The Dance of Death - Gameplay Thread (1215)

[Garlan Gunter]

Diepold, Duke of Spoleto and Count of Acerra, is named Captain-General of the Papal forces pledged to the Crusade.

[Kingpoleon]

A Proclamation from Egypt

“Let it he known throughout the world that the false Frankish King inhabits a throne not his own, as a bastard descendant several times over. It is the finding of the wisest men in Egypt, including I, the Sultan, that the rightful French King is not Philip, but Raymond, Count of Toulouse and rightful King of the Franks. We recognize King Raymond as such and encourage every friend of Egypt to follow our example.”

[Garlan Gunter]

PROCLAMATION REGARDING THE ITALIAN LEAGUE

The Kingdom of Sicily is formally readmitted to the mercantile and defensive league that guards and sustains our fair lands of Italy.

Furthermore, while the Crusade lasts, any Italian republic or principality that offers our holy endeavour its aid by gold, land and sea shall be admitted to the privileges of the League. By the same token, if the Republic of Venice fails to support the Crusade, it shall with regret be suspended from the League.

x Innocenzo

[Garlan Gunter]

TREATY OF THESSALONICA

I The Emperor of the Nicaeans and Tsar of the Bulgarians acknowledge the regency at Constantinople of Count Stefano de' Conti, and pledge to respect their truces with the Latin Empire throughout the duration of the present Crusade, and until the meeting of the General Council of the Church.

II The Emperor and the Tsar pledge friendship and support to the Crusade against the infidel in Egypt, and lend their fleets towards the relief of Cyprus and the defeat of the Sultan.

III His Holiness through the person of the Regent wholly condemns the past atrocities at Zara and Constantinople and promises reparations, including the just future settlement of the Empire's rulership, to be decided at the coming General Council.

Signed for Pope Innocent III,

x Stefano de' Conti, Count of Poli, Regent of Constantinople

[Dereich]

Statement Regarding Events In Christendom:

I, as well as the rest of the Hungarian Faithful, looked on with dismay at the unimaginable horror of the massacre in the Eternal City. With patience and alarm, Christendom watched as evidence against the Saracen Warlord in Cairo mounted. And now with joy and exultation, we the faithful sons of Christ embrace His Holiness's call for justice. My father, Bela, swore an oath to take up the cross and march on the holy land. Tragically, he was unable to fulfill that oath. In his name and in the name of the Lord, I will take up the mantle and march to liberate Cyprus and the Holy Land. 

I call on the brave subjects of Hungary to join me in this noble adventure and to her noble magnates to support this just call of the Holy Church. I also call on my noble neighbor, the Margrave of Austria, to join me at my right hand as a friend and Christian so that any discord between us may be wiped away, united in Faith. And I call on the Bulgars, the Greeks, and the Venetians, never great friends but unquestionably Christian, to support our efforts to reach the Holy Land as we gather in that great city of Christendom, Constantinople.

[Garlan Gunter]

The Papacy welcomes the King of Hungary to the Crusade with joy and thanksgiving. Deus le vult!

[Lumine]

End of 1214 Update (I)

Fifth Crusade!
Hohenstaufen forces capture Alexandria
Ayyubid fleet finds success against Hungary, Venice and England
Sultan betrayed by Jerusalem, stalemate in Cyprus

CRUSADER SURGE – Following a massive upsurge in support for a Crusade after the dramatic attack on Rome, several noblemen, knights and even peasants have started to mobilize under the Papal banner, either following their respective rulers or moving towards Rome in order to join the coming war on the hated Ayyubid Sultan. Although the Crusade recruitment efforts have been disrupted in the Iberian Peninsula due to the mounting chaos in the region, the Pope found remarkable success in the mobilization of the Breton, Flemish and German nobility, the announcement from the King of England that he would follow the example of his late brother by embarking with his armies, the mobilization of the Hohenstaufen Emperor and the King of Hungary, and the continued arrival of seasoned warriors and the German Children Crusaders – pushed away by the annoyed Genoese – into Rome. Despite the Crusade’s early results being decidedly mixed in the battlefield, the larger part of the would-be Crusaders is still assembling in Italy and the Mediterranean ports for what many believe to be a decisive struggle for power in the East.

NAVAL CAMPAIGN – Choosing to take the war directly to the Crusader forces and prevent an attack on Egypt itself, the Sultan mobilized his impressive war fleet and sent it directly into the offensive. Disappearing from sight for a few days, the Ayyubid fleet entered the Adriatic shortly after a mysterious attack on the small Hungarian fleet, half of which was attacked and burned while still in port by what appeared to be mercenary troops. The Muslim captains then proceeded to storm the Hungarian coastline and succeeded in destroying all remaining Hungarian vessels, which was followed by a furious attack on Venice. Having been soundly – and publically – rejected by the Doge in their bid to secure Venetian neutrality in the Crusade, the Ayyubid fleets attempted to enforce neutrality by sinking and capturing Venetian vessels in the Adriatic, winning a few costly skirmishes as the bulk of the Venetian ships – beyond angered at the attack – returned to take defensive positions at their main harbors. The Ayyubid fleets later attempted to form a rapid strike force across the Mediterranean, failing to place a small squadron in Gibraltar but successfully intercepting King John’s English fleet, a battle which forced the King to land his armies in Sicily after suffering minor losses. However, and despite these important victories, a Papal decision to offer rewards to captains who seize Egyptian vessels has started to deal important blows at the Ayyubid trade.

THE ANTIOCH CAMPAIGN – Determined to break the siege of Antioch and win goodwill by liberating the city, the Sultan unsuccessfully attempted to gain Christian support for his campaign before sending an army against Leo of Armenia, being joined in the process by the disgruntled forces of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, forced into battle by the Regent. What threatened to become a crushing defeat for Leo soon turned into a hotly contested affair once the Jerusalemite forces changes sides shortly after the battle started, attempting to encircle the Ayyubids and destroy their large force. The battle raged for hours as the Ayyubid line failed to break and Bohemond’s forces came out of the city to attempt a breakout, turning the battle into a disastrous massacre due to the sheer unwillingness of either army to yield. The battle only ended the following night out of the exhaustion of the survivors, both armies having near destroyed each other. Still, it was the Outremer forces that had won the day, forcing the battered Ayyubids to retreat to Aleppo as the captured Bohemond was forced to surrender the city and his realm. Sent back to Acre as the Regent’s prisoner, the Jerusalem armies left Leo fully in charge of Antioch as the Armenian King received the news that the northern parts of his domains were being sacked by forces allied to the Ayyubids.

ASSAULT ON ALEXANDRIA – Due to the undeniable skill of the Ayyubid admirals in intercepting or fighting Christian fleets only one managed to slip through the raiding patrols, showing up in the vicinity of Alexandria one night and landing a strong and well-trained army. It was the Hohenstaufen armies of Sicily, reassembled and sent into battle by Frederick II in a daring raid of the city which sought the capture of the Sultan. As the garrison mobilized and requested immediate support from the large Ayyubid forces in Cairo, a bloody battle ensued. Having secured the element of surprise and boasting superior training the Crusaders successfully stormed the city before several enemy forces could react, but an immediate Ayyubid counterattack was only barely repelled after suffering heavy casualties. The Hohenstaufen forces now hold Alexandria – and most of its wealth – despite some neighborhoods putting up resistance in every house, but with a larger Ayyubid force now deploying outside of the city and preparing for a second counterattack.

BATTLE FOR CYPRUS – Judging possession of the island to be an outmost priority, the Ayyubids deployed new reinforcements to their armies in the south of Cyprus while sending a second force from the north, which almost secured Nicosia before being repelled by the Crusader reinforcements brought by John of Ibelin and Military Order knights from the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The ensuing battles have given the Ayyubids the advantage as they consolidate their newly conquered positions in the north and expand their controlled territories in the south, but with the failure to secure Nicosia and the new reinforcements – which are nonetheless dwarfed by the size of the enemy – many Cyprus nobles fear they may not be able to hold out for much longer without larger support from Europe.

THE WARS TO COME? Despite the protagonism of new European Crusaders, there is a growing belief that other rulers in the Near East may seek to intervene more directly in the Fifth Crusade for either side. Many Christians hope that the new Georgian King will be able to overcome the challenges posed by the death of Tamar the Great, and march the powerful Georgian armies south to combat the Ayyubids. Likewise, many Muslims look towards Shah Mohammed, whose latest proposals to the Atabegs and the Abbasid Caliph have been strongly rejected and seem to make a Khwarezmian campaign in the west far more likely than in the past. Trebizond, however, appears unlikely to intervene following the losses sustained at Paphlagonia, and Rum is already committed to supporting the Ayyubids, at least up to a degree.

The Northern Wars
Otto IV killed after abduction attempt
Denmark seizes Oslo, gains ground against Pomeranian rebels
Hohenstaufen forces cripple Welf supporters

DEATH OF AN EMPEROR – Having disappeared from the public eye for reasons that remain unknown, Emperor Otto IV had taken up residence in one of his castles in occupied Swabia, staying within the confines of the castle as rumors continued to spread across Germany and the rest of the Empire. It seemingly proved impossible for Otto’s supporters to get the somehow reclusive emperor to more, even when the combined armies of the Bohemian and Bavarian Elector invaded both the Palatinate and Pro-Welf holdings in central Germany. It was in the middle of this disadvantageous situation that a mysterious, undetermined group of warriors, having discovered the location of the Emperor, attempted to storm the castle and kidnap Otto during a particularly stormy night. A fierce battle raged across the dark corridors and the ominous halls of the Welf fortress, and dawn put an end to the struggle as additional Welf troops surrounded the castle and killed the surviving assailants. Otto was discovered in one of the corridors, grievously injured in one of his legs. To their shock and horror, his men realized the Emperor had bled to death.

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF WELF – The death of Otto came at a time in which his position was in full collapse, the few remants of the Imperial army at Ancona formally dissolving in the absence of their leader. A series of successful campaigns by the pro-Hohenstaufen electors were drastically eased up by a sustained anti-Welf rhetoric employed by many noblemen and priests, including Crusader leaders who wasted little time in complimenting and hailing the young Hohenstaufen Emperor for his exploits and loyalty to the Holy Mother Church. Expelled from the Palatine, Swabia and Franconia, the remaining Welf supporters and family members moved north into Saxony and Brandenburg, contemplating their next move. Although large parts of the Empire remain neutral and/or unconvinced by the seemingly erratic strategies of the Hohenstaufen wonder – many have started calling him “Stupor Mundi”, the wonder of the world -, Frederick has finally secured most of Germany, and with it the supremacy for the imperial crown.

DANISH CAMPAIGNS – Undeterred by the harsh excommunication and deposition by Pope Innocent III, the King Valdemar resolved to continue his wars with the support of his now large financial base, an enviable amount of monetary resources that was rapidly becoming the envy of the region. Despite the temporary growth of the Pomeranian rebellion in light of the Papal proclaims, the Danish nobility remained loyal to the King – thus far – on the back of large grants from the lands and wealth of “traitors”, allowing the monarch to continue his bloody siege of Oslo and hire mercenary forces to strike at the unruly Pomeranian barons. In both tasks the Danish King found success, if tempered by a couple of factors. After further assaults the city of Oslo has finally surrendered, leading to the capture of the Norwegian King and much of his family despite a heavy cost in terms of losses. In the meantime, mercenary captains have successfully and ruthlessly put down the revolt in much of western Pomerania, but the growth of the rebellion at the east promises to pose a continued challenge now that the rebels have started clamoring for Papal support.

 

Albigensian Crusade
French troops make gains in countryside
Bloody siege of Toulouse leads to shock announcement
Occitanian barons pledge to become Crusaders

SIEGE OF TOULOUSE – Perhaps judging the siege of Toulouse to be the decisive battle in the long, bitter and still ongoing Albigensian Crusade the French and Montfort forces continued to concentrate most of their military resources on the siege, with King Philip himself travelling to the siege in a visit which drastically boosted Crusader morale. Taking on an unflinching position of cutting off any possible supply routes for the defenders yet failing to successfully infiltrated the city with agents – most of which were captured and hanged -, the French succeeded in containing two breakout attempts by Raymond and his men, the siege prolonging itself as only Francis of Assisi managed to gain formal access into the besieged city. To the sight of the bewildered besieges and the King of France, Francis emerged by Count Raymond to make a stunning announcement.

THE OCCITANIAN SURRENDER? – Outside from the main siege, the remaining military operations by the Crusaders focused on gaining further control over the countryside, a task in which they achieved success through a sustained, disciplined effort. The Occitanian nobility itself was greatly embarrassed by the proclaims of the Ayyubid Sultan regarding Raymond of Toulouse, wasting much time in denouncing the Sultan as some foreign and internal support was lost. However, much like Francis in Toulouse so had most of the nobles received other envoys to discuss their future, and one Count Raymond made the announcement from Toulouse so the vast majority of the nobility joined in: Raymond of Toulouse and the Occitanian nobility had pledged themselves to the Crusade, offering to set course to the Holy Land and requesting Papal support for their future efforts.

[Lumine]

End of 1214 Update (II)

Chaos in the Iberian Peninsula
Pope and King Alfonso in all-out war
Pedro II dies in prison, Civil War in Castile
Almohad regents denounce Ayyubid Sultan

PETER II DIES, MONTEARAGON SUFFERS CRITICISM – An attempt to end the war by the Castilians via the proposed Treaty of Zaragoza – seen as an unacceptable humiliation across Aragon – had been aborted due to the inability to get the Cardinal of Montearagon to sign the treaty, an event which appeared to signal the imminent continuation of the struggle. Alas, even though the war officially continued and the Castilians and Sicilians withdrew some troops out of different reasons the Aragonese army did not move even in light of the harsh resistance of the population of Barcelona, who resenting the “Fredericksburg” proclaims have started to ambush and kill Sicilian soldiers in sight. Criticism towards the perceived lack of energy from the Cardinal only became worse after dramatic news arrived from Toledo, the Castilians asserting King Peter II had hanged himself in prison in an event which has sparked much debate across the Peninsula over any possible involvement by Peter’s captors.

CASTILIAN CIVIL WAR – Although the Danish King had suffered from Papal actions, it was Castile who bore the worst part of the excommunication and deposition as King Alfonso and the Pope became locked in a full-scale war with drastic consecuences. The Papacy had not only deployed reinforcements to Aragon via knights and a seasoned commander, but soon it became clear to the royal court that friars, Crusader recruiters and Papal envoys were openly advocating rebellion against the King (to the outrage of many nobles), to which Alfonso responded in dramatic fashion. As pamphlets and tales spread across the kingdom replicating the rumors already launched against the Pope by Frederick II, royal commands ordered priests to back such accusations under penalty of prison, measures that were replicated in cities with civil servants and amidst the crowds by encouraging them to burn effigies of the Pope.

Although many nobles and army commanders sided with the King against Papal intervention, the steadfast refusal of much of the clergy to back the King and the mass arrests of priests and bishops sparked massive backlash across the entire Kingdom, several local communities resisting units sent to arrest clergymen and some of the most pious nobles and military orders openly rising against the King by denouncing him as a heretic. The presence of a large part of the Castilian army in the vicinity of Toledo averted a possible riot by some of the masses and ensured the loyalty of most of the south of the kingdom through harsh methods, but in the north the revolt spread to the point in which, much like Denmark and the Latins, the Castilians would now face their very own civil war right as the backlash from the crackdown also affected their relationship with their neighbors.

THE ALMOHAD REGENCY – Despite fears of a bloody internal struggle for the succession and the regency after the assassination of the Caliph, the Almohad Caliphate had established something resembling a stable regency, or had at least temporarily averted a civil war. The new regents took immediate action regarding the death of the Caliph, starting their own investigation that took a decisive route following the report of one of their Governors in the East, who claimed the Ayyubid Sultanate had made him an offer and asked him to rebel to end the Bedouin raids. Taking this, the attempt to deploy merchant scouts near Gibraltar and the raids as proof, the Almohad regents formally accused and denounced the Ayyubid Sultan as being behind the assassination.

 

Struggle for the Old Empire
Nicea and Bulgaria attack Latin Empire
Hungarian crusaders forced to fight in the Carpathians
Sieges of Constantinople and Thessaloniki

THE PAPAL REGENCY – In another instance of a Papal intervention, Innocent III had resolved to prevent the collapse of the Latin Empire in light of the new Emperor’s absence, the raging civil war and the continued uprising of the Orthodox Greeks. Thus, Count Stefano de Conti had been appointed Papal regent and been deployed into the Empire with a new Latin Patriarch and reinforcements from the Military Orders, the Regent managing to install himself in Thessaloniki and establish a good relationship with the Podesta and with Constantinople itself. With the Latin barons summoned, a temporary end to the civil war between the Latins was secured after much negotiation and a series of offers the nobility found acceptable, the death of the previous Emperor doing much to remove what appeared to be the biggest obstacle. Still, the Orthodox rebellion continued and raged across the imperial territories, the rebels unwilling to accept a Catholic and non-Greek ruler. Having also secured the Treaty of Thessalonica with Bulgaria and Nicea, the Regent followed Papal instructions to assemble a Crusader force, with the open goal of liberating Cyprus and taking part in the Crusade.

NICEAN-BULGARIAN OFFENSIVE – Despite an arrangement to ferry the Crusader forces via the Nicean fleet and its arrival per the terms, the Crusaders were not to leave for Cyprus, the Treaty of Thessalonica not having been formally signed. It proved to be a wise decision, as the latest alliance between Bulgaria and Nicea resulted in a surprise, full-scale offensive against the remnants of the Latin Empire. Recruiting both Genoa and Epirus to his cause through marriage or arrangements, Theodore Laskaris himself took the field with his forces and his trusted general John Vatazes, storming into the weakened Latin Anatolia and securing most of the countryside with the open support of the local population, only the cities and biggest castles refusing to yield after being surrounded and put into siege. With the Venetian fleet coincidentally left unable to intervene after the Ayyubid raids of the Adriatic, the Genoese entered the Aegean Sea and enable a crossing of the Sea of Marmara, allowing the would-be Emperor to enter Europe itself.

In the north, Tsar Boril of Bulgaria had reassembled his forces, sending reinforcements and siege equipment to Theodore as the majority of the Bulgarian army entered the Latin Empire under the command of Alexius Slav. Despite the failure to get local Latin barons to join the Bulgarians, the force nonetheless advanced with the support of Orthodox rebels – who across the Empire have recognized Theodore as their legitimate ruler – and met with the assembling Crusader forces in Thessaloniki, leading to a difficult battle waged in the outskirts of the city. With heavy losses in both armies the Bulgarians who the day over their still assembling enemies, putting the city and the Regent under siege as other local armies retreated south. In the aftermath of this victory Michael I of Epirus launched his own offensive into Southern Greece, facing a number of assembling Crusader forces and being successfully contained by the Latins.

SIEGE OF CONSTANTINOPLE – This left the combined Nicean, Bulgarian and Genoese forces to attempt to conquer Constantinople, defeating the Imperial Army at Gallipolli despite heavy losses and then attempting to storm the city defended by the Podesta and by knights of the Military orders. On the bright side of the Nicean invaders the support of the local Orthodox populations for Theodore was palpable and allowed for their forces to be somewhat replenished with new recruits, but attempts to capture the city by surprised proved a failure when agents were caught and executed and a planned uprising failed to materialize. A siege of the capital followed, the first assault taking place over the course of a harsh week in which raid after raid weakened the defenses but failed to gain a foothold. Eventually the Niceans were forced to stop the assault on the city after casualties became too high to sustain their efforts, but the damage done to the walls and the death of much of the garrison had also left the Podesta in a complex situation. Blockaded by sea, it became clear Constantinople could well fall in the coming weeks.

BATTLE IN THE CARPHATIANS – Choosing to take up arms as a Crusader, King Andrew of Hungary was successful in his efforts to mobilize much of the Hungarian nobility and raising a formidable army to march south to join the war against the Ayyubid Sultan. Although an attempted overture and arrangement with the Venetians was rebuked, Andrew nonetheless successfully secured the participation of Leopold VI of Austria, whose armies joined the Hungarian King in the march south. Despite a seemingly auspicious beginning, the combined Crusader army found trouble the moment it attempted to exit the Carpathians to enter Bulgarian territory, the local commander and his army outright refusing to allow passage. Judging this to be an act of war, Andrew and Leopold pressed ahead, leading to an enormous struggle as the outnumbered Bulgarians used the terrain to effectively resist their newest enemy. In the end, the sheer force of numbers allowed Andrew to smash the Bulgarian force in the Battle of the Carpathians and enter Bulgaria itself, but at the cost of a significant part of his army. Furthermore, local fortresses have continued to resist the Crusaders, dramatically slowing down their advance and preventing Andrew from reaching the Latin Empire.

 

The Mongol Wars
Mongols score major success in all fronts
Heshilie Zhizhong dies in battle, Khitans strong in Manchuria
Jin Empire to sue for peace?

WAR FOR MANCHURIA – The center of gravity for the war in China moved during 1214 from the prolonged siege of Zhongdu into Manchuria as the forces of the Great Khan rode into the region, fully intending to second their successful Khitan allies in conquering the vast region following the rapid success of victories secured by Prince Liu-Ke and the Mongol generals, a decision which led the eunuch general Heshilie Zhizhong – who had managed to install Wanyan Congjia as the Emperor Xuanzong – to march with his main army to face the Khan as well. A series of battles and sieges took place as the Khitans won further ground and expanded their controlled territory, culminating in the large-scale Battle of Huining, in which the Jin general attempted to drive a wedge within the Mongol and Khitan armies. The decisive battle led to the successful encirclement and destruction of much of the main Jin army, Heshilie Zhizhong dying in the middle of the fighting as the region was seemingly left open for near-complete occupation.

THE MONGOL OFFENSIVES – 1214 was to prove a most successful year for the Mongol conquest, the fourth year of war signaling the mounting collapse of the Jin bureaucracy and armies in the north despite their seemingly endless manpower and ability to raise new armies in a desperate, near frantic fashion. Shortly before the Battle of Huining the Mongols had redeployed new forces to fight the Goryeo in Korea and avenge the death of Prince Hachiun, Kasar successfully managing to draw out the enemy forces in a successful battle which opened the gate for future campaigns into the Peninsula. Likewise, success was found in the central and southern theaters, with Jochi constantly harassing and disrupting defensive efforts in the weakened Zhongdu – despite a high cost -, and the Tanguts receiving enough reinforcements to pursue another offensive which recovered what was lost in the past year and finally started to gain new ground against the Jin.

TURNMOIL IN THE JIN EMPIRE – The collective results of these major victories, the lack of Jin success in the battlefield during the year and the death of the energetic eunuch in battle left the Jin court in the south utterly bewildered. Even as new and large armies were being raised once again to fight new campaigns, pressure was mounting on the Emperor Xuanzong to put an end to a war widely seen as disastrous, even if several generals – led by some of Xuanzong’s sons – advocated resistance and a new counteroffensive. As a result, messengers from Kaifeng have reached Genghis Khan’s main camp in Manchuria, inquiring about potential peace terms.

[Kingpoleon]

An Egyptian Proclamation

I eagerly await the promised reinforcements of Raymond of Toulouse, the rightful King of the Franks, through his mother. And, furthermore, I recognize his son as the only rightful King of England through his mother, Princess Joan, and the rightful King Consort of Castile and Aragon through his wife Sancha, by blood Princess of Aragon and Castile, and by rights Queen thereof.

Long live Raymond VI, friend of Egypt, Count of Toulouse, King of the Franks! Long live Raymond, heir of Toulouse and France, King of England, King Consort of Aragon and Castile! Once this Crusade is over, I shall restore my greatest friends to their rightful thrones over half of Europe!

[Garlan Gunter]

DEO GRATIAS

His Holiness is to officiate at Masses in honour of the Crusade's great and holy victories at Alexandria and Antioch, achieved by two beloved princes and pious sons of the Church, Frederick of Hohenstaufen, King of Sicily, and Jean de Brienne, Regent of Jerusalem. Behold how these twain scions of families that not long since waged dire war upon one another in Italy now both combine to strike virtuous blows against the heathen. Behold, Christendom, learn, and rejoice.

In light of these tidings and of the tragic demise of that repentant sinner, the Emperor Otto IV, His Holiness encourages the Electors of the Holy Roman Empire to confirm Frederick of Sicily's election as King of the Romans, and the barons of Jerusalem to confer the crown of that most Holy City upon Jean de Brienne, as Fulk of Anjou received it of old.

In addition the Papacy delights in the heroic deeds and proven honour of many Crusading princes of Christendom, including the Kings of France, England, Hungary and Armenia, the Duke of Austria, the Doge of Venice, Raymond of Toulouse and the barons of the Latin Empire. You have been tested in sore trials, sons of the Church, and you have prevailed in the eyes of the heavens.

Others, including some who called themselves Christians and even Catholics, have shown themselves given over to the unutterable thraldom of the potentate in Hell. But today is a day of pious thanksgiving, and of such unfortunates we need not for the moment speak.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

"All soldiers of the Holy Roman Empire currently stationed in the Barcelonian region of Aragon shall withdraw effective immediately.  Our purpose in launching this preemptive strike was not to become an occupying power, but merely a response to Aragon's role in my own attempted assassination.  And yet, I see the suffering of my brothers in Christ across the Iberian peninsula and have no wish to shed Christian blood when we all must join together to face our common foe.  The Crocodile of Cairo hath made the Holy See itself bleed and so all of Christendom must set aside its petty grievances for the greater good of the whole.  For do the needs of the many not outweight the needs of the few?  

I only ask for two things.  First, that there be a peaceful transfer of power - without delay upon our withdrawal from the Barcelonian region - and second that our people's may collectively regard this as the start of a new chapter between our nations wherein we set aside past conflicts.  For are we not all brothers in Christ?  While I would not be so presumptuous as to speak for him, I have no doubt His Holiness will agree that European Christendom would be best served if this conflict were brought to an end without further ill-will on either side." - Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and King of Sicily

[Lumine]

Turn IV: 1215

The Cast:

In Western Europe:
Kingdom of France: King Philip II Capet (Windjammer)
Kingdom of England: King John I Plantagenet (GoTfan)
Holy Roman Empire (Hohenstaufen): King Frederick II Hohenstaufen (Mr. X)
The Papacy: Pope Innocent III (Garlan Gunter)
Kingdom of Denmark: King Valdemar II Estridsen (JacksonHitchcock)
Kingdom of Aragon: Ferdinand, Cardinal of Montearagon (S019)
Kingdom of Castile: King Alfonso VIII Ivrea (Henry Wallace)
Kingdom of Hungary: King Andrew II Árpad (Dereich)
Albigensian Crusade: Count Simon of Montfort (Bacon King)

In the former Empire:
Empire of Nicea: Emperor Theodore I Laskaris (YPestis)
Bulgarian Empire: Tsar Boril I Asen (Devout Centrist)

In the Near East:
Kingdom of Jerusalem: King Regent Jean of Brienne (King Saul)
Ayyubid Sultanate: Sultan Al-Adil I (Kingpoleon)

Across Asia:
Mongol Empire: Genghis Khan (Dkrol)
Khwarezmian Empire: Shah Mohammed II (SJoyce)

Player Crisis:

Philip II Capet:
-Popularity: Medium
-Legitimacy: Very High
-Economy: Very High

-Your visit to the siege of Toulouse appeared to have a significant impact on the morale of the troops in what seemed like a certain victory, but the announcement made by Raymond of Toulouse and the apparent Papal involvement has led to great uncertainty about the future of the Albigensian Crusade. There is already talk among knights of refusing to accept Raymond’s new role as a crusader by crushing his forces and capturing Toulouse, thus delivering a great blow to the heretics but at the risk of creating a conflict with the Papacy. Conversely, there is also the question on whether this would allow immediate departure for the Fifth Crusade in the Holy Land. What will you do?

-In the aftermath of the latest campaigns in Occitania, the Kingdom of France has come into direct control over the northernmost part of the region, and the recent developments have raised the question of what will happen to these territories. To many courtiers keen on territorial expansion it appears necessary for France to formally annex them, but supporters of Simon of Montfort also believe the lands should go directly to Crusader control as opposed to royal administration, roads which, it could be argued, may be likely to further antagonize the Occitanian nobility. What should be done about these territories?

-Efforts to build a fleet have found early success as the first vessels are delivered to loyal captains, although the large-scale construction of ships for a large fleet will be a long process on by itself. As this process takes place, a question has been raised by naval officials to your councilors regarding the placement of such a fleet, the supporters of the Fifth Crusade making the case for attempting to base the new French fleet from ports controlled by Montfort – which would reduce time required to intervene in the Crusade -, and those hostile towards England insisting on basing the fleet near Aquitaine or across the English Channel.

John I Plantagenet:
-Popularity: Medium
-Legitimacy: High
-Economy: Medium

-After losing your first naval encounter against the Saracens, your forces and surviving fleet have been forced to land in Sicily. Although you have avoided conflict with the local forces thus far, it remains uncertain how the Crusader army is to feed itself and whether it will enjoy some sort of support from Hohenstaufen officers, an issue your offices urge you to clarify as soon as possible. Given the situation, several knights are also wondering what the new goal of the English Army should be given the strength of the Ayyubid fleet and the existence of several battlefronts, leading many to propose varied landing areas which include Cyprus, Egypt or the Kingdom of Jerusalem itself. Where will you go?

-A delayed message from England finds its way into Sicily, reporting some troubling news. Although most of the surviving Children Crusaders that had attacked Aquitaine and sacked large parts of it have been contained and killed by local forces, it appears the local nobility is significantly offended by the lack of any support from the islands, and a petition has reached London demanding financial support to rebuild the region as well as increased autonomy for the local lords. Although the court does not appear to be taking the matter all too seriously, the Earl of Salisbury has nonetheless decided to consult your opinion on the matter. What should be done about Aquitaine?

-Although the Crusade is considered by the noblemen in the army to be the priority target, the recent upheaval and warfare taking place in the Latin Empire has attracted the interest of a few knights, who have also indirectly raised the issue at a war council. Remembering well the outcome of the Fourth Crusade, there are those who wonder whether England could profit by intervening with its army, whether to gain favor by restoring the authority of the recently arrived Emperor Philip, or, in a gesture of sheer audacity, sheer the Imperial Crown for you as the new Latin Emperor. Will you pause your efforts in the Crusade to intervene on this conflict?

Frederick II Hohenstaufen:
-Popularity: Medium
-Legitimacy: Medium
-Economy: High

-Otto IV has finally met his end, the mobilization of your supporters and the support of the Papacy seemingly proving enough to deliver a crippling blow to the Welfs. Still, although the most powerful electors have acknowledged your rule the Holy Roman Empire is not yet fully pacified, Otto’s relatives gathering their forces to continue the war from their territories in Northern Germany; and critical regions such as the chronically rebellious Lombardy, Florence, Burgundy and the Low Countries are yet to also acknowledge Hohenstaufen rule. Furthermore, in order to formalize your position as Emperor you must yet be formally crowned in Germany. After years of a bloody struggle for the succession, how do you intend to secure your personal rule over the Empire?

-Your forces have achieved an early victory against the Ayyubid Sultanate after the offensive against Alexandria, a blow which is likely to enrage the Ayyubids whilst bringing much prestige to your family and to yourself. Alas, Ayyubid naval superiority remains an issue to be resolved, and the presence of large enemy forces neighboring Alexandria and the remaining defenders all pose serious challengers to your army in Egypt, the loss of which would be a serious blow. With Sicily having taken such a key role in the early battles of the Crusade, and accounting for the presence of new Crusaders in your lands – such as King John -, how should your participation on the Crusade continue?

-Peace has seemingly been secured with the Papacy and the announced withdrawal from Aragon may well end the war against the Cardinal of Montearagon, but the current events in Castile raise questions as to the exact relationship with King Alfonso and the levels of support Sicily might be willing to offer. Facing large internal pressure and all-out conflict with Pope Innocent, Castile finds itself embroiled in a civil war whose potential extension appears uncertain, but with the potential to affect Hohenstaufen interests depending on your view of Alfonso and the Sicilian-Castilian relationship. Will you take sides in this conflict?

Innocent III:
-Popularity: Very High
-Legitimacy: Very High
-Economy: High

-The Crusade has finally started to mobilize as several monarchs enter the battlefield or sail with their armies to the Holy Land, delivering blows on the Ayyubid Sultanate whilst facing losses at sea. Thousands of would-be Crusaders – including the German Children Crusaders – gather in Rome in preparation for the war, and the attack on Venice has led the trading city to mobilize as well. Having vowed to take part on the Crusade personally, yet facing trouble in the Latin Empire, in Castile and against the Sultan’s fleets, the College of Cardinals wonders how exactly you plan to proceed with the Fifth Crusade, and whether you will indeed attempt to participate on this near unprecedented effort. What will you do?

-The treaty negotiated with Bulgaria and Nicea appears to have been a mere stratagem as the Orthodox nations plotted the invasion of the weakened Latin Empire. The war has thus far favored the attackers, large parts of the Empire conquered as the Regent faces a siege in Thessaloniki, the Podesta is surrounded in Constantinople, and Emperor Philip, who has reached the Hungarian coastline, seeks a way to enter his realm. With this unexpected posing a major challenge to your plans for a Crusade, and the Ayyubid naval threat making it difficult to properly reinforce your allies without facing some risks, how will you seek to support the Latins in the East?

-Despite your best efforts the Kingdom of Denmark and the Kingdom of Castile remain involved in their own wars against the Scandinavian Kings or the Aragonese, even while facing complicated revolts or civil wars on their territories which many believe have at least the unofficial blessing of the Papacy. A further complicated matter has taken place in Occitania in light of Raymond’s intention to become a Crusader, a decision which is met with great hostility among French or Montfort crusaders who are critical of this apparent arrangement. With these local conflicts all distracting one way or the other from the war against the Sultan, what will be the Papacy do about them?

Valdemar II Estridsen:
-Popularity: Medium
-Legitimacy: High
-Economy: High

-You have found victory in the battlefield against the Norwegian King, the successful conclusion of the siege of Oslo resulting in the capture of the enemy monarch. This remarkable blow against one of the enemy Scandinavian realms does open up the question of what will happen to Norway, particularly if larger areas of the kingdom are eventually conquered by the Danish armies. Although many see the sense in your declared intentions to support a given claimant to the Norwegian throne, there are ambitious courtiers are wondering about the benefits of direct rule and Danish expansion, making the case for an eventual annexation of Norway. Although the war is far from over, what should be done about the Norwegian King and his still resisting Kingdom?

-In spite of the Oslo victory, the Norwegians and Swedes appear unlikely to give up the fight, and it is reported that Sweden is once again reassembling their forces after the respite given by the siege in order to launch an offensive or prepare to resist Denmark on their own territories. Losses have been high for your armies, but they remain strong and the financial base you have built appears to give Denmark a significant advantage in terms of being able to fund a prolonged military conflict. With no consensus among military experts as to where you should strike next and how the war should continue – if it is indeed to continue -, what are your intentions regarding this Northern War?

-Victory has been found on the battlefields against some of the Pomeranian nobles, mercenary forces successfully driving them out of most of Western Pomerania. Still, the recaptured regions remain a hotbed of rebellion and isolated attacks on your forces, and the surviving rebels feel emboldened by Papal support and appear heavily unlikely to consider surrender or a negotiated solution. The matter is further complicated by the recent events in the Holy Roman Empire, with uncertainty regarding the future of Northern Germany and what the conflict within the Hohenstaufens and the surviving Welf loyalists might bring.

Ferdinand, Cardinal of Montearagon:
-Popularity: Very Low
-Legitimacy: Low
-Economy: Medium

-A decision not to take action against the Castilian invaders appears to have backfired up to a degree, your regency sustaining a lot of internal criticism by noblemen, knights and military commanders who believe the Castilians must be driven out of the Kingdom through any possible means. Although you continue to retain command of the army whilst also remaining undisputed regent, the ongoing criticism and dissent could well spiral out of control if not handled properly. On the other hand, even as they face a rebellion the Castilians should not be underestimated in their strength, a military offensive involving serious risks of its own. How will you handle the war?

-The death of Peter II has come as a major shock to the Kingdom, and has been the cause of significant speculation. Though the official Castilian version reports that the King has hanged himself in despair and shame, there are those unwilling to believe Peter would do should a thing, accusing the Castilians in turn of having conspired to murder the King. This would mean young Prince James is to become the next King, but he remains still a ward of Simon of Montfort and is therefore unavailable to return to the Kingdom. With the future of the Kingdom at stake, what will your position be on the death of Peter and the future of James?

-In a surprising announcement, the Hohenstaufen Emperor has informed Aragon of its decision to withdraw his forces from Barcelona, ending the current occupation and closing one of the fronts. Alas, the Sicilian withdrawal brings up issues of its own that must be resolved, including the extensive damage done to the city, the deep resentment of its population against the Sicilians, and of course, whether to consider the war between Aragon and the Hohenstaufens over to take some sort of action to retaliate against Frederick II for his actions against your fellow countrymen. With many demanding vengeance, but with Frederick having regained Papal favor, what will you do?

Alfonso VIII Ivrea:
-Popularity: Very Low
-Legitimacy: Medium
-Economy: Medium

-The harsh war of rhetoric and intrigue within Castile and the Papacy has resulted in the outbreak of civil war, much of the clergy balking at the notion of supporting the accusations levelled against Pope Innocent. Thus far the new pro-Innocent rebellion has been confined to the north of the Kingdom, either in communities which resisted the arrest of local priests or bishops, or in territories held by hostile nobles, and rebels being in the process of coordinating their efforts to wage war against the Crown. With your army divided between the war against Aragon and maintaining control over Toledo, how do you plan to fight this civil war?

-Disturbing reports come from the Almohad Caliphate and the territories gained by them following the Battle of Despeñaperros. Though formal pledges to respect the local Christian communities had been followed closely in the first months of the peace, agents report that instances of abuses have started to appear in some of the territories, the Almohads seemingly emboldened by the current chaos and division in the Christian Kingdoms. It is uncertain whether this mounting conflict and violence is indeed sanctioned by the regents or the result of local situations, but it has raised the alarm of many at court and particularly of the clergymen who have remained loyal to the Crown. Should something be done about it?

-The unexpected death of Peter II leaves the Kingdom of Aragon more weakened and subject to internal conflict, but the war is far from over given the continued existence of the Aragonese army and the general outrage of the Aragonese nobility and clergy over past peace proposals, which many have denounced there as humiliating or unacceptable. With the recent conflict within Castile, many expressed their belief the war must end to deal with the rebellion first, though bolder minds urge you to attempt to force the situation through with a victory that leaves the Cardinal of Montearagon with no option but to surrender or sue for peace. How should the war against Aragon continue?

Simon of Montfort:
-Popularity: Medium
-Legitimacy: Medium
-Economy: Medium

-The stunning announcement made by Raymond of Toulouse after the long and bitter siege of Toulouse has utterly bewildered your Crusader and French forces, as well as your fellow commanders. Now turned into would-be Crusaders and claiming to have Papal support for their endeavors, it appears Raymond indeed plans to assemble his forces for a Crusade, and has requested passage for his armies and for Papal envoys and administrations. This has led to a heated debate as the more fanatical commanders urge you to deny passage and destroy Raymond and his forces, so as to deny the Occitanian heretics a chance to rebuild themselves. What should be done about this surrender?

-Another issue raised by the Occitanian announcement has been the role of the Papacy given the apparently large involvement of Francis of Assisi in the negotiations and the arrangement, which appears to enjoy the blessing of Innocent III. This has been described by some as a betrayal of the Crusade, some sort of plot to undermine the Crusaders and ensure Raymond does prevail. Others believe the situation to at least warrant clarification, but are unwilling to accuse the Papacy of anything sinister. It is a complex debate which has led to you being urged to offer your own interpretation. Will you blame or attack the Papacy over the situation?

-The sudden death and apparent suicide of Peter II has once again raised the issue of the Aragonese succession, as you continue to serve as the ward of the young King James, still betrothed to your daughter and a key political hostage. With the beleaguered Cardinal of Montearagon still the regent and seemingly loyal to the rights of James, many wonder how the situation will resolve itself, and whether you will seek a formal arrangement with Montearagon to address the Aragonese succession, or whether you will attempt to intervene directly to ensure the potential gains to be made by your increasingly powerful family are secured. How should Montearagon be handled?

[Lumine]

Player Crisis:

Andrew II Árpad:
-Popularity: Medium
-Legitimacy: High
-Economy: Medium

-Faced with Bulgarian treachery, your forces have battled their way across the Carpathians and into Northern Bulgaria in a series of harsh sieges and battles, significantly slowing down your advance while resulting in heavy casualties both for your Crusader forces and for the resisting Bulgarians. Having secured victory in the more relevant engagements you find yourself deep into Bulgaria now, facing the question of how to proceed with the campaign. Despite warnings from some noblemen that the cost of fighting Bulgaria and Nicea could well prevent the army from being in shape to take part in the Crusade, there are many who believe intervention to save the Latin Empire could well be necessary, or profitable. What will you do?

-As your army fights its way into the Bulgarian cities and fortresses, the question of behavior and the attitude towards the enemy and its civilians has been brought up by concerned clergymen and by your treasurers as well. Whereas the first believe it is very important to treat the local populations kindly to prevent backlash against the Holy Mother Church, the second argue the cost of fighting across Bulgaria is excessively high, and it may well drain the finances or leave the army underfed unless resources are taken – by force if necessary – from the enemy cities or farms. This decision may become particularly important in light of the movement of thousands of peasants into the south, which may be halted or accelerated depending on the Hungarian behavior.

-A messenger arrives from the court at Esztergom with concerning news regarding Queen Regent Gertrude, who furiously denounces an assassination attempt on her royal person. Claiming the remaining nobles in Hungary are unruly and rebellious, Gertrude asserts she was almost killed by unknown assailants during a hunt near the capital, only saved by the last minute intervention of neighboring guards and not before she was wounded in the process. Angered by this act, Gertrude has requested permission to conduct a thorough investigation and punish any nobles responsible from it, arguing the Kingdom cannot afford treason during these challenging times.

Theodore I Laskaris:
-Popularity: Very High
-Legitimacy: High
-Economy: Medium

-The surprise invasion of the Latin Empire has brought early success for Nicea, overpowering most enemy defenses -  fortified cities aside – in Asia Minor, and leading to the victory at Gallipoli and the bloody and harsh siege of Constantinople. Unable to take the city through intrigue, you stand outside of the mighty Imperial capital with the Venetian Podesta surrounded and blockaded by the Genoese navy, but the military dilemma remains complex. The fight has significant reduced the strength of your already limited armies, and although the Podesta’s defenses are also significantly weakened, a failure to capture Constantinople soon enough could result in massive trouble should the defenders receive reinforcements from Rome or elsewhere. How will you fight the upcoming campaign?

-Through various means you have secured news allies in Genoa, Epirus and Bulgaria, a process which has included the betrothal of your daughter to John Vatazes and the arrival of a new bride for you from the Komnenos in Greece. Though a formidable group, facing the Papacy as a clear opponent on the war for the Empire poses significant dangers of its own, and the mobilization of Papal allies – including the powerful King of Hungary – could well result in a drawn out conflict which might prove costlier than expected. As a result, some of your ambassadors wonder how you plan to keep this coalition together and undermine the one currently supporting the besieged Papal regent.

-The Orthodox rebels across the Latin Empire have embraced you as Emperor, acknowledging your authority and supporting the restoration of the old Empire. And yet, despite their not insignificant numbers and increasingly quality of training and armament, the rebels are mostly isolated on different regions and will face the still strong forces of the Latin nobility, which has almost unanimously refused to abandon their Emperor or defect to Bulgaria or Nicea. With the armies of Epirus contained, and in spite of the complex sieges of Thessaloniki and Constantinople, will you seek to further reinforce the rebels in any way?

Boril I Asen:
-Popularity: Medium
-Legitimacy: High
-Economy: Low

-Alexius Slav’s campaign in the south has met with early successes and victories, defeating the Latins and placing the Papal Regent under siege in Thessaloniki. However, victory has proved costly, and with rumors of the imminent arrival of Emperor Philip of Namur from his long journey could mean a successful reorganization of the Latin forces for a counteroffensive. Though the direct threat posed on the Regent empowers the Bulgarian position on the war, there is great indecision on whether a successful siege can be conducted quick enough to capture the regent before enemy reinforcements resume their offensive, opening the question of just how much you are prepared to gamble. How will you conduct the war on this theater?

-The furious attempts by your forces to contain the Hungarian Crusaders from entering the realm have bought Bulgaria several months of bitter infighting across the Carpathians, but in the aftermath of the Battle of the Carpathians the joint Austrian and Hungarian forces have finally broken through and started to face the fortified castles and cities of your realm itself. The resistance thus far has been costly for both sides, but there are fears the Hungarians could well push their way into the capital should attempts to contain or defeat them fail. Already facing a crucial campaign in the south, how will you handle the threat posed by King Andrew?

-As the Hungarians advance into Bulgaria, thousands of peasants and city inhabitants have fled south in search of refuge, flooding into Sofia and other cities and adding a great pressure on officers who attempt to keep the situation in control. Faced with such a danger there are courtiers bold enough to suggest Bulgaria should seek help from the Cumans, even accounting for the risks posed by inviting their hordes to battle the Hungarian knights. Facing such a challenge, what should be done about the war refugees coming from the north? And should new allies be sought in order to prevent the enemy from penetrating even further?

Jean of Brienne:
-Popularity: Very High
-Legitimacy: High
-Economy: Low

-As a new day dawns in Antioch the results of your risky stratagem are revealed. In a bloody and ferocious battle, the combined forces of your Kingdom and those of Leo of Armenia have driven the Saracens back to Aleppo and secured the successful surrender of Antioch, Bohemond being sent back to Acre as your newest prisoner. However, the battle has not been cheap on its cost, resulting in heavy losses and the lack of immediate reinforcements as the Armenians return to their kingdom to defend against raids launched by Rum. With the Ayyubids weakened but still possessing significant forces at their disposal, what are your intentions regarding the upcoming campaign?

-Although hundreds of volunteers have managed to evade the enemy blockade and land on the region, truly significant or royal Crusader reinforcements are yet to arrive, raising up the uncomfortable question of what might happen in the event of an Ayyubid attempt at revenge following the Antioch betrayal. The Kingdom possess several strong fortresses which are unlikely to be quickly overrun in the event of an Ayyubid invasion, but the limited territory you possess and the deployment of forces to Cyprus does pose another disadvantage. Facing this considerable risk, officers at Acre wonder how you intend to defend your kingdom in the event of an invasion.

-Following this victory at Antioch a Papal proclamation has made its way into the kingdom, celebrating your victory and encouraging the Jerusalemite barons to crown you as the King of Jerusalem and not just its regent. Given the extreme youth of your son many can see the virtue of such a decision, although there are those who warn this could further alienated John of Ibelin and his supporters in spite of their current presence in Cyprus. With the court seemingly in favor of attempting to formally claim the crown, will you seek to accept the Papal proclamation and become King of Jerusalem?

Al-Adil I:
-Popularity: High
-Legitimacy: Very High
-Economy: High

-Mostly victorious at sea, the Sultanate nonetheless finds itself challenged by the Fifth Crusade after the defeats at Antioch and Alexandria, both problematic for different reasons. Though the enemy has faced significant losses and much of the Ayyubid military potential remains strong, the Sultanate nonetheless faces the prospect of enemies already in the Near East, and of possible reinforcements that including the King of England and the infuriated Venetians, who along with most of the trading cities have cut off trade with Egypt. Although most generals agree that dealing with the Hohenstaufen force in Egypt has the priority, there is also a question on where the Ayyubids should attack next, whether it is on Cyprus, against the Kingdom of Jerusalem, or even against the Armenians.

-Having lost some allies in recent months, you still hold the advantage of receiving significant support from Rum, which is only likely to increase given the present situation. Still, it a subject of debate whether the Sultanate can receive more military or financial support from fellow Muslim realms, including the Khwarezmian Shah, the Abbasid Sultan, your thus far loyal relatives, and other realms neighboring the Kingdom of Georgia. Not being certain whether such allies would act on solidarity alone or would require some sort of incentive to take part on the war, there are those who believe the arrival of such reinforcements and the mobilization of much of the Muslim world could ensure an early victory. Will you seek to achieve this?

-Following the denunciation of your supposed involvement in the death of the Almohad Caliph, the Almohad regents have sent a messenger to Cairo, outright threatening war against the Sultanate in response for the assassination, the Bedouin raids and the intrigues surrounding their eastern Governors. Written in a strident tone, the Almohad ultimatum demands the immediate hand-over of those responsible for the Caliph’s death, the end of all raids against the Caliphate, and financial and territorial concessions regarding Cyrenaica in compensation. Although much of this appears outright unacceptable to many in your court, there are those who question whether it would be wise to fight yet another front given the current challenges posed by the Crusaders. What should the Sultanate respond to the regents?

 Genghis Khan:
-Popularity: Very High
-Legitimacy: Very High
-Economy: High

-Following a series of critical victories against the Jin Empire, it appears the resolve of the Chinese to fight until the bitter end may be weakened. With Emperor Xuanzong rumored to be under heavy internal pressure to end the war in some manner, a full embassy from Kaifeng has reached the outskirts of your main camp to discuss a possible peace, as well as any possible terms you may have in mind. Opinions seem divided within your generals, some advocating to continue the war until Jin is crushed, and others believing the army is growing increasingly exhausted and that the large reserves of manpower that the enemy possesses would result in costly battles. Will you pursue peace or further war against the Jin?

-Although there are no apparent signs of disloyalty, the presence of Prince Uthman – who has distinguished himself on the battlefield – has led to some degree of excitement within several nobles and generals, who have been reportedly approached by Uthman with tales of the weaknesses of Kuchlug and the wealth of Shah Mohammed, the Karakhanid prince encouraging them to consider the prospect of a future war in the west that could bring untold benefits. The tales have spread enough to be a matter for conversation in war councils and celebrations, and Subutai (one of your generals) has raised the matter to you in order to learn your intentions. Should Uthman be allowed to press this case at the risk of endangering peace in the west? Or should be restrained – or even punished – in some manner?

-Having conquered large amounts of territory from the Jin, and even accounting for all the lands currently in control of Prince Liu-Ke and his Khitan officers, an urgent question of administration has been raised in your camp from your local commanders. Unaccustomed with actually ruling over the more heavily populated areas, the Mongol generals are uncertain on how to handle the local population, whether it is by slaughtering and removing as many Jin civilians as possible or find a way to administer the territories as formal lands of the Mongol Empire. Lacking a bureaucracy or administrative experts of any kind, the matter may prove decisive for the post-war settlement or for your intentions as a conqueror. What will you do?

Mohammed II:
-Popularity: Low
-Legitimacy: High
-Economy: High

-Despite your best attempts at a diplomatic situation your combined overtures to the Atabegs of Azerbaijan and the Abbasid Caliph have not been successful, raising the question of what it is to happen next. An-Nasir, though mindful of the Fifth Crusade and concerned about its outcome, has nonetheless outright refused to recognize you, issuing a series of comments that could be read as criticism of your policies and rule. And in Azerbaijan, the locals rules have been outright disdainful of the notion of becoming vassals, strongly asserting their belief in independence whilst expelling your ambassadors from the region. This has been read by many as an insult, leading to renewed calls for war even as some worry about the difficulties the terrain and climate might pose for a campaign. What should be done?

-The Fifth Crusade has been finally launched, and despite key victories achieved by the Sultan on the sea, two important defeats at Antioch and Alexandria raise the prospect of a successful offensive by the Crusaders once they reach the Near East. Thus far it would not appear Jerusalem or the other holy cities themselves are in direct danger, but there is talk of further escalation of the Crusade and uncertainty of what that might mean, a problem which has already brought up issues of its own when it comes to trading with the west, merchant flow being reduced on account of the dangers of the war. There is certainly a case to be made among many of your subordinates and particularly by the clergy in terms of intervening, though doing so might be costly and/or empower the Ayyubid Sultan in case of a grand victory against the Crusaders. Should the Khwarezmian Empire join the war?

-Despite the apparent stabilization of the main Ghurid remnant after Baha al-Din Sam managed to contain the expansion of his fellow rivals, further turmoil is taking place following the arrival of an unexpected visitor to the Khwarezmian court. The son of a former Ghurid Sultan, the mature Prince Ala al-Din Atsiz has been denied the Ghurid throne on several occasions despite his best efforts, and is currently very critical of his great-nephew. Ala al-Din Atsiz has arrived at court wanting an audience, expressing his belief the Khwarezmian Empire would strongly benefit from having an efficient and friendly ruler that could re-unify the Ghurid Empire and secure the southeastern border, thus requesting formal support to depose Baha al-Din Sam.

[Wikipedia delenda est]

The Scourge of God

An address by the King of Castile to be read publicly all across the Kingdom:


As good friends of the King of Aragon, we express our utter shock and horror at the death of the Aragonese King in his holding cell. We had taken care to treat him generously and provide him with ample accommodation, and were thus completely taken aback when we heard of this startling development. While we presently believe his death to have been the result of suicide, an investigation will be ordered immediately to ensure that this tragic event was not regicidal in nature.

The present state of Christendom is one of much danger and peril. We now face the onslaught of Egyptian infidels coupled with chaos and division at home. This truly is a general crisis like none in living memory, and I say that as an old man who has seen much and remembers well times of misfortune. But what has brought about this crisis? God's will. The infidels in Egypt are a scourge of God, summoned by Him to punish Christendom for her moral decay and spiritual corruption. It is a test of our will, a challenge for us as Christians. But we cannot drive back this scourge, and prove ourselves to God, unless we purify the Church. And for the church to be purified, the sickened head must first be cured before the rest of the body can be healed. The current Bishop of Rome, a tyrannical and degenerate man, has acted like the most worldly of princes, marrying off his family members to increase his temporal power. He has used his power of excommunication in a most partial and partisan manner--determined to split Christendom into two opposing camps--against godly princes like myself who simply wished for the preservation of peace and neutrality. But neutrality is no longer an option with this bishop, who has been tempted by the Devil. All Christian realms must now choose whether they are on the side of God, or that of Satan.

So, fellow men of Christ, it is clear that we must cast out this evil from the Church and renounce our sins if we wish to repel the scourge of God. Even within his own pagan religion, this scourge knows no remorse, having ordered the murder of his coreligionist the Almohad Sultan. Think also how this Sultan of Egypt threatens our very own kingdom, having recognized the Count of Toulouse as the King of Castile. It would not at all shock me, therefore, if the rebel leaders in the north of the kingdom have been urged on by the Sultan. Most of our rebellious subjects, however, I believe to be well-intentioned Castilians who have simply been misled by their leaders, said leaders being pawns of foreign interlopers like the Egyptians. I thus proclaim a general amnesty to any rebel who lays down his weapons and reaffirms his loyalty to our King Alfonso VIII, and therefore proves himself to be a good Christian and Spaniard. For we cannot afford to fight amongst each other while God's scourge threatens us, and the Church remains in Lucifer's hands.

[Garlan Gunter]

UPON THE TRAGIC DEMISE OF OUR BELOVED VASSAL PETER OF ARAGON, AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS IN HISPANIA


Upon one matter there can be no doubt. When Alfonso of Ivrea, then King of Castile, laid profane hands upon his brother monarch, our son and subject King Peter, he caused that good and pious knight's death, whether by mischance or, as we fear, malice.

We shall lay out the bare facts of this case.

When the King of Castile sought our aid against the Moors, we bestowed upon him our full backing, the Papal banner of the Crusade and a munificent present in gold bullion.

We opened negotiations with the King of the Moors that resulted in a prudent peace after the Christian defeat in Spain.

Yet when Alfonso of Ivrea heard that one of our vassals, the King of Aragon, had made an attempt upon another's life, the then rebellious King of Sicily, he did not complain to us as he should have done, but unjustly took the law into his own sinful hands, snatching the said King Peter by surprise against both law and chivalry.

The Emperor-elect and King of Sicily Frederick has himself renounced his actions against Aragon in this matter.

When the Papacy offered Alfonso of Ivrea a path to peace by returning the Holy Father's gift of gold, pledging to the Crusade against Egypt about which the false king of Castile now claims to care so keenly, or both, our envoys were scorned in disrespectful, nay, heretical language, denying to the Papacy any greater right than that of Bishop of Rome.

When the false king bought time against righteous vengeance from Aragon by promising to release King Peter, the said King was instead found dead by disgraceful and dishonourable means, whether driven to despair or shamefully murdered, in either case a foul stain upon a Christian throne.

Alfonso of Ivrea rants now against the marriages in our own earthly family, a policy for the Holy See and not for him, but one that we have publicly reconsidered heretofore.

Kings of Leon, Navarre, Portugal as well as Aragon, how can you trust yourselves to be safe from such unaccountable aggression, deviance from Christian hierarchy and authority, and darkest sin?

There is yet a way back. If Alfonso of Ivrea resigns his crown to his son and joins the Military Orders, if the Holy See is repaid, if Aragon is compensated, and Castile pledges to the Crusade against the heathen of Egypt, then this black chapter in our faith's history may be concluded at once.

If the false king spurns such terms, then let it be known that any subjects who do not disavow him, whether princely or of low estate, lie under Interdict, and that any Christian prince who bears arms against the forsworn lord of Ivrea shall enjoy the full privilege of the Crusade, and the entire legal possession of any lands or honours he takes from the said Alfonso's power, even unto the Crown of Castile itself.

Avowed at Ostia, in the solemnity of Christ's holy law,

Innocent III, Holy Father, Vicar of Christ, Bishop of Rome, Successor to the Prince of Apostles, High Commander of the Holy Crusade, Pontifex Maximus

[Donerail]

A NOTICE
To all nations and peoples of the world

That the Sublime, Eternal, and Well-Defended Territories of the Khwarazm-Shah, represented by the Sultan Ala ad-Dunya wa ad-Din Abul-Fath Muhammad Sanjar ibn Tekish, hereby declares that all those who seek to harry and molest the peaceful merchants of the Khwarazm-Shah, on account of any so-called "Crusade" or other conflict, are declared ENEMIES OF THE REALM, and shall be subject to the full military reprisal of the Khwarazm-Shah. All those who respect the merchants of Khwarazm, and who do not unnecessarily delay or burden them in their travel, and in general entrust them with those same rights afforded his own merchants, shall know peace.

[Garlan Gunter]

Papal Bull, Solitudine Babylonis

Only the vessels of the Sultan of Egypt are to be assailed by Christian captains, according to our previous ordinances. Other Mohammedan merchants may be heathens but they are guiltless in the matter of Rome, and potentially honourable friends to true Christians.

Let the merchants of Alexandria, Damietta, Aleppo, Damascus, Babylon of Cairo and all other citadels and harbours under the Sultan of Egypt's sway know that only their crooked king's madness, sacrilege, faithlessness, treason and dotage prevents their receiving similarly reasonable treatment.

- Innocent III, Holy Father etc, Protector of the Cross upon the Middle Sea