An Eparch's Crusade

[Semi-Lobster]

An Eparch's Crusade

Today I arrived on the shores of the other side of the Red Sea. The sun has beaten onto my back for the past…. Well, I do not even remember. I’ve been searching for the land of the Nubians, with me I carry only a meager sum of silver, gifted to me by Emperor Constantine X, my books, legal documents and my own sense of self-preservation. I have spent countless weeks on both camel and boat but now I know I can rest. The crew of my ship where Arab traders, who where also seeking the Nubians, and seemed to drool and even the hearing the word Nubia, the lands are rich in gold I’m told and a crafty merchant can make a fortune in the marketplaces of Soba. Tonight the Arabs and I part ways, they continue further south while I head west. I continue to soldier on into the deepest and dankest depths of Africa in an attempt to be granted an audience with their King. After all if a group of missionaries over five hundred years ago could get there, why can’t I?

Ambassador Justin Apokaukos

Batamhat 8th, 782

(March 4th, 1066)

After a rough night in a run down inn located in the centre of some tiny fishing village. I was surprisingly able to converse with the locals in Greek directly and without a translator; it’s obvious these are not the savage barbarians I’ve been told about by the Arabs. Since today is Sunday I see no reason to over exert myself. I may possibly get a chance to attend church for the first time in months. Before all this though I have decided to review what I know of these people, after all, I have been sent as an ambassador (a rather high position seeing as I am not of the most noble of lineage) and I shall fulfil my duties to the best of my abilities.

Baramhat 28th, 782

March 21st, 1066

Ambassador Justin Apokaukos

[Henry v. Keiper]

Fascinating start. *subscribes*

[Semi-Lobster]

Originally Posted by Henry v. Keiper

Fascinating start. *subscribes*

Thanks I know I can always rely on your comments Henry!

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An Eparch's Crusade

George III of Dongola

Today I have received a foreign dignitary from my court. Not just any though but one from the Roman Empire itself! We have always maintained good relations with the Emperors in Constantinople but it has indeed been a long while since somebody of his stature has arrived at my court. My wife is very excited when I I spoke to her of these events, she would like to hear about the goings on in Constantinople, I personally am anxious to discuss business. The news I have recently heard from my various sources state that the empire is crumbling before our very eyes. Already the Armenian provinces have fallen to a horrid and monstrous entity called the Seljuk Turks, I am shocked by the inaction of the Emperor in this crisis, is shocking! The Armenians where the first nation to adopt the word of our Lord but have been abandoned! I do not know the exact details but I hope to get some information from this Ambassador Apokaukos.

Eparch George III of Dongola, Basiliskos of Nobatae and Makuria, Protector of the Patriarch of Alexandria

Kiyahk 30th, 782

(December 26th, 1066)

Today when I reached the court of the King of Nubia, rather then greeted by pleasantries, and wine, I was greeted by an inquisitive but concerned Eparch, while I’ve been away the Empire as I’ve been told is in poor shape. This is hard to believe, Emperor Constantine is a great man and the idea of the fringes of the empire being torn to shreds is something of a fevered imagination. I continued to request some wine as my journey has been long. Even with it’s beauty and culture the capital of Dongola is nothing but a pile of mud compared to Constantinople. At least this ‘George III’ is interested. I must admit, a great many of the princes and counts of the Empire have grown increasingly decadent. When I commented on the beauty of the architecture of his palace I seemed to have touched onto something. The King is a very modest man and takes compliments and praise very admirably. The King himself is a towering man, bereft of hair but boasts a magnificent beard. He was wearing a peculiar crown, with horns and the Star of David blazoned onto it. His robes where also interested, they where brightly embroidered with two headed eagles, the symbol of Byzantium. We only talked for half an hour until he showed me to my room. Although nothing flashy it is a place where I can sit and read my books, something I love dearly to do.

Ambassador Justin Apokaukos

Kiyahk 30th, 782

(December 26th, 1066)

This new ambassador is a rather small man, of slight build and will not stop demanding more wine. For the first ten minutes it was nothing but ‘may I please have some wine’ or ‘perhaps some wine might be nice’, he was very polite but to continue on for ten minutes is absurd. When I mentioned the goings on in Armenia he seemed to not have heard it and then deny it would ever happen. He went to great lengths on how Constantinople vastly outshines Dongola or Faras. This is not the proper way to make a good first impression, I decide who shall receive wine and who shall not. He is a very polite man though, always with praise and good words, I believe this comes from his magnificent collection of books he always brings along. I counted at least two- dozen in his bag when he arrived. Although I believe Ambassador Apokaukos to be a good man, it seems he is better suited from the court intrigues of the Empire rather the delicate matter of foriegn affairs.

Eparch George III of Dongola, Basiliskos of Nobatae and Makuria, Protector of the Patriarch of Alexandria

Kiyahk 30th, 782

(December 26th, 1066)

[Solmyr]

Good luck with this AAR. When the Fatimids start getting rebellions (assuming you are using the bugfix), you might want to strike to cripple them, so they don't attack you after recovery.

[thames]

Interesting start – I think I follow this…

[Semi-Lobster]

Two fo my favourite CK AAR writers!

Solmyr Well you'll just have to site back and watch and see what happens

Thames Thanks Thames, I'm using your Homepage to help me with Greek titles and such

[coz1]

A very nice start Semi-Lobster, and an interesting approach to the story as well. I look forward to seeing where you take this. Oh...and can I please have some wine?

[Semi-Lobster]

Originally Posted by coz1

A very nice start Semi-Lobster, and an interesting approach to the story as well. I look forward to seeing where you take this. Oh...and can I please have some wine?

Thanks Coz1! But I'm all out of wine, I need something to get over my headache that I know have from getting a new pair of glasses, I can see much better but the room is spinning a bit!

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An Eparch's Crusade

Bishop Petros (924-999) and St. Peter the Apostle

Today will be my first full day as ambassador of the Byzantine Empire to the Kingdom of Dongola (named after the capital city). I have spent the night in my quarters preparing for this by reading more about Nubian history. The modern Nubians are descendants of the ancient Nubians who’s battles against the Egyptians are etched into the great monuments dedicated to the pharaohs. They are spread between the 1st and 3rd Cataracts and exert some control of some outer regions as well. An African people, the Nubians where converted in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian and his wife Empress Theodora. Although Emperor Justinian sent Melkite missionaries his wife was a monophysite and sent those heretical missionaries into Nubia. Both missions succeeded with Nobatae and Alwah converting to monophysism and then where placed under the authority of the Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria. The Melkites converted Makuria and the nomadic Beja to the one true faith. There where originally three Nubian Kingdoms, Nobatae to the north, Makuria to the centre and Alwah to the South. Sometime between the 7th and 8th century the Kingdoms of Nobatae and Makuria where merged. Although the capital was placed in Makuria, in the city of Dongola, the monophysites where the real benefactors of the merger and their legacy remains to this day. I personally have nothing against the monophysites, although misguided, they do believe in Christ, and generally what more can we ask of them? As long as where not tainted by the Patriarch of Rome I am glad there is an obviously strong Greek feel permeating their culture. From the language to the paintings in their churches one would have to be blind not to see the influence. I do not know much of these religious matters though and I certainly need to read up on the Patriarch of Alexandria. Currently the position is filled by Pope Christosolos.

Well back to more political matters, last night I met with the courtiers in the king’s court. The King’s wife, Queen Syragia while still young has shown obvious aptitude with financial matters and fulfils the role of Kastrisios. There is Megas Domestikos Abraham, although not extremely talented or even brave, he is a remarkably intelligent man, we both seem to enjoy books and I will be sure to get to know him better. There is Megas Logothetes Israel, a rather unsavoury fellow, I’ll be sure to be wary of him, although a gifted orator he is the type of man that would politely tell you that you will be assassinated before he sends his henchmen to following night to slit your throat. Of course at least Israel is honest, there is a courtier by the name of Nona who is the Spy Master, a terrifying woman to even be near, one of her lackeys is even in the King’s court, Marozia is a rather simple but effective woman, I’m not terribly afraid of her, she’s very clumsy in addition to her many faults. There are various other courtiers, Logothetes Eugenia, and Strategos Abraham being the most prominent. Throughout all my travels through the Near East and Africa have I ever been more terrified to be in the company of such a group, but hopefully I will gain enough clout with the king to ensure my own safety.

Ambassador Justin Apokaukos

Tuba 1st, 783

(December 27th, 1066)

[Semi-Lobster]

An Eparch’s Crusade

Bishop Marianos (1005-1039) and Virgin with Child

For his first day I decided to surprise the Ambassador, today I interrupted him reading his books and quickly got him ready to inspect the troops. When I mentioned the word troops he seemed extremely blustered but I personally enjoy these inspections. Ever since I was a child I was taught how to defend my land, my people and my religion from the ravenous Arabs through the sword. Obviously though Ambassador Apokaukos was not as eager as I was but as an ambassador he felt obligated to join me. Watching the ambassador trying to haul himself onto a horse was very comical as well. He managed to get on his horse though. He rode along with Megas Domestikos Israel, the two seem to have a lot in common, they where both what many would call, wimps. We reached the barracks at around noon. I spoke with Strategos Abraham (as he is the commander of the troops in this thema) and went on to view them practicing archery. Although not a proper ‘training ground’ it was still sufficient. I enjoy watching archery, my troops can easily boast being some of the best in the world. I explained to Ambassador Apokaukos that my Nobataen provinces alone could raise over one thousand. On my way back though I noticed Ambassador Apokaukos muttering about Spy Master Nonna, I’m not sure what’s going on between the two but I hope it doesn’t interfere in court business.

Eparch George III of Dongola, Basiliskos of Nobatae and Makuria, Protector of the Patriarch of Alexandria

Tuba 2nd, 783

(December 28th, 1066)

[Henry v. Keiper]

Very interesting way of telling the story.

[thames]

Originally Posted by Semi-Lobster

...
Thanks Thames, I'm using your Homepage to help me with Greek titles and such

I see you weren't kidding

Anyway, keep up the good work!

[Semi-Lobster]

Originally Posted by thames

I see you weren't kidding

Anyway, keep up the good work!

Well my understanding of Greek is well... non-existant. What's the Female counterpart of Eparch (King)?

Also, no update today, it's Canadian Thanksgiving and I'm enjoying a delicious turkey with drumsticks the size of my head

But what the hell I'll give you a short one:

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An Eparch's Crusade

While returning from the barracks I was riding with the new Ambassador, he seems a genile man but he lacks even more ferocity then me, weekness is a virtue but in his case, it's taken to an excess, he would rather read about heros and battles in book then take up a sword himself. Well that is what I though, while riding back to the palace he seemed apprehensive about something and I would find out in great detail what caused such panic in the man. He has becomes obsessed with searching out any possible spy of Nonna. Although she is a tricky woman I believe Ambassador Apokaukos' lack of expierence in matters of this sort. I believe this stems from the fact that sometimes he has trouble telling apart his books from real life. Also the fact that Nonna is a woman is another factor with the ambassador, I am willing to bet the entire armies of Makuria that he is still a virgin at the age of 28. I am sure though that the two can work out their differences, I'm not sure if this mistrust is mutual but having an ambassador and a spy master at each others throat is bound for trouble.

Megas Domestikos Abraham

Tuba 2nd, 783

(December 28th, 1066)

[Solmyr]

Originally Posted by Semi-Lobster

Also the fact that Nonna is a woman is another factor with the ambassador, I am willing to bet the entire armies of Makuria that he is still a virgin at the age of 28.

Perhaps Nonna will be the one to "fix" that condition?

[thames]

Originally Posted by Semi-Lobster

Well my understanding of Greek is well... non-existant. What's the Female counterpart of Eparch (King)?

Well, I don’t know Greek either – only Google – but if Eparch (eparchos – prefect I think) is male, I think eparcha might be the female version as in “wife of” probably, not someone actually in power… (no guarantees though )

[Solmyr]

I don't think there is a female version of Eparch. If you really want to use something, then Eparchissa might work.

[thames]

You are indeed correct – eparchissa it is (Google searching is fun):
(http://www1.ku-eichstaett.de/KTF/KiGe/a_doku.htm)

Prosopographische Frauenliste des christlichen Ostens

Arianitissa, Charis, Eparchissa, Archontissa, ihre Schwester Papadopoulina schenkt ihr eine Theotokos-Ikone, (um 1375)

[Semi-Lobster]

Thanks for the help! It's amazing that I have so many updates done for a game I've only played three days into!

[coz1]

And nice updates they are. I really like the main characters you have thus far introduced us too. Now, I wonder what is so fascinating about that spymaster?

[Semi-Lobster]

Originally Posted by coz1

And nice updates they are. I really like the main characters you have thus far introduced us too. Now, I wonder what is so fascinating about that spymaster?

Well you'll find out... slowly tonightish

[Semi-Lobster]

Sorry I can't update today but I had a sudden and completely random surge of pain in my right arm, I'm not sure what it is but it hurts really bad. Maybe I can sleep it off but there won't be any updates tonight, sorry!