Extinguished Sovereignty: The End of Abbasid Caliphate
Monks transcribing dispatches in the abbey scriptorium record that the once-proud sovereignty of Abbasid Caliphate hath collapsed into the pages of old chronicles. Without a single walled town left to sustain its banners, the realm's remaining chancellors have departed in mournful silence. 'When the outer curtain falleth, the inner bailey cannot long endure the siege,' warned a master mason. The court jester observed that kingdoms are traded for glory, but a hot bowl of pottage still fetcheth the greater gratitude.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Rout and Renown: Saffarids (бургундий) Secures Indraprastha from Indian Kingdoms
Saffarids (бургундий) has swept into Indraprastha, stripping Indian Kingdoms of its most revered ancestral seat. From their fortified base in Shahiya, the warriors marched straight upon the objective. The shock of the breach has left neighboring bailiffs paralyzed with dread. Consternation gripped the great hall of Indian Kingdoms, where lords grasped their swords in bitter apprehension. 'When lances strike in unison, no oak gatehouse can long bar the way,' noted a scarred man-at-arms.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Tragedy at Kannauj: Saffarids (бургундий) Seizes Ancient Stronghold of Indian Kingdoms
Heartbreak strikes the court of Indian Kingdoms as Saffarids (бургундий) plants its standards within the great hall of Kannauj. The loss of this vital hearth shakes the realm to its foundations. The local blacksmith reported brisk trade in straightening bent swords for the vanquished and polishing new spurs for the victors. Lords of Indian Kingdoms held anxious colloquy behind locked doors, unable to agree upon a defense.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Lances Assembled: Tang China (Эльф ушастый) Recruits for the Crown
A significant muster has added 7 battle units to the royal guard of Tang China (Эльф ушастый). The display of martial strength hath reassured burghers and alarmed rival capitals. In the port towns, mariners and ship-captains exchanged cautious gossip over watered cider. 'The granaries are filled and the baggage train is secure; this feat was won in the wains as much as in the saddle,' observed a camp quartermaster.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Hosts Gather: Byzantines (Xenonic) Mustering New Formations
With bountiful harvests supporting the royal treasury, Byzantines (Xenonic) hath recruited 6 fresh regiments for service upon the marches. The roads leading to the frontier are thronged with supply wains. In the great hall of Byzantines, bells pealed from every abbey and cathedral tower in jubilation. Whether the townsfolk will welcome their new master with holy water or boiling pitch remains to be seen.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Byzantines (Xenonic) Leadeth the Realm with 19 Strongholds
No sovereign wieldeth greater weight in the councils of the known world than Byzantines (Xenonic), presiding over 19 strongholds. Foreign emissaries tread softly in the presence of its chancellors, conscious of the great feudal host at their call. 'The bells of victory ring sweet, but the blacksmiths must now labor on new ironwork,' laughed a camp armorer. The armories of Byzantines were decked with garlanded branches as townspeople gathered in praise.
Affairs of State & Royal Embassies
Dagger in the Dark: Vikings (Сефирой) Betrayed by Byzantines (Xenonic) in Bulgar
All pretenses of honor dissolved in blood as Byzantines (Xenonic) turned its broadswords against Vikings (Сефирой) in Bulgar. Dispatches describe the victims' utter bewilderment as former comrades struck them down. From tower to keep across Vikings, watchmen kept ceaseless vigil, scanning the tree line for smoke. The local cooper remarked that new lords always bring grand proclamations, but their men still drink the same sour small beer.
Affairs of State & Royal Embassies
The Unyielding Enmity of Byzantines (Xenonic) and Vikings (Сефирой)
There is no softening in the enmity that piteth Byzantines (Xenonic) and Vikings (Сефирой) against one another, sustained now through 3 unbroken years of raid and counter-siege. Bishops who attempted mediation have retired in pious despair. Emissaries from neighboring principalities watched the frontier closely, taking measure of the shifting balance. It is whispered among the commons that while lords dispute great titles, the only sure profit fell to the armorers and grave-diggers.
Taxes, Tithes & The Great Fair
Abbasid Caliphate suffereth grievous contraction, dwindling by 1 stronghold to leave a diminished tally of 0 strongholds.
Royal charters of Byzantines (Xenonic) confirm the acquisition of 6 domains, mounting to 19 domains.
Carolingian Franks (MonsterSerg) flourishes across the realm, widening its sway by 1 stronghold to command 5 strongholds in all.
The feudal rolls of Indian Kingdoms are shortened by 2 fiefs, leaving merely 4 fiefs in allegiance.
Granaries and cellars fill across the holdings of Saffarids (бургундий), which gaineth 2 provinces and standeth at 13 strongholds.
The chancery of Tang China (Эльф ушастый) recordeth 2 fresh holdings on the rolls, totaling 11 holdings.
A season of plenty for Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет), which raiseth its tally to 8 fortified towns (+2).
The bailiffs of Vikings (Сефирой) collect lighter purses, stripped of 2 holdings to keep only 4 holdings.
Parchments Found in the Dark
Pilgrims report that hooded couriers have been riding by moonlight between the keeps of Byzantines and Saffarids throughout 1904.
Friars crossing the border whisper that a secret parchment sealed by Indian Kingdoms was carried into the keep of Umayyad Cordoba beneath a load of turnips in 1904.
Public Notices & Oddities
Dense river fog creepeth over the marshes in 1904; archers complain of slacked bowstrings and rusted mail.
Public Notices & Oddities
WANDERING BEAR-TAMER: Master Wulfric will exhibit his dancing brown bear in the market square after Saturday compline. Mind your purses.
