- ARCHIVE - The Sultanate Court of Algeria

[I Killed Kenny]

To Yasmine Mohammed, the leader of the Almohads

We did not make any demands to the Emir-Elector of Fez, Fez was Doomed because your Brother brought Doom to Fez and all of North Africa.

Our alies do not burn no Moors alive, those as stories, that your alims speak of. That may happen in the Past, but in the present, that did not happen, in this war it did not happen. What happened in this war was the the mongol Caliph Killed a Head of State!

And Iberia is not a nation. But what happens in Iberia happens in Portugal for we in Iberia are like brothers if one is hurt the other is hurt. It is called a brotherhood of Nations. And the Almohad is a new invetion, so we can claim you always acted friendly, but that always was for less then two decades! And We João Duarte the Second did never engage any conversation with you or your brother or any other moor, or even cristian about joining this war against Castille! We can not let this lie continue any further. And like We said, if you hurt the People of Castille you hurt the People of Portugal!

And We do not demand half of your nation. We demand the Port City of Ceuta and Tangiers. We demand that the Baleares are given to Castille and We demand that you along side me negotiate with who ever is in the control of Tunisia and give Malta back to the Catholic hands of Crown of Portugal. In Return, We open the straight of Gibraltar, We accept you and who ever continues in the throne of Algerie as the rightfull heads of State. We accept the existence of the Almohad empire and We shall not wage war against your nation for 5 years, and accept and support all and every claim of your Country, besides Tangiers, the Baleares and Malta, for those are to be accepted the Cristian lords ( if you accept to give them peacefully ) as their rightfull owners and the most important thing We give to you is Peace, for if a positive reply is given soon, We will hold Our Troops and not land and plunder North Africa.

We and Our Troops wait for your reply.

Signed,

 

[unmerged(31994)]

A letter arrives from the Caliphate

Unto Yasmine Mohammed, friend and Ally of the Caliphate

My Empress, Egypt stands with the Almohads, though I disdained your past actions against the Caliphate, we must stand firm against the infidel barbarians of Portugal.We are fighting a common enemy, and I will not allow them a single inch of African land.
Thusly I accept your proposal but let us not be too rash *OOC: Remember what I told you* in doing so.Let us make Africa a victory for Islam by repelling the Portuegese, regardless of these minor attacks.We are not desperate, let them come to our markets, yes let them come,to see that we fear nothing of them, but this show, will only add to the idea that we are weak and defencless.The Horde is now in Egypt, and a small strip of land, Tunis is between them and the Greater Almohad Empire.
I will however, support you, if the situation becomes desperate, but I am sure, the Portuegse will leave Africa with their tails between their legs.
My Empress, after the war, I would like to have your presence in Egypt, I have much to speak with the Almohads, especially of past grievences and problems, as I will afterwards go under extreme measures to turn us from the Mamelucks to the true Abbasidian Caliphate, and would need Almohad support.

Signed, your friend, and Ally, Calipah Hakim bin Kamal Al-Abbaci, Ruler of Egypt.

 

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Citadel of Tlemcen

The discussion of Lady Anna Maria Rosa Giovanna and Manlio Scasì da Tenda​

“Certo,” Scasì replied Lady Giovanna without enthusiasm, and stood up. “By the way, dona Annamaria…” he continued slowly, “… a sum of some two hundred florins is already available to Her Highness in the local office of the Casa San Maurizo. The rest of the money will also arrive shortly. Everything is arranged already.” He smiled, and bowed his head toward her: there was no grace is his motion. “May I offer my arm?” he asked clumsily; his lack of proper conduct betrayed his lowly descent.

Everything was going well, he thought, everything was going as expected. The money would indeed arrive shortly -- from Tunisia, actually, as those one thousand golden florins were from there, they’d been originally intended to be used to build up the Sultan’s navy… Scasì himself had peculated the money with great care in the past years. Oh, well, he mused, and a smile of upmost delight spread across his face, the joys of being an army-supplier… And that contract would be valid for sixteen more years, and after that there’d always be the possibility of a renewal.

“You know,” Scasì said, and looked at Lady Gioavanna as they stralled through the corridors of the citadel arms in arms, “the Casa San Maurizio isn’t short of money… I mean there’s more money where this money has came from,” he suggested softly. “And generally, we’re always open to endeepen our co-operation.” Everybody else would have stopped here and now, everybody else woud have been satisfied with promises from Algiers. But not Manlio Scasì de Tenda: his impudence knew no limits. “I mean… Well, the Casa and the Union are very experienced in organizing offices, in running business… for example the serenissima Sultana might entrust the Casa with some tasks? Handling the imperial finances, maybe? Or collecting the taxes, perhaps? Enforcing the law? We could do all these very efficiently… and we would charge only a very modest price for all these. We would be very glad to help the serenissima Sultana this way,” he said innocently. “And, by the way, thinking of the future… in the case Her Royal Highness wished so, we might cancel this debt of hers in exchange for… something.” Scasì mused on.

He suddenly stopped, grabbing Lady Giovanna’s arm in a way only he could think polite, and looking deep in her eyes, smiling, he said: “See, m’lady, we’d do anything to help,” and his eyes said that something the Union wanted to get, getting it very soon.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

A letter arrives

To Yasmine Mohammed, the leader of the Almohads

We would first like to inform that your scouts are most correct informing you that Our troops are moving and shall soon land in your Land with the troops of the Holy Father. We can only hope that We will not be obligued to give personally a peace treaty to you, When we conquer the city of Telmec.

For We ask what We believe We deserve, for if Our troops die in North Africa We shall want more than cities of Ceuta and Tangiers [OOC: They both in the province of Tangiers, that is what I ask... /] For The mongols were left behind by their own, the Sultan of Tunis and you may ask Us if We did anything, but We did not interfere with the Sultan of Tunis.
And Woman let Us warn you that Aragon and Naples may very well go to Africa to ask for more than Tangiers.

And We ask, what was the Almohad Claim on the Baleares? or on Malta? Your brother simply conquered it and claim it. For now We shall do the same. We jut hope that We do not need to Claim Telmec for Ourselfs.

For my request is the same. If you do not accept it, woman. We shall make you accept it. And you may live in the deserts and in the montains but you can not rule a country from there!

Signed,

 

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*A letter arrives from the Caliphate*

Unto Empress Yasmine Mohammed of the Almohads

My dear sister, though the war takes a bad turn for Islam, I have heard you are reaching a peace with the christians soon with some concessions.We have did our part, and I do not wish to sound selfish,but will the Almohads hold to their promises?recognizing the Abbasid Caliphate?recognizing our rights over Iraq,Basrah,the Holy cities, the Holy lands ,the North lands and South and East of Egypt?not to mention dealing with the sunhia?It is important for me to know your decisions as I can not continue without you upholding your promises to me.

Signed, Caliph Hakim bin Kamal

 

[unmerged(4271)]

A Negotiation Interupted...

Citadel of Tlemcen​

Lady Anna Maria Rosa Giovanna's arm was held in a vise grip, one that said all too much about the motives of the representative from Casa San Maurizo. Since the death of her companion, the late Akbe Muhammed, the Italian expatriate had been thrust into several uncomfortable situations, but this was, to date, the most extreme.

“Scusi, Signore Scasì, but perhaps your presume more authority in my office than what exists. My role is in diplomacy and not the specifics of governance and administration of the realm. But if there is merit to what you propose, it shall be related to the Sultana. Now, signore....my arm... it..."

Her remaining words were muffled beneath the sudden wall-shaking blasts of trumpets, and the hoofbeats of many horses, the two Europeans had to jump aside to avoid being trampled, and the Lady Anna Maria Rosa was, though bruised, happy to have her freedom of movement returned to he.

More horses filled the steets and the two were separated by the chaos. The former companion of the late Sultan, used this opportunity to sneak off to tend to her abrasions.

* * * *​

Meanwhile the lead horse and the standard it bore made its way directly to the Royal Palace.

 

[unmerged(4271)]

Tomas Returns​

Yasmine Mohammed, Sultana of the Zayyanid Caliphate, was sitting calmly when the rider walked rapidly through the arch into the cavernous and empty-feeling throne room. Never had she appeared so out of place, he thought.

He was Tomas Lopes Viscount de Castello Branco, Naib of Cordoba, Governor of the Chiriya Canaries, Taifa of Andalus, and Champion of the Amira of Tlemscen. Yet now, all of those titles seemed trivial.


"Hello Tomas. I have been in need of you," she said, strangely cold, and without rising.

"And I am here, Sultana," he said, bowing his head but continuing to approach, "Times seem dark, indeed."

The Sultana only looked away, leaving an uncomfortable silence between them.

"Had there ever been a time I was in more desperate need of my champion, I do not know," she said, and rose slowly, but rather than approaching him, she simply walked the perimeter of the room, staring out the open windows as she passed them. "Now, all seems lost. I sit upon my brother's throne, awaiting formal coronation by the Caliph-Regent, to ascend to an office which may not even exist by year's end. Our people shall fight on, but to what end? I am no warrior. I have doubts that I can even lead. In fact there are....many things I once believed which I now doubt."

Tomas was clearly not expecting this. He had noticed a change in Yasmine at the death of her brother, but nothing had become so pronounced as this. Words welled within his throat, but he knew not what to speak.


"Tell me Tomas, do you love me? Do you love Algiers? Do you love Allah?"

The questions were rapid and allowed for no quarter.

"Do you love Portugal? Do you still serve her King? Was there nothing that could have been done to prevent this? Should I have expected you sooner? Was I weak or foolish in hoping you might have some answer, some way to bridge the gap between our cultures?"

She stopped her pacing and approached him slowly and steadily.

"Tomas, I see nothing but darkness. Darkness in my eyes, darkness in my heart, and darkness in this land that I rule. I wonder what you see? I wonder what is left for you?

What I say now, I say as Emperess, or Sultana, or whatever it is that fate has decreed. Go. Fulfill your obligations as required by the titles bestowed upon you. Perhaps there is something that may yet be saved."

Tomas struggled to respond. Before he could offer more than a grunt, she stepped forward and kissed his lips. It was cold and devoid of passion. He felt as if he was kissing a ghost. Or a body, a shell without a spirit. She turned quietly and walked out.

 

[unmerged(4271)]

The Accounts of the Fall of the Almohad Armies and Navy​

By Imperial Historian, Tre Cid:

The Destruction of the Fleet and the Battle of Fez


By Portuguese Scribe, Vasco Mahti Okhan:

The "Crusade" of Africa


By Algerian Emir, Muad Umar:

<Banned due to obscenities>

 

[unmerged(4271)]

An Unhappy Coronation

​

Yasmine Mohammed, Sultana of the Zayyanid Caliphate, supervised the final perparations being made for her coronoation as Emperess of the Almohad Empire.

She was sullen and doubted in her heart that she deserved the title, and saw herself to blame for the debacle at Fez, where upon the newly raised armies of Algiers had been slaughtered by the invading Portuguese, and where the once great fleet of the Almohads now rested along with their Castillian enemies at the bottom of the sea.

Her skills were trade and administration, and not war. That much had become painfully obvious.

Yet, what was she to do? Was she not her brother's sister? Was she not next in line for the crown? Were not she and the entire Almohad Council threatened by the Regent Emperor from Samarkand to name a replacement for face the sword?

It mattered little to her. Her world was dark. She had buried her brother, ordered her nation's armies to their death, and dispatched her once-lover with little more feeling than a clerk sending a boy to collect a bill.

Armies rode from the east, but the unpredictable Sultan of Tunisia had refused to honor his Almohad obligations, and had not yet responded to repeated attempts from her Timurid allies to gain passage.

The world was dark.

Her attendants dressed her in the regalia she was to be presented in, before the Regent Emperor, and in the distance she could hear the music begin.

She was led to the doors, through which the coronation ceremony would begin, and through which so much of the life she had loved would be lost, never to return.

 

[Voshkod]

In the great courtyard of Tlemcen citadel, the Almohad Emperor and Caliph of All Islam, Odchigin Sacha, stood alone on an elevated platform. To his left was the royalty of Algeria and Fez. To his right, the religious and military leaders. An open path through the crowd led to the door from which emerged Yasmine Mohammed.

The Caliph was dressed in the dual regalia of the Almohads and the Caliph. He couldn't quite decide if he looked absurd or impressive. No matter. Soon this burden passes, and when I die my stone will tell the world that for one brief moment, I was the most powerful man in Dar es-Islam. He smiled wanly at the thought.

The Palace guard came to attention as the woman approached. The music swelled as she approached, and then ascended, the platform. She knelt before the Caliph.

Odchigin Sacha savored the sight of this beautiful woman kneeling before him. The music was still playing, the assembled crowd was distant. What words passed between them in the next few moments none would overhear.

"Look at me, Yasmine Mohammed," said the Caliph quietly. She looked up. The depth of her despair struck him as almost a physical force. "Such a . . . such a desolation behind your eyes, woman. You are already far down the path to Gehenna, aren't you?," he whispered.

"Will you be able to bear the weight of this office? Or will it grind you down further? I am going to crown you no matter what, for I wish to leave this dark place for Jerusalem, but I fear for you. I fear for this country. You walk into darkness willingly, I think, and Algeria will follow you.

His tone changed into an almost conversational one. He smiled at her as she knelt, his face a mix of pity and cruelty. "Do you know that I cannot lose by crowning you? If you suceed, then I must be a genius! They will say I am able to see into the soul, even the souls of women, and that I chose one who could rule, who could lead through such dark times. And if you fail, it will simply show that women cannot hold power, and I will use your example - use your failure - to move against upstarts like Aaminah Jamila al Umm-Hakim and her movement, which will endear me to the Abbasids."

Suddenly the Caliph knelt too, so he could be eye to eye with the future Empress. "So you see, you cannot fail. You cannot despair. Take the crown, but not as a burden, but as your new armor. Clothe yourself in your power and when you rise before these people - your people - let them see Algeria, not Yasmine Mohammed." He took her hands. "So tell me, Yasmine Mohammed, will you rise as the Empress of the Almohads?"

 

[unmerged(4271)]

The Crown

​

Rising to accept the crownYasmine Mohammed, Sultana of the Zayyanid Caliphate, and now Emperess of the Almohad Empire took the hands of the Caliph of All Islam, Odchigin Sacha and the two turned to face the masses from their elevated platform.

As the two rose as one, Yasmine spoke from the corner of her mouth so that only the Caliph might hear"

"There are things you cannot imagine, Caliph, not even in the visions granted to you by your pipe. All might see the strands. You, as very few, may see them all together forming the chryslis. But not even you, I think, can see what is inside."

The dignitaries rose in a seas of applause and adulation, from all over the relam they had come to see this historic event, and it was made all the more exotic by this Oriental Caliph. The Sultana was loved throughout the realm, but was a mystery to many. This coronation ceremony presided over the by the Timurid only multiplied this mystery. The two walked together back along the path toward the portal from whence the Sultana had emerged.

While smiling and waving with her free hand, she squeezed the older man's hand with the other, and between smiles whispered again.

"The enemy is at our gates. I suggest you take your swiftest boat and return to Jerusalem, or Samarkand, as quickly as you are able. In order to save all of Greater Almohad Algeria, it may appear necessary to destroy it. But it is my hope that like the burnt-out forest, it shall rise again, without the underbrush and parasites.

More smiling, more waving.

"Our enemies will not be forgotten, nor those who were loyal to us in these dark times. Let your Khan know that all may be right, despite appearances....."

As they arrived at the door, the smile suddenly vanished as she spun to face Odchigin Sacha.

"Do not follow, where it appears we lead, for these are appearances only. If you and your Khan are to remain true to Islam, you will continue the true fight."

And with that, the door swung open, but Yasmine Mohammed did not go through them, but instead released the Caliph's hand and swung back around and represented herself to the attendees, and their applause rose again wildly as she went out walking among them.

An attendant waited to escort the Caliph from the Palace.

 

[Voshkod]

The Caliph watched the Empress leave with an odd smile on his face. He turned to the attendent. "Find me a room, some ink, and some parchment."

To Her Imperial Majesty, Yasmine Mohammed, Almohad Empress, from the Caliph of All Islam,

The Council chose well, my Empress. Algeria is in both fair and good hands.

I think, perhaps, you give me too much credit by assuming I see enough strands of fate to create a chyrsalis. If you see more than I, if you see the entire skein of your fate, I hope that, in better times to come, you will suffer my return to Tlemcen, so that I may be enlightened by your vision.

Follow your path, but do not fall into darkness.

I shall pray for you.

 

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The Peace is Sealed​

Yasmine Mohammed, was now more than Sultana of the Zayyanid Caliphate, she was truly the Emperess of the of the Greater Almohad Empire. Yet, despite the confirmation of this status by the very Caliph of all Islam, the intrigues in her court had already begun.

Had too much been lost in the war?

What was the future for the Almohad Council, now that Fez was no more and Morrocco, for all practical purposes, under the heel of the Portuguese?

How would the Zayyanids rebuild their war-ravaged lands?

And most of all....could a woman rule the empire?

These were questions Yasmine knew must be answered, but of which she was already tired. The crown wore heavily upon her head, though it had been placed their, officially, only days ago.

The attendant announced the arrival of Tomas Lopes Viscount de Castello Branco, Naib of Cordoba, Governor of the Chiriya Canaries, Taifa of Andalus, and Champion of the Amira of Tlemscen. Though he had been missing in the most desperate hour of the Amira (now Sultana), she had tasked him with making the peace, and saving whatever future might remain for the Almohads.

He had accomplished his task, thought a great price.

He bowed dutifully and then relayed to Yasmine all the had transpired between himself, the Papal representative, and King Joaj of Portugal.

The terms were not generous but they were no less generous than she had reason to expect. She put her name and royal seal to the document and the peace was confirmed.

Tomas bowed again and left with the document. No more words than that passed between them, and the Sultana began to quiver at how cold she had become.

But the sounds of footsteps announced another attendant with another message, and her stony visage returned. She turned and greeted the servant with the air of an Emperess.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The guest...

João was in the head of the Portuguese Army still in North Africa. They had defeated the biggest treat to the Christian world in the past centuries, he was an hero on the other side of the Mediterranian, but not here, he was a murdered, he did not left anyone alive where he passed. But this time was an invited guest. But still people did not consider him a guest, whereever they passed and greated a base camp people run away. But when he was totatly victorious, he was better then in campaign for he did not destroy anything and all the supplies where givin from the mighty fleet that was advancing in the same time was the army. They slowlly passed by Orania and they where finally in Telmec. João and his 1.000 Portuguese, the mercenaries and Cruzaders where allready back to the boats and gooing home.

When he was about to enter the city he ordered to be announced to the city was "João King of Portugal and the Algarves, King of Far na Near Sea in Africa, King of Catholic Africa, Lord Protector of Morocco, Plenipotentiary of all Catholocism with the Realm of the Almohads, rightfull victory in the Almohad War. Asks to enter the Almohad city of Telmec." the army now stood still waiting for any reply. João then looked to the sea, where he could see some of his sailors in his boats ready to start bombarding the city...

 

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The Conqueror Comes to Call

​

The army outiside the gates dwarfed what remained of the Imperial Guard, which was not little more than a security detachment for the Emperess.

It was as Tomas Lopes Portuguese noble and Champion of the Sultana of the Zayyanid Caliphate had reported.

King Joao of Portugal and his armies had been brought through the land, hopefully seeing its beauty and civilization as opposed to the rough barbaric image that so many European's imagine without ever having seen it.

Ali A'ku,, a former Knight of St. John himself, awaited the Portuguese King. He knelt before him, out of obligation, more than anything else, and announced:

"King Joao of Portugal, Sultana Yasmine Mohammed, Emperess of the Almohad Empire and Cold Star of the Maghrib bids you welcome as a visiting head of state. You, and 1,000 of your personally selected troops, are invited within the Citadel to receive the Sultana's hospitality and learn more of the land which with you have now settled your grievance.

It would be my honor to escort you inside through the city."

 

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At the Edge of the Empire

​

They watched as the sails of the Portuguese ships were furled and tied, as the massive ships settled into their quays.

They watched as the soliders disembarked, followed by a swarm of laborers and what appeared to be a handful of dandily dressed bueareaucrats.

They watched the long caravans forming as many of the port city's residents evacuated, their lands being sold or seized, and wandered in search of a new home.

The Barbera Shieks were not pleased by this turn of events, and the surrender of the Moroccan Sahara to the Portuguese. They held noble titles to many of these lands and such titles were now void.

They had been displeased since their forced incorporation into Algiers by Akbar Mohammed and they had been displeased by the ascension of the woman Yasmine to the Imperial Throne.

Now, with their riches, their servants, and their familes safely moved to their Northern lands, only they remained as grim sentinels as the Europeans claimed their homes as part of a "protectorate". Supposedly the province remained free and governed by the Berbers, but the Sheiks knew better. Their rule here was over.

They would ride to Tlemscen, and petition the Emperess for their greivences.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

João looks that knight up and down, like evaluating, that coward, who were not even Cristian and instead of fighting like his brothers, decieded to stay behind. He rides his horse direcly towards Ali, only stoping when Ali could smell the breath of João's Horse. João then looked down and said "Very well, show me the way to your empress, I would like to know the Woman who comands an empire."

 

[unmerged(4271)]

The King's March

​

King Joao was taken on a prearranged path through Al-Djazir.

First he was was taken through the rich bazaars, with goods from all over Africa and the Orient. Yet the markets were half empty due to the long war. There was potential here for many new goods that the Portuguese could market, for a handsome profit. But only if the people of Algiers could be made to forget their damages caused by the undeserved attack by the Portuguese. Scars take time to heal. But anyone observing these markets could see that if these issues could be resolved there were fortunes to be made.

Then he was taken along the water-side road that led to The Rose Stone Cathedral of Al-Djazir. Despite the noise of the large Portuguese Procession, the clear sounds of a Latin mass could be heard from within.Though it was accented with the local arabic dialect, the words were clearly that of the Roman Eucharist ritual. The voices which answered the priests lead, indicated the cathedral was heavily attended.


And finally to the Palace of the Citadel itself, where the Sultana would be waiting inside. However first the procession would be led past vast crowds of women and children, widowed and orphaned in this war, or savaged by the Portuguese troops. They were all hear to seek the charity of the Sultana and to whatever relief might be available . All but the smallest children turned away from the Portuguese, until they too, were pulled away by their mothers from the sight of the impressive Portuguese Army Guard.

At the gates of the Palace the servants bowed low, and offered to lead King Joao and his personal honor guard to the throne room, and to fetch whatever refreshment they might require.

 

[unmerged(4271)]

A Delayed Homecoming

​

The trip had been long and bitter. They had ridden through the scarred remains of Fez and seen the smouldering citadel that once housed a Sultan's palace.

They had ridden across the plains of Algeria, where the lands had been pillaged and sacked by the Portuguese army.

And now, here in the very capital of Al-Djazir at Tlemscen, only to see one thousand Portuguese soldiers entering the city, and a much smaller party of them entering the Imperial Palace.

Was nothing sacred any longer? How much would be tolerated?

The Barbera Shieks only looked at each other and said nothing. The thoughts they had were shared by all and did not need to be vocalized.

One of their camels grunted and spit, and all of their eyes narrowed at the symbolism as they saw what appeared to be the soiling of their own capital.

They would make camp and await the infidels departure before entering the city and pleading their grievances.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The king enjoys all of that, he even enjoy the fear of the arabs... He sees all the richness and learns that he was right about not destroying this people, they mighty be better on his side that against him.
Some of the man have firing eyes of blind anger towards the people, other almost cry looking to them, so poor, all in the same of a few miles in the Desert and an Island that is not even Portuguese. But the minds of the Portuguese all clear when they look to the beautiful Cathedral, maybe there was some faith in this country and with so many men dead, maybe it would be easier to convert the rest... But that thought did not last for long, for when they saw the cidadel they all thought about the same, reach it and see how beautiful it was.

It seems they were right, in their dreams about it, it was really beautiful. The small personal guards were with the king, arround 25, with the King 26. Those 26 knights all dismounted, to see the people bow in front of them, they all smiled to that people, the 25 had pety, only João continued with the same straight face, looking to that men as simple servents nothing more. When they offered things, he simply made an hand gesture saying he did not want anything, and in Portuguese "Not now, Not now" he did not hoped they understood, but he did not care. After that he entered the Audience wall waiting for anything...