Principia Moderni IV (Map Game)

The Ming Dynasty still rules over the vast lands of China. On the other side of the world, the Hundred Years War continues between England and France. Europe is still stuck in the old ways of feudalism and chivalry while the notions of a New World are considered figments of imagination.

We welcome you to the long awaited fourth expansion of that immortal series. Welcome to Principia Moderni IV! Starting in 1400 AD, this is the dawn of the modern world and the tail end of the Middle Ages. The Renaissance is just kicking off in Europe, while the nations in the western side of the continent are locked in the last gasp of the Hundred Years War. The Muslim world is still reeling from the invasions of Turks and Mongols, with the Caliphate resting in the collapsing Mamluk Egypt and the Ottomans on the rise in Anatolia. Make it count.

The first game was the most successful on the wiki, leading all the way to the modern day with mostly plausible posts and little controversy. The second game reached almost to the modern day, but failed due to a plethora of ASB events and moderator bias. The third game was much more worthy of the first, almost running into implausibility but climbing back into a shining glory by the end. Riding on the latest reforms of map games since the end of PMIII, this is the most logical next step in that evolution. Remember  above all other rules — have fun.

The Map
1480 AD

Important Pages

 * Rules and Algorithm
 * Alliances 
 * Holy Roman Empire
 * Feudal Dynasties
 * College of Cardinals
 * Nations

Oversight Committee

 * Chief Overseer United Republic

The Night's Watch (Moderators)

 * Lord Commander Scrawland
 * First Builder JoshTheRoman
 * Commander of the Eastwatch by the Sea Reximus55
 * Commander of the Shadow Tower Wolves
 * First Ranger Callumthered
 * First Steward Edgeofnight


 * Mapmaker NicDonalds
 * Overseer: United Republic
 * (Awaiting Approval) Algo/Battle Mod and Lictor: Feudy McPlagueface

The Wildlings
All users currently on the wiki may play unless otherwise noted.

Banned Users
A ban from plausibility strikes lasts thirty days, afterwhich the third strike is repealed and the banned player is unbanned. However, the newly unbanned player rejoins the game with two strikes, as a form of probation.
 * Bibleboyd (1461)

Plausibility Strikes
'''Three strikes and you're out! Each strike resets after 30 years of the most recent strike.'''
 * Nova - II (1481)
 * Tim - II (1481)
 * Vivaporius - II (1467)

Moderator Strikes
These are strikes for moderators and how they moderate. The same three strikes rules apply. If a moderator is banned from moderating, however, they can still play as their nation. Mod strikes can be delivered in one of three ways: Moderators can be given strikes for the following reasons: This system will take effect beginning in 1476.
 * 1) If a sufficient number of players (more than half of all players voting) vote to give a moderator a strike.
 * 2) If I, Scraw, give them a strike.
 * 3) If a majority of all mods (ie more than half of the total number of mods, excluding that moderator) vote to give a moderator a strike.
 * 1) Exhibiting bias that would benefit the nation they are playing.
 * 2) Exhibiting bias that would negatively affect a player they have a personal dispute with.
 * 3) Making a ruling that contradicts a proven fact from OTL or an established fact from earlier in the game.
 * 4) Overruling a decision of a majority of moderators.



1480
'''The war in the Caliphate ends as the former Caliph's second son emerges victorious. However, his new problem is regaining control of outlying territories that have becoming self governing during the war.'''

'''The candidate for the Neapolitan throne dies en route to Naples. Unable to agree upon a suitable replacement, the council of nobles elects one of their own, XXXX, as Regent of Naples.'''


 * Korea undergoes an unprecedented era of peace, facilitated by the ethnic harmony between the Koreans and the Manchus–who are intent on preserving much of their way of life while adopting modern Korean practices. Due to the peace, there is no longer much of a need for an overly strong military. The standing army is slashed to twenty thousand personnel. However, seeking to protect sea lanes and dominance in the Korea strait and the Eastern Sea, the navy continues to receive investment. Ships, particularly bigeodo and geobukseon, continue to be built under an entrenched naval tradition. Gunpowder weapons continue to be produced, with firms specializing in said industry being subsidized. Under current monarch Yi Un, Yeogun (Yi Hyorin), and Sejong (Yi Do), Mahayana Buddhism under the fusionist Yi sect replaces Confucianism as the most popular ideology. Architecture and the arts flourish due to being patronized by yangban, incorporation Buddhist elements. Buddhist temples are built, especially in Gyeonggi and Gyeongsang. Scholarly works and artistry are promoted, with several academies and universities being built and many elite partaking in education. Meanwhile, a small private fleet of merchants sail west to map out the surrounding region, mapping all of Southeast and East Asia, while also mapping the western fringes of the Indian subcontinent.


 * The Gurkani Sultanate:  Sultan Suleiman Shah Mirza started his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mu'ayyad Muhammad as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 36 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. In some cases, a special unit also existed that specialized primarily in the use of hand cannons and rocket launchers. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst gunpowder weaponry were increasively developed. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus. As Suleiman reached Isfahan with an army of 40,000 men, he was confronted with a much larger force of 200,000 men under Sikander Mirza. Realizing that he would defeat Sikandar to enter Isfahan, Suleiman quickly ordered his generals to prepare for battle, keen on attacking the opposing army as soon as possible. However, much to Suleiman's surprise, Sikandar surrendered without a fight and pledged his allegiance to Suleiman on the condition that his army would not hurt the general people of the city. Keeping his word, Suleiman ordered a bloodless take over of the city, ordering his soldiers not to lay hand on a single man, woman or child.. even the animals and the trees. Yet this 'general pardon' did not extend to those living in the Golden Fort of Isfahan, with a complete massacre ordered of all of its inhabitants. The army executed the royal courtiers, the eunuchs, all members of the harem, servants, 'crony' Shia clerics and even foreign envoys present. Even the Caliph Al Mu'ayyad was nearly executed before Suleiman intervened upon hearing the Caliph pleading for his life, realizing that the Caliph himself had despised Salman. The Sultan, Salman Beg was subsequently stripped naked and dragged through the streets of Isfahan with rubbish and faeces thrown on him by the people. The "Walk of Shame" finally ended with the Sultan being buried alive on the orders of his own brother. With the war finally over, Suleiman crowned himself the new Sultan with his wife, Yagana Mihrabanid as his royal consort. When news of this incident reached all corners of the Empire, millions of people took to the streets to celebrate the death of Salman and the effective end of his rule. Salman's preference for boys was seen as a sign that he was a heretic, some of his policies were seen as blasphemous and his general mass killing of protestors was seen as the sign that he had gone completely mad, as such, it indeed came as no surprise that his death was seen as a good omen by the people.


 * ​ Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Stephen Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Sultan. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts. Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Stephen would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient. The Rennaisance continued to gain more ground throughout the Khedivate, with major intelluctuals and scholars making paintings whilst other promoted secular thought. The Amir, Stephen Megas Komenos essentially supported the movement, hoping that the Rennaisance would benefit the Greeks residing in the Sultanate as it would effectively increase their influence, primarily due to Salman's desperate need for more scholars.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: King Charles sends a secret message to Iberia and Naples, assuring them they have Burgundian support in the event of conflict. Burgundys navy, trained under the tutelage of those who fought at the Battle of Elba, is put on notice to be ready to move to the Mediterranean on a moments notice. Meanwhile, explorer Henri Slyke becomes the first Burgundian to reach the southern coast of Africa.


 * ​Sultanate of Bengal: The Navy receives 20 more ships, as normal. Addendum: 6000 men are sent to crush Ava.
 * Ahom Kingdom: Nothing of note.


 * United Crown of Great Iberia
 * The Queen of Aragon calls on the other Members of the Anti-Italian Coalition - Austria, Bulgaria, Greece and Burgundy - to arm themselves and mobilise for war on Italy. The destabilisation of Italian dominance in the Mediterranean presents the perfect opportunity to bring down the Italians once and for all. We immediately launch into preparing for war. The Royal Armadas of the entire United Crown, altogether comprising close to 800 ships, are placed on high alert, and our armies are mobilised, ready to take back our rightful lands. We now only wait for our allies and the command of the Queen. In other news, the economy continues to improve rapidly thanks to the Papal States' trade route. Research on trans-Atlantic ships have proven quite fruitful, and the plans for the first such vessel are slowly coming together. We hope that by 1490 at the latest we will be able to find a new route to Asia.
 * Aragonese Diplomacy: We thank profusely all our allies for their support in this risky and dangerous endeavour.


 * Knights Hospitaller: The year is 1480 and our current Grandmaster is Pierre d'Aubusson. We build fortifications and strengthen pre-existing fortifications on Rhodes and on Crete. We also focus on our navy and begin refurbishing and renovating the dockyards in Rhodes and in Crete in order to increase our shipbuilding capacity. We consider refurbishing our old ships in the future. With our Print shop finished, we begin printing broadsheets to increase recruitment as well as religious zeal. With our limited success against the Barbary pirates we continue our campaign to protect our shipping and seize their wealth as well as discover their origin (Mod Response on effectiveness). Due to Crete being designated as a Free port, trade is booming. In order to increase our wealth, we copy the strategy of the Knights Templar and buy small-medium plots of land across Europe and building cathedrals and castles while we establish the Bank of St John and we establish branches in our commandries as well as beginning to invest more into it. We stop signing the Compact of Valletta and instead use the trade route of Civitavecchia and Ancona thus bringing a renewed wave of prosperity as trade is no longer restricted. To help facilitate communication between the commandries we begin to establish a courier system between the commandries utilising couriers and mail coaches to send correspondence across Europe while we request funding/investing in exchange for other nations to be able to use this Europe-wide postal network (Other nations Respond). So far this idea has been met with good reception as we hold a monopoly on mail in the Papal States for five years, and so with this funding, we begin to hire more couriers and coaches in order to increase efficiency. (Secret Diplomacy) We ask the pope if we should join the anti-Italian coalition or stay neutral and for his blessing if we take action (Papal States response). We plan on having a census soon to have an idea of our population. We begin a five year expansion of our navy to refurbish our pre-existing ships and build the maximum amount of ships.
 * ​Papal Diplomacy: Given the way that the Italians have been dividing Christendom, Leo writes to his faithful Grand Master, giving his blessing if the Order decides to join the Anti-Italian league.
 * Mayapan: Trade continues with the Mexica. An aging Emperor Atlahua orders his royal engineers to begin experimenting making larger fishing vessels. Atlahua also funds the first non-religious school in the capital, to train new wisemen and engineers. Expansion continues along the southern border. Integration of the southern city-states into the League is continued by the High Council. Each new state is expected to supply men to train and serve in the national army. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Work continues to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
 * Bulgarian Empire:  The Renaissance under the Empire continues to push forward with the technological and cultural advanvement continuing at a rapid pace. Tarnovo, Tirgoviste, Sofiya, and Vasiligrad all are shown to be absolute centers of cultural development. The expansion of the arms industry also continues with more smiths and artisans producing the weapons which have become popular and due to the Tsars funding and the generals intuition the reorganization of the Royal army with every fourth man being given an arquebus and two backups for a campaign. This is an unprecedented change and shows the highest firearm troop ratio to normal troops in Europe. Beyond this the economy of the Empire has shown a good increase but it also on a slowdown as increasing projects for purchasing and improving the country itself have seen the economy flag. The banking system still sees growth and prosperity as it becomes widely adopted as a "Renaissance Idea" in the empire. The Tsar also announces the completion of the Bulgarian fleet which stands at nearly 350 ships and is used to patrol and keep trade routes open and unharassed. The Tsar Vasili falls ill and after a harrowing experience in which he says to his son and other close friends "I thought i saw god, and he seemed displeased with me". This prompts the Tsar after undergoing this near death experience to abdicate in favor of his 16 year old son Simeon. This is considered outright surprising to the nobility and many of his supporters overtly beg the Tsar to not abdicate, but Crown Prince Simeon is coronated as the Tsar a month later. The Nobility, merchants, freemen and many others are extremely afraid that his tutelage under a German, and the known to be relatively ruthless father (while being a good centralizing leader). They fear that the new Tsar will share much of the same cruelties as his father. This is however found not to be the case as during his coronation the new Tsar Simeon hosts a lavish feast for his nobility, and reveals his intentions to maintain many if not all the same policies as his father saying "Dont fix what isnt broken". Even following the coronation Tsar Simeon is considering unfit as being too young and will only bring ruin to the family, the country, and everything his father has accomplished. The nobles which however criticize him are taken on a hunting trip and with the Brandenburger Heir, his Father, and a few of his close friends as well. The hunt is considered a smashing success and the New Tsar specifically seals the deal after he single handedly killed seven deer, and defended himself successfully from a wolf, only to take in the wolves - six pups as his pets. He takes specific interest in a White Wolf pup which he takes special care of training extra compared to the other pups.  The Former Tsar Vasili-Kaloyan begins to take up more on his studies and becomes a close advisor to his son. He also agrees albeit somewhat dubiously to remain the supreme commander of the Bulgarian army. The bulgar population grows to roughly 3.87 million. Settlements in Wallachia, Thrace, and Thrake remain the major areas of Growth with the Cities of Thrakiya, Tirgoviste, and Vasiligrad and their surrounding areas gaining more farming and citizen populations.  After much debate between the Tsar Simeon and Ev-Tsar Vasili announce that the Neapolitans will be receiving Bulgarian assistance in their bid to become an independent Kingdom. Tsar Simeon offers his help to Naples on the condition that the italian territories in the Balkans are restored to greece, and the Principality of Albania (Mod plz??)


 * Kingdom of Greece: King Jacob of Greece continues to rule, but takes an expressed interest in expanding the Greek fleet into a large trade fleet, having successfully gained protection from land threats as a vassal of the Bulgarian. This is relatively well received and trade with Greeks in Ionia as well as on the Eastern half of the Mediterranean starts to expand through greece as a good source of wealth.
 * Principality of Moldavia: The Principality of Moldavia continues to show a relatively strong growth as well as good military training due to its march status under Bulgaria. It constructs forts to protect its flank from potential raids and invasions from the East. Population stands at 560,000.
 * Athenian Provisional Government: The Athenians under the previous command of Aragon and Castile respectfully submit to the Bulgarian Empire but only trade occurs and most of the Aragonese and Castilian ships and trade interests are left alone
 * The Regent of Naples accepts this arrangement on behalf of the ruling council. -scraw
 * Bahmani Sultanate: Ismail Shah sends 8000 troops to Burma, to be placed at Binnya Kyal's disposal.
 * Burma: Infuriated by the border incidents, Binnya Kyal invades Ava (going up the Irrawaddy) with 14,000 men. He asks both the Bahmanids and Bengal for support.
 * Delhi Sultanate: Our army and navy continue improvement and expansion. We choose to remain neutral in the war against Ava, and instead turn towards culture and academics. A branch of the University of Delhi opens in Puri this year, where the port remains busy with trade and shipbuilding. The five-option plan remains in place for Gunterists.
 * ​Himalaya Kingdom: A branch of the University of Agra opens in Kathmandu. Nothing else of note occurs.
 * Ladakh: Nothing of note.
 * Kingdom of England, Scotland, Ireland and Duchy of Brittany: With trade resuming through the Sicilian channel the economy maintains itself. The new King is confident that he has resolved the problems but keeps England much as it is.
 * Papal States: Leo X writes to Aragon, telling the king that he will support the Anti-Italian league. The hispanic pope has long held a belief in the inherent insecurity of having the Patrimony completely surrounded by one state. The Legates and nobles are informed to be ready to call up their military forces, and the Papal and Castilian Guards also prepare. In other news, trade across the Overland Route continues to bring in money for the economy. The pope sends representatives to Visit the monasteries of the States to do a survey as to the mode of life within them and the level of monastic discipline. A young Subdeacon in Perugia is found selling indulgences by the Inquisition. Pursuant to Indulgentarium Doctrina, he is excommunicated and sent to the strictest Cistercian monastery in the land to do a lifetime's penance.
 * Benin: The growth of the Bini economy continues to fuel population growth and infrastructural development in the western regions of the empire. The expansion of farmland in the western regions has resulted in hundreds of thousands of Bini subjects moving into the area and settling the lands as the cost for the land remains cheap and plentiful. The farming of yams, rice, wheat, sorghum, palm oil, cocoa, and kola nuts have attracted many individuals to the region, and many have been encouraged to have more children to aid them in developing the virgin regions under their control. Elsewhere, the navy of Benin continues to grow, as another five akakan, ten oke, and fifteen epeepe are constructed in each of the ten participating port cities as part of the naval expansion program. Trade in the Indian Ocean continues to grow, and the Bini merchants expand their grasp of trade in the region by promoting Bini goods and services to the local states. The settlers of Benin expand their holdings in the central tribal regions by 20,000 square kilometers, seeking to exploit the lack of tribal resistance to their growth. With the Imperial Army supporting their advances, the natives are systematically exterminated wherever they are, the Bini having lost any interest in dealing with them. The few women and children taken by the Bini are doled out to the settlers, and the land divided by the government to the new residents. Kuzir missionaries in the tribal pocket return with a tally of 300,000 native men, women and children of all ages, and report a similar situation as found in the western tribal pocket near the Atlantic coastline of the empire. A table of all the gold mines in Benin and their output is organized for the planned ten-year report for the Oba and the uzama. Across all of Benin, a total of 122 tons of gold is being mined per year. A table for diamond mining is produced, revealing that a total of 175,000 carats of diamonds are mined throughout Benin per year. Chocolate production for export, and as palm oil, sugar, and pepper exports are increasing.
 * Sweden: Weary of rising tensions in the Mediterranean, the old King rejoices with his sons' heirs, Kettil and Karl, The nation focuses on improving the region's economy, tax base and the Emperor visits Denmark on a state visit to visit his beloved nephew, Eric.


 * Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 20,000 local tribesman, foreign settlers and children born became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. Our scholars is tasked to build a new language from Somali Arabic with
 * Ferdinand of Austria, officialy denounces italy as "a nation of thieves and robbers", officialy declaring that the plebicite in Istria was "coerced by the Armies of Italy", as attested by a Nobleman of Ernstberg. Guard recuritment is increased for possible war with the nation. Meanwhile, Ferdinand's eldest son, Frederick, reaches sixteen years of age. As such he is named Count of Habsburg-Wurttemberg, and sent to prepare for his possible future rule of all Austria. Frederick choses Stuttgart as his seat and begins his rule over those lands. Meanwhile, the university of vienna is relatively unaffected by these events. The renaissance thoughts continue to prosper in the Austrian lands, as well as giving rise to a new "south germanist" ideologies that advocate for the unity of souther Germany under Habsburg hegemony.
 * In Hungary, The Duke Rudolph continues his infrastructure projects, planning several aqueducts and irrigation canals thoguhout the nation. This period is also a large one, as the unviersities of the nation import Austrian books and translate them. The same lisence system is set up for print shops, and many merchants take advantage of this, giving the government profit from the renaissance as more and more books on theology, philisophy, and natural philosophy are published en masse. Recuritment for the Apostolic Guards are increasing, and some men are stationed on the border with albania, with the Serbian despot's permission of course. the Hungarian fleet grows thanks to Serbian fleet basing rights and the leasing of a few minor ports, where drydocks are currently being built.
 * Serbian Despot Stefan continues to mind his own buisness as a few Apostolic Guards are set on the Albanian border to make sure that Italy does not attack, especially after the proclamations made by the Habsburg monarch Ferdinand. Arabic roots, yet has enough differences to show ourselves as an independent nation.
 * Chinese Empire: The military continues to grow, and fortresses continue construction on the borders of the Empire, as well as throughout the Empire itself in order to crush any chance of any future rebellions breaking out for ANY reason as the Emperor continues to mold the Mandate into what he wishes. Taiwan continues to grow. The navy presence on the island increases, and marine compliments on Imperial ships are increased more still. Transport ships built expressly to hold marines are constructed, and ships now begin sailing in squadrons, with three transports and 12 warships sailing together at all times in order to make the Chinese Navy the most powerful force in the eastern oceans.

1481
''' The war in Naples continues. '''

'''I don't know what you're talking about unless there is an ongoing civil war between Italian loyalists and independence forces. Italy never invaded Naples, so it has de facto independence at the moment. -Rexmod'''


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: Burgundy declares war on Italy, looking to end the Compact of Valletta and re-enter the east Mediterranean trade. The army, 70,000 strong, is mobilized, and a large detachment of the navy, 250 ships, is sent to the Mediterranean.
 * The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Suleiman Shah Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mu'ayyad Muhammad as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 36 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. In some cases, a special unit also existed that specialized primarily in the use of hand cannons and rocket launchers. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst gunpowder weaponry were increasively developed. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus. With the revolution having succeeded, Suleiman began his rule over the mighty Sultanate. One of his initial decisions including replacing and executing all of the cronies that had been put into positions by power by Salman, replacing them with his own loyalists. Suleiman simultaneously initiated a massive process of settling Persians in the the Wilayets of Krymia and Hatay, hoping to 'Persianize' the state or effectively convert its populace to Shia Islam. At the very same time, Suleiman started cracking down on the smuggling of spices, executing offenders and having their bodies impaled along multiple trade routes. On education, Suleiman continued the policy of his predecessor and made a personal donation of 500 books to the House of Wisdom. However, Suleiman established a clear line between enlightenment and blasphemy, executing all those who spoke against God and promoted atheism. The Sultan in particular also abolished the royal harem, terming the establishment as immoral and the root of all evil. Finally, hearing of the war in Europe and of Astrakhans attack upon Poland, the Sultan mobilized 100,000 men, joining up with the Astrakhan forces and jointly attacking Poland. An additional 240,000 were sent along but would primarily be reserves, given the order to intervene only if the Polish received any outside aid or if the 100,000 started to lose.
 * Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Stephen Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Sultan. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts. Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Stephen would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient. The Rennaisance continued to gain more ground throughout the Khedivate, with major intelluctuals and scholars making paintings whilst other promoted secular thought. The Amir, Stephen Megas Komenos essentially supported the movement, hoping that the Rennaisance would benefit the Greeks residing in the Sultanate as it would effectively increase their influence, primarily due to Suleiman's desperate need for more scholars.
 * ​Astrakhan Khanate: The Astrakhan send 20,000 men to invade Poland, hoping to sieze their lands for themselves and keen on reestablishing dominace over Eastern Europe. (posting for Bel with Bel's permission)
 * United Crown of Great Iberia
 * ​After two decades of humiliating pushing around at the hands of Italy, no more! The Queen of Aragon officially declares that a state of war now exists between the United Crown and the Kingdom of Italy. We call our fellow Coalition members to arms, and deploy a fleet of 300 ships in total to Italian waters. 80 are sent to bombard Sicily, another 90 to Sardinia, 40 to Malta, and the remaining 90 are sent to bombard western Italian cities, including Florence, Milan and Genoa. Additionally, the Eastern Mediterranean Fleet, consisting of 150 ships in total, is deployed to attack eastern Italian coasts. An army of 50,000 troops are also sent to Italy to lay siege to Italian cities, in particular the capital of Milan. An additional 10,000 troops are sent to Sardinia. Iberians who have for far too long been under the thumb of Italy in Sardinia rise up against their Italian oppressors and join the Iberian army, raising our numbers to about 15,000.
 * No creating rebellions yourself in foreign territory. ~Wolves
 * Bahmani Sultanate: With Ava safely subjugated, on Binnya Kyal's request, diplomats from Bengal, the Bahmanids, and Burma meet to draft the Pegu Accords to determine the future of Burma. Burmese nationalism shall be contained by 'uniting' Burma, but with a ruler under Indian control.
 * Burma: Binnya Kyal II hosts the meeting of the Pegu Accords and uses the opportunity to create better relationships with the Bengalis. After its signing, Binnya Kyal is crowned Cakkavatti (Universal Ruler) of the Burmese, as well as the new King of Ava, and Subahdar of Arakan.
 * Maldives: With the islands fully set in order, Muhammad Shah leaves, and control regresses to Muhammad II, who will be allowed to keep the throne, but under close supervision from Gulbarga.
 * ​Knights Hospitaller:​ For too long Italy has divided Christendom and now with the sanction of the pope, we join the United Crown of Iberia and the Anti- Italian Coalition and send our most of our fleet and our army to invade Italy and we aid the main Italian army, while we send our ships to help them secure Malta.


 * Aragon OOC: Please declare and commit the exact number of troops and ships you are sending to assist the war effort. This is needed for calculation of the algorithm. Thanks. EDIT: Red specified 3000 men and 74 ships in chat.
 * Cologne: Given the recent resolution of the conflict with Julich, Archbishop Emmerich sends a small envoy of canons to Berg, Julich and Brandenburg, thanking both dukes and the Holy Roman Emperor for their support in reaching an ideal solution for all. The envoy presents each leader with a silver medal that commemorates the rational negotiation between the countries and encourages the promotion of further justice and peaceful conflict resolution. Further, realising that Heinrich’s involvement as Holy Roman Emperor in this conflict was crucial to the peaceful resolution, Archbishop Emmerich writes to Brandenburg enquiring about whether the Emperor would support the creation of courts as an overarching judicial institution of the Holy Roman Empire, designed to lawfully resolve conflicts of this kind. (OOC: courts like these would be appropriate.) Veteran Knights Hospitaller continue to train with Cologne’s growing militia, and the Kolsch Code begins to unify many of the peasant militia men. Emmerich invests heavily in an additional weapons industry sector in the new segment of land that used to belong to the Duke of Julich, now known as Kolschberg. Emmerich also has plans to build a hospital in Kolschberg.
 * Essen: This year, Abbess Sophia sends canonesses to Sweden to acquire new knowledge, learning what they can from Sweden’s universities and scholars. The anchoress Ulrike is reported to begin speaking in languages that no one can understand. Meanwhile, the infirmary in Essen finally takes in fewer patients this year, with the general health of the population rising.
 * Swedish diplomacy: The Abbess of Essen is welcomed in Sweden and is shown around in the university of Uppsala and the Scientae Dei library at Stockholm.
 * Papal States: His Holiness sends twenty-five ships and 10,000 men-at-arms (including the fearsome Castilian Guard) to contribute to the War against Italy. He also allows Anti-Italian forces to march through Papal lands to attack Italy and their allies in Naples. When not preoccupied with this war, Pope Leo reads the letter from his Legate in Stockholm, and becomes convinced that Greenland must be re-settled for the sake of the salvation of the souls of the poor pagan Esqimos, who could be brough to knowledge of the True Faith. Given Scandinavia's unsatisfactory previous attempt to re-establish the settlement, however, His Holiness is reluctant to ask them again. The Pontifical Bible Commission continues its translation and annotation work along with its friends in Essen.
 * English Dip: The King of England hears the Papal concerns and endeavours to help a candidate he supported as well as do service to God and enhance his reputation amongst the Kings of Europe. He tells the pope that he will arrange an expedition and bring the Light of God to the Eskimos.
 * Papal Dip: Pope Leo X blesses the expedition and sends a hand-picked number of Franciscans to accompany the expedition.
 * Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 20,000 local tribesman, foreign settlers and children born became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. The first book written entirely in Swahili is published and distributed, which is a translation of the Koran.
 * Kingdom of Tondo: Arnis Masid, Diyang Kalangitan's chief naval officer, is tasked to bring a group of 250 men and ten ships to explore the known world. He will personally be the peace envoy with Japan, as the convoy shall reach the Japanese Islands first. After Japan, the envoy shall reach Korea, and then the Chinese cities of Beijing and Nanjing. Following that, visits to Vietnam, the Khmer,  the Strait of Malacca, Burma, and the Indian states. Victory against Butuan is celebrated as the troops march in the Cagayan. Diyang Kalangitan, now married to Sugbo of Cebu, formalize their marriage in Mactan, Cebu. As Sugbo's father drowned in a fishing accident, Sugbo is widely seen as Cebu's next monarch due to his uncle being the Rajah, who is currently without wife and without child. At the same time, rumors of the Rajah's infertility circulate around the kingdoms, though no officials have confirmed nor denied. With the recent passing of the beloved monarch, Rajah Gambang, the nation mourns. Diyang Kalangitan assumes the throne, and takes no man to be her husband. Instead, she declares that on the eve of her death, the nobility of Tondo, Ma-I, and Pangasinan shall have an electorate regarding the successor of the united realms of Tondo. Kalangitan further consolidates her poweriscreetely assigning political opponents to far-flung provinces of Tondo or to Tondo's vassals of Ma-I and Pangasinan, or to colonization attempts in Palawan, Busuang and Samar. The government of Tondo can be roughly described as a Federal Monarchy, with each province ruled by a council with members proportionate to the province's population. Diyang Kalangitan invites the Huang of Pangasinan, his daughter and Ma-I's regency council, and officials from every province to draft something akin to an OTL constitution, namely, the Saligang Batas ng Tondo at Nasasakupan Nito (Constitution of the sovereign Kingdom of Tondo and all its holdings and possessions). As Maynila is one of the richest cities in South East Asia, it is now high-time to create a lasting legacy for it. A series of bridges and canals connecting the Pasig and Tagik (OTL Taguig) Rivers and all their tributaries to provide acquatic transportation, ease movement of goods, and simply build bridges above the waterways to ease the transportation of people in the Greater Tondo Province (OTL Metro Manila). To prevent problems of income inequality and unequal development, selected families in the capital are given incentives of food and gold to relocate to developing towns and cities in Cavite, Romblon and Samar. A road network has already connected Tondo Province to Cavite, and a series of roads from southeastern and southern Luzon to Pangasinan has already began construction. Tondo metallurgical capabilities increase as blast furnaces and ironforges are built all around the state. The port of Maynila is further expanded, with the navy increasing by 25 small ships and seven war junks. Trade with nearby states continue. Tondo continues expansion in Samae, Palawan and Busuanga. 2000 additional soldiers are trained. Kalangitan orders 400 ships to move to patrol the Visayas archipelago, mainly  to protect the trade routes, and secretly to intimidate Cebu. Expansion into Palawan, Samar, and Negros continue.
 * Huangdom of Ma-I: With Tondo's grace, Ma-I settles the western part of Busuanga Island, and dedicates 100 citizens there. Li Han thrives as a cultural and financial capital of Ma-I, while Beigang immediately becomes the second port of Tondo, and conducts trade regularly with nearby nations.
 * Huangdom of Pangasinan: With Tondo's grace, Pangasinan expands into Central and Northern Luzon, attempting to assimilate the mountain and Igorot tribes located nearby to access the massive agricultural treasure in the Banaue Rice Terraces and the farmlands of Central Luzon. The administrative capital city, Pangasinan, begins construction of a road connecting it to Maynila. Blast furnace construction continues, and a small defense fleet of 15 ships is allotted by Tondo to Pangasinan. Pangasinense traders report sightings of small islands west of Luzon, and scouts are sent by Pangasinan to verify their claims. Pangasinan claims these islands west of Mainland Luzon, now named as the Gambang Islands in honor of Rajah Gambang  (OTL Scarborough Shoal)
 * Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation. Randolph's son Frederick is born. Barbara dies this year. Dirk marries a noble woman of the name Elisabeth.
 * Benin: With the threat assessment of the tribal forces within the two unsettled pockets of land surrounded be Benin completed, the Oba gives the order for the Benin Imperial Army to enter both pockets of land and put an end to the suffering of the natives. The tribal peoples are slowly exterminated in the process, with all the women and children under the age of ten taken by the Bini, and the men, elderly, and adolescent children killed off or sold into slavery. Roads are built behind the forces of the Imperial Army for the benefit of the settlers, who slowly transform much of the forested land into farmland. New towns and villages are set up by the subjects of Benin, and the region finally settled by the empire once and for all. With the region finally secured by the Bini people, the Oba turns his attention to the relocation of his court and capital. The site for a new capital is located along the northern Black Volta River, in the region just recently settled by the Bini people. Visiting the site, Oba Nosagie gives his blessing for the arrangement, and the cornerstone for the new imperial palace is laid down at the feet of the Oba, the Dari Council, and the members of the uzama. The plan for the city shall revolve around a massive palace complex and wide marble avenues that shall serve as the nexuses of the capitals many streets and buildings. It is planned for the capital to serve as the perfect medium for Kuzir ideology and advanced Bini architecture to blend. Vast libraries and schools as well as canals and public utilities shall help to make the city one of the cleanest and safest in the known world. Elsewhere, the expansion of the Imperial Navy continues, with the navy expanded with five akakan, ten oke, and fifteen epeepe from each of the ten cities construction them as part of their contracts with the imperial government. All akakan are outfitted with cannon as per the request of the Oba. Thus far, the navy of Benin is larger than next three European navies combined, as planned by the Oba, who seeks to ensure that Benin's naval superiority remains unchallenged. With trade with foreign powers increasing, and no major enemies capable of invading Benin at home, the most rational decision for the military was to turn to a naval-oriented force, especially with the army depleted following the civil war. As Bini trade through the city of Sofala continues to increase the empire's trade influence in the Indian Ocean, the Imperial Navy has found itself escorting many Bini vessels through the region to protect it from rival powers in the region. However, these tasks have been delegated to the Southern Fleet of the Imperial Navy, while the Western Fleet deals with regional issues in West Africa. Seeking to establish a permanent base of operations for a flotilla to protect Benin trade and make the empire less reliant on Sofala, Benin establishes a settlement known as Ireti (or "hope") on the Cape of Good Hope. Five hundred Bini subjects sign up for the twelve day journey to the new settlement along with a hundred Benin Imperial Army warriors, who shall serve as the protectors of Ireti.
 * France: Louis XII inherits the lands of Anjou, Maine, Guise, Mortain, Gien, and Provence, with the death of Charles IV who bequeaths his lands to his cousin, King Louis (OOC: Happened OTL and has mod approval). Louis XII mobilizes the army with the wake of the coalition, and sends a force to defend his ally, while leaving a force back home to defend the French heartland. Per the Edict of Chambord obsolete castles continue to be deconstructed, making nobility more reliant on the king. Louis also passes the Edict of Angers which establishes a precedent that every noble must visit Paris once per year for a certain amount of time to meet with the King (further undermining their power). Paris continues to blossom under new reconstruction, more arts are financed, and the Renaissance continues to spread throughout France.
 * Buha: We expand 10,000 square kilometers each year toward the coastline. We make 100,000 more tribal folk into citizens. We work to "civilize East Africa." The Emperor has a dream of uniting all East Africans under one banner, creating a nation very strong. We look up to Benin as influences to our great Empire. We deforest the land to build more farmland. We request that 10,000 Buhan warriors be trained and equipped by Benin. We in turn will offer Benin slaves.


 * Bini Diplomacy: Benin does not maintain slavery within its borders. We will happily take women and children as concubines and pupils however. As to your request, we are honored to help a fellow Kuzir state in developing its military, and we shall see to it that your forces are well-trained and disciplined.
 * Bulgarian Empire: The Renaissance under the Empire continues to push forward with the technological and cultural advanvement continuing at a rapid pace. Tarnovo, Tirgoviste, Sofiya, and Vasiligrad all are shown to be absolute centers of cultural development. The expansion of the arms industry also continues with more smiths and artisans producing the weapons which have become popular and due to the Tsars funding and the generals intuition the reorganization of the Royal army with every fourth man being given an arquebus and two backups for a campaign. This is an unprecedented change and shows the highest firearm troop ratio to normal troops in Europe. Beyond this the economy of the Empire has shown a good increase but it also on a slowdown as increasing projects for purchasing and improving the country itself have seen the economy flag. The banking system still sees growth and prosperity as it becomes widely adopted as a "Renaissance Idea" in the empire. The Tsar Simeon has taken much effort to highly train and work with his wolf pack and also sets a good price for any hunters who are able to capture wolf pups or trap wolves in general as the Tsar has established a wolf kennel under the royal palace in Tirgoviste. The Tsars Personal Wolf named Bora is known as the second in command wold in the kennel with the Tsar himself having integrated himself as the Wolf packs personal alpha male.  The Former Tsar Vasili-Kaloyan begins to take up more on his studies and becomes a close advisor to his son. He also agrees albeit somewhat dubiously to remain the supreme commander of the Bulgarian army. The bulgar population grows to roughly 3.93 million. Settlements in Wallachia, Thrace, and Thrake remain the major areas of Growth with the Cities of Thrakiya, Tirgoviste, and Vasiligrad and their surrounding areas gaining more farming and citizen populations.  Ev-Tsar and Supreme commander of the Bulgarian Armies raises the entire force of the Bulgarian army and consequently moves the forces into Albania, Epirus and Morea with the expressed intent of expelling the italians and giving freedom back to the greeks and albanians.


 * Kingdom of Greece: King Jacob of Greece continues to rule, but takes an expressed interest in expanding the Greek fleet into a large trade fleet, having successfully gained protection from land threats as a vassal of the Bulgarian. This is relatively well received and trade with Greeks in Ionia as well as on the Eastern half of the Mediterranean starts to expand through greece as a good source of wealth.
 * Principality of Moldavia: The Principality of Moldavia continues to show a relatively strong growth as well as good military training due to its march status under Bulgaria. It constructs forts to protect its flank from potential raids and invasions from the East. Population stands at 560,000.
 * Athenian Provisional Government:  The Athenians under the previous command of Aragon and Castile respectfully submit to the Bulgarian Empire but only trade occurs and most of the Aragonese and Castilian ships and trade interests are left alone
 * Kingdom of England, Scotland, Ireland and Duchy of Brittany: As the pope has asked someone to we set out to colonise Greenland. The colonists land in March and set out to work. For the colonisation process mainly livestock farmers from the Scottish highlands are recruited for the colony with the initial colony plant being 40 men and 40 women between the ages of 18 and 27 with the settlement being built in the Qinngua valley which is supposed to be one of the warmest parts of the island with the only natural forest. 20 fishing boats are brought along and moored in the fjord for use of the colonists while hunting of hooded seals and fishing is done while a number of sheep are brought over and hunts for reindeer with bows are done. Rather than try to sow crops they focus on meats while ships are expected to come yearly in the mid summer and exchange grain for their fish, lamb, seal and reindeer meat. This is the initial colony deployed by a number of English ships. Meanwhile back in the British Isles the tax reform system has been a success with a fairer tax system on who actually owns what land so other than that England is going good and we ignore this Italian squabble.
 * Chinese Empire: The army continues to fortify the borders, and the contruction of fortresses across the country continues, armed with cannons and armed with only the loyalist of forces, swearing their lives to the Emperor before taking up positions. The navy begins patrolling the coasts and the trade routes with Luzon and Taiwan even more cautiously, barring any pirates or enemy raiders from attacking the lifeline that holds the colonies so closely in touch with Beijing. The Mongolian autonomous zone has fortresses built around it, and soldiers of mixed Chinese and Mongolian descent arm the positions, ensuring their loyalty to the Empire and the happiness of the local people. Imperial trade now has the country becoming a melting pot of formerly different Chinese subcultures, with north and south trading causing the two migration of citizens from one part of the country to the other. The Emperor takes a tour around the country, visiting military installations and local villages, causing the people and military to increase their faith and trust with the Emperor, further molding the mandate of heaven to the Emperors whims.


 * One does not simply mould the Mandate of Heaven to one's whim. This applies to every turn you wrote that in. ~Wolves
 * It isnt impossible to mold the Mandate over time. Note Im saying Im working on it, not doing it in one turn.
 * Delhi Sultanate: We continue expanding and improving our military, with our economy still doing very well. With the trade boom still going on, the Sultan realizes he can further boost trade through the Yamuna and Ganges Rivers, the latter reaching all the way to the Bay of Bengal as the Padma River through Bengali rivers; ports are built in a line of Delhavi cities on the Yamuna-Ganges route for trade. The route on the Yamuna is Delhi City to Agra, then finally to Allahabad, where the Yamuna merges with the Ganges. The route on the Ganges starts in Dehradun (on the Song River, in the Himalaya Kingdom), going down to Rishikesh (where the Song merges with the Ganges; also in Himalaya), from there down to Haridwar, and then all the way to Kanpur, to Allahabad, to Patna, to the Bengali border. These new ports and trade routes help these cities grow and further boost our economy.
 * Himalaya Kingdom: Dehradun and Rishikesh grow due to the new trade routes.
 * Ladakh: Nothing of note.
 * The Austrian Monarch, Ferdinand, declares that a state of war exists between Austria and Italy, aiming to retake the lost lands of Ernstberg and the lands of Aquileia. The Austrian army is mobilized, and one hundred men are moved into the Italian territory, begining the siege of Ernstberg (trieste) that will determine the upcoming success of the Aquileia campaign, bypassing the mountians via Austrain territory to the east of the city. Sixty thousand men remain in Austria as a percaution, although an unneccesary one


 * Seing a good reason to do so (i.e. oportunism), Serbia moves its troops and declares war on Albania and other Italian territories. Mobilizing ten thousand troops (despotic monarchy) to aid the Hungarian armed forces which are moving now.
 * The Duke of Hungary, Rudolph, in the name of King Ferdinand, raises what will later be known as the "black army", consisting of fourty thousand well-trained men, Guardsmen and de facto mercenaries alike, and vows to aid in the wars against Italy, attacking their balkan territories, and preparing a fleet for invasion.

1482
'''Rebellion begins in Naples and Sicily as the local nobles and merchants as their king has allowed the new overland trade route to bypass them and deprive them of wealth. They call upon the uncle of the French king to take up the claim of the Anjous on Naples. They offer lower rates for any nation that resumes trade through Neapolitan waters. (The original war has been retconned and moved forward to this turn.)'''


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: Henri Slyke's latest voyage to the southern coast of Africa brings personnel to establish a supply post at an area on what has become known to them as "Cape Charles" (OTL Mossel Bay). With a new mid point, trade with the Indian Ocean is hoped to become easier. Meanwhile, at home, King Charles declares support for the Neapolitan rebellion, and sends the Burgundian Navy to the Mediterranean to secure naval superiority. The army, 70,000 strong, is mobilized and made ready to move when needed.


 * The Austrian Monarch, Ferdinand, declares that a state of war exists between Austria and Italy, declaring support for an independant Naples and aiming to retake the lost lands of Ernstberg and the lands of Aquileia. The Austrian army is mobilized, and one hundred men are moved into the Italian territory, searching for a safe/good enough route through the mountains (or around them) that a larger amy could follow to Enrstberg (Trieste), whose siege will determine the upcoming success of the Aquileia campaign, bypassing the mountians via Austrain territory to the east of the city. Once those men reach then city, they send note to the rest of the Austrian forces, who follow their original path as fourty thousand other menbegin the Siege of Ernstberg. Fourty thousand men remain in Austria as a percaution for defence, carefully monitoring the border with Italy for uncursions, especially in the Trent area. The City of trent is well-firtified, as is the city of Lienz, preparing for possible Italian counter-attacks.


 * Seing a good reason to do so (i.e. oportunism), Serbia moves its troops and declares war on Albania and other Italian territories. Mobilizing ten thousand troops (despotic monarchy) to aid the Hungarian armed forces which are moving now.
 * The Duke of Hungary, Rudolph, in the name of King Ferdinand, raises what will later be known as the "black army", consisting of fourty thousand well-trained men, Guardsmen and de facto mercenaries alike, and vows to aid in the wars against Italy, attacking their balkan territories, and preparing a fleet for invasion.
 * Ethiopia: Baeda takes this time to send the Royal Guard to take Red Sea lands held by the Egyptians. Baeda also continues to bring water to the capital city. With the economy stable and slowly growing again research goes into making the nation better and also improving the roads and crop yield. He also encourages craftsmen and painters in larger cities.
 * The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Suleiman Shah Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mu'ayyad Muhammad as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 36 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. In some cases, a special unit also existed that specialized primarily in the use of hand cannons and rocket launchers. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst gunpowder weaponry were increasively developed. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus.The Gurkani/Astrakhan military destroyed the Polish at the Second Battle of the Vorskla River, suffering roughly 40k casualties whilst the Polish suffered around 59k losses. The army then proceeded to persue the Polish to their capital of Vilnius, laying siege to it.
 * Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Stephen Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Sultan. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts. Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Stephen would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient. The Rennaisance continued to gain more ground throughout the Khedivate, with major intelluctuals and scholars making paintings whilst other promoted secular thought. The Amir, Stephen Megas Komenos essentially supported the movement, hoping that the Rennaisance would benefit the Greeks residing in the Sultanate as it would effectively increase their influence, primarily due to Suleiman's desperate need for more scholars.
 * ​Astrakhan Khanate: The Astrakhan send 20,000 men to invade Poland, hoping to sieze their lands for themselves and keen on reestablishing dominace over Eastern Europe. (posting for Bel with Bel's permission)
 * United Crown of Great Iberia
 * With Aragonese trade now largely unrestricted, our economy recovers at an accelerated rate. In response to the Neapolitan rebellion, we urge Neapolitans not to press for a French takeover of the throne, as the Neapolitan people may indeed suffer from similar circumstances that they have under Italy. We instead offer the alternative solution of electing their own King, as the Greeks did, from the ranks of their nobility. The Queen openly declares her support for the Neapolitan rebellion. We also declare that if Italy chooses to retaliate against Naples' move for independence, Italy shall face the wrath of the Grand Mediterranean Coalition. Furthermore, we wish to purchase the Neapolitan territories of Sicily, Sardinia and Malta, which were wrongfully and treacherously stolen from us by Italy; we are willing to pay a handsome sum for the return of these islands. If Naples is unwilling to sell us Sicily due to its proximity to the Neapolitan heartland, we will also settle for just Sardinia and Malta. (MOD RESPONSES REQUIRED)
 * The ruling council of Naples firmly objects to giving up Sicily. -scraw (Also, read the event. Only Naples and Sicily are rebelling. All the other islands are still Italian territory.
 * Aragon OOC: Sardinia and Malta are not Italian territory. Rex has said that Sardinia and Malta are both part of Naples.
 * Sultanate of Bengal: As always, 20 more ships are constructed each year. The Sultan also hails the victory against Ava. He gives an official pardon to everyone in the revolt and orders no reprisals to be taken against the Avan population.
 * Ahom Kingdom: Nothing of note.
 * Kingdom of Ava: Binnya Kyal II offers an official pardon to all former Avan rebels.
 * Papal States: His Holiness sends twenty-five ships and 10,000 men-at-arms (including the fearsome Castilian Guard) to assist the Neapolitan rebellion against their italian overlords. He also allows Anti-Italian forces to march through Papal lands to attack Italy and their allies in Naples. Leo hopes that by supporting the rebellion, he will be able to break the Italian encirclement of the States. The Pontifical Biblical Council contnues its work with its friends the canonesses of Essen, with plans for the new Latin Vulgate, plus the annotated Vulgate, to be released next year. The Authorised German Translation, and its annotated version, will hopefully be published the following year. England is asked for a report on the progress of its Greenlandic settlements.
 * Cologne: With no reply from his ally the Holy Roman Emperor, Archbishop Emmerich writes again to Brandenburg reiterating his ideas from the previous year (1481). As a new campaign for unifying Kolschberg with the rest of Cologne continues, Emmerich sends Vicar General Wikbold II to each of the households of nobles in Kolschberg, trying to recruit young men to fight for their new country as knights. When the first nobles’ sons arrive at the barracks in Kolschberg, they learn immediately from Veteran Knights Hospitaller and begin to take note of the Kolsch Code. Integration with Westphalen and Cologne militia is encouraged, with several willing young men changing barracks this year. Furthermore, the hospital in Kolschberg begins construction.
 * Essen: Abbess Sophia thanks the Swedish government for accommodating her canonesses so warmly, and the canonesses remain in Sweden, to return in a few years. The Essen infirmary seems to be reaching a vaguely sustainable level of new patients per year. Finally, out of pity, a young canoness takes it upon herself to sit and listen to the anchoress’s whispers. This continues for several months. Then, twelve days after the summer solstice that year, the anchoress Ulrike begins to speak clearly in Latin with her eyes rolled into the back of her head. It is a prophecy from the Lord! It is long and incoherent: “One day, people will see without eyes and the sky will cease to be populated by stars. The ends of the earth will burn and melt like wax, and the oceans will encroach upon even the tallest of mountains. People with skin of sapphire will live among the fire of mortals and a select few will have the ability to transfigure themselves into faux-children. A new land will rise from the seas to the west. But when the Great Plague of Perfume comes upon us, only the nuns of the world will maintain control through fear and battleships painstakingly crafted from communion wafers, and a Great Mother will lead the world in pursuit of aubergine butterflies to eternal salvation in the Kingdom of the Lord. Mere mortals will find themselves under such delusions as praying to a god of Cabbage.” The canoness, astonished, writes this all down and takes it to Abbess Sophia, who laughs, takes the inscription, and bids the canoness to bring anchoress Ulrike more water – she must be going delusional from dehydration. But quietly, Sophia wonders if in fact any of this could be true. If so, this scares her beyond belief.


 * Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 20,000 local tribesman, foreign settlers and children born became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. We experiment with farming techniques to ramp up food production and population.
 * Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation. Karsten dies this year from old age. Ferdinand becomes duke of the nation. Emma marries a noble named John. Karsten II marries Mary. Karoline marries James. Felix marries Sophia.
 * Khmer Empire: After Emperor Sutka's death, Sutkan continues his rule of Khmer, which currently has about 12.5 million people. After many years of Guntruist slavery, the remaining 100,000 free Guntruists are declared slaves by Sutkan, and quickly rounded up by the Khmer military. Half of these slaves will work directly for the government, while the other half will be sold off to the public. However, if a private citizen buys slaves, the government is entitled to any children the slave might have, thought the owner will have an opportunity to “buy” them at a reduced price. Meanwhile, Sutkan follows in his father’s lead, and begins to style himself as an Emperor sent by god to rule Khmer. This leads him to begin construction of a new palace in Angkor Wat. This Palace will be even larger than the current structures, and will be primarily constructed Guntruist slaves, and should be completed within 30 years, hopefully within Sutkan’s lifetime. It has yet to be given a name, and Sutkan announces he will wait for a sign from Buddha to name it. After the successful conquest of Laos, Sutkan decides to switch the military focus of Khmer from the Army to the Navy. This will help protect our rapidly growing trade, and defend against our main enemy, Majapahit. With the new influx of resources dedicated to naval power, the amount of ships being made skyrockets. All new ships will be equipped with cannons, and the few existing ships that don't will be retrofitted. Guntruist slaves will play a central role in the creation, though all will be closely watched by Khmer soldiers and paid workers. In order to increase the practical size of the navy even faster, Sutkan continues his program for civilians to build ships for the military. Under this program, if a trader is willing to build their ships to be usable in a battle, and are willing to give them up in times of need, the government will subsidize their creation. This is extremely effective, as it not only allows Khmer to commander many trading ships if need be, many trading ships are now better protected from pirates or other threats. Hand in hand with our renewed focus on Naval output, we dramatically increase our sponsorship of piracy against Majapahit. We hope to hurt their economy badly, and recent signs have shown that that is already the case. We also begin to put bounties on Majaphit naval ships, making them attractive, if difficult, targets for pirates. Meanwhile, the army also increases in size, and currently hovers around 180,000 men. After seeing the effect of guns in the successful conquest of Laos, Guns are heavily invested in improving. Many units of the Khmer military currently have access to guns in some form, though overall it is still very much a melee force. Trade continues to be enormously profitable for Khmer, with the Indian States, China, Korea, and Tondo all major trading partners. Increase on trade has been dramatic over recent years, to the benefit of all involved nations. They expand trading even further, Sutkan sends a delegation to Swahili, and through them formally offers to open trade.In terms of culture, Sutkan once again continues his father's policy, and works to make the city of U Thong a center of Khmer and Asian culture. The influx of slaves helps construction oriented projects, and to increase the cultural output, Sutkan sets up a guild in the city to sponsor talented artisans of all kinds. The city continues to attract artistic talent from all corners of Khmer, and also sees high population growth, just like the empire as a whole. U Thong also continued to attract a class of intellectuals, and as a result, Sutkan begins to allow public forums in the city, where citizens can debate many things openly. While there are certain topics that still can't be debated, these forums are popular and keep growing, spreading to other cities.
 * Bahmani Sultanate: The construction of the port of Sat-Jezair continues, as does naval construction. A new university is founded in Diu.
 * Burma: Binnya Kyal is glad that the war in Burma is now over, but he now has a new problem: he seems to only be able to sire daughters, and must decide who he will marry the eldest to. Seeing that Mingyi Nyo of Taungoo seems a wise and capable ruler, and one without any wives, Binnya Kyal II asks if he would be willing to marry his eldest daughter, reminding Mingyi Nyo that this marriage will ensure that not only the Kigndom of Burma, but Ava and India as well, will protect his small kingdom against any invasion, as well as raids from the Shan States. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) .
 * Maldives: With support from Bahmanid engineers, a project is started to increase farming on the atolls, especially of coconuts (for export to the west), and develop the ports more. This will take about five years to complete.
 * Mingyi Nyo accepts. -scraw
 * Addendum: At this time, Mingi Nyo was the heir to Taungoo, not the ruler, but it matters little.
 * Benin: The Bini acquire a fifty year lease on an island of the Azores known as Flores Island (as agreed with Guy), and move to begin building up a base on the island for the Imperial Navy to support Bini trade vessels moving north to Europe. A permanent flotilla of thirty vessels from the Benin Imperial Navy is assigned to the island to combat potential threats from European navies, as well as provide escorts to trade ships carrying high-value goods such as sugar, pepper, and cocoa. The navy of Benin is expanded by another five akakan, ten oke, and fifteen epeepe from each of the ten cities contracted by the imperial government. The growth of the population in the western regions of Benin continues, especially thanks to the removal of the tribal population that existed outside of Benin. With access to the virgin territory acquired, the Bini settlers have begun to transform the region into productive farmland and establish towns throughout the region to establish civilization in the region. Benin now devotes its vast resources to the maintenance of its new settlement of Ireti on the Cape of Good Hope. The territory is expanded by 500 square kilometers by the Imperial Army garrison in the settlement, and the foundations for the settlement expanded to accommodate the population. Contact with the local tribals known as the Khoi and San people is established by the Kuzir missionaries, who invite them to adopt the civilized ways of the Bini. They are keen to extend this invitation cordially, teaching them how to build houses and read Kuzir writings. The Khoi and the San are even invited to join the empire as citizens with the full protection of the Oba as their liege, and receive the benefits of imperial life as a reward for their loyalty. Back in the fatherland, after discovering that the Iberians have been sailing through Bini waters without permission, the Oba declares that all non-Bini vessels shall now be subjected to a tax known as the idiyele, or "charge". Using the vast Imperial Navy to patrol Bini waters, any vessels that refuse to pay the tax will either be seized or turned away. However, recognizing his trade pact with Iberia, a case-by-case basis will be permitted for their benefit. Elsewhere, a thousand Buha warriors are sailed down the Congo River and out to Benin where they will be trained in the Bini ways of war, as well as taught proper military discipline and cooperation. Infrastructure in Benin continues to be expanded, with libraries, schools and hospitals built in the increasingly growing cities of the empire. The construction of the capital of Benin continues as well, with the members of the Kuzir clergy routinely visiting the site to bless the workers and overseers for their work. Many more Bini move inland to the unsettled regions to claim their own land, and with the well-watered regions of West Africa, have a steady source of fresh water and fertile soil to work with. A nun working in the main hospital of Edo by the name of Irueghian Uwuimiro, links the death of some patients in her care to the bloody tools of the doctors, and suggests that they be cleaned in hot water before being reused. She also suggests the same of hands covered in blood, so as to prevent "corruption" from one patient from travelling to another. Her ideas are considered by the dari in charge of the hospital, and after much consideration, agrees to the change based on the information he has obtained. Diamond mining in Benin is expanded greatly as more and more Bini move into the western provinces of the empire. The output of diamond mining increases from 175,000 carats per year to 250,000 carats per year, as the rich veins of diamonds are located in the Guinea region of the empire. Gold production is also improved, as the deposits of gold in the Oro province are better exploited by the miners in the region, increasing Benin's gold output from 122 tons of gold per year to 150 tons of gold per year. Production of silk has be promoted by the Oba and his government, to provide the Europeans with an alternative source for silk that is far closer and easier to acquire rather than going overland to China. Thus far, Benin is producing 6000 momme (45 inch by 100 yard bolts of silk) a year.
 * Knights Hospitaller: The year is 1481 and our current Grandmaster is Pierre d'Aubusson. We build fortifications and strengthen pre-existing fortifications on Rhodes and on Crete. We also focus on our navy and begin refurbishing and renovating the dockyards in Rhodes and in Crete in order to increase our shipbuilding capacity. We consider refurbishing our old ships in the future. With our Print shop finished, we begin printing broadsheets to increase recruitment as well as religious zeal. With our limited success against the Barbary pirates we continue our campaign to protect our shipping and seize their wealth as well as discover their origin (Mod Response on effectiveness). Due to Crete being designated as a Free port, trade is booming. In order to increase our wealth, we copy the strategy of the Knights Templar and buy small-medium plots of land across Europe and building cathedrals and castles while we establish the Bank of St John and we establish branches in our commandries We stop signing the Compact of Valletta and instead use the trade route of Civitavecchia and Ancona thus bringing a renewed wave of prosperity as trade is no longer restricted. To help facilitate communication between the commandries we begin to establish a courier system between the commandries utilising couriers and mail coaches to send corresondence across Europe while we request funding/investing in exchange for other nations to be able to use this Europe-wide postal network (other nations respond). We declare neutrality in this war in Italy, as we believe that Christendom should be united against the Infidel. We also find out in a census that we have around 6000 men (reference here) and 74 ships (found pop from men, then found number of ships). We also renew our raiding the Ottomans sending small groups of ships to capture/raid shipping, and attack coastal towns/village mysteriously razing and abducting villagers.
 * Chinese Empire:  The army continues to fortify the borders, and the contruction of fortresses across the country continues, armed with cannons and armed with only the loyalist of forces, swearing their lives to the Emperor before taking up positions. The navy conitnues patrolling the coasts and the trade routes with Luzon and Taiwan even more cautiously, barring any pirates or enemy raiders from attacking the lifeline that holds the colonies so closely in touch with Beijing.  Imperial trade now has the country becoming a melting pot of formerly different Chinese subcultures, with north and south trading causing the two migration of citizens from one part of the country to the other. The Emperor takes another tour around the country, visiting military installations and local villages, causing the people and military to increase their faith and trust with the Emperor, returning to his palace in Beijing in mid-September.
 * Kingdom of England, Scotland, Ireland and Duchy of Brittany: We send another 30 colonists to our colony in Qinngua Valley to replace the 30 or so who died in the winter while also bringing large amounts of grain to the colony and exchanging the grain they have brought over for the various different meats they have acquired. In the valley itself they have worked hard for a year and have removed the forest in the valley and used it to build a number of huts around the outer valley while inside they have made devoted the area to growing vegetables and there is livestock grazing on the slopes of the valley. The king promises the pope that he will eventually start converting the Eskimos once they have things set up The colony is cold and harsh but the rough Scottish settlers have endured. Meanwhile in England things continue to go well with the economy remaining stable and all.
 * Mayapan: Trade continues with the Mexica. Royal engineers continue experimenting making larger fishing vessels. Construction on the new school in the capital continues. Expansion continues along the southern border. Integration of the southern city-states into the League is continued by the High Council. Each new state is expected to supply men to train and serve in the national army. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Work continues to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
 * In the Kingdom of Italy, Matteo is struck by the sudden rebellion in Naples and simultaneous invasion by Austria. He decides to focus on the treacherous Austrians first, reciprocating their declaration of war. He sends the majority of his armed forces (120,000) to combat the Austrians at Trieste and sends the remaining forces to beat back the Serbians in Albania.
 * Bulgarian Empire: The Renaissance under the Empire continues to push forward with the technological and cultural advanvement continuing at a rapid pace. Tarnovo, Tirgoviste, Sofiya, and Vasiligrad all are shown to be absolute centers of cultural development. The expansion of the arms industry also continues with more smiths and artisans producing the weapons which have become popular and due to the Tsars funding and the generals intuition the reorganization of the Royal army with every fourth man being given an arquebus and two backups for a campaign. This is an unprecedented change and shows the highest firearm troop ratio to normal troops in Europe. Beyond this the economy of the Empire has shown a good increase but it also on a slowdown as increasing projects for purchasing and improving the country itself have seen the economy flag. The banking system still sees growth and prosperity as it becomes widely adopted as a "Renaissance Idea" in the empire. The Tsar Simeon has taken much effort to highly train and work with his wolf pack and also sets a good price for any hunters who are able to capture wolf pups or trap wolves in general as the Tsar has established a wolf kennel under the royal palace in Tirgoviste. The Tsars Personal Wolf named Bora is known as the second in command wold in the kennel with the Tsar himself having integrated himself as the wolf packs personal alpha male. The Former Tsar Vasili-Kaloyan begins to take up more on his studies and becomes a close advisor to his son. He also agrees albeit somewhat dubiously to remain the supreme commander of the Bulgarian army. The Bulgar population grows to roughly 3.93 million. Settlements in Wallachia, Thrace, and Thrake remain the major areas of growth with the cities of Thrakiya, Tirgoviste and Vasiligrad and their surrounding areas gaining more farming and citizen populations. Ev-Tsar and Supreme commander of the Bulgarian Armies raises the entire force of the Bulgarian army and consequently moves the forces into Albania, Epirus and Morea with the expressed intent of expelling the italians and giving freedom back to the greeks and Albanians. Also giving outright support to the Serbian forces in the area. This Armed force consists of nearly 70,000 Bulgarian troops led by the famed "Bulgarian Lion" Former Tsar Vasili Dracultesti "The Great Impaler" who marches into the Italian Balkans unopposed as the other Italian troops are trapped against a Serbian Army. A Diplomatic leaf is extended to what is now considered only the Kingdom of Milan, that It abandon the Balkans to its rising player rather than see it fall in the hands of the Austrians and offers a hefty sum of gold in exchange for the territory and Bulgarias non intervention in the greater war Outside of this however the Bulgarian troops join their Austrian allies forces in the balkans. Another diplomat is sent to Naples expressing interest in their outright involvement in the war against the Kingdom of Milan showcasing that a victory here will restore the balance of power. This can be achieved through the a Bulgarian guarentee of Neapolitan independence in all cases, in exchange for a recognition of the return of Albania to independence under Bulgarian eyes, and another return of territory currently under milanese control to the kingdom of Greece (mod plz)
 * Kingdom of Greece: King Jacob of Greece continues to rule, but takes an expressed interest in expanding the Greek fleet into a large trade fleet, having successfully gained protection from land threats as a vassal of the Bulgarian. This is relatively well received and trade with Greeks in Ionia as well as on the Eastern half of the Mediterranean starts to expand through greece as a good source of wealth. The Kingdom of Greece sends 5000 troops in support of the Bulgarian campaign.
 * Principality of Moldavia: 'The Principality of Moldavia continues to show a relatively strong growth as well as good military training due to its march status under Bulgaria. It constructs forts to protect its flank from potential raids and invasions from the East. Population stands at 560,000. The Moldavian troops mobilize and under the governmental umbrella of Bulgaria mobilize 11,000 Troops alongside their Bulgarian ally/suzerain.
 * Athenian Merchant Republic: The Athenians under the previous command of Aragon and Castile respectfully submit to the Bulgarian Empire but only trade occurs and most of the Aragonese and Castilian ships and trade interests are left alone. The Athenian merchant republic begins to see major growth of its navy but it is left out of the war for economic purposes.

1483
''' Rumors of witches in the Northern Alps begin to spread across Italy and the HRE. '''

''' Since the French claimant to the crown of the Two Sicilies has not responded to their offer, the ruling council of Two Sicilies selects one of their own to rule as Regent-General. '''

''' In China, the Emperor falls down a flight of stairs and becomes crippled. People see this as a personal weakness and that he has lost the Mandate of Heaven. '''

Oh come on, seriously dude? -Nova 22:05, October 10, 2016 (UTC)

Various announcements: The newly independent nation consisting of Naples and Sicily is henceforth known as the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Secondly, a naval algo is needed for the Old Kingdom of Naples (Rex) to send troops to Malta. This algo is Rex vs Two Sicilies as well as whoever is going after Malta. No algo is needed for Rex to transport troops to Sardinia.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: The Burgundian Navy sees great success blockading Italian ports. Meanwhile, an army of 40,000 troops is dispatched to aid the Austrians.


 * The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Suleiman Shah Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mu'ayyad Muhammad as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 36 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. In some cases, a special unit also existed that specialized primarily in the use of hand cannons and rocket launchers. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst gunpowder weaponry were increasively developed. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus. The assault on Vilnius turned into a major success with the city captured and the defending army nearly annihilated. The Gurkani and Astrakhan proceeded to sack the city and butchered its inhabitants, beheading almost all of them. Once again, the main blame of the atrocities was put on the Astrakhan to maintain a clean image.. With the war having finally ended, envoys were sent to Krakow to open up peace talks. Meanwhile, keen on multiplying the influence and power of the Sultanate, Suleiman immediately devised a plan to initiate 4 wars and knocking out hostile states. Acting swiftly, Suleiman sent 80,000 North who joined in with the additional war-hardened 40k from Poland and 20k from the Astrakhan. A total of 140k men, they proceeded to launch an invasion of Russia. Simultaneously, 100k invaded the fertile and rich state of Adana, keen on acquiring the state. Finally, upon hearing news of the Knights Hospitallier launching raids on the Ottomans coastline, 80k troops backed with a fleet of 300 ships moved in on the Rhode islands, hoping to destroy the Order once and for all. Sultan Suleiman declared to the public that he would remain true and loyal to the historic agreement between Bayezid I and Shahrukh Mirza. Meanwhile, the Caliph Al Mu'ayyad declared Jihad on the Knights Hospitallier.
 * Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Stephen Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Sultan. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts. Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Stephen would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient. The Rennaisance continued to gain more ground throughout the Khedivate, with major intelluctuals and scholars making paintings whilst other promoted secular thought. The Amir, Stephen Megas Komenos essentially supported the movement, hoping that the Rennaisance would benefit the Greeks residing in the Sultanate as it would effectively increase their influence, primarily due to Suleiman's desperate need for more scholars. In response to the Pope decreeing Bulgaria as Christendoms Defender, Stephen Komnenos declared himself and the monarchs of Trabzon as the true representatives of East Orthodox Christianity. Stephen further stated that the Pope was a filthy heretic while the Bulgarians were crazy barbarians who had destroyed Constantinoples rich heritage.
 * ​Astrakhan Khanate: The Astrakhan troops returning from Poland send 20k to invade Russia, keen on crippling and defeating their historic enemy and on siezing more territory and influence
 * Kingdom of France: In the wake of a new war breaking out, France honors the alliance with the Kingdom of Italy, sending troops to its ally as necessary (I am tight on time, subject to change). Louis XII looks for a wife.
 * United Crown of Great Iberia
 * The Queen of Aragon seizes her opportunity amidst the Neapolitan rebellion. The Iberian navy is mobilised, and an army raised. An invasion force of 300 ships and 40,000 men are deployed to both Sardinia and Corsica to take back what is rightfully Iberian. We encourage Iberians in Sardinia to revolt against the Italian government (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE), and we attack administrative centres on the two islands. Our ships bombard major settlements to make them easier to take down.
 * South Australian Civilization: Over the last 10 years, the civilizations of southern Australia continued to slowly develop the technology and society left behind by Tjilbruke. The domestication of animals, particularly wombats, emu, and dingos, have provided an incredible source of food production that have nearly doubled the population in some areas. This was also fueled by the development of taro and sugar as a source of agriculture as well. Red Kangaroo are finally experimented with as beasts of burden, pulling small carts over short distances. From this necessity, a prototype wheel is developed in the Ngarrindjeri culture and soon spreads across the southern coast. City-states begin to develop as certain cities across the continent grow significantly in population and prestigue. Within the city-state of Ngarrindjeri, a crude form of writing is developed of pictograms, based on the symbology introduced by Tjilbruke, and used mostly for the purpose of keeping track of religious sacrifices. Metal working has also become commonplace, most notably in the development of bronze boomerangs. However, no organized government has existed since the death of Tjilbruke, and even the structure within each city-state is mostly tribal in nature. In fact, most of the teachings of Tjilbruke have been largely forgotten, with ritual cannibalism and dreamtime becoming more common over time. Still, the Ochre Temple is maintained as a holy site, and the veneration of Lord Ngintaka as the "awakened one" still continues alongside all the other First Ones. The Bunyip still poses as a terror to the people, rising out of the Murray River once every three years on average.
 * Aragon OOC: I don't think that kangaroos could possibly be used as beasts of burden. Why? Well, they aren't exactly well-mannered oxen. They jump all over the place; they don't just amble down fields like I presume you are intending for them to do. Kangaroos are free spirits - you can't domesticate them, or we would have done that already. Also, what's with the bunyip? The Bunyip doesn't exist. ~Tim
 * We've discussed the kangaroo issue before. Stop trying to make such big changes so quickly. Also, Nathan, check out this paper for information about otl Aboriginal agricultural practises around this region. Finally, I sure hope the "Bunyip" is a poetic description of floods like I've been assuming. Callumthered (talk) 13:09, October 10, 2016 (UTC)
 * I've been working to greatly mitigate my earlier domestication of Kangaroo, as this is just a very early prototype. They weren't domesticated OTL because the people of South Australia did not exercise food-production to the extent of Eurasia (well, among a number of other factors, admitedly, but still enough to improve my odds I'd say). As for the Bunyip, I demand to have the right to use mythological of cryptozoological creatures as long as I'm not using it as an excuse for ASB development. After all, OTL history if full to the brim of events caused by miraculous or magical events.Oh, I didn't mean to push that button! † Oh, well leave a message I guess 
 * ​Knights Hospitaller: We beg the nations of Christendom to help us fight against the Gurkani Scourge who are invading us and ask the Papal States to call a Crusade against the Gurkani's (Papal States Response). We beg the European nations to help and to put aside all differences until the Gurkani's are humbled (Nation response please). We assemble all our troops and ships and prepare to fight to our last breath. However we believe that it is not too late and that if the Gurkani's turn back then there is still time for Peace( Gurkani Response, please don't do this). To the Abbasids, don't interfere. We also beg the Bulgarians, Iberians, Italians, French and the English to put aside their differences and help us. Finally our Grandmaster prays for salvation against the infidel and asks for the strength to defeat the infidel, as he had the Barbary Pirates and in his many raids (make him a GG or a GA, Mod Response.)
 * Iberian Diplomacy: We are afraid that we are unable to help you. The Queen says in a letter to the Grandmaster that "frankly, you brought this upon yourself by deploying your small numbers against the might of the Gurkani Empire. And now you have brought all of heathen Muslimdom to your door, and they have set it alight." She expresses her apologies to the Knights Hospitaller, but due to our obligations to the Compact of Iskenderun and our ongoing conflict with Italy, we will not be able to render our assistance to the Knights.
 * Papal States: The war continues. Pope Leo X is shocked with the news of the heathen attack on the Hospitallers, and calls on all Christian nations to help the Order. However with most of the Meditteranean engaged with the Neapolitan War, His Holiness has little hope for the effectiveness of his call in the West. Leo thus decides on a three-pronged strategy: firstly he sends five galleys and 1000 troops to assist the Order. Secondly, he writes to the Tsar of Bulgaria, asking that he step up to his role as great Eastern Defendor of Christendom and do all in his power to rebuff the heathen attack on the bastions of Christendom that are Rhodes and Crete. Finally, he asks that all Christendom pray the rosary, calling on the Blessed Virgin to intercede on behalf of the beleaguered Order. Publishing of the new Vulgate is posponed. England is thanked for its report, and offered ten brave young Benedictine monks, well-practiced in farming, to join the settlement.
 * Benin: The development of Flores Island in the Azores as a base for Benin merchants and ships of the Imperial Navy continues, with a large harbor built in the southern half of the island capable of servicing up to 50 ships simultaneously. The expansion of the harbor is a major goal for the local government, which seeks to increase the naval range of Bini ships in the north Atlantic Ocean, allowing the Bini to reach lands as far as Norway and Denmark by stopping at the island to restock on preserved food and fresh water for the crew. The population of the settlement on the island grows from 200 residents to more than 750, as services requested by the Bini crewmen lead to growth of the local economy and industries. Many Bini move to the island seeking employment as a result of the economic growth. Back home, the Benin Imperial Navy continues to grow, as another five akakan, ten oke, and fifteen epeepe are construct by each one of the ten port cities contracted to help expand the Imperial Navy. Within the last, the number of lives saved by the suggestions given by Kuzir nun Irueghian Uwuimiro, have resulted in the Dari Council of Benin taking note, and investigating this development. After interrogating Irueghian over the breakthrough, the Dari Council has determined that cleaning blood off of medical utensils and the hands of those operating on patients, helps to prevent "corruption and fouling" from travelling from one patient to another, and dramatically increasing their chances of survival. Irueghian is selected by the council to go out and teach other nuns and priests serving as nurses and doctors about how to keep their hospitals clean and safe for those under their care, and her work is published in the local gazettes throughout Benin. Under the supervision of the Oba and the clergy, the new capital city of Benin has been constructed with the aim of making it the most beautiful city in the empire. Marble roads, extensive canals and thoroughfares, great roundabouts and bazaars, as well as large public buildings, have all been built for the new capital. Baths, hospitals, schools, and vast sanitation systems, have also be planned for the city to maintain the Kuzir ideals for a well-educated and healthy people. The construction workers view their work as holy, thanks in part to the Oba and the members of the oluko making regular visits to bless their efforts. Work on the new imperial palace continues as well, and it is believed that at least 15,000 Bini are taking part in the construction of the palace and imperial district alone, an effort that helps to employ many people in the area. In southern Africa, expansion of the Bini colony of Ireti continues, with another 500 square kilometers of land (10 px total) settled by the Bini people. An additional 200 settlers from Bini arrive to assist in the development of Ireti, as well as an additional 50 warriors of the Imperial Army. Missionary work within the Khoi and San populations outside of Ireti have progressed very well, as many have adopted Kuzir beliefs thanks to the awe and power demonstrated by the Bini settlers. Farming and construction of stone buildings have awed the natives into submission as they witness a powerful society rising out of the once empty earth on the Cape of Good Hope. The peaceful and welcoming nature of the Kuzir believers has also helped to promote the religion and the people following it to the natives, and thus, the local dari in charge of the settlement has sent reports to the Oba that he believes that the entire region may possibly be Kuzir within the next thirty to fifty years. The expansion of silk production in Benin continues, with the production of silk increased from 6000 momme to 8000 momme. Plans are drawn up by the imperial government to establish a series of silk producing centers throughout the empire, with the goal of 50,000 momme by the end of the decade set as a priority.
 * Bulgarian Empire: The Renaissance under the Empire continues to push forward with the technological and cultural advanvement continuing at a rapid pace. Tarnovo, Tirgoviste, Sofiya, and Vasiligrad all are shown to be absolute centers of cultural development. The expansion of the arms industry also continues with more smiths and artisans producing the weapons which have become popular and due to the Tsars funding and the generals intuition the reorganization of the Royal army with every fourth man being given an arquebus and two backups for a campaign. This is an unprecedented change and shows the highest firearm troop ratio to normal troops in Europe. Beyond this the economy of the Empire has shown a good increase but it also on a slowdown as increasing projects for purchasing and improving the country itself have seen the economy flag. The banking system still sees growth and prosperity as it becomes widely adopted as a "Renaissance Idea" in the empire. The Tsar Simeon has taken much effort to highly train and work with his wolf pack and also sets a good price for any hunters who are able to capture wolf pups or trap wolves in general as the Tsar has established a wolf kennel under the royal palace in Tarnovo. The Tsars Personal Wolf named Bora is known as the second in command wold in the kennel with the Tsar himself having integrated himself as the wolf packs personal alpha male. The Former Tsar Vasili-Kaloyan begins to take up more on his studies and becomes a close advisor to his son. He also agrees albeit somewhat dubiously to remain the supreme commander of the Bulgarian army. The Bulgar population grows to roughly 4.05 million. Settlements in Wallachia, Thrace, and Thrake remain the major areas of growth with the cities of Thrakiya, Tirgoviste and Vasiligrad and their surrounding areas gaining more farming and citizen populations. Tsar Simeon with his father having seized all territories in the Balkans from Italy and trapping its force here offers once again to allow passage of the army and prevent its destruction as well as purchasing Italy's Balkan possessions. Outside of this The possessions are outright annexed into Greece proper and freed to Bulgarias new Vassal/protectorate state the Principality of Albania.
 * Kingdom of Greece: King Jacob of Greece continues to rule, but takes an expressed interest in expanding the Greek fleet into a large trade fleet, having successfully gained protection from land threats as a vassal of the Bulgarian. This is relatively well received and trade with Greeks in Ionia as well as on the Eastern half of the Mediterranean starts to expand through greece as a good source of wealth. The Kingdom of Greece sends 5000 troops in support of the Bulgarian campaign.
 * Principality of Moldavia: The Principality of Moldavia continues to show a relatively strong growth as well as good military training due to its march status under Bulgaria. It constructs forts to protect its flank from potential raids and invasions from the East. Population stands at 560,000. The Moldavian troops mobilize and under the governmental umbrella of Bulgaria mobilize 11,000 Troops alongside their Bulgarian ally/suzerain.
 * Athenian Merchant Republic: The Athenians under the previous command of Aragon and Castile respectfully submit to the Bulgarian Empire but only trade occurs and most of the Aragonese and Castilian ships and trade interests are left alone. The Athenian merchant republic begins to see major growth of its navy but it is left out of the war for economic purposes.
 * Khmer Empire: After Emperor Sutka's death, Sutkan continues his rule of Khmer, which currently has about 12.5 million people. After many years of Gunturist slavery, the remaining 100,000 free Guntruists are declared slaves by Sutkan, and quickly rounded up by the Khmer military. Half of these slaves will work directly for the government, while the other half will be sold off to the public. However, if a private citizen buys slaves, the government is entitled to any children the slave might have, thought the owner will have an opportunity to “buy” them at a reduced price. Meanwhile, Sutkan follows in his father’s lead, and begins to style himself as an Emperor sent by god to rule Khmer. This leads him to begin construction of a new palace in Angkor Wat. This Palace will be even larger than the current structures, and will be primarily constructed Guntruist slaves, and should be completed within 30 years, hopefully within Sutkan’s lifetime. It has yet to be given a name, and Sutkan announces he will wait for a sign from Buddha to name it. After the successful conquest of Laos, Sutkan decides to switch the military focus of Khmer from the Army to the Navy. This will help protect our rapidly growing trade, and defend against our main enemy, Majapahit. With the new influx of resources dedicated to naval power, the amount of ships being made skyrockets. All new ships will be equipped with cannons, and the few existing ships that don't will be retrofitted. Guntruist slaves will play a central role in the creation, though all will be closely watched by Khmer soldiers and paid workers. In order to increase the practical size of the navy even faster, Sutkan continues his program for civilians to build ships for the military. Under this program, if a trader is willing to build their ships to be usable in a battle, and are willing to give them up in times of need, the government will subsidize their creation. This is extremely effective, as it not only allows Khmer to commander many trading ships if need be, many trading ships are now better protected from pirates or other threats. Hand in hand with our renewed focus on Naval output, we dramatically increase our sponsorship of piracy against Majapahit. We hope to hurt their economy badly, and recent signs have shown that that is already the case. We also begin to put bounties on Majaphit naval ships, making them attractive, if difficult, targets for pirates. Meanwhile, the army also increases in size, and currently hovers around 180,000 men. After seeing the effect of guns in the successful conquest of Laos, Guns are heavily invested in improving. Many units of the Khmer military currently have access to guns in some form, though overall it is still very much a melee force. Trade continues to be enormously profitable for Khmer, with the Indian States, China, Korea, and Tondo all major trading partners. Increase on trade has been dramatic over recent years, to the benefit of all involved nations. They expand trading even further, Sutkan sends a delegation to Swahili, and through them formally offers to open trade. In terms of culture, Sutkan once again continues his father's policy, and works to make the city of U Thong a bastion of Khmer and Asian culture. The influx of slaves helps construction oriented projects, and to increase the cultural output, Sutkan sets up a guild in the city to sponsor talented artisans of all kinds. The city continues to attract artistic talent from all corners of Khmer, and also sees high population growth, just like the empire as a whole. U Thong also continued to attract a class of intellectuals, and as a result, Sutkan begins to allow public forums in the city, where citizens can debate many things openly. While there are certain topics that still can't be debated, these forums are popular and keep growing, spreading to other cities.
 * Kingdom of England, Scotland, Ireland and Duchy of Brittany: We send another 200 people to the colony in Greenland with two more settlements created in the fjords to shelter them from winds and give them a water supply while casualties from the current colony are replaced.
 * Chinese Empire: The Emperor, having fallen down, dies from injuries following his fall, and his son takes over the throne. He continues his father's opinions on the military and fortifcation of the country. Roads to connect the country together from all directions begin again, repairing old roads and building new ones. In a meeting following his corronation, the army and navy pledge there loyalty to the new Emperor, and the China begins to enter a period of focusing on building itself up and isolation, maintaining diplomatic relations and alliances that it currently has, but in most respects focusing internally.
 * The Caliphate continues to encourage economic growth in its regions, especially in Egypt. After a decade of decentralization and autonomy, the Caliphate begins to take more and more power away from local rulers and governments, removing their petty armies. Meanwhile, in Arabia, the Caliphate continues to build infrastructure for faithful Muslims performing the Hajj to Mecca. In order to keep order and stability in an otherwise overextended state, we allow emirs to host a small army, more of a guard, near their respective capitals. The Caliphate begins to support the arts and specifically the sciences. We station nearly 50% of our troops in the Red-Sea lands of the Caliphate.
 * Bahmanid Sultanate: The port of ‘Sat-Jezair’ (OTL Mumbai) is completed, and declared w/minimum tariff for fife years to promote business. Major repair work begins on the road network, and a construction on a new one running from Karachi to Diu is started.
 * Burma: The Burmese princess Shin Sawbu is to be married to Tuongoo.
 * Maldives: Corruption and inefficiency puts the fife-year plan behind schedule.
 * OOC Bengal: I, LordMarlborough, am posting for The Guardian of Forever, as per their request.
 * Sultanate of Bengal: The navy grows by 20 more ships.
 * Ahom Kingdom: Nothing of note.
 * Kingdom of Ava: Nothing of note.
 * Cologne: Archbishop Emmerich of Cologne hears His Holiness’s call to battle as a devout Catholic, and sends 700 militia men and 15 knights to assist the Knights Hospitaller, to whom Cologne will forever be grateful for teaching its young militia the ways of war. The Archbishop holds a public mass in Essen alongside Abbess Sophia and they collectively encourage the people to pray for an intercessory intervention by the Blessed Virgin, as the pope requested. The Christian people of these lands cannot in good conscience stand aside and watch the noble Order fall!
 * Essen: Abbess Sophia joins the Archbishop of Cologne in a public mass in Essen, praying as publicly as possible, and uses the efficiency of the official Stelzner printing press to send a short document and plea for help to all Christian countries nearby (Berg, Julich, Mark, Nassau, Munster, Geldern, Cleve, Luttich: MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE), including the Duchy of Thuringen. We must assist His Holiness and the noble Order in defeating this powerful heresy and the only way we can do it is by banding together in the name of the Lord! Quietly, Abbess Sophia secretly fears that these Gurkanis believe in a God of Cabbage, but does not tell anyone else of these incredibly strange fears.
 * In the Kingdom of Italy, Matteo relishes in the defeat of the Austrian stealth invasion. After selling his Epirote, Morean, and Albanian lands (and Austrian Zeta) to Bulgaria, he pushes further into Austrian territory, sending the remainder of his 45,000 force from the Balkans north into Lubiana. Meanwhile, he is struck by the sudden treachery of Aragon. Ignoring the crisis in the Two Sicilies for now, Matteo sends 100,000 men to defend the islands of Corsica and Sardinia from the Iberians. The sheer numerical advantage leads to an onslaught and the death of the entire attacking Iberian force, effectively repelling the invasion.
 * Delhi Sultanate: 'Tis an uneventful year. We continue our militarization programs, with trade boosting our economy and making our cities grow. Puri is still a bustling city with a port busy with trade and naval construction.
 * Himalaya: Nothing of note.
 * Ladakh: Nothing of note.

1484
''' In Trebizond, the locals begin rebelling against the ruling Komnenos. They call shame upon him for claiming to be a defender of Christians while he bends the knee to the Muslim tyrant. His overlord oppresses Christians everywhere while he does nothing, even using the filthy Islamic title of Amir. They instead look to his half brother Thomas to restore the Empire of Trebizond. '''

''' In the Gurkani wars, the Russians and Poles form a pact to help defend each other against the Gurkani and their brutal Astrakhan servants. They work together to repulse the invaders from their lands in what is known as the Most Christian Alliance. The Gurkanis are driven back from Vilnius to far in the south of Poland. (Getting to Vilnius without passing anything else in Poland is implausible. The battles should be closer to the border.)'''

''' Syria, while officially part of the Caliphate, is basically an independent nation controlled by warlords ever since the recent Fitna. The current lord of Syria, Idris ibn al-Hamad, invades Gurkani Mesopotamia as well as the Gurkani Mediterranean coast with the intention of "liberating" local Sunnis from their Shiite overlords. With the Gurkani cut off from the Mediterranean, their attack on the Hospitallers fails and the Knights return to their islands. '''

''' In Brittany, the ruling duke dies and is succeeded by his daughter. Only 20 years old and unwed, she is already looking for husbands who will help enhance her power. '''

''' Hindus begin rebelling in the Delhi Sultanate. '''

''' Oman lays claim to large swaths of unclaimed lands on its border. The King of Oman proclaims his intent to make a great Islamic economic powerhouse. '''

''' The Regent-General of the Two Sicilies, Alessandro Miossi, is affirmed as the ruler for life and is given the right to select his own successor as the ruling council of the Sicilian nobility cannot agree on a suitable candidate for king. '''

''' In Korean Manchuria, an ethnic Manchu man gets into a fight with a Korean soldier after the soldier makes fun of his haircut. Soon, it devolves into a large fight between Manchus and Koreans. The Manchus, under the leadership of the first man, known only as Fu, kill all the Koreans they can find. However, when Fu returns home, his house is on fire and his whole family is dead. Fu decides to collect all of the villagers and goes on a rampage across Manchuria, killing Koreans and anyone who stands in his way. He gains countless followers and people join his cause without ever meeting him. Fu's Rebellion is raging across Manchuria. '''

''' The rumors of the witches in the Alps continue to spread across southern Germany and northern Italy. '''


 * The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Suleiman Shah Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mu'ayyad Muhammad as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 36 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. In some cases, a special unit also existed that specialized primarily in the use of hand cannons and rocket launchers. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst gunpowder weaponry were increasively developed. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus. The Gurkani forces successfully crushed the Russians at the Battle of Nizhnly Novgorod, capturing the fortress. However, news soon arrived that the Polish had joined forces with the Russians and were marching together to fight the Gurkani. In response, the Sultan sent additional reinforcements to the Gurkani/Astrakhan army who now numbered roughly 180k. The two opposing armies met at the Battle of Moscow to decide the fate of Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, news arrived that a Syrian warlord had dared to attack the Gurkani Sultanate. In response, hundreds of thousands of Alawite Shias and Alevi Shias who dominated the Med coastline areas joined to defend their lands. They were joined with volunteers from Iraq as well as the 100,000 who had been stationed at Adana. Making up roughly 160k, the army marched to fight the Syrians at the Battle of Aleppo. Simultaneously, the forces sent to attack the Knights Hospitallier suffered some delay but were quickly assured that the Syrian issue would be dealt with and that they should continue their assault on Rhodes. Responding accordingly, the troops landed on the shores of Rhodes.
 * Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Stephen Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Sultan. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts. Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Stephen would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient. The Rennaisance continued to gain more ground throughout the Khedivate, with major intelluctuals and scholars making paintings whilst other promoted secular thought. The Amir, Stephen Megas Komenos essentially supported the movement, hoping that the Rennaisance would benefit the Greeks residing in the Sultanate as it would effectively increase their influence, primarily due to Suleiman's desperate need for more scholars. In response to the protests held by the people, demanding the restoration of the Empire of Trebizond and the ascension of Thomas, Stephen reminded his people that independence would only open up the Empire to aggression by the Bulgarians and the Ottomans. Meanwhile, the Amir started negotiations with Thomas and his loyalists, keen on having a clean transition with no major bloodshed so that Thomas may peacefully ascend the throne
 * ​Astrakhan Khanate: The Astrakhan troops returning from Poland send 20k to invade Russia, keen on crippling and defeating their historic enemy and on siezing more territory and influence
 * United Crown of Great Iberia
 * Castile: With Milan unwilling to fight Iberia on the sea, Castile launches an invasion of Malta.
 * Though we have been defeated on land, Aragon has achieved a strategic victory on the seas, having decimated the Italian fleet. With no challenge on the Mediterranean, our ships are free to continue firing upon Corsican and Sardinian strongholds. We also blockade the two islands, hoping to starve the Italians to submission. We continue to encourage the Iberians on the islands to revolt against their Italian overlords. Reinforcements of 100 ships arrive with fresh munitions and men. We hope to recoup our troop numbers soon, so that we can launch a second attempt at invasion. In the meantime, we persevere, and focus on maintaining naval superiority, blowing any Italian vessels out of the water and ensuring the port defences are destroyed and unable to operate.


 * South Australian Civilizations:  The populations of the cities continues to grow, giving a total population of south Australia up to 400,000. Each city-state has an average of 2400 people, each comosed of a few hundred settlements. Competition for resources becomes much more fierce, as each city-state gradually becomes more centralized to the clans that control it. Burial mounds are used as ritual funerals starting around this time. Metel working becomes more refined, with many works of art developed out of iron and copper. Additionally, more refined metel (non-returning) boomerangs are developed, along with metalic spears and javalins, for improved hunting. A pictographic language starts in Ngarrindjeri and spreads throughout the surrounding states, used primarily for accounting agricultural trade at this time. Canoes are also expanded for increased fishing culture, and gradually spreads further from the coast.
 * To the dismay of the population, Adalbert of Saxony, Prince-Elector of Mainz  dies at the age of 16 in May under mysterious circumstances. Berthold von Henneburg is elected Archbishop shortly after with acclaim. A reformist, von Henneburg immediately begins to restore law and order to Mainz after the past 20 years led to disarray and disorganization. Henneburg begins his restoration by making an example of 3 thieves, executing them by public hanging. By July, as Henneburg's power becomes established, troops are sent through the streets of Mainz to enforce the public safety, with draconian punishments for thieves, murderers, and rapists. As Henneburg becomes established, his ideals of Renaissance humanism- inspired by Nicholas of Cusa- begin to spread through the aristocracy. Cusa- and his humanists- believed firmly in the power of knowledge and education, and by November Henneburg is already making plans to build a place of learning in Mainz. As word spreads throughout Germany, likeminded intellectuals and nobles begin to trickle into the city.
 * Delhi Sultanate: This is the moment we were preparing for. We move in 75,000 troops to deal with the rebellious ones, with guarding of major cities increased. The army's possession of cannons and firearms gives us a great advantage over the rebels. The Sultan rallies Muslims and Hindus alike, proclaiming that we shall defeat those attempting to bring an end to the great peace and prosperity brought upon India. We call upon our brothers in Bahmani and Bengal to help out, as well as Oman. (MOD RESPONSE REQUIRED)
 * Himalaya Kingdom: Security tightens to stop the spread of the revolt to our peaceful kingdom. With the great threat facing Delhi, 5,000 troops are sent in; some of these include the now grown up younglings from Khumjung. We also rally Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists alike to secure the stability of India.
 * Ladakh: Security also tightens, with a particular eye on the Gunterists. Troops are sent into the Kashmir Valley to put down rebellions there. We also rally, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists to secure India's stability.
 * You rally zero Hindus. Oman refuses; it has its own business to worry about. -scraw
 * Bulgarian Empire: The Renaissance under the Empire continues to push forward with the technological and cultural advanvement continuing at a rapid pace. Tarnovo, Tirgoviste, Sofiya, and Vasiligrad all are shown to be absolute centers of cultural development. The expansion of the arms industry also continues with more smiths and artisans producing the weapons which have become popular and due to the Tsars funding and the generals intuition the reorganization of the Royal army with every fourth man being given an arquebus and two backups for a campaign in combination with some new infantry formations involving pikes. This is an unprecedented change and shows the highest firearm troop ratio to normal troops in Europe. Athens is officially returned to Iberia unless Aragon wishes to make a final sale on the territory. The economy of Bulgaria continues to see a good relative increase as more protectorates and vassals are added to the Empires sphere of influence and the major increase of the productivity of the Balkans is known to be increasing.  The Bulgar population grows to roughly 4.11 million. Settlements in Wallachia, Thrace, and Thrake remain the major areas of growth with the cities of Thrakiya, Tirgoviste and Vasiligrad and their surrounding areas gaining more farming and citizen populations. The Besarab-Asen family becomes known as famed wolf tamers as every member of the family has taken a wolf pup to train. Tsar Simeon on his own becomes known as the "White Wolf" as his snow white wolf Bora is literally inseperable from his comrade and owner. Tsar Simeon becomes known for taking the wolf into sensitive negotiations with nobles, and merchants as he operates the direct matters of his families lands as an extremely effective intimidation ploy. A Noble of the Velitchkov family personally says to other boyars "if the man can tame a wolf, there is no saying what else he could do". The Bulgarian Tsar Simeon in discussion with his father agrees that under his rule he should remain extremely wary of his neighbors and specifically look to prevent the muslim powers from crossing the sea once again and doing to the Bulgarians what they previously did to the Greeks. Tsar Simeon thankful for the Milanese acceptance of his offer, and hence preventing further insanity, Reorganizes the acquired territory, putting the historically greek territory with Greece to sate their desires and keep them docile, and then reorganizing Albania and Montenegro into principalities. A new type of agriculture is taken up in the mountains and steep hills in the Balkans and on the foothills of the carpathians. It can only be called step farming referring to the way the mountains and hills get cut as they are turned into agriculture. It mostly has appeared in the foothills and mountains near the balkan mountains and is extremely low intensity on water turning a huge profit for the few adopters.
 * Kingdom of Greece: King Jacob of Greece continues to rule, but takes an expressed interest in expanding the Greek fleet into a large trade fleet, having successfully gained protection from land threats as a vassal of the Bulgarian. This is relatively well received and trade with Greeks in Ionia as well as on the Eastern half of the Mediterranean starts to expand through greece as a good source of wealth. The Greek lands are nearly doubled as the Italian Greek lands are restored to Greece.Principality of Moldavia:The Principality of Moldavia continues to show a relatively strong growth as well as good military training due to its march status under Bulgaria. It constructs forts to protect its flank from potential raids and invasions from the East. Population stands at 560,000. The Moldavian troops mobilize and under the governmental umbrella of Bulgaria mobilize 11,000 Troops alongside their Bulgarian ally/suzerain.
 * Principality of Albania: The Principality of Albania is established with the Prince Georgy Mogilev being granted control as the ruler of Albania. The Bulgarian establishment of the principality is met with outright shock as many albanians half expected to trade one absolute ruler for another. This however is not undertaken as their borders are respected and a modest garrison is left to begin rebuilding the small principality from the ground up. Not including Italians the Albanian population is estimated at about just over 100,000
 * Principality of Montenegro: The Principality of Montenegro is also established in the wake of the Italian pullout, and its traditions and customs are relatively respected by the Bulgarian garrison which is left to help rebuild the country from the ground up. Its population stands at a meager 25,000 mostly centered around the city of Montenegro.