Entering the First Court: Kanem Bornu

[stnylan]

You wake with a gasp, an exhalation of air that bursts forth. In this moment you truly cannot recall where you are. Are you in your ordinary bed, or a place at least known to you? Are you in a transient place - a hotel, or curled up in a car, plane, or train? Or perhaps you lie in a gutter, the rain water swilling about you? You don’t know.

A moment later you do know that your exhalation was a scream, you arms are clenched around your drawn-up legs, and you huddle in your fear. Fear of what? You don’t know, but intelligence provides a likely answer: a nightmare from the other side of the shadow of sleep. The thought comforts, and allows you to ignore that you still do not know where you are.

You don’t care. You are tired, an endless exhaustion that no mere sleep can slake. You feel the pull to surrender to slumber’s charms, to dismiss all this. Sleep summons, and you obey, straightening your body and lowering your head … onto … there is a question but your mind no longer cares. Your eyes close from darkness to darkness, and the shadow claims you once again.

Do not expect an apology, form-bound, for being startled. Necessity determines what is required: your attention, untrammelled by your conscious thought. If you know this, you have lived, and be thankful. Many have not.

Know that you are not special. You are not chosen in any way but by chance - not even whim or whimsy. But you will be a witness, for you are snared.

It may be that you will need a place to recall who is who and what is what. This is that place. It will fill as needed. Use it, or not, as you wish.

Dramatis Personae

Yourself A Witness

Lisan la Metemes Your Host
Forms: An Oval of light with a decorated edge for personal expression
A northern slavic female in early 21st-century clothes, below average height

Stharin’Ble la Metemes fra Den Mørke Hav per Ultima Lisan's Mentor
Forms: A perfect sapphire sphere
An older man with a heavily-lined face. A large nose protrudes from the face, and
grey-bushy eyebrows project overshadowed orbs. The simulacrum wears checkered blue and red shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, and crisp, clean cream trousers.
A woman dressed in fine, rich clothes

Arfin Class-companion of Lisan
Forms: A black human male, with a variety of garbs

Vosele Class-companion of Lisan
Forms: A methane-cloud

Keriam Class-companion of Lisan
Forms: A tall willowly humanoid - indeterminate gender
Three circles, each rotating on a different axis

Ghrim Class-companion of Lisan

Rosthi’Cvar la Saraoni fra Tordenvejret ab Hoste Maligno Master of Aspirants of the First Court
Forms: A large Polynesian male in a “top hat and tails” black suite.

Eshun Attendant of the Master of Aspirants
Forms: Slim, somewhat short, short black hair, flat oval face.

Osil’een la Halsinis med Hygge ab Hoste Maligno of the Silver Court
An acquaintance of Stharin'Ble.
'Owned' the world of Uraniun for Uruguay


Glossary

Contest - A formal game where one or more Players is being tested.

Family - Name given to groups of the Unbound. Each newly formed Unbound is assigned to a Family, and given a mentor. The mentor may change through the youth’s development, or not. More rarely, a youth may change Families.

House - Groupings of Unbound who all hold a similar set of ethics.

Interface - The matrix through which the Unbound Players interact with the game universes. It is something of a simplified overview. Actions decided by the player are thus translated into actions by the beings under the control of the interface.

Manifest - Taking a direct part on the world of matter, though there are different levels of manifestation.

Movement - Groupings of Unbound who are all aiming for a broadly similar declared goal - though this allows a very great deal of variation in approach. Very broadly analogous to your political parties or interest groups.


When next you wake you have had a deep and dreamless slumber, with no memory of night time fears or nightly noises. Only when you sleep do you remember.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend. It is time to begin.

I reconsider the shimmering of my presence. I have already reduced it a mere blur, but still I constrict it further. It is hard to do so, when I want to flare with excitement. I keep all else simple, and even that is a challenge.

I feel the gentle pressure of a request, and I signal back welcome. Where once was nothing the locus of Stharin’Ble is, an azure sphere without blemish. How to describe Stharin’Ble to such restricted creatures as yourselves? Ignore the apparent physicalities and meretricious images, think rather on the presence, the smoothness of arrival and the precision of the locus.

“Are you ready?” it asks, though it uses nothing so vulgar as the audiological communication you call speech.

I signal my assent, and I feel its regard of me, and its approval. A cerulean nimbus is expelled from the sphere. It grows to encompass my own presence, halts, and the collapses sending us to the Ecolitæ.

We emerge in one of several locales to await the Herald. Unlike many this one has a certain permanency. I suppose you might call it an office.

“You may yet change your will,” Stharin’Ble signals.

“I understand,” I reply with no intention of doing so. I sense amusement.

“It has been a long time since our Family had one so eager to seek entrance into the First Court.” From deep within its sapphire sphere comes a faint mirage of crimson and cyan - a reminder of Stharin’Ble’s other allegiances, before being dispelled. Then a twinkle of amusement. “Do you not wish a taste of being Unbound?”

“Of course, but the ones who are not yet of the Courts are no more Unbound than I will be.”

Stharin’Ble makes no reply, but considers a small display. I realise I have begun to flare once more, so concentrate on mastering my excitement and keeping myself and my presence contained.

A faint chime fills the locale, and Stharin’Ble responds. A moment passes and the Herald arrives in a clash of audiological chaos, in keeping with its position. Its apparent form is a riot of shifting shapes and colours, and yet there is a pattern full of meaning if you have the will to perceive. I do, but confess to finding it difficult under the assault of the Herald’s apparition. It takes note of us both, and then indicates for us to proceed.

“I am Stharin’Ble la Metemes fra Det Mørke Hav per Ultima. I am an Officer of the Court of Sapphire and designated Mentor of this Supplicant from la Metemes. My full name is mine own and not thine concern.”

The Herald gestures to myself, and I make myself state in sound, image and thought, “I am Lisan la Metemes, and I seek permission to seek entrance to the First Court.”

I feel the Herald’s regard. From its presence Stharin'Ble conjures the Petition itself, a photonic representation that he sends eddying to the Herald. The Herald expands an appendage to encompass it and the data it contains, and regards me further.

Patience is a virtue of our kind, for how else to demonstrate one is not dominated by Time than to ignore it? Like so much else one day I hope to emulate Stharin’Ble and its casual disregard. At this moment, however, I know from the Herald’s amusement that I display some sign of my impatience.

Though kindly it does not torment me. “Your Petition is accepted. The Supplicant may approach the Master of Aspirants of the First Court to arrange the contest.” This had been addressed to both of us, but now the Herald turned its attention to me.

“I wish thee good fortune, young Lisan.” With that its image implodes, leaving one the sound of a tolling bell that fades to silence.

“I do not suppose you wish to wait,” Stharin’Ble signals, “but I strongly advise you to do so a cycle or two. You may not wish to appear over-eager. You shall see me again after your meeting with the Master.” I feel a sense of pride. “It is good to have been with you as you take your first step out of childhood”. With that he is gone. One moment here, then not here at all. No theatrics like the Herald, but that is the Stharin’Ble way.

I have some thinking to do. Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend.

Stharin’Ble has advised me to wait two cycles, so I resolve to master my impatience for three. There is much I might do to prepare. Not for the contest itself - I know not which Arena will be chosen, which variant, and most especially which situation. But the rules of the Court, those I can study.

My intentions are interrupted by a message-thought. I hold it now in my mind, as yet unleashed. I want it to be witnessed. All is ready, and I let it unravel.

The false-image of Arfin appears, its standard montage. “Lisan - we heard about your Petition. Come join us before you begin.” Within the message there co-ordinates of a locale. “By ‘us’ I mean myself, Keriam and Vosele. Possibly Ghrim, but with it who knows. Hope to see you!”

I consider. My … class-companions are pleasant enough. Each in turn will one day seek entrance to the First Court like myself. Apart from perhaps Ghrim. I might become first, but they will follow and might become allies, and even we end up on opposing sides of our many entangled factions they might even become friends.

In truth their company would be a pleasant distraction.

I signal my acceptance and go about forming a familiar presence around the locus of my being. An oval form with a decorated edge, with soft light pulsing from the centre. I wish I had the confidence of self to forego that edge, to be like Stharin’Ble, but I am young yet. In the shifting scrollwork of that edge I find enough expression to exhibit my identity.

I will myself to the locale, sending a chime of arrival. My appearing is nowhere near as precise as my Mentor’s. It takes several seconds for my presence to form, and my attention to focus on the locale.

The locale itself has all the hallmarks of being freshly formed, work of the Ecolitæ. A place to reflect, to study, or to congregate, but transient. To be enjoyed before it melts into the chaos of Time.

Arfin is already here with Vosele. Arfin appears, as it always does, as a black human male, though its apparel changes as required. Right now it is clothed in a bright-white toga. Vosele has chosen to be a methane-cloud - it loves clouds. They acknowledge my arrival but before we can converse a new sound chimes. Keriam pulses into the locale, a tall willowy humanoid form that builds from bone to flesh to skin. It takes us in. “Ghrim?” it asks.

“Not as yet” Arfin signals. “Shall we,” and it indicates a part of the locale for us to gather. Once we are there Arfin’s head turns to me and asks, “so you are really going to do it?”

I flash a chuckle. “I have done it. My petition is accepted.”

A short silence follows. “I don't understand you Lisan,” Vosele signals in eddies and whorls. “You have no desire for fun? At least some recreation between study and work.”

“Fun is subjective,” I respond. “Look at Arfin,” who follows my cue to make its image do some ridiculous caper, his robe shimmering with colours as he does so. Arfin is well-known among us for that sort of thing.

After some moments he stops and his garb returns to pure-white. “You have always been focused Lisan. I might even see your handiwork - I intend to manifest in some of the current games. Sail a ship, count money as a merchant, march as a soldier...”

“Be killed as soldier,” Keriam corrects.

Arfin’s image makes an elaborate bow to Keriam’s elongated form. “Most likely,” it agrees. “All part of the experience.”

From Vosele comes the familiar sense of fond bafflement. “What are your plans?” I ask.

“I am hoping to tour some celestial events,” it replies, the confusion fading into honest wonder and curiosity. “My mentor has arranged a guide from the Court of Stars.” We are all silent a moment, then Vosele signals, “And what of your plans Keriam? You know all of ours.“

A burst of amusement. “I don't know yet.”

“What? exclaims Arfin.

Keriam’s form makes a different gesture with an over-long limb. “I have time. We do not graduate until Lisan has completed a Contest. Perhaps I will glory in nothing until that time. My own little freedom.”

More silence follows this pronouncement. As ever it is Arfin who moves us past this moment. “Enough of the future. Let us glory in our present. I organised some entertainments and refreshments. It appears Ghrim has decided to stay away.”

It is time for frivolities. No sense in you witnessing this. Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend.

It is time to make my way to the First Court, so-called because it where nearly all of us begin our adult lives. I have visited before - this last phase of my time under the ægis of the Ecolitæ has included a number of visits to familiarise us and to aid our transition. This is my first excursion unaccompanied. By making my Petition I have signalled I wish to start to become an adult. I need to prove that is no mere fancy.

The First Court has its protocol, as do all the others (even if some are rather … attenuated). One must materialise in an adult human form, with clothing. It is the first test.

First I build the image. I have chosen a female of northern Slavic extraction. I make it a little shorter than average, but not stout. White skin, white hair, and a weathered face complete the obvious details. For apparel I choose simplicity, trousers rather than dress or skirt, in a style from the early 2000s. Nothing too high status, but not poor. In truth Stharin’Ble has helped me build this image, and its influence shows in every line and pore.

Now I transfer myself to this corporeal form. I loathe becoming a thing of matter, of the heavy constrictions of even this false approximation of being form-bound. So too did all my class-companions, apart from Arfin who seems the glory in the grotesque.

I start up the autonomic functions - it has to be a functioning body. I check that all seems to be working. Physical bodies are filled with so much random idiocies.

I steady my breathing and will myself to the First Court.

I appear in the Atrium, a hall studded with alcoves to allow visitors to appear in peace. This is a real place, as permanent as anything my people have created. From the Atrium one can walk the Road to entrances to every Court, even the ones which actually exist elsewhere. Of course the Road passes through the First Court before anywhere else.

As I approach one of the guards - a member of the First Court - sees me and waves me aside.

“You are not known” it states.

“I am Lisan la Metemes, and I have been given leave to seek out the Master of Aspirants,” I reply, using my voice. The combination of tongue and teeth is ... not pleasant.

There is a moment whilst the Guard confirms this. It nods, and gestures me to walk alongside him.

“I will escort you,” it says. “How long out of the Ecolitæ?”

“I am yet to graduate,” I explain.

It looks at me, and smiles. “Good fortune.” It says nothing else as it leads me through the central courtyard to a small side building. Another member of the Court waits outside. The guard gives my name and withdraws.

The attendant looks me over, and says, “The Master will see you. Wait.”

A moment passes and the door opens. A tall, broadly-built Polynesian male appears, dressed in a formal suit, top hat and tails. He seems to fill the space.

“You are the La Metemes scion so eager to enter the Court?” he asks, the sounds of that deep male voice filling the air. I nod my head. “Good. We have some things to discuss. Over tea. Eshun - We will be in the side-room.”

The attendant bobs its head. “Yes sir,” it says. The Master leads me to the aforementioned room - really just a place for a table with space for up to five chairs, but only two are set out. He gestures me to sit in one, and he sits in the other. He puts his large elbows on the table and rests his chin on his linked fingers.

“I am Rosthi’Cvar la Saraoni fra Tordenvejret ab Hoste Maligno. But as far as you are concerned I am the Master of the Aspirants, and though you remain under the Ægis of the Ecolitæ in so far as your attempt to join this Court is concerned you are my responsibility. Do you understand?”

“Yes sir,” I reply, my voice still sounding awkward even to my own ears.

The Master sneers. “You have to practise more in your materialised form. Do you know why we insist on it?”

“I don't know,” I say, trying to stress the word, “but I think it is part of the challenge - a test of both commitment and ability.”

The Master leans back, unlocking his hands. “That is a good answer,” he concedes, and the door opens. The attendant walks in pushing a trolley. Onto the table it places the paraphernalia of what Stharin’Ble calls a cream tea. It then leaves.

The Master gestures at the table. “Eat!” he commands. I have studied this. I select a scone, saw it in half with a knife, coat the halves in jam and dollop on a copious amount of cream. This allows the tea to brew, which I now pour for myself. All the while the Master studies me with his brooding eyes. I offer the teapot to him, and he defy serves himself. I brave myself to take a bite of my scone.

The food almost seems to explode in my mouth, the rich taste filling my mind. I almost forget to swallow, and then to breathe. The Master sniggers as he takes his own deliberate bite.

“Sir,” I say after a second swallow, “you were quite correct. I should have practised more.”

A feral grin creeps over his mouth. “Oh I think I like you.” He picks up his cup and sips his tea. “So young Lisan, shall we be about our business?”

“If it please you sir,” I say, and have a sip of my own tea. The strange liquid is hot and confusing. How can humans like this?

The Master watches me drink. “I have assimilated the records of your practises in the Ecolitæ. Something different for your first formal Contest I think.”

He has another sip of his tea and glowers at me over the rim of the cup. “Before that however I need to make some things clear. This will be a hidden contest - I expect you already know what that means?”

“I do,” I say.

“I am not surprised. But by the strictures of the First Court I am obliged to say what that means, so do your best to feign interest.”

Form-bound, listen closely. If nothing else this relieves me of the burden of explaining this myself.

“A hidden game is one in which you do not know of, or even if, there are any other players. To that end you are under orders not to reveal anything about your contest with anyone unless specifically nominated until it is over. In this case you can report to myself and to your mentor. I will personally notify you should anyone else be added to that list. Should you break this rule,” and at this a cold smile grew over his face, “I decide the punishment. I advise against doing so.”

The Master says nothing for a moment, and I nod. “Alas, given your mentor I doubt I will get that pleasure.” He visibly sighs.

“Secondly, your aim in this Contest is not to win. Nothing so simple. You have no objectives. I shall simply observe how you play, and make a judgement. You might find yourself crushed and still gain entry to the Court, or conquer the world and be denied. You will make yourself available to be interrogated by me whenever I so wish to aid my deliberations.”

He pauses again. “There are other rules of course, but those are the ones I am required to enunciate. Personally I think it would be better if we trusted aspirants to do their research, and,” he pauses and seems to savour the next words, “educate them if they failed to do so.”

My mouth twitches into a smile, and the Master laughs. “But of course a protege of Stharin’Ble la Metemes would not be so foolish. So the last thing is to tell you the details of the contest.”

He leans forward again, and once again a grin dominates his features. “The Arena will be the old favourite, in its fourth iteration, the current version. Otherwise nothing fancy. I will message you when the world is copied and ready to play, with the necessary access codes for your nation. That should be within the next few cycles.”

Again the Master pauses. “Any questions?”

Just one. “Which nation am I to play?” I ask.

“Oh didn't I say?” he says with false cheer. “Well, something new I said. Kanem Bornu. I think you should find their situation stimulating, and refreshingly different from what else you have done. Don't you agree?”

I have to nod, so I do. Kanem Bornu - I take a deliberate breath.

I need to leave, and to think. Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend. I have no idea what you will perceive of this place, the eddy created for me in the matrix of my Family Locus. It is not so much a place as a perspective - my own.

A message-thought swirls into being - Stharin’Ble. I reply, and it is with me in this place. We have no forms, just the loci of ourselves drifting in the currents of our shared matrix.

“You took my advice,” it expresses in a wave of approval.

I signify assent.

“How was your meeting with Rosthi’Cvar?” it inquires.

“It happened as I am sure it should,” I answer, and I share the information of my assignment and situation.

Stharin’Ble leaves that data swirling with us, untouched. “You misunderstand me,” it shows with a scent of wry impatience. “Was it good or bad, useful or useless? What did you think of the Master of Aspirants?”

I do not respond immediately. “It was a challenge,” I begin, expressing my remembered discomfort of the crudities of the physical form. “The meeting seemed to go well. The Master is a dominating individual - I am scared of him.”

Now I sense amusement. “Why do you call it ‘him’?” Stharin’Ble queries.

The question startles me, I never considered it. Stharin’Ble is, of course, correct. The Master’s body was just a physical construct as mine was, and yet … I don’t hide my own feelings of bafflement.

“The Master of Aspirants of the First Court is very good at what it does,” Stharin’Ble signals, “and I am not going to fault your misperception, but nor will I tell you why. Consider the matter - it will do your mind good to have a puzzle outside of the game to ponder in the cycles ahead.” At this Stharin’Ble does now encompass the details of my assignment.

“How do you feel about this?” it asks.

I cast a sense of studied indifference. “It will be a new place, but I expected a challenge.”

“Something troubles you.” It is not a question.

“Yes - I wish I knew what I had to do.”

Another tendril of amusement flickers over to me. “Play the game. You are frustrated, Lisan, but existence has no scorecard. This is not a sporting contest that you have entered, when score actually has a value. We call it a game, but is it really even that? Remember that for this contest to be held a universe was created, copied over from the Core yes, but created all the same. On that Earth real sapients will be about their business, paying taxes that will fill your treasury, working in fields and towns, joining your armies and dying in your battles. When you review the battle screens, each death is a true life lost. This is no Ecolitæ simulation, but the real thing.”

It pauses a moment, awaiting a response, but I have none as I think about its meaning. “Do not let it trouble you, Lisan. You will find that many of us Unbound never even think of our games that way.”

I signal I have a question, and Stharin’Ble returns assent. “Does it trouble you?” I ask.

I receive a sense of solidity. “Not at all. I am Unbound, as are you, and all the rest. I just never allow myself to forget what is actually going on.”

It pauses again, perhaps allowing me time to think on all of this. It is nothing I hadn’t already known, but emphasised like this … from Stharin’Ble in particular … this being who found me as I formed and adopted me into la Metemes, who has guided me at every stage of my development even though he stands of high rank among the Unbound - an Officer of the Sapphire Court!

“Each Cycle,” Stharin’Ble begins again, “we create hundreds of copies of the Cores for the various contests and games that we require. Each Cycle, hundreds of those copies are wiped out when there is no longer need for them. Only a handful continue, either for conversion to a new game, or to linger for study. It is so easy to allow ignorance in, but if we become its slave, if we succumb to forgetfulness, are we truly Unbound?”

My thought roils at that implication - could Stharin’Ble be expressing what I think it is? That is … a powerful perspective.

“Enough, however, of these larger matters. Kanem Bornu.” Typical of Stharin’Ble to make me think, and then force me to focus on something else. These new thoughts I must consider later. “What will be your intentions?”

“Ally with Songhai - if I can. Guard myself against Yao and Air, fight them when opportunity presents, and try and find a route to the sea. Beyond that … I do not think I can plan.”

“I will not offer you advice on the game itself,” Stharin’Ble informs me, “but I think we shall still have plenty to discuss.”

There is a sensation of a sonorous gong. Stharin’Ble extends a sense of pride. “Rosthi’Cvar wastes no time. You will need to link to the interface. Remember, Lisan, I found you. I found you and I have stayed your mentor for all these cycles because I have always believed in you. Let the Master play his games, you only need to play your own.” It pauses to be sure I can feel its affection, and then it is gone.

It was right though - that sound was a signal that my world is now open to me. I form the necessary codes in my thoughts and allow my focus and attention to sharpen to link to the interface. It is time to begin.

While I link to the interface, you cannot be. Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend.

It is done. The interface has left me far more tired than I might imagine. In the Ecolitæ I had done simulations, had been warned of the draining of the ‘real thing’. It seems they were telling a truth.

I send a thought-message to Stharin’Ble, as I consider my first few years of guiding Kanem Bornu. I think I am happy with what I have achieved, but the matter of Biram still smarts. Stharin’Ble replies, asking me to join it elsewhere in the Family matrix. I will myself to its position.

I feel its regard of me as Stharin’Ble assesses my state. “Never underestimate the impact of the interface again,” it signals. I throw back instant assent, which seems to suffice. “So, in your own time Lisan, how did it go?”

“Well my ruler is useless, and the heir not much better,” I comment, with an image, “and I shall likely be condemned to them for some time.”

“The diplomatic situation had some possibilities however. Three of my neighbours declared me their rival - Yao, Air and Kano. The fourth - Katsina - were friendly, but had been rivalled by Songhai, whom I wanted to ally. However Katsina was also the subject of one of the first set of missions the Gamemasters offered me - to improve our relations - which I accepted. I also started a missionary to convert the first of the two heathen provinces.

“Of my six provinces all but the capital were virtually worthless, two of which were Fetishist, and one of those had already been given to the Amirs. I asked for the Amirs to provide me with a general, and here I had some good fortune.” I project these details.

“I choose to rival Air and Kano. Air has rivalled Yao, but I want to limit the possibilities of Yao and Kano allying, so I choose not to rival Yao to begin with. I decide to offer Katsina a royal marriage and start to build a spy network in Kano. I was thinking that, given the option, to expand into Kano first and so begin my march to the sea.

“Matters seemed to go as planned. An early event gave Kano a claim on Muniyo, but otherwise the first few months were unremarkable. After securing the alliance I also extended a royal marriage to Songhai. My rivals and I exchanged competing claims - in particular I laid claim to Biram.

“My mission with Katsina was brought to a successful conclusion in April 1446, about the same time West Africa had its first war - Dahomey was attacked by Oyo and would be annexed in due course. For my next mission I choose to conquer Biram. Kano had an ally in Zazzau, but I noticed that Songhai wished claims on them, and Nupe had a claim on Kano land. I allied Nupe, and was just waiting for my missionary to complete its work. Songhai allied with Mali, and then in September I received most unwelcome news. Kano had allied with Mossi. There was no way I could fight that war.”

Stharin’Ble indicated it wished to ask a question. I paused. “Why did you want to wait for the missionary,” it asked.

“I shouldn’t have done,” I responded. “My logic was that, with minimum army maintenance, my budget was barely positive. I had a small reserve, but most of that was earmarked to expand my army to the force limit in preparation for the war. I thought that without the cost of the missionary I would be able to fight for longer without needing a loan.” I sent a sense of resignation. “As it was, I lost my chance.”

“I decided to pursue Yao instead, who remained without allies. I cancelled my Biram mission had got another to convert the last heathen province. I decided to do that. Meanwhile I had some events that gained me piety, and also alas inflation. Meanwhile I expanded my army by a thousand cavalry and two thousand infantry - giving me eleven thousand in total (three cavalry, eight infantry). I also acquired some extra wealth from the merchants, as with my maintenance restored to full I was again in deficit. Then in August 1449 I rivalled Yao, and declared war.

“I don’t know what happened to the Yao army. I seized the provinces of Logone (the war goal) and Kotoko before seeing them start to appear in Kanem. Only, there were only a few thousand almost as if they had suffered a defeat in the wilderness beyond their borders. Why they might be there - I do not know. Even so, I set my army to march on them.”

I felt amusement from my mentor, which I queried. “You will often find, Lisan, that what humans do by themselves makes little sense. And remember, it is just possible that Yao was controlled as well. Perhaps some hidden player thought to protect his force in a ploy that backfired.” There is a pause. “Our kind can make mistakes too.”

I signal agreement. “As should be no surprise the battle is a success, and Amir Malloum proves to be a most able leader, able to get the most out of his troops.

“Then I get some more good news in that my Sultan, useless in so many ways, becomes an entrepreneur as the Renaissance launched.

“Meanwhile my troops seized Kanem and then marched on Yao. The Yao army was nowhere to be seen, and never appeared again. Yao took five months to take, and then I took the last province to force my peace. I took two of my three cores, humiliated them, and then took what gold I could.

“Why not take your third core?” Stharin’Ble asked.

“I wanted to get a humiliation in, and I wanted the gold. I still want to carve up Kano - and I am slowly building up favours with Songhai. Soon I might be able to ensure their entry into a war that includes Mossi.”

Stharin’Ble acknowledges this without giving any hint of approval or condemnation. “And that was it?”

“Before I unwound myself from the interface I made Kanem into a state, but no more.”

“I expect you to report to me after your next session Lisan,” Stharin’Ble indicated. “But we shall go over that in material form. The Master indicated you need practice, and I shall give it to you. Let me know when you next launch yourself into this world.”

It is a dismissal, but I sense he is not unhappy with me. I return to my own eddy of the matrix.

Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend.

The locale Stharin’Ble has chosen for this debrief is a mimicry of a scene that has surely featured countless times in all species of matter. A bench placed on a small rise, at the side of a lake. A place for reflection, or enjoyment, or perhaps an opportunity to rest on a long walk. Certainly I feel my breathing to be harder after I have walked up the little path from where I had appeared.

Stharin’Ble is waiting for me. It has chosen the image of an older man with a heavily-lined face. A large nose protrudes from the face, and grey-bushy eyebrows project overshadowed orbs. The simulacrum wears checkered blue and red shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, and crisp, clean cream trousers. When it speaks the voice is still as clear and precise as all its other forms of communication.

“You need more practice. Your form may be an image of physical health, but without practice you will not know how to utilise it.”

I refrain from saying how unlikely it is any physical form I would wear would be anything other than cosmetic - I know my mentor enough to know just how scathing his response would be.

“Come, sit,” Stharin’Ble beckons to the bench. I accept the invitation, and see in front of him a large wicker hamper, which he opens and pulls out a bottle. “Drink,” he says, passing it to me. The container proves to be a flavoured water, cold and refreshing.

“So, tell me about your second session,” he instructs.

I take another swallow of the drink. “Well, after the conclusion of the war with Yao I decided to start developing my capital. I knew other nations would do the same, and I didn’t want to labour with the penalties for being primitive. But I wanted to keep a reserve of resources. I also choose to boost my stability to be positive. I asked for military support from the Amirs, and when I could select a new objective I went to let my manpower to recovery. I also went to recruit an advisor - one who could help manage my inflation which had been negatively impacted by an event.

“My aim for this time was to recover, whilst looking for an opportunity to attack Kano. Recovery first - my manpower was too low to sustain a fight, and I would need allies. Several years passed swiftly, but I managed to complete the mission with aid from the Amirs in 1454. For my new mission I chose to make my intentions clear with Biram.

“Later that year news arrived which I would follow very close - Mossi had attacked Dagbon. Dagbon was allied to Oyo and Benin, Mossi had Bonoman and Zazzau on their side.

Meanwhile I had two piety events - in both cases I boosted Piety to get the extra morale against the Fetishist nations I would be fighting. To the south there was news of Kongo expanding, which I suppose is no surprise. After a year it was clear that Mossi was winning the war conclusively.

“Indeed at the start of 1456 peace was agreed with Oyo for a monetary some and war reparations. Interestingly, Bonoman immediately allied with Oyo. I build up the army some more - another cavalry regiment and two more infantry, for a total of four cavalry and ten infantry, and then proposed a war to my allies in the summer of 1457. They accepted for Favours. Kano was defended by Mossi and Zazzau, with Mossi at least being somewhat exhausted by their other war.

“I had immediately invaded Biram, and Songhai attacked Mossi’s undefended territory, but Nupe was the immediate target of our enemies. Their army fled to the wilds beyond their borders where they were ambushed and defeated. Their remnants were destroyed by the army of Zazzau, which them joined that of Kano sieging the Nupe capital. It was then I realised that the armies of Zazzau were led by a far more capable commander than our own.”

I stopped, and drank some more of the pleasant water. Wordlessly Stharin’Ble handed me a small round, brown coloured item. “Eat it,” he said. I did, the taste was simple and not unfavourable. “You could have been aware of that,” it comments.

“I know,” I reply. “With our war Mossi made a quick peace with Benin for monetary reparations only, and then split Dagbon between themselves and Bonoman.

“After taking Biram my army had moved onto Kano. I was hoping to seize the fort before Nupe fell and Zazzau would attack. As it happened after Nupe fell the forces of our enemies went to liberate the land taken by Songhai, whilst the Songhai army marched via Katsina to attach Zazzau.

“We took Kano, our enemies liberated the Mossi lands, and my allies also retook Nupe. I had begun a siege of Zazzau, which had been abandoned by Songhai. Our enemies went to retake Kano land. This was the situation when Air attacked Yao.

“I had thought the war could become more of a stalemate - but the next month the opposing armies were on the move, converging on Nupe.

“We threatened to abandon our siege - and this seemed to prove enough of a distraction as our opponents returned to trying to retake Zamfara and Kano. The next month Zazzau finally fell.

“We were moving into the end-game. So far in this war there had been very few actual battles fought. That was about to change. Songhai - who had suffered an earlier defeat - were now marching to try and attack the enemy at Kano. I find it strange that this most important battle was not actually fought within the territory of Katsina, who was not a combatant.”

“That happens,” Stharin’Ble says. “Access is something you should always try to be aware of.”

I nod.

“That battle was far too close a thing. But then the Mossi army fled, and the Zazzau remnant were swamped. If the Mossi had held even a few days longer, it would have been a very different matter.

Ignore the fact it says there is only one opposing combatant. Mossi’s army retreated a day before this, but seems not to be counted. The remaining Zazzau troops were stackwiped

“With the enemy army defeated, I faced a decision. I could try to continue the fight - but my manpower was gone and my war exhaustion was building. It was time for peace. I choose to take Biram and Kano, with make up the rest with gold.

“It was time to select a new mission - I went to vassalise Katsina. I am not sure if I will keep that - I am conscious that it is nearly 1460 and there is quite some territory to go before I get to the sea. Meanwhile Yao has nearly fallen to Air - which may mean turning north before Air becomes too powerful is a good idea. Either way it will require some time to recover. I suppose the last note is the development of Bornu - at some point I stopped expanding its military potential to stockpile those resources to be able to advance in soldiers as soon as I can adopt Feudalism. Which should be in the next few years.”

I stopped, again out of breath. I finished off the drink. “You might be right to concerned about the speed of your progress. This war was a victory,” Stharin’Ble continues, “but do not rest on your laurels.”

“I will try not to,” I reply.

“Enough of the game, let us enjoy these moments. I have created a picnic - something you should try.”

One lesson ends, another begins, but I do not think you need to be here for this. Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend.

Sometimes one must cultivate patience. This is the same locale as I had previously met with my mentor, but now I am here before him, through the simple expedient of arriving quite some time before our arranged meeting. Subjectively several hours have passed for this form of matter, and I must concede the pleasantness of the place. The wafting of the air, the smell of the water, and the sometime sound of birdsong. But this body is hungry, I should have brought some food.

I employ distraction to put that unpleasant sensation from gnawing over-much at my mind, and try to concentrate on my task. Which is to wait, and watch.

Stharin’Ble surprises me. “Here already Lisan?” it asks from behind me. I try to turn, but the body startles, and I end up falling into a heap on the ground. My mentor’s voice laughs. It puts down its wicker hamper, and directs its hand to reach towards mine. “More practice Lisan,” it chides, as it uses its matter-body to lift my form up. “More practice,” it says again, with less joy, now studying me. “Why did you decide to wait for me?”

Fortunately I had prepared an answer for this, taking at least one of his lessons to heart. “To see how you appeared and walked up the hill,” I answer, truthfully.

The head nods. “That is a good reason,” my mentor says, and then makes a gesture for us to sit. “So tell me, how was your session?”

I find myself shrugging - and then stop when I realise I hadn’t told my body to do that. It is an awkward moment. “Well, I have found more success, but it is frustrating. I do not think I will reach the sea anytime soon now.”

“Explain.”

“I began the session needing to rebuild my manpower. I also was close to forcing feudalism to develop in my lands through development. My truce with Yao lasted another five years, and they were at war with Air and Katsina. Well, that war lasted a few more months before Air forced Yao to capitulate, ceded Kanem.”

“Kanem is one of your cores,” Stharin’Ble comments.

“It is, as are the other two provinces which border me.Their army is smaller than mine, but they had a nearly full manpower reserve. With Songhai and myself both still rebuilding war would not be successful.” Stharin’Ble signals me to proceed by nodding its body’s head.

“Nothing much happened for another year, when both Kano and Biram became cores, and I made Kano into a State, which made my finances better. I had a grant a province - Kotoko - to the Ulema to keep them happy. In October 1461 I decided to drop my mission to vassalise Katsina.”

“Why?” The question is immediate.

This time I shrug on purpose, though from the look on my mentor’s face I think I overdo the action. “I knew I would not be able to action it for some time, and I was hoping perhaps to draw the restoring manpower reserves again. Instead I get an event about family ties with Katsina.”

“The next year, in the summer, I finally can embrace feudalism, and I immediately improve my military technology. I dare not fall behind on morale. The other technologies I decide to let lag - I want to force Renaissance now, and catch-up from there. Hopefully, with my neighbours still largely suffering the mali to research…”

“Maluses,” Stharin’Ble interrupts. I must appear confused, for it explains. “The word malus is a loan-word, spelled exactly the same, but with different grammatical rules in this language we are speaking than in the language from which it came. You have admixed the two.”

“I … do not understand.”

Stharin’Ble is silent for a moment. “Accept my word for it then. It is maluses, not mali. One day, perhaps, we will talk about why we use the languages we do when we take matter-forms. But not today. You were saying?”

It takes me a moment to clear my head. “Anyway, the end-result of this is Yao no longer qualified as a rival. My only other option is Katsina, whom I choose to select. Allied as they are to Air I can’t see how to avoid a conflict. Meanwhile my Amirs desire more money, which I choose to grant. I can afford it, and I need their continued help to speed my manpower recovery.

“It is slightly at odds with my new mission, perhaps, which is accumulate wealth. The only other option was to wipe Kano from the map, which I might yet do, but that is some years away yet.

“My sole former advisor passes, and I choose to recruit another of exactly the same abilities, though I have to wait until March 1463 to be able to afford the hiring fee. I also have now achieved two of the Age objectives, hopefully it will not be long before I can develop my first bonus.”

“What will it be?”

“I do not know,” I respond, and I realise my body has shrugged again. It is annoying - and I feel my forehead start to furrow. These matter-forms! I struggle to re-focus my thoughts. “Later in that year my previous general also dies, and I immediately request the Amirs send me a new one. He proves to me reasonably adept.”

“The entire next year passes quietly. My manpower reserves have started to recover, but remain constrained. I deny the merchants some requested privileges - they currently hold no power in my realm, and I believe it still makes sense to pamper my Amirs. My Sultan - poor excuse for a ruler that he is, becomes worse as we enter 1465. I begin to seriously consider forcing him to abdicate. If only I had a better heir.”

“That year, however, sees my truce run out with Yao and I decide to try to annex them. They remain friendless, and I think it might be the only way to prevent them falling to Air. I don’t ask my two allies to join - not that they would. The plan is simple enough - take Bagirmi and then advance on Yao itself. Their army fled into the wilderness where it was attacked by the local tribes and worsted. The remnants limped back home, where my force ambushed and destroyed them.

“Then it was just a matter of besieging the city itself. Whilst we did that I heard that Mali attacked Kong, bringing most of the western half of this region of the world into war. In particular Songhai honoured Mali’s alliance, which saw them fighting their former allies of Macina and Jenné who backed Kong’s cause. Clearly, however, I would not be able to rely on Songhai for some time. Seven months into the siege I received news that a rebellion has broken out in Kano.”

“That should have been anticipated,” Stharin’Ble comments.

“I had hoped to finish the war before it triggered - it was a gamble that did not pay off.”

“There are other ways to manage a revolt, did you consider them?”

“No,” I say in a small voice. “Should I have?”

“I will not say whether or not you should have employed those methods,” my mentor instructs in very precise tones, “but you most certainly should have considered them. You disappoint me, Lisan.”

I swallow and take a deep breath. “I understand,” I say. What else can I do?

“Continue,” it says.

I swallow again, “With no fort Kano falls swiftly, but the rebels don’t move. In August I finally take Yao, and I choose to fully annex the nation and empty their treasury. I did think on only taking the one provinces and having Yao as a vassal, but as it was reasonably well developed and in Kanem - which I had already stated - I decided to take it for my own. The peace also sees me complete my mission.”

“You might have split your army to reduce the attrition,” my mentor observes.

“I realised that … later,” I acknowledge. “I accept and cancel a mission to improve prestige, hoping for a better draw, and move my army to Bedde. With Yao’s fall Katsina ceases to be a valid rival. In October Zazzau attacks Oyo, both bringing in allies. Meanwhile my army and that of the rebels fight in Biram. It is a bloody affair leaving my army very under-strength but at least I retake Kano quickly thereafter.

“Before the session ends the last thing that happen is my Sultan’s recent invidious ways actually prove a little useful. I re-take Kano, of course, and I let the session end with the turning of the year.”

Suddenly I cough, and I realise my throat is now very dry. Stharin’Ble looks at me. “Lisan … your body requires looking after, especially if you inhabit it for more than a few minutes. You neglect its maintenance at your peril.” It pauses a moment. “You may be disappointed at your performances thus far - and you have made mistakes, but I have two comments. There are always mistakes, and you are are a significant local power. Now, no more on the game - your body has needs to which we will attend.”

I do not think you need to be here for this. After all, as beings of matter you already know it. Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend.

I consider the thought-message I have just received. It is from Arfin, inviting my class-companions and I to a gathering, now. I can feel Arfin’s excitement radiate out from his thought, almost seeking to infect me, but my own weariness battles it back. I have only recently disconnected from the interface … from the glorious heady sensation of being godly … and I wish deeply to rest.

Yet … something in Arfin’s urgency speaks to me, and so I find myself quelling my bitter exhaustion. A price might have to be paid for that later, but now I accept Arfin’s enthusiasm. I begin to form into my family oval image … and then stop. The sound of both Stharin’Ble and the Master of Aspirants echoes - Practice!

Well, I will show them that I do listen. I will myself to the chosen locale, and build the matter-form.

“Lisan?” a voice echoes incredulous. All is dark, and I realise I have arrived with my eyes closed. I open them to see Arfin striding up to me, still in its habitual form of a black male, this time wearing long robes. “Is that really you?”

“Just about,” I reply, as I make sure everything works as it should.

“I never thought to see you take human form unless absolutely required,” Arfin says, now standing in front of me. It looks me form over - with a critical eye. “It is a very fine form, my friend. Very well crafted.”

“So is yours,” I say.

Arfin shrugs. “Perhaps, but I’ve been doing this for a lot longer than you.” Its features pull into an expression I cannot name. “Anyway, come and join us.”

I look ahead and see Vosele and Keriam are already there. Vosele once more is a methane-cloud. Keriam has forsaken its willowy humanoid, instead favouring a series of three circles each rotating in a different axis. “Ghrim?” I ask.

<<Of course not>> replies Vosele, eschewing sound for thought.

<<Now that Lisan is here>> interjects Keriam, again with thought, <<perhaps Arfin will tell us why we are here.>>

“Of course!” exclaimed Arfin. “It is simple, really. I want to tell you what I have been doing.”

The sense of condescension from Vosele and Keriam is palpable, immediate, in keeping with their image-forms. Constricted to this matter-form my own thoughts are mostly safe in this prison of flesh and bone. Face, I remember too late - fortunately Arfin is looking towards the other two.

“I’ve been matched to an Advisor in an actual Contest.”

I blink. Vosele radiates astonishment. From Keriam comes … something different, surprise, but also … fear?

<<How?>> Keriam asks.

Arfin shrugs, so naturally I feel a flutter of envy. “I truly do not know. My Mentor told me there was the opportunity, and I accepted. After the first session I was involved in I was instructed to keep quiet, but I just emerged from a second session and I was told the embargo was lifted. I just had share this with my class-companions!”

The others seem to be adjusting to the news … but I focus on the last of what Arfin said. Just finished a session? Surely …

“Can you tell us more?” I query.

Arfin turns to me. “Yes. Yes I can. I’ve been playing the role of Ibrahim Terap, mostly in charge of payments in the Kingdom of Bornu. Providing much needed support to the government given the quality of their rulers.”

I cannot believe it. Arfin has been manifesting as my advisor? Were I not a matter-form I would be radiating astonished thought so loudly my class-companions would know.

<<What do you mean?>> Keriam asks.

Arfin smiles. “Well the old ruler - the one we had the start of the session - had especially modest talents. He was forced to step down. His heir - who I think was an older brother - wasn’t much better but at least was a reasonable diplomat, and he had an heir who showed promise. Well, not that any of the humans could tell that, but I still had access to the interface.”

“You had access to the interface?” I repeat, surprised.

“Limited access,” Arfin explained. “There are several levels of manifestation. The most basic isn’t really true manifestation - one doesn’t even inhabit the body. The most complete is that you are utterly limited by the matter-form, unable to think or perceive beyond its confines. I … am not brave enough for that. I went for one of the middle options, fully being within the body, all its actions my own. Able to see the interface, but unable to act through it. My actions had to be fully within the world of matter, and as an Advisor I needed to ensure I did certain things to cause the effects required for my position.”

“That’s very interesting,” I say, and it is. Also, as Arfin has been speaking I find a way to try and cover any suspicion. “I have started my own Contest, but only see the world from the interface. I didn’t know you could manifest as an actual advisor.”

Arfin chuckled. “I might ask you later what it is like from the position of a player too, but it is the little things really. As a so-called Master of the Mint I have an effect on currency, limiting inflation. We all know that. How that works for others I am not sure, but in this game it actually means maintaining as universal a system of weights and measures as possible - given Bornu is a nation in West Africa in the fourteen hundreds. Mind you,” he goes on, delight in his eyes, “I am fairly certain my nation is being managed by a Player. Certain things .. well, they just don’t quite seem human.”

I work hard to keep my face bland. Vosele asks <<Such as?>>

Arfin turns towards the could. “Well, Bornu has been massively developed. Even before this session, to the point of forcing the adoption of something analogous to Feudalism before this most recent session started. And through the session it developed further - so much that when the session ended - in 1481 - the capital was on the verge of experiencing a full-blown Renaissance.

<<Any war stories?>> Keriam asks, its wheels spinning faster as if with excitement.

“Not directly,” Arfin answers, “though I would love to be a soldier sometime. But no - my mentor strongly - very strongly - advised me to stay away from affairs military, and I am not courageous enough to defy him yet. But there was a war - shall I explain it?”

“Please do,” I say. My weariness is forgotten. To hear this perspective of my Contest from Arfin is fascinating.

“Very well. I’ll start at the beginning - when Bornu was peaceful but there were wars everywhere else. Our new King dissolved our alliance with Nupe, not wishing to make them unnecessarily strong. He also sought to drill our armies a lot on the land around Bornu, expecting a war with Air. But it never came.”

“Whilst we waited for our armies to rebuild from the last war, Zazzau and Mossi gained territory at the expense of Oyo and Bonoman.

“Meanwhile Mali made a series of separate peaces that saw them expand quite considerably.

“Nupe had also sought to snack on the defeated armies of Benin and Oyo, winning more territory.

“In response to all of this, as soon as our treasury could pay for it, we began to build a castle in Kano. The King also declares his life’s mission to be the eradication of Kano, to complete his predecessor’s work.

“The simple truth is not much happened in Bornu that was very exciting during these years, though we did get claims to Katsina, Daura, and most importantly, Rano - the last holdout of Kano. There was concern that Macina appeared to copy our pseudo-feudalism. All the effort expended on developing Bornu meant almost no technological progress, and the Kingdom was starting to fall behind.”

The other two were wrapped up in Arfin’s words. I was too, for entirely different reasons. “That all changed in 1473,” Arfin continued. “Our army was expended a little more, to a total of eighteen thousand men, and then we declared war on Kano. They were still allied with Zazzau and Mossi and we were able to bring Songhai in on our side.

“Our army had been split into two to prevent them over-burdening the resources of any province, but they converged to smash the small Kano force before one retreated back to Biram, protected by our fort at Kano. Songhai’s army had been defeated and fled to deep within our territory as their own was invaded.

“Meanwhile our King had arrested a number of notables in Yao, disrupting preparations there for a revolt.

“As the summer progressed the Songhai army returned to the fray and sought to take Zazzau. They repulsed an attempt to relieve that siege, and emboldened marched back towards their own lands. Our own siege in Rano was progressing, if slowly.

“We took the opportunity to move our second army to commence our own siege on Zazzau. Rano finally fell in October, after nearly a full year. That army was moved to Kano to recover as best it could, as our manpower reserves were again exhausted. In Songhai the Mossi besieged their capital as their army started to retake some of their land.

“My job became a little easier after this with a modest - but still useful - gift to our Treasury from a leading Amir. The Songhai army, after retaking Zarmaganda, sought to ambush a small Zazzau force in Mossi land. The Mossi abandoned their siege of Gao and inflicted a substantial defeat, causing them to retreat again towards the relative safety of our lands.

“It wasn’t long though before we took Zazzau, and this allowed us to rapidly occupy most of the remaining Zazzau land.

“We began to advance into Mossi and occupied Songhai when news reached us that Mali was attacking Mossi as well.”

“Was that good?” I asked, again to try and emphasise this was new to me. I hope my expression is suitably curious.

Arfin makes a wavy gesture with his hand. “Yes - though it would prevent us getting quite the peace deal we might otherwise have managed. It certainly made the war simpler however - our enemies now essentially had no chance. Though the long-term ramifications ... we’ll come to that.

“The summer saw us continue to occupy Mossi land whilst the armies of Mali relieved the second siege of Gao.

“That was essentially it for the war, bar a few remaining skirmishes as we mopped up the remnants of the Mossi and Zazzau armies.

“Unfortunately Mali was set to take the Mossi capital, but the peace was substantial even so. We took Rano of course, and Zazzau, and forced Zazzau to acknowledge our suzerainty.

“Air renounced their rivalry with us, though they continued to view us with hostility, but now Katsina formally declared us a rival. Perhaps their recent advances in pseudo-Feudalism made them over-proud. Or perhaps they saw us technologically backward, which was true. Meanwhile we again focused on trying to restore our shattered manpower. Mali also took a number of provinces from Mossi - now the most powerful state in West Africa.

“I think Mali might become a serious threat to Bornu soon. I do hope the Player - if I am right - is aware of that. Indeed, given just before the end of the session Mali broke their alliance with Songhai I think Bornu will have to make a choice very soon indeed.

I am, I think, but decide to say nothing. Too many interjections might be counter-productive. Arfin kept on going. “The session ended in 1481, and we spent the remaining years consolidating, though amusingly as our heir came of age he began to be called The Conqueror, perhaps because he accompanied one of the armies.

“I was involved a little in the last major event of the session - the promulgation of something much more akin to European feudalism, mostly as a way to dissipate some of the unrest in our conquered territories.

“I suspect that will be the last significant act of Dumana V however, as he is over sixty and his heir can now inherit.”

<<Another abdication?>> asked Vosele.

“If there is a Player, I am sure of it.” Arfin answers.

<<Will you go in for the next session?>> Keriam inquires.

“Oh yes,” Arfin nods, “if I can. It depends when the call comes - but I suspect my time in this game is soon to be up. My host body is now 49 - no little age given the time. And I must admit the last few years have not been the most comfortable as it ages. It aches all the time.” Arfin makes a face.

A thought occurs to me. “Arfin,” I ask, “could you help me?”

“How?” Arfin replies.

“My mentor wishes me to get more practice in physical bodies. You - you’ve just had fifteen years experience, if I am right?”

Arfin laughs. “Yes, that is true. Though practicing here very different from inhabiting a body in a game, but still. Of course I’ll help. What else are class-companions for?”

I have much to think about, and I need to rest. I need to make an excuse to leave. Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend

Stharin’Ble watches me pick up the jug and pour water into two glasses. I replace the jug and gently push one glass towards my mentor. After a moment Stharin’Ble smiles and takes it, bringing the glass to its lips and sipping. I do the same, managing to truly sip. When Stharin’Ble puts down its glass, I do the same.

“Your coordination is improving,” my mentor says.

“I have spent some time with my class-companion, Arfin, who has always been fond of material forms,” I say.

“The La Essali one?” I nod, and am almost brave enough to ask. My mentor, of course, notices. “What is it Lisan?”

“It is not important,” I say. “An unworthy thought.”

“Let me be the judge of that,” Stharin’Ble answers, curtly cutting through my shallow attempt at deflection.

I take a deep, somewhat involuntary, breath. “Arfin … did you know he had manifested as one of my advisors in my Contest?”

There is no trace of reaction in my mentor. “How did you learn this?”

“Arfin told me itself - with permission.”

My mentor smiles, “As it happens, Lisan, I did not know. But I am not surprised.”

“Will you enlighten me?” I ask, as Stharin’Ble takes another sip of its water.

“No I will not, not yet anyway,” it replies, glancing downward as it places the glass on the table. Then my mentor looks right at me. “You are an intelligent being, Lisan. You should be able to work it out.” It pauses a moment, hold me in its gaze. “Now, tell me of your latest session?”

I try to pull myself back into focus. “To start with I made my ruler - Dumana V - abdicate, making way for his more capable heir, ‘Ali I. We have another heir as well.”

“Shortly thereafter my advisor Ibrahim Terap - who was manifested by Arfin - dies. I wondered if maybe Arfin chose to continue for another session. Knowing I would soon my fighting another war I hire a military man to boost the morale of my armies.

“I also boost Bornu just enough to kick-start my very own Renaissance. I don’t quite have the money yet to export that thinking to the rest of my nation, but it is only a matter of time.

“The following year I decide it is time for war. Both Nupe and Katsina are allied with each other, and no one else. I choose not to involve Songhai.

“Their position is quite poor - divided by my lands I am able to defeat the Katsina army quite easily. I began to siege their capital, and also their major fort in Daura.

“There had been another war between Bonoman and Oyo on one hand, and Mossi on the other. The Mossi, who had once looked to be a substantial threat, were reduced to almost nothing

“Then Songhai attacked Katsina, and started to siege their remaining province. My mistake - I should have already snagged it but I hadn’t. It took a full year for Katsina itself to fall - their other fort surrendered months earlier. Shortly thereafter Mali broke their alliance with us and declared us as their rivals.

“Next Oyo - backed by Bonoman - attacked Nupe, which I had now moved against. A large group of Katsina peasants had broken out in rebellion in Daura - and the army I sent against them was defeated.

“Fortunately I was now in a position to get a peace - if not quite as I wanted, then at least one I was happy with - but it did leave me into an immediate war with Oyo and Bonoman.

“Given my defeat against the Katsinan peasants I had to call in Songhai to this new war. The money from the peace, however, was sufficient to allow me to force through Renaissance reforms throughout my nation. Having spoken to Arfin, I wonder if it wasn’t through commissioning a great deal of memorabilia to commemorate our victory in that war.”

“What do you mean,” Stharin’Ble asks quickly, but quietly.

I stop a moment, my thoughts disarranged. I begin slowly. “It is from something Arfin mentioned to me, about how my decisions via the interface actually translate into actions in the game world itself.” I end more confident. “I found it curious.”

Stharin’Ble looks at me a moment. “Such curiosity has its uses, Lisan. We might speak of it again, but for the moment I would restrict such idle thoughts to me, and I suppose to your class-companions.” I nod. “Very well, continue.”

“Songhai quickly annexes what is left of Katsina. Nupe had already taken the Bonoman capital, but they were now seeking to retake it. One of my armies marched to shatter their siege, but was ambushed en-route, and had to make a hasty retreat.

“Songhai’s army took care of the Bonoman capital, however. Instead I sought to retake Nupe territory already lost, and won vengeance for my loss in doing so.

“Bonoman now sought to get out of the war, proffering reparations. I chose to accept their offer, as I was conscious just how stretched my armies had become. I began the fight against Katsina with twenty thousand men and several thousand manpower reserves. Now my force was down to under eight thousand, my manpower long since spent.

“The siege against Ife was long - but last in June 1486 it fell. It was a relatively simple matter to take the remaining Oyo land. Along the way I adopted the next military level, and then in September annexed Oyo in its entirety.

“It was a peace I was very glad for - I desperately needed to rebuild my armies. I began doing so - but then the Oyo revolted and my army only barely held on for victory. I also tried to manage my two vassals - Benin at one point supported Zazzau independence. Fortunately nothing came of that - by the time the session ended both had become loyal. I also slowly converted all the Fetishist provinces to the Sunni faith. My military advisor had died, so I now recruited someone to enhance my tax take.

“I also managed to finally get to Military 5 - Air had beaten me to it some years before. If they had attacked me…”

“You would have been soundly defeated,” Stharin’Ble comments. “Your approach of developing Feudalism and the Renaissance is not without merit, but it has its risks. You were very fortunate.”

“I know,” I answer quietly. “The poor quality of my rulers … even ‘Ali is only average on investment front. At least he is proving an adept military man.

“I don’t know how much I will benefit from it, but I also laid the groundwork for my first few colonies - if I get to make them in time - to be somewhat better developed. I still have some way to go.

“The session came to a close in 1496.”

“And how do you think you have done,” my mentor asks.

I shrug. Probably my best shrug yet. “I have failed at my first private aspiration - to have a chance of forming Colonialism. I hope yet to be able to take control of the Cape however. I must take Benin - but they are allied with Kongo, so I must pick my time. I must watch Mali too as well. I have had nearly ten years of peace - my armies are finally looking better, but my manpower remains limited. Despite prioritising administrative reforms I have such a great outlay incorporating these new territories I am behind where I wish to be.”

Stharin’Ble looks at me. “Good,” my mentor says. “I want you to reflect on why that is the case,” it says, and then without warning it is gone, leaving me alone. If only …

Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend.

I bask in the afterglow of a supernova. My form is my familiar oval mirror. Stharin’Ble, who is beside me as its perfect sapphire sphere, had suggested we view this stellar event and arranged for a private viewing place, a protected pocket of space impervious to the event itself. But it is not the first such conflagration I have seen.

Stharin’Ble shares me with me an almost innocent sense of wonder at the cataclysm, which I do not understand. As we watch I also perceive a growing amusement, until Stharin’Ble signals “You are bored, Lisan.”

“I do not understand why here,” I return. I allow my bafflement to scent the air.

“You are young, Lisan.” My mentor pauses. “Very young. If you exist long enough, you may yet come to appreciate innocent pleasures.”

Another silence, as the last orbiting body of the inner system is torn about by the star’s terminal exhalation. “Your last session, how did it go?” Stharin’Ble asks.

I turn my frame towards him, and by way of answer displays the image of how things stood at session end. “I’ve made progress - quite considerable progress. The sea at least!”

“But too late to do what you hoped,” Stharin’Ble comments.

“That is true. Mali grows, and the Europeans arrive … I have my challenges.”

“Tell me.”

“Well, almost immediately this session began Songhai declared war on Air, a war that drew in most of the powers in Africa. Since I had an heir with a top military score I decided to give him the command of my armies, and was very happy with the result.

“Air began an invasion of the former Yao lands, which we sought to counter and they attempted to avoid us and were ambushed by the folks of lands beyond. We caught and destroyed the remnants, and then immediately turned back to face a large Malian army that had also sought to invade our lands. We met them outside Manga - a true coalition of ourselves, Songhai, Macina, and Nupe. We surrounded them … and they died.

“We split our army - one to attack Bonoman and one to destroy Air. By the start of 1498 the army of Timbuktu was besieging Gao whilst Mali rebuilt her armies, and Air and Bonoman were being reduced.

“In the spring Songhai made an attempt to relieve Gao, and were defeated, as my armies concentrated on taking the last holdings of Air and Bonoman. I hoped to knock those two powers effectively out of the war before moving further. By this time my manpower had again been depleted - but I knew the enemy still had plentiful reserves on which to draw. Gao fell in the summer, and Songhai had chosen to begin an invasion of Malian territory - we helped them defeat a small army in Wagadugu.

“The autumn of 1498 saw both Air and Dagbon fall to us - but Timbuktu had liberated the province of Ader. Despite their losses - especially from Manga - our opponents had nearly rebuilt their forces.

“The Timbuktu army, now joined by the remnants of Air’s forces, tried to re-take Azbin - but we fought them there and worsted them - but our losses were heavy. I also re-took Ader. Mali, meanwhile, was trying to take Macina out of the war. For our part, as spring turned into summer Bonoman finally conceded.

“We had been trying to re-take Gao when the army of Timbuktu appeared isolated to the south. We took the opportunity, but they resisted long enough for a Malian force to join them - but it did them no good and our combined forces won a great victory all thanks to our heir and his masterful ways.

NB: The battle lies result lies slightly, there was a Malian army present, but it already retreated before the battle ended.

“By the end of 1499 the war had very much turned in our favour - but I confess I am not entirely sure I trust the information I had recorded from the interface. The troop numbers seem … wrong. I wished I had noticed that at the time, I might have investigated.”

“There is a lesson there,” Stharin’Ble observes. “The interface is useful, but it is far from perfect. Remember that well.”

I nod. “At the start of 1500 I finally acquired Administration Level 4. Macina was also forced out of the war for a paltry sum, making it effectively Songhai, myself and my vassals against Mali and Timbuktu, Air being totally occupied. Timbuktu tried to prevent us from retaking Gao, but we beat them back. Our losses were heavy.

“We took Gao shortly thereafter and liberated what Songhai land had fallen. Despite the precarious state of our armies, this was enough. Air did not wish to continue the fight. Songhai had gone to war for the province of Ader, as it was they were unable to enforce this. We were granted our border provinces in the peace. It was a hard-fought war - and if we had not annihilated that Malian army at the start … I think it might have gone rather differently.”

“Flush with cash I started to invest in some new Mosques in Bornu and Kano. The war had its consequences though … due to a lack of able-bodied men our tax revenue started to suffer. We did manage to research Military Level 6, however - our difficulties against Timbuktu in part being because they had already done that.

“Yatatenga sought to take advantage by attacking Bonoman. Meanwhile in 1502 I realised that Benin was no longer allied to Kongo. My army was still severely understrength, but this was too good an opportunity to pass up.

“Yatenga brought their war to a conclusion, forcing Bonoman to pass over or free nearly all their territory. The ‘Abbasids also gave us the title of Calipha - for the first time in a years our prestige and legitimacy were not utterly terrible.

“As the year came to a close - we were simply waiting for Benin’s capital to fall - news reached us that Songhai had sold one of her provinces to Macina. Oh, and at some point in all of this the Ashanti had risen to statehood in two previously lawless provinces. I had not realised that could happen. Colonialism began at the start of 1503.

“The end of that year saw Benin finally fall - we gave one province to our vassal Nupe and took the rest ourselves. The war had cost us somewhat in men - it would take us even longer to rebuilt.

“As if to celebrate I finally took Administrative Level 5, and choose to focus on exploration and colonisation. Immediately, indeed, I began to colonise Whydah - unable to get to Gold Coast straight away.

“I decided I could not risk any revolts from the indigenous peoples, so chose Native Co-existence. The next year brought news from Kongo of some internal conflicts - which made me happy. Kongo had expanded rapidly and could become a significant foe. Perhaps, I thought, this would inhibit them somewhat. Further west, Fulo annexed Jolof, and Mali annexed Ashanti, and almost immediately attacked Dagbon. We started to build a fort in Abomey, and our Sultan ‘Ali became known as The Navigator - appropriate given it was he that brought us to the see I suppose.

“Mali swiftly annexed Dagbon, I was hit by another set of lowered taxes due to low manpower, and had a civil war disaster tick up slightly. This is because I delayed coring the Beninese provinces to research Admin 5 - but I thought it was reasonably done. The Age of Exploration is about to end however - about seven years hence. Portugal is known to me, and France and Castille will be I assume as soon as their initial colonies complete. I suspect Mali and I are due a war almost as soon as the truce is out. Although I want to explore and colonise … and I will, a bit … most of my efforts will have to be focused on that coming war.”

“Mmm, you are now just over sixty years into this Contest,” my mentor begins, and pauses. “A gain of twenty-one provinces, one hundred and eighty development, forts … all in all, I am not displeased with your progress.” Stharin’Ble pauses again. “The Master of Aspirants wishes you to know that he will debrief you in person in a few sessions.”

I give no reply to that. At least I can prepare.

“I am going to finish observing the effects of this supernova on its solar system. If you wish, you may remain, or you may leave.”

I choose to leave. The truth is I need to think about Mali, and what to do - and most likely about what I should already have done.

Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend.

I take a moment to perfect my form before I transfer to the First Court. At the entrance is the same guard as last time. “Lisan la Metemes,” it says, with a nod and a smile. “State your business.”

“The Master of Aspirants has requested my presence.”

The guard is silent and still a moment. It nods again. “Very well. Do you remember the way?”

“I believe so,” I say, “The little building up on the far side with the crimson lintel.”

A third nod. “Good fortune,” it says, and then adds, “Do not stray.”

“Of course,” I say, and I wonder. Is this another test? Did some aspirants get overly inquisitive – or was that the point, did they want us to show curiosity and break the rules … to be unbound? I stop a moment beside a xenon fountain, considering. It is an interesting thought … but I instruct my legs and feet to start moving again. It is a puzzle for another moment.

Outside the building waits the same attendant as before. “Lisan la Metemes,” it greets me. “The Master has another appointment, and bids you wait.”

“Very well,” I say, stopping myself from asking how long the Master is likely to be. Patience, as Stharin’Ble might say. I glance at a bench, and choose to remain standing. The attendant has before it a data display on a lectern. Its form is slim, a little shorter than my own. Short, neat black hair frames the rather flat oval of its hairless face.

After some time I ask, “Have you worked for the Master long?”

The attendant looks up. “I suppose so you might think, Lisan la Metemes, but ‘long’ is an adjective that is subjective so…” Its voice is remarkably calm and pleasant, and its lips have twitched into a pleasant smile as its shoulders shrug.

“Did my question offend?” I ask.

The smile grows. “No, Lisan la Metemes, it did not.” It returns to its task.

Shortly thereafter the doors open and out slips a tall male figure, who strides away quickly without a word. In its wake my non-physical awareness senses something … but I cannot place it. The form is unknown to me. “Lisan la Metemes, the Master will see you now,” the attendant says. I turn back to the door, and nod.

“Thank you,” I reply, and walk in.

Inside the building is a short corridor with two doors on each side, and a double-door with one door ajar at the end. From there the Master’s deep voice booms, “Lisan, do come in.” I step through, “Close the door,” he instructs, and I do.

The Master is sitting behind a large wooden desk, still dressed in formal black and white attire that would seem ridiculous on his large Polynesian frame if I did not find it so intimidating. He just fills this space, and it has nothing to do with extra-physical persuasion but all to do with his physical energy. He is just there, elbows resting on the edge of the desks, hands also with his fingers linked together, looking at me with a fierce regard. “Take the seat,” he says, inclining his head towards the chair opposite him.

I sit down. “You wished to see me sir?” I ask.

His lips twitch a moment. “I did.” I noticed he taps his thumbs together twice. “I have been reviewing your recent wars, including your second effort against Mali. Explain them to me.”

I swallow. “Well, in the wake of that first war I seized Benin, splitting it between myself and Nupe just before a session end. The year was 1507.”

“One moment,” the Master says, and he opens a drawer from the side of his desk, and pulls out a leather-bound folder. He opens it and selects a single sheet of paper, which he placed on the desk and pushes towards me. “Would you say this map was accurate of that time?”

I glance at it. “Yes.”

He nods. “Continue.”

“My truce ended in 1513, so I thought to prepare for a new war then. It would give my manpower a chance to recover, and otherwise solidify my gains. I even asked Songhai to prepare for war, but when the moment came I realised I could not call my allies in. Macina had gone to war with Jolof, and Songhai now didn’t care. Apparently with no land border between the two … Mali was also still allied to Timbuktu – I would have been outnumbered in both men and gold, so I decided to do something else and attack Yatenga.”

“Why?”

“If I may?” I ask, pointing at the map still on the desk. The master nods. “As you can see only three powers could attack Yatenga – Mali, Songhai, or myself. It became a question of spoils. Mali had already expanded to take Ashanti and in fact by then had also taken Bonoman. Yatenga was an obvious target. Then Songhai – whilst I have been a faithful ally I have been trying to avoid making Songhai stronger than I need it to be. I figured if I attacked Yatenga in the name of my vassal Zazzau I would expand my own power and control what Songhai would get.”

“Not much of a war,” the Master says.

“No,” I agree. I gave one province to Songhai, and another to Zazzau, and left the remaining two. Then I continued my efforts to recover. Mali remained powerful and I seriously considered attacking them again … but then I remembered the alliance between Mali and Air had been broken, and it had not been reformed. My truce with Air was up. A new target, and one which Songhai would join.” I swallowed again. “There were other opportunities too – Air remained allied to Timbuktu. I could have made Timbuktu a full belligerent and pulled Mali in that way, but I thought of a better possibility.

“Reducing Air was not hard – there was some fierce fighting with Timbuktu as they had an advantage in military technology, but their numbers were limited. In the event I made peace with them first, forcing them to cede a province to Macina to link the two parts of that nation, and to break their alliance with Mali. Then I annexed the remainder of Air. “

The Master reached into the folder again. “So you wait a few more years, and then the situation looks like this?”

He withdraws another map. “Yes,” I say. “I think … yes, this is after Mali had attacked Yatenga. I hadn’t realised that Songhai had guaranteed Yatenga’s independence and was also in the war. So I sought to join the war - but, perhaps unsurprisingly, I needed to quickly improve my relations. Fortunately despite our earlier war Yatenga still regarded me as friendly, so it was a quick matter of a gift, a marriage, an alliance, and some relation improvement. This did put me over my relationship limit … I suppose I could have tried to fight Mali separately, but I felt far happier knowing I would have some allies, especially as I could expect no help from Zazzau.”

“Why not?” the Master asks. “They are your vassal.”

I am suddenly aware that my palms feel sweaty. “Excuse me, I had forced them to convert to Islam as soon as the new Age began.”

The Master stares at me, a single finger tapping the desk to a slow beat. “So you prepared for war.”

“Yes. I joined in August 1525. Mali had begun an invasion of southern Songhai - our intervention changed the scene and almost immediately a significant battle was fought in Zazzau lands, and followed immediately by the destruction of the secondary Mali force.

“Mali’s armies retreated, only emerging again at the start of 1526. Meanwhile we had began to siege the fortress in Kumasi territory on our border, and our allies also sought to take and retake land.

“Indeed Jenné fell and Yatenga territory was liberated - our own progress in Kumasi was slower, but the Mali forces strengthened and made to retake Jenné themselves.

“In August we managed to take Kumasi at about the same time the armies of our allies were defeated in Jenné. Mali focused quickly on retaking that important town whilst my armies moved onto the next fort at Kong and taking the land inbetween. Songhai made an ill-advised attempt to retake Jenné themselves, and I dispatched one of my armies to assist them as the forces of Mali descended. The resulting battle was an important victory.

“Once again we were suffering from a lack of manpower, and a lack of money. I choose to adulterate an issue of coinage for some much needed funds to hire a few mercenaries to help bulk the army out a bit. Kong fell, and we began to besiege the capital of Mali, Joma. The newly recruited Malian mercenaries made another attack on the Songhai army, and I sent what forces I could spare to their aid. There was some manoeuvring and we annihilated a small mercenary company in Yatenga, before we all came together for the second battle of Jenné.

“But it was a bloody victory. In February 1528 we finally took Joma, but shortly thereafter our forces were attacked by a mob of Malian tribesfolk who attacked any army, even their own. It was only with great loss that we dispersed them - and it was clearly time to seek an exit from this war. Mali made an attempt to retake Joma, and all our forces rallied. The victory barely secured.

“I decided to exit the war on my own terms - my forces had partaken in every major victory and taken the lion’s share of the land - yet I felt if I left the peace to Yatenga I would not get my just rewards. So I arranged a separate peace. I thought long and hard about securing the gold mines of Lobi, but in the end I settled for the borderlands plus the fort of Kong, and suitable war reparations.

“So you abandoned your allies,” the Master said. It was not really a question.

“I did. If I seek to dominate the continent they can only be allies of convenience. I have watched enough Games to know through such disregard are victors often crowned.”

The Master’s lips quirked into a half-smile. “By such actions are reputations gained which lead to defeat as well, but your point is -” and how his smile became fuller, “well-made. Go on.”

I took a breath. “By now I had amassed enough splendour for my first ability of this Age, and I decided institution spread. I hope to soon get Colonisation from the Europeans. I also began to integrate Nupe into my territory. Shortly thereafter Mali made peace with Songhai and Yatenga for a modest sum of gold. With my colonisation efforts - which now stretched up to the Castillian colony itself, I had taken a clear lead in the numbers gain with Mali. Already though I begin to prepare for the next war.

“Whilst we had fought Macina and Jolof had concluded another war, with Macina establishing a decisive advantage. The final event of significance of the playthrough was choosing not to willingly participate in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. That may be problematic later - but I have had a diplomat try to placate these Europeans. And that was the end of the session.”

I cough a little as my throat feels suddenly over-used. The Master stares at me a moment, right at me. His face looks blank, but suddenly I feel very exposed. Then it animates again and he smiles. “Thank you for coming Lisan. We shall speak again in the next Age, I think. Tell Eshun to come in on your way out.”

I stand and walk out. Too late I remember I probably ought to have said some sort of farewell, but it is too late - to go back would be worse. “The Master wants you,” I say to Eshun, too curtly, but it just slips inside behind me. How could I forget my manners!

I am worried. Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend.

“Lisan, I am glad you could make it,” says my mentor, but Stharin’Ble is as I have never seen it before. A richly dressed female form greets me, rising from the plush chair in this ante-room where it had sat. A wide-brimmed burgundy hat is tilted across its head, cream gloves cover its lower arms, a purple scarf is thrown around its shoulder, and the dress is a deep sapphire blue covering the form from shoulder to toe. My own form is garbed in, what I now realise, is its only outfit. My mentor senses my dismay, and takes my arms.

“It is good to see you Lisan,” it says, and then leans forwards and kisses me twice, once on each cheek. I just stand … unsure how to react. Stharin’Ble giggles, the voice of this form is high and sparkles like water from a stream bubbling over rocks. “I clearly must do more to teach you different etiquettes,” it says, and takes my hand. “Come in.”

A well-dressed man approaches us. “Lady Metemes,” he says with a smile.

“My usual place,” Stharin’Ble replies, and the man bows and moves aside. My mentor leads us to a well-appointed table with two chairs. It directs me to one, and draws out the other. “This is my own indulgence,” it explains as we sit. “An area to relax, even experiment – my very own little loop-bubble.”

A waiter approaches, and I allow my mentor to order. This duty done Stharin’Ble looks over to me and asks, “Have I shocked you my dear Lisan?”

“Uh – I do not know what to say,” my words almost getting stuck in my throat.

“I see I have … it is time, Lisan. I am more than just your mentor. The blue sapphire is,entirely me, as is this. Your childhood is fading before my eyes.”

I take a moment to reply. “I thought the Contest decides that.”

“It does, but I do you disagree?” A waiter arrives and fills our glasses. “Be careful with the wine,” my mentor says. “You may not be susceptible to alcohol, but your body is. Getting drunk is something that should be attempted under more … controlled conditions.”

With that warning I pick up the thin glass and sip the clear fluid within. The taste is harsh on my tongue and throat. “Humans drink this?”

“Yes,” my mentor replies. “In quantity it interferes with their brain processing in a manner most find pleasant, and some do not – but that is a matter for another time. I think we should discuss your Contest in more detail. Quite a lot going on.”

I sigh. “But I feel less than might be … I have felt quite constrained by my manpower, and worried about Mali. Or I did.”

My mentor smiles and then sips from her glass. “I understand you have now mastered Mali.”

I deploy my most practised shrug. “They are certainly no longer the power they were. Two wars. The first I launched almost as soon as I could. While I waited out the truce I integrated Nupe, peacefully persuaded Yatenga to become my vassals, and made some advancements in technology and along the Exploration path. Mali had absorbed most of Jolof; and Macina and Songhai had split most of Timbuktu between them in a war I joined, but did not take part in. Oh, I also got a new Sultan, a new Heir, and a very nice new general.

“The truce ended. The very last thing I wanted was for Macina or Songhai to smell blood and take control, so I made sure to attack first - having laid claim to all the bordering territory I could.

“Against the three remaining major powers of Western Africa, Mali, realistically, stood little chance. Our losses in the first battle were heavy, but also showed that when we combined our forces we could - and would - crush Mali. Also it seemed they had not yet properly recuperated from our former war.

“Jenné fell, and we had started to besiege the Malian capital of Joma when their army tried an offensive march to the south. We abandoned the siege, and fought them in Bagoe to a bloody victory.

“This battle gutted Mali’s army. Already they had relied a lot of mercenaries, now they became dependent on them. Largely they avoided battle. Songhai invaded former Jolof lands. Timbuktu, in a fit of madness, had joined the war on Mali’s side and were being attacked by Macina. They sued for a separate peace for a small tribute of treasure, which I happily gave them. In the summer of 1542 the war came to a definitive, conclusion.”

Stharin’Ble forms its lips into a dazzling smile, “So you split the spoils with your vassal, but not with your allies - how consistent,” and it giggles again. I swallow. All my other senses confirm the form before me is inhabited by my mentor, but … I force my mind to return to my telling.

“Then I noticed something odd. Most of Europe is still hidden from me, but I can see the French capital … and it is not in Paris. I then notice that the French are allied to Morocco, and appear to be catastrophically losing a war with Castille. More importantly for me though is that Colonialism is, at long last, spreading from the Castilian colonies to my own territory. We use some of the monies to develop some Mosques and Workshops, and also develop the Cape a little as a mission had given us a development reduction cost - just to speed up Colonialism taking root there by a few years. We also went for tradeship power as our second Age objective, and generally just recuperated. Then the 100 years since Contest start ticked over, and the Old World was revealed. I had secretly hoped to possibly be able to use France against Castille, but apparently this might not be.

“Macina annexed Jolof in a short war, and I unlocked the second Exploration colonist, whom I set to work in Benguela. Colonialism had settled in Cape Coast and Whydah, and was now spreading more rapidly throughout the southern portions of the realm. I also now choose to embrace the Innovative track and complete Exploration. Songhai and Macina annex Timbuktu, splitting the two provinces between them, and Castille lays claim to Cape colony. I am very glad Colonialism is already spreading. In 1550 as scheduled the Printing Press starts to make its waves, through from Graz. I could now embrace Colonialism, but the cost would be … excessive. Instead I remain patient, hoping to get Colonialism to spread further, and hoping that a new war with Mali would provide some much needed funds. Meanwhile I unlock the Scientific Revolution idea in the innovative sequence - and I choose Prestigious conversions for my third Age objective.

“Along the way there was one event .. it shocked me so much I forgot to properly record it.”

“Oh?” Stharin’Ble says, putting glass down. “What happened.”

“Castille attacked me.”

My mentor pauses a moment. For the first time I note just how deep the blue in the eyes of this form is. “They must have been rather more advanced than you.”

“They were. I had reached Military 9 when the attack occurred - they were Military 12. My allies joined me, but even Macina was only Military 10.”

Stharin’Ble makes an inverted v with its slender arms and rests its chin on its interlinked fingers. “You made it through.”

“I did,” I reply, “but more through luck I think. I barely ever saw any Castilian troops. My allies joined me, and Portugal joined them. We occupied their African colonies easily, and I built a couple of transports to take St Helena from Portugal, and then the incomplete Castilian colony of Sao Tome. They did try to take back the latter, but I disbanded my force rather than have the negative score from the defeat. An Aragonese fleet blockaded my coast for a while, but then departed and I snuck a small force to the Cape Verde islands and took them too. About then I noticed that Castille had abandoned their Sao Tome colony, and a Portuguese force was about to attack the Cape Verdes, so I sought a peace. An amazingly favourable peace.

“You might have taken more land - all their African holdings perhaps,” Stharin’Ble says, “instead of all that gold.”

“Perhaps I should have,” I say. “But I wanted the money for Colonialism, and Ivory Coast was a province in a State I already had, the others were not.”

My mentor nods. “I understand. Go on.”

“Shortly thereafter France won back Paris and Picardie in a war with England. I also made Tunis, and then Kilwa, my new rivals. I took two loans, and embraced Colonialism - it was a heavy cost but I desperately wanted to get ahead. Immediately thereafter I secured Military 10 and Diplomacy 7, and then it was ready for another go at the Malian pie.

“There really isn’t much to say about the war that followed. We took the border provinces, and I gave Kala to Yatenga. Of most important was I took Joma and Jenné - both well developed provinces; and Bure. Of Mali’s three gold provinces, I now hold two.”

“What it did mean though was I was now considered a Great Power - for the time being anyway.

“My session ended with two items of note. Firstly Mali voluntarily ceded one of their provinces to France - Kantor. Secondly, I choose to Rival France. That may be a very bad mistake, but I am hoping to try and make Castille a friend still, in time. But by then I was getting very tired … I don’t know.”

Stharin’Ble smiles again, “And I am not intending to pass judgement. But I do have a proposal for you, Lisan, if you like.”

“A proposal?”

“Yes. A friend of mine has secured a private world-run. To work properly it needs someone active in the interface. There is a … private challenge I have for you. It might keep you distracted for the next little while as the interface for your Contest settles down.”

“What do you mean?”

“The Court of Paradox are upgrading the interface to this setting … for a Contest already in question we will need to isolate your interface from the changes to prevent … oddities. Please say yes, I think you might enjoy it.”

“But you will tell me nothing more.”

It smiles again, broad and inviting. “No,” it says, shaking its head slowly from side to side. “I ask Lisan for you to trust me in this, will you?”

I think. I could say no. Indeed, while Stharin’Ble is sitting there grinning at me, urging me to do this thing I can sense his absolute assurance: I need not. The disparity between the two is unsettling, and for all that comforting too.

“Yes,” I say.

“Excellent - you can connect to the interface straight away, from here. That one sip of wine had the required access … we shall talk when you are back.”

Suddenly the world seems to fall through my feet.

Form-bound, you should … be here.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound - keep your thoughts on me - do not dare let your attention wander ... you do not want to be lost where we were … no, stay with me, you will not desert me now …

My presence slams back into my matter-form, made violent by my frantic attempt of will to keep my illicit companions tethered to me. Beneath me the chair breaks, and I am thrust onto the floor. A board cracks and splinters. Around me the other diners gasp and exclaim, and several waiters hurry towards me. Only Stharin’Ble sits unmoved, just watching, its female form, exquisite in its control.

“Everything is as it should be,” it says, its voice ringing clear and carrying the extra wait of command. The forms around us stop, and then return to their previous activities, paying no mind to the heap that is myself. My material vision is blurred, and it appears to spin. There is a word for this … dizzy.

It is very odd to be dizzy.

I blink, but vision remains … tainted. I shake my head a little but the dizziness worsens.

“Are you just going to sit there Lisan?” This time my mentor’s voice is quieter, just for me. It cuts through the fuzziness like a beam of sunlight cuts through darkness. “There is another chair just beside you.”

Slowly I lever myself onto my knees. I grab hold of the promised seat, and use it pull myself up, spin and sit. My head keeps spinning.

“You need to practice switching into and out of matter-forms,” my mentor says. “One cannot rely on being able to slip in and out at leisure like you have thus far.”

“Yes,” I slur.

“Fortunately it is something they make a point of teaching you in the First Court, as you will discovery when you attain entry.”

I nod slowly.

“I have reviewed your little excursion. You did as I expected Lisan. That is all I will say for the moment.”

At last I notice a ringing sound in my ears that I cannot shake.

“But I did not expect the transfer back to be so hard … that is my responsibility. It is probably best for you to discorporate and return. Rest. Continue your contest. We will speak here again.”

I sent back a waft of thanks, and allow my matter-form to melt away. With it goes the physical sensations of discomfort, but a sense of the strange is retained.

I must return to and rest, as I am sure must you. Those of you still sane. Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend. I believe it is time we tested something. After our experiences together with Uruguay I wish to see if I can take you with me into the interface. I hope I can, and I it should be a smoother transition than our rather abrupt translocations before. I hope so. It has been reported to me that several of you form-bounds were driven insane by our last experiences, and I do not wish too many of you to needlessly suffer.

Let us see how this goes. Let me slip into the interface…

Up …

Through …

Within …

And here.

It worked. Did I not claim it would be easy? Not even a ripple of distress. So, let us remind ourselves where things stand.

Mali has been humbled. We are well and truly the Great Power of Western Africa. Zazzau and Yatenga are our vassals, with Macina and Songhai as our allies. Let us look at some of the rest of the world.

Castille remains the supreme power here, one that makes them uncomfortable neighbours. Elsewhere in the world, however....

The Sons of Osman are pre-eminent. To their north Russia is a mighty state as well, but one hopes the Ottomans will stay mightier for a long time yet.

And a final look of where we stand. I do hope Castille and its allies don’t seek me out when our truces expire … that could prove troublesome. Meanwhile we must try and deal with the loans we took, and think about developing for the Printing Press. There is, it must be said, much to do. Let us start time.

Well the first oddity did not take long to occur.

We finish our colony in Calabar and now aim for the Cape - as yet untouched by Europeans. Our corruption continues to grow, whilst we bring the conquered lands of Mali into our domain. We enter 1560 and Castille attacks Morocco - good. Hopefully they will be too busy to look our way. Into 1561 and we improve our military and diplomatic technologies.

In Europe the Evangelical Union event occurs - let us check how the Reformation is going.

That looks to me like a reasonably solid effort. Much will depend on how the Leagues play out. Later in 1561 we are able to repay one of our loans. Then late in the year the former Malian provinces are all properly brought within our administration. 1562 begins with an important administrative development.

So we get add three states - well we have a lot of so-called territories so there is no doubt we should do so.

Let us pause and consider what to do. I am going to make it simple - which three territories will give me the biggest income boost. So Jenné, Manding, and Lower Volta.

Meanwhile the Ottomans have fought with various neighbours and have triumphed in each war. Their latest is against Iraq.

Closer to home Mali descends into civil war, with some discontents rising up in our new lands. It does not take long to disperse them.

Did you note form-bound that our truces with Castile have now run their course, and they have not bothered us? Long may it continue. Appropriately given our expansion efforts our Sultan has focused his efforts into these projects.

Sao Tome is added to our domains, and so we begin to colonise Cameroon, and in 1564 our Diplomatic status receives another boost.

Meanwhile I notice in 1565 England has turned into Great Britain - no surprise there. Castile has also formed Spain, alas. Now in 1566 we replay our last loan. Let us pause a moment here form-bound, before continuing. Our truce with Mali is up in but a few years, and I want to be ready to pounce.

 

[stnylan]

Enough of a break form-bound. Let us start things up again. I see our ruler is instituting a series of reforms - useful I think you will agree.

As the year ends comes the news of Spain all but destroying Morocco - this makes me concerned.

However, when it comes to our relationship there are signs of hope. Apparently they are no longer so covetous of our land - perhaps a result of the destruction of their colony in Sao Tome. What it means is we can, perhaps, make them like us more. Let us do so.

The Ottomans continue their spread into the East.

So form-bound, I have a disagreement with the interface here. It calls this ability Coastal Barrage, and yet I am reliably informed it does not really operate as described. I hope that proves as odd to you as it does to me.

I also regretfully note that Portugal has made it to the Cape.

I know I have rivalled France, but perhaps given our Iberian neighbours I should seek to ally them instead. But there are reasons I distrust them - reasons like this.

That new nation is in our neighbourhood, and Macina has a claim. The simple truth is form-bound I don’t want them to have it. Time for some fast work - let us break things up between us, and guarantee the independence of this new state. Besides, we might be able to use them in our next war with Mali.

This takes us to 1570 and the Cape becomes a proper city whilst we help Yatenga put down some rebels.

That allows us an easy mission to have positive relations with England, which I accept. I also instruct that we are to begin colonising Swellendam. But I am scared form-bound. The Portuguese can do nothing to claim Cape - though they doubtless desire it. Swellendam though would make us neighbours - and Portugal are allied with Spain. I dearly wish to avoid a war with them until I feel stronger in my army. My thinking is thus form-bound: I have access to far more overall territory than they, in terms of Africa. There will come a time when my numbers and my artillery will dwarf theirs, but that time is not yet now. Not quite. My mentor has a phrase, that discretion is sometimes the better half of valour. Hopefully this is one of those times.

Once recalled we abandon what is left. We must prepare - our truce with Mali expires in 1573. We finish making Great Britain happy and select a mission to annex Zazzau, but hold off from starting to do so just yet. We have a need for our diplomat.

It is not really much of a fight, is it form-bound? Mali is split in two, their small guard force in their capital dispersed and the land near us under siege, whilst we setup a Penal Colony in Fernando Po.

Into 1574 and Macina belatedly declares war on Mali, but they are too late.

Just for emphasis our forces obliterate that Malian army when they attempt to raid us.

I withhold from making peace until 1576, but now I can see it was in error to do so. Ah well. As it is I have arranged all the necessary benefits to focus our development efforts - a new Edit in Bornu and happy Merchants. Even so it takes a very great investment to force Printing Press to be completed in Bornu. A very great effort.

Next we levy an extra-ordinary tax on those selfsame Merchants.

Another couple of loans and we have enough.

And finally we make peace with Mali.

Well, that is enough for now form-bound. Another short break I think.

 

[stnylan]

So form-bound, the last portion of this session. We begin to integrate Zazzau, and Macina cleans up the remnant that was Mali.

In the long-term we will have to see about both Macina and Songhai. To be true Songhai has been my longest ally, but they will soon be an impediment, or possibly an opportunity. But not this session. No right now I look southward, to Loango and Kongo. Kongo had been supreme in this area, but no more. They were torn apart in a civil war and the nation of Loango came to prominence. Loango in its turn has faltered recently and Kongo has reclaimed some land, but this all makes opportunity. I do think I can fight a war to vassalise Loango - even though they are allied to Kazembe - and then use Loango to take the remnants of Kongo.

Of course it will require attacking both at once, and then peacing them in the correct order, but all things are possible. And as this battle shows, we have the upper hand.

The Kongolese army suffers is treated in a similar fashion.

We also manage to integrate Zazzau. Vitally this will enable me to vassalise Loango without additional diplomatic efforts.

Kazembe finally arrives on scene to support their ally - and are sent into retreat.

Then it is a matter of being allowed to move our troops through Kasenje and to begin the invasion of Kazembe.

We complete our colony on Fernando Po and choose to have a go at Mauritius. I choose Mauritius precisely because our rivals Kilwa will not be able to claim it.

And thus is the price of over-confidence form-bound - look.

Fortunately we are able to handle their initial counter-offensive. Though it was a closer-run thing, form-bound, than I wanted. My manpower was doing okay - not anymore.

At least my technology has advanced somewhat.

I suppose I should have really waited to fight this war until I had secured Military 12 - I must confess to you form-bound I am not so adept at this game as many others.

We launch a second offensive into Kazembe and have our revenge.

That is enough.

And after we have re-arranged territory slightly.

We acquire another ability - again perhaps we should have let the war start a few years later.

The Ottomans continue their advances.

Into 1582 we go and we get a new Heir.

It is unwise, I admit it, but I disinherit straight away. I hope for at least some reasonable Administrative ability.

As an aside here are the current list of Great Powers.

Austria grows…

The Leagues are taking definitive shape…

Into 1584 we go and … our Sultan dies. The Sayfawa dynasty no longer rules Kanem Bornu - instead a cousin from Songhai rises to rule - and what a cousin. Of course, form-bound, he has no legitimacy, but I think I am prepared to forgive that, and even his embezzling ways.

I think, form-bound, it is time to end this session. Let us pause the interface, and record it. There. Now let us slide away, dis-engage, smoothly

Slowly

Securely

Without distress.

Much better form-bound, I think you will agree. Depart.

 

[stnylan]

Form-bound, attend. I think it is time for another session of my Contest, but perhaps a shorter one. Now you are here let me make the transfer …

Done. So, we had just gotten a new monarch from a new dynasty. Our legitimacy is poor, but things could be very much worse, very much worse indeed.

Time to spend some money, on some buildings and some caravels.

I think Expansion ideas as well.

Now it is 1585 and we are faced by a choice. I regretfully decide to annoy the Spanish, but rather this than face the potentialities of what else might happen.

Meanwhile our explorer busies himself in far-off lands, and our buildings and ships are completed. The Caravels we should set to trading on the Ivory Coast. Speaking of which, it is probably past time I move my Trade City to the coast. Benin seems good I think.

An extra 1½ gold per month - definitely should have done that some time ago form-bound.

Oh no form-bound, it appears that Spain is more annoyed with me than I expected.

I must confess form-bound, I feel somewhat alarmed. They have Military 15 - 15! That means more effective artillery, units - just generally means they can stomp on me. But here is a small squadron outnumbered - can I…

… no, not quite. But I am given hope. Also it is only Spain and her dependents involved in this war - Portugal and her other allies are staying out of it. Oh, Songhai has dishonoured our alliance, craven fools. I have not renewed our marriage with them - hopefully if we survive Spain we can use their foolishness against them.

The war enters a phase of nothing happening, but in the world there are continued developments, including - haha - look at this.

We seek a white peace, but this war will have to persist for much longer before that becomes feasible. Meanwhile we use War Taxes to boost our income.

Whilst the war goes on, more peaceful pursuits continue to develop.

We sent the extra merchant to Timbuktu, to direct further trade to the Coast - boosting our income by another gold.

1588 and the Spanish have finally made a move - a large army lands in their colonies. Staidly I line my forces up to fight a cauldron-battle if I need to. I think, form-bound, I will need to. That army will likely pummel us - but perhaps we can wear them down with numbers.

On a bright spot our colony in Mauritius completes - and I realise Manila is in range. Form-bound, if we can just hold the Spanish off a little longer. In preparation we improve our navy somewhat - including having built a number of Carracks. And our cannons too.

The Spanish army, having taken Karou, does nothing. It is time though - we send all our fleet to attack their squadron that patrols off the coast.

Victory is sweet form-bound, do you not agree? Oh, I know it is not a great victory, but I shall not complain. Still their army does nothing, and I begin to get a mad idea. Can you sense it?

But not before we get a new heir - it could be worse, I suppose. We have also ordered some further artillery regiments to boost our armies.

Meanwhile the Ottomans conclude another war with the Timurids and continue their march into Central Asia.

Still nothing happens with the Spanish army. Our fleet blockades them and their squadron, and our armies stand in our territory, all just waiting. Administration 11 is reached, and I begin to get giddy with hope. Into 1592 and still nothing, and we secure Administration 12. The ability add extra states - and I intend to use that to the full, but only once I have peace. Diplomacy 12 follows as well.

1593, and here it is form-bound. Peace, for the moment.

Our casualties were caused by fighting some of Loango’s rebels early on. I like to think the money and reparations were our price to allow them to evacuate their army - who knows how this peace actually manifests itself in the actual world. I wonder if Arfin has manifested in yet again. I might have to ask. I am not one to complain, however, at the result.

If is, however, the end of this session. We are disengaged from the interface already. Form-bound, depart.

 

[stnylan]

So good of you to join me form-bound - not, I suppose, that you had much choice. Let us go in again.

So the first thing is to decide which territories to turn into States. We could do three, but we shall do two - I want to keep one state spot free for … future possibilities.

Our colony is Luanda is finished - now time to colonise those three provinces just east of old Nupe - provinces that already belong to my states. Lesser Namaqland completes too, so let us start something in the Moluccas - how about Sula.

Oh I should have mentioned we began our first manufactory with the Spanish gold - and a mosque and a shipyard. These last two are now finished, and a little later it appears that our Sultan has become something of a zealot.

I also decide to Enforce Religion on Loango. I may rue that - but I have two heathen vassals currently in both Loango and Yatenga. I aim to annex Yatenga first, but I will be most happy if Loango has converted all their territory by the time I am ready to incorporate them. In the short term however it loses me nearly a monthly gold, and Kilwa soon supports their independence. Let them.

As 1594 we take the Mercenary Discipline ability - it looks like we will unlock all eligible abilities before the Age ends. Meanwhile I am getting ready for a war with Macina-Songhai. The idea is to attack Songhai, and then separate peace Macina so that Macina breaks their alliance with France. I have a mission to take on Macinan province, and I also wish to take Massina. As for Songhai - their borderlands shall be mine. I also recruit some extra regiments to help us take the provinces.

Our fleet defeats the Macinan fleet off the Grain Coast, and meanwhile I see Pacajes have done to France a little what I did to Spain.

We acquire Diplomacy 15. The combined forces of our enemies annihilate a two-regiment force of ours in Azawagh, but then split. We are able to catch the Macinan army, and also the Macinan fleet. Our Kaabu allies are making short work of Macina’s western holdings. It is a good summer.

The Songhai army meanwhile has done a deep raid into our territory, but we at last catch up with them at Bedde, before destroying them at Marghi.

With that the war is effectively all over. A few scattered enemy regiments all that is left, and taking the last forts. I think, form-bound, you will agree with Songhai dishonouring me was an ill-thought move. Some of the provinces we take from Songhai we give to Yatenga.

In the wake of our peace Morocco - itself ravaged earlier by Spain - attacks Songhai hoping for an early win. The Ottomans grow. France appears to be in a war with the British-Spanish alliance and doing well. Russia sneaks a couple of provinces off Hungary. We incorporate the provinces we took. The years are passing swiftly. Songhai ends out ahead of Morocco.

We have acquired Military 14 and Administrative 13. Then Spain signs a separate peace with France, and are forced to cede Bearn.

Right on cue Global Trade spawns in 1600 - in Lubeck.

Britain is also forced to concede.

Do you know form-bound, I am very tempted to swap my rivalry with France to Spain. A quick pause now though, before continuing on until the end of this current Age. Oh, here are the Ottomans by the way, at the conclusion of their war a few years ago. Looks like they have tidied things up internally, doesn’t it form-bound. Any guesses where they will go to next?

 

[stnylan]

Well form-bound, that didn’t take long.

Diplomacy and Military 15 are both unlocked - which finally put me on par with Spain. I do believe this gives me a slight advantage - which alas will not last. I suppose I might have to make it count. If I can.

As for Global Trade - it is developing apace in Bornu due to its high development, and also in Jenné and Katsina. Once they are done I should be able to embrace - but it will be at a high cost. I suppose form-bound, that means it is time to save money.

Or time to plunder the Estates, as all their twenty-year timers have ticked over.

Into 1601 and I decide to change my Rival from France to Spain.

We also get Administration 14 - and access to a fourth idea group. I am honest form-bound, I am not immediately sure what that should be. We must think about that … oh, it looks like Baluchistan did not last long.

Whilst we wait I have transferred one army down to Loango and declare war on Kasanje - who I have noticed is without allies. They are Military 9 - it is an easy fight.

Into 1603 and I choose to change my government to an Administrative Monarchy. The extra taxation will be nice, of course, but it is more the production efficiency and autonomy reduction - I have been at neutral stability for decades, or so it feels, so my autonomy has stalled.

Spain attacks Songhai - this bears watching form-bound.

We also have continued to develop our ideas - Faster Colonists being the latest.

Time passes form-bound. I watch the Spanish-Songhai war. Since their Moroccan gains Songhai borders Spain through the western Saharan corridor - the Spanish armies are advancing south but the attrition must be pretty bad. Macina manages to ambush a small Portuguese expeditionary force on its coastline. We get Military 17 and unlock the final ability of the Age. See it is 1607 and our Court has become increasingly dynamic, but the corridor has fallen and Macina has been forced to sign a peace with reparations. It will not be long for Songhai.

Indeed, the peace follows swiftly. Spain seizes the corridor … this will require careful thought.

Form-bound, I have made my decision regarding our fourth idea group: Trade. We are moving into the Spice Islands, and hope yet to run amok through Kilwa and capture the Zanzibar node.

Our Sultan starts to be indiscreet in his old age, but more importantly we have managed to gather enough gold to embrace Global Trade.

Which has the consequence of allowing us to found an Indian Trade Company, now that we have formed our first Trade Company in the Philippines.

By the way form-bound I realise I made an error earlier - when I attacked Macina previously I should have forced them to break the Songhai alliance too. I didn’t. So whilst I could now attack Macina, I am going to wait until my truce with Songhai finishes as well. I wish to impose the maximum possible peace.

Now that we are up to date in technology I use some of my excess Military ability to strengthen my government. Oh, and the Ottomans have plundered most of what remains of the Timurids.

And into the Age of Absolutism. Of course course now I remember I should have waited a year or two before I boosted by legitimacy form-bound. I would say you should have warned me but this link is, as yet, only real-time one-way.

A good place for the session to end. Form-bound, depart.