Re: Local News

[Cybelos [ERE]]

Bogomilism Declared Heresy, Inquisition Formed

"Bogomils, these devil-worshipers, since they choose to show such irreverence, they will be banished, or if uncooperative, put to the sword." Strong words from an otherwise liberally spoken King. But with the destruction of churches and ancient temples in fair Thessaly, this group has forced our King's hand.

King Alexander I, has on this day, proclaimed the formation of a Inquisitional Council in order to root out these Bogomils wherever they lie. This group, formed in the northern realms, has been granted permission to drive out and banish these Bogomils back to the Balkans or, if unwilling, the Council has been granted the use of the Royal Army to 'assist' with the removal of these heathens.

Finally, King Alexander I, has granted the clans that make up the Isles of Cybelos the permission to raid all Balkan coastal cities that have fallen to Bogomilism. These wariors are to not wear any identifying marks of Cybelos. Their only instruction is to be merciless in the destruction of all that would benefit these Bogomils. These brave warriors are to carry crosses with them, which they are to plant in all vanquished village centres.

Isle Clansmen beginning an assault on Bogomil villages in the Balkans

[Kingdom of Calabria]

Bishop Piero Cosenza: "It is the joint stance of the Calabrian Diocese and the Greater Sicilian Diocese to embrace the Bogomils and let them worship how they see fit. We can tolerate all means of religious worship. The teachings of the Gnostics and Priest Bogomil are not without some merit, and deserve further study. What must be eradicated, not through force, but through proper religious instruction, is the Hedonistic aspects of this sect. Mainly, one must be vigilant of any inklings of the moral decay that is Messalianism, which has seeped into recent Bogomil thought. We can have differing religious viewpoints without burning a church to the ground. We can have an open discussion of ideas without riots. Above all, we must have Decency and Goodness. We must reject the extreme sexual indulgences and ritualistic excesses of the Messalian-influenced, while embracing the Bogomils into our flock."

[Byzantine_Bithynia]

King Varius declares Bogomilism heresy and border patrols to be doubled.

King Varius spoke today to the people of Constantinople, declaring that Bogomilism is to be considered Heresy, in light of their aggression, and that they must be stopped from entering Bithynia. Soldiers in the Constantinople, Kyzikos, and Abydos Parvos-Themata have been placed on alert and border patrols increased. Reserves are being brought from the Herakleia and Nikaea Parvos-Themata to reinforce the troops in Constantinople, Kyzikos, and Abydos. The King has said that there are already some of these heretics suspected to be within the Constantinople, Kyzikos, and Abydos Parvos-Themata, and has promised that they will be found and be banished from the land.

The King has also dispatched small parties to combat these heretics outside of Bithynian land, and has pledged that it will not be allowed to grow unchallenged near Bithynian borders. Currently all people within the Constantinople, Kyzikos, and Abydos Parvos-Themeta are being warned to be on the watch for any suspected heretics and to report them to the local watch immediately.

Parvos-Themata currently on alert and receiving reinforcement
Parvos-Themata currently not on heightened alert.

[Varasd]

"Sound the horns, raise the banner, rally the men!"
- King Zvonimir I.

King Zvonimir I., King of Varasd, Lord of Croatia, Carniola, Pannonia, and Lower Hungaria has given an order to rally all men who have the duty to bear arms. The banderiums of the feudal Lords from Carniola and Croatia, the levies of the Royal Free Cities, and the hungarian tribes under Chieftain Zoltan Arpad have been ordered to join the King's Banner in Croatia, close to Varasdin Castle.

The Old King is leading the army on his own, with his son, Stephan, commanding the Left Wing, and the Chieftain of the hungarians, Zoltan Arpad, is commanding the Right Wing.  

The mobilisation completed quickly, because most soldiers didn't even have the time to go home after conquering Lower Hungaria. The King has ordered that a massive cross shall be carried on a cart, which is leading the army. It is unknown for now, for what purpose the King is marching, but rumors speculate that the Bogomil heresy, which is already causing trouble in South Varasd, may be the cause, though the army seems much greater than what would be needed for that, as 12.000 men have gathered under the King's banner. Most of the soldiers are horsemen, with around 5000 hungarian light cavalry, and 3000 heavy cavalry, the rest is infantry.

The Varasdian army

[Azaq]

It had been many days since the initial conquests in the Lower Dnieper Basin, and Khan Ganbaatar's army had marched to the south, to the peninsula known by the Greeks as 'Tauris' or 'Taurica'. Strung along it's coast lay several Greek cities, ripe for the picking. The Khans army had laid siege to them, obliterating their defenses and seizing them for his new country. Kalos Limin was the first to fall, Kerkinitis second, Neapolis and Chersonisos fell almost at the same time, while Symbola fell later. After the conquest of these western cities, the army marched east and seized Theodosia, followed by Psoa, Nymphaion, and lastly Pantikapeon.

Chersonisos, Neapolis, and Theodosia took the longest to siege, as their stubborn resistance dragged on the inevitable. Psoa was the only city to surrender without a fight, sparing it from much of the looting, burning, raping, and killing that would have otherwise come to it through violent conquest. But by far the most memorable seen would be at Symbola, the southernmost city. There the Khan personally saw off the ships carrying those lucky enough to escape, and as they looked back at the mighty Mongol standing triumphantly on the stone docks, he raised his fist in the air, and shouted to them "And so let it be known from here on out, I, Khan Ganbaatar, rule these lands of Taurica and Sarmatia as one united Khanate - Azaq!" They would not forget his words, and as their ships docked in Greek ports in Bithynia and the Peloponnese, so spread the tales of conquests by the Mongolian Khan.

Not too far from Symbola to the east, the Khan stood at the edge of the sea, looking out over the sea and the lands behind him. As he observed the land, he was confident - this is where he would build his new capital - and so began the construction of the city of Azaq.

[House of Judah]

The Nazorean Guard has taken possession of a centuries old hospital on the Muristan in the Christian Quarter.  The property has been put to various other purposes since it was last operated as a hospital for Christian pilgrims, including most recently as rugmakers workshop and store.  The Nazoreans, using funds donated by Christian lords whose sons have found homes in the ranks of the Nazoreans, have purchased and renovated the hospital to once again serve as a hostel for Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem as well as to be a headquarters for the Christian knights who serve the King of Judeans.  The site is within a network of shops and is only a short walk from the Church of the Holy Sepulcre.  It is expected that it will soon be filled with pilgrims who have come to Jerusalem to walk the steps of the Via Dolorosa and to see the site where the Miracle of the Resurrection occurred.  Aloys de Narbonne, the Captain of the Nazorean Guard, has announced there are further plans to construct a hospital in the port city of Jaffa, where many pilgrims arrive in the Holy Land by sea.

[Byzantine_Bithynia]

Constantinople, the Great Palace.

Darkness had descended upon the Earth, and most honest folk were fast asleep. In the Great Palace of Constantinople this was also true, with the royal family having retired to their respective chambers and gone to sleep. To ensure their safety guards patrolled the palace even in these late hours, but tonight someone else would join them in their quiet wandering of the palace.

A man, wearing a dark robe and armed with a short sword, crept around the back of the palace where he could not be seen by the guards. He securely grasped a protrusion from the wall, and began to climb. He was careful not to loose his grasp, but also careful not to make too much noise. He knew well the behavior of the palace guards, he had been one after all, and they were practically trained to be paranoid. If he made even the slightest sound that was out of place, there would be guards swarming the back of the palace, and he'd likely be killed.

After what seemed like an eternity to him, he finally reached the top of the palace, and pulled himself onto the roof. He crawled across the roof, occasionally looking down at the wall left of him, until he had reached his destination. He peered over the edge, and saw two guards stood on the ground talking with each other. The man slowly came to the edge, and began to position himself to climb down the wall that now was afront him - all the while carefully watching the guards below. He reached the lower sill of the window, and began to open the window. Once it was open he slipped into the room and closed the window again. He had entered a room that served as a small library, with a couple of chairs and some shelves of books. He looked around the room until he found a book simply titled "Affectus". He removed the book, and opened it, revealing that the pages had been cut out making a small compartment. Inside was a key, which the man took.

The sound of footsteps and quiet whispering told the man that the guards were coming, so he quickly placed the book back in the shelf and moved the the corner of the room. The Guards passed the room, as noted by the light of their torches passing. After a couple minutes had passed the man crept over to the door, and slowly opened it. The hallway was empty, and so the man exited the room. He walked down the way the guards had gone, but reaching a point where the hallway split, went the direction opposite of them. He reached the quarters of one of the members of the royal family, Lutatia. He quietly opened the door using the key from the book, being extra quiet as Lutatia was sleeping within, and moved along the side of the bed. He removed from his tunic a small paper, and placed it on the table beside the bed. He then exited the room, and made his way to another family members room. He found the room belonging to Aemilia, and slipped the key under her door. He then made his way back to the room he came in from, and took with him the book titled "Affectus". He climbed out of the window, again careful not to alert the guards below, and once again made his way along the room. Finally he climbed down the back wall of the palace, and walked off into the street.

"You there, stop."

The words made the man freeze in place, slowly turning to see a guard behind him - with his spear lowered towards him.

"What are you doing walking around here so late at night?" the guard asked him, and though a mail aventail covered his face, the man could tell the guard was not in the greatest of moods.

"I'm sorry, I was just passing by, I have no ill intent I assure you."

The guard grunted, and raised his spear.

"Next time you plan on walking near the palace don't wear things that make you look like a spy of some sort."

"Of course, I apologize once again, I just wore this as it's a bit cold out tonight." The man said in reply.

The guard said nothing more, merely bidding the man go on with a wave, and turning back to his patrols.

The man was all too happy to get going, and sighed with relief as he made his way down the empty streets. His job was complete, and he hadn't been caught. Things were off to a good start.

[Varasd]

THE MARCH OF THE VARASDIANS

A runner arrived at the King's tent. He could barely breathe, as he was utterly tired. After long seconds, the King came out from his tent to read the message.  With his shaking hands, without any words, the messenger held a scroll to the King - with the Seal of the Papacy on it. King Zvonimir took the scroll and opened it slowly, all his commanders and soldiers looking at the scene in utter silence. They all knew, that this moment would decide the fate of this campaign, and Varasd itself. The King opened the scroll, and after reading it, he looked upon his army.

"Break camp, soldiers! We are crossing the Danube today!"

The Varasdian army rejoiced as one, and in a moment the longing for home was completely forgotten. The army quickly crossed the Danube, and landed in foreign territory, establishing a solid outpost from where supplies could be sent.

Varasdian soldiers crossing the Danube

After the initial camp was established, the vanguard of the army which scouted ahead quickly met resistance - a group of bogumil heretics, led by some minor feudal lords who took up their cause and became their military leaders. An unorganised, rabble, but it was still dangerous. The army did not expect to meet enemies to quickly, and if the first encounted East of the Danube was lost, the morale of the men would fade as quickly as they crossed. At the Iron Gates, the small battle was fought between the Varasdian Vanguard and the Bogumils - after a crushing charge, the lines of both sides dissolved, and the battle turned into chaos.

However, the Varasdians outnumbered the Bogumils in terms of heavy cavalry, and after the heretic knights were slain, captured or fled, the Bogumil infantry - mainly armed peasants - were killed and routed as well. The Battle at the Iron Gates was won, and later by the chronicle writers it would be remembered as a heroic crossing of the Varasdian army through the Danube against a horde of heretics - nothing like it actually was.

But this was only the first taste of what the Varasdians could expect from the Bogumils, and this was exactly what the soldiers least wanted: a long guerilla war against hiding heretic skirmishers, without a desicive battle.

The Battle at the Iron Gates

The map the campaign, red = past route of the army; red dotted = planned route of the army

[Varasd]

THE LONG MARCH IN THE MOUNTAINS

King Zvonimir looked at the long valley infront of himself. After long and harsh marches and manouvering, his army was able to encircle a larger group of heretics into this valley. Now it was time to finish off the job. He was glad his son was not around to witness this - the old King thought that it would leave the Prince scarred.

"They will burn in hell anyways, why not prepare them for the afterlife?" - One of his commanders asked when deciding what to do with the trapped enemy army, and Zvonimir liked the idea.

A dozen of small villages dotted the landscapes, and soon they were all on fire. Screams and cries echoed through the valley, breaking the silence of this chilly night. The fires grew bigger, and spread quickly, as if the roaring flames of the separate villages would want to merge together, to engulf the whole world in flames. They only reached the end of the valley though, as the King did not want to damage his future province too much, and has prepared the rest of his army to secure that the fire doesn't get out of control.

Lightly armoured riders, armed with bows, arrows and sabres appeared, and they were let through the blockade. The hungarians did their job well, and they deserved some raiding - their troops have taken the most casualties anyways. The nomads preferred horses, and as it was almost impossible to separate a hungarian from his horse, they fought on horseback even in rough terrain and forests too. Many of them died because of this, and Zvonimir did not mind too much. The hungarian nomads had to be ruled with an iron fist, and bleeding them out a little was a good way to do so.

About 200 bogumils were taken hostage, and all of them were blinded except for one, who would lead them home. The news about the "Firecage of Zvonimir" have spread quickly, and not even just in Transylvania, but much further. The example has been set, and now Zvonimir expected that the settlements ahead would be more than willing to surrender and get rid of the heretics, and the only hard nut to crack would be Kolozsvar, which was the main city of this region, and was heavily fortified too.

Villagers fleeing from their burning homes

[Asp Bulghar]

THE INVASION OF WALLACHIA

The Petty Czar, Svetoslav, has decided that its time to conquer the lands north of the, the region of Wallachia, declaring that the Bogomils shall be expelled and that his royal blood, which is also part Wallachian,

The first signs of the invasion began yesterday, when the Dunabe Warband crossed the river, and started pillaging the southern territories of the region. The warband started /forcefully/ conscripting peasants into joining  the army in the quest of invading the region. The army also burned down, sacked and destroyed whole resisting villages, and is spreading out very fast to all the lands in the small province, to ensure that they take control. Meanwhile, our czar is preparing to leave Tyrnovo and march and help capturing the region as well. A large warband, located in Dobrudja, is also preparing to start their attack on Wallachia.


Further news shall be reported later, as the only reported army, the Dunabe Warband, strictly disallows to report their current situation and such, tho we can assume, for the moment at least, that they aren't suffering too many casualties.

[Kingdom of Calabria]

The journey had been arduous enough going from San Donato to Rome, and Archduke Saverio was not entirely looking forward to the road back.  It would be reward enough to be in his own bed in his own chambers, but he wasn't quite sure about actually getting there.  He had only planned to be in Rome but a few days and the Emir's son had stormed off in quite a fit on the first day.  He thought it would be best for the Emir to head back to Malta immediately, so he could settle his affairs and his family.  Saverio had seen something behind Hadi's eyes in those last moments.  Not hatred, and not pity, but almost a combination of the two.  Harisah was a cunning politician, always striving to do what was in the best interest of his Principality, but he was a poor father.  Saverio knew that Harisah had very much kept the Pope from coming down with a stiffer hammer.  "I owe him," he said out loud.

"Who? My brother?" asked Marco.

"Your brother?  Your brother?!  Your brother...." Saverio sighed.  "Your damn brother is where he belongs: nowhere near me.  And I suggest you do the same.  After all, it was your jurisdiction and your leadership which allowed this to happen.  Apennino, the home of the Cosenzas.  The Cathedral in Reggio, the Home Church to Piero.  Is there anything else subversive growing under your 'watchful eyes'?"  Marco dropped his gaze.  He realized he had spoken out of turn.  "When we return to Calabria will we find a vast populist movement meant to topple nobles?  Do we not already have a Republican style of governance!?  Do not think my aged ears have gone deaf."  Saverio stopped.  His arm was in some pain, but he could not show it.  Instead, he took out his physical pain on his distant relative.  "If it wasn't for your Great-great-grandfather bedding a Russo you and your family would still be scraping sheep shit from my barn walls."

"Master, please," cautioned Guido.

"You're right, Guido,"  and once again the Archduke sighed, although this time it was labored.  "Marco, go home.  I have no further use for you.  It seems as though this trip has been a complete waste of your time."  With a bow more polite and practiced than it was heartfelt, Marco silently took his leave.  Saverio coughed once into a handkerchief.  He recognized that familiar metallic taste.  He knew immediately what it was without having to look at it.  

"Your grace," Guido mumbled.

Saverio grumbled and quickly changed the subject.  "Hopefully the Cardinals take my recommendation regarding Bishop Nascimbeni.  Piero has become a disgrace to the Cosenza name, and to The Church, and --" his voice became gravely.  Saverio suddenly gripped his chest, and gripped tighter to the arm of his manservant.  A sharp pain, which felt very much like that time he had been stabbed, pierced him.  The coughing fit came fast, and it didn't stop. "Luckily we are out of sight of the Cardinals," thought Saverio.  "The Calabrese are already seen as weak and unable to handle our own affairs.  They cannot also see me ill."

"Master!" exclaimed Guido.  "We must rest here in Rome.  You cannot travel in your current state."

"Guido.  I fear I am near my end.  Send for some wine."

---

* * * * * * * *

---

"Thank you for coming with me," Emir Harisah said to Luca, the son of the Archduke.

"We cannot have such an important official traveling by himself," joked Luca.  He turned in his horse to count the members of the Emir's caravan.  "I mean, what's this? Twenty men at your beck and call?  Real 'lonely', I'd say."  The two men laughed heartily for a time. "Emir, Hadi will never go for Jerusalem.  Cardinal Daniel is a warm-hearted man; he has wisdom and strength.  But Hadi is short tempered.  If you don't mind me speaking freely I always thought him an odd fit as Grand Admiral."

"It was a token gesture from your father,"  explained Harisah.  "A good one, at that.  We became a united people, the Muslims and the Calabrese, when Paolo betrothed his only heir to me.  The elevation of a Muslim to some sort of military control?  Integration and peace.  A genius move.  And now I fear that I may have breeched that peace.  What will my people say when I return as a Christian?  What will my family..."  His eyes began to water.

"You did what you thought was right.  And that is enough," said Luca.  "Listen, if I know Hadi, he is already in Floriana shouting the news from the rooftops.  By the time we get there the shock should have worn off."

Harisah rolled his eyes.  "I hope you are correct."

[Varasd]

THE SIEGE OF KOLOZSVAR

The Armies of Varasd had met little resistance after the Firecage of Zvonimir, in Transylvania. Most heretics have fled towards South, using the anarchy in the bulgarian lands, and avoiding the newly set up Varasdian patrols. They hope to reestablish a stronger foothold on the Balkans, now that their northern expansion has stopped.
The rest of them, however, has pulled back in the town of Kolozsvar, using the towns fort as their last stand. They hope to outlive the attackers, and reclaim Transylvania after the siege was broken. The townspeople are willing to submit to Zvonimir, but the heretic leaders are keeping order in the city with an Iron First.

Some have escaped and told the Varasdians that the townsfolk are on the verge of rebelling against the heretics, and this gave the King the final push.
After encircling the city, the King has grouped his best soldiers together, and has ordered an attack against the main gates of the city, with a battering ram to lead them. If the First Gates are breached, the heretics will not be able to hold themselves against both the townsfolk, and the Varasdians, in the same time.

More than a thousand infantrymen have died, but in the end, the gates were breached. The second wave, consiting of the german heavy cavalry who spearheaded through the now open gates into the city, suffered heavy losses as well, the first Banderium (thousand men) was killed to the last man. The second wave succeeded though, with the hungarian nomads constantly shooting arrows over the walls to loosen the heretics grip.

After the second wave, the heretics, who blockaded the streets and set up tight defense points, were attacked in the rear by angry mobs. Soon, it turned into a massacre, and hours later, the people of Kolozsvar have welcomed King Zvonimir as their liberator from the oppressive heretic rule - obviously not mentioning at all that months ago they were all heretics, but King Zvonimir did not care about that either. They were his subjects now, and he shall rule them with justice and an iron fist.

Not long after the siege, a group of hungarian nomads requested audience to King Zvonimir. They were all dressed well, with golden scabbards, and fine fur cloaks - tribal chieftains - and brought earth, water, and a horse for Zvonimir. Infront of the whole army, and the people of Kolozsvar, the last hungarians tribes submitted to the King of Varasd - the conquest of the Carpathian basin was over. The King could rest now, and solidify his rule in the Kingdom.

The First Gates are about to be breached

[Azaq]

When the Bogomils first arrived on the western border, the Khan considered slaughtering them en masse, but instead he allowed them through, letting them settle on the edge of the border in the unsettled lands. He had for the Bogomils, but they did not know this. They saw his fake smiles and relaxed posture and believed him to be their benevolent lord, saving them from the terrible fates that may await them in their Christian homelands.

But in truth, he despised them even more than he did ordinary Christians. These "Temple Burners", as he called them, earned his ire merely by existing, and he would not have them on his land any longer than necessary. He let them come and build up, in droves, as more and more piled over the border. Soon they numbered almost in the exact same numbers as the combined Christians in his realm, and with this he was content. They would not last the night.

----------

The caravan carrying the riches the Bogomils had plundered arrived in the newly constructed capital, which continued to expand as the Khan allocated funds and supplies to the city in order to improve it, and make it's Greek-built counterparts in the rest of the Azaq seem like dirty hovels in comparison. As the caravan entered the city it was met with the distrusting, watchful eye of the city guard, and the utter hatred of the eyes of Christian workers, citizens, and soldiers. These Christians - composed solely of Nestorians and Greek Christians - had heard tales of the Bogomil crimes, their burning of churches and assault of priests. Putting their theological beliefs aside, they shared their hatred for the Bogomil heretics together, and made little attempt to hide it.

"Heretics!"

"Church-burners!"

"Blasphemous dogs!"

Every now and then a new, more creative, more insulting insult would be thrown out from a random individual, or perhaps from an unseen place. As the caravan drew closer to the palace walls, the insults grew louder, and the guard presence increased. The doors opened gently, and the caravan was allowed entrance. The Bogomils entered the courtyard, unloading a small chest of gold as the Khan exited from his palace, accompanied by his imperial guard, the multi-ethnic Kheshig.

He approached slowly, smiling the same smile and upholding the same relaxed posture as he had when he first welcomed the Bogomils into Azaq. It was a farce in every sense of the word.

"Greetings, great Khan,"

The Bogomil began, speaking in bastardized Greek. The Khan himself knew very little of the language, and so relied on a translator.

"We are most pleased you allowed use entrance, and are willing to hear our proposal. You see, great Khan, we require assistance... it will not be long before the Pope sends his army of misguided blasphemers to lay siege to our lands. This is why we ask for your assistance, great Khan. We are willing to pay a great deal in tribute, if you would lend your forces when the time comes."

The Khan paid no mind to the mans words, in fact, he did his best to simply ignore everything he said, even as it was translated. He merely smiled and nodded.

"I hear your plea, and for the right price I will lend my forces to those that wish to hire them..."

He slowly approached the unloaded chest and opened it, taking a good look at the loot inside and then nodded. Without saying a word, he motioned for his guardsmen to unload the tribute, and gestured to the Bogomil that he may leave.

"Much appreciated, great Khan."

The Bogomils turned to leave, but just as they did the Khan spoke up, and as he did the Bogomils turned back to face him... only for the one he was speaking to to be struck with an arrow to the neck. The Bogomil grasped at his neck as he fell to the ground.

"...If I so desire."

The Khan said, proudly and coldly, smiling as he watched his guardsmen slaughter the rest of the caravan and take everything from it and the bodies of the Bogomils. He turned back to the one of his guardsmen.

"It is time to evict the Bogomils from Azaq... and from life."

----------

Unaware of the situation in the capital, the Bogomils slept peacefully and quietly that night, relying on protection from a division of the Khan's own army, who unbeknownst to the Bogomils, was entirely composed of Christians.

When the bird landed in the coop, the soldiers enthusiastically awaited for their captain to retrieve the message tied to it's leg. He read it aloud, albeit quietly, and the soldiers smiled. Their captain looked up and smirked.

"Well? What are you waiting for?"

The soldiers spread the word quickly, and they moved quickly yet silently through the Bogomil camps, pouring oil around three of the four sides of the camps, leaving one side open for them. They soon lit a ring of fire around the camps, and pushed into the Bogomil camps, entering tent after tent, and killing every man and woman they came across. Many of the women, mostly young, were raped either before their death, or sometimes even after it. Children were taken from their parents, and sent back to the soldiers awaiting outside the camps where they would be raised as "proper" Christians.

The screams of the Bogomils could be heard for miles, many tried to fight but were unable to overwhelm the superior numbers of their Christian butchers. No respect was shown for their bodies, and their valuables were looted as their tents were set aflame with their bloodied, defiled corpses inside. Some managed to jump the flamed walls and make it into the woods, the few survivors would either die in the wilderness or make it back to the Bogomil heartlands and inform them of the massacre.

As the fires went out, the Khan proudly let word get out about what had occurred. Making sure to let the Bogomils know that he appreciated their "donation", and making it absolutely clear that they were not welcome in his lands so long as he lives.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

Theon walked the patrol route of the walls, he had heard them all. "Bastard" it stung, even if Theon would never admit it. Even Cisseus had mentioned to him that the guest, that rabbi had called him bastard, a guest of this Kingdom, such gall. Theon had made quick friends of his Kingdom's soldiers, identifying more with them than these coxcombs at court.

Theon sighed and looked out at 'his' city, he saw a far hill, a fortification built atop, the perfect location, but the stone was ancient and crumbling, barely any soldiers guarding it, pathetic. He would talk with Alexander, he thought. Enough of spending this influx of gold on foolishness, wines from the furthest areas from Athens possible, silken robes and other 'finery'. He would turn this city and this Kingdom around, they won't have time to call him bastard when they're proclaiming him the champion of the realm. He would have this city's fortifications rebuilt, he would have this army supplied with steel, swords better than a Damascus master-smith could possibly dream of, ships so beautiful, and plentiful that the most prolific Vandal would weep in self-loathing.

For now, he would use what he could, the merchants. He would have them spread the fact that the Greeks are the most powerful force in the world, and by the time those from the furthest corners of the world arrived it would be so. The world would be told that God himself blessed Athens with mountains impassable. Agealeo, Parnitha, Penteli, and Hymettus would be the seats of the Gods of old as far as any were concerned. The Thriasian Plain would be filled with the gold of wheat unthreshed and the stone silver of the fortifications that protect her. The Saronic Gulf would be home to the largest navy this world had ever seen he promised himself.

For now he would speak with Alexander, and the fortifications of Athens would be rebuilt, he would make it his duty.

[Scilenia]

High Duke orders fort construction near Byzantine Bithynia

High Duke Fima Jérémie orders the construction of a wooden fort near-by Byzantine boarders. Named fort Joseph, for his son, the Fort is being built to protect Romaniian interests. This fort will have a stationed garrison of 1,000, ranging from longbowmen to spearman. The fort will be completed in 4 weeks.

[Scilenia]

High Duke orders the creation of high walls in Dârvari

Before

Planned Walls

The Romaniium High Duke has ordered the construction of High Walls around Dârvari. These walls will provide space for city defenses and will hold the barracks for the city guard. With these walls, a moat will be built around the city, along with two gateways to enter and leave the city. These construction projects will be completed in 5 years.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

Lysander and Philo were fed well, hid away from the populace they found sleep at last. Athens however would be no place for the men, it was thought that Constantinople could use them for greater things. The men were hidden in plain brown robes of the common man and placed on a ship destined for Constantinople. They wouldn't find true rest just yet, but hopefully the people of Bithynia would be pleased to see that their martyr still lives. The ship flagged down the city hoping for an escort in through the blockade.

[Byzantine_Bithynia]

Upon them flagging the city, two small naval vessels came up alongside the ship, and a man from one of the vessels shouted to the ship that they would need to undergo inspection before they would be escorted through, just to be safe. After this two small rowboats were lowered from the larger vessels, and they came up next to the ship. Each rowboat held five soldiers, who boarded the ship and began to look around. They were primarily looking for anything that wouldn't be allowed to pass through the blockade, and focused little on the faces of the people aboard. After looking around for some time, the soldiers told the crew all was well, and headed back to their vessels. The naval vessels would escort the ship through the blockade.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

With acquisitions in Northern Africa secured the Cybelian Navy has made use of the mighty river Nile. In order to instill fear in any enemies of the east 40 majestic elephants are to be transported up the Nile 20 cows and 20 bulls, all tuskers, bought from the local tribes in the bush of Africa.

It is the hope of the Cybelian Kingdom to breed and maintain the imposing creatures and with experts from the Chola Dynasty perhaps perfect these animals as a tool in war, and improving on any faults they have in that regard, but mainly they are to be used for transporting goods in areas that horses could not cross, allowing generals on their backs for a uninterrupted view of the battlefield, or assistance with agriculture. 30 of these elephants are to remain in Africa, the remaining 10 are to be sent to Athens. It is the hope of the more influential merchants to sell the massive creatures throughout Europe or perhaps just to sell their meat and ivory.

[Kingdom of Calabria]

THE END OF THE REPUBLIC?

Guido wiped the tears from his eyes as he read aloud what he had been instructed to write.

"Matteo:

Your father is dead. You are now Archduke, and I will serve you as I have served your father.

I remain, your brother in sorrow,

Guido Narducci."

"Good work, friend," wheezed the Archduke. His health had deteriorated severely recently, and the incoming news had not been positive: The death of the Pope, the cleaving of Christianity, and word of the Emir's sons absconding to the Gepidean Hinterlands with Calabrese naval vessels in search of the Northern Caliphate. "Send that. Immediately. I meet my Father tonight. Before I go. Guido. Pen this. To Basil."

[The Shi Empire]

The Journey the West shall continue!

Following many months of discussion between City councils and Emperor Shi Liang has declared the Journey to the West following many months of the formation of Shi. The expedition has already set off and hopes in time it shall come into contact with western nations, where it is hoped trade can begin among them. A single, large trading cart shall be joining the armed expedition, carrying such things as rice, teas, silk, and other things from the far east. It is hoped that the westerners are welcoming off those who come from the east as Shi needs to establish trade with the west and with the east. With the promise of trading eastern goods westwards, it should benefit Shi which could become a gateway to the orient.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

Prince Theon declared ruler over Greek Africa

In order to gain experience in his future reign over Hellas, your Prince, Theon, now taking up the name of Leandros is to take administrative control over Greek Africa from the palace at Alexandria. We wish him and his advisors luck in the utmost.

Knights of Saint Catherine Formed

The first measure taken by Prince Leandros that affects all of the Egyptian holdings has been to form an order of Knights out of the monastery atop the God-Trodden Mountain of Sinai. The order has been tasked with protecting all Orthodox people in the region and to protect any pilgrims in the area. Also, watchtowers are to be constructed along the borders of Greek controlled Egypt to act as a warning of incoming armies or large groups of travellers. Any faithful man wishing to better himself is welcome to join the order if they can pass the trials.

[Aegyptus]

Death On The Nile

Prince Amethu of Egypt, heir to the throne, was found dead. The prince had evidently been murdered in his sleep, as he was stabbed viciously multiple times. This has caused great turmoil in the Royal Family and in Aegyptus. No motives could have existed, though Prince Amethu was known for his increasing lean towards Orthodoxy, and many are opposed to an Orthodox ruler.

Inhabitants of major cities like New Kemet and, soon, Alexandria if Cybelos allows it, will see increased security in the coming days. It has become clear that His Majesty, Ruler-Priest Amyrtaeus I will not
rest until he finds justice. As to the next ruler of Aegyptus, with the death of the heir to the throne, Prince Demetrius has become the new heir.

Finally, the funeral will occur right after the 70-day mummification process.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

30th of April, 1006

An apparition appears upon the heavens. The skies of Egypt, Greece, and most of the world are crimson-lit.
The people in the palace of Alexandria find themselves clamoring.
Their princess, Ahmes occupies the royal hospital area, a child due any minute.

The child, a boy, Philip; named for his paternal grandfather.
He would be due to be King in time. What does the mark upon the sky indicate? Good or ill?
Or, perhaps, nothing at all.
Whatever the case might be we wish the young prince a long life and a prosperous reign.

OOC

[Azaq]

Theodosia

"Quickly, to the ships!"

The many men and women bused themselves to the ships docked in the harbor of Theodosia under the cover of darkness, unaware of the enclosing lights behind them. It was only until they heard marching that they deduced they were being followed. Looking back they saw them - the guards - approaching in great number. The women and young children fled to the boats, while the elder men stood their ground and withdrew their swords.

"By order of the Khan, the teachings of the former Orthodox Bishop and Patriarch of Theodosia, Vasilis Michelakis, are declared illegal and all followers of said teachings are to be arrested. As such, you are ALL under arrest. Drop your weapons and comply immediately, or be executed."

The guards' demands went unacknowledged, as the men only readied their weapons.

"Kill any who stand in our way, arrest the others!"

The guards charged the Vasilists, as the latter fought back. Boat after boat was launched as the battle became bloodier, and it was clear the guards were winning. Undeterred the Vasilists continued to fight until it became impossible for them to wound - let alone kill - another guard. Quickly they began to flee, either jumping into the water or onto the boats as they departed. Those that didn't make it were slain in cold blood without remorse, as the guardsmen sent to the port were Orthodox Christians, and felt no shame in putting down what they saw as heretics. Archers soon took to the port, firing into the water and slaying many Vasilists who sought to swim to the boats. When not a soul was left in the water, they ignited their bows with fire and launched at the boats. The screams of the men, women, and children set ablaze did not seem to bother many of them.

Still, they could not keep some of the ships from escaping, and they sought no reason to chase after them.

"Where are we to sail to?"

"Constantinople."

The ships set sail for the City of Constantine with haste.

[Sponsored content]