The Great Realm Chronicle & Monastic Annals

The Bitter Vendetta of Byzantines (Xenonic) and Vikings (Сефирой)

The vendetta pitting Byzantines (Xenonic) and Vikings (Сефирой) against each other hath endured through 4 campaigns without a single honest embassy of peace. Blood was also spilled at Esteland and Rostov, where neither side yielded ground. Both treasuries are hollow shells, yet the slaughter continues unabated. 'He who buyeth war must pay in the blood of his yeomen and the tears of his widows,' declared a traveling friar. The tavern-keeper took down one coat of arms and hung another, remarking that nails are cheaper than taking sides.

Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) Strikes at the Ancestral Seat: Jelling Taken from Vikings (Сефирой)

A devastating strike by Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) has toppled the long-standing ducal garrison of Vikings (Сефирой) in Jelling. The foray originated from Veletia, where men-at-arms had gathered since midsummer. Town gates were breached after a short, savage bombardment. Village bailiffs report that retreating knights and advancing men-at-arms displayed a remarkably equal appetite for stolen geese. Chamberlains and castellans of Vikings barred the castle gates in haste, dreading further calamities.

War Footing: Tang China (Эльф ушастый) Equippeth Fresh Formations

Armories and tanneries across Tang China (Эльф ушастый) have delivered gear for 7 additional units this season. The new banners were consecrated with holy water in cathedral ceremonies. Tavern-keepers across Tang China broached their finest mead and refused coin from passing men-at-arms. 'He who trusteth to the loyalty of neighboring courts leaneth upon a bruised reed,' warned an old diplomat.

The Chivalric Levy: Byzantines (Xenonic) Recruits Fresh Lances

Merchants arriving from the Michaelmas fair relate that the sovereign of Byzantines (Xenonic) hath inspected 6 new companies upon the royal tournament grounds. Chroniclers praise the martial spirit evident among the recruits. 'Our bowstrings were dry and our hearts were steadfast,' boasted an archer captain of Byzantines. Bailiffs in neighboring shires set extra night-watches to keep wandering bands of armed deserters at bay.

The Royal Hegemon: Byzantines (Xenonic) Tops the Ledger of Feudal Holdings

With 25 castles in its ledger, Byzantines (Xenonic) maintains its position at the summit of the feudal order. Dispatches indicate that the high command is already drafting marches for the coming year. Guildmasters of the great cloth towns looked to their storehouses, fearing interruptions to the winter fairs. 'A bold charge at morning hath given us lordship until winter,' remarked a master of horse.

Tang China (Эльф ушастый) Taketh Mahilaka from Indian Kingdoms

In a fierce midday assault, the lances of Tang China (Эльф ушастый) stormed the barbican of Mahilaka, shattering the defensive ring held by Indian Kingdoms. Scouts had ridden out from Southern Sea days beforehand to reconnoitre the route. The countryside was swiftly occupied by light horsemen. In the bustling towns of Tang China, roasted oxen and casks of ale were set forth in the market for all comers. 'The foe broke like dry reeds before our horsemen,' recounted a knight of Tang China, wiping his blade.

Blood Upon the Marches: Byzantines (Xenonic) and Saffarids (бургундий) in Protracted Strife

Hostilities between Byzantines (Xenonic) and Saffarids (бургундий) have now ground on for 3 unbroken years, stripping the border manors of grain and livestock. The two crowns have contended across 3 campaigning seasons. At border river crossings, toll-collectors doubled their guard and inspected every cart with keen eyes. 'The sword hath carved what no parchment treaty could bind,' wrote a monastic chronicler.

Swords Drawn Forever: Carolingian Franks (MonsterSerg) and Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) in Grinding Conflict

The frontier between Carolingian Franks (MonsterSerg) and Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) remains an open wound, kept bleeding through 2 years of relentless raids and castle sieges. Raids and counter-strokes were reported in Paris as the strife widened. Scribes have grown old copying the casualty rolls of this interminable feud. The toll-collector noted that whichever lord held the bridge, the tax on pack-horses curiously never went down. Caravans arriving from distant realms altered their journeys, preferring roundabout roads to the warring provinces.

At the Edge of the Abyss: Vikings (Сефирой) Down to Borussia

Friars begging alms along the border road report that the last sovereign council of Vikings (Сефирой) has assembled in the tower of Borussia, knowing that their remaining territory is the only barrier against total defeat. Envoys from rival courts hover near the gates like crows. A village curé remarked that the prayers for peace were answered promptly by the arrival of two hundred hungry crossbowmen. The council chamber of Vikings stood half-empty, several powerful barons having already ridden home to guard their own manors.

Revenues and tithes pour into the treasury of Byzantines (Xenonic), adding 6 fiefs to reach a grand total of 25 fiefs. The feudal ledger of Carolingian Franks (MonsterSerg) swells with newly pledged homages, advancing by 1 castle to stand at 6 castles. The bailiffs of Indian Kingdoms collect diminished tithes, the crown receding to 3 strongholds (-1). Homage and rent wax bright for Saffarids (бургундий): up by 2 manors to a proud measure of 15 strongholds. Tang China (Эльф ушастый) swelleth its territorial rolls by 6 fortified keeps to count 18 keeps in all. Tithe rolls for Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) expand by 2 new fiefs, bringing the crown's ledger to 10 strongholds. Rents and revenues fall steeply in Vikings (Сефирой), forfeiting 3 provinces to settle at 1 stronghold.

Whispers in the armory suggest that Tang China hath loaned master crossbow-makers to the garrisons of Saffarids.

Crisp Martinmas air settleth upon the kingdom in 1905, turning the marshes silver under a hunter's moon.

FINE SALT from the coastal pans, packed in dry barrels. Inquire of the merchant carter near the bridge chapel.