1400-1409 (Principia Moderni IV Map Game)

1400
''' And so we begin! Here is the lay of the land of the world in 1400, as we begin the fourth adventure through the modern era... '''

 FOR EUROPEAN PLAYERS: Please go here and copypaste the template, fill it out with the adequate info and post it there, we have a special bonus feature for PMIV and help is appreciated.-sky 

''' The Epiphany Uprising is crushed in England and its leaders are executed. The deposed Richard II, the cause of the revolt, dies soon after under questionable circumstances. '''

''' English forces occupy Edinburgh but fail to take its castle. '''

Owain Glyndŵr is proclaimed Prince of Wales and launches a revolt against the English crown.

Geoffry Chaucer, one of the most well known English authors up to this point, dies.

''' Wenceslaus is deposed as King of the Romans by his fellow German princes. Rupert of the Palatinate is voted to succeed him as king and candidate for Holy Roman Emperor. '''

''' The Medici family begins to accumulate power and wealth in the city of Florence, rapidly becoming one of the more influential families present. '''

''' Manuel II becomes the first Roman (Byzantine) Emperor to visit England during his travels to find support against the Ottomans. '''

''' Wallachia resists an incursion by the Ottomans. '''

''' Timur captures the city of Damascus and sacks it. His army puts most of the population to the sword. '''

''' Timur also defeats the Black Sheep Turks and forces their leaders to flee into Ottoman lands for protection. '''

''' King Jeonjong of Korea abdicates and is succeeded by his brother Taejong. '''

''' The Maori are believed to have eaten or killed all the Moa and Haast's Eagles in the OTL New Zealand islands by this time. '''

''' The Mississippian Culture begins to enter a period of decline. '''

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 * The Kingdom of England: After sending troops to occupy the Edinburgh, King Henry IV offers a chance to the Kingdom of Scotland to negotiate terms. King Henry IV sends ambassadors to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Castile, Aragon,  Portugal , Genoa, and Florence (mod reaction needed); offering trading rights and pacts. The Kingdom of England increase their Naval power and their military, hoping to intimidate and push off the Scottish, and hopes to crush the rebellion with Wales, hoping they once again join and fight under the Crown of England. King Henry IV looks to The Kingdom of France, working on terms for land occupancies and military redoubt and struggle. The King offers gold coffers to the Pope, hoping to favor his graces within the Church. As the centralization and rebuilding of lands continues in Northern Ireland. Controlled territories (yet to be named) in Southern France bolster their defenses and military due to being surrounded by French controlled lands, and Iberian influences to the south. The fort (yet to be named) in Northern France is prepping its navy, as well as increasing their military, in hopes of a growing British expansion. Garrison forts are posted along the border of Wales, the largest of the forts being named Fort William, and being quarter walled with duct trenches and heavy palisades defending the reinforced stone that lay behind it. Fort William being a new focal point of standing war with the Welsh Rebels.
 * Danish Diplomacy: We accept the offer of trade from the Kingdom of England. Queen Margrete of Denmark offers her hand in marriage to King Henry IV where the Kalmar Union and the Kingdom of England will enter into a dynastic union, with Queen Margrete continuing to be the monarch of the Kalmar Union and King Henry IV continuing to be the monarch of England.
 * Genoa Dip: Genoan merchants accept.
 * Scottish Diplomacy: We propose an end to the war and a border between Scotland and England established along the old-Solway-Tweed line (OTL Anglo-Scottish border, with a Scottish Berwick) that has defined our border for centuries.
 * I swear on me nan, mate, Anglo-Portuguese alliance is ancient. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Portuguese_Alliance Do some research.
 * Kalmar Union
 * Norway: Under the Queen Margaret we begin to prosper with trade increasing with many countries. The Norse Nobility begin to see a need for more lands to use to sustain our people and to discover more about our surroundings so we sponsor an atlantic Expedition. For the first couple months the Expedition finds minor islands until winter forces them to return to a port on Iceland and settle there sending back word of their exploration and findings. At home to open our trade and to get money in our pockets we produce 15 ships. We also create 25 merchant ships for trade. Inside of Norway Infrastructure is expanded. Oslo is growing with 15,000 people in it. We begin to promote trade with the Hanseatic league. With Novgorod being the Easternmost point of the Hanseatic League we propose a trade deal with them, similar trade deals are offered to other members of the Hanseatic League Mod Response and Hamburg. Knowing that the Norse People's biggest strength is their Naval past we begin to set up fishing ports and on southern points trade ports to enrich us.
 * Mod Response, 1-5 is no, 6-10 is yes, 10, the other cities say yes. -MP
 * Hamburg Diplomacy: We accept the trade agreement and ask permission to build a Hanse in the city of Oslo. 
 * Norwegian Diplomacy: We are willing to do so and allow a Hanse to be built in Oslo
 * Danish Diplomacy: We offer the city of Hamburg membership into the Kalmar Union. As a Kalmar Union member Hamburg will remain an autonomous city with its own government. If Hamburg decides to become a KU member we guarantee Hamburg's protection in the event of a foreign invasion and Hamburg will also enjoy the expansive and lucrative trade of the Kalmar Union, as well access to its trade network. We will also try to elevate Hamburg to an magriavate.
 * Novgorodian Diplomacy: We accept the deal.
 * Hamburg Diplomacy: After much debate we decide to accept the Danish offer and offically join the Kalmar Union. 
 * Danish Diplomacy: We are elated at the acceptance of Hamburg and we embrace them as members of the Kalmar Union.
 * This isn't how the Kalmar Union works, folks. It is a personal union, meaning that it is united by a common monarch (in this case, Margaret). There is no way Hamburg would willingly agree for Margaret to become the monarch. Plausbility strike for Hamburg and Denmark. -Rexmod
 * (Would an offer and acceptance of Kalmar vassalage be acceptable?)
 * Sweden: As we begin to expand our infrastructure at home, we begin expanding our trade network, as we ask the Teutonic Order, Novgorod and Hamburg for trade deals. We cherish our time with Queen Margaret as our monarch. We begin expanding our army and modernizing it. We begin expanding in the tribal territories.
 * Teutonic Order Dip: We accept the trade deal offer.
 * Queen Margrete Valdemarsdatter of Denmark: The Earth enters 1400 Anno Domini, the 1400th Year in our Lord, the soft white snow falls from the sky, the Aurora Borelias dances in the Heavens, the fjords flow, and I orchestrate a lavish celebration in the Copenhagen castle in order to celebrate the 3rd year where I, Queen Margrete of Denmark, unified the nations of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway into one nation-the Kalmar Union. The Grand Nordic Celebration is also orchestrated by me to celebrate the birth of a new century, the dawn of a new era. The celebration is amazing, I have united the Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian nobles in celebration and there is beautiful music, violins, cellos, violas, pianos, singing and dancing alongside with an amazing dinner. With the birth of the new era, the 1400s I am determined to make the Kalmar Union the greatest nation in Europe and all of Christendom. In order to accomplish this ambitious goal I am convinced that to form a great nation one must build a great city, thus I declare Copenhagen to be the capital of both Denmark and the Kalmar Union, and my seat of power shall be in the very castle and palace I orchestrated my amazing celebration in. I shall make Copenhagen the administrative, financial, trading, and cultural centre of Northern Europe and using the outpouring of wealth we received from the massive expansion of Baltic trade with our neighbors Hamburg, the Teutonic Knights, Holland, and Novograd I order the build up of Copenhagen, specifically her ports and dockyards, for that is the source of wealth, the bloodline of Copenhagen. Geographically, Copenhagen is  the centre of  Northern Europe, the bridge between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, thus I open up and construct ports and ship dockyards to open the floodgates of trade ships into Copenhagen. With trade being the bloodline of Copenhagen I reform the currency, replacing the old copper coins with valueable silver coins. This rapid increase of trade in Copenhagen herself allows me to also order the construction of a massive fleet of 100 ships in order to expand the wealth and influence of the Kalmar Union. To celebrate this I order the construction of the University of Copenhagen in order to make Copenhagen the center of education. With the privy councils from each nation at the Grand Nordic Celebration, I, Queen Margrete, declare that the privy councils shall craft the domestic policies of each nation while I dictate the foreign policy of the Kalmar Union. I shall also craft the domestic policy in Europe, especially in Copenhagen. The colonies of Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands shall be a part of my lands but be primarily administered by Norwegian nobles while Danish nobles shall administer the ports of Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. The military shall also be under my control and I order a small fleet of the Danish navy to join the Norwegian colonial expedition and help with the exploration. Along the way the expedition checks on the population status of the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland and I receive news that Greenland is severely depopulated thus I order and encourage Danish colonists to settle Greenland and populate it. The colonial expedition reminds me of the Norse sagas of Vinland and I make plans to resettle that new land, the virgin world. I also order the creation of a band of fierce Norwegian-Danish raiders under my personal command. To Sweden, I give the Swedish privy council permission to expand into Karelia and the rest of unsettled Kalmar lands in the Peninsula. With these grants of autonomy and territory it is my hope that the Kalmar Union shall be eternal and its glory shall last forever. These Nordic Sagas of exploration, conquest, and Vinland reminds me of the North Sea Empire under Cnut the Great and I am inspired to make the Kalmar Union an even greater nation and to restore the North Sea Empire . Seeing warfare as an unwise decision, I decide to marry Henry IV instead, which will create a dynastic union between Kalmar and England. I also conduct a census of Denmark, and the population stands at one million people.
 * ​No Vinland. As an aside, you do not have enough resources to perform all of these actions at once and the war is highly suspect. I'll let it slide for now because I want to hear from other mods, but I would strongly advise you to prioritize your objectives. I'm also gonna cross out the war thus far for the simple reason that a more legitimate cause of war than sagas and a military defeat almost four hundred years ago. -MP
 * The Teutonic Order: At the beginning of the 15th century, the State of the Teutonic Order stands at the height of its power under Hochmeister Konrad von Jungingen. The Teutonic navy rules the immediate Baltic Sea from bases in Prussia and Gotland, and the Prussian cities provided tax revenues sufficient to maintain a significant standing force composed of Teutonic Knights proper, their retinues, Prussian peasant levies, and German mercenaries. Maritime trade with Eastern and Western Europe provides enough to fill Teutonic coffers, with cities like Marienburg having a monopoly in Teutonic grain export, Königsberg having a monopoly in amber exports, etc. The efficiency of Teutonic trade is mainly due to standing agreements with Hanse traders, as well as the organized nature of the Orders hierarchy. This hierarchy has a specific posts for "chief sales and buying officers" called Großschäffers. These officers are also in charge of the considerable commerce, import, export, crediting, real estate investment, etc., which the Order carries out, using networks of bailiwicks and agencies spread over much of Central, Western and Southern Europe. As the Teutonic Knights take vows of chastity, they cannot procreate. For this reason, recruiters are common in many parts of Europe, especially Central Europe, trying to convince specifically young German nobles to take vows for the Order. And additional detachment of knights and their retinues are dispatched to the Teutonic province of Samogitien due to persistent fears of native pagan backlash over the recent Order takeover of their lands.
 * Danish Diplomacy: We offer a trade agreement with The Teutonic Order. 
 * Teutonic Order Diplomacy: We accept. 
 * Moscow: We start a buildup of military might and develop Moscow. We start meeting with Yuan diplomats . We try to improve relations with Novgorod and begin the process of breaking away from the Golden Horde.
 * Nope, too far away. -MP
 * Japan: Ashikaga Yoshimitsu now technically retired as the Shogun in favor if his son Yoshimochi (who is young currently) Yoshimitsu is not entirely retired. He has just recently united the two courts of Japan from the north and south ending a years long civil war, and had rebuilt Japan into a golden era of the Ashikaga Shogunate. While a few small revolts are under way, the Shogun under the watchful eye of a mostly powerless Emperor. In an bid to keep the rising power of the Daimyo in check expands the court life in kyoto which requires these Daimyo, still considered provincial governors at this point to spend every other year in Kyoto. While this is done mostly for the Shogun to keep a much more watchful eye on these Samurai Lords, it also allows Yoshimitsu to more effectively calculate which one is becoming the largest threat at any given point. While technically weak, the Ashikaga family maintained a large amount of prestige and good-will with many of his friends and other Daimyo and in this year managed to extend his personal holdings particularly with multiple key marriages with certain clans and some promises of investment from the royal court in Kyoto into the lands of these Daimyo. His son Yoshimochi is promised to the daughter of one of the more powerful Daimyo in Japan in an attempt to solidify an alliance as well as secure a much more powerful base for Yoshimochi to rule from and prevent the Daimyo from acting much more unruly. Paired with this Yoshimitsu raises a unified army of roughly 25,000 to move on Mutsu expecting to take roughly two to three years to fully put down this rebellion. The Shogun himself sends pretigious former Shogun Yoshimitsu to China to discuss opening further relations between Japan and China. With the settlement of Hokkaido also underway, the further expansion of outposts in Hokkaido pushes the frontiers further bringing in a few hundred settlers and merchants as Japanese control over Hokkaido expands. Japan begins to expand its trade in Korea as well as China. The Shogun begins to spur forth the expansion of the Steel and Iron development in Japan as well mostly in an attempt to begin developing the Shoguns personal military forces.
 * Mongolian Dip: We offer a trade agreement to Japan.
 * Benin: The Oba of Benin, Orobiru, declares his son Prince Ogun heir to his throne, believing him to be more sound of mind and body than his brother, Uwaifaikon. Ogun is sent to handle trade with the Mali Empire, whom the Oba seeks to attain additional riches for his treasury. Growth of the nation's steel production capabilities is made a priority by the Oba, who wishes to expand the number of goods his people trade with the northern kingdoms. The Oba orders a tally of all fighting age men belonging to the ighele (all men between 30 and 50), to see how many troops he could realistically call upon during a conflict. Excluding the 12,000 troops of the Royal Regiment, the Iyase of Benin informs the Oba that the empire has a total of 180,000 warriors capable of fighting with sword, shield, and bow. Pleased with this information, the military forces of Benin are ordered to train themselves for the planned military parades Oba Orobiru plans to hold in the future. Economic growth under the Oba's new edicts are spurred on by the prospects of new trading agreements with the neighboring lands. With nothing but free time on his hands, Prince Uwaifaikon seeks the Oba's permission to leave the empire for a time to explore the neighboring lands to find new treasures and kingdoms to trade with, permission which he receive. The expedition is planned for the next year, during which time Uwaifaikon shall assemble the needed war canoes, volunteers, food and weapons for the trip. The Uzama doubt the expedition will provide anything of particular use for the empire, though the Oba overrules them, believing that there may be something of worth in looking beyond the lands of Benin and West Africa for once. Also, he believes that it will keep his son busy and his mind off of the issues of state passed on to his more capable brother. Elsewhere, after hearing of the difficulties of trade between Edo and the city of Enugu during the rainy season, the Oba orders his stonemasons to lay down stones to see if that will help the merchants travelling between the cities.
 * Cologne: Friedrich III von Saarwerden, archbishop of Cologne, is responsible for paying off a majority of Cologne’s debt from previous archbishops and has already significantly paid this off using personal connections. Nevertheless, Cologne is conveniently located on the Rhine River and begins to strengthen its trade routes along the Rhine in an attempt to bolster the economy. Further, Friedrich III worries that he may not retain the lucrative cities of Cologne and spends the latter half of the year consulting with his Chapter about how he can remedy his predecessors’ mistakes and placate the population’s dissatisfaction with the regime in order to make the 15th century particularly prosperous and unified for Cologne. The Chapter do not yet come to a conclusion about what Friedrich III should do, and in the meantime the archbishop makes a speech reiterating Cologne’s support for the Roman Pope.
 * Essen: Princess-Abbess Elisabeth III of Nassau insists that 12 unique silver coins be minted to commemorate the first century in which the princess-abbesses have had mining rights. The people of Essen do not appreciate this gesture and the rift between the city and abbey widens. Near the end of the year, however, Elisabeth III falls ill and is advised that she should resign and allow a new abbess to be elected.
 * Hungary: We build up our military and develop more of our economy and infrastructure. We also begin to deploy soldiers at the Hungarian-Ottoman border at fortified, strategic positions to prepare for attack. The same is done at the Hungarian-Venetian border and the Polish border. We also send diplomats to the Ottoman Empire with the goal of discussing trade.
 * Teutonic Order Diplomacy: Hochmeister von Jungingen requests the opportunity to establish Teutonic commandries in the Kingdom of Hungary to recruit from their local population, offering safe havens to traveler, and generally extending goodwill to the Kingdom of Hungary.
 * France (Valois): At the turn of century, with Charles’s paranoid schizophrenia continuing to become more of a problem, a regency council is established by lords and nobles close to the king, gathering some support from counts and dukes. Selected to be part of the regency council are two individuals: Queen Consort Isabeau and Bishop Nicolas du Bosc (also Généralité, President of Court of Finances, Keeper of the Seals of France). Nicolas is also a former marmouset and close friend to Charles’s father. The regency also gains support from most of the Estates-General and is recognized and blessed by Pope Boniface IX. The power of the regency is still not firmly cemented, and the regents focus on gaining more support. As power struggle and rivalry continues between Duke of Orleans, Louis and Duke of Burgundy, Philip continues the regents try to gain their support and reconcile the two parties. Charles still holds the title, King of France, but mainly acts as an advisor to the regents. The regents also encourage unity among the French people against foreign influences and aggressors. The antipope continues to have low support among the French peoples, and the marshal's brother, Geoffrey Boucicaut, continues to run a quasi military campaign in Avignon, with siege of the (anti-)papal palace. As England runs a quasi-war in Scotland, Frances continues to maintain the alliance and sends supplies and ships under the Scottish flag. With struggles and tensions continuing even in peace of the recent wars with the English, the regents begin to established a small and maintained standing army of dedicated knights (alongside the large feudal French army). In terms of foreign relations, a formal alliance is maintained with Scotland. France requests a betrothal between Dauphin and heir to the French throne, Louis (3 Years Old) and Maria, the newborn daughter of King Henry III of Spain. This would cement a royal alliance, as France helped Spain before in the Portuguese Interregnum War. John V of Brittany and Joan of France get married (as they did OTL), causing more peace and stability in Brittany.


 * Sakha: Thousands of Vajryana Buddhist monks have lost the patronage of the Yuan rulers which they previously enjoyed; although they could return to Tibet, the centre of their branch of Buddhism, they prefer to try to spread their religion by influencing new states. Several dozen monks, led by one Wei Touliuni, travel north into Siberia, eventually encountering the chiefdom of Sakha, ruled by Oyus, a Yakut chieftain, who is eager to expand his power and particularly seeks to emulate Genghis Khan (although his ambitions extend no farther than uniting the Yakuts). Seeing in these monks an opportunity to acquire the wealth and power of southern rulers, he offers them official patronage and support in return for their aid to expand his rule. They willingly agree; soon the chiefdom is deluged with monks, who found several new monasteries at Oyus’ capital (a small village and stockade) of Cohuskay and along the Lena. Although Yakut shamans are initially angered by this influx, most are readily coopted by the new religion when they see the much greater wealth and power religious figures enjoy under the new doctrines; Oyus brokers an agreement whereby shamans will be admitted as monks and help spread the new religion to the Sakha people, although a hardline minority refuses. The people of Sakha, who generally have fairly little interest in religion, accept the new status quo readily, particularly as the translation of Buddhist principles into Yakut involves the substitution of the names of Yakut religious ideas for analogous Buddhist concepts; in their view, little changes, except that the new monks bring valuable medicinal skills and technologies. Oyus uses the skills of several monks with knowledge of masonry to begin constructing new curtain walls of stone for his capital; he also starts construction on several such forts in more far-flung areas. Meanwhile, Sakha expands the maximum amount eastward down the Lena River, toward the coast.
 * Mongolian Dip: We made contact with Sakha offering them a trade agreement and to help them to unite the Yakut people if they agree to become our vassal.
 * Yi Bang-won is crowned as the King of the Yi Dynasty, succeeding Yi Bang-gwa (as they are not dead their posthumous names shall not be used). The new King hopes to foster closer ties with China and lead Korea into an age of prosperity and power. Yi Jeonju initiates some key reforms; establishing a more flexible social order which allows people of lower castes to enter higher ones and perform as civil servants. He also establishes Neo–Confucianism as the official state religion at the cost of Buddhism and Korean shamanism; this begins the entrenchment of neo–Confucian ideals and work ethic into Korean culture. Yi Jeonju, dissatisfied with the gap between Chinese and Korean economic development, initiates a modernisation program that aims to catch-up with China within a period of thirty to fifty years. Korea adopts more modern Chinese agricultural policies to heighten agricultural productivity and to encourage population growth. Bituminous coke is adopted in place of charcoal, and large-scale mining activities begin in mineral-rich North Korea. He orders the construction of hydraulically-powered blast furnaces that will melt wrought and cast iron together to create steel, with the construction of these blast furnaces being concentrated in Hanseong, Busan, Pyeongyang, and Ulsan, which are set to become Korea's main industrial centres. This steel will be used for construction and to reinforce weaponry. The expansion of Korean steel and iron industries begin. Accompanying this is some urbanisation, and the construction of paved roads and canals to ease the flow of commerce. Thinking that the Koreans lack knowledge required for such program, he sends a hundred scholars (regardless of caste) to China to study Chinese ways, then when they come back, they shall be appointed as the minister of a subject they majored in. To facilitate education for the yangban, he begins the construction of academies, universities, and schools while promoting literacy through the creation of more text and movable types. Lastly, fearing an attack from the Northern Jurchens and Japanese pirates, the construction of three arsenals (in Hanseong, Busan, and Pyeongyang) begin. The production of turtleships, gunpowder weapons such as hand cannons, Korean cannons, hwacha, fire arrows, mortars, arquebuses, and muskets, accelerates.
 * They are not that advanced yet. Wait a bit. -MP
 * Mongolian Dip: We offer a trade agreement to Korea.
 * Korea agrees to the offer.
 * You cannot have blast furnaces or printing presses yet. They'll be coming later, and will be part of a technology algorithm. Next turn, run any technology ideas by a couple of moderators, or you'll end up on probation. -Rexmod
 * Sorry for the misunderstanding, what I meant by a printing press is a movable type. And as for the blast furnace, Korean adoption of blast furnaces from China is not really that far-fetched.
 * Ottoman Empire: With the lost to the Timurids, we give up our vassals in Anatolia to Timur, this causes some of the Sultan sons to see him as a seller of Ottoman lands. The army begins to work on reciting people into the army mostly by getting peasants to join.
 * Serbia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more mosques mostly in the South.
 * Wallachia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more mosques mostly in the South, and reciting peasants for the army. 
 * Naples: Throughout the late 14th and early 15th century in the Kingdom of Naples, two members of the Angevin dynasty battled and contested each other's control of the Neapolitan crown: Ladislaus, the son of the previous king Charles III, and Louis II, the Duke of Anjou and the Count of Provence. By 1400, Ladislaus has regained a majority of control over the Neapolitan-controlled peninsula that was previously controlled by Louis and only has to deal with little more than scattered rebellion across the country as of this point. In this year in particular, Ladislaus begins to subdue the rebellious count of Fondi, Onorato Caetani, and sends out his best generals to destroy the last rebellions occurring in the provinces of Abruzzo and Apulia. In order to further quell any chance for future rebellion across his nation, Ladislaus decides to cut taxes on basic food supplies such as grain and fish in his personal domain and highly encourages his vassals to do the same in their lands. In terms of foreign relations, we propose multiple trade agreements with Castile, Portugal, Milan, and Genoa. We also propose to arrange a marriage between King Ladislaus of Naples and Valentina Visconti, the daughter of the Duke of Milan.  We propose a marriage between King Ladislaus of Naples and Battista Malatesta, the daughter of the Duke of Urbino. The ambitious Neapolitan king dreams of conquering or vassalizing the entirety of the Italian peninsula under the banner of Naples, and wishes to begin his relationship with Italy by starting with Milan.
 * She's been married for eleven years now. -MP
 * Genoa: Doge Marco Visconti accepts.
 * Hamburg: The city continues to prosper as trade in the North Sea and Baltic continues to expand. Recongnizing the importance of this trade to the city the Senate orders the navy, which stands at 20 ships, to patrol the trade routes and hunt down smugglers and pirates. They also enforce a small toll on all river traffic on the Elbe. This toll is used to construct ten new warships and improve the defenses of the city. Stone walls are built around the city and the city guard is expanded to 1000 men. The city also begins to look for new nations to trade with.
 * Mongolia: Gün Temür Khan of the Northern Yuan dynasty makes major reforms, aimed to strengthen the state and keep it on par with its neighbours, he attempts to solidify his rule and increase his control over Mongolia. Population stands at 500,000 people. Tengriism remains the official religion although we enforce religious tolerance, like our Great ancestor Genghis Khan did. We start rebuilding our two decimated former capitals of Karakorum and Shangdu, as well as building ten blast furnaces in special industry quarters of the cities, with Ming help. We focus on expanding toward the East and the North, as well as into the West side of lake Baygal nuur, settling/subjugating vast areas. Tensions start to escalate with the Oirat Khaganate. Field guns, hand cannons are constructed by our small industry to be used by the army, but due to our small capabilities production is limited. We create a standing army consisted by 10,000 Mongolian horsemen. We made contact with Sakha offering them a trade agreement and to help them to unite the Yakut people if they agree to become our vassal. Trade agreements are send into the Ming China, Japan and Korea as the treasury is very depleted. We also try to increase our relationship with China, Japan and Korea. We secretly offer to China to become a tributary state and to renounce the (Northern) Yuan claims on China, if they shall assist us with rebuilding the cities and lands they decimated, that is Karakorum and Shangdu and many others, recognize Gün Temür Khan as Emperor of Mongolia, as well as station some troops in our lands to keep control and deal with unhappy mobs and nobles that will resist this deal and supply our army with field guns and hand cannons as well as other weapons needed.
 * Ming Diplomacy: The Emperor agrees to recognize Khan as the Emperor of Mongolia, we send troops into the Mongolia and help rebuild the cities. Muskets are sent to the Mongolians.
 * Sakha Diplomacy: While Sakha is already tributary to China, Khan Oyus willingly swears allegiance to the Mongol Emperor, as the heir of Genghis, whom he idolizes, and offers tribute; he also requests that a trade agreement be established between Sakha and Mongolia.
 * Mongolian Dip: Yekhe Khagan agrees to establish a trade agreement with the Sakha people, is also very pleased from his vassal Khan Oyus that he sends weapons and tech such as a limited supply of field guns and hand cannons and one blast furnace, as well as 1000 raised troops to assist him to unite the Yakut people.
 * Holland: The Friso-Hallandic wars go like they did on OTL. (Friso-Hollandic Wars) Count Albert builds 25 ships for trade with other nations around the area. The military of the nation builds another 25 ships for war. Around the capital city a brick wall is being build to stop intruders. About a thousand guards watch the city for safty reasons. The troop count is now standing at 8000 troops. Agriculture goes well in our nation with many farms going into surplus this year. On all major rivers have a toll stop at each city.
 * Danish Diplomacy: We offer a trade agreement with Holland. 
 * Holland Dip: We accept the agreement.
 * Novgorod Republic: Settlers move east in the hopes of capturing the untamed wealth of the area. The economy, which thrives on furs, salt, and meats from both land and sea, sees marked improvement. Trade routes through Karelia to Swedish-controlled Finland are established, siphoning wealth from the newfound Kalmar Union into the Republic. Relations with Muscovy are improved. As there is a mutual wish for higher relations, Novgorod offers a 25-year Non-Aggression pact to Muscovy. They send covert diplomats to converse with Muskovian leaders regarding Muscovian independence from the Golden Horde. Novgorod hopes to break Mongolian influence on not only Moscow, but all of the Russian areas. They begin vassalization attempts on Great Perm, establishing new trade routes and promises of protection from its neighbors. In addition, alliance offers are sent to Perm. To the west, Novgorod wishes to improve relations with both the Teutonic Order and Poland-Lithuania. While military assistance from either state would be greatly appreciated, Novgorod's military is a mighty powerhouse, with many men being trained this year. Orders from forges across Novgorod are placed en masse, bolstering the Novgorodian supplies. Lastly, trade deals are sent to Pskov, in addition to a 25-year non-aggression pact.
 * Danish Diplomacy: We offer Novgorod expanded mutual trade along our ports in the Baltic Sea and we intend to foster positive diplomatic relations between our two nations.
 * Novgorodian Diplomacy: We accept.
 * Moscow Dip: We accept the offer.
 * Teutonic Order Diplomacy: We offer several trade deals and to open many of our largest ports to commerce as well as naval movements to the Novgorod Republic.
 * Novgorodian Diplomacy: We accept.
 * Ming Dynasty: The Emperor initiates a five-step military and naval improvement project, involving the further implementation of riflemen into the ranks of the Great Ming Army. Scientists are to further study the uses of gunpowder and develop new weapons from any material possible. With Mongolia now a tributary state of the Ming, the Emperor requests a tribute of 50 girls and 30 boys every two years. The Imperial Navy begins training exercises in the East Sea (OTL Sea of Japan). Soldiers begin training in Manchuria and Western China due to the large, flat areas that are great for training. Blast furnaces are introduced to Korea.
 * Korean Diplomacy: Uninterested with dealing with foreign affairs and seeking to focus solely on self-modernisation, Yi Bang-won sends ten ambassadors to the Ming court in Beijing to send them an offer to further subjugate Korea as a protectorate (instead of being a tributary); while Korea will maintain autonomy in internal affairs, it will be under the suzerainty of China and China may handle Korea's foreign affairs.
 * Korean Diplomacy: We thank the Ming for introducing blast furnaces to Korea.
 * Ming Diplomacy: The Emperor happily accepts and sends ten thousand troops into the Korean capital (of Hanseong) and subjugates Korea as a protectorate.
 * Mongolian Diplomacy: We agree to the tribute and pay the tribute. To spice things up a different nationality would be chosen to take the tributes from each year, this time its the Oirats. We request that the Ming introduce us to blast furnaces as they did in Korea.
 * Ming Diplomacy: Blast furnaces are sent to Mongolia. An Imperial University in Karakorum begins construction.
 * Sakha Diplomacy: A tribute of two tons of Siberian furs is brought to the Ming, and Sakha asks leave to become a tributary state of China. In return, it asks that it be granted some military and bureaucratic advisors to help it stabilize.
 * Tondo Diplomacy: We would humbly request the removal of trade restrictions between the Ming Dynasty and the Kingdom of Tondo, and would like to continue the trade that benefits both of our nations. We would like to ask for the secrets of the blast furnaces
 * Ming Diplomacy: Blast furnaces are sent to Tondo and trade restrictions are lifted
 * Note: The Tondo and the Ming share very good trading relations, preferring Tagalog merchants to those of other neighbouring polities (for example, Japan got to trade every decade while Tondo and China traded every two years).
 * Japanese Dip: The Shogun of Japan wishes to open up further relations with China.
 * Ming Diplomacy:The Emperor agrees to opening further relations with the Japanese.
 * Genoa: Marco Visconti is elected Doge of Genoa by the nobles, in order to clear the area from the influence of the French. The unity of the nobles is remarkable, but brings about a new stability in Genoa. In order to bring himself closer to his ancestral house an alliance is requested of Milan. Support is pledged to Antonio I Acciaioli in Athens in order to rid Venetian influence from the region under the condition that he will become an autonomous vassal to Genoa and Genovese merchants will have exclusive trading rights. Mod Response. Genovese troops continue to push forward in Corsica hoping to rid the region of its influence of Aragon. In other news the city of Genoa itself experiences a revival with the introduction of the Genovese Arsenal and the Bank of St. George. The Bank of St. George is founded by members of the House of Grimaldi and is owned by them and other families of nobility. It is unique for its time because of its incorporation of Jewish agents. The Bank of St. George in order to expands its coffers begins working more with the Gold trade in Granada. It also request that franchises be opened in any willing country. The Genovese Arsenal is modeled after the Venetian one, using the usage of an assembly line in order to construct ships. It is placed on the Ligurian coast just outside of the city of Genoa. In order to expand Genovese trade a trade deal is requested of the Ottoman Empire.
 * It is far too early to begin sending out franchises of banks. -Rexmod
 * The Medici bank which I am using as my blue print was originally opened with one in Rome and in Tuscany maybe I should change it to Italian states~Oct
 * Milan, under Duke Gian Galeazzo, accepts the offer of alliance with his cousin.
 * Mod Response: Acciaioli is willing for increased cooperation with the Genoese but is not willing to be a vassal when he just fought to remove Venetian influence. 
 * Genoa Dip: Genoa agrees to this proposal but request that in the event of his victory Vouliagmeni be put under Genovese control.
 * He accepts. 
 * Māori Conglomeration: Large tribes begin to unite the Islands leaving five main chiefs in control of the islands. Across the islands dissent ripples with the disappearance of the moa. Everywhere hunting parties search in hope of finding moa, however, intend to capture the moa in order to allow the population to grow (Mod Response). In the meantime tribes begin to encourage farming of yams and sweet potatoes, along with fishing.
 * I'm not sure you could just out of the blue unite five tribes. As for the moa, since they didn't go extinct until 1440s I guess approved? I'm not quite sure what you're requesting here. -Sky
 * The five tribes aren't united. As for the moa, I was going off the mod event. I was asking if the hunters were successful in finding and capturing two moa and/or moa eggs of opposite gender. - Kaiser
 * The Moa are gone per the mod event, unfortunately. Also, even uniting the fractious Maori into five tribes is implausible at this point in time. I would advise you look at this map and the Wikipedia page: . Then pick an iwi and begin to go from there. -Rexmod
 * Could you cross this out so I can restart as the Ngāi Tahu iwi? - Kaiser
 * Done. - Josh
 * Austria: The Archduke of Austria[1], Albert IV, concerned about his legacy and knowing that the end of his life draws near, sets out to buy as many books that are possible, especially those works translated about the Roman Empire, the one that came before Holy Rome, which the Europeans had obtained after the sack of Constantinople in the Fourth Crusade. Albert is curious as to how an empire so large had governed itself, and thus sets out a path for Austria to become more efficient in its inner workings. The First such book he was able to acquire, still in its latin script, is called Epitoma de Re Militari written by Flavius Vegetius, amongst other books about Roman history. Another book, seemingly a biography of the Roman leader Gaius Marius also crosses his desk. He orders all books in Latin or Greek translated into German by Austrian Monks, and set upon his desk by the end of next year. Seeking to extend Austrian influence, Albert sends an emissary out to Genoa and Milan  in order to enter negotiations for trade and perhaps other relations, including a standardized currency  and to resurrect the old Austro-Genoan Alliance of old, and perhaps gain recognition of the Archducal title and the Privilegium Maius outside the borders of the Austrian State. Sensing the taxation system in dire need of reform, the Archduke[1] forms a secret committee of his most trusted advisors to investigate how taxes are collected, and whether or not tax collectors cheat the people or lie to the government, in essence, rooting out corruption. Albert Also secures a sizable loan from Jewish merchants in order to bribe Rupert of palatinate to recognize the Privilegium Maius. A small flotilla of river boats is commissioned to help increase trade along the Danube, offering safe passage into Austrian territory for all merchants, for a "small" tariff, of course, increasing Austrian trade along that river. EDIT: After receiving the pope's letter, Albert begins borrowing money from Jewish merchants in order to finance the building of Churches, the irony of which sometimes makes him giggle. [1] The Archducal title is based on the documents called the Privilegium Maius, and it was not until 1453 that it, along with the privilegium was officially recognized. It is should therefore be advise that in order to stay in-character other nations should refer to the Austrian ruler as "Duke" unless they are prepared to recognize the title and Privilegium in an official capacity so long as this footnote remains.
 * You are still not an Archduchy. Austria is generally unimportant at this time -Natemod
 * ​the Post of Austria, as well as any other country, is done primarily from that country's point of view. The Ruler of Austria titles himself "Archduke", a title they say they are entitled to according to the Privilegium Maius, allegedly a set of documents dating back to Julius Caesar, which people suspect but cannot prove is a forgery until the 1800s. Meanwhile, the Rulers of Austria have used the Archducal title all the same since 1358 while prohibiting any questioning of the Privilegium Maius' authenticity while inside Austrian territory, and it makes perfect sense and is in character   for the Austrian post to refer to their leaders as "Archdukes", while also in character  at the moment for outside nations to refer to the Austrian Ruler as "Duke".
 * Austria is an archduchy according to itself. ~ Oct
 * You may call yourself an archduchy but don't expect others to recognize it. SS.
 * Lithuania: After Vitaytas was defeated at VorsklA River he starts rebuilding army. As most of have his feudal vasals died in battle he starts voivodisation(principalities in Lithuania replace with Voivodeships ruled by voivods which subordinate to Grand Duke). In addition Vytautas starts building regular army. aristocracy which serves military service is given land without the right to inheritance.
 * Order of Knights Hospitaller: On the first day of this, the fifteenth century of Our Lord: Philibert de Naillac, Grand Master of the Order of St John and Prince of Rhodes, surveys the present state of his Order and the lands entrusted to it. The Order consists of: Brother-Knights, noble knights who have taken vows of celibacy; Brother-Chaplains, priest and bishop members who minister to the Order and to the Catholics in its territories; and Brother-Servants, lay men-at-arms from non-noble ancestry. These are divided into eight Langues (tongues) headed by a Baili. In its posession the Order can boast commandries in every nation of Europe, providing a steady source of income and novices to the headquarters in Rhodes. The island itself is the sovereign posession of the Order and its base in the constant battle to stem the tide of Islamic Ottoman encroachment into Christendom. The Order has seen Jerusalem and Acre fall to the infidels, and its members will fight to the death to stop the same fate from befalling the cities of Europe. Looking eastward from his battlements, Philibert knows that it will only be a matter of time before the Ottomans try their luck at forcing their way westward. In his next Chapter meeting, the Grand Master orders the construction of three new galleys to bolster the already sizeable Hospitaller navy. Cruises by the brave knights continue to help curb the scourge of infidel pirates taking Christian slaves, in addition to bringing in a handsome income for the Order to continue its vital task. Noting the continuation of the Schism within the Church, the Grand Master writes to both the Roman and Avignon claimants, urging them to end the sinful scandal that is dividing the Holy Church. Grand Master Philibert, keeping in mind the fact that the Order's properties are scattered across both pro-Rome and pro-Avignon territories, is careful not to explicitly pledge support for either claimant, making clear that the Order's duty is to protect all of Christndom and all of the Holy and Catholic Church. Grand Master Philibert also writes to his counterpart in the Teutonic Order Konrad von Jungingen, expressing his hope that the two orders can work together at both borders of Christendom, and share resources wherever possible (mainly in the commandries spread throughout Europe).
 * Teutonic Order Diplomacy: Hochmeister von Jungingen accepts the Order of Knights Hospitaller proposal, allowing mutual free lodging for any Hospitaller knight, as well as any resource we can provide to further the efforts of Christendom and our knightly brothers.
 * Mogadishu: Our Sultan Umar commands the merchants to create a nautical map of all trade routes of the Indian Ocean, with a reward of the average earnings of an successful trade run. After obtaining the naval maps, we refit half of our naval fleets into the Sultan's Trade Fleet, with a small decrease in its combat capabilities, but the added ability to carry cargo. Our Trade Fleet begins trade runs with major merchants in the area. We ask for trade deals with Timurids, Egypt and Indian States with our position as a gateway to the goods of Africa. Seeing our cities importance as a trade hub, the Sultan invests in ware and fabric factories, as well as commanding wisemen of the court to develop better techniques, incentivising them with money. Our Sultan begins to round up the poor, the unemployed, the lawless and local tribesmen to build hydraulic devices under Royal engineers in the Jubba and Shebelle Rivers. As a result, we expand toward the Jubba River. Our army begins to change to having training in naval landing, fighting on ships and maneuvering boats.
 * Kingdom of Tondo: Rajah Gambang, sovereign of the Kingdom of Tondo, moves his court to Maynila to personally oversee the trade hub developing in the city. After years of trade with the Ming in the North, the merchants of Tondo wish to expand their trade network in the region, and send envoys to the courts of Majapahit and Brunei to express our desires of increased trade in the realm of foodstuffs, weapons, and precious metals. (mod response please). Seeking to increase Tondo's influence in the region, Rajah Gambang assembles an 'army' of 5000 men to train against each other using non-lethal weapons to garner experience, as Gambang has personally stated his desire to expand the Tondo realm.Gambang orders the acquisition of the nearby islands of Tablas, Romblon, Masbate, and Burias, with 20 military men and 70 citizens given incentives to relocate to these islands (mod response, please). 
 * I'm not sure you can take over four islands with 90 people. Try to expand one by one, rather. -Sky
 * ​Very well. For now, Tondo lays claims only to Romblon, and relocates all afformentioned civilians and military men there
 * Republic of Ragusa: With last year's addition of the area between Ragusa and the Pelješac peninsula the nation has more land to use for its development. Ragusan trade with the Hungarian kingdom fairs well, as does the trade with the Bosnian lands. Several new members of the Grand Council are administered, while, as per tradition, a new Knez is elected monthly. The Grand Court (lat. Curia maior) is established to handle judicial affairs and consists of members of the Small Council. The Gučetić family gain an important marriage via the daughter of Mato Držić from the Držić casta. The Gundulić and Bobaljević families are frowned upon after rising influence of pro-hungarian families due to their pro-venetian attitude. An envoy is sent to the pope in order to discuss Ragusa's potential trade with non-Catholic states, specifically the Ottoman empire. Talks begin among a group of patricians in the grand council to reorganize the government more efficiently. During the last four months of 1400, this specific interest groups begins putting its plans into work.
 * The Timurid Empire: Timur returns to Samarkand after sacking Damascus and Aleppo. He begins the Invasion of the Golden Horde. Meanwhile, we take over Ottoman vassals in Asia, and the Mamluk Hatay territory. Finally, Timur designates Shahrukh Mirza as his successor. A poorly written turn for which I apologize because I am busy.
 * Romans: We upgrade our military. Emperor Manuel continues travelling around Europe getting support against the Ottomans.
 * Chios - Nothing of note
 * Epirus - The Despot amps up military. Hopes to be of note in the fight against Ottomans.
 * Morea - The Despot amps up military. Continues to help against Ottomans.
 * Lemnos - Nothing of note.
 * Roman Dip: We request the Timurids an alliance against the Ottomans.
 * Roman Dip to Europe: We request the Christian Nations of Europe help us fight the Ottoman Heathen and blockade.
 * This is an example of a bad post.
 * Bohemia: Wenceslaus IV is extremely disgruntled by him being deposed as Holy Roman Emperor. We offer an alliance to Poland, and to our cousin in Brandenburg. Wenceslaus, now concerned about how he is going to regain power, sends emissaries to the nearby Palatinate and Saxony to improve relations with the countries and to gain influence with the electors.
 * Saxony:  King David the first ascends to the Saxon throne thanks to the mysterious death of the first three claimants. King David elects Christian, Prince of Lower Saxony and head of the defence of southern Saxony, as his heir, he also decides to back Wencelaus IV as the head of the empire, with himself as his deputy and head adviser of course.
 * What king David, Wenceslaus IV? Christian? First of all you can't bring back Wenceslaus as Emperor, nobody has such power in the HRE and you can't remove Rudolf III so easily from the throne. Try again-Sky
 * Polish Diplomacy: Wladyslaw II accepts the alliance offer and offers to hold a banquet in Krakow for the Easter of next year.
 * Papal States: His Holiness Pope Boniface IX continues to solidify his power in Rome even as he remains at the summer palaces outside the city while his troops man foritifications and clear the streets of commune remnants. With Rome becoming increasingly under his control, the Pope begins to set his sights on the four papal states that continue to elude his authority. Tactful and savy yet illiterate, Boniface IX begins to consider how he might sway those states back over to the Papal fold. In the bigger picture, the Pope is pleased to hear that the siege of Avignon, the seat of his rival Antipopes, continues unabated and lends his support to the new French regency. With the Antipope increasingly isolated, Boniface IX writes, though a scribe, to the nations of Castile, Aragon, and Scotland to cease their support for the heretic and return to the forgiving fold of the Roman Papacy. He also sends letters to other loyal states in Europe, asking for financial aid to help restore the seat of God on Earth to its rightful glory. In other church related matters, his Holiness meets with representatives of Ragusa and ponders who to nominate to fill his former spot on the College of Cardinals before he was elected to serve.
 * Austrian Diplomacy: Austrian Archduke[1] Albert IV once again re-iterates its recognition of the papacy in Rome as the one true  Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church and vicar of christ, pledging to fund the construction and refirbrishment of ten new churches in the Papal States and the Archduchy. He also pledges to send a force of no less than 1000 men to aid in the siege of Avignon to rid the world of the Heretic Antipope Benedict XIII. May he burn in eternal fire if he does not recognize the true church for what it is.
 * ​Genoa Dip: The House of Grimaldi and the Bank of St. George sends monies to the pope in order for for a member of the House of Grimaldi be created Cardinal of Genoa.
 * Venice Dip: We create a one-off tax raise to support the Pope and this money is sent to the Roman Pope.
 * Norwegian Dip: Feeling that as good Christians we should answer the Bishop of Rome's calls for money. We send 20,000 rigsdals in good will to his holiness in rome with the approval of the norwegian privy council and the good will of her grace Queen Margaret I.
 * Poland-Lithuania
 * Poland: The nation of Poland sets their focuses on consolidating the interior of the nation. After the sudden deaths of both Queen Jadwiga and the newborn Princess Elizabeth Bonifascia in late 1399, King Wladyslaw II Jagiello decides that he must remarry to secure the Gediminid reign over Poland, which is extremely shaky at best. A minor rebellion rises up outside of Radom, claiming that Duke Janusz of Mazovia should be King of Poland. Meanwhile, a few nobles of Greater Poland are trying to assert their own claims. To put an end to all arguments over the rightful King of Poland, Wladyslaw II marries Anastasia Griffin, daughter of Bogislaw VII, Duke of Pomerania-Stettin. Meanwhile, Wladyslaw contacts Vytautas and arranges a meeting in Kiev to organize the future of the union between Poland and Lithuania. The economy grows as traders carrying Persian rugs begin to invest in producing rugs in Poland itself, notably in the city of Krakow which wields about as much economic power as Prague or Vienna. Hungary is asked firmly to stop increasing military presence on their border to ease already tough tensions between the two powers. A fortification begins to be consturcted outside of Krakow to increase the security of the royal court. An alliance with Sweden and Venice is requested.
 * Moldavia (Polish Vassal): The Principality of Moldavia sets its focus becoming closer to the royal court in Krakow. During a grand banquet, Prince Lugu becomes extremely drunk. One of his advisors described him as "A delinquent fool". During this episode, he starts vommiting, and chokes on his own spew. Petru eventually dies later that night. With the passing of Lugu, the nobility decides to give the control of Moldavia to Duke Janusz, with it being compensation for him unable to rule Poland.
 * Swedish Diplomacy: We accept the alliance.
 * Venice Dip: We accept.
 * Lithuania: After Vitaytas was defeated at VorsklA River he starts rebuilding army. As most of have his feudal vasals died in battle he starts voivodisation(principalities in Lithuania replace with Voivodeships ruled by voivods which subordinate to Grand Duke). In addition Vytautas starts building regular army. aristocracy which serves military service is given land without the right to inheritance.
 * Ayuthia: Economy, infrastructure and military improves. Under the current king Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat and its ruling Uthong dynasty, he continues to make Thailand great again by building/upgrading roads and cities, and more cities are grown in skyrocket. He continue the whole nation trading with other Southeastern Asian nations, India and China by land and sea. Of the navy's totally 25 ships, two of which are sent to patrol the trade routes and to hunt down pirates. Five new light ships are meant to be built in one year.
 * Venice: With Genoa aggression against us in the Duchy of Athens a new duke of Athens is appointed one of the cities most powerful Athenian nobles but a much more cautious character and more moderate on relations with Venice. We send envoys to Timur of the Timurid Empire to ask for exclusive trading rights among the Italian maritime republics in exchange for supporting the Timurid in a war against the Ottomans if attacked by them. In Venice itself in an attempt to increase the number of craftsmen is done by paying the guilds for every apprentice they take in and checks are placed in to ensure all craftsmen are sufficiently trained in their skills. Gunpowder based artillery is constructed in large numbers in the Venitean Arsenal. The navy is expanded with an additional ten galleys under construction in the Arsenal while in an attempt to encourage merchants from neighbouring cities to emigrate more legal protection is given to merchants in Venice with those registering for a charter from the Doge while agreeing to obey the law are also protected from unlawful seizure of property and the right to be represented in the new Merchants council which is established and shares power with Major council and the Doge. Janus of Cyprus is informed that if he rebels against Genoa, Venice would support an independent Cyprus.
 * ​Cyprus isn't owned by Genoa m8. ~Oct
 * Calm down, I mean if they get rid of Genoa influence. Genoa does have a lot of control so a war to get rid of them is plausible since it hapens later in OTL.
 * Scotland: The firstborn son of King Robert III, David, Duke of Rothesay, dies under suspicious circumstances on a hunting trip. The king falls into a deep depression and retires to his western holdings, tired of the perpetually violent and bloody nature of Scottish politics. His brother, Robert, Duke of Albany becomes the sole regent in his place. Resistance to Robert's de facto rule is strong, with the motley patchwork of Scottish earls such as the Douglasses and MacDougals acting violent and conniving as usual. Robert wishes to consolidate his holdings in Scotland and make it into a more centralized power, but the Stewart Dynasty remains weak and divided, and Robert remains a regent and, as such, is somewhat limited in his diplomatic options. Until then, Robert looks to his brother's last son James as his last barrier to becoming King. With Scotland divided in the south, the emerging Gaelic lords remain a threat in the north, with a poor and decentralized monarchy unable to manage them. In the economic realm, growing cottage industries begin to develop, such as iron working and wool trading in the burgoning burghs, and animal husbandry/fishing continues to displace grain farming. Traders in the coastal burghs begin to reach Military-wise, the pendulum continues to swing in favor of more quality troops rather than the mass levies popular before the Plague, with men at-arms emerging to support the pikemen. Robert becomes interested in artillery to crush the power of the nobles. We continue to maintain our alliance with France, and send professional bowmen to supplement their military. The perennial border conflict in Scotland continues and we push back with our efforts focused on Lothian and the area surrounding Edinburgh. We support Glyndwr's revolt in Wales to the best of our abilities, though internal affairs hampers this. Scottish privateers are sent to hamper English ships around Wales, and the Welsh sent a couple pieces of proto-artillery to aid in the revolt. Scotland remains pro-Avignon to spite the pro-Roman English.
 * In the Duchy of Milan, the bloodthirsty campaigns of Gian Galeazzo continue. From his winter acampment in Siena, the Duke and his condottiero forces move forward to seize control of the convulsing, failing state of Perugia in early January ((same as in OTL)). In the meanwhile, condottiero Jacopo del Verme conquers Montefeltro from Antonio II and reaffirms his allegiance to the House Visconti. From there, Gian Galeazzo sends an envoy to Rome to seek an audience with the Pope. With the audience granted, the Duke pledges his continued allegiance to the Roman pope Bonfiace IX. Visconti then marches his forces back to Milan, where he plans his next moves. In the meanwhile, he orders an embargo on all Florentine goods and threatens war with any other nation should they not comply with the boycott. Furthermore, the Duke begins to create a system of federalism with the prominent Italian city-states retaining a semblance of internal republican control within the overarching Duchy. This allows the local patricians in Pisa, Lucca, and Siena to continue to develop their own domestic policies and continue to entertain inter-family politics. Within the city of Milan, construction on the grand Duomo continues.
 * Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo): Once upon the time, many centuries ago in the land of Egypt, there was a Kingdom ruled loosely under the family of Burjid. Now these nobles in Egypt were Mamluks, that is, white slaves from the Turkish people who took over the land a generation ago, but lived in a state of oppulence and decedance, uncaring for the welfare of the state and allowing warlords of Mamluks to roam the countryside. After the sacks of Tamerlane laid waste to the city of Damascus, the Kingdom has been reduced to a state of anarchy. Nasir al-Din Faraj, only fourteen years old, has been Sultan one year so far. The Vizier Izz Abdul Aziz, concerned about the Sultan's saftey as a boy, consulted a Dervish as to how the King will die. The Devish responded with a prophesy that both Sultan and his successor will die by the offspring of a dog. In response to this, the Vizier ordered that all dogs be forbade from the palace at Cairo indefinitely. The Caliph Al-Mutawakkil, residing in Cairo, disaproved of this use of divination, and in general dispised the apostasy of the Mamluks. While this was going on, the rogueish warlord Ahmad Al-Ankabut swept over the land of Syria with his gang of riders, looting the Mamluk treasuries in Syria and distributing it to the impoverished Arabs. Due to the anarchy in Cairo, the Sultan was unable to arrest Al-Ankabut at this time, and so the land of Syria fell into almost autonomy. The Emir of Hatay, fearing being cut off from the Sultan, completely surrenders himself to the mercy of Timur. Back in Cairo, the Sultan began plans to build back the military and treasury lost after Tamerlane's pilages.
 * Trade is opened up with Mogadishu, offering them gold and ivory for anything they have to offer
 * The statesman Mahmud ibn Tulun offfers an alliance with the Ottoman Sultan
 * The ruling council of the great city of Mayapan recognizes that their territory, and the region itself, has begun to decline. The council decides to elect the first Emperor-King in many years. They choose Iktan, who has ties to ancient Mayan nobility, as well as the drive and ambition to improve the failing state. The first thing that Iktan does is to organize settler parties to retake abandoned cities in the southern highlands region. Some of these settler parties also venture south of the border to create settlements in new territory. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Emperor-King Iktan also orders some of the best craftsmen in the nation to come to his residence to discuss how to reverse the decline facing the nation,
 * Hasfid Sultanate (Tunis): It has only been six years since Sultan Abu Faris Abd al-Aziz II took over the throne of Tunis. With the Mamluks in chaos and disarray, and our Muslim brethren in al-Andalus being slaughtered, these days look hopeless and grim. We put faith in our sultan to keep the Hasfid Sultanate safe and well, among wolves. With the royal treasury depleted, the Sultan looks to trade with the People of the Book in Italy and al-Andalus. Behind closed doors, the Sultan fiances numerous parties of cutthroat Barbary pirates to raid important coastal cities in al-Andalus, Italy, Malta, Corsica, and Sardinia. Awaiting the promised money back from these privateers, the Sultan is forced to sit idly in Tunis, the once great city, albeit a thousand years ago.
 * Oldenburg: We institute a tax on all goods being transported down the Hunte River, similar to the tax being instituted on the Elbe. Although smaller than similar taxes elsewhere in Europe, the tax helps to increase money going into the nation's treasury. Count Christian V of Oldenburg receives word that the Wursten Frisian population along the Weser River begin to divert traffic away from Oldenburg to avoid the tax, in exchange for a portion of trade profits from the North Sea. It becomes clear that the Frisians, with no central authority, feudal lord, or proper administration, are allowing piracy and violence, and as such the Count of Oldenburg requests permission from the Holy Roman Emperor to subdue the lawless Frisians. The county begins its first military trials in preparation for potential resistance. Likewise, the count's elder brother, Conrad II, begins training a personal retinue of the household guard. Numbering 500, this guard begins training for the upcoming conflict in Frisia. Additionally this force seizes the mouth of the Wesel (near OTL Bremerhaven), and founds a small fort there to ensure trade along the river is not halted, called Konradshaven.
 * Crown of Castile: ​King Henry III continues to rule at 21 years of age. King Henry continues to consolidate he power of the crown, undermining the power of the aristocrats and restoring the might of the crown. The Castilian navy returns from victory against Pirates in North Morocco (OTL event), and the navy is further expanded in an effort to grow Castilian might. Castile begins heavy investments into the gold trade, the secret purpose behind the action is to undermine Genoan dominance in Granada's economy. The nation of Granada remains a Tributary State of Castile, although it maintains a large degree of autonomy. In secret, Henry III prepares a campaign against Granada in an attempt to "liberate" more territory from the Muslim occupants (OTL Campaign was staged in 1405-1406, so this isn't a major stretch). The economy of Castile continues to grow at a slow, but steady rate. We accept the English trade deal in an attempt to further develop the economy of Castile (MP gave me permission to post.)

1401
'''For those that survived the first turn, good job! Not all were so lucky.'''

''' Rupert of the Palatinate is crowned King of the Romans. He still needs Papal support before he can become Emperor. '''

''' By command of the Archbishop of Canterbury and King Henry IV, the Lollards are deemed as heretics, with the first one being burned at the stake later this same year. (Swanky, feel free to change this if you so choose) '''

''' The Samogitians revolt against the Teutonic Knights, burning a small castle to the ground. Another one would have fallen prey if not for the extra troops the Knights had provided to the region. '''

'''The Milanese are successful at turning some states against the Florentines, weakening their chain of allies. Combined with the taxes of the war and the ongoing plague, the nobles are significantly weakened. The Medicis take their chance and effectively control the city.'''

Norwegian efforts to explore north of Iceland are mostly fruitless as Captain Erik Jarlsgard is forced to turn back after facing disruptive weather and threats of mutiny.

A civil war breaks out in Majapahit.

The Sultan of Delhi is returned to his throne.

Mongolia experiences a rebellion after welcoming the Chinese into their nation, with many accusing the Khan of abandoning his claim to the Mandate of Heaven.

The anonymous Middle English poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is published.

As Moscovy revolts against Golden Horde rule as the Timurids invade from the South, every vassal of the Golden Horde follow the Moscovites into their revolt.

'''The new war algo should be ready by tonight, for those people who wanted to dive in causing trouble. '''


 * Duchy of Burgundy: Philip, Duke of Burgundy, Count Palatine of Burgundy, Count of Flanders, Artois, and Rethel, cultivates his possessions on the coast, eager to build up a strong merchant fleet. Relations with his relative, the King of France, are maintained, but arrangements with other powers are sought. For that purpose, an alliance with Brandenburg and Austria is requested.


 * The Kingdom of England: With new troops occupying Edinburgh, and more being reinforced into the city, we begin to prepare for siege in case the castle must be brought down. King Henry IV offers terms to the Kingdom of Denmark: In marrying Queen Margarete to King Henry IV, it will be declared, no matter of children (if they come, although Margarete is like 50 lmao,) Henry V is the direct heir to the throne of England. Also, an Alliance will then be established between the Kalmar Union and The Kingdoms of England and Portugal. (Portugal please confirm you accept this as well, if not, the alliance continues and you stand neutral with KU) In return for uniting these nations together in matrimony, The Crown of England would request economic support and militaristic forces from Denmark and the other nations of the Kalmar Union to destroy the rebellion of Wales and have them seated under English rule once again. As well as reinforcing a garrison of troops within Edinburgh, due to Scottish resilience. These are the final drawn out terms, with more in the makings. England will offer support to the Kalmar Union and the Kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in the near future. Meanwhile, King Henry IV, agrees to marry Queen Margarete, if the terms are agreed upon. England increases relations with Portugal, sending small coffers of gold, to simply bolster their own nation. The Kingdom of England moves more troops from Nottingham to Fort William on the Welsh border. And re-garrisons the northern city of York. England increases its military and navy, the navy restocks the northern coast of France, where the English currently maintain, and defences are reinforced in southern France. England sends its ambassadors in Castile, Aragon, and the Italian provinces (Genoa, Papal States, and Florence) to improve relations with these budding European nations. England thanks Castile, Aragon and the Italian provinces for their trade negotiations. England calls upon the Kingdom of Portugal to send naval assistance of blockading Wales. King Henry IV continues to purge the Lollards, burning them at the stake as heretics, looking to keep good favor with the Pope and the Papal States.
 * Kalmar Diplomacy: Queen Margrethe I agrees to King Henry IV's terms of marriage, and she has a term of her own, that Eric of Pomerania is the direct heir to the throne of Kalmar. The Queen looks forward to uniting our two dynasties.
 * English Diplomacy: King Henry IV accepts, suggesting Princess Philippa of England marries Eric of Pomerania, and Prince Henry V takes the English throne, and asks that the Kalmar Union will support England immediately with crushing the Welsh rebellion.
 * Kalmar Diplomacy: Queen Margrethe sends 1000 troops to help crush the Welsh rebellion and sends 1000 troops to Edinburgh to help hold back Scottish forces, both forces are from Denmark. Queen Margrethe suggests a double marriage, Princess Phillipa of England shall marry Eric of Pomerania, and Eric's sister, Katarzyna of Pomerania, shall marry Prince Henry V.
 * Scottish Diplomacy: Duke Robert of Albany, regent of Scotland reminds the English that they previously opened negotiations for peace and that any further troop buildups in occupied Edinburgh will lead to a resumption of a large scale border conflict and backing for the Welsh rebels.
 * English Diplomacy: King Henry IV: "We will not back down. We offered a chance to negotiate terms, not of peace, but your surrender. Edinburgh will remain under English control." King Henry IV calls upon Norway and Sweden to send troops to the Anglo-Welsh border as well as the Anglo-Scot border. In order to maintain a heavy line of defense. We accept the double marriage from The Kalmar Union, in return for Norwegian and Svedish support in England.
 * Scottish Diplomacy: Robert of Albany and King Robert III remain defiant and confident that the English and their newfound allies will be defeated in their latest military adventure in our lands.
 * Kalmar Diplomacy:We offer the Kingdom of Scotland terms of surrender, we will make peace with Scotland if Scotland recognizes Queen Margrethe as their monarch. If Scotland does so, they will join the Kalmar Union and Scotland will be spared the wrath of the joint English-Nordic armies. Scotland shall retain autonomous status if they accept.
 * English: We, the Kingdom of England, would like to remind The Kalmar Union, that Scotland will not be under Nordic control. If anything will be a bi-partisan state under English dominance.
 * Timurid Empire: Emperor Timur continued his glorious reign over his Empire, and had designated his son Shahrukh Mirza as his heir. The latter had immediately set out to work as he imposed a tax system upon the local people which he referred to as the mansabdari system. This allowed the Empire to harvest and cultivate a much larger surplus of wheat and other crops which in turn made it much less liker of the Sultanate facing any food shortage. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Meanwhile, thousands of men were conscripted into the military from Persia and the surrounding regions to properly engage in combat, and to annihilate the opponents of Timur's realm. With Timur marching his army against the Golden Horde, Shahrukh Mirza was temporarily appointed as regent, commanding the vast Empire in his stead. If Timur managed to encounter Lithuania, he would invade them. One of his initial actions as the 'ruler' included assimilating the Ottoman vassal territories, and the former Mamluk province of Hatay into the Jalayirid Empire. As far as diplomatic matters were concerned, Shahrukh Mirza rejected the trade offer from Mogadishu, considering the African Kingdom of no importance. However, keen on opening up to Europe, Shahrukh accepted the offer from Venice, granting them trading rights and creating a defense pact against the Ottomans; particularly alarmed by the alliance between the Ottoman and Mamluk Empires. Yet, showing some form of favouritism, Shahrukh declined the alliance offer from the Roman Empire and Bahamani. 
 * ​Jalayirid Sultanate: Sultan Ahmad Jalayir continued his reign over the Sultanate. Acting as a vassal to the Timurid Sultanate, he was now directly answerable to Timur and his temporary regent, Shahrukh Mirza. The military has designed along the same lines as the Timurid military, and men were conscripted to aid in Timur's war against the Golden Horde. Meanwhile, the Mamluk province of Hatay and the Ottoman vassals were integrated into the Jalayirid Sultanate. The Sultan himself made sure to wipe out all remnants and supports of the Ag Qoyunlu and Kara Qoyunlu.
 * Oldenburg: With permission from the King of the Romans, the County of Oldenburg begins its invasion of the Frisians (according to Scraw I don't need an algorithm for this, but I will be describing it in my turns). With the eastern border of Oldenburg secured along either side of the Weser River, the nation turns its attention west. Conrad II, in command of the county's retinue of 500 soldiers and knights, moves east to seize the town of Jever, the first major stronghold in Frisia. During this time Christian V raises the county's levies, and also begins contracting mercenaries if necessary. The Likedeelers, successors of the Victual Brothers, an organization of pirates operating in Frisia, begins to harass Oldenburger soldiers. In order to aid in the invasion Oldenburg's small fleet seizes the island of Heligoland in the North Sea, to act as a base from which to guard against pirate attacks. One notorious pirate leader, Klaus Störtebeker, an ally of the powerful tom Brok clan of Brokmerland is arrested and executed. Oldenburger forces begin to advance on his stronghold at Marienhafe.
 * Holland Dip: When ever you want we can have the marriage of Victor and Dorathe. Alos thank you for the getting into a war with Friesland and making it easier to get the land I need.
 * Kalmar Union
 * Norway: Support for the explorations begin to wane slightly as the failure of Captain Erik Jarisgard expedition the Norwegian privy council feeling that the north isn't the answer to our problems feels that the expeditions should be sent westward through the calmer waters in attempt to plot a basic sea route between Iceland and Greenland so that colonists can move through the waters safely. A small port is established on the southern part of Iceland in the more "Hospitable" areas. The port is intended to be used a fishing port and port for the expeditions of the Atlantic waters. The Faroes are beginning to be settled with small fishing ports appearing on them. The current primary export is fish to Iceland to feed colonists. With a second expedition/goods transfer more southern this time heading for Greenland off Iceland we hope it makes there safely. After a hard journey it lands on the Danish settlement there but no contact is made with Mainland due to staying the winter out there. Back at home the hansa is built in Oslo with enriching trade flowing in from the members of the Hanseatic League Oslo grown from 5000 to 7000. Oslo also grows as a port with many ships being docked there. In Oslo a Catholic Monastry is founded called Scientia Dei (Knowledge of God) this monastry is very small and contains mostly scriptures but begins to collect Norse tales such as folklore legends and historical documents. Many nobles take an interest in this and begin funding the collection of this scriptures. By the year's end the sagas a copy of Beowulf and various other scripts have been collected, Wishing to make Norway into a great trading power we build 45 merchant ships and 30 galleons along with 20 exploration ships. We ask the Hanseatic cities along with Hamburg and Novgorod for allowance of Diplomats in their cities to promote closer ties with each other (Mod response for the cities). For the sake of peaceful relations with the people we share land with we begin to build up relations with swedes. Margaret I rule has begun an area of peace for us across the lands of Norway with more farms and fishing post being settled. We ask of Margaret I for an official grant to colonize parts of Greenland (KK).  The trade with the Hanseatic Cities have enriched us and are filling our treasuries we can only hope this glorious trade between us continues.
 * Danish Diplomacy: Queen Margrete grants Norway to colonize parts of Greenland in exchange for Icelandic ports being transferred to Danish control.
 * Norwegian Diplomacy: We agree to give Danish control of our second most busiest port in Iceland and a few minor strategic ports (like three or four ports total) in exchange for colonizing rights. However, we also most stipulate if a colony is impossible we will have to withdraw on this deal
 * Danish Diplomacy: We agree to this deal, and we suggest for Norway to establish a colony near Denmark's in Greenland.
 * Sweden: We continue expanding our infrastructure and modernizing our army. We continue the colonization of the Northern lands with grant from Queen Margaret. We ask the Hansa members for trade deals and offer to open up a kontor in Stockholm. We begin expanding our navy as well, and start Christianizing the pagan Finns in our territory. We begin the expanding of Stockholm, promoting art and architecture and knowledge. We continue our trade deals with the Teutonic Order.
 * Queen Magrethe of Denmark: I have married King Henry IV of England and now we are united in holy matrimony. This marriage elates me to no end! I am overjoyed that the great nations of the Kalmar Union and the Kingdom of England have joined in a dynastic union. My heir, Eric of Pomerania has also married Philippa of England, daughter of King Henry IV and Eric's sister, Catherine of Pomerania has married Prince Henry V, the eldest son of King Henry IV and the heir to the Kingdom of England. This year, 1401 Anno Domoni is dominated by these events and there are massive weddings and celebrations to celebrate this grand dynastic union, which fills me with joy. Now, however, I must expand the power of my husband, King Henry IV, thus I land 1000 Danish troops in Cardiff to assist the English to crush the Welsh rebellion and land another 1000 Danish troops in Edinburgh to assist the English Army to hold the city against the Scottish. Meanwhile, I continue to develop the capital city of Copenhagen into a great city using our great funds from trading by building roads, canals, ports, ship docks, as well as continuing the construction of the University of Copenhagen. The 100 ships from last year are completed and I also order the construction of another 100 ships.
 * Naples: Ladislaus is married to the Duke of Urbino's daughter on New Years' Day of this year, signifying a new beginning for the war-stricken Kingdom of Naples. The king continues to attempt to quell any last rebellions in support of the former pretender king Louis II, and in an effort to re-establish control Angevin control over the Kingdom of Hungary Ladislaus attempts to poison King Sigismund (RNG NEEDED). Ladislaus also offers an alliance to the Papal States as a way to re-assert diplomatic relations with the country that previously favored Louis II over Ladislaus in terms of the Neapolitan crown. Onorato Caetani, the rebellious count of Fondi from the previous year is swiftly executed by Ladislaus and has his lands integrated into the king's personal domain. His wife becomes pregnant by the end of the year.
 * For better relations between players, we're not going to have players be assassinated. You can attempt to assassinate NPC nations, in which case a mod will determine the possibility of succes. -MP
 * Thanks for informing me, great to know ~Pyra
 * Castile accepts the 1400 trade offer.
 * Moscow: With Novgorod support, Muscovy rebels against the Golden Horde. our forces are mobilized in case of attack by the horde We are still wary of Novgorod, and we continue developing Moscow and building the army.
 * Benin: While in Mali, Prince Ogun is fascinated by the many cultures and religions mingling in the city of Timbuktu. Of considerable note are the records of white men to the far north of the Mali Empire. While these stories fascinate the prince, Ogun opts rather to focus on the trade delegation he was placed over by his father. Ever observant, Ogun notices the extensive usage of gold dust as a method exchange, but finds that its use is very fickle and often difficult to manages. However, he notes the use of coinage by Arab traders, and believes this would be more suitable for his people as a replacement for their barter system. Upon returning from his trade mission to Mali, Prince Ogun impresses upon his father the importance of having a coin currency as a method of superior trade of goods rather than the inferior bartering system his people currently use. After a lengthy display of the importance of minted coins, the Oba relents and agrees to his son's proposal. Addressing the people of Edo, Oba Orobiru announces the introduction of two currencies known as the Zuruoke with 3.383 grams of gold and the Mpempe with 25.984 grams of silver. These coins shall replace the barter system of his nation, and his Royal Regiment in Edo shall be paid at a fixed rate for their service as bodyguards and warriors even beyond war. The currencies are readily accepted by the people, and their new role comes to invigorate the economy of Benin by elevating the worth of goods produced in the nation, helping to create a new class of wealthy merchants who now have the capital to trade with other nations beyond Mali with coin. Prince Ogun requests that he be sent back to Mali, as he wishes to study the land in more detail though without having to deal with the affairs of state at the same time. The Oba consents, and Ogun begins plans for his return the next year with a small party of followers and bodyguards. Of great note is the knowledge of the success of the paved road between Edo and Enugu, which the traders have told the Oba has made travel much easier for themselves and their caravans. With this knowledge, the Oba orders similar roads built throughout the empire to connect major cities and villages to the capital and surrounding lands, so they too may benefit from the superior accessibility provided. The military of Benin continues its training drills and disciplinary instruction, seeking to hone themselves as a warriors. Elsewhere, Prince Uwaifiokun assembles his exploration party for an expedition to the south. Seeking riches and glory, Uwaifiokun and his band of warriors are labelled Ndi Meriri, or "conquerors", by their people. Bidding their families farewell, the force of 200 heavily-armed warriors set off in four deep war canoes with sails (before you say anything West African states did use sails on canoes according to the Journal of African History), and toward the lands beyond the Bight of Biafra travelling along the coastline. Though he trusts in his son's abilities, the Oba secretly assembles a number of rescue parties to follow the expedition of his son from a distance in case anything were to happen. The Oba also instructs them to record all activities in the new region, for his once absent interest in the foreign lands has now been sparked.
 * Hungary- As we fortified our borders, we force peasants into our military to bolster numbers. We move some troops away from the Ottoman border and place them at the Venetian border. We accept the Teutonic Orders offer but only allow them to send a few commandries to our kingdom. Our emissaries continue to discuss with the Ottoman Sultan about trade. We also send emissaries to Austria and the Papal States in order to talk to both about an alliance with Hungary. Population is growing right now at three million plus vassal and Croatia make it three million plus 50 thousand. Our military size is around 70 thousand.
 * ​Austria: Archduke Albert greets the Hungarian Ambassadors with a large feast in the capital of vienna. Trade is discussed and Hungary, being a bordering nation, is offered lowered trade tarifs if they are reciprocated  in order to maintain good relations with neighbours. Offers of alliance are accepted, with the hopes that this will alleviate presence of troops on the border.
 * Croatia (union with Hungary)- Croatia begins to recruit citizens out of its streets to join the military from volunteers to drafts. The nation also begins to build fortifications along the borders.
 * Cilli (vassal of Hungary)- The Vassal begins to build itself up and draft soldiers to the military. Fortifications are built along the borders.
 * Romans: We campaign for support against the Ottomans. (I'm going on chat if you have questions). We request an alliance with Timur.
 * Papal Diplomacy: The Papal States could provide limited aid, but also inquire into how Constantinople would view efforts to unite the Church once again.
 * Roman Dip: We will try, but request the Patriarch retain his position but become the second most powerful figure.
 * Genoa Dip: Support is sent to the Romans under the condition that exclusive trading rights to Genoa be honored.
 * Roman Dip: OK.
 * Envoys from last year return to Sakha from Mongolia and China, both awed and faintly terrified at the vastly greater wealth and power of these countries. Oyus becomes increasingly determined to empower Sakha to match these nations (although the envoys privately consider this impossible). He enlists the aid of the newly arrived monks (who continue to immigrate rapidly) to achieve this. They encourage him to bring in more southerners, who have the necessary knowledge. Consequently, when several Nestorians and Manichaeans arrive, hearing from the Vajryana monks that Sakha is relatively tolerant, Oyus agrees to allow them to immigrate as well and grants official tolerance; several thousand arrive by year’s end. Meanwhile, several monks realize that increased use of settled agriculture could end the semi-starvation of Sakha every winter; Siberian-adapted tree crops such as the Siberian pea shrub, Siberian crabapple, juniper, elderberry, siberian pine, mulberry, cherry prinsepia, and sea berry, along with barley, rye, beets and cabbages, are already somewhat cultivated. The monks suggest to Oyus that he replace the current system of communal pastoralism with one where individuals are granted plots of land to replant with these crops. Oyus orders such a system implemented; it proves highly successful, particularly as the same piece of land can now be used as pasture, farmland and forest habitat for fur mammals simultaneously, and mass replantings of forest rapidly begin. He also orders the cultivation of ginseng, and silk using mulberry trees, for trade. Construction of stone fortifications around Cohuskay and to secure the borders continues. With trade and travel along the Lena increasing, hundreds of entrepreneurial-minded Yakuts hire several monks with knowledge of ship-building to construct sampan-like river vessels; these vastly facilitate trade, travel, and the immigration of Vajryana Buddhists, Nestorians, and Manichaeans. Expansion eastward down the Lena the maximum amount possible continues; an expedition eastward encounters the ocean. Oyus hopes to acquire a port to enable large-scale seaborne trade. New envoys are sent south to further open trade ties, and also to purchase several thousand Bactrian camels, for which demand has exploded since their arrival with immigrants last year. In Cohuskay, Oyus’ court grows in wealth and grandiosity, with him bringing numerous Nestorian, Manichaean and Buddhist figures into it (not coincidentally, this also allows them to act as tacit hostages); he, along with most Yakuts, seems increasingly influenced by Buddhism himself, although unlike most Yakuts he does not yet convert.
 * Cologne: The Cologne Chapter, in consultation with the University of Cologne, speak to Friedrich III in April and provide two main pieces of advice on placating dissatisfaction in the city. Firstly, the Chapter suggest that Friedrich III overcome Cologne’s debt problems, which he continues to do by encouraging entrepreneurial trade along the Rhine. This chiefly includes improving upon the main river port to make it longer and more accessible. Secondly, the Chapter suggest that Friedrich III begin work on changing the public perception of the Catholic Church to one that is less indifferent to the lower class and less perceived to be “corrupt”. Friedrich III acknowledges that this change will be difficult, so he establishes a small commission of leaders and relevant stakeholders (representatives of heads of Orders, Deans of the Cathedral and Deans of the Archdiocese, the Abbess of Essen, and theologians from the University) that meets in December. Friedrich III eagerly awaits the outcome of these discussions.
 * Essen: Essen’s secular canonesses elect a new abbess, Adelphina I of Nassau, who has strikingly different views to Elisabeth III, in the hope that they can reconnect the abbey with the city. Adelphina is very adept at local politics and thus sends an envoy of some of her most learned and charismatic secular canonesses as her representatives to Friedrich’s commission in December. She notices that the Archbishop is encountering similar problems and instructs her travelling canonesses to put forward a seemingly-radical plan, at least in respect of abbeys: to phase in canonesses regular, who are often involved in social services like nursing and teaching. The secular canonesses doubt her plans, questioning why Adelphina would involve those who are not royals like herself, but Adelphina is insistent that she has been given divine direction: this is for the benefit of the people she serves, and this is her calling. Adelphina makes it clear that the integration process will be slow, and is confident that other abbeys will see this as a step toward solving dissatisfaction in their cities.
 * Papal States: By now most of Rome has been cleansed of commune filth and His Holiness is once again able to traverse much of the city as he pleases, although some sections are still being cleared by his soldiers. He notices the ongoing campaign in Italy and is privately pleased that the Bolognese, who have resisted Papal efforts to restore control, are struggling to resist the Milanese onslaught. With tensions high and the situation in the city unstable, the Pope puts his tact and political savvy to action. Loyal Papal agents assassinate the current leading Pepoli within Bologna in late March, setting the stage for Giovanni Bentivoglio, known for his opposition to the war with Milan, to come to power as Lord of Bologna. His Holiness swiftly recognizes Lord Bentivoglio and also begins supporting him with some of the money received by generous and loyal Catholic monarchs across Europe. Lord Bentivoglio, grateful for these actions, pledges his allegiance to the Holy Father. More broadly, Pope Boniface IX still continues his literary campaign to Scotland, Aragon, and Castile, beseeching them to abandon their support for the Antipope who still cowers in Avignon and support the true Vicar of Christ. The Pope continues to meet with Ragusan merchants to discuss trade with "less than ideal heathens" and also with the Hungarians to discuss closer relations, although nothing is solidified yet. The Pope is also supposedly considering who to replace his seat as Cardinal, although officials close to his Holiness report that he has not yet made a decision.
 * Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo): The Mamluk trade with Mogandishu and the Sultan's reforms help to slowly recover the nation, in spite of  continual corruption and mismanagment of the Turkish nobles. Warlords feud petty wars amongst each other in Upper Egypt, and the Emirates of Mecca and Medina break off ans semi-independent. This year the Coptic Pope Matthew rose to prominence as leader of a charitable community in Alexandria, preaching the evangel to the Arabs of the city. This greatly upset Caliph Al-Mutawakkil in Cairo, to hear of this Nazerene heresy in Egypt. While this was going on, the Sultan was travelling in the city and discovered a small dog whose mother had died. The vizier, fearful of the prophesy twelve months ago, quickly distained the idea of taking a dog into the palace, but the Sultan insisted "surely a creature I raise as my own son can never hurt me", and so it was permitted. In Syria, Al-Ankabut looted the citadel of Aleppo for money which he then distributed to the poor as usual, but among the captives in the citadel was a Kurdish lady named Noora, who Al-Ankabut greatly fell in love with, and took as his own wife.
 * The statesman Mahmud ibn Tulun offers an alliance with the Ottoman Sultan
 * Ottoman Empire: With the lost to the Timurids, we give up our vassals in Anatolia to Timur, this causes some of the Sultan sons to see him as a seller of Ottoman lands. The army begins to work on reciting people into the army mostly by getting peasants to join. We accept the alliance with Cairo. and we begin to trade with Cairo and would like to trade with Mogadishu. the number of the army rises up to 20,000. 
 * Serbia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more mosques mostly in the South. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population Troops are trained in Serbia rising the army to 1000
 * Wallachia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more mosques mostly in the South, and reciting peasants for the army. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population. The army is risen to 800.
 * Mongolia: Great Khagan Gün Temür of the Northern Yuan dynasty solidifies his rule and increase his control over Mongolia. Population stands at 500,000 people. Tengriism remains the official religion although we enforce religious tolerance, like our Great ancestor Genghis Khan did. We continue rebuilding our two decimated former capitals of Karakorum and Shangdu, as well as building ten blast furnaces in special industry quarters of the cities, with Ming help. New residents begin to move in the reconstructed parts of the two cities. Mongolia under the context of reclaiming lost lands kept by the Mongolian Empire and to pacify various tribes surrounding the realm, continue expanding toward the East and the North, as well as into the West side of lake Baygal nuur, settling/subjugating vast areas. Relationships worsen with the Oirat Khaganate. Field guns, hand cannons are constructed by our small industry to be used by the army, but due to our small capabilities production is limited. Our 10,000 professional Mongolian horsemen begin a campaign against the rebels, along with 40,000 raised horsemen. With the help of 10,000 Chinese troops stationed here we easily quell any unrest in the two biggest cities that are being reconstructed. Great Khagan Gün Temür personally leads his army winning the battle of Chuluut River, against a coalition of rebel armies, due to superior tech and numbers, as well as being a competent commander, having drawn up a good battle plan, hids the majority of his troops nearby, so they are not spotted by the rebels, executes a couple of nobles that are relatives of the rebel commanders, while tricking them into crossing the river with fury to take revenge, that results into a decisive victory, with the scattered remnants of the rebels being pursued and most of them either captured of killed. The whole army then proceeds to eliminate any last pockets of resistance throughout the nation, crushing various rebellious tribes and nobles such as Buryat, Khalka, Oirats and many other smaller tribes, that were not present in the battle of Chuluut River. The defeated troops that are captured are offered amnesty, shall they swear allegiance to their Khagan (MOD RESPONSE), although the nobles and the officers are kept as captives for now. We ask China that they send troops to help us crush the rebels located in Inner Mongolia as it was agreed when we entered tributary status for China.
 * ​Some troops accept, others don't. Assume a more or less even split. -MP
 * Bohemia: We accept the Polish request for a banquet. We offer an alliance again to our cousin in Brandenburg. Wenceslaus IV continues to improve relations with the Count of the Palatine of the Rhine. Wenceslaus IV has a son with his wife, Sophia of Bavaria. He is named Wenceslaus V. Wenceslaus continues to try to find ways to take back the throne of the HRE, and begins to read old Roman scripts about the administration of the Empire, although most of the manuscripts that were once available have been taken by Austria. We ask for an alliance with both Hungary and Saxony.
 * Venice Dip: We offer an alliance to Bohemia.
 * Bohemian Dip: We accept the alliance.
 * Empire of Japan: The ruling Shogun Yoshimochi, with heavy advisement from his father Yoshimitsu sees the death of the leader and only male of the Hatekayama clan with clear claim, Motokuni. With a marriage in line between Yoshimochi and a daughter of the Hatekayama clan (which itself is an Ashikaga decendant branch and major ally of the Ashikaga) sees the core territories of the Hatekayama revert to Ashikaga control. Yoshimitsu in an attempt to curry favor with another powerful Daimyo maintains the tradition of Kanrei alternating between the Hatekayama, Hosokawa, and Shiba clans. A non Shogun member of the Ashikaga Clan is predicted to claim the title of Kanrei when the time comes keeping to the tradition (this could be some time from now). Now with the lands of Yamashiro, Kii, Kawachi, Etchū, Noto under Ashikaga control Yoshimitsu advising his son begins strengthening their hold on the territory by taking inventory of the new lands figuring they can raise significant personal forces from these territories being the Shogun. Its estimated that on top of the forces able to be raised from the Kyoto areas (roughly 10,000) that another 25,000 troops an be raised from the newly acquired lands. Without stepping on to many toes the new lords of these lands keep much of the existing aristocracy in place and in other cases promote multiple samurai lords with the expressed intent of having these men honor-bound and loyal to the shogun and in position to further develop the lands under the watchful eye of the Ashikaga familiy. Some pretenders to the Hatekayama do attempt to retake the ancestral seat in Yamashiro but only show with a paltry 4000 men meeting the unified Armies of the Hosokawa, Shiba and Ashikaga numbering nearly 18,000 which deter the soldiers and force the turn over of the two Hatekayama pretenders one of which is killed when he tries to escape the other is imprisoned as being part of a branch family and a traitor hence being unable to inherit. The Ashikaga centralization over its new possessions is expected to take a few years as the Family is not relatively used to running large tracts of territory. The Japanese settlement and establishment of outposts in Hokkaido continues with further northern advancement starting to push into the heart of the island (this is not outright colonization just exploration and light settlement along OTL lines). In an attempt to combat some of the rampant Piracy the Shogunate personally pays for and constructs new ships, incorporating some of the more powerful theories of shipbuilding into the Japanese ship building. This sees the launching of nearly 20 ships as they are joined by local fleets of Daimyo which join in a united effort to combat piracy specifically off the southern coast of Japan near Tanegashima. As a result of the movement the fleet does encounter the of Wokou pirates (which did not always raid Korea or China they raided Japan too) off the coast of the island of Tangegashima. While a victory multiple ships are destroyed or wrecked and a few settlements are built up on Tanegashima as naval outposts for traders and opportunist explorers. The Tanegashima clan begins to assert its claims of the Ryukyu Island chain and sends one of the first expeditions in years consisting of roughly 300 men landing in the Amami islands and establishing well connected fort/outpost. The Japanese diplomats and observers now in China bring back designs for a Blast Furnace
 * Japan has an Emperor, but he is reduced to a mere figurehead. Japan is better described as a shogunate.
 * 1. Sign your post, 2. Do not edit the name of my Turn, figurehead emperor or not its still an Empire with the shogun essentially acting as a militarized prime minister position with all authority concentrated there and i will consider it as such. Please do not edit my turn on a simple technicality that is essentially up to me to decide. -Feud
 * Korea (protectorate of China): With Yi Bang-won and the imperial court approving the ability of commoners to now be included within national civil service (e.g., scientists, astronomers, inventors), a task once limited to the yangban families, the number of civil servants surges, ushering Korea into a renaissance of development and ideas. To prepare Korea for upcoming radical reforms, he initiates the massive centralisation of power through the purge of political dissent among the administration and yangban; making him both widely hated and feared among rival factions and nobility who oppose him. Following the footsteps of the Ming dynasty, the government-encouraged entrenchment of Confucian customs and work ethic into Korean customs persists, though at the cost of native shamanic and Buddhist beliefs while education is heavily encouraged for those within national civil service program and those of yangban (e.g., the elite, government officials, and civil servants) heritage. Seeking to emulate the industrial prowess and success of the Chinese, the Yi Bang-won continues his modernisation model, starting with the construction of five blast furnaces in Hanseong and Busan, with the yield being used in the creation of armour and the reinforcement of weaponry ( Note to mods, blast furnaces were introduced from China last turn ). Other measures to industrial prowess of the Chinese are the construction of paved roads and canals, which ease trade and commerce, and the continuation of mining activities in mineral-rich North Korea. Noticing a lack of industrial labourers, the imperial court decides to establish a policy that allows the sangmin (e.g., commoners, though they one class above the cheomin or outcasts) to be not only subject to military service and peasantry, but also may serve as workers in industrial complexes and mining posts, promising to provide financial incentives to those who do so. The Korean military begins to mass-borrow and replace obsolete and inefficient Korean weaponry with Chinese equivalents, a move seen as a preemptive measure in case of Manchu or Japanese aggression. The construction of three arsenals–in Hanseong, Busan, and Pyeongyang–continue, expected to be completed in within three years. The production of turtleships, gunpowder weapons such as hand cannons, Korean cannons, hwacha, and fire arrows accelerates under government encouragement, and the number of military personnel grows to 60,000 people. Recent Japanese patrols in the Korea strait prompt the government to increase maritime patrols in the area, especially near the island of Tsushima, and to keep on constructing turtle-ships (equipped iron spikes, cannons, and ironclad roofs) to repel both trespassers and pirates. Control over the Liancourt rocks (or the Dokdo islands) is further strengthened. Korea, under the context of reclaiming lost lands kept by the Balhae kingdom and to pacify the Jurchens, as well as to widen trading routes between China and Korea, expands north.
 * Archduke[1] Albert IV of Austria, after receiving a translated biography of Gaius Marius an Re Militari, becomes intrigued in the ideas that they contain. One thousand troops are sent to Avignon as a matter of support for the papacy, and Austria continues the funding of churches. In an attempt to try to finance his endeavours himself, instead of relying on filthy Jewish gold, Albert sends out prospectors into the mountains of each Austria territory, which hopefully will come out with great results, although his hopes are low and wishes to reform taxation take priority. Albert begins to read the first translated books which were translated. The Ideas of a standing army have long been forgotten by the mainland of Europe, a fact that he is eager to take advantage of. The man is elated, and orders the creation of an Archducal Guard, consisting in total of 10,000 men, divided into three sub-units, the Archducal Legion (infantry), Archducal Equius (Cavalry) and Archducal Tormenta (Siege weaponry and engineers). The plan is aimed to get going in the near future, and the best blacksmiths in Austria are ordered to Vienna to begin work on the unified armaments of the Guardsmen. Albert's reforms are unprecedented in Austrian history. Not wanting to remove the divide between nobles and peasants, however, officer positions are reserved almost exclusively for the nobility and knights, with a mandate that every officer commanding more than 50 men must have the honours of an anointed knight or higher. The first recruits are gathered from the homeless of the cities, and some knights are sent to train them in the use of a sword and shield. This Imperial guard would take some time, but the first batch of recruits, the first six hundred, would become the Sergeants for the remaining troops, and train them themselves instead of the knights. IN any case, Albert, pleased with the progress of his ventures, begins being seen more and more often disappearing to speak with his advisors in secret and behind closed doors, making queer inquiries more often of late about his father-in-law’s health. He sends one of his servants over to aid him on his nameday. Letters to his cousins Ernst, William and Leopold cease almost nonstop, while they are ordered to be burned at the first sign of bandits. Albert begins reading more of Roman History and the fall of the Empire, ordering the purchase and translation of further tomes of philosophy, making Re Militari a required reading for all potential commanders. IN the meanwhile, more emissaries are sent to Milan and Genoa and Hungary to discuss a potential currency standardization to combat the increasing influence of the ducato, to establish alliances with the nations and gain potential recognition of the Archducal title and Privilegium Maius. [1]   The Archducal title is based on the documents called the Privilegium Maius, and it was not until 1453 that it, along with the privilegium was officially recognized. It is should therefore be advise that in order to stay in-character other nations should refer to the Austrian ruler as "Duke" unless they are prepared to recognize the title and Privilegium in an official capacity so long as this footnote remains.
 * Lithuania: As army is reorganised and the Horde is invaded by Timurids, Vytautas continues help Tohtamish. Lithuania invades Crimea.
 * Order of Knights Hospitaller: The three galleys begun last year are completed by the end of this one, and are soon put to the test in anti-piracy patrols. The response from the Hochmeister of the Teutonic Order is received with joy, and Grand Master Philibert assures his German counterpart that members of his Order are always welcome to avail themselves of the Hospitaller's hospitality in any of its commandries, and he writes a circular letter to all local Commanders to inform them of their duty to provide. The Chapter votes to begin a new round of fortifications, protecting the island against a potential amphibious assault. Plans are laid for a ring of small, squat, round towers throughout the island, which could impede any invasion attempt. In other news, the Grand Master is irritated by a certain level of hostility from the native Eastern Orthodox islanders display toward their Catholic Hospitaller masters. As a temporary measure, Philibert quietly instructs the Catholic Bishop of Rhodes to cease actively attempting to convert the native populace.
 * In the Duchy of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti continues to enforce the embargo against Florence. He rallies support among the other Italian city-states against Florence, and celebrates the recent Papal reconquest of Bologna. The Duke hosts the Austrian delegation, and begins negotiations about currency standardization. Progress on construction of the Duomo continues, and Galeazzo readies all of his condottieros for a grand invasion of Medici-controlled Florence. Secretly, he reached out to the Albizzi family of Florence, offering them to retake control of of the city under the federalist system should they pledge their support for an eventual Milanese overthrowal of the current Florentine establishment. (MODS)
 * Venice Dip: We join in the embargo against Florence to keep good relations with Milan.
 * Neapolitan Diplomacy: We offer a non-aggression pact with the Milanese.
 * Kingdom of Aragon: We welcome English ambassadors to our capital, and call for support from our friends to help us defend our interests in the Corsica-Sardinia region. We deploy reinforcements to Sardinia in the hopes of strengthening our defence against the invaders. The King of Aragon asks his brother to help his forces defend against the Genoese threat, in return for similar assistance in a future time of need.
 * With the decline of Delhi, Sultan Taj ud-Din Firuz Shah of the Bahmani Sultanate assumes the mantle of the premier Muslim ruler in India and swears to finish what the Ummayads and Delhi started. He expands the pool of army recruitment to 170,000 men and orders the number of war elephants expanded from 560 to 650. The Sultan accepts the gracious offers of Umar of Mogadishu and Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat of Ayuthia on the condition that our alliance will also be an offensive-defensive military one, with Umar's and Ayuthia's fleets assisting our army in operations in India. The Sultan extends similar offers to Oman and the Timurids. The sultan also offers a trading post at Bombay to be shared between any who accept his offer. He notes that the famous Bidri-style copper and silver inlay work will only be exported to those who accept his offer. Finally, the sultan orders his rival Ahmad Shah assassinated. (My apologies for not posting in 1400, but my internet broke and I only got it repaired today.)
 * Mogadishu Diplomacy: We agree to the Bahmani offer of an alliance.
 * The Teutonic Order: Outraged by this pagan rebellion, Hochmeister Konrad von Jungingen personally leads a few dozen knights and their retinues to immediately end the pagans reign of terror. (RNG/Mod decision Needed please). Extra marks gained from an increase in Baltic trade agreements helps fund the construction and organization of new priories in the Kingdom of Hungary after their king allowed such actions to take place. New infrastructure such as roads are being built between major castles in all the territorial regions so as to increase intra-region commerce as well as make communication easier between knights across the Ordensstaat. To continue protecting everyone's trade in the Baltic, the order comes to construct an additional small naval fleet of 20 ships which should be finished in about a year and a half to two years. Severao dozen new knight-brothers are recruited from the balliwicks across Central Europe and they make their way to establish estates for themselves in the Teutonic Baltic holdings. Plans are drawn but not put in place yet to increase the size of garrisons in each castle so as to hopefully delay such pagan attackers as the recent ones until larger reinforcements can arrive.
 * Norwegian Diplomacy: We wish to open up trade with the order of the Teutonic Knights.
 * Teutonic Diplomacy: We happily accept.
 * Mod Response, seems reasonable, unless others desire an algo. -MP
 * Assam. Assam upgrades its military, citing fear of invasion.
 * Diplomacy: Assam offers a military and trade alliance with Bengal. Assamese troops with gunpowder weapons are sent to assist Bengal, but Assam will not give gunpowder weapons to Bengal. Assam asks Bengal to help Assam expand in exchange for troops armed with gunpowder weapons.
 * ​Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah, most excellent Sultan of Bengal, asks for tribute from the noble ruler of Assam in exchange for protection. If Assam shall reject this gracious offer of Bengal, we will not accept other arrangements.
 * Mogadishu: The Sultan's Trade Fleet brings in great income for the Sultan by making trade runs, especially as hazardous paths are avoided due to a comprehensive nautical map. The Sultan, thus, decree that the map shall be copied and distributed to Mogadishu merchants, in return, he wishes an added 5% tariff on all cargo from trade ships arriving.  Fabric and wares factories begin to expand. We further expand toward the Jubba River, as canals, dikes, and ditches are being built. The land surrounding the Jubba-Shebelle Rivers become more fertile. Seeing the potential of a greater population, our Sultan decrees that all people who are willing to farm a piece of the newly cultivated land would be given a piece of land five Feddan large (around two hectares), seeds and become a citizen of Mogadishu. This policy begins to attract local tribesman and foreign migrants into Mogadishu for land. The Sultan, with the income from the Royal Trade Fleet, establishes the Royal Marines, a standing force of 500, which would be paid even through peacetime. It is tasked to protect the Royal Family and maintain order in the docks. The Royal Marines continues training in on ship fighting, ship manouever and attack, amphibious landing and general fighting.
 * Bahmani Diplomacy: The sultan enquires on whether Umar of Mogadishu has accepted his offer of an alliance.
 * Republic of Ragusa: The government reform carries on, with the focus on the provveditori which are due to clever scheming, patricians of the families that started the reform. Although the system is more efficient now, it is obviously exploitable, which irritates several families, but due to lesser costs by the government, the lower classes are content, which aids the oligarchy within the oligarchy easier rule. The navy, both trade and military is expanded as the Ragusans now have an easier time developing their nations capabilities. Numerous patricians question the use of Latin, and prefer to switch to Italian. The old guard of the Senate disagrees, but the younger members are soon going to outnumber them. Dalmatian and Croatian are each more and more spoken, by all Ragusans.
 * Novgorod Republic: Settlers move east in the hopes of capturing the untamed wealth of the area. The economy, which thrives on furs, salt, and meats from both land and sea, sees marked improvement. Trade routes through Karelia to Swedish-controlled Finland are established, siphoning wealth from the newfound Kalmar Union into the Republic. Relations with Muscovy are improved. They offer assistance to Muscovy in their attempts to be rid of the Golden Horde. Novgorod hopes to break Mongolian influence on not only Moscow, but all of the Russian areas. Vassalization attempts on Great Perm continue, Novgorod establishing new trade routes and promises of protection from its neighbors. In addition, alliance offers are sent to Perm, Novgorod believing that one Perm, being one of the few states in the area that is not a Mongolian vassal, could be a useful ally. (RNG/Mod Response needed) To the west, Novgorod wishes to improve relations with both the Teutonic Order and Poland-Lithuania. While military assistance from either state would be greatly appreciated, Novgorod's military is a mighty powerhouse, with many men being trained this year. Orders from forges across Novgorod are placed en masse, bolstering the Novgorodian supplies. Lastly, trade deals are sent to Pskov, in addition to a 25-year non-aggression pact.
 * With the news of the Golden Horde battling against a new threat, Perm, fearing for its safety, accepts.-Sky
 * Muscovy accepts.
 * Holland: The Friso-Hallandic wars continue to go like they did on OTL. Count Albert builds another 25 ships for trade with other nations around the area. The military of the nation builds another 25 ships for war. Around the capital city a brick wall is continuing to be build to stop intruders. About a thousand guards watch the city for safety reasons. The troop count is now standing at 8000 troops and counting. Agriculture goes well in our nation with many farms going into surplus this year again. On all major rivers we have a toll stop at each city. Our country and Oldenburg decide to split up Friesland 50/50. The nation is now in an alliance with Oldenburg. The Count allows his grandson to let the daughter of Oldenburg marry him in the future. We are now in a trade agreement with Denmark.
 * Hamburg: With trade becoming increasingly profitable people begin to flock to the city from the hinterland in search of a better life. The people are quickly accepted into the growing trade, blacksmith, and shipbuilding guilds. Because of this the city sees an increase in the production of ships and iron goods. Outside the city agricultural production is increased to feed the rising population and we look for more efficient ways to grow more food with less labor. Work continues on more ships for the navy and the walls around the city are improved. The navy continues to patrol the trade routes, hunting down pirates and smugglers, in order to make them safer for merchants. Finally we accept diplomats from the Kalmar Union in order to improve relations and trade ties with them.
 * Hasfid Sultanate (Tunis): It has only been seven years since Sultan Abu Faris Abd al-Aziz II took over the throne of Tunis. With our brethren slowly losing ground in al-Andalus, hope slowly fades for a Muslim Iberia. Seeking new allies in this newly found fog of war, we offer the olive branch to the Mamluks, hoping to form a strong, Muslim alliance against any infidel invasion of North Africa. With Barbary pirates raiding islands such as Malta, Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia, the royal treasury overflows with gold and other valuables. While we continue these dark trades behind closed doors, we continue true trades in Italy and North Africa with the Peoples of the Book. However, the Sultan still decides to sit idly in Tunis, as it is not the time to strike as of yet. We start an invasion of the Tlemcen Kingdom in North Africa, hoping to revive the once great territories of the Almohad Empire which fell a few centuries ago.
 * Genoa: Doge Marco Visconti continues to bring Genoa along on its path of revival, the unity around him as Doge is at an extreme high. The Consuls of Genoa continue to voice support for him. The alliance with Milan continues to be maintained. Continued support is given to Acciaioli with Genovese ships joining him and his army. The Bank of St. George continues to expand filling the void left by the failing Medici bank. The Gold trade in Granada also expands. Expansion by the Corsica is officially liberated from Della Rocca and put under control of Genoa, investment is put into Corsica in order to gain better loyalty to Genoa. The Genovese Arsenal continues to expand with many new ship building techniques being experimented with including building faster and better fortified ships. Currency standerdization continues. Venetian merchants are offered to move and switch their allegiance to Genoa because of Venice’s rising taxes. (Mod Response)
 * ​Genoa Dip: Marco Visconti requests an alliance with Castile.


 * France: The new “Deux Lis” Regency continues with the support of most of the nation, and no notable objections to the small change in regime. The regency continues to focus on French unity against foreign threats and to end the rivalry between the two influential dukes of Burgundy and Orléans. In October, Isabeau and Charles give birth to a new daughter named Catherine. France requests a betrothal between Charles’s son, the Dauphin of the French throne, Louis, and King Henry of Castille’s youngest daughter, Maria. With the acceptance of this, the French would also officially become allied to the Kingdom of Castile, which they helped in the Portuguese Interregnum Wars. Geoffrey Boucicaut continues to rage a quasi-war against the palace of the antipope in Avignon. France continues to maintain the alliance with the Kingdom of Scotland, and thanks them for the bowmen, sending them back a royal gift of exotic items (along with the stream of supplies to assist them in English incursions). The regents officially establish the Order of the Lily, which is a very small standing and maintained army of elite units to be used in important battles against aggressors. Led by Charles I of Albret, it contains many highly trained knights and professional Scottish longbowmen. The regency reinforces forts around English holdings due to a bolster in English defenses. They also state that they would negotiate terms with the English if they were on favorable terms of the French, as to not lose support of the French public. A non-aggression pact is also maintained with the Bretons due to the royal marriage to the Montforts. The regency encourages the expansion Lyon’s banking and trade center. Although France does not have a central bank, they encourage the de Medici family of Florence to come to France and help improve the financial situation to back French wars. The regency holds a feast in Paris to improve relations and discuss the future of France with its many counts and dukes. Both the Duke of Orléans and the Duke of Burgundy are invited.
 * Burgundian Dip: the invitation is accepted.
 * Castilian Dip: Accepted. King Henry's newborn daughter Maria will be married to the eldest son of Charles when both are 16 years of age.
 * Venice: Envoys of the Doge are sent to both Castile and France to offer alliances. With new trading rights established with the Timurid Empire, trade from the east flourishes as Venice is a major gateway for the goods travelling between east and west. To better defend Athens from the potential off an invasion money is spent to increase the amount of fortifications manned by the Venetians. In the city a portion of ordinary citizens are called up to be reserve sailors and so are trained on training galleys in which they are to taught to row and other skills while the Venitean Arsenal is expanded in size and to increase the labour force slaves are imported from Asia and are held in indentured servitude as opposed to outright slavery where they are commonly made to work in the Arsenal as ship builders while the payment to the guilds for all apprentices taken continues.
 * Castile rejects, and instead offers a trade agreement between the two nations.
 * Oman: With the intention to spread the frankincense trade around the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean via more accessible methods, the Sultan commands the skilled shipwrights of Sohar to construct a fleet of ten trade galleys to help extend the Omani naval influence. With these new ships, a small envoy is sent to Cairo to suggest the opening of a permanent trade route between Cairo and Oman. The Sultan also commissions the renovation and expansion of current settlements on the island of Masirah, with the end goal being to create a permanent hub of trade with easy access to the Indian Ocean. Some of the new fleet are also sent east to India and beyond to find new trade opportunities and to investigate tales of fantastic and exotic spices that are said to come from that region. The fort at Bahla is expanded, and an extra extension is added to the current armoury.
 * Ayuthia: Economy, infrastructure and military improves. Under the current king Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat and its ruling Uthong dynasty, he continues to make Thailand great again by building/upgrading roads and cities, and more cities are grown in skyrocket. Even more residential, commercial and other production building are built in cities. He continue the whole nation trading with other Southeastern Asian nations, India and China by land and sea. The number of soldiers in the army rises up to 50,000. The navy has been raised to totally 30 ships, two of which are sent to patrol the trade routes and to hunt down pirates. Asks Assam and Champa for alliance.
 * Scotland: King Robert III remains holed up in his western fortresses alongside his son and a couple close relations. The current regent, his conniving brother, Robert, Duke of Albany attempts to assassinate his last son. The assassination fails due to the king's trained retinue intervening, yet nothing is traced back to Robert. With the regency limiting his diplomatic actions, Robert continues to consolidate power in the Lowlands from his relatives, though he abandons his goals of centralization when news of the English terms reaches him. With the treacherous English attempting to force us to surrender, the Kingdom of Scotland amasses a large army led by Duke Robert and several leading Stewarts in order to break the siege of Edinburgh. The Gaelic clans in the highlands continue to become divorced from the main body of Scotland with Donald of Islay emerging as a prominent figure advocating for decentralization, though they are forced to help out in the war. In the economic realm, growing cottage industries begin to develop, such as iron working and wool trading in the burgeoning burghs, and animal husbandry/fishing continues to displace grain farming. Traders in the coastal burghs begin to reach farther and farther. Military-wise, the pendulum continues to swing in favor of more quality troops rather than the mass levies popular before the Plague, with men at-arms emerging to support the pikemen. Robert becomes interested in artillery to crush the power of the nobles and sends an advisor to the Continent to study the newest cannons. With the new Scandinavian-English alliance emerging, we strengthen our ties with France and threaten to call them to war if Scandinavian escalation continues. We continue to support Wales in their revolt against the English. Scottish privateers continue to hamper the English around Wales. Though the King still remains de jure in favor of Avignon, the crumbling power of the antipope forces Duke Robert to reassess his situation. An ambassador is sent to Rome in order to inform the Pope of the decision to officially back Rome once old King Robert III dies in exchange for a papal blessing of peace between the English and Scottish.
 * Cyprus: Sick of the Genovese monopoly on the Cypriot market, along with remembering his time as a Genovese hostage, King Janus of Cyprus expels Genovese merchants and outlaws trade with Genoa.  We ask for Venetian support in the case of war with Genoa.
 * ​Genoa controls the city of Fatmagusta right on your back door, in case you really don't want to loose your soverginity I would recomend getting rid of this.
 * Venice Dip: In the event of a Genoa invasion, Venice will support the Kingdom of Cyprus as best as they can as long as Genoa is kept out of trade from them.
 * Castile accepts the Genoan offer for an alliance, and offers to support Genoa in exchange for a few ships from the Genoan fleet.
 * Bengal: The illustrious Sultan of Bengal sends emissaries with many gifts to the great men of Asia, Timur and the Yongle Emperor of China seeking friendly relations and mutual aid, as well as the possibility of trade pacts. The great Sultan demands tribute from nearby Assam. As part of his plan to make Bengal great again, the greatest Islamic state in India, the Sultan invites poets and scholars from across the Muslim world to Bengal to make Bengal a place of Islamic learning and culture. To improve his standing as an excellent Muslim, the Sultan sends money to Mecca to finance the maintenance of Allah's house and the construction of Islamic schools and mosques in the Hejaz. At home, the Sultan orders the construction of a magnificent mosque of Bengal in his name. Although the groundwork is laid, it is put off for later because the finances are better spent elsewhere. Azam Shah decides that his grandson Hamza is an incompetent fool and begins to consider the possibility of murdering him so that his younger brother could become the next Sultan of Bengal. It is well known that Hamza is a massive douche. Azam Shah's younger sons are always ready to kill their nephews so he considers telling them to make it so. However, he decides to put off such plans for now.
 * The Emperor-King of Mayapan, Iktan, continues to organize settler parties to retake abandoned cities in the southern highlands region. Some of these settler parties also venture south of the border to create settlements in new territory. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Emperor-King Iktan also orders some of the best craftsmen in the nation to come to his residence to discuss how to reverse the decline facing the nation.
 * The Crown of Castile: Henry is now 22 years of age, and he and his wife birth their first child Maria. Henry's goals domestically remain largely the same, with a strong focus on eliminating opposition to the crown and preserving the Realm. He continues to prepare for his campaign against Granada. However, the conflict in Cyprus detracts from the preparations. Continued investment in the economy leads to continued growth of the economy. Foreign policy, the influx of trade offers and alliances pleases Henry. Naval expansion continues as a small professional army is raised for the conflict in Cyprus.

1402
''' A large fire devastates parts of Utrecht. '''

''' The Great Comet of 1402 is spotted. '''

''' Gian Visconti defeats the Florentines in battle but falls ill from the plague that ravages the city. '''

''' General unrest rocks Korea as some of the more conservative aspects of society are unhappy over the reforms and purges being undertaken so soon. '''

 A massive rebellion led by Zhu Di takes control over much of the Hebei region in defiance of the Ming Emperor, marching on Nanjing 

''' The Majipahit Civil War (known as the Paregreg War) devastates the East Indies as the rival Eastern and Western courts split over Java. Bhre Wirabhumi of the Eastern Court begins seeking assistance from China '''

''' Antionio I of Athens lays siege to the city, declaring himself the rightful Duke. The Venetian installed claimant resists, urging the population to support him instead of the renegade bastard. Warfare soon engulfs the duchy, with neither side clearly ahead. '''

'''IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: If you are declaring war, you must post it on the talk page under the algorithm section. Otherwise we can and will overlook you - the mod team'''


 * Duchy of Burgundy: shipbuilding continues in the coastal Burgundian possessions of Flanders and Artois. Duke Philip, while he may have wished for more Burgundian influence in the Kings regency, accepts the final solution as Burgundy's isn't outmatched by Orleans influence. The Duchy of Burgundy reaffirms support for the true Papacy in Rome, and sends support to the French campaign against Avignon.


 * Timurid Empire:Emperor Timur continued his glorious reign over his Empire, and had designated his son Shahrukh Mirza as his heir. The latter had immediately set out to work as he imposed a tax system upon the local people which he referred to as the mansabdari system. This allowed the Empire to harvest and cultivate a much larger surplus of wheat and other crops which in turn made it much less liker of the Sultanate facing any food shortage. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Meanwhile, thousands of men were conscripted into the military from Persia and the surrounding regions to properly engage in combat, and to annihilate the opponents of Timur's realm. With the Golden Horde defeated and conquered, the Timurid Empire would invade Lithuania. However, if the Golden Horde had already died back in 1401, it would mean I invaded Lithuania in 1401 which also means that I am currently already at war with Lithuania. Now, I don't know if Lithuania dies in one year or not, but if Lithuania dies in one year, then in this year, I'm invading Moscow. Meanwhile, Shahrukh Mirza who was controlling the Empire in Timur's stead watched in shock as the Mamluk and Ottoman Empires signed an alliance. Keen on creating a deterrent from the war, Shahrukh offers an alliance to Venice and requests them to create a naval base at Hatay. 
 * ​Jalayirid Sultanate: Sultan Ahmad Jalayir continued his reign over the Sultanate. Acting as a vassal to the Timurid Sultanate, he was now directly answerable to Timur and his temporary regent, Shahrukh Mirza. The military has designed along the same lines as the Timurid military, and men were conscripted to act as as the military for the state. Meanwhile, the Mamluk province of Hatay and the Ottoman vassals were integrated into the Jalayirid Sultanate. The Sultan himself made sure to wipe out all remnants and supporters of the Ag Qoyunlu and Kara Qoyunlu.
 * Venice Dip: We agree to the Timurid proposal to establish a naval base at Hatay.
 * Bengal: Sultan Azam Shah requests friendly relations with the illustrious and famed Timur as well as potential trade relations with his empire.
 * Roman Empire: We upgrade our military. We request an alliance to aid against the Ottomans with France. We offer John VIII the heir to any legitimate Christian Female who offers. Who wants to be Roman Empress?
 * Kalmar Union
 * Norway: On this great year under Queen Margaret I of the Kalmar Union. The great northern nation of Norway continues to prosper with trade from the Hanseatic League flowing into it. With the trade causing growth in Oslo as a trading city with the population growing to 10,000 with the rural population moving into the city for opportunities. The trade routes with the Hanseatic League are extended to include Bergen to maximize profit. Bergen rises to a population of 16,000. The opening of trade with the Teutonic order has proved luxurious. However, their influence spreads into Norway with this year alone 112 nobles joining the order. The Ports on Iceland continue developing with fishing being their main export with the biggest port being 500 settlers. After much struggling we managed to make a non-permanent settlement on Greenland near the Danish one we hope to make this permanent in the future. Northern Land explorers find a hospitable peninsula near our land. (OTL Kola Peninsula average high would be 40 F and low -20 F). We claim this Land in the Name of the Norse Crown, however, we have no legitimate control of it. We ask Queen Margaret I to make it legitimate KK. Scientae Dei continues to grow with more Norse scriptures and christian scriptures being collected from across Europe it is wealth of knowledge that the rich can access. In order to increase our wealth we build 30 merchant ships 20 galleons and 23 exploration ships. After much difficulty we manage to reach a little past the Danish colony in Greenland but find nothing of note The captain speculates we won't be able to make it much farther due to ice caps blocking the way so they return to the Danish settlement in Greenland. After the death of the archbishop of Niadros after an official agreement Christian Ahlefeldt is appointed Archbishop (MP perms). We send 2000 men to help with invasion of Scotland and begin to conduct raids on the coast
 * Danish Diplomacy: Queen Magrethe legitimizes the Norwegian claim upon the Kola Peninsula. The Queen is also curious if the Norwegians settled west or east of the Danish colony in Greenland.
 * Norwegian Diplomacy: We thank Margaret for the recognition of our claim on Kola and as for the settlement it is east of the Danish colony
 * Sweden: We continue expanding our infrastructure and modernizing our army. We continue the colonization of the Northern lands with grant from Queen Margaret. We ask the Hansa members for trade deals and offer to open up a kontor in Stockholm. We begin expanding our navy as well, and start Christianizing the pagan Finns in our territory. We begin the expanding of Stockholm, promoting art and architecture and knowledge. We continue our trade deals with the Teutonic Order. We send 1500 troops to assist English forces in Scotland.
 * Queen Margrethe of Denmark: I receive a military report on the status of Edinburgh, it reads “The Danish Army of 1000 have arrived in Edinburgh and joined with the English Army to besiege Edinburgh Castle, where the Scottish Army held its defensive position. The siege was stalemated until a large force of Scottish reinforcements launched a major counteroffensive led by Duke Robert I and descended upon the joint English-Danish Army, with 3000 troops, plunging us into chaos and confusion and forcing us to retreat to King Stables Road and Grassmarket. The Scottish Army continued their advance, however, for they are determined to drive us out of Edinburgh, thus we are forced to go on the defensive.and go into deep defensive positions. The English Front Line suffers the brunt of the attack, and are in chaos and demoralized while Duke Robert’s Army is organized and has high moral, thus we, the Danish Army retreat to the reserves to preserve ourselves and we feel defeated. Then, off in the distance, we see a new army, fresh soldiers,3,500 strong, from nowhere else but Sweden and Norway! We greet our Kalmar brothers in celebration and they join us and we go into the frontlines again with high morale and we successfully defend against the Scottish advance and launch a counter-counter offensive with the goal of pushing Robert’s force back to Edinburgh castle. We are currently stalemated at Kings Road and Grassmarket,and are hoping that the counteroffensive is successful.”  I thank these Swedish soldiers for saving the Battle of Edinburgh. I also receive word that France is attempting to make peace between England and Scotland and I fear that the Kalmar Union will get nothing from this war, thus I send 6000 troops from Denmark to the Shetlands and they split in two, with 3000 troops invading Aberdeen and another 3000 troops invading Dundee, both armies objectives are to conquering Aberdeen and Dundee. The Danish Navy also goes to assist the Army. Seeing how England contained the Welsh rebellion we send our 1000 troops from Cardiff to Irvine with the intention of conquering it and advancing to Glasgow. The sighting of the comet of 1402 this year sparks my interest in the heavens, thus the University of Copenhagen is finally established and telescopes are constructed and I encourage scientists from all over Europe, especially astronomers to charter the stars, thus the University of Copenhagen is opened. Another 100 ships are constructed this year, with 50 galleons and 50 trade ships. Wealth continues to pour into Copenhagen as her ports are expanded and we expand trade with the Teutons, Novgorod, Hamburg, Oslo, Stockholm, etc.
 * Ming Dynasty: The Emperor sends an additional five regiments of horseback archers and foot soldiers to assist the Mongolian Empire in its campaign against the rebels. The Emperor agrees to Sakha's request to become a tributary and requests one payment every three years. An emissary is sent to Bengal to discuss relations and mutual aid. The five-step improvement plan continues as the military and navy continues to expand.
 * Oldenburg: We agree to the marriage proposal offered by Holland, as the proposed alliance against the Frisians should prove helpful in the ongoing war. Oldenburger forces lay siege to the city of Marienhafe, an infamous pirate stronghold and seat of the tom Brok family. An alliance is formed with the Cirksena family of Norden, who agree to aid us in the siege in exchange for their autonomy under our rule. Concurrently a second force lays siege to Emden, securing the Ems River. Christian V dies this year of old age, and his two sons, Christian VI and Dietrich I, are crowned as Counts of Oldenburg. Additionally Dietrich is married to his cousin, Adelheid of Oldenburg-Delmenhorst, acquiring the county of Delmenhorst. The now three concurrent counts of Oldenburg elect to hold a diet in Varel, where they agree to hold separate titles after the conclusion of the war, thus preventing the current County of Oldenburg from being divided further. Christian VI and Dietrich I's great uncle, also named Maurice, is appointed to the head of the Oldenburg navy. He begins an audit of the nation's wartime fleet and concludes that it is badly in need of renovation. He negotiates to have much of the nation's current fleet dismantled and replaced by new ships by the end of the decade. Additionally he begins renovating the nation's few ports on the North Sea. On the island of Heligoland Maurice commissions a new dock for the navy to use during the war. To protect it a fort also begins construction, although it is not expected to be completed until long after the war.
 * Genoa: The Bank of St. George and other Genovese merchant companies sends mercenaries to Genovese owned Famagusta. With the expulsion of the merchants the suffering Cypriot economy bears the full force of a Genovese invasion. Genovese troops under the command Antonio Grimaldi quickly invade the city of Enkomi in northern Cyprus. A week into the war with Cyprus, Genovesse withdraw and fortify Famagusta, seeing that it is the only major port city in Cyprus hoping to gain the fortune from smuggling. We begin secretly inspiring upon the Plebeians to revolt against their Catholic greedy King, who was willing to wreck Cyprus for the expansion of his own pocket. The two companies of Condotteri (3000 apiece) are reassigned to Athens helping Duke Antonio retake the city. The Bank of St. George continues to expand this time creating an opperationial mercenary millatry unit.
 * Venice: The Venetian fleet stationed at Candia, Crete are warned of the the movement of troops and the fleet sets out to intercept the Genoa fleet and their troops.
 * Oct OCC: The land between Crete and Rhodes is to large to intercept a fleet considering its over 100 miles.
 * Person OOC: Sure I can, I move my fleet to Karpathos which is in between and have ships moving through both sides of the channel hunting for you and if I miss you there I know your heading for Athens so I just charge for Athens and then hit you there.
 * Oct OOC: Currently Karpathos is controlled by the Cornaro family which rules it as an independent nation, counting the space between Karpathos and Rhodes is 100 miles while the space between Karpathos and Crete is 97 miles.
 * Person OOC: There a Venitean family with holdings in Venice which I can confiscate so they would do well to play ball. Plus again if I do miss you I just follow you to Athens. You have to move troops which are not quick vessels plus it is only 90 miles from Karpathos to Crete and 70 miles between Rhodes and Karpathos.
 * Oct OOC: What you are trying would never work in this time, and would barley even work in ours. the Cornaro family functions as any other Merchant Republic family, always trying to get independence. That trait is what created Monaco.
 * Mod response: A few minor merchant families move their business to Genoa
 * Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo): This year the land of Egypt intensified its anarchy as warlords loot the cities of both Upper and Lower Egypt, uncovering tombs of Ancient Kings and breaking apart their treasures. Mecca and Medina remained relatively safe from the chaos in their arab autocracies, where the Hajj pilgrimage was opened once again. Undaunted from the charisma of Pope Matthew, the Caliph Al-Mutiwakkil challenged the Pope to a debate on the nature of the trinity, which took place in the town of Rashid near Alexandria. These "Rashid Debates", known widely throughout later literature of Muslim and Coptic scholars, was most enlightening if not at all conclusive. In Syria, the Mamluk Sultan finally gathered enough soldiers to intervene in Syria against the notorious Arab outlaw Al-Ankabut. But Al-Ankabut, knowing of their arrival ahead of time by spies, disguised himself as and his men as poor Arab guides, who led the two bands of Mamluk soldiers away from each other until dark. Then at night, they led the two bands back toward each other, making both of them think the other was Al-Ankabut. It wasn't until dawn that the two sides realized they were slaughtering their own comrades.
 * ​The statesman Mahmud ibn Tulun finally arrives in Tunis after being freed from pirates, and accepts the offer of alliance on behalf of the Sultan
 * Empire of Japan: The Shogunate fully realizes a new form of power as the prior small scale gold mine in Shizuoka turns out to be much more productive than expected prompting further investment and development of the Toi gold mine. while nominally in the territory of the Shiba clan, friendly relations as well as prior ownership and usage of the mine and the now nearby territorial control allows the Ashikaga shogunate to not only use this one mine but exert major control over most of the other mines open in the region. This not only gives a major economic boost to the Ashikaga but also allows the Shogun to begins funding some further development of its own lands and military forces. The Shogunate begins to use Emperor Go-Komatsu to exert further political influence on some of the nearer Daimyo particularly on the Shiba clan to more effectively work with the shogun. The Japanese navy in particularly begins to expand as many daimyo recognize the issue with pirates and begin to invest their own fleets to help put down some of the various issues of piracy across the area. The Shogun and his father Yoshimitsu host the first Flower Court a gathering of all the Daimyo who are expected to pay for the journey and stay the whole year at court in Kyoto. All the lords except the Date clan recognize and show as the Date are currently in the middle of a struggle with the Shogun. Halfway through the year the Date clan head is dragged before the court in shackles having been beaten by a unified force of the Ashikaga, Mogami and Uesugi. To redeem the honor and keep the lands of the clan he is given the option of committing ritual suicide or Seppuku to which he agrees to. Other members of the clan are outraged by the new clan head prevails and submits to the shogun recognizing they do not have the power to challenge the shogun again and comes to court in the final months. Some key issues are discussed especially in terms of the power dynamics of the country. Light Japanese expansion into Hokkaido continues with greater settlement of the south being undertaken. The Tanegashima clan secures further control over the Ryukyu Islands seizing the island of Amami and surrounding smaller islands planning to move on Okinawa proper in future years.
 * Mongolia: After establishing a port in Manchuria (near Bolshoy Shantar island but on the mainland) we ask Japan for a trade agreement.
 * Holland: The Friso-Hallandic wars continue to go like they did on OTL. Count Albert builds another 25 ships for trade with other nations around the area. The military of the nation builds another 25 ships for war. Around the capital city a brick wall is continuing to be build to stop intruders. About a thousand guards watch the city for safety reasons. The troop count is now standing at 10,000 troops and counting. Agriculture goes well in our nation with many farms going into surplus this year again. On all major rivers we have a toll stop at each city. The great comet of 1402 is spotted by our great astronomers of the nation. A dry port is being built so we can increase the production of building ships for our nation's navy, trade sailors, and fisher men. The first bank of Holland is being build in the capital city of Amsterdam.
 * Cologne Diplomacy: Archbishop Friedrich III writes to offer Holland a trade deal with Cologne, given Cologne's position along the Rhine and the prosperity this trade deal would bring to the two nations.
 * Naples: A son is born to King Ladislaus and the Duke of Urbino's daughter, whom is named Charles. As a part of his widespread reform plan for the Kingdom of Naples, Ladislaus begins a nation-wide effort to build infrastructure such as roads, places of learning, and churches across the Neapolitan countryside in order to increase literacy amongst the poor and lower-class of the nation. His vassals criticize and berate him for attempting to do this massive feat without their consent, but the King largely ignores their criticism and continues on with his ambitious plans. In terms of foreign relations, Naples supports Milan's effort to crush the Florentines and offers a non-aggression pact and a temporary alliance with the powerful duchy. Naples also offers non-aggression pacts with Castile, France, and Portugal.
 * Landgraviate of Hesse: After years of poor rule, a young noble by the name of Louis Beringer, rallies the people and overthrows Hermann II's regime, claiming all lands and titles. He is hailed as the people's champion. His first order of business, see how it has caused so much death in the land, is to lift the ban on pagan religion. Landgrave Louis I works on expanding the economy of his small nation.
 * You are not a Grand Duchy, therefore you have no Grand Duke. You have a Landgrave. Also, Ludwig I was literally born just this year. Your ruler would be Hermann II, who ruled until 1413.
 * Didn't realize we were being that accurate this time around. Also, what I read said that it was ruled by a Grand Duke around this time. If it's that big of an issue, I'll change it. Also, where was Ludwig I ever mentioned in my post? (edited original)
 *  Lol, practically none of that is going to happen. Try again and please try to remain within the bounds of reason with your posts. Consider this a first strike.  Fine, consider this a lesson in how Medieval politics worked. -MP
 * Cologne: The people of Cologne are very aware that a commission is taking place, and there is much talk on the streets. An anonymous painting is delivered to the archbishop’s residence at the end of the year that depicts the members of the commission walking down a set of stairs, led by the Abbess of Essen. This is thought to reflect the events of the commission, which is named the Kölsch Treppen Commission, or “Cologne Stairs” Commission - unofficially at first, then adopted into public record. The Commission itself pays little attention to the transition to canonesses regular that is proposed in Essen, but the university theologians agree with Adelphina’s general stance (i.e. an intention to bring back strict monastic discipline and emphasise charitable works of mercy) and propose to focus more on assisting the poor in Cologne. With this in mind, and as trade begins to prosper more and Cologne gets closer to getting out of debt, Archbishop Friedrich III makes plans to build a new hospital in outer Cologne.
 * Essen: When Adelphina’s representatives return to Essen, she congratulates them and, noting the Archbishop of Cologne’s renewed emphasis on health, writes to the Archbishop to ask for further funds to build a specialised, small infirmary adjacent to the abbey to eventually be staffed by canonesses regular. This, she feels, will assist with the return to strict discipline in the church, especially through the integration of canonesses regular. These devout women will lead the way toward a more meagre lifestyle. While these plans are still in development and the Abbess awaits a response from the Archbishop, she sends another letter to a nearby non-sovereign abbey of canonesses regular asking for a small initial number of canonesses regular to be transferred to Essen Abbey to jump-start this process.
 * Bohemian Dip: We offer an alliance to Cologne.
 * Cologne Diplomacy: Archbishop Friedrich III accepts this alliance with Bohemia and requests that a trade deal accompany this alliance.
 * France: The “Deux Lis” Regency continues through its third year, still focused on uniting French against foreign threats. The feast toward the end of 1402 was successful, bringing both of the rivalling dukes, and many other vassals. All the counts and dukes reaffirmed their vassalage to the new French regime at the feast. Later in the year, Isabeau and Charles VI meet with Philip of Burgundy and Louis of Orléans in Paris to attempt negotiate terms to reconcile the two. Geoffrey Boucicaut continues to rage a quasi-war against the palace of the antipope in Avignon. Dauphin of France, Louis officially becomes betrothed to Maria Trastámara, and she is given the title, “Dauphine of France, Marie of Castile”. This secures a defensive alliance between the Kingdom of France and the Kingdom of Castile. Nicolas du Bosc requests the meeting of Scottish and English ambassadors in Le Havre, Normandy to establish peace and a truce between the English and Scottish crowns. Nicolas also wish to discuss negotiations regarding the succession disputes and hostilities between France and England (Swank, hit me up in chat). France continues to reinforce French forts close to English holdings, and also starts very slowly building up more of a navy. Regarding the Roman Empire, the “Deux Lis” send food and military supplies to Constantinople to assist with the Ottoman siege, but do not send military forces at this time. Charles VI writes to Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici leader of the Medici Banking family with a request to expand the Medici Bank to Lyons (MOD Response).
 * The meeting between the King's Uncle and the King's Brother in Paris are declared successful, as both of the dukes will have advisors to the regency (balancing their power more equally in the realm).
 * Provence: Louis II of Provence continues building fortifications in his French holdings. Louis also continues to expand his personal army and his levies. Louis still claims to be King of Naples, but cannot receive support from the French crown.
 * Saluzzo: Marquess Thomas III of Saluzzo continues building fortifications and expanding his armies and levies.
 * Hungary: We recall any ambassadors sent to the Ottoman empire. We build up with infrastructure including roads, schools, churches, etc along with our military numbers rising and our population by a few thousand. We continue to modernize our military and build multiple fortifications along the Ottoman border and place many troops to fortify positions their. Many of our cities begin to be fitted with multiple fortifications, defenses, and barracks. Many defenses are built on the Venetian border but not as many on the Austrian border. We also continue to talk with the Papal states in the hopes of an alliance and open trade rights. The same goes with Austria as we move most of our troops of the Austrian border. We also begin to send a request to nations looking for support or a war against the Ottoman empire and that they will send us emissaries if they are. We also ask Genoa for a trade deal and a possible alliance against Venice.
 * Genoa Dip: We accept.
 * Croatia- Infrastructure begins to rise and so does fortifications along the Ottoman border and military numbers. Cities are also fitted with fortifications, barracks and defenses.
 * Cilli- The vassal also builds fortifications, barracks, and defenses in cities and along the Ottoman border. Work begins on their infrastructure with roads, churches, and edicational building.
 * Bohemian Dip: We offer an alliance to Hungary
 * Benin: Prince Ogun returns to Mali, and begins his travels throughout the country. He makes note of all discoveries he makes in the nation, such as the use of paper and writing for recording thoughts, and the discoveries of astronomy in the nation. The charting of the stars and the understanding of the sciences in Timbuktu astound the young prince, who orders his entourage to gather as many books for his study as possible. As for the method of writing, after being schooled in its use, Ogun believes that his people require such a tool as well, and proceeds to develop a script for his own language and people. Another discovery made by the prince is the extensive use of large ships in Jolof, where the Mali trade with the Arabs of Morocco and the Spanish. Much larger than the boats used by Benin, but Ogun believes that the shipbuilders along the Niger River will be able to reproduce what Mali has built if not on a smaller scale. Fascinated in particular by the Malian vessels, Prince Ogun inquires of their details such as the builders and their history. He is informed of the past Mansa, Abu Bakr II, who sought to explore the seas with a mighty fleet, but never returned. Before returning home, Ogun invites into his entourage an Islamic imam and a Christian missionary, seeking to have them explain to him their religions in detail during the trip home to Edo. He brings with him also scholars and teachers from Mali, and books written by Arab philosophers and astronomers. Back home, the Oba continues his plans of paving the roads of the nation to enhance trade and communication. The Oba orders that the trenches of the capital be maintained routinely, and the foundries of the nation expanded in all major cities. As his son returns with news of his discoveries, the Oba plans to increase the output of finished goods in his nation to trade with Mali. In the south, Prince Uwaifiokun sets foot on the island of, which he claims for Benin. The natives on the island are deemed to be a peaceful people, who treat the Benin warriors well. Resting on the island for a few days, Uwaifiokun and his men continue on to northern Gabon, where they set foot and explore the lands just beyond the coastline before returning home. Uwaifiokun announces his plans to continue such adventures, and opens a school for navigation on Bioko, where he hopes to hone his skills and the skills of fellow warriors for travelling on the sea. His family and court move to the island, as well as several thousand Benin subjects seeking rich fishing grounds for the market back home.
 * The Crown of Castile officially declares war upon Cyprus, but alas a strategic blunder in the field by a Genoan Mercenary Captain led to the loss of over 4000 allied men, over half of them Castilian. The loss of so many men damns the war effort, and as a result the people of Cyprus force back the Genoan-Castilian invaders. Henry III blames Genoa for the failure and for dragging the glorious Spain into a war they lost. Henry III considers abdicating, but decides against it due to the lack of an heir. At age 23, he and his wife bear another child, another female named Catherine. Henry Proposes promising Catherine to Alfonso of Aragon (age 6) for when they come of age. The war effort slows the growth of the Castilian navy. Consolidation efforts continue, As the aristocracy loses power at a slow but steady rate. Henry III resumes war preperations for his campaign against Granada, with knowledge from the most recent campaign in Cyprus, the Spanish Professional Army is raised to 2000, with a civillian militia of 9000. The Canary Islands Colony is founded this year, claiming the Islands for Castile. The recent lose in the Cyprus war forces the King to reconsider foreign policy. He is advised by his small council to listen to the pleas of Pope Boniface IX and end the Castillian support for the antipope. Henry does this, and reaffirms Castile's support for the one, true pope. 
 * Korea (Chinese protectorate): Following the decision to relax the caste system, allowing sangmin and chung-in to participate in government exams and to serve as civil servants whilst remaining in their caste, Korea continues to see a renaissance of development and ideas. Yi Bang-won begins a reformation of the caste system; he splits the sangmin caste into two–the upper sangmin, or military troops, and the lower sangmin which comprise peasants. He also splits merchants from the sangmin caste into a separate caste between the upper sangmin and the chung-in, known as the sang-in. Lastly, he abolishes the privilege of the yangban nobility to own private armies, a move aimed to consolidate the legitimacy of his rule and to get rid of the ability of the dissent to muster large-scale revolts. Yi Bang-won and his imperial court continues to establish measures to centralise and cleanse the Korean government of opposition through ripping off the titles of the opposing officials and sending them to exile in Manchuria, though at the cost of his popularity among the yangban and the current administration. Nevertheless, the seizure of private armies from nobility make it hard for the dissenters to find ways to muster large-scale revolts. Purged officials include General Bak Po and Yi Bang-won's older brother, Yi Bang-gan. Yi Bang-won continues to direct the nations' modernisation; five more blast furnaces are built in Hanseong and Busan (steel will be used in the creation of armour, tools, and weaponry), more paved roads and canals are built to facilitate commerce, mining activities in mineral-rich North Korea persist, and the construction of three arsenals–in Hanseong, Busan, and Pyeongyang, and equipped with Chinese weaponry–continue, set to be completed by 1405. The number of military personnel surges to 70,000 people. Ships are deployed off the coast of Korea to ward off any Japanese pirates and trespassers, while control over the Liancourt rocks is further tightened. Korea, under the context of reclaiming lost lands kept by the Balhae kingdom and to pacify the Jurchens, expands farther north. The entrenchment of Confucian customs and work ethic into Korean customs continues, though at the cost of native shamanic and Buddhist beliefs. Education is heavily encouraged for those within national civil service program and those of yangban heritage.
 * Korea requests the Ming to send troops to Hanseong, Pyeongyang, and Busan to put down unrest among the nobility, and would want to join Chinese naval exercises in the East Sea.
 * The Ming Emperor agrees and sends 100,000 riflemen to all three cities to put down unrest amongst the nobility. The Emperor also allows the Korean Navy to join in the East Sea Naval Exercises. 
 * Sakha requests, absent any objection from China, to establish a trade deal with Korea, offering furs, gold, and ginseng.
 * Korea agrees to the trade offer.
 * The King of Aragon, Valencia, Majorca, Sicily and Count of Barcelona, Ferdinand I, applauds his brother in Castile for his tough stance on Genoa, and agrees to affirm our two countries' close ties by having his son and heir Alfonso marry his new cousin Catherine upon reaching the age of majority. Ferdinand I asks Castile to assist his armies in the defence of Aragon's Sardinian territories against the Genovese. In other news, we announce the birth of Princess Eleanor of Aragon, the latest addition to the royal family, and the King's fifth child. We begin secretly planning for a renewed offensive on Corsica, which we believe rightfully belongs to the glorious Crown of Aragon. We ask brotherly Castile for advice on this matter.
 * Castile advises against war with Genoa, but assures Aragon that any action they take against Genoa will have no impact on our relationship.
 * Cyprus: We offer the following terms to Genoa.
 * 1) The Kingdom of Cyprus receives economic freedom.
 * 2) All Genovese holdings in Cyprus shall be ceded to the Kingdom of Cyprus.
 * 3) Venice receives the city of Fatmagusta
 * 4) Genovese merchants shall be welcomed back into Cypriot ports, however, must pay a 5% tariff to the Kingdom of Cyprus along with a 4% tariff to Venice on all cargo for a period of ten years.


 * Mongolia: As the last pockets of resistance are eliminated, the rebellion has been successfully defeated, Great Khagan Gün Temür of the Northern Yuan dynasty, orders the execution of the captured treacherous chiefs and traitorous officers that fought against their Khagan, along with seizing their estates and gifting them to his most loyal supporters. Although most of the loot is kept in the treasury. The rebellious tribes that their chief died in battle or got executed, with Khagan's most loyal supporters taking over as chiefs of these tribes, as well as the rebellious tribes that their chief's are fugitives, are also replaced with Khagan's most loyal supporters. Crown authority is thereby increased to very high. Thus Great Khagan Gün Temür has now solidified his rule over Mongolia and can turn his attention elsewhere. The captured former rebels that swore allegiance to the Khagan and were pardoned, settle in the Karakorum and Shangdu which have finished reconstruction, many consider them even better now than they formerly were, as the walls of the city are way taller, thicker and sturdier and the cities inside are magnificent, with trade quarters and special industrial quarters that have five blast furnaces of Chinese design and origin each, with both the industrial and trade quarters being inside the cities walls. On the other hand the rest of the rebels, the unloyal ones are kept in imprisoned with the hope that they will accept in time the authority of the Khagan as we begin a process to brainwash these about 10,000 individuals into being loyal and accept the authority of the Khagan. We dismiss the raised troops and they return to their families. Population remains stable at 500,000 people, with rebel loses being replaced by high birth rates. Tengriism remains the official religion although we enforce religious tolerance, like our Great ancestor Genghis Khan did. New residents continue to move in the reconstructed cities. Mongolia under the context of reclaiming lost lands kept by the Mongolian Empire and to pacify various tribes surrounding the realm, continue expanding toward the East and the North, as well as into the West side of lake Baygal nuur, settling/subjugating vast areas. Finally we reach the sea, as we see a big island(OTL Bolshoy Shantar Island) that we name after our Great Khagan. We also establish a port in the area. Relationships with the Oirat Khaganate worsen and tensions start to escalate. Field guns and hand cannons are constructed by our small industry to be used by the army, but due to our small capabilities production is limited. The army stands at 10,000 professional Mongolian horsemen.
 * Archduke[1] Albert IV of Austria continues to meet with advisors secretly, and letters to his two brothers, Ernst and Leopold continue throughout the year. Many only speculate that they somehow relate to the succession of young Albert to the throne and his will, or perhaps the reorganization of the Austrian Army. Some, however, in the Archduke’s[1] inner circle, suspect the motive of these meetings to be less than pure, but none dare air their concerns aloud. Inquiries are made into Albert’s Father-in-law’s health, which yield certain results. The dungeons are also searched for avowed killers, allegedly to redeem them by being recruited into the Archducal Guard. However, mysteriously, the killers that were the most difficult for authorities to catch are struck from records, as well as they did not exist…The Knights under the direct command of Albert’s household are reformed into the first regiment of the Archducal Equius, integrating them into the structure of His Highness’ Most Vaunted Archducal Guard. The First stage calls for 2000 cavalrymen in the Equius, compared to 8000 infantrymen for this new army. The first batch of recruits does well as the second lot are brought in this year. They are recruited from the undesirables of society and men wanting to regain their honour, but mostly from city dwellers and the urban poor, in other words men who did not need to tend to flocks of sheep or fields in the summer, or wait for any harvests to artificially limit when campaigns can occur. At the end of the year, the first lot of recruits, now colloquially known as the “Archduke’s Chosen”, are officially given their appointments as Sergeants and set out to teach the second lot of recruits. By December, over two thousand men stand at the ready in the Archducal Legion, as well as five hundred Equestrians. Over all, the process of training men is expected to pick up along with recruitment and other things. An Ambassador with messenger pigeons is send to Hungary for quick communication, attempting to have permanent representation in the court of Albert’s ally, with reciprocation of course. In other news, Albert continues to borrow heavily from Jewish merchants to fund his endeavours. Soon he finds himself in a financial dead end. His efforts and investments into the University of Vienna and the purchase of many roman-era books and scrolls continue unabated, as well as their translations and placement into the Personal Library of the duke. He does, however, take particular interest in the life and exploits of Julius Caesar, reading many books and even sending some to his cousins. On New Year’s Eve, Albert sits by himself in his study, contemplating the nature of his future dealings. He does not want to give up the Archducal Guard, nor does he wish to give up on the construction of new churches. Tax reform has caught resistance at every level, from the Lords of the land to the dirtiest peasant. Stressed and almost out of time for the Archducal treasury, he sits and contemplates to himself. Tariffs and trade along the Danube helped, of course, but there is only so much that he could do without merchants deciding it was no longer profitable to trade in Austria altogether. A fickle species, foreign merchants, loyal to almost nobody, unless they came from a republic, but even then only superficially; their first loyalties are to the gold they carry, he thought. Albert continues to contemplate the future, which seems crashing down fast under the weight of heightened interest. Currency reform might inject some well-needed money by shaving some off the top, as it is known, and that had started earlier this year in October, with consultations with Milan and Genoa. However, that would be a more long-term venture, just as with encouraged trade. He worried his nation would crumble under interest unless something was done soon. Depression set upon him, fearful for the future. The bells were about to strike twelve, so he resigned himself to go on to his bed as he noticed a frantic knocking on his door. He opens it with a sullen face, revealing a messenger so eager he might burst. What he held in his lands was a note from his governors in the county of Tyrol, along with a small, light refracting object that illuminated his face with joy. His prospectors, set out last year on false hope, had struck silver. [1] The Archducal title is based on the documents called the Privilegium Maius, and it was not until 1453 that it, along with the privilegium was officialy recognized. It is should therefore be advise that in order to stay in-character other nations should refer to the Austrian ruler as "Duke" unless they are prepared to recognize the title and Privilegium in an official capacity so long as this footnote remains.
 * Order of Knights Hospitaller: Construction begins on the ring of towers around Rhodes. Each is to be equipped with two small cannons, and will be manned by one Brother (Knight of Sergeant) and four men-at-arms at all times. They will be well-supplied so that in the event of an invasion, the small garrison can hold out for many weeks, wreaking havoc to an advancing army's rear. Grand Master Philibert writes to the Roman Emperor, offering the Order's assistance in protecting Constantinople in the event of a future attack, and also asking that His Imperial Majesty lend his support to bringing about a reunion between the Eastern and Western Churches. Back in Rhodes, Philibert summons the Greek Archbishop to his Palace, and has a civil discussion where the Grand Master raises the possibility that the Greek church in Rhodes might come into communion with the Pope and the West, whilst retaining autonomy in its customs. The Archbishop laughs at the suggestion, pointing out the fact that not even all the Franks (as he describes those of the West) are in communion with the same Pope! Annoyed, but seeing the Greek Bishop's point, Philibert becomes resolved to do everything within his power to end the Schism once and for all. Several novices arrive from around Europe, and are welcomed and sent on their first cruises.
 * Roman Dip: We accept the Order's offer.
 * Kingdom of Tondo: Rajah Gambang, initiates a series of economic reforms for Tondo, with focus seen on the trade sector of the economy. To further augment Maynila's, and ultimately, Tondo's trade prowess in the region, Gambang sends envoys to the courts of Brunei, and Majapahit to strike trade agreements with them in the form of weapons, foodstuffs, minerals, and agricultural products (mod response please) The port of Maynila, seen as the Kingdom's gateway to the outside world, is further expanded to accommodate increased volume from trade. Construction projects involving houses, 'roads', mines, and pastures and farms for a steady food supply are done mostly in Maynila, but spreading to other areas nearby as well. The Tondo fishing fleet is expanded by 25 ships, and to compensate for their defense, ten ships for combat and 12 ships for trade are commissioned by Gambang. Tondo now holds all land in Luzon south of the Pangasinan Huangdom, and expresses their desire to expand even farther. Military forces rise to 12,000 men on 'active duty', but an estimate of 50,000 are capable of fighting for the Kingdom if needed. The islands of Masbate and Tablas are claimed by the Rajah, and orders a force of 150 men and 50 civilians each to control the island.
 * Hasfid Sultanate (Tunis): It has now been the eighth year of Sultan Abu Faris Abd al-Aziz II's reign, and the situation in the capital seems to be improving. Although the initial attack against the Tlemcen to the west has been initially a failure, the hope for success carries on. With our brethren slowly losing ground in al-Andalus, hope slowly fades for a Muslim Iberia. Seeking new allies in this newly found fog of war, we again  offer the olive branch to the Mamluks, hoping to form a strong, Muslim alliance against any infidel invasion of North Africa. With Barbary pirates raiding islands such as Malta, Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia, the royal treasury overflows with gold and other valuables. While we continue these dark trades behind closed doors, we continue true trades in Italy and North Africa with the Peoples of the Book.
 * Teutonic Order: With Hochmeister von Jungingen being successful in his furious reprisals against the Samogititen rebels, he seeks to round up as many connected to this small rebellion as he can. Automatically assuming most if not all are pagan, they are given the choice to convert or die. The issue is that the Hochmeister gave this decision in Low German, not the Samogititen or Lithuanian languages they know, so most all are executed by the Hochmeister and his knights. The rebels lands are seized and information is sent to all the balliwicks and commandaries that any man who wishes to own the land must only pledge themselves to the Order. Such promises seek to increase the size of the Order, as well as further squeeze the more peaceful Samogititens. Trade continues to provide much wealth to the Order, allowing for more roads to be built between regional capitals and smaller castles. The Hochmeister orders construction of new border outpost to further strengthen the response time to foreign incurstions as well as provide an extra layer of defense to the Orders lands. The first few Hungarian knights have been recruited and are greeted as the knight-brothers they are.
 * Teutonic Order Diplomacy: Hochmeister von Jungingen offers a pledge of no aggression to the Novgorod Republic, as well as assisstance in struggles in both attack and defense against non-Christian peoples; noting that whatever differences Catholicism and Orthodoxy have, they are closer than the paganistic Golden Horde.
 * Novgorodian Diplomacy: Accepted.
 * In Sakha, the reforms implemented by Oyus, and particularly the mass conversions to foreign religions, produce a backlash from traditionalist shamans, who criticize Oyus as abandoning the traditions of the Yakuts; which, in truth, he is. These criticisms carry little weight with most Yakuts, however, as the reforms have significantly increased their standard of living. Oyus is motivated to expand and modernize his military, however, based on Mongolian and Chinese military customs; he reorganizes his personal retinue, of about 1500 warriors, into four "banners", linking each to specific regions from which ordinary Yakuts can be called up, in line with tribal tradition, for larger conflicts. The blast furnace sent by the Mongols is finally put in operation; along with other modern smelting techniques, this allows the exploitation of Sakha's large reserves of iron ore, to produce large amounts of weapons, tools, and armour. Oyus, unable to meet demand for iron tools, especially plows, allows his subjects to set up their own furnaces, although he maintains control over the coal supply. Unexpectedly, one such subject, Nyurguun, searching for iron deposits, comes upon a deposit of gold instead. Oyus immediately marries this individual to his daughter to ensure control over this resource and consults his monastic advisors on how to exploit it. Agricultural reforms, such as the introduction of camels, combined with immigration, led to a population boom as winter starvation is greatly reduced. Continued immigration of Nestorians and Mannichaeans gains them some new converts among the Yakuts, but most Yakuts continue to adhere to the predominant Buddhist-shamanic religion. Camels are also utilized in the military reforms; each banner is split in two, into traditional cavalry, primarily mounted on camels, and infantry, who are rearmed with crossbows and pikes in Chinese fashion. In the capital, Oyus' monastic advisors begin adapting the Mongol alphabet for the Yakut language. Finally, expansion eastward finally reaches down the Uyla River to the ocean; Oyus orders a road linking the Ulya to the Lena built, but is shocked when no trade arrives at the newly established port of Ulya. Envoys are sent south to make trade contacts.
 * Sakha requests a trade agreement with the Empire of Japan.
 * Japan Dip: Japan agrees on trade.
 * Assam. Internal improvements are conducted in Assam.
 * Bengal Diplomacy: Assam hereby accepts the request of Bengal and pays Bengal tribute.
 * Ayuthia Diplomacy. Assam hereby accepts the offer of alliance from Ayuthia.
 * Papal States: Most of Rome has now been cleansed and is completely under control of the Holy Father. Bologna begins to stabilize thanks to the efforts of the new Lord and his Papal support. A grant of money is granted to help restore the Papal navy to a point of strength so as to help friendly Christian nations combat any Muslim threat in the sea. Some small aspects of aid are sent to Constantinople in order to help them as the Pope explores the possibility of resolving the Schism that still plagues the Christian faith. With regards to his own schism, the Pope is pleased that the Antipope is losing influence and hopes to resolve the matter soon regardless of the means. His Holiness writes to the headmasters of the Teutonic and Hospitaller orders, thanking them for their continued service to God and commanding them to continue their mission of protecting the faithful, promising them that the issue of the Western Schism should be resolved soon, god willing. In addition to these things, the Pope has several important announcements regarding Papal policy:
 * Ragusa shall be permitted to trade with Ottoman lands on the condition that merchants contribute a portion of their new income to agents dedicated to spreading or preserving the word of God.
 * Hungary can count on the support of the Pope should it be involved in any war against the Ottomans, but the Holy Father cannot promise support against other Christian nations.
 * Milan is asked to return the regions around Perugia and Montefeltro to Papal authority, as they were before the Schism. Current Milanese policy will be maintained in these regions.
 * Scotland is promised that His Holiness will do what he can with regards to peace with England as soon as Scotland abandons support of the Antipope and his agents.
 * New Cardinals have been appointed to the College, bringing the total number of Cardinals in the Church to fifteen. The Holy Father hopes these selections will help bring about greater communion and consensus amongst the faithful.
 * Venice: With an explosion of violence in the Duchy of Athens and fighting in Cyprus, Venice sees itself in a state of national emergency as a fleet of 200 ships are sent to Crete where they are ordered to intercept Genoese war vessels though no open declaration of war is made. We support our claimant in Athens because we are honouring our alliance with the Venetian installed Duke to defend him so 1000 troops are moved from Cyprus to Athens to help support the Venetian backed Duke while Antonio is offered the chance to become Duke of Paros as recompense for his loss. (MOD RESPONSE) Meanwhile, the remaining 2500 men on Cyprus are ordered to support the siege while the Cypriot navy is allowed to maintain the blockade to stop supplies getting in. We have intervened in Cyprus to support our alliance with the Kingdom of Cyprus. In Venice itself the Doge makes a patriotic speech from St Mark's Square about a deciding time in Venetian history where they can be looked upon as the bold risk takers who pushed hard and won or as men who shrivelled for fear they are not good enough. The Venetian population rallies behind the war with Athens and the liberation of Cyprus.
 * Antonio eagerly accepts
 * Oct OOC: Venice does not control Paros which is under control of Naples. Would someone abandon there homeland on the tip of the capitol?
 * Novgorod Republic: Settlers move east in the hopes of capturing the untamed wealth of the area. The economy, which thrives on furs, salt, and meats from both land and sea, sees marked improvement. Trade routes through Karelia to Swedish-controlled Finland are established, siphoning wealth from the newfound Kalmar Union into the Republic. Relations with Muscovy are improved. They offer assistance to Muscovy in their attempts to be rid of the Golden Horde. Novgorod hopes to break Mongolian influence on not only Moscow, but all of the Russian areas. Several churches are built in Perm this year with the funding of Novgorod. In addition, they send several priests to Perm to aid in the spread of Novgorodian culture. In the meantime, Novgorod intends to improve relations with Perm, Rostov, and Yaroslavl. To the west, Novgorod wishes to improve relations with both the Teutonic Order and Poland-Lithuania. While military assistance from either state would be greatly appreciated, Novgorod's military is a mighty powerhouse, with many men being trained this year. Orders from forges across Novgorod are placed en masse, bolstering the Novgorodian supplies. A ship is built this year to protect trade routes. In the meantime, the fortifications around Great Novgorod are bolstered  Lastly, trade deals are sent to Pskov, in addition to a 25-year non-aggression pact.
 * The Kingdom of England: With new troops occupying Edinburgh, and more being reinforced into the city, we begin to prepare for siege in case the castle must be brought down. The Kingdom of England moves more troops from Nottingham to Fort William on the Welsh border. And regarrisons the northern city of York. England increases its military and navy, the navy restocks the northern coast of France, where the English currently maintain, and defenses are reinforced in southern France. England sends its ambassadors in Castile, Aragon, and the Italian provinces (Genoa, Papal States, and Florence) to improve relations with these budding European nations. England thanks Castile, Aragon and the Italian provinces for their trade negotiations. England calls upon the Kingdom of Portugal to send naval assistance of blockading Wales. King Henry IV continues to purge the Lollards, burning them at the stake as heretics, looking to keep good favor with the Pope and the Papal States. (posting for Swankyboieaux)
 * ​Kingdom of France: France releases an ultimatum that if the border incursion into Scotland is not halted and negotiations are not made to end the border conflict, that France will honor Auld Alliance. (OOC: just talk with me on chat Swanky)
 * Republic of Ragusa: The government reform is nearly done, with the division of power more efficient, however, due to its motives, somewhat devious. The trade goes well and the Ottomans are offered a special trade deal that will allow the Ottomans to receive goods from all over Europe and sell their goods through all of Europe via the Ragusans as they have special papal approval. However, a condition to this is that Ragusans must help preserve Christianity in their trade endeavours and helping the Pope connect with his Catholic faithfuls in Ottoman lands.
 * The Bahmanids invades Andhra, intending to annex it. The sultan interprets the comet of 1402 as a sigh of the first of many victories. (This will be put on the talk page algo section.) Before the campaign, Taj ud-Din Firuz Shah sires a son, Ali Nadeem Shah. Sultan Firuz grants Umar of Mogadishu a trading post at Bombay, as per their treaty, and now asks Umar to fulfill his side of the bargain by sending ships to support us in this war. We reiterate our earlier offers toward Oman and the Timurids, and if we win the war against Andhra, we will grant Ayuthia a trading post at Machilipatnam instead of Bombay, if they accept our alliance offer.
 * Mogadishu Diplomacy: We send five warships to Bahmanids as support.
 * Ayuthia: Economy, infrastructure and military improves. Under the current king Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat and its ruling Uthong dynasty, he continues to make Thailand great again by building/upgrading roads and cities, and more cities are grown in skyrocket. Even more residential, commercial and other production building are built in cities. He continue the whole nation trading with other Southeastern Asian nations, India and China by land and sea. The number of soldiers in the army rises up to 55,000. The navy has been raised to totally 30 ships, two of which are sent to patrol the trade routes and to hunt down pirates.
 * Ethiopia: Emperor Dawit I decides that it is imperative to set up a stationary capital instead of moving between chiefs. He chooses the old city of Aksum to be the capital just as it once was 500 years prior. To feed the larger populace that will move into the capitol farmers are invited, and paid to set up farms closer to Aksum. Dawit sends a group of 40 envoys to the pope in Alexandria to hear of the situation in Europe, with them he sends tribute for the Pope and any European rulers that will allow them to stay. (Egypt response needed for entry lands, mod response needed for Europe situation) 
 * Bohemia: Wenceslaus has another child, this time a young girl named Anna. Wenceslaus continues to study the inner workings of the Roman Empire, in an attempt to regain power. He begins to not be as slothful as he once was, and begins to administrate the Kingdom as it should be. The country of Silesia, which has been in a personal union with Bohemia for a large period of time, has been diplomatically annexed into the Kingdom of Bohemia. We continue to improve relations with the Palatinate. Cologne is offered an alliance. The request for a Saxon alliance is resent to Saxony.
 * Scotland: Old King Robert III finally kicks the bucket due to stress from the building tensions in the area and guilt that he's not mitigating them. His last wishes were to change the Stewart family crest to a bee with a fox's head. They are ignored. With his brother out of the picture, Duke Robert of Albany discreetly puts his brother's son on a boat to Ireland and proclaims him dead. Duke Robert of Albany is now King Robert IV, and just in time too, as the Scandinavians begin pumping reinforcements into Lothian. King Robert IV quickly declares his support for the Roman Papacy before galloping off to raise the levies. All methods of negotiation have been called off, and the entire Kingdom amasses an army to hold off against the encroaching Anglo-Scandinavian alliance until our French allies can aid us. The Gaelic clans in the highlands continue to become divorced from the main body of Scotland with Donald of Islay emerging as a prominent figure advocating for decentralization, though they do send highlander clansmen to war. In the economic realm, growing cottage industries begin to develop, such as iron working and wool trading in the burgeoning burghs, and animal husbandry/fishing continues to displace grain farming. Traders in the coastal burghs begin to reach farther and farther. Military-wise, the pendulum continues to swing in favor of more quality troops rather than the mass levies popular before the Plague, with men at-arms emerging to support the pikemen. Robert becomes interested in artillery to crush the power of the nobles and sends an advisor to the Continent to study the newest cannons. We cut off aid to the Welsh and focus completely on crushing the English in our homeland.
 * Ottoman Empire: With the lost to the Timurids, we give up our vassals in Anatolia to Timur, this causes some of the Sultan sons to see him as a seller of Ottoman lands. The army begins to work on reciting people into the army mostly by getting peasants to join. We accept the alliance with Cairo. and we begin to trade with Cairo and would like to trade with Mogadishu. the number of the army rises up to 30,000. We ask Cairo to accept Tunsi invite and would like to join. We would like to trade with Ethiopia. Our navy begins to work and makes 100 ships
 * Serbia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 300 mosques mostly in the South. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population Troops are trained in Serbia rising the army to 2000.
 * Wallachia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 200 mosques mostly in the South, and reciting peasants for the army. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population. the army is rising to 1800.
 * Hamburg: Production continues to rise in the city. We build ten more warships for the navy and continue production of merchant ships. The fortifications around the city are complered. The population continues to grow through immigration. The navy continues to patrol the trade routes. Agriculture production increases outside the city and trade continues to improve.
 * Cologne Diplomacy: Archbishop Friedrich III offers a trade deal to Hamburg.
 * Hamburg Diplomacy: We accept.
 * The Emperor-King of Mayapan, Iktan, continues to organize settler parties to retake abandoned cities in the southern highlands region. Some of these settler parties also venture south of the border to create settlements in new territory. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Emperor-King Iktan meets with some of the best craftsmen in the nation to discuss reversing the decline of the nation. Talks with carpenters, stonemasons and blacksmiths prompt Iktan to create an initiative to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
 * Bengal: Magnificent Azam Shah continues to sponsor the growth and spread of the Islamic religion across his domain. People are sent to Assam so that those lands may become more Muslim. Azam Shah also sponsors arts and culture. Meanwhile, upon hearing of crisis in Majapahit, Azam Shah is disappointed that he does not have the resources to become involved there. As such, he orders the construction of new ships for Bengal. Bengal decides to demonstrate its military prowess by preparing for a war with nearby Punystan


 * Mogadishu: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Fabric and wares factories continue to expand. We further expand toward the Jubba River, as canals, dikes, and ditches are being built. The land surrounding the Jubba-Shebelle Rivers become more fertile. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. The Royal Marines continues training in on ship fighting, ship maneuver and attack, amphibious landing and general fighting.A force of 100 Royal Marines, commanded by the second son of the Sultan, Ali, is tasked to explore the interior of Africa for more trade partners. Our fleet begins to expand, and our shipyards is ordered to construct three large dhows, which is set to complete by next year.
 * In the Duchy of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti leads his forces to a crushing defeat of the Florentine army in the Tuscan countryside. Shortly after the battle, the Duke falls gravely ill with a fever and is returned to Milan where he is surrounded by the recently created Cardinal, Pietro II di Candia and other assorted clergy. The entire nation prays for Visconti, while his condottiere Facino Cane leads the capture of Florence. Known for his brutal tendencies, Cane has the entire ruling Medici family slaughtered and places the Albizzi clan in power in exchange for the riches of the Medici banking enterprise. With the Duke potentially on his deathbed, his cousin and wife Caterina Visconti takes over as regent, but many regions devolve into the hands of condottieres who act as regional warlords. In an act of strength, Caterina grants Perugia and Montefeltro back to the Pope and accepts a non-aggression pact with the current Neapolitan king.

1403
Vijaynagar declares war on Orissa, hoping to unite the divided Hindu lands against the followers of Muhammad.

Jan Hus begins preaching in Bohemia.

Belgrade is made capital of Serbia.

Yongle Encyclopedia is written.

Temple of God established in Shanghai.

The Gur a-Amir Mausoleum is established in Samarkand.

The Antipope Benedict XIII flees to Aragon from his seat in Avignon.

Black Death breaks out in Venice.

'''Antonio angrily resumes war against Venetian holdings in Athens after learning that the Duchy of the Archipalageo, being a Neapolitan vassal, refuses to surrender Paros. He quickly gains the upper hand but needs outside help if he is likely to conclusively win. (Sorry for the earlier mix up on behalf of the mods. You two will just have to fight it out the old fashioned way.)'''

'''I don't know if you guys just need more time for algos or what but is there going to be an event on my attack on Genoa moving 6000 men through Venetian controlled waters. Person/ Venice. '''

'''That's because there was too much water to move them through for any sort of thing to happen, around 80 miles and Genoa could've just gone through Knights of St. Johns waters. ~Oct'''


 * Duchy of Burgundy: with the call of a crusade against the pagans tolerated by Hesse, Duke Philip sends 2500 soldiers to purge that state of false gods. In lieu of the Duke himself, who has taken ill, his son and heir, John, is send to command the troops. Meanwhile, trading becomes a lucrative business in the coastal possessions of the Duchy.

* For those who consider this implausible, Muslim Cordoba did the same thing 200 years earlier.
 * Timurid Empire: Emperor Timur continued his glorious reign over his Empire, and had designated his son Shahrukh Mirza as his heir. The latter had immediately set out to work as he imposed a tax system upon the local people which he referred to as the mansabdari system. This allowed the Empire to harvest and cultivate a much larger surplus of wheat and other crops which in turn made it much less liker of the Sultanate facing any food shortage. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Meanwhile, thousands of men were conscripted into the military from Persia and the surrounding regions to properly engage in combat, and to annihilate the opponents of Timur's realm. After having defeated Lithuania, Timur's army would sack all of their major cities, including the Lithuanian capital before razing to the ground. Lithuanian farmlands would be targeted, with the Timurid army burning down much of the countryside to reduce the crop production, and to starve the Lithuanians. Importance would also be given to the poisoning of wells to ruin the water supply. Similar tactics would also be adopted in Muscovy where most of the population of the city would be put to the sword, and the city sacked. Timur and his military would also make sure to burn down the city and target the surrounding plains, destroying the crops. With the war having ended, Timur would appoint a Governor in the former Golden Horde territory and annex southern portions of the Horde into his Empire, particularly around the Aral/Caspian Sea as well as Crimea and Northern Caucasus. Due to much war spoil and booty captured during the wars, Timur would proceed to march back down South to his Empire. 
 * ​Jalayirid Sultanate: Sultan Ahmad Jalayir continued his reign over the Sultanate. Acting as a vassal to the Timurid Sultanate, he was now directly answerable to Timur and his temporary regent, Shahrukh Mirza. The military has designed along the same lines as the Timurid military, and men were conscripted to act as as the military for the state. Meanwhile, the Mamluk province of Hatay and the Ottoman vassals were integrated into the Jalayirid Sultanate. The Sultan himself made sure to wipe out all remnants and supporters of the Ag Qoyunlu and Kara Qoyunlu.
 * Timurid - Bengal Diplomacy: Trading rights are granted by Shahrukh Mirza to Bengal.
 * The Kingdom of England: King Henry IV, councils with the ambassadors of the Kalmar Union, mainly the Danish representatives. They decide to pull out of Edinburgh, ceding the lands back to the Kingdom of Scotland. Allowing the beginning of the peace treaty to be made under way. King Henry IV states: "In order for peace: The Kingdom of Scotland will immediately cease in recognizing Wales as an independent nation. Scotland will beginning backing The Kingdom of England in order to defeat the Welsh Rebellion. The Kingdom of Scotland will allow exclusive trading of Aberdeen and Dundee to the Kalmar Union and the Kingdom of England. Scotland will promise to help conquest lands in Ireland, England in return promises ownership of Belfast to Scotland. Scotland will also recognize English claim to Brittany/Normandy (which ever one NicDonalds (France) doesn't want). Kalmar Union and the Kingdom of England will declare peace for ten years. Scotland will help bring together the two nations of France and England, in hopes to ending the long, drawn-out war. England will re-align the border of (OTL Hadrian's wall) giving Scotland a bit of their land back. Accepting these terms France will also be agreeing to the same terms, as will Portugal (Portugal is inactive -mod needed?-). This is the decree of the Anglo-Scot treaty." England fortifies its new border along Hadrian's wall. Then asks the Kingdom of Denmark to regroup their soldiers at Fort William, on the Welsh border. King Henry IV also calls upon the Kingdom of Scotland to raid and invade Wales from the shorelines. England sends ambassadors to Paris to draw up peace talks with France. England increase their military and economy.
 * Cologne: Archbishop Friedrich III revels in the success of the Commission and is particularly active in 1403. First of all, he writes a letter to Essen promising to send funds for their infirmary, and confirms his support of their transition to canonesses regular. In return, he requests a trade deal wherein a constant supply of Essen’s minerals, mined under Adelphina I’s authority, are sold along the Rhine on Cologne’s trader vessels. Secondly, Friedrich III writes a series of pastoral letters on the subject of caring for the poor, inspired in waves by the abbess of Essen, which circulate throughout the city in 1403 and are preserved in the municipal archive. Thirdly, given Cologne’s newly-formed alliance with Bohemia, the archbishop writes a letter to Wenceslaus, explaining Cologne’s noble new emphasis on living a meagre life for the people, and requests Bohemia’s financial support in new Catholic Church endeavours to care for the needy. The archbishop also notes the emergence of Jan Hus as a preacher in Bohemia and sends a diplomatic envoy to Bohemia to engage in further talks about the new alliance. This envoy consists of the Vicar General, Wikbold, and two accompanying canons. Finally, with the Chapter’s advice, the archbishop decrees that taxes on all exports of Essen’s minerals (through Cologne’s ports) are to be reduced, along with taxes on the associated industry in Cologne.
 * Essen: The Abbess of Essen is overjoyed by the prompt response of the nearby abbey, accompanied in person by the first five canonesses regular to begin the transition within the abbey. She begins, in each of her frequent addresses to the people, to speak about the importance of caring for those less fortunate and living a life devoted wholly to the service of the Lord. Slowly, over the year, young peasant women from Essen are convinced to join the abbey as canonesses regular and their number grows. Meanwhile, Adelphina instructs three of the younger secular canonesses, working in concert with three young canonesses regular, to condense all of Adelphina’s inspirational addresses into a book of guidance for the new age that reflects the true calling of a devout woman. Furthermore, the abbess is altogether very happy about the response from the Archbishop of Cologne, and informs the people in the silver mines that prosperity is near.
 * Bohemian Dip: We give a loan out to Cologne for the support of the Catholic church. We accept this envoy to our nation and negotiate with them.
 * Kalmar Union
 * Norway: With wealth from trade with the Hanseatic League and Novgorod increasing our treasuries we begin to spend more on public projects being worked on. Scientae Dei continues to grow as well. Oslo grows to 10,000 and Bergen to 17,000. Colonization of Greenland continues with minor efforts as well to make it permanent but all are for not. An outpost is established on Kola as a trading outpost expanding our influence into the peninsula. Fishing in Iceland and the Faroes continue. Minor expeditions are sent past Greenland but fail due to cold weather. A trade route is drawn out between Iceland and Norway.
 * Sweden: We continue expanding our infrastructure and modernizing our army. We continue the colonization of the Northern lands with grant from Queen Margaret. We ask Hamburg and Oldenburg for trade deals and offer to open up a kontor in Stockholm. We begin expanding our navy as well, and start Christianizing the pagan Finns in our territory. We begin the expanding of Stockholm, promoting art and architecture and knowledge. We send monks to the Scientia Dei monastery in Norway, to help the research there. We continue our trade deals with the Teutonic Order. We move the 1500 troops to assist English forces in Wales. We propose to the Teutonic Order the ceding of Gotland to us, in return, the Teutonic Order will be allowed to build priories in Sweden and the Finnish territories, as well as keep the priory on Gotland. The Teutonic Order shall be economically aided by the Swedish nation as well, in weapons, money and (if necessary) food.
 * ​Teutonic Order Diplomacy: We accept.
 * Hamburg Diplomacy: We agree to a trade deal and open up a kontor in the city of Stockholm.
 * Holland Dip: We propose a trade alliance with you.
 * Holland Dip: We give you a small portion of gold in exchange for timber and whale blubber.
 * Queen Magrethe of Denmark: My diplomats sign the Anglo-Scottish treaty and the 7000 troops in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh return home in Copenhagen and are glorified as heroes at home. Meanwhile, the 1000 troops from Irvine return to the English-Welsh border to help the English defeat the Welsh Rebels.  There is another great celebration in Copenhagen to celebrate the peace made between England, Scotland, and the Kalmar Union. With peace made with the Scottish, we get exclusive trading rights with Aberdeen and we receive a massive influx of funding. The first priority of this money is to compensate the soldiers for their service in Scotland and we also use the money to build up the army to modern standards and keep them trained. Next we use this money to develop ships and further expand the Kalmar fleet, with an additional 50 trading ships (galleons) and another 50 warships being built up. The third thing the funds are used for is the development of Copenhagen, with roads, canals, ports, and the University of Copenhagen being built up.
 * Hungary: As the cries for a Crusade continue, we continue to build fortifications and defenses on our borders and in our cities. Our nation continues to build up our infrastructure and military by drafting peasants and other citizens. Military advancements continue and troops are quickly deployed on the Ottoman border. Our country continues to develop itself and our economy starts to grow just a bit. We ask that all nations looking to fight or support in a fight against the Ottomans to please inform us. Borders with Venice begin to become isolated in attempts to stop the plague from reaching our country.
 * Croatia- More citizens are being draft while fortifications and defenses continue to be built on the Ottoman border and in cities. We also continue to build the countries infrastructure
 * Cilli- The vassal also continues to recruit soldiers, fortify borders and cities, and continue to build up their infrastructure.
 * Papal States- We thank the Pope for the alliance with a gift and also inform the nation that we are not looking for support against other Christian nations but only the Ottomans. We also ask if we can open trade with each other.
 * Papal States: Rome is now completely cleared and safe for His Holiness, who also thanks and blesses the ill Milanese Duke for returning the lands of the Papacy to him. The Pope is overjoyed that his Antipope rival has been cast out from Avignon, and sends a legate to immediately govern the archdiocese according to Papal law. More funds are sent to help restore the Papal Navy, and a fleet of some twenty ships are now able to be used by God's men whenever required. The Holy Father is also pleased to hear that both Scotland and Castile have returned to the flock and blesses them appropriately. He will look into the possibility of trade with Hungary, but this is not fully possible at this time. However, the Pope hears some very worrying tales coming from the state of Hesse, namely of pagans running rampant, spreading their sin and idolatry throughout the land as an Apostate lord does nothing to stop them. Disturbed by these confirmed reports and eager to prove his authority in the wake of the eviction of the Antipope, Boniface IX writes to resolve this issue:
 * In the Papal Bull titled Apostasia et Peccatum in Hassia (Apostasy and Sin in Hesse), the Pope declares a crusade against the Pagans who now occupy Hesse and excommunicates Louis I, the leader who lets them run rampant and spread their lies and sinful behavior across the land. The Holy Father calls upon any and all lords and faithful of Europe to combat this threat, uprooting the infestation before it can destroy the foundation of God's work on Earth. Great glory and rewards are promised to those that undertake this mission in the name of the Messiah. In his writing, His Holiness urges any who undertake this task to spare any and all Hessian Christians to their utmost ability. He states that any and all means are permissible in "convincing the Pagans of their folly and misdeeds," but insists that "any who are willing and able to confess their sins and convert to the true path of Jesus Christ be able to do so and receive his boundless mercy." Those that refuse to do so must be cleansed so as to provide a safe environment for Christians everywhere. He concludes his document, apart from the standard Christian flair, by saying that apostates such as Louis I represent a grave threat to the stability of Europe and the sanctity of God's work and as such his sins must be purged by holy fire.
 * Castile accepts the call to arms and sends 1000 men to contribute to the holy war.
 * The Hospitallers will send a force of knights from the German Priory. However, in a private letter, the Grand Master writes to the Holy Father, asking if all nonviolent means of ending the paganism have been exhausted. The Angelic Doctor St Thomas Aquinas would posit that exhausting all possible peaceful means of resolving the problem is necessary before a war can be considered a Just War.
 * Sweden sends 200 men.
 * Teutonic Order: Hochmeister von Jungingen resolves to send a couple dozen knights as well as their retinues to combat this pagan menace that threatens Christian stability in Central Europe.
 * Norway: In order to deal with this Sinful and heathen behavior Norway sends 250 men with the Teutonic Knights and Swedes
 * Papal States: His Holiness recognizes the concerns of the Hospitallers and thanks them for their attention, but fears that an adequate yet peaceful solution cannot be obtained while an apostate is not active in limiting the spread of paganism and conversion but merely allows it to fester.
 * France and its vassals send 3200 men.
 * The Archbishop of Cologne recognises the close proximity of Hesse to Cologne's territory in the Duchy of Westphalen and assures the Pope that Cologne will commit to send 100 men from the aforementioned territory, despite only having a very limited military at this stage. However, given the recent reforms in Cologne and Essen, the archbishop offers to send a diplomatic envoy of canonesses from Essen, who are the heart of the reform, to assist Louis I in returning his people to the way of the Lord.
 * Queen Magrethe of Denmark:I am inspired by the Papal call of a crusade against the pagans in Hesse and I call upon all young men from around the Kalmar Union to take up the sword and fight for our Lord, a combined army of 3300 peasants and regular soldiers join up with the Teutonic Knights in order to go to war for our Lord, may the blessings of Heaven be upon our brave soldiers. Deus Vult!
 * The Kingdom of Aragon continues to improve her Sardinian defences. We begin expanding our military, especially the navy, which will be critical in the protection of Aragonese interests in the Mediterranean. The Antipope is arrested upon arrival in Aragon, and the King formally declares his support for the Papacy. We heed the Castilian King's wisdom and change our strategy; our armies will avoid direct confrontation with Genoa for the time being.
 * Sardinia: We begin improving our infrastructure, including our northern fortifications, in anticipation of a possible Genoese invasion from Corsica. We have heard worrying news about the Black Death, and begin investigating into why it is spreading with such devastating effect, in the hope that anything we find can prevent it from reaching Sardinia and by extension the motherland, Aragon.
 * Sicily: Military units in Sicily are also prepared for a defensive war, whenever that may occur.
 * Genoa Dip: We propose that Aragon recognise Genoese control of Corsica; in return Genoa will recognise Aragon's control over Sardinia. Genoa will also be granted exclusive trading rights in Aragon.
 * Aragonese Dip: We thank the Genoese government for employing diplomacy instead of wasting lives on the battlefield. We wish to avoid conflict with Genoa, and as such agree for mutual recognition of our existing sovereignty on the island pair. However, we believe that granting Genoa exclusive trading rights in our territory will be in the long term detrimental to both our economies. Thus, we instead propose lowering existing trade tariffs on Genoese goods entering Aragon. For the purposes of mutuality, we also ask that Aragonese traders and goods entering Genoa be treated to similar privileges.
 * Bradenburg-Morovia-Luxembourg:Realizing that hi situation in Morovia is in jeopardy due to the succession issues surrounding the House of Luxembourg Margrave Jobst of Luxembourg officially takes a new wife from one of the lesser nobility in Bradenburg in the hopes of securing an heir though he is disappointed to be given a daughter who he names Ursula. He begins to reinforce his position in Bradenburg and Luxembourg raising invensment in trade and infrastructure in these parts and offers Bohemia a deal to trade Morovia For Silesia in the hopes of ending the internal disputes of the house and swears to renounce all claims to the throne of Bohemia if they renounce claims to Brandenburg and Luxembourg. Jobst declares allegiance to the new emperor and promises to support their claims at all costs. Trade agreements are offered to Denmark, Poland, and to the dutch states as the Margrave's focus aims more toward northern Germany and to the lowlands. Jobst employs Frederick of the House of Hohenzollern from the small county of Nurenburg to serve in his court as an advisor. Some of the ideas of reformists within the Bohemian clergy are looked upon with interest by members of Jobst's court.
 * Denmark: We agree to Brandenburg's trade agreement and we hope this leads to further improvement.
 * Roman Dip: We ask to arrange a marriage between Ursula and the future John VIII.(Moravia response needed)
 * Benin: Prince Ogun continues his studies of astronomy, literature, science, and mathematics under the tutelage of the scholars he brought back to Benin from Timbuktu. Under their wings, Ogun's knowledge about the world beyond Benin is greatly expanded, with stories about the Europeans, Indians, and Arabs fascinating the young prince. He expresses his interest in returning to Mali again in the future acquire additional books and wares to study back home, and to one day improve the standard of living and the collective knowledge of his people as Oba of Benin. In his free time, Prince Ogun pens what shall become the written word of his people, the Banum script. He presents his work to his father the Oba, who is elated by his son's creation. Having seen the success of his son's prior suggestions such as the use of a coin currency, the Oba sees no reason not to adopt his son's written script, especially after seeing the many books and maps made by the Arabs and Mandingo living in Timbuktu. The Oba presents the written script to the uzama, which recognizes the usefulness of writing in the nation, especially as a method of record-keeping in the bureaucratic system of the government. The Banum script is thus passed unanimously as the new method of recording in the nation, replacing the oral traditions of Benin, much to the wide support of the growing merchant and middle classes in Benin. Prince Ogun also takes time to study the religions of Christianity and Islam from the two clerics he brought home as well, seeking to better understand the beliefs of the lands beyond his homeland. Elsewhere, Prince Uwaifiokun's navigator school has drawn hundreds of young men seeking to make a name for themselves as explorers and conquerors. While visiting the Royal Palace in Edo, Uwaifiokun is told of the many large vessels his brother Ogun witnessed in Jolof, and the desire he had to see them reproduced in Benin. Taking this as a good omen, especially timely in light of his desire to explore the unknown, Uwaifiokun orders hundreds of traditional shipbuilders in Benin to relocate to Bioko, where they will begin work on building larger vessels for his navigation school. Several vessels are built and put to the test by th shipbuilders, testing the limits of what the Edo people know as far as seafaring goes. While his brother's dream of building these vessels continues, Prince Uwaifiokun begins his second expedition, this time seeking to explore in greater depth the coastline he landed on a year ago. Uwaifiokun and his band of 230 men trek the lands several miles up the Sanaga River of Cameroon, establishing contact with the native tribes of the region before returning home. Scholars from the entourage Prince Ogun came home with are brought along for the journey, and are instructed to pin down everything Uwaifiokun's band discovers before the return home. Once back in Bioko, Uwaifiokun begins to plan for another grand expedition, making sure to have a close friend and bodyguard of his, Ezeani, makes copies of the plans and carry out the preparation of the expedition. In Benin, roads continue to be expanded and the military's capabilities enhanced through training and discipline.
 * In the Duchy of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti miraculously recovers from the flu, attributing his health to the divine intervention of God himself. The Duke, upon his recovery, is distraught to learn of his nation's rapid unravelling. He demands loyalty from his condottieres, but Facino Cane, residing in Florence, refuses to cede his newfound wealth. Duke Gian Galeazzo, equally ruthless as Cane, leads his forces back to Tuscany and faces Cane in battle at Pistoia. During the battle, Cane is mortally wounded and his forces surrender to Visconti, who retakes the massive wealth of the Medici.As the campaign season comes to an end, the Duke prepares to complete his mission of unifying northern Italy by hiring thousands of new soldiers of fortune. Finally, he upholds the cession of Perugia and Montefeltro to the Papacy, but does not reaffirm the non-aggression pact signed by his wife with Naples.
 * With the outbreak of the Black Death Cyprus asks Genoa to cede Fatmagusta and give us economic freedom, and in exchange Cyprus will pay 5000 marks now and 15000 over a period of ten years. We hope that peace can come soon as we would rather deal with the Black Death.
 * Landgraviate of Hesse: With the sudden declaration from the Pope, Louis I sends his diplomats to Rome to reason with his holiness and to remind him that their lord, Louis I still promotes the Church and follows the teachings of Christ. We ask the Papal States why they are so eager to attack a peaceful people. The people can practice whatever they wish, so that we may have peace in the land. We are not spreading Paganism, not even promoting it. No temples to the old gods are being built. We ask his holiness to let the people of Hesse be. The economy continues to grow by commissioning the construction of mines.
 * I'm not a mod, and this is just my personal opinion, but isn't it a bit implausible for a Christian monarch in 15th century Europe to randomly legalise paganism? Hadn't Hesse been Christianised for half a millenium by this point? How may pagan Hessians are there running around to make legalising them a pressing issue? I'm sorry for bringing it up, and it's probably not my place, but you seem to have made a lot of trouble for your country for no real reason. Callumthered (talk) 11:48, July 20, 2016 (UTC)
 * Papal Diplomacy: The Pope's emissaries deliver a message to the messengers of Hesse. Louis I has two options: End legal support of Paganism and pursue a more active approach in limiting their influence within his lands or have the servants of God undertake such a task with or without his consent.
 * As a counter-proposal, Louis I asks the Pope for 15 years to convert the majority of the population to Christianity. Let us find a peaceful solution first instead of running straight to war. Is this not what Jesus would do? We will start the construction of churches in every village and would only request the Pope to send priests to help peacefully convert the Hessian people. As a Christian man himself, Louis I insists that we teach these heathens the proper way, and not through force for a heathen cannot learn while dead. If in 15 years, the majority of the Hessian people still follow their pagan ways, Louis I promises that he will personally see to the eradication of all heathens in his land. He rallied his people once before, let him do it again.
 * Papal Diplomacy: The Pope will not be lectured about the true meaning of God's word, for he knows it better than anyone else. The Holy Father has declared an ultimatum: Take a hard line and outlaw the practice of Paganism or have the Knights of God install a ruler who will.
 * Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo): This year a new member was added to the noble family of Abbas in the Caliphate. A warlord attack threatened the citadel at Cairo where the family resided, and ultimately slaughtered all in there who did not escape. And so the mother Aisha fled into the desert near Fayyum. A new star appeared in the heavens, and hung over the place the mother stayed, and by night palm trees would spring in her step. Angels came from Allah to deliver the child, and as soon as he came out of the womb he began reciting the Qu'ran. Aisha then named the child Malik Al-Najm in honor of the occasion. While this was going on, the frustrated Mamluk rulers tried once again to arrest the outlaw al-Ankabut, this time with a more strategic commander who cut off Al-Ankabut from most of his supplies back in Aleppo. Undaunted, Al-Ankabut and his men crafted bladders of sugar water that they hurled at the Mamluk invaders from a distance. The commander laughed at this attack and pressed on, only to discover Al-Ankabut released a stampede of goats that craved after the sugar water, forcing the Mamluks into a retreat. The Sultan asks for trade with Venice 
 * Venice: We accept the Sultan's offer.
 * Korea (Chinese protectorate): Following the decision to relax the caste system, Korea continues to see a renaissance of development and ideas. To further consolidate royal rule, Yi Bang-won continues to enforce the ban on private armies and further represses the privileges of the yangban. He also continues to purge the imperial court and nobility of political dissent, stripping the titles of dissenters before sending them to exile in Manchuria. However, these efforts are met with criticism from the yangban who feel that their power is at stake. Nevertheless, the seizure of private armies from the nobility make it hard for them to muster large-scale revolts. Yi Bang-won continues to direct the nations' modernisation; more blast furnaces are built in Hanseong and Busan (steel will be used in the creation of armour, tools, and weaponry), built paved roads and canals ease the flow of commerce, mining activities in mineral-rich North Korea persist, and the construction of three arsenals–in Hanseong, Busan, and Pyeongyang, and equipped with Chinese weaponry–continue, set to be completed by 1405. The number of military personnel surges to 90,000 people. Under the pretext of reclaiming lands once owned by the Korean Kingdoms of Balhae and Gojoseon, as well as to pacify the Jurchens, Korea expands farther north. With the Koreans participating with Ming naval exercises in the East Sea, as well as the construction of both turtleships and Chinese-style ships, Korean maritime presence is tightened in the Korea Strait and the Eastern Sea. The entrenchment of Confucian customs and work ethic into Korean customs continues, though at the cost of native shamanic and Buddhist beliefs. Education is heavily encouraged for those within national civil service program and those of yangban heritage.
 * Vijayanagar Empire: With the fall of Andhr, integration of the fallen nation begins in order to spread the faith and solidify the Empires hold in the region. Among numerous benefits are its additional resources and border with Orissa, which the Empire is at war with. The movement of forces and equipment to the front lines is essential, with roads and military installations being built in earnest in the newly annexed territories, (works on infrastructure and military). Deva Raya congratulates his generals on the victory. The war against Orissa continues.
 * Archduke[1] Albert IV of Austria is absolutely delighted from last year’s news. He wants to open the mines right away, however, he does not wish to flood the market with silver without first ascertaining to its quality. To that end, he hires the best stewards, natural philosophers and engineers of the realm in order to create a new and improved and standard weights and measures system. He succeeds and introduces the new standardized system of weights and measures posthaste to the Austrian public, declaring that it is the only legal system of measurement in the Archduchy[1] He also institutes currency reform, commissioning two mints to replace any others in the country. These mints will be equipped with large crucibles in order to purify all metals used in the money creation process to 0.95 fine silver and gold. These two mints will be located in Tyrol and Vienna. Owing to the finding of silver in the lands of Tyrol, the new currency system, much like the one used in Great Brittain, is based upon one pound of silver. This Pfund, minted in both the forms of a silver bar, to be kept in coffers and government stockpiles, as well as a gold coin weighing six Drams (or one Geldmarke), is further subdivided into three Markes, minted in gold, weighing Two Drams. The Marke is subdivided into Twenty One Silver Thaler of the same weight and further into four Groschen  each weighing five Scrupels. The Pfenning is also minted, a coin worth one-fourth of a Groschen minted with One Dram Three Scrupel of Silver. The Archduke takes out several loans to finance these mines and mints, knowing that next  year the new silver Thalers and pfunds will be coming into the country. Only Currencies of the same weights and metals as these coins are declared legal in Austria, forcing foreign merchants to first change their money, with a small grace period of two years, of course. However, all Austrian Subjects are asked to surrender any foreign currencies currently in their possession immediately. In other news, Archduke Albert Continues his secret meetings and ceaseless letters to his cousins and his father-in-law, Albert of Bavaria. He takes interest in his sons, Ernst and William, writing about their comings and goings. Secret letters are given to the servant Albert of Austria gifted Albert of Bavaria. Unusual amounts of manure are purchased by various guards around the country. Albert IV finds a new licence on life. He is determined to see everything he has planned through, including the training of his Archducal Guard, now numbering at over 4000 legionaires and 1000 equestrians along with three hundred Tormentors. Three thousand men are expected to be recruited and trained by the end of June next year, and another two thousand ready in the six months afterwards, leading to a total of ten thousand Guardsmen by December. Training continues all year long, and more books about ancient Rome are translated. Hearing the papal call for a Hessen crusade, Albert Sees the perfect chance to test some of his legionnaires in action, and pledges two thousand men, 1500 legionaires and 500 equestrians, to battle. Late in the year, the servant in Albert of Bavaria’s household steals one of Albert’s seals, sending it with a messenger to Vienna, to become part of Albert’s plans…[1]The Archducal title is based on the documents called the Privilegium Maius, and it was not until 1453 that it, along with the privilegium was officialy recognized. It should, therefore, be advised that in order to stay in-character other nations should refer to the Austrian ruler as "Duke" unless they are prepared to recognize the title and Privilegium in an official capacity so long as this footnote remains.
 * Order of Knights Hospitaller: With the Antipope in chains in Aragon and the Roman Pope Boniface IX clearly enjoying the sensus fidelium, Grand Master Philibert and all the Bailis of the Langues officially recognise Boniface IX as sole legitimate Successor to Saint Peter. Responding to the Pope's call to crusade against the Hessian pagans, the Order offers a small force of 100 mounted knights from the commandries of the Priory of Germany, accompanied by men-at-arms. The construction of the tower defences continues apace, with many already completed. Naval cruises against pirates operating out of Muslim ports continue, freeing many Christian slaves.
 * Mogadishu: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Fabric and wares factories continue to expand. We further expand toward the Jubba River, as canals, dikes, and ditches are being built. The land surrounding the Jubba-Shebelle Rivers become more fertile. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. The Royal Marines continues training in on ship fighting, ship maneuver and attack, amphibious landing and general fighting. Ali returns, saying he has found great animals in the interior of Africa, including a giraffe which he has brought home. He sets off on another journey, into the South of Mogadishu. We send fve warships to aid the Bahmanis. With three large dhows, the Sultan's fourth son, Ahmed, sets off on a naval exploration mission to the East, hoping to find the mystical China. As a gift, Ahmed brought many ivories, gold, and even the giraffe Ali had captured in the three ships.
 * Teutonic Order: Given the call of the Papacy to Crusade against Hessen pagans, Hochmeister von Jungengin sends a force of about 150 knights and their retinues to aid the Pope in ensuring the legitimacy of Christianity in Central Europe. The order is given to all Balliwicks and commadries to house any crusader to their fullest ability. After accepting the Swedish offer to reclaim Gotland in exchange for recruiting rights, we earnestly begin planning and constructing recruiting stations such as balliwicks in the Swedish and Finnish territories. The pawning of former Samogititen land has created a steady and large flow of new knights from Central Europe, Hungary, and Sweden. Trade continues as normal, and the smaller fleet is upgraded to a medium-sized fleet with the construction of fifty additional ships to add to the twenty already in the newly constructed small-fleet. Each time a new border outpost is created, as well as accompanying infrastructure, it is tested for a response time to ensure that any foreign incursion can be met swiftly before reaching too far into Teutonic territory. With a larger influx of marks, a small subsidy is granted to new knights in order to aid in the construction and improvement of their lands.
 * Kingdom of Tondo: Envoys are sent to the courts of Brunei and Majapahit, to encourage increased trading between our two maritime states (mod response please). Tondo continues to expand south, and sends 1500 settlers to northern Samar Island across the narrow strait to claim it in the name of Tondo. Seven blast furnaces around the capital are built to augment the increasing iron and mettalurgy industries of Tondo, and paved roads to and from Maynila are built to connect the Kingdom together. Rajah Gamgang starts to consolidate his power in the capital and orders all political opponents to be a part of the settling process enacted upon Tondo in the nearby islands, primarily to keep them away from seizing or threatening his power. In the villages and towns, a small council made up of the richest landowner, the fiercest warrior, the village chief, and 27 other people of noteworthy abilities and capabilities, is assigned by Gambang to effectively govern their town, as long as the Small Council's decisions do not interfere with the Rajah's laws and wishes. This pseudo-federal system is implemented in almost all towns, villages, and cities except Maynila, which is the personal ruling of the Rajah, and where the Small Council members are merely advisors to the Rajah. The port of Maynila is expanded.
 * Holland: The Friso-Hallandic wars continue to go like they did on OTL. Count Albert builds another 25 ships for trade with other nations around the area. The military of the nation builds another 25 ships for war. Around the capital city a brick wall is continuing to be build to stop intruders. About a thousand guards watch the city for safety reasons. The troop count is now standing at 10,000 troops and counting. Agriculture goes well in our nation with many farms going into surplus this year again. On all major rivers we have a toll stop at each city. A dry port is continuing to be built so we can increase the production of building ships for our nation's navy, trade sailors, and fisher men. The first bank of Holland is continuing to be built in the capital city of Amsterdam. The construction of the largest church in the nation is underway. The first anniversary of Victor and Dorothea of Oldenburg occurs. After getting word that the Pope is calling a crusade against the Ottomans we decline and do nothing to help, because we are in our own war.
 * Sweden proposes a trade deal of whale blubber and timber in exchange for gold.
 * Cologne Diplomacy: The Archbishop of Cologne politely reminds Holland that Cologne has offered a trade deal because of their close proximity along the Rhine and the prosperity that this will bring to the two nations.
 * Bohemia: Wenceslaus IV puts the Brandenburger offer on hold for a time, but accepts the proposals of Cologne. We send 2000 Knights to Hesse to combat the heresy. Jan Hus is quickly reported to the nobility by members of the clergy, and Jan Hus is exiled to Sweden. We continue to send delegations of emissaries to the Palatine to improve relations. Wenceslaus continues to read up on Roman manuscripts on how to manage an empire. Wenceslaus V, now begins schooling as a young boy.
 * Genoa: Troops continue fighting in Athens. The Bank of St. George proposes selling its mercenary company of 3000 men to Duke Antonio (MOD RESPONSE). Trade expands. Profit continues to be gained in Cyprus because of smuggling. The bank of St. George continues to expand. The Genovese arsenal also continues to expand. We request that Naples declare war on Athens beacuse of the unlawful siezure of Paros by Venice. Requests are also sent to Naples, Milan, Castille, and other Italain states to open branches of the Bank of St. George.
 * Roman Dip: We send aid to Genoa.
 * Ayutthaya: Economy, infrastructure and military improves. Under the current king Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat and its ruling Uthong dynasty, he continues to make Thailand great again by building/upgrading roads and cities, and more cities are grown in skyrocket. Even more residential, commercial and other production building are built in cities. He continue the whole nation trading with other Southeastern Asian nations, India and China by land and sea. The number of soldiers in the army rises up to 60,000. The navy has been raised to totally 30 ships, two of which are sent to patrol the trade routes and to hunt down pirates. Asks Mogadishu and Vijayanagar Empire for alliance.
 * Sakha benefits greatly from the establishment of a port and the commencement of seaborne trade, with the government granting land in Ulya to foreign merchants to construct warehouses. Sakha's total lack of ships except for small riverboats limits the profitability of this trade, however. Immigration continues, mainly of the religious minorities whose presence the Khan has endorsed, although Buddhism remains dominant in Sakha, and Oyus' devoutness in it only increases. Tensions with traditionalists remain present, but the expanded military makes them more cautious in their complaints. Sakha begins expanding north along the Lena, rather than toward the coast; marauding Siberian Tatars limit this expansion. However, leading Oyus to consider an expedition against them. They do drive several northern Yakut tribes into closer alliance with Sakha, however. Buddhist monks, now speaking Yakut, are sent out to other such tribes to spread the new religion, with some initial success. The creation of a Yakut alphabet continues, although it is not yet complete. Gold and iron resources continue to be exploited, with modern smelting techniques becoming widely adopted.
 * Novgorod Republic: Settlers move east in the hopes of capturing the untamed wealth of the area. The economy, which thrives on furs, salt, and meats from both land and sea, sees marked improvement. Trade routes through Karelia to Swedish-controlled Finland are established, siphoning wealth from the newfound Kalmar Union into the Republic. Relations with Muscovy are improved. They offer assistance to Muscovy in their attempts to be rid of the Golden Horde. Novgorod hopes to break Mongolian influence on not only Moscow, but all of the Russian areas. Several churches are built in Perm this year with the funding of Novgorod. In addition, they send several priests to Perm to aid in the spread of Novgorodian culture. In the meantime, Novgorod intends to improve relations with Perm, Rostov and Yaroslavl. To the west, Novgorod wishes to improve relations with both the Teutonic Order and Poland-Lithuania. While military assistance from either state would be greatly appreciated, Novgorod's military is a mighty powerhouse, with many men being trained this year. Orders from forges across Novgorod are placed en masse, bolstering the Novgorodian supplies. A ship is built this year to protect trade routes. In the meantime, the fortifications around Great Novgorod are bolstered  Lastly, trade deals are sent to Pskov, in addition to a 25-year non-aggression pact.
 * Teutonic Order Diplomacy: Hochmeister von Jungingen writes a letter to the Novgorod Republic offering limited armed military assistance as well as larger amounts of supplies to aid them in taking advantage of the heretical disorder in the Golden Horde and to help rid Europe of a historical menace.
 * Ethiopia: With Aksum being used as the new capital Dawit orders all non-farmers, third sons and beyond to begin road works that led from the largest city centers to Aksum. Dawit also sends out Coptic missionaries to spread the word of the faith around the region. Envoys are sent to the Ottoman empire, France, Egypt and Castile . (Player responses.) Dawit begins to read up on the exploits of the Kush and Aksum empires hoping to rebuild a mix of the two. We accept the Ottoman trade offer.
 * France and Castile are too far away, and the Ottomans are a stretch as it is -Natemod
 * Venice: With our loss to Genoa in this single naval battle the Duchy of Athens is abandoned while with the outbreak of the plague we start a quarantine with all ships entering Venice having to spend 40 days in isolation on one of the islands to check there is no plague amongst the crew while the post of State Health Commissioner is created and he orders all citizens to be regularly checked for Bubo in the groin and armpits. Anyone found with signs of the plague is immediately moved to an island isolated from the rest of Venice to stop the spread of the infection. All bodies are thoroughly burned. With the fleet damaged the Venetian Arsenal is set to work to build a new fleet to rebuild the Venetian navy to larger than ever before. To counter the growing threat of the Bank of St George, the Bank of St Mark is formed with several nobles families holding interests in the bank and the purpose of it being to lend money and invest in merchant projects.The bank of St Mark proposes setting up branches in Padua and Mantua (MOD Responses) The surviving Venetian fleet move back to Candia and they are ordered to raid Genoa supplies and act as privateers throughout the Mediterranean sea and damage Genoa's trade. We also put more work into establishing our naval base at Hatay as per our agreement with the Timurs to encourage more trade.
 * I think I ought to cross the bank branches out since rex did it too with oct a turn or two ago.-Sky
 * France: The “Deux Lis” Regency continues to focus on keeping France united against foreign threats. Last year, in Paris negotiations between the Duke of Burgundy and Duke of Orléans were declared successful. The terms that were decided on included solving many small disputes between the two, and creating advisory counsel to the regency called “Conseil des Racines”, where each duke has two advisors to the Regents. Now that most of the internal problems have been solved in the decentralized French state, the regency focuses on foreign threats. With French support, Geoffery Boucicaut enters the papal palace in Avignon and declares it land of the pope (like it was previously). Later in the year he welcomes in the papal legate to govern the state. France is happy to see peace achieved after the ultimatum, but the regents of France choose not to appear at the negotiations of the Anglo-Scottish treaty, therefore not signing it. All terms are still recognized by France, except the integrated land deal between England and France. France continues to reinforce garrisons on French forts close to English holdings. France begin to gather our relatively small navy at ports near Honfleur, at the base of the Seine. Here they begin slowly expanding the French navy by adding more galleys. Isabeau and Charles give birth to another child which they name Charles. Meanwhile, their daughter Isabella becomes betrothed to the son of Duke Louis of Orléans, Charles. France, and all of its vassals combined send 3200 men to the Hessian Crusade. While most of the de Medici family was slain in the Milanese capture of the city, Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici manages to secretly escape while disguised, and arrives at the court of Charles VI. After hearing of his stories, the Regents decide to give him the title Lord of Lyons, and he re-establishes what remains of the Medici Bank there (OOC: Josh and I did an RNG to see if he escaped in the chat).
 * Provence: Louis II of Provence continues building fortifications and expanding his armies and levies for the French crown. Louis still claims to be King of Naples, but cannot receive support from the King.
 * Saluzzo:Marquess Thomas III of Saluzzo continues building fortifications and expanding his armies and levies for the French crown.
 * Empire of Japan: The Shogun operating heavily within the gold mines nearby as the gold begins to flow beginning to show marketed increase in the economic power of the Ashikaga clan. This also allows the clan to more effectively arm and equip its soldiers as top of the line arms and armor are provided for many of the non-samurai classes as well as the inclusion of a few hand cannon prototypes only a dozen or so which are used mostly for the fear factor rather than actual tactical effectiveness. The Flower courts ends as the close of the previous year and the Daimyo return home with many important things being discussed, particularly with the uneasiness developed from the new rise of the Ashikaga clan with their seizure of the Hatekayama lands. many of the Daimyo closer to Kyoto were revealed to be unliking of the Ashikaga rise. However, with no truly overt military action being made to further their territorial gain or military force, the further Daimyo particularly a grateful Date clan for not having their lands and honor seized and tarnished respectively. The Japanese daimyo and their fleets continue to make inroads into handling the Wokou pirates but it remains problematic as their quick ships make it difficult for the more heavily armed and heavier Daimyo and Ashikaga ships to catch up to them. The expansion into Ryukyu and Hokkaido continues.
 * Republic of Ragusa: The Ragusan government reform has gone well, increasing efficiency. The trade goes well, especially due to the conflicts between Venice and Genoa, allowing Ragusa to present itself as the more stable option in the region. New ships are being built and Hungary is asked to fund them, as Hungary itself isn't allowed to build a fleet due to the Treaty of Zadar (from 1358). As a hungarian tribute Ragusa enjoys the safety this brings, although again tries to strike a deal with the Ottoman Empire concerning trade.
 * Moscow: We call upon the Russian states to rise up against our newfound enemy, we raise as many troops as we can to keep Moscow safe, as we evacuate the leaders and civilians. We send messengers to Novgorod informing them of Moscow's fate.
 * Naples: King Ladislaus decides to join the war against Athens with Genoa and their vassal, the Duchy of the Archipalageo after Venice unlawfully demanded Paros. Naples begins to send troops from the tip of the Italian peninsula to the Greek peninsula to deal with the problem, while also using the rest of their remaining navy to attempt to blockade the Venetian cities. In terms of foreign relations, Ladislaus urges the French to execute the rebellious Louis II of Provence, who still claims to be King of Naples. Naples also offers an alliance with the Genoans after the war is over to solidify their relations in Italy. As offered by Genoa, Neapolitan merchants establish their own branch of the Bank of St. George.
 * Person/Vencie OOC: Come on, the Paros thing was a mistake. I believed the Duchy of Archipelago was a Venetian client state. I was wrong. It shouldn't have been put in the mod events it should have just been struck. You have no good reason to go to war and I have abandoned Athens anyway.
 * Genoa Dip: We join in the blockade of Venice, and offer free passage through Genovese land.
 * Bahmanids: (Note: Although I still await a calculation of the blunder scores for my recent war with Andhra, even the worst results of those for me would still result in its conquest.) Firuz Shah declares that most of the Sharia will not be applied to Hindus, and allows their leaders to set up their own courts.* The nobles of Andhra are allowed to take positions in the Bahmanid government. The Sultan invades the Vijaynagar Empire, hoping their foray against Orissa may finally provide an opportunity to contain our greatest enemy. All possible troops are rallied for this titanic struggle, temporarily expanding the army to 250,000, and based off Mogadishan design, 20 warships are built. Firuz Shah requests that Mogadishu allows its warships to stay in our service for the duration of this crisis. In exchange for Sultan Umar's continuing cooperation, 100 troops are sent to serve Umar, with 900 more and a war elephant to be sent at the end of the current war. Firuz Shah advises Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat of Ayuthia that joining the current alliance of Mogadishu and us Bahmanids would be more advantageous than an association with Vijaynagar alone.
 * Ottoman Empire: With the lost to the Timurids, we give up our vassals in Anatolia to Timur, this causes some of the Sultan sons to see him as a seller of Ottoman lands. The army begins to work on reciting people into the army mostly by getting peasants to join. We accept the alliance with Cairo. and we begin to trade with Cairo and would like to trade with Mogadishu. The number of the army rises up to 30,000. We ask Cairo to accept Tunsi invite and would like to join. We would like to trade with Ethiopia. Our navy begins to work and builds 100 ships. We declare war on Venice and sends 30,000 troops to attack from the south along with 7000 Janasirs.
 * Serbia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 300 mosques mostly in the South. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population Troops are trained in Serbia raising the army to 3000.
 * Wallachia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 200 mosques mostly in the South, and reciting peasants for the army. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population. the army is rising to 1900.


 * Romans: Nothing of note happened (I might change this).
 * Bengal: Bengal invades its smallest neighbor, sending 10000? troops. Bengal builds more warships. Bengal has more art. Bengal builds more mosques. Allahu akbar. Bengal concludes negotiating of trade agreements with the Timurids, beginning trade with them per the terms of the agreement and profiting greatly from it.
 * The Emperor-King of Mayapan, Iktan, continues to organize settler parties to retake abandoned cities in the southern highlands region. Some of these settler parties also venture south of the border to create settlements in new territory. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Emperor-King Iktan meets with some of the best craftsmen in the nation to discuss reversing the decline of the nation. Talks with carpenters, stonemasons and blacksmiths prompt Iktan to create an initiative to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
 * Scotland: With the sudden English attempt to negotiate a response to this unfolding conflict, the Scottish agree to aid the English in their efforts against Wales and play by the rules, etc. The border conflict is ended and a border is established at the old Solway-Tweed line (not Hadrian's Wall, as it rested almost completely in English territory at this time). Closer trade relations are also sponsored with the Kalmars, with Aberdeen exclusively trading with the Scandinavians. King Robert IV is pleased for the time being, though like any good Scot, he was itching to crack some skulls. The Gaelic clans in the highlands continue to become divorced from the main body of Scotland with Donald of Islay emerging as a prominent figure advocating for decentralization. The Gaelic language and culture continues to become divorced from the main Scots-speaking regular old feudal Scotland. In the economic realm, growing cottage industries begin to develop, such as iron working and wool trading in the burgeoning burghs, and animal husbandry/fishing continues to displace grain farming. Traders in the coastal burghs begin to reach farther and farther, and with the now-exclusive trade links to the Scandinavians in Aberdeen, traders from there are forced to use modern and advanced shipbuilding techniques to cross the wet North Sea. Military-wise, the pendulum continues to swing in favor of more quality troops rather than the mass levies popular before the Plague, with men at-arms emerging to support the pikemen. Robert continues his interest in artillery and cannons, with the first large cannon making its way into Scottish lands at this point.
 * Kalmar Union: We wish to trade further with Scotland. 
 * The Crown of Castile contributes to the crusade effort, sending 1000 of our best men to fight. We encourage a peaceful solution in the Med, hoping to end the conflicts between Genoa and Venice in a manner that is favorable for Castilian interests. As such, we offer to hold peace talks with Henry III as moderator. In terms of Domestic Policy, Henry III continues to force the aristocrats out of power and consolidate the power of the crown. Henry III, now 25, gives birth to his first son, also named Henry. The infant Henry is named his heir, and should Henry die before Little Henry comes of age, Henry proclaims that his wife will rule as Regent until Henry IV is fit to rule. Naval expansion continues, with the hope of making Castile into a serious naval power. Preparations for war with Granada continue. We request the agreed payment from Genoa for our war contributions The professional army expands to include more cavalry units as well as infantrymen, leading to the military standing at 9000 men.

1404
''' His Holiness Pope Boniface IX dies of a short illness. Catholic nations are advised to look at the College of Cardinals to see who may become the next Vicar of Christ. '''

''' The University of Turin is established. '''

The Taizo-In temple established in Japan.

'''Timur falls ill of a fever during his travels, but is able to recover. He is not the man he used to be in his youth, and another illness like this, and Timur would surely die.'''


 * Duchy of Burgundy: the soldiers sent to take part in the Hessian Crusade return home. As Duke Philip did not lead them due to his ailing health, his son, John, assumes the bestowed title of "Defender of the Faith". The subsequent Treaty of Trier is also celebrated, as the rightful Burgundian inheritance of Brabant and Limburg is recognized as such. Meanwhile, Philip authorizes reforms of the army based on John's witnessing of tactics from other European countries in the Hessian crusade. Shipbuilding continues.


 * Timurid Empire: Emperor Timur continued his glorious reign over his Empire, and had designated his son Shahrukh Mirza as his heir. The latter had immediately set out to work as he imposed a tax system upon the local people which he referred to as the mansabdari system. This allowed the Empire to harvest and cultivate a much larger surplus of wheat and other crops which in turn made it much less liker of the Sultanate facing any food shortage. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Meanwhile, thousands of men were conscripted into the military from Persia, Tabriz, Transoxiana and the surrounding regions to properly engage in combat, and to annihilate the opponents. Having returned back to Samarkand, Timur elevated various relatives to the position of Governorship, keen on awarding them for their actions during the war. Shahrukh Mirza, Timur's son retained his position as the Governor of Herat. Ulugh Beg, Timurs grandson was appointed as the Governor of Persia, ruling from Isfahan. Khalil Sultan, Timur's grandson was appointed as the Governor of Tabriz and Azerbaijan. Pir Muhammad, Timur's grandson was appointed as the Governor of Crimea. Ibrahim Mirza, Timurs grandson was appointed as the Governor of Transoxiana, ruling from Bukhara. Miran Shah, Timurs son was appointed as the Governor of Circassia, ruling from Sarai, the city having been rebuilt. Meanwhile, with the death of the Jalayirid Sultan, he was replaced with the Sultans son, Alaud Daula. Timur himself ruled from his capital of Samarkand. Meanwhile, as he began to suffer illness, Timur feared he would be unable to fulfill his dream of conquering China and restoring the Yuan Dynasty. After recovering from his sickness, Timur raised an army of 540k and marched upon the Ming Dynasty. Along the way, Timurlane requested the Chagatai Khanate to allow his army to pass through their territories. [Mod Response]
 * ​Jalayirid Sultanate: Sultan Alaud Daula continued his reign over the Sultanate. Acting as a vassal to the Timurid Sultanate, he was now directly answerable to Timur and his temporary regent, Shahrukh Mirza. The military has designed along the same lines as the Timurid military, and men were conscripted to act as as the military for the state. Meanwhile, the Mamluk province of Hatay and the Ottoman vassals were integrated into the Jalayirid Sultanate. The Sultan himself made sure to wipe out all remnants and supporters of the Ag Qoyunlu and Kara Qoyunlu. A successor to the Sultanate is appointed by Timurlane. Meanwhile, a naval base was constructed at İskenderun under joint Timurid and Venetian efforts. With the task completed, importance is diverted to the development of a fleet.
 * The Chagatai Khanate accepts, so long as they are respected (IE not sacked).
 * The people of Aragon mourn the death of Pope Boniface IX. The King offers his condolences to the Catholic leadership in Rome, and promises that the next Pope will have the full support of the Crown of Aragon and her people.
 * MOD Comment: Aragon was the most ardent supporter of the Antipope OTL. Just try to stay plausible -Nate
 * Aragon OOC: Aragon did not declare support for the Antipope OTL until the early 1420s (Source: )
 * SECRET: Meanwhile, we continue to militarise, but change our target. We have set our sights on Naples; we plan to reunify the Kingdom of Sicily under the Crown of Aragon. Our powerful navy begins exercises south of Sardinia in preparation for a future strike against Naples. Our shipyards are expanded.
 * Political reorganisation: To ensure political unity within Aragonese lands, the King initiates a process of centralisation. Aragon formally annexes the Kingdom of Sardinia and the County of Barcelona is formally absorbed into the Kingdom of Aragon. It is planned that by 1420, all lands under Aragonese control will be under a single government.
 * Sicily: We begin discreetly preparing for war against Naples, fortifying our northeastern frontier nearest to the Italian peninsula. We also begin expanding the Sicilian garrisons.
 * Diplomacy: We reiterate our request to Genoa: we propose lowering existing trade tariffs on Genoese goods entering Aragon. For the purposes of mutuality, we also ask that Aragonese traders and goods entering Genoa be treated to similar privileges. We also agree to mutual recognition of sovereignty over the Corsica-Sardinia island pair.
 * Genoa Dip: We agree.
 * Diplomacy: King Ferdinand I congratulates his brother, Henry III of Castile, on the birth of his son, and Ferdinand is excited to become an uncle. Festivities are held in Barcelona celebrating the birth of the Castilian Royal child.
 * The Kingdom of England: King Henry IV works on improving relations with Castile and Aragon, as well as his allies in the Kalmar Union, and sends goods to The Kingdom of Scotland to make up for the war damages in Edinburgh. England grows angered at the lack of response from Portugal, and cuts off the alliance. England officially declares war on Wales invading their lands. England, Scotland, Denmark, Norway, and Finland all beginning attacking Wales (need an algo please <3) England increases their military and their economy. King Henry IV sends Prince Henry V to lead and head the war on Wales. While he deals with the politics of the Catholic nations. King Henry IV sends message to the Papal States that they will fully support the church no matter of the next Pope. England mourns Pope Boniface.
 * Remember that the player is responsible to declare the war on the talk page, so the mods can make the algo -Nate
 * Aragonese Dip: We look forward to expanded diplomatic ties with England. We dispatch three more Aragonese representatives to the English court to facilitate the growth of our friendship.
 * Roman Empire: We declare war on the Ottomans and request Genoa and the Pope's help due to their war with Venice they are fighting on two fronts!
 * Cypriot Dip: We offer to join if Jerusalem and Armenia are returned to Cyprus.
 * In the Duchy of Milan, the death of Pope Boniface IX is seen as a major loss. The Duke, who was seen as a close ally of Pope Boniface, is especially distraught when he hears the news. This loss only strengthens his resolve to unite northern Italy. Seeing the chaos due to the Plague and ongoing wars in Venice, Duke Gian Galeazzo declares war upon the Serene Republic. Soon, the Milanese war machine is back in action as it quickly conquers the land surrounding the island of Venice. We then lay siege to the city, which eventually surrenders and becomes part of Milan.
 * Holland: The Friso-Hallandic wars continue to go like they did on OTL. Count Albert builds another 25 ships for trade with other nations around the area. The military of the nation builds another 25 ships for war. Around the capital city a brick wall is continuing to be build to stop intruders. About a thousand guards watch the city for safety reasons. The troop count is now standing at 10,000 troops and counting. Agriculture goes well in our nation with many farms going into surplus this year again. On all major rivers we have a toll stop at each city. A dry port is continuing to be built so we can increase the production of building ships for our nation's navy, trade sailors, and fisher men. The first bank of Holland is continuing to be built in the capital city of Amsterdam. The construction of the largest church continues in the capital.
 * Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo): Orphaned from the earlier slaughter at the Cairo citadel, the infant Al-Najm was raised by his mother in the town of Rashid near Alexandria. According to legend, the child could speak even from the cradle, and continued having many theological debates with Pope Matthew. While this was going on, a new regiment of Mamluk soldiers once again invaded Syria to capture the elusive Al-Ankabut. This time, the soldiers of Egypt were prepared beforehand about Al-Ankabut's trickery, as his fame had spread all over the Sultanate. And so they jumped and prepared to face any trick from even the rocks and trees. This time Al-Ankabut leaked a false report that some leaders of the regiment were actually agents of the enemy, causing suspicion and paranoia to fall upon them all. Prepared for such a trick, however, the commander of the invasion ordered all the soldiers to stand down, and cast off their weapons before civil disorder ensues. This order managed to cease the quarrelling, but no sooner did they cast down their weapons that Al-Ankabut's men sprung forth and apprehended the whole army, now that they were unarmed. As prisoners in Aleppo they were treated very cordially, and they witnessed the benevolence of Al-Ankabut toward the impoverished Arab people in Syria. Trade with Ethiopia is accepted.
 * Kalmar Union:
 * Norway: In Norway our country continues to expand in economy. Oslo and Bergen have great growth being promoted as a great city of knowledge and culture.An outpost is built in Kola. Our navy and merchant ships are expanded. Norwegian merchants begin to gain influence in the Hanseatic League and Novgorod. Fishing continues in Iceland. The Greenland colony is still there but not active. We agree to a peace deal with Novgorod if they promise to recognize our ownership of Kola.
 * Sweden: We continue expanding our infrastructure and modernizing our army. We continue the colonization of the Northern lands with grant from Queen Margaret. We ask Oldenburg for trade deals. We begin integrating Gotland and the port of Visby is open to the main public. We begin expanding our navy as well, and start Christianizing the pagan Finns in our territory. We begin the expanding of Stockholm, promoting art and architecture and knowledge. We continue our trade deals with the Teutonic Order. We accept the trade deal with Holland.  We recall all troops from Wales and 100 from the crusade. The exile Jan Hus settles in Uppsala.
 * Novgorodian Dip: We propose a 50-year Non-Aggression Pact to Sweden and the other nations of the Kalmar Union, stating that unity amongst Northern Europeans is needed to cease the encroaching threats to the south.
 * Swedish Dip: We offer a counter-offer of 20 years of peace and intensified trading, as well as special rights to Novgorodian and Swedish traders in Sweden and Novgorod, respectively.
 * Novgorodian Dip: We accept.
 * Queen Margrethe of Denmark: The Pope has died and me and my people mourn the loss of the Pope but we are confident that the Cardinal College will select a new Pope who shall be Godly. With the Hessian Crusade over we sign the Treaty of Trier and we celebrate for we purged Pagans in Hessian lands with minimal loss of Christian lives. We celebrate not only because we are victorious in the Hessian Crusade, with the Danish Army under Eric of Pomerania, but we are also finally at peace. The crusaders, led by Eric of Pomerania “Defender of the Faith” leads our 3300 crusaders back to the Teutonic capital of Marienburg where they remain after a long journey, and are expected to return next year. With the signing of the Treaty of Trier, the Kalmar Union receives a flood of money pouring in the Papacy and Hesse and I use this money to hire the greatest minds and scholars from all over Europe and I assemble them at the University of Copenhagen, from astronomers, to doctors, to theologians, to natural philosophers to monks/scribes, to economists, to military strategists, etc. I also use this money to buy a massive amount of books and various sources of knowledge of the classical era and the Medieval era and I assemble them in the Library of Copenhagen which is in the University of Copenhagen. Yes, this will truly be a new era of rebirth after the Plague! I allow the University of Copenhagen to be a free forum of thought where ideas can be discussed and experiments can be done. I also allow painters and writers to come to the University of Copenhagen to make great works of art  Copenhagen continues its development of its ports and navy, with 50 trade ships and 50 warships constructed and we model Copenhagen after Lubek in terms of trade and we continue to encourage and expand trade.
 * Holstein: We benefit greatly from trade with Denmark and neighboring HRE nations and we use this money to expand trade with our neighbors, develop internally by constructing infrastructure (roads, bridges, canals, etc.) and we also train our army in an effort to upgrade it as we begin to secretly set our sights on our neighbors.


 * Cyprus sends forces to siege Fatmagusta while secretly asking Genoa to cede Fatmagusta and give us economic freedom in exchange for our support against Venice.
 * ​Genoa Dip: Genoa proposes Famagutsa be sold to Cyprus for three times the amount of King Janus' ransom. Genoa will retain its commercial rights and Cyprus will support us against Venice.
 * Cypriot Dip: We agree if a tariff of 15% is set on Genovese merchants and 20% on any other merchants.
 * Landgraviate of Hesse: Louis I, surrounded by God's army, pleads with his people to convert to the true Christian way and leave the old gods behind. There is but one true God. He grants them until winter to decide, those who choose the old ways will be put to the sword. Every Christian male over the age of 16 is conscripted to ensure peace. Mod Req: I'll need some assistance on the percentage of population I'd be expected to lose during this.
 * Do none of the mods find it implausible for there to even be such numbers of pagans in 15th century Hesse to begin with? Surely an actual purge of all the pagans would bring up a few dozen, at best. Callumthered (talk)
 * I do, but I am not supposed to mod Europe. Edgy AF.
 * The total loss would be a tiny fraction of the population, as paganism had practically died out in Europe by 1200. -Rexmod
 * Korea (Chinese protectorate): Yi Bang-won further consolidates royal rule through the repression of yangban privileges whilst forcing prominent yangban to swear total allegiance to him and the Yi Imperial House. He also continues to purge the Joseon state-council and nobility of political dissent; stripping the titles and statuses of those guilty before sending them to exile in Manchuria. However, these acts are met with harsh criticism and disapproval from the yangban nobility, though with the seizure of private armies, they are unable to form large-scale revolts. To end the fairly common practice of tax evasion by nobility (by deliberately hiding owned tracts of land), Yi Bang-won orders the re-investigation of land-ownership, with those involved in the tax evasion being executed and their property seized. With the discovery of previously hidden land, national tax incomes increase twofold within less than a year. Yi Bang-won, aided by the state council, continue to direct Korea's plans for modernisation; more blast furnaces are built in Hanseong and Busan (the steel yield shall be used in the creation of armour, tools, and weaponry), built paved roads and canals ease the flow of commerce, mining activities in mineral-rich North Korea persist, and the construction of three arsenals–in Hanseong, Busan, and Pyeongyang, and equipped with Chinese weaponry–continue, set to be completed by 1405. The number of levies is at 35,000 people, though during dire situations a maximum of 120,000 troops could be fielded. Under a new policy that aims to claim lands once owned by the Korean Kingdoms of Balhae, Goguryeo, and Gojoseon, as well as to pacify the Jurchens, Korea expands farther north. With the Koreans participating with Ming naval exercises in the East Sea, as well as the construction of more turtleships and Chinese-style ships, Korean maritime presence is strengthened in the Korea Strait and the Eastern Sea. The entrenchment of Confucian customs and work ethic into Korean customs continues, though at the cost of native shamanic and Buddhist beliefs. Education is heavily encouraged for those within national civil service program and those of noble heritage.
 * I am doubtful of your ability to have 100,000 strong standing army without either bankrupting your nation or them getting bored and sacking your own cities.
 * Notice how it said military personnel, that implies that the figure combines both active and reserve military troops, not only active troops as you have assumed. Also, national incomes have doubled due to the re-investigation of land ownership and the discovery of previously hidden lands owned by yangban nobility. If you think this is implausible, this has actually happened in real life during Yi Bang-won's reign.
 * Empire of Japan: This year sees another calling of a Flower Court. However, this one is notably different. Having thought about this, the young Shogun Yoshimochi and his father Yoshimitsu in an effort to alleviate the fears of the closer daimyo as well as reassert some of the governor control creates the Teikoku Gikai or Imperial Assembly. This calls together the various imperial governors and Daimyo in an attempt to more collectively address the court in an official manner separating the Gikai from the Flower Courts. The Flower courts are more openly the social courts, graces and traditions developing as the Daimyo and now re-created imperial governors funded by the Shogun and his Bakufu government has managed to curtail the ambitions of the daimyo who have gone to increasingly great lengths to increase their privaledges. However, the attempt to prevent their further influence has led to some discontent hence the first assembly of the Teikoku Gikai by the various angered lords of Japan. Many feel their rights as the deputies of the provinces have been infringed and beleive the Shogun has overstepped his bounds. However, the lord of the Date Clan having recently tangled with the powerful influence of the Ashikaga and also recognizing that facing the powerful triple alliance of Ashikaga, Shiba, and Hosokawa which have devoted their full support to Yoshimochi's Bakufu would be fruitless responds with a compromise. The Date Clan leader Tsunarami Date supported by the Uesugi, Mogami, and the Shogunates triple alliance proposes the Teikoku Gikai be turned into a sort of limiter for both parties. Current powers and liberties of the Daimyo as acting governors and lords of their territories would be respected. However, gaining further rights would be limited. This in turn would allow these lords a vote in the running of the country with a 65% majority votes required for any binding laws to be passed and applied to all the provinces of Japan. This immediately sees many southern clans and a few clans near the capital walk out in anger but not leave the city. This does, however, allow the Ashikaga to implement the system with the eventual though of winning over the unruly lords to accepting the system. Rather than revolt, these lords attempt to engage in political activity in the capital in an attempt to win over the neutral clans to their side. The Ashikaga, Date, Mogami, Shiba, and Hosokawa clans all agree to acquiescing to the new system. The Shoni, Shimazu, Otomo, Amaga, and Akamatsu clans all refuse this new system. The remaining clans claim neutrality in the disagreement. While its just a proposition and some contention exists over the implementation of the Teikoku Gikai, the Ashikaga refuse to unilaterally implement it with Yoshimochi himself declaring that he wishes his system to be passed by the majority required for any laws to be passed, with a 65% approval. In the mean time the country runs as normal as the Shogunate continues to operate alongside even the unruly daimyo opposing the system in handling the pirates. The Tanegashima clan in exchange for help from the Shogun joins into the system agreeing on its tenants of limiting both the lords themselves, and the shogun mutually giving them more reasons to work together rather than see another issue like the Northern and Southern Courts. This also sees the first landing in Okinawa by the Tanegashima clan which meets the locals and then leaves back to the previous islands now all of which have been claimed and lightly settled by the Tanegashima Clan. The Shogun continues to push for a newly rising Genji Clan to settle and move into Hokkaido with the Genji establishing Hakodate as the first major city in Hokkaido. The Ashikagas exploitation of gold mines continues to give them the upper hand as they begin influencing many of the neutral clans particularly with solidification of their position monetary support and other incentives for supporting. No new clans officially join but some light support is founded in many of the neutral clans as the families see the new direction as something productive. The Ashikaga fully audit the entirety of their lands for a more efficient call up of soldiers and economic development recognizing they are able to more effectively call up 50,000 personal levies and can form a combined force of nearly 120,000 from them and their allies in Hosokawa Shiba and the Imperial Assembly supporters, and if ever needed after auditing the armies of the daimyo recognize a force of upward of 200,000 could be possible in dire times.
 * Mongolia: After establishing a port in Manchuria (near Bolshoy Shantar island but on the mainland) we ask Japan for a trade agreement.
 * In the Crown of Castile, Henry III declares war on Granada, hoping to keep religious zeal high as a means to unify the people of his kingdoms. The war is a success, and Granada is conquered. Henry III orders his men to occupy the territory of Granada and begin purges of the Muslims in the territory. They are given the chance to convert, and are tortured until they agree to do so. After three days of torture, those who do not convert have their right hands cut off and are forced to wear said hand until they reach the site of their Exile in Morocco. Those who do bend the knee are branded with a silver cross. Those who raise their hand in contempt to Christians are burned at the stake. Many die outright from Torture and abuse by the occupying force. In total, 10,000 Muslims are exiled and another 10,000 are killed, and a total of 4000 are forcibly converted. Anyone who is branded with a silver cross is considered a second class citizen. A total of 2000 Christians relocate to Granada, mostly to the border territories for now. All Muslim men of combat age in Granada have their right hands severed as well. In terms of other foreign policy, Henry seeks to marry off his son and heir, Henry, to Portugal, in order to secure better relations with their Iberian neighbors. In terms of domestic policy, Henry III changes his title to King of Castile, Leon, and Granada, Defender of the Faith, King Henry III. Henry also continues his efforts to consolidate the realm and expand the Castilian navy, but as the year goes on his health begins to waver and fail. Although he does not die this year, his weakened health leaves him in a difficult situation. In order to secure the the throne for his blood, Henry III declares his infant son Henry to be his successor, and that Henry's mother Catherine of Lancaster will rule as a regent until he comes of age.


 * Cologne: Trade in Cologne prospers in 1404, given the new trade deals that have been struck over the previous years. Friedrich III is finally triumphant in bringing the country out of debt and is able to provide funds for the hospital in the Free City of Cologne along with funds for the infirmary to be built next to Essen Abbey. Construction on the hospital begins. Furthermore, the Archbishop sincerely thanks Bohemia for its support and uses its money to increase the pace of construction of the hospital. It is hoped that the grand new hospital will be completed by the end of the coming year. The archbishop is very aware, however, that this is only a loan of money, and intends to repay the loan as quickly as possible as to avoid the debt problems of his predecessors. In addition, the archbishop politely reminds Bohemia to clarify whether their alliance involves a trade deal. Wikbold’s diplomatic envoy in Bohemia conveys this message, while also being open to other suggestions. While he is there, the Vicar General Wikbold also notes with approval that Bohemia has not allowed the infidel Jan Hus to continue his preachings; however, he grows concerned that simple rejection may fuel the fire and writes to Sweden to seek their counsel on the matter of Jan Hus. Finally, Friedrich III makes a speech expressing his deep sadness at the death of His Holiness and urges the Cardinals to take their time with the decision despite the situation with Hesse
 * Essen: The building of the infirmary adjacent to the abbey begins, Adelphina continues to make addresses to the people, and the numbers of canonesses regular in Essen Abbey continue to grow. The book of guidance continues to be written, and mining flourishes, given the new trade prosperity in Cologne. The abbess also sends two of her more learned and experienced secular canonesses, Katharina and Sibylle, to Cologne to become permanent consultants on the subject of Adelphina’s teachings in the Catholic Church. They give public lectures on discipline in the church and encourage young women to join abbeys in Cologne as canonesses regular or nuns.
 * Holland Dip: We accept the trade agreement.
 * Swedish Dip: We reassure the Archbishop that the situation is under control.
 * Bohemian Dip: We clarify that the alliance does include a trading deal.
 * Romans:We make peace with the Ottomans and declare war on Venice.
 * Novgorod Republic: Settlers move east in the hopes of capturing the untamed wealth of the area. The economy, which thrives on furs, salt, and meats from both land and sea, sees marked improvement. Trade routes through Karelia to Swedish-controlled Finland are established, siphoning wealth from the newfound Kalmar Union into the Republic. Relations with Muscovy are improved. They offer assistance to Muscovy in their attempts to be rid of the Golden Horde. Novgorod hopes to break Mongolian influence on not only Moscow, but all of the Russian areas. Several churches are built in Perm this year with the funding of Novgorod. In addition, they send several priests to Perm to aid in the spread of Novgorodian culture. In the meantime, Novgorod intends to improve relations with Perm, Rostov, and Yaroslavl. To the west, Novgorod wishes to improve relations with both the Teutonic Order and Poland-Lithuania. While military assistance from either state would be greatly appreciated, Novgorod's military is a mighty powerhouse, with many men being trained this year. Orders from forges across Novgorod are placed en masse, bolstering the Novgorodian supplies. A ship is built this year to protect trade routes. In the meantime, the fortifications around Great Novgorod are bolstered  Lastly, trade deals are sent to Pskov, in addition to a 25-year non-aggression pact. With Moscow sacked and raided and the Golden Horde fallen, Novgorod calls for Russian unity. It proposes a united Russian realm, with Novgorod at its head. It immediately offers a place to Tver, Rostov, and Yaroslavl (MOD RNG/RESPONSE NEEDED). It also proposes to Moscow that it join this proposed new state. (TAO RESPONSE NEEDED).  Novgorod sees the opportunity in front of it and therefore declares war on Moscow. The army is mobilized and prepared to defend the Russian realm against any invaders. In addition, all states of the Kalmar Union are offered a 50-year Non-Aggression pact.
 * Tver yes, Rostov yes, Yaroslavl no.
 * Mongolia: Hearing of news of Timurlane crossing Chagatai so eager to restore him to the Dragon Throne, Great Khagan Gün Temür of the Northern Yuan dynasty reasserts his claim on the Mandate of Heaven, believing he is the rightful Emperor, he launches an invasion with his 100,000 horsemen to assist Timurlane to restore him as the Emperor of China. Great Khagan Gün Temür admires his ancestor Genghis Khan a lot, having a fairly good knowledge of his campaigns and strategies, using them and adapting them as he sees fit. Population remains stable at 500,000 people. Tengriism remains the official religion although we enforce religious tolerance, like our Great ancestor Genghis Khan did. New residents continue to move in the reconstructed cities. Mongolia under the context of reclaiming lost lands kept by the Mongolian Empire and to pacify various tribes surrounding the realm, continue expanding toward the East and the North, as well as into the West side of lake Baygal nuur, settling/subjugating vast areas. We name our port in Machuria after Genghis Khan as well as expand it hoping to increase trade with other nations. Field guns and hand cannons are constructed by our small industry to be used by the army, but due to our small capabilities production is limited. The standing army stands at 10,000 c Mongolian horsemen.  Great Khagan Gün Temür of the Northern Yuan dynasty also calls upon every subject of the Ming Empire to rise up and assist him to get the Dragon Throne back, believing that old loyalties for the Yuan dynasty are enough to persuade people to rise up against the Yongle Emperor. (MOD RESPONSE) He also calls upon the Mongols troops that are still employed by the Ming to unite under his banner and help him take back the Dragon Throne.(MOD RESPONSE) 
 *  People rise up, but few Mongol troops rejoin the Great Khagan. -Skahboi 
 * Bradenburg-Morovia-Luxembourg: Jobst and his wife have a second child another girl who is named Greta. He begins to reinforce his position in Bradenburg and Luxembourg raising investment in trade and infrastructure in these parts and offers Bohemia a deal to trade Morovia For Silesia in the hopes of ending the internal disputes of the house and swears to renounce all claims to the throne of Bohemia if they renounce claims to Brandenburg and Luxembourg. Jobst declares allegiance to the new emperor and promises to support their claims at all costs. Trade agreements are offered to Denmark, Poland, and to the dutch states as the Margrave's focus aims more toward Northern Germany and to the lowlands. Jobst employs Frederick of the House of Hohenzollern from the small county of Nurenburg to serve in his court as an advisor. Some of the ideas of reformists within the Bohemian clergy are looked upon with interest by members of Jobst's court.
 * Order of Knights Hospitaller: The ring of small defensive forts is complete by the end of the year, making Rhodes much safer in the event of a large-scale attack. Knights from the German commandries converge on the Crusading army near Hesse, forming a good contingent of a few hundred mounted knights with several hundred footmen. Grand Master Philibert is saddened by the news of the death of Pope Boniface IX, and calls on the College of Cardinals to act swiftly in choosing a successor to the Chair of Saint Peter.
 * Hungary- Military forces continue to modernize and strengthen along with our numbers rising. Fortifications continue to be build on the borders and in cities. Infrastructure also continues to rise in our nation. We send emissaries to Genoa to discuss the situation with Venice and Ottoman Empire.
 * Cilli- Military numbers rise and fortifications continue to be built along the border and in cities. Infrastructure rises as more roads, churches, schools, etc continue to be built.
 * Croatia- The nation's infrastructure, military and economy grow and defenses continue to be built.
 * Mogadishu: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Fabric and wares factories continue to expand. We further expand toward the Jubba River, as canals, dikes, and ditches are being built. The land surrounding the Jubba-Shebelle Rivers become more fertile. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. The Royal Marines continues training in on ship fighting, ship maneuver and attack, amphibious landing and general fighting. Ali ventures into the Southern Jungles, finding great lakes and river, which our explorers have taken note of. We send five warships to aid the Bahmanis. The three large dhows have set off, reaching India and meeting our ally the Bahmanids. After resupplying they continue on their way toward China.
 * Tondo: Gambang continues widespread social and economic reforms, and the Small Coucil pseudo-federal government is showing remarkable progress in developing the nearby province of Tayabas. More political dissidents are sent to colonize Samar, and the port of Maynila expands further. Ten blast furnaces to complement Tondo's rising weapons and steel industry are constructed much farther from the capital to spread economic and industrial development.
 * With victory in battle against Vijayanagar, (see algo on talk page), Firuz Shah of the Bahmanids sends the following ultimatum to Deva Raya: give us all territory north of the border of Kozhikode and Venad, and half of your war elephants and ships or we will move on and besiege your capital. (And considering the recent battle, that can only have one result.) Firuz also advises Ayuthia that this war clearly shows that the Bahmanid Sultanate shall soon replace Vijayanagar as the power in south India, and within a decade or so, we might even be able to grant Ayuthia (and Mogadishu) access to the critical spice areas of Sri Lanka.
 * Addendum:Some weird stuff is happening w/the algorithm, so please wait until that is worked out.
 * I took over Vijayanagar last turn, can you fill me in on whats going on? From what I saw there was an algo against Andher that Vijayanagar won heavily, and now its gone and I was at war with Orissa due to the mods?
 * Kingdom of Qosqo: Emperor Yahuar Huacac focuses all efforts on expansion and military build up. Local villages thrive under his rule and many move to new lands due to new captured grounds. Yahuar forces warriors to allow surrender and annexation of local tribes before pursuing with raids and attacks. Local parties are sent to expand into new grounds past the boundaries of the kingdom. City construction occurs.
 * Benin: Prince Ogun continues with his private lessons in astronomy, mathematics, and the sciences, as well as expanding his knowledge of Christianity and Islam. In yet another trip to the Mali Empire, Prince Ogun visits the many libraries of the nation to learn about the Europeans of the far north. While he is well acquainted with the Arabs and Berbers, he knows very little of the white men who inhabit the lands north of Morocco. He contracts many merchants to bring on their return trips to Timbuktu, European goods and luxuries, seeking to learn of their culture through their works. Back home, Ogun constructs a personal study for him to delve into the many books and writings of the outside world, and to further enhance his knowledge of the world his people have never known. The shipwrights of Bioko continue to expand their knowledge of the great vessels whose designs were brought to Benin from Mali. The once massive boats that could carry up to 100 men and their weapons, appear almost laughable when compared to the great ships recently built by the Edo shipbuilders. Proud of their work, yet far from finished, the traditional shipbuilders present their work to Prince Uwaifaikon, who orders the ship put to the test for the next year before he claims it as his personal vessel. While the sea trials take place, Uwaifaikon and his men set out on another expedition, this time heading into the deep south of Cameroon, a long time goal of the prince. Taking with him a mighty force of a thousand warriors and porters aboard twenty epeepe (galleys), Prince Uwaifaikon set sail in search of travels. During their voyage, Prince Uwaifaikon's men spot two small islands as they head south. The largest of the two Uwaifaikon names Akamba Isi, and the smaller one he names Obere Isi . Both islands are found to be uninhabited and in pristine condition, prompting the prince to send word back to his father of the islands and their having been claimed for Benin. The prince and his men rest for a while before continuing on with their journey. Oba Orobiru commissions the Arab scholars in his son's employ to produce a map of his kingdom, including the new islands claimed for the empire by his son, to which they comply and begin work on a map of the Benin Empire. Intrigued with the efforts made by both of his sons, the Oba decides to make it a state policy to look outward and potentially establish formal ties with the lands beyond West Africa, though he seeks to move cautiously for the time being. Within the empire, life continues to improve as the Oba and the uzama champion new ideas and policy presented to them by Prince Ogun. While going about the capital city, the Oba finds himself rather appalled by the conditions his people live in. Annoyed by the maze of roads and piles of human and animal waste in the streets, the Oba decides that it would be of great benefit to rebuild Edo in a much more sanitary form. He orders the streets to be paved and from his personal reading of Arab literature, a sewer system built to facilitate the removal of waste from the city center. Neat blocks are devised for the planning system of the capital city, while not compromising the effectiveness of the city's walls and massive earthworks.
 * Hasfid Sultanate (Tunis): With a unified North Africa underway, Tlemcen is fastly integrated into the Sultanate. Sultan Abd al-Aziz II is in his tenth year of reign over a prosperous Tunis. The wealth and prosperity of the capital city grows as barbary pirates continue to raid Genoa, Sicily, and Sardinia. We carefully observe the situation in Egypt, Iberia and Morocco. Hoping to finish his unification of North Africa, the Sultan invades the states of Zab, Gafsa, and Banu Sulaym, hoping to finish the petty squabbles that rule over this continent. We propose a 10-Year Non-Aggression Pact with the Sultanate of Mrrocco. 
 * Teutonic Order: Given the turmoil produced in Lithuania, additional outposts are created on the border with Lithuania and Poland should any pagan menace decide to move farther north. The news of pagans within Hesse does not cause any alarm or hysteria in the Teutonic lands as it is generally assumed any knight renouncing his vows for paganism would be smote by God Himself. A larger percentage of peoples in Central and Northern Europe wish to affirm they are indeed fully Christian and therefore our recruiting numbers grow intensely as more and more people take the vows, not being limited to simply being of noble blood. Development of new knight-brothers lands is going well as the small subsidies help jump-start many farms, castles, and homesteads. An additional office of Trapier is opened by Hocmeister von Jungengin and the position is given to a relatively new knight named Sven Achen. Military drills are more routine due to many perceived threats. 
 * Bohemia: The military is expanded to its maximum strength under a new doctrine from Wenceslaus IV, declaring all men 16 and older must serve in the Bohemian Army. Wenceslaus continues to read into Empire managing. The envoys sent to the Palatinate continue to improve relations with them. Wenceslaus continues to put the treaty on hold from Brandenburg. Wenceslaus V continues his schooling. We continue to send envoys to Cologne and Saxony.
 * Cologne Diplomacy: Archbishop Friedrich III receives the envoys with pleasure and personally shows them how construction is faring on the grand hospital.
 * Ayutthaya: Economy, infrastructure and military improves. Under the current king Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat and its ruling Uthong dynasty, he continue to reign the kingdom in his ninth year, to make Thailand great again by building/upgrading roads and cities, and more cities are grown in skyrocket. Even more residential, commercial and other production building are built in cities. He continue the whole nation trading with other Southeastern Asian nations, India and China by land and sea. The number of soldiers in the army rises up to 100,000. Seeking to expend his glory kingdom and unite Thailand, Ayutthaya invades the small nation of Sukhothai with 40,000 soldiers, with its goal to take the capital city of Sukhothai, Phitsanulok. (Undo alliance requests to Vijayanagar, which is on its way to become a smaller power in India)
 * France: The “Deux Lis” Regency continues to focus on keeping France united against foreign threats (specifically England). France remains relatively stable internally, with no major rivalries or revolts among the vassals or populace. After participating in the Hessian Crusade, Charles VI signs the Treaty of Trier, and returns to France with the 3200 crusades who are celebrated throughout French cities. France remains uneasy about the English peace and continues to bolster and reinforce French garrisons and forts near English holdings. Most of the French armies are also stationed toward the English border. France begin to gather our relatively small navy at ports near Honfleur at the base of the Seine, where they begin to slowly expand the French navy by adding more galleys. Catherine of France, the King’s youngest daughter becomes betrothed to Louis III of Provence, the eldest son of Louis II. With Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici now Lord of Lyons, and his previous Italian wife dead from the capture of Florence, the forty-four year old is married to twenty-nine year old Marie Valois-Berry (cousin of the King). Before the end of the year Marie gives birth to Averardo Valois-Medici, the only descendant of the Medici family (with most of his family dead in the capture of Florence).
 * Provence: Louis II of Provence continues building fortifications and expanding his armies and levies for the French crown. Louis II’s son, Louis III becomes betrothed to Catherine of France. Louis retains his claim on the Kingdom of Naples, and hopes to solidify and retain it by the new betrothal to the French crown. Louis continues to retain his claim, but cannot receive support from the royal house.
 * Saluzzo: Marquess Thomas III of Saluzzo continues building fortifications and expanding his armies and levies for the French crown.
 * Sakha is terrified at reports of armies of a half million clashing farther south, although this fear is mitigated by the inability of any Sakha to conceptualize such large numbers, since they exceed the total population of the Khanate. Widespread admiration for Temur exists, however; Oyus names his third daughter, born this year "Temur", in honour of both him and the Mongol Khan Gokhe Temur, despite it not being a male name. Immigration of Nestorians, Manichaeans and Vajryana monks explodes due to tensions farther south; other immigrants are not admitted, however, as Oyus fears native Yakuts will be swamped. Gold and iron production experiences serious hiccups this year, as permafrost makes building roads to the mines difficult. Efforts to pave roads with stones and logs both fail; Oyus orders his monastic advisors to consider the problem. Expansion north continues; Oyus also contacts a tribe of Yakuts along the southerly tributary of the Lena the Bulu, threatened by Tatars, a warlike non-Yakut tribe who raid them. Oyus proposes to the chief of this tribe that he will destroy the Tatars and allow this chief to marry his second daughter in return for this chief becoming a vassal of Oyus. (Mod Response)
 * ​The local chieftain grudgingly agrees to the union of the two families and vassalage, provided Oyus continues to protect his people from the Tatars. -Rexmod
 * Ethiopia: Dawit enacts a policy where professional troops teach minimal combat skills to the locals. An expedition is sent farther inland to look for good timber to make ships so a trade fleet can be built. We agglomerate small tribes on the fringes of the nation to expand our borders slowly. Mines are set up to mine gold and iron for what Dawit thinks the nation will get great profit from trade.
 * Republic of Ragusa: The nation experiences a substantial boost in economy as the rival Venice suffers from losses, and the other important republic, Genoa, is still busy. This aids the Ragusans and allows them to invest more money in a larger fleet, as well as higher quality ships. Internally, the cultural development goes well, and Dalmatian and Croatian both are used much more by all citizens.
 * Hamburg: Production continues to rise in the city. We build ten more warships for the navy and continue production of merchant ships. The city guards are expanded to 2000 troops The population continues to grow through immigration. The navy continues to patrol the trade routes. Agriculture production increases outside the city and trade continues to improve.
 * In Austria, the great Archducal guard is being trained to full strength. After four years of recruitment and constant training, the Archducal guard, the Elite off the military forces, stand at a staggering eleven thousand men. The day they spend all these years training for has come. With the death of Albert I of Bavaria, the planning that has gone through these past four years, skulking and sending secret messages, pillaging the dungeons for the best and sneakiest killers, today is the day. A letter is sent out to the would-be assassins, telling them that the day of planning has come. Earnst and William, the co-rulers of Bavaria in the wake of their father's death, would be out together on a hunt. They are brothers after all. However, their trip would not go as planned. the brothers, lured in to the cries of a child asking for help, would be encouraged to leave the safety of their guards, and promptly ambushed without mercy, their guards in tow. A band of one hundred "bandits" bearing no flag or sigil would suddenly attack their hunting party, killing all the guards and leaving no one behind but a "petrified" servant who would tell the world of what happened . The Assassins never deal with Austrian Officials or members of the House of Habsburg directly, but instead through a string of benefactors set up during the past four years of planning. All papers with their mission are ordered to be burned as soon as the team understands their goals.  (Mod Response Needed)  The Dukes of Bavaria are dead. This is all the necessary preparations that are needed. While this is going on, Albert IV of Bavaria is calling the banners and raising levies like crazy in the Archduchy, Apart from the eleven thousand guardsmen, recruited mostly from jobless city folk, he manages to raise twenty thousand farmers for a summer campaign. Receiving word that the Bavarian leadership now lies dead from Albert, the Archduke is quick to proclaim his son, also named Albert, as the new Duke of all Bavaria by virtue of blood, being the grandson of Albert I of Bavaria. He is declared Albert II of Bavaria by the Austrian host, which now numbering over thirty thousand strong and constantly being reinforced sets to besiege the Austrian capital of Landschut to press the claim of the young Albert. Albert IV, however, does not get to see his armies take over the city, instead his ailing health forces him to stay in Vienna while his cousin, William, takes on the work of leading his armies, being closely involved with the creation of the Archducal guard. When the armies reach the Bavarian capital, and have set up siege, they are nearly forty thousand in number, bolstered by temporary men from the country, and led by expertly trained guardsmen.
 * Assassination RNG: 1-5 fails, 6-10 succeeds; 2 it fails as the bandits fail to ambush the Dukes and their guard in time. The bandits are threatened with death if they did not speak, and so reveal their sources - while not the  Arch duke himself - reside in Austria. -Rexmod
 * Let's not encourage him, Rex -Nate
 * Papal States: The Holy See is saddened by the death of the pontiff. The Ring of the Fisherman is destroyed in the presence of the Cardinals and his offices are sealed. The Cardinals gather in Rome to elect the new Holy Father. Most other operations present either die down or are paused for the time being until a new pontiff can be appointed.
 * Vijayanagar Empire: Requests being caught up to date on whats going on, didn't realize that I was at war with Bahamni at all and its over already? Works on infrastructure and military.

1405
'''Just a heads up, standing armies are technically not a thing at this time. Please refrain from the terminology or stating that you have large masses of military waiting for war. That is a no. Guards should not exceed a hundred or two men. '''

''' The College of Cardinals has failed to elect a Pope. Furthermore, two cardinals die this year, reducing the college to thirteen. Voting will continue until we get a Pope. As an aside, players may propose two cardinals to fill the empty spots upon the selection of a new pope. '''

'''Okkkayyy, clearly this was a mistake on my part haha. I have moved all the cardinal selections to the College of Cardinals page, which is where we will post any such suggestions from now on. -MP'''

''' After a second round of voting there is a new Pope, please join me in welcoming Pope Innocent VII from Naples! '''

' German military strategist Konrad Kyeser publishes Bellifortis'', a treatise on military warfare that spans fireworks to hydraulic engines. Much of the work remains theoretical, but it represents a major advance in warfare technology. '''

''' In China, a young admiral named Zheng He sets out on the first of many voyages. '''

''' More events may be forthcoming. Just wanted to get the turn out there. '''


 * Duchy of Burgundy: Duke Philips health continues to decline, causing his son and heir, John, to take over most administrative functions. The Burgundian navy is expanded to become better able to protect the growing merchant fleet based out of Flanders. The first experiments with black powder begin in Burgundy.


 * Timurid Empire: Emperor Timur continued his glorious reign over his Empire, and had designated his son Shahrukh Mirza as his heir. The latter had immediately set out to work as he imposed a tax system upon the local people which he referred to as the mansabdari system. This allowed the Empire to harvest and cultivate a much larger surplus of wheat and other crops which in turn made it much less liker of the Sultanate facing any food shortage. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Meanwhile, thousands of men were conscripted into the military from Persia, Tabriz, Transoxiana and the surrounding regions to properly engage in combat, and to annihilate the opponents. Having suffered a defeat against the Ming, Timur and his army return back to their Kingdom, blaming the weather for their defeat. Along the way, Timur falls ill once more, and whilst most of the military and citizens of his Empire don't think much of it, his Governors begin to realize that Timurs time is nearly up and the war of succession is upon them. Meanwhile, Khalil Sultan, the Governor of Tabriz and Azerbaijan receives the rebel Qara Yousuf from the Ottoman Turks, and immediately executes him.
 * ​Jalayirid Sultanate: Sultan Alaud Daula continued his reign over the Sultanate. Acting as a vassal to the Timurid Sultanate, he was now directly answerable to Timur and his temporary regent, Shahrukh Mirza. The military has designed along the same lines as the Timurid military, and men were conscripted to act as as the military for the state. Meanwhile, the Mamluk province of Hatay and the Ottoman vassals were integrated into the Jalayirid Sultanate. The Sultan himself made sure to wipe out all remnants and supporters of the Ag Qoyunlu and Kara Qoyunlu. Jalayirid authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at İskenderun.
 * The strategists of the Crown of Aragon advise the King that Naples is a very volatile region, and that targeting it will bring the Union into conflict with many other nations like Genoa and possibly even Castile. Itching to expand Aragonese reach, the King now redirects his efforts again to Tunisia and other territories in North Africa, in the ostensible hope of stopping Muslim expansion into the region. Five new ships are built to add to the Royal Armada. The frequency of naval exercises in Sardinia increases, and small scouts posing as fishing boats are sent to slip pass the Tunisian coast and survey the area in an attempt to gain more information for strategic purposes.
 * Malta: The King announces a plan to establish new settlements across the Union. The Count of Malta, a relative of the King, is forced to relinquish his title and cede it to the King, who assumes the County. King Ferdinand I thereafter decrees that the new city of Nueva Barcelona, to be built on the west coast, will become the administrative centre of Malta by 1420. The port will serve as a direct connection to Barcelona.
 * Diplomacy: Ambassadors are sent to the Holy See in preparation for establishing relations with the new Pope, whoever he may be.
 * Naples: We begin to pull our troops from Greece out of the peninsula after the war has basically been won by Genoa and their allies. We also ask to form an alliance with Genoa and Milan to protect against any foreign threats outside of the Italian peninsula. Ladislaus continues to improve the infrastructure of the Kingdom of Naples while his vassals simultaneously begin slowly approving of his plans, although some are still quite furious at the King for his unprecedented infrastructure plans on their private lands. Neapolitan merchants also continue to build up the Neapolitan branch of the Bank of St. George, building trade posts across the major coastal towns of the nation. Naples also begins to build up its rather small navy. Ladislaus's wife is once again pregnant in this year. We also propose to marry King Ladislaus's sister, Joanna, to the heir of the Duchy of Milan.
 * Cologne: Trade continues to prosper in Cologne, and the hospital is being built very quickly thanks to Bohemia’s additional assistance. The base structure of the hospital is complete by the end of 1405; however, Archbishop Friedrich III wants this hospital to be particularly grand, so he consults with the very best physicians at the University of Cologne to develop further plans for improvement to be executed in 1406. Katharina and Sibylle of Essen continue to give public lectures, while also paying close attention to the conduct of priests and canons within the many religious institutions in Cologne. Meanwhile, noting that the Hessian crusades are so near to the Duchy of Westphalen, the archbishop makes plans to fund the building of better weapons and armour there. The nobility of Westphalen are impressed with this notion and thank the archbishop for his support.
 * Essen: The infirmary in Essen is on track to be completed in early 1406, and Abbess Adelphina is pleased to see the numbers of canonesses regular increase. She continues to make addresses to the people, who grow less and less dissatisfied with the Catholic Church – in particular, she uses some of Essen’s new wealth to import books for a larger library in Essen Abbey with which the canonesses begin to educate themselves in the ways of nursing and the balancing of humours.
 * Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo): At this time, while the child Al-Najm was two years old, a raid by warlords from Upper Egypt captured the child and took him as a prisoner to their raiders in the south. He was treated reasonably well there, nursed by a fellow captive who was an Arian Monk named Bahira. The child's mother, however, was never seen again in historical records. While this was going on, the Mamluks enacted their most devious plan yet to capture the elusive outlaw Al-Ankabut. Since the return of the captives last year, the Mamluk beys learned of Al-Ankabut's greatest weakness is his love for Aisha. So by means of an elaborate trap, the princesss Aisha was captured by the Mamluks and held hostage in the prison of Ascalon. Being taken by surprise this way, Al-Ankabut was compelled to surrender the majority of his men, then come personally to Ascalon to be hanged. However, at the gallows Al-Ankabut revealed at the last second that his remaining men were disguised as Mamluk soldiers, and so Al-Ankabut broke free of his bonds and began an epic battle at Ascalon surrounded by Turks. Most of his men were captured or killed in this battle, but Al-Ankabut himself escaped with Aisha, and was hardly ever seen again. The Pope of Alexandria sends dipomatic envoys to the Emperor of Ethiopia, confirming the spread of the Christian Church and asking the Emperor acknowledge the Pope as the supreme head of the Churches in Africa, while the Emperor is head of temporal authority.
 * Korea (Chinese protectorate): Yi Bang-won further cements royal rule through several measures, such as the repression of privileges granted to the upper echelons of the government and nobility, and the enforcement of the decree that requires that all laws passed by the state-council to receive approval by the king prior to its implementation. Furthermore, prominent members of the nobility are required to swear total allegiance to the royal family and the state-council by performing the humiliating ritual of godu monthly. The act consists of three kneelings, with each involving three prostrations before the king. Seeking to monitor the movement of people and preventing men from evading their compulsory military service, he initiates the first population survey while enforcing and expanding on the hopae system–an early form of identification system recording the bearer's name and residence–to include groups (such as women, children, and the lower castes) previously left out. The flow of Korean development continues to be planned under Yi Bang-won, with input from his loyal state councillors and advisors. The steel, iron, and its related industries are further developed with the erection of three more blast furnaces in Hanseong and Busan, with monetary incentives encouraging skilled labourers to work within these establishments. The steel that is produced from these blast furnaces are used in the creation of high-quality reinforced armour, tools, and weaponry. To supply these blast furnaces with the necessary materials (such as coal and iron ore), as well as to obtain precious metals (especially silver, as it is the currency in China it would play a major role in Korean–Chinese trading relations) to help fund financial activities, large-scale mining activities in mineral-rich North Korea persists. Seeking to ease and facilitate the flow of commerce within Korea, he orders all major roads to be paved and the construction of canals within the Han and Nakdeong Rivers. After major considerations and discussion among the state-council, Neo–Confucianism is declared by Yi Bang-won as the state religion (replacing Buddhism), and continues the entrenchment of its customs, ideals, and work ethic – though at the cost of native shamanic and Buddhist beliefs. The activities of Buddhist missionaries and Korean shamans may legally continue, but are monitored with suspicion and now compete with neo–Confucian missionaries. Yi Bang-won orders that all Buddhist temples established by Goryeo kings to be burnt down, with their valuable possessions seized and added to the national treasury. He places heavy emphasis on the importance of education, encouraging those within the national civil service program, encouraging those of the upper castes (the yangban, chung-in, and the sang-in) to partake in education. Numerous libraries and universities are constructed within Korea's major settlements, equipped with the latest knowledge adopted from Chinese texts. Under a new policy that aims to claim lands once owned by the Korean Kingdoms of Balhae, Goguryeo, and Gojoseon, as well as to pacify the Jurchens, Yi Bang-won expands Korean territory farther north, establishing three castles lining the Yalu River to protect the Korean people from their attacks. The Hanyang, Pyeongyang, Busan, and Ulsan arsenals are finally completed, equipped with a modest number of Chinese weaponry (muskets, weaponised fireworks and firecrackers, etc.) alongside native Korean weaponry. More ships (especially those Chinese-style ships and Korean panokseon, gwaseon, and bigeodo), and gunpowder weapons such as hwacha, cannons, and multiple-rocket-launchers, hand cannons, are manufactured. With the Koreans participating with Ming naval exercises in the East Sea and more ships built, Korean maritime presence is strengthened in the Korea Strait and the Eastern Sea.
 * Romans: We pay two million coins to the Ottomans and say we will avenge this.
 * Bayern-Munich offers Landshut vassalage if they join us and requests Ingolstadt and Straubing join us to form Bavaria with the Lords of Ingolstadt and Straubing retaining their lands. (Mods needed)
 * Empire of Japan: The unrest of the previous years Flower Court and the Teikoku Gikai[1] has had an interesting but somewhat polarizing effect. As many daimyo and samurai begin to return home, the thought of actively rebelling against the Shogun is proposed by the Shimazu clan and is actively shut down. The other clans have openly recognized that the Shogun has made good on his promise of not forcibly imposing this new system on the clans. While initially thinking the Shogun a honorless coward over these propositions, the Ouchi clan switches sides and voices support sending a gift to the Shogun as well as a personally written and signed letter with the clans personal seal. The ruling Shogun Yoshimochi sees the letter and it is recognized as an apology and it is replied to and accepted by Yoshimochi. The Ashikaga begin to see further exploitation of their gold and silver mines in the south near Kyoto and the pacific coast which give the Ashikaga a much needed relief as they are now able to not only pay off all of their outstanding debt. This is also used as a trade bargaining chip as much needed specific Chinese goods are imported to Japan with favourable terms due to this. The production of Japanese gold and silver continues to solidify the strength of the Ashikaga shogunate as much of it is put into the shoguns treasury and some is used to outright develop and build up the land with many of the Ashikaga lands beginning to see full scale rebuilding of their infrastrucutre even with the trouble in dealing with the rough terrain. The Japanese navy of the Ashikaga and multiple Daimyo fleets disembark with a large force on Tsushima, absolutely tired of the Wokou pirates which have been ravaging East Asia's coasts and seas. Disembarking with 10,000 heavily armed soldiers as well as a fleet surrounding the islands, the Japanese capture the various pirate lords with no issue but do produce nearly 300 casualties from resisting pirates. Aside from the Pirate lords, Yoshimitsu landing personally strikes a deal with the next level of officers, offering to split the pirate fleets up between the Daimyo and having them act as either Commerce protection from other pirates who do not take the deal, or take up legitimate jobs as merchant shipping. The payout also offered to many of these pirates makes the offer extremely attractive and upward of 150 ships and thousands of pirates defect and return home with their payouts some of which use the money to repair their ships, upgrade them, or in a few cases start multiple merchant trading businesses. This expansion of civilian shipping and movement pushes a relatively un heard of settlement in Hokkaido and the Ryukyu islands, with the Tanegashima clan refusing to hold back the nearly 500 men which ave set up a trade settlement on Okinawa claiming most of the northern sections of the island. The Shogun seeing more and more islands to the south commissions three separate fleets for exploration and mapping. The first is sent north as far as their provisions will hold and then to return so they are not killed by lack of supply, the second is sent to map out the coast of China and head south along the coast. The third is to skirt the Ryukyu Islands and head toward the open water as far as the provisions will allow. all three are expected to return the next year. The Ashikaga clan previously being one of the weakest clans in Japan, has now undergone an unprecedented rise as their development of Japanese politics and the imperial court has led to a much needed legitimacy gain as many Daimyo has gained a new sense of respect for the previously unfeared and unheeded Ashikaga. The Clan itself has now claimed position as one of the most powerful clans in Japan.
 * Screw it, I'll just take all my precious metals for myself. Sorry China, unless you want to do it yourself I'll use it to improve Japan -Feud
 * Vijayanagar Empire: Requests being caught up-to-date on what's going on, didn't realise I was at war with Bahamni at all and it's over already? Works on infrastructure and military.
 * (You decimated Andher and the algo was moved to the archives. While you were invading Andher Bahamni seized the opportunity and declared war on you, invading Vijayanagar with a coallition of Orissa and Mogadishu. and you were defeated.-KawaiiKame.)
 * I just took control of the civ in 1403.
 * I know, they can still invade you regardless.
 * Well, that sucks :/. I guess I'll swap to South America. xP
 * Before you join in South America you should accept the Bahamanid surrender terms.
 * Bahmanids here: I'm still working out exactly what happened in our confused mess of a war. (I'm waiting on a mod's opinion of my fixes to the algo.) It's pretty certain I won, but whether it was a decisive victory or not is still uncertain. (The way I calculated it, it was a deciecive victory for me, i.e., complete annexation of Vijayanagar, but as I said, I'm waiting for Josh's opinion.)
 * Bahmanids again: I'm afraid you've lost quite decisively. You'll have to pack your bags for South America. Sorry, but 'tis fortune of war.
 * King Janus of Cyprus attempts to rally support in Europe to retake Jerusalem and Armenia. We ask for the support of France, England, and the Holy Roman Emperor (Mod?). We also attempt to create a set of fortifications circling Cyprus based off of Constantinople's Theodosian walls.
 * There is no HREmperor at the present time, and therefore cannot answer the call. -MP
 * Order of Knights Hospitaller: News of the bravery of the Knights in the Hessian Crusade is received with joy in Rhodes, boosting everyone's morale. The advantageous treaty is also looked upon positively, with the Grand Master glad for the chance to increase the Order's influence in central Germany. Phillibert puts more money into his pet project: the construction of a large tower on the end of the harbour mole. Reflecting the appelation granted him by the Pope, he decides to name it the Fidei Defensor Tower. The hulls for five small ships are laid down in Rhodes' dock.
 * Portugal (sorry for not posting, I was on vacation): King Joao I orders an expansion of our navy, and offers extended trade to England, France and Castile.
 * Benin: In the capital city of Edo, Okpara Maduka, a subject and member of Prince Ogun's entourage, approaches the Oba and the prince for permission to leave the kingdom on a grand adventure throughout the known world. For years he was watched in awe the great sites of Timbuktu, and read many fascinating things about the Arab world, but has never had the chance until now to view them for himself. Having read of the accounts of the Venetian Marco Polo and the Moroccan Ibn Battuta, Okpara wishes to follow in their footsteps and travel the world as well. Presenting to his lords the benefits of his journey, he states that Benin is no longer the center of the world his fellow Edo once knew, and that one day, the world will come to them, but as conquerors not as visitors. Prince Ogun acknowledges that though he wishes to do this himself, his responsibilities at home prevent him from doing so, and that it would be of great benefit to the empire as a whole to allow this journey to proceed, an assessment Oba Orobiru agrees with. Assigning a small entourage to go with travel with him, the Oba grants Udo an investiture of Okpara of 500 zuruoke and 2800 mpempe for his expenses and potential trades with foreigners. Prince Ogun instructs Okpara to use his Banum script to record everything he discovers during his journey, and to deal with the foreigners kindly and respect their laws and customs as Okpara shall represent all of Benin. Many of the scholars Ogun brought with him to Benin from Timbuktu are asked to accompany Okpara for his adventure, and aid him in his goals of learning about the world during his time away from Benin. With that, Okpara departs from Benin, with his first stop to be the cities of Gao and Timbuktu. Elsewhere, Prince Uwaifaikon and his men reach the lands of Kongo, landing on the shores at the mouth of the Congo River. Moving inland, Uwaifaikon and his men are greeted by the Kongolese people, and speaking through translators the Edo picked up while moving inland, the band states that they come in peace and wish to trade with the people of the land. Uwaifaikon presents gifts of gold and ivory as signs of their good intentions, as well as bronze statues made back in Benin. Prince Uwaifaikon instructs his second in command to continue the negotiations with the Kongolese people while he returns to Bioko to oversee the work on the nation's new ships. Message is sent back to the Oba of the prince's contact with a major kingdom in the southern regions, and the Arab cartographers are instructed to add this information to the map the Oba requested of them a year ago. Prince Ogun continues his studies of foreign literature, and continues to make strides in his understanding of mathematics, the sciences, and theology. He finds himself awe-struck by the conquests of foreign rulers, as well as the plight of the Mongols decades ago. One of his Arab instructors even informs the young prince of the pillaging of Baghdad during the Mongol invasion a century ago, leading the prince to wonder just how such a fearsome empire could have collapsed so easily. Trade with the surrounding regions continues, and the development of the national infrastructure, in particular the rebuilding of the capital city, continue as planned. The sea trials of Benin's largest vessel, the Mmiri Chineke, or "Water God", have been completed, and the vessel is deemed worthy of sailing by Uwaifaikon. Believing that they can build larger still, Uwaifaikon classifies the new ship as the first of the oké, or "great ships". The prince orders more to be built, for he has great ambitions for trade and wealth in the region. Following the example of the large ships built in Mali, the Mmiri Chineke holds nearly 200 men and can carry several tons of cargo. Prince Uwaifaikon intends to use this vessel in trading with Kongo, hoping his men have done their job well and securing trade with the southern kingdom.
 * Emirate of Granada: A jihad is declared against all Christian States nearby, we launch guerrilla ambushes against them.


 * Aragon Response: In response to Granada's unilateral declaration of a so-called "jihad", we deploy two of our large warships to Granada's southern coast and we begin bombarding coastal cities. In a further effort to defend ourselves, an army of 1000 men pour across the border. We issue a reciprocal declaration of war, cut relations with Granada, and call for our fellow Christian nations, including Castile, France, Genoa and if possible the Holy See, to retaliate against Granada's arrogant threats against the Glory of Jesus Christ.
 * Granada's dead already, guys. Look at the algo archives.
 * Aye Granada is dead. I took the liberty of Crossing all of this out.
 * Sakha continues to grow in technological and political sophistication as people fleeing the arrival of Timur's army in China. Upon hearing the news China has defeat Timur's army of half a million, the already immense awe felt toward China only increases, and Oyus is careful to increase the tribute payments to include large quantities of gold. Nestorians, Manichaeans, and Vajryana Buddhists continue to join their coreligionists in Sakha; the population, also increasing due to new agricultural policies, rises to around 80,000, about 15,000 of whom are immigrants. Trade via the port of Ulya brings in considerable new wealth; northward expansion along the Lena also continues, with several much smaller and weaker chieftains agreeably swearing allegiance to Sakha. Oyus duly marries his daughter to the chieftain of the Bulu Sakha, as agreed, this year, also incorporating this territory. Meanwhile, the creation of an alphabet for the Yakut language is finished, based on that of the Mongols; the translation of books from Chinese into Yakut by the monks begins, with them focusing on Buddhist texts and Chinese classics. Oyus, having mustered his army of about 1000 men, and 15 small sampan-style riverboats to carry his troops, advances against the Tatars. His fairly pathetic navy nevertheless easily drives the Tatars off the river, splitting their forces; Oyus then surrounds each of them in succession, bombarding them with his archers before finishing them with a charge by his camelry. With the main Tatar force destroyed, he easily occupies their homeland and seizes their villages (per algo on talk; if mods change it, I'll change the turn accordingly). Having subjected the Tatars, Oyus shows the increasing influence of the Buddhist monk immigrants over him when he offers them a merciful settlement; any Tatars who wish to will be allowed to join their kin to the east; those who wish to stay may do so, and he will allow them to live autonomously under his rule, even wedding their chief to his last unwed daughter (except for the one born last year). About 10,000 choose to leave, although Oyus sends Buddhist monks with them to spread the new religion. Another 10,000 agree to live under Sakha; Oyus selects twenty of the most collaborationist and sets them to rule, wedding one to his daughter as promised. He builds a fort and monastery, leaving a garrison behind, and returns to Sakha by year's end.
 * Mogadishu: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Fabric and wares factories continue to expand. We further expand toward the Jubba River, as canals, dikes, and ditches are being built. The land surrounding the Jubba-Shebelle Rivers become more fertile. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. The Royal Marines continues training in on ship fighting, ship maneuver and attack, amphibious landing and general fighting. Ali continues, finding the tribal nations of Rwanda. We send five warships to aid the Bahmanis. Our fleet has reached China, bringing a tribute of 50 ivory tusks and a live giraffe. We seek to find the secrets of tea, porcelain, silk and other Chinese technology from this voyage.
 * Mogadishu Diplomacy to Ming: With the tribute, we wish to begin friendly relations and hope that Ming could support us technologically.
 * Ming Diplomacy: The Yongle Emperor and his court officials receive the Mogadishu sailors with warm welcomes. The Emperor accepts the tribute and offers to send the sailors back with 20,000 repeating crossbows and 300 kg of fireworks. 500 kg of tea leaves and 500 blast furnaces are also offered. Yongle invites the sailors to stay in the Imperial Palace for a while and take in the breathtaking views in China. A tour of Beijing is also offered to the men.
 * Republic of Ragusa: Improvement of the navy, expansion of trade, tribute to Hungary, eyes set on expansion of land (sorry for the short post, I don't quite have the time to lengthen it)
 * Kingdom of France: The “Deux Lis” Regency continues to focus on keeping France united against foreign threats (specifically the Kingdom of England). France remains relatively stable internally, with no major rivalries or revolts among the vassals or populace. The doctors of Charles VI claimed he was healing of his mental illness, when he suffered from another violent schizophrenic outbreak. While in the Parisian palace of Château Louvre he claimed the holding was under attack by pagan warriors. Eight of his servants were slain before he was brought under control by Isabeau and some guards. Although when some vassals heard the news they were shaken up, this cemented and justified the need for the current regency. After taking a break from the college of Cardinals, Tommaso Pupio, Archbishop of Provence, is summoned to Paris to bless Charles and try to cleanse him of evil spirits. France remains uneasy about the English peace and continues to bolster and reinforce French garrisons and forts near English holdings. Most of the French armies are also stationed toward the English border. France begin to gather our relatively small navy at ports near Honfleur at the base of the Seine, where they begin to slowly expand the French navy by adding more galleys. Through many messengers, Nicolas du Bosc secretly summons two assassins to kill the young and heirless Duke of Brittany, John V Monfort. Due to ill-planning, the two assassinators fail to assassinate the Duke (Josh did RNG for me). Although the plot failed, the assassinators were killed by the King’s guards and no information could be collected to link it back to the French throne (Josh did RNG for this too). The 16 Year Old, John V now becomes suspicious of others, hampering any near future attempts of more plots. Also, with a desire to increase relations with the Papal States, the crown officially proclaims “Papal Investiture” throughout the Kingdom. This gives the Pope and Church the authority to appoint bishops and archbishops of France, over the crown.
 * Duchy of Provence: Louis II of Provence continues building fortifications and expanding his armies and levies for the French crown. Louis retains his claim on the Kingdom of Naples, and hopes to solidify and retain it by the new betrothal to the French crown.
 * Marquisate of Saluzzo: Marquess Thomas III of Saluzzo continues building fortifications and expanding his armies and levies for the French crown.
 * Teutonic Order: Coastal outposts are being constructed with large signal fires used to inform other outposts and castles that danger is present from the coast. The idea is similar with increasing the border posts, so as to better response time with knight-brothers to be able to defend Teutonic lands. In order to protect and facilitate more trade, another small fleet of twenty ships is being constructed and will be finished within one to two years. Fortresses at Marienburg, Königsberg, Wenden, and Rehden see constructions of additional armories and state blacksmithies, financed and designed by Trapier Sven Achen. This will allow for more retinues and men-at-arms to be fully clothed and armed for conflicts. A small community of Samogititen pagans is uncovered and most are swiftly put to the sword by Castle Mitau ruler Philipp Kluge. Hochmesiter Von Jungengin begins to draw up plans for the construction of a large cathedral in Marienburg named Saint Mary's Holy Cathedral over the Order of German Brothers as a tribute to the state of the Teutonic Order being focused mainly Prussia and Livonia.
 * Bohemia: We propose the Archbishop of Prague to be the next Cardinal. Wenceslaus IV continues to read up on Roman manuscripts about empire building. Wenceslaus V continues schooling. A castle is built along the border with Austria. The castle will be named Feuerstein. Wenceslaus IV quietly enacts policies that will lead to the Germanization of Bohemia, as he believes it is necessary in order to gain votes from the electorate, Bohemia must become more German. The policies include naming nobles only German names, the German language being taught in the schools and building new buildings in German architectural style. The Castle Feuerstein is the prime example of these new policies.
 * The Austrian Armies finally reach the capital of Bavaria, Landshut. They stand outside, claiming that a grandson of Albert I has more claim to the throne than do the twin cousins that almost got themselves killed by bandits. The largest army ever assembled for this purpose is at the gates of the city, waiting for the co-rulers to either surrender or begin the siege. The guardsmen led the first trench building, and mercenaries are bought from Genoa, promising plunder along the way, if not a lot of Thalers. In Vienna, things are not going so well for Albert IV, He dies in his bed, alone but hoping that his son will become greater than he. He is known posthumously as Albert the Patient. William is declared the Lord Regent, and young Albert crowned Albert V & II, Archduke of Austria and Bavaria. The mint continues to do well. Austria's allies are asked to help in the war.
 * Ayutthaya: Economy, infrastructure and military improve. Under the current king Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat and its ruling Uthong dynasty, he continues to reign the kingdom in his ninth year, to make Thailand great again by building/upgrading roads and cities, and more cities are built in skyrocket. Even more residential, commercial and other production building are built in cities. He continue the whole nation trading with other Southeastern Asian nations, India and China by land and sea. The number of soldiers in the army rises up to 110,000. Ayutthaya continues invading the small nation of Sukhothai with 40,000 soldiers and is heading on its way to Phitsanulok.
 * ​Just as a reinforcement of the mods here, when you invasion is over make sure that 110,000 doesn't stay a standing army. Standing armies do not exist yet period end of story -Feud
 * The Crown of Castile continues its purges. Castillian Men put down a small rebellion this year, leading to further efforts to purge the former territory of Granada of all of its Muslims. Continuing with the same efforts from last year, 12,000 Muslims are deported, 5000 are executed, and 2000 are converted. An additonal 3000 Christan settlers arrive to take their place. Henry III enacts a toleration program for Jewish Spainards, forcing them to convert or pay a tax until they convert. Castile continues its development of its navy,  converting it into a serious naval power. Tragedy strikes at the end of the year, and King Henry III dies. As he decreed, Cathrine of Lancaster will rule as Queen Regent until King Henry IV comes of age. In terms of other domestic development, infrastructure is developed. The King's Guard expands to include 500 men. The Aristocrats lose more power, but with the regency the conslidation efforts slow. Cathrine is granted the title of Queen Regent of Castile, Leon and Granada, Protector of the Crown while King Henry IV is proclaimed King of Castile, Leon and Granada.
 * With Vijayanagar conquered, and Bukka Rayya dead, the Bahmanid Empire now stands as the primier power of South India. Thanks to the end of the war, most of the Bahmanid army is sent home. Firuz Shah thanks Umar of Mogadishu for his aid, and as promised, we send 900 more men and a war elephant to be put at his disposal. The Sultan may now recall his his five ships, if he so wishes. The rulers of Kozhikode and Venar are given a choice: become Bahmanid vassals, giving both tribute and men, or face annihilation. (Mod reaction needed) An emissary is sent to Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat of Ayutthaya, offering him a trade and military alliance, including a trading post for him wherever he wishes along our coast. Within the conquered regions, Hindus are allowed to practice and much of the old Vijayanagar administration is allowed to remain.
 * Papal States: The Conclave is over and Migliorati is selected to become the next pope, taking the name Innocent VII. His Holiness is enthroned and endowed with all the refinements of the Holy Church accordingly, and much of the city celebrates at his appointment, although there is also notable unrest that a Roman was not selected despite no such candidate. The Pope resumes much of his predecessor's work, investing in a Papal navy and restoring order to the regions of the Papal States. He upholds the Treaty of Trier as established by Boniface IX and writes a letter to King Henry IV of Castile, praising him for his victory over Granada and recognizing him as its rightful Christian lord. Innocent VII also makes efforts to form councils with the purpose of healing both the Western and Great schisms, although it should be noted that he plans to focus on the Western schism first. He sends out letters to prominent Archbishops and religious figures on both sides of this Schism to meet and iron out a solution. Mod response please. He also begins to consider who to fill the now three empty seats on the College, although he is fortunate to have such a list to consider from.
 * Neapolitan Diplomacy: We offer an alliance to the new pope.
 * The Emperor-King of Mayapan, Iktan, continues to organize settler parties to retake abandoned cities in the southern highlands region. Some of these settler parties also venture south of the border to create settlements in new territory. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Emperor-King Iktan meets with some of the best craftsmen in the nation to discuss reversing the decline of the nation. Talks with carpenters, stonemasons, and blacksmiths prompt Iktan to create an initiative to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
 * Ottoman Empire: With the lost to the Timurids, we give up our vassals in Anatolia to Timur, this causes some of the Sultan sons to see him as a seller of Ottoman lands. The army begins to work on reciting people into the army mostly by getting peasants to join. We accept the alliance with Cairo. and we begin to trade with Cairo and would like to trade with Mogadishu. The number of the army rises up to 30,000. We ask Cairo to accept Tunsi invite and would like to join. We would like to trade with Ethiopia. Our navy begins to work and makes 200 ships. We declare war on Venice and sends 30,000 troops to attack from the south along with 7000 Janasirs. The state holds a man name Qara Yusif to the state court is found guilty for something and is deported to Timurid Azerbaijan. With War with the Byzantines we send 30,000 troops to our border with Constantinople and demand for them to end the war and pay us for the war.
 * Serbia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 300 mosques mostly in the South. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population Troops are trained in Serbia rising the army to 4000.
 * Wallachia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 200 mosques mostly in the South, and reciting peasants for the army. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population. the army is rising to 2000.
 * Landgraviate of Hesse: Happy to still have his head, Louis I, sets about to finding a wife. Dignitaries are sent to the neighboring German regions of Frankfurt and Mainz to attempt to secure a union (Mod response). Money is put toward churches and monasteries to ensure the growth of the Faith. Do to the risk of threat from the aftermath of the Pagan Purge, men devoted to the Church and God are conscripted to form town guards that answer directly to Louis I.
 * Kalmar Union
 * Norway: Bergen has risen to an astounding 18,000 people with massive growth over the last couple years with many peasants moving to the city to seek new economic opportunities. With Papal Fundings for Scientae Dei continue to come in with info about classics such as Dante Alligeri Divine comedy and many other important and fascinating works of art. Scientae Dei begins to inspire many great works of literature and art. With Bergen's Growth as a city Scientae Dei sets up a branch in their named Creandi Dei (Creativity of God) this is more focused on works of art and such. With economic growth from trade flowing through our ports the nobility begins to purchase more public subject. House Gyldenløve begins to gain influence in the Norwegian courts with them rising to promience in the privy council. Conversions of Northern pagans continues with Christianity growing everyday. Settlement of kola begins with the first town being founded and named Kristby. We repropose the deal to Novgorod that we will accept their peace offer in exchange for them recongizing our claim to Kola as legitimate and not enchroacing on it. The colony on Greenland continues to develop with a couple settlers coming in. Fishing continues in Iceland with minor growth Our navy is expanded by 30 galleons 15 exploration ships and 45 merchant ships
 * Sweden: We continue expanding our infrastructure and modernizing our army. We continue the colonization of the Northern lands with grant from Queen Margaret. We ask Oldenburg for trade deals. We continue integrating Gotland and the Bank of St. Birgitta is created. We promote it as the new bank for the Baltic Sea Trade and make several offers to Novgorod, the Teutonic Orders, the Pomeranian states, Denmark, Norway, Hamburg, Norway and Holland. (MOD RESPONSE for the Pomeranian states) We declare that Gotland will be ruled autonomously from the mainland, allowing it to have mercantilic laws. We begin expanding our navy as well, and continue Christianizing the pagan Finns in our territory. We begin the expanding of Stockholm, promoting art and architecture and knowledge. We continue our trade deals with the Teutonic Order, Hamburg and Holland. We accept the trade deal with Holland.  We recall all troops from the crusade. We open up a Scientiae Dei branch in Uppsala, the exile Jan Hus is employed there.
 * Queen Margrethe of Denmark: 1405 marks the 2nd year of peace since the Hessian Crusade, and it is a year of great flourishing in science, art, theology, literature, naval design, and economics as new sources of knowledge flow through the University of Copenhagen and there is a great revival and interest in various subjects. Yes, this is indeed a Renewal for humanity, a New Era, the beginning of a New Age. Developments in the blast furnace are made as well as research into military weapons and new ships are made. Developments in economics are also made, which improve money made from trade and taxation  I am elated to see these developments happen in my nation. I continue to order the build up of the navy with 100 ships, 50 trade ships and 50 warships. We continue to expierence wealth through trading, and we set up a branch of the Bank of St. Birgitta in Copenhagen. Eric of Pomerania remains in the Teutonic Order with 3300 men and advances to the Pomeranian border. I am elated with the selection of the new Pope, Innocent VII and I am eager to have him arrive in Copenhagen.
 * Holstein: Development of infrastructure and military continues.


 * In the Duchy of Milan, the integration of Florence and Venice is the primary focus of Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti. He marries his eldest son and heir, Gian Maria, to Margherita degli Albizzi, daughter of Rinaldo, the local ruler of Florence. He also betrothes his youngest son, Filippo Maria, to the daughter of the former Doge of Venice, Caterina Cornaro. This creates greater legitimacy for the Duchy's reign over Vencie and Florence, two famously independent city-states. Additionally, the policy of respecting local customs continues to prevail in Florence and Venice, along with other conquered city-states. Meanwhile, Gian Galeazzo continues to act as a patron of the arts, employing thousands of artisans on the Duomo di Milano and the Certosa di Pavia. He also orders the copying of many rare manuscripts that spanned the reign of the Romans to Charlemagne for his personal library.
 * Empire of the Great Ming: With the defeat of the Timurids and Mongolians, the Yongle Emperor is revered amongst the people of China as a god. The Emperor orders the First National Bank of China to be set up and pegged to Japanese precious metals. Five six-masted merchant junks with 10,000 rifles (muskets) and 20,000 repeating crossbows are sent to Japan via Okinawa. Court officials request that the Korean princedom open a mine in Northern Korea in search of more precious metals to supply the bank. Rifles are sent to Korea to reinforce rifle battalions in the Northern Areas. Emissaries are sent to Bhutan to arrange for it being incorporated and protected by the Great Ming. The great eunuch sailor Zheng He is sent on a mission to Malacca to trade spices and explore the surrounding area. The Five-Step Military and Navy Improvement Project continues, which more war junks being churned out and more rifles, swords and cannons being produced. Scientists continue to attempt to create new inventions that would make the lives of the people of China much more convenient.
 * Novgorod Republic: With the surrender of Moscow, the Boyar Republic of Novgorod declares the rest of the year a year of mourning and celebration. The Muscovian souls lost to the Golden Horde, the Timurids, and the Novgorodian conquest of Moscow itself are commemorated in Moscow and in Novgorod in a Divine Liturgy. The boyars convene in November to discuss the future of the Russian states, given the recent consolidation of the realm. As of the 31st of December, the boyars are still discussing how this Russian state is governed. There is currently a deadlock between a monarchy and a republic, with the popular compromise appearing to be a republic with a representative monarch, yet nothing is formal as of yet. In the meantime, expansion into Karelia begins, with hopes of reaching Kola fueling efforts. The economy of Novgorod expands thanks to the tireless efforts of merchants in the Baltic Sea, along with those along the many Russian rivers. The military is also bolstered with new equipment. Generals study the tactics of Timur himself, hoping to reconstruct them and use them in combat. Stronger trade deals with Sweden and Norway are proposed in the diplomatic world, while Novgorod wishes to expand relations with the Russian states to the south.
 * Bradenburg-Morovia-Luxembourg: Jobst and his wife finally produce a male heir who is named Johann von Luxembourg. With his succession secure Jobst begins to increase his involvement in regional politics. He begins to reinforce his position in Bradenburg and Luxembourg raising investment in trade and infrastructure in these parts and offers Bohemia a deal to trade Morovia For Silesia in the hopes of ending the internal disputes of the house and swears to renounce all claims to the throne of Bohemia if they renounce claims to Brandenburg and Luxembourg. Jobst declares allegiance to the new emperor and promises to support their claims at all costs. Trade agreements are offered to Denmark, Poland and to the Dutch states as the Margrave's focus aims more toward Northern Germany and to the lowlands. Jobst employs Frederick of the House of Hohenzollern from the small county of Nurenburg to serve in his court as an advisor. Some of the ideas of reformists within the Bohemian clergy are looked upon with interest by members of Jobst's court. Jobst in secret requests that Bohemia respond and throws in the promise that he will vote for Bohemia in the next election. Konrad's work is read with intense interest and and offer to fund the strategist to help reform the Bradenburgan and Luxembourgish militar (mod Response, please).
 * Holland: The Friso-Hollandic wars continue to go like they did on OTL. Count Albert builds another 25 ships for trade with other nations around the area. The military of the nation builds another 25 ships for war. Around the capital city a brick wall is continuing to be build to stop intruders. About a thousand guards watch the city for safety reasons. The troops we can rally is now standing at 10,000 troops. Agriculture goes well in our nation with many farms going into surplus this year again. On all major rivers we have a toll stop at each city. A dry port is continuing to be built so we can increase the production of building ships for our nation's navy, trade sailors, and fisher men. The first bank of Holland is continuing to be built in the capital city of Amsterdam. The construction of the largest church continues in the capital. Posted for lovely Scar by yours truly, AM.

1406
''' The Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven are both established in China. '''

''' Renowned Muslim scholar Ibn Khaldun dies. '''

''' The current Caliph, Al-Mutawakkil I, dies. '''

''' Hus begins preaching in northern Sweden. '''

''' Pomerania accepts the trade offers of Kalmar, noting considerable ties between the two. '''

 Timur dies from illness after returning from China, and is laid in his grand Mausauleum in Samarkand 

''' ATTENTION: The_Epic_Dragon has posted as two nations (Roman Empire and Bavaria) and thus, broke the rules of PMIV. He is to stick to one nation, or face punishment ''' FIXED sorry about that - Epic


 * Duchy of Burgundy: with the death of Duchess Joanna of Brabant and Limburg (this is the OTL year of her death), both those duchies pass to Duke Philip, as per the agreement in the Treaty of Trier. About a month after the inheritance, however, Duke Philip succumbs to his years-long illness and dies in his sleep. His eldest son, John, who led the Burgundian forces in the Hessian Crusade, succeeds him as Duke of Burgundy, Brabant and Limburg, Count Palatine of Burgundy, and Count of Flanders and Artois. Duke John immediately sets about consolidating his rule in the new territories, using the Papal-written Treaty of Trier to secure the support of the nobles. He also continues his fathers naval expansion project.


 * Timurid Empire:  Emperor Shahrukh Mirza started his glorious reign over his Empire, and designated his son Ulugh Beg as his heir. The latter had immediately set out to work as he imposed a tax system upon the local people which he referred to as the mansabdari system. This allowed the Empire to harvest and cultivate a much larger surplus of wheat and other crops which in turn made it much less liker of the Sultanate facing any food shortage. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Meanwhile, thousands of men were conscripted into the military from Persia, Tabriz, Transoxiana and the surrounding regions to properly engage in combat, and to annihilate the opponents.  With Timur's death, Shahrukh Mirza declared himself the new Emperor, being Timur's selected heir. His sons, the Governor of Persia, Ulugh Beg and the Governor of Transoxiana, Ibrahim Mirza pledged their fealty to their father. Miran Shah, the Governor of Circassia, however, rose up in revolt, and was supported by his son, Khalil Sultan who was the Governor of Tabriz and Azerbaijan, and was the actual orchestrator behind the revolt. Meanwhile, Pir Muhammad, the Governor of Crimea declared independence; claiming himself as the Khan of Crimea. The civil war started soon after with Miran Shah marching his armies upon Crimea. Meanwhile, Khalil Sultan began to fortify his Kingdom to defend against the eventual invasion by Alaud Daula and Ulugh Beg. 
 * ​Jalayirid Sultanate: Sultan Alaud Daula continued his reign over the Sultanate. Acting as a vassal to the Timurid Sultanate, he was now directly answerable to Timur and his temporary regent, Shahrukh Mirza. The military has designed along the same lines as the Timurid military, and men were conscripted to act as as the military for the state. Meanwhile, the Mamluk province of Hatay and the Ottoman vassals were integrated into the Jalayirid Sultanate. The Sultan himself made sure to wipe out all remnants and supporters of the Ag Qoyunlu and Kara Qoyunlu. Jalayirid authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at İskenderun. With the death of Timur, Sultan Alaud Daula pledged allegiance to Shahrukh Mirza, him being Timur's selected heir. 
 * Grand Boyardom of Russia: On January 12, the boyars of Novgorod establish the Grand Boyardom of Russia, a republic of various Russian constituencies, including Novgorod, Moscow, Tver, and Rostov. The boyardom is led by a Grand Prince, who acts as a figurehead in diplomatic meetings. This representative of the Boyardom has a permanent seat on the Krug (literally 'the circle'), the formal body of boyars representing each constinuent state. The first meeting of the Krug takes place in the Novgorod Kremlin that day, to officially declare the Boyardom. The first order of business for the Krug is the unification of the remaining Russian states. On January 18th, the Krug elects Ivan Dmitriyevich to become the first Grand Prince of Russia. Despite being from Moscow, and son of Vasily III to boot, his Rurikid descent makes him a prime candidate to represent the people of Russia itself. He is coronated on the 22nd of January and immediately begins touring Tver, Rostov, and Moscow to affirm their loyalty. In Rostov, he is noted as saying 'The Golden Horde that oppressed Russia is gone at long last. Now is the time for Russians to unite under one banner, lest we fall captive to foreign powers once more. Chernigov, Ryazan, Smolensk, any Trubetsk are invited to join the Grand Boyardom of Russia. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED <3)
 * Kalmar Union: Queen Magrethe of Denmark celebrates the creation of the new Russian state and we wish to maintain the friendly relations we had with Novgorod, primarily the 20-year Non-Aggression Pact and the extensive trade agreement. 
 * Chernigov and Smolensk refuse. Ryazan and Trubetsk will agree if their Princes maintain sovereign rule
 * In Sakha, Oyus, now aging and devoid of sons, begins to be concerned about the succession. His four daughters, the youngest of whom (Temur) is too young to rule, may not be able to get broad support, as females, to rule in his name, but Oyus does not want to hand his nation over to any of their husbands. Oyus therefore reveals a supposedly long-held document, supposedly written by the Yellow Emperor, and later, even more implausibly, reissued by Genghis Khan, granting the "line of Oyus and their Khanate of Sakha" rule as his representative over "all of the Uriankhahai north of Baikal" in perpetuity; Uriankahai, meaning "forest peoples", was the Mongol term for all of the northern Siberian tribes. Many consider this a forgery, noting Oyus' line had no prominence until well after Genghis' death and that no one in Sakha could read until 1400, but, quickly dubbed "the Grant of Chinghis", the document legitimizes the succession of Oyus' daughters. A new term is also coined for the expansion of Sakha; "aradsilerin toh lama", or "the gathering of the lands". Expansion of Sakha continues, mainly northward up the Lena, as the new Tatar vassal is still being organized and pacified. Large numbers of landless men are encouraged to migrate north to populate the new lands; in other areas, smaller, existing bands of Yakuts join the new state. Buddhist monks continue to spread across Siberia, to Buryats, Evenks, and Koryaks; immigration of Manichaeans, Vajryana Buddhists and Nestorians continues. Meanwhile, in Ulya, merchants have successfully constructed numerous small ships based off of observation of Korean and Japanese ships. These are small, shallow-draft, and incapable of blue-water sailing, but they do enable fishing and some limited trade with the Evenks along the nearby coast. Finally, Oyus dispatches and envoys with large amounts of gold and furs to the Chagatai Khanate; he is to request a male member of the royal Chagatai line to marry Oyus' daughter. Obviously, this is not an attractive prospect and so the envoy is ordered to use the wealth sent with him as bribes and to ask only for distant cousins or inconvenient siblings who the Khan will be happy to send to Siberia for money. (Mod Response for Chagatai)
 * ​The Chagatai Khan has only two daughters who have more important betrothals. A more distant relative would be interested if Oyus payed more money
 * Oyus clarifies that he is looking for males, rather than females; he sends a second envoy with an additional cartload of furs and another of gold, and assures that Khan that any member of the Chagatid line, of any age or intelligence, is acceptable. Privately, he sends a letter noting that this would be a good opportunity for the Khan to get rid of any family embarrassments.
 * The Crown of Aragon continues to mobilise and expand our military, especially our navy. We have heard of the military wonder that is the cannon, and wish to equip our armies and ships with these new weapons, and the King offers a reward of 10 pounds of gold to any engineer who can provide us with a viable design for a cannon or who can offer related services to our military (MOD RESPONSE) . Our navy currently has five large warships almost ready for battle, and our growing army currently has 20,000(?) soldiers out of our population of 1.2 million. We welcome the new Pope Innocent VII and request advice from the Holy See on a holy war against the dangerously worsening threat of Islam in North Africa. We also ask the Pope what he would like us to do with our prisoner, the former sntipope.
 * Infrastructure: We continue expansion of our shipyards to allow us to accelerate naval expansion. More young citizens are encouraged to find work in the shipyards or in the Navy; we plan to strengthen our position as a naval power.
 * Diplomacy: We wish to continue to improve relations between us and Genoa. We thus offer to establish a new Aragonese-Genoese agricultural trade agreement, trading Aragonese foods such as wheat, barley, fruit and/or grapes, in return for Genoese wine and/or olive oil.
 * Epirotan Dip: We ask Aragon for some some cattle, wheat and bulls, in return we can provide Aragon some feta, as well as a trade agreement. We also ask for some missionaries, to help us in our efforts to convert the people of Epirus to Roman Catholicism.
 * Aragonese Dip: We agree to Epirus' request, and dispatch ten missionaries to Epirus, as well as the first batch of wheat and five live cows to Epirus to stimulate its agriculture as per the terms of the trade agreement.
 * Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo):  This year began the long period of exile for Al-Najm, as the child remained captive of the Egyptian raiders in Herakropolis, carefully mentored by the holy man Bahira. In Cairo, just as the Sultan has been reaching majority, the Vizier Jafar Abu Sufyan led a massive coup which took over the Citidel and put the Sultan in prison, during the month of January. Many of the Mamluk beys who previously feuded among each other now saw the power Jafar had risen to, and they began plotting togething to free the Sultan. But when Jafar heard of this in July, he ordered the Sultan Al-Nasr to be murdered in prison and his body fed to his own dogs. Then Jafar claimed the Sultanate for himself, imposing ruthless taxes and fines to curb the power of the other Mamluk beys and suppress the Arab people. Rumors continued that Al-Ankabut still roamed in Syria, now with a reduced band of 40 theives. In response, Jafar sent many expeditions to hunt for Al-Ankabut in Syria. The Coptic church is greatly persecuted at this time. The Pope of Alexandria sends dipomatic envoys to the Emperor of Ethiopia, confirming the spread of the Christian Church and asking the Emperor acknowledge the Pope as the supreme head of the Churches in Africa, while the Emperor is head of temporal authority.
 * Genoa: Marco Visconti and the Visconti family continue to grow in populatrity after the victory agiasnt Genoa. With the fall of Venice Venetian shipbuilders are relocated to Genoa and the Genovese arsenal which continues to expand taking up much of the coast outside of Genoa. The bank of St. George continues to expand. Major investment begins in Corsica as well as spreding of the Ligurainan language there.A secret request is sent to the elite of Cyprus asking them to rebel because of the increased government spending.
 * RNG - No.
 * ​Neapolitan Diplomacy: We ask for an alliance with Genoa.
 * Epirotan Dip: We ask Genoa to help us in our campaign against the Albanian brigand clans that rule over Arta with some mercs, as their savage habits of raiding, robbing and raping are disrupting trade, offering them privilages in return, like being exempted from tariffs and ports being available to dock and ressuply their ships.
 * Genoa Dip: The bank of St. George merc company is deployed.
 * Aragonese Dip: We wish to continue to improve relations between us and Genoa. We thus offer to establish a new Aragonese-Genoese agricultural trade agreement, trading Aragonese foods such as wheat, barley, fruit and/or grapes, in return for Genoese wine and/or olive oil.
 * Despotate of Epirus: Esau de' Buondelmonti march with his 600(?) troops, personally leading them against the Albanian brigand clans that rule over Arta. We start fortifying and improving Ioannina, its fortifications and its walls as well as fortifying and improving Igoumenitsa and its port in order to increase trade with the Italian states. Rural populations flock under the safety of the protected walls to escape the wrath of the Albanian brigand clans that lurk in the area and their savage habits of raiding, robbing and raping, as a result these safe heavens that get overcrowded by refuges. We establish a new currency the Phoenix. We start converting the state to Roman Catholicism, although peacefully. Population stands at 80,000(?). We offer a trade agreement to the Ottoman Empire. We ask Constantinople for an alliance. We ask the Pope for an archbishopric.
 * Ragusa Dip: We offer the Epirotes a ship in exchange for a port in their lands.
 * Epirotan Dip: We give Ragusa said port in exchange for the ship. [Pls specify which port do you want]
 * Naples: A daughter is born to King Ladislaus and Battista Malatesta, whom is named Mary after the former Queen of Hungary. We continue to pull out our troops from Greece and being to disband the regiments, which pleases Ladislaus's already cynical vassals. We continue to ask Genoa, Milan, and the Papal State for a grand alliance and we accept Epirus's deal to become our loose vassal state.
 * Epirus Dip: We offer Naples to become their loose vassal as well as privilages, like being exempted from tariffs and ports available to dock and ressuply their ships, shall they give us some ships.
 * Neapolitan Diplomacy: We accept the deal from Epirus.
 * Epirus Dip: We ask Naples to help us in our campaign against the Albanian brigand clans that rule over Arta with some mercs, as their savage habits of raiding, robbing and raping are disrupting trade, offering them privilages in return, like being exempted from tariffs and ports being available to dock and ressuply their ships.
 * Korea (under Chinese suzerainty as a protectorate): With royal rule effectively consolidated and centralised, Yi Bang-won can now to focus entirely toward his modernisation-oriented policies. His royal consort, Queen Wonggyeong gives birth to her first daughter and her fourth child, naming her Princess Yi Hyo-rin. Korea, under Chinese aid and suzerainty, continues development as a command economy under Yi Bang-won with input from his loyal state councillors and advisors. With Korea no longer obliged to send tribute, he repeals the law that restricts the production of luxury goods derived from precious metals. The metallurgical industries are brought under full state-control and are further developed, with the erection of more blast furnaces, with monetary incentives attracting skilled labourers to work within these establishments. The smelted iron and are used in the creation of high quality armour, tools, and weaponry. Under the request of the Ming government, the expansion of mining activities in Korea is well underway, specifically those in the northern Hamgyeong province, which holds extensive deposits of gold, iron ore, and silver. Most of the mined metals, especially silver, are sent to China to supply their newly constructed banks. A Korean branch of the Chinese National Bank is scheduled to be opened within a year, though Yi Bang-won remains reluctant on fully replacing coinage in favour of paper money. Inspired by the teachings of Confucius, Yi Bang-won continues the entrenchment of neo–Confucian customs, ideals, and work ethic, though at the cost of native shamanic and Buddhist beliefs. The activities of Buddhist missionaries and Korean shamans legally continue, but are monitored with suspicion and now compete with neo–Confucian missionaries. He stresses the importance of education, encouraging those within the national civil service program and those of the upper castes (the yangban, chung-in, and the sang-in) to partake in education. Numerous libraries and universities are constructed within major Korean settlements, equipped with the latest knowledge adopted from Chinese texts. Under a new policy that aims to claim lands once owned by the Korean Kingdoms of Balhae, Goguryeo and Gojoseon, as well as to pacify and assimilate the Jurchens, Yi Bang-won expands Korean territory farther north, establishing three castles lining the Yalu River to protect the Korean people from their attacks. Korean troops that are deemed skilled are supplied muskets and rifles given from China, though Korean weaponry continues to be in mainstream use. More ships, especially those stemming from Chinese designs, but also Korean panokseon, gwaseon, and bigeodo, and gunpowder weapons such as hwacha, cannons, and multiple-rocket-launchers, hand cannons, are made. With the Koreans participating with Ming naval exercises in the East Sea and more ships built, Korean maritime presence is strengthened in the Korea Strait and the Eastern Sea.
 * Kingdom of Tondo: Envoys are sent to the courts of Brunei and Majapahit, to encourage increased trading between our two maritime states (mod response please). Tondo continues to expand south, and sends a thousand and a half settlers to northern Samar Island across the narrow strait to claim it in the name of Tondo. Seven blast furnaces around the capital are built to augment the increasing iron and mettalurgy industries of Tondo, and paved roads to and from Maynila are built to connect the Kingdom together. Rajah Gamgang starts to consolidate his power in the capital and orders all political opponents to be a part of the settling process enacted upon Tondo in the nearby islands, primarily to keep them away from seizing or threatening his power. In the villages and towns, a small council made up of the richest landowner, the fiercest warrior, the village chief, and 27 other people of noteworthy abilities and capabilities, is assigned by Gambang to effectively govern their town, as long as the Small Council's decisions do not interfere with the Rajah's laws and wishes. This pseudo-federal system is implemented in almost all towns, villages, and cities except Maynila, which is the personal ruling of the Rajah, and where the Small Council members are merely advisors to the Rajah. The port of Maynila is expanded.
 * Benin: Okpara Maduka and his entourage leave Timbuktu after spending much of the year in the city documenting the cultures and history of the Mali people and their empire. Purchasing maps, books, and salt, Okpara and his group leave the city for Morocco, where they wish to trade salt for other items to fund their journey. After a month long trek across the Sahara, Okpara's band stops in Marrakesh to pay their respects to Ibn Buttata, who's adventures inspired Okpara's own. Trading in the city and spending time with the locals, Okpara documents the customs of the Arab and Berber traders in the city, as well as the Iberian merchants they encountered trading with the Muslims. During their stay in the northern city of Tangiers, Okpara witnesses the great ships of the Castilians in the city trading goods with the Moroccans, and finds himself in awe of the great industries of the city, totally unknown to his people outside of the city of Edo. He takes it upon himself to remain in Tangiers for the rest of the year, seeking to learn from the locals about their ways and their economy. Back home, Prince Ogun continues his studies, having come to understand quite fully mathematics and literature, and having been confirmed by his teachers as being able to teach others such knowledge. Ogun expresses his desire to continue studying astronomy and the sciences, as well as approaching the theologians in his keep about their religions for a debate on the ethnics and merits of both. Prince Uwaifaikon ambitions for a great fleet continue to grow to fruition as additional oké are built in Bioko. Upon his recommendation, his father the Oba instructs his people to build a port for the vessels in the town of Eko (modern-day Lagos), where full-scale construction of seafaring vessels of all sizes shall take place. Having been notified of the expectations of such a city by both Prince Ogun and Okpara Maduka from there visits to similar cities, Uwaifaikon seeks to exploit the town's natural harbor to his advantage. Furthermore, Prince Uwaifaikon transfers his navigation school and students, seeking to spearhead the growth of the fleet and his school from the new port city. The Edo explorers left in Kongo return home with many goods and slaves, and express their good time in the kingdom to the prince. Noting the friendliness of the people and their king, the warriors state that establishing long-term contact with the Kongolese would be of great benefit to the empire, an assessment the Oba agrees with. Diplomats from Benin are sent to Kongo to establish formal ties between the two nations. Elsewhere, Prince Uwaifaikon's close friend and second-in-command, Ezeani, is instructed to take part in a western expedition to learn of the lands to Benin's west beyond Oyo. Knowledge of this region is limited, but the Oba and the prince wish to know what riches could be gained in the region. Ezeani complies, and he and 120 men depart from Eko in six epeepe to the lands beyond Oyo. The expedition sails up the Volta River as far north as they can go, encountering members of the Akan people, who attack them. Sixteen warriors are slain by the inhabitants, and Ezani is wounded by the Akan. However, the superior steel armor and weapons of the Edo turn the tide of battle during the trek, and the Edo escape the region with knowledge of the land. Several Akan are captured by the Edo, and interrogated by the Edo warriors about their lands before being sent into slavery. With the knowledge they have about the Akan homelands, the information is added to the map commissioned by the Oba, and the region barred for further exploration by the Oba. However, exploration of the seas beyond the Akan lands is permitted.
 * (I might live to regret this but...) The Kongolese receive the Benin diplomats.
 * Chimu Empire: A citizen of the Chimu capitol of Chan Chan notices a rock rolling down a hill in while watching his children play, noticing how quicky the rock moved and how it was shaped, he starts making attempts to replicate the rocks smoothness, taking many tries and numerous weeks of effort to shape the stone to his wishes, he creates a crude wheel, the first in the Empire. Soon he starts using it to create small carts drawn by lamas with the help of some of his friends, and the invention soon starts to spread across the city. The Empire begins working on increasing its military and expands southward along the coast.
 * Order of Knights Hospitaller: Grand Master Philibert sends a letter congratulating Innocent VII, assuring him of the Order's unwavering support, and subtly hinting that the Hospitaller candidate for a Red Hat would be an excellent choice. The ships whose hulls were laid down last year near completion by the end of the year, with many of the young knights eager to emulate their Brothers in Hesse by noble acts of courage on cruises in the new ships. In European news, a new Commandry is opened up in Hesse, with work beginning on fortifying a pre-existing building. One of the veterans of the Crusade who distinguished himself in battle is made Commander.
 * Teutonic Order: Coastal outposts are being constructed with large signal fires used to inform other outposts and castles that danger is present from the coast. The idea is similar with increasing the border posts, so as to better response time with knight-brothers to be able to defend Teutonic lands. In order to protect and facilitate more trade, another small fleet of  twenty ships  is being constructed and will be finished within one to two years. Fortresses at Marienburg, Königsberg, Wenden, and Rehden see constructions of additional armories and state blacksmithies, financed and designed by Trapier Sven Achen. This will allow for more retinues and men-at-arms to be fully clothed and armed for conflicts. Hochmesiter Von Jungengin orders the construction of a large cathedral in Marienburg named Saint Mary's Holy Cathedral over the Order of German Brothers as a tribute to the state of the Teutonic Order being focused mainly Prussia and Livonia.


 * Mogadishu: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Fabric and wares factories continue to expand. We further expand toward the Jubba River, as canals, dikes, and ditches are being built. The land surrounding the Jubba-Shebelle Rivers become more fertile. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. The Royal Marines continues training in on ship fighting, ship maneuver and attack, amphibious landing and general fighting. Ali continues, finding the nation of Zimbabwe. We recall our five warships in the Bahmanids. Our sailors, after searching in the Yangtze River Delta, successfully found a porcelain artisan and a group of silk weavers to come to Mogadishu, bringing with them mulberry leaves and silkworm cocoons.
 * Mogadishu Diplomacy to Ming: We thank Ming's gift and in return, would like to offer most favorable trade status to Ming merchants in Mogadishu (Ming merchants would be given the same tariff as a Mogadishu merchant). Our sailors thank the emperor's gratitude and stays in Beijing before returning home with new goods, including tea, gunpowder, repeating crossbows and blast furnaces.
 * The Crown of Castile continues to develop its navy. Queen Regent Catherine continues many of the policies of her husband, despite the Aristocrats attempts to use her as a puppet, she resists their influence and continues to weaken their hold on the nation. The policy toward Muslims continues, with an aditional 3000 deaths, 6000 converstions, and 15,000 deportations. 3000 Castilians arrive this year. The census conducted last year has the results published, with a popualtion of 4.25 million. In terms of forgein policy, Catherine continues here search for a royal consort for Henry IV, sending offers out to all European Nations of the one true faith. In a secret offer to the Timurids, Castile offers to sell eight ships to the nation for unmolested acess to the spice trade routes. The Queen justifies this to her small council by saying that missionaries could use the trade routes to spread the Christian Faith. Castile also seeks to solidify her alliance with Aragon, citing mutal concerns over the Islamic threat in North Africa. Queen Catherine looks into the prospect of Cannons, and sets Castile's greatest minds to interpreting the concept.
 * Aragon welcomes the soldification of our brotherly alliance. We belatedly offer our condolences for the death of Henry III, and Ferdinand I sends an emotional letter of apology to the Queen.
 * Sultan Shahrukh Mirza of the Timurid Empire accepts the offer, granting Castile access to the spice trade routes. The Sultan, however, demands that Castile leaves behind a group to help Timurid authorities in ship building.


 * Cologne: Trade is now going very well in Cologne, so Archbishop Friedrich III puts a small tax on exports and is able to raise enough money with this levy, along with what it was given for taking part in the Hessian Crusades, to pay Bohemia back the loan from 1404. Construction on the hospital slows slightly, because any further plans are being put through a review process to ensure they are particularly useful plans for facilities at the very forefront of medicine. To supplement this process, the archbishop writes a letter to all the universities in Germanic regions to call for the best physicians in the land to join the conference hosted by Cologne in July. Friedrich III notes that these physicians will be able to speak to and learn from other gifted physicians and further advance their knowledge, while also contributing ideas toward improvements for the grand new hospital in Cologne. Meanwhile, the archbishop funds the building of better weapons and armour in Westphalen, as promised. Meanwhile, the young Gunther von der Marck makes the journey from Westphalen to Cologne to become a canon in the Archbishopric. Finally, the archbishop writes to Sweden personally upon hearing about Jan Hus preaching, and enquires as to what action has been taken with regards to suppressing the ways of this infidel.
 * Essen: Finally, the infirmary in Essen is complete. Adelphina I makes a speech at its opening, naming it the Cosmas und Damian Krankenstation, or the “Infirmary of Cosmas and Damian”, after Essen’s patron saints, who are well-known for miraculously sewing an Ethiopian’s leg onto a white patient’s body, among other miracles they performed. The opening is a joyous day in Essen: for the rest of the year, the welfare of the poorer people in Essen begins to improve. Furthermore, Adelphina sends her most learned canoness regular, Sofia, to the conference in Cologne as an observer. The other canonesses continue to write down Adelphina’s teachings in the book of guidance.
 * Hungary: We continue to build military strength, infrastructure, and fortifications along with peasant soldiers. We ask the Papal States for support as we send missionaries to the Holy Lands of the south.
 * Croatia: Fortifications, infrastructure, and military strength continue to be built.
 * Cilli: Fortifications, infrastructure, and military strength continue to be built.
 * Janus King of Cyprus and Jerusalem sends word to both the Roman and Avignon papacy informing them that Cyprus will give support to whoever helps us retake Palestine. The Cypriot wall is going well with the northernmost part finished.
 * Empire of Japan: Yoshimitsu and Yoshimochi see some issue with the transformation of many of the pirates into merchant shipping and merchant protection as some faltering occurs. This is quietly and quickly put down as the Shoguns navy slams the nearly 30 ships which renegged on their agreement and brutally executes them. Any other pirates which were considering leaving or reneging on their agreements subsequently cancel their plans for fear of the brutal and extremely dishonoarble death they were given. With the Chinese establishment of banks pegged to traded Japanese gold and silver (and assumed also some Korean Gold and silver to fill in the gaps) the Japanese see some influx of chinese goods as result, many of them highly demanded by nobles and high ranking merchant families alike. The Chinese influx of weapons such as their rifles, ships, and repeting crossbows are immediately put to use specifically with the taking apart of some of these rifles to begin figuring out how they work and working on building a Japanese variant of the guns. With increasing demand from China the gold and silver mines in Shizuoka and its surrounding areas is scaled up to try to bring more gold and silver out of the mines themselves. This expansion to higher yield potential is expected to be compelted by 1415. The Japanese receiving of Chinese ships as well sees one of them heavily studied to be reverse engineered and rebuilt. The Japanese, however, do load up the other nine ships and with returning knowledge of the new island of Taiwan split off a fleet of three of these massive chinese ships are sent with a large survey party to begin mapping out the new territory. The other ships are sent with Japanese settlers to Okinawa and the surrounding islands with the entire Ryukyu chain now under Japanese control. Okinawa in general sees nearly 3000 settlers which are brought on the large settlement which was built off the chinese ships sent. Hokkaido sees some smaller settlement as well as the border pushes slightly farther north into hokkaidos heartland. The Ashikaga clan continues to grow in strength but keeps its full strength known in order to keep the Daimyo from feeling to threatened. The Issiki clan previously neutral on the the Teikoku Gikai issue sway to the Ashikaga clan and join the coalition to establish the assembly. The fleets which were all sent out all return with the northern fleet discovering lands to the north including another island (Sakhalin) the first southern fleet mapping out the Chinese coast, and the Third sailing along the island discovering Taiwan and making a minor and underappreciated landfall in unknown lands farther south but return to the Japan planning a later expedition to this land. The knowledge of Taiwan is presented to the Shogun and while a survey group has been sent to gather information the ship captains commissioned by the Shogun say the land is underinhabited with only a few natives being encountered, and that it contact was kept with the mapping fleet along chinas east coast, giving this new land a major boon in being a massive potential Trade point between Japan and their developing Chinese Ally. The Yoshimitsu considers retiring from the public politics in favor of advising his son from behind the scenes and expects to retreat in the next year. The Yoshimochi himself has a son which he names Yoshikazu and begins plans for training his son in the future leadings of a shogun, and a warrior as well
 * Majapahit Empire: (Not sure if this is plausible, but meh, whatever.) The Western and Eastern Houses are at war, and the Empire is in decline. For the past year, the Western Court has sent the Eastern Court into a retreat, and they are just short of the Eastern Palace.......until now......the Battle of Wirabhumi has been a victory for the Eastern Court, and Bhre Tumapel, son of Wikramawardhana is dead, with the forces of the East just barely pushing the invaders out of the palace. With this victory, the Western Court is sent into full retreat and the scattered remnants of the forces of the Eastern Court are forced out of Balanbangan. However, the death Tumapel has made Wikramawardhana vow vengeance and death upon the Eastern Court for the death of his son, and vows to take Bhre Wirabhumi's head in vengeance. As the year passes, the Eastern Court begins to gain ground on the rest of the core territories of the Empire, reaching as far as the Raung volcano, before the start of the next year. Meanwhile, the Western Court begins to consolidate its strength on the capital of the Empire, Trowulan in the event that the Eastern Court can reach the city, constructing fortifications and the like to keep aggressors out of the city.
 * Bahmanids: We are still waiting for a mod response on our ultimatum to Kozhikode and Venad.  Firuz Shah, eager to increase the standing of the Deccan as a cultural center, orders emissaries to be sent to other Muslim nations to bring great scholars of religion and science for the purpose of opening a university in Gulbarga.
 * Kozhikode succumbs to the ultimatum, Venad doesn't.
 * Ayutthaya: Economy, infrastructure and military improves. Under the current king Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat and its ruling Uthong dynasty, he continue to reign the kingdom in his ninth year, to make Thailand great again by building/upgrading roads and cities, and more cities are grown in skyrocket. Even more residential, commercial and other production building are built in cities. He continue the whole nation trading with other Southeastern Asian nations, India and China by land and sea. The number of soldiers in the army decreases to 80,000. With the takeover of Phitsanulok and surrender of Sukhothai in the last year, Ayutthaya merged to fully annex it, with former Thai Sukhothai citizens now became citizens of Ayutthaya.
 * Duchy of Ferrara: Niccolo III D'este, Marquis of Ferrara has become a father with his wife, Gigliola de Carrara, who has given birth to his first son. The young babe will be named Senesio. Ferrara seeks to increase ties with their neighbor, the Duchy of Milan. Secretly, however, he has also had a son with Stella de' Tolomei, named Prisco.
 * Brittany: The new Duke of Brittany, Arthur III, signs the Treaty of Nantes under the guidance of his advisor. The new 12 year old duke needs a wife and sends word to England, asking to marry Blanche, daughter of Henry IV of England. As Duke Arthur is still a minor, his lands are governed by his regent. Many people in Brittany are not fond of Arthur's treaty with France, believing he has given their rights away. However, Arthur insists that the deal has preserved Breton autonomy and that their culture and language will not be harmed or threatened.
 * Bohemia: Wenceslaus V continues his schooling. Construction on the University of Breslau begins. We gladly accept the repayment on the loan given out to Cologne. Efforts are made to increase the trading influence of the city of Prague. The process of Germanization continues in the country. Wenceslaus IV finishes his studies of Roman manuscripts and documents. Emissaries continue to be sent to the Palatinate and Saxony.
 * Holland: The Friso-Hallandic wars continue to go like they did on OTL. Count Albert builds another 25 ships for trade with other nations around the area. The military of the nation builds another 25 ships for war. Around the capital city a brick wall is continuing to be build to stop intruders. About a thousand guards watch the city for safety reasons. The troops we can rally is now standing at 10,000 troops. Agriculture goes well in our nation with many farms going into surplus this year again. On all major rivers we have a toll stop at each city. A dry port is continuing to be built so we can increase the production of building ships for our nation's navy, trade sailors, and fisher men. The first bank of Holland is continuing to be built in the capital city of Amsterdam. The construction of the largest church continues in the capital. Posted for lovely Scar by yours truly, WolfyNail.
 * In the  Duchy of Milan, the integration of Florence and Venice is the primary focus of Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti. A son is born to his eldest son and heir, Gian Maria, and Margherita degli Albizzi, who they call Niccol ò Maria . Additionally, the policy of respecting local customs continues to prevail in Florence and Venice, along with other conquered city-states. Meanwhile, Gian Galeazzo continues to act as a partron of the arts, employing thousands of artisans on the Duomo di Milano and the Certosa di Pavia. He also orders the copying of many rare manuscripts that spanned the reign of the Romans to Charlemagne for his personal library. Posted for lovely Rex by yours truly, WolfyNail.
 * Kingdom of France: The “Deux Lis” Regency continues to focus on keeping France united against foreign threats (specifically the Kingdom of England). France remains relatively stable internally, with no major rivalries or revolts among the vassals or populace. Due Charles’s mental outbreak last year, the regency and estates-general meet and write “Lex Insanus”. The law backs up the regency and basically states that a two-person regency will rule until Charles death. It cements Charles’s role as more of a figurehead, although he still retains all of his noble titles and awards. The regency is happy about the success of Vital de Castelmaurou (Archbishop of Toulouse) in becoming a cardinal to represent France. France remains uneasy about the English peace and continues to bolster and reinforce French garrisons and forts near English holdings. Most of the French armies are also stationed toward the English border. France begin to gather our relatively small navy at ports near Honfleur at the base of the Seine, where they begin to slowly expand the French navy by adding more galleys. In February, John V Montfort, Duke of Brittany is invited to see his betrothed maiden in Caen during a dinner. Servants put poison in his drink and rush him off to bed. The seventeen year old ended up not drinking a lot for dinner, and the poison was not effective, so eight men rushed into his room, and slaughtered him. A maid heard the screaming but was told to keep to herself. Although there are suspicions of the French crown, there is no evidence to link them to the death, and the fabricated story is that a member of the House of Blois hired the men to kill John (This was already RNGed by MP). With that, the Duke of Brittany is now John’s younger twelve year old brother, Arthur III. With the minor being easily manipulatable and without an immediate regent, Nicolas du Bosc rides to Nantes in Brittany and urges the throne to sign the Treaty of Nantes. This makes the Duchy of Brittany a semi-loose vassal under the French crown. Meanwhile, to cement the new vassalage, Michelle Valois, the King’s daughter is betrothed to Richard Montfort, brother of the young duke. In other diplomatic news, we ask the Kingdom of Scotland if Charles VI’s young son, John can marry Robert’s granddaughter, Isabel. The crown also tries to improve relations with the Papal States.
 * Republic of Ragusa: The Ragusan government discusses trade expansion and comes up with an extensive plan on how to use its position to benefit highly from the events occurring. Although it now has only one rival, Genoa, Ragusa is able to hold its ground due to Hungary. The Ragusans send envoys to Castile to discuss a mutually benefiting agreement in which the highly experienced Ragusan sailors would help the technologically advanced Castilian crown.
 * Castile gladly accepts.
 * Ottoman Empire: With the lost to the Timurids, we give up our vassals in Anatolia to Timur, this causes some of the Sultan sons to see him as a seller of Ottoman lands. The army begins to work on reciting people into the army mostly by getting peasants to join. We accept the alliance with Cairo. and we begin to trade with Cairo and would like to trade with Mogadishu. The number of the army rises up to 30,000. We ask Cairo to accept Tunsi invite and would like to join. We would like to trade with Ethiopia. Our navy begins to work and makes 200 ships. We declare war on Venice and sends 30,000 troops to attack from the south along with 7000 Janasirs.  With War with the Byzantines we send 30,000 troops to our border with Constantinople and demand for them to end the war and pay us for the war. The Sultan works on building Schools across the Ottoman Empire and works on hiring people across the state. The Sultan accept trade with Epirus.
 * Serbia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 400 mosques mostly in the South. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population Troops are trained in Serbia rising the army to 5000.
 * Wallachia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 300 mosques mostly in the South, and reciting peasants for the army. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population. the army is rising to 4000.
 * Kalmar Union:
 * Sweden: We continue expanding our infrastructure and modernizing our army. We continue the colonization of the Northern lands with grant from Queen Margaret. We ask Oldenburg for trade deals and ask Hamburg and the rest of the Hansa for a full reintegration of Visby in the Hansa along with its previous privileges. We continue integrating Gotland. The Bank of St. Birgitta is promoted as the new bank for the Baltic Sea Trade and make several offers to Novgorod, the Teutonic Orders, Denmark, Norway, Hamburg, Norway and Holland. We declare that Gotland will be ruled autonomously from the mainland, allowing it to have mercantilic laws. We begin expanding our navy as well, and continue Christianizing the pagan Finns in our territory. We begin the expanding of Stockholm, promoting art and architecture and knowledge. We continue our trade deals with the Teutonic Order, Hamburg and Holland. We ask Pope Innocent VII about how we should deal with Jan Hus, who has started preaching heresy in Uppsala.
 * Queen Magrethe of Denmark: I am elated that Jakob Gertsen Ulfstand has become a cardinal and I am waiting in great anticipation and excitement of the visit of Pope Innocent VII in Copenhagen. Copenhagen continues to flourish as great minds from all over Europe are assembled in the University and ideas bounce back and forth between them and new discoveries in science are made as well as new works of art being created. I am currently reading many books, including books on statecraft and military, notably  Bellifortis, and I give it to my generals to implement to reform the military. Naval expansion and expansion of Copenhagen continues. An alliance is offered with Pomerania-Stettin and Eric of Pomerania continues to remain in Teutonic lands with his force of 3300 soldiers on the Teutonic-Pomeranian border.
 * Holstein: We continue to receive funds from trading and we use these funds to develop our infrastructure and to train our army extensively.

1407
Karmapa of Tibet visits the Yongle Emperor.

Empress Xu, wife of the Yongle Emperor, passes away.

Grandmaster Jungingen of Livonia passes away.

David Holbache founds the first non-denominational school in Wales.

After the signed truce between Orleans and Burgundy, Duke of Orleans is assassinated ,

Rudolfo Belenzani revolts in Cologne.

To Mods: According to Italian Wikipedia, Rodolfo Belenzani's revolt was in Trento OTL - furthermore, I'm confused as to why this revolt would make sense given the archbishop Friedrich III's persistent attempts to make peace with the people of Cologne for every turn since the beginning of the game. I'm not sure whether it's my place to complain, or whether this is simply a Trento event being transferred to a player country of vaguely similar structure (as an archbishopric), but I would be really grateful if you could please explain this to me some more before the end of 1407 (so that then I can make a post addressing the revolt if necessary). -Nonsensical Journey (Cologne and Essen)
 * Kingdom of France: The “Deux Lis” Regency continues to focus on keeping France united against foreign threats (specifically the Kingdom of England). With the death of Louis of Orléans, his son Charles advances to the throne. Charles I, Duke of Orléans will have a regent in his mother, Valentina Visconti, for two years. The first step that the regents do to attempt to fix the problem is by requesting a meeting between representatives between each duchy in Paris, along with a papal representative to harbor negotiations. They are advised to stay in Paris until negotiations are reached. Secondly, with the backing of the pope, the crown politely asks for the murderer to be extradited to Paris, and dealt with in Parisian courts. The crown knows it was indirect, so the Burgundian duke will not be held completely responsible, but Charles urges the extradition as both men are holy and just, and both have the title, Defender of the Faith. France remains uneasy about the English peace and continues to bolster and reinforce French garrisons and forts near English holdings. Most of the French armies are also stationed toward the English border. France begin to gather our relatively small navy at ports near Honfleur at the base of the Seine, where they begin to slowly expand the French navy by adding more galleys. The crown also tries to improve relations with the Papal States.


 * Duchy of Burgundy: Duke John continues his efforts to bring the economies of Brabant and Limburg into line with the rest of the Burgundian realm. Restrictions on domestic merchants are lowered, allowing them greater freedom to conduct business. The Brabantian capital of Brussels also becomes the seat of Burgundian authority in the Low Countries, in effect become a secondary capital for the realm. The assassination of the Duke of Orleans, of which despite some off-hand comments the Duke himself is completely innocent of, is met with mixed feelings among the Ducal court. One the one hand it removes Burgundys principal rival within the French kingdom. But on the other, the extinction of the Orleans dynasty, and the subsequent absorption of their lands into the Royal demesne, is seen by some as a dangerous centralization that could threaten Burgundys freedom down the road. Duke Johns son, Philip, is among those concerned, but John himself sees an opportunity to control influence in the French court. The trade agreement with Brandenburg-Luxembourg-Moravia is accepted, and the Luxembourgs are also offered an alliance in return.


 * Gurkani Sultanate:  Amir Shahrukh Mirza continued his glorious reign over his Sultanate, and designated his son Ulugh Beg as his heir. The latter had immediately set out to work as he imposed a tax system upon the local people which he referred to as the mansabdari system. This allowed the Empire to harvest and cultivate a much larger surplus of wheat and other crops which in turn made it much less liker of the Sultanate facing any food shortage. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Meanwhile, thousands of men were conscripted into the military from Persia, Tabriz, Transoxiana and the surrounding regions to properly engage in combat, and to annihilate the opponents. The Khan of Crimea, Pir Muhammad would suffer defeat at the Battle of Azov, being forced to retreat further west. The self-declared Khan seeing no other choice would proceed to pledge fealty to Shahrukh Mirza, hoping to secure aid. Meanwhile, Khalil Sultan and his army retreated north; entering Miran Shah's capital of Sarai. Facing little to no resistance, Ulugh Beg would easily capure Tabriz and Azerbaijan. His armies would, however, be pushed back from Caucasus, defeated twice by Khalil Sultan. Ibrahim Mirza would suffer the same fate, with his armies crushed whilst he attempted to march upon Circassia from the East. These defeats would lead to Shahrukh Mirza reorganizing his forces at Astrakhan, seeking to prepare for a major assault. 
 * ​Jalayirid Sultanate: Sultan Alaud Daula continued his reign over the Sultanate. Acting as a vassal to the Timurid Sultanate, he was now directly answerable to Timur and his temporary regent, Shahrukh Mirza. The military has designed along the same lines as the Timurid military, and men were conscripted to act as as the military for the state. Meanwhile, the Mamluk province of Hatay and the Ottoman vassals were integrated into the Jalayirid Sultanate. The Sultan himself made sure to wipe out all remnants and supporters of the Ag Qoyunlu and Kara Qoyunlu. Jalayirid authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at İskenderun, working side by side with Castilian authorities. 
 * Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo):  Sultan Jafar continues his tyrannical rule over the land of Egypt. Rather than turning his attention to the warlords in Upper Egypt and Syria, the Sultan begins working on a massive fleet both in Damietta and the Red Sea. In order to fund this, his increasing taxes and fees extracted massive amounts of money from the beys under his control, as well as robbing the Arab people of their money. Rumors still perssist that Al-Ankabut and his forty theives were secretly saving people still. Furthermore, the Sultan ordered the city of Alexandria to submit to his aurhority and pay the jizya tax. when Pope Matthew stood up against Jafar defiantly this way, he was brutally murdered by the guards. Not willing to tolerate this tyranny any more, seven beys under the leadership of Vizier Izz Al-Addin began secretly plotting Jafar's assassination. Meanwhile, the new Caliph Al-Musta'in began making many great speeches to the Arab people of Egypt and the Mamluk beys, showing them the error of following the rule of Jafar Abu Sufyan.


 * Growth of the Aragonese military is steady, and much progress has been made since the beginning of the century. We now have a grand total of around fifty ships, including twelve large warships. The largest is the Iberia. Our army in preparation for a Holy War with North Africa has grown to a record high of 50,000 soldiers. 1200 sailors are currently employed by the Navy. We once again reiterate our request for trade with Genoa (Please see last turn for details). We unveil plans for a formal alliance between us and our close friend Castile, and hope that they will find the Treaty of Barcelona a beneficial and worthwhile venture to pursue.
 * Diplomacy to the Papal States: We kindly request the blessing of the Holy See to proceed with our Holy War against the Muslims of North Africa.
 * I know I am not supposed to mod Iberia, but you don't just keep 50,000 soliders around. We are still at least 20-30 years out from having standing armies.
 * It is not a standing army. Isn't it logical that you must first grow an army before you can do anything with it?
 * Castile finds the treaty satisfactory and signs it.
 * Chimu Empire: Wheels and carts become widespread throughout the city of Chan Chan and begin spreading to the rest of the empire. The Empire begins working on increasing its military and expands southward along the coast, where construction of roads to aid in the speeding up of carts and wheels to increase trade throughout the empire, and this helps increase trade and troop movement.
 * Grand Boyardom of Russia: The states that accepted Russia's call to unity are happily integrated into the nation, the princes retaining local autonomy as a form of life-long Boyar. Almost immediately, Ivan begins to plot the dismantling of the local princedoms, yet he understands that this is a matter he should not concern himself with at present. His current task involves uniting the Russian states, which will still be no easy feat. The Russian states that refused are condemned by official decree of the Grand Boyardom for standing in the way of Russian progress and unity. War plans on Smolensk and Chernigov are well underway, yet Russia believes that diplomacy is still the way to go. Ustyug and Viatka are invited to the Grand Boyardom, Russia hoping to unite these two. They cite their alliance with Great Perm as an indicator of their intentions. In addition, their ally Great Perm is offered a place in the Grand Boyardom. As these states are much less Russian than the others, the Grand Boyardom plans to unite these three states into one vassal for the time being, rather than completely join Russia itself, yet they are given the option (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). In the meantime, the Danish diplomacy is graciously accepted, Russia looking forward to the coming years of creating a northern power bloc with Scandinavia in the future. A road through Pskov and Prussia is planned, which will aid the economy of Russia. The military is bolstered, new equipment flooding in and new recruits joining every day to unite Russia.
 * Mod response: Great Perm, Ustyug, and Viatka agree to become vassals of the Grand Boyardom. Scr
 * Pskov: We accept the trade offer from Novgorod, as well as the non-aggression pact. However, we are concerned by the expansion of Russia, but decide no action is currently needed. We seek to improve relations with the Teutonic Order and Kalmar Union. We send diplomats to the Kalmar Union to begin to form an alliance with them; no such move is made with the Teutonic Order.
 * Swedish diplomacy: We agree and offer to ensure the independence of Pskov. We also propose a trade agreement with Pskov.
 * Korea, under Chinese aid and suzerainty, continues development as a command economy under Yi Bang-won with input from his loyal state councillors and advisors. Korean metallurgical industries are further developed with the erection of more blast furnaces (mainly in the cities of Hanseong and Busan), with incentives (such as higher wages and exemption from compulsory military service during dire times) attracting skilled labourers to work within these establishments. The smelted iron and are used in the creation of high quality armour, tools, and weaponry. Under the request of the Ming government, the expansion of mining activities continues, specifically those in the northern Hamgyeong province, which holds extensive deposits of gold, iron ore and silver. Most of the mined metals, especially silver, are sent to China to supply their newly constructed banks. A Korean branch of the Chinese National Bank is opened, though Yi Bang-won and the state-council remains reluctant on fully replacing coinage in favour of paper money and begins to boost the production of minted coins while restricting paper money to avoid rampant inflation. He stresses the importance of education, encouraging those within the national civil service program and those of the upper castes (the yangban, chung-in, and the sang-in) to partake in education. Numerous libraries and universities are constructed within major Korean settlements, equipped with the latest knowledge adopted from Chinese texts. Korean troops that are deemed skilled (determined through state exams) are supplied muskets and rifles given from China, though Korean weaponry continues to be in mainstream use. More ships, especially those stemming from Chinese designs, but also Korean panokseon, gwaseon, and bigeodo, and gunpowder weapons such as hwacha, cannons, and multiple-rocket-launchers, hand cannons, are made. With the Koreans participating with Ming naval exercises in the East Sea and the consolidation of power on the Liaoncourt, Jeju, and Ulleung islands, Korean maritime presence is strengthened in the Korea Strait and the Eastern Sea. Under a new policy that aims to claim lands once owned by the Korean Kingdoms of Balhae, Goguryeo and Gojoseon, as well as to pacify and assimilate the Jurchens, Korea expands further north through the Yalu River, establishing three castles lining the river to protect the Korean people from their attacks. Korea establishes its first settlement within Manchuria, and initiates an assimilation policy for any non-Chinese or non-Korean people living within Korea to deal with the Jurchens once larger swathes of Manchuria is absorbed. Upon hearing her death, Yi Bang-won sends a dozen emissaries and numerous gifts to the Ming capital to express their condolences on the death of Empress Xu, sent gifts include a skillfully made ten-foot golden-coated statue of her to honour her and five Koreans who willingly submit themselves as concubines, saying that it would be their pleasure to be a consort of the Yongle Emperor.
 * Order of Knights Hospitaller: The five new small ships are completed and start their first cruises in early Spring. Their crews already have some successes against Muslim slavers and corsairs by the year's end. Work continues on the Hessian Commandry and the Fidei Defensor tower. Grand Master Phillbert hears about Jan Hus' heretical preaching in Northern Sweden from the Commander of the Stockholm Commandry. He immediately sends a letter to the Swedish government, advising that devout, orthodox, and upright Dominicans and Franciscans be sent to preach against his heresies, and that ecclesiastical censures be put upon him. In the event that the heresy gets out of control and cannot be contained by such measures, the Grand Master intimates in his secret letter that the Order, and hopefully our Teutonic brothers, would do whatever it could to restore the Holy Faith.
 * After a year of negotiations, Fighting continues between Austria and Bavaria sign the Treaty of Landshut, ending the war of succession in Austria's favour. William, the lord Regent, pursues the Austrian armies onto some nameless field, where they make their last stand  signs the treaty in the name of Albert V & II, Archduke of Austria and Bavaria. In other news, the Archducal guard is deemed by the lord regent, in all of his infinite wisdom, as an expense too extravigant for the new crown. He therefore limits their number to five hundred men, half from bavaria and half from Austria. The mints in Tyrol and Vienna continue to mint coins, and prospectors are set out to discover what minerals lie in the Bavarian state. Lord William then sets his sights on the small states south of Austria and north of Italy, offering some of them to become Austria's vassals, offering them protection and noting the succcess in the war against Bavaria s proof of Austria's strength. (More to come). (Also, this is unofficial until the blunder is done on the algo because I'm too lazy to rewrite an entire paragraph. I know, I'm horrible).
 * Why are you claiming victory when your own algo shows the result slightly in Bavaria's favor? -Guy
 * Because at the time I wrote this I won due to a slight miscalculation of the population on both sides (i.e., adding one extra zero accidentaly when punching numbers into a calculator). After the mistake was realized and corrected, I lost internet connection until this very response, and therefore was unable to correct that actual post on the main page - which is actually the perfect time to ask for somebody to do the blunder for last year's battle of somewhere (I couldn't post but the rules state that the war continues until a treaty is signed so yeah ... I guess that means a battle this year as well unless last year's battle made me win. Main point: need a mod to do the blunder)
 * I edited this I guess a day late in order to more or less respond to Guy's mod event. If this is against the rules, then revert it, It just began to conform to reality...
 * Kingdom of Tondo: Tondo continues to expand south, and sends 6000 settlers to Samar Island across the narrow strait to claim it in the name of Tondo. 12 blast furnaces around the capital are built to augment the increasing iron and mettalurgy industries of Tondo, and paved roads to and from Maynila are built to connect the Kingdom together. Rajah Gamgang starts to consolidate his power in the capital and orders all political opponents to be a part of the settling process enacted upon Tondo in the nearby islands, primarily to keep them away from seizing or threatening his power. Military personnel stands at 25,000 active troops across southern Luzon, and 50,000 additional men ready to be conscripted to defend the state. They are armed with swords, shields, and armor made from the blast furnaces. Roads in and round Maynila are built, and a town in the south, Kawit, is experiencing rapid population growth as fertile farmlands attract settlers there, along with abundant deposits of minerals in the area. This promts the Council of Kawit (Kataas-taasang Lupon ng Kawit) to petition Rajah Gambang for a read that connects Kawit to Maynila, thereby attracting more and more settlers. As part of Rajah Gambang's ambitious attempt to further expand Tondo's holdings, he offers the Huangdoms of Pangasinan and Ma-i union, with the proposed union falling under a triumvirate, if ever both accept, or dual rule, of only one of them accepts. To compensate for the loss if tributaries, Tondo (or the future union) will offer to become a tributary state of the Ming, paying the tribute Mai-i and Pangasinan used to pay, along with Tondo's personal tribute. This proposed union will not infringe on the beliefs and the rights of all existing parties, cultures, and religions. (mod response please)  The port of Maynila is expanded.
 * Japanese Dip: The recent discovery of the Philippines island chain has led to Japanese merchants exploring a trade rumor gained from Chinese traders. Japan sails up with five of its largest ships, clear rivals to the largest Chinese ships (Being Chinese ships gifted, anyway) The Japanese wishes to establish a tribute system between Tondo and Japan rather than Tondo and Ming and offers support in Tondo gaining further control over the islands in exchange for this.
 * Mogadishu: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Fabric and wares factories continue to expand. We further expand toward the Jubba River, as canals, dikes and ditches are being built. The land surrounding the Jubba-Shebelle Rivers become more fertile. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. The Royal Marines continues training in on ship fighting, ship maneuver and attack, amphibious landing and general fighting. Ali returns, now with zebras, lions and pictures of what he has seen. Our fleet returns to India to restock before continuing home.
 * Despotate of Epirus: As his army retakes the cities of Preveza and Arta once more after almost 50 years, with the help of the Genovese merc company of St. George, Despot Esau de' Buondelmonti celebrates his victory against the Albanian brigand clans that rule over Arta, with a huge feast, which he invites the Genovese, the Rugusans, the Neapolitans, the Ottoman, the Byzantines, the Aragonese and the Kinght Hospitallers, to talk about the future. We annex the Despotate of Arta into the Despotate of Epirus, after our victory as it once was. We continue fortifying and improving Ioannina, its fortifications and its walls as well as fortifying and improving Igoumenitsa, Arta and Preveza and their ports in order to increase trade with the Italian states. A huge campaign to eliminate the Albanian brigand clans begins now after their defeat, ending with most of them captured or fleeing. They are made slaves and we are willing to sell them to the highest bidder. The countryside is now safe to reside, as rural populations return back to the countryside and leave the safety of the protected walls that they sought to avoid those monsters, as a result these safe heavens now can return to normal function and are no longer overcrowded by refuges. With Aragonese batches of wheat and live cows arriving to ressurect our dead agriculture and stockraising, the farmers plow the fields hoping to get a good harvest and the cattleman tend the livestock hoping to meet ends. We open new mines to start mining the Pindus mountain range for metals, mostly silver and gold. With the countryside now free, one can only meet witness the natural beauty of the landscape from the top of the glorious Pindus mountain range to the lowlands of Achelous valley as well as the remnants of many glorious long dead civilizations, with ruins all around the place. Esau de' Buondelmonti while on his way to the Pindus mines from the liberated city of Arta, to inspect how goes the construction of the mines, he stumbles upon a mignificent ruin, which he enters out of curiosity. There he finds some very old scripts that he orders to be translated. They talk about glorious men of the past. One of them although stands out for his accomplishments are unlike any other has he ever seen in his life. From a small but strong Kingdom has he managed to create an empire unlike any other. His name was Alexander the Great. The scripts also talk of his successors and the tragical story of Pyrrhus of Epirus, a second cousin of this Great Emperor, the Greatest King of Epirus ever lived, that although he ruled almighty and he won battles against all odds, surrounded by everyone, battle after battle, victory after victory, for his story is tragic because he perished from a tile that a young soldier's old mother threw in a desperation as she watched her son dying. Esau de' Buondelmonti becames fascinated with the Kings of old, which he admires very much and looks up to these kings so much that he vows to take vengeance for the Kings of old by restoring Epirus to its glorious heyday. Immediately he orders a construction of four royal libraries for each of the four biggest cities in his realm, to keep there the accounts of a glorious past, open for everyone to witness first hand the glory of the past. When Esau de' Buondelmonti visits the port city of Preveza, he finds the damaged Venetian arsenal to be of immense value, as he immidietely orders its reconstruction, wanting it to be operational to be able to construct new ships for his fleet with Venetian standards. He also orders his engineers to study it and create schematics for Arsenal construction to be kept into the four royal libraries. Our new currency the Phoenix, is strenghtened from recent events, as now we began using it to trade with any merchants in our domain. We continue converting the state to Roman Catholicism, although peacefully, with the pious Aragonese missionaries arriving, being experienced from the Reconquista, lots of people choose to convert, some even believing the ousting of the Albanian clans, from Epirus, as a sign of God to convert to the Catholic faith. Population stands at 140,000. We ask again Constantinople and Ragusa for an alliance. We ask the Pope again for an archbishopric.
 * Republic of Ragusa: The republic wishes to begin trading with the Epirotes and is interested in the Albanian clans.
 * Epirotan Dip: We accept the trade agreement and we give the Albanian clans as slaves to Ragusa at good prices.
 * Majapahit Empire: The Eastern Court begins to make an advance toward Lumajang, where the Western Court's forces have entrenched themselves, and are expecting a major offensive on part of the Eastern Court. Over the course of several months, the forces of the Eastern Court reach the city and they begin their advance on Lumajang, with the city being fiercely defended and Eastern Court forces fighting viciously against their opponent. When the dust clears, the Eastern Court has secured the city, at great cost. From there, we proceed a few dozen more kilometres before stopping 4 km west of Lumajang. Meanwhile, Trowulan begins to amass forces for a counterattack to retake Lumajang, and perhaps even defeat the Eastern Court once and for all, with General Wibawa Tirta leading the counterattack. However, they are expected to be ready by 1409, despite Wikramawardhana's insistence that it should be by next year.
 * Sakha's envoys continue to press negotiations with the Chagatids, seeking a suitable husband for Oyus' daughter, but having been ignored last year, they depart for the Oirat lands, taking their money with them. The envoys contact Oyiradai, a powerless Mongol chieftain living among the Oirats, whose sole asset is being a descendant of Genghis; they note that as Mongolia is now wholly under the rule of the Ming and their puppets, he has no hope of ever attaining power there, and instead propose that he marry Oyus' daughter, noting that his son could rule all of Sakha, Oyus' lacking male-line heirs. (So an RNG done by a mod came back positive ... I think.) He agrees; the envoys return with him to Sakha, where he meets and weds Oyus' daughter Tuyaara, who becomes pregnant by year's end. Meanwhile, in Sakha, Oyus continues to lay the groundwork for his daughters to inherit power, strengthening the military. Shockingly, however, an assassin, likely sent by the traditionalist opposition, attacks Oyus one night; although he survives, fires set in the royal citadel cause a blaze which leaves him blind. Oyus shifts more power onto his daughters and to Nyurguun, his third daughter's husband and a commoner, whom he promotes to Banner-General. An active man, Nyurguun reduces the emphasis on cavalry, retraining much of the cavalry as pikemen or crossbowmen, whom he arms with repeating crossbows. Efforts begin to work out new infantry tactics based on combined arms cooperation. Sakha continues expanding northward up the Lena; a small revolt in the still-chaotic Tatar vassal is suppressed by the garrison this year.
 * The Crown of Castile continues with the status quo. The Aristocrats continue to lose their power, while the Regency continues to follow the polices of old. In Granada, 12,000 Muslims are deported, and 5000 are converted. Another 2000 are killed as a result of these policies. In other domestic policies, a new naval school is opened by the crown in Toledo. This school is designed to bring about a new generation of Castillian sailors. Carracks have their first appearance in Spain this year. In terms of foreign policy, Castile seeks to make amends with Cyprus for the 1402 war, and asks for a trade agreement. Castile also ratifies the Treaty of Barcelona, and joins Aragon in its war prep should the need arise.
 * Cypriot Dip: We agree and ask for support in a crusade to return Palestine to Cyprus.
 * Hasfid Sultanate (Tunis): With a unified North Africa underway, and creeping infidels in Iberia setting their gaze onto the Meghreb, we seek alliances elsewhere than the Mamluks. We send an alliance request to the Ottomans, hoping their enormous navy can aid ours. Sultan abd al-Aziz II continues to bathe in his wealth stolen from the Christian by barbary pirates. The prosperity of Tunis grows as it becomes the new capital of North Africa, and we promote it as a massive trading center in the Internal Sea. Hoping to finally end the petty squabbles in North Africa, Tunis invades Morocco, marching straight toward Fez, ignoring any other cities around it.
 * Ottoman Empire Dip: We accept the Alliance.
 * Castile, seeing the golden chance, rallies an army of 35,000 and launches an attack on the Tunis capital. The Castile asks that Aragon aid us. The Castilian navy moves to block the Ottoman Empire.
 * Genoa sends support to Castile.
 * Bradenburg-Morovia-Luxembourg: Jobst continues to promote the interests of his domains in the HRE by seeking trade agreements and by reinforcing the levy obligations of the lords in his domains. Certain privledges are granted to members of the nobility in the form of some tax excemptions to secure their commitment for military aid to the state. The works of Konrad are explored more in depth by members of the Luxembourgish and Bradenburgian academia. Morovia is reinforced, however, due to Jobst increased focus on Bradenburg he sees it as a bargaining chip more and more in his dynastic disputes.  Realizing that his cousin might be trying to backstab him Jobst approaches the Austrians with a deal to support them in the future elections and offers his youngest daughter Greta for an arranged marraige should the Hapsburgs wish to bury the hatchet in the old family disputes between the Hapsburgs and the Luxembourgs. Jobst requests a trade agreement with Sweden as ties with Denmark are already good in trade, and from his base in Luxembourg tries to improve relations with Holland and Burgundy offering them a trade agreement. Construction of the University of Berlin begins in an effort to consolidate the Bradenburgish intellegencia and to foster a climate for innovation and culture. Investment in infrastructure continues. Despite the close ties with Denmark their efforts to dominate the northern German lands scare the ruling class in Berlin and a request i sent to denmark to clarify their intentions.


 * Burgundian Dip: The trade agreement with Brandenburg-Luxembourg-Moravia is accepted, and the Luxembourgs are also offered an alliance in return.
 * Brandenbugish Dip: Jobst agrees to an alliane with Burgundy in the hopes that the arrangement will lead to a long standing partnership between both families. 


 * Empire of Japan: With the expansion of Japanese trade with China the Japanese see the expansion of its southern mines continue, and the influx of Chinese goods beginning to show that the Shogun's policies might just in fact be beneficial for Japan. The remaining clans not on board with the Imperial assembly remain the same. However, the deaths of two of the opposing clan leaders show some potential for this to change as they are amiable to a dual limitation of the Shogun and Daimyo respectively with the expectation it will keep these men power sober. The development of the various Japanese provinces continues with the Ashikaga lands continuing to show the greatest overall development with the adoption of blast furnaces and heavily increased iron and steel production. Shogun Yoshimochi is left on his own as his father Yoshimitsu retires to manage the clan family lands until his death. With the accension of Yoshimochi the various daimyo who have garnered a large amount of respect for the father-son ruling duo were disappointed by the retiring of Yoshimitsu to the family lands to consolidate rule. However, with Yoshimochi proceding to take an extremely active role in the development of the country - specifically to keep the power - the Ashikaga have gains solidified. The various samurai and daimyo lords begin to respect him heavily specifically with the development of the Ashikaga clans military becoming the most advanced in the country as the clan's wealth has led to a change in the composition of the clan's military from less under-equipped levies to a well trained military force which can be raised on a moments notice. The Ryukyu island chain sees a revolt of the natives but it is quickly put down as the Tanegashima clan enlists the aid of many of the merchants and their mercenary guards to put down the main revolt in Okinawa. The settlement in Okinawa expands as the island chain is solidified under the Shoguns and the Tangeashima clans personal control. A fleet sponsored by the Shogun is able to land on Taiwan and begins to build an outpost which is to be revisited periodically to build up and eventually turn into a settlement. Japanese settlement of Hokkaido continues. The Japanese taking words from Chinese traders discover the Philippines and make first contact with the kingdom of Tondo. The Japanese begin to reaffirm the design of the Chinese ship it has begun to reverse engineer looking to rebuilt a fleet based on these designs as well as using some of the design concepts to improve other Japanese designs. (Tondo player please see my diplomacy under your turn. -Feud).
 * Ottoman Empire: With the lost to the Timurids, we give up our vassals in Anatolia to Timur, this causes some of the Sultan sons to see him as a seller of Ottoman lands. The army begins to work on reciting people into the army mostly by getting peasants to join. The number of the army rises up to 30,000. We ask Cairo to accept Tunsi invite and would like to join. We would like to trade with Ethiopia. Our navy begins to work and makes 300 ships. With War with the Byzantines we send 70,000 troops and 10,000 Janissers to Constantinople seeing no action by them we fire at the wall of Istanbul and begin to Siege of Istanbul, but the siege was halted by the Sultan and he sent 80,000 troops to Tunsi. The Sultan works on building Schools across the Ottoman Empire and works on hiring people across the state. The Sultan is heard saying during the Siege of Istanbul " Let all of Europe can and kill me if they want this Empire to die". All men from 16 - 37 are forced to join the army and are trained across the country.
 * Serbia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create 600 more mosques - mostly in the South. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population Troops are trained in Serbia rising the army to 8000.
 * Wallachia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 400 mosques mostly in the South, and reciting peasants for the army. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population. The army is rising to 7000. Wallachia begins to work on amassing an army.
 * Republic of Ragusa: With Ragusa expanding in numerous way it starts to lack manpower. However, the recent deals with the Epirotes end this issue by providing Albanians willing to serve under the Republic's flag. They are mostly scattered throughout the Republic to minimize revolt risks and do menial jobs. This allows Ragusans to focus their actual people on more important ventures, such as the recent lucrative deal with Castille.
 * Ayutthaya: Economy, infrastructure and military improves. Under the current king Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat and its ruling Uthong dynasty, he continue to reign the kingdom in his ninth year, to make Thailand great again by building/upgrading roads and cities, and more cities are grown in skyrocket. Even more residential, commercial and other production building are built in cities. He continue the whole nation trading with other Southeastern Asian nations, India and China by land and sea.
 * Genoa: Genovese arsenal continues to expand. Bank of St. George continues to expand. Money and investment continue flowing into Corscia.
 * Kalmar Union
 * Norway: Bergen increases to 20,000 people and Oslo to 12,000 people. Scientae Dei and its sister republics continue to grow as well with new Taomes Epics Books and various other works of art continue to be collected. With the growth of Scientae Dei the nobility begins to sponsor artists and writers. Bergen and Oslo flourish as trade expands. A university run by Scientae Dei is planned in Oslo while an University in Bergen is planned as well. They begin to flourish as centers of art in the north. The nobility after the success of the Northern Exploration begins to fund explorers to explore Europe and Beyond with various explorers being sent out. One lands in France and one land as far south as Castile. Establishment of a colony on Kola goes amazingly and Iceland ports are expanded with the Greenland colony also growing. Our navy expands by 25 galleons and tiremes, exploration/colony ships by 17 and merchant ships by 35.
 * Queen Margrethe of Denmark: I am elated by visit of Pope Innocent VII and the University of Copenhagen is officially opened as we celebrate in delight. Meanwhile, King Eric of Pomerania declares war upon the Pomeranian states in order to reconquer the Duchy of Pomerania in his name (reclaiming historical lands) and he leads the 3300 soldiers on the Teutonic-Pomeranian border and marches in on Pomeranian territory. Meanwhile, 3000 Danish soldiers in Holstein invade western Pomerania and an army of 3000 launches a naval invasion upon Rugenwalde, Pomerania, Eric's birthplace.
 * Bohemia: We are insulted to hear of the betrayal of our cousin in Brandenburg, and send them a strongly worded letter of unpleasantness. Meanwhile, Wenceslaus IV continues to send emissaries to Saxony and the Palatinate, improving relations with both of them. Wenceslaus V continues schooling as he continues to grow up. We offer to France the betrothal of Wenceslaus V to marry the young daughter of the French crown. Germanization continues throughout the country. The Castle Feuerstein is completed, and peasants begin to move there to profit from mining. The local family of Feuerstein is given the castle and its lands as a feif, and the family is raised to nobility as the head of the house is given the title Lord Feuerstein.
 * Bradenburgian Dip: Jobst reminds his cousin Weneslaus that the continued refusal by the bohemian branch to resolve the long standing family disputes has led to this point and Jobst is merely trying to secure the safety of his family's estates and to end any long standing issues that might exist. Once more Jobst offers to cede Morovia for Silesia and to give his vote in the next elections in exchange for Wenceslaus IV renouncing any claims to Luxembourg, Brandenburg and any other potential lands that come into the hands of the Jobstian branch of the Luxembourgs.
 * Firuz Shah, of the Bahmanids reacts quickly to the stubbornness of the rulers of Venad. We, along with our new vassal Kozhikode, and our firm ally, Mogadishu (I'm presuming Umar would send the same support as before) invade Venad. In other news, a university is established at Gulbarga.
 * Papal States: His Holiness visits Denmark as promised by his predecessor, signifying that previous treaties are being upheld. Before he departs for the northern kingdom, he appoints John Trevor (?) as the last Cardinal, hoping that such an appointment, while distasteful, will help establish a unity with the other side of the Western Schism. He writes more letters to the rebels, asking that they join him and his bishops in council to help resolve the schism and bring Western Europe back into union before God. Mod Response, please. Some more funds are used to build ships, but most funding this year goes to repairing the city of Rome and other cities in the neighboring region.
 * Mod response: OK. Scraw
 * The Emperor-King of Mayapan, Iktan, continues to organize settler parties to retake abandoned cities in the southern highlands region. Some of these settler parties also venture south of the border to create settlements in new territory. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Emperor-King Iktan meets with some of the best craftsmen in the nation to discuss reversing the decline of the nation. Talks with carpenters, stonemasons, and blacksmiths prompt Iktan to create an initiative to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
 * Cologne: Trade continues to go well in Cologne, but the archbishop seeks more trade deals. After the somewhat-successful conference hosted in July last year, the hospital is completed with a significant number of bells and whistles, as it were. The hospital is used almost exclusively for those less fortunate, and staffed and supported by the Church, and the people begin to approve of their ruler. Archbishop Friedrich III writes again to the Swedish government upon the lack of reply, enquiring whether anything has done about the infidel Jan Hus’s preachings. Further, he makes a public address accompanied by a pastoral letter that essentially offers Jan Hus, and anyone following his cause in either Sweden or Cologne, the opportunity to speak with the archbishop of Cologne directly and resolve their complaints about the Catholic Church. Finally, Friedrich III funds the construction of a similar hospital in Westphalen.
 * Essen: Given this markedly openminded stance on Jan Hus taken by Friedrich III in Cologne, Abbess Adelphina of Essen makes one of her monthly addresses this year about these kinds of infidels. She speaks passionately, noting that the Church should advocate mercy and allow discussion with the infidels, because surely such a discussion will return any infidel to the correct Way. If the infidel then chooses to defy the Church, then they have been given a chance, and the Church is justified in dealing with them however it sees fit. Meanwhile, Sofia returns from the conference with further knowledge of medicine – she distributes her knowledge to the other canonesses throughout the year, and the infirmary begins to run smoothly, slowly lifting the population out of abject poverty.
 * Benin: The entourage of Okpara Mudaka move on after their stay in Tangiers, having witnessed many great sights and after studying the culture and technologies of the people. Fascinated with the discoveries thus far, Okpara is quick to return to travelling, this time moving on to the city of Cairo, where he resides for a period. On his way to the great city, Okpara and his band witness many crowds going in the same direction, and after asking them way, discovers they are taking part in a hajj, a spiritual pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, the center of the Islamic faith. Having learned many things of this religion, Okpara notes to visit the city one day if not on the return trip home. While in Cairo, Okpara's entourage explore the surrounding regions of Egypt, to learn the ways of life of the people in the region and the history of the land. Back in Benin, Prince Ogun takes up the sciences as his primary pastime, seeking to enhance his knowledge in the fundamental laws of the universe. He sets up a school of science outside of the royal palace in Edo, to teach fellow members of the aristocracy and upper classes the sciences as well, believing that those leading the empire must be educated in such knowledge. His brother Prince Uwaifaikon oversees the construction of the port and dockyards in Eko, seeking to develop the shipbuilding capabilities of the nation so as to produce more oké and epeepe for the royal navy. Thus far, seven oké have been built in Bioko since the construction of the Mmiri Chineke in 1405, and larger versions of the epeepe have also been built, with a total of seventy as of the current year. Taking advantage of Benin's new diplomatic ties with Kongo, Prince Uwaifaikon sends his lieutenant Ezeni and 300 men to explore the inland regions along the Congo River to seek further alliances and expand Benin's knowledge of the region. The Kongolese warn the Edo warriors of the cannibal tribals of the inland region, though Ezeni states that the Edo are not afraid of them. Ignoring their warnings, the band carries their epeepe and equipment to the other end of Kongo, and depart up the Congo River for the unknown. Ezeni sends a message back to Prince Uwaifaikon that they may never meet again should the warnings of the Kongolese prove to be true. He urges the prince not to forsake his dream of exploration should he die, words Uwaifaikon takes to heart. The first map produced in Benin is completed, and delivered to the Oba and his court. With the knowledge of the maps brought from Timbuktu added to the information gathered by Prince Uwaifaikon combined, the Oba now knows of Benin's location in the world as well as the regions beyond the lands of the empire. His aspirations for a greater empire are picked as his attention is taken by the size, wealth, and power of the Arab and European nations. As his son Ogun stated, it will only be a matter of time before the foreigners are set upon them, and it is up to Oba Orobiru and his successors to determine if Benin shall survive the invaders.

1408
The Norse History of Greenland is completed

The Yongle Encyclopedia is completed.

Coptic Pope Matthew I dies.

Donatello’s David is sculpted.

'''The situation in the Timurid Empire worsens, as Timur's sons fight for the throne and vassals break off and assert their independence. (Correct if wrong, but I was told this was the general situation.)'''

'''You're wrong, so let me correct you. Timur's sons, Miran Shah and Shahrukh Mirza are currently fighting for the throne. Timur's grandchildren; Khalil Sultan, Ibrahim Mirza and Ulugh Beg are also part of the Civil War, however they're primarily supporting their fathers. The only exception is Pir Muhammad, who is Timur's grandson and is also part of the Civil War. Now as far as vassals/puppets are concerned, the Chagatai Khanate would most likely revolt. There is no doubt about that because they most likely despise me. As for the Jalayirids, I sincerely doubt they would revolt as they're loyal and tied to the authorities in Isfahan. Moreover, the current Sultan of the Jalayirids; Alaud Daula is currently supporting Shahrukh Mirza's claim to the Empire. -Rimp'''

Pope Benedict XIII refuses to come in person to the Papal Council, but will send official representatives on his behalf

'''A little update on some things. Given the current condition of the Ottomans, I'm going to rule out the notion of having a combined and fully equipped military of 150,000 deployed to two different places alongside a navy of two hundred ships constructed in only three to four years. I would say it is much more plausible to have one front and a smaller navy than have all three of those things. -MP'''

But I halted my Empire's attack on Constantinople (which is a front) and sent the Army to Tunis (a new front) so I stopped one front so I can enter a new front so how am I fighting two fronts "more plausible to have one front" -Bozi

Speaking as a player, not a mod. You have never been able to just "stop" wars without both players consenting to the war being stopped but regardless that doesn't make a difference since you didn't utlilize your navy in the war against Byzantium and we won the naval war anyway. ~Edge

Wars can be stopped in a sense. I'll just discuss this currwnt scenario. Byzantium declared war upon the Ottomans, but never attacked. The Ottomans sent troops to occupy Constantinople, but later called off the attack to aid Tunis or something. As far as I see it, they are technically still at war. Its just that Byzantium hasn't attacked the Ottomans yet -Rimp


 * Duchy of Burgundy: Duke John agrees to meet with the King of France, but travels under heavy guard to deter a possible Orleans reprisal. He confirms his innocence to the king, and promises to search for the assassins if they reside within his realm. Meanwhile, Johns wife, Margaret of Bavaria-Straubing, is appointed regent of the Burgundian Netherlands possessions whilst John is away. Shipbuilding, meanwhile, has become a hugely profitable industry within the coastal and river territories, with shipbuilders selling ships both to merchantmen and the Burgundian Navy. Experiments with black powder continue.


 * Kingdom of England: King Henry IV is pleased with the victory over Wales. He sends tribute to The Kingdom of Scotland and The Kingdom of Denmark, in thanks of their help. England improves relations with Scotland. And begins fortifying Dublin, moving military units into Ireland. England sends a proposal to the Kingdom of Scotland asking if they would be interested in invading Belfast, promising the city, the ports, and the surrounding region to their crown, in return for helping England conquering the remainder of the island. England increases its military and economy, sending small tributes as friendship to the Kingdoms of Aragon and Castile.
 * ​Bordeaux: The Fortress of Bordeaux is reinforced and restocked of a garrison. Military and Navy are increased.
 * Caen: The Fortress of Caen is reinforced, and infrastructure is built up, as well as military being expanded.
 * Dublin: Dublin's infrastructure is built up, military is expanded, advances are made on Anglo-Irish boundary lines.
 * Wales: After the victory, the lands are rebuilt from the war, the English military is now reinstated, infrastructure is expanded, as well as the Welsh navy. Prince Henry V is regiven his status, of Prince Henry V, regent ruler of Wales, and heir to the English throne.
 * Aragonese Diplomacy: We thank England for their kind gift, and hope for extensive relations in the future.


 * Kingdom of France: The “Deux Lis” Regency continues to focus on keeping France united against foreign threats (specifically the Kingdom of England). The regency still requests a meeting between representatives of the Duchies of Orléans and Burgundy in Paris with a papal representative to harbor negotiations. They are advised to stay in Paris until negotiations are reached. Secondly, with the backing of the pope, the crown politely asks for the murderer to be extradited to Paris, and dealt with in Parisian courts. The crown knows it was indirect, so the Burgundian duke will not be held completely responsible, but Charles urges the extradition as both men are holy and just, and both have the title, Defender of the Faith. France remains uneasy about the English peace and continues to bolster and reinforce French garrisons and forts near English holdings. Most of the French armies are also stationed toward the English border. France begin to gather our relatively small navy at ports near Honfleur at the base of the Seine, where they begin to slowly expand the French navy by adding more galleys. The crown also tries to improve relations with the Papal States. With the signing of Treaty of Pamplona, the King of Navarre, Charles III, officially becomes a vassal of his distant relative Charles VI. With a multitude of vassals, the regency announces the new “Cour de Seine”. The “Cour de Seine” is a forum that meets every year in Paris which contains representatives from each vassal. Dukes and above have two representatives, counts and below have one representative. At this forum, the vassals are supposed to discuss and negotiate their disputes with each other. The forum was created in order to end and hopefully prevent internal strife in the future. The Marquess of Saluzzo, Tommaso III del Vasto, is elected to Count of Aleramici by Charles VI with some payment to the French crown. The Lord of Albret, Charles I Albret is elevated to Count of Albret, with payment to the French crown. Finally, the Viscount of Limoges, Olivier I Blois is elevated to Count of Limoges, with some payment to the French crown.
 * Aragonese Diplomacy: We hope that the existence of growing ties between us and England will not affect any chance of cordial relations with France.


 * Timurid Empire:  Amir Shahrukh Mirza continued his glorious reign over his Empire, and designated his son Ulugh Beg as his heir. The latter had immediately set out to work as he imposed a tax system upon the local people which he referred to as the mansabdari system. This allowed the Empire to harvest and cultivate a much larger surplus of wheat and other crops which in turn made it much less liker of the Sultanate facing any food shortage. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Meanwhile, thousands of men were conscripted into the military from Persia, Tabriz, Transoxiana and the surrounding regions to properly engage in combat, and to annihilate the opponents.  Shahrukh Mirza began to march his armies north, capturing Baku and Derbent. The Khan of Crimea, Pir Muhammad would launch an assault upon Azov as well, joining up with Shahrukh's army at the city. They would momenterily halt at the city, hoping to gather their resources before launching an assault upon Sarai. Meanwhile, Miran Shah would trek all across Transoxiana and his army would lay siege to Bukhara after the long journey. 
 * Jalayirid Sultanate: Sultan Alaud Daula continued his reign over the Sultanate. Acting as a vassal to the Timurid Sultanate, he was now directly answerable to Timur and his temporary regent, Shahrukh Mirza. The military has designed along the same lines as the Timurid military, and men were conscripted to act as the military for the state. Meanwhile, the Mamluk province of Hatay and the Ottoman vassals were integrated into the Jalayirid Sultanate. The Sultan himself made sure to wipe out all remnants and supporters of the Ag Qoyunlu and Kara Qoyunlu. Jalayirid authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at İskenderun, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Jalayirid Sultan, Alaud Daula would begin the construction of a trade route leading from his Mediterannean port of İskenderun to his Persian Gulf port of Basra, hoping to establish a faster route to India. 
 * The King of Aragon, Ferdinand I, growing increasingly impatient, becomes tired of waiting for Papal approval and so joins Castile in their assault on North Africa, declaring war upon Tunis and deploying 6000 troops to Tunis. A naval fleet of eight warships are also sent to bombard Tunis. The soldiers are immediately directed to besiege the capital. Meanwhile, we also declare war on Tlemcen and deploy 10,000 soldiers there. A fleet of ten warships are also sent for the invasion of Tlemcen. It is hoped that Tlemcen can be subdued and its government overthrown by 1412, assuming that we have not underestimated Tlemcenese resistance.
 * ALGORITHM COMPLETED: Our war with Tlemcen has already ended in glorious victory, much to the surprise of the King. Ferdinand I is promptly crowned with great ceremony in Zarazoga as King of Tlemcen, and Tlemcen joins the blessed Crown Union. The Christianisation of Tlemcen begins immediately and 50 missionaries are deployed to Tlemcen to fulfil the task. Construction of churches begins immediately. Some mosques are converted into churches, and others are demolished entirely to make way for new churches. Preparations are now underway to further expand into North Africa. Our next target is the rest of the Hafsid Kingdom, from which we have taken Tlemcen.


 * Chimu Empire: The Empire continues working on increasing its military and expands southward along the coast. Roads connect a large chunk of the empire, and continue to expand with the empire southward. Llamas begin to be more commonly bred to draw carts and improve trade, which leads to their becoming more common throughout the empire. Emperor Waka Laka orders the looking into of new fortifications around settlements, in order to hold back any reprisal attacks by neighbors, using a mixture of clay and stone to make them stronger and better for building.
 * Grand Boyardom of Russia: In a move of pure, blind optimism, Russia offers the former Golden Horde a place in its borders. As the Golden Horde once protected Russia, so too will Russia protect the Golden Horde. (MOD RESPONSE REQUESTED <3) MORE TO COME.
 * ​Lets see... where should I start? First of all, the Golden Horde does not even exist so I don't see where you're even coming from. The territories that composed the former Golden Horde are primarily under control of Miran Shah, Timurs son who is fighting to seize the Timurid Empire. Can you explain to me why exactly would he want to become part of the Grand Boyardom of Russia? Why exactly would he wish to become a Russian puppet when his own father destroyed one of the strongest Russian Principality, the Grand Duchy of Muscovy. Not only does it not make any sense because joining the Russian Boyardom would in no way advance his motive of becoming the Timurid Emperor, but it would in fact be humiliating for Miran Shah to agree, generally because he would be agreeing to becoming subjugated by the Russians, the same Russians who were destroyed by his father. Now lets move onto the second part. Even if we assume that the Tatars have returned to power in the areas that constituted the former Golden Horde, why exactly would they agree to becoming part of the Grand Boyardom of Russia? Why would they even agree to becoming its vassals? Do they have the same religion? No. Do they have the same culture? No. Do they have the same ethnic groups? No. So quite frankly, the Tatars of the Golden Horde themselves would never agree to becoming subjects of Russians.. and I am not even mentioning the fact that these Tatars had Russians as their subjects not too long ago. So as far as your request is concerned, I can't see it being plausibly granted. -Rimp 
 * Jesus Christ Rimp calm the fuck down. You did not need to write all this shit. You are right, but the fact that you were a dick about it tempts me to grant Crim's wishes. However,
 * Mod Reponse: Golden Horde says no. .Scraw
 * Take it to my talk page. That was entirely unnecessary to leave on the PM main page... Crim de la Kremlin - "This is my signature. That means I just posted." 19:51, July 25, 2016 (UTC)
 * Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo): It came to pass this year that the plot of Izz Al-Addin, under the direction of the Caliph, came to fruition. The Vizier and his compatriots made it seem as though the Caliph had departed from Cairo on pilgrimage, and would not be back for a long time. Then Sultan Jafar, quickly falling into lustful temptation, made a decree, that all the young women of Cairo be presented in the city square, dressed in fishing nets, so he may choose among them in his harem. While this abomidable act was taking place, Jafar made sure the city was baracaded at every entrance, preventing the Caliph Al-Mu'tadid from returning. But a group of mercenaries managed to sneak him in. Then Al-Mu'tadid took a high place and swayed the crowd with a stirring speech, revealing the unspeakable actions of Sultan Jafar, while the soldiers of Izz Al-Addin arrested the royal guards. A tulmutuous crowd then gathered around the Sultan, tearing at his garments and raising rocks to stone him. Jafar fled from the scene into a nearby field, but was there torn to pieces by wild dogs. And so the prophesy of the old derivsh came true, that both Sultans Al-Nasr and Abu Sufyan died by dogs. The Mamluk beys then came together, seeing the chaos in the city steets caused by this mob, and quickly elected among themselves Izz Al-Addin as the next Sultan of Egypt, although he was very old.
 * Empire of Great Ming: Uniforms of the Great Ming are redone in a white/gold color to symbolize the purity of the Chinese people. Three war junks and Zheng He’s fleet are sent to Tondo to meet with the leaders of Tondo, Ma-I and Pangasinan. The Silk Road in China is reinforced with watchtowers and troops patrolling it. The Chinese currency is pegged to Korean precious metals as the mines have been expanded. Emissaries are sent to Bhutanese and Nepalese Kingdoms offering a personal union between the Ming and the country that accepts the marriage offer with the Yongle Emperor. The navy and military continue to grow and advance as the Five-Step Improvement project continues. Many major cities are remodeled and expanded. Many major ports are remodeled and improved.
 * Japanese Dip: We request the holy emperor of China to allow their erstwhile allies to move to the Pacific Ocean and be known as China's "Pacific Shield." This would mean allowing the Japanese to not only claim and colonize the Pacific islands include the Philippines islands and Taiwan, but also allow Japan to take up the role as spreading the words and Greatness of Ming to the far corners of the ocean.
 * Scotland: After a several-year long whisky-induced nap, Robert IV wakes up and realizes Scotland is basically the same. The Gaelic clans in the highlands continue to become divorced from the main body of Scotland with Donald of Islay emerging as a prominent figure advocating for decentralization. The Gaelic language and culture continues to become divorced from the main Scots-speaking regular old feudal Scotland. In the economic realm, growing cottage industries begin to develop, such as iron working and wool trading in the burgeoning burghs, and animal husbandry/fishing continues to displace grain farming. Traders in the coastal burghs begin to reach farther and farther, and with the now-exclusive trade links to the Scandinavians in Aberdeen, traders from there are forced to use modern and advanced shipbuilding techniques to cross the wet North Sea. Military-wise, the pendulum continues to swing in favor of more quality troops rather than the mass levies popular before the Plague, with men-at-arms emerging to support the pikemen. Robert continues his interest in artillery and cannons, with the first large cannon making its way into Scottish lands at this point. We accept the French proposal to marry Isabel to a French prince. As trade works its way around the North Sea, we become exposed to advanced new Dutch shipbuilding techniques.
 * Swedish Dip: The Bank of St. Birgitta proposes to build an outpost in Aberdeen to further trade.
 * Scottish Diplomacy: Scotland agrees.
 * Korea, under Chinese aid and suzerainty, continues development as a command economy under Yi Bang-won with input from his loyal state councillors and advisors. Korean metallurgical industries are further developed with the erection of more blast furnaces, with incentives attracting skilled laborers to work within these establishments. The smelted iron shall be used in the production of high quality armour, tools, and weaponry. Under the request of the Ming government, the expansion of mining activities continues, specifically mines within the northern Hamgyeong province, which is thought to hold extensive deposits of gold, iron ore, and silver. The majority of the mined metals, especially gold and silver, are sent to the Ming to supply their newly built banks and support their fixed exchange rate. A smaller portion of the mined metals is reserved for usage in luxury items such as jewelry and for decorative purposes. The ban on celadon Goryeo-style porcelain is lifted, but nevertheless, the production of these is restricted and with the exemption of the yangban, Koreans may only purchase austere white Joseon-style porcelain. A second branch of the Chinese National Bank is built in Busan, whilst the branch in Hanseong is expanded on. The importance of education continues to be emphasised, with those within the national civil service program and those of the upper castes (the yangban, chung-in, and the sang-in) being encouraged to partake in education. Numerous libraries and universities are constructed within major Korean settlements, equipped with the latest knowledge adopted from Chinese texts. A massive reform of the military begins, with men only allowed to serve military service if they pass government exams that test their ability to fight well and their skill to strategise and collaborate with fellow army-men. Those who fail in any criteria are diverted to other tasks, whilst those who excel are supplied high-quality arms such as muskets and rifles obtained from China. More naval vessels, especially those stemming from Chinese designs, but also Korean panokseon, gwaseon, and bigeodo, and gunpowder weapons such as hwacha, cannons, multiple-rocket-launchers, and hand cannons, are made. Korea further expands its territory north, though with the consolidation of claims surrounding the Yalu River, this time much of the expansion is headed northeast. Aiming to gradually settle Manchuria and assimilate preexisting inhabitants they encounter, ten thousand people are sent to Manchuria to live in three new castle-towns, which are also intended to be stopping points in the Sino–Korean trade.
 * Korean diplomacy (to the Kingdom of Tondo): Upon hearing of a tropical archipelago south of China, Yi Bang-won sends a fleet to the Kingdom of Tondo to attempt to establish contact and trading relations with the locals.
 * Ethiopia: Dawit allows work to be put on hold for a day while all churches and monstaries are open all day to morun the passing of the pope, for the pope Dawit commissions a Stelae for his passing. Roads are nearly complete to the capital with four years of work under them. A crude shipyard is set up on the nearest coast to Aksum so we may build a better trade fleet. A few more fringe tribes are taken in and put to work in varying degrees. Salt mining is increased, for the reason of trade and to keep a surplus for our nation.
 * The Pope of Alexandria sends legats to Ethiopia, confirming the strength of Christianity in the north and afirming the Emperor as ruler of temporarl authority in Africa, as long as he acknolwedges the Pope as supreme authority of the Churches
 * Order of Knights Hospitaller: Naval battles against pirates operating out of Muslim ports continue, with the Order hoping to put a serious dent in the trade of Christian slaves. The new Hessian Commandry is completed, with the new Commander, two Brother-Sergeants, and a Brother-Chaplain moving into the new building to oversee the property. Grand Master Philibert sends another letter to Sweden via his Commander in Stockholm, reiterating his advice from last year. A Brother-Knight is sent to Epirus to meet with the Despot and establish relations, as well as offer what little help the Order can in promoting Catholicism in the Despotate. In local news the Dean of the Cathedral, Angelo d'Accostella, is a little downheartened at missing out on a Cardinal's hat. However, the Cathedral Chapter elects him to be the new Archbishop of the island, and Grand Master Philibert writes to the Pope, asking for the Cathedral Chapter's decision to be ratified.
 * Epirotan Dip: Epirus agrees to establish relationships with the Order of Knight Hospitallers, as there are talks of a new crusade since the news of the destruction of the Ottoman fleet(and army) near Tunis got out, Despot Esau de' Buondelmonti thanks the Brother-Knight and his Order for their support in promoting Catholicism in the Despotate, while we also ask the Knight Hospitallers for a trade agreement.
 * The Papal States happily confirm the decision of the Order and accepts it in full.
 * In the Duchy of Milan, the integration of Florence and Venice is the primary focus of Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti.. Additionally, the policy of respecting local customs continues to prevail in Florence and Venice, along with other conquered city-states. Meanwhile, Gian Galeazzo continues to act as a partron of the arts, employing thousands of artisans on the Duomo di Milano and the Certosa di Pavia. He also orders the copying of many rare manuscripts that spanned the reign of the Romans to Charlemagne for his personal library. Posted for lovely Rex by yours truly, WolfyNail.
 * Pskov: We accept the trade offer from Novgorod, as well as the non-aggression pact. However, we are concerned by the expansion of Russia, but decide no action is currently needed. We seek to improve relations with the Teutonic Order and Kalmar Union. We send diplomats to the Kalmar Union to begin to form an alliance with them; no such move is made with the Teutonic Order. Posted for lovely Scar by yours truly, WolfyNail.
 * Kalmar Union:
 * Norway: Growth in Bergen slows down with it being at 21,000 people while oslo grows to 13,000 people. Scientae Dei grows along with it sister location, a central authority is set up at the Scientae Dei in Norway it intends to distribute and collect books from Europe and make sure the members of them are faithful. Collections from the Scientae Dei in Uppsala of Roman and Greek books from Epirus are distributed throughout them. Intrigued by them they send monks to Epirus to collect more of these books. The various ideals of the ancient Greeks and Romans begin to grow in the Cities of Norway. The History of Greenland which has been recently completed sparks interest in the nobility. Development of Colonies in Kola goes wonderfully with we expanding 25 px into the peninsula. The ports on Iceland continue to be worked and expanded. Development of the colony on Greenland slows. The explorers we sent out reach the Mediterranean sitting in the ports of France and Milan. They move farther west landing in greece by the end of the year. The Gyldenløves continue to gain influence. We begin to sponsor the bank of visby. Our navy expands by 27 galleons and tiermes, exploration/colony ships by 15 and merchant ships by 40.
 * Swedish Dip: We ask to open a branch of the St. Birgitta bank in Oslo.
 * Sweden: We continue expanding our infrastructure and modernizing our army. We continue the colonization of the Northern lands with grant from Queen Margaret. We ask Oldenburg for trade deals and ask Hamburg and the rest of the Hansa for a full reintegration of Visby in the Hansa along with its previous privileges. We continue integrating Gotland. The Bank of St. Birgitta is promoted as the new bank for the Baltic Sea Trade and make several offers to Novgorod, the Teutonic Orders, Denmark, Norway, Hamburg, Norway and Holland. We declare that Gotland will be ruled autonomously from the mainland, allowing it to have mercantilic laws. We begin expanding our navy as well, and continue Christianizing the pagan Finns in our territory. We begin the expanding of Stockholm, promoting art and architecture and knowledge. We continue our trade deals with the Teutonic Order, Hamburg and Holland. We imprison Jan Hus for heresy and SECRETLY exile him to Brandenburg at the behest of the Duke of Brandenburg and is escorted there by a royal guard. We appoint Knut Bosson, the Bishop of Linköping as Archbishop of Uppsala. The new Archbishop asks for Roman and Greek tomnes from Epirus, being a friend of the Scientae Dei organization. 
 * Epirotan Dip: Despot Esau de' Buondelmonti actively seeks friendlier relationships with the rest of Europe, since these ancient Greek and Roman scripts are open to the public in both our four royal libraries, sees no reason not the share this knowledge with the rest of the world, therefore he sends copies of the documents along with a translation to the Swedish language.
 * Cologne Diplomacy: Archbishop Friedrich III sends a personal letter of thanks to the Swedish government for imprisoning the infidel Jan Hus, and in gratitude offers Sweden a trade deal involving the valuable metals found in Essen.
 * Swedish Diplomacy: We accept.
 * Queen Magrethe of Denmark: The Earth has entered the year 1408 and this year is dominated by the events of the Danish Conquest of Pomerania as most time and resources are dedicated to the war. I receive news that Eric of Pomerania, my heir, is successful with the Battle of the Teutonic-Pomeranian border and he continues his advance into his homeland. I am elated at this news because we are at war for him, to restore his homeland under his control. Meanwhile, the naval invasion of Boguslaw, Eric's birthplace is successful and we capture the city, and we also advance from Holstein into Pomeranian territory. The flourshing of Copenhagen continues. (Note: Algo is not done, war events are based on assumptions)
 * Bradenburg-Morovia-Luxembourg:  Jobst continues to promote the interests of his domains in the HRE by seeking trade agreements and by reinforcing the levy obligations of the lords in his domains. Certain privledges are granted to members of the nobility in the form of some tax excemptions to secure their commitment for military aid to the state. The works of Konrad are explored more in depth by members of the Luxembourgish and Bradenburgian academia. Morovia is reinforced. however, due to Jobst increased focus on Bradenburg he sees it as a bargaining chip more and more in his dynastic disputes.  Jobst requests a trade agreement with Sweden and the Teutonic Order as ties with Denmark are already good in trade, and from his base in Luxembourg tries to improve relations with Holland offering them a trade agreement. Ties to Burgundy are expanded as trade grews and the alliance between the House of Burgundy and the Jobstinian Luxembourg is confirmed.  Construction of the University of Berlin begins in an effort to consolidate the Bradenburgish intellegencia and to foster a climate for innovation and culture. Investment in infrastructure continues. Despite the close ties with Denmark their efforts to dominate the northern German lands scare the ruling class in Berlin and a request i sent to denmark to clarify their intentions. As military improvements continue Jobst between his three estates is able to muster an armed levy of 13,000 and the treasury is able to host a further 5000 mercenaries for a period of ten years with the current situation making Jobst happy at the success of his reforms in recent years. Jan Hus is secretly taking in after being sent out by the Swedish delegation and he is placed under house arrest in Bradenburg but allowed to continue his works aslong as he keeps to himself and avoids preaching. In an effort to resolve the issues with Bohemia once and for all Jobst offers the treaty of Bradenburg an der Havel establishing the following, Jobst will recognize the treaty of Trier and the concession of Morovia to Bohemia in exhange Bradenburg shall be granted SIlesia, Bradenburg will give financial compensation along with Morovia in exchange for the duchy, On another note the vote of Bradenburg will go to Bohemia in the next elections should the all claims made by Bohemia to the Cadet Luxembourg branch be dropped. 


 * Swedish Dip: We accept the trade agreement.
 * Holland Dip: We ask for an alliance with you.
 * Danish Dip: Our intentions are simple, to reconquer what is rightfully Eric of Pomerania's. We have no intention to harm Brandenburg and we shall continue to trade with Brandenburg as before.
 * Bohemia: Wenceslaus V continues his schooling. Delegations continue to be sent to the states of Saxony and the Palatinate to improve relations and strengthen ties between our nations. We offer France Wenceslaus V's betrothal to the young lady of the crown of France. An alliance is offered to the Papal States. The University of Breslau is completed. Germanization in the lands of the Bohemian Crown continues. Wenceslaus IV sends a delegation to Epirus requesting further Roman and Greek documents. The King plans to read them, and try to find out more about managing an empire.
 * Epirotan Dip: Despot Esau de' Buondelmonti actively seeks friendlier relationships with the rest of Europe, since these ancient Greek and Roman scripts are open to the public in both our four royal libraries, sees no reason not the share this knowledge with the rest of the world, therefore he sends copies of the documents along with a translation to the German language.
 * Cologne: Archbishop Friedrich III writes to Sweden, thanking it most sincerely for imprisoning the infidel Jan Hus, and offers a trade deal involving the valuable resources in Essen: silver and coal, among other minerals. Meanwhile, the hospital in Westphalen is well on its way to being built and production of armour and weapons is doing well. Given this new industry, trade again prospers in the archbishopric. The Church rises in popularity with the success of the new hospital and the rise in fortunes of Cologne’s poorest people. However, the Church’s popularity does not last forever. In a stunning turn of events, one of the two canonesses from Essen who continue to give lectures in Cologne, Katharina, uncovers one of Friedrich III’s priests in an embrace with his female lover. How can this be? This man is not chaste; further, he is a liar! Katharina reports directly to the archbishop after consulting with her fellow canoness. Friedrich III is outraged at the revelation: this is the complete opposite of what the reforms in Essen and Cologne are trying to achieve. This kind of abomination should be punished heavily. Friedrich III removes this priest of his titles and imprisons him, calling the small 1402 “Cologne Stairs” Commission back together to establish what should be done. At the end of the year, the priest awaits judgment.
 * Essen: Adelphina hears of what has happened in Cologne very swiftly through her canonesses and sends her representatives back to the Cologne Stairs commission. Through them, she is very clear that this new movement will not stand if priests are allowed to act with corruption. This is against the very premise of living a meagre life in service of the Lord and the people. This man should be executed, and made an example of. A Court of Discipline should be established to enquire further into the church’s wrongdoers, of whom Adelphina regrets there are surely many. This, she notes, is what the people want to see. Discipline amongst the religious leadership is paramount to this cause. In other news, the Essen infirmary continues to run very smoothly and people flock to Essen from neighbouring countries to work in the highly-successful mines.


 * Mogadishu: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. With new goods from China, we try to adapt our factories to produce silk and procelain. We further expand toward the Jubba River, as canals, dikes, and ditches are being built. The land surrounding the Jubba-Shebelle Rivers become more fertile. Tea is planted in the more hilly area with tea leaves received from China. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. The Royal Marines continues training in on ship fighting, ship maneuver and attack, amphibious landing and general fighting. Our fleet returns home, brining new goods, new weapons and new technology. Our blacksmiths try to make cannons, while arming our guards with repeating crossbows. All blast furnaces all installed. Our blacksmiths attempt to reverse engineer gunpowder, crossbows and blast furnaces. We send five dhows, now with sailors armed with repeating crossbows, to the Bahmanis to aid them in their fight. We order the construction of another five large dhows in our shipyards.
 * Sakha is left in some disorder by the blinding of Khan Oyus, who can no longer effectively perform his duties as ruler. Power is shifted to a Council of Regents composed of Oyus' daughters and their husbands, who agree that the Khanate will be re-established by wedding Banner-General Nyurguun's and Oyus' second daughter's 3-year old son to the just-born daughter of Oyiridai and Tuyaara (the latter of whom would also be a female-line descendant of Genghis Khan). With Oyus' agreement, his daughter's husbands receive the title of Amir (i.e. prince) and his daughters receive the title Khatun, the female equivalent of Khan. Oyus himself becomes increasingly devout, taking monastic vows; he also commands the establishment of a number of monasteries explicitly to care for the blind and otherwise disabled, granting them a silver mine to ensure their future income. Immigration from the south continues, particularly for the religious minorities already present in Sakha; the Regents grant Nestorians and Manichaeans the right to build temples this year, and also allow the highest Nestorian priest to travel to Iraq to seek contact with the Patriarch and recognition as a metropolitan. Military expansion continues, with Banner-General Nyurguun focusing on the navy, building dozens of small sampans to expand control of the Lena. Merchants on the coast continue to expand their shipbuilding efforts, hoping to construct ships able to reach Korea and Japan; their preexisting designs are widely used for fishing, although too small for this lofty goal. Expansion northward up the Lena continues.
 * The new Tatar vassal of Küerik is finally organized this year; immigration of Yakuts is rapid and the closeness of the two languages speeds assimilation. Buddhist monks are sent out to other nearby Tatar tribes to convert them, with some success.
 * Korean diplomacy (to Sakha): We would like to establish wider trading relations with Sakha.
 * Sakha agrees to establish greater trade relations with Korea.
 * Kingdom of Tondo: Rajah Gambang and his council meet with diplomats from Ming, Ma-I, and Pangasinan. He also expresses his joy meeting the Korean and Japanese traders, but does not issue a reply to Japan's offer of bowing to them as a tributary. To better accomodate these traders, the Koreans are allowed to reside and trade in Binondo (OTL location) while the Japanese are allowed in OTL Ermita in southern Manila. Tondo continues to expand south, and sends 6000 settlers to Samar Island across the narrow strait to claim it in the name of Tondo. 12 blast furnaces around the capital are built to augment the increasing iron and mettalurgy industries of Tondo, and paved roads to and from Maynila are built to connect the Kingdom together. Rajah Gamgang starts to consolidate his power in the capital and orders all political opponents to be a part of the settling process enacted upon Tondo in the nearby islands, primarily to keep them away from seizing or threatening his power. Military personnel stands at 27,000 active troops across southern Luzon, and 52,000 additional men ready to be conscripted to defend the state. They are armed with swords, shields, and armor made from the blast furnaces. Roads in and round Maynila are built, and a town in the south, Kawit, is experiencing rapid population growth as fertile farmlands attract settlers there, along with abundant deposits of minerals in the area. This promts the Council of Kawit (Kataas-taasang Lupon ng Kawit) to petition Rajah Gambang for a read that connects Kawit to Maynila, thereby attracting more and more settlers. As part of Rajah Gambang's ambitious attempt to further expand Tondo's holdings, he offers the Huangdoms of Pangasinan and Ma-i union, with the proposed union falling under a triumvirate, if ever both accept, or dual rule, of only one of them accepts. To compensate for the loss of tributaries, Tondo (or the future union) will offer to become a tributary state of the Ming, paying the tribute Mai-i and Pangasinan used to pay, along with Tondo's personal tribute. This proposed union will not infringe on the beliefs and the rights of all existing parties, cultures, and religions. ( MOD RESPONSE please, this is really important)
 * Korean diplomacy (to Tondo): The Korean merchants would like to bring a group of Tagalogs (in a separate ship of course) with them back to Korea to so that they can learn the route between Korea and Tondo, as well as learn Korean culture.
 * Ma-I and Pangasinan agree to an economic and military alliance, but will remain autonomous
 * Hungary: Our forces are strengthened and advanced greatly. Our nation continues to develop but our economy grows. Fortifications and defenses continue to be built on the Ottoman border along with drafting more soldiers. We ask if any nations in Europe would like to support us if there was a war with the Ottoman Empire.
 * Cilli- Our forces are strengthened and advanced greatly. The nation continues to develop but our economy grows. Fortifications and defenses continue to be built on the Ottoman border along with drafting more soldiers. Infrastructure is also built.
 * Croatia- Our forces are strengthened and advanced greatly. The nation continues to develop but our economy grows. Fortifications and defenses continue to be built on the Ottoman border along with drafting more soldiers.
 * ​Teutonic Order Diplomacy: Due to the agreement to allow recruiting within the Hungarian borders, we offer the services of about two-hundred knights and their retinues (About 6000 to 9000 soldiers) for the liberation of Christian lands. In exchange, all we request is a defensive alliance. 
 * Holland: The Friso-Hallandic wars end in 1408 with us winning the war and taking Friesland. Count Albert builds another 25 ships for trade with other nations around the area. The military of the nation builds another 25 ships for war. Around the capital city a brick wall is continuing to be build to stop intruders. About a thousand guards watch the city for safety reasons. The troop count is now standing at 10,000 troops and counting. Agriculture goes well in our nation with many farms going into surplus this year again. On all major rivers we have a toll stop at each city. A dry port is continuing to be built so we can increase the production of building ships for our nation's navy, trade sailors, and fisher men. The first bank of Holland is finished. The construction of the largest church continues in the capital is finished. Count Albert dies a the age of 85 this year. A huge ceremony is made for him. A statue at the city square is built in honor. William takes over for his father as Count of the land. We ask Brandenburg for an alliance. 
 * Hainut: Military is building up slowly. Farms are doing good this year with many surpluses happening. The honoring of Count Albert is celebrated in the country. The nation opens its arms to the new Count William.
 * Ayutthaya: Economy, infrastructure and military improves. Under the current king Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat and its ruling Uthong dynasty, he continue to reign the kingdom in his eleventh year, to make Thailand great again by building/upgrading roads and cities, and more cities are grown in skyrocket. Even more residential, commercial and other production building are built in cities. He continue the whole nation trading with other Southeastern Asian nations, India and China by land and sea. The King builds another ten ships for trade, while another five ships are for war and navy.
 * Teutonic Order:   Coastal outposts are being constructed with large signal fires used to inform other outposts and castles that danger is present from the coast. The idea is similar with increasing the border posts, so as to better response time with knight-brothers to be able to defend Teutonic lands. In order to protect and facilitate more trade, the small fleet of  twenty ships  is finished construction. Fortresses at Marienburg, Königsberg, Wenden, and Rehden see constructions of additional armories and state blacksmithies, financed and designed by Trapier Sven Achen. This will allow for more retinues and men-at-arms to be fully clothed and armed for conflicts. The cathedrial - Saint Mary's Holy Cathedral over the Order of German Brothers is about halfway finished construction. Hochmeister passes away after a complaining for cramps and severe stomach pains for a week (Gallstone complications as OTL), and a new Hochmeister is elected, Ulrich von Jungengin, his brother. This brother makes up for the lack of his brother's diplomatic nuance with his fierce tenacity and skill on the battlefield. We accept all offered trade agreements. 


 * ​Teutonic Order Diplomacy: We extend an offer of a Non-Aggression Pact to Pskov for the duration of twenty-five years. For further diplomatic relations, we work to improve relations with our Germanic brethern in Bradenburg. We offer safe passage/movement of  Danish soldiers in their conquest of former lands, hoping to foster better relations with another Baltic sea power.
 * Danish Diplomacy: We accept and thank the Teuton's offer for safe passage through their territory. As a result, positived Danish-Teutonic relations are boosted.  


 * Genoa: Popularity around Marco Visconti continues to grow. The Bank of St. George continues to expand. The Genovese arsenal continues to expand. Marietta Gattilusi is offered in marriage to the Despot of Eprius With the capture of portions of North Africa the Duchy of Constantine is formed under the Freschi family. Conversion of the infidels in North Africa begins. We ask the Papal States to establish missions in North Africa and we ask any other country to send Colonialists in order to #MakeAfricaChristianAgain.
 * Epirotan Dip: Despot Esau de' Buondelmonti accepts the marriage offer, wanting to improve relationships with the Genovese, as well as give his successor more legitimacy, due to the major ties that Gattilusi family has with the Palaiologos family, the current Emperor of the Byzantine Empire being the head of the Palaiologos family.
 * Despotate of Epirus: Despot Esau de' Buondelmonti marries his lovely bribe Marietta Gattilusi in a lavish ceremony that lots of Genoese and Ragusan nobles are invited. The bishop of Ioannina Matthew, himself marries the couple. Some days later Marietta Gattilusi is announced to be pregnant. Later that year she gives birth to two healthy twins, one boy and one girl, the boy is name Pyrrhus and the girl is named Catherine. We continue fortifying and improving Ioannina, its fortifications and its walls as well as fortifying and improving Igoumenitsa, Arta and Preveza and their ports in order to increase trade with the Italian states. In the countryside, without the constant threat of the Albanian clans, agriculture and stockraising have a major boost. We continue mining the Pindus mountain range for silver, copper and gold. Despot Esau de' Buondelmonti starts believing more and more with each day passing that he and his successors are destined for greatness equal to the Kings of the old. The four royal libraries located in the four biggest cities in the realm, finish construction and are now open to everyone, containing all the ancient scripts that we found in ruins across Epirus, as well as any other knowledge we have, becaming a major hub of knowledge. The Venetian arsenal in the port city of Preveza finishes reconstruction. Schematics for the construction of the Venetian Arsenal are kept in a secret chamber in each one of the four royal libraries. We continue to discover new ruins, with the scripts found inside being translated and sent into the four royal libraries across the realm. Venetian arsenal in Preveza is then put to use, with the Despot wanting to rival the mighty Italian merchant republics, as well as seeing an opportunity due to the destruction of Venice, to fill in the gap, many merchant ships with Venetian standards are constructed. Mercantilism is also vastly promoted, by exemption from tariffs and free unrestricted access to our ports for our merchants. We continue converting the state to Roman Catholicism, although peacefully, with the pious Aragonese missionaries staying, being experienced from the Reconquista, lots of people continue to convert, some even believing the ousting of the Albanian clans, from Epirus, as a sign of God to convert to the Catholic faith. Population stands at 140,000. We ask the Pope again for our own archbishopric. We ask Genoa as well as Ragusa for an alliance.
 * Ragusa accepts.
 * The Antipope grants Epirus an Archbishopic, even if they didn't ask him
 * I'm not a mod or anything, but how does that even work? The Antipope is in chains in Aragon. ~Tim
 * Epirotan Dip: Even through our previous requests to grant as our own archbishopric are ignored by the Pope and achieve little, except the Anti-Pope's response in a bid to further his own agenda, with the hope to persuade us to support him. Nonetheless our devotion remains the same to the true Pope in Rome.
 * Empire of Japan: With the further expansion to the south into the ocean, the First settlement of nearly 30 people settle down in Taiwan settling down in the settlement known as Kailung (OTL Keelung) the settlement is celebrated as a trade post however the area around Kailung is celebrated as an agricultural haven and word is sent back to the shogun to send farmers and other people to increase the settlement of this new land. It is hoped that more resources will be discovered on the island which will make the investment worth it. The small fort/port however is turned into a trade post for Japanese ships coming out of Southern China and the expansion of the post is considered a real possibility with the traders and merchants and their samurai retainers acting as guards for the small expedition looking to expand the settlement in coming years. The Ashikaga continue to see gains as two more smaller Japanese clans acquiesce to the Shogun joining the coalition to create the Teikoku Gikai. It is assumed next year the remaining southern holdouts will join in short order next year and the process of a more prosperous Japan will occur with the potential of preventing conflict between the Daimyo, samurai, and Shogun. The Ashikaga continue to push their own precious metals into China to work with the Chinese currency but a decent amount is used to improve much of the domestic situation in Japan as the infrastructure particularly between major Japanese cities is improved with a Road between Kamakura, Shizuoka, and Kyoto entering an intense rebuilding process. Yoshimochi enters into a state of greiving as his father dies but recovers quickly as solidarity shown between his allies and even some of his enemies allow him to press on as he only requires one clan to implement the dream of the Imperial Assembly. The Japanese military armaments under the Ashikaga continue to advance and its allies show notable advancement as well. Hokkaido sees further settlement as well. The Shogun is approached by a small group of merchants and young Samurai who wish to embark on an expedition to the Mainland and wishes the Shogun to invest into it. With some funding available for this the Shogun agrees to fund the expedition hoping to gain some further benefit from this and by the close of the year a small trade post is set up called Shinotashima (OTL Vladivostok location) with roughly 30 people as well to develop the area. The Area is surveyed and is recognized to be a potentially large port city.
 * Due to the recent expansion of settlers, the Emperor-King of Mayapan and the high council decide to divide up the territory of the nation into states. Governors of these states are people close to people on the council to ensure their loyalty. Expansion continues in the southern regions of the nation. Several small city-states are contacted along the southern border. They are invited to become part of Mayapan, or continue on as autonomous regions in association with Mayapan, with their current rulers as governors. (Mod Response, please and thanks.)  The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Due to Emperor-King Iktan's initiative, work continues to renovate and update existing buildings, roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
 * Ottoman Empire:  With War with the Byzantines we send 70,000 troops and 10,000 Janissers to Constantinople seeing no action by them we fire at the wall of Istanbul and begin to Siege of Istanbul, but the siege was halted by the Sultan and he sent 80,000 troops to Tunis. The Sultan works on building schools across the Ottoman Empire and works on hiring people across the state. The Sultan is heard saying during the Siege of Istanbul " Let all of Europe can and kill me if they want this Empire to die". All men from 16 - 37 are forced to join the army and are trained across the country, and prisoners are forced to work to create new warships, raising the number to 50 ships while the rest of the army regroups in Ankara then some are sent to Serbia and Wallachia. The Sultan opens up military schools and pick the best troops out of the Army to the schools. 
 * Serbia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 900 mosques mostly in the South. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population Troops are trained in Serbia rising the army to 9000, while 10,000 troops are stationed.
 * Wallachia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 600 mosques mostly in the South, and reciting peasants for the army. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population. The army is rising to 8000, while 10,000 troops are stationed.
 * Republic of Ragusa' :'     The nation continues to develop due to improved relations with Epirus, Castile and the Pope in Rome. Croatian becomes the primary language of the majority of people and the government thus decides to stick to declare Dalmatian as an administrative language to distinguish itself from the plebeians. The albanian recruits that Ragusa gained from Epirus are treated fairly as a specific class of citizen and they are promised new land and women in return for their loyalty to the Republic.
 * County of Savoy: Amadeus VIII has ruled the great nation of Savoy for almost twenty years. Seeing that Milan and Genoa have grown powerful, with the former establishing a strong foothold in the peninsula, conquering Venice and attempting to unify Italy, while the latter is establishing colonies in the Aegean, Tartar lands, and in the dark lands of Africa, formerly in the hands of the followers of Mahomet. Hoping for higher glory, we ask the Holy Roman Emperor to be raised to a Duchy, instead of a mere County. (MOD OR HREmperor). In addition to this, seeking to have a safeguard against Milan's expansionist policies and ambitious, we request an alliance with the great nation of France, and we begin a secret coalition against Milan and Genoa, inviting the French, Austrians, the Pope and any other state in the vicinity of Savoy that feels insecure or threatened by the Milanese war machine. 
 * ​The Emperor of the Romans agrees to make Savoy a Duchy
 * Majapahit Empire: The Eastern Court continues to push toward Trowulan, while the Western Court launches a counter-attack out of Wikramawardhana's insistence toward General Tirta, now executed for "disloyalty". As a result, Wikramawardhana himself decides to lead the counterattack to retake Lumajang. While that happens, several small armies are sent into enemy territory to weaken their supply lines and kill key figures of the Western Court while the main line is pushed forward slowly. For the year, major battles are avoided until the fall, when Wikramawardhana's forces are intercepted in Mount Bromo with troops led by Bhre Wirabhumi himself, which after luring Wikramawardhana's forces into a trap near the volcano, begin fighting a pitched battle, in which Wirabhumi and Wikramawardhana fight one on one combat. When the dust settles, only several hundred men of the Eastern Court and Wirabhumi stand, the latter, though injured, staring below at the corpse of his fallen rival, and the Empire's fallen king, before proclaiming "The flame is extinguished." By the end of the year, the rumours spread of the "Clash of the Crowns", to nearby regions, before the main line is able to reach a now, demoralised and leaderless, Trowulan. The city is taken with little to no resistance as the remnants of the Western Court are subdued and imprisoned, before their execution by next year.
 * Benin: Okapara Maduka and his entourage depart from Cairo having absorbed as much information that they could about the region and the societies within it. Bringing with them Egyptian cotton and metalwares as an investment, Okpara begins to head north into Palestine, travelling through the city of Gaza where is observes the Arab fishermen of the city bringing in their catches for the day, and then heading for Jerusalem, where he is informed of the wars which once wracked the city as Christians and Muslims fought over what both considered one of their most holy cities. Okpara and his entourage settle in Damascus for the time being, and plan the next leg of their journey. Okpara takes the time to visit the sites of the city and acquire information on the history of the land and any other useful knowledge that he might record. In Benin, the Oba assembles the uzama, declaring that the season for war has come upon them. The uzama states that the empire should wage war against its traditional enemy Oyo, as has been the way for decades throughout the nation's history. Agreeing with this assessment, the Oba orders the Iyasa to send out the call to arms of the warriors of the land, and order them to begin the march to war against Oyo. Prince Uwaifaikon is ordered to join the war effort, while his brother Prince Ogun is ordered to stay behind in the capital and govern the affairs of the nation. Alongside the Congo River, the band of Ezeni continues to sail up the river, stopping at the site of a confluence at . Here, the 300 men rest and recuperate, and a team sent back to Kongo to pass on the information to the Oba of their progress. The tribals thus far are deemed to be mostly harmless, with their hunter-gatherer population numbering in the mere hundreds per tribe, and baring nothing but wooden and stone weapons. Communication be tribes is found to be non-existent, with communication between two villages stopping wherever the jungles become to thick, cutting off entire regions from one another. One local serving as a guide to Ezeni and his men states that nothing the tribals have could break or punch through their armor, and that if Ezeni truly desired, he and his band of warriors could cut swathes through the territories and populations of the tribes. A force of thirty warriors are sent into the jungle by Ezeni with several guides and an interpreter, to learn of the surrounding lands and peoples, and report back to Ezeni on their findings. Ezeni sends another group of twenty warriors along another river to the east, which returns earlier than expected after discovering a vast lake in the interior, which the local Mongo people call . All of this information is recorded and prepared for the next report to the Oba. After a period of rest and the second team team returns to the camp, Ezeni and his men continue to sail up the Congo River, making periodic stops along the way. Construction of three additional oké and fifteen epeepe for the royal navy is completed.
 * Bavaria: We upgrade our military. We begin influencing Burgau (Turn One of Five), Thuringen (Turn Onw of 11), and Lorraine (Turn One of 16) .We request Austria stop attacking us and give us three pixels of land. (Austria Response needed. I won the Algo.)
 * No. We don't do that any more.
 * Austria: Last year's battle, while considered a victory for austria, manages to showcase the strategic and tactical cluelessness of the lord regent. in this wake, he names his brother Ernst as the new Captain-General of the Archducal Army. The Lord regent resigns to Vienna, where he supervises the mints and other financial tools with which the army is run. Smiths work all day and night to create new arms for the army which it has used. Near the end of the year, William Falls ill and abdicates his position as Lord Regent in favour of Ernst. William continues his passion for economics by overseeing the mints and taxation in a nation that seems to be falling into a war of attrition with Bavaria, a war william means to win by pooling resources. Ernst, however, does not wish to fight a war of attrition, and instead opts to capture an important city. Such as Muhldorf. Surprising everyone, Ernst leads his army back, leaving the bavarian forces wondering where their enemy had gone. The small respite, however, came with grave news as it became known that Austria prepares to assault Muhldorf. The bavarian forces can only hope they do not come too late...(setup for the battle) What comes next becomes a slaughter. The Current Dukes of Bavaria perish with the reamainder of their army, leaving nobody to stop the ascension of Albert V & II as Archduke of Austria and Bavaria. Ernst is hailed by the Austrian people as a hero, and granted the honourary title of "sword of Austria" by young Albert. The people are good to return to peace, as the Treaty of Landschut between Lord Regent Ernst, now dubbed "the Iron" by the people, and the regency council of Bavaria is signed, bringing an end to the four-year long war.
 * The Crown of Castle begins rebuilding from the war in North Africa, with Morocco under our thumb, we establish the Kingdom of Morocco, while the Sultanate of Morocco is re-established south of the East of the Atlas Mountains (See map on the talk page). The purpose of this is to save manpower and resources on what Castile sees as useless desert. The status quo continues in Castile. The navy is rebuilt. We continue the search for a mate for King Henry IV. more next turn
 * With Venad's futile resistance crushed, Firuz Shah of the Bahmanids now turns his able hand toward internal improvements. Though their leaders and much of the population of Kollam is massacred for their obstinance, the merchants and sailors are allowed to live, as Firuz intends the city to become an even more important trade port and a keystone of the empire. The Mogadishan trading post at Kolkota is moved to Kollam. The first students enter the university at Gulbarga. Architects are sent through the newly conquered regions to build public works to win over the populace, as well as mosques to spread Islam.

1409
 A papal Council has mixed results with representitives of Benedict XIII and the other guy (MP finish this) 


 * Actually I want to raise what Tim mentioned last turn. Since the Antipope was imprisoned in Aragon years ago, how many countries still maintain allegiance to him, and what power can he still wield? Just interested so I can react in-character, not a critism. Callumthered (talk) 11:11, July 26, 2016 (UTC)

 University opens in Liepzig 

 Jacquemart de Hesdin paints Carrying the Cross 

 The Vilnius Castle in Lithuania is completed 

 Zheng He's expedition reaches Sri Lanka 

 Astronomer Ulugh Beg becomes governor of Samarkand 

 The Monlam Prayer festival begins in Tibet 
 * Timurid Empire:  Amir Shahrukh Mirza continued his glorious reign over his Empire, and designated his son Ulugh Beg as his heir. The latter had immediately set out to work as he imposed a tax system upon the local people which he referred to as the mansabdari system. This allowed the Empire to harvest and cultivate a much larger surplus of wheat and other crops which in turn made it much less liker of the Sultanate facing any food shortage. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Meanwhile, thousands of men were conscripted into the military from Persia, Tabriz, Transoxiana and the surrounding regions to properly engage in combat, and to annihilate the opponents.  Shahrukh Mirza and Pir Muhammad would launch an assault upon Sarai, capturing the city and Khalil Sultan. Along the same time, Ulugh Beg would break Miran Shahs siege of Bukhara, decimating the Tatar army. With the rebellion finally crushed, Shahrukh Mirza would be proclaimed as the Amir and coins would be minted in his name. Shahrukh Mirza would proceed to pardon his nephew, Khalil Sultan and many of the Tatar collaborators. He would however deal strictly with his brother, executing Miran Shah and dumping his body into the Caspian Sea. Seeking to proclaim a new Empire, Shahrukh Mirza would declare the start of the Gurkani Sultanate and would immediately pass numerous administrative reforms, splitting his empire into numerous provinces and appointing Governors for each. Shuffling the incumbent Governors as well as appointing new ones. Port cities would also be constructed at Aktau [otl Aktau] and Kashgarh [otl Rostov on Don], with Shahrukh keen on properly connecting the Empire. He would also shift the capital of the former Golden Horde from Sarai to Astrakhan, appointing a Tatar loyalist as its new Governor. Also keen on shifting the capital to a more centralized part of the Empire, Shahrukh Mirza declared Isfahan the new capital. 
 * Jalayirid Sultanate: Sultan Alaud Daula continued his reign over the Sultanate. Acting as a vassal to the Timurid Sultanate, he was now directly answerable to Timur and his temporary regent, Shahrukh Mirza. The military has designed along the same lines as the Timurid military, and men were conscripted to act as as the military for the state. Meanwhile, the Mamluk province of Hatay and the Ottoman vassals were integrated into the Jalayirid Sultanate. The Sultan himself made sure to wipe out all remnants and supporters of the Ag Qoyunlu and Kara Qoyunlu. Jalayirid authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at İskenderun, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Jalayirid Sultan, Alaud Daula would begin the construction of a trade route leading from his Mediterannean port of İskenderun to his Persian Gulf port of Basra, hoping to establish a faster route to India.
 * Aragon: The integration of the Kingdom of Argelia (formerly Tlemcen) into the Crown Union continues. The forces currently in Tlemcen are ordered to remain to enforce the occupation of Argelia. The King repeats for the third time his request for orders from the PAPAL STATES regarding the fate of the Antipope. We reach out to England and ask for a marriage between Prince John of Aragon and Princess Blanche of England to cement our friendship.
 * Mohawk Tribe: Chief Akaitcho leads the Mohawk people, hoping to expand their territory. He sends his son, Notaku with 20 braves, to the Oneida (mod response) to work on bettering relations, he takes with him 20 elk hides and five baskets of fish as an offering of peace. Akaitcho calls his council to discuss settling in a permanent location along the banks of Lake Champlain with the hopes that it would unify his people.
 * Duchy of Savoy: Amadeus VIII  has ruled the great Duchy of Savoy for almost twenty years. Seeing that Milan and Genoa have grown powerful, with the former establishing a strong foothold in the peninsula, conquering Venice and attempting to unify Italy, while the latter is establishing colonies in the Aegean, Tartar lands, and in the dark lands of Africa, formerly in the hands of the followers of Mahomet.  Seeking to have a safeguard against Milan's expansionist policies and ambitious, we request an alliance with the great nation of France, and we begin a secret coalition against Milan and Genoa, inviting the French, Austrians, the Pope and any other state in the vicinity of Savoy that feels insecure or threatened by the Milanese war machine.
 * Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo):  After four months as the Sultan, Izz Al-Addin fell greatly sick. All the Mamluk beys gathered around him and pleaded for him to live, but Izz Al-Addin replied "It is Allah's will that I should go, that you may see the error of your ways, and accept his servant Muhammad as your leader". And then he died. The Mamluk beys were stricken with panic, as the chaos outside had grown worse over time. Now the common Arab people protested everywhere, defying Mamluk rule, such that it was no longer safe even to venture outside of the Cairo Citidel. Then a devish came to the Mamluks and said "By Allah, it is clear that the only one fit to rule is My servant Muhammad himself". And so, thus informed, the Mamluk beys gathered and elected the Caliph Al-Mu'tadid as the new Sultan of Egypt, meant only to be temporary. And so, for the first time in almost 500 years, the Caliph of Islam held both religious and temporal authority. As soon as Mu'tadid was announced to the people outside, all the protestations and tumult ceased, as if Mu'tadid was an angel sent down from heaven. Mu'tadid gave a stirring speech denouncing the sins of previous years, rallying the Arabs of the city into a mighty army once more. Al-Mu'tadid appointed the Arab soldier Ahmed Al-Harab as governor of Syria, and sent him with the new army of thousands to annex the region for Egypt. After this went on for four months, the Mamluk beys gathered together again, and asked if they should remove the Caliph and replace him with a Mamluk ruler. But fearing the recent chaos in Egypt, they instead decided to elect Al-Mu'tadid Sultan for life. By the end of the year, Ahmed Al-Harab had completely subjucated Syria, and proceeded to annex Mecca and Medina as well.
 * Duchy of Ferrara: A daughter is born, named Piera. to Niccolo and his wife. A castle is built on the border of Milan and Modena, to defend against any attempts into Modenan land. Ferrara and Modena join the coalition against Milan, alongside Savoy. Niccolo also asks if there are any daughters of Amadeus, proposing a future betrothal with one of Niccolo's sons. Niccolo also asks the Emperor to rise Ferrara to a true duchy. (HRE Emperor, or mod response needed)
 * ​One does not simply "build a castle". ~Oct
 * Empire of Japan: The Ashikaga shogun Yoshimochi is proven correct in his position about the changing sides of the daimyo of the Shoni and Ouchi clans both of which put the establishment of the Imperial assembly at nearly 85% of the total clans of Japan, and it includes all the powerful clans. The remaining clans which are opposed or neutral while not happy with this development are unable to resist the change as immense pressure from every Daimyo to attend the Teikoku Gikai. They begrudingly acquiesce to the demand of the various Daimyo and the shogun and the First Imperial Assembly is conducted. The Assembly addresses the major issue of the disunity of the Japanese clans and their infighting. The Lord of the Hosokawa clan proposes the establishment of a small council to handle their latent issues before internal combat is to take place. The power is to cycle between a relevant southern clan, northern clan, and central clan respectively so as to share the decision on the ruling on any sort of internal conflict. If no agreeable compromise can be made or any justice be brought out the two lords may engage in a conflict in order to handle the situation. The next case brought before the Imperial Assembly is the fight between isolationism, and the expansionism. Split roughly half and half, the 20 Daimyo, lords of their respective clans are unable to come to a clear decision. This remains in a stalemate however the various pro-expansion Daimyo modeling their efforts after the Ashikaga shogun begin gathering their personal funds to invest into a trade venture beyond Japans shores. Shinotashima is recognized as a successful trade colony and its population of 30 expands to 150 in short order. following successful trade with natives and being a stopping point for Japanese trade ships going from Northern China or Korea to northern Japan. Shogun Yoshimochi seeing some return investment the following year of his approval and money loan to the merchants and opportunists offers a second more long term loan promising to provide more funding for the expansion of the Shinotashima settlement if his dividends keep increasing and the new colony becomes profitable. The small trade post/colony of Keilung also grows but at a much slower rate with its small population of 30 only gaining a few people increasing the population to 42 as it remains a light trade post for the time being. Land under use and control however expands a bit as the merchants seize better land to port ships. The Japanese settlement of Hokkaido continues. The Ashikaga family continues to grow in wealth as it solidifies its control over its Shogunate rule in Japan. It does however see a revolt of peseants in the lands of Ouchi who begrudgingly ask the Shogun for help as their forces caught unprepared were driven out and a disproportionate amount of their levies revolted with the peasants. The Ashikaga rally with the Ouchi forces and Yoshimochi himself leads the battle bringing the full banners of the Ashikaga clan to bear of nearly 55,000 troops. The Revolt is summarily crushed to which the Ouchi are greatful. The Ashikaga maintain that they have earned a favor from the Ouchi favily and refuse payment marching back to their lands. A recently established Royal Guard standing at 5000  which exclusively guards Kyoto now becoming its own Forbidden city which is under construction (modeled after the Chinese forbidden city). The forces are a collection of Japanese Samurai and soldiers from across the empire who rotate out agreeing to volunteer their time essentially paying for the right to guard the emperor as a prestigious position. Ironically much of the money paid is to the shogun which puts much of this money into a fund which is essentially the backup budget for Kyoto when certain rebuild or renovation or infrastructure is needed.
 * Sakha diplomacy: Sakha diplomats arrive at Keilung and offer free use of Sakha's port for fishing or exploration farther north, as well as a trading post and compound there for Japanese merchants, if aid in shipbuilding will be provided by Japan in return.
 * Order of Knights Hospitaller: The Order's military strength is significantly bolstered this year, with a major recruiting drive through all the Priories in Europe in the wake of successes in both Hesse and the anti-piracy campaign bringing in many new vocations. Grand Master Philibert is greatly pleased by this, and is equally pleased by the Pope's acceptance of his recommendation. Angelo d'Accostello is consecrated a bishop in the Cathedral of our Lady of the Castle, and takes canonical possession of the island as Archbishop of Rhodes. He is the first priest of the Order to hold the position, and the Grand Master and Chapter are determined that from now on, both secuar and ecclesiastical matters should stay within the Order. Grand Master Philibert finds out about Hungary's proposed campaign against the Ottomans from his commanders in Hungary, and makes sure that the Order's navy is prepared in case a conflict should break out.
 * Bradenburg-Morovia-Luxembourg:  Jobst continues to promote the interests of his domains in the HRE by seeking trade agreements and by reinforcing the levy obligations of the lords in his domains. Certain privileges are granted to members of the nobility in the form of some tax excemptions to secure their commitment for military aid to the state. The works of Konrad are explored more in depth by members of the Luxembourgish and Bradenburgian academia. Morovia is reinforced, however, due to Jobst increased focus on Bradenburg he sees it as a bargaining chip more and more in his dynastic disputes.  Jobst requests a trade agreement with Sweden and the Teutonic Order as ties with Denmark are already good in trade, and from his base in Luxembourg tries to improve relations with Holland offering them a trade agreement. Ties to Burgundy are expanded as trade grews and the alliance between the House of Burgundy and the Jobstinian Luxembourg is confirmed.  Construction of the University of Berlin begins in an effort to consolidate the Bradenburgish intellegencia and to foster a climate for innovation and culture. Investment in infrastructure continues. Despite the close ties with Denmark their efforts to dominate the northern German lands scare the ruling class in Berlin and a request I sent to Denmark to clarify their intentions. As military improvements continue Jobst between his three estates is able to muster an armed levy of 13,000 and the treasury is able to host a further 5000 mercenaries for a period of ten years with the current situation making Jobst happy at the success of his reforms in recent years. Jan Hus is secretly taking in after being sent out by the Swedish delegation and he is placed under house arrest in Bradenburg but allowed to continue his works aslong as he keeps to himself and avoids preaching. In an effort to resolve the issues with Bohemia once and for all Jobst offers the treaty of Bradenburg an der Havel establishing the following, Jobst will recognize the treaty of Trier and the concession of Morovia to Bohemia in exhange Bradenburg shall be granted SIlesia, Bradenburg will give financial compensation along with Morovia in exchange for the duchy, On another note the vote of Bradenburg will go to Bohemia in the next elections should the all claims made by Bohemia to the Cadet Luxembourg branch be dropped. 
 * Bohemia: Wenceslaus IV begins to read all the new manuscripts and texts sent by Epirus. Wenceslaus V continues his schooling. Germanization in the country continues. We offer the betrothal of Wenceslaus V to the young daughter of the crown of France. Emissaries and delegates continue to be sent to Saxony and the Palatinate. A new plan is devised diplomatically, and delegates/emissaries are also sent to Mainz and Trier this year.
 * Mogadishu: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. With new goods from China, we try to adapt our factories to produce silk and procelain. We further expand toward the Jubba River, as canals, dikes and ditches are being built. The land surrounding the Jubba-Shebelle Rivers become more fertile. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. The Royal Marines continues training in on ship fighting, ship maneuver and attack, amphibious landing and general fighting. Our five dhows arrive in Bombay to support the Bahmanis. Ahmed prepares another voyage southward, setting off and reaching Zanzibar and Zimbabwe, following the coast of Africa.
 * Kingdom of Tondo: '  the island of Cebu in the south is claimed by Rajah Gambang. A small party of 40 settlers arrive in the northern part of Cebu, but the rate of success of the colonization remains to be seen    Tondo continues to expand south, and sends 6000 settlers to Samar Island across the narrow strait to claim it in the name of Tondo. 12 blast furnaces around the capital are built to augment the increasing iron and mettalurgy industries of Tondo, and paved roads to and from Maynila are built to connect the Kingdom together. Rajah Gamgang starts to consolidate his power in the capital and orders all political opponents to be a part of the settling process enacted upon Tondo in the nearby islands, primarily to keep them away from seizing or threatening his power. Military personnel stands at 27,000 active troops across southern Luzon, and 52,000 additional men ready to be conscripted to defend the state. They are armed with swords, shields, and armor made from the blast furnaces. Roads in and round Maynila are built, and a town in the south, Kawit, is experiencing rapid population growth as fertile farmlands attract settlers there, along with abundant deposits of minerals in the area. This promts the Council of Kawit (Kataas-taasang Lupon ng Kawit) to petition Rajah Gambang for a read that connects Kawit to Maynila, thereby attracting more and more settlers. Tondo agrees to the Korean offer, and sends fifty men (in a separate ship) to Korea. ' Rajah Gambang contemplates on Tondo's current situation. He has failed to achieve his initial goal of annexing the nearby Huangdoms, but gained increased contact with foreign powers in the process. He orders a select group of followers to gain more knowledge about the Koreans and Japanese traders in Maynila, and gain information about their homelands.
 * Teutonic Order: More knights continue to pledge their alliegence to the Teutonic Order. This larger influx of knights has diminished the available lands and will shortly result in much smaller recruitment numbers over the coming years unless more 'pagan' land is seized. The cathedrial - Saint Mary's Holy Cathedral over the Order of German Brothers is about two-thirds of the way to finished construction. Our navies continue to patrol Teutonic waters and the larger Ostsee (Baltic Sea) to protect trade from pirates and ensure the safety of the Teutonic coast. Großkomtur Luca Thalburg proposes the idea of making a university addition to the Saint Mary's Holy Cathedral in Marienburg which is accepted by the Generalkapitel. A new Generalprokurator (Teutonic representative at the Holy See) is elected and the name is Ralf Ackermann.
 * Genoa: The popularity of Marco Visconti continues to expand with the elimination of Barbary pirates and his attempts to #MakeAfricaChristianAgain. Alliances with Milan and Castile continue to be maintained. The Crimean colonies experience an influx of Jewish settlers. With Corsica remaining an integral part of the Genovese economy and the Republic of Genoa the investment in Corsica continues with aspects being used to raise the standard of life. Ligurian continues to rise as the vernacular of Corsica, being spoken mainly by the nobility who continue to maintain large ties to Genoa. In order to maintain the growth of Ligurian schools are opened in Corsica that only use Ligurian. Ligurian is officially the only language spoken in Bastia. The Bank of St. George continues to expand with more Condontorri companies being formed. The Genovese arsenal continues to expand with many new shipbuilding techniques being experimented with. A continued call is sent out to the pope and other Christian nations to help with #MakeAfricaChristianAgain.
 * Epirotan Diplomacy: We send some limited help, wanting to see Africa Christian again.
 * Teutonic Order Diplomacy: We request the right to maintain several commandries in the Geonian Afrikan lands under the promise that Teutonic Knights shall guard roads and protect peasants from harm.
 * Chimu Empire: The Empire continues working on increasing its military and expands southward along the coast. Roads connect a large chunk of the empire, and continue to expand with the empire southward. Clay mortar becomes more common in the empire, being mixed with other materials to make it stronger as time goes on such as crushed limestone. The material is crude, but has a major improvement over previous clay mortars and plane stone buildings, and it begins being used throughout the empire in Imperial buildings and fortifications. With the continued growth of the Chimu Empire and its many strides as of late, the Emperor orders expansion to the south to cease, and expansion toward the Lima Valley begins (general direction toward Lima Valley).
 * Ayutthaya: Economy, infrastructure and military improves. Under the current king Somdet Phra Rama Ratchathirat and its ruling Uthong dynasty, he continue to reign the kingdom in his twelfth year, to #MakeThailandGreatAgain (This tag appears all time until 1850s and it contains that Ayutthaya must do: Building/upgrading roads and cities, and more cities are grown in skyrocket. Even more residential, commercial, cultural and public, defensive and other production building are built in cities. He continue the whole nation trading with other Southeastern Asian nations, India and China by land and sea.) in order to not violate rule number 4. Meanwhile, after being annexed Sukhothai into Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya declared war on Chieng Mai and invaded the small nation one with 40,000 soldiers.
 * Majapahit Empire: With Trowulan now under the hands of the Eastern Court, Bhre (Prince) Wirabhumi is crowned Majahara (King) of the Majapahit Empire in front of a large crowd of loyal citizens and soldiers, who have sworn loyalty to the new King. A week after his coronation, he decides to offer the remaining Western Court forces amnesty for their crimes against the Empire in exchange for their loyalty, with a slim majority accepting it and the remainder remaining loyal to the Western Court's last remains. By the second week of Wirabhumi's rule, he is able to execute the remains of the Western Court's royal family, and he decides to reorganise the Empire two months after coronation, with the 12 current provinces being ruled not by Royal family members or by natha (lords) but by the rajya (governors) and only the rajya, all appointed by the board of ministers, which themselves are appointed by the King, with ministry being rotated among officials every four years to prevent gridlock, corruption, infighting, favouritism, and factionalism. At the same time, the rest of Java under the vassal kingdom of Sunda is integrated and annexed into the core Empire as equal citizens of the Majapahit, and with this, 10 additional provinces are added into the Empire, to which the King appoints new governors. Though not every citizen is in favour of these "preposterous" reforms, the Empire, besides the remains of the Western Court, is somewhat stable throughout the year.
 * In the Roman Empire, Manuel II of the House of Palaiologos stares out into the strait of Bosporos below him. The weight of the grand yetseemingly fading city of Constantinople behind him, he realizes the specifity of his situation. The noble city, a shell of the once great empire of his ancestors,  was near its death, surrounded on all sides by the Osmanli Turkish hordes. Ships in port are built and renovated for the city's protection, and a garrison of 5500 Roman soldiers, most armed with a variant of the Genovese crossbow, guard Constantinople, with more on the way from Morea and the potential of buying more mercenaries. A conscription of able bodied citizens of the empire takes place. Meanwhile, Manuel II's spouse, empress Helena Dragaš, bears their eighth child, a girl, taking the name Anna Palaiologos. Churches of the Orthodox fasion are renovated.
 * Despotate of Morea: Apart from raising a 1000 man garrison and buying 500 in Mercenaries for defense from Ottoman attack, as well as fortifying defensive structures to prevent any amphibious landing on her shores, Morea, under the guise of her despot Theodore II Palaiologos, sends an extra 500 men to Constantinople to aid in the event of siege. As a symbol of goodwill to any other nations, Catholic Missionaries are allowed safe passage.
 * Lemnos: 450 men and two ships guard Lemnos, with food production rushed in an effort to store food for a siege in the future.
 * Epirotan Dip: We ask the Roman Empire for an alliance and the Roman Emperor to be raised to a Kingdom, instead of a mere Despotate
 * The Roman Diplomacy Agrees to military collusion with our Graecian brothers in Epirus, and allow the Despot to call himself King.
 * Epirotan Dip: We ask our ally for help in our war against the Albanian principality of Valona.
 * Roman Empire sends 500 Morean Mercenaries to aid.
 * Khmer Empire: Sadly, our current King, Ponhea Yat, dies, leaving his son to take the throne. The new king, Suryavarman III, quickly proves an apt ruler and begins implementing reforms to restore Khmer to its former glory. The first major reform is centered around the military, which has been neglected and thus declined in recent years. In order to fix this, the new king allocates more funding to the military. With two million people to draw on, the king decides that 1/50 should be an prepared to serve is necessary. Additionally, 1/20 should be given minimal training, so they can serve as a replacement if absolutely necessary. While this theoretically gives the empire 100,000 fighting men to use, most agree that deploying any more than 40,000 would put great strain on the empire. additionally, the navy is improved with 50 ships built or refurbished for combat. The second, but if anything more important set of reforms, revolves around increasing crop yields. In recent years, crop yields have fallen far short of the traditional three harvests a year. In order to attempt to fix this, a bureaucracy dedicated to helping farmers increase their yields is established. While they have not yet expanded nation wide, there is a noticeable difference in favor of places that processed the bureaucracy, leading to plans for future expansion. Looking for ways to expand the empire, Suryavarman III offers the Majapahit Empire six million coins for their portion of the Malay peninsula. In addition, an alliance is offered, as Suryavarman III relives it would benefit both nations. The new king also begins to encourage trade expeditions to the Indian ocean and the South China sea, hoping to grow the empire's economy. Overland trading, especially with china, also increases.
 * Majapahit Diplomacy: King Wirabhumi accepts the offer, but in exchange, we propose an alliance between the two empires, and with it, a trade deal.
 * Khmer Empire: Suryavarman III agrees to this proposal, and hopes that the deal will bring prosperity to both nations.
 * Despotate of Epirus: King Esau de' Buondelmonti declares war against his rival the Albanian Principality of Valona, to reclaim its lands and restore Epirus to its former glory. Then he marches with 1050 troops and 5 warships against them. The Shqip that were captured act as a mercenary force on the front lines. Their loyalty is guarantee by their previous transformation, as they are now shadows of their former selfs, broken into submission by systematic torture and castration to obey their masters. We continue fortifying and improving Ioannina, its fortifications and its walls as well as fortifying and improving Igoumenitsa, Arta and Preveza and their ports in order to increase trade with the Italian states. In the countryside, without the constant threat of the Albanian clans, agriculture and stockraising have a major boost. We continue mining the Pindus mountain range for silver, copper and gold. Despot Esau de' Buondelmonti starts believing more and more with each day passing that he and his successors are destined for greatness equal to the Kings of the old. We continue to discover new ruins, with the scripts found inside being translated and sent into the four royal libraries across the realm. Mercantilism is also vastly promoted, by exemption from tariffs and free unrestricted access to our ports for our merchants. We continue converting the state to Roman Catholicism, although peacefully, with the pious Aragonese missionaries staying, being experienced from the Reconquista, lots of people continue to convert, some even believing the ousting of the Albanian clans, from Epirus, as a sign of God to convert to the Catholic faith. Population stands at 140,000. We ask our ally Ragusa for help in our war against the principality of Valona.
 * Ragusa helps it ally with a portion of its forces, but primarily focuses on supplying the epirote troops via the dominant navy compared to Valona.
 * Serene Republic of Ragusa: The small Ragusan army is mobilized as well as its navy to battle the Principality of Valona. The Shqip conscripted from the Epirote lands act as a mercenary force on the front lines. Their loyalty kept via their leaders, these leaders are even offered near-patrician status to keep them conent. The Republic declares itself to be a Serene Republic and wishes for Hungarian support.
 * In Sakha, chaos ensues as an attempted coup by traditionalists, using the chieftain of Bulu and his wife, Oyus' daughter, as a figurehead, seizes the other members of the Council of Regents. They hope to reverse recent reforms and destroy new religious influences. However, the blind Khan Oyus himself is forgotten at his monastery; rallying the monks, he leads hundreds of citizens of Cohuskay through the streets to storm the royal citadel and defeat the coup. This feat gains Oyus an almost legendary status among the populace, particularly as his devoutness and asceticism increases, he having taken monastic vows previously. Oyus is also interested in Nestorianism and Manichaenism, however, and begins studying the latter religion after the coup. All opponents of the Council, some 300 people, are purged after the coup's failure, regardless of their involvement; their legs are broken and they are left to die on the frozen Lena, watched by the capital's inhabitants as a salutary lesson. Several responses to the coup are taken by the Council; Banner-General Nyurguun founds a school, called the Qhesyuan, to educate a new class of soldier-burueaucrat who will have instinctive loyalty to the Khanate, staffed by Buddhist monks loyal to the regime. He orders that the school teach military tactics and strategy, Buddhist doctrines (particularly those of the variety, which encourage embracing death), and political indoctrination. The monk who developed new agricultural techniques some years previously returns and asks that he be allowed to found a similar school to promote agronomics with a view to making further advances; with all remembering how his reforms ended starvation in the winters, this is also permitted as a semi-separate branch of the previous school, although political indoctrination is added to this curriculum as well. In Ulya, on the coast, work on ships continues, but few have any idea how to build ships bigger than the relatively small fishing boats and sampans already in wide usage. Several merchants hire berths on foreign ships visiting the port and travel south to try to figure out how better ships can be built, as well as expand trade relations with southern states such as Japan and Korea. Also in Ulya, local Evenks begin to settle and intermarry with the Yakuts, seeing the greater success of Yakut agricultural techniques; the governor there offers any who are willing to embrace the Khanate's rule an iron plow, two camels and a horse if they will settle under its rule, expanding the Khanate some way up the coast. Expansion northward up the Lena into friendly Yakut territory also continues.
 * In Kuerik, assimilation of the Tatrs progresses rapidly, fuelled by immigration of Yakuts to work nearby mines, and the necessity of learning Yakut to progress socially, as well as conversions to Buddhism, also Yakut-dominated. Administrators look to fully integrate the vassal within two decades.
 * Mayapan's Emperor-King Iktan and the high council continue to divide up the territory of the nation into states. Governors of these states are people close to people on the council to ensure their loyalty. Expansion continues in the southern regions of the nation. Several small city-states are contacted along the southern border. They are invited to become part of Mayapan, or continue on as autonomous regions in association with Mayapan, with their current rulers as governors. (Mod Response, please and thanks.)  The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Due to Emperor-King Iktan's initiative, work continues to renovate and update existing buildings, roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
 * Ottoman Empire:  The Sultan works on building schools across the Ottoman Empire and works on hiring people across the state. The Sultan is heard saying during the Siege of Istanbul " Let all of Europe can and kill me if they want this Empire to die". All men from 16 - 37 are forced to join the army and are trained across the country, and prisoners are forced to work to create new warships, raising the number to 100 ships while the rest of the army regroups in Ankara then some are sent to Serbia and Wallachia, while two castles are buit in Wallachia and on the Anatolian border, while we begin to put traps into the waterway to Istanbul, and the army rises up to 600,000. The Sultan opens up military schools and pick the best troops out of the Army to the schools and a man named Walid Kaan Ziya al-Din begins to make his way past his peers and is sent to Ankara to meet with the Sultan, but the Sultan gets sick after riding around Ankara trying to meet Walid in Ankara. The Sultan's son, Mehmed I Çelebi, takes a journey to Syria, Cairo, Mecca, and Mednia under the cover of being a Turkish Merchant. He went to study more about Islam and watched the annex of Mecca and Mednia and the Caliph in Syria. Jizayh is made in hope of making more money for the state.
 * Serbia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 900 mosques mostly in the South. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population Troops are trained in Serbia rising the army to 100,000, while 10,000 troops are stationed.
 * Wallachia (Ottoman vassal) -The sultan begins to create more 700 mosques mostly in the South, and reciting peasants for the army. More imams are sent to Serbia in hope of converting the population. The army is rising to 9000, while 10,000 troops are stationed. The troops are order to not fire unless fired upon. The castle are now worked on with Pesants.
 * In the  Duchy of Milan, the integration of Florence and Venice is the primary focus of Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti.. Additionally, the policy of respecting local customs continues to prevail in Florence and Venice, along with other conquered city-states. Meanwhile, Gian Galeazzo continues to act as a partron of the arts, employing thousands of artisans on the Duomo di Milano and the Certosa di Pavia. He also orders the copying of many rare manuscripts that spanned the reign of the Romans to Charlemagne for his personal library.  Posted for lovely Rex by yours truly, WolfyNail.
 * Pskov:  We  accept the trade offer from Novgorod, as well as the non-aggression pact. However, we are  concerned by the expansion of Russia,  but decide no action is currently needed. We seek to improve relations with the Teutonic Order  and Kalmar Union. We  send diplomats to the Kalmar Union to begin to form an alliance with them ; no such move is made with the Teutonic Order.  Posted for lovely Scar by yours truly, WolfyNail.
 * Sweden:  We continue expanding our infrastructure and modernizing our army. We continue the colonization of the Northern lands with grant from Queen Margaret. We ask  Oldenburg  for trade deals  and ask Hamburg and the rest of the Hansa for a full reintegration of Visby in the Hansa along with its previous privileges.   We continue integrating Gotland. The Bank of St. Birgitta is promoted as the new bank for the Baltic Sea Trade and make several offers to Novgorod, the Teutonic Orders, Denmark, Norway, Hamburg, Norway and Holland. We declare that Gotland will be ruled autonomously from the mainland, allowing it to have mercantilic laws.  We begin expanding our navy as well, and continue Christianizing the pagan Finns in our territory. We begin the expanding of Stockholm, promoting art and architecture and knowledge. We continue our trade deals with the Teutonic Order, Hamburg and Holland.

Queen Magrete of Denmark: The Great P9kerajian war rages 9n and the Danish army continues to make slight advanced into Pomeranian lands with heavy losses on both sidrs. I send 3000 more soldiers to the Teutonic front to join eric of Pomerania in his conquest


 * Kingdom of France: The “Deux Lis” Regency continues to focus on keeping France united against foreign threats (specifically the Kingdom of England). With the meeting of the representatives of Orléans and Burgundy, they come to another truce after negotiating for half a year. To prevent more assassinations from happening, the elite unit of the Order of the Lily, is temporarily split up to protect all of the notable vassals of France. The regents are glad and restore faith in the stability of the nation with the Burgundian crown searching for the assassin. France remains uneasy about the English peace and continues to bolster and reinforce French garrisons and forts near English holdings. Most of the French armies are also stationed toward the English border. Although a large navy wouldn’t be able to be sustained, the crown begins funding the construction of a port near Honfleur at the base of the Seine. The crown also tries to improve relations with the Papal States. A marriage is proposed between the King of Castile and Charles VI’s daughter, Jeanne. This would be instead of a betrothal, due to the age of Jeanne. Isabella and current Duke of Orléans, Charles I, get officially married with it consummated by a papal representative.
 * To which Spain are you referring? Spain as a single entity does not exist yet. ~Tim
 * Sorry, bro, I keep slipping up. Just a mistake.
 * Benin: Okpara moves on from Damascus to the city of Baghdad, where he collects books on the sciences from the libraries of the city. Having heard of the once glorious city of the 13th century, Okpara is saddened by the passing of the city's golden age. He moves up north to Mosul and later to Latakia, collecting as much knowledge about the lands as possible before moving on. Back home in Benin, the Oba makes his triumphant entry into the city of Ife-Ile, where the subjugated Yoruba of Oyo are paraded before him and his sons Ogun and Uwaifaikon, as well as members of the royal court and uzama. The virgins and younger married women are carried off as spoils of war, while the rest of the population is either enslaved or allowed to live as loyal subjects of the empire, all as is tradition. Oba Orobiru approaches the warriors who survived the war, commending them for their bravery. He offers them a chance to serve him in his military forces, with equal rights as Edo warriors, asking only that they adopt the Edo language and customs as their own. With few other prospects before them, the warriors agree, bringing into the Oba's military forces 5000 warriors and 2000 cavalry to replace some of the 30,000 slain warriors in his own army. Prince Uwaifaikon returns home, seeking to mastermind a great ship for which he seeks to make the pride of his father's naval forces. It shall be the largest of the ships of Benin, and will become the icon of Benin's newfound naval strength. However, not one to delay on other important matters, Uwaifaikon sends an expedition to finally make a direct trip to the port city of Tangiers. Following maps made by Mali for its own fleets of trading vessels, and combining it with the new knowledge that there exists a sea route between Benin and Morocco in the far western reaches of West Africa, Uwaifaikon believes that it is finally time to make the journey that shall make history for his people in Benin. Six additional oké are built in Eko and five in Bioko, while thirty epeepe are built throughout the empire's riverine and coastal ports. Ezeni and his men reach the area of, where they are entertained by the locals and receive many gifts of fruit and slaves. While attending a party, Ezeni notices the richness of the waterlogged soil and the ability for it to grow rice, watercress, and celery, yet the lack of any farmland in the region. Taking to mind the fact that the population is made up of hunter-gatherers, Ezeni notes that the agricultural potential for the land is outstanding, and documents this information for his final report to the Oba and Prince Uwaifaikon in Benin. With the celebrations over, Ezeni believes it would be prudent to return home after nearly two years in the Congo Rainforest. Sailing downstream, the Edo warriors using their prior knowledge of the land make it to the cataracts at the end of the river in the Kongo Kingdom. From here, the men cross over to the ocean and begin their journey home to Benin.
 * Scotland: Donald of Islay finally manages to gather enough support to revolt against the Crown. A battle is fought outside Inverness. Both sides lose a lot of men, but Donald lost more men, so he gives up and heads back to Islay to hopefully cause less trouble. The Gaelic language and culture continues to become divorced from the main Scots-speaking regular old feudal Scotland. In the economic realm, growing cottage industries begin to develop, such as iron working and wool trading in the burgeoning burghs, and animal husbandry/fishing continues to displace grain farming. Traders in the coastal burghs begin to reach farther and farther, and with the now-exclusive trade links to the Scandinavians in Aberdeen, traders from there are forced to use modern and advanced shipbuilding techniques to cross the wet North Sea. Military-wise, the pendulum continues to swing in favor of more quality troops rather than the mass levies popular before the Plague, with men-at-arms emerging to support the pikemen. Robert continues his interest in artillery and cannons, with the first large cannon making its way into Scottish lands at this point. As trade works its way around the North Sea, we become exposed to advanced new Dutch shipbuilding techniques. The crown commissions several ships to be built in the new Dutch style.
 * Papal States: The Papacy is unhappy that the schism was unresolved as of this turn, but is happy enough that more meetings will occur as agreed by the rest of the council. Papal funds go to bettering the states and slightly expanding the Papal fleet, which should be able to put 25 ships out to sea at short notice. Other Papal issues are in consideration and will be decided upon early next year. 
 * With the War over, Austria, under the stern leadership of Ernst Habsburg, the Lord Regent, looks to consolidate the territory gained and pacify the local lords, whom he has guaranteed will keep their past positions if they swear fealty to the Archduke, which he, as Lord Regent is able and willing to accept. Some rebelled, swearing eternal fealty to the Wittelsbachts. Those were executed on the spot and their heads put on spikes as examples. After three or four, news spread and none other  dared refuse. A small regiment of one thousand men is left in Bavaria to help the local lords "keep the peace", although it is quite clear who they are meant to keep the peace from. In Habsburg lands, the Lord Regent means to end petty squabbles between his subjects, especialy those who can muster armies and defences. The Rebel Lords are replaced not by hereditary leaders, no they are replaced by lifelong "Magistrates", Ernst declaring that their treason has forfeited their lands to the crown. Fearing the financial burden, the Archducal Guard is all but disbanded, reduced to a pittiful shadow of its former self. The nations must recover from its armed conflict. and so more efforts are put into tax reform. Later in the year, William, now Lord Castellan of Vienna, dies of sickness. Ernst "recommends" his younger brother Leopold for his replacement. the Archduke agrees without so much as a peep. The finances of the nation improve splenidly, as a new taxbase gives the Archduchy a larger budget with which to conduct its affairs. Ernst means to replace all lords with selected Magistrates eventually. However first and formost, the Lord Regent looks to Lienz, lands that he believes are Austria's by rights, although he does not want to go to war if it is not absolutely necessary, and so, using the previous war as an example of Austrian strength, sends a letter to the Count of Lienz and Gorz aksing him to swear fealty to the Austrian Archduke, in essance, become his vassal, although one with greater powers than regular Lords, and a permanant representative on the Council and a right to sit at the council. (mod response please). He also begins plans to try and secularize Aquileia.
 * Ethiopia: Dawit thanks the pope for the recognition and in response we send gold bars and salt blocks, also we begin to expand the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion. With Aksum now being almost ready for being used as a permanent capital, we disband certain parts of the national government and send them to the new provinces that are about to be set. A royal guard is set up of 500 members, each with face mask of the emperor the were employed by. A new trade fleet of ten ships is almost ready to set sail with the first being named Solomon, the start point of this great house of emperors.
 * Firuz Shah, Bahmanid Sultan, asks the great Zheng He to honor the Bahmanids by having his great fleet visit the newly rebuilt port of Venad. If the great Ming accept our humble offer, we shall send a payment of tribute back along with some emissaries, officially to establish good relations with the emperor. (In secret, however, they are sent to learn as much of Chinese science and technology as possible.) (Ming response needed on the invitation, and Mod response on what, if anything, the emissaries find.) 


 * The Crown of Castile: Continues naval expansion. The regency continues, and will end on King Henry IV's 16th Birthday in 1420. In the meantime, Catherine rules quite efficiently, consolidating the Crown under the control of the kingdom. The navy continues to expand, adding 12 new ships to the Royal Navy. The Queen's Guard expands to include 1000 men. In Granada, 4000 more Christian settlers arrive. 5000 more Muslims are deported, and 2000 more are forced to convert. An additional 1000 die as a result of Castilian policy. IN Morocco, Christian settlers arrive in Gibraltar, and begin to force the local Muslim populations. Their destination is the newly established Sultanate of Morocco, established to the west of the Atlas Mountins (See map on talk page). Many are also moved to Tunis as well. In other domestic policy, the crown establishes 3 more naval academies, while Castile continues to invest in the gold trade in an attempt to out muscle Genoan dominance in South Iberia. Infrastructure is developed in Toledo to include the construction of 3 more cathedrals as well as new roads, houses, etc. In terms of foreign policy, Castile attempts to deepen relations with France and Aragon, and offers another royal marriage to France between Henry IV and the youngest daughter of France. Castile also looks to increase influence in Italy.


 * Kingdom of Morocco: The territory east of the Atlas mountains is established as the kingdom of Morocco, a Castillian puppet. Spanish settlers arrive and settle mostly near the straight of Gibraltar. Muslim settlers are forced to relocate to West of the Mountains or to Tunis. Those who do not are subject to a large tax or forced conversion. Morocco remains under occupation with 6000 Spanish troops garrisoned to keep the peace. A small rebellion is put down near Fez, and those involved are executed are deported to the Sahara.
 * Cologne: Two months into 1409, the archbishop of Cologne – with the assistance of the Commission – heeds Adelphina’s advice and begins the establishment of a Court of Discipline. The Archbishop is less keen to execute this priest, but the results of the commission, which also investigated the priest personally, are damning: this man has forsaken his vows and embarrassed the Church. Reluctantly, he orders the priest’s public execution. After the execution, he makes an address to the public, in front of all members of the religious institutions of Cologne, in which he makes it clear that this kind of lack of discipline within the church will not be tolerated. It leads to corruption, and corruption is not to be tolerated. People in Cologne are growing restless and dissatisfied with the Church, and the archbishop hopes to placate this with the introduction of the Court of Discipline. Meanwhile, Friedrich III opens the new hospital in Westphalen to a less-enthusiastic response from the people then there was in Cologne merely a few years ago. He attributes this to the recent discipline issues within the Church and the scandal that has spread throughout its territories.
 * Essen: One of the canonesses regular in Essen Abbey who is less interested in medicine and more interested in the ancient humanities hears that there are copies of ancient Greek and Roman documents in Epirus that have been shared with the scholars of Bohemia, among other countries. This canoness is particularly ambitious, so at her request Adelphina writes a letter to Epirus, asking if its government would welcome a small envoy of canonesses to its library to attempt to read the original texts. Meanwhile, Adelphina is pleased with the outcome of the situation in Cologne and sends a further canoness to consult with the archbishop’s Chapter about the establishment of the Court of Discipline. Adelphina’s book continues to be written, as she continues to give addresses and personally visit the infirmary to speak to those less fortunate.