Merveilles du Monde (Map Game)

After a long trek through Asia spanning two decades, Venetian explorer Marco Polo published the compiled journal of his travels in 1295. He described in great detail the Near East, with its many castles and fortresses held by many mighty empires. He entered the Gate of Iron, through which Alexander crossed into the east millennia ago. He toured the eight kingdoms of Persia and witnessed scores of miracles and wonders, many of which he dared not publish for he felt his audiences would not believe what he wrote. He described in great detail the exploits of the great Kublai Khan, the intrigue in the Emperor's court, the sprawling landscape of Yuan China, and the massive battles that took place during his stay.

Polo named his work Livre des Merveilles du Monde - Book of the Marvels of the World. In publishing these journals, he brought knowledge of the eastern world back to Europe and vice versa. Just like that, the world got a little bit smaller. The Holy Roman Empire - locked in a state of interregnum with no end in sight - became aware of the wars of Kublai Khan. The faltering Byzantine Empire and its breakaway state of Trebizond became the subject of discussion from Lisbon to Kathmandu. The wealthy Abu Bakr II of Mali would seek to follow in Polo's footsteps, paving the way for the rise of Mansa Musa. The Kamakura Shogunate of Japan defeated wave after wave of Mongol forces while, an ocean over, Mesoamerica was still reeling from the fall of the Toltec Empire.

Merveilles du Monde is a spiritual successor to the Principia Moderni franchise. It sets the clock back to the year 1295, in the Late Middle Ages - in other words, an era of great change and great suffering - an era in which nations rose and fell - an era in which power was cemented ...

Moderators

 * Death: Curmudgeonly yours - Crim 01:38, October 14, 2019 (UTC)
 * Famine: User:Nathan1123
 * Pestilence: Feudy McPlagueface (talk)
 * War: User:Tullin

Important Pages

 * Rules and Algorithm (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
 * Alliances (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
 * Holy Roman Empire (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
 * Feudal Dynasty (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
 * College of Cardinals (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
 * Nations (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)

1340
Religion:

''' Pope Sixtus IV dies of natural causes, for once. A new Papal Conclave is held to elect the next pope. The Papal States player is responsible to keep the list of cardinals up to date. '''

''' Bridget of Sweden begins her missionary work in Prussia, where she organizes a new aesthetic monastic order, the Brigittine Nuns. '''

''' In France, Nicholas of Autrecourt causes trouble with the clergy with his teachings of extreme skepticism and criticism of Classical Works, and that ideas are not always reducible to a first principle. This matter is brought to the papal court clear heresy. '''

Climate:

''' Around the world, temperatures fall dramatically and cause some of the longest winters in recorded history up to this point, putting a strain on agriculture in all temperate climates. Food shortages are most notable this year in Mesoamerica in the members of the Toltec Quadruple alliance and the Mayapan League. In Europe, this causes an economic crisis across both England and France as currency are debased. Unemployment rises across Tuscany and Roma. '''

''' This year in Icleand, a famine caused by the falling temperatures causes many tens of thousands of people to die of starvation, and reduces their overall population. In Greenland and Vinland, the temperatures does not cause as significant a problem of stavation. However, due to the integration of Inuit people groups into their nation, thousands of citizens in Greenland and Vinland abandon city life and embrace the lifestyle of surrounding Natives, become nomadic hunter-gatherers. '''

''' The falling temperatures also cause agitation among certain nomadic people groups, as the Tarascan Empire faces raids and attacks from the Mixtec people of the south and the Chicemec people of the north. Elsewhere in North America, many settlements of the Cahokie civilization in Mississippi are abandoned as the culture steadily declines. '''

''' Europe's population is currently 74 million people. '''

Politics:

''' In Italy, the death of Azzone is taken with great grief across the nation, even among the vassals of Milan, who all collectively admired his work for the nation internally and externally. Antonia Visconti is elected the Dogaressa of Milan, an unprecedented move in Italian history to elect a sovereign female. This causes tensions with the Spinola family, who have gained much political influence within Milano since the vassalization of Genoa. The Spinolas attempts to use the apparent weakness of a female leader as leverage for their influence over Milan. '''

''' Some of the former deposed Yuan courtiers attempts a coup against the Tian Emperor, led by Bayan of Merkid. '''

 With the end of the Polish War of Succession, the Piast Dynasty has been soundly defeated by the Premsylids of Bohemia, securing their position across eastern Europe in spite of the tremendous financial losses to the nation 

''' After the initial chaos of the last few years, Tabriz and western Iran falls under the control of the Jaylarid Dynasty, as the de jure Shah of Persia. '''

''' Denmark's interregnum comes to an end as Valdemar IV takes the throne. He expulses some of the weaker policies of Christopher II, and officially breaks away Denmark as independent from Sweden's influence. '''

''' Civil War breaks out in Trebizond between two Emperesses, Irene and Anna. '''

The Arts:

''' Ibn Battuta stays in the court of Delhi, but begins to consider if now is the time he should visit China. John Maunderville thanks the emperor of China for his hospitallity, and procees to pass through the Kingdom of Korea, reaching the port of Busan. He is quite fascinated by the culture and language in Korea, considering it to be almost even better than that of China, as if the great things of China had been condensed into a single nation. From there he crosses over from the islands of Jeju and Tsushima to arrive in the Japanese Archipeligo. '''

''' Across Germany and Italy, architectural styles shift from Romanesque toward a more modern Gothic style. Most notably, the Habsburgs construct Saint Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna and the Doge's Palace is built in Venice. '''

''' New forms of art continue to be produced in Tuscany, most notably from the studio of Giotto and his pupils Banco and Daddi. This year they produce the painting Pope Sylvester Taming the Dragon. '''

' In Zurich, the Codex Manesse'' is published, the largest collection of poetry this century. '''

Other:

''' Large-scale siege cannons and organ guns are now possible across western Europe. '''

''' The Osman Sultanate continuse to slowly expand east into Anatolia. '''
 * Tarascan Empire: Mining continuing to reign in wealth for the Cazonci. An expansionist policy is made by the Assembly to expand the territories and tributaries within the Tarascan realm while the bureaucracy of the military is reformed with the high state of warfare. The ally Matlatzinco begins to teach Tariácuri and the Assembly about the three-part crop rotation, originally from the valley, involving the continued rotation of maize, squash, and beans. This three-part crop rotation has allowed for a small population boost. Urbanization occurs near the coast of the Empire, as since the famine pushed fishing to be a contending means of survival, settlement had grown hastily within the Xalisco region and continues to do so. After conquering the Atzcapotzalco Empire and capturing the city of Tenochtitlan, its land is divided up between all of the belligerents. Tenochtitlan is purged of all males while the women are sold along the coast and to the nobles and troops. The Assembly of Pátzcuaro is moved to this new city, troops are given land, while their families begin re-settling and construction begins. Tariácuri's third son, Nalhen, is selected to rule over the city of Tenochtitlan. The culture of the Atzcapotzalco continues to be eradicated and forcibly changed to Michoacan. The Chicemec people continue to be traded with, while their southern territory is absorbed gradually. Xiti'ism continues to be developed by the philosoper Izel and his followers. The Amoxtli Huēhuehcāyōmatiliztli is written and produced, detailing the history of the Tarascan state, as well as its mythological foundation serving as a manuscript of the general worship tactics for Curicaueri. This conflicts with Izel's understanding, however, due to the pacifist stance held by Xiti'ists, nothing violent occurs. With raids coming in from the north, the bordering settlements are sacked before the military of Angamuco is able to arrive. Numbering 2,500, they fight the raiders at the Transvolcanic Belt, being led by Mezcoh of Pechátaro. Mezcoh and his forces are able to defeat the raiding tribes, although suffering large casualties in the process. Mezcoh's army would be re-inforced with 9,000 men after the summer, in which they lay siege to numerous farms and enemy settlements. They march to the city of La Quemada, sieging the old Toltec site and killing numerous combatants in the process, although suffer more casualties than before, resulting in the deaths of nearly 2,300 Tarascan warriors. After plundering and sieging the city, Mezcoh kills the Tlatoani of La Quemada, defeating the major tribe and proclaiming himself as Cazonci of La Quemada, becoming an associate kingdom of the Quadruple Alliance. Although infrastructure had been built in the south, it had not spanned the entire of the southern territorial border, causing in much of the defenses being shattered in a surprise raid. The remaining military forces in Tenochtitlan, numbering roughly 6,800, led an offensive raid in the night against the Mixtec peoples at Tilantongo, their well-known settlement in the south. Using arrows, they fire hundreds of arrows into the city, while the remaining 5,900 forces move in to attack the city. With the element of surprise and the high ground, they are able to overtake the Mixtec peoples while suffering minimal casualties, occupying the city and starting a campaign throughout the region. They are updated in the autumn period, with the forces numbering 8,500 and continued offensive raids and pillaging against highly populated Mixtec locations. Defenses in the north and south begin the process of being built after success is seen in these skirmishes, with a time set on five years production time. Fishing, as a result of minor food shortages along the western territory, explodes in business, resulting in an increase of wealthy fisherman and nobles along the coast.
 * Papal States: With the death of Pope Sixtus IV his Fisher's Ring is broken and a mass is celebrated for his soul. Then he is buried in the Basilica of Saint Peter. The administration of the Papal States and preparations for the Conclave are done by Cardinal Secretary Angelo Tignosi. However due to his old age Tignosi is helped by Cardinal Pierre Roger. They write to Nicholas of Autrecourt calling him to come to Rome to respond to the accusations of heresy when the new pope is elected. Cardinal Roger also writes to Provence saying that the last wish of Sixtus was purchase the sovereignty over the Comtat Venaissin and the city of Avignon. He offers 80,000 ducats that were reserved for the purchase by Sixtus before his death [MOD response needed, please]. While the cardinals enter for the Conclave, the people pray for the future of the Christendom.
 * King Robert of Arles sells Comtat Venaissin and Avignon to the Pope.
 * Tibet: Changchub expands his army on all northern territories and their expansion conquering by the dynasty which is would set among 1,300 soldiers to annexing the north Tibet and the southeast territorial to make ever more powerful they largest built expansion,fortifications,and protection wall in Himayala they occupied Dziong and Bhutan as part their own vassal yet the administration of royal family Chang continue to work on his expansion and their council of the Dynasty as well.
 * Kingdom of France: The invasion by Edward III prompts a massive response from France. Victor Capet and Philip VII meet in the city of Orléans and discuss what to do. Victor pledges 15,000 troops from his supporting vassals, and 3,000 from his own, under the command of himself as well as Louis II de Blois and Rudolph de Lorraine. Philip VII raises 7,000 from the crown lands, and 13,000 from supporting vassals, commanded by himself and Philip d'Orléans. In total they assemble 38,000 troops, 10,000 of which are sent to defend the Loire, the rest are sent to defend Paris.
 * Milan Dip: We offer mercenaries to France to assist in defense against the Invasion, a messenger is sent asking how many mercenaries would be required.
 * Iceland: With the famine happening the government takes control of all food supplies and redistributes them across the country. People are encouraged to have kids to refill the population. After that stress King Ólaf I dies and his son King Ólaf II is crowned and a marriage is proposed between Ireland (Irish Response Needed). During the Papal Conclave Cardinal Ari has a Heart Attack but not wanting to curse the next pope's term he writes his votes down sits and recites prayers. King Ólaf II issues that all women have to get paid for all out of their house work.
 * Duchy of Eiru: Duke Aodh agrees to the marriage of his daughter Rathnait to Olaf.
 * Swiss Confederacy: Several members of the guild of Zürich read the Codex Manesse and proclaim it a masterpiece, inspiring them to want to create a library in their city. The central council of the Confederacy approves of the plan the guild members share, and construction of the Zürich Library commences. With the death of Pope Sixtus IV, the Chur diplomatic summit is postponed, and the central council of the Confederacy is pleased to see Philip of Valois and Victor Capet are cooperating for the time being. However, the councillors realise this truce may not last and so write to the Holy Roman Emperor proposing this summit be held as soon as peace is achieved between France and England, or earlier if the truce breaks down, and also propose Cardinal Pierre Roger to act as the papacy's representative for this matter given his leading of the Ecclesial Tribunal and the fact he is a Frenchman. (Mod response) The Canton of Uri sends an envoy to the Carmelite Order (which was officialised as one of the Church's major orders alongside the Franciscans and the Dominicans by Pope Sixtus IV in 1332) inviting them to set up a priory in the Swiss Confederacy, offering them a disused manor and some rural land in the Canton of Uri for this. (Mod response) With the cold temperatures across Europe, the Confederacy's sales of wool and linens to other European states and the corresponding profits increase, and developing these industries becomes the government's main domestic focus this year. The new Canton of Bern is given a seat on the central council, expanding its size to twelve, and the joint military of the Swiss Confederacy focuses on fortifying the city of Bern.
 * The Carmelites agree to set up in Uri.
 * The united Jarldoms of Greenland and Vineland: The jarl issues a royal decree stating that all people who are hunter gathereres are to report to the nearest recivilizied center to become civilized once more.The program sees a decent sucess with the ecconomy beginning to return by the end of the year.Meanwhile in the newly conqered territories are given Vinlandic names and are beginning to be broght up to Vinlandic standards of living. The Royal cavalry recives newly trained reinforcements.
 * Duchy of Eiru: In something of an answer to the contraction in the supply of agricultural products Parliament raises taxes on land and movable property both to pay for the army and to drive down consumption by the wealthy owners in theory. Duke Aodh sends his daughter off to marry the King of Iceland while Tighearnach takes his 20,000 strong ABI (Anglo- Irish- Breton) army from Normandy south in a winding path toward the Duchy of Aquitaine first heading toward Le Mans but avoiding it and burning the countryside and killing serfs then heading toward Tours continuing south to Poitiers then heading to allied Bordeaux. The ABI makes no attempt to take manned serious fortifications instead just devastating the countryside. This large scale chevauchee has the aim of destroying much of the countryside. In the event of confronting a French force less than 30,000 men the ABI army attempts to defeat it by sending the long bowmen on the flanks to within firing range establishing defences in the form of Irish hedgehogs and then pummelling their lines with the men at arms in the centre holding out against a counterattack. If the ABI force wins they keep going to Bordeaux and if they lose they fall back to Brittany. If the force is larger than 30,000 the ABI army head east and north trying to move south of them by getting ahead of them but otherwise heading east until they teach the country of Flanders. If they get ahead of them they keep their march south and occasionally offer the french force battle from behind field defences such as pits and Irish hedgehogs. This allows the ABI army to live off the land in the summer and damage the French. If they make it to Bordeaux well done to them.
 * Nyazwe: The censors of the state return to their superiors with the latest demographic information for Nyanze. As of 1340, there were 1,177,118 citizens, 11,404 horses, and 350,000 cattle and other livestock. And for the first time in the country's history, a count of all literate members of the population is taken. It reveals that approximately 14.76% of the people can read and write, though most of these individuals are found within the upper classes of the population, with the exception of the district of Tsindi, where more literate commoners can be found thanks to the efforts of Minister Goredenna. Economic growth within Nyazwe continues under the direction of Akashinga and the body of the Hamadzese, which assists him in assessing the varying regional needs of the state, and addressing them properly as required. Under this system, the rice fields of northern and eastern Nyazwe are properly cared for by the state, which constructs the appropriate granaries for the crops as suggested by the representatives from that region. In the south, the vast fields of sorghum are cultivated with more manpower as the region remains sparsely-populated. The rich gold and copper mines of the central regions are consolidated and exploited more efficiently as the state reorganizes its manpower needs and focuses them on specific locations where needed rather than opening new mines as new ore veins are discovered. To address the concerns of low migration into the south as stated by the southern representatives, construction of the road leading off to the city of Tsime is hastened, with a third of the road completed by the end of the year, halfway between Kunzwa and Mauya. With some progress on this matter by the government, the number of citizens residing continues to increase at a greater pace, largely in part to all of the new and unoccupied land in the region awaiting exploitation. As part of the government's plans for the region, surveyors are sent into the area to take stock of the resources available and where sources of fresh water can be utilized. As a part of this work, the surveyors and their teams excavate parts of the land to determine if anything of use can be mined in the region. In the process of performing this task, a group of surveyors with the Ministry of Land excavate a section of land to the west of Mbombela where they uncover vast quantities of bituminous coal. They assess the value of the material in their possession, and send it back to Lusvingo for investigation by their superiors familiar with the inspection of minerals from Nyazwe's mines. The ministry's agents soon come to find that the material is an excellent conductor of heat, having more stored energy content than wood or charcoal. Local councils governing the city of Mbombela and its southern neighbor Mbabane are immediately instructed by the Hamadzese back in Lusvingo to immediately follow up on this discovery, and begin mining operations in their region to acquire more of this coal for exploitation. The military is further reorganized, this time with the introduction of a rigid hierarchy with clear ranks and powers for all members within, ensuring that every man knows his place within the system. Akashinga maintains both of his sons in their positions as marshals of the north and the south, but makes it clear to them that their roles will not be hereditary, and that he intends to replace them in time with professional soldiers in the future. In the meantime, he assures them that they still have a place back home and will be afforded the rights and privileges awarded their station. A series of permanent units are established within Nyazwe; the mauto, consisting of some 5,300 troops and 1,000 porters; the misasa, consisting of 530 troops and 100 porters; the bhanhire with 100 troops and 20 porters; and the tsoka, comprised of ten troops and two porters. The whole of the military will be divided into two of the largest units, the mauto, and assigned to the northern and southern halves of the country. From these two units, their subordinate misasa units shall be spread across their respective regions as garrison and rapid response forces, allowing the two marshals to effectively secure their areas of responsibility. The misasa being the largest independent combat unit within Nyazwe, is flexible enough to be organized into a singular type of unit, being it light infantry, heavy infantry, archers, or a mixed combat unit. A separate series of units are formed for the cavalry, with the larger 245-man strong guruva being comprised of ten mhashu each. These cavalry units are separate from the infantry forces of the misasa and mauto, but may be assigned to them on an "as-needed" bases. At present, the army of Nyazwe consists of twenty-five misasa and seventeen guruva, or approximately 17,340 combat troops. Based on the said needs of the north and south, the south boasts more cavalry guruva, allowing them to run down the entirely foot-based warriors of the San and Nguni peoples. In the ports of Nyazwe, design of a new class of seafaring vessel blending the various strengths of those ships from more successful seafaring powers continues under the direction of Munashe. At the recommendation of the board of designers drawn from across the Indian Ocean's various port cities, various sub-classes for the Shona vessel will be designed, with three different sizes of purpose-built military vessels, and two types of commerce vessels. On the cultural front, hundreds of mutauri are passed into the service of the Ministry of Knowledge, replacing many of the teachers who once educated the people of Nyazwe as volunteers. With the efforts of the mutauri now in full use by the state, thousands of Shona are educated in the ways of Faraism, with the mutauri carving and erecting additional steles with the edicts of the philosophy in the center of their bomas, and discussing these teachings with their people throughout the country. In effect, the "prozelytation" efforts of the mutauri are effective in bringing thousands of Shona into the light of Faraism, and convincing them to abandon their old superstitions and spiritistic ways of life. The fruits of this work are nowhere more notable than in the northern cities of the state, where Farai's teachings were first adopted on a wide-scale by the inhabitants of that region. In the cities of Khami and Danangombe, nearly the entire population adheres to the philosophies of Farai advocating for humanism and rational thought, with focus on the material aspects of life rather than the ever-changing whims of gods and prophets. These edicts have helped to create a booming market for knowledge-related texts, leading to many of the printery artisans of Nyazwe to flock to Khami and Danangombe to fulfill this desire for knowledge. Dozens of printeries are established between the two cities, producing countless texts and documents for consumption by the locals. However, due to the meticulous nature of using the movable type blocks in their position, as well as the cost of importing paper into the region, the artisans find themselves charging a high price for these books, angering many of the residents who lack the means to afford them. Seeking to remedy this issue to feed his own thrist for information, a wealthy resident and farmer by the name of Bathandwa waBonginkosi, approaches the local group of artisans on an idea he has to lower the prices for texts and increase their number of customers, by producing the paper locally. In exchange for their cooperation in lowering the prices, Bathandwa will send a servant to the Arab merchants in Muromo Wehsiri to share their knowledge of paper-making with him, and aid him in building a paper-mill outside of Danangombe. By using white sorghum produced in large quantities in the country at the base for the paper to be used locally, and calling in manpower from the unemployed youths in his area, Bathandwa successfully establishes for himself the first papermill in Nyazwe, which is immediately bought up by the printery artisans in Khami.
 * Kingdom of England : With the recent advances made into France, the Anglo-Flemish Armies arrives at Rouen unopposed. However with a force of 28,000 French men defending Paris, Edward III decides to move into Normandy seeking the support of a few Norman Nobles due to the fact that many Norman nobles have land in England offering these Nobles more land shall they join him while also threatening to confiscate the lands of those who would refuse to join him. (Mod Response Needed). After his little sojourn in Normandy, Edward III decides to back and head east of Paris as a means of going around the city and encircling it by capturing Orleans. As part of the 1st step of such maneuver Edward III’s Forces move toward Reims using looting cities on the way and burning the countryside though sparing the lives of what Edward III considers his future subjects. Meanwhile Edward III once more sends a request to the Hispania offering to hire the Catalan Company for the current conflict and also requesting for Hispanian Support in his war with France. (Hispanian Response Needed.) In addition to this, Edward III sends a message to his distant ally the King of Arles to support him in the current conflict in honor of the current alliance between England and Arles with Edward III intending to have Arles conquer most of Southern France intending to use the House of Anjou as his puppets for an intended buffer state between him and his enemies if he is victorious. (Mod Response Needed). With this Edward III continues to advance into France with him and his allies making more gains in France with Edward III being confident that he can defeat the French.
 * Empire of Ethiopia: Under Newaya Krestos, construction of Weri’kama Beri continues as a place to monitor and regulate trade leaving Ethiopia for Mali. With the crown accumulating so much wealth from the lucrative Trans-African Silk Road, Amda Seyon decides to formally centralize management of the crown’s wealth. A Ministry of the Treasury is commissioned, with a crown servant appointed to operate as the Minister of the Treasury. The treasury is moved to a series of vaults dug deep beneath the palace which is guarded by the Emperor’s personal guards and is only accessible by the Minister of the Treasury and people granted express permission by the Emperor. With so much wealth accumulated, the crown begins loaning large amounts to various nobles and businesses within the country. This has the benefit of promoting business and trade in Ethiopia while also asserting financial control over the nation and the nobility. As part of Amda Seyon’s centralization efforts, the personal residence of the Emperor is expanded into a much larger palace. This palace contains offices for the various governmental ministers as well as rooms for the Emperor to meet military officials and Imperial Governors along with the treasury vaults. The Minister of Trade and the Minister of the Treasury are both given offices in the palace. With monarchical financial support, various merchants across Ethiopia come together to form a guild of traders. This guild helps to combine their various resources and wealth to achieve greater wealth than they could have separate. The guild first begins assembling a trade fleet, hoping a large fleet will provide greater protection and greater capacity for trade. Additionally, the guild works to spread the losses of any ships lost to natural disaster or pirates. Ethiopian sea trade continues to expand, with Ethiopian dhows now being common sights from the Red Sea to the Horn of Africa to India. With the arrival of Malian and Hindustan ambassadors to the capital, the Emperor provides them with rooms and offices in the palace. The infrastructure network throughout Ethiopia is mostly complete, with engineers working to improve the roads. Engineers continue to build roads through Ethiopia’s vassals and allies, linking them to Ethiopia. The Royal Guard is expanded again, adding another 2,000 men and making the total 20,000 men.
 * Republic of Milan: The Spinola’s family actions are met with little surprise from Antonia, who was well aware of just how unprecedented a move her election was. As such she schedules a speech in Genoa city in order to get an idea of how much control the Spinola’s have in Genoa currently. During this speech she puts forth her ambitious plan for the future of Northwestern Italy. She states that she desires a unified northwestern Italian nation similar to the one Azzone her beloved husband dreamed about, this would be a federation of republics designed to work together in trade and defense to protect against outside influences on Italy in general but more specifically in the Northwestern parts of the Italian Peninsula. This will also serve as a way for the states to maintain their personal republican autonomy while still uniting Northwestern Italy against outside threats. All of the states of the Federation would have representatives in the council of this federation which would then elect a Doge or Dogaressa of the entire federation who would be a major figure in managing international affairs, as well as inter-state issues. Antonia requests the people of Genoa pressure the Spionla family into accepting this opportunity for a unified northwestern Italy. Antonia then goes and makes this speech to crowds in Milan, Florence, Pisa, Piacenza and Parma. By the time she reaches Florence the word of mouth has beaten her and half the people already know what she’s gonna say. Antonia then meets with the Medici family where her father quickly backs her decision and puts his seal on the treaty which they drafted during their three day discussion. She then in Pisa meets with the reigning merchant families there who all seeing great opportunity for growth and the Medici and Visconti support back it as well, she gets similar results in all other nations until she arrives in Genoa. She sits down with the Spinola family and three weeks go by with minimal progress being made. Running out of options and answers she asks the Spinola family what exactly they would want added to the treaty for them to accept it. He quickly responds with complete internal Autonomy as long as it has no effect on the surrounding nations. Antonia thinks on it then sends a messenger to get her Father and brother as well as one of the most trusted men at the time, Giovanni II Visconti. The four sit down and consider this to be a very valuable point as it keeps a check on the Doge or Dogeress’s power. Giovanni laughs a little bit saying, have we even come up with a name yet. All four look at each other, no Antonia says slightly amused with herself. The four continue to discuss and then something pops into the great mind of Giovanni, what is the most major thing all of our nations have in common. Antonia for the first time in her life is stumped briefly. We have three things, We are Italian, the Alps, and most importantly the Po River. So why don’t we name it after the most important of our commonalities. La Federazion di Padana. (The Federation of Padania.) With the treaty finished the Spinola family signs it, and La Federazion di Padana is founded.
 * Tian China:The consequences of the Emperors ruthless drive to centralize power throughout the empire into his hands exclusively begin to show themselves this year, when the first Mongol rebellion begins. Although it will be swiftly crushed by Chinese forces, its consequences will echo for a long time, and have a major impact on the history of China. This rebellion begins with an attempted coup against the emperor in Luoyang by the forces of a large group of soldiers under the command of the Yuan courtiers left in the country, which had seen their power increasingly decrease and be stripped from them over the last few years and their culture and religion increasingly persecuted. Led by Bayan, the leader of the Merkids. Although this coup attempt is quickly discovered and foiled by the superior forces of the Chinese military during a large attempt to arrest the plotting nobles and bring them in chains before the Emperor, a traitor among the forces manages to alert them of what is coming before they are fully attacked. This results in many of the Mongol forces managing to successfully flee the city before the Emperor can arrest them or bring them to justice, and they lead their forces into the northern territories, where the majority of our Mongolian population lives, and attempt to seize large amounts of territory from which they plan to launch a campaign to overthrow the Emperor. They mainly plan to do this by relying on the support of the Yuan dynasty, as they are well aware of how severely outnumbered they are by the superior Tian forces. However, with the Yuan currently thrown into chaos by the complete and utter devastation of their lands and slaughter of large parts of their population during the War of the Steppes, and the destruction of most of their armies, they are in absolutely no position to help, and this strategy proves almost entirely useless. Although they do succeed in rallying a number of adventurous Mongolian tribes which had previously been launching raids into Tian territory in this attempt to overthrow the son of heaven, this is only a small supplement to their forces. Ultimately, this rebellion, well it could have potentially been very dangerous, is easily defeated by the superior forces of the massively experienced and large Chinese army, which forcibly drives them and the rebellious lords out of China after the battle of Nianpao, where their forces are successfully routed and forced to flee the region and the country. However, in the process of recapturing the northern areas temporarily taken by the rebellious Mongols, large parts of the Mongol population are killed or driven out as well, as the army and Chinese in general, already viewing the Mongols as vicious and disloyal savages, comes to see them as completely irredeemable barbarians after this rebellion, and many begin to attempt to slaughter or drive out the general Mongolian and Manchurian population in the north in response to this. This also unofficially leads to the depopulation Of large parts of these areas, which causes the emperor to begin encouraging large amounts of Chinese people to move into these areas and resettle them, begin the building of towns, city’s, and fortresses that will secure those regions for the empire for a long time to come. This also is the beginning of the general rise of the population initiative for southern Manchuria, where the government begins actively supporting and moving thousands of Chinese colonists into the region’s Of Manchuria which we have now acquired, in order to ensure that they become Chinese dominated and are kept as part of the empires central territories.
 * The Hispanic Empire: Emperor Alfonso I continues to oversee expansion of Hispanic developments as a new fortification is secured around Perpignan. Luxury goods continue to be produced in Perpignan with expanded cloth production in newly built facilities. Leatherwork in Zaragoza and the outside cities surrounded by the countryside see about advancements in regards to rate of production and expansion. Alexander Vasquez despite immense criticism has proven to have come on top in the medicinal hub of Hispania with his help of furthering physical cleansing and washing away of "impurities" as labelled in his published works written in latin and Hispanic Script titled "The Evil beyond" which highlights the idea of invisible evils within air but notes it only as a theory. With colder temperatures, more hardy crops are planted and a greater reliance on the farmlands of the mediteranean and coast are used to provide food to the Empire's citizens. With ships being built and kept at the docks of La Coruna for Lotharingia, more space is made by dock expansion along the Galician Shore. With the inheritance of Naples, the port is expanded and facilities are established to expand production through various means of industry. Alfonso I visits the city feeling underwhelmed by his uncle's rule. He authorizes a plan for an infrastructural remodelling of key portions of the city by the docks and ports and roads modeled after those of which him.and his father before him have built in Hispania. The valuable trade from Mali continues to prove Hispania to be as a hub for spice and valuable goods and as a result, traffic to and from the empire continues to be ensuring a stable economy. The Hispanic identity by language continues to be adopted by many people of the Empire as a means of communication due to increased networking and national connectivity by means of road and trade allowing for easier communication by various citizens. Art becomes an increasing interest within the municipality of Catalonia by some scholars who find reason to study and take it up as a hobby. The Lighthouse of Gibraltar's base nears completion as the port becomes a common place of ships heading to and from the Atlantic just as much as Ceuta has. This leads to expanded docks at Gibraltar and less congestion Ceuta. The Emperor of Hispania sees no issue in supporting the English Crown by means of financial assistance finding it as an easy means of gaining wealth. Alfonso hesitates to make any action of true alliance seeing the situation as to volatile yet the Catalan Company is willing to give their support. Continued integration of christian converts bring about the expansion of the church in many places, especially in former Granada with the replacement of mosques with that of churches and cathedrals. With reinforced denial of entry into various cities and municipalities by local government, Alfonso I authorizes an incentivised relocation of Moors to that of places outside of Iberia and into Northern Morocco. Francisco, the oldest of his four younger siblings, sees himself to enjoy his youth with relatives and even friends who he had made with the common people. A charming man, he finds himself in Toledo usually hiding amongst the common people and away from his grand palace that he calls home.Despite their close relationship, his father, Alfonso, punishes him for a week being left in the palace after he had been caught running around in Toledo. To be alone in the grand city is nothing less than a risk to the crown and the country especially for being heir apparent to the crown. Over dinner in the 3rd Dining Hall, him, his mother, and father make a middle ground deal. Until he himself is an adult, he is highly forbidden to travel alone. His trusted friend and guard, Carlos Fuentes is given the great honor and responsibility of protecting Francisco with his life including fellow royal guards of his choice that he may see fit in the protection of the Emperor's son. Francisco uses this time to charm the women, help the poor and elderly, while also enjoying his life with commoner friends along the way. This unusual life of his though would be mixed in with finally taking his time to mature. He reads the philosophical works at the grand library while also reading the works of Alexander Vasquez and his physician prac9tices. With the cooler temperatures, a new style for the Emperor-to-be to accounts for his light germaphobia brought about by paranoia from Vasquez's theory and fashion sense using vibrant colors within his coat and coverings for hands. The Grand Palace in Toledo sees expansion in regards to the gardens and art within and outside where pillars of marble stand firm and quarters for residency and various chambers for the royal family lay in place. Gardens within and outside of the palace contain that of fruits and beautiful assortment of plants and flowers, and within, paintings hanging against the walls illustrating various works displaying an illustration of each of the Empire's holdings, including a recent one of Naples in Sicily. The Grand Army sees further adaptations and works with gunpowder and cannons within practice.
 * Abassid Caliphate/Tammiyad Lands: As Pope Sixtus IV dies this year, so, too, does Caliph Al-Mustakfi, also of natural causes, departing this false reality a year after the Plague has ended in Mesoptomia and Persia. With the death of Caliph Al-Mustakfi, the remaining Tamiyyad forces in the region swear allegience to Mamluk Sultan An-Nasir Muhammad as the now sole head of the Tammiyad Sect, with Sultan An-Nasir Muhammad now declaring the Tammiyad Empire, crowning himself Emperor An-Nasir Muhammad, with his land spanning from Cairo to Sis to Baghdad, with Caliph Al-Watiq I in his ecclestial seat in Baghdad while most of Mesoptomia falls to Tammiyad Imperial control. The control is quite minimal though as the majority of Tammiyad forces have recolated to Alexandria to purge the impure, those infected with the Plague. The Emperor also declares the impure must also be purged out of the seas, for apostate Hindustani Muslims and Muslim killing Christian Ethiopians have taken control of the world's trade, robbing us of the wealth that is rightfully ours. As such, the Imperial Armada sets out to purge these vile merchant vessels and return the wealth to the Tammiyad Emperor An-Nasir Muhammad. 
 * Sultanate of Hindustan: The construction of roads, trade routes and serais continues. The Waqf institutions continue opening and maintaining Bimaristans (Hospitals), pharmacies and small schools of religious education for Muslims handled by the Chishtiyya Sufis. The Waqf institutions are supported by the Zakat part of the treasury. The Diwan-i-Amir-Kohi continues propagating better farming and irrigation practices. The reconstruction of the Dhar fort is completed. The postal system is completely set up, the Sultan creates a department for the Postal system. Realizing its importance, the Sultan decides to reinforce the Postal department with his spies from the Intelligence department. To enforce control on the Deccan, the Sultan appoints a loyal governor to the province of Sultanpur, his younger brother, Mubarak Shah. The construction of a number of forts is planned to exert control over the Deccan however the Sultan and his bureaucrats currently focus on the North. The Sultan dissolves the province of Punjab and breaks it into smaller administrative regions centered around the major cities of Punjab, with the removal of the feudatories in the region, the Sultan assumes direct ownership of the lands with his officers acting on his behalf to collect revenue. The removal of the feudatories, a process which was being carried out for more than two decades has been welcomed by the peasantry. The Sultan’s bureaucrats, the Governors of the cities and the Shiqdars start handing out copper plate inscriptions detailing the holdings of each peasant. The region of Punjab is host to many Persians and Arabs as well. The cities around which the new administration of the region is based are Uch, Samana, Ajodhan, Lahore, Multan, Bhakkar and Dipalpur. A similar administrative units is created centered at Hansi near Delhi and another one centered around Delhi.

1341
'''Habemus Papam! The Bishop of Prague Jan z Drazic is elected the new Pope, taking on the papal name Pope Honorius V.'''

The new Pope is petitioned to consider the poet Petrarch for being crowned a poet laureate.

''' The proposed action of the Dogressa causes great controversy across the Republic of Milan. Many former allies of the House of Visconti begin to lose faith in Antonia to sustain domination of the city of Milan over rival cities in Padania, and so secretly ally with the House of Spinola to slowly undermine her authority. Her own dynasty of the House of Medici, however, continues to support her actions, thereby making her dependent on Tuscan allies. '''

''' As the economic situation worsens across Europe, a banking crisis occurs in Florence that puts most of Tuscany into a recession. A devastating earthquake strikes the Crimean peninsula that cripples Venetian assets there. Juliana Falconieri, meanwhile, gains a reputation for caring for the sick and poor of Florence throughout her life, sucking out bad blood of infected wounds with her own mouth. '''

''' Duke John III "the Good" of Brittany dies without any children. He wills the Duchy to his niece, Joan of Dreux, whose husband Charles of Blois takes claims the title through jure uxoris. Fearing this would place Brittany under French rule, the Bretan noble John of Mortfort appeals to his ally King Edward III, to support his own claim as the Duke of Brittany instead. '''

''' Margaret of Tyrol, fearing her rights and power over her title being usurped by her husband, expels Stephan of Hungary from her court, and appeals to the Bishop John II of Munich for a divorce. It is rumored that she does this because of her secret love affair to Duke Louis V of Bavaria, the former Duke of Brandenburg. '''

''' The attempts to force nomadic populations into cities by Greenland causes tensions with the local indigenous populations, leading to minor riots and pillages across Nuuk and Newfoundland. '''

''' Ibn Battuta finally decides to leave the court of Delhi and make his way toward China. He moves south to the city of Khambat in Gujarat, and continues from there through the Deccan desert in a city named Honavar before arriving in the Hoysalas Sultanate. He settles in this region for the winter in a city called Kozhikode. '''

''' John Maunderville travels all across the Japanese Archipeligo, visiting various shrines and monuments as well as military positions from Kyushu up to Hokkaido. He is most fascinated by their poetry and art, but admits that he found it less impressive than what he saw in China and Korea. '''

''' Emperor Andronicus III of Byzantium dies, and the Empire plunges into a devastating civil war between different members of the Palaiologan   Dynasty, namely his son and the son of his co-Emperor, Michael VIII. '''

''' Richard Folville, leader of the infamous Folville gang, is killed while resisting arrest in Lincolnshire. '''

''' A devastating fire takes the city of Hangzhou in China, which was at one point the largest city in the world. '''

''' A devastating flood occurs in southern India around the Periyar River. '''

 Tian alchemist Zheng Xian writes a detailed textbook on gunpowder, called the Iron Cannon Affair. 
 * Tarascan Empire: The culture of the Azcapotzalco continues to be eradicated and forcibly changed to Michoacan, although at the appeasement of the peoples, a branch of Purépecha polytheism is created, known as Folk Purépecha, or Yolit’ism, which combines aspects of both Purépecha and Tepanec cultures to create a central ideology. The Chicemec people continue to be traded with, while their southern territory is absorbed gradually. Xiti'ism continues to be developed by the philosopher Izel and his followers. The Amoxtli Huēhuehcāyōmatiliztli is written and produced, detailing the history of the Tarascan state, as well as its mythological foundation serving as a manuscript of the general worship tactics for Curicaueri. This conflicts with Izel's understanding, however, due to the pacifist stance held by Xiti'ists, nothing violent occurs. The southern defensive infrastructure is re-built, taking up to four years. The southern campaign against the Mixtec continues, as raids and attacks on populated settlements continue. The first school is created by philosopher Ohtli, which becomes a center for philosophical debate about nature, physics, and arithmetic. Although only renowned philosophers, intelligent individuals, and scribes are allowed to partake in these debates and discussion, it allows for a common place for ideological thinking to occur. Tariácuri falls ill near the end of the year, bringing up the question of succession among the Tlacame.
 * Bohemia-Poland: With the Polish war of succession finally concluded Conrad begins the task of reconstructing his Lands. He continues the tradition of his family retaining the court in Krakow to be better exert control over both Poland and Bohemia. He dismisses his army keeping a permanent retainer of 6,000 troops out of some mercenaries from Lithuania, South Germany, and out of the remnants of knights of St Wenceslaus to help reinforce Crown rule. Most of the former nobility that surrendered is pardoned though those who remain of Piasts family stripped of their titles and lands and expelled from Poland which are either kept by the crown or redistributed amongst loyalists,and the displaced or freed peasants. The nobility is limited in the amount of tenant farmers they are allowed to employ and are limited in their holdings. while lands are sold off to freemen lesser nobles or granted to the cities to allow for greater growth. The Duchies of Mazovia, Pomerania, Silesia, and Greater and Lower Poland are Reorganized into the Crown lands with Lublin castle being added to that. The freedoms of the cities are expanded allowing to greater growth, and for economic restoration. Efforts to rebuild Wroclaw and Silesia overall are expanded with Poles, Lithuanians, Bohemians and Germans being invited to settle. An offer is made to the Lithuanian Duke allowing Lithuanians who wish to settle in Polish lands to do so but only if they agree to convert to Christianity, Furthermore Conrad sends as a gift to the Duke an offer to expand trade between Poland and Lithuania along with renewed alliance between Krakow and Vilnius and presents a large cross made of gold as a sign of friendship ( Mod response please).  Ottokar is made Regent of Bohemia and are granted a portion of the royal monopoly on the Kutna Hora Mines as reward for his service and loyalty during the war of succession. Conrad III congratulates Pope Humorious on his election and opts to go to Rome to see the Pope in an effort to seek the hand of Sophia Capet as his wife, and also to secure Papal support for the Reconstruction of Poland, and to allow the papacy to expand the operations of the Order of Divine Mercy in Poland by allowing them some lands to build churches, hospitals, and universities in Poland. (Papal response).
 * Papal diplomacy: Pope Honorius V will be happy to welcome king Conrad III in Rome and gives in marriage to the king the hand of Sophia Capet.
 * Lithuania accepts this deal, and many thousands of Lithuanians settle in northeastern Poland.


 * Papal States: With the end of the Conclave, Jan IV. z Dražic is elected pope with the name of Honorius V and is crowned in the Basilica of Saint Peter. The pope biggest concern is the reconstruction of Bohemia-Poland after the civil war. For this, he orders that Cardinal Andrew Corsini mobilize the Army of Mercy to send humanitarian aid and financial help to the people [Bohemia-Poland response needed, please]. The pontiff crowns Petrarch as poet laureate. Honorius gives the position of Cardinal Secretary to Cardinal Pierre Roger and due to the pope old age, most of the administrative decisions are made by Cardinal Roger. Under the influence of Roger, Honorius confirms the position of Victor Capet as Papal Vicar of the province of the Patrimony of Saint Peter, sends Cardinal Bartholomaeus Bardi as the administrator of the recently acquired Comtat Venaissin and gives to Cardinal Étienne Aubert the position of supervisor of the Ecclesial Tribunal. Cardinal Giovanni II Visconti is chosen as the new Commissary General of the Papal Army due to his experience as a military leader in Milan. Stefano Colonna the Elder is chosen as Captain General of the Church. The construction of the military training center comes to an end and it’s named “Military Center of Saint Michael the Archangel”. Others military centers start to be built in Ostia and Viterbo. Cardinal Visconti will teach the recruits about the art of war and the pope invites some war veterans of Milan to also help train the future soldiers [Milan response needed, please]. Planning to increase the numbers of the Papal Army and to decrease the unemployment rates, the pontiff, by suggestion of Cardinal Roger, invites all unemployed young men of Rome and near areas to come to be trained as a Papal soldier. The Church’s farm lands and centers of production of sea salt in Ostia are expanded to open new opportunities of jobs. War equipment to be used by the Papal Army start to be produced, opening new job opportunities. The Holy Father declares as Servants of God Wenceslaus III, Ari Guðmundsson, Elizabeth of Portugal, Agnes of Montepulciano and the twins Matthias and Catharina Schwanthaler. He creates as cardinals Giovanni Colonna (Papal States), Rinaldo Orsini (Papal States), Arnošt of Pardubice (Bohemia Poland), Ari Arason (Iceland) and Jan Grot (Bohemia-Poland). 
 * Conrad III agrees to the Pope's offer, and also requests for the hand of Sophia Capet.
 * Cardinal Visconti travels to the Papal states with some of the best men Milan can offer, not currently away. Travelling in full armor he begins to gain the nickname the "Warrior Cardinal."


 * Iceland: Extra 2,000 kids are born taking it up to 58,000. King Ólaf II has a son named Ólaf Domnhall Sturlungar who is Chrisented by Ari Arason. Schools are reopened and the King issued a Royal Decree making the government taking full control of all Food supplies for at least 100 years. After Ari’s cousin was almost made Archbishop the Ecclesial Tribunal vetoed it and Þór Hinriksson was made Archbishop. Althingi is reformed giving the People 19 seats and the Church has one. Ari visits the Papal States with a Priest named Grímur Tindsson along with an Icelandic copy of St. Ari’s book for further study.(Papal Response Needed). Iceland lays official claim to Araey (OTL Jan Mayen). 
 * The pope welcomes cardinal Ari and his travel companion in Rome.
 * Kingdom of Hungary: Within the city of Buda and Esztergom the continual outpour of cultural achievements and prosperity continues, notably Géza III develops a more exotic taste for cultural goods inviting several scholars from Byzantium and Artists from the east to come and enter his court in order to further develop their crafts. Meanwhile, the unfaithful harlot who lives in the east has gone against God and Jesus in attempt to clearly serve Satan and is doused in sin. He begins to gather an army having the Duchy of Carnithia and the March of Carniola who remain loyal to him due to the strong Hungarian influence in their courts, and over their lands. In an effort to protect his lands he corresponds to the Emperor John of Luxembourg requesting his help in regaining his lands, and putting down the rebellious Wittelsbachs who have seduced his wife, since she has proven to be incapable of ruling he requests that the lands of Tyrol, Carniola, and Carnithia be transferred to him. [MOD RESPONSE] He gathers an army of 8,000 men in order to march into the lands to restore order to them, he also requests the help of his cousin Conrad in putting down our mutual enemies of the Wittelsbach. Bohemia-Poland Response Meanwhile in the lands of Moldavia the growth of trade and culture continues with the city of Sueceava becoming a bustling city of trade, with the port city of Chilia becoming an exit route for the trade following the northern silk road, through Sueceava trade is funneled through the lands of Hungary into the city of Buda where it travels onward into Split where the goods are exported through the port city of Split. In the city of Buda, a young smither named Mircea Olaru from Transylvania begins to open his business him coming from a rich family along the border while being a younger son decided to start a business with him forging jewelry and other regalia, he shows great talent for his craft creating beautiful and well designed pieces of jewelry and regalia for many of the native merchants and nobles within Buda this begins to draw prominence toward him.
 * Conrad III agrees to supply Hungary with 3,000 troops of his personal retainers, but that Geza III has to pay for their services and upkeep. 
 * Emperor Johannes applies political pressure in support of Hungary's position in the political dispute with Margaret, but does not revoke her titles quite at this time
 * Swiss Confederacy: With the end of military conflict in Bohemia-Poland, the 3,000 Swiss mercenaries that were hired by the government there return to the Swiss Confederacy. The central council of the Confederacy closely observes the ongoing crisis in Tyrol, Hungary and Bavaria, seeing the Wittelsbachs as a potentially useful ally against Habsburg aggression. In Zürich, construction of the Library continues. The Canton of Zürich also sends an envoy to the County of Aargau, proposing a trade alliance/agreement between Aargau and the Confederacy involving lumber, wool and linens. (Mod response) In the Canton of Uri, the Carmelites restore the manor that was given to them by the government and establish the Priory of Uri. Meanwhile in the Canton of Unterwalden, several dozen Basque refugees (who fled Navarre after it was conquered by Aragon in 1323 to the Papal States and then settled in Switzerland at the advice of Papal officials) begin to construct a Church of the Western/Basque Rite, the first such church outside Navarre, with help from local workers and the nearby Carmelites. Domestically, the government works on improving food storage in the major cities to help them weather famines; as part of this, they ask their trade allies the Republic of Milan to import salt, with lumber being sent to Milan in return. (Milan response) The joint military of the Swiss Confederacy focuses on fortifying the city of Schwyz, the home of the central council of the Confederacy, with new walls being built around the city.
 * Aargau agrees to an alliance
 * The council of Padena accepts this deal.
 * Archduchy of Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": John III of Lotharingia recognises Pope Honorius V as the new pope. John III giving to the new pope a small but verry nicely made wall carpet in the colours of the Papacy. This is done as a way to show the Continues good relation between the Archduke and popes from current and past. To continue good relations with the Pope and the Church, John III offers both Utrecht and Liege to join the Parliament of Mechelen as members of the eclasical and commoners seats (mod response). This is with the Idea so that the Church has more seats in proportion to the Nobility, which would make the voice of the Church and the Lord stronger then it ever was before. As only Commoners and the the church could be part of the Parliament, as for an eclesical state Christ and his administration is more important then nobility some of whom have gotten their positions trough sin. On the sea's men see the wonders of Brabantine work, the ships of hard laboru used by merchants. More ships begin to be build Merchant and Warvessels, there now being 90 ships in the Navy of his majesty the Archduke John III. This comes due to the Great efficieny of the habours, which build more docks to help with it.
 * Liege agrees to join the council as an independent state with the same rights that Hainaut does. Utrecht politely declines as they want to remain neuteral
 * The United Jarldoms of Vinland and Greenland (in exile): In response to the riots, the royal cavalry is sent in and kills all the rioters in a last resort having tried all other options.The jarl commits suicide and is succeded by his son, Ragnar who takes the name Ragnar II. Due to the genocide of the natives, the hunter gatherers storms the royal palace and kills everyone inside except crown princess Anna-Brunhilde who with most of the treasury and 3,000 people evacuate Greenland to Vinland where the new Capital is renamed New Nuuk (OTL St John). The jarl orders a final offensive against the last Beothuk strongholds on the island and recruits another 100 cavalry by promising from the Beothuk natives promising them a new place in the new parliament. Meanwhile, a ship sails to Greenland to request the Bodies of Jarl Brunhilda II be transferred to them. (MOD RESPONSE AND ALGO NEEDED).
 * The remaining 2,000 people in Greenland form a commonwealth government with its capital in Bratthild, reverting to culturally identify with their Nordic ancestors. Not hearing any word from the Jarl Brunhilde in exile, they fear the possibility they may be completely cut off from Newfoundland


 * Republic of Venice: Federation of Padania, this is the new name of the Milanese ambitions to conquer the Italian lands. Many predict a conflict between the two hegemons, however the recent banking crisis in Florence puts these concerns aside. Venice grabs the opportunity and grants low interest rates to various European states, which would lie around 1.3% bi-yearly. However, these loans would come with exclusive trade deals for textiles and glass. Apart from home, a more recent and direct crisis has hit the Venetians. Namely the Crimean earthquake. The Doge orders large repairs for Kerch, with many modernizations taking place, like paved roads and an extension of the harbor. Further modernization occurs in Corsica, where wine production is cut down by 15%, and the wheat cultivation is increased largely for export. This is done as the previous failing harvests have not effected Crete, however they put a large toll on the natives of the land when most of the wheat is shipped off.
 * Mali Empire: The palace of Mansa Musa is finished this year, large enough for himself, his courtiers, his four wives, his three sons and ten daughters, hundreds of his servants, maidservants, slaves, concubines, and many other rooms for prestigious guests. Having completed the palace, Mansa Musa decidest o retire from public life and enjoy his family at home, while his military leaders abroad keep the feudal nobility in check, as well as oppresses the dissident ethnic groups in Gao, Bononam and Nigeria. The trans-African silk raod ensures Mali to continue in its economic prosperity for generations to come, as well as its stable agricultural basis. Horses imported from Ethiopia are fully bred in Niani and Sosso, creating a new breed of Sahelian horses used for Mali's cavalry. The navy continues to be expanded and developed with larger ships based on Iberian models, but hybridized with Moroccan navy. The Gorgades islands continues to be settled, as well as Central Nigeria. In his old age, Mansa Musa ensures a smooth transition of power by willing Waalo and the title of Mansa to his son Musa the Younger, the title of Emperor of Bornu to his son Ayyob, and the kingdoms of Mali and Ghana to his son Abu Bakr. Hendrickus Pisacus returns from his visit in Nigeria, and proceeds eastward, moving from Kanem-Bornu across the Sahara on camel-back until he arrives to the lands of Darfur, and from there continues south along the Nile river to Ethiopia.


 * Latin Empire of Romania: With war erupting in the neighboring (and contending) Byzantine Empire over succession, Latin Emperor William consults with his war council, comprised of his imperial administrators for Achaea, Athens, Epirus, Albania, and Caria, along with the lords Duke of the Archipelago and Count Palatine of Cephalonia and Zakynthos. Also included is Latin Patriarch of Constantinople Henry of Asti. With the blessing of Patriarch Henry, and the implicit backing of His Holiness, Honorius V, Emperor William sends a delegation to both Hispania and Padania - specifically the Spinola family, both of which he's cultivated relationships over the course of his reign (Hispanian and Padanian Responses). In the meanwhile, the Emperor prepares his forces and gathers them in Avlona, Epirus. The total Latin Romanian troop count, 15,000 men is then met with our allied reinforcements - they begin the march on lands held by John VI - the pretender to the Byzantine throne, who controls large parts of Thessaly and Macedonia. Our troops march on Berea (modern-day Veria), which is held by John VI's forces. We engage in a battle in the countryside outside of the city, with naval support from our own fleet alongside those of our allied partners. The enemy region is blockaded, with an additional embargo emposed on the city of Thessalonica - our eventual target in this conflict. Meanwhile, in the homeland, Empress Judith - who has been immersed in the study of Greek culture and language - begins a process of greater Frankification, citing the war with the Greek Byzantines as cause for distress. Specifically, Patriarch Henry, who is working in concert with the Empress but with an eye skyward, orders that Orthodox clergy shall stop ordaining married men to serve as priests. This is done with hopes of an eventual union to the great schism (at least within Latin Romanian lands).
 * Japanese Empire: The various internal efforts of the Japanese empire and Emperor Katsumoto begin to bear fruit as more notable food surpluses occur and the influx of the first wave of new artisans enter into the economy to produce goods. The continued reorganization of Japanese manchuria continues with a small group of settlers setting up in the mainland port. Exploration continues and the further settlement of southern Sakhalin continues as well. A Japanese blacksmith in Nagasaki brings a new idea to the Emperor a larger version of the current hand cannon. It is to be used specifically as heavy artillery against formations and fortifications. A demonstration is scheduled for the next year. (didn.t have a lot of time here will post a full length turn tomorrow.)
 * Federation of Padinia: Antonia de’ medici passes away this year suddenly of unknown causes, drama ensues with the Medici claiming the right to Milan but the Spinola’s influence allowing them a solid claim to Milan and they make the argument of election vs inheritance and so a stalemate begins. Neither side has any care to bring this to war as both know how negatively it would impact their incomes. The Spinola family agrees to the Latin empire’s request for ships and believes this is a good opportunity to better their relations with the Latin empire. The Spinola family sends a message to the Faggiuola family of Pisa to second this deal which Pisa quickly supports. The Medici family proposes a deal in which the City of Milan would be divided into two halves with the northeastern half be controlled by them and the Spinola family controls the Southwestern half. The Spinola family finds this deal unacceptable which then opens up the opportunity of a new family the Scalzi family to take advantage of there vast wealth and puts out an election ballot with the Spinola family Medici Family and Scalzi family all on it. The Scalzi family wins by a landslide being local milanese merchants. Both the Spinola’s and Medici see little choice or point in debating these matters and prepare to do deals with the Scalzi family, Led by Marzio Scalzi. His wife is a member of a less powerful but still well known merchant family in Milan, Mina Carvelli a member of the Carvelli family of Milan.
 * Empire of Ethiopia: The Empire continues to thrive, as trade flows freely through Ethiopian lands, Ethiopian ships carry goods to and from far away shores, and the markets overflow with foreign and exotic spices and trades. The Blue Nile operates as a highway of merchant activity through Ethiopia, with several river cities appearing on its shores to help facilitate trade and sell goods.The Empire’s centralization efforts continue, as trade and the treasury are brought exclusively under the Emperor’s firm control. Additionally, the construction of Weri’kama Beri continues, with merchant caravans now having a place to rest and refit before moving westward to Mali. Similarly, Mali merchants heading into Ethiopia now have a customs station to pass through before reaching Ethiopia. With three heavily wealthy cities under Imperial control, the Emperor’s power is unrivaled by any noble, with the Royal Guard numbering 20,000 trained professional soldiers. To handle the growing might of the Emperor, the Emperor establishes the Ministry of War, to help coordinate and standardize Ethiopian military practices. The Emperor again appoints a close family friend, but one who is not a noble and is a crown agent, to serve as the first Minister of War. To consolidate all the royal ministries, the Emperor forms what is known as the Imperial Council, where the Minister of Trade, the Minister of the Treasury, and the Minister of War meet with the Emperor once a month to update him on the Empire’s standing in all three departments. The Emperor also begins establishing a formal network of crown-controlled trade outposts throughout the Empire to serve as bases for the Ministry of Trade’s agents in that area to collect taxes and tariffs. These trade outposts also will double as carrier stations, so that a message can be sent from outpost to outpost, allowing riders to swap and rest and thus make transportation of messages faster. The Emperor also receives news from Crown trade agents in the west of a strange merchant from Mali who claims to be a Christian. The Emperor sends a command to his son and heir in Weri’Kama Beri to investigate this news.
 * Coptic diplomacy: A few Coptics make their way along the desert trade routes to Ethiopia, going to the Ministry of Trade and holding their new lives there. They urge the Ministry of Trade to connect them with the Ministry of War to plan the liberation of Coptics from Tammiyad Rule.
 * Tamiyyad Empire: Caliph Al-Wathiq I dies this year, with Emperor An-Nasir Muhammad appointing Caliph Al-Hakim II as one of his final acts before his death. With the Emperor's death, the Empire falls to chaos, for the Emperor was head of the Tammiyad Sect during his life, the same Tammiyads who have been engaged in mass slaughter of those deemed “impure” in Alexandria, thus the Alexandrians revolt against the leaderless Tammiyads, taking to the streets and drawing their swords against the ones who drew their swords against them, Alexandria descending into anarchy, Tammiyads and Alexandrian revolters fighting, some of which are remaining Coptics who were persecuted by the Tamiyyads, avenging those who have been slain by the Tammiyad Sword. The Coptic delegation in Rome, with close ties to Alexandria, implore Pope Honorius V to free the persecuted in Alexandria from Tammiyad rule and enact God’s divine vengeance upon the Tammiyads who have slaughtered so many and continue to slaughter many more in the present. In response to the Anarchy in Alexandria, Aleppine Sultan General Al-Amin consolidates his Aleppine Syrian and Cicilian lands and forces and is declared the “Sword of the Caliph” by Caliph Al-Hakim II, commissioned by the Caliph to restore order to Alexandria, setting off with a force of 30,000, beggining his campaign in Egyptian controlled Syria (Algo Requested). Cairo is too subdued in chaos, but chaos in a different form, the form of deception and shadow, for Emperor An-Nasir Muhammad’s son and successor Al-Mansur Abu Bakr is betrayed, imprisoned, and executed by the promiment emir Qawsun, with Al-Mansur Abu Bakr’s baby half-brother Kujuk being placed on the throne with the treachorous Qawsun as regent, the power behind the throne.  Throughout Mesopotamia, many of the Imams and the people swear their allegiance to Caliph  Al-Hakim II, who has one command, especially to the Tammiyads who still remain in Mesopotamia “Swear your allegiance to me or die”, and swear their allegiance they do. The Caliph’s claim as Emperor is recognized by Imams and the people throughout the Levant and Arabia, with Sultan General  Al-Amin acting as his sword, more and more people and land falls under Al-Amite-Caliphate control. Upon reaching Alexandria, the revolt is subdued and Alexandria is placed under Aleppine rule (Assuming Caliphate-Allpeine victory). The slaughter is massive yet brief, as the mamluks in Cairo revolt against Qawsun’s rule, Sultan General Al-Amin’s Army marches to Cairo to conquer the city (Algo Response Requested), deposing and killing Qawsun the traitor, as Emperor Sultan Kujuk is sent into hiding in the desert with an extremely merciful family of Bedouins who have ties to Ahmad, Kujuk’s brother, hiding out in al-Kajak who, in league with the Syrian underground, put Ahmad to power in Greater Syria as Al-Amin takes power in Cairo, assuming the Mamluk Sultanate with the title of Aleppine Sultan as Ahmad assumes the Aleppine Sultanate with the title of Mamluk Sultan. As all this is going on, the lack of presence of Al-Amin’s forces leads to Alexandria declaring itself as an independent city state free from foreign rule (supported in secret by the Syrian Underground). Sultan General Al-Amin now has a difficult decision to make, to restore the lost city of Alexandria under his rule or reconquer Greater Syria, his rightful land. Aleppo remains divided between recognizing the rule of Al-Amin and the rule of Ahmad. However, do to the close kinship of the Aleppines, the city does not fall into chaos and violence, instead it serves as a neutral zone between the supporters of Al-Amin, Ahmad, and the Caliph, the city divided by camps and families, with the city center being the neutral zone within the neutral zone. In the edge of the Empire, Aleppine Cicilia, the people are beyond politics, carrying on in prosperity and opportunity across the Mediterranean, both Aleppo and Aleppine Cicilia being havens in the chaos. Meanwhile, Mosul falls under the control of the Caliph.
 * Nyazwe: The Marshal of the North confers with his father the Zvakane, to discuss the possibility of expanding out westward to secure the open edges of the state from Khosian tribes looking to access the fertile lands of Nyazwe. Akashinga balks at the idea of further expansion of the realm during a period of rapid internal growth, and fears that the small population of the state would prevent the new lands of the west from being properly exploited by the government. Instead, he orders his son to move into the region and capture as many of the young women of the Khosian people for Nyazwe, and lay waste to everything else, including the men, boys, and elderly who are of no use to the state's demographic needs. As instructed, the marshal leads his forces into the west on a rampage of near apocalyptic proportions to the Khosian people. Similar orders are sent to the Marshal of the South with regards to the Nguni people, who have holed themselves up in a sliver of land of south of the Orange River. Without hesitation, military operations into the southern regions of Nyazwe are resumed, with the focus of the local cavalry units being the hunt for Nguni kraals, and burning them to the ground as well as killing off the males and capturing the young females of the population for integration into the wider Nyanzwe population. These tactics are effective in adding to the population of Nyazwe, with 5,000 San women carried off into the cities of Nyazwe, and some 20,000 taken from the lands of the Nguni, who can do nothing to resist the superior might of their northern neighbor. The construction of the road from Kunzwa to Tsime continues, with the city of Mauya reached by the workers who rest in the area before moving further south on their mission to connect the city of Tsime to the core territories of the north. In the far northwest, the settlement of Risingabereki (OTL Gaborone) is established by the Vakadanwa (the military of Nyazwe) as a garrison site for a gurava of cavalry stationed at the entry point into the Kalahari Desert to prevent Khosian raids into Nyazwe's territory. A second garrison site known as Vangarepasi (OTL Mahikeng) is established to the south with a similar force of cavalry for the same reasons. Both settlements house the families and support units for the warriors, giving the immediate area some degree of population, though much smaller in scale compared to what's taking place in the rest of the region south of Limpopo River. Up north, production of paper continues at the papermill site established in Khami by Bathandwa, who reaps the profits attained through the local production of texts and manuscripts population with the population of Khami and Danangombe. The twin cities quickly become the center of Nyanze's intellectual culture, with many scholars and thinkers flocking to the city to take advantage of the growing academic pursuits in the region. Taking notice of the developments, the Ministry of Knowledge under Minister Goredenna moves to promote the sciences in the two cities, pumping tens of thousands of dhahabu into the region and helping printery artisans migrate to the area to ply their trade and produce movable type blocks for use in the production of books. However, not forgetting about his personal pet project in the district of Tsindi, Goredenna continues to oversee the influx of teachers and members of the mutauri advocators into the area to help improve the area's literacy rates and adherence to Faraism. With the blessings of the Zvakane and the body of the Hamadzese, Goredenna's budget for the Ministry of Knowledge is greatly expanded, allowing him to hire into the ministry's employ, hundreds of new teachers to be sent out to the various bomas of the district, and help educate the population. Now in possession of teaching materials as commissioned by the state, the teachers are better equipped to ensure a more standardized method of education, streamlining the process and ensuring that more of their students are able to leaving their classes with a thorough grasp on the written word. So effective is this new method of teaching, that with the introduction of additional staff and funding, the literacy rate of Nyazwe has increased to 19.92% of the total population, this time with more commoners included among the literate. In recognition of their contributions to this endeavor, the Hamadzese votes to increase the daily pay of the teachers from two fedha to three fedha. While this increases the burden on the state in terms of budgetary needs, with the increased efficiency in resource extraction throughout the nation, the increase is deemed inconsequential in the long run. In the southeast, excavation of the coal deposits begin, with the two cities of Mbabane and Mbombela contributing the manpower needed to utilize the local deposits for industrial uses in the north. The number of citizens adhering to the edicts of Faraism continues to expand day by day, with more than a third of the population deemed to be in "compliance" with the state doctrine. The mutauri are effective in their roles as advocates for the teachings of Farai, who remains in Lusvingo sharpening his ideology and educating future members of the order to go out and spread the ideals of humanism and rationalism throughout Nyazwe. A grand teaching hall is constructed in Lusvingo, where numerous copies of Farai's work are stored, and classes are held on a daily basis for those members of the population looking to learn more about the teachings promoted by their rulers. Taking note of their popularity with the people, Zvakane Akashinga decides that additional sites of education will be established in other cities of the country, where Faraism will be promulgated by the mutauri, and the old ways of superstition and ignorance erased from the land. In the city of Muromo Weshiri, Minister Munashe and his team of foreign shipbuilders have successfully developed and codified a two-part, five-tier system of vessels for Nyazwe. As planned, the ships of the state are divided into military and economic classes, and then into three military sub-classes and two economic sub-classes. The military ships are grouped into chikara (great warships), nyoka (independent combat vessels), and muvhimi (swift patrol ships); the trade ships are divided into the nzombe (large trading vessels) and the nyurusi (smaller commerce ships). Munashe pays off the contracts of the foreign shipbuilders and thanks them for their services and contributions to the development of Nyazwe's future navy and trading fleets, and dismisses them to their various homelands. Returning to Lusvingo with his work, Munashe presents the plans for the vessels to Akashinga before a gathering of the Hamadzese, which is pleased with his efforts and votes to begin work on building the new vessels. A contract for ten muvhimi to patrol the waters of Nyazwe, and another contract for six nzombe and 20 nyurusi for trade purposes, are drawn up by the state and delivered to Muromo Weshiri and Muromo Wenyika, to begin construction of the two vessel classes respectively. Delivery of the military vessels will take precedence over the trade ships so as to ensure the security of the realm's trade networks before committing to a merchant fleet. For the time being, the merchant vessels under Munashe's direct ownership suitably fulfill the needs of the state's economic development.
 * Teutonic Order: The Grand-Master sees the Brigantine nuns form in our nation and he welcomes the new order and gives them a headquarters in Koningsberg. The Grand-master makes a visit to Rome to meet the new Pope Honorius V and to get permission to integrate the Archbishop of Riga to the order (Papal Response Needed). We see the cruel winters that are plaguing Europe and our nation and predict that this will continue so we start building shelters for poor and homeless people to survive.We ask Lubeck to sell us some cannons to be used in our army. (Lubeck Response Needed). We take a census and see that our population is at 312,000 people. Also, the size of our army is 25,000 troops and 22 ships. We start building a road to Reval from Koningsberg to connect the cities to allow for easier transportation in the order. Landmeister of Livonia Burchard von Dreileben starts a church building project in the county of Livornia to strengthen religious power in the county and it will be complete in two years. We want to set up Embassies in Stockholm, Lubeck, and Prague to have better relations with those nations. (Swedish response Needed, Lubeck Response Needed, Bohemian Response Needed). Gizycko Castle is built. Marienwerder Castle is built. Chronicon terrae Prussiae is written in our lands and is the first chronicle of the Order. We put our navy in Memel to be ready if need be.
 * Duchy of Eiru: The ABI force falls back west to Brittany along the north bank of the Loire torching everything as it goes burning the countryside leaving 7,000 soldiers to cover a main entry into Nantes with the 5,000 soldiers creating entrenched positions on the slopes west of Mauves-sur-Loire while 7,000 soldiers and John of Montfort demand entry to Nantes (mod response) otherwise bringing up a ram and ladders to overcome the walls and take the city. Assuming the city falls, 2,000 troops are left at Nantes and the remaining 12,000 troops head north to demand entry to Vannes (mod response) otherwise we storm it. If we're unable to take Nantes the ABI force falls back to Saint- Nazaire.
 * Nantes denies entry, at their own peril. If it falls, then Vannes would surrender peacefully
 * Sultanate of Hindustan: The Sultan announces that Hindustani will now be the new official language of the Sultanate, moving away from Persian. Hindustani is also introduced as the official language in the courts of Hindustan’s vassals and is also introduced into the courts of its tributaries. The Sultan begins promoting the new language as the lingua franca for the government institutions and all business and trade activities. The fortified wall of Balkh is completed. The construction of roads, trade routes and serais continues. The Waqf institutions continue opening and maintaining Bimaristans (Hospitals), pharmacies and small schools of religious education for Muslims handled by the Chishtiyya Sufis. The Waqf institutions are supported by the Zakat part of the treasury. The Diwan-i-Amir-Kohi continues propagating better farming and irrigation practices. The postal system is expanded to Bengal and Kabulistan and increases the administrative efficiency of the Empire while also improving communications. The new postal system also benefits the businessmen and the common public while helping the Sultan and the Chalisa administer the vast Empire. Malik Kafur dies.
 * Tian China:With the successful crushing of the rebellion from last year, and the near success of the initial attempt at a coup to overthrow him, the Emperor begins to become increasingly paranoid, and begins to crack down on the Empires Christian and Mongolian populations even further than before, redoubling his efforts of persecution and beginning to drive many of them out of China or kill them, as he now actively sees them as a massive threat to his power and his reign. He also begins to look into ways to secure himself further by improving the military and upgrading its tactics and technology even further. In his efforts to do so, he begins to increasingly look into the potential of gunpower weaponry. In the process of doing so, he catches sight of the young Alchemist Zheng Xian, who has written a huge amount of material on the subject, including strategy guides and suggestions on how to militarily improve China’s armed forces through the use of gunpowder, with his magnum opus in ten subject, “the iron cannon affair”, which heavily details the history of gunpowder weaponry so far and its potential applicati9ns in the future, becoming one of the emperor’s favorite books, which he proceeds to make required reading for all commanders of the Chinese military. He also begins increasingly encouraging research on the subject of gunpowder and its potential applications in the field of warfare in the future. This paranoia also results in the Emperors philosophical and legal works increasingly taking a more and more authoritarian tone, with the emperor increasingly beginning to blend some legalist concepts with the Confucian teachings that he uses to justify his rule more commonly, and apply these into the laws he makes and the reforms he is continuing to implement in the new Chinese empire. He also continues to centralize power around himself, and continues to encourage the immigration of Chinese settlers into the recently gained territories and the lands of our vassal kingdoms in Taiwan.

1342
''' The Middle East once again falls into chaos with the Civil War among the Taymiyyah sect between the Mamluk Sultanate and the Abbasid Caliphate. This continues to ensure a disruption of far-eastern trade from reaching Iran, as well as continued persecution of Christians in Syria and Egypt. '''

''' The recent climatic issues in Iceland causes a decline in their birthrates. '''

''' In the Byzantine Civil war, the Zealot revolt seizes control over Thessoloniki, expelling the aristocrats of Emperor John VI and supporting the Emperor John V in Constantinople. Being largely supported by Middle Class merchants, they also seek out for aid from Venice for their autonomy. '''

''' Outright civil war occures in the French vassal of Brittany, while in alliance to Edward III of England. The forces of Charles of Blois engages against that of John of Mortfort, both claiming to be the Duke of Brittany at the same time. '''

''' Ibn Battuta leaves the Hoysalas Sultanate and travels through the Pandyas Empire, boarding a ship to sail across the Indian Ocean to take him to China. Unfortunately the ship sinks and he gets shipwrecked on the Maldives. '''

''' John Maunderville leaves Japan and travels through the Ryukyu islands until he reaches the island of Formosa, documenting all the variety of kingdoms and cultures on that island. '''

''' In the Hispanic realm, Frederick III of Sicily dies, launching a succession crisis with no clear line of succession for Naples. This renews tension across Italy over the stronger Spanish influence in the Italian peninsula. In Portugal, the crown prince Peter falls madly in love with Ines de Catsro, the daughter of Lord Peter de Castro of Lemnos. '''

''' The oldest game of rugby is played in Oxford, England. '''

''' Countess Margaret of Tyrol, taking nominal word of approval from Archbishop Konrad IV of Munich, considers her marriage annulled with Stephan of Hungary, and uses her own personal retainers to seize control over the County of Tyrol. Duke Louis V of Bavaria personally comes to live in her court. This action is disapproved by Emperor Johannes, but awaits the Pope's reaction before stepping in. '''
 * Tarascan Empire: The culture of the Azcapotzalco continues to be eradicated and forcibly changed to Michoacan, although at the appeasement of the peoples, a branch of Purépecha polytheism is created, known as Folk Purépecha, or Yolit’ism, which combines aspects of both Purépecha and Tepanec cultures to create a central ideology. The Chicemec people continue to be traded with, while their southern territory is absorbed gradually. Xiti'ism continues to be developed by Izel and his followers. The southern defensive infrastructure is re-built, taking another three years for completion. The southern campaign against the Mixtec continues, as raids and attacks on populated settlements continue. The first school is created by Ohtli, which becomes a center for philosophical debate about nature, physics, and arithmetic while scribes record such discussions. This turns into the first Mesoamerican non-fictional series, under the title of Echeri (Earth). The first codex to be published is Tlapōhualmatiliztli Echeri (Mathematics of Earth), which comes from the likes of Tenoch and Itonen, who formulate factors of algebraic expression, as well the concept of linear equations accompanied with basic geometry. Other works include Tīciyōtl Echeri (Medicine of Earth), Yōlcatl Echeri (Animals of Earth), and Momatque Tlamatiliztli Echeri (Study and Reasoning of Earth). Tariácuri dies this year due to illness, having completed his goal of uniting the Western and Eastern seas under the Tarascan state. Hiripan, his eldest son, declares himself the new Cazonci of the Empire, moving himself into the capital of Pátzcuaro. When news of Hiripan's declaration arrives to Tangáxoan, the middle son, he believes his eldest brother to be un-rightful in his succession to divine right, and promptly assembles an army to siege Pátzcuaro. Nalhen, the youngest son, is told about the news of Hiripan's declaration in becoming the next Cazonci, and disregards it as tomfoolery, opting instead to prepare his territory for independence from the Empire. However, Tangáxoan would arrive to Nalhen's throne room, asking for help in sieging Pátzcuaro and installing himself as the Cazonci, with the promise of ruling the entire of the western region. Nalhen agrees reluctantly, and soon, their combined armies head toward Pátzcuaro. Cazonci Mezcoh of Quemada, seeking to further legitimize his territory and prove himself to be the true Cazonci of the West, prepares his own military to lead against Hiripan, as well as Tangáxoan and Nalhen. By the start of winter, Cazonci Mezcoh begins the first siege of Pátzcuaro. The siege would only last ten days, however, ending with the death of Mezcoh as well as his army. Quemada is disbanded as a state, while Hiripan re-builds his army for the battle against Tangáxoan and Nalhen.
 * Free City of Lübeck: Following the death of Albrecht von Bardewik, the Hanseatic League suffered from a brief period of political turmoil. The Warendorp family began a series of smear campaigns against Arnold von Bardewik. They accuse him of being a self-indulgent man living in the shadow of his father. For the most part, they are right. Arnold von Bardewik has not done much of note aside from commanding some of the forces out of Lübeck during the war with Warendorp. Tensions get so bad that violence actually breaks out in Hamburg over a shipping dispute. Collaborative efforts turn into a competition to see who can make their contribution the one everyone talks about. Anything to enter the public eye. After this bout of guild violence, a trial is held for the accused. Von Bardewik's men are found guilty and six men are hanged for their crimes. Heavy fees are lobbed against Warendorp, however, because they broke the guild peace. Von Bardewik, however, comes out in a worse light. This does not recover until the route from Lübeck to Lüneburg is completed. The city is a member of the Hanseatic League, perhaps being one of its key cities throughout the history of the League. With Lübeck's effective control over Lauenburg, the Queen City of the Hanseatic League has a port on the Elbe, controlling any trade going through this famous river. Now, not only does Lübeck control the Old Salt Route, it controls the trade of salt along the river. Lüneburg also prospers, as does its sister city Brunswick. Offers to join the Hanseatic League are sent to cities along the Elbe. As the Saxon quarter prospers, the control Lübeck and Hamburg have over the rest of the Hanseatic League strengthen by the day. Shipping, food, and arms are but some of the many necessities controlled by the guilds. This year, the Hanseatic League is selling arms at a discounted price to much of Europe. This is coupled with the League increasing martial donations from 1,000 to 1,200 men. Though the wars in Europe are funded, this makes a quick profit for the Hanseatic League, as those who would fight for the League will have to fight with something – weapons built or sold by the League are, after all, the only choice. France and England are offered exclusive discounts, with England earning a better deal due to the Hanseatic presence in London. Work begins on a prototype cannon. Called the Hamburger, this massive weapon is unveiled in a demonstration outside Hamburg.
 * Icelandic Dip: Seven ships are requested to be sold to Iceland.(response needed)
 * Lübeck sells seven ships and offers a contract for mercenary sailors.
 * Iceland gracefully accepts the sailors.
 * Georgia: George V dies aged ~56. While the official cause of death is old age, many among the nobility suspect foul play. Regardless, Anastasius utilizes a disorganized and immobilized opposition to promulgate the “Regulations of the “Royal Court”; thus codifying royal administration and court etiquette within the Kingdom of Georgia. It also increases not only his power but the central power as a whole. In addition, he affirms the advisory nature of the State Council and assuming the now-vacant position of Marshal. Anastasius abolishes the somewhat unpopular customs tax to appeal to the mercantile class and to boost trade. However, the land value tax and the poll tax continue to provide substantial revenue. A small but crucial bureaucracy is established. The task of collecting taxes is conferred to members of this bureaucracy. Enabled by a relatively large tax base, Anastasius institutes several important military reforms – mainly based on the structure of Komnenian armies. The Naqivchaqari (“the de-Kipchakized”) is subsumed into the Monaspa (“Royal Guard”); while they will continue to differ in their tactics and equipment, they will perform the same role as elite troops. Due to the mountainous environment of the region, light cavalry is instructed to fire their arrows on foot and in tight ranks (becoming more like mounted infantry) though they will continue to use traditional tactics in open fields. The heavy cavalry is given heavier lances (to withstand impact) and armor. To facilitate a quicker response to border threats and tactical flexibility, the army is divided into units of ~300–500, ~100, ~50, and ~10. Finally, due to a rising population and a decline in free (and thus, leasable) land, he raises the required length of service necessary to receive a land grant to ten years instead of just five. To compensate, however, he increases the base salary to 3,500 dirhams (equivalent to 250 ounces of silver). Silver is mined in Imereti, while copper is mined in Kartli; the influx of these metals underpin a thriving economy. Commerce increases. The main export good is cotton cloth; wine, felt, and enamel is also exported but in lesser quantities.
 * Iceland: Only 500 people are born making the population 58,500. The army is dropped to 1,000 to get more people working. Iceland are willing to Greenlandic refugees from the civil war. The Archbishop sees St. Ari in visions with Saint Helen and Saint Gregory worshiping the Holy Trinity. An alliance is proposed to Ireland since the Icelandic heir is half Irish (Irish Response Needed). The economy stabilized and becomes okay, the food supplies becomes alright. The new Irish men join the army getting the count to 2,000 men. With 2,000 men, ten handcannons, five Iceland ships and seven Lübeckian ships and sailors, umder the General Róbert Sigurðsson and Páll Snorrason Iceland invades Greenland but offers any Greenlander who surrenders much preferential treatment. [Mod Response Needed].
 * Because of the worsening winters and heathen expansion, many settlements allow the Icelanders to pass through unmolested.
 * Irish Dip: The Duchy of Eiru agrees to the alliance and as a gesture of good faith encourages a few hundred people to migrate to Iceland this year by offering them a grant, free travel and lands in Iceland when they arrive.
 * Papal States: Pope Honorius V receives Conrad III of Bohemia-Poland in Rome and celebrates the wedding of the king with Sophia Capet in the Church of Divine Mercy. The pope receives the gift of the Archduke John of Lotharingia and thanks him for the tapestry. The pleas of the Coptics in Rome and their stories about a Christian empire in Africa are heard by Honorius and he decides to call a Crusade to save the Christians of Egypt. However, Cardinal Secretary Pierre Roger says to the old pope that this isn't the best moment for a Crusade, since many nations of Europe are at war and others are recovering from conflicts. Honorius decides to postpone the plans for a Crusade. The pope meets with the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order and allows the annexation of Riga.Cardinal Ari Arason and his travel companion are received in Rome by Honorius and Cardinal Roger. The book is placed in the Sistine Library. By influence of Cardinal Roger, the pontiff declares that the decision of Archbishop Konrad IV of Munich to annul the marriage of Margaret of Tyrol with Stephan of Hungary is invalid. He depose and excommunicate Konrad, replacing him with Johannes II Hake. Margaret and Louis V of Bavaria are also excommunicated due to their sinful relationship and says that Emperor Johannes can act and Stephen can have Tyrol. The construction of the military centers of Ostia and Viterbo are finished. With the supervision of Cardinal General Comissary Giovanni II Visconti, 200 men are trained in the Saint Michael's Military Center making the number of the Papal Army grow from 10,000 to 10,200. The pope creates as cardinals Volrad von dem Dorne (Lübeck) and Hemming Nilsson (Sweden). He also declares as Servants of God Pope Gregory XI and patriarch Federico Goikoetxea. Pope Honorius continues with the neutral position in the dispute for the French throne. However due to Cardinal Roger influence, the pontiff is slowly taking a pro-Capet position. In the end of the year, the health of pope Honorius start to decline.
 * Emperor Johannes deposes Margaret of Tyrol and gives her titles to Stephen of Hungary.
 * Konrad of Klingenberg pleads for clemency to the Pope, saying that his words to Margaret were misinterpreted by her devilish malice.
 * Swiss Confederacy: After observing the crisis in Tyrol, the central council of the Confederacy sends an envoy to Stephen II of Wittelsbach, brother and heir presumptive of Duke Louis V. The envoy describes to Stephen II the sinful acts undertaken by his brother and the fact he was excommunicated by Pope Honorius V, and urges Stephen II to depose his brother as Duke of Bavaria to save further shame from falling upon the House of Wittelsbach and Bavaria, still recovering from the earlier humiliation of Louis IV's deposition as Holy Roman Emperor. The Swiss Confederacy even promises Stephen II up to 3,000 Swiss mercenaries to depose Louis V, on the condition Stephen II agrees to a political alliance between Bavaria and the Swiss Confederacy afterward. (Mod response) Construction of the Zürich Library completes, and the guild of Zürich asks the Manesse family for permission to create a copy of the Codex Manesse to act as the Library's centrepiece. (Mod response) Construction of the Western Church of Unterwalden continues, with Bishop of Chur Ulrich V von Lenzburg visiting the site to give it his blessing. The Canton of Unterwalden sends an envoy to the Abbey of Engelberg (which is independent but now entirely surrounded by the Swiss cantons of Unterwalden, Uri and Bern), proposing that Engelberg join the Confederacy for its logistical and economical benefits. He assures them they will retain autonomy over the Abbey's territory in domestic matters as the Canton of Engelberg. (Mod response) With the receipt of salt from the Republic of Milan, the food storage in the Confederacy's major cities is improved. The government also works on recruiting more peasants to work as lumberjacks. The joint military of the Swiss Confederacy works on fortifying Zürich, the most populous city in the Confederacy.
 * Stephen accepts the mercenaries to renew conflict with his brother.
 * The Manesse family grants this permission.
 * Engleberg is under the direct control of the Holy See and will require permission from the Pope. They request the Pope deny this petition.
 * Pope Honorius V allows that Engelberg enters in the Swiss Confederacy.
 * Margaret of Tyrol: Margaret flees Tyrol, having been deposed and excommunicated, she flees to Venice, board a Cicilian trade ship en route to Alexandria, accomponied by her personal guard who remain loyal to her. Upon setting foot in Alexandria, Maragaret is given renewed life, for she has heard of the persecution of the Coptics and vows to free them of Tammiyad oppression with the remaining army. The Coptics also grow to know Margaret, empathizing with her struggle of deposition and excommunication from her land as she empathizes with the Coptic persecution. Soon Margaret of Tyrol becomes Margaret of Alexandria, converting to Copticism.
 * Duchy of Eiru: Tighearnach returns back to Eiru bored of waking up so early in the morning and leaves command of his troops to the English. Aodh and Tighearnach set down to cementing their rule over Eiru with funds being allocated for the improvement of port facilities at Galway, Cork, Derry and Limerick with larger wharves and to be funded over time by customs at the ports. Plans are also laid down for a construction of a road from Athlone to Dublin to be paid for by use of the road. The sale of wool and whisky continues at small levels. Freemen continue practice on the longbow.
 * Kingdom of Hungary: With Margaret deposed and taken into custody to Hungary where she is placed under constant watch in order to ensure she does not attempt to spread her legs in an attempt to woo her way out of her prison, however by the end she supposedly jumps from the window out of the tower to her bloody death on the grounds below seemingly out of grief for all she has lost, this leaves Stephen the now Count of Tyrol, Margrave of Carniola, and Duke of Carnithia free to marry without his adulterous wife to get in the way. Meanwhile within the lands of Moldavia the growth of their economy continues and the development of infrastructure and villages spreads, and soon Orthodox masses begin to take place in the Vernacular of the land a language more similar to French or Italian then its slavic's neighbors. In the city of Buda, the young smithee Mircea Olaru continues to hone his craft with him becoming more and more famous among the upper classes of nobles and Magnates, one of his highest profile guests is the current Palatine of Hungary who orders a marvelous necklace to be comissioned which ends up being called the emerald necklace a beautiful work that catches the eyes of many nobles with it expert craftmanship.
 * Tian China:Our infrastructure projects throughout the nation continue this year, with roads and forts continuing to be built in Chinese Manchuria as direct government control is extended in the area, while Chinese settlers continue to follow behind them, settling throughout the countryside and cities of the region, and further extending the empires protection in the process, while often expelling the native Manchurians and Mongolians living in the area from the country and taking their land. The already existing Chinese population in the area, which had been settled there by the Yuan back when they still ruled over China and were pretending to Sinicize, are also increasingly co-opted for help in ruling the region as local elites appointed by the government, often inviting family from elsewhere in China, whom they had lost contact with previously, to move into the area and join the established Chinese communities in the area and help with the establishment of further colonial control over the region, and the growth of the Chinese population if the region, with the goal being to eventully ensure that ethnic Han people outnumber the locals within the next few decades. Those few natives who remain in the region are increasingly encouraged to become as Chinese as possible (often without much choice) as the Manchurian language is increasingly cracked down upon and discriminated against, and those who continue to practice their Manchurian customs and speak their language facing extreme amounts of discrimination and repression for their decision to continue clinging to their culture. The expansion of roads in other areas also continues. The colonization if Taiwan also continues, but the numbers outside of our existing settlements are much smaller than they would otherwise be, as the continued control over our vassals requires that we don’t treat them as colonies, and thus the amounts of Chinese immigration into these areas is substantially less, and the Chinese communities are significantly less dominant and discriminatory against the locals, instead integrating heavily into the local cultures and continuing to intermarry with them and help bring the vassal kingdoms up to Chinese standards. This also helps to fuel the economy as many merchants and wealthy individuals are among those who move into these regions, and their project and attempts to uplift the locals result in much more extensive development of the area, with several villages along the northern and western coasts begging to slowly grow into ports with our assistance, increasing trade and immigration between the island and the mainland, and fueling the growth of the economy on both sides through trade. This also results in more and more trade passing through the region, making (indirect, not officaly sanctioned) trade with those civilizations further away from the mainland possible, with unofficial trade with some of the small states in the Philippines starting to pick up, despite not being officially sanctioned by the government.
 * Archduchy of Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": The first ever Cannon in Lotharingia has been made, this being a millitairy evolution of the Hand Cannon. The cannon being a verry big version of the Hand cannon, that is able to breach smaller walls with its power. The amunition of these cannons varrying from Stones and bad quality ores to arows and in need knives. This these first cannons being used by the Army under the leadership of the Archduke himself John III of Reginar, while handcannons begin to be given to local nobles for their own defenses. As with the size of the Realm, the duke notices that the quality and size of the army begins to lower. this is due to the bigger distances between the Borders of the Realm and longer time that is needed to cross the Realm, so the Council and the Duke think of solutions. One is to create an army who does not swear loyalty to leaders based on their birth and rank, but based on their merit their own skill. This army being planned to be centrally paid by money raised from taxes, where anyone can join and become a hero. Although this army is paid by the taxes, they mostly just receive food and pikes and a helmet. Although this is not a lot, due to not needing to pay food soldiers in general can get more armour then they minimally receive. Altough a sector that does get enough financing is the Navy of his majesty john, which totals now around 120 fully abled ships. Lotharingian navy having full control of the Zuyder see, the small inland sea which borders most lowlandish states. Some of these ships even reaching the Order of Bari, providing it with trade and goods. Brabantine Textiles being loved by its clergy. This order now beginning to get a stable relationship with the local population, who begin to see the benefits of the Order and the Trade she brings. The order even spreading to the Islands of Kasos and Saria two verry minor but yet important islands, as now the order can properly defend herself from treats of Both islam and pirates. Population of munks to locals being around 5/1, this making the Faith important for the island. Faith the Duke doesn't have in Frisia so he crowns himself Duke of Frisia, after he sees that the inability to rule themself.
 * Sultanate of Hindustan: The construction of roads, trade routes and serais continues. The Waqf institutions continue opening and maintaining Bimaristans (Hospitals), pharmacies and small schools of religious education for Muslims handled by the Chishtiyya Sufis. The Waqf institutions are supported by the Zakat part of the treasury. The Diwan-i-Amir-Kohi continues propagating better farming and irrigation practices. The Sultan maintains a standing army of 12 tumen. Four tumen are stationed in Kabulistan at the forts of Balkh and Kabul. Two tumen are stationed in Sindh, in Thatta and Sekhwan. Three tumen are stationed in Sultanpur. Two tumen are stationed in Dhar and Alaipur (Devagiri).
 * The United Jarldoms of Vinland and Greenland: With most of the population now assigned to works, the Vinlandic economy begins to show signs of improvement but is still a shadow of its former self. In New Nuuk, work is started on the royal palace and the Parliament which will have six seats: three Vinlandic and three Greenlandic. Wuth most of Nyfundland firmly under our control we offer the remaining Beothuks a deal in which they will join us but will have a certain amount of autonomy. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED.)
 * The Beothuk universally decline.
 * Teutonic Order: The Grand-master asks Lubeck to sell us some cannons to be used in our army (Lubeck Response Needed).The county of Memel has a new Landmeister called Ludolf von Wattzua and he first starts expanding the naval dockyard in Memel and is expected to be complete in two years. After our annexation of Riga we make the county of Riga and place Engelbert von Dolen as Landmeister of the county of Riga. in the county of Livonia Landmeister Burchard von Dreileben starts taxing the local populace to raise money to build more infrastructure in Reval but he does not tax the poor that much. in the county of Courland Landmeister John V gives land to 1,000 poor people to farm on to make more food and jobs. The Grand-master asks if we can build embassies in Stockholm, Lubeck, and Prague to boost relations with those nations. (Mod Response Needed, Lubeck Response Needed,Bohemian Response Needed). our Marshal sets up an army training camp outside the city of Leipaja and is currently training 1,000 new troops expected to be in the army by next year. The town of Barwalde is founded this year. Vastseliina Castle is built in Reval. Pisz Castle is built.We acquirer the Kulmar land and build Frombork Cathedral in the land. Landmeister Buchard von Dreileben wants to make a trade route from Reval to Pskov. (Pskov Response Needed). The landmeister also builds a castle of Trakai Island naming the castle then name of the island. Alūksne Castle is built in the county of Memel.
 * You already have embassies in these cities.
 * Japanese Empire: The Emperor this year holds a great feast in Kyoto this year hoping to curry further favor within the nobility. Invited to this feast are a few of the loyal jurchen tribal leaders from Manchuria and they are treated well and their customs respected as the feast carries on for nearly two weeks. The domestic economy begins to grow again as the aftershocks of the war wear off and the domestic production of goods available for trade once again show advancement and production. The peacetime in China as well sees rapid growth in the trade economy of Japan as trade ships now sail into Korean and nearly many ports in northern central and southern China. The population begins to see a notable bump as surplus of food and the success of many of the enclosed farms helps spur on this growth. The discovery of more islands in the Kuril chain prompts a small expedition to set up settlements and claim the two closest islands for the empire of Japan. With minimal indigenous population this goes off without any serious issues. The Japanese control over Manchuria continues in earnest with various small trade posts set up within the rather disorganized territory. The small trade settlement of Aimoi continues to develop as it becomes noted a small group of roughly 50 Koreans have arrived in the settlement this year on top of nearly 100 Japanese this year. The settlement is noted to stand at nearly 300 and growing as the prosperous trade running through the area helps make this an attractive region for settlement. A series of farms are set up to help put the area into self-sufficiency and support greater population. Rice is noted to be the clear product of these developments, however only a few families set up farms within the centalized Aimoi limits to prevent encroachment onto Jurchen lands. The Jurchens in order to keep them sated are allowed to raid into areas still held by the Northern Yuan in order to plunder and loot. The infrastructure of the home islands continues to expand as the roadway network expands heavily into northern Japan. Cities such as Sendai and Hachinohe are brought into the network connecting them to the greater Japanese network. The trial tests of the first Japanese built cannons goes off without a hitch and the Emperor is impressed ordering 30 of them to bring into the army and act as heavy artillery and in an appreciative way effectively nullify current Japanese fortifications. The cannons are to be only purchased by the Japanese imperial army in an effort to prevent other nobles from getting any clear ideas and the Nagasaki blacksmiths responsible are granted a royal monopoly on producing these cannons and are paid a handsome yearly salary for their efforts. The city of Nagoya also undergoes a natural expansion as its population grows adding with another residential district under construction of artisans and merchants who wish to do work within city limits.
 * Kingdom of France: being victorious in the battle of Nantes, the army under Charles de Blois proceeds to Nantes, collecting 5,000 reinforcements on the way. Engaging the English army there, Charles de Blois attempts to use the vastly superior French cavalry to mow down the English infantry due to the great weather and rolling hills. Meanwhile, Philip VII and Victor move their army northward by way of the Seine (moving next to it, that is) to the city of Rouen. If this city isEnglish supporting, it will be capered, otherwise the army will proceed, making ample use of cavalry screens, to Le Havre, then to Caen.
 * Nyazwe: In Lusvingo, the Hamadzese is assembled by Akashinga for a grand meeting regarding the future of Nyazwe and the ongoing reorganization of its culture and society in line with the teachings of Faraism. Speaking before the assembled body of representatives from throughout his nation, Akashinga announces a change in the policies of the country. The unification of the lands around Nyazwe will be the primary concern of the state, with all other actions taken by the state devoted to this eventual goal. The demographic needs of the country will also be of high importance to the government, with focus on increasing the birth rate, increasing the literacy rate, and developing the army and navy into potent forces on the continent. Having discovered the true scale of the world and the encroachment of great powers upon minor ones, it is deemed critical to the survival of Nyazwe that the country be expanded to its full extent and beyond so as to prevent the collapse of what Akashinga describes as "the only true African civilization in the world". He goes on to announce that in acknowledging the future expansion of Nyazwe across the continent, it is vital that the state be prepared for the eventuality when it will need to prepare for a more regionalistic future where local authorities will need to act on their own with the state's oversight so as to ensure the security and unity of a great Nyazwe. Based on this conclusion, Akashinga declares that a document breaking down the powers of the state and its constituent entities shall be drafted so as to help guide the future of Nyazwe for generations to come. Elsewhere in the region, the development of the road to Tsime is completed, linking the largest southernmost city to the rest of the country's infrastructure. This action helps to encourage the growing population of the north to move further south and take advantage of the greater expanse of land there waiting to be exploited by new inhabitants. Coal mining in the southeast continues under the direction of the government, which has taken a direct role in ensuring the extraction of this resource, based on its superior use as a source of fuel for the forges and homes of Nyazwe. Agricultural developments within the capital region helps fuel a rise in population for Lusvingo, with thousands of people migrating to the capital as food security has been mostly ensured for the majority of its inhabitants. With rice cultivation in the north and sorghum cultivation in the south at increasing levels of efficiency, the population of the country as a whole begins to skyrocket. Lusvingo's population alone has reached 70,000 inhabitants, making it the largest city on the continent south of the Congo River, larger still than even Mombasa or Zanzibar. In the rest of the country, in line with the teachings of Faraism and the edicts of the Hamadzese, the power of the sangoma class (traditional African healers) within Nyazwe is thoroughly broken by the state's intervention throughout the population to flush out the old traditionalists who have attempted to exploit the people of the realm for their possessions and trust for decades. Thousands of shamen, witch doctors, herbalists, and diviners are put to death by the mobs of Nyazwe citizens led by their local mutauri, who then lead their groups to burn the fetishes and effigies used by the sangoma to mislead their people through the guise of religion. Where the power of the sangoma had been wavering during the reign of King Kutonga nearly thirty years ago, it had been total crushed under Akashinga, who wastes no time in banning the practice of divination and stipulating a death sentence for any who proclaim the ability to divine the future, as well as death for those who seek such information. As far as the state and the people are concerned, only God can see the future, and he is far off from mankind at the present. As the literacy rates within the country continues to grow, this year reaching 23.71% of the population, more printeries are established throughout Nyazwe, with Bathandwa using his new profits to open a second paper-mill in Mapumgubwe, to satisfy the demand for literature in the southern districts of Nyazwe. The literacy rate in the country begins to cap off as more and more of the population spreads out across the vast reaches of the country, making it more difficult for the Ministry of Knowledge to send the proper number of staff to those locations. To resolve this issue, Minister Goredenna begins to establish regional branches of the ministry in the various districts of the country, making it easier for the districts to see to their own educational needs without requiring direct input from the capital for all decisions on the matter. In Muromo Weshiri, the first of the Nyazwe muvhimi vessels is completed, with two of the first ten constructed and staffed with fifty sailors each. This effectively marks the beginning the Nyazwe navy, with a hundred men joining the new arm of the military. Both vessels are based out of Muromo Weshiri for the time being, though half of the future fleet is planned to be based out of Muromo Wenyika to the south in the coming years. In the city of Muromo Wenyika itself, one of the nzombe haulers is completed by the shipbuilders, along with five of the smaller nyurusi ships built as well.
 * Poland-Bohemia: Conrad III marries Sophia z Capet in Roma in the presence of the Pope and much of the clergy of the Papacy  and amongst his Visconti Family. Following the mass and time spent in Roma, Conrad and his newly wed make tour through Padania, staying in Florence, and then Milan for the year, to learn more of Italy, facisnated by the size of its cities, the architecture, and feats of engineering. The paved streets of Florence in Particular are of interest. Along with the old Roman bath houses. Ottokar continues to maintain his position as Regent. He continues to carry out the land reforms, and to work with the Order of Divine mercy as they build hospitals, and churches in Poland to assist the spiritual and medical needs of the Polish people. The cities of Gdansk, Lublin, and Warsawa are granted Madeburg rights to foster greater economic and demographic growth. Bohemian Blacksmithies, and artisans are brought over to Poland to help foster local production of Weapons, and tools. Conrad offers the Order of Divine Mercy, and the Pope to become its patron in Eastern Europe (Papal Response). Ottokar expands the lands sales of former Piasts estates to Freed Peasents and lesser nobility as a means of refilling the coffers of the crown, and to restore and expand Polish agriculture, while plans also made to allow for limited tenant farmers to work the larger estates, or the lands of the crown, plans are also laid out to expand the number of crown officials and bureaucracy. Gdansk's docks receive newfound attention to accomodate a greater flow of products going up and down the Vistula, as the Crown tries to restore the trade network between the Baltic and the transcaspian Region harmed by the decade long civil war.
 * Latin Empire of Romania: The war effort continues this year, with a conclusion to the siege of Berea (Algo needed) followed by an advance on the Zealot-held city of Thessalonica (Algo needed). As the forces of Latin Romania near Thessalonica, Latin Patriarch Henry himself delivers a rousing speech, inciting the Catholic forces of Latin Romania to defeat the extremist Orthodox irregulars who had taken up residence in Thessalonica. We use latest cannon technology in our battle against the Zealots, and also have continued our naval blockade of the city, preventing food from getting into the city from sea and reducing the city's profits. Domestically, Empress Judith continues to lead Frankification efforts as Emperor William is at the front.
 * Federation of Padinia: The council of Padinia is fully elected this year with the major families from each individual city having at least two with medici and Spinola being tied for most representatives with four a piece. Other representatives in Milan are from Scalzi Carvelli and one outlier merchant family who made it in off of discussions of returning to the greatness of the Greeks and Romans.  Secret: The Medici’s found a new guild within Florence designed to train highly elite assassins for hire. End Secret The Padinian council elects the leader of the Spinola family to be the new Doge. His first request was to send increased support to the Latin Empire forces in Byzantium. (Latin Empire response) As well as offer mercenaries to the forces of Naples against Hispania as well as loans. (Mod response).
 * Naples accepts both.
 * Empire of Hispania: with the death of Frederick III, the House of Barcelona mourns his death including the Emperor of Hispania. He is laid to rest in Naples and Alfonso, the closest living relative to Frederick and the member with the strongest claim, secures the inheritance of Naples through the means of this union. Much of any opposition amongst nobility is of course cut short by municipal levels of administrational law and reinforcement. Proper investigations even occur to prevent conspiracy while any violent opposition in the region have the forces of both the Hispanic Army but also support from leaders loyal to Naples under Frederick and to former Aragon.25,000 men in total are stationed to weaken any crisis that may continue to persist within Naples using Sicily as an area of commanded control. The Neapolitan facilities established along the sea-going region of Naples allows for more efficient production within the arsenal that would be aided in further solidification of its standings due to further funding as a result of aid given to the war effort made by Latin Romania. 15,000 men are offered to assist Latin Romania in their campaigns. In the meanwhile, reports of Alfonso's aunt giving miracles to the poor and ill are reported across Madrid and Seville. Empress Maria visits her father in Lisbon. During this visit, she brings with her his grandchildren. Francisco willingly attends unable to deny his mother of her wishes but begins to bond with his grandfather somewhat after spending time together and even going hunting. His father was too busy in Toledo to come along but would have given the time. Nonetheless, the absence of Francisco's uncle, Peter, raises questions that go unanswered at the time. Following the trip to Lisbon, Francisco returns to Toledo where he continues his study. Reading and writing, he becomes a solid writer in Hispanic Script and a fine speaker of Latin and familiarized himself with the various minor tongues of the Empire although incapable of gaining proper understanding quite yet finding Hispanic slang to be more efficient. Beyond this, he finds himself tutored in Toledo due to his interests in philosophy but also strategy. A young man aging, he finds more interest in learning than what he had dome in the past running around the streets of Toledo. Of course from time to time he would but now what he had begun to do matters and has reason. He was the heir apparent to his father, a future Emperor. With his newfound confidence, he finds interest in war just like those before him such as his grandfather and father which drags him to the Latin Empire. With enough convincing, experience, and age, the teenage man documents what he sees and engages in conflict with the best armor that can suit him and the best men that may follow to protect him. The fortifications of Naples see further expansion while 96 ships are sent off to further assist Latin Romania in naval actions and blockade. The Lighthouse of Gibraltar sees further levels of completion. Men brought to the battlefield of Byzantium use cannons and hand cannons to test in actual combat storing any info that may be used to improve strategy based off of usage on the proper battlefield.
 * Empire of Ethiopia: Hearing of the civil war occurring between the Muslims in the north, the Emperor takes advantage of the divide in the Islamic world to expand Christian holdings in the Horn of Africa. The Emperor rallies the Royal Guard, all 7,000 of them, and also commands his nobles to provide men for the army, adding another 8,000 to the army for a total of 15,000 men. The Emperor also sends requests to his vassals of Damot and Axum for men and to his allies in Alodia and Makuria [MOD RESPONSE]. The Emperor also sends a formal demand to the Muslim tribes in the northern part of the Horn of Africa as well as to Warsangali tribe. The Emperor demands that the Muslim tribes accept Ethiopian overlordship and submit to the Emperor’s authority [MOD RESPONSE]. The Empire continues improving its infrastructure while also continuing to encourage trade. The city of Weri’kama Beri continues to be built up, serving as a final stop before the trip to Mali.
 * All vassals of Ethiopia donate 2,000 men each and each ally donates 1,000. While some submit, many Muslim tribes reject the Emperor's ham-fisted attempt to establish fealty over their lands.

1343
''' Pope Honorius V dies of natural causes (that didn't last long). A new conclave is held to elect the new Pope, you know the drill. '''

''' Naples falls into civil unrest as local merchant families revolt against the encroaching influence of Hispania to claim the throne of Sicily. They are greatly sympathetic to Emperor John V of Byzantium and the Zealots of Thessaloniki. James of Majorca, a distant cousin of the Hispanic Emperor, travels to Messina and claims the crown for himself. '''

''' Almost as an act of God, a massive earthquake and Tsunami strikes against the Neapolitan city of Amalfi. '''

''' With the chaos of war going on in the Byzantine and Latin Empires and the expansions of the Turks, the Knights Hospitaller and the Kingdom of Cyprus petitions to form a maritime league of Catholic nations for protecting Latin people in the Greek world. '''

''' Seizing advantage of the chaos, Stephan the Mighty of Serbia begins invading Byzantine Macedonia from the north with a massive army. '''

''' In the Teutonic States, the Oselian people led a massive revolt of five pagan tribes across Estonia on Saint George's Eve. They number a military of 10,000 people. '''

''' With the various generous acts of charity championed by the last two Popes, the economic crises in Italy have left the papal treasury largely depleted. Several Italian cardinals appeal that the Pope should issue a statement on the theology of indulgences and purgatory, completely unrelated. '''

''' Using a series of Swiss mercenaries, Stephen of Bavaria leads a revolt against his brother Duke Louis V. Emperor Johonnes intervenes in the conflict, and the three of them decide to partition Bavaria between their respective rules. '''

''' Ibn Battuta is rescued from the Maldives by a new ship that takes him to Ceylon, where he visits many of the local kingdoms on the island of Sri Lanka. John Maunderville leaves Taiwan and travels to Southeast Asia to visit the Khmer Empire, touring the ancient works of art at the city of Angkor Wat. '''

''' In reaction to the onslaught of the Anglo-French War, the English parliament begins meeting regularly to petition their appeals and ideas to King Edward III directly, increasing their relevancy in English politics. '''

''' The University of Pisa is built in Tuscany. The great sculptor Andrea Pisano works there. '''


 * Free City of Lübeck: The three current Bürgermeisters are Arnold von Bardewik - new blood and therefore the senior of the three mayors; Hans Lüneburg - peer to von Bardewik, with the Saxon quarter of the Hanseatic League practically in his pocket; the elderly Bruno Warendorp - famed for decades of endless support for Lübeck and holder of a mayoral chair in Hamburg. Joined by 20 other councilmen, these three mayors form the Rat of the Hanseatic League. This ruling council is, on paper, a body of elected officials that act in the interest of the community. In reality, however, these are the twenty of the richest men in the Baltic or in Northern Germany. Lübeck's system of government is not particularly unique in the Holy Roman Empire. Indeed, the Emperor has given a number of cities freedom from lieges, save for the Emperor himself. They are de facto independent, and even when held by a landed power - as is the case in Lüneburg - these duchies and counties can only practice a modicum of power over such states. Alone, these city-states are aimless, with no higher goals than to survive. Their influence ends at their city walls. Together, however, these cities can move mountains, dethrone kings, and redirect the courses of rivers. The Hanseatic League is a collection of such city-states. Powerless alone, mighty together. Lübeck intends to prove just how mighty such strength is. The von Bardewik family has been working tirelessly to establish easier routes to Lüneburg. In doing so, the Hanseatic League could reach an era of unprecedented power. Along with the Cardinal of Ratzeburg, the Saxon quarter of the Hanseatic League is nearly a nation unto itself. In the meantime, the Wendish quarter proves itself to be a mighty sea power. From outposts in Russia, across the coast held by the mighty Teutonic Order, along the Pomeranian coast, ships bearing the Hanseatic symbol wield true power throughout the Baltic. Trade from Bohemia-Poland, Lotharingia, and the Rhinelands brings in distant wealth. However, despite each quarter of the Hanseatic League being headed by a different city state, Lübeck holds true power. The Queen City of the Hanseatic League is not only fortunate in its position at the center of so many of these quarters, it is fortunate because it is home to some of the finest and shrewdest traders, economists, engineers, and businessmen in Germany. As Lübeck has earned its place as the crown city of Northern Europe, it intends to keep its position. Historically, the Hanseatic guilds have fought against the Danes as their control over the Oresund gives them a significant clout in Baltic and Northern European trade. Just as Denmark has clashed with the Hansa, so to have they clashed with Sweden. Some suppose the Hanseatic League can trace its origins back to an attempt to curb Danish power in the Baltics. Now, it is time to finish the job. Denmark is in a state of utter chaos. With the crown holding only a thin grasp on its Magistrates, Denmark is on the brink of collapse. The Hanseatic League issues a decree: no vessel bearing a Hanseatic sigil may enter Danish ports. Likewise, any ships bearing the Danish flag will be turned away or even seized in Hanseatic ports. This bars Denmark from trade in the Baltics and in Northern Europe. From Novgorod to London, ports begin to reject all Danish wares. Ships flying the flags of Magistrates, however, will be allowed to trade in Hanseatic ports. This is intended to have a two-fold effect: cause an uprising in the Magistrates against the crown and to provoke Denmark into conflict with any member of the Hanseatic League. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED)
 * The Hanseatic members agree to embargo Denmark
 * King Valdemar IV threatens to close the Danish straits to the Hanseatic members in retaliation
 * Georgia: With a revitalized, and radicalized Muslim Caliphate forming to Georgia’s south, Anastasius adds additional pressure on Trebizond to re-accept Georgian vassalage. Anastasius reverses the accommodationist and semi-isolationist policy championed by his father, David, and instead advocates for the restoration of Georgian hegemony over Greater Armenia and Tabriz. This move is especially popular within the aristocracy – which desires more land, and the church – which seeks to return the region to Christian rule. To further centralize power vested within the King, Anastasius institutes a law that prohibits the ownership of private militias – with the exception of the Dukes. However, under this new law, ducal armies (which are comprised of knights and other armed retainers) cannot be mobilized with the explicit permission of the King. With the death of his late brother, and now exerting absolute power over the army as both its figurehead (King) and its commander-in-chief (Lord High Constable), Anastasius can finally undertake conquests without the risk of the opposition using the acquired territories to meet their own ends. He launches the invasion of the fractured region of eastern Anatolia. Anastasius grants temporary administrative powers to Queen Rusudan, and Queen dowager Oljath. He also makes a will that stipulates that, in the unlikely event of his death, his daughter Tamar will succeed him as the sovereign with the two aforementioned women as co-regents. He uses half of the Royal Guard (~10,000) and manages to raise 20,000 feudal levies. Using the massive surplus accumulated by the Treasury, he grants contracts to private workshops around Tbilisi demanding high-quality war goods such as lances, swords, arrows, and armor. This ensures standardized equipment – increasing the collective efficiency and potency of the army. In the unlikely case of a failure and a Turkish counter-offensive, he reinforces the walled cities of Ani (Kars) and Yerevan. The light cavalry conduct reconnaissance – acquiring information on troop numbers and resources. They also engage in skirmishes – which are intended to whittle enemy troops and waste enemy supplies. They utilize their superior mobility to evade enemy forces. To deal with the Turkish horse–archers, he employs the usage of both the heavily-armored lancers and foot archers (the dismounted light cavalry). The former would exploit the gaps between the horse–archers (assuming they do not tighten their ranks), and the impermeability of their armor, to easily engage in melee. Meanwhile, the latter is effective since the unarmored or lightly-armored horses are an easier target – a disadvantage that is amplified in close range. In addition, the latter may fire directly and indirectly in the second case, the archers are hidden behind hills or behind shields. Similarly, against infantry, both components are used. Against tighter enemy formations, the lancers attack the flanks and/or the rear – using both the incline of the hills and the wedge formation to maximize the shock they inflict. Meanwhile, the light cavalry attack the vanguard – firing their arrows in successive waves to inflict attrition and to produce gaps in enemy ranks. This would leave enemy forces largely surrounded, with the rear opened up to enable enemy retreat. Once the enemy ranks are sufficiently weakened and “loose”, the light cavalry will then engage in melee using their sabers, while the heavy cavalry would split into smaller teams and rout the army remnants. Against looser enemy formations, heavy cavalry is exclusively used. The lancers will fight in small groups or individually – using the gaps in enemy formations and their superior reach to their advantage. The light cavalry surrounds the perimeter to make sure so enemy troops escape, and to ensure that reinforcements – if any, do not arrive. For sieges, incendiary arrows and siege engines (catapults, battering rams, assault towers) are used. Not wanting to waste supplies, he instead identifies a weak spot in enemy fortifications (usually a gate) and concentrates most power there to cause a breach as fast as possible. Despite the Turks being made the enemy, and the threat of radical Islam, he emphasizes the equality of all Georgian subjects – regardless of their religion. However, due to the patronage of the state and generous donations, the Orthodox Church remains the most powerful institution in Georgia. Meanwhile, the Muslim minority (comprising perhaps a fifth to a third of the population) is divided due to the tolerance of heterodoxy. The Christianization of the Azeris in earnest commences, with many upper-class Azeris converting to Christianity and adopting Georgian culture to further their legitimacy. Silver is mined in Imereti, while copper is mined in Kartli; the influx of these metals underpin a thriving economy. Commerce increases. The main export good is cotton cloth; wine, felt, and enamel is also exported but in lesser quantities.
 * Tarascan Empire: The culture of the Azcapotzalco continues to be eradicated and forcibly changed to Michoacan, although at the appeasement of the peoples, a branch of Purépecha polytheism is created, known as Folk Purépecha, or Yolit’ism, which combines aspects of both Purépecha and Tepanec cultures to create a central ideology. The Chicemec people continue to be traded with, while their southern territory is absorbed gradually. Xiti'ism continues to be developed by Izel and his followers. The southern defensive infrastructure is re-built, taking another three years for completion. The southern campaign against the Mixtec continues, as raids and attacks on populated settlements continue. The first school is created by Ohtli, which becomes a center for philosophical debate about nature, physics, and arithmetic while scribes record such discussions. This turns into the first Mesoamerican non-fictional series, under the title of Echeri (Earth). The second arithmetic-based codex to be scribed from Tenoch and Itonen is Tlapōhualmatiliztli Nepapan Echeri (Diverse Mathematics of Earth), which includes the formulas for various shapes, such as squares, triangles, and rectangles, as well as an early formula for finding the volume of a cube. The Second Siege of Pátzcuaro between the forces of Tangáxoan, Nalen and Hiripan occurs near the beginning of the year, with the siege becoming the largest in Tarascan society so far, with nearly 60,000 forces among all three brothers having been pooled. The siege would last nearly a week, ending with Tangáxoan finally decapitating Hiripan, solidifying himself as the true Cazonci. With the remaining forces of Hiripan surrendering and pledging allegiance to him, he requests that Nalhen kneel to him much like he has done to their father, Tariácuri. Nalhen does so, and then proceeds to also decapitate Tangáxoan, proclaiming that this internal conflict was of petty means to a disasterous end, then taking the throne of Cazonci for himself. With the deaths being estimated around 10,000, Cazonci Nalhen proclaims that no conflict over lineage shall occur ever again, writing out a codex of laws that will be followed by all forms of bureaucracy within the Empire known as the Nauatili Tarasco (tr. Laws of Tarascan), as well as dissolving the Tlacame Pátzcuaro and the Tlacame Tenochtitlan to create the Tlacame Tarasco, an assembly of five elected individuals from each territory, numbering fifty-five total. Although the power of the Tlacame Tarasco somewhat limits Cazonci Nalhen's power, he fears that there will eventually be a Cazonci that tries to do something tyrannical or corruptible, so he believes in a strong, central authority while also supporting domestic authority.
 * Papal States: With the death of pope Honorius V, as the Cardinal Secretary Pierre Roger is responsible for destroying the Fisher's ring of the deceased pope. After the celebration of a mass for Honorius' soul, the body of the pontiff is buried in the Basilica of Saint Peter. Now Cardinal Roger start to organize the Conclave to elect a new pope. Before the Conclave, Cardinal Roger, answering the last wish of Honorius V, allows that king Conrad of Bohemia-Poland becomes the patron of the Order of Divine Mercy in Eastern Europe. Since there is no pope to take decisions about the low papal finances, this matter is postponed to after the Conclave, as a palliative Cardinal Roger reduces tempararily the expenses of the papal court. Across the Papal States people start to call the Sisters and Brothers of Divine Mercy as Mercedines. Frederick Capet, now a Cistercian monk, travel to the Cistercian Abbey of Salem in the Alps, where he plans to live. Once again the people pray for the future of the Church while the cardinals are in the Conclave.
 * Sweden-Norway: King Magnus IV & VII of the Bjelbo dynasty enters his 25th year as King of Sweden and Norway. The idea that the young prince Haakon―who is the King's second-born son―should be elected heir of Norway is entertained for a brief moment, but then dismissed by King Magnus after consulting with his advisor, who fears a war of succession would take place. It is affirmed that the eldest son Eric, will be the Swedish king one day, as the succession law says, while Haakon will most likely be given a castle and a wife in the future. The nobility is still reeling from the loss of Denmark just three years prior, and rumors float that King Magnus desires to take Scania, Blekinge, and Halland from the Danes, in order to secure the Oresund for further trading east and west. Several local jarls from Hälsingland and Medelpad send loggers and villagers just a little farther up north along the coast, as they desire resources, but also vie for further territory. In foreign matters, The King declares his wish for closer ties with the Free City of Lübeck in terms of trade. In fiscal policy, taxes are raised by 0.5%, in order to raise funds for a new monastery near Uppsala.
 * Iceland: With Military forces in Greenland Ólaf II is made Duke of Greenland ready to take on any riots. 500 kids are born in Iceland and 50 in Greenland bringing the population to 61,050. The economy grows and Cardinal Ari creates a title within the Icelandic Catholic Church named “The Order of Nordic Piety” and request a formal adoption by the Pope, the Icelandic Cardinal would give it once a year. (Papal Response Needed). In Greenland a The Church of Brunhilde is constructed with a portrait of her being hung there. The army marched to try to take the rest of Greenland and offer people who don’t resist special treatment. (Mod Response Needed).
 * Republic of Venice: Repairs in Kerch continue. With the recent matters in Greece, north Africa and the Italian peninsula, the Senate and the Doge see their opportunities. To the riots in Greece a letter is sent where the help is unfortunatiely declned, however a hint is at the possibility of privately owned mercenary groups.   Further modernization occurs in Corsica, where wine production is cut down by 15%, and the wheat cultivation is increased largely for export. This is done as the previous failing harvests have not affected Crete, however they put a large toll on the natives of the land when most of the wheat is shipped off.
 * Swiss Confederacy: With the revolt in Bavaria being concluded by the partition of the Duchy of Bavaria into Upper Bavaria (ruled by Louis V) and Lower Bavaria (ruled by Stephen II), the 3,000 Swiss mercenaries pledged to Stephen II are recalled to the Confederacy. Additionally, per the terms of the hiring of the mercenaries, there is now a political alliance between the Swiss Confederacy and the Duchy of Lower Bavaria. Hearing the Abbey of Engelberg was reluctant to join the Confederacy before Pope Honorius V's official approval, Bishop of Chur Ulrich V von Lenzburg travels to the Abbey, along with some monks from the Abbey of Einsiedeln in the Canton of Schwyz (like Engelberg, a Benedictine monastery). He assures the abbot that the abbey will retain self-governance over domestic matters as the Canton of Engelberg and will be able to thrive with the defensive and economical benefits of being in the Confederacy, using the monks from Einsiedeln as an example. The Canton of Uri sends an envoy to the valley of Urseren, ruled by local nobility from Uri since 1317, asking to formally incorporate Urseren into the Canton of Uri (OOC: this would essentially expand Uri's southern border to its OTL post-1500 location). (Mod response) Scholars from the Zürich Library work on creating a copy of the Codex Manesse for the Library. Construction of the Western Church of Unterwalden (located just outside Sarnen) completes and Mikel Mendoza (b. 1297), a Basque priest born in Donostia/San Sebastián who fled from the Battle of Tudela in 1323 in the same entourage as Western Patriach Loren Velásquez and the Capets, is appointed head priest. The government works on improving the productivity of sheep and cattle farms by funding the breeding of more animals. The joint military of the Swiss Confederacy focuses on fortifying the borders of the Canton of Zürich adjacent to Habsburg-controlled areas in Aargau and Kyburg.
 * The people of Urseren accepts the envoys of Uri as their lord
 * Jarldom of Vinland: Seeing as their is no chanche of retaking Greenland in the near future, the jarl decides to change the name of the jarldom to the jarldom of Vinland and takes the royal title of jarl of Vinland and Greenland pretender. The jarl decides that the time for the Beothuk campaign to end has come and with an army of 300 royal cavalry, Beothuk captives that tell us their plans the jarl orders a final attack on their last stronghold.(ALGO NEEDED). Meanwhile, the jarl expands the fishing industry which helps the economy recover significantly and is starting to show the first signs of growth.
 * Archduchy of Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": The realm of Lotharingia constantly expands, such as Frisia. John III archduke of Lothier, taking up the title of Duke of Frisia. Fryslân as being in chaos since the fall of the kingdom and then the Franks,which became the frisian freedoms. A land without law or choas, where people had to survive on their own. Altough it is clear by the Archduke that the peasantry of Frisia does not like the new Lotharingian order, New order that is needed to Protect the Trade of Holland and the ally of Gelderen. So his Majesty John III of Lothier decides, to march North to Frisia with his troops. The first company of profesionaly paid and armed soldiers, Together with the Noble's Troops of the Nordgau. This army being a total of 9,000 men, three full cannons and enough material wood and other materials for a couple of trebuchets. While on the sea the Strong Lotharingian Ducal navy finaly gets used, in the Blockade of Frisians ports. Ports such as Emden, Bremerhaven and Harlingen, which now are unable to receive suplies for their merchants, armies and commoners. This combined with the army marching through cities such as Assen, Drachten and sneek, to then stop and keep a garison in those towns. Although many of those garisons are rather small ones, who are just meant to keep the peace and ensure Loyalty to their new Duke. Actions to gain loyalty for the Duke being things like having food reserve, better trade, and being better defended. Although the duke himself does know that he is not yet very popular he wants to change it by having reforms to increase the wealth of the peasantry. While In valkenburg, we offer her count the possibility to be head administrator if he pleads loyalty of Valkenburg to the Duke John III of Reginar(Mod Response). John Doing this as Valkenburg is fully surrounded by the Archducy of his majesty John III, this making campaigns and transport sometimes quite annoying.
 * The Lord of Valkenburg accepts to be a vassal to Duke John if he is given administrative control over all of Aachen.
 * Teutonic Order: With the pagan revolt in the County of Livornia the Grand-master sends 20,000 troops to contain the revolt but not to kill anybody and we send a Diplomat to talk with the leader of the revolt to see what they want and how peace can be achieved. (Mod Respons. Needed). We join the Hansetic Leagues Embargo against Denmark. in the county of Riga Landmeister Englebert von Dolen creates a fund the poor in the county. The Grand-master asks Rome if we can be a patron of the Order for Divine Mercy(Papal Response Needed). the Naval Dockyard in Memal is complete and we officially move our navy there.also Landmeister Ludolf von Wattzua tours the HRE visiting the cities of Lubeck, Trier, Bremen, Aachen, and Cologne.Our Marshal just completed the training of 1,000 Archers raising our army size to 26,500. Landmeister John V of Courland sees the revolts that our occurring in Livonia and wants to seek better relations with the native leaders so he holds a feast in Liepaja and some tribal leaders get along but not that many either. in the County of Livornia Buchard von Dreileben thoughe worried about the revolt he will let the military decide what to do with it. He then starts to build an army training camp on the island of Trakai and will be complete in two years. In the county of Prussia the Briggetine Nuns have gotten a sizable following in Koningsberg and the Grand-master has started to fund them a little bit.most of the winter shelters for the poor have been complete and open to get poor people in a warm building. The Grand-master asks Lubeck for some cannons to be used in our army. (Lubeck Response Needed).
 * Duchy of Eiru: As the war on the continent continues to rage training continues as does funding of the army.
 * Empire of Ethiopia: With the Emperor’s demands for fealty rejected, the Imperial Army of 21,000 men marches into the Horn of Africa, aiming to pacify the Somali tribes and especially to subdue the Warsangali. The Emperor adopts a policy of generosity to those who submit but fierce retribution for those who do not. The few tribes which did submit to the Emperor are allowed to keep their lands and allowed to maintain their rule as semi-autonomous nobles. The Emperor also bestows lavish gifts onto the leaders of the tribes who have surrendered, gifting them exotic Indian spices, Malian gold wares, and Ethiopian horses. The Imperial Army ravages the lands of the tribes that refused to surrender, and the Imperial Army attempts to force a decisive battle between themselves and the disorganized tribes of the Horn [ALGO NEEDED]. The Emperor however hopes to avoid conflict with the Warsangali until first defeating the disorganized tribes between Ethiopia and Warsangali. The army marches along the coast, hoping to use the sea as a supply line. To this end, the Emperor organizes a large fleet of 30 dhows to accompany the army’s march, with the fleet carrying a large amount of supplies. While Amda Seyon carries the Cross into the Horn of Africa, his son Newaya Krestos stays behind in Ethiopia to rule in his father’s stead. Ethiopia enjoys a golden age of culture as trade flows through the Empire, bringing products as well as knowledge and information from faraway lands. The three Imperial cities of Weri’kama Beri, Beri, and Barari continue to thrive as centers of trade, commerce and knowledge. The University at Beri continues to educate its students, the children of Ethiopian vassals and allied rulers as well as vassals. The Emperor continues the Christianization of the conquered territories of the Sultanate of Ifat as well as providing men, money and priests to aid the vassal Kingdom of Axum's attempts to Christianize its populace.
 * Latin Empire of Romania: Emperor William, having completely shattered the Byzantine revolt under John VI - taking the countryside and now Thessalonica - announces that the Latin Empire will be annexing the conquered lands under a restored Kingdom of Thessalonica. The Emperor then turns his attention to the incursion in recently-annexed Latin lands by Stephan of Serbia. A secret diplomatic effort is sent to our allies in Hungary, calling on them to attack Serbia from the north (Hungary response). Meanwhile, our military polices the countryside around the Latin-Serbian border, with parts of the force also involved in ensuring stability in the newly-conquered lands. Notably, the Zealot leaders are all imprisoned and scattered in castles and prisons across the Latin Empire. Gasmouloi (mixed Latin-Greek people) and loyal Greeks from elsewhere in the Empire are sent to Thessalonica, to infiltrate any remaining groups of Zealots and secretly alert the military to their presence, so that they, too, can be taken away. Empress Judith continues her efforts to support Frankification elsewhere in the Empire, particularly in Achaea and Athens, the two longest-held regions and considered to be the core of the Empire. On the diplomatic front, the Emperor, from the front, begins to reach out to the Knights Hospitaller and Kingdom of Cyprus, along with the Duchy of Neopatria. He proposes a mutual defence alliance to be known as the Latin League. The Emperor promises to remain out of internal affairs of these partner nations (particularly emphasized to the Knights and Cyprus, but less so to Neopatria). William emphasizes that the League would have the full backing of the Latin Empire, which in turn has connections across the Mediterranean (Mod Response.)
 * Mod response: The knights Hospitaller and kingdom do accept the offer to join the Latin League, while the Duchy of Neopatria does not respond to the offer.
 * Federation of Padinia: With the merchant families of Naples increasing their resources toward rebellion The federation of Padania sends a messenger to these merchant families proposing indirect involvement in a large variety of ways ranging from loans to mercenaries to other methods. (Mod response for Naples merchants). The guild of Assassins in Florence continues to expand its influence with the master assassin being known as nothing more than “The faceless”. Rumors begin to mill about as to his true identity some think him a Medici others a nobody made somebody. Others a rising merchant family member looking to gain power through any means necessary. The founding of the University of Pisa, is seen as a potential avenue for power for the Faggiuola so very quickly the Spinola’s Medici and Scalzi all look to build universities in their own influence spheres. This causes an influx of intelligent individuals into Pisa at first but with the rumors of larger numbers of universities, the Professors and scholars look to set up their practices throughout northwestern Italy. The military of Padinia is refined so that each area acts more as an independent nation when providing support to Padinian military actions. Each Nation will be required to at minimum provide half of there armed forces available excluding mercenaries all mercenaries are to be financed through the Mercenary bank which has come under the control of the council. Economically the trade throughout Padinia reaches higher levels as more people feel safe to travel between the nations and feel as though taxes on travelling are lower which they are due to less large influence areas for individual families. The combined naval fleet of Padinia continues to be increased with roughly 100 ships, 40 war vessels 60 trade vessels, being brought to the table yearly from both Genoan and Pisan production. The military vessels in peacetime are mainly used to deter rogue factions from disrupting trade along longer trade routes mainly to Mali as well as guarantee the safety when travelling through Hispania which all of Padinia continues to distrust greatly.
 * Mercenaries are accepted as previously mentioned.
 * Tian China: With the chaos ongoing in the Middle East continuing this year, our trade through the Silk Road begins to be impacted, and our economy slightly suffers for it. As a result, many merchants continue to begin using Taiwan as a jumping off point to launch trading expeditions to the nations farther south of us such as the Khmer and the various Filipino Kingdoms. Although these nations continue to not be directly traded with due to their non-tributary status, indirect and non-official trade continues to take place in increasing amounts, as many groups of traders continue to independently trade with these regions. This also results in a slight boost in the economy of the southern regions and helps to bring greater amounts of trade and prosperity to Taiwan, with it begin especially concentrated in Chinese Taiwan, which continues to receive a steady stream of immigration from the mainland, and increasing urbanization and growth in size of the various ports and cities springing up all over the tiny island due to Chinese investment and patronage. The colonization Of Manchuria also continues this year, with more and more of the natives being pushed out as a great many Chinese people continue to arrive in the region, driven by government promises of land and prosperity. The crackdown on the various corrupt nobles and beuracrats that has been ongoing since the Emperor first took power continues, with the powers of various local governments continuing to be decreased as the emperor begins sending official representatives of his will to the more distant regions to those areas on the fringes which had previously escaped said authority. The persecution of Christianity and forced assimilation of the nations various minorities also continues to be implemented in this year, as the emperor becomes more and more strict and authoritarian in his interpretation and application of Confucian/legalist law and thought, and enforces these laws on the rest of the nation. He also reaches out to the Laotian kingdom bordering Vietnam, offering a normalization of trading relations in exchange for official recognition of Chinese supremacy (AKA becoming a tributary)  (Mod Response needed!)
 * The Shan states of Vietnam accept being a tributary of China
 * Nyazwe: Development of the economy continues under the government, with focus on resource extraction and development of additional centers of trade outside of the capital region. The coal mines of the southeastern districts are developed more fully into centers of importance to the state, with two misasa sent to Mbabane to secure the resources. In the west, the population of Akashinga grows steadily, reaching a total of some 30,000 inhabitants by the end of the year. On the coast, the naval growth of Nyazwe slowly continues with the direction of the Ministry of Means, with another two military vessels added to the fleet and a complement of a hundred sailors. These two ships are sent to Muromo Weshiri to serve as the southern half of the navy's patrol in that region of the waters approaching Nyazwe. Faraism continues to grow in popularity, now that all other competition in the region has been crushed and its advocates eliminated by the state. Within the interior of the country, as the amount of reading material in the land grows and the budget for the education system in Nyazwe becomes more efficient, the literacy rate climbs higher and higher without much direct intervention from the government. Many families have adults in their households who have been literate for some years now, and can effectively teach their children how to read and write with the new stock of paper and writing materials flowing into the markets of Nyazwe. In the central regions, the schools of Khami and Danangombe become famed centers of learning as the publishing industry in that area matures. The literacy rate for the country is estimated to be approximately 30% of the adult population, with a large proportion of these individuals hailing from the lower and middle classes now. Overall, the outlook for Nyazwe is deemed "stable" by the Hamadzese, which delivers a report on the propose policies for the state to Zvakane Akashinga as requested. Within, plans outlining the future conquest of the San territories to the west are provided, including plans for their integration into the population as citizens and the erasure of their culture and identity as a people in line with the goal of "civil compliance" within Faraism. Though he opposes the expansion of the state into the west beyond the existing infrastructure of Nyazwe, Akashinga agrees to prepare the Vakadanwa for an invasion of the San tribal lands in the west within a few years, so as to better ensure the preparation of the military for this task.
 * You didn't have writing a generation ago. Take it slower
 * Abassid Caliphate: Upon the conquest of Syrian Mamluk territory in 1341 the Abassid army attempted to march upon Damascus and besiege, but were prevented from doing so by the subversive actions of the Syrian Underground who have intercepted letters of communication between generals and their commanders, stopping orders from being conducted effectively, in addition to secret supply raids during this time of confusion. For this reason, the invasion was haulted, instead focusing on countering, finding, and executing these active Syrian subversives and revitalizing the command structure into a more effective, more organize, and a far less vulnerable fighting force, focusing on defending and consolidating the conquered land while reforming and retraining the army. Now the Abassid Army is ready, having effectively dealt with the Syrian Underground, and we advance upon Damascus and besiege the city. The Georgian denouncement of the Caliphate draws alarm from Caliph Al-Hakim II, further intensified by their subsequent invasion of Anatolia, Aleppine Cicilia mobolizes their forces to defend from a surprise Georgian invasion of the Caliphate's edge, setting up fortifications along the border. 

1344
'''Habemus papam! Cardinal-Secretary Pierre Roger is eleceted the new Pope, taking on the papal name Pope Clement V. One cardinal-elector whispers to him "may you live long, although you will not live as long as Peter".'''

'''A new instance of bubonic plague sweeps across the Yangzte region of central China, now commonly known as the "Black Death" because of its horrific death rate. By the end of the year it has already reached the pacific coast of Jiangan. A new famine also appears, the malnutrition from which exasparates the issue of disease.'''

'''In the Byzantine Civil War, the desparate Emperor John VI establishes alliances abroad to restore his military in fighting back against the revolting regency. He gains 15,000 Turkish mercenaries from Ottomans to support his campaign in Rodope, while he also establishes an alliance with Stephan the Mighty of Serbia. Serbia proceeds to attack the Latin Empire with 30,000 troops invading Eprius to cut them off from Albania. '''

'''The Latin Kingdom of Thessaloniki is established, but continues to suffer protests and assassinations from the Zealots. They join the Latin League of nations along wtih the Knights of Rhodes, the Kingdom of Cyprus, and the Duchy of Neopatria.'''

'''The Saint George's Uprising spreads into Danish-controlled Estonia. King Valdemar's attempts to suppress the revolt are strained due to the economic pressure from the Hanseatic League. He considers the best course of action will be to sell the colony and recover his finances. He also closes the Danish straits to the Hanseatic League, hoping this closing of the Baltic Sea will provoke them to lift the embargo, while his economy continues to suffer.'''

Three banks in Florence go bankrupt as a result of earlier financal collapse.

'''After ascending the mountain of "Adam's peak" in Ceylon, Ibn Battua travels further east and arrives at Bengal, the farthest eastern provinces of the Indian Sultanate. He moves from there south to visit the Indonesian states in Sumatra, particularly the Sultanate of Kampar that controls both sides of the strait of Malacca. John Maunderville goes further south in Indoensia and visits the Javanese states of Pajajaran and Majapahit, before moving further east to visit the kingdom of Tondo, and from there to a variety of mystical tropical islands out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the farthest anyone would travel for some time.'''

'Bridget of Sweden begins recording visions and messages from God, which she writes down in her book called Revelations.'' She advisers the King of Sweden that he should not raise any taxes unless its for defensive wars or Crusades to crush the heathens. She is praised for her pacifism in this regard.'''

The French novel Perceforest is composed anonymously in Brussels, detailing a fanciful origin for the Knights of the Round table and the Sword in the Stone for the Kings of Britain.

'''A strange book is discovered in Byzantine-controlled Anatolia, leather-bound and written in both Turkish and Greek. Titled The Gospel of Barnabas, it claims that Jesus Christ never claimed to be the Messiah or the Son of God, but instead said that another prophet named Ahmed would come after him as the Messiah. It further claims that Jesus did not die on the cross, but was miraculously saved and replaced by Judas Iscariot in disguise. The other eleven disciples claimed that Jesus was the Son of God, but Barnabas alone wrote this gospel to preserve the truth.'''

'''More Beothuk rally to the defense of their tribesmen. Though they do not hold an overarching political entity, tales of the slaughter of the Beothuk by 'ghost men' spread far and wide. The forces to the south of Meelpareg Lake are joined by other men from nearby tribes and launch a counterattack.'''


 * Abbasid Caliphate: The broken Mamluk army of 9,000 retreating south is pursued to Jerusalem, where the Abbasid Army declares "We must take Jerusalem", for it is Islam's third holiest city, thus the Caliph has the right to conquer it in righteous holy conquest, the Caliph's soldiers going from Damascus to Damascus Gate, known to the Muslims as Bab el-Amud, soon to be  Bab al-Nasr upon Abbasid victory in Jerusalem, besieging al-Quds, the Holy Sanctuary. Al-Quds is ours, God has blessed us with victory in the Holy Sanctuary. However the Holy Sanctuary is surrounded by the enemies of God, and the Abassid Army prays to God that they will defend themselves from any countersiege that the Mamluks bring, rebuilding the heavy equipment and reiorienting the siege equipment and artilerry to defend Al-Quds, taking positions at not only the Damascus Gate but in Mount Zion and the Mount of Olives to more effectively defend the city, denying the Mamluks advantageous siege locations. The Caliph calls upon 12,000 Holy Warriors from all across the Caliphate, converging in Damascus, where they march upon the 10,000 Mamluks in Hazor to end the surroundment of Al-Quds as the Al-Quds Army heavily fortifies and goes into full defensive mode, ready for any attack, standing wall to wall, mountain to mountain as an unbreakable defense, unyielding, forever holding onto Jerusalem. Assuming victory in Hazor, the 12,000 relief forces are to drive what's left of the 10,000 Mamluks into the Sea of Galilee
 * Mali Empire: Mansa Musa, in his great old age, leaves behind a legacy of the Mali Empire in a golden age. The mass education system of the Mali Empire allows all the West African cultures to better and more easily communicate with each other, allong the vast road system and trade network of the empire. The reformed agricultural system has allowed a vastly larger growth of population in Mali, and this instigates the Emperor to further increase the size and effectiveness of the military. No conscription is held in the empire, but rather Musa uses the excess finacnes of the treasury to expand the supply of personal retainers hired from all various corners of the empire. For the integration of the newly-conquered lands in Nigeria, the Gbara offers the people to gain full citizenship in the empire if they join in the imperial military or a local feudal noble, as long as they convert to Islam as well. Several new hand cannons are added to the military to give them a decisive edge over the Yoruba people, knowing the cavalry advantage will be of less use. For further integration of peoples, secret societies of Mande people are sponsored at various local polities across the empire, sponsored by the local mass education system. These are particularly well known in Dakar, Niani, Gao, Timbuktu, Daura, and Ngini. Islamic missionaries are also sent to the Atlantic coast to spread Islam to the peoples south of Bononam and Ife. At last, in his old age Musa appoints the smooth transition of his power to be divided between his three sons, Abu Bakr, Ayyob, and Musa the Younger.
 * Jarldom of Vinland: With the counterattack being on its way, the royal cavalry sees a massive increase with 500 cavalry rallying to the defense, led by the jarl herself,Their sheer presence is a source of fear for the Beothukian tribes. Meanwhile, the jarl appoints her youngest daughter as regent should she perish in the battle. (more to come after algo is done)
 * Georgia: Anastasius continues his campaigns in eastern Anatolia against the Eretnids. He replenishes his army, so it remains at ~30,000. Similarly to his first campaign, only one-third of the expedition force are regulars. To make sure that the feudal levies are compliant, they are given tax exemptions. He splits the expeditionary force into two: one is sent to besiege the important city of Erzurum, and another is sent to conquer the rest of the region. Erzurum is besieged from three directions, by groups of ~5,000 each. Weak points in enemy fortifications – such as gates, or thinner parts of the wall – are identified, and targeted. Many siege engines (counterweight catapults, battering rams) as well as escalades to help scale fortifications, are used. Various assault covers are used to defend Georgian troops from enemy fire. As the siege may take many months, troops besieging Erzurum are given substantial supplies. The light cavalry – asides from manning supply lines and providing intelligence – also serve as couriers, thus maintaining communications with the central command. The remaining 15,000 troops fight under usual tactics. In dealing with horse–archers, foot archers are used at a range (since the horses are often unarmored – which coupled with their size, makes them easy targets) while heavily-armored lancers engage them in melee (exploiting the gap between each one). Against tight infantry formations, the lancers attack the flanks and rear using the wedge formation – if possible, they also use the incline of the hills. The light cavalry attack the vanguard – firing their arrows in successive waves to inflict attrition. Once a gap is created, the light cavalry engage in melee using sabers while the heavy cavalry split into smaller teams and initiate the final rout. Against looser infantry formations, heavy cavalry is explicitly used; the light cavalry surrounds the perimeter to prevent escape or reinforcements. The Crown Princess Tamar is sent to the Gelati Academy to be educated. Tamar, not wanting to detract from her distant ancestor Tamar the Great, requests that she is to be referred to by her second name Aaliyah – which means “rising” in Hebrew, and “exalted” in Arabic. Aaliyah, as she is now called, would become well-liked for her jovial personality and calm but strong demeanor. Many hope that, like her namesake, and her father and grandfather, she will rule competently and usher Georgia into the next “golden age”. Meanwhile, Oljath dies, aged ~70. She is buried alongside Anastasius’ father, David VIII the Great, in the Gelati Monastery. Not wanting to lower morale and get rid of crucial leadership, Anastasius does not take time to participate in her funeral (though the Queen participates in his place); however, he makes a pledge to take the Armenian lands in her name. Anastasius designates his cousin, Duke of Samstkhe and the Royal Vizier, Qvarqvare Jaqeli, as the replacement co-regent in case of his death. Silver is mined in Imereti, while copper is mined in Kartli; the influx of these metals underpin a thriving economy. Commerce increases. The main export good is cotton cloth; wine, felt, and enamel is also exported but in lesser quantities.
 * Sultanate of Hindustan: The construction of roads, trade routes and serais continues. The Waqf institutions continue opening and maintaining Bimaristans (Hospitals), pharmacies and small schools of religious education for Muslims handled by the Chishtiyya Sufis. The Waqf institutions are supported by the Zakat part of the treasury. The Diwan-i-Amir-Kohi continues propagating better farming and irrigation practices. The Sultan maintains a standing army of 12 tumen. Four tumen are stationed in Kabulistan at the forts of Balkh and Kabul. Two tumen are stationed in Sindh, in Thatta and Sekhwan. Three tumen are stationed in Sultanpur. Two tumen are stationed in Dhar and Alaipur (Devagiri). To control the East, the Eastern Road is expanded to Sonargaon in Bengal. The postal system continues to expand. The Sultan orders a massive expansion of the Alaipur Fort, which would act as the gateway to the Deccan. The city of Balkh has now been rebuilt completely and begins regaining its importance as a center of trade between the East and the West. The practice of crop rotation of flax/wheat and barley is now well established in India’s wheat-producing regions and the practice of horticulture is also spreading with a push from the Sultan and his nobles especially in Kabulistan. The practice of crop rotation has increased the agricultural output by many times and this has led to an aggressive expansion of cultivable land by cutting down the forests in the wheat-producing regions of India, the income of these farmers has increased significantly and instances of famines has been reduced. The growth of cities and small towns in the region has been augmented because of these developments. As a result,the Punjab province has grown to become the largest source of revenue for the Sultanate. Qawwali begins spreading across India and into the villages. The construction of roads, trade routes and serais continues. The Waqf institutions continue opening and maintaining Bimaristans (Hospitals), pharmacies and small schools of religious education for Muslims handled by the Chishtiyya Sufis. The Waqf institutions are supported by the Zakat part of the treasury. The Diwan-i-Amir-Kohi continues propagating better farming and irrigation practices.
 * Tarascan Empire: Yolit’ism grows in popularity, primarily due to its mixed nature of the various polytheistic dieties and beliefs, while also being a central ideology for the enveloping of the Mesoamerican people under guided faith. Xiti'ism is expanded, becoming known as "Huit'zi'lichial" by Izel and his followers, with their scrolls now including mythological figures of the Achtoquetl (the "First"). A Purepechan priest named Ezcoh devises that the liberalist approach to religion in the Empire is of serious nature, and decides to write his own codex known as the Tlākah Neltokokāyotl (Faith of the People), a heavily conservative and bare-bones approach to the Purepecha pantheon and faith. Tlatoa Tlahtohcāyōtl i Echeri (Talking about the State on Earth) is published, being a dialogue and a constructive criticism of the traditional State model of the Tarasco, although logicians and philosophers agree that the newest form of the state is better. Within these dialogues exerts the idea of Achikuāli Weitlahtokāyotl (Best Empire; Utopia), the idea of what would constitute a perfect society. They exert that the primary support for the existence of an Achikuāli Weitlahtokāyotl would be the exchange of the imperial system for one of the Tlākah (People), stating that although the Cazonci is divine in his own right, the new system would operate in an elective Cazonci, as their faith is vested into the power of the Cazonci's divine right, stating that the views and policies of the Tlākah should be the state's central ideology. They also discuss the positions of the Tlākah themselves, asserting that, in addition to the Cazonci being empowered via themselves, they would need to be committing to their own positions on the local level to achieve such prosperity. Cazonci Nalhen, in his first year as Cazonci, sets a period for ten years of internal and cultural development. With this, general defenses begin being built in all aspects of the Empire in its territory, expected to be completed within a period of six years, based on the existence light defenses having already been built in the south only being updated, while the remaining borders are re-inforced. With the language script for Nahuatl-Purepecha having been completed and promoted among nobles and intelligent peoples, he devises that the first teaching program should be developed, and lays out a rought draft for how such an institution would function. Large-scale urbanization is conducted around the cities of Pátzcuaro, Tzintzuntzan, and Tenochtitlan.
 * Sweden-Norway: King Magnus and the nobility react with anger when they hear that Denmark has closed the straits, effectively blocking Stockholm and Visby from trading with Western Europe by sea. This further convinces the nobility that Denmark must be crushed, as they are summoned by King Magnus to his court to hear of his secret plans for a war with the aforementioned country. The King takes Bridget's advice to not raise taxes, unless for defensive wars or crusades, as he reverses the tax rate by 0.5, to its original state. King Magnus once again expresses his wishes for closer economic ties with Lübeck. Stockholm expands, as roads are built in the area.
 * Papal States: One week after the end of the Conclave, Pierre Roger is crowned as pope Clement V in the Basilica of Saint Peter. One month after his coronation, the pope creates as cardinals Niccolò Capocci (Papal States) and his French nephews Nicolas de Besse and Pierre de Beaufort. Cardinals Etienne Aubert and Andrew Corsini are critics of the Clement's decision of creating nephews as cardinals. Clement gives the position of Cardinal-Secretary to Nicolas and Pierre is sent to Avignon as the new administrator. The pontiff also sent bankers from the Bank of Rome to establish a bank in Avignon to help manage the financies of this new papal province. Due to the current status of the papal financies, Clement decides to reduce drastically the money given by the Church to works of charity until the papal financies recover. To compesate this reduction, the pope writes the bull Caritas. In this bull, he says that the charity is one of the greatest Christian virtues and is an obligation of all the faithful Christians do acts of charity. In the bull the pope announces the creation of the Fund of Charity, to receive donations from across Europe. These donations will be used in the works of charity of the Church. As Saint James said, the faith without works is dead, those who donate for the fund will show that are true Christians. Copies of the bull are distributed across Europe and Clement asks the clergy to encourage the nobles to make donations. He also writes to Bridget of Sweden asking her help to convince the nobles of Sweden to donate for the Fund [MOD response needed, please]. His cardinal-nephew Nicolas is made the adminisrator of the Fund of Charity. A family member is the most reliable candidate for such an important task. Due to the trainning offered by the military centers the Papal Army grows to 10,400 men. As asked by the Grand-Master of the Teutonic Order, Clement sends some members of the Order of Divine Mercy to Teuton territory. Due to pope Sixtus IV having established a limit of how much of the papal treasure must be used to maintain the papal court, pope Clement uses his own fortune to live in relative luxury. Seeking company, he asks for an exotic and affable creature to be sent for him from Mali [Mali response needed, please]. Clement asks for a visit of the Maronite patriarch Youhanna VII [Abassid Caliphate response needed, please]. The Holy Father approves the creation of the Order of Nordic Piety by Cardinal Ari Arason. (Secret) Clement writes to Philip of Valois and Victor Capet seeking a secret meeting between them and their allies in Avignon to discuss the fate of the French throne and the ongoing war with England. The pope's nephew, Cardinal Pierre will act as the legate of his Holiness in the meeting (End of Secret) [MOD and France response needed, please].
 * Mansa Musa, the Lion Africa, etc., sends a small several kittens to Rome, along with a small chest of gold as a tolkein of his appreciation.
 * Bridget of Sweden works with the Pope's orders in Sweden.
 * Maronite Response: Patriarch Youhanna VII accepts Pope Clement V's request to visit him in Rome after learning of the Abbasid Caliphate's conquest of Jerusalem, asking the Pope why the Caliph's Armies have taken Jerusalem while the Crusader's have failed to reconquer Jerusalem. Does God not desire his people to rule the Holy Land? What is the Lord's timing?
 * Iceland: 550 kids are born bringing the population to 63,000. Extra 500 men are deployed in Greenland to take it bring the size to 2,500. The Order of Nordic Piety is given to general Róbert Arnarsson for his fighting in the Granada Crusade and conquering Greenland for the lord. An alliance is proposed between Iceland, Sweden and Ireland (player response needed).
 * Mayapan League: The Mayapan League, faced with a declining culture and decaying infrastructure, is reorganized into the League of Mayan States, governed by a council of local authorities representing various areas of the Yucatán. The role of High Councilor is assigned to Ahmakiq of Mayapan. Ahmakiq calls the Council to Mayapan to discuss plans to prevent the collapse of the League. Various plans are outlined, including plans to reclaim previously abandoned cities, such as the once great Chichen Itza, linking the great cities of the region such as Ek Balam, Tulum, and Yaxuná with trade routes, expanding farming operations by cutting into forested lands, and reaching out to neighboring nations. A somewhat controversial policy bans the practice of human sacrifice, which some conservative elements see as an attack on the traditional religious practices of the Mayans, though the Council frames it as an effort to preserve the lives of potentially useful individuals to the nation. Some suspect that this is actually a play by Ahmakiq to wrestle power away from the holy men. Envoys travel west to the Tascaran Empire to discuss possible trade agreements. Scouts to the south report hostile nations on the Pacific Coast, particularly K’iche’, a Mayan kingdom centered on the city of Q’umarkaj.
 * Republic of Venice: The reparations in Kerch are finished, and it becomes one of the first cities (after Venice and Padua) to have fully paved roads within and around the city. The Latin Empire is offered aid in the coming war with Serbia and the Byzantines in form of mercenaries and loans, in regards with the Treaty of Venice in which the Latin Empire entered an alliance with the Republic of Venice (LATIN EMPIRE RESPONSE PLEASE). Furthermore, cannons are now adapted to a majority of the fighting navy, while the largest ships in the commercial navy are equipped with cannons as well. Hispanic influence in the peninsula becomes more of a threat, and Venice offers an alliance to Naples, which would also include favorable banking policies (as Florence is bankrupt by now and Venice would fill this void) and military aid to help with the civil unrest Naples is facing currently (NAPLES/MOD RESPONSE PLEASE). The Senate pushes the idea of a permanently standing and combat ready army and navy further, mathematicians and economists are hired to help calculating what a large scale war would require in labour, resources and soldiers to sustain a standing army of 50,000. For that reason,a census is ordered in Venice proper and all colonies (MOD RESPONSE PLEASE). It is expected to have a large population boom, since modern farming techniques and fairly good harvests along with a growing economy have contributed to this. As the Pope has called the great states of Christendom to participate in the Caritas, and since venice is such a great and serene nation, the Doge writes a letter to the pope, offering a cooperation, in which nuns and monks from Rome and their doctors would set up hospitals in the large urban areas of the Venetian republic for the poor, since these are often disease rife and barely any of them have the money to get a proper treatment. The papacy would give access to skilled doctors while Venice would fund the construction and maintaining of the hospitals by large scale donations (PAPAL RESPONSE PLEASE).
 * James of Mallorca accepts the help
 * Venice proper has a total population of 182,000 people, and their colonies in combined have a total population of 15,184 Venetians, and approximately 248,000 other people groups.
 * Papal diplomacy: Pope Clement V happily accepts and sends monks and nuns of the order of Divine Mercy to Venice. With them also comes physicians of the Hospital of Rome.
 * Swiss Confederacy: Bishop of Chur Ulrich V von Lenzburg visits the Prince-Bishopric of Sion, which borders the Canton of Bern, and suggests to them to join the Swiss Confederacy in order to give them better defensive protection against brewing conflicts in France and Italy and to facilitate greater cooperation between the Bishoprics of Sion and Chur as well as the Confederacy's abbeys and the Western Church of Unterwalden. The Prince-Bishopric would retain domestic self-governance as the Canton of Sion. (Mod response) The central council of the Swiss Confederacy pays close attention to the succession crisis in Naples, while continuing to support Victor Capet in the French succession crisis; 3,000 Swiss mercenaries remain pledged to Victor Capet in the Anglo-French conflict. Zürich scholars complete their copy of the Codex Manesse, which is placed in the Zürich Library and attracts scholars from across the Holy Roman Empire to study it. After discussions with the central council, Ulrich V von Lenzburg writes to the Order of Divine Mercy, offering them some land east of the city of Schwyz (to be donated by the Canton of Schwyz) to establish a priory in the Confederacy. (Papal response) The central council and the Bishopric of Chur also donate to Pope Clement V's new Fund of Charity. Heinrich von Lenzburg (b. 1290), younger brother of Bishop Ulrich V and representative of the Restored House of Lenzburg in the central council, becomes a grandfather when his son Ulrich VI (b. 1314) has a son, Heinrich II, in 1344. The government works on recruiting more mercenaries to work in this Swiss armed forces. The joint military of the Swiss Confederacy, meanwhile, works on fortifying the long southern border of the Cantons of Bern and Uri (including the new Urseren territory) by placing gatehouses on several mountain passes.
 * Papal diplomacy: Pope Clement V thanks the donation and a group of monks and nuns go to Switzerland.
 * As in previous precedence, the Archbishop defers to the Pope's permission to join the confederacy.
 * Papal diplomacy: The pope also allows the participation of the Prince-Bishopric of Sion in the Confederacy.
 * Teutonic Order: After mostly containing the revolt in our nation we send a member of the Order for Divine Mercy to talk to the pagan leader to see what they want and how peace can be achieved. (Mod Response Needed). We start giving the hand-cannons we purchased to 1,000 troops in our army. The Grand-Master is impressed by the book Revelations and orders the publishing and selling of the books across the nation. We begin the construction of a port in chelmno and is expected to be complete in two years. In the County of Memel the Gregory Cathedral is damaged by a fire this year,Landmeister Ludolf von Wattzua pays for the rebuilding and will take three years to fully rebuild.We congratulate Pope Clement V on becoming the pope and the Grand-master gives a gift of money,bread,and wine to the pope. in the County of Couland Landmeister John V enacts land reform to help farmers during the troubling winters that are getting colder and colder as each year passes.in the County of Livornia Landmeister Buchard von Dreileben is now worried about the revolt and enacts a curfew in Reval to stop any rebellious activity.also the road to Reval from Koningsberg is finished but it is not opened until the revolt ends. Bayenburg Castle is built in the County of Memel. Soldau Castle is built in the County of Courland. Ordensberg Castle is built in the County of Prussia. in the County of Riga the Blackheads house is built housing Landmeister Engelbert von Dolen. A priest warns he had a vision a great plague coming soon but nobody believed him
 * Archduchy of Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": The Archduke with the ongoing Situation in Fryslân takes control of the troops himself, With glamorous armour with a Lothier Tabert made of English wool in Antwerp. His Majesty John III together with his partialy noble, partialy profesional army,marches to the City of Drachten. This is done with the help of three cannons, two rams and a lot of dig work, combined with work done by the profesional army repairing and using the roads of the frisian enemy. The duke and his newly reinforced army ask his allies of Luxembourg and Gelderen to aid in installing imperial power back into frissia(Mod response). The archduke asking for this help as it is feared that the peasants will use unconventional forms of Warfare, which aim at lowering morale and material instead of having a proper battle. This tactic would instead of high risk battle, would mean less risk but a longer drain on the Duchy. John III wanting to prevent a drain on the economy and Global trade this could possibly cause. Economics which are helped by the amouth of ships and Merchants Brabant has, which are only increasing more and more. These ships now with the trouble in Frissia being build by the masses, a total of 20 being build this year. These large numbers being aided by the standardisation of Lotharingian Mesurements around the Brabantine Feet and mile, these in combination of making ships with the same plan improves their speed. Altough there are some issue's with Dialects and just slight misunderstandings due to the fact that Lotharingian is not a unified language, but a combination of dialects. Dialects which Lotharingia has many with John III himself trying to mostly speak in an Aachen dialect of Lotharingian, as it is the dialect of Prestige since Charlemagne and Otto the Great. John III often writing his orders in this variant of Lotharingian, the duke requesting the Parliament of Mechelen to do the same. As it is a good compremise between the eastern german and this western lotharingian variant. John III writing to the Count of valken "Eck sie dien vraaghes aber, eck kan das nie anworre op diesere moment. Als eck ben in die krieges gegen das verra'e gegen fryskelan".
 * Luxembourg and Guelders agree to support Lothraingia for control of Frisia
 * Tian ChinaWith the reemergence of the so called Black Death once again in the provinces bordering the Yangtze River, and the subsequent famine that emerges around the same time, the emperor is thrown into a panic at the thought of what this could potentially mean for him and for his dynasty in the future. Beginning to fear that these disasters are a sign that heaven is displeased with his efforts in purifying China of its enemies and the barbarous heathens within its borders, he takes this as a sign that he needs to massively ramp up his efforts to destroy Christianity and Mongolian culture inside China, and begins to believe that the gods will only lift these curses on the Middle Kingdom once these goals are accomplished. Thus, the Emperor begins to become even more vicious in his attempts to destroy Christians in China. He begins his renewed campaign to exterminate the religion within Chinese borders by declaring that the Christians are “like rats, breeding and spreading throughout the walls of the great celestial kingdom, and rotting its foundations from within”, and that the heaven would only lift their curse on the great celestial empire once this is accomplished and the state is purified. With this perfect scapegoat effectively aquired, the army is sent into these provinces to forcefully kill or evict any remaining Christians within the lands now effected by the plague, and any animals or property they may own are killed before the properties they owned are redistributed to those who are loyal to the empires principles, to help them deal with the famine and to get food production back on track. Toohelp deal with the food shortages and crop shortage in the region, large amounts Of food are also brought into the region from elsewhere in China, in order to deal with this malnutrition issue and hopefully help to stop this plague's horrific spread. The early declaration also results in an increasing targeting of animals that and people that are seen as “unclean” within the provinces, such as rats, pigs (a carry over from the short Christian period, which left some cultural impact despite the short period of its existence and the increasing attempt said to stamp out any reminders of its existence) am dogs, well those animals which are still edible are then cooked and redistributed to the peasantry in many cases. In order to compensate for this and make the famine unlikely to get even worse as a result of these killings, more acceptable animals and livestock from other provinces and brought into these provinces from elsewhere in the empire, in order to compensate for the loss of those animals killed in these purges and ensure a greater supply of food in the province. However, although these efforts will eventully begin to slow the spread of the plague (along with the killing of many of the plague victims and quarantine of entire villages and towns which are effected), these efforts wil, take a long time to fully mobilize and be in full effect, and as a result of this the plague is still able to continue spreading along the Yangtze and eventully reach Jingan, and thus the coastal regions of China. The colonization Of Taiwan still continues, but in much lesser numbers than previously due to the focus on dealing with the new famines and plague outbreak resulting in less attempts by the government to encourage people to move there.
 * Japanese Empire: Emperor Katsumoto this year convenes the Yamato court this year now with a multitude of new issues to tackle. First is the establishment of the the Yamato courts from a less advisory role into a more integrated force in ruling and administering Japan. The Emperor presiding over the council anoints its more influential bureaucrats, The current four noble houses of Japan, and its most influential merchant families titles on the Join the newly formalized house of legislature replacing the Yamato courts of the Previous Emperor and effectively replacing the longstanding policy of forcing nobles and their entire families to uproot for nearly 1/3rd of the year to maintain presence in the capital. The Lower segment of the nobility, bereaucrats, and merchant families are delegated to the lower form of representation, the Councillor General. While final say still remains in the hands of the emperor it becomes clear that Katsumoto understands the necessity of maintaining the confidence of his subjects. This move is seen as popular and gives a clear balance on imperial power while also formalizing the process in how new laws and levies are placed on the country. The first rule of order for the new Join and Councillor General is the status of Buddhism in Japan. While somewhat tied and syncretic with Shinto some see it as a blight or "infection" into the divine religion of Japan. The Emperor however, sees the support and increase in syncreticism with Buddhism a necessity for maintaining social order and with support of much of the Join and Councillor General support the move as well. The Formal integration of the Buddhas are taken in Japan as well as codifying existing syncretic traditions. An unpopular move is undertaken however, as trade with China is lessened to prevent the plague which has overtaken regions of china from spreading to Japan. Even trade to Korea is lessened and Ships are left in port with their crews forced to stay on the ship at port until it is proven clear that the plague has no overtaken the ship and its crew. This does cause a relative hit on the income of Japan but with various traders having observed the outbreak of the plague in the Yangtze region has obviously spooked many enough to undertake these measures. The settlement of Aimoi is expanded once again with a series of barracks for inspired fur traders and explorers looking to range into the frontiers and unexplored regions beyond any known borders to claim furs. The expansion of the roadway network continues with engineers and laborers working to connect various smaller towns and cities into the network. A series of direct transport ports are expanded acting as gateways for the opening of the roadway network on the other islands as the construction of the first elements of the Roadway network on Shikoku and Kyushu are undertaken. The Main roadway network throughout much of Japan is expected to be completed within the next few years as Shikoku and Kyushu are notable smaller than the main Island of Honsu. The expansion into Sakhalin this time is led in a more organized fashion as various native villages are integrated into a sort of proto local governance and the main charter trade port of Otomari sees an influx of families from the traders permanently stationed on the island. Hokkaido has seen a serious upswing in activity over the last few years as waves of settlers and the growth of the local Ainu population has given the local government a serious increase in productivity and tax revenue. The availability of land has also given rise to a few new local nobles having their status as minor daimyo confirmed by the Tachibana and the Imperial court itself as Emperor Katusomoto seeks to solidify his control over the island. The population remains unclear as the Census has effectively excluded the island for having lacking production and population as of late. However its central route on the fur trade coming out of the north has made it an attractive location to purchase land or settle down.
 * Empire of Ethiopia: With the Imperial Army victorious over the combined forces of the disorganized tribes in the northern Horn of Africa, Ethiopia wastes no time in establishing its control over the area. Their combined forces defeated, most if not all of the tribes submit to Ethiopian rule. An Imperial Governor is appointed to rule over the newly conquered tribes. With the northern tribes defeated, the Imperial Army continues its drive east and now moves against the Warsangali tribe. The Imperial Army begins ravaging Warsangali lands, attempting to provoke the tribe into open battle [ALGO NEEDED]. With the Emperor away, Newaya Krestos continues to govern the nation in his father’s stead. The Crown Prince continues to promote trade and the development of Ethiopia’s road network. The Ethiopian trade guild assembles its first trade fleet, a small collection of eight Dhows. The Ethiopian trade fleet makes its way to India as the first Ethiopian trade fleet to sail overseas (thought not the first Ethiopian trader). Ethiopian literature continues to flourish during this time, as the University at Barara and the continued exposure to foreign writing and culture continues to advance Ethiopia culturally. Ethiopian literature is mainly religious in nature, as many Christian philosophers and clerics begin writing their opinions and thoughts on the Eastern Orthodox faith. A strange merchant appears at one of the various market cities along the Blue Nile. News of a rich merchant with “skin as white as ivory” and claiming to be from a faraway land beyond Africa soon reaches the Imperial Court at Barari. The Crown Prince, curious about this new merchant, issues orders to the local trade agents at the market city to invite the merchant to Barari, where he will receive an audience with the Imperial Court.

1345
Central and East Asia:

''' The Black Death sweeps to southern China around Henan, as well as spreading into nearby Mongol states along the northern silk road. The southern regions of the Yuan Dynasty, the eastern territories of the White Horde, as well as the cities of Kashgar, Sarai, and Bolghar all see outbreaks of the plague. By the end of the year, it has swept through the Nogai homelands. Also the plague breaks out in the city of Samarkhand and parts of Transoxiana. '''

''' The Yellow River floods and destroys several villages around Jiangnan. '''

''' Ibn Battuta leaves Malacca and arrives at the port of Quanzhong, where he is greeted by the wealthiest Chinese Muslims in the region. He moves north through the Guangdong province to Fujian, before arriving at Huangzhou. He notes all manners of creatures being sold in this city, including frogs, pigs and dogs for consumption, although these were disappearing due to the recent mandates of the Emperor. He is very interested to see the great wonders of China, such as the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. '''

''' John Maunderville decides now he wants to return home, but first he wants to try to visit the land of Prester John. So he sails back through the Sea of Japan and the Bohai Sea to land at northern Korea, then moves north through Manchuria to arrive in the court of the Yuan Dynasty, the remnant of the great Mongol Empire. He visits the city of Kanbaliq and the "Great Taboo" particularly. '''

''' The Chagatai Khanate falls into a civil war between the traditional Mongol elites and the Turkic converts to Islam. Amir Qazaghan is on one side and Qazan Khan is on the other. '''

South and Southeast Asia:

''' The Sultanate of Bengal rises in revolt against the Sultanate of India, led by Ilyas Shah. '''

''' The Pandyas Dynasty of southern India collapses and is replaced by the Kingdom of Mabar. Their vassaled kingdom of Ceylon splits into multiple smaller kingdoms, the most notable being Jaffna and Kotte. '''

''' The Khmer Empire in Cambodia disappears from the historical record at this time, while Thailand is dominated by the Sukhotai Dynasty. Thailand's king Thammaracha I composes a compendium of Buddhist hymns. '''

''' The Majapahit Empire begins greatly expanding in a push to unite the island of Java. '''

Middle East and Balkans:

''' Cilicia revolts into an independent Beylik from the Abbasids, with a military force of 25,000. They remain neuteral in the Taymiyyah civil war. '''

''' Stephan IV "the Mighty" proclaims himself "Tsar of Serbia and the Romans" and directs his 29,000 troops to invade further into Eprius. Emperor John VI ans his Turkish allies begin pushing back John V into Thrace. '''

''' The Turkish Beylik of Sarhuhan attacks the city of Smyrna. King Hugh IV of Cyprus asks the Pope Clement V to bless a Crusade led by the Latin League against the Turks in Anatolia. '''

''' The Trebizond Civil War briefly pauses with Michael the Great deposing John III in exchange to be subjugated by a council of nobles. This doesn't last long, as the common people revolt against the council in favor of restoring Michael's full powers as Emperor. '''

Central and Western Europe:

''' As Duke John of Lothraingia, while he campaigns in the Frisian free lands, is suddenly attacked by a band of wild squirrels. He bravely fights them off, but shortly after contracts a strange illness and dies from his infected wounds. His only child is then proclaimed to be Duchess Caroline of Lothraingia. The widowed Count John of Luxembourg, who also has a claim to the same title, offers his hand in marriage to her to prevent any conflict, on the condition that she adopts his son Charles as her heir. '''

''' Upon the death of John, a group of mechants known as the "Hook League" sparks a minor revolt in Zeeland, supported by the Frisian free people. '''

''' Social unrest as a result of continual financial problems plagues parts of western Europe. Middle class merchants go on strike in Ghent (Lothraingia) and Florence (Padania). '''

''' In Amsterdam, a miracle takes place where a man named Michael dies of illness, but vomits up the eucharist after his last rites. The eucharist is then thrown into a fire, but miraculously does not burn but is retrived from the ashes after the fire goes out. The man is then referred to as "Michael of the Host" '''

''' Ely Cathedral is completed in England, and Notre Dame Cathedral is built in France. '''

Northern and Eastern Europe:

''' Saint George's Night Uprising settles down more this year, and remains contained to the island of Saaremaa. '''

''' King Valdemar IV of Denmark offers to sell the Danish colony of Estonia to the Teutonic Order for a large amount of cash. '''

''' Algirdas is crowned the new Duke of Lithuania. '''

Italy:

''' In Rome, French astronomer Guy de Chauliac observes the planets Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars conjoin in the constellation Aquarius. He considers his a terrible omen of an upcoming disaster to Europe. '''

' In Siena, Ambrogio Lorenzetti paints a mural of Allegory of Good and Bad Government'' as well as a painted map of the world. '''


 * Free City of Lübeck: For two years, the Hanseatic League has deprived Denmark from seafaring Baltic Trade. In response, Denmark has threatened to close the Øresund to Hanseatic merchants – a fair move, all things considered, but not drastic enough. To bypass the blockade, Lübeck and Rostov offer a discount on caravans passing between Hamburg and Lübeck. Because this route is already regularly taken, there is little strain placed on these convoys. In fact, many land-based merchants in the Saxon and Wendish quarters make a massive profit running Hanseatic Trade past the Danish sound. Moreover, the mercenaries that protect the trade routes from bandits and other lowlifes see riches beyond their imaginations. Some captains take this to an extreme, and with economic turmoil now embroiling western Europe, the protests held in Milan and parts of the Rhine Quarter of the Hanseatic League inspire many mercenaries. As captains steal their wages and earnings, strife between the rich captains and poor mercenaries soon becomes a problem. To stop these issues, the Tagfahrt of 1344 is held. Among other things, the wages of mercenaries employed under official Hanseatic guilds are set at a flat base or, should the captain and mercenaries agree, a percentage of the earnings. Unofficial mercenary bands disintegrate practically overnight. This declaration has a two-fold effect: calm tensions among the mercenaries and create something resembling a standing army. At this point, there are 6,000 men employed as mercenaries under the Hanseatic League near Lübeck and Hamburg alone. With economic sanity returning to Sweden, the Hansa readily welcomes their ships and men, celebrating Stockholm in the Weihnachtsstadt festival this year. Cannons (or Hamburgers) are sent to the Teutonic Order to demonstrate their raw power. These, however, are prototypes and more tests are needed. Lübeck intends to bring the economic upheaval and subsequent political crises gripping Europe to Denmark; all land trade into Denmark is halted. Convoys wearing Danish colors are stopped. Convoys wearing the colors of Danish Magistrates, however, are allowed to pass. Lübeck hopes this will lead to revolts against the Danish crown. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED TO SEE IF THE DANISH VASSALS REVOLT).
 * Mod response: Some of the Local nobility and much of the Merchant class of Jutland and Schleswig revolts, although Jutland Island and most of the Peasantry remains Loyal to the King of Denmark.
 * Empire of Hispania: Sick of his cousin, Alfonso personally on horseback marched his men from Catania to Messina. Alfonso and the Hispanic Imperial Army march to the port where the fleet that Admiral Carusso commands awaits him which isolates Messina from receiving outside support and a total mass of forces numbering 35,000 strong consisting of Hispania and her allied Sicilians march to cease rebellions brought about by treasonous conspiring merchants and his cousin in Messina. Allies to the Hispanic cause will be rewarded with privileges unlike their treasonous counterparts. With rebellions primarily centered in and around Naples, the Emperor plans to move and engage his forces in Naples following the confrontation in Messina.The overall wealth of Hispania continues to blossom as a result of trade and internal wealth bringing about further means of growth as well as assisting in the pursuit of further funds in linking Iberia through road and infrastructure. With the instability of the Italian Banks such as those of Florence, more trust is put into the Banks of Toledo and Barcelona which have been backed up by the crown itself offering merchants and businessmen abroad security while also entrusting stability seeing the ability to take advantage of the other weak banks. In Cagliari, further structures designed in a more Spanish style is applied in regards to city expansion. As a result of a more inclusive culture on the islands of Malta, Sicily, and Sardinia, more people from Iberia, especially those of the upper classes and those who have received financial support from the crown to settle on the islands seeking new lives arrive. This influx of people leads to the establishment of communities within the urban areas but the more lower income groups moving out to the countryside and establishing areas of farming and small villages. The fishing industry and dominance in the Tyrrhenian Sea result in further increases in revenue domestically while trade flowing from the African Trade to Iberia and abroad results in more affordable luxuries but also a further growth of income as well which have extended through Western Europe and East to the Aegean. As a result, merchants have found more reason to expand and branch further as far as the Lowlands in Lotharingia and North Sea area selling valued goods from the Empire. Francisco decides after having first hand experience in regards to combat in the home of their Latin brothers, he decides to be by his father's side fighting the Neapolitan Rebels. Ships continue to be produced in mass by the arsenals of The Empire resulting in increasing levels of dominance and supremacy over her waters.
 * Tarascan Empire: Yolit’ism grows in popularity, primarily due to its mixed nature of the various polytheistic dieties and beliefs, while also being a central ideology for the enveloping of the Mesoamerican people under guided faith. Xiti'ism is expanded, becoming known as "Huit'zi'lichial" by Izel and his followers, with their scrolls now including mythological figures of the Achtoquetl (the "First"). A Purepechan priest named Ezcoh devises that the liberalist approach to religion in the Empire is of serious nature, and decides to write his own codex known as the Tlākah Neltokokāyotl (Faith of the People), a heavily conservative and bare-bones approach to the Purepecha pantheon and faith. Cazonci Nalhen, in his first year as Cazonci, sets a period for ten years of internal and cultural development. With this, general defenses begin being built in all aspects of the Empire in its territory, expected to be completed within a period of five years, based on the already existing light defenses in the south only being updated, while the remaining borders are re-inforced. With the language script for Nahuatl-Purepecha having been completed and promoted among nobles and intelligent peoples, he devises that the first teaching program should be developed, and establishes the first Temachtilkāli Ting (School of Young), with many intellectuals among Ohtli's school teaching their knowledge to the children of wealthy nobles and warriors. Feeling a sense of corruption and dishonesty among many of his advisers, Cazonci Nalhen kills a number of Hiripan and Tangáxoan loyalist remnants, as well as scratching their face off of existence. This starts a number of rebellions along the coast, with many Ocēlōtl's declaring an independent warrior culture and occupying a couple settlements. Cazonci Nalhen is able to end these rebellions after appointing veteran Feud'hua as Uakusï of the military, who proceeds to lead an army of 700 men to these settlements, torching them to the ground as well as eliminating a number of separatist Ocēlōtls. After this re bellion is put down, Cazonci Nalhen appoints numerous philosophers, scholars, and warriors as his advisers, to better his knowledge of the natural world as well as develop the Empire through their achieved work and merit. New military strategies are developed. Assimilation of the Azcapotzalco culture continues, although the period of eradicating the culture is essentially over, having weakened its identity to the point of its assimilation process taking another four years. Trade is conducted with the Mayapan League.
 * Tibet: The population is yet growing as well, they builting most of all wall in the territory to push it off the Black Death and developing so they occupied a unknown place called Patan and took it so they chasing and battling among with 1,000 soldiers, victory to Tibetans they're captured and a huge fortifications is building in the border of himayala against the Mongol invader but anyways new military are developed the culture Tibetan is continue to advancing they establish their vassal and became a sense of colony series and travelling Chang close their royal house for not the plague come on it on the territorial many of soldier perhaps a new strategy how to conquer most of Tibet place and their own colony the process taking some month to finish and conquering which their achievement work to be strong by the way most of Tibetans establish university and scholar for children, adult by the Tibetan laws.
 * Sweden-Norway: A daughter is born during the spring to King Magnus and his wife Blanche of Namur, the princess is named Helvig, after the king's grandmother. The King visits Norway, to affirm the loyalty of the local jarls to the Crown. A tithe is established with the vassals, to contribute a few hundred contracted men per year to the Crown, in case of war. A defensive fortress begins construction in south-eastern Finland. The King continues to keep a watchful eye on the situation in Denmark, waiting for a good opportunity for the invasion of Scania. Local Birkarls continue establishing trade and taxation with the Sami people of Lappmarken (Lapland).
 * Iceland: An extra 1,000 are born bring the population to 65,000, 250 men and 250 women are moved to Greenland to found Róbertstorg, a Church and a School are built there. Páll Snorrason takes three Lübeckian Ships and 25 crew members on each ship and tries to explore the north(Mod Response Needed). The Order of Nordic Piety is given to Bridget of Sweden, the bishopric of Greenland is created with Seosamh Mac Diarmada becoming the first bishop. After Róbert Arnarsson Becomes increasingly sicker so he takes one Lübeckian ship to try to go as far down south from Vík í Mýrdal as possible. (Mod Response Needed).
 * Papal States: Pope Clement V is overjoyed with his serval kitten that came from Mali. Since it's a female he gives her the name of Gertrude. Together with Gertrude, the king of Mali sent as a gift to the pontiff a small chest of gold. This gold will be used to start a project of beautification of the churches of Rome. To this Clement writes to Ambrogio Lorenzett asking him to come to Rome to paint a mural of the vision of Christ Merciful by Matthias and Catharina von Schwanthaler [MOD response needed, please]. Guy de Chauliac brings his concerns to the pope, but Clement isn't concerned with it at the moment. However the pontiff says to Guy that he will pray to God keep this calamity away. Chauliac besides astronomer, also have a degree in medicine. When he isn't observing the stars, Guy is at the Hospital of Rome making notes about the symptoms and illnesses from the people there. Due to his reputation, he was chosen as the personal physician and astronomer of pope Clement V. The donations to the Fund of Charity are managed by Cardinal-Nephew Nicholas de Besse, with him distributing the donations to the Church's works of charity. As requested by King Hugh IV of Cyprus, the pope gives his blessings to the military opperations of the Latin League in Anatolia. Clement V welcomes the Maronite Patriarch Youhanna VII in Rome. In response to the patriarch's questions, the pope says that God acts in ways that we don't understand. The Holy Father says that if the Latin League is succesful in their campaign in Anatolia and are able to seccure a good position there, he will call a Crusade to free Jerusalem. The pope asks the Bishop of Chur and the Central Council to sends a copy of the Codex Manesse to be placed in the Sistine Library [Switzerland response needed, please]. The training offered by the military centers makes the Papal Army grows to 10,600 men. The Roman bankers create a bank in the city of Avignon. Pope Clement unites the position of Archbishop of Avignon to that of the papal administrator, this way turning Cardinal-Nephew Pierre de Beaufort into the Archbishop of Avignon. Cardinals Andrew Corsini and Étienne Aubert don't like this decision, but they have a better opinion about Pierre de Beaufort than of Nicholas de Besse. Due to this they stay silent, for now. (Secret) Clement writes to Philip of Valois and Victor Capet asking for a secret meeting in the Archiepiscopal Palace of Avignon. The pope will be represented by Cardinal de Beaufort and the meeting will be to settle the situation of the succession of the French throne and how to act in the war against England. He also writes to the Holy Roman Emperor asking for his help in the mediation of the meeting. The supporters of each claimant to the throne are also invited (End of Secret) [MOD and Players response needed, please].
 * Swiss diplomacy: The Central Council accepts the proposal. Scholars at the Zürich Library work on creating a second copy of the Codex Manesse to send to the Sistine Library from the one in their possession and they tell Pope Clement V that it will be completed by next year.
 * Ambrosio agrees to paint this mural in Rome
 * Maronite Response: Youhanna VII states that though we cannot fully understand God, He commands "Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven." To seek the Kingdom of Heaven, we must seek God and His nature, finding out what is in line with the Lord's nature and what is against it. Seeking out how the last crusade violated the Lord's nature.
 * Jarldom of Vinland:with the beothukian counteroffensve defeated but with severe casulties for both sides,the jarl begins fortyfing the entire border region and begins consolidation our current land.Meanwhile the infrastructure sees huge improvement with roads between New Nuuk and New Bratthild being constructed.Horse breeding is taken up once more to provide the royal cavalery with the best horses in the world.The ecconomy shows it first signs of growth after the biggest crisis in Greenland and Vinlands history.
 * Swiss Confederacy: The new Canton of Sion is given a seat on the Central Council of the Swiss Confederacy to be held by the (Prince-)Bishop of Sion or a representative thereof, expanding the council's size to fourteen. After discussion with the Central Council, the Bishop of Sion sends envoys to the surrounding villages of Upper Valais (OOC: those that later formed the Sieben Zenden OTL), suggesting that they join the Canton of Sion for the infrastructure and trade benefits of being in the Swiss Confederacy. Understanding that these villages may not necessarily want to be represented in the Central Council by the Bishop of Sion, the Central Council proposes the following arrangement: there would be one secular representative of the Canton of Sion to be held by a burgomaster elected by the villages and the Bishop of Sion would be given a separate seat on the council, similar to the current arrangement with the Canton of Chur and the Bishop of Chur. (Mod response) The Central Council sends extra funding to the Zürich Library to allow them to recruit more scholars, facilitating the completing of the copy of the Codex Manesse for the Sistine Library by the next year. The Mercedine monks and nuns sent from the Papal States in 1344 begin to build a Mercedine Priory of Schwyz on the land donated to them by the Canton of Schwyz. Some peasants protest about the multiple donations of land to religious institutes in the past few years, to which the cantons' burgomasters respond by reminding them the Confederacy is also constantly expanding with new secular land for the peasantry to use. Hearing about the census recently conducted in Venice and seeing this as a good idea to help with development of labour and the military, the Central Council commissions a census to find out the population of each of the Confederacy's twelve cantons. (Mod response for results) The joint military of the Confederacy focuses on fortifying the city of Bern and the western border of the Canton of Bern.
 * The Cantons agree to these reforms
 * The population of the Confederacy comes out as 663,400


 * Georgia: Perhaps to emulate the Byzantine bureaucracy, Anastasius expands the state ministries – particularly the Treasury, which oversees the collection of taxes, state expenditure (including procurement of military goods), bullion reserves, and minting. However, appointments are largely based on family ties as opposed to actual skill or merit. Aware of his distant Komnenian heritage, Anastasius considers taking the title of Roman Emperor – though this “pipe dream” is privately-chastised by Rusudan, who convinces Anastasius to keep his focus to the East. Nevertheless, he briefly-returns to Tbilisi, where he holds a secret meeting (comprised of the highest-ranking courtiers – such as all the ministers of state) declaring his intention to conquer Trebizond and Tabriz following the Anatolian campaign. The former will continue to rule under the Komnenians as a duchy; in the latter, a member of the House of Hulagu (his maternal relatives) will be installed as a vassal. Despite Anastasius’ overt philhellenism, the Georgian aristocracy continues to be “semi-Persianate”. Persian literature and prose continue to be widely popular – influencing native literary traditions. Indeed, Persian becomes the second language of many aristocrats – owing to a century of Persianate Turko–Mongol rulers. Many so-called “oriental goods” are coveted, including carpets, saffron, and fine ceramic wares; these are exchanged for cotton, felt, and wine. While the campaign to capture the Armenian highlands has been a success so far, progress is slower than expected. The size of the army is reduced slightly to 25,000 (of which, 5,000 are elite soldiers) – many of whom have been fighting the campaign since the beginning. A three-pronged siege on Erzincan, the presumed last stronghold of the Eretnids, commences. An army of 9,000 troops attacks the main gate. With the enemy allocating most of its manpower to the defense of the main gate, two smaller armies of 3,000 troops each besiege the city from the rear. Psychological tactics are used to weaken enemy morale, for example, some Georgian troops don “Frankish” clothing to fool the defenders into thinking that a relief force had come from the West to the aid of the Georgians. Together with the element of surprise, this weakens the enemy war effort. A wide variety of siege engines are used. Counterweight trebuchets and battering rams are used to destroy enemy defenses – as such, weak points such as gates and thinner walls are especially targeted. Escalades are constructed to help scale enemy walls. To protect Georgian troops from enemy missile fire, assault covers are used. As in the Siege of Erzurum, seamless communication between the three armies is maintained through couriers. A special light cavalry corps also moves supplies. Asides from reconnaissance missions, information is extracted from captured prisoners of war. The remaining 10,000 troops are sent westwards to mop the remnants of the Turkish army. They fight under usual tactics. n dealing with horse–archers, foot archers are used at a range (since the horses are often unarmored – which coupled with their size, makes them easy targets) while heavily-armored lancers engage them in melee (exploiting the gap between each one). Against tight infantry formations, the lancers attack the flanks and rear using the wedge formation – if possible, they also use the incline of the hills. The light cavalry attack the vanguard – firing their arrows in successive waves to inflict attrition. Once a gap is created, the light cavalry engages in melee using sabers while the heavy cavalry split into smaller teams and initiate the final rout. Against looser infantry formations, heavy cavalry is explicitly used; the light cavalry surrounds the perimeter to prevent escape or reinforcements. In the captured Anatolian territories, the Armenians rejoice the return of Christian rule. Meanwhile, the Turkish and Kurdish minorities are given incentives (money, land, and status) to convert into Christianity – however, their Muslim faith is explicitly tolerated. Some Turks and Kurds accept, becoming lords by charter; this angers some Armenians peasants, who – in spite of restored Bagratid rule – nevertheless remain under the same lord (albeit converting to Christianity). The lack of economic opportunities leads many Armenians to engage in trans-regional commerce as itinerant merchants. Silver is mined in Imereti, while copper is mined in Kartli; the influx of these metals underpin a thriving economy. Commerce increases. The main export good is cotton cloth; wine, felt, and enamel is also exported but in lesser quantities.
 * Sultanate of Hindustan: The construction of roads, trade routes and serais continues. The Waqf institutions continue opening and maintaining Bimaristans (Hospitals), pharmacies and small schools of religious education for Muslims handled by the Chishtiyya Sufis. The Waqf institutions are supported by the Zakat part of the treasury. The Diwan-i-Amir-Kohi continues propagating better farming and irrigation practices. The Sultan sends a force of 12 Tumans to Bengal to crush the rebellion. (ALGO NEEDED)
 * Archduchy of Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": The Merchants and Pilgrims of Christ and the order of Nicholas of Bari after hearing of the Death of John III archduke of lotharingia on the 26th of September, hold a special mass in the local churches of Karpathos island. As it was his funding of the Churches in lotharingia that allowed Conrad von Drunen to found the order, and make it able to defend herself. As John III of Reginar even gave one handcannon to the order, and many taberts for the the knights of the order. The churches being requested to ring their bells a total of 26 minutes with a 10 minute pause inbetween each time, in the Churches being alot of nuts to keep the squirrels away. As they are seen as the killers of the Archduke, who have an evil spirit in them. In Luxembourg John of Luxembourg recieves a letter from far away Grou frisian freelands, this letter being the will of John I Archduke of Lotharingia, Duke of Brabant, Limburg and Frisia, Count of Holland, Zeeland, Loon, Gulik, Namur, Aalst and Dalhem, Lord of Mechelen, Hertogenrade, Myerebeke Co-lord of Aachen. This Letter is being dated September 25th 1344 AD, where John III writes about his attack by demon Squirrels who have sought to kill a loyal follower of God. In this leter John III of Reginar, apoints John of Luxembourg emperor of the Roman empire as the succesor to all Titles. John of Reginar Citing the fact that Both him and Johan are Grandsons of John I of Brabant and Limbourg, although John does advise Johan to Follow the Heyst Constitution as Archduke of Loraine. So John of Luxembourg becomes Roman emperor John, John II Archduke of Lotharingia, John IV Duke of Brabant, Limburg and Frisia, Count of Holland, Zeeland, Loon, Gulik, Namur, Aalst and Dalhem, Lord of Mechelen, Hertogenrade, Myerebeke Co-lord of Aachen. His Majesty the archduke John II Recognises the Charter of Heyst and so is also by parliament of Mechelen accepted and then Crowned as Duke of Brabant-Limbourg and Count of Namur, Holland, Zeeland and Aalst, John being crowned in the Saint Rombouts cathedral. Afterward, John went to Aachen to be crowned once more but then for the main title of his inheritance, Archduke of Lotharingia. He is there crowned with the Crown of Loraine in the Imperial of such men as Charlemagne and Otto the Great. He there proclaims, that even if both his Duties as Archduke and Emperor could intervene, that he will seek out the Best for the Empire and All Followers of Christ in his Realm. John emperor of Romans, King of Italy and Germany  calls on all men to help against the Evil spirits which killed the Archduke, He make an edict where he allows the killing of all squirrels in the realm even if trespasing is required to do so. After these edicts and information gathering so he is ready to rule the whole realm of Lotharingia. So John goes to Frisia, with many of his Luxembourgian soldiers altough they are send to quel the rebelion in Zeeland. This is done by 3,000 wel armed soldiers of mostly Luxembourgian and Zeelandic orrigin, prepare to fight the Hook league. Which is seen by John II as a illegimate rebelion by Heretical Peasants, so John II instead of actualy fighting them at the moment decides to Blockade the islands where the League hold stand in the hope of Starving them into surrender. As for the Army In Frisia, they decide to wait to fight and instead prepare camps and their defences to stay put until the Arrival of the New Archduke. This is plaussible due to the Suplies which are shipped over land and sea, thus providing enough food like Carrots and wheat to stay healthy although sometimes for meat soldiers supliment it with Fish and Hering. Hering which these soldiers dispise as form of food. The Navy of Lotharingia able to block most suplies to frisian lands, their goal is to deny Frisia and the Frisians the Ability to pay for their own arms and to import them. John Does offer any who surrenders mercy, as he does not want to prolong the war longer then needed.
 * Empire of Ethiopia: Having shattered the Warsangali forces at the Second Battle of Harar, Ethiopia establishes its control over the entire northern part of the Horn of Africa. Deciding to appoint an Imperial Governor over the region, the Emperor makes an offer to the vassal king of Axum. The Emperor proposes that the Christian vassal kingdom of Axum become a province of the Empire. In exchange for giving up his vassal kingdom, the ruler of Axum shall be made a Ras, and will be confirmed as the ruler of the province of Axum as its feudal overlord. Additionally, the Ras of Axum will be given the newly conquered Somali territories to rule, doubling the Axumite lands if the vassal king agrees to give up his vassal throne and instead become a Ras. [MOD RESPONSE NEEDED]. With the Ethiopian army victorious over the Warsangali, the Ethiopian army quickly secures its control over the area. The Emperor orders the construction of a fort at the very tip of the Horn of Africa, leaving a garrison of 1,000 men within the fort to maintain Ethiopian control over the area. With the war victorious, the Ethiopian Army returns back to Ethiopia, having proven to the Islamic Somali tribes that the Empire is a force to be reckoned with. The ivory-skinned merchant along with a translator from Mali who understands and speaks Amharic is brought from the Blue Nile to the Imperial Court at Barari, where he is given an audience before the Crown Prince and the royal family. The man introduced himself as a merchant named Hendricks Pisacus, or Al-Ismak, from a faraway land called “Europe”. Pisacus shocks the royal court with news of faraway powerful Christian kingdoms, with strange-sounding names such as “Lotharingia” and “England” and “France”. Realizing the valuable knowledge that Pisacus carries, the Emperor offers to allow him to stay as a personal guest of the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince plans to present Pisces to his father upon his father’s return from Somalia. When the Emperor returns from his successful campaign in the northern Horn, he is shocked to be greeted by his son and Pisacus. The Crown Prince relays the information provided by Pisacus, informing his father of a series of faraway powerful Christian kingdoms. Amda Seyon, believing that the East African Christians and Egyptian optics were the only Christians in the world, is both shocked and relieved to hear of other Christians and Christian kingdoms. Amda Seyon offers to make Pisacus an advisor to the Crown, so that the monarchy may learn more about these faraway Christian lands. The sudden favoritism of this new visitor shocks some of the nobles at Court and causes envy amongst others.
 * Mod Response: The King refuses to take a lesser title and the lands in what may be seen as an unruly somalia preferring his peaceful and content lands at home.
 * Nyazwe: The navy of Nyazwe is expanded by an additional four ships and 200 sailors, and evenly divided across the northern and southern fleets of the nation. The merchant fleet of Nyazwe is expanded to six nzombe and ten nyurusi, granting the country greater methods by which to trade with other nations abroad. Using his connections in Mombasa, Minister Munashe is able to acquire for his homeland favorable trading terms with the Swahili city-states of East Africa and northern Madagascar, as well as low tariffs on goods sold to those states along the coast. Development of the coal mines in southeastern Nyazwe continues, with the coal extracted from the mines near Mbabane being sold across the northern half of the nation, helping the people redirect manpower toward industrial concerns in the cities rather than having to focus on the acquisition of timber for fuel. A third paper-mill is established in Thulamela, to make use of the Limpopo River for the production of paper items at the site. The three mills produce enough writing material in the country to fuel a vibrant publishing industry in the two cities of Khami and Danangombe, which in turn help the rest of the population develop a stronger literacy attainment rate. Plans are laid down for an invasion of the southern territories still held by the Nguni, who remain scattered across the land and in hiding from the successive Nyazwe incursions into their territories. As the southern districts of Nyazwe are developed into prosperous localities in their own right, thirst for additional conquests begins to consume the social strata of the southern cities, determined to bring all of the south under the control of their homeland. Akashinga remains cautious, and in his annual address to the Hamadzese on the state of affairs within the country, he states that expansion at the moment while desired, will still take place, albeit in the future when the Vakadanwa has determined such a course of action is viable. In the meantime, focus on the development of the nation's infrastructure and trade power take precedence in the eyes of the state under the Zvakane. In the northern half of the country, several of the gold mines are expanded and deepened as additional manpower becomes available in the wake of higher birthrates and lower maternal and infant fatalities. Rice fields in the north and sorghum farms in the south remain productive, with the effects of the standardized weights and measurements playing a decisive role in the effectiveness of the land distribution and cultivation in Nyazwe. A report from the Ministry of Means to the government highlights that Nyazwe has achieved 60% monetization of the economy, meaning that fewer and fewer members of the population rely upon bartering for goods and services, and are now using the nation's coinage system as their primary means of exchanging items of value. 
 * Tian China: Efforts too combot the plague outbreak continue, with travel in and out of effected areas temporarily banned as a form of quarantine. The killing of "unclean" animals (INCLUDING RATS) also continues, as part of the attempts too appease heaven by disposing of unclean elements of society.
 * Abbasid Caliphate: Victory after victory, Al Quds is defended and the Mamluks are driven out of Galilee, allowing us to establish a direct supply route with Al-Quds and our soldiers their. After the multitude of battles, the rest of the year is spent consolidating our gains, integrating the new people, and setting up defenses, especially in Al-Quds. We also plan for invasion into Jordan the following year.
 * Japanese Empire: The Empire continues to see the immense and massive spread of the plague on the mainland and trade in many instances is wholesale stopped and the Japanese navy instead begins patrolling its routes to prevent unwanted entrance of ships to the home islands. The first instance of the plague occurs on a trade ship currently sitting in bay at Osaka and the ship is consequently set on fire to prevent spread to the city and the Japanese home islands. Emperor Katsumoto declares outside trade absolutely taboo until the plague is known to be over with and he Personally executes three members of one of the largest trading families for attempting to skirt passed the rules. The development of the roadway system in the Southern islands continues as the first engineers arrive to begin constructing the roadways from the terminus ports on both islands. The further development of Japans agricultural sector occurs in response to being cut off from outside food shipments seeing government spurred enclosure movements by the freemen to privatise more land and give the farmers much better production ability. The Shinbutsu-shūgō movement continues as attempts to more fully integrate buddhism within the current Japanese system of faith are undertaken. The further extend settlement on the mainland is prevented and the traders are encouraged to turn away outside trade for the time being. Settlement however is turned much more noticeably to Sakhalin and more specifically Hokkaido as dozens of families with the financial means purchase lands in Hokkaido to develop and farm for their own. Sapporo officially becomes the largest city on the island surpasing Hakodate.

1346
''' In a new effort to expand influence against the Europeans, Jani Beg of the Golden Horde raises 30,000 troops from his vassals in the Nogai homeland, and proceeds to invade the Venetian colony of Kerch. The city of Kaffa is placed under siege, and dead bodies are thrown into the city as an attempt to break their defenses. '''

''' The Black Death begins to settle in parts of Central Asia, especially due to the great space between cities in the Western Steppes. Nontheless it continues to spread across Transoxiana, breaking out in parts of Balkan and Bactria. It marginally improves in China, but millions of people have already died, and millions of others are infected. '''

''' The Latin League led by Cyprus proceeds to attack the Beylik of Saruhan to relieve the city of Smyrna, known as the Smyriot Crusade. So far it proves inconslusive. '''

''' The Tsardom of Serbia continues to overrun Albania and besieges the city of Epidemnos, due to the inactivity of the Latin Empire. '''

''' The Mamluk Sultanate pulls back their military to defend Egypt itself, and abandons the Asiatic territories to the Abbasid Caliphate. '''

''' Duke Algirdas of Lithuania invades Novgorod to sieze territories of the Rus for himself. '''

''' Archduke John II of Lothraingia, Holy Roman Emperor, goes blind this year from a disease, hence forth known as "John the Blind". '''

''' Further economic turmoil in the mediterranean causes an avalanche of banrkuptcy across many banking firms in Florence. '''

''' Ibn Battuta decides to return to the Middle East after finishing his stay in China. He passes back through the Sultanate of Malacca, then crosses over the Indian Ocean to arrive back at Ceylon. John Maunderville leaves the court of the Yuan Dynasty and travels through the lands of the White Horde, particularly the city of Kashgar. He writes that this is the lands that was sealed off by the great wall of Derbent mentioned by Alexander the Great, on the footsteps of the Empire of Prester John. '''

''' The civil war in the Chagatai Khanate ends with Qazaghan killing the Chagatai ruler and taking power as the new Khan. He attempts to set up a native Turkman rule to replace the Mongol elites, but as soon as he takes power his military allies abandon him. '''

''' The Malla Kingdom of Nepal begins to expand this year, establishing their capital in Kathmandu. '''

''' Sultan Orhan of the Ottomans marries Theodora, the daughter of Emperor John VI of Byzantium, although he barely has much territory left in his civil war and invasions of the Latin Empire and Serbia. '''

''' Clare of Rimini helps fulfill the Papal ordinances of providing for the poor in central Italy, and some miracles are said to be done in her name. '''


 * Iceland: 2,000 kids are born bringing the population to 67,000. The Bishop of Greenland creates the “Helpers of the Helpless” which goes around towns builds homes and makes food. The Order of Nordic Piety is given to Bishop Diarmada for the creation of the Brotherhood. Extra 50 men and 50 women are sent to live in Róbertstorg. The King travels around the country giving out livestock and tools. In Greenland a crowd chants for King Ólaf and the King decides to build a palace in Róbertstorg to be his home for the summer and during the Winter it would be the Greenland HQ for “Helpers of the Helpless” brotherhood. An advisory council the King for Greenlands affairs is put together with seven natives and Althingi add 6 seats to Althingi for the Natives. King Ólaf II writes “Lista Leiðtogar” or “Great Ruler” which is about his and his father’s reigns and what he wan’t future Icleandic leaders to do, one of the big things is he doesn’t want a bigger Iceland for a while. A Papal tudor is requested for Ólafur Donmhall(Papal response needed). During a sword fighting practice the king loses his step and falls on the young soldier who accidentally cuts the kings left arm off, the king survives but his hand is gone lower by the elbow.
 * Papal Diplomacy: Pope Clement V sends Gioacchino Martignetti a professor of latin, philosophy and theology from Saint Augustine's University. He is also a disciple of Petrarch.
 * Mali Empire: Mansa Musa, the Great Lion of Africa, the Emperor of Mali and Bornu, the frugal, the wise, the cunning, the couragous, and strong-armed, dies in the arms of his three wives in Niani, in the pressence of his sons and daughters. He left behind a great legacy of an Empire stretching across the Sahel, Senegal, Nigeria, and Kanem regions with financial and political influences spanning three continents. His education, infrastructure, philosophical, and miltiary reforms have left Mali as one of the most comfortable and sophisticated nations in its hemisphere. However, that legacy would be soon challenged immediately after his death. His designated successor, Musa the Younger, reigned as co-emperor with him since 1341, but he suddenly died in a hunting accident a few weeks before Mansa Musa's death. No clear rihgts of succession were laid out before Mansa Musa's expiration, leaving the Empire in a fragile state. Ayyob, the son of Fathima Sefawa, claimed his inheritence as the Emperor of Bornu, and agreed to share the empire fairly with his younger half-brother, Abu Bakr, who ruled in Macina. Ayyob had proposed to equally share powers between the two of them, and for neither of them to claim the title of Mansa until one dies without heir. However, three months later Abu Bakr assembled an army of 10,000 troops, and marched into the city of Niani to proclaim himself Emperor, taking on the name Mansa Abu Bakr III. This greatly outraged Ayyob, who declared that Abu Bakr's claim to the throne was invalid, and raised the armies of Kanem and eastern Mali to comence with the Civil war. The outbreak of war across Mali was a very complex situation without clear geographic boundaries, due to the policies of Mansa Musa shifting around various feudal families. The Manding rulers in change over Niger and Nigeria generally supported Abu Bakr and fought in revolt against Ayyob, whereas the governors of Waalo and Ghana tended to support Ayyob, with Timbuktu remaining neuteral. Towards the end of this year, Ayyob focused on subjugating and re-conquering the areas of Niger and Nigeria with help from his western allies. Meanwhile, Abu Bakr focused on invading Waalo, while setting up defenses against the attacks from Ghana. The outer fortifications around the Senegal river easily fell to Abu Bakr, but the remaining forces of Waalo retreated back to the fortified position of Dakar, the largest city in the region. This conflict in Mali greatly disrupts the caravan trade network as well as the sea trade going out of Dakar. Trade going to and from the nation in either direction become much more limited, causing an economic catastrophe to the Sahel.
 * Japanese Empire: Having avoided the plague for the time being, the issue of the economy begins to rear its ugly head again. In some instances a Barter economy has been established and the rampant issues with coinage has become a clear issue which drives Katsumoto to convene the Join and Councillor General this year on tackling the issue. The easier access to Silver than most other metals has given the Emperor and his advisors a clear out in terms of how to handle the crisis but the Emperor is forced to implement a serious tax on gold and gold laden possessions in clear order to allow for the minting of coinage. The previous trade from China having given serious access to bullion of the mainland and the Treasury maintaining a good amount of gold itself allows for some limited minting of Heavy gold coins known as Koban. Without the influx of further gold the plans for smaller gold Ichibuban shelved while the larger deposits of Hold and specifically silver from the Tachi, Tada, and Ikuno mines allow for heavy minting of silver coinage which helps control a direct amount of currency in the system. This also gives the Japanese coinage serious parity with the Chinese currency as well with both being accepted in the empire as an attempt to alleviate the initial issues of Chinese currency being effectively worthless should the Emperors currency reform not allow the Chinese coinage. This effectively hybridizes the systems as the Japanese currency is minted to similar standards as the Chinese coinage and allows for an expanded domestic as well as foreign market for the time when trade is to be resumed following the end of the plague on the mainland. The demand for furs in Japan sees noticeable attention given to the fur trading colony on Sakhalin in which the Emperor takes special attention in addressing. The discovery of more lands north of Sakhalin by exploratory and trade fleet gives impetus for the further expansion of the Sakhalin colony. 500 people are financed to help settle and expand the Sakhalin colony into a proper settlement. Now numbering about 700 total the trade colony has turned into a proper town and its profits from the fur trade have given in clear ability to establish some farming territory as well as import its needs from the homeland should the need arise. The adoption of the Cannon into the Japanese military continues and meets its first test. A revolt having broken out over the new taxes on gold and gold laden items has broken out in the Emperors backyard near Osaka. 3,000 Noble troops get the jump on the Imperial garrison outside of Osaka only for the Emperor not wishing to fund the full mobilization of the imperial army arrives to assist the beleagured Osaka fortress garrison. 5,000 troops backed by its new artillery elements slam into the rebellious daimyo. While having adopted hand cannons they are no match for the artillery back line of Katsumotos forces. These noble forces are obliterated and the Emperor officially adopts the cannons into all elements of his imperial army seeing their effectiveness. The Roadway network throughout Japanese smaller islands continues to be built with Fukuoka and Muroto respectively connected. A New hand cannon is effectively developed boasting a longer barrel and a stock to help with stability allowing for a bit better accuracy and better effectiveness on the battlefield.
 * Swiss Confederacy: The Canton of Zürich sends an envoy to the neighbouring town of Grüningen, suggesting that Grüningen and the surrounding villages (including Rüti Monastery) join the Canton of Zürich for economical benefits and defence against the neighbouring Habsburg-controlled County of Kyburg. (Mod response) The Central Council of the Swiss Confederacy pay attention to the banking crisis in Florence, with the guild of Zürich seeing a potential opportunity for a bank of their own. The scholars of the Zürich Library complete a second copy of the Codex Manesse which is sent to the Sistine Library, with the first copy remaining in Zürich and the original with the Manesse family. The Central Council is pleased with the results of the census and the solid population it shows the Confederacy has. Bishop of Chur Ulrich V von Lenzburg publicly praises the Latin League's crusade, but the Confederacy does not contribute any troops and he expects few other European nations will due to the ongoing Anglo-French conflict. Construction of the Mercedine Priory of Schwyz completes and the monks and nuns recruit new members for the Order of Divine Mercy in Switzerland. Domestically, the government works on improving the roads between the major cities of Zürich, Bern and Schwyz. The joint military of the Swiss Confederacy works on fortifying the eastern border of the Confederacy at the Cantons of Glarus and Schwyz, building gatehouses on some mountain passes.
 * Guringen joins a defense pact with Zurich against Kyburg.
 * Duchy of Eiru: The war continues while the economic crisis in Europe gets worse. Little can be done.
 * Papal States: Pope Clement V receives the copy of Codex Manesse from Switzerland and places it in the Sistine Library. Works of Peter Lombard and William of Ockham are placed there too. Gertrude, the serval cat, is growing and makes the days of the pope more happy. Ambrogio Lorenzetti is welcomed by the pontiff and starts to paint the painel of Christ Merciful in the Church of Divine Mercy. This year Clement V creates as cardinal Gerlach von Nassau (Mainz). Between his works of astronomy, Guy de Chauliac writes to Hispania asking for their latest treaties of medicine [Hispania response needed, please]. With the trainning offered by the military centers, the Papal Army grows to 10.800 men. Pope Clement writes the bull Unigenitus Dei filius, which reduces the interval between one Great Jubilee from 100 years to 50 years. The bull also says that will receive plenary indulgence those that made acts of charity during the year of Jubilee. Seeing the efforts of Clare of Rimini and with the book of the beguine Marguerite Porete ceasing to be seen as heretical, the pope decides to write to the Beguines of Northern Europe asking for their help to promote the charity to the nobles across the continent. He also ask for some to come and establish a Beguinage in Rome. The pope says that himself will help them create a rule for their community [MOD response needed, please]. Cardinal Étienne Aubert, head of the Ecclesial Tribunal, receives the complains of the Prior and Prioress of the Order of Divine Mercy. They say that the institutions of charity are receiving less money from the Fund of Charity each month and after bringing this situation to Cardinal de Besse, he said that there is nothing wrong and forbade them of talking about this with the pope. Thinking that this is much strange and suspicious, Cardinal Étienne decides to investigate and asks for the help of Cardinal Andrew Corsini, head of the Army of Mercy. Both Cardinals go to the Bank of Rome and after threatening of openning a investigation about the bank with the Ecclesial Tribunal, the cardinals get the information that Cardinal de Besse is moving some amounts of money from Rome to an account in a bank of Switzerland. Seeing that the situation is turning more suspicious, the Cardinals decide to go to Switzerland to investigate. They write to Cardinal Ulrich V von Lenzburg asking for his help when they arrive [Switzerland response needed, please].
 * Swiss diplomacy: Cardinal Ulrich V von Lenzburg agrees to help Cardinals Aubert and Corsini's investigation, having just this year heard the guild of Zürich push for an increase in banking in Switzerland because of the Florence banking crisis, which he had criticised.
 * Jarldom of Vinland:The royal army sees an increase to 400 as a small baby boom increases the population to 4,000.The first session of the vinlandic parliament takes place where it is agreed that the next offensive operations against the beothuk will be in 1350.Meanwhile the capital of new Nuuk sees 150 Greenlandic people arrive by boat after escaping from Greenland.They speak of the evil deeds the icelandic king has done and wowes revenge against him.
 * Oyo Empire: After years of waiting preparing and training from stalemate Alaafin Ishango begins to initiate his attack. The Alaafin intentionally waited for the elderly mansa musa to die and for his empire to enter a state of civil war inevitably before attacking. The Alaafins plan goes to begin building ships visibly. Informants and spies already in Nupe and Borgu are also to spread the news to important ears that the Oyo are planning to use their navy and cross to finally assault the Nupe. In this the plan is for them to draw all their best men to fortified positions on the borer in preparation for our already well known attack. We even build ships in places they can see them to add to suspicion. In reality we won’t be attacking from here. The Ishango bridge which was built years ago and is among the first ever bridges to connect two sides of the Niger River will be central to our attack. This bridge is specifically placed in a area far away from any peaking eyes while it was being built. Now of our 65,000 man army 30,000 including 7,000 esos warriors(well trained heavy cavalry) 15,000 light cavalry and 8,000 archers. The drum system will be deployed to keep our formations tight and alarm if anyone sees us before the surprise attack is carried out. Once this army of 30,000 crosses the Niger they will break up into smaller units to move in secrecy and not attract to much attention. Of course the plan is for them to eventually reach Jebbi the Nupe capital. Hopefully while most of Nupes forces are way at the Niger River preparing for a imaginary invasion we surprise attack there capital. As Alaafin Ishango was himself raised in Nupe and it is the land of his mother the Alaafin will lead this attack to his knowledge of the terrain. Speed is integral for the attack on Jebbi hence the heavy emphasis on cavalry to reach and attack as fast as possible. After the battle whether it is a success or a failure Ishango plans to sew hatred between the Nupe coalition. As Ishango is from Nupe aristocracy he plans after the battle for messengers to send letters to his family in Nupe convincing them to leave the coalition. If the battle is a success they will be looking at a losing side accompanied by tsoede selling the Nupe to Mali. Aswell once news has Reached that there capital has been taken Nupe will obviously try to pull back their men to defend the capital and when that happens we will launch an actual attack across the Niger.
 * Teutonic Order: The Grand-master accepts the Danish deal and will buy Danish Estonia. We also make Stigot Andersson as Landmiester of the new County of Estonia. In the county of Livonia Buchard von Dreiblien meets Stigot Adersson and their families have a feast in Reval to celebrate the creation of a new county. he also begins to improve the port facilities in Reval to have more Hansetic Trade in the region it is expected to be complete in 3 years. The Grand-Master accept the offer of Archduke John II to be protected under the empire and offers his condolences to him for becoming blind. in the county of Courland a cholera outbreak occurs killing hundreds but one of the deaths is Landmeister John V. his successor is Urs Jurgens who becomes Landmeister. in the County of Memel Landmeister Ludolf von Wattzua becomes leader of the the Teutonic Navy in a ceremony at the naval dockyard in Memel. also a monastery is built in Memel, in the County of Riga Landmeister Englebert von Dolen orders the construction of a Bridge across the Daugava River to allow for better transport in the city. In what was Danish Estonia we offer the pagans self autonomy if they remain loyal to the order (Mod Responds Needed). The Grand-master declarers neutrality in the Lithuania-Novgorod War stating that the order has been in too many wars in the past years and wants to offer his people the chance of peace.
 * King Valdemar of Denmark is able to temporarily restabalize his finances with the money from selling Estonia, and are able to buy off most of the nobles incited by the Hanseatic League, except for a revolt launched by the Count of Holstein which he sends 3,000 military to put down
 * Federation of Padinia: The Medici family suffers greatly from the crashes of their banks. However the other families look to profit off of these issues by expanding their influences. The Mongol actions in Crimea cause an overall lack of care for Crimea and the minor Milanese outpost to occur thus causing a mass retreat and basically abandoning the position in Crimea to the potential invasion of Mongols. The Milanese banks spread their influence into Florence and assist with the rebuilding of the banks.
 * Tian China: With the plauge continuing too ravage China, any small amount of improvement is quickly seized upon too improve things. Although the slaughter of unclean animals in many parts fails to improve things, it is noticed that those places where rats in particular are being targeted are seeing a lot more improvement than other areas, and thus these animals in particular begin being slaughtered en masse, while other rodents also begin being targeted. Many, in desperation too see the chaos end, begin too actively attack and kill those infected by the plauge, burning the bodies too stop the plauge from spreading further, viewing those who are infected as “unclean” in and of themselves. Strangely enough, many of those who are survivors of the plauge are particularly involved in this in desperation too stop this disease from spreading further, and with their immunity too the disease they are pretty much forced to participate. This results in some small improvement in the spread of the plauge, and thus this is seized upon as a somewhat successful strategy. The persecution of certain sections of the Chinese population also begins too slow down, as we now realize we need all the population we can get too recover from the current disasters in the future.
 * Abbasid Caliphate: The invasion of Jordan is launched and to our surprise, we find it abandoned, and continuing from Jordan, we invade the Arabian Penisula to restore the Caliph's rule to Mecca and Medina, they too, abandoned by the Mamluks, where we are welcomed with opened arms by the Muslim faithful, for the Caliph now rules over the three holiest cities of Islam, Mecca, Medina, and Al-Quds. From Al-Quds, Beersheba is invaded simaltenously with Jordan and is too found empty, we find no Mamluk Soldier in sight, the Negev Desert is ours. From the Negev, the invasion of the Sinai Pennisula commences with 10,000 soldiers crossing the desert, meeting the Mamluks at what is now Arish. Simaltenously, the Caliph's Armada makes a sudden surprise attack at the Port of Alexandria, where the Mamluk Fleet is docked, destroying the resting ships mercislessly, with 10,000 troops also vying for the Port of Alexandria itself, seizing many valueable goods for the Caliphate. The goal in Alexandria is to disrupt and disorient the Mamluks, denying them any regrouping for any future counterrack. Assuming victory in the Port of Alexandria, the rest of Alexandria shall be besieged. This vast annexation of land brings countless souls under the Caliph's rule, with the majority of the year spent consilidating the new land and people of God who now come under our reign. In Rome, Maronite PatriarchYouhanna VII concludes that the Mongol Crusade failed was because it was led by a heathen ruler, Baydu Khan, who, even though sympathetic to Christians, never converted to Christianity and remained a Buddhist, thus remaining a heathen. It was not in the Lord's will for a Heathen to take the Holy Land, for Baydu Khan was at Jerusalem himself and lost each time. The next Crusade shall only succeed if led by a righteous Christian.
 * Georgia: Anastasios and his armies celebrate another victory in Erzincan, though some become visibly frustrated at the perceived “sluggishness” of the Anatolian campaign and the moderate casualties taken during the siege of the said city. To dispel any discontent, Anastasios pays each of his soldiers 300 dirhams (approximately 32 ounces of silver). Inspired by the famous Alexiad, Anastasios writes a 1,000-long historical and biographical text called the “Davidiad”. It is written in three languages – Georgian, Armenian, and Persian. It describes the political and military history of the Georgian Kingdom during the reign of his father, David VIII “the Great”. However, he invokes elements of hagiographical tradition throughout the text – for example, emphasizing his patronage of Orthodoxy and his mercy towards his Muslim subjects. Sivas is besieged from three sides by 15,000 troops. Two-thirds attacks the main gate. With the enemy allocating most of its manpower to the defense of the main gate, two smaller attack from the rear. A wide variety of siege engines are used. Counterweight trebuchets and battering rams are used to destroy enemy defenses – as such, weak points such as gates and thinner walls are especially targeted. Escalades are constructed to help scale enemy walls. To protect Georgian troops from enemy missile fire, assault covers are used. Seamless communication between the three armies is maintained through couriers. A special light cavalry corps also moves supplies, which are stockpiled in the capture city of Erzurum and ultimately produced in Georgian border cities such as Yerevan and Ani. Asides from reconnaissance missions, information is extracted from captured prisoners of war. The remaining 10,000 troops are sent westwards to mop the remnants of the Turkish army. They fight under usual tactics. In dealing with horse–archers, foot archers are used at a range (since the horses are often unarmored – which coupled with their size, makes them easy targets) while heavily-armored lancers engage them in melee (exploiting the gap between each one). Against tight infantry formations, the lancers attack the flanks and rear using the wedge formation – if possible, they also use the incline of the hills. The light cavalry attack the vanguard – firing their arrows in successive waves to inflict attrition. Once a gap is created, the light cavalry engage in melee using sabers while the heavy cavalry split into smaller teams and initiate the final rout. Against looser infantry formations, heavy cavalry are explicitly used; the light cavalry surround the perimeter to prevent escape or reinforcements. Silver is mined in Imereti, while copper is mined in Kartli; the influx of these metals underpin a thriving economy. Commerce increases. The main export good is cotton cloth; wine, felt, and enamel is also exported but in lesser quantities.
 * Empire of Ethiopia: In the Year of our Lord 1346, the Emperor Amda Seyon passes away peacefully in his bed at the Imperial Palace in Barari, surrounded by his loved ones. The Emperor has left a lasting legacy of Ethiopian dominance, having established Ethiopia as the foremost Christian kingdom in the area and expanding the realm into Muslim states in the south. The entire kingdom mourns the death of the great king, who is posthumously awarded the title of “The Lion of Judah”. A grand funeral procession is planned, with a large procession of nobles and clergymen attending the Emperor’s coffin from Beri in the east to Weri’kama Beri in the West. Thousands of peasants, merchants and nobles alike come out to mourn the Emperor’s passing as the procession passes through their lands. After the procession, the Emperor is interned in the Imperial Mausoleum at Barari, the first Emperor to be buried there. Amda Seyon’s son, Newaya Krestos, is crowned Emperor in a coronation held at Barari with all nobles, vassal kings, allied kings, Imperial governers and Ministers present. In order to cement his rule and show he is a capable successor to his father, the new Emperor plans a campaign against the Shewa tribe in the south. Assembling the army again, Emperor Krestos marches 15,000 men against the Shewa tribe in the south, demanding their submission and conversion to Christianity [MOD RESPONSE / ALGO NEEDED]. Additionally, with Mali falling into civil strife in the west, the Empire’s trade route to Europe is severely disrupted. Seeking to preserve the trade route, which at this point is the Ethiopian crowns’ main source of revenue, the Emperor’s Trade Minister, with Imperial approval, sends a diplomatic delegation north to Egypt, where the Mamelukes are attempting to break free of the radical Taymiyyah faction. The delegation asks the Mamelukes if they would be willing to open their ports to trade from Europe and Ethiopia, emphasizing how lucrative the Silk Road flowing through Egypt would be for the Mamelukes. The Empire also offers military support to the Mamelukes if they accept the deal [MOD RESPONSE NEEDED]. The Empire also begins expanding its control over the newly conquered Somali territories. With the vassal King of Axum refusing Ethiopia’s offer, Imperial governors are appointed to rule the area. Under their supervision teams of slaves and engineers trained at the university in Barari begin constructing roads through the newly conquered territories, linking the newly built roads to the road system in Axum. Priests are also sent into the newly conquered territories to attempt to convert the newly conquered Somalis.
 * Mamluks accept the deal and ask for troop aid
 * Archduchy of Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": The Holy Roman emperor John becomes blind due to disease, this causing disconfort to him. As now the emperor cannot read or write anything down, as the writing style he is used to requires tought and attention. This blindness also causing issue's with the fact that he is now dependent on his servants to help him, who he trusts but worries about. So he hires local squires and priests to help himself with reading and writing in his place, altough John does learn how to make a Simple Signature based on Muscle memory. Which actualy makes it possible to know if an order was actualy read and recognised by the Emperor and Archduke himself. The Emperor now also recognises the Elevation of Frisia to the Rank of a Duchy, the Duchy of Frisia. This elevation being a recognition of the old Frisian Dutchies that existed from the times before charlemagne and even during the Roman times, as such the Emperor sees the Frisians as equels to Romans and such deserving of their title. The Frisian bandit movement the So called "Hooked League" in Zeeland being crushed by Archduke, this being possible due to the Arrival of New soldiers from Luxembourg. While in Frisia his majesty the archduke Decides to quickly move his soldier by ship from Zeeland to the Habour of Harlingen, whose port had been blockaded by the Ducal navy for two years allready. Which caused moral of the Enemy to fall drasticly, this being the Tactic of the Archduke. The 3,000 soldiers even attacking the town togheter with cannons and taken from the woods, after which they serounded the small town. Due to the encirclement combined with the Blockade the Frisians, they resive absolutely no material in their town. John II even allowing mercy and for Frisians to join the Profesional Lotharingian army if they so desire, Joining meaning they get food, clothing, a bed and much more. Such is the 7,000 strong army at drachten, who as been cutting the of the city for two years. All in an effort to make the Cityziens realise that the Power of his Majesty Archduke John II of Lotharingia is greater then they ever could think of. The Emperor calling on all Member states of the Empire to help him to expand the empire and her Influence of the empire (Mod Response). The emperor reasoning that due to Frisia not being fully within the empire it could be the Landing place of Naval invasions from foreign armies, which could disturb trade. One measure to soften the effect of Economic Disruption is John Duke of Luxembourg, accepting the Parliaments of Mechelen's call to Join the Parliament. The City of Luxembourg Gaining two Comoners seats and 3 Noble's seats, this being around proportional for the population and Importance. The emperor is also Considering to Change the Role of the Imperial city of Aachen into something more Important, a Plausible new Capital and Seat for the Empire. A City where all representatives of the empire can go to have the emperor listen to their problems and Solutions they might have. Thus aiding the Emperor to Defend the Realm to keep herself united and strong.
 * Republic of Venice: Roman physicians who have been visiting Kerch before the Mongol invasion report tales of a strange terminal disease. Infected people show signs of fever, however after some time black bulges appear in the armpits and the neck of the victim, and a necrosis occurs in some cases. This matches up with reports from the near East, where the same disease has been wreaking havoc. the doctors suspect it comes from infected animals or parasites, who hide in the fur of their host waiting to jump on humans. However, this is a lesser matter for now. An army of 10,000 is sent to Kerch to fortify the city walls and the surrounding lands, and to mercilessly slaughter any opponent. During the battles of Kaffa, the foot soldiers along with around 2,000 Tartar horsemen and the 5,000 guards of Crimea that have been stationed there previously. Chevals de frise are constructed at the defensive lines, behind them, inside the trenches where spikes are hidden which are covered with horse and human feces to give the victims infections. If a Mongol attempts to jump over the barricade with his horse, his animal will be killed by the spikes in the trenches, or the horse will have a broken leg and the soldier is exposed. To remain a high level of effectivity among the lesser trained soldiers, crossbows are handed out to man the infantry positions. These will fire in volleys ordered in a chess board. So that, for example in row 1 every first (uneven) marksman will fire, while in row 2 every second (even) marksman shoots. After the voley is fired the shooters who haven’t shot shoot while the others reload. this way a constant fire can be assured. (ALGO NEEDED) The forces constantly keep contact with Rhodes and Crete to plan an evacuation of the city. Seeing that Crimea is almost a lost cause, the treasuries of the cities Kaffa and Kerch and everything remotely of worth is brought to Crete. If the Mongols manage to break into the outer defensive ring of Kerch, the town is evacuated, all money, gold and clerical relics are seized and the city will be burned to the ground and the army will board the ships immediately. Similar measurements are taken in Durazzo, Albania, where after the Serbian attack Venetian forces seize the surrounding area of Durazzo and fortify the area. A force of 20,000 is gathered in the city, consisting of Albanians, Dalmatians (south Slavs) and Venetians, enforced with professional troops and officers, the experienced general and brother of the Doge, Mastino II. della Scaglia leads the forces. The Doge hopes for a large morale boost among the Venetian troops, as both the Doge and the Scaglia family are fairly popular since they rule the country. SECRET The war against Serbia should be coordinated with the Latin Empire, and Mastino II. proposes that the Venetians send a force of 10,000 to join forces, while the rest stay in Durazzo to gather more strength and secure supplies (LATIN EMPIRE RESPONSE) SECRET END Defensive installments are made in Durazzo, so that the city can survive at least 2 months of siege and buy enough time to get supplies from Venice proper. Commercial grain and wine production in Corsica and Crete continue, while the Emilia-Romagna feeds large portions of the nation. The textile industry however begins to run low on raw wool and cotton to affordable prices, therefore the british isles, Ireland in particular and Georgia are asked to provide Venice with wool and cotton respectively via a trading agreement (IRELAND AND GEORGIA RESPONSE PLEASE).
 * Latin Empire of Romania: Emperor William, having been busy consolidating support in Thessalonica, which has largely been subdued over the past two years, with the Zealots largely arrested and dispersed, finally moves to take his entire force of about 15,000 troops, alongside 15,000 from Hispania (sent back in 1342) to confront the Serbian threat - which is currently besieging Durazzo. This city, formerly known as Epidamnos, is under a 100-year lease to the Venetians, and so Emperor William works in close concert with his Venetian allies to ensure that the 30,000 Venetians (10,000 outside of the city walls, and 20,000 from within) are prepared to defeat the Serbians. Meanwhile, our naval forces move to join the Venetians in an effort to supply Durazzo through the siege. Word is sent to Hungary (Diplomatic Response) asking them to aid us in our war with Serbia, given our royal marriage relations. Domestically, there are two major events this year. First, is the election of the Archbishop of Thebes, Philip, as the new Latin Patriarch of Constantinople. This marks the first time the archbishops of the Latin Empire, in conclave, have elected the Latin Patriarch (instead of being appointed by the Pope). However, word is given to the Ecclesial Tribunal to inform His Holiness of the selection of Philip, and to have him elevated to cardinal, as his position is entitled under the agreement struck by Henry of Asti (Papal Response). Secondly, the Assizes of Romania are officially issued this year, under the name of Emperor William and with the blessing of Patriarch Philip. This is a codified set of rules that will govern all relations within the Latin Empire - largely drawing from other legal sources, Frankish, Byzantine, and crusader. Finally, Empress Judith continues using her charm to promote conversion to the Roman Catholic faith, which is now predominant in Athens and Achaea, especially given the number of Orthodox priests who are retiring in these two lands, without recognized replacements under the law.
 * Poland-Bohemia: Conrad and Sohpia finally make their way back to Poland after a 3 Year tour of Northern Italy, and Southern Germany bringing with them several Italian and German artisans, Engineers, and scholars. Upon his return Conrad decides to continue the arrangements of allowing Ottokar to remain in the active administration of the Kingdoms of Poland and Bohemia as his first Minister and as the continued Regent of Bohemia.  Sophia becomes pregnant with their first child. Conrad goes about organizing several new projects employing several italian engineers to begin improving transportation in his realms by building roads connectinghis cities, and to begin building sewage in Krakow. The cities of Warsawa, and Lublin, Gdansk, and Wroclaw see a steady growth in population as settlement is promoted through the expansion of rights for aritsans, merchants, and jews. Conrad begins expanding his patronage of the Mercedines, by allowing the continued expansion of the order in Eastern Poland amongst the newly converted Lithuanian settlers in North Eastern Poland, and to provide spiritual guidance for the people of Poland.
 * Nyazwe: The navy of Nyazwe is expanded to its full size as planned by the government in line with the military needs of the country, with six warships and three hundred sailors added to the ranks of the military. On the civil size, there are an additional ten nyurusi trade ships added to the merchant fleets of Nyazwe, increasing the trade flow to the country, and allowing the government to form a more effective trade policy independent of the Arab and Swahili merchant guilds based in the coastal port cities. As long awaited by the government's officials, Zvakane Akashinga announces a major development in the direction of the powers of the state. Before all of the Hamadzese, Akashinga reveals the new written document which outlines all of the rights of Nyazwe's citizens and the powers of the state. Within it this constitution, titles of authority based purely on bloodlines is prohibited by the state. This development serves as a major step in the development of Nyazwe as a regional power in southern Africa, giving the government its mandate to act in the defense of civilization and the integration of foreign peoples into the country and its society. On that note, Akashinga announces that Nyazwe shall begin sending warriors into the west to bring the San people to heel and into the great dominion of Nyazwe, forcing them to adopt their culture and way of life for their own benefit. To this end, 28 guruva of cavalry and 14 misasa of infantry - comprising a force of some 14,200 warriors - is assembled on the western frontier of Nyazwe in the cities of Toutswe and Risingabereki, in the north and south respectively. These two formations are headed by Akashinga's two sons, the marshals of the north and south, to being their invasion of San territories in the west and burn the homesteads of the natives to the ground. As was the case more than two thousand years prior, the Bantu warriors of Nyazwe begin their campaign to expel the native Khoisan peoples of the south from their lands. On the domestic front, literacy rates continue to climb under the direction of the Ministry of Knowledge, which has increased the number of teachers on its rolls to some three thousand personnel, allowing it a better reach throughout the state. Likewise, the promotion of Faraism throughout Nyazwe has been remarkably successful, with more and more members of the population dropping the out superstitions they once held under the careful tutelage of their mutauri educators. Using knowledge of the sciences as taught to them in the academies of Lusvingo, the mutauri simplify the natural sciences to the level of understanding necessary to give the people some idea of why certain aspects of nature take place. Former traditional healers turned mutauri use their prior influence within their communities to use the trust built between them and the people to help dispel lies and traditional views that only provided a breeding ground for myth and ignorance across the population. In the urban centers of Nyazwe, religion is treated with scorn and mocking, now as more and more of the youth educated in the Faraic philosophies come of age and move into the cities to find work as artisans and merchants.
 * Empire of Hispania: with the capturing of Messina and the retreat of the rebel forces to Amalfi, Alfonso and his men march on Naples to take down his cousin and fulfill Imperial Stability. The sea area is blocked off to ensure no rebels escape while the city is surrounded by the Hispanic Army which is done to draw out the forces from Amalfi and take out the rebels completely in Naples as the men engage using cannons against any defenses while archers will use bow and arrow. In addition, this is combined with the cavalry using crossbow and pike while the main infantry units take positions that would allow for more controllable land as in reference to hills around Naples so that the troops may be dragged down while facing the assault by the other troops. Furthermore, any siege weapons from previous campaigns are put to use as well specifically catapults and trebuchets used against defenses to do anything the cannons can't effectively do. The rebellious merchants that were captured are rounded up and convicted of high treason in the court of Messina. News of Mansa Musa's death brings about sadness to those who have had the opportunity to learn about the man and a representative is sent to leave a message of condolences as the Emperor works to close off conflict and unrest within his Empire. News of the infections from Physicians abroad coming from Crimea and the Black Sea result in a new source of shared knowledge and investigation into the illness. In the Medical Schools of Toledo, the notes made by physicians are documented and the theory is taken into consideration regarding animals but also one of air which has been a constant thought, especially by those who have come to be known as "Vasquezians" resulting merchants who decide to trade in Black Sea and the Aegean to be advised to use scarves as Alexander Vasquez writes in a journal that is dispatched to the council which relays the advice to the admiralty. Economic implications strike as a result of the collapse of Mali into Civil War. This results in once again, prices of luxury goods soaring although domestic sales remain steady securing some stability but fears of economic downturn ripple as the valued trade of the Silk Road seems to come undone. Nonetheless, business as usual across the Empire continues the era of sustainability. The Expeditionary Physicians of Hispania is established as a separate group of Physicians spread their works abroad by helping others in neighboring nations. Infrastructure in Madrid and Toledo continue to make them some of the most wonderful and beautiful places within The Empire while also being the cleanest of the Castilian region. As A Coruna continue to become a more important city along the northern coast of Hispania, a new University is established expanding the scholarly works of the empire further.

1347
'''The Black Death now begins to break out through the western world to reak a wave of death across the continent. The plague sweeps through the Middle East, causing devastation across the Abbasid Caliphate and the Mamluk Sultanate, creating tremendous attrition along the battle lines of the Taymiyyah Civil War.'''

'''After defeating the hordes of Mongols in the Siege of Kaffa, a new horde of rats travel on Venetian ships all across the mediterranean, spreading the plague to a variety of destinations across Europe. Most notably the Black Plague appears all across Byzantium, West Anatolia, Greece, Albania, Dalmatia, Venice, Southern Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Genoa, Majorca, Libya, and all of Egypt and Palestine.'''

'''The Byzantine Civil War comes to an end with Emperor John VI dies attempting to besiege Constantinople. John V assumes control over what remains of the Empire, and sends his own 10,000 troops in support of Serbia's war on Romania agianst Thessaloniki. The Latin League continues their crusades against the Turks, sinking a major Turkish fleet at Imbros this year.'''

'''Roman senator Cola di Rienzo attempts to lead a popular revolt at the Capitol Hill in Rome, attempting to restore the Roman Republic. He summons many middle class families to meet at the hill to create a "parliament" for the new republic with himself as Emperor.'''

'''The prolonged war between England and France has started to cause instability in local places. Riots occur by peasents living in Crecy and Lyon.'''

Having pillaged serveral villages in southern Novgorod, the Duke of Lithuania petitions to the Pope and the Teutonic Knights to organize a crusade against the Eastern Orthodox nations in the Rus.

'''Ibn Battuta travels back towards Mecca, landing first in Dhofar in Oman, then turns north to arrive in Shiraz in Iran. He then travels through Esfahan before arriving at the city of Baghdad, meeting the Abbasid Caliph there again.'''

'''John Maunderville finally arrives at the court of Prester or Presbyter John. Prester John's kingdom is entirely Nestorian in religion, being loyal to the successor of Saint Thomas located in India. He shows Maunderville many wonders that are kept in his kingdom, most notably the Garden of Eden and the Fountain of Youth. In spite of having the fountain of youth, Prester John does not abuse it to become immortal himself, as such holy relic must not be taken lightly. Nearby to his kingdom also exists the Kingdom of the Lost Tribes of Israel, who he frequently wars with as they continue to worship Canaanite gods of Baal and Asherah. Nearby to them are also the Kingdom of the Amazonians ruled by Queen Hypolita.'''

''' Qazaghan's rule over the Chagatai Khanate is short-lived, as the Turkman clan leaders originally loyal to him have him assassinated. '''

''' The University of Prauge is completed this year, and the Blue Mosque is completed in Cairo. '''

''' William of Ockham dies of bubonic plague. '''
 * Iceland: An extra 280 are born bringing the population to 40,280. This order of Nordic Piety is given to Cardinal Hemming Nilsson. In Greenland a longhouse is built in Róbertstorg to remember Greenland’s history. The government not wanting to lose ⅓ of the population again issues a law that bans people to have more than two kids effective next year. Greenland is split into three counties making three titles: Count of Nuuk, Count of Róbertstorg and the Count of Bratthild. The Counts of Bratthild and Nuuk are natives to keep the population happy. With the plague becoming worse a fort is built which makes any boats wait 40 days to enter the country.
 * Mali Empire: Some consolidation occurs across the Sahel as the civil war enters its second year, but the fighting between the realms of Ayyob and Abu Bakr III have only intensified over time. Ayyob manged to successfully pull off a campaign along the Niger River to subjugate the the rebellious nobles in Nigeria. The Battle of Biram is documented as being a crushing blow against the native Igbo nobles under Malian rule, as they were generally outnumbered 2,000 vs 8,000 troops. Abu Bakr maanged to fully subjugate both Ghana and Sosso in the Niger region of Mali proper, and pushed from there to invade through the Songhai region up north towards Kanem. Abu Bakr hoped to be able to capitalize on these early victories, to push on with a full invasion of Kanem with 25,000 troops. Reacting quickly, Ayyob managed to organize his own military to strike back at Abu Bakr from the south, leading 28,000 troops. Abu Bakr was confident in drawing out Ayyob with steady attrition, as his javalin-bearing footsoliders could cause more damage against Ayyob's cavalry. However, Ayyob anticipated this, and used a series of smaller, swift cavalry skirmishes to draw out Abu Bakr's infantry directly south. This culminated with a direct conflict of their two militaries at the Battle of Gao. One account described that Abu Bakr attempted to utilize tamed elephants as intimidation tactic, but Ayyob managed to scare them off using five imported siege cannons, the first use of gunpowder in sub-Saharan history. After being defeated at the Battle of Gao, Abu Bakre took his army to flee north back into the Sahara desert to retreat back to Macina. Along the way, he looted and pillaged dozens of locak depots and oasis regions for supplies of his roaming band of military, which greatly angered the governor of Timbuktu. Abu Bakr also sent the commander of the slave militia, Suleiman, to subjugate the rebellion in Waalo in the west. Suleiman was infamous by later accounts as being a radical Sunni follower, and brutally oppressed the African-syncretic cults that existed in Waalo at this time, as well as other diverse faiths that had congregated at the port of Dakar. In defiance of this violent oppression, the people of Waalo revolted against Suleiman, sending destructive riots and vandalism all across the city of Dakar. The Great Fire of 1347 led to the complete destruction of the port of Dakar, essentially crippling the Malian navy for the rest of the war. Most notable in the historigraphy of Mali, all information we have on this conflict comes from anecdotes and records made in later years, most notably the visit of Ibn Battuta. This is because, as a result of the ongoing chaos in the Sahel, all trade or contact across the Sahara desert is temporarily cut off, as well as the sea trade leading to Spain.
 * Poland-Bohemia: Conrad, not wishing to miss out on the chance to expand into Galicia and the eastern slavic lands and to strengthen his alliance with the Lithuanians, offers to support the Lithuanians in their war against Novogrod and the Rus', (mod response). Mobilizing his Levies and calling on the Crown Army Conrad raises the 35,000.
 * The Duke of Lithuania accepts the alliance against Rus'.