An aged hermit dwelling near the mountain chapel hath related that Byzantines (Xenonic) leads the continent with 40 strongholds, keeping a distance of 15 keeps from ultimate victory. The realm's prestige has never shone brighter. 'The crown that is won by the lance must now be held by the keep,' observed a venerable abbot. The armories of Byzantines were decked with garlanded branches as townspeople gathered in praise.
A synchronized advance by Byzantines (Xenonic) in Mecca shattered the resistance of Saffarids (бургундий), clearing the frontier of enemy detachments. The field remains in the unchallenged possession of the attacker. 'Fortune smileth upon the host of Byzantines, yet the conquered soil will demand constant vigilance,' murmured a retired knight. Priests in Saffarids offered solemn intercessions at the altars, praying that wrathful skies might spare the realm.
A resolute defense by Byzantines (Xenonic) in Sijilmassa has frustrated the ambitious plans of Tang China (Эльф ушастый), whose supported assault broke against stubborn resistance. The field before the gatehouse remains littered with broken mantlets and shields. The money-lenders of Tang China closed their chests and refused to advance silver upon royal warrants. '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.
The bastion of Fazzan proved an impassable barrier for Tang China (Эльф ушастый), whose supported advance was checked by the unwavering archery and lances of Byzantines (Xenonic). Celebrations erupted in the bailey as the hostile columns withdrew. Across the ancestral seat of Byzantines, the populace gathered in market squares singing hymns of thanksgiving. Serfs cutting hay in the meadow remarked that lords come and go, but the mud in the ditch remaineth sovereign over all.
In a magnificent display of defensive resolution, the garrison of Byzantines (Xenonic) has successfully held Yugra against a heavily supported offensive by Tang China (Эльф ушастый). Despite facing superior numbers, the defenders stood firm upon the parapets and shattered the assault. The royal mint of Byzantines struck festive silver pennies stamped with the victorious crest. 'Our bowstrings were dry and our hearts were steadfast,' boasted an archer captain of Byzantines.
A textbook feat of defensive warfare was achieved at Sea of Worms, where Tang China (Эльф ушастый) resisted the full weight of a supported assault directed by Carolingian Franks (MonsterSerg). Chroniclers praise the castellan's calm disposition during the height of the crisis. 'The courage of the knights of Tang China hath broken the enemy's shield-wall,' remarked an admiring chronicler. Neutral castellans along the frontier ordered timber brought in and moats dredged, preparing for any turn of events.
The chivalric bonds of Byzantines (Xenonic) and Carolingian Franks (MonsterSerg) were reaffirmed through 2 coordinated movements on the marches. Foreign ambassadors acknowledge that this alliance poses a formidable challenge to any rival realm. 'When great lords fall out, it is the hedge and the cottage that burn,' murmured an aged woodsman. The court jester observed that kingdoms are traded for glory, but a hot bowl of pottage still fetcheth the greater gratitude.
The feudal ledger of Byzantines (Xenonic) is copied out unchanged, standing at 40 strongholds.
Merchants at the frontier fair note that moneylenders tied to Carolingian Franks are extending substantial credit to barons loyal to Byzantines.
Tempests and thunder rouse the frontier in 1917; friars whisper of celestial portents and dragons battling above the clouds.
WANTED: Sound destriers and pack-mules for the king's baggage train. Must not shiver at the bray of trumpets or the fluttering of war-banners.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| Byzantines (Xenonic) | 40 | 0 |
| Tang China (Эльф ушастый) | 37 | 0 |
| Carolingian Franks (MonsterSerg) | 17 | 0 |
| Saffarids (бургундий) | 14 | 0 |