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Royal Oriental Trade Company - Tangiers, Part II
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Lord Campbell nodded as the local Arab merchants began buying his cargo. One by one, his ships put into harbor, and each of the captains of his ships stepped off, and began negotiating. One by one, an Arab merchant stepped forward, inspected samples of his wares, and bought some of his cargo. As the hours wore on, and his ships began rising in the water from the cargo being offloaded, the dockmaster of Tangiers approached Lord Campbell.
As the Dockmaster begins speaking to Lord Campbell, he strains to understand what he says. The dockmaster's English, no doubt gained from dealings with English merchants in years past, is quite hard to understand. Nodding, Lord Campbell, along with several others of his party, follows the dockmaster around the bazaar. At the first stall they stop at, the nearly have a heart attack. After a stunned moment, a man from behind Lord Campbell leans in, and whispers in his ear, "Holy God! These dyes are so cheap, they will make us a fortune!" Virtually all the dye in his stall is bought up, the bad quality, the average quality, and the top quality, all for a fraction of what they were expecting. Even more amazing, the shopkeeper seemed to be ecstatic about the price he was given. Clearly, the decline of Genoan and Venetian shipping had drastically impacted the economy of the entire Mediterrean.
Next, while Lord Campbell's agents were busy among the dye merchant, the dockmaster escorted Lord Campbell to the leather and cloth section of the bazaar. Huge arrays of brightly colored Arabian clothing hung from lines, fluttering like tens of thousands of sails in the midday African wind. The clothing, while not the latest of fashion, should still make a quite reasonable profit in France, the next intended destination of the Trading Company. Lord Campbell, after being shown several of the stalls, and inspecting some of the cloth, signals one of his agents to begin purchasing wares here after they finish with the dye.
The explosion of color, in the form of the many fruits and nuts grown in this portion of Africa greeted him next. The dockmaster, no doubt a friend of one of the merchants, picks up a strange fruit from a merchant, and hands it to Lord Campbell. As he raised it to his mouth, and bit into it, the sweetest juice to ever cross his tongue greeted his mouth. All the Arabs around him burst into great smiles as Lord Campbell reacted to the excellent taste of the fruit. "What is this?" Lord Campbell raised the fruit and asked. The Dockmaster grinned, and replied, "I believe the English that used to come here called it a 'Tangerine'. Perhaps you've heard of this, yes?" Lord Campbell shook his head, took another bite, and said, "No, but I'll buy fifty pounds of this, for myself." Taking a gold coin from a pouch, he hands it to the fruit merchant, whos eyes nearly pop out of his head. Lord Campbell laughs. He'd probably never been paid so much for this fruit, so common in his homeland.
As the group continued walking along the bazaar, a sudden wave of aromas swept over him. His stomach began to growl mightily from the strange, but pleasing smells arising from the stalls ahead. As the Dockmaster stopped at the first one, it was Lord Campbell's turn to have his eyes nearly pop out of his head. "Spice!" He gasped. The merchant, pleased that a visitor had come to his humble stall, offers him a cup of tea he had been brewing. The infusion, spiced mightily with Cardamom, was quite simply, one of the best things the Scot had ever tasted. As the hot, delicious liquid poured down his throat, he smiled with pleasure. "Oh, yes, I'll buy plenty of this spice." Bags of cardamom seeds were quickly packed, upon recieving the gold coins that Lord Campbell had offered. Cardamom was known in Europe, but it was expensive.. just as this would be. As the Dockmaster and Lord Campbell walked on, the vast array of spices available here were astounding. Chicory, Anise, Dill, Cumin, Coriander, Garlic from Africa, Cinnamon and Licorice, from Cathay, Timeric, Salvias, and Cloves from India, all for prices, that, although expensive, even here, would fetch a commanding sum in Europe, thanks to the disruption of trade after the destruction of Venice and the loss of the entire Genoan fleet. Lord Campbell grinned as they walked on. His agents were, no doubt, in the cloth section now. He dispatched a runner back to his agents to tell them to save plenty of room and money for later on; it seemed each section of the bazaar got more and more wonderful, like the levels of Heaven in the Divine Comedy, and the end of the Bazaar still wasn't at hand.
Like the Divine Comedy, indeed! Lord Campbell nearly fainted at the next section. Jewels, of varieties nearly completely unknown in Europe, shimmered like stars on the land in the bright sun. Dazzling colors, red, blue, white, green, cut to perfection by the masterful Arabian jewellers, nearly blinded the Lord Campbell. Such jewels, Lord Campbell thought to himself, would amaze and astound even the King of France! The prices of these were steep, but.. yes, he decided after a moment, they would bring in great profits in France. The goldsmiths were next, and the bright gold seemed to reflect the glory of the sun. The amazingly beautiful pieces of art, necklaces, rings, and all the other golden treasures, were things that even he, a noble who had travelled France and Europe, had never seen before, not even in the collections of the Dukes of France and Italy. "I shudder to think of what could be next!" he exclaimed to noone and particular, and shudder he did. Very, very expensive spices, being sold by Blackamoor merchants, with names unknown to even the Arabians, were being sold. Just a little bit of that, Lord Campbell decided, to see the reaction of it in Europe.. we know of the spices of Cathay and India, but these spices are too rare. Finally, the end of the bazaar was in sight. Racks of ivory, corals, and tropical woods, carried from the deepest recesses of Africa, were being sold in this section. Oh, what prices these would bring! Lord Campbell decided. The Kings of Burgundy, France, and Germany would give me vast titles and estates, just for a few of these priceless objects!
Finally, the dockmaster and Lord Campbell passed the last stall. The dockmaster, who was probably not impressed with what was in the bazaar, thinking them common trifles, likely thought that Lord Campbell believed the bazaar to be a dump, selling nothing worthy besides cloth and dye. What a surprise he was in for! As the men walked back to the ships, Lord Campbell pointed to a vendor, selling chicken and couscous, and asked, "Good food?" The Dockmaster nodded, and the men went over to it. As Lord Campbell paid for the chicken and rice, spiced with herbs entirely unknown to the Scot, and entirely pleased by the taste, the Dockmaster finally asked, "Please, please to consider establishing a permanent merchant presence here, no? We welcome your business." Grinning, Lord Campbell replied, "Oh, my friend, do rest assured, I will certainly open a trade office here. You mentioned earlier about a treaty between our Kings to establish trade; the King of Scotland has no influence over the trade of his Kingdom, preferring not to make deals with foreign rulers to import or export goods, but instead, he desires the merchants of his Kingdom to travel to other lands themselves, and deal with the merchants there. In that manner, the merchants who do the business make vast profits, and the Kings of the two lands are able to exact the tolls and such that they require. Much simpler, and costing much less, he believes, than sending an expensive embassy to the King of Morocco to negotiate treaties and the like." The Scot bit into his chicken, chewed, and swallowed, the delicious bit of food, and continued, "I am prepared to offer this, my friend: I will establish an office here, and leave some of my most trusted lieutenants here to bargain on my behalf with the local merchants. I tell you this, the cloths, leathers, and honey that we brought with us, even though they are certainly rare and valuable here, are mere trifles compared to the luxuries, both noble and common, that can be brought from France and Germany. I will promise to come back here often; and how can I not? The fruit of your land alone, especially those 'tangerines', are worth travelling here. In exchange for providing the trade goods of France and Germany at fair prices, more than enough for my merchants and the merchants of your land to resell also at great profits, I will also buy the goods of your land, to sell in France and Germany. An excellent deal, no?" Lord Campbell, scooping up a portion of couscous with his bread, as the Arabians were doing, awaited the Dockmaster's reply..
Royal Oriental Trade Company - Tangiers, Part III
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Lord Campbell smiled broadly. The Tangiers expedition had gone marvellously. Why, by God's Grace, he had sold all of his cargoes from Portugal in Tangiers, cargo that normally wouldn't fetch a high price, at rates far above and beyond his wildest expectations. Clearly, the demise of Genoa and Venice, the quite new and still not fully fuctioning Italian Trade Union, and all the disruptions to trade and commerce that invariably come about as a result of prolonged war, had so starved Tangiers of the most basic trade goods that even leather and such were able to be sold at great prices. Likewise, goods that had normally sold at huge rates in Tangiers, like spices, fruits, goods from Africa, and textiles, were able to be snatched up at low prices. Granted, the route from Scotland - Portugal - Tangiers - Bordeaux would never be as wildly successful again, barring another huge disruption of trade and a few years, but, as long he maintained this trade route, then the money should still continue to flow into his bank account..
Peeling another one of the "tangerines", and throwing the peel into the street, he watched as the last of the cargo was being loaded. His ships, now once again floating low in the sea, laden with the rich trade goods of Tangiers, were stuffed full of the now quite rare dyes, African goods, cloth, spices, and all the other fabled riches of Africa. Hmph. The African goods were likely a one time deal.. the Portuguese were thoroughly exploring the unknown lands south of the Tropic of Cance.. "My lord, we will be ready to depart in the morning," one of his aides announced to him. Lord Campbell merely nodded to the man, who went back to the Saint Mary to supervise the preparations to depart. Campbell swallowed the last of the Tangerine. It was almost as sweet as the sum of money he had made.
Dawn broke, and Tangiers was greeted by the sound of Scottish voices casting off towards Bordeaux. However, even as the ships left, and trimmed their sails so that they might catch the best winds that would take them to the north, a few Scots had remained behind, with a sum of money to maintain them. Serving as an office of sorts, the local authorities, if they desired to meet with the Scots, would find a most receptive group of men, ready and authorized to make a deal if so requested.
The Emir Elector Negotiates with the Portuguese
Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez, listens to the report from the Navigator and considers this, based also upon reports he has been brought while the Europeans consulted between themselves.
"If the King does not want war that is good, because we do not want war either. But we will defend the people you call the Moors. It is good that religion is not your king's motive, and so I hope he bears us no ill will.
We do not wish to threaten Portugal, but will remain in Moorish lands until Spain recognizes them as free. We see a difference between Christian Iberia and Muslim Iberia. We have no designs upon Christian lands and do not seek their conquest, only the restoration of Al-Andalus.
We would see Portugal remain in peace, and we would see them as a valuable trading partner and friend, but we also remember history and the slaughter of Muslims and them being out of their great cities in Iberia.
Now the Egyptians have joined the fight for the Moors as well. We do not want to see Portugal drawn into this conflict. Nor do we want to see Portugal forced into a situation where they are drawn into war with Fez because Portugal is supporting Egypt, and Egypt is fighting Algeria. This makes no sense especially if Egypt is fighting with Fez against Castile. Do you see how confusing the diplomacy has become?
Can not your king renounce such treaties that breed hostility? In peace times trade could prosper. In war, there are very few winners. At the very least, if our allies go to war, we should remain at peace, don't you agree?
Please return to Portugal with this news. But if you interest in friendship is sincere, I would like to hire some of your navigators, for peaceful purposes only, to help map our trade routes at sea. Any such knowledge we can share between our lands. Offer this to the king and send word of his reply.
Thank you for your visit, and I hope you will convey that you have been treated well. We are a civilized people. I have prepared gifts to take with your upon your return. When these hostilities are ended, we should like to open our markets to you as well.
I have enjoyed this meeting. Travel safely. We shall escort your as far as the tip of Gibraltar."
Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki Receives Funds from Algiers and the Timurids
The Emir Elector received the news from Prince Umar that the Timurids had generously supported the undeclared Jihad to liberate Al-Andalus. (OOC: Loan from several game months ago, news travels slow.
) Fine new warships, rivaling the European Man-of-War crafts had been built to replace the ships lost in the Battle of the Balerics."A tribute is due for the Timurid Khan," thought the Emir Elector, and he proceeded to read that the headstrong Prince was losing patience escorting the aged Omar Al-Andalus, and wanted permission to return to the Oriental Empire. Abd el-Amaliki signed his approval of the request and bid it be sent with speed.
He read the next message, from the Almohad Emperor.
"With these funds, we can arm the rebels with better weapons, and hire them into our ranks to defend Al-Andalus, from the Christians who would retake it," he said aloud, as his mind raced with the possibilities.
Another letter, this time from Jamal Zayyed his vizier on the Almohad war council. It alerted him to the interception of the Egyptian gold to Castile, of the long and arduous exodus of some refugees to Egypt, and of the subsequent reversal by Egypt to support the war against Castile.
It made no sense to him, that the Abbasids would give the Iberians the money they need to re-arm their artillery then declare their intent to charge directly into it. Was this a sincere change of heart? A realization of the importance of this cause? Or was there something more, pressure from the Almohad throne, perhaps? Whatever the motivation of their leaders, the soldiers of Egypt were brave and worthy fighters, and perhaps it was Allah that changed the hearts of the Ministers and Calipah?
But the Egyptian gold would be paying for weapons to be used against the Egyptians!
"War is madness," the Emir Elector declared, but he knew that more madness was yet to come. And that madness was destructive and would need to be faced sooner or later. "It must be faced, even if the cure is painful itself. The disease must be removed."
Then he realized he was talking to no one but himself. It had been many sleepless nights, worrying about this war to liberate his brothers and the land of his ancestors. General Qsar-s-Saghir had led a noble effort so far. The gambit proposed by Zayyed would test him. But now there was money to be spent, to give him the tools he needed.
He longed to return to times of peace, but how often does an opportunity like this present itself?
- EVENT -
Inflation in Fez
Fez has taken out massive amounts of loans recently, equalling no less than four times the normal treasury held by the small nation. In addition to this, the influx of inflation-striken currency from Algiers does nothing to help the populations trust in their currency. With a prolonged war looming, the population stockpiles supplies and merchants raise their prices.
RESULT: INFLATION
All economic expenditures will be twice as expensive for Fez for 1 year/4 turns. It will cost Algiers 2 econ to perform any act that would cost 1 econ otherwise. Algiers’s econ is also worth half for the purposes of loans and their repayments.
Afonso bows and leaves the Palace as soon as possible with him all his moorish 'assistances'. They make a quick journey to Tangiers without any interference. It was safer that they could imagine. When they were about to embark back to Portugal Rodrigo gives a letter to one of the Emir's guards. Days after they leave to Portugal the letter is given to the emir...
El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra Sets Sail
Though trade continued to flow through Italia El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra's dream of a commercial empire was threatened. The Scotts had seemingly been abandoned by the country men and the demand for their goods was unable to be fulfilled.
All attempts to reach the trade houses of Gelre had evaporated, so it was time to reach further into the membership of the Hansa.
It was hoped that Prince Umar would establish new commercial agreements with the Timurids, who had proven a reliable and influential ally in foreign affairs.
And only a fraction of the wealth to be gleaned from Sub-Saharan Africa had been been tapped. What a wondrous resource that could become if further developed!
But the war still loomed.
Desperate actions were needed and that meant that he, himself, would need to take leave of the safety of the Capitol.
He would dispatch another party south, into the scarcely charted lands of the Mali and Tuaregs.
He would sail....North.
The Emir Elector Reflects upon Events
Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez. reflected on the course of events, unfolding rapidly over the last few weeks.
The Emirs, the sons of the long-missing Sultan, had been dispatched to the far corners of the globe on missions of diplomacy and war. So far they had been successful, in both plots known and unknown to their enemies.
El El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra had left Fez, pursuing a rather unorthodox mission of trade and diplomacy. The Emir Elector did not know what to think of the proposal, when he had heard it, but simply delegated the task to his advisor, who had proven for more gifted in these affairs.
Omar al-Andalus had followed the Council of Alims to the Holy Lands from Angora, and remained there as counsel to the Caliph. How that old man survived as long as he had mystified the Emir Elector. Abu-Mohammed had been persuaded by Jamal Zayed and Al'Karnattah to listen to the alim and join the Zayyanids in their war to restore Andalusia to Islam. And now the golden age of science and commerce he had built was threatened.
Al'Karnattah still worked among the Moorish refugees, who had come to Fez so many years earlier, and welcomed those that fleeing the current war, who chose Fez over Egypt as their destination. So many of them were bitter of Egypt's aid to Castile, and though the Emir Elector valued Egyptian aid and defense of Dar es Islam, his forgiving view was not shared by these refugees. Al'Karnattah was demanding and was not willing to accept Egypt's redemption. But Al'Karnattahdid not rule Fez, Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki did. Egypt was now an ally. The Emir Elector had placed his trust in a ruler who had stated openly his hostility toward the Almohad Empire. History would determine if his trust was well-placed.
Turning to an example of misplaced trust, the Portuguese, it appeared quite likely, had been prepared to betray them all along. They spoke of trade and peaceful exchange, but now it appears that they were quite taken with their new navy, and prepared to test it to expand overseas, despite denials by their envoy. Was it some sort of Chritian or European predjudice to think that the Moors and Berbers were stupid, because the spoke a different language? He shook his head at the thought. He had hoped for peace with Portugal, but if war was to come he would be ready.
For years now General Qsar-s-Saghir had been building fortifications, to increase Fez' base defenses. Small investements and great efforts over time, combined with the study of the great fortifications of the Muslim world had made Fez far stronger than many people had realized.
But, the Emir Elector took nothing for granted, and had already begun the evacuation of the University of Tangiers. The scholars were moved to safer locations throughout the nation and the many great treasures of the Greeks had been moved as well, hidden far beyond the borders of his nation, where they would be safe, should the worst come to pass.
Plans were made to draw up a formal treaty to join with Algiers, Egypt, and all of Dar es Islam, to cut off all Portuguese trade in Africa, should war come. In fact, agents had already been dispatched to the far coasts of Africa, to incite the natives against the Christian trading posts, should war come.
Though few things seemed as urgent as the potential of another well armed enemy at his gates, the Emir Elector's thoughts then turned to a matter more pressing: the death of his benefactor, Almohad Emperor Akbe Mohammed.
Dignitaries from the Empire would be arriving soon, for the state funeral would be conducted here. Rooms had been prepared where they would be recieved with pitchers of cool water and bowls of refreshing fruits, nuts, and cheeses. It was a somber affair, to be sure, and his court had been in mourning for days.
The future was unclear. But, with the engagement for the Mongol Timurids, the it was not as grim as some might have supposed. It would be a new chapter, to be sure.
But first, the Epilogue had to be written on this one.
(OOC: Court Closed until after post by Blade! for funeral
)
The End of an Era, Pt. 2
October 2nd, 1454 - The Emperor's Burial
The City of Fez
The Flag of Sultan Akbe Mohammed
October 2nd, 1454 - The Emperor's Burial
The City of Fez
The Flag of Sultan Akbe Mohammed
In the Islamic faith, Muslims believe that death is a departure from the life of this world, but not the end of a person's existence. Rather, eternal life is to come, and they pray for God's mercy to be with the departed, in hopes that they may find peace and happiness in the life to come.
Upon death, those with the deceased are encouraged to remain calm, pray for the departed, and begin preparations for burial. The eyes of the deceased should be closed, and the body covered temporarily with a clean sheet. Muslims strive to bury the deceased as soon as possible after death, avoiding the need for embalming or otherwise disturbing the body of the deceased.
Akbe Mohammed’s body was recovered from the empty, body strewn battle field abreast of the Gates of Malaga and evacuated to his ship and across the water to Fez, where the Almohad Council had arrived hours before in preparation of an immediate funeral. When the cold body of the Almohad Emperor arrived in the City of Fez, his eyes had already been closed in death, a calm look on his face, and a silken sheet covered him.
The burial was not as immediate as some mullahs wished. The burial of the Second Almohad Emperor, one of Dar-es-Islam’s most influential figures in the last two decades, was not one that could be rushed.
In the time leading up to the burial, important figures, politically, religiously, and perhaps most important… sentimentally, gathered. Those who gathered to wait, consoled each other, or silently rejoiced as the case might be. In general, the populace recited verses from the Qur'an, and remembered Akbe Mohammed through story.
It is forbidden for those in mourning to excessively wail, scream, or thrash about, though it is expected that sorrow will be felt and weeping will occur. When the Prophet Muhammad's, peace be upon him, own son died, he said: "The eyes shed tears and the heart is grieved, but we will not say anything except which pleases our Lord." Moslems are encouraged to strive to be patient, and remember that Allah is the One who gives life and takes it away, at a time appointed by Him. It is not considered the place of man to question His wisdom.
It was many who wept openly, but of particular note were the Ladies Rebekka and Livia, though it was the later whose histrionics were more widely noted. The other and foremost consort, the Lady Kadija, was nowhere to be seen, until the day of the funeral, emerging from the desert with the entire bulk of the Zenata tribe. The young Halud Hasan, and the Lady Kajol Khan arrived by boat and came to the quarters of the Emperor’s sister, but only the later found any entrance.
On that same ship, came Naib Tomas, the Amira’s Champion. Upon his arrival in the Citadel Tlemscen from Tunis, a dispatch, which bore news of the Emperor’s death, demanded his presence at the Amira’s side. He, however, a Portuguese man long in residence and long since accepted, was swept away by the men to mourn in their own ways.
It was, however, the ruler of Algeria, the newly ascended Sultana of the Zayyanid Caliphate, The Night Jewel of Algeria, Amira-Elector Yasmine Mohammed… the Emperor’s younger sister, whose grief was told as unrivaled. The fury and weeping had eventually given way to a desolation so deep, that only her burden of duty entrusted to her by her brother brought her from the darkness that oppressed her.
Her eyes emptied of tears, Yasmine sat in Fez, where she was harangued by endless obeisances and consolations. Her exterior was presented regally, but within she still wept. Her only consolation was that her cousin dissuaded many of the visitors, and that her fiancé was somewhere nearby.
In preparation for burial, the family or other members of the community will wash and shroud the body. If the deceased was killed as a martyr, however, this step is not performed; martyrs are buried in the clothes they died in. The deceased are washed respectfully, with clean and scented water, in a manner similar to how Muslims make ablutions for prayer. The body will then be wrapped in sheets of clean, white cloth, called the kafan.
The deceased is then transported to the site of the funeral prayers, salat-l-janazah. These funeral prayers are commonly held outdoors, in a courtyard or public square, not inside the mosque. The community gathers, and the imam (prayer leader) stands in front of the deceased, facing away from the worshippers. The funeral prayer is similar in structure to the five daily prayers, with a few variations; there is no bowing or prostration, and the entire prayer is said silently but for a few words.
The deceased is then taken to the cemetery for burial (al-dafin). While all members of the community attend the funeral prayers, only the men of the community accompany the body to the gravesite. The deceased is laid in the grave without a coffin on his or her right side, facing Mecca.
Many of the men from the Zenata tribe and nobles from Tlemscen gathered to wash Akbe Mohammed’s body. With them, was Tomas Lopes de Castello-Branco, still being ushered from event to event. This was his first Moslem funeral, and it would probably be the most significant and regal most of them would ever see. The Caliph himself, Odchigin Sacha, freshly arrived with the Alima of the Holy Lands, from Jerusalem and oversaw the process. Akbe Mohammed was buried in his battle garb, the same garb he wore when he took Thrace with the Mujahir forces during the rule of his father.
The Battlegear Worn in Thrace
The Caliph led the community in prayer in place of a lesser Imam, and then led the procession the burial site in the heart of the Fezian City’s Gardens. After the body was entombed, the women rejoined the men, and speeches were given. It was Alima Aaminah Jamila al Umm-Hakim, who knew Akbe Mohammed when he was but Sharif of Oran, who gave the euology.
During the sea voyage, and with the counsel of the Caliph she had steeled her resolve, and prepared to speak for the only man she had ever known.
“Emperor Akbe Mohammed… Sultan of the Zayyanid Caliphate, Emir-Elector of Almohid Morocco, former Emir-Elector of Algeria, Lord-Protector of the Maghrib, Crimea, and Al-Andalus, Sharif of Oran, Guardian of Western Civilization, Defender of the Faith, and Premiere of the Almohad Throne… known as the ‘Lion of the Maghrib,’ and ‘Victor of Thrace snd the Holy Lands,’ holder of the Moldovian Order of Moldu'c… a martyr who died as he lived, in service of the faith.
Born in 1414 to Sultan Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad II and Sultana Farooq Hafsid in the shining port of Al-Djazir, the prosperous capitol of Algeria. At the age of 15, Akbe Mohammed was appointed Sharif of Oran by his grandfather Emir Abu Abdallah Mohammed III. He was sent not only to train for further administration within the Zayyanid lands, but to solidify the bond with the Zayyanid's ancestral tribe, the Zenata...
He served in Oran for 4 years; when he returned to the capitol to pursue military training for 5 years, but then was sent back to Oran to settle the Muslims and Jews fleeing the barbarian hordes that had swamped the Maghrib with the fall of Granada in Al-Andalus. At the behest of his Uncle, Sultan Hasan bin Mohammed, he served as an escort on a pilgrimage to Mecca, wherein I first became aqquinted with the young man who would become Emperor.”
Aaminah paused for a moment, as she recalled the journey, and the spiritual calm of Mecca, as well as the joys of youth.
“He served with decoration during the chaos of the regent's rule under Sir Kareem Abdul, and then under his Uncle Sultan Abd Roukashi whom he had righteously supported. When his father, Sultan Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad II, came to power, he took command of the Mujahir Armies and learned from their experiences in Al-Andalus; they called him the "Lion of the Maghrib," after he killed a beast terrorizing Oran in his Sharif days.”
She raised her arm to point at the famed tapestry, which the Lady Livia made sure had been brought from Tlemscen.
"He led the Mujahir Army in the assault on Thrace and won much decoration in the capture of that city from the Christians. Yet, even in victory, he was a man of compassion and faith; It was his piety that led him to rescue a Byantine Noble, and brought him to convince his father to spare the Orthodox churches. Upon his return from the Grecian lands, his father abdicated the throne and retired to Mecca.
Sharif Akbe Mohammed became Emir of Algeria, Sultan of the Zayyanid Caliphate, and Almohad Emperor in 1443. As Emperor he sought to reform and solidify the Empire, bringing the provinces together, melding them into a unitary body of commerce, prosperity, and security. He pursued reforms in trade and resisted Venetian overtures… eclipsing them in their collapse. It was he alone who granted succor to the Crimean Khan, when he was betrayed by his allies and debtees, and carried his case to the Caliph. He sent arms and aid to the Moslems oppressed by Venice in Drobudja, and struck at Lithuania when they dared to war on Islam.
In 1450, the Almohad Civil War erupted as the Emir-Elector of Morocco attempted to destroy the Emir-Elector of Fez. It was Akbe Mohammed, who rallied Algerian, Mujaheeri, and Fezian troops to put down the rebellion in a lightening campaign. Fresh in settling the civil war and brining peace to the Empire, he heeded the demand of the Ulama who asked for liberation of the Holy Lands; Morocco, Fez, Algeria, and Tunis marched the Almohad banner to the Holy Lands, to Greece, to Malta, to Sardinia, and the Balares.
Generous in peace, he struck an accord with the Christian powers to secure the Holy Lands for Moslems, Christians, and Jews for all time. Mosques are being built again, and Zayyanid garrisons guard the ways of pilgrimage. For some, however, the idea of peace and mutual existence is abhorrent. The crusader destroyers’ of Granada, declared war on the Almohad Empire. They soon learned, however, that the Almohad Navy was not a force that could be easily broached.
In hope, my people, the Moors of Granada rose up and asked the Emperor to be their champion and bring them into the Empire. Akbe Mohammed never had any pretension that the fight for Granada would be anything but difficult if not impossible. The Emperor however, a devout and committed Moslem, acted as always did; for the benefit of his brothers and sisters in the Ummah, the worldwide community of Moslems. Wherever they are oppressed, wherever little girls’ screams cry out in the night… it is the duty of every Moslem to help his brother and sister. To do otherwise is apostasy… Akbe Mohammed’s faith was only matched by his great compassion… he rode to their side in their hour of need.
Akbe Mohammed died as he lived. In submission to Allah, and in eternal sacrifice for his fellow Moslem. He died defending the innocent and weak, in front of the gates of Malaga, in 1454.
A true martyr, he fought with the last remnants of his troops to the very end. They destroyed the crusader army to a man… but his wounds were mortal. His final words were a testament to his life, and an inspiration to all of us."
"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah."
The Alima bowed her head, and crossed her palms in rememberance of the man who was Akbe Mohammed.
- EVENT -
Triggered by the naval battle of Granada
The Captain that Started a War.
Triggered by the naval battle of Granada
It was an understandable mistake. The Papal navy had been ordered to prevent Algerian and Mameluke ships from landing their troops to support the Andalusian rebels, and they were determined to carry out that order.
When the first enemy vessels were spotted, and combat was joined by both sides, the captains of the christian ships stopped looking at their opponents banners.
As such, it was an honest mistake when christian sailors boarded a ship flying the banner of Fez instead of the Algerian or Egyptian flag. And as soon as that had happened, the Fezian ships joined the fray, and were as eager to defeat their christian foe as any of their allies.
In the end, the Papal navy was driven away. But the fact that ships under Papal banner had attacked ships flying the flag of Fez remained. And without war ever being formally declared, the two nations found themself on opposite sides of the battlefields.
RESULT:
War between Fez and the Papal states.
City of Fas, Capital of Fez
Arrival of the Abbasid Royal Regiments, and Fortification Advisors
Before the Great battle of Malaga, the Calipah of Cairo, upholding his word, assigned the Abbasid Siege and fortification regiments to move to Fez, to defend it against the Portuegese.Although the two Empires hated each other, and the Calipah would love to see the sunhia destroyed, the fate of Africa and Sunni Fez was also at stake, and thus all resources were to be used to defend her.This was no longer a power struggle, this was a war of survival, regardless of differing idealouges.
Regiments, compromising Chemists, Engineers, and labourers arrived to Fez to help the Fezzians in their fortifications and Defences against the christians.
Immediatly Lola Pasha, a Turkish Engineer presented himself to the Fezzians at the Palace of Fas.
He bowed to the Emir "My lord, as the Caliph has promsied, we come to your aid, instruct us to do whatever you wish.We are at your command"
Arrival of the Abbasid Royal Regiments, and Fortification Advisors
Before the Great battle of Malaga, the Calipah of Cairo, upholding his word, assigned the Abbasid Siege and fortification regiments to move to Fez, to defend it against the Portuegese.Although the two Empires hated each other, and the Calipah would love to see the sunhia destroyed, the fate of Africa and Sunni Fez was also at stake, and thus all resources were to be used to defend her.This was no longer a power struggle, this was a war of survival, regardless of differing idealouges.
Regiments, compromising Chemists, Engineers, and labourers arrived to Fez to help the Fezzians in their fortifications and Defences against the christians.
Immediatly Lola Pasha, a Turkish Engineer presented himself to the Fezzians at the Palace of Fas.
He bowed to the Emir "My lord, as the Caliph has promsied, we come to your aid, instruct us to do whatever you wish.We are at your command"
A letter Arrives
To Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez
"I come by this mean inform your grace that the state of war exists between our two countries. I can not hold any more my people, my nobles, my clerics, myself. For I João Duarte plan to land and take your grace's land And conquer it in the name of my lord Jesus Crist.
The resons I declare war on your grace's land is only one but a crucial one. The killing of my brothers in Iberia and on the seas. For that you have no forgiven from me, or any other Portuguese Soldier. I can only hope that your grace is not killed during the battle for Fez as your Ally Abke Mohammed did.
Good Luck in the up comming battles. That your grace find the way to your God."
Signed, João Duarte the Second, King of Portugal and The Algarves, King of Near and Far sea in Africa
To Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez
"I come by this mean inform your grace that the state of war exists between our two countries. I can not hold any more my people, my nobles, my clerics, myself. For I João Duarte plan to land and take your grace's land And conquer it in the name of my lord Jesus Crist.
The resons I declare war on your grace's land is only one but a crucial one. The killing of my brothers in Iberia and on the seas. For that you have no forgiven from me, or any other Portuguese Soldier. I can only hope that your grace is not killed during the battle for Fez as your Ally Abke Mohammed did.
Good Luck in the up comming battles. That your grace find the way to your God."
Signed, João Duarte the Second, King of Portugal and The Algarves, King of Near and Far sea in Africa
EVENT
Long has the war over Iberia lingered on, and many are the dead. Many great battles have scarred the land, but neither side has anything to show for their toils, except a mountain of corpses and a countryside in flames. While rulers on all sides show a dogged determination to continue the fight, their realms have been stretched to the breaking point, a fact of which they seem continually unaware. Any nobles not slaughtered on the field are now being taxed brutally to continue the effort. The peasant sons and fathers of many families lie in shallow graves in southern Spain, and the widows and orphans that remain must pass along their last coins to fund their Kings and Sultans fanatic and fruitless efforts. Valuable church property has been looted and burned by passing armies, and merchants watch their stocks dwindle farther every passing day. Finally, the people of the participating nations can sit by idly no more. Many of the lower classes take up highway robbery and brigandry to feed their families, while some of the upper classes are refusing to pay the Kings tax. Groups of nobles in all participating realms have come to their Heads of State to demand peace immediately.
REALMS EFFECTED:
Algiers
Castille
Fez
Mamelukes
Papal States
Portugal
TRIGGER:
Exceptionally long and devastating war, heavy losses, little if any interest shown by parties at war in achieving peace
Algiers: The Zayyanid Caliphate has fought for many years now. The people are weary of conflict, and long for a word that now seems only a dream; peace. (Minimal effect due to incoming substitute player)
Castille: The Castillians have fought for years and have nothing to show for it. They have lost two entire armies in this time, and the people will tolerate these casualties no longer! (STRONG warning)
Fez: Despite high expectations, the leaders of the Fez's army are beginning to doubt that they still stand to gain anything from this conflict. (Minimal warning)
Mamelukes: The nobles and people of Egypt continue to question their leadership and its erratic policies. (Moderate warning)
Papal States: The Holy Father has been at war longer than any other Christian participant, and yet has only participated in one engagement. It was a failure. Waiting so long for such disappointment has led the nobles of the realm to demand the Pope make peace rather than continue to break their burdened backs with war taxes. (STRONG warning)
Portugal: While the Portugese King has been relatively opportunistic and his forces have fared well so far, the nobles look no further than their neighbors to see what horrors this war has brought down so far. The King had better come up with some results quickly if he wants to maintain his support base...as soon as things look to go sour, there will be trouble. (Minimal warning)
Warned realms are encouraged to seek peace before their realms break out in open rebellion. Minimally effected realms may continue to fight a bit longer, but must achieve results quickly if they want to keep their realms stable and supportive.
The Evacuation of Fez and Tangiers
Other than the soldiers and laborers who toiled to complete the coastal defenses and the erection of artillery around the cities, the great populations of the Tangiers and, to a lesser degree, Fez, began their long trek inland to the safety of the remote corners of their realm....and beyond.
The trade routes into the interior allowed many to flee toward the land of the Mali and Touregs. The explorers commissioned by the Emir Elector had identified two natives, N'Dyee and Mahktar to lead the merchants, scholars, and brave colonists, deep into the interior towards....Timbuktu.
Meanwhile, other large bands rode, with escort, eastwards, toward Egypt and Algeria. The lands of the Almohad Emperor were in confusion and disarray due to the war, and that a mysterious Oriental Sage was named Regent led to a great division among the people as to the legitimacy of his authority.
Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez. stood in witness as the another escorted band departed through the city gates of the Capitol. From where he stood, high in the palace tower, he could see a disturbance in the bazaar. It was not the first he had seen over the last few weeks. The people of Fez themselves were divided, between those whose lineage went back many generations, and those who had arrived in recent decades, either refugees from Al-Andlus or other lands, or immigrants from other areas of the Maghrib. The two sides were polarized by the war, and what appeared to be imminent doom as the Empire now appeared, to some, leaderless, and mighty Portugal, no longer seen as a potential ally and partner, had mercilessly declared war.
Those charged with enforcing order soon disrupted to the fight among the merchants and Abu-Mohammed returned from his balcony, back to face his Viziers.
The Emirs, the sons of the long-missing Sultan, were missing. Umar had been dispatched to the Timurid Empire, but it was believed that Abdul-Halim had followed him. Prince Hassan had been sent to the Almohad Capital to rendezvous with Jamal Zayed and from there he would go, perhaps, to Egypt.
In recent days it had become no secret that the sons of the Sultan, and heirs to the throne, had become dissatisfied with the nation's course. None had challenged the Emir Elector, but that is not to say that they would not one day rise to reclaim the throne.
El El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra had not yet returned from the Northern Lands of Europe where he sought advice and counsel, and perhaps commercial assistance.
Al'Karnattah traveled among the Andalusian refugees, from the first diaspora, imploring them to stand and fight off the Iberians. He was an impassioned speaker and many volunteered to fill the ranks beside the Emir Elector's soldiers.
Yet, Abu-Mohammed had surveyed the situation countless time, and continued to come to the same conclusion, one of hopeless defeat.
The armies of the Fez might hold off the invaders for a while, but until order and stability was brought to Algiers, they would be unable to help fight off the Portuguese. The armies of Egypt and the Timurids were still far, far away, and may not arrive in time to repel the attackers and break their inevitable siege.
Fez could stand for months under seige. The years of work by General Qsar-s-Saghir building fortifications, and deep wells, had resulted in fortress-city of great defensive strength.
But, the Emir Elector took nothing for granted. He had begun his reign wisely enough, and had seen great things built through the establishment of the now-abandoned University of Tangiers. He had established dependable trade routes into the African interior, and had expanded the comemrce of Fez into Europe and Asia.
However, he had listened to those among his advisors that saw liberation of Al-Andalus as a Holy Crusade, an obligation they were sworn to honor by their faith. And he had seen that call ignored by many of the other nations of Dar es Islam. Should he have turned away, and tried to preserve his people by abandoning the Moors? Their fate, perhaps, had been sealed as soon as their rebellion began. While noble, it may have been unwise.
Or, were such thoughts heretical? Could he stand by and allow the brave souls of Al-Andalus to fight on, out numbered and unarmed, against a far superior foe. If not for their actions would Egypt have been able to secure the exodus of many of the Andalusians to a new land?
Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez now questioned his own judgement, and that was an unpardonable offense for one entrusted with so much. The mantle of leadership had been worn heavily, but now it was slipping.
He sat down and put quill to parchment, after ordering his viziers of their urgent duties, and wrote out a set of tentative orders and instructions, as well as a letter to the aggressors that threatened his nation.
Then, he removed his royal regalia, and packed it up so that he might travel incognito. He ordered his messages delivered, then, taking with him his most important personal item, he began to ride East.
A letter finds it way and reachs the hands of the Emir.
To Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez
WE send you the declaration again to your person. That declaration is real and so are my intentions, of attacking your land. WE would ask that you accept it, so that you can warn your armies and a good battle may happen. We do not desiere to attack anyone of suprise. And let me asure you that when the rebels of Murcia are delt with we shall land in Fez it self.
We ask your grace not to doubt Our intentions because they are true, of nature and true of Heart, but the reality of one day is not the reality of the other and in this past year the reality changed a very lot.
And We ask also that you retire your words about Our holy father, no heathen shall call the holy father a madman, even an emir. And even if you are angered by Our actions I can not accept that as an excuse.
Waiting for your answer.
Signed,
To Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez
WE send you the declaration again to your person. That declaration is real and so are my intentions, of attacking your land. WE would ask that you accept it, so that you can warn your armies and a good battle may happen. We do not desiere to attack anyone of suprise. And let me asure you that when the rebels of Murcia are delt with we shall land in Fez it self.
We ask your grace not to doubt Our intentions because they are true, of nature and true of Heart, but the reality of one day is not the reality of the other and in this past year the reality changed a very lot.
And We ask also that you retire your words about Our holy father, no heathen shall call the holy father a madman, even an emir. And even if you are angered by Our actions I can not accept that as an excuse.
Waiting for your answer.
Signed,
Guild house of the Italian Trade Union, Tangiers
The sea was rough. Andrea Mortinelli, having spent many years with sailing during his long and twisted career, could feel the approaching storm in the wind as he stood there on the rampart. Mortinelli shuddered, though not with cold.
The aging Genovese merchant shook his head. “Close the gates,” he barked at Sinibaldo Begni, the Modenan condottiere-captain, commander of the guild house’s defences. “And make sure that some men will be at the cannons all the time.”
“We stay?” Begni asked for confirmation.
“We may go…” Mortinelli said musingly, his gaze fixed on the swelling sea. He was staring in the distance as if awaiting ships; “but only if you assume the responsibility. ‘Cause I won’t. You know, I don’t want to pay the expenses to old devil Angelo in all my life. But if you want to be a galley-slave…”
“It was just a question,” Begni grumbled. “You don’t have to crucify me.”
“I don’t have to,” Mortinelli agreed. “The damned Portugese will gladly do it.” He looked up at the tower on top of which the flag of the Union was flying: the red cross of Emperor Constantine for Italy, and in the chef the Imperial eagle. Mortinelli somehow doubted it would stop the Portugese cannonballs. “For how long can we resist?”
“Resist what?”
“A siege.”
Begni pulled an annoyed face. “Two days. Or maybe three, if they don’t want to waste gunpowder.”
“Fine,” Mortinelli said morosely. “Damned fine.” He was scratching his beard with impotent rage. Damned crusaders! he thought, not for the first, and not for the last time in the evening. They just had to come right when the business was beginning to make profit! He cursed the crusaders, he cursed the Pope, he cursed God, he cursed the heathens, and above everything else he cursed his contract: according to that damned piece of paper, he had assumed full financial resposibility for the guild house and its business; in practice this meant that even though he did get a fair share of the profit made here, he had to recompensate the Union for all the losses… Accordingly, he could as well stay here to die with the guild house.
On his left, Begni fidgeted. “Maybe…”
“Eh?”
“Maybe we could join them?”
“Join who?”
“The crusaders.”
Mortnielli’s brow darkened. He didn’t like the idea. After all, even though he was merely a merchant, he did have some honour… Besides, he was living in Tangiers for more than two years now, his splendidly young wife was an Arab, Muslim by birth… Not counting that the Portugese were competitors. And it seemed unlikely he could make any profit from a betrayal. Apart from being allowed to keep his life. But then…
“Not yet,” he shook his head. “But pull a white flag to under the Union’s flag… No, above it…. No, let it be a white flag with a black cross. And put crosses everywhere. It can’t hurt.”
The sea was rough. The wind promised storm. And Andrea Mortinelli, up to this time fairly happy with the war and the rising prices, now knew that the shop was going to close for a time.
The sea was rough. Andrea Mortinelli, having spent many years with sailing during his long and twisted career, could feel the approaching storm in the wind as he stood there on the rampart. Mortinelli shuddered, though not with cold.
The aging Genovese merchant shook his head. “Close the gates,” he barked at Sinibaldo Begni, the Modenan condottiere-captain, commander of the guild house’s defences. “And make sure that some men will be at the cannons all the time.”
“We stay?” Begni asked for confirmation.
“We may go…” Mortinelli said musingly, his gaze fixed on the swelling sea. He was staring in the distance as if awaiting ships; “but only if you assume the responsibility. ‘Cause I won’t. You know, I don’t want to pay the expenses to old devil Angelo in all my life. But if you want to be a galley-slave…”
“It was just a question,” Begni grumbled. “You don’t have to crucify me.”
“I don’t have to,” Mortinelli agreed. “The damned Portugese will gladly do it.” He looked up at the tower on top of which the flag of the Union was flying: the red cross of Emperor Constantine for Italy, and in the chef the Imperial eagle. Mortinelli somehow doubted it would stop the Portugese cannonballs. “For how long can we resist?”
“Resist what?”
“A siege.”
Begni pulled an annoyed face. “Two days. Or maybe three, if they don’t want to waste gunpowder.”
“Fine,” Mortinelli said morosely. “Damned fine.” He was scratching his beard with impotent rage. Damned crusaders! he thought, not for the first, and not for the last time in the evening. They just had to come right when the business was beginning to make profit! He cursed the crusaders, he cursed the Pope, he cursed God, he cursed the heathens, and above everything else he cursed his contract: according to that damned piece of paper, he had assumed full financial resposibility for the guild house and its business; in practice this meant that even though he did get a fair share of the profit made here, he had to recompensate the Union for all the losses… Accordingly, he could as well stay here to die with the guild house.
On his left, Begni fidgeted. “Maybe…”
“Eh?”
“Maybe we could join them?”
“Join who?”
“The crusaders.”
Mortnielli’s brow darkened. He didn’t like the idea. After all, even though he was merely a merchant, he did have some honour… Besides, he was living in Tangiers for more than two years now, his splendidly young wife was an Arab, Muslim by birth… Not counting that the Portugese were competitors. And it seemed unlikely he could make any profit from a betrayal. Apart from being allowed to keep his life. But then…
“Not yet,” he shook his head. “But pull a white flag to under the Union’s flag… No, above it…. No, let it be a white flag with a black cross. And put crosses everywhere. It can’t hurt.”
The sea was rough. The wind promised storm. And Andrea Mortinelli, up to this time fairly happy with the war and the rising prices, now knew that the shop was going to close for a time.
- Status