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An idea I had for the longest for a TLIAD is the Eastern Roman Empire inflicting a decisive victory against Queen Mavia and the Tanukh confederation during their uprising against Valens. The Tanukh are stopped from making much advances beyond their advances in Palestine and Phoenicia; the survivors are put at the mercy of Valens. Slavery or extermination being a likely fate. However, the Emperor Valens finds the Tanukh to have made a good enough impression to be used as foederati for his campaign against the Gothic king Fritigern.

He cuts a deal with Mavia. The Tanukh and their allies would serve in Valen's army and assist in destroying the Goths. In exchange, the Tanukh confederation will settle along the Danube, repopulate and makeup for the losses to the Gothic raids and serve as a barrier against future barbarian excursions into Roman land. The Tanukh calvary assist the Romans in keeping the Gothic calvary at bay while the main Roman force annihilates the Gothic camp, killing and enslaving thousands.

The Goths become a historical footnote in the Roman annals while the Tanukhs eek out a semi-sedentary existence. In due time, their military exploits as Constantinople's first line of defense against the barbarian hordes time after time earns them citizenship. St. Moses becomes bishop to the Tanukh Arabs in Roman Moesia, converting thousands. Valens' victory is short-lived and is assassinated by the former consul Victor.

Flavius Victor Augustus, quickly takes over the Empire with little opposition. As Master of Horses and a former Consul, Victor has the support of the army and his alliance with the Balkan Arab queen Mavia through his marriage with her daughter Chasidat prevents any potential opponents from rising up. Without an heir of his own, he appoints Theodosius as his co-Augustus, also a prominent figure in the East. The assistance of the Tanukh in Victor's usurpation of power gives the opportunity for many Arabs to enter in Victor's inner circle, upsetting some in the Roman upper class.

What say you, AH.com? Bad idea?
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