherkal." He grabs the 'O' piece and moves it to the strait, "Admiral Pukchau will blockade the strait, Commander Terau will support him with a small detachment of 200 men at the Kertsch Peninsula." He moves an 'I' piece to the peninsula before grabbing another 'I' piece and moving it to the border between Gothia and Turkland, "Commander Ron, you will make sure our northern border is secure with 1,000 men and our Turkmen allies." He grabs two 'I' pieces and moves them to Cherson, "Commander Shekal, you will come with me to Cherson with 2,000 men. I will lead the attack on the city personally..." With the last remaining 'I' in Gothia, he says, "Distribute the remaining men in groups of 10 that will patrol the interior of Gothia, lead by a Sub-Group Commander." He looks up at the men, "Those are my orders, if you have any protest then speak your mind now or keep it sealed."

None of the men say anything as Manroh gazes at the lot, "Good, Shekal, gather the men. I want the rest of you to do the same. Ron, once you gather the men then head immediately to the border. Terau, after you gather the men then escort Pukchau to the fleet and you will both head to the strait at the same time. I will leave in the morning and march the army towards Cherson no later than noon. Once you are in position then send a messenger to Cherson. Move out." The group of men dissipate and leave the tent, Manroh remaining.

He looks at map of Krim with an almost lustful smirk and steps back as he wonders how the battle will be.

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