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

[Mettermrck]

Tomas felt the unbearable weight of guilt as he rode into the city, for the first time truly nervous as to his reception. The news in Carthage was indeed dire. The Sultanate was defeated on the sea and land, and the Sultan himself slain in Granada, while Tomas, the supposed Naib of Cordoba, had engaged in building a harbor for the Hafsids. His hands gripped the reins of his horse as he thought of those who might now be in harm’s way. Did Hasan still live? How did Yasmine take the news? Did she blame him for not being in war? So long ago, she had insisted he go to battle with the Sultan in Morocco. Would she hold it against him that he had been seeing to affairs in Carthage?

Few turned out to greet him, and those that did came with heavy heart. Tomas could barely meet their eyes, feeling a wave of impotence wash over him, that there was little he could do to ease their pain, and wondering just how much responsibility he bore in causing it. Slowly he came to a halt in the courtyard and dismounted. He stood there for a time, running his hands through the fabric of his robes and completely unsure as to what to do next.

 

[unmerged(31994)]

Imperial War Council

Ahmed was informed by his entrouge that the Almohad Emperor died in Battle, and that most of the forces of the Almohads were crushed in the battle.So many lives have , thrown into the mist of Allah....Egypt has lost a considerably amount in a sea battle against the Papalage forces, but not so devestating, actually the Egyptians did pretty well.
He looked at the council "May Allah have mercy on the Almohad Emperor Akbe Mohammed, Allah Yirhamo, now my friends, we are too weak to continue this war, our forces have been devestated, but also the christians.We have no naval power to continue, let us strike a whote peace and rebuild our cities.We have avenged Al-Andalus's Honor, but let us be reasnoble, we are weak and the christians will invade Africa if we push this war to the limits.Peace is needed, and that is what I advice"He nodded and took out a Quran "Allah says ((Do not throw yourselves by your own hands unto Destruction )) that is what I think "

 

[Blade!]

~~Imperial War Council
Hosted upon the Almohad Imperial Galley, moored in a hidden cove~~
~Somewhere off the coast of Africa~​

Tokuul Rabati continued.

"As for the diplomatic arrangements the Emperor will offer, I think only Sheikh Gabbar Habibi would know.. but I am sure if you have time to bide the Emperor will rejoin us shortly."

Maps were rolled out, and grand plans were made; after some time, however, they remembered that Ahmed probably had not eaten and lamb stew was brought for all. Just as food was served, the messenger bearing the banner of Granada was admitted.

His eyes now bore open tears, as if he had awoken from a great shock and realized what he held. He bent down on one knee and faced the floor.

"Your Majesties... The Emperor... the Emperor has fallen before the gates of Malaga... the Second Emperor is no more!"

There was a short span of dead silence.

"No, it cannot be... the ships."

"Then.. the city has fallen as well..."

Everyone suddenly turned to look at the Emperor's sister, Algeria's ruler, the Amira Yasmine Mohammed. She had said nothing.

Her head was bowed towards the table, her dark hair streaming over her face; only her hands clutching the edge of the table, white knuckled could be seen.

She looked up almost calmly.

She looked at each of the council members, and then at the messenger.

"What...?"

"I am sorry Amira... I saw..."

"Nooooooo!"

Yasmine's eyes flashed as she slammed hand against her bowl of stew and sent it flying to smash against the wall.

*SHATTER*

Those outside the cabin began to hear the wail of a woman in pain and suffering.

 

[Blade!]

The End of an Era, Pt. 1

September 1454 - The Battle of Granada
The City of Malaga

“Allah, O’ most merciful Father in heaven, forgive me on this day.”

Akbe Mohammed stood up slowly, rising from his prayer rug murmuring a last thought between himself and his Lord. He already knew that the fleet at sea had engaged in battle and no reinforcements would be coming.

Battles had raged in the hills around the city and along the coast for the last three weeks; without reinforcements the city would be lost, and with all likelihood, all defenders all defenders as well.

“Thou to whom I submit in all things, I have not the men left to hold this bastion of freedom for your faithful. The fullest extent of my effort was extended, and now there is no access to the harbor.

On this day, this last day of my mortal life, guide my hand and bless my resolve, so that my final actions, here in this gate, are a testament to your greatness. For in all things that I have done, and for all things that are left to do this day, I act because Allahu akbar.”

Akbe pulled himself up onto his muddied and tired white stallion. As he rode out of the gates of Malaga with the remnants of the Imperial Guard and the Moorish defenders, he thought about those he was leaving behind. His father in Mecca, the man who guided him in all things and founded the Zayyanid Caliphate, that entity which served the Once and Future Caliph and all of Islam. His oldest friend, Azim Hasan, the well traveled and ever loyal, now far away in the lands of the north. His cherished Aunt, the Lady Giovanna. His consorts, the Ladies Kadija, Rebekka, and Livia; but of them, mostly of the Jewess Rebekka, his love.

Foremost, however, his mind dwelled on his younger sister the ruler of Algiers, Yasmine Mohammed. For no other individual in his life was he at a state of oneness with than his most intimate sister. The smell of her hair as he slept, the sound of her counsel in matters of state, the feel of her hand in his as they ran as children through the streets of Al-Djazir. He was glad he had approved her last request; he hope she would achieve what he was never able in securing marriage.

As he reached his destination, some two hundred yards between the sea and the Gates of Malaga, the dark thunder clouds overhead rumbled, and lightning cracked. Only some one hundred yards away, the tattered remains of the Castelleon army stood, far outnumbering his own decimated force.

“Oh Allah, protect the dead among us and forgive us for our sins, for we only fight for your glory, and spill our blood in your name. Allah, oh merciful and great, let me bask in your mercy and enter the gates of heaven, oh wise and great God of the seven heavens.

Ya Allah Irhamna! Ya Allah Irhamna! Wa Addkilna Janatak ya Aziz Ya Gaffar! Ya Allah Ighfir Katayana, Wa nahno Lak Muslimoon! Allah Akbar! Ya Aziz Ya Gaffar! Laka Al-Hamda wa -Asshokor, La Illah Illa Allah!”

 

[unmerged(4271)]

~~Imperial War Council
Hosted upon the Almohad Imperial Galley, moored in a hidden cove~~
~Somewhere off the coast of Africa~

​

The news of the defeat of the Papal Fleet brought some muted feelings of security but the death of the Emperor would surely cause confusion, if not chaos to the Maghrib.

"The future is unclear. We are entrusted with carrying on until a new Emperor is crowned", said Jamal Zayed of Fez, pensively. "We must decide our futures. The Tunisians are not threatened directly, and the Moors, I am afraid, have had their armies broken and have taken their resistance to the hills and mountains, until they can flee perhaps to Egypt, if the evacuation continues?"

He looked over to the Egyptian to confirm whether or not this was true. Meanwhile Musa al-Tariq remained stone-faced and grim, watching the destruction of the hopes for a restored Al-Andalus, just shortly after receiving word that he had been named by the Caliph to manage the jihad.

"The Amira, I think we all understand, will need some time to grieve, and while an able leader will need time, as any human would, to recover from this great loss. The question of leadership is one we must address, but first, let us assess out situtation.

We retain remnants of our Navy, which can protect our shores. Funds still flow into our treasuries, enough to repel invaders. Yet we risk the expansion of the Papal Crusade.

Now that jihad had been called by the Caliph perhaps we will be joined by our brothers of Dar Islam and their ranks will replenish our own, and we may yet march to, if not liberate Al-Andalus, force a peace with honor, securing rights for God's people under the Christians. Without such a show of strength....

...the Plenipotentiary of Fez shrugged in a show of futility.

"I think it shall be our enemies, and not us, who declare the terms for ending our battle."

If there was disagreement, it was not yet voiced. Amira Yasmine Mohammed, Ruler of Algeria; Tokuul Rabati, Taifa of Morocco; and the Sultan of Tunisia all said nothing. The Egyptian may yet speak.

But before he could, Musa Al-Tariq finally spoke. Strong and with the conviction of one who had sacrificed his home and family so that others might be free.

"The Caliph has named me as the Amir l Muminin , did he not? Our only chance is through a unified Dar Islam. Therefore, I propose that this council turns names the Caliph as the Regent Emperor of the Almohad Empire, to serve in the place of Akbe Mohammed until a sucessor is named."

There was a buzz of conversation as the Council considered this. It did not sound as if it were a request. But one by one, the representatives of the Almohad nations began to nod.

 

[unmerged(31994)]

Imperial War Council

Ahmed could only but smile, how ironic, the changes have come to be "Ya Subhan Allah, some months ago, we were attacked for ransoming the heads of the Andalusians, our ships attacked by the Almohads and some sunk, not to mention an attack against out treaty with the Portugese " Ahmed laughed, not one of humor, but that of the situation "Now, the Emperor is dead, and the Andalusians will be slaughtered, truly the words of Allah strike truth "Do not shun what you precieve as evil for it may be good to you!" now, the christian nations wish peace with Egypt, and we can easily leave you to die, a pay back to all the past matters"
He quieted down and took out some papers "However,Egypt is no traiter.After the peace with Castille, we shall continue to get more Andalusian reefugees, and as for the war, we shall continue to fight with you...as for an emperor, it matters not to Egypt, our main concern is Christian occupation and invasion of Africa.Egypt proposes a bloackade, a FULL African bloackade of Portugese trade.They depend on Egyptians for goods, we shall declare our treaties with them null, and draft an embargo treaty, to be signed by Algeirs, and Fez with Egypt (event).I ask you to utilize all remaining resources, Egypt will try to reach a white peace with the christians, that is one, with the Almohads too, as we are still considered neutral, and ask for aid from our muslim neighbours."

"I hope, you will not forget Egypt's stand with you" He nodded and returned to his writing, apathetic to the resumed chatter of the council.

 

[Voshkod]

The first order of the Caliph-Emperor arrived via fast ship from the Levant. The seal was a stylized dragon surrounded by Chinese characters, likely indiscipherable to most present.

In the name of Allah, in the power given to me as Caliph of All Islam and Regent Emperor of the Almohad, I send this first missive to my Empire:

The seat of Portugal on the Almohad Council is suspended due to their participation in the action that lead to the martyrdom of my predecessor. Let it be made known to the Portugese sovereign that joining the Castillian war against our person shall lead to his ruin, for all the trade roads to the east shall close forever, and all agreements he enjoys in Dar al-Islam shall be null.

I leave control of this jihad in the hands of Musa Al-Tariq, Amir l Muminin, with defensive directions for the moment. Let no crusader set foot on Africa's soil, unless that foot no longer be attached to his cursed leg.

I come by fast ship in the company of Alim Aaminah Jamila al Umm-Hakim to the council.

Sealed this day by my own hand,

/s/Odchigin Sacha, by grace of God and election of his peers Caliph of All Islam, by grace of God and election of the Almohad Council Regent Emperor

 

[unmerged(31994)]

*A letter arrives from the Caliphate*

Unto the Amira of Algeirs, nation of the frontier of Islam

Salam Alekum wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh

I write to you, in hope that you will consider my plan, and that, you and Algeirs will join me in this most important endeavor.I see that the war has no halt, and though animosity is between the two thrones, the Abbasid and the Almohad, we must stand united against the christian offensive in Africa.Thusly I have devised a plan, if the Portugese invade, we shall embargo with a massive boycott that would cripple their Trade Empire to dust.Egypt has no problem with this, as the Portuegese add nothing to our trade, yet they depend on us for many goods.Algeirs and Fez can buy from Egypt at a 50% cut until the end of the war as I know of your need.Know at least some of your people are safe in my lands, many prosper, and after the war I shall continue inshalla to take more.And Know that Egypt will stand with you to save Africa, regardless.Al-Andalus was never Egypt's battle, but Africa is.I ask you to hold on to your resolve, and if the Portugese attack your state, I ask you to send your family to Egypt, until, I repel these christians to the very Western seas!I swear it!Even if I have to do it at the Gates of Cairo.I also pray that your father is within Allahs mercy, may he be blessed in paradise.

Signed by Caliph Hakim bin Kamal Al-Abbaci (X)

 

[Blade!]

The End of an Era, Pt. 2

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.

 

[Voshkod]

Odchigin Sacha, the Caliph of All Islam and, as Regent Emperor of the Almohads, the successor of the fallen Emperor, stood before the crowd dressed in simple garb. His long mustache had been waxed to a fine point, and his Mongol appearance stood out in this crowd of Maghrib Arabs. A scribe stood nearby to capture his words.

He looked down and began to speak, his voice quiet, soft, and the mourners had to strain to hear him.

"There is no God but God, and Mohammed is his prophet."

He looked into the faces of the crowd, which was leaning forward to catch the fleeting, eternal words. His eyes were cast with dark fire, three blue puffs of the dragon's breath twining and igniting the pathways of his mind. Suddenly his voice bellowed, clear and loud and high, his odd accent piping around the swirl of his Arabic, reminding listeners later of a desert bird calling in the night.

"There is no God but God, and Mohammed is His prophet! And before us lies His soldier, Akbe Mohammed, martyred in His name on the fields of Malaga, fighting for the freedom of al Andalus."

He leaned forward, toward the crowd, his voice filled with passionate intensity. "Weep not for Akbe Mohammed! He has ascended into heaven now, into paradise, where he stands before God, and God is pleased with him! Even now, Akbe Mohammed receives his reward in paradise. Oh no, do not weep for him.

"Do not mourn for the Almohad Empire! Where one leader has fallen, others shall take up the banner of the Maghrib! The Lion left many cubs who shall grow into lions their father shall be proud of. And I do not speak only of his own children, but of all men and boys touched by the spirit of this man, all that remember his power and his humility before God. For they are all his cubs, and they are all his children, and they must all honor their father. Oh no, do not weep for the Empire.

"And do not cry for your own loss, for self-pity in a time of war is loathsome. Take those tears, bottle them in your hearts, let them kindle a holy wrath in your spirit that will carry us through the fell days to come. Do not cry for yourselves."

He stood straight, his black eyes flashing. "There will be a time for tears. There will be a time for peace. After we are victorious in al Andalus. Let your tears flow through the streets of Cordoba and Toledo, as you remember our victories and mourn the dead.

"If Akbe Mohammed's spirit could return to this body for a moment, what would he say? You know as well as I; 'Move on, slaves of Allah, move on from this graveside, lift your swords, shoulder your burdens, and return to the battle!'

"As I speak, the children of Timur raise their swords and mount their horses. As we stand here before this man, the fleets of Egypt ply the Middle Sea. As we say farewell to the Almohad Emperor, his soldiers stand watch on the shores of Africa.

"Some may say now is the time for peace. Does the lion step out of the fight to lick his wounds? No! He redoubles his wrath, and battles on, to victory or death. There is no retreat, there is no surrender.

"As Caliph of All Islam, and before God, His prophet and His soldier, I declare jihad for the liberation of al Andalus. Let all men faithful to God shoulder their blades, raise the sails of their ships, and prepare for battle. Let all rulers who proclaim their faith in God join this just war, offer up their soldiers and their gold to the furnace, so Islam can pass through this fire in strength! Let them come to war!

"From Mecca and Medina, bring forth the desert riders!

"From Cairo and Alexandria, bring forth the soldiers of the Nile!

"From Samarkand and Kabul, let the Horde ride into the West!

"From Ishafan and Fars, march our Persian brethren!

"From Bursa and Angora, set sail the fleets of the Osmanli!

"And Almohads, stand tall, know all Islam stands with you."

He stood before the crowd with his arms cast wide, his face locked in a rapturous rage.

"Let the word go forth to the halls and homes, marketplaces and barracks, ports and ships, of all slaves of God! It is as God told his prophet: 'whoever obeys Allah and His Apostle, He will cause him to enter gardens beneath which rivers flow, and whoever turns back, He will punish him with a painful punishment.

"Any who turn back from this call will be declared Irtidäd, apostate, and will travel alone into the darkness of Gehenna. And the faithful who come shall be rewarded on earth and in paradise with the grace and mercy of Allah! Jihad for al Andalus! Jihad against the Castilians and the Vicar of Christ! Rise up you slaves of God and take back these ancient lands for Allah!"

And then it was as if the light and energy passed out of the Caliph. He did not collapse, but shrunk, and his voice shrank with him. His last few words were quiet again, audible only to the family of the Emperor, seated in the front of the crowd.

"I have seen islands where men worship winds and ghosts, I have stood among the vast temples of the Khmer, seen stone altars of false gods among mountains unimaginable, walked on the wall of the Ming. I have been named Caliph of all Islam and the Emperor of the Almohads. I have lived. But I never knew Akbe Mohammad. I never shook hands with him. And I shall regret that until I die."

Odchigin Sacha walked slowly over to the body of the Emperor. "Farewell, and safe journeys beyond," he whispered. The Caliph and Emperor then took his seat.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

A letter Arrives

To Who ever is in power in the Zayyanid Caliphate

"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.
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 North Africa as your predecessos 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

 

[von Streusser]

EVENT​

​

The Endless War

​

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.

 

[unmerged(4271)]

​

Another armed band of riders approached the sentries outside of Tlemcen. Behind them was a long line of refugees from Fez, fleeing eastward across the Maghrib from the coming war.

The sentries had long been accustomed to these arrivals, and let them pass after only a token inspect. Little did they know that some of these travelers fully intended upon taking up permanent residents with Algieria.

War had made them weary, and some doubted the leadership of the Emir Elector and his sympathies toward the descendants of Al-Andalus, who lived among them. Others believed firmly in the Emir Elector but could see no hope in resistance. The armies would fight to the best of their ability, but perhaps this was the end of Fez?

Among the riders was another, indistinguishable from the others, but one whom rode with purpose. It was Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez, and he rode to see the Caliph, Odchigin Sacha.

He carried with him a message of urgent importance, and with it the fate of his nation.

 

[unmerged(4271)]

(Note - edits made to correct errors in Caliph's location)

​

Discovering that, after the funeral of Akbe Mohammed, the new Regent Emperor of the Almohad Empire, Odchigin Sacha had established a temporary Court of the Caliph near the Kechiova Mosque, Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez made his way through the crowded streets, traveling incognito.

With the defense of Fez resting upon the abilities of his competent generals, and the sons of the Sultan, the Emirs of Fez, out of the country, Abu-Mohammed traveled to Algeria to present himself directly to the Regent Emperor seeking his blessing for this desperate proposal.

Hours earlier, he had visted Tlemscen and met with the grieving Amira-Elector Yasmine Mohammed, Sultana of the Zayyanid Caliphate. While the exact words that passed between them will remain forever held in their shared confidence, they spoke at great lengths about recent history.

The spoke mostly of her departed brother Akbe Mohammed, and how he had rode to battle in 1450, during the Almohad Civil War to save Fez from the designs of the Emir-Elector of Morocco. They spoke of Akbe Mohammed's selection of Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki as the new Emir-Elector of Fez, installed as Regent after the disappearance of Sultan Abu-Mohammed Abdul-Haqq II into the desert Southlands. And they spoke of the confidence and trust Akbe Mohammed had placed in him.

But the Amira could not answer the request of the Emir Elector of Fez, at least not without the consulation of the Regent Emperor.

Thus, Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki rode to this far away destination, seeking an audience with Odchigin Sacha for the opportunity to save the nation he had brought to the precipice of ruin.


(ooc: storyline continued in Caliph tread, linked above)

 

[von Streusser]

EVENT

Fez Requests Diplomatic Annexation

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Following the horrific battle on the Iberian peninsula, the armies of Islam are in bad shape, and a newly invigorated Portugese Army approaches. Though a Mongol horde is said to be riding to their defense, who can say if those forces will even arrive?

But all is not lost. Fez still has their overlord in Algiers to plead to, and Algiers will answer their vassal's call. By incorporating the lands of Fez into the lands of Algiers, there is a hope that perhaps the Portugese forces may be resisted, and perhaps peace may be attained once more.

MODIFIERS:
None

TRIGGER:
RP, desperate circumstances and special case brought on by events outside of the game's scope

TABLE:

1. The merger is shoddy, and the people take it as a sign of surrender more than anything else. But the Emirs manage to hold the lands together through sheer force of will.
(-2 morale, -1 tech to Algiers for 1 year/4 turns) Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

2. The people and soldiers are unenthused, some grumble loudly about their Emirs' choice of actions, but many just go along with the merger.
(-1 morale, -1 tech to Algiers for 1 year/4 turns) Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

3. Most of the people pay little attention to the merger, as they're far too busy eyeing the Portugese ships off their coast...
(-1 morale to Algiers for 1 year/4 turns) Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

4~5. The Emirs manage to merge their lands successfully and rally their soldiers and citizenry behind them. Maybe they have a chance after all...
Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

6. The merger is pulled together with stunning administrative ability. The people rally behind their rulers and prepare for the desperate battle with the Portugese.
(+1 morale to Algiers for 1 year/4 turns) Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

ROLL: 5

RESULT: The Emirs manage to merge their lands successfully and rally their soldiers and citizenry behind them. Maybe they have a chance after all...
Fez is diplo-annexed by Algiers

Note: Algiers inherits Fez's seamil and eco for current stats of:
1/3/5/6/3

All wars with Fez carry over to Algiers. All wars with Algiers stand. Inflation events for both realms stand.

All complaints to my and/or BzAli's PM boxes.

 

[Voshkod]

Odchigin Sacha, Regent Almohad Emperor and Caliph of All Islam stepped before the Almohad Council. An indecent part of him wanted to giggle like a child as these great men and women bowed low before him.

"Get up." His voice was dark and distant. "Fez is no more. The Emir Elect is dead at my hand for his failures." The Caliph dumped the royal regalia of Fez on the table before the council. He placed the still bloody scimitar gently to one side.

"Algeria will take direct control over the lands of Fez, to defend that land from the infidel crusaders. You have two days to find someone to rule Algeria - my successor. A Mongol should not stand over Arabs of the Maghrib, and I cannot neglect my duties as Caliph any longer.

"I have received word from Abu Sa'id Yesugai, Khan of Samarkand. He rides in force to your aid. I recommend you grant him passage."

The Caliph and Emperor turned to leave. "You have two days. Or I return for that sword, and replace you all with someone of my choosing."