The History of the World V . . . .

[OzzyKP]

Powergraph

This is really interesting. A graph of troop levels. You can clearly see different battles on there by the dips in the graph. I've marked the different battles.

The Battle of Madras is clearly the biggest knock-down, drag-out fight of the entire game so far. Large losses for France, America, and India.

[OzzyKP]

Ack, I forgot to post the save earlier. Here it is:

[The Capo]

The Rise and Fall of Sancho Diaz (Part I)

General Pizarro charged down the field flanked by his two Russian comrades. He lifted his sword forward, as he charged the English and Incan positions. It was strange being under the command of the Russians, but they were cordial, and respectful to Pizarro for the duration of his stay with them in Novogrod. Prior to officially joining the war Spain had offered two units of Spanish swordsmen to Russia. King Sancho's plot to attack Huamanga was ruined when Russian axemen entered the city and took control of it.

Thousands had been exiled to the south, beyond Spain's borders, but were trapped between Russian and Spanish territory. It was at this point that Spain entered the war by taking the refugees from Huamanga captive, and putting them to work as slaves in Toledo, which ironically enough was the city Sancho had been planning his war against England and the Incan Empire.

But back to General Pizarro; "C'mon you English dogs! Take that!" he said as he thrust his sword into an English soldier.

The stand-off had been long, as both sides had taken up defensive positions after Northern Alliance (England and the Incan Empire) took the city from Russia a few years beforehand. The Russians had holed up, in an attempt to break the alliance's spirits...

Days Later, in Toledo...

The Royal Camp was not what Isabella had imagined; Sancho had set up the official royal tent as a sort of military plan stage rather than a residence, and Isabella believed this was beneath the King. "My lord, why must we live in this tent, like rabble?" she said as she picked up a helmet, as if to show Sancho what it looked like.

"My darling, it's good for little Ferdinand here to experience this, so he grows to be a great warrior, and a strong King!" he said, holding his son Ferdinand in the air, he was still a baby.

"And I don't believe it is proper to bring him, he is merely a child, who knows what this war will bring." she said holding him softly to her breast "I think we should return to Madrid; Ferdinand and I, that is."

"I told you, the theatre of war is far from here, this is simply the eastern-most city in our Empire." he liked the sound of the word; Empire. "From here we are at a safe enough distance, but remain close enough to act quickly in case of an emergency."

"Well my Lord, look at this!" she said, extending her arms "this whole place is a pit, I am the Queen of Spain! I demand better than this!" she yelled.

"Isabella, please." he said, it was hard for him to admit that she was right, but he knew if he had to prove anything it was that Spain was rich and powerful "Listen, I will send you back to Madrid, and I shall return, when we are victorious, but before you go we must take care of one last matter- PACAY come!" he barked at his newly acquired Incan slave. "You, you bring baby with soldiers to Rosa, understand?" the Incan nodded, and gently took the baby as two Spanish soldiers stood close behind.

"My darling, I believe the time has come to give Ferdinand a brother..."

Outside of Novogrod...

Francisco Pizarro slowly pulled himself up out of the creek; he had a couple of arrow wounds from horse-archers, but generally he was fine. He noticed a dead Russian soldier on the ground near him. "Wow Francisco, you've done a good job watching your ass." He looked around, he didn't see or hear anybody.

He threw off his armor, and wrapped his sword in some cloth he stole from the Russian. He then watched the sun, to see which way he had to go to return to Spain.

[condor223]

Many messengers have arrived in Beijing bearing news of the wars. Women of the Royal court have been at first enraged and then in mourning over the losses of their relatives. They sent small attachments of their personal bearers to reinforce parents and loved ones in distant cities.

I, the Golden One, have been foolish to have so many foreign women in the palace. There is no time to care for other matters of state while there is ranting and the throwing of valuable pottery in the palace. Indeed it is time to find wives at home and keep the peace, or my foolish warlike grandsons could take delight in meddling in foreign affairs.

[The Capo]

The Rise and Fall of Sancho Diaz (Part II)

Isabella gave birth to two more children; Isabella II, and Carlos V (the latter was named after Sancho's father, Carlos Dodabella). She was kept very busy in Madrid making sure the children were raised in proper Spanish form, and to oversee things at home while Sancho was away in Toledo. El Cid's plan for increasing the economic power of Spain had to take a back seat to the war effort, as production went immedeately towards building Spain's army.

General Eduardo Contreras de Cadrez, who was the great uncle of Isabella died in Madrid shortly after Isabella's return, it was a sad day, and this served as a bad omen to the military.

The war had been going well recently, the Indians made a huge stand at Madras, warding off the American onslaught of Catapults, and the Russians took steps to retake Novogrod, which had been given to the Inca as a gift from England. Talk of peace soon began between the Indians and Americans, which annoyed Sancho greatly because he wanted nothing more than to be victorious in at least one battle. Tarik ibn-Zayid turned out to be an Indian agent, who was actually Chanakya, the cheif advisor to Chandragupta. Despite the fact that the alliance gave a vast amount of technology and a powerful alliance with Russia and India, Sancho was a little angry about being fooled by the Indians. Regardless, Spain was growing stronger, its territory getting larger, and its technological capabilites were increased exponentially...

Toledo...

Sancho's military tent had been converted into a full on base of operations complete with barracks for his private guard. The citizens of Toledo hardly knew what to do with all of the royal attention, and rumors began spreading that Sancho may make Toledo his new capital. These were only rumors though.

"This news is terrible!" General Cortez said to the King as he read the letter from the Russians. "According to this latest letter from the front General Pizarro fell in battle, but his body was not found."

"No, that can't be true! He was going to lead our attack against the Khazar village in the noth!" the King replied, snatching the letter from his General.

"Well, it doesn't seem like that will be the case now. Although they did report that no body was recovered, perhaps Pizarro made it out alive, maybe they just didn't find him."

"That could be true, but I have a bad feeling he was captured in battle, a captured general would give political leverage to the English and Inca, how far are our troops from the Russian border?" the King asked, placing the note gently on the table, he wanted to preserve the letter in case the worst happened to Pizarro.

"There is already an advanced army there, the one that captured the Incan slaves, we have multiple units en-route, but its difficult getting that many men through the forests without roads, we need them dearly." the General said, the King knew he was right, but didn't want to spend more money than he already had.

"We are working on that, the royal coffers can hardly support this war, let alone new roads at this juncture." the King replied "Any news from Madrid?"

"Not a lot, Gaspar Guzman de Olivares has apparently been speaking out against your rule, but there isn't much to be done right now, we must let the war speak for itself." the General replied, he knew quite well that this would anger Sancho.

"That bastard!" Sancho said, slamming his fist on the table "I knew he was a fork-tongued liar!"

"The people do not know this, they do not know he supported this war, now he speaks out against it. He is an opportunist, plain and simple. There is new talk of peace by the way, the Indian efforts in Madras have weakened America's will. The war could be over before our soldiers make it to the front, but the English are steadfast, and if they keep it up the war could go on for many years. It all depends on the peace negotiations." the General replied.

"Alright, we have to speak with the Russians, if they want to continue India will follow suit. Elizabeth is very stubborn, so I'm sure as long as we get the rhetoric in our favor the war can continue. The people must know I am a strong King, I must gain victory, I wish to command the armies myself."

"My liege, with all due respect to your magnificence, if you fall in battle things would not go well here. Your children are too young to rule, and this will give Olivares an opportunity, the Kingdom would have to fall back on Isidor, and he's far too old to keep the Kingdom together, besides he doesn't get the respect from the nobility that you get, I have to advise against it."

"Regardless, I will command our forces against our enemies, whether it be against the Jews in the south or the English and Inca in the north, I will prove to these people that I am every bit the warrior that El Cid was."

[OzzyKP]

The Return of Chanakya & Battle Preparations

At the palace in Delhi...

Chandragupta - "General Pusyamitra, has the plan worked?"

Pusyamitra - "Yes sire, the German black riders were lured into our trap by the decoy and dispatched by our archers. Their threat has been eliminated."

Chandragupta - "Excellent, now that that distraction is over we have more important matters to attend to. The enemy has amassed an enormous army outside of Madras and have bombarded its defenses for many months. I fear their final assault is imminent. Thankfully their troops have not succeeded in cutting off Madras, and we are able to supply it and send reinforcements. Hopefully the Russians can send defenders to help hold Madras. Contact General Dangime and ask for assistance."

Just then, a courier burst into the room (they seemed to do that quite often), with some important news.

Courier - "Sire! Novgorod has fallen! The enemy has captured Novgorod!"

Chandragupta - "Damn! This is terrible news. There is no way the Lord Dangime can afford to reinforce Madras now.... we stand alone."

Pusyamitra - "Send me sire, I will see to the defenses of Madras personally. With our veteran troops from the Battle of Delhi, we may have a chance."

Chandragupta - "I hope so, by the gods, I hope so. This will be the battle of all battles. We cannot allow Madras to fall. Go, and may Vishnu ride with you."

Pusyamitra - "Yes sire."




Several Weeks Later in Delhi...

After many months on a secret mission, the great Indian Prime Minister and strategist, Chanakya returns triumphantly (but quietly) to Delhi. His highly classified mission (only he and the King knew the details of the mission) has been a total success. He is greated with open arms in the King's chambers.

Chandragupta - "Chanakya my old friend! News of your success has preceeded you! Spain has entered the war and is sending an army east to help us and the Russians! Once again, I am amazed at your powers."

Chanakya - "I was really quite fortunate sire. I arrived in Spain just as the King turned up missing, and shortly thereafter dead. I found myself with a Prince looking to make a name for himself and seeking new advisors he could trust. I earned his trust quickly by sharing some good information and insight. The rest as you say, is history."

Chandragupta - "Yes, I heard about the suicide of El Cid, quite fortunate timing indeed..."

The King raised an inquisitive eyebrow as he looked at "Tarik".

Chanakya - "Not all of history finds its way into history books my liege..."

Chandragupta - "So, 'Mr. Tarik ibn-Zayid', now that you are back in my employ, what are your thoughts on our current situation?"

Chanakya - "As I suspected, Spain's entrance into the war has shook up the Star Alliance. Their cocky swager is gone now that their overwhelming 5 on 2 odds have changed. Like all bullies, they only seek war when the odds are very much in their favor. Now that things are more even, they are scared."

Chandragupta - "Excellent, your mission to Spain was well worth it. When can we expect their armies in Madras?"

Chanakya - "Never sire."

Chandragupta - "Never?! What are you talking about?"

Chanakya - "Spain's military leadership is indecisive and inept. Their army is not built for speed, and their troops are far away. If anything they will wander through the wilderness until the war is over. No, we cannot expect direct aid from the Spanish. Their role is purely to scare the Star Alliance into negotiating for peace. I encourage you to play up Spain's significance during negotiations to cow the enemy into suing for peace. King Sancho has been rewarded hansomely for his part in this war, but it is unlikely his troops will ever see battle."

Chandragupta - "Ah... then what of Madras? It is surrounded and under siege. Without Russian or Spanish aid... I'm just not sure it will survive, even with General Pusyamitra leading the defense."

Chanakya - "We shall try to use Spain's entrance to bring America to the negotiating table before they attack Madras, however they have been spoiling for a fight for some time. I don't believe this war will end until the siege of Madras is finished one way or another. You must continue to reinforce the city, however I believe the best defense is a good offense. With America's attention turned solely towards Madras, they have left Boston weakly defended. Just a few French archers protect the city. If we can make a swift assault on Boston we will turn the momentum of this war, cut off the American supply lines outside of Madras, and rapidly turn the mood of their troops from confidence to despair."

Chandragupta - "Brilliant, Chanakya. It is quite good to have you back. I shall send my grandson, Ashoka. He proved himself as a valiant fighter, and skillful leader at the Battle of Delhi. He will be perfect for leading the strike on Boston. Plus, I am grooming him to be my replacement. I am getting old, and Ashoka is a cunning leader and powerful military commander. He will be a perfect successor."

Chanakya - "Perfect, I have watched Ashoka's progress for many years, and I concur with your judgement of the young man, he is ruthless and effective. As for Madras itself... the French, American, and English troops laying siege to that once proud city have already taken their toll on the city. It will be a difficult battle no matter what happens in Boston. Our mercenary horse archers should help with the defenses, but it does not look like victory will be a sure thing. If Madras falls, it will hopefully be more costly to the enemy than to us. If it does fall, hopefully Russian and perhaps Spanish aid will come soon enough to retake the city."

[LzPrst]

The Aftermath of The Great War
Part 1

-Peace? They have surrendered? What nonsense is this!? Surely this must be Indian misinformation! Adolphe throws his chalice through the throne room.

-Get me some reliable information!

A week later a delegation of couriers arrive at the Palace in Berlin. Entering the war room they bow respectfully to Adolphe and lay out their charts, letters and maps. One of the couriers standing tall, his long bright hair tied in a knot at the top of his head speaks loudly with a strong voice filled with strength and confidence.

"My Warchief, we have gathered all the information achievable concerning the war effort. We had our scouts with the Franco-American forces at Madras where the greatest battle of the south took place. They witnessed the siege and its defeat. Following their failed rush upon Madras the French all but surrendered their war effort. The Americans didnt have much to defend themselves with either. Our archers fought and died for Boston, but in vain. Horses and Axes combined with deadly effect to crush the pitiful defences of Boston. The defenders had not even built proper walls despite our generals most persistent requests. He fell during the battle mylord.

Furthermore, from what we have been told of the northern war, mostly from our English contacts, the war was progressing well, Novgorod fell and the Anglo-Incan alliance was holding their ground. Then Spain sent a force to sneak attack the Incans establishing a two-front war. The Anglo-Incan alliance could barely hold their ground against the combined might of Russia and Spain. When Boston fell the pacifist rulers of France sent no more men. America had nothing to defend themselves with. Our forces fell upon the conquerors of Boston to no avail.

Following their defeat at Boston America could no longer hold their own against India, we do not know why, but we heard reports of Indian raiders throughout America harrying supply lines and creating havoc inside American borders. America surrendered and agreed to cede Boston to India. France sought peace so quickly it was an embarassment to behold. Indias forces are now moving north towards England and Inca. The combined might of India, Russia and Spain will shatter the all resistance in the north. We have heard that the English and Inca have agreed to peace negotiations, the most likely terms is that Novgorod will be returned to Russia."

Darkening like a gathering storm Adolphe hears his courier speak. With a great sigh he turns to his diplomat and speaks in a somber tone.
-Send a courier with a peace offering to India. We will not fight Americas war anymore.

-So this is how it ends. Like Chanyaka wanted all along, India enlarged, America reduced, Russia, Inca and England bled dry. I must hand it to him, he is a worthy foe.

-We will build a monument to remember this day. A great place of thought, not of war, where we will forever seek enlightenment, not conflict, a Parthenon!

"Shut up you fool"
Adolphe spins around staring at his First General, Manfred von München.

-How dare you!? I'll have your head!

"You'll have nothing of the sort. Under your rule Germany has lost a war that we should have won on our own, with allies triumphantly. The people are in a frenzy, demanding an explanation of this betrayal. Your obsession with your damn monuments and great buildings has reduced Germany's army to a third rate power. I have conferred with my other generals. You are no longer in power."

With a movement as swift as the jungle snakes of Wildwalt a shiny blade leaves a hand and pierces the eye of the once great leader of German men. General von München is dead before his body hits the floor. The whole room turns to the tall blond courier who has just saved his Warchief's life and empire. The other 5 generals in the hall, stunned by the unexpected attack collect their senses and draw their axes in unison. One screams out:

"Kill the Warchief! Or we'll never have power for ourselves!"

Two of the Generals dash to intercept Adolphe as he heads for the door, the others fan out around him. The couriers flee the scene, with the exception of the one tall scout, Gerhard, veteran of the Madras scouting expedition.
Drawing his ceremonial sword Adolphe stares with the rage of a demon at his former servants and takes the head off the first to come close.
The following battle is fierce and swift as that of the tundra wolf and the desert jackal. Slaying two more generals Adolphe and Gerhard manage to escape the room and flee through the palace halls.

Civil War has broken out in Germany!

(edited for readability)

[The Capo]

The Rise and Fall of Sancho Diaz (Part III)

Spain's entrance into the war proved to be enough to begin talk of peace, which was not what King Sancho wanted to occur. He was hell-bent on establishing himself as a military-King, he knew if peace prevailed he would not get his opportunity. His military advisors had already told him that it was unlikely his troops would reach the front in time. Finally after the Indians thwarted the American assault on Madras, peace talks began. The cities of Boston and Novogrod were handed over to the Indians and Russians respectively. All of this occured despite Sancho's best intentions on keeping Russia and England at war, however this failed when the English agreed to return Novogrod. Regardless of how Sancho viewed the outcome, it was great for Spain. They were now an international powerhouse, whether the other nations wanted to admit it or not; their countryside remained in-tact, their territory was extended, and their technological prowess increased nearly beyond the comprehension of their wise men. The royal marriage saw the birth of three children, and there was even talk of a marriage-alliance with the Chinese.

Unfortunately for Sancho, things at the royal household were not going as well. The Queen's great-uncle, General Eduardo Contreras de Cadrez died, General Pizarro was either dead, lost, or captured, Sancho was further ashamed by the Indian agent Chanakya who had convinced him to go to war in the first place. The entire situation was going horribly in Sancho's mind, despite his successes. This line of thinking would prove to be his downfall...

Madrid.

"Darling, please, come to bed." the Queen said to King Sancho, it had been many years since he was gone, Ferdinand was starting to grow up, and the new children were getting older as well.

"Ugh, I can't sleep tonight... things aren't going to well, I have a lot to think about." the King replied, staring out of the window at the snowy Madrid landscape.

"Please, save a little debt, Spain is doing well. You are the finest King the country has ever seen." she said as she kissed him on the cheek, "You have brought victory to Spain, something that can unite the country."

"But at what cost? I was fooled by a damned Indian! Its terrible!" Sancho replied, shaking his head.

"No, you wanted the war yourself, he just agreed with you. Listen, if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be together... right?" she asked.

"Yes, that is true." he said smiling "That's the first time I've smiled in a long time, I've missed Madrid." he said, looking back outside of the window. "And that bastard Olivares, stirring things up in my court; I'll show him what I'm made of."

"Please don't talk, lay down, I can make you feel better..." his Queen replied.

Near the Russian border...

General Mendoza made it his personal mission to find Pizarro, whether he was dead or not. The last of the Spanish forces that made it into Russia were on their way out; back to Toledo. He had taken command of a single unit of elite Spanish swordsmen to find the lost General.

"Colonel Jimenez!" he yelled, as the fat colonel approached him.

"Yes Don Mendoza." he replied with a bow, General Mendoza hated the Colonel, but he always repsected him in this manner, and he kind of liked being treated in that way.

"You take two of these men into those forests, he wouldn't travel on the roads for fear of being spotted, he's a smart man. Remember, he may still think the war is going on, which would be why he hasn't shown himself. So don't make any sudden moves." The General said, the Colonel simply saluted him, nodded, and did as he was told.

Days Later, Back in Madrid...

Isidor nervously entered the King's chamber; he didn't know what to think about Sancho now that the war was over. He knew Sancho had favored him for his help with the El Cid situation, but still couldn't help feeling worried, I mean he was the son of Bainor the Tyrant after all.

"Ahh, Isidor, pleasure to see you again." the King said, Isidor's daughter Queen Isabella was sitting right next to him, she simply nodded, with no smile.

"The pleasure is mine your Highness." Isidor replied.

"Isn't my Queen ravishing Isidor?" Sancho said smugly.

"Y-yes, Her Majesty is a beautiful girl."

"Woman, Isidor, Her Majesty is a beautiful woman." the King said sternly.

"Of course your excellency."

"That isn't want I summoned you for Isidor, you see I have realized I made a mistake, and a very innocent man is in the royal dungeons. Please, your first order of business when you leave my presence will be to go to the dungeon, I shall send with you two notes, one is for the guard who will let Bartolo Calderon de Cordoba from his cell, and the second is for Bartolo Calderon de Cordoba when he exits his cell. You will not look at either of these messages." the King said as he motioned for his servant to had Isidor the messages.

"Yes, thank you my Lord." Isidor replied.

"And secondly, you will go to the Madrid Monitor and tell them I will be going on campaign against the heathen Khazars in the northern territories. I would like for them to send a reporter to tell the world of my triumph first-hand. In my stead you will serve as Steward of Spain, as my eldest son Ferdinand is far too young to rule." the King added, "But you will take orders directly from Queen Isabella herself, if you stray from this in any way you will be killed, do you understand me?"

Isidor looked at his daughter Isabella, her face was completely vacant. "I don't know that I can do that my Lord, she is my daughter, you should get someone else to do it."

"Isidor, please spare me the dramatic nonsense, I know you want this, and frankly you should have it. My bastard father should never have been King. I understand you don't think you can handle it, because you are a weak-willed person, which is precisely the reason I am making you Steward of my Empire while I am on campaign. You will do as your daughter says, and you will not question her, when I return I will determine your compensation based on Isabella's report." the King said as he rose from his throne, you may leave Isidor.

"Thank you, I will not fail you." Isidor replied.

"I know, please hurry, I must speak with Bartolo before I go..."

[LzPrst]

The Battle of Berlin
Part 2 of the Aftermath


Following the escape fighting breaks out between rebels and loyalists in the streets of Berlin. The Palace Guard barricades the Warchief's palace and fight like Wolves to hinder the usurpers access to the throne room. During the days and nights of fighting the loyalists eventually gain the upper hand and force the rebels out of the city where they reform and begin a siege.

The following struggle rages on for months. Adolphe's loyal forces fight against the former generals now turned regional warlords. Arrows fly from the walls of Berlin day and night as the capital remains the only city remaining loyal to Adolphe. The Palace guard have taken the walls and cut down invaders by the scores, yet even these elite troops tire and dwindle as the armies outside continue their relentless assault.

With the port city of Münich in the hands of the betrayer general Johan von Münchausen, contact with the islands has been cut off, but rumours say that Seeland has rebelled as well and declared loyalty to Adolphe's brother Ulrich.
Hamburg suffers internal rebellions and a fierce struggle between loyalists and the usurpers continue daily. None has heard from the settlement at Koinsel for months.

Adolphe has for the last weeks during the stalemate retreated to his private chambers in contemplation and study. Meanwhile the former courier Gerhard has taken the responsibility of defending the city after having purged the disloyal officers from the capitals forces and thrown them from the city walls. His strength, skill and confidence is an inspiration to the loyal troops of Berlin. Some superstitious souls think him an angel in disguise sent to preserve the order of Germany, while more cynical souls suspect him to be an opportunist seizing power in Adolphe's absence. Regardless of his nature and intention his staunch defence of the capital has ensured, for the time being, the continued survival of Adolphe's rule.

[The Capo]

The Madrid Monitor
January 1st, 580 a.d.
1/30 Gold Piece

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TOP STORY!
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Great War Ends!
Delhi, India - The Americans and Indians finally made peace after centuries of conflict, dubbed the Great World War. The war was a result of issues begining with a conflict between Mongolia and England, which ultimately ended in a catastrophic war between the Jewish countries of the south (including their Incan and English allies) and the Russo-Indian alliance (which spanned the center of our continent). Former Foreign Minister to El Cid, Bartolo Calderon de Cordoba (who was recently released from jail after he was cleared of any involvement in El Cid's demise), commented that the war "was really the natural flow of events leading from the Mongolian-English war, which lead to the English-German war; and from this political system, the current war was born." Other Spanish nobles, such as outspoken Count/Duke Gaspar Guzman de Olivares has taken a more overt approach, blaming Sancho and his "foreign conspirators" for the entire thing, going so far as the allude that the King was complicent in El Cid's death; "It seems quite strange to me that the King's passing would come so close to Spain's involvement in the war, up until [El Cid's] death Spain had taken the side of peace, and miraculously after he passes Sancho hires an advisor from a foreign country, which happened to be India, and all of the sudden Spain is engaged in a war!" The King denies all claims that he had any role in the planning of the war, or El Cid's passing. He has called a special meeting of nobles to take place following his return from a planned assault against the Khazar camp in the north. As for the war itself, two major battles spell out the war; the battles of Novogrod and Madras. In the former battle, the combined forces of England and the Incan Empire were able to take a city they claimed was ancestral Incan territory. "It seems the Inca felt that they needed the city because it was close to their capital, or that they legitimately believed that Novogrod was in the Inca's rightful territory" said General Hernan Cortez, who was stationed in the city of Toledo during the fall of Novogrod. As for the Indian stand-off at Madras, it was nothing short of amazing. The Indians survived multiple onslaughts by Catapults and hordes of American-Axemen, but in the end the Indian archers were able to ward off their Jewish enemies, which ultimately lead to America suing for peace. Word from the front is unreliable, but the prevailing word is that the Americans agreed to turn over the city of Boston to India, and have also agreed to stop sending Judiastic missionaries into Indian territory (it should be noted that this effectively blocks the Americans from sending missionaries to any northern countries). As for the war in the north; after England took the city of Novogrod, they turned it over to Sapa Inca Huascar of the Incan Empire. Following this move, the Russians began to lay seige to the city, waiting for the right time to attack, fortunately the war ended by then and the Inca agreed to return the city of Novogrod back to Russia. For Spain's part in the war they recieved the formerly Incan city of Huamanga from Russia, as well as fufillment of indisclosed gifts from India and Russia.

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DOMESTIC REPORT
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El Cid's Economic Plan Finished!
Madrid - A plan to establish marketplaces in all Spanish cities, villages, and settlements was finally finished with much fanfare. The centuries-old project, started under the reign of King Rodrigo Diaz (known as El Cid) was put on hold when Spain joined the Great World War, but after the military production, and the war ended, production went back to normal. "It makes it easier to sell my products" Hugo Revez told the Monitor "There are pre-made stands for my wares, I just have to pay a rental tax to the King and it makes it a lot easier not to worry about buying my won tent, and finding a place to put it, its very organized." The plan has effectively added 25% to the royal coffers, however some nobles argue that the revenue will not off-set the costs of the war; "This war has done nothing for Spain" said Count/Duke Gaspar Guzman Olivares "My father may have worked for Bainor the Terrible, but at least Spain was a rich country, we may have an army now, but the average Spaniard is poor and hungry!" Olivares further pointed out that the territories of Santiago, Toledo, and the new city of Huamanga have not been included in the project, so the projected 25% figure is not necessarily the reality of the situation. King Sancho Diaz assures Spanish citizens that this is the first in a long line of projects that will improve life in Spain; "I would first like to point out that this was a project started under El Cid, before the war began, there are further plans that we will put into effect that are assured to help Spain's economy, and its standing in the world."

King Sancho Diaz Goes On Campaign!
Santiago - King Sancho Diaz has taken an elite unit of Spanish Swordsmen from the city of Santiago in an effort to stamp out barbarian assaults against Spanish settlements in the east. Barbarian assaults have plagued attempts to build roads, and farmlands in the eastern settlements of Toledo, Santiago, and Salamanca. "The Khazar threat is bigger than many think" said General Mendoza "On at least three occasions they have disrupted our settlement of the area, they even held our soldiers back twice during the Great World War, so this is a long-time coming." There are some who think that the King may have been impatient in bringing his army out so quickly; the terrain surrounding the Khazak position is very snowy and mountainous. Spanish troops have not experienced battle in such a terrain before. Many believe that King Sancho may have trouble taking the city as he lacks military experience. The Queen says she is optimistic that "[her] husband will win the day, and return as El Cid Campeador did."

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FOREIGN REPORT
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Germany Builds Parthenon!
Berlin, Germany - Following a collapse in the royal house-hold following their surrender in the Great World War. Warchief Gerhard and King Adolphe foiled a coup on the part of General Van Munchen. "Information is not very forthcoming from Germany" King Sancho remarked "But we are assured that the German King has achieved stability in his Kingdom if such a structure could be built." The structure is a place of faith and learning, and has been built following a rash of pacifisim that has hit the Jewish states of the south. The pacifist ideology began in France, following their exit from the Great World War and has seen its culmination in the beautiful structure called the Parthenon.

England and Spain Agree to Open Borders!
London, England - In a contraversial move by King Sancho, Spain and England have agreed to terms for Open Borders. Many argue that the treaty is far too soon after the Great World War, and have mentioned that there is still bad blood between England and Spain. However Spanish officials deny such claims; "We have to move beyond the war, we have to understand that England and Spain have to co-exist peacefully in order to thrive" said newly appointed Foreign minister Salvador Duarte de Sevilla. The move is seen as a questionable one, especially considering that the King left quickly after signing the treaty to go on campaign against barbarian marauders in the north. The Foreign Minister says this is the first move in a long line of moves directed at creating better ties to the English and Incan Empires.

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EDITORIAL
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Who is the King?
By Gaspar Guzman de Olivares

Many people claim that King Sancho Diaz de Barcelona has done an excellent job thus far of running the Empire. However I think if you take a few things into account you will soon see a picture of a corrupt court, and a tyrannical King in line with his father Carlos Dodabella. The first issue is the under-handed way Sancho entered the war, by claiming he was going to pursue peace just as El Cid had done before him, but quickly cancelling all treaties with foreign nations, and joining the Indian and Russian Empires in their quest to dominate and contain Judaism. So he attempts to emulate El Cid, a tolerant and peaceful ruler, by attacking countries and joining alliances aimed at destroying Judaism? This man has strange convictions I must say. The truth of the matter is that King Sancho simply wants to be known, he wants to be world-renowned, he wants to be like El Cid. The only problem is that he isn't El Cid. El Cid didn't ask for his position, he was given it, he was given the task of uniting a country fresh off of a civil war. He was given the task of trying to find a way to gain peace on Terra. Sancho has taken this job and turned it into a way of gaining personal glory and prestige. So what is on the horizon for Spain? Well we have a new campaign against the Khazars in the north, and don't get me wrong; I don't think they should be there either. This King, however, has taken it upon himself to march upon the Khazak strong-hold with one garrison of Swordsmen! In the snow! He hasn't seen one battle in his entire life, and he is going on such an ambitious trek! I ask you, who is this Sancho Diaz? What are his aims? Who is the King?

[OzzyKP]

The Great Battle of Madras Draws Near

Madras - on the Eve of Battle...

The great general Pusyamitra and his advisors Major Kartikeya & Captain Jasveer arrive in Madras to a bleak scene. The embattled defenders of this one great city have suffered greatly from the long siege. Many buildings are in ruin from the steady barrage of catapults, bodies lie in the street uncollected and unmourned. The population of Madras is a fraction of what it once was. The daily bombardment, conscription of troops, and citizens fleeing into the countryside have taken their toll. Madras is less than a quarter of its size from the years before the siege.

Pusyamitra meets up with Colonel Mahavir, the man long charged with the defence of Madras, and together they inspect the troops. The soldiers line up stiffly along the outer wall of the city. As Mahavir updates the General on troops levels and provisions, Pusyamitra looks at the defenders of Madras. The men are gaunt and of ill-health. He can see the fear in their eyes. The wall they stand on is crumbling on all sides from constant bombardment. It provides merely a hint or protection, and will be worthless when the battle comes.

Reaching the top of the wall, for the first time Pusyamitra, Kartikeya & Jasveer look out over the sea of troops amassed outside the wall.

Colonel Mahavir: It is an army bred for a single purpose: to destroy the world of India. They will attack at first light.

General Pusyamitra: Let them come!

General Pusyamitra:: (turning to Colonel Mahavir) I want every man and strong lad able to bear arms to be ready for battle by daylight.

Mahavir nods and goes off. Pusyamitra stands at the gate of Madras, speaking to Jasveer and Kartikeya.

General Pusyamitra: We will cover the causeway and the gate from above. No army has ever breached the Madras wall or set foot inside the old city.

Captain Jasveer: This is no rabble of mindless Incans. These are Americans. Their armor is thick and their shields broad.

General Pusyamitra: I have fought many wars, Captain Jasveer. I know how to defend my own keep.

Jasveer humphfs. Kartikeya claps a hand on Jasveer’s shoulder as he follows Pusyamitra back in

General Pusyamitra: They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. Rho'd Berth's hordes will pillage and burn, we’ve seen it before. Crops can be resown; homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them.

Captain Jasveer: They do not come to destroy Madras' crops or villages. They come to destroy it's people. Down to the last child.

General Pusyamitra: (He draws close to Jasveer, speaking in almost a whisper)

What would you have me do? Look at our men. Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance.

Major Kartikeya: Send out riders, my Lord. You must call for aid.

General Pusyamitra: And who will come? Chinese? Spanish? We are not so lucky in our friends as the Jews. Our allies are embattled and distant.

Major Kartikeya: Russia will answer.

General Pusyamitra: Russia? Where was Russia when Delhi was assaulted? Where was Russia when our enemies closed in around us? Where was Rus... No, Major Kartikeya, we are alone.


In the Madras Armory...

Old men and young lads are being taken away for the battle. The women and children say their tearful and reluctant farewells as their fathers, husbands and sons are led away by soldiers. In the armory, weapons are being distributed. Pusyamitra picks up a battered sword, looks at it and tosses it back.

Major Kartikeya: Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers.

Captain Jasveer: Most have seen too many winters.

Major Kartikeya: Or too few. Look at them. They’re frightened. I can see it in their eyes.

The men around them fell silent. Sensing this, Pusyamitra approaches a young lad in armor holding a sword and looking around nervously

General Pusyamitra: Give me your sword. What is your name?

Ranjan: Ranjan, son of Udit, my Lord. The men are saying that we will not live out the night. They say that it is hopeless...

(Pusyamitra gives the boy's sword a few swings, slowly at first, then faster and faster. It makes a marvelous singing hum)

General Pusyamitra: This is a good sword, Ranjan, son of Udit.

(He hands the sword back to Ranjan and leans close to him, putting a hand on his shoulder)

General Pusyamitra: There is always hope.

In the Madras keep...

General Pusyamitra & Colonel Mahavir meet to discuss their final battle plans before the assault begins. It is decided to send out the horse archers - both the western mercenaries and domestic units - to the northwest of the city. There they would make camp for the night and wait until the assault begins. This would spare the horsemen damage from the bombardment, and hopefully give them more room to manuever.

Another unit of horsemen who had been participating in the Russian campaign in the north would soon return to Madras. Other reinforcements were heading to the area as well. If they could survive the initial assault, then they would be in a good situation. Surviving that assault however... that was the difficult part.

[KunojiLym]

Moscow

"Fallen! Novgorod fallen!" Ivan whirled about to face his chief advisor, trembling in barely restrained fury. "Incompetents and traitors! Did you not say that the barbarians would not breach the gates? You lilly-faced liar and slave!! What were the Impeskie Osi doing!?"

Nikolay appeared mildly discomfited, but still he managed to look at the furious Tsar in the eye.

"Your Excellency, this is but a temporary setback. The northern barbarians have spent the best part of their horde in doing what they did, and even now, Dangime is preparing to lead an army to crush the slaves like the insects that they are."

Ivan snarled. "This is *your* doing, isn't it! You are in league with the Zionists and the accursed barbarians!"

"With all due respect, your most Fearsom Excellency, it is entirely the incompetence of Shuisky that lost us Novgorod. That, after all, is why we have sent Dangime out to ride against the hordes. Rest assured, this will be the last victory the gibbering slaves shall have against us."

The Tsar glared. "I pray, for you own sake, that you are right." With that, he spun about abruptly, and stalked out of the throne room, into the antechamber.

Behind the Tsar, Nikolay's eyes narrowed.

---

"He should not had known of the fall of Novgorod. Granted, that news is already several years old, but he was never to know. We all know how unstable the Tsar already is. There is only one reason this could had happened."

In a darkened chamber, Nikolay let his gaze pass sharply over the group of shadowed figures.

"There is a traitor among us."

A murmering arose from the assembled figures, before Nikolay raised his hand for quiet.

"I am personally handling this affair. Whoever you are, know that your days are numbered." He smiled thinly. "It is a dangerous thing to incur the Tsar's wrath... or my own."

---

Novgorod

Admists the ruined buildings, a cloaked figure slipped in and out of the shadows. Reading a door, a caroused hand emerged from the cloak, and rapped upon it, thrice sharply.

"Who's there?" came a low voice.

"A friend," the figure replied, in a voice just as low.

"There are no friends, only enemies."

"Then I am one who shares the same foes as you."

There was a soft click from within, and the door creaked. The figure glanced about, then quietly slipped through. The door clicked shut behind him.

Once inside, the figure removed his hood, revealing the face of Kurbsky, former deputy to the Commander of the Impeskie Osi. He had a tired look in his eyes as he plopped down upon a chair in the dimly lit room.

"The English patrols are as regular as ever. But I believe that we may have a small breakthrough at last."

The second figure in the room chuckled slightly; it was a definate feminine chuckle. "There's no need to sugarcoat it for us, Kurbsky. Spill."

"No, I'm serious." Kurbsky allowed himself a small grin. "I think I've finally managed to track down the General."

"You're kidding!" This was a male voice, coming from a third figure leaning against the wall.

"I'm not. At least I hope so." Kurbsky sighed. "The gods know we've chased wild geese before. But I believe that this time round, the odds are better than ever."

There was a soft chuckle from a fourth figure, as he stepped into the dim candlelight. "Look at us, clinging desperatedly onto the survival of a single man. The heavens must be laughing at us."

"You know as well as we do that without the General, there is nothing to unite the Novgorites against England and Inca." The lone female voice spoke in a soft tone. "They are Russians, true, but there are also many sympatizers with the Jewish nations and the Incans within the city itself."

"Perhaps the city was doomed to fall from the start," the third figure opinioned, in a dry voice. "You saw it coming, didn't you, Kurbsky?"

There was a short silence as all eyes fell upon the man seated in the chair. Kurbsky then sighed.

"This accomplishes nothing. We've gone through all this before. Right now, these are the leads that I have..."

---

Yaroslavl'

"These are dark times, Father."

"You have a talent of stating the obvious, Nikolai."

Nikolai smiled briefly. "It needed to be said. Father, have you considered my offer? To leave Russia and go to Toledo?"

Father Joseph shook his head. "Did Christ flee in the face of presecution? No, my place is here. Someday, they will see the error of their ways, and tread the path of peace and forgiveness." He sighed. "Even the great Spanish kingdom seems to have forgotten that now."

"The situation here is hopeless, Father. They execute 'heretics' like us on sight now. Surely you know how many have been crucified for failing to believe in Shiva or Vishnu or the sundry others? Or even for not attending the daily worship sessions?"

The priest gave a small smile. "I am very aware. But the Holy Spirit tells me that my place is here. And here I will stay. It is my place to bring others to accept the Holy Spirit within them, regardless, for their ultimate salvation."

There was a brief pause before Nikolai spoke again. "I understand, Father. If that is indeed what the Holy Spirit has told you. I will take my leave now... God preserve you."

"May God bless you, Nikolai. Amen."

---

Rostov

"We're to scrap the project? Why?"

Victor shrugged. "It's what the higher-ups said. Apparently news of that building that the Jews built caused them to lose heart, or something. They want us to sell all the material that's been gathered."

Boris rubbed his forehead. "By Shiva, all that work gone to waste! It was going to be such a beauty too..."

"Well, there's no helping it. Most all our resources have been tied up in this war."

Victor tapped his chin. "About that, actually... now that the project's been cancelled, I think we can make a reasonable contribution ourselves. There's a call going out now for better weapons to equip our armies with, you see..."

Boris smiled slowly. "By Rama, that's got to be the best idea I've heard all day! Alright, let's do it."

[KunojiLym]

After the War...

Moscow

Ivan paced up and down the throne room, a fierce scowl on his face, and with one hand gripping his ceremonial axe tighty. There was a murderous gleam in his eyes.

He had heard the news. Peace had been declared. Peace! The damnable Zionists and barbarians hadn't paid close to enough to satisfy him! He was going to take their cities, burn them to the ground, rape all their women, slay all the others, spit on the corpses of the damnable Zionist kings, especially that bastard Rho! And all that was to be denied him! Denied!! Heads will roll, oooh, heads will roll!!!

"Your Excellency, Dangime has been arrested. What are your next orders?"

The Tsar's eyes flashed, and he smiled diabolically. "Finally. Execute him in the Red Square at first light! Drawn and quartered! And then post his head on a pike! He will *pay* for denying me my revenge!!" Then he laughed, wildly and madly.

---

Nikolay smirked slightly. "The Tsar has finally outdone himself. The people will not stay still for this blatent outrage."

"So it is finally time?"

"Oh yes it is. I have already made the preparations. Ivan the Terrible will not last past this week." The Chief Advisor chuckled, coldly. "We have all waited long enough."

---

Sri Nikolaevsky, aka St Petersburg

"Mother, are you sure this is wise?"

"This outrage has gone on for long enough. Your great-grandparents would not had stood for what Ivan has done to Mother Russia. It is time that you stand up for you birthright, Feodor."

"It's a risky throw of the dice, Mother, despite all that you have told me. But you are right about one thing. Mother Russia has suffered more than enough."

"Then you will do it?"

"For Great-grandfather, yes."

---

Novgorod

"You're not seriously thinking of doing it, are you?"

Kurbsky turned to look at the speaker, and smiled a little.

"My family was executed by the Tsar. So was the General's. And yours too, I imagine. The Novgorites have had enough of being trampled upon, too. What else would you have me do?"

"The General wouldn't have wanted it this way."

"He was always a bit of an idealist." A faraway look appeared in Kurbsky's eyes. "But to me, Ivan has lost the right to be called Tsar. We have sacrificed so much for the motherland, and for what? Tell me, Tolsky."

"...Then we march at first light."

"Yes. The Impeskie Osi will march on Moscow."

"May Vishnu preserve us."

---

Yaroslavl'

"Brothers and sisters in faith, the time has come to follow in the footsteps of Christ the Savior. All who are willing, come with me to Moscow. Jesus died for our sins, so must we be prepared to die for the sins of the Tsar. But axes and arrows are not our weapons, for they are the tools of a bloody age. We will convince with our faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. At first light, we set off. Come, ye faithful!"

[KunojiLym]

To all nations:

Ivan III, Tsar of the Russian Empire, has passed away from natural causes. In the absense of an immeadiate heir, I will be assuming the position of regent until the Council has conferred.

Nikolay Fyodorov
Regent of the Russian Empire

[OzzyKP]

Originally posted by KunojiLym

Sri Nikolaevsky, aka St Petersburg

"Mother, are you sure this is wise?"

"This outrage has gone on for long enough. Your great-grandparents would not had stood for what Ivan has done to Mother Russia. It is time that you stand up for you birthright, Feodor."

"It's a risky throw of the dice, Mother, despite all that you have told me. But you are right about one thing. Mother Russia has suffered more than enough."

"Then you will do it?"

"For Great-grandfather, yes."

---

Sita's line survives!!