Chronicle of Year 1916 · Scroll 16 — Known World 901
Fallen from Grace: Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) Annihilated as a Power
A royal messenger changing horses at the abbey post hath sworn that the dominion of Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) hath collapsed into utter oblivion. Without a single keep or manor left to fly its banner, the realm has vanished from the diplomatic councils of the age. 'The great wheel hath spun downwards, and who can stay its turning?' asked a cathedral deacon. Village bailiffs report that retreating knights and advancing men-at-arms displayed a remarkably equal appetite for stolen geese.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Preponderance of Byzantines (Xenonic): A Domain of 40 Strongholds
The strategic initiative resteth firmly with Byzantines (Xenonic), whose lands now encompass 40 vital strongholds toward the victory threshold of 55 strongholds. Though complete triumph will demand further campaigns, the realm commandeth profound respect. Crowds thronged the drawbridge of Byzantines, cheering the dust-stained riders who bore the news. The toll-collector noted that whichever lord held the bridge, the tax on pack-horses curiously never went down.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) Stands Fast at Walata: Tang China (Эльф ушастый) Beaten Back
Despite gathering formidable support for the enterprise, Tang China (Эльф ушастый) failed to dislodge the defenders of Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) from Walata. The garrison held its ground through a day of bitter melee, maintaining sovereign control over the fortress. 'The enemy relied on high masonry, but stone is naught without resolute blood behind it,' observed a siege engineer. In the great hall of Umayyad Cordoba, bells pealed from every abbey and cathedral tower in jubilation.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Stubborn Defense: Byzantines (Xenonic) Holds Tahert Against Tang China (Эльф ушастый)
Crossbowmen returning from the picket lines confirm that Byzantines (Xenonic) hath repulsed a coordinated storm of Tahert launched by Tang China (Эльф ушастый) with allied backing. Assault ladders were cast down into the ditch and the attacking columns were forced into a costly retreat. 'A stout heart beneath plain mail is worth a dozen gilded cowards,' grinned a veteran sergeant. A pall of dread hung over the bailiwicks of Tang China, where frightened cottagers shuttered their doors.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
Unbroken Line: Byzantines (Xenonic) Withstands Fierce Onslaught of Tang China (Эльф ушастый) at Alexandria
The walls of Alexandria held fast under furious bombardment as Byzantines (Xenonic) defied the reinforced hosts of Tang China (Эльф ушастый). Outnumbered men-at-arms met the charge at the breach with lowered pikes, turning the tide of the struggle. Knights in the tiltyards of Byzantines raised their drinking-horns high, hailing the triumph of their liege. Townsfolk cheered the victory proclamation with great fervor, having prudently stitched banners of both colors beforehand.
Reports from the Chivalric Host
The Shield Holds: Byzantines (Xenonic) Thwarts Supported Strike by Tang China (Эльф ушастый) at Yugra
Monks transcribing dispatches in the abbey scriptorium record that Byzantines (Xenonic) hath maintained possession of Yugra against all odds, shattering a reinforced assault unleashed by Tang China (Эльф ушастый). The victory gives heart to all who witnessed the gallant defense. Lords and commoners alike celebrated throughout Byzantines, filling the streets with torchlight and festive cheer. 'The foe broke like dry reeds before our horsemen,' recounted a knight of Byzantines, wiping his blade.
Affairs of State & Royal Embassies
Perfidy Unmasked: Tang China (Эльф ушастый) Attacks Ally Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) in Walata
Mule-drivers arriving from the salt-pans swear that Tang China (Эльф ушастый) hath severed its pact with Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) in the most shameful fashion, attacking their positions in Walata. Even neutral observers express disgust at the cold-blooded treachery. 'No fortress is so strong that an ass laden with gold cannot enter,' quoted a foreign scholar from the classics. Confusion reigned in the armories of Umayyad Cordoba, where smiths toiled frantically to mend cracked shields.
Affairs of State & Royal Embassies
The Unending Clash: Tang China (Эльф ушастый) and Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) Locked in Bitter Feud
With 3 years of active warfare behind them, Tang China (Эльф ушастый) and Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) continue to trade lance-thrusts with unflagging animosity. An entire generation has grown to manhood knowing only the alarm bell and the burning roof-beam. Monastic annalists recorded the events in quiet seclusion, wondering what tribulations heaven would send next. 'Whether the boundary stone moveth north or south, the river still floweth unchanged,' observed a river ferryman.
Taxes, Tithes & The Great Fair
The fortunes of Tang China (Эльф ушастый) wax bountifully, expanding its dominion to 37 strongholds (+1).
The dominion of Umayyad Cordoba (интима не будет) waneth upon the frontier, stripped of 1 castle and holding now but 0 castles.
Parchments Found in the Dark
Abbey chroniclers note with raised brows that chancellors of Carolingian Franks and Saffarids shared a cordial roast swan while their archers strung their bows.
Town gossip in 1916 claimeth that the chief counselor of Carolingian Franks hath secretly purchased a rich vineyard within the borders of Byzantines.
Public Notices & Oddities
A gentle spring rain melteth the river ice in 1916, swelling the mill-ponds and heartening the ploughmen.
Public Notices & Oddities
FOUND: One gilded hunting horn with silver inlay near the western woodland. Owner may claim it upon reimbursing the crier's fee.
