//------------------------------// // Background Information: South-West Zebrica // Story: The Scramble for Equestria (A Pre-EAW Story) // by Radical Centrist //------------------------------// South-East Zebrica This is the route of the Flashman's expedition. He is entering through the Sea confusingly named the "Arabian Coast." But to the Brits, it's just the 'Atlantic'. An Empire in its Golden Age This is the absolute unit that is Saddle Arabia, at least according to the Equestria at War wiki: Ignore the Republic of Tobuck, they shouldn't exist yet. The general gist of the following information is available in the Equestria at War wiki - Timeline. They're horses btw. Not ponies. (They're no pegasus, only unicorns or 'earth' horses) But it's pretty barren on its own, so I'm adding a lot of shit. 250ALB - Saddle Arabia is formed by the Sa'adle family as they unite the 'Heartlands'. (The Western region) 296-351ALB -Successive Grand Princes of Saddle Arabia create extensive trade networks across the Arabian Sea, filling the nation's coffers and granting its heirs near-boundless freedoms. 400ALB - Saddle Arabia subjugates the donkeys of Asstyria and Anseruk, seizing the lands of Abyssinia. Subsequently, the buffer states, Despotate of Asstryia and the Eyalet of Anseruk is formed. 510ALB - The then-current Grand Prince of Saddle Arabia begins one of many military campaigns against the disparate Maregyptian minor states, in what would be called the 70-year war. 537ALB - After an intermediate truce, Saddle Arabia redoubles their efforts to conquer the numerous Maregyptian states. 540ALB - A grand conference of numerous Lords, Chiefs and Elders of the various remaining Mareyptian states convene in Somnambula, their historic collective capital. Discussions to create a united front against the Saddle Arabians fail, as three major minor dukedoms scuffle over the leadership of the United Front. 541ALB - The Grand Prince of Saddle Arabia declares his intentions to conqueror Somnambula to demoralise and quash further resistance from the Maregyptians. 542ALB - The first siege of Somnambula fails due in large part to a sudden heroine who organised the city's defences. The very same heroine is promptly assassinated by the jealous mayor of the city. 560ALB - Every Maregyptian state around Somnambula is captured. Sparse counties still exist in between Saddle Arabia and the Maregyptian historic capital, but the end is nigh. 564ALB - The Second Siege of Somnambula begins. The mayor of the besieged city exhausts the city's riches, melting down artifacts and extorting the populace to hire a mercenary band of awesome proportions. 565ALB - Somnambula gains respite through the sea by a mercenary Seapony sortie, briefly breaching the Saddle Arabian blockade to resupply the garrison. The siege is prolonged, leading to the execution of the Grand Vizier presiding over the operation. 566ALB - An edict by the Kingdom of Hippogriffia mandates all mercenaries abroad to return for a suspected confrontation with the marauding Quaggatai. The edict includes terms to compensate any current employers as per the breach of contract decree of any Hippogriffian mercenaries. As a result, seapony mercenaries desert. 'Hippogriffia' becomes synonymous with 'betrayal' in Maregypt thereforth. 567ALB - Somnambula falls. Saddle Arabian soldiers enter a deserted, dead diseased city. It becomes the new capital of the Governorate of Maregypt, finally uniting the region for the first time in five centuries, albeit under foreign rule. 500-600ALB - In what would be called the 'Grand Ride', Saddle Arabia, in a span of a century unite horsekind under one nation. Utilising a provincial system of governance, Saddle Arabia is able to maintain their vast size through decentralised rule. 542ALB - A desperate Sa'adle Grand Prince launches a hastily organised foray into the western regions of the Great Lakers, winning a decisive victory near Re'em which also works to restore the monarch's waning sanity after previous consecutive losses. 547ALB - The three major kingdoms of the western region of the Great Lakes are severely weakened after a half-decade of relentless war. 548ALB - The Nobatsian Kingdom is shattered into various petty chiefdoms after its king is captured and subsequently tortured to death. 549ALB - Marecureia is at first absorbed into the larger Alwani kingdom, but soon devolves into chaos like their Nobatsian neighbours. 550ALB - Through Saddle Arabian meddling, Timbucktu sucedes from the Alwani Kingdom, joined by bordering preliminary states as various western nobles chafe under the increasing taxation from Zongola to repair the previous war's devastation. 625ALB - Chafing under Maretonia's belligerence and insistence on a toll for the passage through the shared strait into the Arabian Sea, Saddle Arabia seizes the Jabil Taill, finally turning the Arabian Sea into their 'lake'. 626ALB - Sanjak-bey of Suhmane is formed, a 'Banner-State' governed by a military commander and not a traditional Beylerbey Eyalet. 626-651ALB - Saddle Arabia launches several more incursions into the Duchy of Maretonia's northern states. The Grand Prince is challenged by an alliance between Maretonia and Aestlonia, called the Pact of Aestrius-Trinity. 651ALB - A truce is signed, ending hostilities in the Hestrayan region. Maretonia and Aestlonia lick their wounds, fostering revanchist sentiments among the displaced nobility to one day reclaim their lost lands. 665ALB - Several zebra 'hordes', recorded dismissively as 'barbarians' are repelled in the east. Local Beylerbeys of the east venture inland, creating buffer states to fend off future incursions. 672ALB - Saddle Arabia attempts several incursions deep into Abyssinia but are beaten back in the rough terrain. A peace treaty is signed, making Abyssinia into an independent tributary, but Abyssinia loses Manedalusia which becomes an autonomous subject of Saddle Arabia. 677ALB - The last 'warmongering' Grand Prince is buried. Following successors preserve the peace, however, the Sa'adle lineage devolve into increasing hedonism. 678-778ALB(present) - Unchecked decentralised rule leads to overwhelming corruption to fester all throughout the nation and spread to its subjects. Regional officials ceased employing the national army, instead opting for private armies to quell revolts or settle disputes with local rivals. The Pact of Aestrius-Trinity is a creative liberty of mine, as while there is little written about them in the official timeline, I thought it would be realistic for them as the only Ponies in the South to band together against a presumable existential threat. The Richest Fieflings Or how treachery cares little of a nation's potential. The one too busy fighting themselves The Vassaldom of Abyssinia enjoys the greatest degree of freedom within the Saddle Arabian sphere. One would believe that would work to its benefit, but in reality, it only allowed them to destroy themselves without someone to stop them. Ever since their prostration to the Grand Prince in 672, two rival royal lineages, the pro-peace Clawomonic dynasty that signed the prior peace treaty and the pro-independence Catwe dynasty battled. The latter, leveraging the anger of the displaced nobles of the southern holdings, now dispossessed to the lesser donkey vassals, would unseat the Clawomonic lineage to begin the Catwe dynasty in 750ALB. The Catwe king would subsequently purge the nobles that assisted in his coronation, further reneging in his promises to declare a war of independence. This began the Abyssinian Dark Age, characterised by the displacement of Abyssinian merchants due to the superior Saddle Arabian competition, leading to an economic recession. Furthermore, the removal of the grain monopoly levied by the Clawomonic dynasty would lead to cheap produce flooding in from the Governate of Maregypt, leaving domestic farmers destitute. It is still disputed today whether the deposal of the sitting lineage was all a conspiracy manufactured by Saddle Arabia to remove the astute Clawomonics in favour of the incompetent Catwe. The one too proud to realise he was kneeling The Governate of Maregypt doesn't need Saddle Arabia. That is what the people within it proudly proclaim. They still did. It is the job of the governor of Maregpyt to delude their people that it is the opposite. While yes, Maregypt does periodically flood the Saddle Arabian market with essential cheap produce to keep the vast citizens of the Princedom alive, it wouldn't be possible without the protection of the Grand Prince in Trotgiers! 'The Great Lie' must be repeated. Public schools, extensive road networks and temples exist throughout, not in the interest of the Maregyptians, but to forward the necessary notion: "If it wasn't for Saddle Arabia, we wouldn't be so prosperous. So safe. So proud." To be proud of being Maregyptian was to love Saddle Arabia. The Grand Prince brought safety. To protect their families, they must worship him. They must never realise that all are but appendixes to Maregypt. Don't worry about the increasingly literate ponies. They will never wise up. The one twice prideful, but observant The Eyalet of Mandalusia had not existed for almost 650 years. One might rightfully expect then, that the national identity of being 'Mandalusian' would've been thoroughly exterminated through assimilation. You would be wrong. When Mandalusia was independent under the rule of the ambitious, albeit, delusional Queen Pawkuno in 10ALB, they had invaded the then unstable Maregyptian Kingdom. They had vastly underestimated their enemies, or maybe vastly overestimated their own. Despite the great turmoil, the overwhelmed king of Maregypt would exhaust the bare remaining resources of the state to repel the feline's invasion, decisively defeating them near the city of R'ataphet in a pitched battle on favourable terrain. Why the king would do this is still hotly debated. Some say it was to unite his divided ponies through a glorious victory against a foreign invader. Some say it was to inseminate himself into the annals of history; a ray of light in the long period of decline and disgrace. Regardless of the reasons, the result was the same. Maregypt, having emptied its coffers and scrambled an unsustainable army, refused to disband because of the briberies from scheming nobles. This would lead to the victorious king supposedly being strangled by his unpaid guards and then dumped into one of the many rivers of the Kingdom. Probably due to this great instability, Maregypt would not be able to reap the rewards of their victory. The subsequent regency council of Maregypt would relinquish their claims of Mandalusia by right of conquest to their regional rival, Abyssinia for a single, significant tribute. Presumably to bribe the overbloated army to disband. The very same bribed by the nobility to stay mobilised. For that century, mercenaries active throughout Western Zebrica would brandish golden mails, silver hilts and intricately decorated armours. The latter refused to dignify it as a tribute, instead recording the transaction as a 'purchase', nevertheless gaining the former territories of Mandalusia. The prideful cats of Mandalusia would eternally resist. Not only slighted by being bested by a decaying, senile Kingdom of Maregypt, but furious that they were not even subjugated by the foes that defeated them, but by some sleazy merchants that purchased that right. For six centuries they rebelled. For their effort, their gods gave them such an unsatisfying 'independence'. A paw exchanged for a hoof. Ironically, bluntness was exchanged for sharpness. But while they could easily decide to bite the paws away, the hoof that now rested on their heads posed a dilemma. The so-called 'last warmongering Grand Prince' of Saddle Arabia was deceivingly sly. Extremely so, as time seemed to tell. The land granted to the new Eyalet of Mandalusia was undefendable. It contained the eastern core regions of Abyssinia, making garrisoning them impossible due to the likelihood of the locals rebelling. The Grand Prince had also 'generously' granted the western ports of Maregypt to Mandalusia, the very same coveted by the delusional late Queen Pawkuno. Altogether, this created a toxic diplomatic atmosphere. Whenever the governor of Maregypt, King of Abyssinia and beylerbey of Mandalusia convened at the behest of the Grand Prince in Trotgiers, they would always devolve into a shouting match. The governor wished to appease their foreign subjects. The king wished their core territories returned. The beylerbey would grovel at the Grand Prince for his mediation. That would be the legacy of the 'last warmonger'. An insufferable stateman. Crafting a scenario of perpetual conflict, eliciting all subjects to grovel the Sa'adle's hooves. The Mandalusians wished to poke out their eyes for who they had become. The stubborn twins, smartest of all equines Paradoxically, the twin stubborn donkey vassals of Saddle Arabia enjoy the least manipulative relationship within the kingdom. Stubbornly loyal. They say. Also paradoxical, as the loyalties of the donkey vassals are the most fluid in all the lands. One might then dismiss the respective Despotate of Asstryia and Eyalet of Anseruk as nothing but a deadweight to the greater kingdom, a detriment, perhaps. But again, the paradoxes of the twins would prove the antithesis. Their nature of ever-moving loyalty hid the succulent quality of a never-shifting anchor. For once a foreign nation seized the cheap guardianship of these stubborn creatures, they would serve desperately in the interest of their constantly rotating masters. They had no magic. They could not fly. They could not farm better than the next illiterate Pie. They were no stronger than their pony cousins. Smaller than the horses. Pitiful in water unlike the deers, less vainglory than the griffons. The donkeys would still serve though. With a near-endless reservoir of stubbornness, one surely honed from their contempt for their creators. Creators that rid them of any tools that would allow them to stand above others. The very same creators that birthed their species in such precarious lands, bordering not two, but four belligerent nations. Many would simply give up. Many more would simply try to move, to flee from such an unforgiving land to a better place. Not the donkeys though. Because curse the gods! They would live despite their apathy! The donkeys would show those petulant gods that they sure as Tartarus didn't need them to live! They didn't need some kind of cheat! They didn't need a talent! THEY WOULD SURVIVE, EVEN THRIVE, DESPITE BEING NEGLECTED! ... The Saddle Arabian lieutenants and generals would always comment on the unbreakable resolve of their donkey auxiliaries. Their ugly mug, normally unbearable, would be a celebratory sight whenever they appeared on the nearest hills, for victory always followed. "Steel-forged expressions. Tempered resolves. Uncaring of pain, even more despondent to death. Unapproachable in peacetime, terrifying in battle, a scourage in debates. Utterly insufferable. Yet, forever desirable. Such are the equines that despise the gods." - Unknown Maregyptian scholar The survivors A memory of grandness The cold western half of Cape Hestraya is split horizontally between the northern Duchy of Maretonia and in the bottom, Aestionia. Legends speak of an ancient king from Maretonia, a great alicorn, even before the time of Equestria's alicorn siblings that conquered the entire southern quarter of Zebrica, subjugating the squabbling zebras to the east, warring states of the yetis before finally reaching the borders of the Kirian provinces. The great king is said to have named several major settlements he conquered after himself, yet the lack of uniformity throughout the southern Zebrican cities opposes this testament. The fate of this great, possibly mythical king is unknown. Some records suggest he died from an unknown, but fatal disease referred to as "The every fourth day fever." Other records attest he was poisoned by disgruntled officers. What is for sure though, is that this myth, or not, has shaped greatly what the Maretonians think of themselves. Dangerously so. To the point of delusion, as the year 625ALB would prove. Monkeydonians The only reason such a group of ponies could survive lies with the existence of their southern neighbour, Aestionia. Remindant of the fabled Ying-yan, balance exists within the western half of Cape Hestraya. North is for ignorant pride. South is for observant humility. While Maretonia was busy provoking Saddle Arabia, Aestionia had observed and studied why the Maregyptian statelings had been defeated, but most importantly, how they had held for so long, despite being decentralised. Believing war with Saddle Arabia would be inevitable, Aestionia would further cement their relationship with Maretonia to eventually create a united front when the provoked Grand Prince invaded their lands. The pact would be named after Aestrius, meaning 'Starry', who was also possibly mythical. An alicorn or unicorn, depending on the sources, that had established Aestionis even before the later 'great' alicorn of Maretonia. The 'Trinity' aspect of the pact's name pays homage to the 'idol' of Maretonia, since his name is lost to history and three possibilities of what it could be remain. The question even exists physically, in the forms of three major noble families that exist as power brokers within the Duchy of Maretonia that respectively claim his legacy. To these shameless families, history is not sacred, but a tool to further their own interests. To appease these families, the princess of Aestionia would adopt the long-existing standard of the 'Trinity' followed by the lesser Maretonian nobilities to begrudgingly unite them against an immediate threat. Unbeknownst to their northern 'ally', Aestionia withholds the 'true' heir of the mythical Great conqueror, prepared to reveal him if Maretonia proves to be too overbearing. But for now, they're a useful buffer against the Saddle Arabian horde. The spiritual brothers of a certain mountain warrior caste They say the dragons southbound do not care of coins. They say the dragons of the frozen mountains value glory above all. They say the dragons of ice, both in blood and temperament fight for whoever would offer them the most honour. Skeletons of their past great warrior's adventures litter the supposed path that the Great Maretonian Conqueror paved. But these dragons are short of words. They care little of concluding some mortal's succession crisis, even little in confirming the truth of some nation's tales of their foundings. They're too busy cheering for their deaths. Crying out the names of their deceased ancestors who similarly fought to their deaths. For there is no greater shame among the Dragons of ice than to die peaceably. The elderly or disabled among them resort to ritual battles against one another to achieve a satisfying, warrior's death. We could only hope to grace the scene of our great ancestor, wielding these indomitable soldiers in battle, conquering the southern swathes of Zebrica with similar zeal and apathy for danger. The dragons of ice are truly the greatest treasures of our valiant ponies. - An extract commissioned by a minor nobility of Maretonia. The eternal conflict between state and society Major settlements are starred. Keys: Green - Horsekind Light Purple - Donkeys Blue - Abyssinians (Felines) Black - North Zebrican Pony Dark Purple - Hestrayan (Ponies) Opaque Grey - Dragon Yellow - Great Laker (Zebras) Fuck it, imma just copy the wiki's descriptions: Horses Horses are sometimes considered to be the same race as ponies, but there are several notable differences. Most obviously, horses are much larger in size than ponies and lack cutie marks. In addition, there are only two subgroups, earth horses and unicorns, with no equivalent to pegasi. Horses favour more arid environments, being able to thrive in harsher conditions than ponies. Thankfully, unlike the pun-obssessed ponies, horses dignify their flock with respectable names. Zebras The Zebras are equids similar to earth ponies but recognizable by their striped black and white coat. Their flanks bear cutie marks, albeit they are far more abstract in appearance than those of ponies. They have magical abilities, but most of their magical practices involve the craft and use of potions and communion with spirits. Unlike their pony cousins, zebras tend to live in more arid or tropical climates. Dragons Dragons, much like in classical fantasy, are rare, fire-breathing winged lizards. In Equus, they vary dramatically in size, with the majority being humanoid-sized or a bit larger, but occasionally they may grow (or be magically induced) to be several stories high. Dragons tend to be competitive and respect strength, and are derisive of non-combative races such as ponies. Many are solitary, with the Badlands and islands off the east coast of Equus, owned by the Dragon Tribe, being the closest thing to a nation-state. The dragons of Zebrica are comparably far more decentralised, aptly being described as a collection of tribes. Their sizes also vary, however, due to their lack of contact compared to their Equus relatives at the behest of one, Spike, the dragons are far less socially acclimated. Perhaps due to this, their emotions are far less restrained, leading overall to a superior mean size. Ponies Ponies are small, colourful equines found across the world of Equestria at War. They are generally friendly, peaceful and capable. Herbivores, they naturally fear predators and defend themselves through cooperation. They wield various magic, but all possess minor magic that allows them to manipulate objects and perform fine work with hooves. There are 3 major types of ponies, and several minor ones. Earth Ponies have neither wings nor horn, but are innately connected to the earth and land. They have a magical affinity for growth and agriculture, and tend to be stronger than their counterparts. This practical inclination can also manifest as an aptitude for mechanics and technology. Unicorns are powerful spellcasters, who channel spells and telekinesis through their horn. However, most are not especially powerful, and only know basic telekinesis and specialist magic relating to their talent and hobbies. With telekinetic magic, unicorns can multitask whilst performing highly dextrous tasks such as needlework. For this reason, unicorns tend to be more highly employed as scholars, artisans and writers. Especially skilled unicorns are rare, but can wield incredible powers such as shields, healing, flying, teleportation, invisibility, energy blasts and even time travel. Pegasi are winged, flying ponies, and have natural magical powers over weather and the skies. They can travel quickly and are responsible for managing weather around Equestria, including preventing natural disasters, allocating rain and managing the change of seasons. Because of their maneuverability, they are often employed to patrol and range distances, with the best fliers employed in elite special forces units. Donkeys Donkeys are supposedly the smartest species of equine, and also the most resilient, adaptable and self-sufficient. Unlike their pony cousins who wield the three domains of Earth, Air and Magic the donkeys are comparably magically lame. Known as the race unfavoured by the gods, the race is notoriously cranky. Any creature unfortunate enough to fall into a conversation with an ass can attest to the grumpiness of their very existence. Yet, the donkeys never seem to wallow in despair. They stubbornly soldier on, admirably challenging fate, spurning magic in all its forms to create a prosperous future for a race so disadvantaged by the gods. A dangerous 'few' among them even believe magic to be innately evil. The innumerable numbers of captured unicorns and pegasuses returning with their horns shattered or wings amputated post-treaties speak doubt of 'their' supposed rarity. The time was still not right. Felines Native to Abyssinia alone, the Felines are essentially anthropomorphic cats. They are, uh-.... ummmmmm... Huh. They're literally just smart cats. Huh. I guess they're just cute punching bags. I could say that they are a creature focused on intrigue, but that might be just stereotyping. Humans cheat eachother too. Perhaps even more than these cats. Society Hmmmm... So, this-, nation. What's it called? Saddle Arabia. Ohh-ho. A little on the nose? Isn't it? ... Lemme guess, it's some-, great parody of Saudi Arabia! Oh-oh! Maybe its an imitation of the entire Middle East! -Adventurous aren't we? You blew up a hospital Hey, hey!.. Why so serious? -Let's keep talking about these horsies. So. What are they? The Seljuks? Seleucids? Persians? Or maybe the more modern Ottomans? -How? Let's just say the Arkham has an interesting library. Now, what is it? ...All of them. Woah-ho! I like... I like... So. About the monkeydonians now. I'm removing the asylum's router. Oh, you're no fun. But why's Estonia the sub? The State As of writing, Lockheed Martin stocks are up due to Hamas. Got a great payday. God bless the military-industrial complex. Might as well. If you don't try to benefit from a tragedy, only the devil wins. The Saddle Arabian Kingdom is decentrally governed from the capital of Trotgiers. The Grand Prince only directly controls the coasts surrounding their majestic capital, with their vast outer holdings, especially those beyond the Arabian Sea being held on the Grand Prince's behalf by appointed beylerbeys in the form of 'eyalets'. The highest royalty of Saddle Arabia possesses the authority to upstage, replace or even execute, in any of those orders, the 'personally' appointed beylerbeys of the kingdom. However, in reality, many of these so-called 'servants' of the Prince exercise near-complete autonomy. A symptom of the great erosion of Royal authority that began ever since the 'Last Warmongerer's' death. Some eyalets democratically elect their beylerbeys, usually, these relics of a pluralist past are no larger than the amalgamation of two city-states. Most decide on their beylerbeys through paternal succession, either through a primitive form of primogeniture or house seniority. This act, once punishable by death of the entire offending bloodline, is now widely permissible through the apathy of the gluttonous Grand Prince, who refuses to leave the lavish palaces of Trotgier. Though who could blame the Sa'adle family? For Trotgier is the closest to a heavenly paradise that could possibly exist on their mortal planet. Only the richest officials, generals and merchants are allowed to reside in the great capital, and as a testament to the great prosperity of the kingdom, over two hundred thousand souls reside there, made up of various races of the Kingdom. If something is less inexpensive than the purest ingot of gold, it does not exist in Trotgiers. The aforementioned material is so insignificant, so unremarkable that the residents of the capital routinely trample it in their walks, the intricately paved roads of the magnificent city being carelessly engrained with the ordinarily precious metal. Elaborate gems decorate the walls of every house. An understatement, perhaps, as 'mansion' would be a more applicable description of such tall specimens of architecture. Surely reminding the onlookers of skyscrapers that would not come almost until the next three centuries. Most important of all, the capital is accentuated by a grand central plaza, privately owned and accessible by the Sa'adle family alone. Such was the name, 'The Forbidden Plaza'. The property is overwhelming. Excessively frivolous, blindingly focused on vanity, nakedly pleasure-seeking. Undoubtedly shameful for the founders of the once-great Sa'adle family that neurotically preached modesty. In the middle, a great pillar stands, created by solid gold. This impossibly tall monument is surrounded by the spoils of their ancestors' previous victories, once hidden away with humility in vast warehouses, now pridefully displayed. Historic artefacts from Egypt, surreal artworks varying from intricately carved marble statues and jumping paintings from Abysinnia, and rare silver and gold tablets containing the mysterious writings from the Zebras of the Great Lakes are scattered sporadically, their messiness of positioning, countered alone by their sheer beauty. If discounting the overt sin of pride, the Palace of the Capital truly deserves the title of the manifestation of heaven on their meek mortal realm. Only if, it wasn't for the very owner of this paradise. He was dangerously obese, somehow more unsightly than the least charismatic donkey and his hooves visibly leaking pus, after presumably ignoring the warnings from his physicians of the risk of gout. Despicably, he was surrounded by the fairest mares that barely refrained from flashing an expression of abject disgust at this sad excuse of a creature. They were but tributes, offered without their consents to the Grand Prince so that their beylerber fathers may gain favour, or more likely, a single compensation to prolong a rivalry or feed their own excesses. With forced smiles and serenity, the servants-in-all-but-name took over the Grand Prince's responsibilities of living. Even in this faculty, common to all living things, it had been delegated to another. The Sa'adle family, once the lineage that had set the entire section of their continent to heel, were now led by a lazy, gluttonous hedonist. He cared little about the Kingdom's increasing decentralisation. Most probably ignorant of how his unrestrained nobles were accumulating personal power so as to not rely on the capital and wrangle their neighbours with impunity. Not a single thought of how his nobles were devastating their own lands in undisclosed wars passed him. Nor did the dangerous rising of several major autonomous officials, able to counter even his influence enter his mind. The work his ancestors had spilt hard sweat and blood to fulfil was now wasted on a sorry heir. Not that he felt guilt. He did not even worry about how his next meal would be procured. Not even the most basic purpose of his mind was being fulfilled. The Grand Prince in Trotgiers simply ate, was 'entertained' and slept without a worry in the world within a blurry loop. The foreign ships in Jaffmare were no worry to him. The eyalets would handle it. The British Expedition Alfred Ernest Albert, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha He became the Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet in March 1886, with his flagship HMS Alexandra, a central battery ironclad. He had been promoted to admiral on 18 October 1887 at age 43. Probably as a result of nepotism, considering he was the second son and fourth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Or maybe not, since he was described as having "a great natural ability for handling a fleet" and was noted that he "would have made a first-class fighting admiral." He would be tasked to 'lead' the 'Flash Expedition' with a sortie including: HMS Trafalgar HMS Victoria HMS Sans Pareil HMS Nile HMS Hero HMS Conqueror HMS Benbow Alongside several other troopships Like his parents, he is now a griffon of Germanic stock, sharing similar plumage to a German hawk as such: Sir Harry Flashman is a chicken in his upper half. Well, more accurately a cock. The pony-to-griffon ratio of the entire expedition is 4:3. The boys The expedition includes the 1st and 2nd division. They are respectively comprised of 6,000 infantry, 850 cavalry, 82 artillery pieces, 14,000 infantry, 1750 cavalry and 44 artillery pieces. They are also joined by the 1st Sikh infantry and the 1st Madras Pioneers. The 42nd and 43rd Gurkha Regiments have also joined. This totals the 'auxiliaries' with 12,000 Indian infantry, 61 artillery pieces and 4000 Gurkhas. In total, the expedition comprises of 36,000 infantry, 2600 cavalry and 187 artillery pieces. On a footnote, the expedition has brought 17 modern Gatling guns, 21 outdated Gatling guns and 3 of the new Maxim machine guns. Those will be important later. Also if you're asking what the cavalry is going to do without horses, it's this: Jk, but they'll figure something out... Maybe Horatio Henry Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener will be practically in charge of the expedition. Harry Flashman will accompany him, acting as a figurehead for the media. Kitchener is now a bright pink unicorn. No doubt hilarious to his uncountable detractors, as Kitchener's cold personality and his tendency to drive his men hard made him widely disliked, especially by his fellow officers. The fact that his gruff voice carried over made it even funnier, but now his tendency to overcompensate for his 'cuteness' was not found as humourous by his men. Sir Edward Seymour will 'aid' Alfred Albert, making sure the paternal appointee does not blunder. If not on the flagship advising Prince Alfred, Sir Seymour will be on HMS Victoria. Seymour had drawn the jackpot in his transformation when compared to the pink monstrosity that was Kitchener. He had an opaque crater coat that cooly fit with his silver, dark-tinted aging mane. With the majestic uniform of the British Admiralty over him, he looked most defined, especially with the fantastical horn protruding just underneath his worn tricorne. His great patience, desire for glory and personable charm had led to him being immediately accepted into the expedition once he volunteered.