Khanate Court of the Golden Horde

[chilliwilli]

Behold The Fury of the Steppes.......

Nation: Golden Horde
Head of State: Baraq Khan II
Player: chilliwilli
Religion: Sunni
Culture: Mongol, Altai
Stats: 5/1/2(4)/3/5(6)]--> [5/1/4/3/6]
Provinces: 20
Ports: 2
Owned: Astrakhan, Samara, Donetsk, Lugansk, Volgograd, Uralsk, Orenburg, Kalmuk, Tobolsk, Jalutorovsk, Sadrinsk, Kurgan, Kustanai, Ichim, Ufa, Kazan, Bogutjar, Kremenjug, Crimea, and Kaffa.
Annexations of Thrace, Sibir +2 Technology
Overlord of Russia +1 Economy

[chilliwilli]

Much has happened within The Horde over the centuries. after Genghis Khan's death, his son Batu was given The Blue Horde while another swath of territory, called The White Horde, was given to Orda Khan who was also related to Genghis Khan by blood. The two Khanates would remain seperate until disaster struck The Blue Horde following the death of Khan Bergi Beg in 1359. Dispute over who would suceed occured and anarchy swept The Western Steppes. This dark time would not see any end until The Khan of The White Horde, Toqtamish, united the two Khanates in 1378 creating The Golden Horde. The Golden Horde has remained the supreme Asiatic power since this time. The reign of Bars Khan saw The Horde advance all the way to the walls of Venice until they were repelled at The Battle of Venice by a combined Christian force. Bars Khan was found dead on the battlefield and the young Damdinsuryn was named Great Khan. As a fifteen year old boy at the time many doubted his capacity to rule, but he proved to be one of the worthiest Khans in recent history. His reign saw the further centralization of The Golden Horde, the reconquest of areas of The Crimea, and the conversion of Siberia to Islam. His reign would end on the battlefield also though. Wishing to reclaim Russia for The Mongol people he invaded along with Baraq Khan, The Khan of Siberia. May wonder what went wrong in Moscow that day, for Baraq Khan triumphed in Nighzgorod with a much smaller force, but Dmadinsuryn's army was utterly obliterated and he was found dead on the battlefield. The Siberians under Baraq Khan sued for peace, but The Golden Horde was thrown into turmoil once again since Damdinsuryn died with no heirs. A kuriltai was held to decide who would succeed and two Khans contended for rule of The Golden Horde. First was Baraq Khan, Khan of Sibir and the strongest of all The Khans under Damdinsuryn, who had proved himself again and again. Next was Sugadai The Khan of Kazan, in charge of administering The Russia land sof The Horde. After much debate it was decided that Baraq Khan would rule as the next Great Khan of The Golden Horde, but can he triumph against all odds? Of principal concern are The Russians, who are fast advancing in the west threatening The Golden Horde's territory. Their is also the danger of The Aragonese, who may assist Russia. Much has changed and The Golden Horde's position as baston of The Old Mongol Empire is threatened.........

[chilliwilli]

Baraq Khan:

He may have passed away years ago, but his spirit lives on as a guide to all Mongols, who wish to attain greatness. He began his rise to greatness as a minor Khan within The Golden Horde. Ruling over the largest and most independent Khanate within The Golden Horde's sphere, Sibir, he quickly rose to become one of the most influential Mongols within The Golden Horde. With thousands of troops under his command and the unwavering support of Great Khan Damdinsuryn he was feared and respected by many within The Empire. He was also loved for when the call to arms came he was at the front. He led his armies alongside Damdinsuryn against Russians and other enemies of the Mongols. And when those under his rule feared that the old religious ways would be lost to a more progressive world he personally converted to The Sufi faith(a sect of Islam that combines shamanistic teachings with Koran teachings) to appease all Mongols. By the time of Damdinsuryn's death during the war with Russia his power in the Empire had grown to enormous heights, so much so that he was elected Great Khan of The Golden Horde!

He inherited a throne in great danger as the Russians marched towards the capital. Wisely, he relinquished some border lands to the Russians to give him time to rebuild The Empire. His first act was to fully intergrate his beloved Sibir into The Golden Horde. Under Baraq Khan The Golden Horde emerged as a more centralized land, no longer a loose affiliation of local Khanates. Baraq Khan was also the first Khan to open up trade to western merchants, most notably Venetians and Genoese. He also personally visited The Mameluk Sultanate and met face to face with it's Sultan to form an alliance of Muslim powers. This alliance proved vital in stopping the crusading powers of Europe when they sought to reclaim Constantinople for Christiandom.

The Golden Horde continued to blossom under his leadership, but then Baraq Khan suddenly died in his 50s, leaving a massive empire to his son Orda. The location of his tomb remains a mystery.

Orda Khan:

Orda Khan had already proven himself a capable leader by the time his distinguished father died. He governed Siberia after his father was elected Great Khan and also smashed a religious rebellion in the West. Many questioned his ability to live up to his father's legacy, but he quickly silenced all doubters.

His first obstacle was The Crimean Khan, who broke away from The Golden Horde following Baraq Khan's death. With the help of his Ottoman allies The Crimean Khan's lands were conquered and partitioned between the Ottomans and The Golden Horde. He also completed that which his father couldnt before his death, the conquest of Russia. Mongol armies swept through Russian lands, returned the borderlands lost under Baraq Khan to The Golden Horde, and forced The Czar to pay a yearly tribute to The Great Khan and provide grazing lands for the horses of his men.

He further centralized the lands of The Horde too. After the defeat of The Crimean Khan and Russia, only two Khans other than Orda held any significant power: Nurgai Khan of Astrakhan and Ulugh Khan of Kazan.

This new found unity allowed The Golden Horde to continue to expand its political influence outward making it a true power in The East.

He left a stable Golden Horde to his son, Baraq Khan II, following his death.

Baraq Khan II, Great Khan of all Mongols:

Baraq Khan II now rules over The Golden Horde, he seems to pocess the ambition of his grandfather, but no one can truely tell what his reign will bring.

Nurgai Khan, Khan of Astrakhan:

Nurgai administers the most important part of The Golden Horde, Astrakhan. Caliphs have made it their home and It is seen as one of the most important cities of Islam.

Ulugh Khan, Khan of Kazan: [IMG] jpghttp://www.afghanan.net/biographies/Sardar%20Sher%20Dil%20Khan.jpg[/IMG]

Ulugh Khan has always been loyal to The Great Khans of The Golden Horde. Kazan was taken from him by Russia during Baraq Khan's reign, but it was recently returned to him following Orda's conquest of Russia.

Sukhebaatar, Chief Advisor of The Great Khan:

Perhaps the most important piece of The Golden Horde is The Persian born Sukhebaatar. He has been deeply involved in many decisions made by past Khans and will remain an influential figure in The Golden Horde's history until its end. For a brief time he dictated Golden Horde policy directly while Baraq Khan was a abroad on a diplomatic mission to Egypt

[chilliwilli]

The divisions of The Golden Horde are very complex and varied, to Westerners we appear as a vast and highly centralized empire, but in reality The Golden Horde is merely a confederation of Khans and Princes with A Great Khan at its head.

NOTE: this will be updated to reflect current state of game

[chilliwilli]

War: Nations listed here only understand bloodshed. All attempts at diplomacy have failed, that is why our armies will sweep forth to crush them.

Hostile Relations:While not at war with The Golden Horde, these nations have greatly upset The Great Khan and will be dealt with in the future.

Lithuania- They remain a great threat to The Golden Horde, even more so than in the past. A never ending state of tension fills the air over the borders our lands share.

Poland- They are perhaps even more dangerous than Lithuania. They are weaker and farther away yes, but their threat lies in their diplomacy. War with The Golden Horde would most likely help them draw the support of The Holy Roman Empire and perhaps even The Blakan Slavs.

Papal States- They have crusaded against Islam and are responsible for every one of Islam's past territorial losses in The Levant, The Balkans, and Africa.

Neutral Relations: These nations have not angered The Great Khan, but we are keeping our eye on them.

Venice- They were once a friend and trading partner of The Golden Horde, but due to jealousy over our agreement with Genoa, they decided to cut off all contact with The Mongol people. We could not care less, but should watch their movements cautiously.

The Timurid Empire- Once great allies in the conflict between East and West, we have drifted apart.

The Holy Roman Empire- We have done battle in the past, but relations have remained calm for quite sometime between our peoples. We remain cautious.

Pskov- A strong Russian state is something to be warey of, but they have not posed any threat thus far. If they seek to intervene in Mongol affairs they will be dealt with, this you can be sure of.

Oman- We have gone from friendly collaberation to suspicion and back again many times. One can never be to sure what the future holds for two of the most powerful Islamic states.

Moldovia- A strong Balkan power could greatly threaten Islam, let us hope they dont expand much more.

Friendly Relations:These nations have rightly befriended The Golden Horde and will be rewarded.

The Mameluks- They have seen much change in recent years, from the disasterous reign of Hussein and the following rebellion to the cultural flowering that is occuring now. Baraq Khan's visit there years ago proved to a great diplomatic success as many desicions about the future of Islam were made and Baraq Khan was treated very graciously by The Sultan and his attendents.

Muscovy- As long as they pay us tribute and behave civily, they will be protected from all harm.

The Ottoman Empire- The Turks share a strong bond with The Mongols and always have.

[chilliwilli]

Sunni Islam: As of now Sunni Muslims make up the largest part of The Golden Horde's population and is highly favored by The Great Khan. While not practiced by the ruling family it is considered the official state religion of The Golden Horde.

Sufi Islam: The religion of the ruling family. Sufism reigns supreme not only in The Great Khan's yurt, but also in Siberia where it became the official religion of The Khanate while Baraq Khan ruled there.

Paganism/Shamanism: The smallest minority in The Golden Horde, it also finds its largest following in Siberia mostly in the provinces of Ichim and Sadrinsk.

Orthodoxy: The Orthodox minority has grown considerably following Orda Khan's conquest of Russia. Their faith is still tolerated as long as they pay homage to The Great Khan

[chilliwilli]

Extra post...

[chilliwilli]

Baraq Khan, the newly elected Great Khan of The Golden Horde has had little time to adjust to the rapid change that is occuring within his realm. He finds himself faced with invasion as he was thrust into war upon his ascension to the rulership of The Mongol people thanks to Damdinsuryn. He has little time to enjoy his new found authority, for he is in his yurt with his scribe writing many letters to the states of Islam and Russia.

[Kubilai]

The diplomat that was sent by to Il-Khanate wait for Baraq Khan for now a mnonth, without having any sign of life. He talks to himself

They must have forgot that I am here, or else I would have been welcomed. As a Mongolian. Every Mongolian roots are saying that a man is always welcomed in another's yurt. Or maybe it is because he is a so-named Sufi...what in allah's name is that religion?

Is it continues, I guess our appointments will have to go with our Southern allies. The Golden Horde have lost a lot of it's ancient glory..

He llok around him

And that is not material. Here, everything's the same since the brother of Ogodai the Great. I guess it's in their heart.

[chilliwilli]

Baraq Khan, having heard of the disaster at Samara, summons The emmisary from Baghdad.

"I apologize for your wait, but you must understand the dire crisis my new lands are faced with. My army has been crushed at Samara and The Russians continue their trek eastward. Damdinsuryn has caused me much grief with his ill-planned campaign....."

He gathers himself.

"Yes, well what is it that you would like? If I recall you came following Khan Damdinsuryn's death, yes? Well things were rather hectic then, please restate you wishes, as there is now a Khan present to recieve you."

He adds...

"It would also be most appreciated if you could help us in anyway during our struggle with Russia, we are the last representatives of Genghis Khan one of us can not fall."

[Yoghurt]

After that the Sultan had read the dispatchment, the Grand Vizier returns to the mongol messenger.

"The Sultan have heard your plead and studied the plans. Your Khans proposal is interesting. The Sultan also feels that it is a shame that Baraq Khan shall be punished for misstakes that his precedoors made and although my Sultan hadent rise to the throne when your master visited Cairo, scriptures from the archives talks about the friendship that rose between your Khanate and Egypt."

The Grand Vizier takes a short break and then continues.

"Also the Sultan feels that the russian peace condidions is to harsh. He wont give your Khan any promises, but if the russians doesnt lower their demands, he promises to study the battle plans more carefully."

[Das Heer]

A letter arives from Moscow,

"Khan of the Golden Horde,

If you wish for peace then I will send you my terms. First, your vassals of Suzdal and Ryzan are to be transfered to the Russian state as Russian vassals. Second, the Orthodox provinces of Kazan, Ufa, Saratow, and Bogutjar to the Russian crown. Third, you will recognize the Empire of Russia as a soverign state and no longer as a rebellion. Fourth you will recognize all Russian lands as Russian and will drop all claims upon my crown and upon my lands giving the Horde no Casius Belle(Sp?) for war against my Empire. Fifth, you will sign a seven year non-aggression pact with Russia sworn before each of our Gods upon our death if either should break it. Six you will sign an agreement to establish permanent diplomacy between our realms so that we may co-exist instead of wars which have led to more bloodshed.

If you accept these terms I will send you an official treaty so sign.

written by his own hand in Moscow,
Vasily II, Czar of Russia, Emperor of Russians"

[Yoghurt]

The Sultan calls for the mongolian messenger from the Horde.

"I have personally studied your Khans plan and his offers. I will be able to fight along his side as soon as the winter has passed in your harsh country. I heard that the winters can be very cold so far up north and even if nor me or my men fear any campaigns, the problem with logistic and support for my men can easier be solved at summer time. I do how ever have to recognise the Russians claims on compensation, how hard and unfair this even may been seen for your innocent Khan. Sometimes, the judgement on our forefathers strikes our innocent sons. How ever, if the Russians only claim compensation within reason, I advise your Khan to agree to that. Sometimes it is better to make a friend of your enemy and turn your horses elsewhere.

I have ordered one of my Viziers to look into the issue about what can be a reasonable compensation, if you would like to have my advise about that issue, that is."

When the mongolian messenger leaves the Court. He is handed a letter from one of the Viziers.

[Das Heer]

A man walked in,

"I am Joseph, I will be the Russian ambassador to you per the terms of the treaty, a treaty I have right here."

The man then hands the treaty over.

Treaty of Samara

This treaty, signed in 1435, affirms a state of peace between the Russian Empire and the Golden Horde. The treaty is as follows:

Article I: The Golden Horde releases Suzdal and Ryan from vassalage; Suzdal and Ryzan will now be vassals to the Russian Empire

Artcile II: The Golden Horde cedes the provinces of Kazan, Ufa, Saratow, and Bogutjar to the Empire of Russia

Artcile III: The Golden Horde recognizes Russia as an independent state and not a rebellion from the Horde.

Artcile IV: The Golden Horde drops its claims on all Russian lands and vassals, including the ones acquired by this treaty.

Artcile V: The Golden Horde recognizes that it has no Casius Belle against Russia.

Artcile VI: The Golden Horde and Russia will sign a seven year non-aggression pact during which neither state can enter into war against each other.

Artcile VII: The Golden Horde and Russia will establish permanent diplomatic relations including representatives from each state in the others court.

[chilliwilli]

Baraq Khan has the treaty read to him by Sukhebaatar and nods approvingly after he is done.

"Yes most favorable indeed, peace is accepted!"

He then instructs one of his attendants to come forth

"Bring us some qumus, so that we may drink to this! It is my understanding that both Mongols and Russians alike enjoy both celebration and drinking."

[KingWittelsbach]

After several days of wondering across the steppes the small band of Aragonese were weak and almost to the point of death. Their journey had brought them to the other side of the known world and it seemed their lives would end there as well. One by one they collapsed feet apart from each other leaving their lives to the fury of the steppes, however a lone rider came across these three Aragonese and reported them to the Great Khan himself. What would come of these men only the Khan could decide.

[chilliwilli]

As the festivities in The Golden Yurt continued, Sukhebaatar is seen with a messenger, he then comes over to report to The Great Khan

Sukhhebaatar: Great Khan, one of our scouts has spotted a few lone traders deep within our territory. Their intentions are unknown and they appear to be suffering greatly under the harsh conditions of the steppes. It appears that they are of a Medditerranean people.

Baraq Khan: Round them up, they know the rules, no European traders are aloud beyond The Crimea. We have lost a war to the west, but our policies remain the same. Bring them to me, so that their true intentions can be revealed. Give them food and drink also, as a dead prisoner does not yield as much information as a live one.

Sukhebataar: Yes Great Khan. It shall be done.

With that he gives Baraq Khan's instructions to the scout and he departs......

[Das Heer]

A man came in an presented a letter to the Russian ambassador. The ambassador read it then rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"Ah, Khan, it appears that one article in the treaty is not able to be completed, the one pertaining to Suzdal and Ryzan. So my Czar has edited the treaty which changes the situations with your vassals as the following: The Golden Horde realeses Suzdal and Ryzan from vassalage, the Golden Horde recognizes Russias right to annex or vassalize both of these realms should Russia be able to. Here is the new treaty:"

Treaty of Samara

This treaty, signed in 1435, affirms a state of peace between the Russian Empire and the Golden Horde. The treaty is as follows:

Article I: The Golden Horde releases Suzdal and Ryan from vassalage; The Golden Horde recognizes Russias right to annex or vassalize Suzdal and Ryzan should Russia be able to.

Artcile II: The Golden Horde cedes the provinces of Kazan, Ufa, Saratow, and Bogutjar to the Empire of Russia

Artcile III: The Golden Horde recognizes Russia as an independent state and not a rebellion from the Horde.

Artcile IV: The Golden Horde drops its claims on all Russian lands and vassals, including the ones acquired by this treaty.

Artcile V: The Golden Horde recognizes that it has no Casius Belle against Russia.

Artcile VI: The Golden Horde and Russia will sign a seven year non-aggression pact during which neither state can enter into war against each other.

Artcile VII: The Golden Horde and Russia will establish permanent diplomatic relations including representatives from each state in the others court.

[chilliwilli]

Baraq Khan adresses The Russian ambassador about the new treaty.

"Ah that is fine, your new clause results in The Golden Horde losing as much as in the first treaty, it is accepted.

[chilliwilli]

The Aragornese prisoners are brought before Baraq Khan, ragged and tired.

"Why have you ventured so deep into the steppes? You are well aware of recent tension between East and West, are you not? Such recklessness will mean death for all of you!

Orda, Baraq Khan's son, looks with pity upon the Aragornese as his father shows them harshness with his stern manner.

"Father, maybe we should give them the chance to explain themselves, we are still unsure of the circumstances of their arrival."

Baraq Khan, having learned that the advise of others may be worth listening to, heeds his son's words.

"Very well. Who are you and why are you here? Are you traders? Perhaps mercenaries serving Russia? Tell all to me.

He sits back, awaiting a response.