Anime Disco Inferno
Turn I, 1399
Annie Mac Cloud, Highland Queen of the Scots had recieved a letter of request from the Byzantine Empress requesting help against the Turks. Being the brave Scottish Highlander she was, Queen Annie was more than willing to help fight off the Muslim Turks and defend her fellow Christians, even if she was Catholic and they were Greek Orthodox.
- From: Scotland
- To: Byzantium
We will send our finest highlanders and men-at-arms to defend Constaninople and the Vanguard of Christianity in the East.
edited 17th May '13 7:45:45 AM by PaulieRomanov
"Of course, Satsuki-sama."
Turn 1, 1399
Empress Justina Apsukrus sat on her throne. It was only recently that the upheaval in Poland-Lithuania's government had placed her there, and she was determined to make sure it was a well-earned spot. When the messenger arrived to her court, bearing a message from the East, from Byzantium, it took a few moments to assemble her response. Her power base was a fairly strong one. The group that had put her on the throne was large and loyal, and would likely support her endeavors. However, she didn't want to alienate other groups in her kingdom. She desired the support of her people.
What she also desired was religion. Not just one, but many. Justina believed all religions had a chance of being true, so it was best to worship as many as possible. Perhaps helping protect Constantinople would aid this goal... and if it did not, bolstering Byzantium would provide her an Eastern alley, from which she could move further into the east an explore new resources and possibly gain more religions in her domain.
That, and a plea for help was difficult to ignore in Justina's eyes.
Empress Justina Apsukrus
I cannot ignore a plea for help. I will provide what aid I can.
Um, I'm doing this right, um, right?
edited 17th May '13 1:09:04 PM by AnnoR
"Oh, dear. The toad, the monkey, and the dog have all screwed up."
Anime Disco Inferno
![[up]](https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/smiles/arrow_up.png "[up]"){kind=icon}
OOC: Yeah, you're good.
Like a BOSS
Once a seat of great power and wealth, the land of Egypt had been scourged in the recent past. Old Egypt had declined long ago, and a succession of foreign powers had controlled her. First Rome, then its successor Byzantium and finally the Arab invasion. During this last period not only had Islam been brought in but also a plague that had wiped out 40% of her population. Decades after this scourge, enemies of the Arab overlords had sufficiently weakened the sitting regime to overthrow it. In its place was a more Hellenistic regime founded by a society of those who secretly worshiped the Old Gods whilst publicly embracing Coptic Christianity or Islam.
Their chosen leader was Isis
, daughter of a union between a previously dishonored Byzantine noble line and Hebrew merchants from former Judea. She had apparently received visions of the Old Gods and become a fervent believer. She was as far removed from the Arab rulers as the new regime could find. Quickly she'd established control over the court and begun to enact her vision for a new Egypt. One that would hopefully return to prosperity and earn a new place of honor among the nations of the world.
When the request for aid arrived from Byzantium, Queen (soon to be Pharaoh) Isis did not hesitate to respond. Defeating the Turks would be a boon to both Egypt and Byzantium. Helping Byzantium to regain its strength might well provide a partner for Egypt to work with for a better future.
In her response, she wrote,
"As a kingdom with strong ties to Greek culture, among other influences, Egypt would be remiss not to assist Byzantium in her hour of need. Following this letter will be some of our soldiers to assist in the defeat of the Turks. Death to our enemies!
~Isis, Queen of Egypt, Judea and Syria"
Avatar from: http://x0whitelily0x.livejournal.com/5953.html N: 5 F, 0/40 S
Anime Disco Inferno
The winter was not good for Scottish troops headed to Byzantium. Half of the Scots that left died along the way, leaving few warriors to defend the homeland from the potential threat of England, which was so dangerously close by. But on a more positive note, the crops started growing more and in larger quantity, keeping the commoners well fed.
Annie Mac Cloud was wary, and hoped for the best for the Scots defending Constantinople.
"Of course, Satsuki-sama."
Justina was pleased by the results of her efforts. Farming was working splendidly, her people being happy and fed. Or at least fed, which is on the route to happiness. The reform and mobilization of Poland-Lithuania's military had also gone wonderfully. A contingent of armed troops were well on their way to Constantinople. Though the journey was long, they were persevering.
"Oh, dear. The toad, the monkey, and the dog have all screwed up."
Wild Horse
The current Emperor of the Middle Kingdom
◊ sat upon his dragon throne, eyes impassively staring at the hundred kowtowing subjects that filled the room and spilled out into the courtyard. "May your reign last 10000 years, Emperor Wang, Child of Heaven!" Idly, the young man slouching on the throne waited for the long list of titles to be stated so he could get onto the meat of the matter. When at last the introductions were out of the way, the youth sat up.
"I hereby decree that today is the last day people have to sit through fifteen minutes of old fashioned pomposity. Also, that common folk can now apply for government jobs if they are smart and able enough. They can also become commanding officers in the armed forces without coming from a noble lineage. Also, we are now using paper money." With a wave of his hand, verdant bills with various animals denoting different values were presented to the masses whilst the scribes furiously scribbled on their logs.
"Times are changing. China has to grow to remain strong. Now go- do my will!" After much more scraping and backpedaling, the room was soon cleared except for the tired youth on the throne. Even as the leader of the great oriental continent, the boy still had to deal with intrigue and petty squabbling. To think it took a year just to put all this into effect. "Well, whatever. I finally did it!" Wang whooped, acting rather unkingly and throwing his arms up in the air. China will be even better under his rule, and the masses' voice will not be ignored.
Meanwhile in a teahouse, one quite starved Byzantine messenger was being forcefed a mashed mixture of what was essentially steamed pork buns, wheat noodles, and strong wine by a rather muscular sailing man- who had dreadlocks and eye catching tattoos on him. "Eat your fill, man. Then we'll sail over to your place for a party."
◊
edited 17th May '13 2:35:51 PM by GreyStar
Always be ready to do the unusual and unexpected.
Like a BOSS
The Black Death's shadow remained. Efforts at growing agriculture had failed in the first year of Isis' rule. Her people were starving but nothing more could be done save pray to the Gods for deliverance. Perhaps their Byzantine cousins would be able to offer some assistance once the Turks had been pushed back. Queen Isis took it upon herself to personally pray to the Old Gods for protection despite human failures.
On the other hand, the Old Gods were being openly worshiped by the people again. Moreover it was taking hold and spreading. This would be invaluable in the years to come. With the faith restored she declared herself Pharaoh of Egypt as well as her old titles as Queen of Syria and Judea. Behind the pomp and circumstance of her formal adoption of this mantle, she sent out messengers with all haste to the east and north. Hopefully someone else might be able to help Egypt.
—- Letter to Empress Justina Apsurkus of Poland-Lithuania
Your majesty,
The Egyptian Empire humbly requests any assistance you may be able to grant with regard to recent crop failures. While our courts have yet to interact in meaningful official correspondence, there is always a time to begin such communication. Our people are beginning to starve; any assistance you could offer would be most gratefully accepted. Egypt would be indebted to you for such help, but will understand if you are incapable of assistance at this time.
Graciously, Isis, Pharaoh of Egypt and Queen of Syria and Judea
Letter to Emperor Wang of China
Most exalted imperial majesty,
China is known as a prosperous and powerful nation, capable of great endeavors. We find ourselves in a time of crisis and require the assistance of such nations. Our food stores are becoming bare and farming has failed; our people starve. If the Son of Heaven could be persuaded to offer any assistance to ease this difficult situation, I would be personally indebted to him. It is not in our nature to beg, but we must save our people from the ravages of misfortune. Should this mean asking for help, we shall do so. In exchange for foodstuffs to supplement our meager supplies, we offer the opportunity for full trading between our lands. When healthy the Egyptian Empire is quite prosperous itself.
With gratitude, Isis, Pharaoh of Egypt and Queen of Syria and Judea
Avatar from: http://x0whitelily0x.livejournal.com/5953.html N: 5 F, 0/40 S
"Of course, Satsuki-sama."
When the letter from Egypt was brought to Empress Justina's throne, she took her time reviewing it and making her decision. It would be wise to aid them, and denying help to them while they suffered was not something she desired to do.
... Also... she desired to learn more about the Egyptian religion.
A friend on another continent could certainly help, as well.
Response to Isis, Pharoah of Egypt and Queen of Syria and Judea
Your Majesty
It would be cruel to deny you aid in this time of suffering. I will gladly provide you with extra resources. My country is undergoing a time of plenty, and I will gladly share that plenty. However, I make my own request as well. I would like a priest of your religion, as soon as you can spare them, to be sent to Vilnius. I will ensure that accommodations are prepared for their arrival.
Cordially, Empress Justina Apsukrus of Poland-Lithuania
As the letter was sent, Justina's thoughts turned elsewhere...
They turned to the sky.
"Oh, dear. The toad, the monkey, and the dog have all screwed up."
The Grand Re-Vizier
Rajah Adi Harta lounged on his throne, sipping the finest imported alcohol available to him, reviewing the newest updates from his recently formed messenger corps. They were doing an excellent job both keeping an eye on the lesser relatives that administered his territories and spreading news and decrees throughout the islands. Still, the news they brought wasn't entirely encouraging.
The Merchant Fleet's construction was delayed by these recent storms so Adi's dream of mastering the seas of the world still eluded him. They blew intriguing news along with their destruction though. An empire far to the west was begging for aid, and the Emperor in Ming had already promised them help. So...
"I won't lose to that child in Ming, Heaven sent or not! Inform that drunken pirate Ling Lie that our warriors will join with theirs!"
As the messengers retreated, The aspiring King of the Seven Seas drained his goblet and began composing a message
To: The most excellent Son of Heaven, Wang of Ming,
As a friendly relationship has long existed between our two countries We think it most appropriate to once again begin open trade between our great nations now that ours is once again stable. If you could contribute resources to the construction of our new Merchant Fleet, we promise that soon gold and spices will flow through the ports of Ming in a river that will make the Yangtze look like a trickle!
From: Adi Harta, King of the Seven Seas.
edited 17th May '13 3:42:50 PM by Dblade26
Like a BOSS
Also... she desired to learn more about the Egyptian religion. A friend on another continent could certainly help, as well. As the year moved forward, a response unexpectedly arrived from the north. Welcome news was carried within - perhaps Egypt's people would not suffer quite as much until the next harvest came. Truly it was a sign of mercy from the Gods as thanks for restoring worship of them. Queen Isis wasted no time in sending out a response, in the hands of a priest of Ra.
— Further Response to Justina Apsurkus of Poland-Lithuania
Your Majest,
May the Gods bless you for your generosity! We gratefully accept all assistance Poland-Lithuania offers and can be considered a friend of your exalted nation. Your request is unexpected but shall be met in the form of a priest of Ra who will personally deliver this message unto you. If ever you should visit this part of the world you will be a welcome guest.
With respect and gratitude, Isis, Pharaoh of Egypt and Queen of Syria and Judea
Avatar from: http://x0whitelily0x.livejournal.com/5953.html N: 5 F, 0/40 S
The drums of war rung out, the cry of hundreds of shirtless muscular men wearing the plumage of hawks roared out through the plaza of the temple. Chicomecoatl held her right arm aloft strongly into the air, so that the tips of her fingers grazed the cornea of the sun. Dressed in full regalia, she made for an impressive figure against the glare of the sun, the High Priestess of a tribe that the gods predicted would hold the entirety of the world in their hands. The soldiers of Azteca belted out war chants continuously, stomping their feet against the stone of the ground and creating an almost earthquake-like rumble.
Silva Hooooouuuuund
Wild Horse
Emperor Wang was now in front of his desk by candlelight, chewing on a clean horse hair brush (had his advisers seen him do so, there would've been a ruckus). In front of him were two letters, one from Egypt that asked for food and the others for sailing supplies. Harumphing, the boy dipped his brush into the inkwell and masterfully put his signature on the letters of approval before sending them away to the messengers. With his business done, the young man curled up on the nest of letters that he had accumulated and drifted off to sleep.
To The Pharaoh of Egypt and Queen of Syria and Judea
It is an honor to talk with the wise ruler of one of the oldest countries of the world. In order to show my support for your continued prosperity, I have sent along many junks filled to the brim with wheat for you to use in your next harvest. The Heavens do not take kindly to misers, and I intend to share the wealth of Ming to all who wishes its aid. Indeed, the opportunity to establish trade rights to a grand country such as Egypt is a once in a life time chance. I shall not squander your kindness.
To Adi Harta, King of the Seven Seas
Indeed, the idea of open trade between our bountiful lands is a grand one. China is home to a great many trees, so we are not short on quality lumber. In addition, we will also set to work producing quality silk for your sails, the better to outfit your fleet with. I would be a fool not to take you up on your most generous of offers of the Seven Seas' bounties. A toast to our mutual enrichment and may our grandson's grandsons still continue the partnership.
Admiral Jing Lie of the Southern Dragon Court Fleet was as Adi Harta said, drunk as a skunk. He sat upon the deck of his ships, enjoying fine wine as he took in the allies coming in from the horizon. "Hoo... Now this... This is a good day. Break out more of the good stuff! We've got guests to impress!" Shouts of encouragement and approval rang out as his fleet began hauling in fish and opening up casks of wine in preparation for the upcoming party with the Southern Seas mercenaries. Always be ready to do the unusual and unexpected.
Anime Disco Inferno
- To: The Pharoah of Egypt
- From: The Queen of Scots
We'd like to enter an alliance together, both economic and military in nature, in particular against England and the Turks.
Figure of Hourai
Empress Theotanasia smiled as she looked out over her city. Who would have thought that the response to a request for help would have been so strong... now she could focus on rebuilding the glory of the Roman Empire—but not by expansion of the realm. No, aside from pushing eastwards to eliminate the Turks once and for all at a later date, they would regain the lost glory through engineering and technology!
But first, it was time to abandon the religion that had brought down the old empire and nearly destroyed this one. The Christian God, if he existed, was no friend of hers.
Messengers were sent out to all those that had provided their aid, thanking them for their time. An extra message was sent to those that lived in the East, asking them to send religious representatives back to Constantinople with the messengers.
Avatar Source
The groans of the dead and dying filled the air in the Aztec city of Zhilochalan, it's northernmost major metropolis where the planned invasion of the tribes past the Great Northern River had been launched from. The invasion had gone horribly, with the Pueblo proving to be a formidable foe in spite of the ferocity and zealousness of their would-be conquerors. High Priestess Chicomecoatl walked stoically among the legions of grievously wounded, interviewing the soldiers, saying prayers for their valiant efforts. When a proper picture of the doomed invasion had been painted by soldier testimony, those who had been responsible for the attack's failure and the disaterous retreat were coldly sentenced by the Priestess to be sacrificed to the gods to atone for their failure, even those who she had personally blessed only hours prior.
As they were dragged off in chains to be brutally executed the Priestess was attended to by one of the advisers of the King.
"Huitzilopochtli does not look well upon us. It is time we executed your plans. The adviser was a brilliant man, whose brilliance was only truly understood by the cunning Priestess who was in his opinion a far sharper mind than that the gods had chosen to lead them in the form of the King. They had been collaborating for a long period of time, since Chicomecoatl had been but a young girl declared spiritual leader in wake of her surviving a ritual knife to the abdomen. The young girl knew this nameless adviser's intelligence would be a far greater gift to her people than any herself or her King could provide. It payed to be open-minded.
Silva Hooooouuuuund
Like a BOSS
Truly the Gods were smiling upon the Empire of the Nile, blessing it with generous friends. When crops had failed both Poland-Lithuania and China had offered more food than could have been expected. Some still died, of course, but things could have been far worse. A new year had come and efforts had to be redoubled to forge a stronger homeland. The new Pharaoh had contemplated the expansion of Egypt at some point, but for now there were a few matters to be resolved at home.
Byzantium had swiftly pushed the Turks deeper into Asia thanks to help from other nations, including Egypt. This success convinced the Pharaoh that her own army had to be stronger. Of course agriculture would have to be brought back to strength for there to be enough people to serve in that army. As she made her proclamations and sent priests and administrators to carry out her will, Pharaoh Isis took time to address some peculiar correspondence from far away.
—- Letter to the Queen of Scotland
Your Highness,
This is a most curious proposal you have put before me. Our lands are far apart, but it seems we may have mutual dislike for aggressive neighbors. At this time military co-operation is not immediately possible for Egypt, but in the future this is likely to change. Trade with Scotland is indeed possible and acceptable to me. In the name of the Gods, I grant my blessing to your proposal of partnership.
May the Gods watch over you,
Isis, Pharaoh of Egypt and Queen of Syria and Judea
Letter to Emperor Wang of China
Your Imperial Majesty,
Please accept the thanks of the Egyptian nation for the crops which were sent to ease the suffering of its children. You have shown yourself to be a true friend of the Empire. I look forward to further fruitful undertakings with China in the future. If ever there is something that Egypt can do to repay your generosity, let us know.
Graciously, Isis, Pharaoh of Egypt and Queen of Syria and Judea
—-
Letter to Empress Theotanasia of Byzantium
Your Majesty,
Highest congratulations are in order for your successful campaign against the Turks this past year! We were honored to have played a part in it, however small. Your request for a religious representative was most unexpected but I am honored to meet it. This letter will be personally delivered by a priestess of the goddess Isis, whom shall be at your disposal. Due to our shared Hellenic heritage, I would also like to propose a trade arrangement with Byzantium which would benefit both our domains.
Sincerely,
Isis, Pharaoh of Egypt and Queen of Syria and Judea
edited 18th May '13 6:02:06 PM by Bombadillo
Avatar from: http://x0whitelily0x.livejournal.com/5953.html N: 5 F, 0/40 S
Chicomecoutal stood proud and strong as she lifted with one hand- with rather incredible amounts of ease- the great mallet the size of her arm and slammed it down onto the surface of a new ironworks forge. In a shower of sparks the god's newest place of power was christened, the gifts of Tlaltecuhtli's earth would be forged into mighty new weapons for her children to rend and sunder in her name. The army was busily drilling, playing games of ball as was ceremonial and sparring. The King had declared, with not too little influence from his High Preistess, that the gates of conquest would open once again past the Great Northern River. The generals who had survived the previous purge along with their newly promoted subordinates announced bolder plans of attack and slaughter. Only two years following it's tremendous defeat, the country was once more preparing for war.
Silva Hooooouuuuund
"Of course, Satsuki-sama."
Empress Justina's new efforts had been met with a mixture of success and failure. Her subjects had not seemed entirely eager to allow the influx of new religions... but at the same time, they had accepted it. At the very least, they were willing to try. This pleased the Empress. However, her efforts to begin examining new technology had been met with a horrible failure: The destruction of a valuable library! Hundreds of books up in flame. It was lucky that none of the minds who had intended to meet there for research had been burned.
This deeply frustrated Justina. She was eager to begin technological development, and needless to say, her progress had been halted there. For now, however, she had correspondance to write.
Response to Isis, Pharoah of Egypt and Queen of Syria and Judea
Your Majesty
Your priest has been made comfortable. I fear his quarters may not be what he is used to, but he will certainly be kept safe and warm. I am most eager to learn from him, and many others. I will always have an open ear to Egypt, and I will always be willing to hear from her ruler.
Cordially, Empress Justina Apsukrus of Poland-Lithuania
A Letter to Empress Theotanasia of Byzantium
Your Majesty,
I congratulate you on your victory against the Turks. To aid you in pushing back their armies was nothing less then an honor. If you require further assistance, I will be happy to lend it. For now, my soldiers will remain to aid your armies for as long as you find need of them.
Cordially, Empress Justina Apsukrus of Poland-Lithuania
edited 23rd May '13 11:01:08 AM by AnnoR
"Oh, dear. The toad, the monkey, and the dog have all screwed up."
Iron Father
Lord Heimdall sat upon his throne, his wolves Freki and Geri lay at his feet. His men were hungry for combat, he was hungry for combat. Finland was a nation under his command. The drums of war sounded on his command. Before his conquest could begin, changes would need to be made. Alliances would need to be forged. Blood would need to spill.
The flesh is weak!
Signup and rules here.
Discussion here.
1399. The Medieval period is drawing to its inevitable close, the Timurids are still pushing westwards, and the last remnant of the Roman Empire is almost extinct. An age of vast technological progress and exploration waits, the beginning of grand, world-spanning empires.
But whose empires will these be?
Turn One: 1399
Dozens of messengers—exhausted, dirty, and in some cases nearly starved—arrive at every court in the known world, both in Europe and beyond, save for the Ottomans, bearing a simple request: 'Please provide aid to Constantinople against the Turks'.
Not that Europe was likely to help...
edited 17th May '13 7:49:54 AM by RainehDaze
Avatar Source