Re: Local News

[Ebsotz]

EBSOTZ DECLARES IMPERIAL CROWN

Krizanic

In an attempt for medieval Europe to finally recognize Emperor Nicholas's rise to power, Cardinal Bartholomew of Ybbsitz officially makes an imperial statement. As news spread like wildfire throughout central Europe, horse riders have already carefully carried the news throughout Varasd, Ebsotz, Scilenia, Byzantine Bithynia, and soon, Azaq.
-
Varazdin

"Aghh, blast! This fog! Wait a second...candle light. Posted signs".

It was only seconds later that the rider caught sign of the looming wall up in the distance. The rider approaches the wall with caution, even though his home realm Ebsotz has good relations with Varasd. On a posted sign nearby, it says in sketched letters, "Welcome to Varazdin" Later he hears a shout, from a guard on the northwesterly wall.

"What be thy business? You are trespassing on the crownlands of King Zvonimir I," a guard shouts through the fog, the rider only finding the outline of his slender body.

The rider shakily says,

"I have news. A statement. From Emperor Nicholas, the people of Ebsotz, and our God. An imperial statement."

The rider throws the scroll with great accuracy to the top of the wall. The rider gives time and lets the two guards open the scroll. Immediately, brows raise on both the mens eyes. Finally, the one on the left gives a slight grin.

"This will be interesting. Brother, give this to King Zvonimir. Rider, you may stay here for the night. You must be exhausted."

The Ebsotzian rider smiles with glee.

[Khwarasan]

A NEW POWER RISES IN PERSIA

In the distant and far corner of the Middle East a new power has emerged from obscurity. Several centuries of Arab dominance following the Muslim Conquests have subjugated many former Persian areas, but in the old Sassanid hinterland of Khwarasan a new Persian dynasty is rising. For the first time in over 300 years, a true successor to the Sassanids has emerged and asserted its dominion over the north-eastern region of Persia below the Caspian Sea.

From the classical Persian city of Abarshahr, a prominent Emir by the name of Ardeshir has gloriously thrown away the shackles of Abbasid authority and declared his autonomy from Arab rule. In solidarity with Persian Kings of old, Ardeshir has styled himself with a new name - Shapur - to reflect his regal roots and ties to the holy title of Shahanshah or "King of Kings." Henceforth, the new Shah shall be known as Shapur V, Shah of Khwarasan, Shahanshah of Persia. Thus, begins the reign of the Khwarasanid Dynasty and the rise of a successor to the old Persian empires.

The Shah seeks the recognition of all Kingdoms and seeks peaceful and amicable trade relations with all realms who respect openness, tolerance and learning. Yet, those powers that seek to quell the Shah's claims to the historic Persian throne or seek the destruction of the Holy Flame of Zoroaster shall face the ire of the Shah's armies.

[Ebsotz]

EBSOTZ WELCOMES KHWARSAN

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Krizanic

After long days of riding and too many dust storms to count, a message finally arrives with, none other, a royal proclamation from the Kingdom of Khwarsan. Reports say that Emperor Nicholas is already excited to make treaty negotiations. As a currently neutral nation, Ebsotz wishes to be neutral and peaceful with any nation, except for those that threaten the safety and neutrality of Ebsotz. Welcome!

[Khwarasan]

Shah's Armies on the March

Persia had once been a predominantly Muslim controlled area, but those days were quickly crumbling. Despite years of loyal service to Baghdad, the southern provinces had languished in the wake of a crumbling central Abbasid authority. In the north, Shapur V had united Persian nobles and powerful chieftains under a single banner, yet petty lords in the south consolidated power for themselves and carved out tiny, but fledgling enclaves of resistance to both powers. These small emirates were still led by stout Muslim leaders, cut off from their former masters, and as such were the first targets of the Khwarasanid dynasty.

The Shahanshah acted quickly and decisively. In the border regions of these desert emirates adjacent to his kingdom, he staged lighting raids in the guise of fellow Muslim rulers; therefore spreading mistrust and rivalries between petty lords. Soon after, he offered ultimatums of surrender to the Emirs in which he would guarantee their positions if they only sundered their sovereignty and swore loyalty to him. Two emirates, operating out of the cities of Yazd and Kerman respectfully, bent the knee to the Shah and joined his armies. Only the brazen Emirate of Isfahan stood in defiance of the Shah's military push.

The Khwarasanid forces were ordered to attack the Emirate's closest city - the mercantile hub of Ishtar. Ishtar's walls were thick and tall. It took seven days for the Shah's armies to breach the walls. Once they crumbled, the Shah's generals sent in their famed Zayedan cavalry and followed with horse archers to devastating effect. Eventually, the Muslim defenders were defeated and the city fell victim to a vicious sack. Mosques which housed frightened civilians were set upon by the Shah's soldiers and many were slaughtered in a rage.

With the fall of Ishtar, the Shah's military rested and is preparing for the final push towards the city of Isfahan itself.

[The Shi Empire]

Heir to the Imperial Throne

Today celebrations shall be held across the nation as the the birth of a new heir to the throne was declared throughout the empire. The Crown Prince named Shi Zhou, was born into the early hours of the morning and was declared the legitimate heir to the throne of the Shi Empire. The Emperor himself personally declaring it to his nation shortly after his birth. Which was signalled by fireworks across the capital, and a grand feast to be held at the palace in which the Emperor hopes both local and foreign lords shall attend.

[Aegyptus]

Prince Amethu of Aegyptus Buried

Prince Amethu has been buried in a tomb located in the Valley of the Kings after the 70-day mummification process. It is with a heavy heart that Aegyptus says goodbye to its Crown Prince, who could have lived much longer and done much greater things, but who will surely find happiness in the afterlife. The search for Prince Amethu's murderer continues throughout the capital of Hamarkhis and its surrounding villages, though so far it is completely fruitless.

[Austrasia]

New Duchy Declared!

Charles I, a powerful local noble and patriarch of House Murat, has formally announced the formation of a new duchy in accordance with his marriage to the last surviving heir to the Flemish lands east of the Upper Rhine - Lady Claude of Wallonia. This marriage of one of Northern France's most esteemed noble houses to the principle leader of Flemish aristocracy has successfully united two peoples in friendship whilst organizing much of the old Frankish territory of Austrasia under a single ruler. Therefore and henceforth, this new duchy shall be named the Duchy of Austrasia in the noble tradition and memory of the great former Kingdom of the Franks of centuries past.

From his ancestral seat in the castle at Metz, the newly crowned Duke Charles has announced his intentions to open healthy trading relations with all realms within Christendom and has dispatched a diplomatic mission to the Papal States in an effort to receive legitimization by His Holiness in Rome.

[Austrasia]

Renewed conflict in Walloonia, Austrasian holdings expand.

It did not take long for the nascent Duchy of Austrasia to come under direct threat from its former brethren in the northern province of Lower Lorraine. Not two weeks after his successful secession from the Duchy of Lower Lorraine, Charles I, Duke of Austrasia, has raised his personal retinues and began an invasion against his principle rival - Duke Hans von Loon. Charles I has declared the de jur war over the disputed counties of Loon, Breda, and Babrant to which he has a strong claim from his wife's inheritance. The Duke and Duchess of Austrasia have waged war this war to protect their claims in the wake of the illegal seizure and vassalization of these territories by the Duke of Lower Lorraine after Austrasia's secession.

The war has gone very well for the Duke of Austrasia and his personal army of 6,000 men. In the first few days of the conflict, Charles I has routed the armies of both Duke Hans and many of his vassals. Retreating back to their strongholds in the county capitals, much of the countryside is firmly occupied by Austrasian men-at-arms. With current provisions in the castles of Breda and Loon slowly being exhausted and the total capitulation of Leuven (Barbrant), it is only a matter of time before all of the disputed counties are occupied fully. While it is unclear as to how many men Duke Hans can muster in his northern demesne, what is clear is that many of his remaining vassals have refused to call up their levies in support. As the tide of the war turns increasingly away from Duke Hans, it has led many to question if he can reclaim his lost holdings and force Charles I to a truce that does not relinquish complete control over the occupied counties. Thus, only time shall tell the fates of these two dukes...

[Grand Auvergne]

New Ordre in the Alps, trades in Helvetia under religious protection

The Great Road that join Vichy and Sielburg, plagued by many warring factions, is where "the order of the two saints" is the most active.

This week, both Archbishops of Auvergne and Sielburg signed two separate decrees in their respective countries, but of similar nature, that authorized the creation of a new order of knight. The Pious Order of Saint Paul and Gerault, composed of knights, soldiers and volunteers of both sides of the mountains, has been task by the two archbishops to watch over Helvetia and the roads that link the Kingdom and the Duchy. Agreements with locals lords already let the knights to find rest and help in thoses valley and many militia have joined them so the villages and cities of Helvetia and Sapulia can finally be free of bandits.

While King Thobias and Duke Berenger helped the creation of the Order, many from thoses who know how to count notice that, for the quantity of men raised, the Order cost much less to both lords than an army would have. The Order of the Two Saints is also much more tolerated by the populations than any invasion would have been. Some even go as far to say it is just another way for the King and the Duke to prepare Helvetia for an invasion and that secret agreements have already been made by the two Lords to devide the Alps among both Realms, even if nothing can proove thoses rumours.

So here it is, the young Order seems to be torns between politics and real charity. Its strong duality, with a yet unclear hierarchy, are its weakness. If the Order want to prosper, it need to find an identity of its own and a real local base of power and support from the populations of Helvetia and nobody can yet tell what will come out of this.

[Grand Auvergne]

Eastern Septimania call Auvergne for help, extansion of the Duchy to the sea.

The new vassals of the Duke in light green

Recently, a league of cities with Montpellier, Nimes and Avignon at their head, pleadged loyalty to the Duke Berenger I of Clairmont. This come after they had call for the Duke's help to protect them from their ennemies in Western Septimania, from Carcassonne and Narbonne, and against the pirats in the sea because, while the Raider Prince of Tolassot is assumed dead and his kingdom broken, his troops still pillages the coasts nonetheless, with maybe even more brutality than ever, since they now have no leadership to speak of.

Berenger responded to this call by sending his own son, Richard, heir of the Duchy, at the head of an hundred knights and their levies, to protect the Septimanian League. The defeat of Carcassonne and Narbonne's allied troops at the battle of Bessan was the proof needed that the Duke's help indeed shifted the balance in favor of Eastern Septimania. The Treaty of Beziers that was signed after the battle left Narbonne and Carcassonne's holdings mostly intact, but broke their alliance and their claims on the rest of the region, while making Beziers a buffer state protecting Montpellier and, by extension, the whole League.

With such a victory, the League pleadged allegiance in presence of the Heir to his father the Duke of Auvergne, in exchange for his protection and leadership. To honor their trust, the Heir Richard is still in Montpellier, planning his war against the Pirats. His end goal being, of course, making Montpellier and Eastern Septimania as a whole the gateway to the world Auvergne need and their main tradehub with the East.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

You'll be surprised, you're doing the French Mistake

Admiral Constans Semnos was gathered on the island of Lefkada, along with five captains, and 10 officers from throughout the Empire. They were to sail for the south of France, to train the Auvergnat navy in the maritime arts. The Empire always has their schemes, but, removing pirates from the seas is a noble goal at least. Constans thought before helping the priest, John onboard the ship.

The group set off in two ships, sticking closely to the coast, making landfall a few times to resupply, and stretch their legs. The admiral was told to hoist their flags when they sailed past Rome, a simple courtesy, he would have thought, but, the way Constans was told this made it seem as though this was coming from the top. Perhaps the Megas Doux, or the Caesar, maybe the Emperor himself. Another scheme Constans thought, nonetheless, he did as instructed.

No pirates were encountered on the trip, but, during their stops, the effects could be seen on coastal villages in the landx without a unified Kingdom.

Constans, his captains, officers, and the priest made landfall in the village of Pérols, met with the local lord, and naval commander, set up in the designated 'Greek Quarter', and got straight to work.

[Lorrienia]

New Duchy in Provence

Léon the 2nd has created a duchy in Provence. After the death of his father, Lucas Lorreinna, Léon inherited the city of Marseille and his father's vassals. Léon has named this The Duchy of Provence-Lorrienia, or Lorrienia. The establishment of this duchy has united the people of this area, something that Lucas was unable to do during his lifetime.

[Cybelos [ERE]]

The Katepano of Asia, Elias, travelled from his administrative residence in Patara, on the river Xanthos, on the Lycian coast, inland towards the village of Zenopolis, where it was said a 'terrible, kyanite light' as a well-to-do Xanthian noble put it, sailed down and struck the Lycian village of Zenopolis, not much damage was done, only some destroyed areas of a vineyard that is owned by three local vintners, and some fire damage, nothing the coffers couldn't handle, luckily only a small piece of the comet had broken off, no deaths, minimal damage, shouldn't be any panicked villagers to deal with.

The Katepano had made his way into the village of some 200 people, about 50 of whom were gathered around the vineyard, few voices angrily speaking back and forth. It turned out, according to the Katepano's report that the three vintners had set up the small rock that had fallen to the earth as an omphalos to Dionysos, a thyrsus planted in the ground next to it. The vintners would pour their first bottle of wine of the harvest over the meteor remnants. Some villagers argued that it was a disgusting display of ardent paganism, the vintners all claimed it was merely a good luck charm, and a way to turn a possible tragedy into a boon, being able to sell a wine so good that the carnal god, Dionysos attempted to destroy it because he was unable to drink it. At the end of the arguments, the makeshift shrine remained, the coin was distributed to the three vintners by Katepano Elias, who, in turn, as a sign of good faith, used the coin to build a church, and for other quality of life improvements for the villagers.

The vintners' story of "Dionysos' intervention" quickly spread through Lycia, from Patara, then to Xanthos, to Sardis, to Troy, and from there, Rhodes. The idea of shrines to Dionysos and sharing wine with him for good luck quickly spread through the local lords and wealthy landed families. There were even rumours that lords and ladies would meet for private Dionysia celebrations, All of these rumours are surely false, jealous attempts by rivals to smear one another, but, the growth of the three vintners' business into an operation that rivalled the great vintners of Crete, Thera and Therasia cannot be denied.

[Grand Auvergne]

"A New Start For Septimania" Declared Marquis Baldwin

An Auvergnian galley

Yesterday, Baldwin, the Auvergnat Marquis of Septimania, render public informations about the very first "counter piratery and trade protection" marine operation of the Auvergnat fleet in Mediterranea. With no ship lost and only but ten sailors casualties, the fleet, with its much disputed training, managed to destroy five pirats ships, capture one and its surviving crew, escorted three trading fleet to safety and deniedg at least one raider fleet the access to Auvergnian waters.

Such results come while the paper-thin peace in Septimania ended and the Carcassone-Narbonne alliance reformed and put Beziers under siege, threatening the security of Auvergian Septimania and violated the treaty that made of Beziers a neutral ground in between the two cities and the Duchy. Immediatly, the Marquis Baldwin, left by the Prince Richard to protect the southern border of Auvergne, came to the besieged help and defeated the new alliance. But even more surprising was, when about to put Narbonne under siege, the city surrended because of the pression of its inhabitants that saw in the Great Comet that lighten up the sky just a few nights before an ominous sign that announced their defeat.

Carcassone, now alone in its stand against Auvergne, is trying to put one last fight against the Marquis army, but falled a mere days before the return of the Mediterranean fleet. The Lord of Narbonne and is familly was exiled while thoses of Carcassone were put under arrest and deprived of their rights on the city and its realm. Both were replaced by knights loyals to the Marquis whom sent messengers to Clermont to tell the Duke of his victory.

The Marquis also announced that he will place on his blazon the symbol of the Comet and of the Cross, since it is by "under both of theses sign that victory was our on this day". Using his private reserves, he sent a team of servants to Hispania, with the hope that they will find to location of the "fallen star" and bring it back to their master.

[Grand Auvergne]

Surprise in Francia : War for Paris ended without battle !

The "Robertian Crisis" as it was called, came to an unexpected end when the Duke of Lower Lorraine, Hans von Loon, declared war on his Austrasian rival, to reclaim the land lost to Charles during precedent conflicts. The secession of Austrasia and its victories against its old master has been a huge blow to Hans power, wealth and credibility in the region and many saw him as politicaly dead. How he managed to convice his vassals, most of which refused to answer his call during previous wars, to help him is a mystery.


Mostly left undefended, because most of the Austrasian army was in Paris, the north of the Duchy soon saw its countryside raided and its cities besieged by Hans' troops. Charles, Duke of Austrasia, was forced to abandon his Robertian allies to return and defend his holdings. Left without support, Henry and his partisans were captured by his brother Robert and his Auvergniats allies. Now without any rival left, Robert was free to crown himself count of Paris, his father having died during the crisis without anyone but his closest friends with him. Berenger, Duke of Auvergne, exchanged with the new count promises of Friendship and mutual support, but Robert was not forced to pledge vassalty to his powerful ally. Berenger also took the time to visit Reims where the lord and Archbishop of the city also gave the Duke promises of Friendship and mutual help. The Duke then returned to his holding, with in his luggage the silvers and golds stolen to the rogues, now banished, lords of Laon, Soisson and Noyon, by Robert and then offered to his ally to thank him for his help.


On a sidenote, agents of Berenger announced to have arrested most of the men behind to Bloody Diner. The Duke has always denied all the accusations of him being responsible for the death of the Archbishop of Paris, Renaud, and of the Austrasian ambassador Pierre, but now has solid evidences of his innocence. Thoses men, a cabal of merchants, bankers and traders, led by a weapon dealer, Thibault of Marseille, were executed by Robert some days after the Auvergnat Duke has left the city.


While some feared the return of the Austrasian once Hans von Loon was dealt with, it seemed destiny has decided otherwise. Chaotic reports of the on going war tell of contradicting story, such as the Duke Charles dying or not, being defeated in battle or in a draw, Luxembourg being besieged or still far from the fighting, his wife dissapearing or leading men on the walls, counts and barons revolting everywhere or nowhere... all that his sure about Austrasia is that, for all intent and purpose, there is no more central power to speak of.

In dark green : Grand Auvergne
In light green : Reims
In dark blue : Robert's holding
In light blue : Austrasia
In red : Hans' holding
Stripped red : counties under Hans threat

Once back in Clairmont, Berenger announced his claim to be crowned "Rex Francorum", King of the French. He has already added to his blason the symbols of Kingship, as to represent his claim on the throne. With Austrasia, for now, out of the picture and the Robertian in his pocket, there isn't any rival that seems to be able to contest him.

The new Flag of Berenger

[Drangavik]

The King of Drangavik Prepares For Death!

From the latest traders coming from the North, they speak of Konge Bjørn Gädda the Bold of Drangavik. Rumor has it that he seeks a raiding party to gather wealth in his capital city! Some even say he is bringing along other nations to assist him in his search for wealth. As of now, it is currently unknown where he seeks to raid, though he brings some four longships filled with his best men. In his absence, he appoints Harald Gädda the Brave, Firstborn son of Konge Bjørn, and heir to the throne of Drangavik. Previous rituals have already become underway, and the first ships are said to launch from the docks in a week's time.

[Tribes of Rus]

Objerjarl Ingvald Svensson the Uniter has thought long and hard about a solution to the internal conflicts of the tribes. Hundreds of soldiers died in battle fighting unnecessary battles with their brother tribes. This past week the Objerjarl gathered all of his Jarls together in his great hall and had a long meeting, or rather an arduous argument...

Ingvald declared himself as king of all of Rus. He also states that if a tribe wars with another tribe for any reason then the attacking tribe will cease to exist (razed to the ground and all of its inhabitants murdered). A new map will be drawn up and territories divided between each tribe. New land that a tribe conquers will be given to that tribe. Instead of warring with other tribes these said tribes are encouraged to conquer territory for themselves outside of Rus. All of the Jarls have come to an agreement of these new laws, some less so than others. For the next week more laws will be created.

Changes:
-Oberjarl Ingvald Svennson the Uniter is now titled as Konge (King).
-Eira the Merciful is now titled as Kven (Queen).
-Frode the Fearless is now titled as Renz (Prince).
-Ivar the Patient is now titled as Renz (Prince).
-Kari the Swift is now titled as Renza (Princess).
-Jarl Holger Bjornsson the Widower is now titled as Gorlad (Tribe Leader).
-Jarl Leif Ulfsson the Serpent Slayer is now titled as Gorlad (Tribe Leader).
-Jarl Rangvaldr Torsteinsson the Wicked is now titled as Gorlad (Tribe Leader).
-Jarl George Roscoesson the Stubborn is now titled as Gorlad (Tribe Leader).
-Jarl Julia Fjoelnirsdottir the Red is now titled as Gorlad (Tribe Leader).
-Jarl Ver Jatgeirsson the Powerful is now titled as Gorlad (Tribe Leader).
-Jarl Regina Nikolaisdottir the Spine Splitter is now titled as Gorlad (Tribe Leader).
-It is against the law for a tribe to attack another tribe.
-It is encouraged to conquer new territory around Rus.
-New punishments have been created for soldiers who flee battle (has become almost common). Like the Cliff Plunge, Owl Head, Splayed Eagle, and Broken Swim.
-It is NOT against the law to challenge the Konge (King) for his leadership.
-Severe punishments are given to individuals who sleep with the Konge or Gorlad's wife, if caught or the female reports.
-

[Assyr]

Current Activity in Assyr

Traders are reporting that a major part of the Silk Road is blocked by the Assyrians. Instead of letting the traders through they just direct them to their city of Mosul to sell their items. Traders are also reporting that the market of Mosul is buying their items at a high price, higher than most cities. Traders usually end up happy after leaving Mosul. Back at the Silk Road there is an Assyrian army who claims that is now their territory. By the looks of it they intend to keep it. The current Assyrian King gave orders for much of his army to prepare for war. He thinks it is very likely that the neighboring Kingdom of Judah will attack and try to free the Silk Road. After all, their economy is at stake here.

INFO:
-The greedy Assyrian King orders a portion of his troops to occupy an important part of the Silk Road.
-Merchants and traders travelling along that part of the silk road are forced to travel south to Mosul.
-Judah most likely will receive considerably less merchant and trader traffic to their cities.
-Assyr is on high alert, and every part of their military is prepared.
Listen I tried making this all story like and detailed, but I was on a bit of a time crunch and was busy this week.

[House of Judah]

Yitzchak I
King David's Citadel

"What is the effect of the Assyrian seizure?" Yitzchak I asked his chief steward, Avishai ben Adi.

"We're seeing a dwindling of trade from the east. Since so much of our own wealth is tied to the trade along the Silk Road, having a terminus to the east of us means that our own wealth will recede. Ultimately survivable, I think, but your people rejoiced at your royalization because yours has been a rule of abundance. If you falter now..." Avishai turned his hands up and down slowly to indicate the uncertainty of the future.

"Trade is our lifeblood," Yitzchak said. "It must be restored." He turned to his Marshal, his son, Ari ben Yitzchak ben Yehudah. "You will take an army deep into the desert, my son, and free the roads from the tyranny of this Assyrian King."

"All shall be as Elohim and my father wills it," Ari replied. "How large a force may I march?"

"How large to ensure Nebuchadnezzar is never again a threat to our trade?"

"Many thousands, father."

"You shall have them."

---

Prince Ari ben Yitzchak ben Yehudah, the Marshal of Judea, has been sent into the desert with an army of 16,800 to restore free passage of traders along the Silk Road to the lands of Judea.

For further information, follow the war between Judea and Assyria in the War of the Roads.

[Tribes of Rus]

Konge Ingvald and his tribes grew restless after many seasons of no plundering. After sending many ships along the English Channel to search they have reported back of new nations sprouting up. Konge Ingvald Svensson the Uniter has called the Frostborn Pact to meet on Alliance Isle for planning. The following nations may have spotted Nordic ships: Werjin, Mercia, Auldenland, and Auvergne.

[Rorukheim]

Rorukheim Continues to take land from Sweden and Denmark
With almost of Southern Sweden under their control, Rorukheim marches its armies to take the last idependent Jarldoms. The two Jarls meet with Rorukheim's leaders for "Peace Talks". After some aggressive negotiations they agree to assimilated into Rorukheim, in exchange for continuing to run their regions. Of course it was that or die, so they didn't have much choice. Rorukheim armies then take to the seas and start landing in Denmark. While an army in being formed in Rorukheim controlled Denmark, another force is sailing through Denmarks isles. They take the one closest to Sweden and press in until they reach northern Denmark.

[Rorukheim]

The Reclamation has begun-
With the Kingdoms of Rus and Dragnavik in chaos, most of their royal families dead or disappeared, Rorukheim with claims to their thrones, through marriages, has march it's army into Drangaviks lands. Where now petty Jarl's rule...

[Grand Auvergne]

Death of Etienne III d'Yssoire, Archbishop of Auvergne and Keeper of the Seal of the Kings of the Franks.

Etienne III d'Yssoire died at the age of 60, after 12 years of good and loyal services as the Bishop of Clermont and then Archbishop of Auvergne.

Etienne was formed at the Abbey of Aurillac, where he'll meet for the first time Berenger Long-hair, the futur Duke of Auvergne. Berenger and him will become friend and when the old duke will die in 1000 AD, it is him who will crown Berenger Duke and later, in 1014, his son, Richard, King of the Franks.

The Kings trusted Etienne enough to give him the guard of their Seals and the post of Secretary, charged to write their letters to the rest of the world and Chancellor of their Realm. As such, Etienne was one of the most proeminent and powerful figures in all of the Kingdom. He was recognized by the Pope -Gregoire VIII, another Auvergnat formed in Aurillac and a disciple of Etienne- as Primate of the Gauls, making him the official leader of the regional Church. Only time will tell if he will be able to fill the shoes of his master's shoes.

The next Archbishop of Clermont was elected by the peoples of the city a few days after the burial in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. Etienne de Vichy, now known as Etienne IV, an old disciple Etienne III, is now his successor. The rest of the Archbishops of the Gauls decided to allow him to keep the title of Primate of his old mentor, and it should soon be confirmed that we will inherit his post as chancelor and secretary of the Kings.

[Sicily]

Disaster At The Tourney of Malta!

In honor of Crown Prince Izîl's birthday, the King organized a tourney in his honor. The show was magnificent, with the event starting off with a brotherly duel between the two princes, Izîl and Udad. The fight lasted nearly half an hour, until a mystery knight appeared and beat the two princes. The knight revealed himself to be King Izîl himself, and when everyone looked to see who sat upon the king's seat, Prince Areski, the son of Crown Prince Izîl, was seen. With the great start of the tourney, the show continued as famous and new-faced knights participated in melees and jousts. However, the show took a grim turn when the third melee started, in which Princes Udad and Izîl would participate. The fighting was more on the chaotic side, and when it finished up. Prince Udad was found on the ground unconscious, without his helmet and a large gouge in his right eye. The Crown Prince was the first to come to his brother's aid when the loud gasps of terror among the viewers commenced. Medical personal carried the prince away and the tourney was finished prematurely.

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