The Merchant of Alexandria – A Fatimids AAR - The Rise of the Fatimids - Page 4

anguille · 6 Sep 2007, 11:56

Meanwhile

The Long journey

1054 –The entire year

Now that Anwaar had defeated the rebels in Lebanon, he ordered his men to prepare for a long journey as they had to join Emir Abrar in Cyrenaica.
A young archer approached Anwaar.

- Milord...how will we be able to help Emir Abrar? We are so few!
- Well, we will first go to Alexandria and hire some Camel Riders...there we will also be able to replenish our troops and take a short break. Then, we will be able to help Abar. Don't worry, now...go my boy, get ready.
- Aye aye Sire!

Two days later, the army boarded a ship to Alexandria.

And so began the long journey...

End of FebruaryJanuary

March

End of March

April

- SHORE!!!

Finally...the sea had not been very calm lately.

- Prepare to leave the ship!!!

Emir Anwaar arrives in Alexandria while Emir Abrar faces the 2d Siege

While Anwaar was reporting to the Calif and recruiting men, his soldiers rested and enjoyed the beauties of Alexandria

End of April

Anwaar entered the palace and entered the room of the Calif:

- Sire...my archer companies are complete now and i have hired two companies of Camel Riders...shall i join Emir Abrar or wait until i have a full army?
- Join him now. Together you will be very strong. Furthermore, you'll be able to complete your army in Cyrenaica as the city is full of Soldiers.

Next day, early morning, Emir Anwaars army left the city.

Emir Anwaar on his way to Cyrenaica with fresh troops.

End of the 2d Siege and Aadil's death.

June

End of June

July

August during the 3d Siege of Cyrenaica

- Sire...we will soon arrive in Cyrenaica.
- Fine...Send a messenger to inform Emir Abrar that we are here.
- Yes Sire...

anguille · 6 Sep 2007, 11:56

4th Siege of Cyrenaica
September 1054

In the fortress of Cyrenaica:

A scout enters running into the office of Emir Abrar, followed closely by a second one.

- Wow, wow…what’s all this fuss? You first…
- Emir Shallal is attacking again…
- Well, that’s no surprise, is it? We’ll get rid of him again. And what news do you bring?
- Emir Anwaar will arrive shortly with an army!
- Emir An…? That’s about time…I thought he would never get here. Inform the captains that we will wait until Emir Anwaar arrives before we break the Siege. He also deserves some fun.

And for once, Emir Abrar war really looking forward to a battle.

Emir Anwaar could already see the city of Cyrenaica when a scout arrived.

- Sire….Emir Abrar lets you start the attack!
- That’s nice of him. Well men, get ready for action! Let’s kick some Zirid butts
- YEAAAAAAHHHH

The Battle was short…the combined forces of Abrar and Anwaar were just overwhelming. The two men met right after the battle and fell into each others arms.

- I am so happy you’re here now…the Zirids will now see what we can accomplish. What took you so long?
- That’s a long story…I shall tell you tonight.
- Right…you’re my guest tonight and we’ll have a great feast to celebrate this.

All the population of Cyrenaica knew now that no harm would occur to them again and so this was a night of Joy and Cheers.

anguille · 6 Sep 2007, 11:57

The Tripoli Campaign

1055

Now that Emir Abrar and Emir Anwaar had joined forces, Emir Shuayb was expecting some changes in the war against the Zirids.

After a couple of months of preparations (Emir Anwaar had to organise many companies to complete his army and the garrisons had to be ready as they would have to be able to defend Cyrenaica by themselves as no army would be present) the two armies left the city in order to conquer Tripoli.

After a couple of days a scout arrived to Abrar and Anwaar.

- Milords...another Zirid army has crossed the boarder!
- How many armies do they have? asked Abrar...

After a short discussion, Anwaar shouted to the army.

- PREPARE FOR INTERCEPTION!!!

And so the entire army headed to the new threat.

The poor noob had no chance against the combined attack of those highly experienced Marshals...they crushed him without any pity.

Without a rest, they continued their way to Tripoli...

anguille · 6 Sep 2007, 11:58

Nice Try

1055

In Alexandria, in the apartments of the Zirid ambassador:

- Milord…a dove has arrived with a message from our Calif!
- Give it to me

He started to read and became very embarrassed.

- Prepare my horse…I have to inform Calif Shuayb.

Half an hour later, he arrived at the palace of the Calif where other ambassadors were waiting. He went to one of the officials.

- I have an urgent message for the Calif…
- Wait a minute…I’ll see if he can receive you.

After a while, he was asked to enter the throne room.

- Sire…
- Ambassador…you have something for me?
- Yes Sire, we have been at war for many years but our Calif is tired now and offers you a great peace agreement.

After reading the message, Shuayb stood up:

- I don’t want to be impolite but as long as the Zirid Caliphate was winning the war, your Calif wasn’t very much ready to ask for peace…and now that we are winning, he sues for peace? Inform Humam, Calif of Zirid that I thank him for his offer but there’s only one thing that will end this war…
- What Sire?
- When we control Tripoli…

And so the Zirid ambassador went home, wondering how he would write this information for his Calif.

Consequences

1055 still

As soon as Humam had received the information, he asked for help from the Calif of Cordoba as they were their overlord. Abd al-Rahman V, leader of Cordoba, ordered his troops to be ready as they had to defend their Vassal, the Zirid Caliphate. At the same time he sent a message to Shuayb, leader of the Fatimids.

Meanwhile, Shuayb had agreed to help the Abbassids in their struggle against the Zeta Kingdom…the fact that they had offered the province of Syria in counter part had been decisive.

The Caliphate was now very strong. The East was calm and the West was in good hands with Abrar and Anwaar marching towards Tripoli.

It was however with great sadness that the Empress was informed that her father had passed away. Shuayb was also told that he could claim inheritance if he wanted to and ask for land. Seeing his wife’s sorrow and knowing how much she cared for her brother, the new king, Shuayb decided to renounce to his claims. Furthermore, those territories were too far away, very difficult to defend and the Fatimids Caliphate was already very large.

That decision led to an even greater friendship between the two countries.

anguille · 6 Sep 2007, 11:59

Situation in Cyrenaica

1055 still

Two weeks had passed since Anwaar and Abrar had defeated Shallal in the desert and then continued their way to Tripoli. The predictions of Abrar proved to be correct. He had foreseen that Tripoli would be under attack and had organised the garrisons of the city so they could withstand against an army. Effectively, Shallal, despite his defeat against Abrar and Anwaar, had reorganized his men and laid siege against Cyrenaica. Wrong decision...

Shallal’s camp:

- Emir…there are no marshals in the city!
- Fine…Cyrenaica will be a fine conquest for the Zirid…the Calif will be proud of me.
- SIRE!
- What?
- They….they opened the doors and are attacking us….without a marschal…
- WHAT??? That cannot be….MEN TO ARMS!!!!

After a terrible fight, Shallal’s camp was completely destroyed…the Emir died while trying to escape the fury of the population of Cyrenaica…too long had they suffered from the Zirids.

And now to Tripoli

anguille · 6 Sep 2007, 12:00

The Siege of Tripoli

One week later

Emir Abrar and Emir Anwaar finally get to see Tripoli.

- Captains!
- Yes, Sires!
- Prepare the siege….we won’t attack before a day of two….our men need to rest first.

And so the captains gave quickly orders to the men…the population of Tripoli could see the numerous fires in the camps under the falls of their city…

The first 3 days, Abrar and Anwaar hoped that the city would surrender as the garrisons had no chance against that many men.

Unfortunately the city didn’t surrender. The attack had been carefully planned and neither Abrar nor Anwaar wanted to wait longer…this was the right opportunity and no rescue army had been seen for the moment.

Abrar advanced to the city and shouted:

- THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE…DO YOU SURRENDER?

The city officials shouted back laughing:

- COME AND GET US!!!

While riding back Abrar whispered to Anwaar:

- Fools…can’t they see that they have already lost? Tell our men to make as little civilian casualties as possible…Tripoli will have to be integrated into our Caliphate…not remain a scar…no bloodshed.

Shortly afterwards, Emir Anwaar and Emir Abrar moved to the centre:

- ATTACK!!!!

The Assault of Tripoli was short. The high experience of Abrar’s and Anwaar’s men made it almost pleasant. No civilian was harmed and the garrisons gave up after light losses.

When the city officials were led in front of Abrar, he slapped their faces and said:

- Remember this…men have died today because of you…now leave the city.

A messenger was sent to Alexandria…Tripoli had been conquered and many vital trade goods obtained: Parchment, Wool and Meat. Calif Shuayb would be very happy indeed.

anguille · 6 Sep 2007, 12:17

Administrative duties...again

Early 1056

The news of the victory of Tripoli spread in all the neighbouring countries and it was with no surprise that even our friends, the Abbassids, proposed a non-aggression pact which we accepted.

In the Alexandria palace:

A messenger enters the Throne room.

- Sire!
- What news do you bring?
- They accepted…the Calif himself is on the way to sign the treaty.

Finally, after so many years, the Fatimids – Zirids conflict was over...

Will Shuaby finally be able to focus on the kingdom advantages?

anguille · 6 Sep 2007, 12:18

Part 5: War with the Zeta Kingdom

Prelude

1059

Calif Shuayb had believed that the situation would calm down and that he could work faster on his father’s project but he was wrong. He had forgotten the war he had agreed upon when the Abbassids had offered Syria. The Zeta Kingdom had not forgotten…and so they started an invasion.

Ninoslav lead his army directly to Napoli. Surely would Napoli be able to resist such an attack. Furthermore, Abrar and/or Anwaar would surely arrive soon.

Unfortunately, the Zeta Kingdom was clever….Ninoslav wasn’t alone; despot Mislay would soon join him.

That’s when Abrar received the orders from the Calif to embark with his army to help the city of Napoli…but would he get there on time?

Looking at the diplomatic map of the Mediterranean, Shuayb could see that the Zeta Kingdom was mighty…and therefore a dangerous foe.

anguille · 6 Sep 2007, 12:24

The Siege of Napoli

1059

In Napoli:

Commander Giovannini of the city guards was waiting on the entrance tower…waiting for his scouts to come back. Suddenly he heard a guard shout:

- Rider!!!

And then he saw him too, coming out of the woods in the west. He went down the tower and waited in front of the city gates. When the horseman arrived and went down off his horse, he was eagerly waiting answers to his questions:

- Which information have you been able to gather? Are the armies of Abrar and Anwaar on the way? When will the enemy’s armies be here?
- Sire, Despot Ninoslav will be here in 3 days. We have no news yet of Abrar and Anwaar.
- What about Despot Mislav?
- Apparently he organised a camp in the south of the province, one week away from here…he’s not moving right now.
- That’s great…do you know why?
- Well…eh…Ninoslav has received more support.
- WHAT? An other army?
- Yes…led by Despot Borna…and he is only 5 days away.
- WHAT IS THIS? D DAY?
- D DAY, Sire?
- Forget it…CAPTAINS!!!

And so the garrisons in Napoli organised the defences of the city as well as they could…waiting for the assault.

Five days later, the Zeta Despots launched a fierce attack against the city...

Commander Giovannini and his men fought like lions…the battle lasted a whole day. The brave soldiers fought for every stone, every door until they were stuck in the citadel.

In the end however, after suffering heavy losses, not seeing any chance to resist longer and not having heard of any help arriving, Commander Giovannini surrendered under the condition that his men would be spared. This was granted and he left the city for the province of Apulia.

Will the Fatimids lose control over Italy?

anguille · 6 Sep 2007, 12:25

Political Tasks

Meanwhile in Alexandria, Caliph Shuayb is discussing with his various counsellors (military, commerce, foreign policy).

Shuayb talking with Commander Abdul:

- Sire, Abrar is on his way to Napoli. We don’t know however if he’ll be able to defend the city by himself.
- What about Emir Anwaar? Why don’t we order him to join Abrar?
- The problem, Sire, is that we have an upraising in Tripoli. If Anwaar doesn’t deal with it, this could be very annoying in the long run as Tripoli is a very precious province, as you know.
- Who’s the rebel?
- His name is Daanish and he wants Tripoli to join the Zirid Caliphate again.

Shuayb asking Emir Adyar:

- How’s our general situation?
- I am very pleased to tell you that we have the largest country in the known world. The sad news is that the Pope is dead…they have chosen a new one who has the name of Boniface I.

Shuayb talking to Emir Adam:

- What’s the situation in Tripoli…will we be able to have leather soon?
- Sire, I’ve invested some money to speed up the process…the tannery will be finished very soon.

And so it was. With the new trade good, the Fatimid’s caliphate finally achieved its first Kingdom advantage…the goal of Aadil, father of Shuayb, was in reach.

6 Sep 2007, 11:56	#31
anguille Junior Member	Meanwhile The Long journey 1054 –The entire year Now that Anwaar had defeated the rebels in Lebanon, he ordered his men to prepare for a long journey as they had to join Emir Abrar in Cyrenaica. A young archer approached Anwaar. - Milord...how will we be able to help Emir Abrar? We are so few! - Well, we will first go to Alexandria and hire some Camel Riders...there we will also be able to replenish our troops and take a short break. Then, we will be able to help Abar. Don't worry, now...go my boy, get ready. - Aye aye Sire! Two days later, the army boarded a ship to Alexandria. And so began the long journey... End of FebruaryJanuary March End of March April - SHORE!!! Finally...the sea had not been very calm lately. - Prepare to leave the ship!!! Emir Anwaar arrives in Alexandria while Emir Abrar faces the 2d Siege While Anwaar was reporting to the Calif and recruiting men, his soldiers rested and enjoyed the beauties of Alexandria End of April Anwaar entered the palace and entered the room of the Calif: - Sire...my archer companies are complete now and i have hired two companies of Camel Riders...shall i join Emir Abrar or wait until i have a full army? - Join him now. Together you will be very strong. Furthermore, you'll be able to complete your army in Cyrenaica as the city is full of Soldiers. Next day, early morning, Emir Anwaars army left the city. Emir Anwaar on his way to Cyrenaica with fresh troops. End of the 2d Siege and Aadil's death. June End of June July August during the 3d Siege of Cyrenaica - Sire...we will soon arrive in Cyrenaica. - Fine...Send a messenger to inform Emir Abrar that we are here. - Yes Sire... Last edited by anguille : 7 Sep 2007 at 10:46.

6 Sep 2007, 11:57	#33
anguille Junior Member	The Tripoli Campaign 1055 Now that Emir Abrar and Emir Anwaar had joined forces, Emir Shuayb was expecting some changes in the war against the Zirids. After a couple of months of preparations (Emir Anwaar had to organise many companies to complete his army and the garrisons had to be ready as they would have to be able to defend Cyrenaica by themselves as no army would be present) the two armies left the city in order to conquer Tripoli. After a couple of days a scout arrived to Abrar and Anwaar. - Milords...another Zirid army has crossed the boarder! - How many armies do they have? asked Abrar... After a short discussion, Anwaar shouted to the army. - PREPARE FOR INTERCEPTION!!! And so the entire army headed to the new threat. The poor noob had no chance against the combined attack of those highly experienced Marshals...they crushed him without any pity. Without a rest, they continued their way to Tripoli...

6 Sep 2007, 11:58	#34
anguille Junior Member	Nice Try 1055 In Alexandria, in the apartments of the Zirid ambassador: - Milord…a dove has arrived with a message from our Calif! - Give it to me He started to read and became very embarrassed. - Prepare my horse…I have to inform Calif Shuayb. Half an hour later, he arrived at the palace of the Calif where other ambassadors were waiting. He went to one of the officials. - I have an urgent message for the Calif… - Wait a minute…I’ll see if he can receive you. After a while, he was asked to enter the throne room. - Sire… - Ambassador…you have something for me? - Yes Sire, we have been at war for many years but our Calif is tired now and offers you a great peace agreement. After reading the message, Shuayb stood up: - I don’t want to be impolite but as long as the Zirid Caliphate was winning the war, your Calif wasn’t very much ready to ask for peace…and now that we are winning, he sues for peace? Inform Humam, Calif of Zirid that I thank him for his offer but there’s only one thing that will end this war… - What Sire? - When we control Tripoli… And so the Zirid ambassador went home, wondering how he would write this information for his Calif. Consequences 1055 still As soon as Humam had received the information, he asked for help from the Calif of Cordoba as they were their overlord. Abd al-Rahman V, leader of Cordoba, ordered his troops to be ready as they had to defend their Vassal, the Zirid Caliphate. At the same time he sent a message to Shuayb, leader of the Fatimids. Meanwhile, Shuayb had agreed to help the Abbassids in their struggle against the Zeta Kingdom…the fact that they had offered the province of Syria in counter part had been decisive. The Caliphate was now very strong. The East was calm and the West was in good hands with Abrar and Anwaar marching towards Tripoli. It was however with great sadness that the Empress was informed that her father had passed away. Shuayb was also told that he could claim inheritance if he wanted to and ask for land. Seeing his wife’s sorrow and knowing how much she cared for her brother, the new king, Shuayb decided to renounce to his claims. Furthermore, those territories were too far away, very difficult to defend and the Fatimids Caliphate was already very large. That decision led to an even greater friendship between the two countries.

6 Sep 2007, 11:59	#35
anguille Junior Member	Situation in Cyrenaica 1055 still Two weeks had passed since Anwaar and Abrar had defeated Shallal in the desert and then continued their way to Tripoli. The predictions of Abrar proved to be correct. He had foreseen that Tripoli would be under attack and had organised the garrisons of the city so they could withstand against an army. Effectively, Shallal, despite his defeat against Abrar and Anwaar, had reorganized his men and laid siege against Cyrenaica. Wrong decision... Shallal’s camp: - Emir…there are no marshals in the city! - Fine…Cyrenaica will be a fine conquest for the Zirid…the Calif will be proud of me. - SIRE! - What? - They….they opened the doors and are attacking us….without a marschal… - WHAT??? That cannot be….MEN TO ARMS!!!! After a terrible fight, Shallal’s camp was completely destroyed…the Emir died while trying to escape the fury of the population of Cyrenaica…too long had they suffered from the Zirids. And now to Tripoli

6 Sep 2007, 12:00	#36
anguille Junior Member	The Siege of Tripoli One week later Emir Abrar and Emir Anwaar finally get to see Tripoli. - Captains! - Yes, Sires! - Prepare the siege….we won’t attack before a day of two….our men need to rest first. And so the captains gave quickly orders to the men…the population of Tripoli could see the numerous fires in the camps under the falls of their city… The first 3 days, Abrar and Anwaar hoped that the city would surrender as the garrisons had no chance against that many men. Unfortunately the city didn’t surrender. The attack had been carefully planned and neither Abrar nor Anwaar wanted to wait longer…this was the right opportunity and no rescue army had been seen for the moment. Abrar advanced to the city and shouted: - THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE…DO YOU SURRENDER? The city officials shouted back laughing: - COME AND GET US!!! While riding back Abrar whispered to Anwaar: - Fools…can’t they see that they have already lost? Tell our men to make as little civilian casualties as possible…Tripoli will have to be integrated into our Caliphate…not remain a scar…no bloodshed. Shortly afterwards, Emir Anwaar and Emir Abrar moved to the centre: - ATTACK!!!! The Assault of Tripoli was short. The high experience of Abrar’s and Anwaar’s men made it almost pleasant. No civilian was harmed and the garrisons gave up after light losses. When the city officials were led in front of Abrar, he slapped their faces and said: - Remember this…men have died today because of you…now leave the city. A messenger was sent to Alexandria…Tripoli had been conquered and many vital trade goods obtained: Parchment, Wool and Meat. Calif Shuayb would be very happy indeed.

6 Sep 2007, 12:17	#37
anguille Junior Member	Administrative duties...again Early 1056 The news of the victory of Tripoli spread in all the neighbouring countries and it was with no surprise that even our friends, the Abbassids, proposed a non-aggression pact which we accepted. In the Alexandria palace: A messenger enters the Throne room. - Sire! - What news do you bring? - They accepted…the Calif himself is on the way to sign the treaty. Finally, after so many years, the Fatimids – Zirids conflict was over... Will Shuaby finally be able to focus on the kingdom advantages?

6 Sep 2007, 12:18	#38
anguille Junior Member	Part 5: War with the Zeta Kingdom Prelude 1059 Calif Shuayb had believed that the situation would calm down and that he could work faster on his father’s project but he was wrong. He had forgotten the war he had agreed upon when the Abbassids had offered Syria. The Zeta Kingdom had not forgotten…and so they started an invasion. Ninoslav lead his army directly to Napoli. Surely would Napoli be able to resist such an attack. Furthermore, Abrar and/or Anwaar would surely arrive soon. Unfortunately, the Zeta Kingdom was clever….Ninoslav wasn’t alone; despot Mislay would soon join him. That’s when Abrar received the orders from the Calif to embark with his army to help the city of Napoli…but would he get there on time? Looking at the diplomatic map of the Mediterranean, Shuayb could see that the Zeta Kingdom was mighty…and therefore a dangerous foe.

6 Sep 2007, 12:24	#39
anguille Junior Member	The Siege of Napoli 1059 In Napoli: Commander Giovannini of the city guards was waiting on the entrance tower…waiting for his scouts to come back. Suddenly he heard a guard shout: - Rider!!! And then he saw him too, coming out of the woods in the west. He went down the tower and waited in front of the city gates. When the horseman arrived and went down off his horse, he was eagerly waiting answers to his questions: - Which information have you been able to gather? Are the armies of Abrar and Anwaar on the way? When will the enemy’s armies be here? - Sire, Despot Ninoslav will be here in 3 days. We have no news yet of Abrar and Anwaar. - What about Despot Mislav? - Apparently he organised a camp in the south of the province, one week away from here…he’s not moving right now. - That’s great…do you know why? - Well…eh…Ninoslav has received more support. - WHAT? An other army? - Yes…led by Despot Borna…and he is only 5 days away. - WHAT IS THIS? D DAY? - D DAY, Sire? - Forget it…CAPTAINS!!! And so the garrisons in Napoli organised the defences of the city as well as they could…waiting for the assault. Five days later, the Zeta Despots launched a fierce attack against the city... Commander Giovannini and his men fought like lions…the battle lasted a whole day. The brave soldiers fought for every stone, every door until they were stuck in the citadel. In the end however, after suffering heavy losses, not seeing any chance to resist longer and not having heard of any help arriving, Commander Giovannini surrendered under the condition that his men would be spared. This was granted and he left the city for the province of Apulia. Will the Fatimids lose control over Italy?

6 Sep 2007, 12:25	#40
anguille Junior Member	Political Tasks Meanwhile in Alexandria, Caliph Shuayb is discussing with his various counsellors (military, commerce, foreign policy). Shuayb talking with Commander Abdul: - Sire, Abrar is on his way to Napoli. We don’t know however if he’ll be able to defend the city by himself. - What about Emir Anwaar? Why don’t we order him to join Abrar? - The problem, Sire, is that we have an upraising in Tripoli. If Anwaar doesn’t deal with it, this could be very annoying in the long run as Tripoli is a very precious province, as you know. - Who’s the rebel? - His name is Daanish and he wants Tripoli to join the Zirid Caliphate again. Shuayb asking Emir Adyar: - How’s our general situation? - I am very pleased to tell you that we have the largest country in the known world. The sad news is that the Pope is dead…they have chosen a new one who has the name of Boniface I. Shuayb talking to Emir Adam: - What’s the situation in Tripoli…will we be able to have leather soon? - Sire, I’ve invested some money to speed up the process…the tannery will be finished very soon. And so it was. With the new trade good, the Fatimid’s caliphate finally achieved its first Kingdom advantage…the goal of Aadil, father of Shuayb, was in reach.