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XVG

Megas Basileus
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Oct 26, 2009
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As-salam alaykum, and welcome to Caliphate on the Edge This is my second try at creating a Forum Game, and you will most likely notice its similarity to my previous game, The Twilight of Antiquity and influence derived from RedNomNoms’s original St Peter’s Throne. This time the setting is in Medieval al-Andalus and once again I decided to make this a character based game. The Players will navigate their character through the Caliphate of Cordoba during its highest point. Will you fight the Heathens, work for further advancements in science or perhaps make a fortune with trade? Or will you and your character enter the dangerous court intrigue and plotting of al-Madinat al-Zahra? This game will again be a combination of cunning political intrigue and bloody warfare. As not everyone might be totally familiar with the setting, I have tried to write some basic details and summaries about certain aspects of the society of Islamic Spain. Caliphate on the Edge starts in January 977, several months after the death of the Caliph Al-Hakam II, and beginning of the regency for his son Hisham II. Many thanks go to nachopontmercy who has helped and is helping me with translations and details.

Summary of the history of al-Andalus

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire the Visigoths established their Kingdom in Iberia. The capital of the Visigoths was at Toledo. Visigoth kings succeeded one another with great rapidity because of internal strife and civil wars. They nevertheless tried to establish order, but didn't get far, as they were faced by constant invasions or insurrections by hostile groups, including other Visigoths.

Islam rose in Arabia in the early 7th century when Prophet Muhammad received various revelations from Allah. He verbally taught them to his followers in Arabia, thus establishing the monotheistic religion Islam. On his death in 632, as he had no sons, there was disagreement over who was to succeed him. Eventually Abu Bakr was chosen as the first Caliph. Bedouin tribes began to move out of Arabia and within the first 10 years, they managed to conquer the Empire of Persia and some parts of the Byzantine Empire. By 661 they had moved into North Africa from Egypt to Libya. After the second Caliph Umar, Muhammad's trusted friend was assassinated, Uthman, an early convert to Islam from the Umayyad family, related to the tribe of Muhammad, was chosen as the next Caliph. Extremists however in turn murdered Uthman and “then the followers of the Prophet proceeded to tear one another apart. Clan fought clan and tribe fought tribe". The First Fitna ended in an Umayyad victory. They moved their capital from Arabia to Damascus in Syria, and proceeded to double the size of the Caliphate.

Muslims had already invaded the Maghrib in the late 7th century. By 682 Musa ibn Nusair had defeated the Byzantines at Kairouan. As the 8th century opened, Ceuta, the African pillar of Hercules, surrendered to the Umayyad Caliph of Damascus, and the Romans lost their last outpost in Africa. Julian, the Byzantine commander, managed to retain his ranks and have some autonomy, as he was a good diplomat in both Berber and Visigothic politics. Eventually a Visigoth named Roderick became the King. Julian was eager to attack the Visigoths, as his daughter had been mutilated by Roderick, but Musa was hesitant to go on an Iberian adventure. Tarif ibn Malluk crossed the Straits and had a minor success in the southern Spanish areas. Because of this, Musa ordered a full reconnaissance by the Governor of Tangier, the Berber Tariq ibn Ziyad, accompanied by Julian.

In the spring of 711, 7,000 men were sent on a strictly reconnaissance mission, while Roderick was busy subduing Visigoth rebellions in the northern town of Pamplona. Tariq arrived in Spain at the European Pillar of Hercules, which was named Jebel al-Tariq, the Mountain of Tariq, after the victorious leader. Tariq took Carteya, which became port of Al-Yarizat. Receiving the news of this, Roderick came south to Cordoba. Tariq dug in along the coast expecting a full Visigoth onslaught. He got reinforcements of Berber infantrymen, so he had a total of 12,000 soldiers. Then allies began to flock to the camp, especially Jews, but also discontented Visigoths, including the Bishop of Sevilla. Roderick marched in, but his wings were commanded by men who envied or loathed the king and his rank-and-file consisted mainly of serfs and slaves, proxies for landowners, thus not soldiers and not eager to fight. Many abandoned their rank and Roderick fled. The Muslims met what was left of the Visigothic army on the Barbate River and King Roderick was routed. Then Tariq marched on Toledo, meeting no resistance. At that point, Tariq decided not to chase fleeing Visigoths into the mountains as winter was coming. In less than half a year, Muslims had subdued over half of Spain.

Most of the Iberian Peninsula became part of the expanding Umayyad Empire, under the name of al-Andalus. It was organized as a province subordinate to Ifriqiya, so, for the first few decades, the governors of al-Andalus were appointed by the emir of Kairouan, rather than the Caliph in Damascus. Arab families who began feuding after the death of Mohammed in 632 continued to wage war against each other; both in North Africa and Spain Berbers given bad land fought Arabs given good land. The mullahs managed briefly to unite these warring forces by proclaiming a holy war and inciting the warriors to invade Bordeaux. From Spain they managed to get all the way to Tours on the Loire before being routed in 732 by Charles Martel, grandfather of Charlemagne. In the north the Muslims fought a continuous war against the Christian Kingdom of Asturias. The war was mostly fought in a manner of raiding.

The Umayyad line ran out with Marwan II. On November 28 749 Abu al-Abbas raised the black flag of the Abbasid dynasty which was to last for 500 years. Marwan II fled but was murdered in Egypt. When al-Saffah, another leader of the Abbasids, declared amnesty for Umayyads, 80 gathered near Jaffa to receive pardons, and all were massacred. The remaining Umayyad family members fled. 20-year-old Umayyad prince Abd al-Rahman was able to make his way to North Africa. There he gained support of the Berbers and eventually crossed to Iberia, marched up the Gualalquivir river to Cordoba and took the city.

In 929 the Umayyad Emir of Córdoba Abd-ar-Rahman III, the leader of the Umayyad dynasty, declared himself Caliph, independent from the Abbasids in Baghdad. Thus began the Golden Age of al-Andalus. Linen paper was becoming popular. Not just sacred texts, but literature and scientific essays were popular among Andalusian readers, and large libraries, sometimes headed by women, were established. Abd ar-Rahman III was a great patron of architecture. In time, he started the construction of his own fabulous fortified palace complex, Madinat al-Zahra, just outside Cordoba. Cordoba and al-Andalus in general became the leading cultural center of the Islamic World.

Al-Hakam II succeeded to the Caliphate after the death of his father Abd ar-Rahman III in 961. He secured peace with the Christian kingdoms of northern Iberia, and made use of the stability to develop agriculture through the construction of irrigation works. During his reign, a massive translation effort was undertaken, and many books were translated from Latin and Greek into Arabic. This effort was taken by 150 women lead by the scientist Lubna of Cordoba. Over 600,000 books were translated and stored in Madinat al-Zahra, and taken care of by Lubna as the secretary of the Caliph. The famous physician, scientist, and surgeon Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi, father of modern surgery, was active in Al-Hakam's court during his reign, serving as the court doctor. Al Hakam II expanded the mosque of Cordoba, and finished the construction work of Madinat al-Zahra.

Internal administration was left increasingly to the Berber vizier Al-Mushafi and Saqaliba general Ghalib was gradually gaining influence as leader of the army, fighting against the raiding Norsemen, Zirids, Fatimids and the Christians. Al Hakam II was however slightly eccentric and openly kept a male harem. This proved to be a problem as first it seemed that he would be unable to produce an heir. However, he took a Basque slave named Subh as a concubine and had two sons with her, only one of whom - Hisham II al-Hakam - survived to adulthood.

Al-Hakam II suffered a stroke in October 976 and was thus unable to properly prepare his son for leadership. Hisham II al-Mu'ayad, who was only 11 years old at the time and was a nominal ruler under the Hajib Ibn Abi Aamir (later to adopt the name al-Mansur), General Ghalib and Al-Mushafi as regents. As the mother of the Caliph, Subh however held considerable power inside the Palace of Madinat al-Zahra, and was allied to Ibn Abi Aamir

Society of al-Andalus

The population of al-Andalus was very diverse: from an ethnic point of view, it was mainly composed by Hispano-Goths and Hispano-Romans as well as Berbers, with large Jewish and an Arabian ruling class. The Hispanic ones were named Muladies/Muwalladin if they converted to Islam or Mozarabes/Musta'rabin if they were still Christians. The ruling class was formed by Arabs, Berbers and Muladies. By the 10th century, most of the population has converted to Islam, and the religious minorities have adopted several principles of Arabic culture. While Arabs mostly settled in the southern coastal areas, Berbers were also spread to the northern parts of al-Andalus, mostly because they were widely represented within military ranks. Another social group was the Saqaliba, who were originally slaves of Slavic or North European origin, and served in the military.

Islamic judges of al-Andalus divided the society into Ummah or community of believers and Dhimmi, nonbelievers, who could not occupy any position in control of Muslims. The Umma was divided in Jassa (nobility), Ayan (notable ones) and the Amma (mass population). Non-believers had freedom of worship, but were subjected to a personal tax called Jizaya and another based on their lands revenue (Jaray). Both Mozarabs and Jews were subjected to their own authorities and could be judged according to their own laws, but could not have any political post (with several exceptions especially for diplomats and some court advisers and mentors), marry a Muslim woman or live in the Muslim zones of the cities. Many Jews living in the cities became involved in trade as merchants.

In Arabic culture a person's ancestry and family name are very important. An example is explained below (From Wiki).

Assume a man has the name of Saleh ibn Tariq ibn Khalid al-Fulan.
Saleh is his personal name, and the one that his family and friends would call him by.
ibn translates as "son of", so Tariq is Saleh's father's name.
ibn Khalid means that Tariq is the son of Khalid, making Khalid the grandfather of Saleh.
al-Fulan would be Saleh's family name.

Hence, Saleh ibn Tariq ibn Khalid al-Fulan translates as "Saleh, son of Tariq, son of Khaled; of the family al-Fulan."

The Arabic for "daughter of" is bint. A woman with the name Fatimah bint Tariq bin Khalid al-Fulan translates as "Fatimah, daughter of Tariq, Son of Khaled; of the family al-Fulan."

Here is a good guide to Arabic names and a list of names.

All the ethnic groups also used Arabic naming conventions, with the Jews being the exception in some cases. The Mozarabs employed Arabic-style names such as Zaheid ibn Zafar, Pesencano ibn Azafar, Ibn Gafif, Ibn Gharsiya (Garcia), Ibn Mardanish (Martinez), Ibn Faranda (Fernandez), in purely Christian contexts. This demonstrates that they had acculturated thoroughly and that their Arabic names were not mere aliases adopted to facilitate their movement within Muslim society. Some Mozarabs identified themselves with undeniably Islamic names such as al-Aziz, and Ibn Uthman. Several Mozarabs and Muladies also used the name Al-Quti (The Goth).

Some Christian names such as Lope and Fortun entered the local Arabic lexicon (Lubb and Fortun), and others were adopted in translated form (such as Sa'ad for Felix).

In al-Andalus Jews existed in a linguistic dualism moving back and forth between Arabic and Hebrew. The names that they gave their children reflect this and represent a mix of forms. Jews appear with classical Hebrew biblical names in both the Hebrew form, and with Arabic cognates of those names which appear to be used interchangeably. Arabized traditional Hebrew names from the Torah include Ibrahim, Isma'il, Ishaq, Ya'qub, Yusaf, Ayyub (Job), Da'ud and Sulayman. Many Jews used the Arabic ibn instead of bat or ben when it was the norm (Ibn Ezra).

It is strongly advised to spend time on creating an authentic name for your character.

Culture and science of al-Andalus

The diverse cultures of al-Andalus formed a composite hybrid culture.

The art of al-Andalus had a distinctly Arabic and Islamic inspired flavor, and manifested itself mostly in sculptures and mosaics and other artifacts that served a dual purpose besides that of being aesthetically pleasing. What made these works distinctly Andalusian was the combination of various artistic elements from Catholic, Roman, and Byzantine artistic traditions.

The literature of al-Andalus represented both a translation of classical Greek and Roman works under rulers like al-Hakam II, which had been lost to Europeans, and also the coming together of Christian and Arab ideas into entirely new works. Muslim universities, libraries, courts, and to some degree Christian monasteries were hubs for literature, the former were also hubs for the hybridization of literature and thus of ideas. Foreigners from across Europe and the Middle East came to these universities in al-Andalus, contributing their own ideas.

As a result of this literary exchange, a wealth of new literature on the subject of theology, philosophy, science, and mathematics was produced during this time. The works of Muslim physician Abulcasis, female Muslim poet and linguist Lubna of Cordoba, Jewish scholar and physician Hasdai ibn Shaprut, are direct products of the cultural exchange manifested through literature.

Under the Caliphate of Cordoba, Jews experienced A Golden Age of Jewish Culture, in which Jewish scholars, philosophers, and poets prospered. Jews also contributed to the scientific and mathematic fields of study prominent in Cordoba at this time.

Administration of al-Andalus

The Andalusian Caliphate was organized in 6 Nabiya or main regions, three interiors and three bordering Christian lands. The 6 Nabiyas were (first 3 are the ones ruled by in-game Viziers, last 3 the ones ruled by military commanders, Qa´ids):

- Al-Gharb: Huelva and south of Portugal
- Al-Mawsat: Guadalquivir and Genil valleys (former Baetica)
- Al-Sharq: Mediterranean coast, from Murcia to Tortosa
- Al-Tagr al-Ala: Zaragoza and surrounding areas
- Al-Tagr al-Awsat: Toledo and surrounding areas
- Al-Tagr al-Adna: Mérida and Extremadura

Each Nabiya was organized into several Coras under the rule of a Wali. (Not to be confused with the totally separate religious title). The Coras were also divided into smaller provinces called Iqlims, normally organized about a castle or important town and ruled by a Zalmedin. The most important Coras of al-Andalus are represented in the game and they are:

Al- Gharb:
- Labla (Huelva, includes Niebla)
- Martulah (Beja and Mertola)
- Al-Fagar (Silves).
Al-Mawsat:
- Isbiliya (includes Sevilla, Aracena, Alcala de Guadaira, Utrera and Lebrija)
- Firrish (north of Sevilla and Cordoba and east of Badajoz, high mineral deposits)
- al-Yazirat (includes Algeciras and Tarifa)
- Rayya (includes areas south of Cordoba as well as Malaga)
- Saduna (Jerez, Arcos de la Frontera, Gades)
- Qurtubah (Cordoba)
- Istiyya (Ecija)
- Yayyan (includes Jaen, north of Granada and Almeria, Ciudad Real and Albacete)
- Garnatah (Granada, Alpujarra and Sierra Nevada).
Al-Sharq:
- Tudmir (From Murcia to Alicante, both included)
- Balansya (Valencia, Xativa and Denia)
- Turtusha (Tortosa, north of Castellon).
Al-Tagr al-Adna:
- Maridah (Merida, Extremadura and parts of Portugal).
Al-Tagr al-Awsat:
- Tulaytulah (Toledo, Alcazar de San Juan and surrounding areas)
- al-Belat (north of Caceres and Toledo)
- Santabariya (Cuenca, Guadalajara and Teruel).
Al-Tagr al-Ala:
- Saraqusta (includes Zaragoza, Ricla, Alcañiz and Calanda)
- Barbitaniya (Huesca and Barbastro)
- Larida (Lerida, including Mequinenza and Fraga)
- Todela (Tudela).

It should be noted that in the Hispano-Muslim model, border was conceived as a disorganized separation line, without being a part of the territorial structure, with limited population and just marked by some specific points.

The coras of Tulaytulah, al-Belat, Santabariya, Saraqusta, Barbitaniya, Larida and Todela enjoy tax exemptions to certain extent due to their geographical location on the border of the Caliphate and their commitment to the defense of the borders.

Iqlims were territorial divisions under the Cora, normally formed around a Castle or defensive position. They are ruled by Zalmedins. There are three playable iqlims in the game:

- Mayurqa (Baleares) (Under al-Sharq)
- Melilla (Under al-Mawsat)
- Tanja (Tangiers) (Under al-Mawsat)

Each Nabiya has a standing army, for which an upkeep is paid by the Treasury. It should be noted that the Caliphate usually used mostly mercenaries of Berber origin for their military campaigns, and thus the standing armies are small. Efficiency represents the morale, training and quality of troops. Each Nabiya holder also directly holds one Cora inside his Nabiya. Governors of the Coras shall be acting as lieutenant commanders in the armies of their Nabiya under their respective Vizier/Qa'id during times of war.

The government of the Caliphate was a theocratic one, with the Caliph at its top and several advisors to him. The Caliph’s power is however highly reduced by the three-polar regency. The most important and thus playable court titles of al-Andalus were:

- Hajib: The most important advisor, who ran daily issues and was the right hand of the Caliph.
- Viziers: a second order minister who had wide powers and more than one existed in several periods. In the game, there are three Viziers who also control inner Nabiyas.
- Diwan: Foreign minister, who is responsible for diplomacy and negotations
- Sahib al-ziman: Responsible for tax collecting and the treasury
- Qadi: Main judge in the Caliphate and also a religious authority, a much respected figure. His work is supported by the Shura council. (NOTE: should not be confused with the Qa’ids)
- Wakil: The Wakil was a noble trusted with the administration of the possession of the Caliph’s son until the son became full aged. Wakil also was in charge of hiring the teachers who would teach the Islam to the prince.
- Qa´id al-asatil: Commander of the Navy of the Caliphate
- Amir al-Umara: Commander-in-Chief, holding influence in military matters, though the Arabic military model is not that much focused on a single commander-in-chief

The tax collection of the Caliphate was undetaken by three different treasuries.

- Personal treasury of the Caliph: Composed of the revenues of his personal terrains, confiscations and a special trade tax named zakat al-suq.
- Treasury of the Ummah: Administrated by religious authorities and kept in the Cordoba Grand Mosque. This treasury is composed of charity donations and should only be used for pious projects. It is run by the Qadi
- Public Treasury: composed by the vassal “tax” and the general taxes paid by all citizens. It is the most complex and important of the treasuries, and the Sahib al-ziman is running it. The public tax is composed of the personal tax for non-believers, the vassal tax and the general taxes paid by all citizens.

Joining the Game

The game can be joined at any time.

All players must join the game as either a bureaucrat, noble, intellectual or a soldier.

Several historical characters will be needed for the game to start, and they are listed on the Realm post below.

To join, simply make a post in the following format:

Name:

Birth Year:

Culture: (Arabic, Berber, Muwallad, Mozarab, Jewish or Saqaliba)

Field: (Must be bureaucrat, noble, intellectual or soldier)

Biography: (Short background story for your character

Stats

In The Caliphate on the Edge, the Characters have three Stats: Income, Wealth, and Influence. Wealth is measured in gold dinars, and represents a character's material's worth. Income is measured in gold dinars per year, and represents the net tithes or income a character has. Influence is measured in clout, and is representative of the sway, friends, piety and favors a character accumulates over time.

So how are they useful? Well, each turn your income generates more wealth from you. And then wealth can be used on different orders, like buying more land and estates, or mercenaries etc. Influence is gained by having position, winning battles, courting favor among, and so on, and will make your orders, actions, and plots generally go smoother.

Orders

Orders cost wealth to carry out, and plots use influence to increase their chance of success. If you are low on wealth, you can spend Influence on orders, but not vice-versa. If you plan to do this, note it in your orders.

Every character gets one personal order per turn. This can be anything, though you may want to make it useful. For instance, if you are short on wealth, getting favor from an official would be smart so you are granted more land. If you are looking to carry out a plot, visiting noble families and currying their favor would be a good idea. This should be limited to a single action, and should take up no more than four lines in the message box.

In addition to their personal order, all players get an an administrative order. This is used to carry out their duties for the Caliphate, such as handling administration, or drilling troops, etc. The Caliph and the Regents have one of these, and he is to use it for administering the Realm (i.e. if he wants to improve the army, build specific buildings, etc.) The administrative order can have multiple actions in it so long as they are related, and should take up no more than six lines in the message box.

Note that the personal order is for actions that help your character, and the administrative order is for doing the duties that a character is tasked with doing by the Realm or other organizations.

You can use an administrative order to help yourself, but you must make it reasonable.

Finally, the Caliph and the Regents get an additional Realm order on top of their administrative and personal orders. This is used to do Realm actions such as granting titles, promoting (or demoting) characters, etc. The Realm order can have as many appropriate actions as the Caliph/Regent wishes in it, and it will have no limit for length.

Orders should have a subject of “Caliphate on the Edge - Your Character’s Name, Current Year”. So, for example:

To: XVG

Subject: Caliphate on the Edge - Ghalib, 977

Message text:

Personal Order:

Lots of fun stuff.

Administrative Order:

Even more fun stuff.

Realm Order:

The most fun stuff.

War Order:

Lots of fun war stuff (only to be used when attacking/raiding/etc. For recruitment/training, use other orders)

Due to the fact that the downloading of PMs seems to have been disabled, it is possible (and recommended) to send orders to my email, thexvg@gmail.com

Plots

Plots are group covert efforts, for example assassinations. These will be treated as a special kind of order. Players are free to secretly plot, gather influence, etc. without GM approval. When the plot leader feels he is prepared to act, he must send the GM a PM detailing the plot goal, its plan, and those who back it. Any requests for NPC support (such as the King of Leon, Berber tribes, etc.) can be directed to me. Once I confirm the people that back the plot, it will be considered an order. A plot serves as the player’s personal order for the turn he decides to launch it, as well as for all those backing the plot. The greater the combined influence a plot has, the more likely it is to succeed.

Note that any assassination of a higher ranking Realm member, or the ruler himself, will need a VERY powerful plot backing to succeed.

Updates, Events, and War

There are two types of updates. These will contain the results of orders, events, and other important happenings. The first type of update is a Main Update. It will cover a year in-game, and will contain the results of all the orders sent in, among other events that happen that year. The second type of update is a Mini Update. It will highlight or cover a specific event during the year.

Events are significant happenings (such as a war, a new ruler in another land, a natural disaster, or an unexpected benefit) that will usually cause a headache for the Caliph and Regents, though sometimes will bring them or other characters joy. The majority of Caliphate on the Edge will be player-driven, but the events will provide the substance for you as a player to create this content.

Once an army goes to war, its commander will send me the general war plan. The war plan must include the commanders (either players or NPCs) for the right and left flanks, as well as the composition of forces for the center and the flanks. The army's commander will command the center, and guide the strategy and overall tactics of the army. The flank commanders will detail in their orders the individual tactics of their flank during a battle.

I will write up mini updates for major battles, and perhaps if you are a soldier or an officer commanding a flank, you will be noted in such a mini for commendable service to the Caliph and your faith.

Well, that is it! If you still have any questions regarding the rules, or if some part of them is unclear (or badly written, I am not a native speaker, feel free to PM me here on the Forums or contact me on IRC. Have fun with The Caliphate on the Edge!


IRC Channel

The IRC Channel is for OOC conversation and speaking with the GM. It is not a requirement, but it is strongly recommended.

Network: http://www.coldfront.net/

Channel name: #TA

Instructions:

1) Go to ColdFront using the link above.

2) Choose the Flash or Java Client

3) Create a screen name

4) The client will auto-add you to #coldfront. Leave this channel.

5) In the command box type "/join #TA"

You should then be logged in and ready to chat.
 
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خلافة قرطبة

(Khilāfat Qurṭuba)

Caliph of Qurtubah: Hisham II (NPC) ((not available))

Regents: Ghalib Abu Temman Al-Nasir (Mathrim), Jaʿfar Al-Mushafi (alexander23),Muhammad Ibn Abi Aamir (Harpsichord)

Hajib: Muhammad Ibn Abi Aamir (Harpsichord)

Diwan:

Qadi: Muhammad ibn Umar al-Bakri (nachopontmercy)

Sahib al-Ziman: Zia ul-haq Habib (m.equitum)

Wakil:

Amir al-Umara: Ghalib Abu Temman Al-Nasir (Mathrim)

Court Physician: Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi (tyriet)

Keeper of Court Library: Lubna of Qurtubah

Public Treasury: 951,750 Dinars

Public Yearly Net Income:171,500 Dinars

Caliphal Budget
Public Treasury: 0,951,750 Dinars
Incomes
Taxation of Labla 12,000 Dinars
Taxation of Martulah 15,500 Dinars
Taxation of Al-Fagar 9,500 Dinars
Taxation of Isbilya 17,000 Dinars (+0,500 each turn for 3 turns)
Taxation of Qurtubah 26,000 Dinars (+3,000 in 1 turn)
Taxation of Firrish 7,000 Dinars
Taxation of Al-Yazira 11,500 Dinars
Taxation of Rayaa 10,500 Dinars
Taxation of Saduna 8,500 Dinars
Taxation of Istiyaa 5,500 Dinars (+0,500 each turn for 3 turns)
Taxation of Yayaan 9,000 Dinars (+0,500 each turn for 3 turns)
Taxation of Garnatah 29,500 Dinars (+5,000 each turn for 1 turns) (+2,500 each turn for 4 turns )
Taxation of Tanja 2,000 Dinars
Taxation of Nekor 1,000 Dinars
Taxation of Tudmir 13,500 Dinars
Taxation of Balansiyaa 7,000 Dinars
Taxation of Turtusha 4,000 Dinars
Taxation of Maridah 27,000 Dinars
Taxation of Tulaytulah 32,500 Dinars
Taxation of Al-Belat 2,000 Dinars
Taxation of Santabariya 4,500 Dinars
Taxation of Salamanqah 11,500 Dinars (+2,500 each turn for 1 turns)
Taxation of Soria 7,500 Dinars (+1,500 each turn for 1 turns)
Taxation of Saraqusta 15,500 Dinars
Taxation of Barbitaniya 7,500 Dinars
Taxation of Larida 10,500 Dinars
Taxation of Todela 3,500 Dinars
Total taxation of Coras 311,000 Dinars
Trade 44,000 Dinars
Tributes 27,500 Dinars
Mining 25,500 Dinars
Total Income 408,000 Dinars
Expenses
Military expenses, army, infantry 77,000 Dinars
Military expenses, army, cavalry 46,500 Dinars
Military expenses, army, mercenaries 14,000 Dinars
Military expenses, navy 27,000 Dinars
Military expenses, other 8,500 Dinars
Total Military expenses 173,000 Dinars
Wages 5,500 Dinars
Infrastructure work 37,000 Dinars
Court costs 12,500 Dinars
Law and order 7,500 Dinars
Total expenses 236,500 Dinars
Balance 171,500 Dinars

Treasury of the Ummah: 75,000 Dinars

7ZbVrqy.png

Nabiyas

Al-Gharb: Vizier Sulayman ibn Muhammad ibn Aban ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammed (Bialaska)
Retinue of Al-Gharb
5,000 Infantry
2,000 Cavalry
Efficiency: 55 %
Martulah

Cora of Labla: Vizier Sulayman ibn Muhammad ibn Aban ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammed (Bialaska)

Cora of Martulah: Vizier Sulayman ibn Muhammad ibn Aban ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammed (Bialaska)

Cora of Al-Fagar: Wali

Al-Mawsat: Hajib Muhammad Ibn Abi Aamir (Harpsichord)
Retinue of Al-Mawsat
6,000 Infantry
1,500 Cavalry
2,000 Mercenary Infantry
1,000 Mercenary Cavalry
2,000 Mercenary Infantry & 3,000 Mercenary Cavalry: ??? (tonkatoy5)
Kathir ibn Fath ibn Qasim al-Thairti (aedan777)
150 Palace Guard
Efficiency: 75 %
Qurtuba


Cora of Isbilya: Hajib Muhammad Ibn Abi Aamir (Harpsichord)

Cora of Qurtubah: Under direct administration of the Caliph’s Court

Cora of Firrish: Hajib Muhammad Ibn Abi Aamir (Harpsichord)

Cora of Al-Yazirat: Wali Muhammad ibn Shiba al-Qebab (Shynka)

Cora of Rayaa: Wali Muhammad ibn Shiba al-Qebab (Shynka)

Cora of Saduna: Wali

Cora of Istiyaa: Wali

Cora of Yayaan: Wali Naadir ibn Haneef ibn Tariq al-Shahin (Sneakyflaps)

Cora of Garnatah: Wali Naadir ibn Haneef ibn Tariq al-Shahin (Sneakyflaps)

Retinue of Tanja
1,500 Infantry
1,500 Cavalry
0,500 Mercenary Infantry
1,000 Mercenary Cavalry
Efficiency: 55 %
Tanja

Cora of Nekor: Wali Musa ibn Jurthum ibn Ahmad ibn Ziyadat Allah ibn Sa'id I ibn Idris al-Banū Salih (NPC)

Iqlim of Melilla: Zalmedin Nasir ibn Ahmad ibn Bakr al-Fayuz (Spectre17)

Al-Sharq: Vizier Ja’far Al-Mushafi (alexander23)
Retinue of Al-Sharq
12,000 Infantry
4,000 Cavalry
Efficiency: 65 %
Madinat al-Laqant

Cora of Tudmir: Vizier Al-Mushafi (alexander23)

Cora of Balansiyaa: Wali

Cora of Turtusha: Wali

Iqlim of Mayurqa: Zalmedin Yūsuf ibn Bakr ibn Sahl al-Banu Lakhm (Noco19)

al-Tagr al-Adna: Qa’id Salehrn ibn Hussuf al-Ruminin (firelordsky)

Retinue of al-Tagr al-Adna
7,000 Infantry
1,500 Cavalry
Efficiency: 70 %
al-Lixbuna

Cora of Maridah: Qa’id Salehrn ibn Hussuf al-Ruminin (firelordsky)

al-Tagr al-Awsat: Qa‘id Ghalib Abu Temman Al-Nasir (Mathrim)
Retinue of al-Tagr al-Awsat
14,000 Infantry
5,500 Cavalry
Efficiency: 80 %
Tulaytulah

Cora of Tulaytulah: Qa’id Ghalib Abu Temman Al-Nasir (Mathrim)

Cora of Al-Belat: Wali Khalid ibn Ghalib al-Nasir (NPC)

Cora of Santabariya: Wali Ismail Abu Bakr al-Sabu (NPC)

Cora of Salamanqah: Qa’id Ghalib Abu Temman Al-Nasir (Mathrim)

Cora of Soria: Qa’id Ghalib Abu Temman Al-Nasir (Mathrim)

al-Tagr al-Ala: Qa‘id Yahya Al-Hadi ila'l-Haqq ibn Al-Husayn Dashid (Dadarian)
Retinue of al-Tagr al-Ala
6,000 Infantry
1,000 Cavalry
Efficiency: 60 %
Saraqusta
Cora of Saraqusta: Qa’id Yahya Al-Hadi ila'l-Haqq ibn Al-Husayn Dashid (Dadarian)

Cora of Barbitaniya: Wali

Cora of Larida: Wali Muhammed Berail Salidun (Zex)

Cora of Todela: Wali



Al-Asatil al-Gharb: Qa´id al-asatil Sulayman ibn Muhammad ibn Aban ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammed (Bialaska)

50 Galleys

al-Lishbuna

Al-Asatil al-Sharq: Qa´id al-asatil Yūsuf ibn Bakr ibn Sahl al-Banu Lakhm (Noco19)

35 Galleys

Madinat al-Laqant

Al-Asatil al-Mawsat Qa´id al-asatil Muhammad Ibn Abi Aamir (Harpsichord)

50 Galleys

al-Yazirat


Upkeep costs.

1,000 Infantry = 1,500 dinars

1,000 Cavalry = 3,000 dinars

10 Galleys = 2,000 dinars

Private Enterprises

Al-Kartl al-Masryf al-Andalus: Eliazer ibn Rueben ibn Moshe al-Shariq (RedNomNoms)



Budget

Treasury: 48,000 Dinars

Incomes

Banking of al-Gharb 2,500 Dinars

Banking of al-Mawsat 11,500 Dinars

Banking of al-Sharq 10,500 Dinars

Banking of al-Ala 6,000 Dinars

Banking of al-Adna 9,500 Dinars

Banking of al-Awsat 9,500 Dinars



Total income 50,500 Dinars

Wages 2,500 Dinars

Other running costs 3,500 Dinars

Total expenses 6,000 Dinars

Balance 48,000 Dinars




Al-Masraf al-Markazī al-Andalus: Vizier Sulayman ibn Muhammad ibn Aban ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammed (Bialaska)



Budget

Treasury: 47,000 Dinars

Incomes

Banking of al-Gharb 8,500 Dinars

Banking of al-Mawsat 4,500 Dinars

Banking of al-Sharq 4,500 Dinars

Banking of al-Ala 2,500 Dinars

Banking of al-Adna 2,500 Dinars

Banking of al-Awsat 2,500 Dinars

Total income 25,000 Dinars

Wages 1,500 Dinars

Other running costs 1,500 Dinars

Total expenses 3,000 Dinars

Balance 22,000 Dinars






Bank of Larida: Wali Muhammed Berail Salidun (Zex)



Budget

Treasury: 7,500 Dinars

Incomes

Banking 2,750 Dinars

Total income 2,750 Dinars

Wages 0,250 Dinars

Other running costs 0,000 Dinars

Total expenses 0,250 Dinars

Balance 2,500 Dinars

 
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Characters
Ja'far al-Mushafi
Player: alexander23
Culture: Berber
Field: Bureaucrat
Wealth: 50,000 Dinars
Income: 21,500 Dinars
Influence: 250 Clout

Azhar ibn Ebrahim ibn Fahim al-Farsi
Player: Riccardo93
Culture: Arab
Field: Intellectual
Wealth: 9,500 Dinars
Income: 0,500 Dinars
Influence: 100 Clout

Yūsuf ibn Bakr ibn Sahl al-Banu Lakhm
Player: Noco19
Culture: Arab
Field: Noble
Wealth: 49,600 Dinars
Income: 25,550 Dinars
Influence: 195 Clout

Sulayman ibn Muhammad ibn Aban ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammed
Player: Bialaska
Culture: Arab
Field: Noble
Wealth: 120,500 Dinars
Income: 56,500 Dinars
Influence: 150 Clout
38 Trade Ships [30 ships loaned to al-Shahin ]



Naadir ibn Haneef ibn Tariq al-Shahin
Player: Sneakyflaps
Culture: Arab
Field: Noble
Wealth: 79,000 Dinars
Income: 75,500 Dinars (+2,500 income every turn for 4 turns)
Influence: 190 Clout
30 Trade Ships loaned from Vizier Sulayman

Moses Maimonides
Player: baboushreturns
Culture: Jewish
Field: Intellectual
Wealth: 47,500 Dinars
Income: 23,000 Dinars
Influence: 90 Clout

Usus “Ayrad” Amalu
Player: tonkatoy5
Culture: Berber
Field: Soldier
Wealth: 3,500 Dinars
Income: 2,500 Dinars
Influence: 100 Clout
1 Trade Ship(s)

Kathir ibn Fath ibn Qasim al-Thairti
Player: aedan777
Culture: Berber
Field: Soldier
Wealth: 75,000 Dinars
Income: 36,500 Dinars
Influence: 115 Clout
2,500 Mercenary Infantry

Muhammad ibn Umar al-Bakri
Player: nachopontmercy
Culture: Arab
Field: Noble
Wealth: 9,000 Dinars
Income: 0,500 Dinars
Influence: 270 Clout
25 Bodyguards

Nasir ibn Ahmad ibn Bakr al-Fayuz
Player: Spectre17
Culture: Arab
Field: Noble
Wealth: 62,500 Dinars
Income: 46,000 Dinars
Influence: 200 Clout
15 Trade Ships

Muhammad Ibn Abi Aamir
Player: Harpsichord
Culture: Arab
Field: Noble
Wealth: 97,000 Dinars
Income: 59,500 Dinars (+7,000 in 2 turns)
Influence: 410 Clout

Ghalib Abu Temman Al-Nasir
Player: Mathrim
Culture: Saqaliba
Field: Soldier
Wealth: 71,500 Dinars
Income: 100,000 Dinars (+2,500 every turn for 4 turns)
Influence: 385 Clout

Muhammad ibn Shiba al-Qebab
Player: Shynka
Culture: Arab
Field: Bureaucrat
Wealth: 39,000 Dinars
Income: 18,500 Dinars
Influence: 170 Clout
25 Bodyguards
Dance Troupe

Yahya Al-Hadi ila'l-Haqq ibn Al-Husayn Dashid
Player: Dadarian
Culture: Berber
Field: Noble
Wealth: 64,500 Dinars
Income: 20,500 Dinars
Influence: 215 Clout

Salehrn ibn Hussuf al-Ruminin
Player: firelordsky
Culture: Saqaliba
Field: Soldier
Wealth: 27,500 Dinars
Income: 15,000 Dinars
Influence: 155 Clout
5 galleys
15 Mail Ships
80 Bodyguards

Eliazer ibn Rueben ibn Moshe al-Shariq
Player: RedNomNoms
Culture: Jewish
Field: Intellectual
Wealth: 10,000 Dinars
Income: 2,500 Dinars
Influence: 110 Clout

Muhammed Berail Salidun
Player: Zex
Culture: Arab
Field: Noble
Wealth: 34,000 Dinars
Income: 21,000 Dinars
Influence: 120 Clout
1,500 Mercenary Infantry

Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi
Player: tyriet
Culture: Arab
Field: Intellectual
Wealth: 6,500 Dinars
Income: 1,000 Dinars
Influence: 125 Clout

Zia ul-haq Habib
Player: m.equitum
Culture: Arab
Field: Intellectual
Wealth: 21,500 Dinars
Income: 11,000 Dinars
Influence: 155 Clout

Abul-Faraj ibn Isfandiyar ibn Qutaybah al-Sakhtyani
Player: Maxwell500
Culture: Arab
Field: Intellectual
Wealth: 25,000 Dinars
Income: 8,000 Dinars
Influence: 215 Clout
250 'Bodyguards'

Yusuf ibn Ali ibn Qutaybah al-Sakhtyani
Player: Deaghaidh
Culture: Arab
Field: Intellectual
Wealth: 10,000 Dinars
Income: 1,500 Dinars
Influence: 75 Clout
____________

TEMPLATE

Player: -

Culture: Arab/Berber/Muwalladin(Muladi)/Saqaliba/Jewish/Musta'rabin(Mozarabes)
Field: Bureaucrat/Noble/Intellectual/Soldier
Wealth: 0,000 Dinars
Income: 0,000 Dinars
Influence: 0 Clout
 
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Name: Jaʿfar Al-Mushafi

Birth Year: 930

Culture: Berber

Field: Bureaucrat

Biography: Little is known about Jaʿfar Al-Mushafi. What few records their are of him suggests he was a good solder, but not a good politician. So, kind of a blank slate.
EDIT: Apparently Ja'far was a selfish and short sided man, who was the mastermind behind the rise of the child caliph...
 
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Azhar ibn Ebrahim ibn Fahim al-Farsi
الأزهر بن إبراهيم بن فهيم الفارسي​
Age: 22 (8 June 954)
Culture: Arabic-Persian
Field: Intellectual

Biography: The grandson of a Persian who arrived in the court of Abd-ar-Rahman III as a jurist, and the son of a notable and highly respected bureaucrat, Azhar showed from a young age a thirst for knowledge and a drive to learn what he could; at the age of ten, he fluently spoke and wrote Greek and Latin, and was by thirteen recognised as a gifted poet. He travelled with his father on an ambassadorial trip to Egypt, and spent nearly a year in Cairo studying (staying there for several months after his father had left); he then travelled with merchants to the city of Baghdad, eagerly spending his times hunched over scrolls and pages in the House of Wisdom.

When he returned to Cordoba in 975, he embarked on an expedition across the Caliphate to learn more of the terrain, the history, and the cultures of the land, noting whatever he learned in great detail. His journal, dryly titled “The Journey of Azhar ibn Ebrahim through Andalusia,” was and is noted for its technical precision (his technique has often been compared to Herodotus), the general depth of his notes (he took great care to describe the flora and fauna he saw on his travels), and particularly remembered for its section on myths.

Following that work, he set out on a hajj to the holy city of Mecca, again writing a journal of his travel. Unlike his previous work, this was noted for its prose, its conversational tone, and for its vivid depiction of the various cities and lands he travelled through, occasionally taking turns from detailed accounts of architecture to weaving fanciful tales of the people he met, as well as other fantastical tales.

Except from "The Journey of Azhar ibn Ebrahim to the Holy City and Other Tales"

بعد ثلاثة أيام من مغادرة لدينا في مدينة ديدو ، تعيين على مسارنا إلى مدينة قابس ، حيث لدينا صديق التاجر أحمد و توريد سفينته ، وصلنا عبر عصابة من البدو الرحل. في أول يخشون أننا سوف تبذل عبيد نسائهم ، زعيمهم ، وهو رجل مع الأنف القبيح اسمه طحنون استقباله لنا، و قدم لنا القهوة ، ثم قادنا إلى معسكرهم ، وقد ملأها الأصوات والروائح كنت قد شهدت أي وقت مضى ، وتفحم الى خمسين الغزلان على حفر الناري، و رائحة التوابل الأجنبية تملأ أنفي . طحنون زايد منا إلى خيمته ، و ناشد لنا أن ينام هناك، و عدنا شبعنا من العلف والشراب. قبلت مشكورا نيابة عنا جميعا ، واسعة العينين و رهبة من طفه و الطغيان الطلق.

غسلت وجهي و قاد الرمال من ملابسي قبل تقديم نفسي له في وقت لاحق في المساء ، على النحو المنصوص عليه الشمس الذهبية السماء البرتقال و الكثبان انهائية. تحدثنا من بيوتنا و عائلاتنا ، اشترك في حكايات من كبار السن من الرجال والنساء من الحكمة ، وأنا استمع إلى بفارغ الصبر كل ما كان لهذا العرض. قال لي أنه سافر أقصى الجنوب ، ما وراء الصحراء من الصحراء منذ فترة طويلة، عندما كان صبيا. تحدث عن أدغال كبيرة والمدن المجيدة، لامعة مع الذهب و يحكمها أكبر من الرجال . لقد ناشدت منه عدم التوقف ، ولكن ، وقال لسانه حكايات من الأراضي ، كما ارتفع القمر العالي في السماء الأرجواني من المدن الكبيرة الأخرى و المحاكم ، وكنا الواقف اعجابا جيدا

... Three days after our leaving of the City of Dido, set upon our course to the city of Qabis, where our merchant friend Ahmad was supplying his ship, we came across a band of nomads. At first fearful that we would be made servants of their women, their leader, a man with an ugly nose named Tahnoon greeted us and gave us coffee, then led us to their camp; it was filled with sounds and smells I had never experienced before, as fifty gazelles roasted on embery pits, and the aroma of foreign spices filled my nostrils. Tahnoon bade us to his tent, and implored us to sleep there, and promised us our fill of feed and drink. I graciously accepted on behalf of us all, wide-eyed and in awe of his kindness and open-handedness.

I washed my face and drove the sand from my clothes before presenting myself to him later in the evening, as the golden sun set upon the orange sky and infinite dunes. We talked of our homes and our families, partook in tales of old men and wise women, and I eagerly listened to all he had to offer. He told me that he had travelled far south, beyond the desert of the Sahara long ago, when he was a boy. He spoke of great jungles and glorious cities, glistening with gold and ruled by the greatest of men. I implored him not to stop, but as the moon rose higher in the purple sky, his tongue told tales of lands, of other great cities and courts, and we were thoroughly enraptured...

He returned to Cordoba in late 976, and settled into his family home, and set himself to the task of conversing with the other scholars living in the city, discussing law and religion, history and science, art and travel. It was shortly before the death of the Emir that he took his first wife, the daughter of another influential bureaucrat, his father’s superior.

He has shown a great interest in both history and science, as evidenced from his first two journals; his volumes of poetry have also provided him with the financial means (as well as his father’s wealth) to travel and work at his leisure. He has also a great interest in law, particularly the Maliki and Hanafi schools, both of which he has written brief treatises.
 
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Yūsuf ibn Bakr ibn Sahl al-Banu Lakhm
يوسف بن بكر بن سهل آل بنو لخم​

Birth Year: 947

Culture: Arab

Field: Noble; Zalmedin of the Iqlim of Mayurqa

Biography: Born into privilege, owning to his Muslim faith, Arab descent, and ambitious ancestors, Yūsuf received governorship over the Iqlim of Mayurqa often his father's sad passing in 976. Although his position is still quite a new experience to him, Yūsuf found himself enamored with the notion of control, having gradually taken on his ill father's duties as age withered his capabilities to rule.

As little of note has yet to occur under his tenure as Zalmedin, Yūsuf remains a minor figure in current Caliphal news, but lately stirrings of ambition have arisen, reflected in a growing sense of piety, zealous even.
 
Name: Sulayman ibn Muhammad ibn Aban inbn Abdullah ibn Muhammed

Birth Year: 946

Culture: Arabic

Field: Noble

Biography: Sulayman the Decadent is the vizier of Al-Gharb. He is of the Ummayyad dynasty, which rules Cordoba, but of a distant branch, with the current Caliph's great-grandfather being the origin of his branch.
 
Name: Naadir ibn Haneef ibn Tariq al-Shahin

Birth Year: 951

Culture: Arabic

Field: Noble

Biography: Naadir is a young noble and is the Wali of Ganatah, his father died 6 years ago and not much is known about him other than a driving ambition and that he has wonderful green eyes. He has a younger sister and two children with his wife.
 
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Name: Moses Maimonides

Birth Year: 939

Culture: Jewish

Field: Merchant/Scholar

Biography: Born during the golden age of Jewish culture on the Iberian Peninsula, Moses was a acclaimed rabbi, physician, astronomer, philosopher and, banker of the time. Known for his influence in the Jewish community he always hoped to lead his people into an age of equality.
 
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אֶפְרַיִם נְחֶמְיָה יְהוֹשֻׁעַ
Efrayim Nehemiah Yĕhôshúa

Birth Year: 930 CE
Culture: Jewish
Field: Merchant (Bureaucrat?)
Biography: Aharon Shem Tov Tamar (b. 905), was the son of a poor Rabbi whom resided in a small community beyond the rising walls of الجزائر (Algiers). Living with nearly 14 siblings, and the youngest amongst them, Aharon was only 11 years of age when his father passed away. The eldest in the family were delegated with the honor to assume the profession of their father, as the youngest were forced to sustain themselves. Eventually, Aharon was recruited to work for his elders, either in the Synagogue or at a trading depot. He spent nearly half a decade in such a position, finally leaving the community for pastures new. Renown for his ambitious workmanship, the Jew established a port for trade, positioned at the choke-point of Al Yazirat. Ships from across the Mediterranean flooded into the ports, carrying vast crates of valuables for trade. Initially, Aharon was frequently harassed and raided for working among the Muslims, but eventually, his superior knowledge for trade and economic maneuvering brought more prosperity and wealth then any of his competitors could have conceived.

Like his father, Aharon died fairly young, leaving behind two sons, Efrayim and Binyamin. Aharon granted the blessings and properties of the trade to Efrayim, Binyamin left for the north, where he prospered as a famed rabbi. For the young Yehoshua, life was much more challenging. Local competition took advantage of Aharon's death, impoverishing the son and the late merchants wife, whom passed away not long after. In the footsteps of his father, Efrayim left Al Yazirat for several years, embarking on a journey around the northern coast of Africa, eventually making it as far east as Jerusalem. When his travels were concluded, Efrayim returned home and reestablished a trading depot with the coin he had earned during his time abroad. Unlike his father, Efrayim refused to invest all of his profits into a single establishment, branching out along the coast of al-Andalus. In control of nearly a dozen trade depots, the Jew dealt shady agreements with the local officials, and soon saw his wealth rapidly expanding as ships flocked to the harbors of choice. Metals, Linens, and other commodities quickly enriched Efrayim, whom continued to grow his trading expanse and develop stronger relations with both the providers and the competing Muslims.
 
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Name: Usus “Ayrad” Amalu
Culture: Berber
Field: Soldier
Date of Birth: 955
Location: Outside Zaragoza
Bio: Born to a missionary and a Berber Warlord, Usus was trained from birth to be a ferocious warrior. His father taught him the skill of Falconry at the age of eight, and on his twelfth birthday he was presented with a magnificent Golden Eagle which he named, Agerzam. At the age of fifteen as a rite of passage he was sent out into the African jungle, two months later he returned carrying the hides of twelve lions which earned him the nickname, Ayrad. Years later he formed a warband and started participating in many local conflicts but found them to be boring and decided to head to the Caliphate in the north, knowing he could find the battles he so desired there.
 
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Name: Kathir ibn Fath ibn Qasim al-Thairti
Birth Year: 943
Culture:Berber
Field: Soldier
Biography: The al-Thairti family has a long history of serving the Caliphate as capable warriors and generals. Kathir is highly ambitious and hopes to gain renown for his service under the Caliphate. Kathir is also fanatically zealous, with a burning hatred of Catholics, especially those in northern Iberia.
 
We could use a few more administrative positions (at least all Nabiyas) filled before the game can start.
 
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Name: Muhammad ibn Umar al-Bakri

Birth Year: 925

Culture: Arabic

Field: Intellectual, Qadi of the Caliphate

Biography: Youngest son of an Umayyad Syrian family, Muammad travelled all his way from Damascus when his family was sent to Iberia to serve the new Emirate as state workers. Since little, he showed an extreme devotion and a purity of spirit, and soon his parents realized that the child could have a bright future in working for the Only One, Allah.

When he was seven years old, Muhammad was placed under the tutelage of an Andalusian Dervish, who taught him to read and to understand the subtle meanings within the Quran. Unfortunately, the Dervish died when Muhammad was just 14 years old, not without leaving a permanent remnant of right righteousness and humility in his disciple.

However, Muhammad had receive a far than average education in religious affairs, and after a brief period with his parents he was sent to the Mosque in Qurtuba, where he helped the local Imam and learnt also the bases and tricks of the Shura. Once his education was complete, he served as an Imam in Sherish, where he surprised all the locals for his simple lifestyle and the prudence and wisdom of his sentences, an impression that was increased when he refused to leave for a bigger Mosque in Isbiliya in order to keep in touch to the community that considered him as a father.

However, duty called in the last days of Hisham II, when he was ordered to take charge of the Qurtuba Mosque and to act as the Qadi of the Realm.
 
An except from “The Journey of Azhar ibn Ebrahim through Andalusia”

The Mad Hermit of the Mountains

I arrived in Zaragoza alone, with my companions from the City of Sands having left my company several days prior to give chase to a pack of wolves whose furs are highly valued in the Great City, and found myself in midst of a celebration in the city; the inhabitants, Christian, Muslim, and Jew alike, had gathered in a field near the heart of the town, and were feasting and talking and partaking in games and pleasantries. Despite the moving throng, and the almost deafening noise, I was able to gather from several of the more lucid there that it was a yearly memorial over some great victory over an enemy long forgotten by outsiders. A man there, corpulent and pleasant, invited me to dine at his home later, and treated me with most respect and kindness; his home was opulent, and his wives passive, his poets inspired, and his coffee strong.

I greeted him after I gave my prayers to God, and we and his host met in the grand dining hall; it was there that I asked him of the lands and rumours of Zaragoza; he entreated me with a tale of an ancient man, a brilliant mind gone mad by isolation and age, who lingered in the forests to the west of the city. We then conversed until the late hours of the night on matters obscure and not pertinent to this tale, though perhaps in another; I thanked him for his hospitality and resigned to my quarters. Several hours after the sun had risen, I thanked him again, and left for the city proper.



It was there, in the northern reaches of this Emirate, a full parasang away from the city of Zaragoza, where the great mountain known by the Iberian peoples living there as Moncayo stands imperiously, that I met the old man, this Mad Hermit, whose true name was Bermudo, a lithe, short man, with little hair on his head and a slight, thin beard across his face, who invited me to his home near the base of that great mountain. It was a humble place, surrounded by retama and other such trees, and a great number of crimson flowers, called in these parts as cloves, amongst other lilies of many colours.

It was here, in the peace of this garden that he told me of his life; his great poverty as a child, his conversion to his faith (the heathen practice of Rome), and his life as an ascetic and hermit. I then inquired him of the myths of legends of this land, to which he replied that the greatest legend was the Devil of the Mountain. I bade him to go on, and with much reluctance, he conceded. He described a creature, ivory of skin and black of fur, with bright pink eyes far set and eternally open, that hid in the caves and crags of the mountains, leaving only to feast upon children travelling deep into the forest at the height of the moon’s journey; it was a creature that would sneak, slithering like a serpent, a dark cockatrice, through the bushes and shrubbery, driving its prey even deeper into the woods, whereupon it, once its victim was left destitute and exhausted, would first feast upon its fears and hopelessness, before consuming the soul of the child, forever damning that child to hell and darkness. I asked the Mad Hermit if these rumours were true, and whether he had ever seen this foul beast with his own eyes. He looked upon with a steely gaze, his face pale and haggard, and swore to his God and to mine that this devil was real, and that once he had caught a glimpse of it, in these very woods.

He offered me refuge in his home before night fell, which I gladly took; I did not sleep easily that night.
 
Name: Nasir ibn Ahmad ibn Bakr al-Fayuz
Birth Year: 949 (28)
Culture: Arab
Field: Noble, Zalmedin of the Iquilm of Tanja
Biography: Nasir was born in 949 to the son of the reigning Zalmedin of Tanja and his berber first wife. The al-Fayuz family had served the Caliphate and the Emirate before it as Zalmedins of Tanja and sometimes also Melilla, the majority of the family was only interested in their own holding of Tanja itself however Nasir bucked this trend, at age 15 he convinced his grandfather to send him to he court of the Caliph in Cordoba. For nearly 7 years Nasir explored the city of Cordoba, read some of the books in the Great Library and even observed court intrigue first hand. After 7 years in the Caliph's court Nasir returned to Tanja and received lessons from his grandfather on the different problems facing the Iquilm. Nasir showed a particular interest in the tribes who lived to the south. In 976 only months before the death of the Caliph Nasir's grandfather died and, his father having died not long after Nasir's birth, Nasir became Zalmedin of Tanja.
 
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Name: Farqad ibn Yazdanyar al-Mufar

Birth Year: 940

Culture: Berber

Field: Noble, Sahib al-ziman of the Caliphate

Biography: Born into a powerful Berber noble family, Farqad left home at a young age and came to Al-Andalus to make a career serving the Caliph. Since then he has used his skill in place intrigue and has learned to handle money very well after being taught by Jewish merchants. Due to his learning under the Jews, Farqad is a strong supporter of the Jews and will always protect there rights.
 
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The Qur'an and our daily issues: political organization

O believers! Obey God and obey the Apostle and those who have been given authority [uulaa al-amr] among you (Qur'an 4:59)

Our Lord! We obeyed our leaders and our chiefs, and they misled us from the right path. Our Lord! Give them (the leaders) double the punishment you give us and curse them with a very great curse ( Qur'an 33:66)

Therefore, my sons, our Lord command us to obbey our rulers and their laws, but also chains them to the great obligation of acting according to the principles transmitted upon us by the Prophet. Let this be known in our lands.