Hi everyone, this is my First AAR! I was playing a multiplayer game with my friends and we saw this amazing character thrive. We eventually played as her to help her achieve an everlasting realm. This character’s story is the most significant and circumstantial considering the impact of just one character. I wanted to make sure her story wasn’t lost though because her story deserves explanation and documentation as events can’t do her legacy justice.
Chapter 1: Premonition
It was March 9th 1229 when Jacme looked upon the stars after laying with his wife, Bozena of the Premyslid dynasty. Jacme himself was of the d’Albon dynasty. However, his dynasty was insignificant compared to the Premyslid, so the children he bore with her were not to carry out his own line or legacy. He attempted to find solace in this by finding himself with god. Jacme tried to be a god fearing catholic man, but he did occasionally look to the stars, hoping to see a sign. As he looked into the sky that night, he felt a presence indescribable to him. He thought that maybe he finally would be shown a vision by the angels, if not simply to validate the faith he had no particular attachment to. What he saw that night, was something he never fully comprehended in his living life. He saw the sun. It was the middle of the night, but he saw the sun. The townspeople he looked down on, now lit with the radiant light did not stir. They laid asleep as they always did, but for Jacme he saw a light that eventually encompassed all he could perceive until he saw no more. Eventually, the light faded and he could see again. However, when he looked outside he saw the darkness of night again. He told his wife, he told the priests, but it never was taken seriously. However, after news of his wife’s pregnancy, he knew that it was something. It was a sign. A sign that the son in his wife’s belly would bring his branch of the Premyslid family glory and fame.
His predictions returned unfulfilled however, when on the day of the would-be son turned out to be a daughter. He was thoroughly disappointed and humiliated by his predictions proven wrong, and his lack of a male heir still. However, he still saw something... different about his daughter, who was named Binhilde.
Binhilde and her immediate family. Slight spoilers inside!
Binhilde was the fourth child of the Florentine branch of Premyslid. The dynasty was particularly prominent in the Holy Roman Empire, scoring two subsequent elections in the rapidly expanding empire.
The Premylsids were famous for their oversight of the Crusade against Piracy as petitioned by the pope, who saw the Barbary pirates looting and ravaging the coasts of Italy and the Papal States as sacrilege to Christians everywhere. However, this particular branch of the Premyslid had no influence to speak of. They held minor Italian lands and had little to no sway, especially compared to the head of the dynasty in Prague. Jacme always saw this as a humiliating fact. Now that he has resorted to delusions, many are calling him names behind his back. But as Binhilde grew up, the things they would say about Jacme and Binhilde started to change...
Chapter 2: The Rising Star
At an exceptionally young age, Binhilde was walking, talking and reading. When she was 6, she found herself studying the conquests of Alexander the Great and studying the theories of governance of Augustine. When she was 7, a snake had snuck into her room. According to her, she strangled it with her bare hands. Her physical prowess did not stop there as she managed to prove to be a highly competent bladeswoman, something nearly nobody in court appreciated besides her father. It is also said that binhilde would advise her father regarding war meetings in secret since she had proven to be a marvel in chess and other war games.
Binhilde soon became the talk of the HRE, a young woman who was able to kill a snake with her hands as a toddler, and a tactical genius in battle, with many seeking the advice of a 12 year old girl. However, despite her strength and ambition, she was unfortunately a woman.
Jacme had seen her potential and despite the stance of the church, sought to convince his wife to make Binhilde sole heir to her holdings. At every turn this was rejected. All of Binhilde's sisters, brothers and mother protested, the barons and counts under Jacme threatened rebellion if this was successful, and the church remained firm. No woman could inherit land. When Jacme pointed out the hypocrisy of her mother being allowed to rule, the truth was revealed. Word had spread that Binhilde was a demon spawn, one who should never be trusted. After all, what woman truly seeks to become a warrior? Demons are the only answer.
It was Binhilde's 16th birthday when she heard the news that she would not be able to fulfill her destiny as a warrior from her father. He expected his daughter to torment as she was designated to be a political bargaining chip just like her sisters. But binhilde rejected that fate. When she heard the news from her father she simply said; “If I am not welcome here, then I will forge my own destiny”. Jacme did not know what that meant, but he soon found out. Binhilde went on a “pilgrimage” the next day, going to Rome to “find herself”. She traveled with her retainers on the journey. When she returned home, it was with 100,000 men swearing loyalty to her as their leader.
Binhilde entered the castle she called home alone. She ignored the couriers who chastised her for flooding Florence with soldiers. Many thought she was conquering Florence to claim her birthright, but she only spoke to her father about her true intentions. Binhilde told her father that she was taking these men on an adventure. She saw in a vision that she was destined to continue the conquests of Alexander. To conquer the Indus Valley and created an empire of her own. She came to speak to her father for his blessing as well as food and funds for transportation.
Jacme was not surprised. In fact, he felt vindicated. He finally understood what that vision he had was. It wasn’t one of a dynasty for his glory, but for a greater purpose then he could have ever understood. He brushed his daughters head in his hand and told her of the vision he saw that day. He saw the sun in the night illuminating the streets of Florence and the inexplicable feeling he had that the child he bore was to be a child of destiny. He loved his daughter and hated to see her leave, potentially forever. But he knew that there was no denying her. He gave her a kiss on her forehead and wished her goodbye.
Binhilde said goodbye to her father and her father alone. Purposefully ignoring the outrage of her mother, berating her father for giving Binhilde nearly all of the wealth under his name. Finally, she would be rid of the society and structures that held her back. With her fathers wealth, she would be able to fulfill her destiny. Binhilde exited the castle and spoke to her men.
The soldiers cheered again, if they could be called that. Many of these men were simple peasants who had never seen battle. These men also lacked uniforms, something that binhilde had to figure out as the March progressed. Many of these things would phase lesser men. But Binhilde was not lesser, and she was not a man.
Chapter 3: The March East
The March east began that very day, visiting city by city as they began. Many men fled the ranks of Binhilde’s army, but just as many men followed in their stead. Occasionally, some women managed to fall into Binhilde’s army. The March took many scenic stops, particularly in the Byzantine empire where they stopped to visit Alexander’s home town of Pella.
The March then began to replicate Alexander’s through Anatolia and eventually into hostile Persian land. Persia under the Seljuk dynasty was undergoing a severe civil war at the time. This made the March surprisingly easier, as Binhilde was able to barter her army into mercenary status to several nobles, making money and gaining resources along the way. Many were able to tell that she was a woman, who clearly was sinful for not concealing her face. However, many either assumed they were wrong, or simply were too intimidated by her to protest.
This streak of luck eventually faded when her army reached the city of Basra. Binhilde attempted to make a deal with a local merchant to allow her to purchase a fleet of transport ships to aid in her conquest. The merchant simply denied her, saying that no woman could be a conqueror. Immediately after this remark, she and her soldiers seized the merchant navy for themselves, fighting the entire city and its regiments to do so.
While Binhildes heist was a success, the Seljuks were not pleased. The Seljuks had just lost the majority of their merchant fleet to the hands of an infidel who already was a thorn in their side for siding with rebels they were fighting. This incursion was not to be taken lightly. The Seljuks then sent a navy of their own to hunt down Binhilde. This truly was the largest test she and her men had to face. Never being in boats before, let alone naval combat was a cause for major anxiety among the soldiers, who had already faced the entire guard of the dirt against them. However, Binhildes stroke of luck proved to be an insurmountable force. Under her leadership, they were able to rout the enemy and take the ships for themselves, gaining a larger navy then they had previously. Binhilde even managed to make more allies than she had lost, promising freedom to the galley rowers she had just defeated. This immense defeat was instrumental in the victory of the rebels during the Seljuk civil war. The loss of their income from their trade routes soon led the Seljuk sultanate to lose authority over all of its vassals, leading to it’s entire collapse. Unbeknownst to Binhilde, she and her new allies continued sailing east to conquer India.
Chapter 4: Landfall
As Binhilde grew closer to her goal, she felt more and more invigorated. It had been an adventurous 2 years, but she knew that she drew closer to her ultimate destiny as the conqueror she knew she was. Following her intuition alone, she and her navy managed to locate an Indian city on the Indus River. This would then become the first target in Binhilde’s invasion proper. With 60,000 soldiers, she seized the city and made it her base of operations.
The city was in utter chaos by the time her and her soldiers were done with it. Nearly the entire native population was displaced or otherwise died defending their home from foreign invaders and the rest of the citizens were now under the management of a ruler who did not speak their language. Binhilde and her soldiers celebrated their imminent victory under their undefeated ruler. Binhilde was itching to continue, but she let her soldiers test and party for several days before the invasion would continue.
During this time, her and her closest advisers including her retinue who were appointed by her father gathered intelligence. Unsurprisingly, Binhilde's arrival came at an opportune time. The Indus River valley was recently conquered by an Islamic adventurer who had no support from the local population. In fact, many saw Binhilde's arrival as a sign of liberation for their people. Many local Hindus have heard of a warrior queen who had recently made landfall and already have been in Contact, attempting to learn to understand each other so they can aid in Sinds liberation from the Turks.
Besides living with her fellow soldiers, it was the first time in her life that Binhilde was respected and appreciated by the populace. She was incredibly humbled and flattered and did her best to learn the language.
The Turks had gotten wind of this threat and began assaulting the city that hosted Binhilde, seeking to nip the threat in the bud early. They vastly underestimated Binhildes band as they trounced the Turks and sent them scrambling back home. With a recent victory fresh in the hearts of the soldiers and the support of the local Hindus, the March towards the Turkish conquerors capital of Multan began.
Binhildes grasp on the Sindhi language grew with every city she conquered on the warpath to Multan. She managed to start to have full conversations with her Sindhi confidants and teach the language to those in her band who wanted to learn. In turn she learned of the culture and religion of this land. To her disappointment, the people here too did not allow women to hold land. She had secretly hoped that the society she would be conquering would be at least a little more tolerant than the one she left behind, but it didn’t matter to her either way. She would rule, and they would accept it. Intolerance was just a setback.
As the band approached Mutan, they found it heavily fortified by the Turks. They feared Binhilde and her armies for their reputation of being undefeated. It would end up being a siege.
The siege did not last long however for the Turks starved quite quickly with no local support. The ‘liberation’ of Multan was a quick one due to the malnourishment of the defenders.
Binhilde marched into the city to cheers, as her and her soldiers were baffled by the wealth and amazing architecture of the city. The city they would soon call home. Binhilde approached the city's temple, drawn by the same intuition that led her here. She stood in front of the statue of the Hindu sun god Surat. Binhilde touched the statue, hot from the heat of the sun and had a vision.
Chapter 5: Destiny Realized
Binhilde stood- no, floated in the sky, weightless. Then she saw a being full of light. He spoke- no, the voice reverberated in her head, the divine being had no reason to speak. He told Binhilde that her insistence of a destiny was completely correct. That he had intentionally made her a woman to take on his will. The being then identified itself as Deus, the sun god. Deus then explained that all prophets of the world have been shown Deus and it’s true glory, and were instilled with the essence of Deus himself. However, all of the major prophets all misunderstood his teachings, and it was up to Binhilde to set it right. Binhilde understood this well, and so after she woke from her vision, she turned to the crowd of the multanese natives and soldiers and spoke to them, but first in Sindhi, then in German and Italian for her army.
She explained that she indeed was set here for a purpose, that god instilled his essence within her and guided her here to achieve a specific goal: Show the world the truth. The following is transcribed from binhildes speech that day and is codified in the holy book of Sol Invictus:
Binhilde also proclaimed a new dynasty, cadet of the Premyslid: Binhildsylid, and her empire was then known forevermore as the Binhildyslidi Empire.
The reception was mixed to say the least, but at least half of each camp believed her. The extraordinary circumstances that led to her arriving in Multan, overcoming every obstacle in her way, was enough to believe that there was divine intervention.
Many feared that Binhilde was mad, and that she would not tolerate any who did not follow her supposed divine decree. Binhilde defied their expectations and decided to practice extreme tolerance. She fulfilled her promise to all of her adventures and gave them new land to settle as well as glory and fame to those who continued to serve in her army. To those who did not believe in Binhildes new religion, they considered her mad. But the also respected her for following through on her promises and leaving her loyal soldiers free to do whatever she pleased.
This religion with Binhilde at the head fulfilled exactly what she had been missing all of her life. A place where she belonged and complete control to mold the society she wished. For Binhilde, it wasn’t for a lack of effort either. She took her destiny into her own hands and did what Alexander the Great failed to accomplish, and with a loyal populace and army that makes up her great state. However, this is not enough. This is not Deus’ will. Binhilde’s will. Many cities of worship for the Sun God remain under Turkish control, and the borders of Binhildes nation were indefensible. However, the soldiers were tired and desired what they were promised. Binhilde let her nation thrive in peace for a short time while she reorganized her army and established control over her nation.
During this time, Binhilde set her nation's capital in Multan and created a society of warriors known as the Keepers of the Flame. The keepers of the flame consisted of Binhildes finest warriors and generals and was only for those who truly believed in Binhilde’s claim to be the incarnation of Deus. These warriors would meet every month and compete in brawls, however the summer and winter solstices are where particular celebrations would occur only for members of the society.
The military itself was reformed, with the conscription of local Sindhi men and women, to the protest of many. However, binhilde insisted. After all, Binhilde was made a woman for this task, and defying the importance of females comes with defying Deus itself.
Binhilde married one of her closest generals and one whom she fell in love with. However, the Deus religion also allowed for polygamy, so many of her other generals and lovers who would be brave enough to attempt to conquer Deus incarnates heart would be welcomed and their children counting towards inheritance to Binhilde’s legacy.
After peace and a successful birthing of a child, Binhilde was ready to begin the expansion of her empire. With the Seljuks weakened from their civil war, she quickly ravaged her western flank, liberating the holy cities of Kabulistan, Nishapur and Bost. To secure her east, she conquered the city of Delhi. In the end, the Binhildyslid empire managed to secure favourable trade deals with China, and their trade routes were secure from any hostile raids due to the natural borders her empire had set.
Chapter 6: The Sun Sets
Binhilde's life and family.
On December 20th, 1298, Binhilde died in her palace surrounded by her children and grandchildren. In her dying wish, she appointed her grandson and member of the Keepers of the Flame, Ferzuddin, as her heir. The entire nation was in a state of mourning and shock, how could the incarnation of Deus die?
Ferzuddin spoke to the people and resolved this issue simply. Binhilde was mortal, but Deus’ will is eternal. Whoever of Binhildes kin is chosen by her inherits Deus’ essence and will, and will become the next Binhildsylidi emperor and representative of Deus on earth. It was a time of mourning, scheming and unrest but also a time of potential for the empire, since if it was to continue its growth, it would become the greatest empire that the world had ever seen.
Feruzuddin, the Second Emperor of Binhilde's empire and Second Vessel of Deus.
And so it was for another 90 years, the empire would span half of Persia, establish a March in Central Asia known as Transoxiana, dominate the bengal region and Orissa, seeking to chip away at the Tamilian empire who was also vying for Indian supremacy. The policy of religious indifference to many of the nobility who stayed true to Catholicism and minor Turks who still were true to Islam still ruled and served the empire faithfully.
The Empire under Feruzuddin
Binhilde's empire at it's fullest extent.
The main source of income for the empire was the Silk Road that traveled through multan. Traders would go through binhidli territory to avoid the anarchy of Persia and enriched the empire's economy thoroughly. However, one day the emperor of binhildyslid, Genhra II, took it upon himself to monopolize the trade for the empire. They declared war on China during a time of perceived weakness, hoping to install a relative on the throne and ensure hegemony on trade forevermore. However, this invasion backfired and the Chinese shattered the once glorious binhildislid empire.
The Last Emperor of Binhildesylid, but not the last Vessel of Deus.
India in 1444
It’s now 1444 and the main branch of The Binhildisylid dynasty holds on in the core of Sindh, Binhildes first conquest. The power vacuum led to the formation of the Tibetan empire, seeking to spread their influence further into India and protect the holy sites of Buddhism. The once whole empire of the south of India has fallen apart and local lords seek to regain hegemony while a binhildslid branch keeps control in Orissa. In the west the Turkish khan Timur has united Persia once again, taking former zunist holy sites and seeks to return Islam to its former glory. The divine right of Deus has seemed to have diminished in the binhildi attempt to ensure divine blood. Will the Binhildi reclaim their legacy? Or will they complete their decline?
Thank you for reading! We will be continuing this world’s story in a Multiplayer session with a mod based off of the Crusader Kings II game. If you are interested, message me on discord for links! Lextzo#4814. Have a good day!
Chapter 1: Premonition
It was March 9th 1229 when Jacme looked upon the stars after laying with his wife, Bozena of the Premyslid dynasty. Jacme himself was of the d’Albon dynasty. However, his dynasty was insignificant compared to the Premyslid, so the children he bore with her were not to carry out his own line or legacy. He attempted to find solace in this by finding himself with god. Jacme tried to be a god fearing catholic man, but he did occasionally look to the stars, hoping to see a sign. As he looked into the sky that night, he felt a presence indescribable to him. He thought that maybe he finally would be shown a vision by the angels, if not simply to validate the faith he had no particular attachment to. What he saw that night, was something he never fully comprehended in his living life. He saw the sun. It was the middle of the night, but he saw the sun. The townspeople he looked down on, now lit with the radiant light did not stir. They laid asleep as they always did, but for Jacme he saw a light that eventually encompassed all he could perceive until he saw no more. Eventually, the light faded and he could see again. However, when he looked outside he saw the darkness of night again. He told his wife, he told the priests, but it never was taken seriously. However, after news of his wife’s pregnancy, he knew that it was something. It was a sign. A sign that the son in his wife’s belly would bring his branch of the Premyslid family glory and fame.
His predictions returned unfulfilled however, when on the day of the would-be son turned out to be a daughter. He was thoroughly disappointed and humiliated by his predictions proven wrong, and his lack of a male heir still. However, he still saw something... different about his daughter, who was named Binhilde.
Binhilde and her immediate family. Slight spoilers inside!
Binhilde was the fourth child of the Florentine branch of Premyslid. The dynasty was particularly prominent in the Holy Roman Empire, scoring two subsequent elections in the rapidly expanding empire.
The Premylsids were famous for their oversight of the Crusade against Piracy as petitioned by the pope, who saw the Barbary pirates looting and ravaging the coasts of Italy and the Papal States as sacrilege to Christians everywhere. However, this particular branch of the Premyslid had no influence to speak of. They held minor Italian lands and had little to no sway, especially compared to the head of the dynasty in Prague. Jacme always saw this as a humiliating fact. Now that he has resorted to delusions, many are calling him names behind his back. But as Binhilde grew up, the things they would say about Jacme and Binhilde started to change...
Chapter 2: The Rising Star
At an exceptionally young age, Binhilde was walking, talking and reading. When she was 6, she found herself studying the conquests of Alexander the Great and studying the theories of governance of Augustine. When she was 7, a snake had snuck into her room. According to her, she strangled it with her bare hands. Her physical prowess did not stop there as she managed to prove to be a highly competent bladeswoman, something nearly nobody in court appreciated besides her father. It is also said that binhilde would advise her father regarding war meetings in secret since she had proven to be a marvel in chess and other war games.
Binhilde soon became the talk of the HRE, a young woman who was able to kill a snake with her hands as a toddler, and a tactical genius in battle, with many seeking the advice of a 12 year old girl. However, despite her strength and ambition, she was unfortunately a woman.
Jacme had seen her potential and despite the stance of the church, sought to convince his wife to make Binhilde sole heir to her holdings. At every turn this was rejected. All of Binhilde's sisters, brothers and mother protested, the barons and counts under Jacme threatened rebellion if this was successful, and the church remained firm. No woman could inherit land. When Jacme pointed out the hypocrisy of her mother being allowed to rule, the truth was revealed. Word had spread that Binhilde was a demon spawn, one who should never be trusted. After all, what woman truly seeks to become a warrior? Demons are the only answer.
It was Binhilde's 16th birthday when she heard the news that she would not be able to fulfill her destiny as a warrior from her father. He expected his daughter to torment as she was designated to be a political bargaining chip just like her sisters. But binhilde rejected that fate. When she heard the news from her father she simply said; “If I am not welcome here, then I will forge my own destiny”. Jacme did not know what that meant, but he soon found out. Binhilde went on a “pilgrimage” the next day, going to Rome to “find herself”. She traveled with her retainers on the journey. When she returned home, it was with 100,000 men swearing loyalty to her as their leader.
Binhilde entered the castle she called home alone. She ignored the couriers who chastised her for flooding Florence with soldiers. Many thought she was conquering Florence to claim her birthright, but she only spoke to her father about her true intentions. Binhilde told her father that she was taking these men on an adventure. She saw in a vision that she was destined to continue the conquests of Alexander. To conquer the Indus Valley and created an empire of her own. She came to speak to her father for his blessing as well as food and funds for transportation.
Jacme was not surprised. In fact, he felt vindicated. He finally understood what that vision he had was. It wasn’t one of a dynasty for his glory, but for a greater purpose then he could have ever understood. He brushed his daughters head in his hand and told her of the vision he saw that day. He saw the sun in the night illuminating the streets of Florence and the inexplicable feeling he had that the child he bore was to be a child of destiny. He loved his daughter and hated to see her leave, potentially forever. But he knew that there was no denying her. He gave her a kiss on her forehead and wished her goodbye.
Binhilde said goodbye to her father and her father alone. Purposefully ignoring the outrage of her mother, berating her father for giving Binhilde nearly all of the wealth under his name. Finally, she would be rid of the society and structures that held her back. With her fathers wealth, she would be able to fulfill her destiny. Binhilde exited the castle and spoke to her men.
The soldiers cheered again, if they could be called that. Many of these men were simple peasants who had never seen battle. These men also lacked uniforms, something that binhilde had to figure out as the March progressed. Many of these things would phase lesser men. But Binhilde was not lesser, and she was not a man.
Chapter 3: The March East
The March east began that very day, visiting city by city as they began. Many men fled the ranks of Binhilde’s army, but just as many men followed in their stead. Occasionally, some women managed to fall into Binhilde’s army. The March took many scenic stops, particularly in the Byzantine empire where they stopped to visit Alexander’s home town of Pella.
The March then began to replicate Alexander’s through Anatolia and eventually into hostile Persian land. Persia under the Seljuk dynasty was undergoing a severe civil war at the time. This made the March surprisingly easier, as Binhilde was able to barter her army into mercenary status to several nobles, making money and gaining resources along the way. Many were able to tell that she was a woman, who clearly was sinful for not concealing her face. However, many either assumed they were wrong, or simply were too intimidated by her to protest.
This streak of luck eventually faded when her army reached the city of Basra. Binhilde attempted to make a deal with a local merchant to allow her to purchase a fleet of transport ships to aid in her conquest. The merchant simply denied her, saying that no woman could be a conqueror. Immediately after this remark, she and her soldiers seized the merchant navy for themselves, fighting the entire city and its regiments to do so.
While Binhildes heist was a success, the Seljuks were not pleased. The Seljuks had just lost the majority of their merchant fleet to the hands of an infidel who already was a thorn in their side for siding with rebels they were fighting. This incursion was not to be taken lightly. The Seljuks then sent a navy of their own to hunt down Binhilde. This truly was the largest test she and her men had to face. Never being in boats before, let alone naval combat was a cause for major anxiety among the soldiers, who had already faced the entire guard of the dirt against them. However, Binhildes stroke of luck proved to be an insurmountable force. Under her leadership, they were able to rout the enemy and take the ships for themselves, gaining a larger navy then they had previously. Binhilde even managed to make more allies than she had lost, promising freedom to the galley rowers she had just defeated. This immense defeat was instrumental in the victory of the rebels during the Seljuk civil war. The loss of their income from their trade routes soon led the Seljuk sultanate to lose authority over all of its vassals, leading to it’s entire collapse. Unbeknownst to Binhilde, she and her new allies continued sailing east to conquer India.
Chapter 4: Landfall
As Binhilde grew closer to her goal, she felt more and more invigorated. It had been an adventurous 2 years, but she knew that she drew closer to her ultimate destiny as the conqueror she knew she was. Following her intuition alone, she and her navy managed to locate an Indian city on the Indus River. This would then become the first target in Binhilde’s invasion proper. With 60,000 soldiers, she seized the city and made it her base of operations.
The city was in utter chaos by the time her and her soldiers were done with it. Nearly the entire native population was displaced or otherwise died defending their home from foreign invaders and the rest of the citizens were now under the management of a ruler who did not speak their language. Binhilde and her soldiers celebrated their imminent victory under their undefeated ruler. Binhilde was itching to continue, but she let her soldiers test and party for several days before the invasion would continue.
During this time, her and her closest advisers including her retinue who were appointed by her father gathered intelligence. Unsurprisingly, Binhilde's arrival came at an opportune time. The Indus River valley was recently conquered by an Islamic adventurer who had no support from the local population. In fact, many saw Binhilde's arrival as a sign of liberation for their people. Many local Hindus have heard of a warrior queen who had recently made landfall and already have been in Contact, attempting to learn to understand each other so they can aid in Sinds liberation from the Turks.
Besides living with her fellow soldiers, it was the first time in her life that Binhilde was respected and appreciated by the populace. She was incredibly humbled and flattered and did her best to learn the language.
The Turks had gotten wind of this threat and began assaulting the city that hosted Binhilde, seeking to nip the threat in the bud early. They vastly underestimated Binhildes band as they trounced the Turks and sent them scrambling back home. With a recent victory fresh in the hearts of the soldiers and the support of the local Hindus, the March towards the Turkish conquerors capital of Multan began.
Binhildes grasp on the Sindhi language grew with every city she conquered on the warpath to Multan. She managed to start to have full conversations with her Sindhi confidants and teach the language to those in her band who wanted to learn. In turn she learned of the culture and religion of this land. To her disappointment, the people here too did not allow women to hold land. She had secretly hoped that the society she would be conquering would be at least a little more tolerant than the one she left behind, but it didn’t matter to her either way. She would rule, and they would accept it. Intolerance was just a setback.
As the band approached Mutan, they found it heavily fortified by the Turks. They feared Binhilde and her armies for their reputation of being undefeated. It would end up being a siege.
The siege did not last long however for the Turks starved quite quickly with no local support. The ‘liberation’ of Multan was a quick one due to the malnourishment of the defenders.
Binhilde marched into the city to cheers, as her and her soldiers were baffled by the wealth and amazing architecture of the city. The city they would soon call home. Binhilde approached the city's temple, drawn by the same intuition that led her here. She stood in front of the statue of the Hindu sun god Surat. Binhilde touched the statue, hot from the heat of the sun and had a vision.
Chapter 5: Destiny Realized
Binhilde stood- no, floated in the sky, weightless. Then she saw a being full of light. He spoke- no, the voice reverberated in her head, the divine being had no reason to speak. He told Binhilde that her insistence of a destiny was completely correct. That he had intentionally made her a woman to take on his will. The being then identified itself as Deus, the sun god. Deus then explained that all prophets of the world have been shown Deus and it’s true glory, and were instilled with the essence of Deus himself. However, all of the major prophets all misunderstood his teachings, and it was up to Binhilde to set it right. Binhilde understood this well, and so after she woke from her vision, she turned to the crowd of the multanese natives and soldiers and spoke to them, but first in Sindhi, then in German and Italian for her army.
She explained that she indeed was set here for a purpose, that god instilled his essence within her and guided her here to achieve a specific goal: Show the world the truth. The following is transcribed from binhildes speech that day and is codified in the holy book of Sol Invictus:
Binhilde also proclaimed a new dynasty, cadet of the Premyslid: Binhildsylid, and her empire was then known forevermore as the Binhildyslidi Empire.
The reception was mixed to say the least, but at least half of each camp believed her. The extraordinary circumstances that led to her arriving in Multan, overcoming every obstacle in her way, was enough to believe that there was divine intervention.
Many feared that Binhilde was mad, and that she would not tolerate any who did not follow her supposed divine decree. Binhilde defied their expectations and decided to practice extreme tolerance. She fulfilled her promise to all of her adventures and gave them new land to settle as well as glory and fame to those who continued to serve in her army. To those who did not believe in Binhildes new religion, they considered her mad. But the also respected her for following through on her promises and leaving her loyal soldiers free to do whatever she pleased.
This religion with Binhilde at the head fulfilled exactly what she had been missing all of her life. A place where she belonged and complete control to mold the society she wished. For Binhilde, it wasn’t for a lack of effort either. She took her destiny into her own hands and did what Alexander the Great failed to accomplish, and with a loyal populace and army that makes up her great state. However, this is not enough. This is not Deus’ will. Binhilde’s will. Many cities of worship for the Sun God remain under Turkish control, and the borders of Binhildes nation were indefensible. However, the soldiers were tired and desired what they were promised. Binhilde let her nation thrive in peace for a short time while she reorganized her army and established control over her nation.
During this time, Binhilde set her nation's capital in Multan and created a society of warriors known as the Keepers of the Flame. The keepers of the flame consisted of Binhildes finest warriors and generals and was only for those who truly believed in Binhilde’s claim to be the incarnation of Deus. These warriors would meet every month and compete in brawls, however the summer and winter solstices are where particular celebrations would occur only for members of the society.
The military itself was reformed, with the conscription of local Sindhi men and women, to the protest of many. However, binhilde insisted. After all, Binhilde was made a woman for this task, and defying the importance of females comes with defying Deus itself.
Binhilde married one of her closest generals and one whom she fell in love with. However, the Deus religion also allowed for polygamy, so many of her other generals and lovers who would be brave enough to attempt to conquer Deus incarnates heart would be welcomed and their children counting towards inheritance to Binhilde’s legacy.
After peace and a successful birthing of a child, Binhilde was ready to begin the expansion of her empire. With the Seljuks weakened from their civil war, she quickly ravaged her western flank, liberating the holy cities of Kabulistan, Nishapur and Bost. To secure her east, she conquered the city of Delhi. In the end, the Binhildyslid empire managed to secure favourable trade deals with China, and their trade routes were secure from any hostile raids due to the natural borders her empire had set.
Chapter 6: The Sun Sets
Binhilde's life and family.
On December 20th, 1298, Binhilde died in her palace surrounded by her children and grandchildren. In her dying wish, she appointed her grandson and member of the Keepers of the Flame, Ferzuddin, as her heir. The entire nation was in a state of mourning and shock, how could the incarnation of Deus die?
Ferzuddin spoke to the people and resolved this issue simply. Binhilde was mortal, but Deus’ will is eternal. Whoever of Binhildes kin is chosen by her inherits Deus’ essence and will, and will become the next Binhildsylidi emperor and representative of Deus on earth. It was a time of mourning, scheming and unrest but also a time of potential for the empire, since if it was to continue its growth, it would become the greatest empire that the world had ever seen.
Feruzuddin, the Second Emperor of Binhilde's empire and Second Vessel of Deus.
And so it was for another 90 years, the empire would span half of Persia, establish a March in Central Asia known as Transoxiana, dominate the bengal region and Orissa, seeking to chip away at the Tamilian empire who was also vying for Indian supremacy. The policy of religious indifference to many of the nobility who stayed true to Catholicism and minor Turks who still were true to Islam still ruled and served the empire faithfully.
The Empire under Feruzuddin
Binhilde's empire at it's fullest extent.
The main source of income for the empire was the Silk Road that traveled through multan. Traders would go through binhidli territory to avoid the anarchy of Persia and enriched the empire's economy thoroughly. However, one day the emperor of binhildyslid, Genhra II, took it upon himself to monopolize the trade for the empire. They declared war on China during a time of perceived weakness, hoping to install a relative on the throne and ensure hegemony on trade forevermore. However, this invasion backfired and the Chinese shattered the once glorious binhildislid empire.
The Last Emperor of Binhildesylid, but not the last Vessel of Deus.
India in 1444
It’s now 1444 and the main branch of The Binhildisylid dynasty holds on in the core of Sindh, Binhildes first conquest. The power vacuum led to the formation of the Tibetan empire, seeking to spread their influence further into India and protect the holy sites of Buddhism. The once whole empire of the south of India has fallen apart and local lords seek to regain hegemony while a binhildslid branch keeps control in Orissa. In the west the Turkish khan Timur has united Persia once again, taking former zunist holy sites and seeks to return Islam to its former glory. The divine right of Deus has seemed to have diminished in the binhildi attempt to ensure divine blood. Will the Binhildi reclaim their legacy? Or will they complete their decline?
Thank you for reading! We will be continuing this world’s story in a Multiplayer session with a mod based off of the Crusader Kings II game. If you are interested, message me on discord for links! Lextzo#4814. Have a good day!
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