Faction Summaries?

**Al-Masri** · June 05, 2007, 11:17 AM

Hey m8s just wondering if anyone has started on the faction summaries for the menu screens...if not I could write a few to give you an idea.

Since Im still confined to my bed Ive got ALOT of free time

**~~Miraj~~** · June 06, 2007, 05:09 PM

Sorry, I missed your post Al-Masri. Which one are you interested in? Just do whichever one you'd like and we'll go from there.

**Al-Masri** · June 07, 2007, 12:37 AM

Thats cool m8...I was leaning towards doing the Arab factions as well as the Kingdom of Jerusalem. I have a good book about the First Crusade as the KOJ.

**~~Miraj~~** · June 07, 2007, 12:59 AM

Since your name is Al-Masri why not try Egypt? The mod start in 1170 when Saladin's uncle Shirkuh has died and he has just declared himself the Sultan of Egypt. So that situation and the impendng problems with Nuraddin and the Crusaders is quite a exciting situation to write about.

**Al-Masri** · June 07, 2007, 10:03 AM

Cool...I wasnt really sure about the start date but I was planning on doing Egypt first.

**Al-Masri** · June 07, 2007, 09:32 PM

Here is an early one for Egypt, remember early

1170AD, 565 AH Egypt
In the name of Allah, Subhana wa tala

The sands of Masr (Egypt) hold the bones and blood of many peoples and have traded allegiances for thousands of years. It was not so long ago that Masr was a Christian nation under the Byzantines. Times are different and turbulent in the land of the Pharaohs, where we once followed the heretical Shiite Fatimids a new era of leadership is upon us. Yusuf Salahuddin Al-Ayyub has conquered Masr for the Zengid Caliph Nur ad-Din and is now the vizier of Masr. This would seem to bring stability to Dar-Al-Islam and renew hopes of regaining Al-Quds, however Saladin does not wish to be any mans vassal. Once again the people of Dar-al-Islam are at war while the Franks still hold the holy city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). There is hope in our Caliph, Saladin, that he may restore our kingdom to its rightful place at the head of Dar-al-Islam and retake the holy city.

Saladin has a mighty feat ahead of him, with his rebellion against Nur ad-Din he has made himself an enemy of the Zengid but has declared himself an ally of the Abbasids in Baghdad. He must first purge Masr of the heretical Shia Fatimid remnants and rebuild his army. Syria must be conquered and pacified before Al-Quds can be retaken, but fighting Nur ad-Din at the height of his power would be foolish. Nur ad-Din is old and might soon pass leaving his young son at your mercy. The Abbasids, while our ally and overlord at the moment, is not the same power it once was under Harun Al-Rashid and is busy with the savage Seljuk Turks.

The Ayyubid military is composed for fearsome force led by our elite calvary. While our heavy infantry is not up to the standards of the Infidels occupying Al-Quds, our swordsmen are the best in Dar al-Islam. Our armour is lighter than the infidels but well suited to fit our climate. We are also able to recruit Sudani infantry and archers to boost our forces if their lands can be conquered. Our units also contain Kurdish forces brought to Egypt by Saladin including javelin men, swordsmen, and calvary and no one would stand long against his personal bodyguard.

Our land is wealthy and food is plentiful, but our people desire more. But be forwarned the Franks have been receiving help from the Byzantines and man soon bring war upon us. Nur ad-Din is also ready to bring Egypt and Saladin back to heel and we may soon be at war on two fronts. A wise leader first retake Syria and turn all muslims against the Franks. The victor between the Abbasids and Seljuks will certainly be exhausted from war and might be an easy target to our armies fresh with religious zeal after our successful Jihad. Once again the lands of Dar al-Islam will be united and Islam can spread once again to the lands of the infidels in the west and we can achieve what was so close to us, the capture of Constantinople. Achieve this and earn your place among Caliphs such as Abu Bark, Umar, Uthman, Ali.

**jermagon** · June 08, 2007, 06:39 AM

Originally Posted by Al-Masri

Here is an early one for Egypt, remember early

1170AD, 565 AH Egypt
In the name of Allah, Subhana wa tala

The sands of Masr (Egypt) hold the bones and blood of many peoples and have traded allegiances for thousands of years. It was not so long ago that Masr was a Christian nation under the Byzantines. Times are different and turbulent in the land of the Pharaohs, where we once followed the heretical Shiite Fatimids a new era of leadership is upon us. Yusuf Salahuddin Al-Ayyub has conquered Masr for the Zengid Caliph Nur ad-Din and is now the vizier of Masr. This would seem to bring stability to Dar-Al-Islam and renew hopes of regaining Al-Quds, however Saladin does not wish to be any mans vassal. Once again the people of Dar-al-Islam are at war while the Franks still hold the holy city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). There is hope in our Caliph, Saladin, that he may restore our kingdom to its rightful place at the head of Dar-al-Islam and retake the holy city.

Saladin has a mighty feat ahead of him, with his rebellion against Nur ad-Din he has made himself an enemy of the Zengid but has declared himself an ally of the Abbasids in Baghdad. He must first purge Masr of the heretical Shia Fatimid remnants and rebuild his army. Syria must be conquered and pacified before Al-Quds can be retaken, but fighting Nur ad-Din at the height of his power would be foolish. Nur ad-Din is old and might soon pass leaving his young son at your mercy. The Abbasids, while our ally and overlord at the moment, is not the same power it once was under Harun Al-Rashid and is busy with the savage Seljuk Turks.

The Ayyubid military is composed for fearsome force led by our elite calvary. While our heavy infantry is not up to the standards of the Infidels occupying Al-Quds, our swordsmen are the best in Dar al-Islam. Our armour is lighter than the infidels but well suited to fit our climate. We are also able to recruit Sudani infantry and archers to boost our forces if their lands can be conquered. Our units also contain Kurdish forces brought to Egypt by Saladin including javelin men, swordsmen, and calvary and no one would stand long against his personal bodyguard.

Our land is wealthy and food is plentiful, but our people desire more. But be forwarned the Franks have been receiving help from the Byzantines and man soon bring war upon us. Nur ad-Din is also ready to bring Egypt and Saladin back to heel and we may soon be at war on two fronts. A wise leader first retake Syria and turn all muslims against the Franks. The victor between the Abbasids and Seljuks will certainly be exhausted from war and might be an easy target to our armies fresh with religious zeal after our successful Jihad. Once again the lands of Dar al-Islam will be united and Islam can spread once again to the lands of the infidels in the west and we can achieve what was so close to us, the capture of Constantinople. Achieve this and earn your place among Caliphs such as Abu Bark, Umar, Uthman, Ali.

Great faction summary for the Sultanate of Egypt +rep

**Al-Masri** · June 08, 2007, 09:46 AM

Thanks m8...KOJ and Abbasaids coming later today

**~~Miraj~~** · June 08, 2007, 11:08 AM

very cool Al-Masri. Thorough, entertaining and descriptive.

**Al-Masri** · June 08, 2007, 11:09 AM

1170 Anno Domini Kingdom of Jerusalem

In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti

Mighty are we, this blessed Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem among the Saracens. It was only a century ago when the dream of this mighty kingdom began with the call to arms by Pope Urban II. Since the capture of Jerusalem by the heretic Saracens, Jerusalem was the dream of all true Christians. Now our mighty kingdom stands as a light to shine in this dark part of our world. However, the times are more turbulent than ever and we are constantly at war with the Saracen infidels. Even with immigration from Europe our numbers still pale in comparison to the Jews and Saracens in our kingdom. Our alliance with the Byzantines to the north provides us with some support against the Saracens, but there is now a threat looming on our southern border.

The Fatimids of Egypt are no more. Gone is the tribute and security of having a weaker enemy on our border, for now Nur ad-Din threatens us once again from the north and his ally now King of Egypt, Saladin threatens us from the South. The royal succession itself is not secure for our Crown Prince has the dreaded Sacred Disease, Leprosy, and may not live long and sire heirs of his own. The days of Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, Defender of the Holy Sepulchre are long gone and we are in the battle of our life. The sea is a great ally and gives us support from Europe, and allows us never to be starved in our cities. Use the sea as an ally.

Our armies once crushed the Saracens with a great mixture of heavy infantry and heavy cavalry. The armour of our enemies may be better suited for this climate, but it matters not when they face the fearsome Templars or the Knights of Jerusalem. Norman, German, French, and Italians form the bulk of our armies. We have even allowed a small number of Saracens to boost our ranks, however we keep their numbers down so as not to jeopardise our hold onto the Kingdom. Our population is small but we have the ability to hire mercenaries for Europe and receive support from the Pope. The breadbasket of Egypt must be conquered to sustain any prolonged war with the Saracens.

The Kingdoms position is precarious and difficult to hold. The Byzantine alliance must be continued if we are to have any hope of destroying the Saracens. The Armenians and Georgians must also aid us. The Christians must unite and forget simple differences or face subjugation by the Saracens. A wise ruler must take his time and not rush into conflict with the Saracens or else they will unite against him. However, one must not wait too long or else they will settle their conflicts and combine their might against him. The Egyptians and Syrians will soon be at war, and then you must make your move. The conquest of Egypt was the goal of Duke Godfrey and King Baldwin I and by conquering it the Saracens will be divided and severely weakened. You must be as ruthless as Baldwin I and as deceive as Duke Godfrey. Allow your enemies to weaken themselves and destroy their remnants and step over their Broken Crescents and once again the vast lands of sand shall be ruled by the followers of Jesus Christ.

**Al-Masri** · June 08, 2007, 06:55 PM

1170AD, 565 AH Abbasid Caliphate

In the name of Allah, Subhana wa tala

We are the true descendants of the Holy Prophet, and we have a story to tell. Time has not been kind to our lands. We are the righteous leaders of Dar al-Islam, but now we only hold only onto the lands between the 2 rivers. It was not so long ago that the mighty Frankish kings acknowledge our supremacy in the world and marvelled at the wonders of Harun al-Rashid reign. Now our enemies have slowly devoured our realm leaving us this tiny strip of land. The Crusaders have taken Al-Quds and have further designs on Masr. There are those who would wish to claim our title of Caliph for themselves and no longer bow to our dominion. Our enemies in the east, those smelly men on horses who called themselves Muslims, the Seljuks, have defeated us before, but now their power is waning thanks in part to the Crusaders and the Fatimids Shiite heretics have fallen in Masr to someone who might be more amendable to our cause.

Our armies are still the strongest in the land. Our Abna infantry is the match for any force, and the better of many. Baghdad allows us to hire the best mercenaries in the land and the ability to pay for them. We are also able to recruit Nubian infantry, those who were once slaves now serve the Caliph in his struggles to gain freedom. The Turks are not the only men who know how to ride horses. Our founder’s people, the Bedouin, were great horsemen and masters at horse archery and who would dare stand their ground against the Caliphs Guard.

War is not our only accomplishment. Science, Literature, and Reason were all praised during the rule of Harun al-Rashid and they must not be forgotten by any Caliph wishing to match his achievements. Baghdad can once more become the light of the world and inspire many to walk within its walls. Islam must remain the law of the land and the centre of our kingdom. Let us remember what became of those foolish men, the Umayyads, who wanted to remove Islam from its rightful place.

There are many independent cities that must first be taken before a prolonged war with the Seljuks can be started. These cities have thrown off their former masters and might be more receptive to our rule. Mosul and the cities along the Persian Gulf are prime targets bursting with wealth from trade. A wise Caliph will strengthen our military and our treasury by taking these cities. Syria, led by Nur ad-Din, is still a power that must be culled, but now is in conflict with Masr. Controlling Baghdad and Damascus would provide us with much wealth and power. Beyond the Seljuks, the Khwarezm are the enemy of our enemy and should become our friend. Beyond them are wild and untamed pagans who live on their horses, but they are not a matter for us at the moment.

Egypt must become our ally against the Syrians, and we must allow them to finish their conflict while we consolidate power in the northwest and along the Arabian Sea, but do not involve yourself in their conflict for the moment. No longer does our Caliph bend to the Seljuks and they must pay for the indignations they brought upon us. Do not despair for the lack of early fight, for we have many enemies and they all must bleed equally. Crush the Seljuks and turn your attention West, towards Masr and Syria, and Al-Quds. Tear down the cross from the Temple Mount and repair the Broken Crescent so that all may bask in the might of the righteous renewed Caliphate. There is only one Caliph, and he is an Abbasid.