War Strikes the Mediterranean!!!
War has returned to the Western Territories.
Embittered by the loss of Outer Arabia to the Berbers of Nubia, the Dowager-Oracle of Delhi decided to compensate her losses by subjugating the mercantile Republic of Venice in March 2011. The Venetians had long been trading in the many Levantine Cities under the domain of the Dowager-Oracle. Though gifted in the business of making money, the Venetian army and navy quickly withered when faced with the magical enchantments of the Dowager-Oracle. Under the Treaty of Ravenna, signed in May 2011, the Venetian Republic was dissolved and the Dowager extended her sphere of influence into the Western Mediterranean.
Feeling threatened, the Allied Powers of Europe appealed to Karlomagnus, Chief Sorcerer of the Eastern Ports and former Court Seductress of the Dowager-Oracle herself, to restore independence to the Venetians.
Karlomagnus responded quickly, churning out a budling-soldier army of 4.53 million that quickly closed in on Delhi in June 2011. However, the Dowager-Oracle deployed much magick and the budling army is currently retreating to Italy. The outcome now hinges largely on the spellcraft of the two leaders. Sources close to the Dowager and Karlomagnus tell us that both leaders appear to be making much use of enchanted headdresses to amplify their power.
Karlomagnus told reporters that he plans to use the Holy Crowne of Aquitaine he wore when subjecting the heathen Saxons. State Magician, Erasmus Panopticus, told reporters that the Crowne has the ability to cause the skin of its wearer’s enemies to calcify causing a death that is both painful and gruesome to behold.
Above: Karlomagnus wearing the Holy Crowne of Aquitaine.
For her part, the Dowager-Oracle has donned the Mystical Diadem of Thessalonica. Forged by dwarf slaves of the Byzantine Empire, the Diadem not only brings about impotence to all enemies within 30m, it also allows its wearer to summon a 30,000 strong army of harpies that enjoy the flesh of young men.
Clearly, only time will tell, which headdress, and by extension, which leader, is supreme. For the sake of the Allied Powers and Venice, let us hope it is Karlomagnus.
Above: A rather dour Dowager-Oracles shows off the Mystical Diadem of Thessalonica.
