- ARCHIVE - Sultanate Court of the Zayyanid Caliphate [Algeria]

[Bagricula]

Cardinal Bembo straightens considering Lady Giovanna slowly, sedulously brushing his beard, before he speaks in a careful even tone, drawing out the words laboriously:

"The mission of the Church is to bring the Word of God to all the people of the Earth and to save as many souls as possible. Clearly, the extension of unChristian governments, laws, and ethical systems to a Christian community would only damage their resolve and tempt them with the gifts of the Prince of Lies; however...

However, the exchange of lands between Christians in order to restore safety once lost, always transparent to the oversight of the Mother Church, is acceptable to the Holy See and God Almighty in His Wisdom. The Holy Mother Church, which all we hear gathered are in communion with, can accept the annexation of the Balearic islands and Malta into the Almohad dominions, so long as the guarantee of virtuous Christian rule is made in solemn compact with the Most High through the complete acceptance of His dominion and His Word by the Almohad Sultan and his family. The entrance of priests and theologians to instruct the new converts will of course be provided for by the Holy See, and naturally their is no mandate that all of the Almohad subjects accept Jesus Christ immediately, for we in the Curia understand that even a single man is as stubborn in his error as a mountain, but a whole people are as stubborn as the sea and as fickle.

The details of the return to peace and subsequent acceptance of the Almohads into the Communion of the Saved, can be handled once we have agreed to these main points and the good troops of both our lands can return to their homes."

 

[unmerged(4271)]

Plenipotentiary of Fez, Jamal Zayed, and the Amira of Algeria, Yasmine Mohammed arrived at the Almohad Throne room, where the Emperor would hear the message of his Vassal nation.

They were a duo of contrasts, Zayed aged and scarred, and spotted from the sun, while Yasmine was young and vibrant, and far more fair than any person he could remember from his time here upon the earth.

He could also sense that there was both support and regret for the Emir Elector's proposal. But Fez was a nation of many people with many desires and many destinies. While the court had been generally pleased by the success of the university of Tangiers, and the Emir's attention to such matters as commerce and the sciences, there was still an underlying tension from the many families, children of the Andalusian refugees who had grown to adulthood in Fez, both afraid and inspired by the conflict between Castille and the Almohad Empire.

No one would argue that war was something to be entered into lightly, yet having been from their ancestral homes by an old enemy which threatened the security of their new homes, and due to a surge in Islamic pride, brotherhood, and nationalism, the Andalusian-Fezians were called to stand up for the homeland, and to right ancient wrongs.

Was such a move an act of courage or blindness? Was this a holy cause or political?

On that last question, at least, there had been much debate, but the scholars had all agreed. There was a blood-debt in the call for the liberation of Al-Andalus that had to be answered. Would Islam's brothers unite behind this cause?

 

[Blade!]

~Rosestone Cathedral, Al-Djazir~​

Lady Giovanna looked up and studied the Bishop's face to see his seriousness, before she exhaled slowly.

"...Of course... I have remained for many years here, and I can honestly say they will not accept that term, as desirous as it is."

the grey haired woman looked to the altar, paused, and looked back at the Bishop.

"Yes, Your Excellency, I do not think that even war, and the subjegation of the entire Africa would provide that effect. I think he would agree to have Christians by him, have Christian designated lands in his empire, even take a Christian wife... I think he would even be willing to send the next male heir to the court of the Holy Roman Empire to be educated, and to allow priests to come from the outside... but I am afraid he could not be convinced to renounce that Muhammed... though his reverence of Jesus, Isa as known to him, has gained this flock much, I know he would not surrender his false prophet. "

 

[Blade!]

The Imperial Court of the Holy Almohad Empire

~~Hosted in the Zayyanid Caliphate's Almohad Algeria~~
~The Citadel Tlemscen, The Almohad Throneroom~​

Akbe Mohammed sat at the top of the great dais upon the sandstone Almohad Throne, with all the splendor of the Almohad Court present in the Hall. Several thrones were arrayed on the next level of the Dais looking out upon the hall. Upon one, furthest to the east was seated the Tunisian Sultan, and to the furthest east was the Taifa of Morocco, Tokuul Rabati. The two thrones in the middle were empty. Together, the Plenipotentiary of Fez, Jamal Zayed, and the Amira of Algeria, Yasmine Mohammed were escorted to represent their Holy Almohad Provinces.

As all were settled and greetings were made, Adbe withdrew his great scimitar, weilded in his own hand in the taking of Thrace long ago.

"Welcome all, Holy Emirs of the Empire, we sit in Council of War, Dar-es-Harb comes to us, and as one we shall stand. Let us stop the halt, we have taken back the Balares, we must uphold the honor of our Andalusian bretheren."

 

[Blade!]

Al-Djazir, Algeria Province, Almohad Empire, Zayyanid Caliphate​

Son of a Bitch​

Hesuz Ahmed Saragossa rode at the head of a small column of horsemen. The light lancers moved with the Supreme Commander of the Zayyanid Forces, riding from fortress to fortress, from town to town, on their way to Oran. A camel detached itself from the encamped force and rode beside the large man.

"Excellent work Sub-commander, but tighten that archery work.. and look at this fletching? What... ah, crossbow work... "

Hesuz fingered the bolt, and grunted to himself. Force and power was somthing he understood, but a bow was somthing infinatly more intimate and appealing. He wondered about rates of fire as he rode.

"Yes Supreme Commander, these are newer shafts from Tunisian design.. we call them Tunisi Bolts... note that they are not made of one peice, but three tightly bound."

The Supreme Commander took a closer look.

"Ho... can this be? I suppose it can... do you have adequate stock for a test volley out over the sea, from the fortress walls?"

The Al-Djazir Sub-Commander signalled and waved at the fort, already prepared for such a demonstration... the bolts had been dipped in flammable tar and oil, ready to shine against the evening night.

*THOCK THOCK THOTHOKOCKOCK!*

"Ah... Excellent, much blood will be drawn if not burned up."

Hesuz Ahmed Saragossa whistled in appreciation; the bolts sped far beyond what he expected flaming until they expired in the sea.

 

[Blade!]

The Balares​

"Taxes! Taxes!"

"WOt!? Oh Sheet. New King new taxman.... no wait, taxman is the same, figures. All right let's get this over with. Where's your cart?"

"No cart this year Estabon."

"Ay de mi! NO suerte... don't tell me your going to confiscate the farm!"

"No no... but there is a problem, all new taxes are in coinage."

"Wot!? What do you mean? I have these three bales of wheat all ready. About 50 peseta worth, a fair 1/7th acre take."

"Well, I can help you get an advance from your purchaser, I know he has some coinage... but your taxes will.. let's see at market price of 50 peseta.. ah, your taxes will probably only come to about 42 peseta woth of currency.. and that is... ah, they've been melting new currency... 4 Brass Amiras and 2 Copper Camels."

"Really? You jest. That's less."

"Somthing about charity, yadda, yadda, yadda.... somthing about currency economy bearing a lighter tax burden on the proletariat, yadda, yadda, yadda... eh, but watch out, to meet with the Lord's new Zayyanid vizier, you got to have a bath.. I hear he is making the Lord take baths... quyite disconcerting. Tried it last week myself.. sure it takes the little biters away for a day or two, but here a week later, I feel comfy again... though the nits are back. Didn't really see the point, but I am going to have bathe again."

"Bath!?"

"That's not all.. I have some good news, I hear there will be a merchant convoy passing on over, paying up premium prices on wool, and wheat. I suspect your tax break will earn you more that first envisioned.. perhaps 3 peseta on the half-bale... I mean 3 Copper Camels."

"That... I can live with that.. now, if you will exscuse me Senor Raman, I must see about some coinage. Heh... I feel like a fancy pants noble! Coins indeed..."

 

[Blade!]

Oran District​

Algeria Province, Almohad Empire, Zayyanid Caliphate​

The Berber woman sat calmly; before her, baskets piled high with millet, chickpeas, barley, and even sorghum from the trade routes that led down the Salt routes the south. The latter product is the only one she would have bargained on, and I had no taste for that food of the darkest negroes. Yes, Balaric Wheat had dropped prices a decent amount, but it was still a time of great demand, and the woman knew if I did not buy it at the price she asked, she could always sell to the military at the end of the day, or to the tens of thousands who had arrived from the east. Jihadis... coming to defend Islam from the Crusaders.

Ah, I apologize, I did not introduce myself... I am Jamaal. Though, here in the lands of the Almohads I am known as Jamaal Zamindar the Farsi. A physician and man of science by training and love, a practicer of pain by profession. Normally, I would never come out to Oran, I do not enjoy the bustle of these dusty cities; the Citadel Tlemscen in Aures District is where I make my home and places of study. This week, however, I was drawn to the coast of Oran as I had heard of a particular case of a malformed fetus I wished to observe, delivered and preserved by a Andalusi Jewish doctor aquaintence of mine.

In any case, my observations I was making as you met me here, child, were not of that nature. I have been so surprised how different Oran is from even Al-Djazir, and especially Tlemscen. The only reason the Citadel Tlemscen exists in the rocky flats, and what little irrigation is out around the rock, is its positon on the trade routes. Al-Djazir and Oran, however, are different stories all together. As I mentioned, the chickpeas, barley, and millet were domestic, and great yellow and green fields filled my travel here. But, I noticed the plantation manors were resplendant with new coats of limewash and new expansion due to the trade in war supplies and flux of jihadis.

Ah yes, the Jihadis, heeding the call of Islam's defense. Their numbers flooded the streets, and even as they have been organized and regimented to some degree... the immense numbers of camp followers, families, and merchants that came with them, was astounding, to the effect that the demand on the economy was even greater than the currency provided, and import take on whole new importance. The salt road and sea routes churned with hoof and wave. But these things are not my area of specialty... I am not a man of currency. here, allow me to pay this woman her exorbarant prices for a little millet. I find a luke warm millet broth does wonders for a restless stomach.

Look there, these men, see their fair skin, raw from the sun? Not Berbers, not Andalusi, not even so called Arabs of the Maghrib... these are Gulf Arabs, Turks, Persians... see the fervor in their eyes. They have heard the call of the Reverend Mother, of the Empire, of the Empire, and its battles against the Crusaders. They are ferverent yes... but nothing like the Andalusis... they know the reality of the pain... ah, the youngest of the warriors no not directly, now they become second and even third generation in some cases... but the Granadans know, those that came last, young and old, have fire in their hearts. Does the Emperor understand this? When he made peace early with the Queen of Aragon, how they howled, demanding the institution of Sargossa be established as an Emirate and Arabic wipe out Catalan as the language of northern Andalus. Such passion. It is not a passion I share. The only fortune thios war brings me is an abundance of fresh or still living soon to be dead corpses.... though I try to extend their life as long as possible.

Ah please, pause... look your eyes that way my child. You say you are not from this land... you learned Arabic in the Galley? Well, I had not thought that when I bought you, your accent is quite passible. Anyways, look. Yes, they are going to cut off his hand, up there on that block in the center of the market. He stole some apples from that stand I think. Let that teach you child, do not steal. Ah, are you about to cry? Do not, the laws may seem harsh and strange compared to the barbarian land you have come from... such soft red hair... but you shall see, I shall educate you as my aide, you will learn much of sciences and writing. Come, we must see to this fetus, and then by eveningfall we shall join the caravan to the Citadel Tlemscen.

 

[Prince Eugene]

...

By Decree of His Holiness Hisham ibn al-Watik, Caliph of all Islam:

An Official Proclamation Concerning the Investigation of Heresy in the Hedjaz & Abbasid-Zayyanid Relations

On the twenty-first day of Ramadan, in the year 831 we Hisham ibn al-Watik announce the summons of the Ummah to convene in Angora and form the complete Grand Council of Alims. Many issues pressing the Islamic faith must be discussed; most notably the alleged heresy in the Hedjaz and the tension between the Zayyanid Sultanate and the Abbasid Sultanate.

 

[Blade!]

The sea was red, and it washed up and down the beach. Survivors crawled onto the shore, some were cut down where they were, some were given aid.

The sea would have been red even without the great sea battle between Castille and the Almohad States. The sun hung low on the summer horizon, turning the reflection of the water blood red. Gulls, and terns of multi-spledored variety all took part in harvesting the carnage that floated on the jetsam and flotsam.

Earlier in the day, at noon watch the two fleets had pulled into each other's wake. The Castelleons had the weather gauge, with a brisk counter-Levananter sweeping in from the straights, but it was the war weapons of Tangiers that fired first, huge balistate reinforced with Zayyanid imported English oak. As the galleys and lateen vessels manuevered to nexus, Fezian fire ships bellowed, and cannons, brass and bronze, roared.

Tens of thousands of men died helplessly, either chained to their oars, or soldiers packed tight in ships' holds, whose last thoughts were of the walls splintering and water rushing in. Those who were lucky, were pierced vitally by the thousands of flying splinters, and died quickly. Others trapped below decks, drowned slowly, holding on as long as possible scrapping at the walls and fighting for what few air pockets there were. Silent and weeping prayers to Allah and Jesus were emmited, while other men called for their mothers.

Those that fought, fought to the death. The battle was immense, and seemed to consume the sea from horizon to horizon, truly the largest sea battle that could be remembered in any of the sailors' lives, though many would never live to see another. Clouds of smoke from the cannons and the thundering roars that produced them filled the Balaeric Sea for what seemed an eternity. It was like hell had manifested itself on earth, as the screams of the dying, or the chained slipped into the sea as it turned red. Blood and the sun painting the numerous sharks in a terrifying red. Despite the tremendous losses, few dead bodies would make it to the shores of the Balares.

 

[Bagricula]

Cardinal Bembo's eyelids weigh heavily down as his heart drops like led in his chest. The certainty in Lady Giovanna's voice corresponded almost immediately to the pressure on the Cardinal's throat. He knows in his heart that this is an evil. A necessary evil though, he thinks. Looking at the faces around him filled with awkward hope and no comprehension, a kernel of solace is planted in the elderly prince's heart.

With great effort he begins speaking again:

"I see, sister in Christ, I see to well only a calculus of the mountain you must surmount in your work here. The Holy See will make peace with your nephew if Islamic law is not the people of the Baleares and if Christians throughout the Almohad dominions are allowed to practice freely and openly without special taxes or penalties. Additionally, the Holy See would like to establish proper dioceses in the Almohad dominions, meaning that we would like to send bishops, priests, and other religious to teach, preach, and minister to the people. Once established a school can be built here to train native theologians and priests.

Should your nephew wish to send one or all of his heirs to study in the great courts of Europe, His Holiness will naturally provide for the costs of his education and ensure his welcome where good Christians still hear the teachings of Rome. However, he must travel with the young seminarians you wish to study theology and receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders whose study will not be interrupted and indeed will take place along with the young heir's studies, so that when he comes to power he fully understands the role of the priests working in his lands.

Finally, the Holy Father wishes to see a white peace made between the Almohads and Castile. Are these terms acceptable?"

 

[Blade!]

~Rosestone Cathedral, Al-Djazir~​

Lady Giovanna wrote in careful latin script, the things the Bishop was saying. She looked up, pleased that the Bishops demands matched her own interests qutie well.

"Very proper things indeed... I think especially, your offer of tuition for the Sultan's delgates would be looked upon most favorably, and taken up. I do beleive that Chrisitans will be able practice freely and openly without special taxes or penalties. However, as for the dioceses the Holy See would like to establish in the Almohad dominions, I beleive that can be achieved for Al-Djazir, and Oran, with of course the Balares keeping its current activity. As for schools, the young clergy will have to travel to Rome, however. Regarding Castille, the Sultan will probably not aquiece as he views Castille as having launched an aggressive war, at great cost to the Sultan in both lives and currency.

Regarding the total, certainly, these are things the Sultan would agree to... but only if he felt there was reason to do so; he will ask me, 'Why? What do the Almohad Realms gain by this peace? What have they granted us in exchange?' And so, what are you empowered to exchange for these concessions? Special recognition of the Almohad Empire and a defensive pact against less tolerant powers? Castelleon release of Granada as a vassal to the Almohads, that would certainly bring Castille back into this talk, but that is aside; Trading agreements or recognition of preference of the Almohad realms for Christian nations, the exculsion of other heretica.... Moslem nations? An agreement by the Holy See to endorse and maintain Aragon and Almohad protection of the status quo in the Holy Lands under their protection? Etc., etc., etc. What can we offer Akbe Mohammed?"

 

[unmerged(18481)]

Though greatly delayed by storms and also by confusion and stupidity of humans, Angelo Correano’s reply to Azim Hassan’s letter is finally delivered by the skipper of a Hanseatic ship.

Onto His Honour Azim Hassan, former Constable of the Zayyanid Empire, Superintendant of the Northern Trade of the Zayyanid Empire.


Your Honour,

The most kind words of praise of yours as well as your most joyous news as well as the Sultan’s most splendind gift brought much warmth into my aging heart. Indeed, these are the moments it is worth living for: when one realizes that he is not alone in his struggle, when one realizes that the work of his life was not in vain.

Your Honour, I can but agree with you on all matters you brought up: the stability, the peace, the justice - these are things we shall always value. I say to you: we, the Italian Trade Union, shall never enjoy making profits from others’ miseries, we shall always work not chiefly for our personal gains, but rather for the general prosperity of the Mediterranean. And let me say, I am proud of that people like Your Honour and your companions are sharing our views.

However, it seems we are alone. See, Your Honour, we are surrounded by malvolent elements who are chasing only their own profit all the times, their own gains, not caring about lives taken, blood shed… Terrible thing the war is. What is more, certain abominations are trying to drag even the Honest Ones into their terrible businesses: they are demanding things, threatening the Honest Ones. “If you do not help us in this and that, if you don’t lend us money,” they say, “we shall banish your merchants from our lands!” Blackmail. Such is this rotten world like, my Lord.

Tell me, most noble Azim Hassan, how could the Honest Ones resist the Abominations’ ugly means? By working together, certainly. But how could this be achieved? These very questions are harassing my mind ever since I have been blackmailed like that. I beg you, most wise and most noble Azim Hassan, do provide an answer to an old man who is full of doubts.


Dictated in Augusta Taurinorum, A.D. MCDLIII,

Angelo Correano​

Baron, Lord High Chamberlain of the Duke of Piedmonte, Guard of the Ducal Seals, Elected Chairman of the Italian Trade Union.

 

[Bagricula]

Cardinal Bembo straightens reading Lady Giovanna's latin scrawl upside down without a second glance. He responds simply and without rhetoric or excess emotion:

"Why is the construction of schools in Africa forbidden, since the schools of Antiquity here are no more? Rome cannot accomodate the large numbers of seminarians that will be needed to accomplish the task you and I desire. The conversion of Algeria.

Trade agreements and recognition among the crowns of Christendom can be negotiated, with the caveat that Almohad dominion over Catholic peoples in many minds can never be a status quo. The Castillian issue cannot be negotiated, however, as the Holy Father will not see any more peoples once ruled by good Christian lords under the heel of an infidel overlord.

Your nephew's doom is ambivalent to me, Lady Giovanna. He seems with the one hand to welcome the Good News of Christ yet with the other to bar the fulfillment of its revelations. The Holy Mother Church is not here to offer the Lord of the Almohads sweetmeats and other gifts. The Servant of the Servants of God sent me here with the same duties that any good Christian bear, not to merely parcel up the souls of those so near Christ's salvation.

If your nephew is obstinant or ambiguous in his actions towards the Holy See, I will offer you and your fellow African Christians my blessing, mi soror, and return to Rome where the Algerian Question will indubitably become the first agendum of the bishops and cardinals of Christendom gathered from all the crowns of Europe. Strife and injustice may come to you and your people, mi soror, and your neighbor may come to persecute you for your faith when a plan of action has been resolved to by the Supreme Pontiff with the consultation of the Collegium Cardinales, but always remember, whenever two or more of us are gathered in his name Our Lord is there, and He lives forever and his dominion knows no boundaries. Though worldly lords and men may bind you, your soul will always be free, and on the Last Day the righteous shall be raised again to live in Paradiso."

His eyes seem almost sadly paternal as he looks on Lady Giovanna, not as his opposite in negotiations, but as a God-fearing woman who would know great suffering if as Cardinal Bembo thinks he foresees the Sultan of Algeria is obstinant in his desires.

 

[unmerged(2461)]

- EVENT -

The Regalia of Byzantium

​

Recovery and Passage of the Regalia of
Byzantium to the Moldavian Crown:
The First Triumph of Stefan Litovoi the Third

Deck of the Iron Maiden, off the coast of
Al-Djazir

Yemra Haifa wrapped himself in a light robe, and
left his cabin. Coming up into the salty air, he felt the warm
Levanter flow over the deck; the very same wind hat filled the sails
and carried them south. The Venetian ship was well stocked and it
housed many of the Prince’s personal guard, and other retainers that
had accompanied the Moldavian Lord from Lithuania.

They had spent two weeks in Venice negotiating and organizing the
careful transfer of wealth into a secure and trusted banking house
known to both parties. Now, they neared their destination. Yemra went
and joined the Moldavian Prince in the prow of the ship as they sailed
into the busy port.

“How do you feel your Highness? Do I understand
correctly, that you have had some schooling in recognizing the Arabic
tongue? In any case… look there is our berth, and pray look there is
some sedan chair and a figure clad in blue that awaits us, of some
import it looks. Perhaps a representative of the
government.”

"I've never felt better" Stefan said,
scanning the harbor before him. This was a whole new world, an alien
landscape populated by alien people. But somewhere within this desert
lay some very important status symbols...some keys to power. Were they
the tools of the Great Constantine? No, of course not...if those had
survived the Mongol invasion of Byzantium, they were almost certainly
being bandied about somewhere as fine trophies. But these pieces
had been used by a Roman Emperor, if they were truly authentic,
and that was all he needed. Besides, who among his people would know
any better?

The Imperial Docks of Al-Djazir

Azim Hasan stood on the docks expectantly, his arms
crossed. The letter from Petru had arrived after he had embarked on
his long voyage to England and onward to the Rus. Fortunately, his
ship had barely passed the harbor’s edge when a cutter ordered them
back. Azim was not pleased his long awaited journey into
semi-retirement and requited love was delayed, but he owed both Akbe
and Petru to see to the good care and safety of his friend’s nephew.
He expected the boy would not know Arabic or Russian, much less Berber,
and he was at loss to find a single soul that had any grasp of the
Vlach tongue, but he had acquired a trustworthy Jew who spoke both
Latin and Greek, and who he hoped would suffice. Certainly, at least
Lady Livia would know some tongue in common, he hoped. He stepped
forward, as the boat docked.

”Stephan, nephew of Voivode Petru… I welcome you to
my homeland. I am Azim Hasan, and thus your Uncle, as your uncle is my
brother in blood. The ride today will be long and hot… through sand
and rock, we shall ride with whatever interpreter you wish in this
chariot and you will tell me of your Uncle if you are not too fatigued.
We shall travel to the south to the province of Aures, where lies the
great Citadel Tlemscen, and your host, Lady Livia
resides.”

The Moldavian Prince bowed to Azim, a gesture he
had not granted anyone else he had met on this journey, and greeted him
in flawless Latin. "My uncle indeed...Petru speaks often of
marvelous adventures the two of you shared, and how you saved his life
on many an occasion. I am honored and humbled to meet such a man, and
call him of my blood." The General was
well-dressed, and dark of complexion. While the Vlach were dusky by
Russian or Western European standards, these Afrikans were quite dark
indeed.

The journey was fascinating for Stefan, it was as if they were moving
over the surface of an entirely different world. He chatted idly with
Azim for a while, mostly of Petru. He told Azim of Petru's new wife,
the formation of Moldavia-Wallachia, the Battle of Bucuresti, and
various other exploits of the Voivode.

The Lady Livia’s Receiving Room

Livia Palaeologus, Third Companion of the Sultan,
lay reclining on a divan. Her twenty seventh year of life, found her
also in her eleventh year of residence in Algiers, as not a wife, but
yet not quite the chattel of the Algerian Sultan, though when she first
had arrived he was but Sharif of Oran. In her own way she was devoted
to the object of her heart, even if the years had cooled her heart, and
the comforts of an alien land were slow to grow on her. She found
comfort in the small facts of life, such as the fact that the impending
marriage of Akbe to Nuriya Amber of Tunis had been delayed
indefinitely; a comfort she shared with Lady Rebekka though to a lesser
degree.

Upon her eunuchs’ announcement, she collected herself and stood. She
glanced once longingly at the wall, where her last connection to her
home was displayed on the wall. The Regalia of Byzantium, something
that had to be sacrificed for her love.

“At least… it is going to a proper Orthodox
House…”

She turned to the door as Azim and Stefan entered
the chambers, and Azim introduced the young man in Arabic, who was
followed by Yemra Haifa.

“My Lady, allow me to introduce Prince Stefan, Scion
of the House Litovoi, Heir to Moldavia”

“Greetings your Highness.”

Stefan bowed before the Lady Livia in the classical
Byzantine style; he clasped his hands before him and touched them to
his chest, then knelt down on one knee and touched his forehead to the
ground, prostrating himself as countless envoys had done for countless
Byzantine Emperors for centuries. It was a gesture she would know
well, but had doubtlessly not seen in a very long time. When he rose
again, he now smiled and kissed her offered hand.
"Greetings to you, Lady Livia. It is a pleasure to meet you. I
greatly regret that the time of the Byzantine Empire had passed before
I had a chance to see the legendary court
therein." At this moment, Stefan's eyes
danced sideways a moment and he saw it...the Regalia of the Byzantine
Empire, displayed on the wall in magnificent fashion. It took his
breath away. "May I?"

“Please, young Prince.”

Livia looked at the charming young man, her mind
soothed and pleased by his courtly behavior, being the sort that welled
up memories for her.

Stefan approached the items and drew a deep breath, silently reaching
out to touch the scepter that had been an instrument of power and the
mark of office of the Eastern Roman Emperor. The orb was there as
well...and the crown. The crown took his attention immediately. It
was beautiful, a magnificent hymn in gold and jewel to the power of the
monarch. He would need a new title to justify this, to justify all of
this. Voivode of Moldavia-Wallachia would no longer be enough.
Perhaps...perhaps he should become a King. King of the Dacians,
perhaps?

"This...this is amazing." he said,
turning back to Lady Livia with an astonished expression.
"You are...you are of the line of the Byzantine Emperors? What
is your tie? And are these pieces...are they the genuine
articles?" It seemed much too good to be
true...

Livia glided up behind him and to his side, where her own hand extended
outwards and traced the edge of the crown with much affection in her
eyes.

“I am but a daughter of the last Emperor’s cousin,
but I grew up with these in my own sight wielded in Constantinople from
the throne… the last vestiges of the Romans, the throne of the Orthodox
world… now gone…”

Together the two of them stood for some time,
basking in the enormity of history.

RESULT:
-2 current econ to Moldovia
+2 current econ to Algiers

Algeria loses Byzantine Regalia for all in-game purposes.
Moldavia gains them.

 

[unmerged(2461)]

- EVENT -

Inflation in Algiers

​

Algiers has suffered a period of financial inflation recently. It seems to have worked through that fairly well, and the local currency had since stabalised. However, the land has been at war for a long time now, and the Zayyanids still owe large sums of money in terms of loan repayments. The land is awash with the spent monies from those loans, and it has not helped matters any for the Algerians to have taken large sums of money from the Moldavians recently. The situation, fragile as it already was, spirals out of control again.

RESULT: INFLATION
All economic expenditures will be twice as expensive for Algiers 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.

 

[unmerged(31994)]

A letter arrives from Cairo

*The letter holds the elbem of the Abbasid House*

Bismallah Ar Rahman Ar Raheem

Salam Alekum Wa-Rahmatullah Wa-Barakatuh

Unto the Amiro of Algeirs or Sultan Akbe

It has come to the attention of Cairo, that the dispute between our Capitals has become unbearable.It is time to resolve this "struggle" between us.I ask you to send a representative to Egypt, so that he may convey with me.It is time to open the diplomatic channels between Algeirs and Egypt, a start of a friendship so to speak.There is too much between our nations, and it is time to put an end to this.
There is th ematter of "titles", and the matter of the Hedjaz, not to mention the Jihad whic must be solved.I hope that those who read this letter in Tlemscen share the same sentiment.

Signed Ruler of Egypt, Hakim bin Kamal Al-Abbaci

 

[unmerged(4271)]

~~Hosted in the Zayyanid Caliphate's Almohad Territory of the Baleric Islands, Algeria~~
~The Island Citadel, The Provincial Throneroom~​

Akbe Mohammed sat in the provincial throne room of his new island territory, along with representatives of his fellow Almohad nations.

Present were a representative of the Tunisian Sultan, the Taifa of Morocco, Tokuul Rabati, the Plenipotentiary of Fez, Jamal Zayed, and the Amira of Algeria, Yasmine Mohammed. Also present was a blue-clad warrior, scarred but unbowed, receiving the invitation from the Holy Almohad Empire.

Akbe sat in silence as the visitor presented himself as Musa Al-Tariq, unrepentant son of Granada, an Andalusian labeled as a “Moor” by the occupying Castillians, who, along with their allies, had driven back the freedom fighters who sought to restore Al-Andalus to Islamic rule...

"Welcome brother, to our Council of War, Dar-es-Harb comes to us, and the soldiers of Fez and Algiers, and perhaps those from elsewhere, come to you, seeking to take up your struggle and restore an independent Al_Andalus.” , said Zayyed.

The visitor bowed to his hosts, and began to tell his tale. He spoke of the liberation of Alhambra in Gharnatah, before its brutal fall to the Castillian armies. He spoke of the Andalusian leader’s recognition that defeat was imminent defeat, and his proud exclamation to the invaders that none other than God was the Greatest., echoing the words that had been spoken there when it fell the first time to the Castilians.

He continued to speak of brave deeds, and defiance, but of a recognized futility that it would all be for naught if they continued to fight alone.

"Brother, you shall NOT have to fight alone!” , promised Yasmine the Amira, her eyes flashing at the injustices described. “Are there any here, any at all, who would not come and give their lives for our brothers and their struggle? Any who would forsake their Holy duty to God? Let them speak now, so that we have an accurate accounting.”

"Let none forget," added Jamal Zayed of Fez, "the lessons of history! The people of Al-Andalus were driven from the North into the South, where, though conceeding so much of their heritage, they thought they would find peace. From the South they were driven across the seas and from the very soil they had tended for generations, from the very mountains they had been born under! So many of them settled in Fez, content to try to make a new future in a foreign land. And now the infidel Castilians, they make war anew against Islam and the Almohads, so that the lost people of Al-Andalus can find no peace! There is no longer any place for them to run! We cannot deny them their rights to a homeland! Though we loathe to make war we know there is no other optin. Flight is futile! We fight to prevent the extermination of our brothers!"

It was understood, of course, that the Tunisians were simply observers, but it was hoped this appeal would be carried back to their Sultan and receive favorable response. But the war leaders of Fez, Algiers, and Morocco all raised their voices in support of Al-Tariq. With there being clear agreement, Akbe Mohammed spoke.

"It is clear that the war against Castile is right and just. We shall take it upon ourselves to protect our brothers, extending all those of Al-Andalus who rebel against their masters the full protection of the Holy Almohad Empire. We shall grant you our full support and will see Islam restored to Al-Andalus. Castile must compromise so that Al-Andalus may be restored. So shall it be that Granada will be restored.”

 

[unmerged(31994)]

A Royal letter arrives via an Abbasid Envoy

*The letter carries the elbem of the Abbasid Caliphate*

Unto the Rulers of the Almohad Empire, the federation of Northen Africa.

It come to me, as a nessecity to stop the hostilities arising between our two Empires, for both of us are unable to bring down the other.We have had a large share of insults, and attacks , thrown at each other, and war was eminent from time to time, but now is a time of peace.
The Abbasid Caliphate has already taken a great amount of refuges from the Catholic Nation of Castile, and perhaps the whole point of the war has been shattered.I, as leader of my people, apologize for past transgressions, in terms of letters, ambassadors, and other ,unacceptable actions.
Hedjaz has accepted vassalship, and Egypt grows stronger, and it is not wise, for the Almohads, or the Abbasids, to remain on such bad terms.
I propose this , as an end to the political struggle between our nations, and I promise the Abbasids will uphold it if the Almohads uphold it.
May this treaty gain your approval, and may it mark the begining of better relations in all of Northen Africa.

Signed Ruler of Egypt, Hakim bin Kamal Al-Abbaci

Abbasid-Almohad reconciliation​

1. Egyptian, and Almohad claims will be recognized.Thusly, All lands west of Cyrenia, be they Hedjaz (the peaceful conquest of diplomacy), of Iraq, of Kirkuk, and the crusader held territory, and even Nubia, must be respected.In turn, the Abbasid Caliphate will recognize Tunisian claims on Sicily,and Malta, Algerian claims on the Bealeares, and Fezzian claims on southern Al-Andalus.
2. A Non-Aggression pact will be signed, thusly, no war will arise between both parties.
3. Egypt will not interfere in Almohad politics, and thusly the Almohads will not interfere in Egyptian politics.
4. On terms of warfare, Algeirs will not go in defence of an enemy to the Caliphate, or protect Christians from the Caliphate such as the Aragonese.Thusly, the Caliphate will not protect enemies of the Almohads, and promises to dissolve her treaty with Portugal.
5. Formal Diplomatic relations will be established between all the 4 courts of Northen Africa, and a mutual defence shall be encouraged to fight off the christians from Northen Africa.
6. Egypt will open her markets once again to ALL Almohad agents, and perhaps even perpel better trade relations.
7. Other than the stated matters above, Egypt shall not interfere in Almohad presence in Northen Africa up to Cyrenia, and the same will apply to the Abbasids in the Middle east.
8.As for the Sunhia heresy, we shall leave the situation as it is.Sunhia will be allowed safe passage into Egypt as a "tolerated" faith.However, they will not recieve any recognition except that of "people of the Book".The books and tracts will not be distributed into Egypt, and we would appreciate it, if the Almohad states forsaken such heresy, but we will respect thy choice.

Signed , Abbasid Knosul

 

[Blade!]

Almohid Thorne Room, Tlemscen, Algeria, Zayyanid Caliphate

Seated upon the Throne of Algiers, which sat down a few steps from the empty sandstone Almohad Throne, two khol rimmed eyes looked down from the dais, peering out from behind a black desert-style Berber veil.

"Next!"

*She clapped her hands*

The Lady Kadija was not in the best of moods; Sitting and conducting the massive bueracracy for both her Lord and his sister's realms was not her forte though it was her duty. Consequently the Emperor's Zenata kinsmen had overtaken the palace as Kadija of the Zenata ruled as regent. The Almohad Council in the Balares had seent he travel of many nobles, and those who had remained behind, moslty hid from the dour Zenata.

The letter from Egypt crossed her hands as a servant layed it upon them. She read it and then crumpled it as she thgought of the poor Moors being slaughtered by the Abbasid's crusader allies. She handed it to a servant.

"Put this in the records, I will not have to deal with this in any case, the Amira sent her brother's envoy to the land of the city folk. That Sheikh who loves the cities will do whatever needs to be done.

Next!

What have we here? This man is accused of attempting to sneak into the purdah to view the women as they bathe?

Off with his head!

Next!"

The man was hit on the head and drug away, to be taken south to Al-Djazir where a public execution would be held for the public's enjoyment.

 

[Blade!]

~Rosestone Cathedral, Al-Djazir~​

Lady Giovanna rose and came around the table to approach the Bishop.

"Thank you for your wise words and your presence, your Excellency.

It appears, aside from two points, we are in concordance. Please take these words to the Holy Father, and tell him of our work here. I will speak to my nephew, it may be possible to have one school here in Al-Djazir. I will try my best to negotiate this, if a Diocese is to be established here, perhaps he will understand and accept that it would need such infrastructure. I am sure he will be at least willing to consider, given the Holy Father's offer to pay for some heir to go to the north.

Godspeed, your Excelency."

*She bowed down to kiss the man's ring, and did so.*

As she stood, she waved her hand and the doors to the plaza opened, where the young boys began to sing a hymn in Latin, and the community of the cathedral gathered to catch a glimpse of the Bishop and recieve his blessings.