Bookmark · 867.1.1
The Iranian Intermezzo
Two hundred years have passed since the Rashidun Caliphate conquered Persia, absorbing the vast plateau into the mighty Arabic Empire. Two hundred years of servitude — yet all things turn in time. Now the Lords of Arabia wane, whilst Persia's ancient nobility wax stronger and fuller than they have in centuries, flourishing amidst the shattering of the once-almighty united Islamic Ummah. To the west, the Abbasid Caliphate controls only the heartlands of the former Rashidun empire, their great governors from Iberia to India independent in all but name, the succession embroiled in an anarchic mess of betrayal, murder, and rebellion. To the east, Islamic adventurers and sell-swords cut off by the Hindu Kush eye the spoils of Rajasthan and Delhi greedily. Persia finds itself at a crossroads. Those loyal to the Caliph clash with the remaining followers of Zoroastrianism and Buddhism, ambitious warlords squabble with mountain chieftains, and Turkic mercenaries spar with Arabic invaders. The world turns: where will it take you?
Characters
Amir Ya'qub
MediumMakran · Clan · Persian · Sunni · age 27
21 counties, independent
The son of a lowly coppersmith, Ya'qub is a self-made man whose disfigurement by a sword stroke has neither slowed nor hindered him. Having carved out a large kingdom in Sistan, he is now embroiled in war with the Tahirids, the caliph's old lackeys. On the home front, the same commanders that supported Ya'qub's usurpation whisper of changing their loyalties yet again. You seem poised to forge a new destiny for Persia — do you dare challenge the enduring might of the Abbasids?
Traits, skills and realm →
Ismail Samani
EasyBukhara · Clan · Tajik · Sunni · age 17
2 counties, vassal of Transoxiana
For decades, Ismail's family have dominated the governorships of Transoxiana. The sundering of the Caliphate shattered that central authority, leaving the Samanids to squabble amongst themselves for rule. Young Ismail's chance to vie for power comes as he is welcomed as ruler of Bukhara, recently sacked by the armies of the fierce western Khwarezmshahs. Despite his prodigious talents, the rest of his family expect complete, loyal submission. Can you surpass your brothers and restore the glory of Persia?
Traits, skills and realm →
Muhammad ibn Abdallah
MediumFars · Clan · Tajik · Sunni · age 46
10 counties, vassal of Arabian Empire
A consumate and professional administrator, Muhammad has served the Abbasids faithfully throughout his long career as governor of Iraq, the Holy Cities, and even Baghdad itself. Still, the recent turmoil has taxed even his political acumen, as he narrowly escaped death after siding with the wrong caliph. Even now, his health begins to wane. Will you spend your twilight years supporting your beleaguered nephew, the Amir of Khorasan, or focus on redeeming your family in the eyes of the caliph?
Traits, skills and realm →
Rostam I
AdvancedMazandaran · Clan · Daylamite · Sunni · age 21
2 counties, vassal of Tabaristan
Rostam's family has a pedigree almost unmatched in the known world: his father's line are some of the last of the Sassanids, whilst his wife traces her descent back to the near-millennium old Arsacids of Armenia. Old dynasties and ancient faiths endure well in mountainous Tabaristan, where Daylamite mountain lords cling to generations-long grudges and many, Rostam amongst them, still grapple with the "new" dominance of Islam over the traditions of yesteryear. Can you reclaim the venerable glories of your birthright, or will you embrace the modern world?
Traits, skills and realm →
Sūrī of Mandesh
AdvancedGhur · Clan · Tajik · Mahayana · age 24
3 counties, vassal of Merv
As the last Buddhist lord west of the Indus, Sūrī stands at a crossroads — rich in silver and iron, his lands could easily become the nucleus of a powerful empire, but the hungry warlords of Khorasan to the north and Makran to the south appreciate this as well as he does. A descendent of the kings of Guzgan in days of old, Sūrī feels the weight of legacy and the pressure of current politics more keenly than most. Can you unite the quarrelsome Afghan tribes and defend your ancient spiritual heritage, or will you at last embrace the will of Allah?
Traits, skills and realm →
Source: game/common/bookmarks/bookmarks/00_bookmarks.txt (bm_867_persia) and the English localisation, Crusader Kings III 1.20.0.3.