The final chapter in the history of Indian Kingdoms was inscribed in sorrow this season as its last remaining stronghold fell. Scribes have closed the royal rolls, leaving only epitaphs to record its bygone splendor. 'A kingdom won by the sword may be lost by a single misstep upon the ford,' sighed a retired herald. Black drapery was hung from the balconies of Indian Kingdoms, where silence replaced the customary songs of the court.
At the close of another grueling campaigning season, Byzantines (Xenonic) retains its commanding position atop the feudal ledger, directing 32 strongholds. While 23 keeps still separate the crown from the 55 keeps needed for victory, its supremacy is unquestioned. Crowds thronged the drawbridge of Byzantines, cheering the dust-stained riders who bore the news. 'The foe broke like dry reeds before our horsemen,' recounted a knight of Byzantines, wiping his blade.
In an unending ebb and flow of siegecraft, Swabia hath fallen 2 times in total to besieging columns, yielding on this occasion to Carolingian Franks (MonsterSerg) after outflanking the garrison of Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет). The surrounding crofts have been stripped bare by successive bands of hungry warriors. 'All earthly dominions are but borrowing; we hold them only until the grave,' preached an itinerant canon. Scribes were relieved to find that the new ruler's name was three letters shorter, saving precious sheepskin on every writ.
The banners of Carolingian Franks (MonsterSerg) have carried the day, capturing 3 castles from surrounding rivals. Troubadours across the realm are already composing verses in praise of the campaign. Whether the townsfolk will welcome their new master with holy water or boiling pitch remains to be seen. Barons of Carolingian Franks swore renewed fealty amidst clinking goblets and joyous shouting.
Letters delivered under ribbon and green wax announce that Byzantines (Xenonic) hath endured one of its sharpest declines, losing 2 territories within twelve months. Neighboring lords are already preparing to exploit the weakened realm. 'The realm of Byzantines hath tasted the vinegar of defeat, and the cup must be drained,' declared a wandering hermit. The court of Byzantines was shrouded in grief as the reality of diminished lordship settled upon the realm.
The bastion of Yugra proved an impassable barrier for Byzantines (Xenonic), whose supported advance was checked by the unwavering archery and lances of Tang China (Эльф ушастый). Celebrations erupted in the bailey as the hostile columns withdrew. Monks in the monastic scriptoriums of Tang China dipped their quills in gold ink to record the glorious deed. It is whispered among the commons that while lords dispute great titles, the only sure profit fell to the armorers and grave-diggers.
Monks transcribing dispatches in the abbey scriptorium record that the bitter feud between Byzantines (Xenonic) and Tang China (Эльф ушастый) hath now raged for 5 years running, with neither sovereign willing to petition for peace. Border villages have been burned and rebuilt until only blackened stone and stubborn pride remain. Serfs cutting hay in the meadow remarked that lords come and go, but the mud in the ditch remaineth sovereign over all. 'A treaty written in water lasteth longer than one sworn on the field of arms,' remarked a cynical chancery clerk.
Warfare between Byzantines (Xenonic) and Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) hath spanned 5 straight years without a single lasting truce to interrupt the bloodshed. Both treasuries are drained of silver, yet chivalric pride forbiddeth any concession. Merchants arriving from the Michaelmas fair relate that fresh feudal levies are already being summoned to the standards. A village curé remarked that the prayers for peace were answered promptly by the arrival of two hundred hungry crossbowmen.
Byzantines (Xenonic) striketh 2 keeps from its tax records, holding now but 32 keeps. Homage and rent wax bright for Carolingian Franks (MonsterSerg): up by 3 manors to a proud measure of 11 strongholds. Indian Kingdoms suffereth grievous contraction, dwindling by 1 stronghold to leave a diminished tally of 0 strongholds. Tithe rolls for Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) expand by 2 new fiefs, bringing the crown's ledger to 13 strongholds.
Town gossip in 1909 claimeth that the chief counselor of Tang China hath secretly purchased a rich vineyard within the borders of Saffarids. It is muttered in the castle hall that Byzantines dispatched a gift of fine malmsey and falconry gauntlets to the grand seneschal of Saffarids.
A sudden blizzard blanketeth the high passes in 1909, halting pack-mules and isolating mountain keeps until thaw.
RUNAWAY APPRENTICE: Young Peter, fled from the weavers' guild. Marked by a scar over the left brow. Harboring him incurreth excommunication and a fine.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| Byzantines (Xenonic) | 32 | -2 |
| Tang China (Эльф ушастый) | 27 | 0 |
| Saffarids (бургундий) | 14 | 0 |
| Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) | 13 | +2 |
| Carolingian Franks (MonsterSerg) | 11 | +3 |
| Indian Kingdoms | 0 | -1 |