Xagrurgian Settlement (named Port Staðr), 1650s
After the incident with the Hama several decades earlier, Admiral Pipua and a couple of men sailed back to Xagrurg to inform the presidency of the colony in Borea and the hostile resistance they encountered from other colonial empires. Originally, the president balked at keeping the colony but was forced to send supplies to the colony after several intimidating businessmen convinced him otherwise that it was a wise investment. As a result, the Xagrurgian Navy sent over 25 60-gun galleons, colonists, and other supplies needed for a settlement. Admiral Pipua proceeded to reside in Eidenburgh for the rest of his life while his slave, who was left behind at the colony, was set free and remainded in the colony and lived as a teacher, working with other native and Xagrurgian children. The city itself after the Hamanian Incursion of 1603 proceeded to upgrade its defenses to fend off a major attack again if needed to be. Over the years, the city began to grow as more immigrants from the native tribes of Borea seeked shelter in Port Staðr as the Hamanians and Kalatians razed their city. Port Staðr was a major destination for refugees from the raids due the Xagrurgian values of freedom and equality attracting many. As a result, the city became a melting pot of Xagrurigan, native, and Hamanian cultures. The presence of the city near a major shipping lane helped to increase the economic growth of the settlement, resulting its new purpose as a legation city.
[hr]
Business was prospering in the city and people was going about their lives, the streets and marketplaces bustling with activity. Suddenly, a watchtower on a coastal cliff near the city reported seeing a large Kalatian fleet heading towards the settlement and blocking all maritime traffic from coming in and out from the bay. The city’s garrison quickly scrambled out of their barracks and onto the walls and bastions, prepared to fight back. The Xagrurgian ships sent from the mainland sailed out of dock and into the bay, forming a line and turned towards the Kalatians, prepared to give a broadside. The captain of the garrison told the leader of the Xagrurgian Coast Guard to send a rowboat with a messanger to the flagship of the Kalatian fleet demanding to know the reason of the blockade. Meanwhile, the governor of the city sent a runner to the Hamanian capital on the Eastern coast of Borea to inform them that Port Staðr is currently being blockaded and that all maritime traffic should avoid the settlement and to also ask them if they know anything about the Kalatians’ activities as of late.
Ahamadu, coast of Eastern Borea
1650
The governor of the colony received a message from the Xagrurgians in Port Stadr (OOC: cannot get that d thing right, sorry). His name was Alhamanu Bismilahu. He was not haughty or arrogant, nor was he benign and docile. He was pragmatic, effective, but always tried to resolve disputes as humanely and peacefully as possible. His appointment at the post might prove beneficial to a situation such as this. If Governor Abadulahu, for whom the city Abadulahu is named, was still alive, he might report to the news he was about to receive with belligerence and war preparations. Governor Bismilahu was more amenable to reason and pursued a more tentative approach before releasing the Hamanian machinations of war.
He received the report from the Xagrurgians that the Kalatians were sending a large fleet and blocking trade. This was particularly worrying as many perishable goods would go to waste and there was no way to retrieve ice as it was the warm season, so the mountain glaciers had melted and retreated beyond reach and the ice of the sea had receded to the Arctic Ocean. He decided to send the Kalatians a letter to talk about whatever their grievances were and to settle them peacefully. He also informed King Musa, who gladly welcomed his peaceful approach to the problem at hand and allowed the Governor to proceed with negotiations.
The Governor sent this letter to the Xagrurgians
[spoiler]Greetings Your Grace
We thanketh thee for thine assistance in this matter. We are equally worried by the developments. We will recourse to peaceful negotiations. Prithy, remain calm. The matter shalt be quickly resolved. We pursueth a peaceful part to the matter and we shalt inform thee accordingly of any developments. Please be assured that the Kingdom of Hama will protect the City of Port Stadr and restore free trade in the Borean Sea.
We bid thee peace and Allahu (the most beneficent, the most merciful) may grant thee strength.
The Excellent, Governor of the Hamanian Realms of Borea
Alhamanu Bismilahu[/spoiler]
He sent another to the Kalatians
[spoiler]I greet thee Majesty, in the name of King Musa of Hama
I hope that this correspondence findeth thee well. I have received report that thy Majesty’s warships cometh nigh Ahamadu and that thou has blockaded the Straits of Borea. I humbly ask why Her Majesty has done this? What complaint hath her majesty with Hama that thou hast taken such action against her. I beseech thee for an audience that we may discuss this matter and come to a peaceful resolution.
We wish thee peace and Allahu (the most beneficent, the most merciful) grant thee wisdom.
The Excellent, Governor of the Hamanian Realms of Borea
Alhamanu Bismilahu [/spoiler]
By order of the King, the Hamanian navy was to stand down until Governor Bismilahu was able to resolve the dispute.
[spoiler]https://s17.postimg.org/5honmsl0b/image.png
[/spoiler]
1649
Chief Arlen made his way to the top of the hill and sat down on a particularly mossy boulder. He was several days’ trek away from the heartland, but he knew he could count on the place to run itself. It had needed to, seven years ago. His son, Elwin, had gone missing on a hunt, and although the rest of his contingency stayed only a day longer, he had remained in the area for a full week and then some, looking for any sign of him. He eventually found one thing - a scrap of previously white, now muddied fabric. A fragment of what had previously been Elwin’s hunting scarf. He was dead, the body long gone. It was seven years since then, give or take a couple of days, and it still pained him. He’d gone on his yearly hunting trip alone from then on. A time for reflection.
“Kei!” Hey! came a shout from the bottom of the hill. Another dark elf carrying a bundle of some sort. “Tchal-sa star?” Who are you? The zrei was too far away for Arlen to make out his face, but he didn’t know of anyone else that would be out here in these parts of the land. Further east were the Hamaians, Xagrugs, and Kalatians - strange people from across the sea. The zrei had no business with them, surely.
“Sha tsar Arlen, T’ssarion is’Vaarisvalla,” I am Arlen, Leader of Vaarisvalla, came the reply.
The zrei at the bottom of the hill stood still, as if shocked, then began running up the incline. “Karu!” Father! he shouted, arms wide.
He was closer now, and the Chief could see clearly the dark elf’s face. It was indeed Elwin, although it had not been served well by the seven years he’d been lost. “Rukei!” Son! he gasped, storming down the hill. They met in the middle and embraced in a great hug, almost knocking each other down in the process. “Tchel ker a’sa?” What happened to you?
Over the week it took them to return to Vaarisvalla, Elwin told of how he had been captured by the Hamaians, how he had been forced to work as a slave to tend their farms and feed exotic fruits to the people who claimed to own him, how he had been paraded around in front of people that remarked at his pointed ears and ashen-grey skin, how he had been whipped when he refused to obey commands, how he had had the Hamanese language beaten into him - and the Vaaran language almost beaten out, and how he had been forced to pray to their gods, and forbidden from praying to his own. At every word, Arlen grew more enraged, and declared every other sentence his wish to go down to Hama country and kill everyone who had wronged his son.
Over the week it took them to return to Vaarisvalla, Elwin told of the strange machines the Hama people had brought with them, of small hand-held contraptions called crossbows that were like bows, but better, of a great furnace that they used to turn metal ores into shiny bars that held their form much better than anything the zrei could have produced, of digging channels through the fields from rivers to ensure the crops always stayed hydrated, of how his master’s daughter had taken it upon herself to show him all these amazing and useful things because she wanted to impress him, to persuade him to stay in Hama country once his seven years being a slave were up.
Arlen and Elwin were of the same mind. All these brilliant things the Hamaians had made could be replicated for the bettering of the Zrei. He had brought sketches, diagrams, of how these things were to be built and with what. They could build things they had never dreamt of before, grow crops better, hunt easier, all with the unwitting help of Hama.
1650
A year passed, and Vaaran society had never been better. The fields were green with Pax Fruit plants that grew faster and fatter than before, and there were more of them, as they could plow the urth more quickly with tools that didn’t warp or bend. Meat was plentiful, and more of it was being caught than ever. The population was growing fast, now there was enough food to feed everyone to full bellies.
The time for Arlen’s yearly hunting trip came about again. Unlike the previous seven years, he would not be venturing out alone. He had near half the village along with him, armed to the teeth with stronger and sharper swords, with deadly crossbows and swift spears. There was no need, strictly speaking, for the dark elves to accompany him. They were in no way lacking meat or furs. But they knew what this hunting trip was about.
This year, they would be hunting the Hama.
Inside the Queens Office a series of letters were sent out to each regional nation.
[spoiler]
To: T’ssarion Arlen Zlovsky
Greetings,
You may not be aware but a war is brewing in Borea, recently Hama burned one of our villages down in a attempt to acquire slaves. This village was a multicultural center of Kalatianburg in Borea were Kei people, and Kalatians lived together in peace. This act is a great crime against not only Kalatians but all other natives especially the elves, we simply ask to form a alliance between our great groups. Together we can destroy Hama, in return for the help we wish to return the land to your people and help establish you as a official nation in the region. We can equip you with frigates and weapons as well keep a constant supply of food in your settlements during the war, we also request to open trade and commerce between our two great people.
Sincerely
Queen Saenz II[/spoiler]
[spoiler]
To:Ambassador of The Xagrurgian Colony
Greetings,
The Blockade of your colony is due to reports that Xagrug is in direct alliance with the Hama Empire, the blockade will be lifted in 1 week and your colony will be under 24 hour watch by Kalatian Naval ships until the conflict is over. We will supply the Colony with rations that we guarantee they do not starve including shipment of Ice. We are not up for negotiation and any move felt like a threat will be dealt with swiftly. The Kalatian Naval force outpowers you In this region we do not wish to go to war with you, but we will not back down either.
Sincerely
Queen Saenz II[/spoiler]
[spoiler]
To:The Excellent, Governor of the Hamanian Realms of Borea
Alhamanu Bismilahu
Greetings,
A Decleration Of War was passed 2 weeks ago, at which we found the Royal Pin Of Hama left in the rubble of our village, the village you burnt down! Apologies for your actions or face the extended consequences of the Kalatian Forces.
Seriously
Queen Saenz II[/spoiler]
[hr]
The Kalatian Forces were fairly advanced for the 1600s the use of the Long Gun, 60 cannon ships and the Musket pushed Kalatianburg into the Age of sails boasting a extremely large naval forces. What had once been impossibly 20 years ago was now possible, land forces grew from 20,000 to over 300,000. A hatred for the Xagrurgians and Hama people had been evident since the Xagrurgian first decided to arrive in Nacato, Kalatians found common interest with Elves who always seemed capture the Royals minds and hearts even working they way up to royal positions ona withen the Kalatianburg Empire. The Attack On Ahamudu was a direct reply to the attack on the Kalatian village, the Naval ships used ranged from Galleons, to frigates to small patrol boats and everything in between. The soldiers who landed in the dark ranged at close to 3,000 and marched in formation to the Hama village prepared to lay siege to the area. Under direct order by command they waited before invading the city and instead hid in the forest , waiting patiently for their moment …
(OOC: Since the battle of Ahamadu will be such a big part of this roleplay, please give me time to draw the maps and give a detailed description of my forces)
When the Xagrurgian governor read the message sent by the Kalatians, he was outraged to the point of flipping his table over and throwing his chair out of his window, landing on some poor sods market stall of Pax Fruit. THEY BELIEVE XAGRURG IS TAKING A SIDE IN THIS QUALM OVER SOME SODS LAND?! he yelled at the mailmans face who then fainted. Shit, the governor said after. The governor, remembering the shipment of rapid-firing muskets that came from the mainland to the port city to arm the elite marine detachment deployed in the city, proceeded to send a runner to the barracks, informing them be on guard. The rapid-firing musket, known as the Kathloff Repeater (named after the gunsmith who invented the mechanisms needed for the repeater) was a marvel of technological innovation in firearms development, being able to spit out 30 rounds under a minute and extremely deadly in a marksmans hands. As a result, the repeaters blueprints were a closely-guarded state secret. The governor, cautious and mistrusting of the truthfulness of the Kalatianss promise to supposedly not harm the city, decides to send a messenger at night through secret tunnels under the city who would then appear at a cave on the outskirts of the city and then ride on horseback to the Hamanian capital in the area, Ahamadu, saying:
ATTACK IMMINENT BY KALATIANS: REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE BY XAGRURGIAN PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR MATTHEW GORING
After he was done writing the letter, he proceeds to order the garrison to man 24-hour watch to keep an eye on the Kalatians.
Doharian Temple, Doharu, Hama
1650, a week since the Kalatianburg declaration of war
“Close your eyes. Clear your mind. Let all your thoughts fade away. Let your head be light and let your heart be still”.
Master Zuduru!, a voice called out, interrupting Master Zuduru’s lesson.
"Who dares, admonished Master Zuduru, “Who dares to interrupt me when I am teaching my students?”
The man who had called out to Master Zuduru earlier kneeled before him and asked for forgiveness, "I am sorry my master, please forgive me. I did not mean to interrupt, but I was sent to you, for you are summoned to the chambers of the Grand Master.
“I see”, said Master Zuduru, stroking his beard. “My students, you are dismissed”.
Master Zuduru entered the chambers of the Grand Master. He bowed his head to the Grand Master, who reciprocated with a cordial bow. The Master turned to find the King of Hama seated in one of the couches. Master Zuduru went on his knees before King Musa and stood up again.
“Greetings, Master Zuduru”, said the King.
“Greetings, my lord”, replied Master Zuduru.
“Master Zuduru, thank you for joining us”, said Grand Master Habidu. “Please take a seat. Thank you for coming to see us. His Majesty has a request for our order”.
“Yes, Master Zuduru”, said King Musa, “Our kingdom faces the possibility of war with the Kalatians. We need the help of the Doharian Order to avert it or prepare and lead us through it if peace should fail”.
“How can I be of assistance, my lord”, asked Master Zuduru.
"I need you to make contact with the Kalatians and negotiate a peace treaty or at least buy us time to prepare our defences, said King Musa, “Kalatianburg is a mighty nation. Any war with them will bring ruin”.
“I understand, my lord”, said Master Zuduru, “It shall be done”.
[hr]
Master Zuduru was in his room. He tied the laces of his shoes, tied his turban, tightened his girdle and fastened the scabbard of his sword. One of his students knocked on the door. He ordered the student to enter.
“I am sorry to disturb you, my teacher. I wanted to wish you luck before you left”.
“Worry not, Tathitu”, said Master Zuduru to his student, “I do not believe in luck. Allahu is on my side”.
The Master turned and left for the capital of the Kalatian colony on Western Borea.
Back in Hama…
120 days after the Declaration of War and 115 days since the diplomatic efforts of Master Zuduru…
While Master Zuduru tried to allay the chances of war with the Kalatians, King Musa enlisted the help of the Doharian Order for a second task: to prepare the military for war and to strengthen the defences of the nation. Grand Master Habidu called a meeting of the Grand Council of the Order formed of Masters. The Grand Council was to plan and execute the war strategy of the Hamanian Empire. Through a succession of meetings with military personnel and military experts, they discovered several things. The Hamanian military was large, but the army was ill disciplined and lacked strong leadership. The technology of the Hamanian military was relatively advanced, but lacked the power to make serious and strategic forward attacks on the Kalatians without a massive loss of life.
The first step was to call the leadership to account. The Grand Council dismissed the generals and appointed Knights in their stead. They removed commanders who were appointed because of birth. They revitalised the spirit of the army through impassioned oratory, the high values, incredible skill and willingness to fight with the soldiers. They earned the respect of those they led.
Secondly, they fortified the cities of Komodu and Ahamadu. Although Komodu proved a more worthy prize, it was well-defended and the Kalatians would not be foolish enough to attack it. Their most likely target would be Ahamadu. Ahamadu would allow the Kalatians to launch an inward invasion of Hamanian Borea. It was the only deep water port in that area. The first line of defence would be the navy. There would be two lines of 15 ships each. The first line would form an outer perimeter while the second line formed a second perimeter. If the lines were broken and the naval defences failed the ports had thousands of sand bags piled up that blocked most roads and formed barriers that protected soft targets like the hospital, schools, city hall, armoury and treasury.
[hr]
OOC: Map of Ahamadu coming soon; really sorry about the delay.
For any information on the ships that will be used, see this Wikipedia article on https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_the_line and on sailing ship tactics, take a look at https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_tactics_in_the_Age_of_Sail[edit_reason]Added link and adjusted number of ships[/edit_reason]
OOC: I have attached a map of Ahamadu
It seemed that for the time being the Kalatians were not willing to pick a fight with the Hamanians. The Hamanians had been set straight and at least put in a position to negotiate the release of slaves and the termination of the slave trade as a whole. Attacks on Kalatian territory and subjects had significantly decreased because they were no longer supported nor condoned by the state.
The motivation behind this decision were purely political. In fact, white slaves, were sought after on the black market. They were the symbol of wealth and power. They were like a rare treasure - a luxury that only the rich could enjoy. In the mean the Hamanian economic structure had to go through the difficult process of adapting to the decrease in cheap labour.
The Hamanians had laid roads, dammed rivers and erected cities using the labour of the giants, the Boreans, prisoners of war and Kalatian slaves. They had to adapt to the difficulties that they were facing in finding new slaves. The legal framework that supported slavery was untenable considering the threat of war with Kalatianburg and the brewing civil unrest.
With the Doharu at the helm of the military, the King hoped to strengthen the Hamanian machines of war while he pretended to acquiesce to the threats of his distant neighbour and the aspirations of the native people for self determination. The Doharu were a monastic order that valued honour, obedience and courage within the framework of a zeal for religion.
Its commanders were skilled warriors who led by example and inspired the other soldiers to seek the best in themselves and each other. They consolidated their control of the Hamanian military apparatus. They installed their members at all areas of command and created a rigid hierarchy that put control of the whole navy and army under the control of the Grand Council. Since the Grand Master was a loyal friend of the King and saw himself as the King’s humble servant. This idealism prevented the instability and arrogance that comes with the power that the order was accruing.
The Doharian Order lived by a code that encouraged patience, detachment, frugality, obedience, loyalty and justice. They submitted themselves to the instruction of the King and the power of the state. There were some within the order who felt that this stance was a sign of weakness. They believed that strength was meant to be used and that the strong should rule. They formed a small group that whispered these ideas around corners or murmured them under their breath.
In truth, they were afraid. They were afraid of the punishment that they would receive for these treasonous thought. They were afraid of the very thoughts that they had. They were afraid of the temptation of power and what it would do if they could not overcome it.
There was one, a Master, who was not afraid. Master Ahabu Wahabi was a notorious man. He was the most effective general in war, but had the highest number of casualties. Those under his command respected his military strategy and warrior skill, feared his no nonsense attitude and were blindly loyal to this great master.
The Grand Council was starting to get worried that the Master might be growing to strong.
The Grand Master summoned the Grand Council while Master Wahabi was away. They met in the monastery in Doharu to discuss his increasing power and popularity without him. They settled in the meeting room and began the deliberations.
“Brothers, Master Wahabi has grown strong. We have reason to believe that Master Wahabi has strayed from the path of the Doharu and is using this order for his own purposes”, said Master Thayimu.
“Is it not the way of the Doharu to believe that a man is innocent until he is proven guilty?” asked Master Makatumu, “Then why do we hold his trial without the accused here, to hear from him what he has done and make him aware that we are dissatisfied with his actions. We must discipline him according to our practices and laws”.
“I summoned this meeting not as a trial, but for us to review the situation as best we can”, said Grand Master Habidu.
“Grand Master, with all due respect”, said Master Makatumu, “I sense that your close relationship with the King has clouded your judgement”.
Master Zuduru opined, “I agree, Grand Master, with Master Makatumu. This course of action will lead to suspicion and rivalry. Let us pursue the path that this order values. The truth will prevail”.
Grand Master Habidu considered what they said and adjourned the meeting. He summoned Master Wahabi to the Monastery for further deliberation. Rather than summon the Grand Council of the order to deliberate on this matter, he called Master Wahabi to his own chambers for a private discussion.
“Grand Master, it is good to see you”, said Master Wahabi.
“I am glad to see you as well, Master Wahabi”, Grand Master Habidu replied, “Please take a seat and we can talk. I shall make us tea. Here you go”.
Master Wahabi took a sip. He started feeling dizzy and looked at the Grand Master with horror. With his last breath, he murmured, “What have you done?!”
[hr]
Master Zuduru was in his chambers. He was meditating. Plumes of incense wafted upwards and permeated the air with a soft spicy aroma. He sensed a great disturbance. He was snapped out of his meditation and pondered on this strange feeling. He decided to go up to the Grand Master to ask him what this feeling could mean.
[hr]
Master Zuduru opened the door to find Grand Master Habidu dragging Master Wahabi’s unconscious body by the arms. Master Zuduru staggered, shocked by what happened. Grand Master Habidu knew that Master Zuduru was not a fool. He drew his sword and made for Master Zuduru without warning.
Master Zuduru dodged the attack and drew his own sword. Their blades met with a loud clang. Habidu brought the first blow with a sweep from the left. Zuduru blocked and kicked Habidu in the stomach. He brought his own blade over Habidu’s head. It was deflected. Habidu came with a straight strike to the abdomen. Zuduru dodged it with a jump to the left and brought his own sword to Habidu’s throat. Habidu dodged with a quick bow of the head as the blade sliced the air above him. He swept his leg across the ground and brought Master Zuduru down.
He tried to jump on Zuduru with his knees, but Zuduru rolled away before he could strike. Habidu got up with his knees sore. He sobered up and whirled his sword at dizzying speeds to disorient and confuse his opponent. But Zuduru would not be fooled. He quickly got up and whirled his sword as well. There was a loud clang as the force of the collision struck their swords out of their hands. Habidu tried to run to the back of the room, but Zuduru grabbed him by the neck from behind. Zuduru leg locked him and pinned him to the ground.
“Help! Help!” Zuduru called out.
The other Masters ran into the room. They were appalled. Seeing Master Wahabi on the ground and Master Zuduru holding Grand Master Habidu to the ground shocked them.
“He poisoned Wahabi!” Zuduru said.
They took Habidu into custody and threw him in the dungeons for further questioning. They took Master Wahabi to the clinic where he could heal. They held a meeting and decided to elect Master Zuduru as the new Grand Master of the Order of the Doharu.
Grand Master Zuduru realised that the influence of the monarchy ran deep and threatened the integrity of the order. He decided to meet with the Chiefs.
The Chiefs controlled militias within their own realms. They contributed troops to the broader imperial military. They were also the leaders of the constituent tribes of the nation. They controlled vast amounts of land and held large sums of wealth. They had the loyalty of their tribesmen. While the King was more powerful than any chief by a mile, their combined influence could put enough pressure on the King to change his mind.
Grand Master Zuduru knew, however, that the people he was working with were politicians and businessmen. He would be asked to compromise his values and make tradeoffs in return for their support. But he was not do that. He would not succumb to their influence or settle on their terms.
He went to each chief and sent other Masters as well to coax the other chiefs he could not get to or get through to. They tried to portray the Doharian Order as the royally anointed controller of the military forces of the empire and the rightful defender of the land. The negotiations were long and difficult. Most of the chiefs were initially skeptical and believed that the Doharu had no legitimacy to do this. But eventually many of them agreed to oppose the monarchy’s intrusion into Doharian affairs, and by extension its control of the armed forces.
The Grand Master, having secured the support of the Chiefs, held an audience with the King in the Red Fort (the palatial complex that was the residence of the King and administrative centre of the imperial government). Grand Master Zuduru did not enter the monolithic gates under the false presumption that the King was unaware of the events that has occured.
The King played according to some predictable self-written script. He asked for Grand Master Habidu to be tried in a court of the empire. The Grand Master politely refused, stating that the matter was an internal matter of the Doharian Order and referred the King to the agreement that had insulated the order from intrusion.
The King could invoke no decree or statute or invent another to twist the order’s arm. The King was very clever and decided to end this order. He ordered the Grand Master to conduct an invasion of the Zrei tribal lands. The Grand Master was surprised by the instruction. He tried to coax the King out of this idea. The King was so adamant that he signed and sent the declaration of war the same day. The Grand Master could not refuse. He bowed his head and left.
He called a meeting of the Grand Council. The Masters were greatly disturbed, but they could not refuse an order from the King. They were forced to make preparations for war and hopefully assimilate the Zrei tribal lands into the Hamanian Empire. Each one had a sinking feeling that the order would pay dearly for this war.
The Imperial Hamanian Navy was a large naval force that had been christened with its name when Eastern Borea had been assimilated. As the empire got bigger over the past 50 years, the shipbuilding industry of Hama expanded. The shipyards of Komodu and Ahamadu expanded. With the cheap slave labour and easy access to abundant natural resources, the empire built many ships that formed part of its naval and merchant maritime fleet. Ships of incredible size, by that era’s standards, conducted trade with many countries and travelled far as far as lands across the Concordia Ocean.
The navy mostly protected those ships from pirates and helped guard the empire’s coast. It had, up to that point, not engaged in a fully fledged naval battle with a power of potentially equal strength and technology. This would be a serious problem for the invasion process.
The Grand Council decided to focus on acquiring cannons from the neighboring countries such as Packilvania and Vekaiyu. They spent a lot of gold getting these cannons instead of building their own. They were hurriedly mounted on the ships of the navy and prepared for war. One of the tricky things about a war is that it had to be thoroughly planned before it began.
The Grand Council faced the challenge of limited data to formulate a foolproof plan and lacked the time to test their models and ensure that the plan was robust. Luckily the Hamanian army had access to many competent sailors, strategists and generals. They had experience in war. The plans were built on Hama’s past experiences in war and asymmetric combat.
They intergrated the tactics that they used when facing pirate ships with their naval combat doctrine. This was a revolutionary step in changing the way that conventional naval war was conducted. Although they faced a challenge, they were able to overcome it.
The plan was to invade the Zrei tribal lands and cut off Kalatian access to resources, routes, labour and military support from the north. Hopefully they could stretch their occupation to the western coast and establish a Concordian port. Then they could attack the Kalatian Colony overland and at sea. But war was not fought by figures on a map, but by soldiers on the ground and sailors at sea. A month or so later, the first ships headed out of the docks and made for the port city of Vaarisvalla.
The naval fleet dispatched to capture Vaarisvalla was equipped with 20 ships of the line. A ship of the line was a type of naval warship constructed from the 17th through to the mid-19th century to take part in the naval tactic known as the line of battle , in which two columns of opposing warships would manoeuvre to bring the greatest weight of broadside firepower to bear. Since these engagements were almost invariably won by the heaviest ships carrying the most powerful guns, the natural progression was to build sailing vessels that were the largest and most powerful of their time.[note]Taken from the Wikipedia article: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_the_line[note] and escorted by ten convoys. These were smaller ships that could not stand in the line of battle. They were built for speed and maneuverability. They often carried less than 50 side guns.
The biggest ship in the fleet was the HHMS Maduallahu, the flagship of the fleet and capital ship of the commanding officer, Admiral Etihadu, a master of the Order of the Dohar. This ship had 74 guns and a 32 metre long keel [note]Based on the Mary Rose https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Rose[note]. She held nearly two hundred soldiers and around 30 gunners . It had several massive lateen sails - triangular sails connected to a mast with a diagonal yard pole. This ship was the pride of the Imperial Hamanian Navy. It was the largest ship that had been built in the dockyards of Komodu and was a reflection of the engineering standards of the Hamanian people.
Other ships varied in length and size, but held approximately 70 guns and had keels of between 20 to 30 metres. They held soldiers between fifty and a hundred and fifty. One of the advantages that these ships held was that they were built from the wood of the massive baobab trees that grew in the south. These ancient trees grew between 5 and 11 trees in height and 7 to 11 metres in diameter [note]Taken from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adansonia[note]. The ships had a thick hull to defend them, and while the lateen sail helped increase their speed, they were not “fast” ships.
They were ready for battle. But were they really ready? With the King and Doharian Order which led the war effort, having fallen out of favour with one another and the former seeking he downfall of the latter, would their conduct on the battlefield be effective? There was no time for political considerations as the Hamanians lay 20 kilometres south east of the city of Vaarisvalla. Unfortunately, but as predicted, this city was not unprotected.
After a few weeks of blockading Port Staor, the Kalatian fleet was forced to leave as they began to run out of supplies. The governor took note of this and quickly drafted a letter to be sent to the homeland, requesting for more ships and soldiers. When it arrived in Imperium after a month, the President was not pleased at the hostile actions taken by the Kalatians. As a result, he ordered for 15 more Imperium-carracks to be sent to the city to bolster its guard along with 300 more soldiers and a message to be sent to the Hamanian governor in Borea about a coalition against the Kalatian threat. Knowing that this will bring war, he also sent to the Xagrurgian enclave in Nacata to evacuate the holding but didn’t notify the Kalatians why. The Imperium-class, possessing an armament of a 55 cannons and a crew manifest of 170 soldiers and 20 gunners, were tough and meant to take a beating. However, the flagship of the fleet, the XNV Glorious, was a different story. Designed by the finest shipwrights of Xagrurg and armed with combat experience with the Ethalrians, the Glorious was a engineering masterpiece of the Xagrurgian Navy. It possessed over 90 cannons of Morstablysian steel, 250 sailors, 55 gunners, all of whom were cracks, 5 masts and sails made with fine, toughened cloth and wood, and a strong hull made with some of the most durable wood extracted from the Oak forests from Laona Province. Truly, a national icon for strength of Xagrurg, although brought along critics, their main argument being: was it necessary? Though they were silenced or bought out by its private financiers after a while.
[hr]
Ahamadu, Hamanian Borea
After several days on horseback, Xia Liang arrived in the city. He was a native to mainland Xagrurg and was a scholar-bureaucrat for the government and as a result, had a bit of a tough time speaking the several tongues located in Port Staor. Eventually however, he learned how to speak the natives’ and Hamanian languages. He travelled to the Hamanian capital in Borea in an effort to help gain more knowledge about their culture and to propose an idea of a coalition against the Kalatians’ after their attack on Port Staor.
Becoming a scholar-bureaucrat was an arduous but extremely rewarding task. One had to be extremely dedicated and morally sound for example. The person would also have to study for several months, years possibly, before he/she could take a government examination. Then, he would be in a room with other students, writing long essays about philosophies, governments, religions, history, mathematics, and more. If one could pass the examinations, he and his family would rise in social prestige.
Back in Borea, Xia walked into an inn to rent a room, checking his pouch for currency. “Yep, still got a bunch left.”
“Any gold you have will do, Shayiku”, the innkeeper said intrigued by this strangely dressed milky white person, “One piece, per night”.
Xia handed the innkeeper a gold piece. “That should do it.” Xia proceeded to walk up to his room with his books in his pack, after which, he began writing in his journal on the scenery and architecture of the city and checked his satchel for the message. “Good, it didn’t get crumpled.” Tomorrow, he was going to deliver the message (and hopefully won’t get kidnapped).
Ketela Tsura was having a good day. The sun warmed his bare back, which shone with sweat and salt from the sea. The harvest was plentiful - his lines were pulling in many fish, all large and meaty. The salmon were the largest, but there were a good few cod to go with them.
Tsura took in the last of his lines and sat on a plank at the front of the ship. It was time for a break. As he was halfway through his bread, he noticed something on the horizon, to the southeast. He took out his spyglass - he had bought it from a Kalatian merchant mostly on a whim, never expecting it to be useful, but he kept it with him in case he needed to identify an unknown ship. Trying to remember how to use the thing, he pointed it vaguely at the spots on the horizon.
The ship was larger than anything he’d ever seen before. It had dozens of sails and looked to be as many man-lengths long. From its highest sail, a flag that he knew from his chief’s tales of the land beyond to be Hamanian. Tsura kept watch for a few minutes, confirming his suspicions. The ships were headed straight for Vaarisvalla. Not if I get there first, Tsura thought to himself. Ignoring the nets he had planned to cast out, he drew the sail and returned to the city as fast as the wind would let him.
“Ta sara’dzhur hexorei,” You’re back early, one of Tsura’s neighbours remarked as he ran the boat ashore. “Sitsar-qutsar–” Weren’t there any-- she was interrupted by his jumping out of the boat and sprinting away.
“Kitsar Hama! Rusdzhura is’Hama!” It’s Hama! Hamanian boats! he shouted, making a beeline for the chief’s house. It was pure fortune that the Hamanians had decided to invade today; this night would have seen the great feast that would say farewell to chief Zlovsky and his band of over eight hundred hunters before they left at midnight. All of the best fighters and warriors that the zrei had to offer were gathered in Vaarisvalla for the ceremony. It looked like they might be seeing some action sooner rather than later.
Not five minutes later, the deep sound of Zlovsky’s ceremonial conch shell rang out through the city, followed by the chief’s own booming voice. “SHAS QUTSRUR TSIDZHUR KO’AD HAMAREI! E’ADLAI A’DZHUR A’SHAS!” We need not search to hunt the Hama; the prey has delivered itself to us!"
The next five minutes was a scramble of zrei dropping everything they were doing and rushing back to their homes, where they retrieved their weapons. Longswords forged with new steel, crossbows with enough bolts for a lifetime, and Zlovsky’s pride and joy: two large cannons which were hastily wheeled to the cliff overlooking the bay. They could only fire five shots each; there hadn’t been enough iron or gunpowder available for more, but if aimed correctly, with the will of the gods, they could take out half of the Hama fleet.
The Hama would regret taking one of the zrei as a slave.
[spoiler]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/419647026003705857/440261793093255169/IMG_20180429_2221211022.jpg
[/spoiler][edit_reason]Add map[/edit_reason]
Vaarisvalla was a medium-sized settlement. At most it could be called a town. But it was protected by high cliffs. The Hamanians might have been able to get to the coast, but they were worried about how an overland invasion would work out. They had (severely) overestimated the Kalatian’s willingness to protect the Zrei. They should have been glad that the path was open to them. But they that it was not simple. Taking Vaarisvalla would give the Hamanians control of the main road that loud out of the town to other major settlements and the coast line. If they could get their attack right, they might give the Hamanian military the beachhead it needed to hem in the Kalatian forces in the southern colony.
Scouts were sent ahead to gather information on the possible threats that awaited them on land. The navy did not expect to linger long. They intended to attack in the next few hours before any reenforcements could come. They sent three frigates ahead to test the defence tactics of the Zrei and hopefully draw them out. The docks were fishing vessels were kept acted as nice target practice. Cannon balls fired over 500metres from the beach and made nasty craters in the ground and knocked a few shipping boats. A few shipping boats is not a victory, but it was a step to war nonetheless.
The attack on Vaarisvalla
The ships dropped anchor. The ships were large and their keels were very. The could not moor at the beach, as they would tip over or get stuck. The docks at Vaarisvalla were far too small and shallow to adequately hold ships of that size. The docks served mostly fishing boats and small merchant vessels. Without a large naval or mercantile fleet, the Zrei had not developed the need for large deep ports. The men rowed towards the shore on large canoes. They rowed and rowed until they arrived on the beach. When they got on the beach, just below the cliffs, they got in small formations called groups. Each group had around 30 men in it. They had heard that the dark elves were fine archers and unfortunately they were forced to go through one route on the west as it was the only up.
In total 360 men in 12 groups went up to the city. A group huddled closely together. They made their way up to the city…