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: User:Reximus55
 * 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)

1310
''' Aleppo is seized by the Mamluk Sultanate, destroying much of the Cilician military in the process. Under political pressure from the Shah in Tabriz, they cede the city to the Sultan of Mosul. '''

''' Growing tension is palpable across much of Italy toward a resolution to the current schism, particularly among influential merchant families in Central Italy. '''

''' A book titled "The Mirror of Simple Souls" is published by Marguerite Porete, a controversial French mystic. '''

 Patriarch Athanasius I of Constantinople, the leader of Orthodox Christianity, dies and is succeeded by Nephon I. 

''' The "Mob Quad" is constructed in Oxford University. '''

''' Mayat Capac expands his domains from Lake Titicaca into Peru, and opens trade relations to the City of Chimu. '''

''' A civil war breaks out in the Pandyan Empire between two claimants for the throne: Vira Pandya and Sundara Pandya. '''


 * Mali Empire: Slow and steady colonization of the Gorgades Islands serves as an appropriate expenditure of the vast revenues in the empire. The sea commander Sanbao continues to request a sea trade with Castile and Portugal to buy our salt and gold [Player/Mod response]. The Hungarian explorer Aleksander Basic arrived at the court of Niani around this time, and his itinerary gives a very stark contrast between the common lifestyles of Mali to that of Europe. His visit is completely unrecorded by Malian historians in general, but his close parallels to the descriptions of Ibn Battuta attest to its accuracy. It is most likely that Mansa Abu Bakr II was campaigning in Waalo at the time Basic arrived in Niani. Abu Bakr remembered the warning given to him by the Sufi Mystic a few years ago, that visiting Waalo would ultimately lead to his doom. So when he visited Waalo, he made sure to stick to the safer cities that were fully integrated into the empire already. In one of these towns, he happened to catch sight of a woman bathing outside, named Aresh the wife of Djata. Mansa Abu Bakr was overwhelmed by his lusts, and came to the woman's house in the night, demanding her body to surrender to him. Aresh refused to comply to the emperor, knowing her faithfulness to God was greater than his domains, but her ultimately forced himself upon her anyway. Having discovered this act of molestation against his wife, the warrior Djata confronted the emperor the next day. Wanting to have him silenced, Abu Bakr took up a small statue and smashed it through Djata's skull. The Mansa had these matters silenced with the help of two personal guards, known in later obscure traditions as Manat and Uthman. Even so, Abu Bakr could have no rest from that day forward, and was constantly plagued with guilt both day and night.
 * Tarascan State: After many moons, the sun god Curicaueri finally returned to Tariácuri once more. Curicaueri speaks of the creation of an organized, unified Tarascan state. He embellishes Tariácuri with soothing tunes of success and wealth. Tariácuri asks the sun god Curicaueri if war should be used to create this success, but before an answer could be recieved, Curicaueri departs back into the clouds. Tariácuri, with this second message from Curicaueri, plans out the further urbanization of Tzintzuntzan and Angamuco. With the aid of Urichu, Erongarícuaro, Pechátaro, and Jarácuaro, expansion is made to the west toward the sea while settlers scan the geography for adequate housing locations. In Tzintzuntzan, military barracks are installed under a new philosophy meant to minimize the total numbers while maximize strategy and efficiency. With this, it is decided that roughly one-fifth of all male adults at the age of 14 must begin militant training, spending upward of 12 years in a faction of 25 before they are able to retire to a live of serenity before reaching the skies. Citlali of the Urichu is selected as the warrior-general, to lead these factions in fighting off invaders and pillaging enemy villages. Metallurgy continues to be embraced as a method for producing tools and weapons, with swords, shields, and armor becoming primary components of a warrior.
 * Yuan China: Following the reprieve from campaigning, Emperor Maxiu informs his troops that the time has come to reclaim Korea for the Yuan dynasty following their unjustified uprising and separation from China. He mobilizes the 200,000 troops of the imperial campaigning army outside of Beiping, and marches into Korea from the city of Liaoyang, where food, weapons, and equipment for the previous garrison of troops stationed at the border have been stockpiled. The other 100,000 provincial troops that were located along the border with the Koreans are left in their positions to serve as reinforcements, and prevent the Koreans from breaking through into the interior of China. The Ninghai fleet of China, consisting of some 250 ships, continues the blockade of Korea, with the goal of strangling the Korean economy, preventing food, weapons, and supplies from reaching the enemy forces, and ensuring that they are weakened sufficiently enough to pave the way for a Chinese victory. Likewise, in preparation for the war, the emperor has withdrawn approximately ten percent of the imperial treasury reserves for the purposes of the invasion, enough to satisfy a five-year long war against the Koreans before requiring an additional influx of currency to pay for the invasion, along with funding for any equipment and personnel that must be paid on on-site during the war. Back home, the focus on local development of urban communities by the emperor have finally paid off, with the majority of town expansions taking place at the direction of the local governors and magistrates, rather than the direct intervention of the imperial court in Beiping. Without requiring imperial direction, the local government for the city of Liaoyang expanded its city walls and market centers to accommodate the 100,000 provincial troops which were garrisoned along the Korean border to the southwest, as many of the soldiers took time to spend their money in the city to acquire goods not provided at their bases. With this influx of cash, the local authorities were able to finance the construction of a series of wall extensions without relying on corvee labor, and now have the ability to house up to 300,000 residents within the city limits. In the north, further development of the land was handed over to the inhabitants of Acheng and Hailar, the latter being a new city built earlier in the year to facilitate trade between Manchuria and Mongolia through their northwestern border. The town has already experienced a construction boom provided by the migration flow of nomads from the north seeking financial security within the borders of China, and Hailar now boasts a modest population of 12,000 permanent inhabitants. In line with the edict issued by Emperor Maxiu several years ago, the imperial authorities have finally completed the tabulation of the census results as requested. As of 1310, the Yuan dynasty boasted a population of 75 million inhabitants, while the largest city in the country was that of the southern capital of Hangzhou along the Yangzhe River. As legally mandated by the imperial court, the tax policies of the empire have been adjusted, and the requirements for military service brought in line with the new information. With the blessing of the emperor, the imperial court has lowered the individual tax burden to 15% of all personal income generated over the year, while the cap on the number of military personnel allowed to serve has been lifted to 1.2 million effectives. The imperial court drafts a budget for the emperor's approval for use over the next decade until the census for 1320 has been organized. Approximately 35% of the taxable population was delinquent in paying their taxes, either due to evasion of imperial authorities, or simply due to a lack of hand currency to pay with. Consequently, the new budget shall consist of 204.282 million taels in collected revenue. These funds shall be allotted in the following manner; 6.2 million taels to imperial administration, 57.5 million taels for the military salaries and expenditures, 99.152 million taels for the development of roads and infrastructure and public works, and 35 million taels for the imperial treasury for any future necessities as determined by circumstance, while the remaining 6.43 million taels shall be allotted for the maintenance of the imperial army's annual expenses in Korea. Within the rest of China, new churches are built throughout the country, with many of the higher-ranking members of the population converting to Christianity to gain favor with the emperor and the imperial court, as well as obtain a favorable standing with the Mongols who govern the Silk Road in the west. In the rural regions of the empire, missionaries find considerable success as the charitable works of the Christians appeal to the peasant population historically abandoned by the various other dynasties of their nation. The missionaries provide food, clothing, and medicine to the locals, and help them to understand the Christian concept of faith through works, and how the emperor has committed himself to these teachings so as to better the lives of his subjects through his actions. They further speak of how the Christian ideals advocated on the subject of family life, social order, and respect for authority complement the teachings of Confucius, and that the Confucian concept of yì and zhì, the upholding of righteousness and moral disposition to good as well as the ability to see what is right and fair, are both found in the Gospels of the Christ as core tenets of his teachings. The ability to both into harmony as advocated by Confucius and preached by Jesus, appeals to many Chinese peasants who adopted the faith into their homes and use Confucian shrines for their prayers and civil religious rites. In Europe, the Chinese delegation departs from Prague and moves on to Magdeburg, where they mingle with the locals and sell some of their goods to the merchants to purchase local clothing and wares that would make their stay more tolerable for the inhabitants of the region, as well as help them blend in enough that their presence is less of a cultural shock that could cause harm to their mission. Moving on from there, the delegation arrives in Cologne, where Sala and several of the priests from China interact with the local clergy to inquire of the state of affairs within the Catholic Church, and they would be wise to know regarding the current political environment not provided to them while in Prague. While interacting with the clergy in Cologne, the Chinese delegation learns of the current strife within Catholicism revolving around the Pope in Rome and Anti-pope in Huesca. Based on this information, the Chinese delegation fears that their planned visit to Spain may be viewed as a show of support for the Anti-pope in a journey where they sought an audience with the Pope in Rome, at least the only Pope they were aware of at the time they departed from China. With this news in hand, the delegation opts to limit their visit to Spain to only two cities as part of their tour in Europe, and not to stay for longer than would reasonable. This would likewise bring their stay in Spain in line with that of their own visits throughout Europe, visiting two major cities in each region before departing to the next. Having decided their course of action, the Chinese delegation departs for France, where they will winter in Paris before moving on with the rest of their tour and documenting their travels and discoveries in the region. The group sent to Stockholm is notified of the move and depart to meet up with their colleagues in Paris to join them for the winter.
 * Republic of Milan: Victory in Genoa following this victory a proposal is made to the Genoese merchant families for a merger to occur between the Milanese and Genoese merchant republics with Genoese merchant families being powerful in their own sector of the economy. As well as the Milanese merchant families being powerful in their banking sectors. All Merchant families are sent this offer in the hope to end the war between Genoa and Milan as well as Genoa and Venice. Should this offer be accepted the Republic shall be renamed to the Republic of Northern Italy. An emissary is sent to Venice in the hopes to end the war upon the unification of Milan and Genoa. (New Mod response as well as Venice response.)
 * Mod response: Genoa doesn't accept a fully peace but do accept to have a truce for one year, to be renewed daily until a peace deal can be made that is acceptable to both.
 * Bohemia-Poland: Bohemian and Polish artisans continue to hone their trade. Economic growth continues as the flow of goods up and down the Vistula increases. Trade in the Transcarpathian region remains strong. Wenceslaus III agrees to marry off his sister to Geza. rotating levies are maintained in the east to protect against potential attacks from the Mongols. In Kutna Hora a mysterious priest arrives in town and begins speaking of preaching there, the preacher is very charismatic and manages quickly manages to mingle amongst the upper class of the city - more to be added later.
 * Byzantine Empire: The Empire is mourning after the death of the patriarch Athanasuis I. He will be granted a high seat in heaven. Luckily, Nephon I is a popular patriarch, and will help stability stay high as we mourn. (War section is soon to be added.)
 * Duchy of Brabant-Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": The attack on Ghent got repelled and Brabantine morale is lowering, so John II decides that there should be one more attack on the city before the nation offers a peace deal. His majesty attack Ghent once more with even better tactics and morale, troops from Loon even coming to help increasing the number of troops to 8,000. This time with the seeing of the bad results of the previous attack, John II decides on a new tactic one attack straight ahead. The gastraphetes and the archers firing their weapons first, then the shield wall walks forward and only when very close do the Mounted soldiers charge the enemy in a horn movement. These battles are not what John II hoped his reputation does not gain, John getting the nickname Jan "Den dure" (John expensive). This is due to him always being able to eventually win a battle but at a cost that the nobility does not like, but for the moment grudgingly accepts. Kidney stones being a big problem for his Majesty since it does hurt and it is unknown for how long he can survive against them. His majesty now even looking into making a charter to give rights and centralise Brabant and his realm, like city representation and nobility representation in a council to advise and help his majesty. How this document will be no one knows for sure as he has said to his advisers that it will only be released a week before his death or later. His majesty not wanting nobles or cities to meddle with his great plan, His lotharingian Plan. John II also being proud and happy that liege has accepted the deal which gave away maastricht for the vassalage of the Great Lordship of Malines. Malines being owned by the bastard brother of His Majesty John II, with less formal alliance being there before. Malines being a centrally located in the lands of Brabant, John II eventually wanting to make Malines the capital of Brabant. But for now the most known place in Brabant is the "Berghe Huische" - the small mansion of the Duke in Heyst ten Berge which is officially in Mechelen and under the law of Brabant. While with more punctuation use and the now full transition into middle low Franconian, which is easier to read and write and helps with making administration easier and more straight forward. The new delegates reach their new destinations except for the one to Aj-ran and the Mamluks which takes longer, due to the greater distance. Meanwhile, the delegates to Denmark-Sweden as a gift the Swedish king Birger a nice long Brabantine wool Tunic, this being of the best quality wool and most vibrant colours. While the delegates are invited on a hunt by the Swedish king, where they are able to kill a deer. This deer being used as the handle for a Swedish steel sword with the text "Pax Baltae" - Baltic Peace. This being a gift to his majesty John II while the delegates get a small dagger especially made to skin deer that are native to Sweden. After which, the Duke sends a letter of appreciation, with help of a basic Norse translator.
 * Kingdom of Hungary: The marriage of Géza along with him coming into his capability as King, brings great joy and comfort to his kingdom, following this she is later announced to be pregnant four months after the wedding. She as the year comes to a close manages to give birth to two children, a healthy son who is christened Stephen after the Founder-Saint, and a daughter who is named Judith after Elizabeth's mother. However, tragically she passes away after a month from birthing fever most likely due to her young age, leaving the King a widower at a young age. This ultimately leads to rumors being spread in parts of Hungary especially near the border with Bohemia and Poland that the lord was unhappy with Géza adhering to the Pope in Rome, and thus sought to take his wife who was tied to him under his oversight. However, the lord was not unhappy with Géza per se as he was allowed to keep two children from this union. This lead to some discontent and antipathy toward the pope with his support beginning to fade within the Kingdom. Meanwhile, Alexander Bašić continues to spend time with the city of Niani observing and recording the traditions of the Mali Empire writing them down page by page and making illustrations in order to bring back to his home country. He begins to mingle with the native nobility and scholars hoping to learn more about their culture and history. He continues to compile a map of his journey and the land he calls Opima (Latin for Rich Land). Géza notably grants a royal charter to the academia of the abbey of Saint Elizabeth to establish an official campus for learning and education, in his honor they call it the University of Géza, which is located in the royal city of Esztergom.
 * Jarldom of Greenland: The jarl begins handing our fur jackets and blankets to every citizen to protect them from the cold climate and improve their work efficiencies. In addition to this, work on a new settlement begins near the coast (OtTL Nuuk).
 * Archbishopric of Trier: Prior Fischer returns from the Council of Stockholm and show to Archbishop Baldwin the conclusive evidence that John XXI was elected using simony. After this shocking revelation, the archbishop meets with the Cathedral Chapter and they come to a conclusion: both popes are illegitimate and since none want to resign a drastic measure need to be done. To save Christendom, archbishop Baldwin calls upon all the cardinals, archbishops, bishops and prelates to come to Trier and depose both Callixtus and John and after that organize a conclave [Players and MOD response needed, please]. May God help us. The Templar Master in Trier, Louis Berger writes to the Templars in Lübeck to talk about the future of the Order [Lübeck response needed, please]. The products of Trier continue to be exported through the rivers Moselle and Rhine. The Bank of Trier thinks about the possibility of create a standart currency to be used in the Archbishopric. A guild of wine producers is made and is led by Frederick von Huber, patriarch of the Huber Family. The Schwanthaler‘s relates were written and Archbishop Baldwin create a commission of prelates to analyze these teachings and the life of the twins to see if they are credible. While this happen Matthias and Catharina start helping the poor of Trier. They go out in the streets distributing food and preaching the gospel. The people of Trier call them as the "Twin Saints". The Day of Saint Symeon happens as allways, with the fair and a large number of pilgrims. The Huber Family donate a large number of flowers to garnish the Church of Saint Symeon of Trier and the Cathedral of Trier. In the homily, archbishop Baldwin calls to God help the Christendom in this time of trouble.
 * Hungarian Diplomacy: The Archbishop of Esztergom Thomas will attend the conclave on the orders of Géza III.
 * Swedish Diplomacy: The Archbishop of Uppsala Nils Allesson and a party of clergymen will attend the conclave with the full support of King Birger of Sweden
 * Navarrese Diplomacy: The Bishop of Pamplona Federico Goikoetxea criticises Trier's conclave, calling it unnecessary and illegitimate when there is already a legitimate Pope in Callixtus IV, and will not attend.
 * Milan Diplomacy: Stating the necessity for a legitimate non puppet Pope, The Archbishop of Milan Francesco Bellinari will attend along with an escort.
 * Teutonic Diplomacy: Our Grand-master will attend the conclave.
 * Kingdom of Sweden: “The far-east delegation of Chinese Christians arrives to Stockholm in the midst of the celebrations for the Royal Wedding between Princess Ingeborg of Norway and Prince Eric of Sweden. The delegation makes a grand procession through the festive streets of Stockholm, with hundreds of peasants and nobles alike straining to get a glimpse of the foreigners. King Birger, King Christopher and King Haakon V receive the Chinese delegation warmly and the two parties exchange gifts, with the Scandinavian nobles and monarchy gifting furs, steel armor and weapons, and copper to the Chinese delegates. The Chinese gifts are far more lavish, gifting bolts of silk, bags of tea, herbs and spices, and a strange substance which the Chinese describe as “blasting powder”. To show its properties, the Chinese delegates arrange for a spectacular fireworks show in front of the palace. The assembled royal families of Denmark, Norway and Sweden as well as the nobility of these kingdoms are stunned and awed by the magnificent and powerful display. Swedish alchemists, monks and scientists immediately begin studying and experimenting with the “blasting powder”, fascinated by its potential. To help maintain a supply of the powder the Chinese also leave detailed instructions on producing and maintaining it. The Archbishop of Uppsala also meets with the Chinese delegates, explaining the exact schism in European Christendom at the moment as well as having a philosophical discussion with the Chinese Christians regarding their beliefs. The Archbishop also brings numerous linguists and intelligent monks and priests to work on translating the Chinese language, although the complex characters that make up the Chinese alphabet are nearly impossible to replicate by observation only. As such, the Archbishop invites three Chinese delegates to stay in Stockholm permanently as guests of the Crown and the Church to help educate the Swedish clergy to the Chinese faith and culture [YUAN RESPONSE]. Hearing of a new conclave in Trier, the Swedish monarchy makes known their support for this new conclave and sends the Archbishop of Uppsala to attend with the hopes of resolving the schism in Christendom and reunite the faithful. With an alliance with Norway secured and the two royal families united, Sweden begins focusing on improving trade with Norway, helping to build roads to connect the two kingdoms as well as trading large amounts of timber to help Norway build a large fishing fleet. Additionally, hearing of the Templars fleeing north, the King of Sweden offers the Templars to establish themselves in Sweden, offering them estates in Finland to establish themselves there as well as offering to allow them to establish a Temple in Stockholm. [MOD RESPONSE]
 * No gunpowder application this early.
 * Yuan Delegation: The Chinese delegation in Stockholm leave a small amount of the gunpowder behind for the Swedish monarch to study in line with his request, and as a parting gift for hosting them in his estate at his expense. The delegation departs for France to meet up with the main body wintering in Paris, and thank their hosts for their generosity. (In line with the mods' ruling, this will not be enough to develop weapons with, but just enough to satisfy the scientific curiosity of the Swedish king). --Viva
 * Lordship of Ireland: Budget surplus due to almost no military spending and a modest rise in the wool trade as a result of tax breaks and enclosures. A new enclosure act is passed. A growing number of trained long bowmen and experiments are made with the old Roman sudis stakes being used as a Czech hedgehog. Plans for the expansion of Dublin castle are considered with a new wall with towers enfilading and a multi-storey keep being contemplated.
 * Teutonic Order: Grand-master Siegfreid von Feuchtwangen had a dream in witch God spoke to him and said that both Popes are servants to the devil and this must be stopped.after this the Grand-Master announced that the Order will be leaving the conclave with Pope Callixtus and joining the Conclave with Trier. In other news the Chinese delegation had passed though the capital and left spectators in awe.The Grand-master was left intrigued by the eastern Christians because he never thought that Christianity spread that far away.The remnants of the Templar's fleeing persecution are offer to settle in the Courland region of our nation and become farmers or Landmeisters. The first 1,000 archers are put in the army and the first 500 cavalry troops are put in the army raising are army size to about 12,500 troops. with the massive about of lumber in our nation we begin to make high quality Furniture and exporting it with all Hanseatic League nations. We send a diplomat to Prague to meet Wenceslaus III to talk about things regarding trade. We also send a diplomat to Lithuania to improve relations. A monastery is built in Braniewo. The Grand master requests to join the HRE [Mod Responds Needed]
 * Terra Mariana is already an imperial immediacy, so it doesn't make sense to join the HRE. And you wouldn't be allowed to become feudal either
 * Kingdom of Navarre: King Louis I publicly criticises the conclave in Trier as something that will create undesirable further division in the Catholic Church when there already is a legitimate Pope, Callixtus IV. Together with the governments of Siena and Florence he sends envoys to the Italian states of Arezzo and Pisa to discuss with them the illegitimacy of John XXI due to his simony and to convince them to support Callixtus IV as the legitimate Pope. (Mod response) The military builds new fortifications around the city of Donostia/San Sebastián, which is located close to the border with Castile and is Navarre's main seaport. The government funds fishermen in the Bay of Biscay to expand their industry and create more trade goods for Navarre. In the King's court, discussions about giving the Basque language an official status alongside Navarro-Aragonese continue.
 * Japanese Empire (War of three emperors): The serious defeat of the Minamoto this year puts them out for much of the year as they recover economically and militarily. The Tetsuko and Imperial family, however, go full tilt into each other with engagements occurring across the entire border with upward of six large engagements and nearly 20 smaller engagements occurring over the course of the year. After the series of conflicts the Emperor is able to push the border back further north now fully seizing Edo bay and Chiba as well as securing a clear and well defined/defended border with the faltering Tetsuko. Put the Tetsuko clearly out of the engagement for a good time, the Imperial army is forced on the defensive as the Minamoto make a play to seize the capital and hence the rest of the imperial family. The Imperial army marches back to defend with nearly 80,000 troops facing off against the 90,000 strong Minamoto forces. Desperate battles occur over the entire region as the Emperor struggles to hold the area. However, the arrival of Kampaku Saito at a key battle manages to secure a notable advantage which forces the Minamoto to encamp and entrench in order to face the counterattack next year. The Tachibana in the north continue their conquest of the Island of Hokkaido subjugating more Ainu villages. Hakodate continues to grow. However, its port facilities are expanded using Corvee labor in lieu of taxes in order to expand the port to handle the more dynamic traffic coming through the area.
 * Latin Empire of Romania: Emperor Florent continues to oversee significant administrative reforms as the nation transforms from a simple principality to a larger empire. Latin and French languages are promoted by the Latin clergy, with many of the local priests also becoming fluent in Greek in order to minister to the needs of the local population (very few of whom speak French or Latin, despite decades of Frankish rule). In domestic affairs, Florent focuses primarily on administration and governance while Isabella, the empress, focuses on cultural and Christian advancement. In addition to these domestic affairs, the Latin army in Mystras continues to fight the Byzantine threat. Having captured a large part of the city previously and routed the Byzantine army, the army under Michael Kurkuas launches an attack on the hold-out parts of Mystras from his base of operations in the city's fortifications. Meanwhile, Emperor Florent sends an envoy to our ally against Byzantium, Bulgaria, asking them to continue their assault on the Thracian provinces of Byzantium, pointing out that their defense against the Mongol hordes has been successful.
 * Papal States: Our power over Europe seems to be waning every day. The antipope has spit out these so-called "true facts" against the Pontiff. We were betrayed by the Archbishop of Trier himself and we now think that these schismatic heathens want to split apart from the holy Church, and follow their old pagan religions. When judgement day comes, Christ himself will put these heretic on a trial for all to see, for betraying the true faith. The only people we can trust now are ourselves. We invite Dante Alighieri to Rome, and try to convince him to spread the message to the other princes, clergy, archbishops, kings, and the cardinals. The 100 men from Trier are trapped inside Rome with returning to Trier not an option.
 * Crown of Aragon: Two years of peace are celebrated in Aragon. With the divide in the church continuing, the King leaves the See of Barcelona to decide what would be the best move for the church moving forward in this time of division. 28 Ships are constructed. In the meantime, some administrative reforms occur in Aragonese Morocco with local government branches becoming the leading head of rule in the region pledging their loyalty to the crown. These works lead to a balanced division between the regional aristocracy and nobility giving power to the communities in the region with courts as well. In secret, a plot to strike against our rival in the western Mediterranean is thought over seeing that their weakened position may leave the door open to some vulnerability.
 * Öljaitü Sultan of Mosul: The Siege of Kerman becomes known as the Siege of Stars, due to both besieging the City of Stars and how many stars dance across Heaven during the siege, seeming eternal as the cosmos above, with the fate of victory or defeat in the stars. The army of 1 tumen (10,000) are sent from Yazd to Kerman as reinforcements (either to besiege Kerman or garrison it, depending on the algo.) News reaches Sultan Öljaitü of Mosul of his recent acquirement of Aleppo, personally thanking both the Mamluk Sultanate for capturing the city and giving it to him, and to Ilkhan  Tügä of the Ilkhanate for pressuring the Mamluks into giving it to him. This move makes Tügä a pretty popular leader once again, with many no longer praying for lightning to strike and burn Tabriz. There are a select few, however, who say that this act of Aleppo will not spare Tabriz from destruction. The Imam of Baghdad continues to grow in power as libraries, hospitals, mosques, and schools continue to be constructed and reconstructed throughout Baghdad and the Sultanate, with focus shifting to the rebuilding of Aleppo, who's citizens are welcomed into open arms into the Sultanate.
 * Free City of Lübeck: With the acquisition of Travemünde, Lübeck's port is more defensible than ever. A dilapidated fortress lies on the island. Originally built sometime in the 11th Century, the icy Baltic salt air nipped at the fortress for centuries, reducing it to a crumbling ruin, sparsely manned if at all. Though some of the people stationed there began to set up farms nearby, the fortress was deader than a proverbial doornail. Its sale would breathe new life into the fortress as Lübeck begins to build a series of fortifications facing northward and westward (eastward lies a river). Across the river lies another fortress, which Lübeck quickly begins to expand into a large barracks. In straddling the river, Lübeck will be able to catch pirates, defend against naval attacks, and keep better statistics on their seafaring trade. Ground is broken on these fortresses, but it will take time to complete. Masons from Hamburg relocate to aid Lübeck in this engineering project. In the meantime, the Knights Templar begins to edge in on Jewish traders. At best, these Templars and their goons are belligerent. At worst, they are violent, threatening Jewish families with violence. They become staples of Catholic parishes all over the city. They become clergymen, guards, or simply esteemed members of the parish. Quickly, they incite rage against the Jewish traders, which turn into street clashes, assaults, and even the rare murder. Any semblance of criminal justice overlooks the violence against Jewish communities. Jews leave their homes (or any property in which they were illegally residing) in droves, though many stay. Perhaps Lübeck is their home, perhaps they have no place to go, or, if you ask the citizens who pushed them out, they wanted a chance to make a fortune on the growing herring and hemp banks. Abandoned properties are seized and used as storage-houses, though the walls of Lübeck hold many storage caches. States all over Northern Europe begin buying shares in these banks, either to prepare for incoming economic turmoil or worse. These caches are frequently wooden, and an early setback is thieves. It becomes a quickly-growing career to sign with the Hanseatic League and protect these crates. Some jobs range from complex detective work while others are as asinine as watching a warehouse until the next shift arrives. Anyone caught stealing from Hanseatic guilds meet increasingly novel and violent ends. A man is drowned in public in the Baltic with anvils tied to his feet (the anvils are later recovered), for example, due to his brazen attempt one clear night. Despite these setbacks, this growing sector takes the Rat by storm, resulting in a meeting of this governing council. Elections are held and a shocking 6 of the 20 members are replaced with new blood, who have made their fortune in this new form of banking. Relations with Ratzeborg and Bremen increase, especially due to the stranglehold Hamburg and Lübeck have on their markets. With the trouble in the Holy Roman Empire growing to a boiling point, Lübeck can no longer sit idly by while the Empire tears herself in two. Soon after the Rat is convened, the newly-elected body reconvenes and determines how to handle the crisis between the Pope and the anti-pope, especially after the call from Trier. The Weihnachtsstadt is held in the Templar square, where the Grandmaster of the Knights Templar holds a Yuletide ceremony in the town square celebrating Acre. This fallen bastion of Christianity is celebrated as the last great time Christians were truly united (ignoring, of course, the Orthodox and Nestorian churches, to name a few). He is joined by members of the Knights Hospitaller, German Templars, and clergymen as they celebrate a deeply religious Christmas. Jews cower in fear as rabidly-zealous Christians hunt for heathens, heretics, and anyone who celebrates either of the Popes. Either. These groups are not homogeneous and they begin to clash in the streets. Though they show more civility toward each other than they would to say, a Jew, these tensions escalate into street violence. Hanseatic guards are called in to end these Yuletide riots, but some things cannot be undone. By the end of the festival, it becomes painfully clear the Hanseatic guilds must choose. The Bishops of Ratzeborg and Bremen are paid large sums of money to represent Hanseatic interests in the Conclave of Trier. They will be joined by Jacques de Molay of the Knights Templar. (MOD RESPONSE) In the meantime, the Hansa sees Sweden's haughty attempt to strangle Russian trade as a threat. Deals with Pskov ensuring land routes as far north as Ingria make their way into Pskovian lands are made, insofar as Hanseatic guilds may transport these goods across the Baltic. '''Sweden is offered a deal, seeing as how the Holy Roman Empire is reaching a critical point: Lübeck will allow Swedish merchants 30% off trade for the next 20 years in exchange for the lifting of the blockade of the Gulf of Finland. This will allow for a steady stream of coin for iron as folks seek to stock up on weapons and armor during the coming fight. A lease for a Hanseatic settlement along the former coast of Novgorod will extend this deal to 40 years. (SWEDISH RESPONSE NEEDED.)
 * The bishops will represent the Hansa in the Conclave
 * Swedish Diplomacy: Sweden agrees to allow ships of the Hanseatic League into the Gulf of Finland. Sweden will also agree to a Hanseatic settlement along the former coast of Novgorod so long as no Hanseatic military forces set foot in the settlement, which will be garrisoned by a Swedish force. Sweden will guarantee the safety of all Hansa citizens and property in the settlement. Additionally the settlement must be open to Swedish immigrants and must respect the mercantile and property rights of these immigrants. 


 * Georgia: David issues the Regulations of the Royal Court, which codifies court etiquette and session protocol; it also lists the offices within the Privy Council and their respective duties and prerogatives. To ensure religious harmony, he also issues the Davidian Edict of 1310. The edict guarantees the right to freely practice and express any religion to all of his subjects. Led by the Lord High Constable – his estranged young brother, George – the royal court attempts to pressure David into terminating Georgian's vassal status and reclaiming its suzerainty. However, realizing that maintaining the illusion of Georgia's subservience to the Mongols would give it enough time to recover in the full, David reiterates his previous position on the matter. This ultimatum, along with his open tolerance of Muslims and non-Orthodox Christians, causes some claiming that he is too weak-willed and idealistic. To appease an increasingly expansionist and jingoistic royal court, he half-heartedly entertains the idea of invading Armenia and/or the Trapezuntine Empire. Nevertheless, he declares if such an expedition were to be realized, then he would not lead it as in past ones. This statement garners the attention of George, who believes that a victory can significantly advance his political career. Once again, irregulars (i.e., feudal levies and mercenaries) are disbanded. Fortresses are maintained in Tskhumi, Sumqayit, Batumi, and Yerevan. Silver and copper are mined from Imereti and Kartli, respectively, and are used to mint coinage. Under the encouragement of the Crown, commerce expands. Merchant and artisan guilds thrive in Tbilisi and Ganja, as well as the port of Batumi. Cotton becomes the main export; wine, felt, and enamels are also traded.

1311
''' A popular revolt takes place among middle class merchants and artisans in Rome, that captures Pope John XXI and imprisons him in the Castel Sant'Angelo. What remaining cardinals that supported John flee to either Siena and Naples, while the neighboring state of Arezzo declares its support for Callixtus. The sculptor Giovanni Nutrire (ahistorical), the de-facto leader in Rome, appeals to outside nations supporting Pope Callixtus to come restore his power in Rome. This is not done bloodlessly, however, as the Papal army is still largely loyal to Pope John. '''

''' After the fall of Genoa to Milan, the Republic of Pisa revokes their earlier treaties to Genoa, and begins building up their own mlitary again, along with their presence in Sardinia. The Genoese are not easily discouraged, however, and refuse to accept being annexed into Milan, instead favoring a vassalage and continued occupation. '''

''' The Hoysala Dynasty invades the Pandyan Empire to take advantage of their civil war, although cautiously so as to keep a firm defense from the Delhi Sultanate to the north. '''

'''The Lion of Flanders, Robrecht III, shows great courage and heroism in the Battle of Ghent which he could defend in the first battle. Regrettably he lost the battle as a great fighter the defender of Flanders and its liberties, and even got wounded badly getting a lance through his arm.'''

The demonstration of gunpowder to the King of Sweden becomes a minor scientific curiosity among alchemists in Scandinavia and northern Europe, mostly mentioned by contemporary chronicles as a footnote to the ongoing events of the Conclave of Trier.

Having finished their work in Morocco, the Catalan Company return to the Aegean to offer their services to crusader entities there.

'''Lincoln Cathedral is completed, being the tallest man-made structure on Earth. It surpasses the Great Pyramid of Giza by 14 meters.'''

Sultan Othman dies and is succeeded by Abu Sa'id Uthman II, his uncle, as ruler of Morocco.
 * Crown of Aragon: With the plot set in motion, the invasion begins. With the assistance of the Neapolitan Fleet and the Aragonese Fleet, The islands of Sardinia and Corsica are surrounded. Other ships are used in the addition to prevent interference in the form of a northern blockade to prevent Genoese countering and preventing the invasion of the islands as a total of 35,000 men invade consisting of hired mercenaries and spare men from Morocco and Napoli. (More to be added). With the addition of the Genoese Invasion seeing that John has been imprisoned, the calls are made for allied forces to march into the Papal States and secure Rome to be under the Holy See of Callixtus. 18,000 Aragonese men are dispatched to Napoli for the invasion. (More to be added). WIP
 * Kingdom of Navarre: With John XXI's attack on workers from Trier and the revolt in Rome, King Louis I, along with the Bishop of Pamplona Federico Goikoetxea, call for the Papal army to stand down and allow Pope Callixtus IV to be seated in Rome. Navarre's military sends 2,000 soldiers to join the 18,000 Aragonese in Naples, and Louis I sends out envoys to the governments of Castile, Portugal, France, England, Siena, Florence, Naples, Arezzo and Cyprus to send troops and/or ships to aid the coalition in besieging (and if necessary, invading) Rome until the Papal army stands down and allows Pope Callixtus IV to be seated in the See of Rome. (Player and mod responses) A son is born to Louis I and Margaret of Burgundy in the royal palace in Iruñea/Pamplona, named Victor. Discussions about the Basque language reach a resolution, and Louis I decrees that, although Navarro-Aragonese will remain the main governmental language, administrative matters can/will now also be conducted in Basque, giving the language a degree of official status.