Merveilles du Monde (Map Game)

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

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

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

Moderators

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

Important Pages

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

1320
''' Across the world, temperatures noticably fall to much lower levels during Spring and Autumn, with slightly longer and colder winter. '''

''' With the forces of Uzbeg Khan continuing to invade Poland, his forces focus on attacking Lviv and the Vistula near Warsaw. The Slavic Principalities of Tver, Rostov, Yaroslavl and Ryazan rise up in revolt, seizing advantage of the majority of Mongol forces being occupied by Poland. Some 10,000 Slavic troops defect from the Mongols invading force: 3,000 from Vistula and 7,000 from Lviv. Grand Prince Danielvich of Moscow maintains neutrality in the conflict. Additionally, Lithuania offers to help Poland fight the Mongols. '''

''' Emperor Louis IV sees the action of Brabant attempting to leave the Holy Roman Empire as further plot from France and Luxembourg, and if that is not rectified then he will send military action against the Rhine States. Other Electors, however, are wary of this rash threat. '''

''' The Pandyas dynasty recovers from their civil war, and offers to maintain peace with the Delhi Sultanate by paying anual tribute. They focus on their navy, to expand their large trade pressence through the Maldives to both the Middle East and Indonesia. '''

''' Delhi, however, has issues of their own. Sultan Alauddin Khilji is murdered in Delhi by a conspiracy led by Nusrat Khan and Ulugh Khan, seizing control of the capital and claiming Ulugh as Sultan. Shaadi Khan supports his claim in attempt of gaining favor ahead of his brother, and pressures Lahore to do the same. Most of the rest of the governors of India, however, do not recognize this claim, and instead proclaim Khizr Khan as the Sultan. '''

''' Pope John VIII of Alexandria dies, and is succeeded by Pope John IX. '''

''' Dominican Nun Margaret of Castello dies at a young age of 32. Her pious life being so evident, disabled children who attended her funeral were found to have suddenly healed. '''

''' A teenage boy in Normandy claims to have a vision from the Holy Spirit, telling him a God-given goal to drive the Moors out of Iberia completely. This sparks the Second Shepherd's Crusade, as thousands of peasents across northern France gather simple weapons and begin haphazardly marching their way to Iberia. By the time they reach Gascony, they have wrecked havoc of attacking castles that stand in their way, and leading pogroms against Jewish populations. '''


 * Mali Empire: Infrastructure of Mali continues to be built up in size and splendor using its finances across the empire. Dakar is expanded along the coast with larger ports, and takes the brunt of influence from European trade with monopolies of ports dedicated to welcoming Spanish, Italian and German traders alike. This also helps to give a steady stream of immigrants to the Gorgades islands, which has an unusually high attrition rate during this subsequent decade. Timbuktu is also rapidly growing in population as the hub of overland trade by caravans. The buildings of Timbuktu are expanded to be larger and more complex, but still maintain an Afro-centric architectural style with only modest influence from Middle Eastern sources. They also take on a sense of majesty, with carved iron images of lions and serpents in order to drive off evil spirits. Domestically, the upper nobility acquires large manageries of tamed wild animals from across Africa, including lions, giraffes, and elephants. These manageries also come with their own exotic assortment of customs taken from other cultures, such as collectios of slaves and concubines. Musa dedicates dozens of new depots across the caravan desert, mostly in the east to further supply the current invasion of Kanem, as well as facilitate individual feudal expansions into Central Nigeria. Centrally organized supply routes are conveyed through the recently-captured cities of Hadijah and Daninski, as the two armies press from two sides to sieze the area of Lake Chad itself. These armies consist of 40,000 each at this point, with Musa himself leading the northern army as its own leader. [Algo request]
 * Delhi Sultanate: The Sultan is murdered by Nusrat Khan and Ulugh Khan, they are supported by Shadi Khan, Alauddin’s second son and the Governor of Lahore who is under pressure by Shadi Khan and Nusrat Khan. The Sultan’s bodyguards defect to Kara to meet up with Khizr Khan, who has been proclaimed Sultan by the other nobles of the Chalisa. Alp Khan quickly sends messengers to Malik Kafur. Malik Kafur accepts the Pandyas offer of becoming a tributary state to Delhi. On hearing the news of the situation from Alp Khan’s messengers, Malik Kafur swears loyalty to Khizr Khan Khilji and rushes with his army of six tumen Northward leaving one tumen in Belur. Alp Khan’s forces attack Multan but are repulsed by Shadi Khan’s forces a few miles away from the city. Alp Khan starts recruiting Rajput mercenaries and leads a second attack later in the year and is able to capture the city of Multan. Shadi Khan’s forces retreat to Lahore and set up a formidable defense line which prevents Alp Khan’s forces from advancing further. Alp Khan’s forces are led by a young military general, Malik Feroze. Meawhile, Sultan Khizr Khan Khilji raises a sizeable force and with the aid of the Governor of Malwa launches an attack on Delhi which is brutally crushed by the combined forces of Nusrat Khan and Ulugh Khan, Ulugh Khan leading the forces himself. The Governor of Zaranj prepares his forces and begins moving onto Kabul. The governor of Peshawar also sends a small force toward Kabul so as to not alert the Governor of Lahore and Shadi Khan. The Governor of Peshawar is surrounded by hostile forces and sends a letter to Shadi Khan in Lahore swearing loyalty even though he supports Khizr Khan. Malik Kafur arrives in Kara in November and helps replenish Khizr Khan’s forces. Khizr Khan awards Malik Kafur the control of his forces. Malik Kafur starts marching toward Delhi in December leading the combined forces. Meanwhile, in Delhi, Nusrat Khan and Ulugh Khan murder many of the ex-Sultan’s loyals including many of the spies that made up his intelligence system. Similar steps are taken by Shadi Khan in Lahore, who has now deposed and murdered the governor of Lahore, who was reluctant to join Shadi Khan.
 * Belur Sultanate: Madhavcharya engages in a religious debate with the Sultan of Belur Veer Ballala III and his priests and is able to prove the supremacy of Dvaita Vedanta. The Sultan of Belur starts patronizing Madhavcharya and his philosophy. Madhavcharya begins touring the major temples of the Belur Sultanate spreading his philosophy. Veer Ballala III orders the reconstruction of the Hoysaleswara temple in Dwarasamudra.
 * Tarascan State: Tariácuri, with the second message from Curicaueri, continues to urbanize Tzintzuntzan and Angamuco. With the aid of Urichu, Erongarícuaro, Pechátaro, and Jarácuaro, expansion is made to the west toward the sea while settlers scan the geography for adequate housing locations. In Tzintzuntzan, military barracks are installed under a new philosophy meant to minimize the total numbers while maximize strategy and efficiency. With this, it is decided that roughly one-fifth of all male adults at the age of 14 must begin militant training, spending upward of 12 years in a faction of 25 before they are able to retire to a live of serenity before reaching the skies. The Assembly of Pátzcuaro votes toward the creation of a tributary system and a plans to reform bureaucracy over the coming years. While not limiting Tariácuri's power, it would allow Citlali's military power to be expanded. After completely destroying the confederation, the primary policy over the newly acquired territory continues to be conducted for another eight years. The coast is finally reached and settlements are established. With this, fishing is established as a form of gathering food, while the major agricultural and cattle regions in the former Jalisco are absorbed and owned by warriors and nobles. Tariácuri's sons, Hiripan and Tangáxoan, are installed as lords of Ihuatzio and Tzintzuntzan, allowing domestic rule while maintaining military alliances. Mining occurs in the recently conquered Jalisco region, which produces large obsidian deposits. While iron and bronze had been used primarily, the creation of obsidian spears, short swords, and knives occur. A new faction in the military is created by Citlali called the "Chicahtoc Tlacatl", who dress in all black linens and carry these obsidian weapons to attack in the night. They number roughly 1,000, and consist of harshly trained militants in an effort to help produce savages. To help create a more mainstream and easier means of production for amate, Tariácuri begins writing a language script for the Purépecha so as to end the over-usage of pictograms and make production of text much easier. This is expected to fully engulf the state's territory by 1400. With an increasing influence and dominance over this side of Mexico, the remaining city-state confederation of Tonallan, Poncitlan, Cuitzeo, and Coinan are offered tributary status in the Tarascan state. (Mod Response Needed).


 * They agree to be tributaries of Michoacan.
 * Kingdom of Sicily: After that the Aragonese occupations,solved the problem the noblemens administrative and reforming the region the pope written a code law called in pace mean 'The pace' in latin which is from the new rule update of Sicily the Sicilians support that movement of the nobles which is make Sicily in good state what for now the Sicilians of the people tells that in Gascony there is a crusade called 'Shepherd.' Meanwhile, the Sicilians monarchist demands to Rule Apulia-Calabria the neighbor territorial of Sicily for advancing the loyalty of the law. (Mod Response)
 * Republic of Novgorod: Prince Mikhail Yaroslavich of Novgorod rallies 11,000 troops in support of the 18,000 troops of Tver, Yaroslavl, Rostov and Ryazan led by his son, Dmitry the Terrible Eyes.  The 11,000 troops of Novgorod, supported by 4,000 Pskovian troops, lay siege to the city of Smolensk, and Prince Mikhail asks the Teutonic Order, Lithuania and Polotsk to aid in the acquiring of this goal [TEUTON and MOD RESPONSE]. In secret, the veche (government), headed by the posadnik (mayor) of Novgorod Semyon Klimovich, in collaboration with the Archbishop of Novgorod David, conspire in order to spearhead reform, go away from their plan of reforming without a Prince, and see the need to keep strong military leaders around. Other plans for reformation are made. Otherwise, Novgorod exports fur, salt, hops, timber and tar to the rest of Europe, making profits. The secretly hired Ushkuyniks are sent to sack Murom from the riverside [ALGO needed for Siege of Smolensk and Battle of Murom].
 * Principality of Tver (PU with Novgorod): The troops of Tver, Yaroslavl, Rostov and Ryazan are led by Prince Mikhail's son Dmitry, who's nicknamed 'the Terrible Eyes' and his smaller brother Alexander. Ambitious, the troops 18,000 men strong lay siege to Kiev in order to take the old seat of the Rus' [ALGO needed for Siege of Kiev]. Dmitry sends letters to the King of Bohemia, asking him to counter-raid into Chernigov [BOHEMIA response]. Otherwise, Tver has grown rich of trade between Novgorod and the other Russian principalities.
 * ' Republic of Pskov (Novgorodian vassal): Pskov continues helping Novgorod in its endeavors, and supplies 4,000 troops. ' Exports of lard, mead, timber and fur continue.
 * Teutonic Diplomacy: We will help due to us being somewhat allies with Bohemia and will send 5,000 fresh troops to fight the Mongols and protect Europe. 
 * Kingdom of Hungary: Hungary has continued its fortifications of it in case of a Mongol invasion. However, with the devils distracted and pillaging the lands to the north, an opportunity has arose for a counterattack. Knowing that they have the chance to reclaim territory from the devils, they launch a surprise attack over the Carpathians into the lands of the Moldavia taking advantage of the lack of troops and the distraction of the Mongol Army. The force primarily consists of 13k men, consisting of infantrymen, heavy cavalry, and light cavalry scouts. With the remaining army available passes for the Mongols to enter are fortified and kept on heavy watch in case they deign it to trapse into our lands. Concurrently the King Géza III offers the hand of his son Stephen to the daughter of the Count of Tyrol, Margaret [Mod Response]. Meanwhile, with the city of Esztergom, Buda, and Pest academic learning is encouraged and at the now named Royal College of King Géza, the king begins to hire Byzantine, Russian, Italian, and Spanish scholars in order to develop his knowledge and the understanding of various parts of the world. Alexander Baśič returns home from his journey in Africa bringing with him gold, salt, and riches beyond the comparision of men. This begins to spark some interest within the merchant circles in Dalmatia, of this mystical land beyond the Africa. Trade continues to allow the Kingdom to flourish. In order to provide more heirs for the King in order to stabilize the claim of Géza following the death of Elizabeth of Bohemia, we offer the hand of Géza to Joanna of Flanders. [Mod Response] Secretly this is done because she comes from a rich and noble house, but is far enough removed to not be a challenge toward the children of Elizabeth.
 * Both of these are accepted.
 * Yuan China: Well the Emperor is away from Beijing inspecting the state of his armies in preparation for the renewal of the campaigns in Korea, a second coup is launched by general Yexi Xiong and his supporters (who are primarily made up of Christian converts in the court dissatisfied with the new Emperors rolling back of missionary efforts and softening stance on the Confucians) with the backing of the Imperial Guard, who attempt to capture the former Emperor Maxiu with plans to threaten Taiding with his reinstallation, thus forcing him to agree to their demands and implement harsher measures to spread Christianity in contrast to Taidings more moderate stance on the issue. However, in the process they clash with the guards of those Generals who had previously supported the conspiracy to remove Maixu in the hope of reinstating Confucianism, and the plan of keeping fighting to a minimum collapses as violence erupts throughout the city. Although Xiongls forces and the Imperial Guard are ultimately successful in driving the Confucian forces out of the city, in the chaos surrounding the fighting they accidentally kill Maixu, ending any hopes of a peaceful resolution too this conflict. Knowing that if he is defeated he will be executed as a traitor, and feeling like he has no other options if he wants to survive, Xiong declares that the Yuan are forgein barbarians who have betrayed china and lost the mandate of heaven, and declares the beginning of the Xing dynasty, with him as the founder. When he hears of this the Taiding Emperor is enraged and declares Xiong a traitorious usurper, vowing to drive him from the lands of the Yuan and destroy him and all who support him utterly, gathering his forces to do so in the north and preparing to drive Xiong from Beijing. Meanwhile, to the south those who fled from Xiongs coup are able to gather a large amount of support for themselves and sieze control of much of Southern China, declaring Xiong to be a traitorous usurper of the imperial throne and the Yuan to be foriegn barbarian invaders who have betrayed confucianism and must be driven out of China, declaring a boy who they claim to be the last living member of the Song Dynasty the Zhiyěmán Emperor, and vowing that they will destroy the other two factions. This marks the beginning of a civil war that will shape the destiny of the entire nation for centuries too come, and although apart from the initial violence during the coup there has been little fighting yet, this war promises to be a bloody one.
 * Teutonic Order: We see the Mongol invasion of eastern Europe as a threat to us and Christianity. We send 5,000 fresh troops to Bohemia to fight the heretic Mongols and protect Europe. The Grand-master sees the chaos in the HRE and takes pity on those who are living in hell over there. So he donates cloths and some food to parts of the HRE. The Grand-Master has remained silent over the crisis of who is the Emperor in the HRE but he starts to favor Fredrick the Fair more than Loise. We hear of the 2nd Shepherds Crusade and we support the crusade by sending 2,000 Knights to help against the Muslim occupants to make Iberia Christian again.  This years winter is longer and colder than before so the Grand-master orders churches and taverns to let the poor and freezing people inside to keep them warm to survive this grueling winter. We ask the Pope if we could participate in some of the charitable acts that he is doing (Papal Responds Needed). Paslek Castle is built in Eblag. The Town Skalva is founded. We have a short battle with some pagans at Medininkai. Nurberg Castle is built. Colmberg Castle is built. We ask again if Venice will allow us to get into Trade relations with an African nation down south that they recently got trade relations with (Venice Response Needed)
 * Papal Diplomacy: Pope Gregory says that of course, the Teutons can participate in his charitable acts. He suggests the creation of a "Fund of the Poor" in Teutonic territory to deposit money which will be used to help the poor. However, the pope also warns the Teutons to not give support for the Shepherds Crusade, because they are hurting innocent people wherever they go. If possibly, the knights must stop it.
 * Lordship of Ireland: Much and brutal suffering as a result of the famine and disease, very little which can really be done. People begin to leave towns and move to the countryside to get better access to food. Fall in trade and nothing especially good.
 * Archduchy of Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa":Seeing that Archduke John III does not have a wife or an heir to the throne, and that the Tensions are rising Between our Dear emperor and the states. His Majesty Archduke John III of Lotharingia asks John of Luxembourg if he can have the promise to Marry his daughter Margaret when she comes an adult(Mod response) As Lotharingian succession needs to secured, and the Alliance with Luxembourg and his Majesty Count John of Luxembourg. Seeing that the Count of Loon wants to gradually sell his lands and his domains so he can live a safer and more restful life, John III of Lotharingia offers to buy the right of Count of Loon for the price of 100,000 Brabantine pound, and a plot for him and his descendants at the Averbode Abbey (Mod response). While this is happening the Council of Heyst is looking into how to exactly give seats to the County of Tournai and the Bishopry of Verdun, as Tournais is mostly outside the Holy empire and Verdun is ruled by a bishop. This created alot of Complexity as, the ruler of tournais has to allways look and check if something he does required imperial support. While this happening a full reconciliation between Brabant and Guelders,is getting started as John III wants to end the grudge that started at the Battle of Woeringen. So his Majesty begins making plans to ensure more trade and more prosperity between the nations, John III offering lowering of Taxes and only having the minimal amouth of Soldiers. John III also offering to fully pay for the Future funeral of Renaud as he sees that his future death should be one of Greatness and no shame indeed(mod Response). As Renaud fought Bravely against John I, and he tried to fight what was inevitable Brabantine glory. While this Happening we offer one of our Lesser Vassals Land of Cuijk one seat for the lesser city of Cuijk. As they have gone unrepresented and forgotten for far to long. Cuijk only being a Vassal since the war of Limbourg succession, when they had to join to defend themselves from the Invading guelders. The Lotharingian nobility is called upon by His Majesty John III to gather the army up, for the possibility of war. As even if not wanted war is verry likely, So we openly support the Pope whatever action he does. The sacred duty to Christ and his messenger, so Brabant will indeed help the pope whatever it required. While This is happening Trade with Castile and Nevarre increases, with many African and Asian spices coming to Lotharingia and Specificly antwerp. Antwerp Being known as a city of spices and textile, Some Antwerpine Textile even being reported reaching Africa. While at the same time some Gold is reported reaching Antwerp from the Country of hippoes, this Country Being Know as Mali. Although the Name is known not much else is due to the distance and having castille as a mediator. But the most valuable resource for the Realm is Spice, as it is loved to be put on Food of the merchant and nobility class.
 * Renaud agrees to this
 * Count Arnold V agrees to sell the title. However, his son, Count Louis VI of Chiney, is displeased with this and supports a revolt of local barons
 * Count John of Luxembourg agrees to the marriage
 * Japanese Empire: The Emperor Daigo marches on the Minamoto in earnest after his northern forces subdue the last of the daimyo to the north and either force their submission or force their suicide via Seppuku. This opening of vast tracts of northern land to be reordered brings the Imperial army to the point of destroying unneeded castles and beginning to employ the land redistribution reforms as ordered by Emperor Daigo. The submitted families are brought to reserved small plots of land nearest the capital to keep a much closer eye on them while loyal daimyo (and notable samurai) are handed the new territorial grants of the Emperor. Taking place throughout the year even men to the south waiting to invade the Minamoto are awarded lands. While modest compared to previous land grants it still remains a way to maintain a relatively rich and prosperous aristocracy while also not allowing these feudal lords to be major issues in the way of Imperial governance. The establishment of the reformed Shoen system allowing some semi autonomy and greater latitudes in developmental procedure while paying simply lesser taxes (however, bureaucratic systems are still in place to take note of the developments.) With the secure establishment of the Imperial capital Region made of up of Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya puts a large swathe of central japan under direct oversight of the emperors personal retainers with non hereditary bureaucrats and appointed governors taking up positions within the Capital region with taxes, manpower, development, and grand projects put under the Imperial family. Various other cities specifically in the now pacified north are granted the ability to chose their own governors with no Daimyo given the ability to assert control over a major city. These governors are noted to be fiercely loyal due to their attitude against the former much more exploitative Daimyo who drained much manpower out of the cities to fight their wars. Various former soldiers having accrued quite the amount of coin with their time in service are also able to buy land privately in various regions with the potential for food surplus is much greater under free hold farmers. The Re-codification of the Ritsuryō Law system with major Shinto aspects helps maintain relative stability in pacified parts of the empire. Implementing a codified form of etiquette for the martial nobility it becomes clear the Emperor for many purposes has tamed and brought the daimyo and bushi to heel within Japan. While still technically the security and guards of the estates the Samurais new code of honor decires defense of the defenseless, loyalty to the Emperor, and development for the greater good along side of many more niceties. The Imperial army adds another 5,000 troops this year to its southern army which officially ends the truce and marches against the 30,000 strong Minamoto army.  The first series of battles occurs near Hiroshima as the Minamoto have spent much time extensively fortifying the area and the southern routes into their territory. After three months of campaigning Emperor Daigo and Hiruzen break the defenses and manages to secure the city of Hiroshima all the way down to the coast. The Imperial navy and Minamoto navies begins conducting a long winded campaign for another four months out of the year as failure to take control of the straits will lead to a failure of the campaign. The arrival of newer and larger warships alongside previous designs proves to be the deciding factor as the series of clashes finally results in a close but decisive victory. As the year nears its end the Imperial forces land on Kyushu and the campaign is renewed. The Minamoto fight desperately all across the island hoping for one decisive victory to reclaim the initiative and push back against the emperor. However, his battle hardened and disciplined forced and new organizational and battle strategy proves to be too much for the traditionally based Minamoto armies. The final battle takes place at the Minamoto Capital of Kumamoto. Wishing to be secure in his power after witnessing over 20 years of civil war Emperor Daigo punches a hole through the cities defenses and storms the city in a dramatic battle. After the fall of much of the city leaving only the cities government quarter the Minamoto Daimyo commits seppuku turning over the collapsing clan to his 16-year-old son. As Emperor Daigo marches into the Minamoto palace he is shocked to find a well armed boy standing before him challenging him to a duel. The Duel is short and to the point as the Emperor having spent years training his martial abilities is more than a match for the 16 year old Minamoto Yoshimaru. The boy, however, is not killed and is spared and told that "Seppuku for one who has not yet truly established his honor is a waste." The last rebellious Daimyo finally collapses and the Imperial army garrisons the island of Kyushu and the areas around Hiroshima with 15,000 imperial troops while the rest return to Kyoto with the new Minamoto daimyo held as hostage. Daigos triumphant return to Kyoto is met with fanfare, a military parade, and most importantly the first of the yearly imperial court meetings presided over by the Emperor who now sits with dominant authority over his lords. While technically having broken the major tenants of Japans feudal system with its Manoral complexes and Martial nobility having either been dismantled or reformed, the Empire sees the necessity in reforming the nobility. The first of these "Policy meetings" is conducted and the Emperor and his loyal nobles, aristocrats, and highest bureuacrats preside over the redistribution of the remainder of the northern and southern land holdings. New clans are granted lands to replace extinct or defunct clans while a series of large Imperial holdings are guaranteed in the north and south with every major province of japan maintaining at least one serious Imperial land holding. The redevelopment of the taxing laws as well and the final ability of the Imperial army to scale back many of its purchases has led to a small but noticeable tax surplus as Daigo begins making clear moves to begin the redevelopment of clearly devastated regions of Japan.
 * Papal States: Pope Gregory XI denounces the Shepherd's Crusade as a heretical movement that only incites violence and says that they must be stopped and the Jews protected. The Ecclesial Tribunal continues to investigate cases of simony and abuses of priests and a prison for these clergymen start to be build in outskirts of Rome. Three priests and one monk are imprisoned in Castel Sant'Angelo due to simony and they will be transferred to this prison. The repairs of the Lateran Palace finally come to an end and the pope move there. However, he continues living humbly and using the money to works of charity. Gregory continues to encourage the other members of the clergy to live in this same way. The new hospitals in the Papal States continue to treat the sick, with the Hospital of Rome being the most efficient due to the direct administration of Catharina and Matthias. The construction of the Church of the Divine Mercy continues. With the growing importance of the port of Civitavecchia for the trade of products in the Papal States, a merchant guild is formed. At the request of those merchants, Pope Gregory writes to Lübeck asking for a trade agreement with the Hanseatic League [Lübeck response needed, please]. Pope Gregory starts to plan reforms for the administration of the regions of the Papal States. The agriculture continues to be encouraged and grains are stored in the Barns of the Poor and are used to feed the poor. The production of handicrafts and textiles continues. The city of Ostia gains prominence in the production of sea salt. After hearing about Margaret of Castello, the pontiff creates a commission to investigate her life and the possible miracle, for now he declares Margaret Servant of God. The commission analyzing the case of Francesca Occhino continues with its works and it seems that there is a miracle attributed to her intercession. This miracle will be analyzed. Pope Gregory creates as cardinals Walter Reynolds (England), Jan IV z Dražic (Bohemia-Poland), Alessandro Guidi (Papal States) and Gonçalo Pereira (Portugal). (Secret) Due to the recent events in the Holy Roman Empire, pope Gregory writes to the Rhine States, Cologne, Mainz and Austria saying that Louis is unstable and paranoid. The pontiff says that the emperor is threatening the stability of the Empire by antagonizing with the Hanseatic League, that was so helpful to the workers of charity of the Church during the Famine. He ask them for their support to Louis possibly deposition if the situation get worse (End of Secret) [MOD response needed, please]. In their audience with the Duke of Lithuania, Brother Pietro Benanti and the other monks of the Divine Mercy apologize to the duke and his people for the suffering caused to Lithuania in the name of Christ during the Crusades in their territory. Pietro says that violence is not the way that Jesus teaches and if the duke allow, he and his monks will show to the people of Lithuania Christ's endless goodness and mercy. He ends sayng that acting as a conduit for God's love toward others is the true meaning of being a Christian. He them asks the duke if they can stay in Lithuania to show the true face of the Christianity [MOD response needed, please]. Pope Gregory gives his blessings to the Christians fighting the Mongols on Eastern Europe.
 * All three states secretly support the idea of deposing Louis.
 * The Duke of Lithuania is pleased by the conduct of the monks and permits Christianity to be preached peacefully.
 * Zimbabwe: The Shona successfully rout several attacks from the west and south of their lands by the Nguni and their San allies, who endeavor to break through the defenses of the Shona and loot the homes and livestock of the inhabitants of Zimbabwe. To dissuade further incursions into their territory, the heir of Katonga, Akashinga waKatonga, spearheads a direct attack on the homes and compounds of the Nguni in the south, crossing the Limpopo River with some five thousand warriors, and killing hundreds of Nguni men, women, and children, while setting fire to their homes and placing the dismembered heads and limbs of the Nguni slain on pikes scattered throughout their homeland as a warning to others who dare invade the lands of the Shona. Akashinga's successful punitive invasion of the Nguni lands sees him return home as a hero to countless thousands of Shona subjects throughout Zimbabwe, who hail him as a ruthless warrior dedicated to the protection of his people and their homeland. As a reward for his actions, Katonga has seen fit to install him as the new prince of the first royal district now governed from the port city of Muromo Wenyika, having stripped the former prince of the district and executed him for attempting to rob the Arab traders in the city of their goods. Akashinga quickly takes a liking to his new position in the east, seeing the office has not prevented him from maintaining his warrior lifestyle, as he continues to campaign in the south to keep the Nguni in the southeast from crossing the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe. The great royal road leading from Naletele through Lusvingo and onward to Chibvumani is completed, and immediately witnesses a growth in inter-regional trade between the three cities and their subordinate boma settlements throughout the countryside. With the increase in trade comes the increase in revenue for the state to put toward other endeavors, such as the expansion of the kingdom's gold and silver mines for use in trade with the Arabs and the Swahili to the north, who have begun sending trading expeditions to the south upon hearing of the Arabs successes in trading with the Shona kingdom of Zimbabwe. The Arabs continue to provide swimming and fishing lessons to the Shona living in the new port city, many of whom have quickly taken to the water and learned how to respect the waves under the tutelage of their foreign teachers. Others are deemed proficient enough in the water that several have been allowed to serve as sailors aboard the sailing vessels of the Arabs and Swahili, both of whom have been granted this allowance by the king, who seeks to immerse as many of his people in the ways of the foreigners as possible so as to obtain their wealth and power. Several of the Shona who have successfully proven themselves capable in the water return home to adopt the life of fishermen, opening a new sector of the economy to the Shona, and providing the kingdom with a new source of food. Back in the capital of Lusvingo, the king is provided with the results of the census taken at his demand. The results of the census show a population of 589,263 subjects and 90,000 head of cattle, with many of the latter having been reclaimed from the Nguni during Akashinga's campaign through the south earlier in the year. Dozens of new boma have been constructed throughout the newly cultivated sections of the kingdom, with the population of the average boma in the hundreds as the fertile lands and healthy livestock have provided a degree of food security to the people of Zimbabwe. The construction of the royal road has also allowed crops from the primary urban centers to flow into regions where the land has yet to be cultivated, allowing the inhabitants of the area to sustain themselves while they wait for the next year's harvest to allow them to sustain themselves locally. In Muromo Wenyika, the port is officially opened in a ceremony attended by King Katonga and his son and prince of the city Akashinga, and the various members of the royal court. They welcome the Arab and Swahili traders into the city as friends and allies, and grant them guided tours of the kingdom's interior where the bulk of the nation's resources are extracted to provide for the wealth that allowed for the city to be built in cooperation with the foreigners. The Arabs for their part construct a mosque in the city with the permission of the king, and bring in many goods and services unknown to the Shona such as centers of learning, large markets, and healthcare facilities. These centers primarily cater to the needs of the Arab merchants setting up shop in the city and their clients, though many of the Shona have become intrigued with the new concepts that had once been unknown to them back in the interior. In the far north, Munashe gathers all of his warriors and their families for an address to them regarding his plans for the future of the people. He states that in the five years he has served the Makonde people as a protector of their lands and a warrior of their people, he has been blessed with many experiences he had not expected in his quest to rid his homeland of their insular king and his traditional policies. However, Munashe believes that he has sufficiently repaid his debt to the Makonde for taking him in and sheltering him during his time of need. The Makonde are in the eyes of Munashe, capable for defending themselves with the tools and ideas he equipped them with, and that he must continue on with his personal goal of returning to Zimbabwe to rid the kingdom of Katonga. Though tearful and saddened with Munashe's declaration, the Makonde wish him farewell on his journey, as Munashe departs for Mombasa to see for himself the civilizations of the north he came to know through his education at the feet of his Arab captives. Departing by foot, Munashe leaves with the weapons and clothing of the Arabs and Swahili he released in return for educating him, and with his understanding of their languages as part of that education, Munashe moves to enter into the city of Mombasa to continue with his goal of returning to Zimbabwe equipped with both knowledge and power.
 * Kingdom of Navarre: The Western Patriarch Federico Goikoetxea denounces the Shepherds' Crusade as senseless violence, calling on the participants to cease as this violence is not in the will of God. King Louis I allows some Jewish refugees from Gascony into Navarre for their protection. The Western Church's missionaries in Gascony and northern Castile continue their work recruiting Basque peasants and also call for the Shepherds' Crusade to end. The Navarrese government focuses on expanding the fortifications of the cities of Iruñea/Pamplona, Donostia/San Sebastián and Tudela, and the military increases recruitment efforts, recruiting 500 new soldiers and employing various mercenaries. (Secret) Louis I sends an envoy to Denis I, King of Portugal proposing a military alliance between Navarre and Portugal as the nations have a mutual interest in defending against the aggressive expansionism of Aragon-Castile. (Mod response) (End secret) Louis I and Margaret of Burgundy have a fifth child, a son named Charles. However, he dies of a disease at four months of age, leaving them again with three surviving children, Victor, Frederick and Sophia.
 * Portugal tentatively agrees to a secret alliance, but generally does not want to antagonize Castile.
 * Jarldom of Greenland: During a cavalry exercise with the royal cavalry, Jarl Brunhilde falls dead down from the horse and is succeeded by her oldest child,princess Alexandra who takes the name of Brunhilda II. The late jarl is laid to rest in the royal cathedral in the capital of Nuuk. The two week long coronation takes place two months later in an elaborate ceremony which reveals that lack of any sort of crown jewels,we begin to scout the island looking for valuable metals to make them of. Meanwhile, seeing the decrease in temperature,the Jarl issues a royal decree stating that a new village constructed with stone houses an fireplaces will be built.
 * Bohemia Poland: Wencelsaus III continues to to carry hold the line at the Vistula and in Lviv. He takes heart in the news of desertions by the Rus, this gives him a renewed resolution that he is carrying out the will of god and honouring the legacy of his father. He takes a renewed interest in the Order of St Wenceslaus increasing its numbers and placing it under the command of his brother-in-law and right hand, Henry Piast of Wroclow. He sends an envoy to his new found allies the Lithuanians requesting they attack Warsaw while Henry  of Wroclow led 20,000 troops  themselves to attack the Mongols amassing at Warsaw through Plock to attack them from the west while their supply lines are disrupted by the Russian revolts. Secretly the envoy also offer marriage between Wenceslaus III's brother Ottokar and Gendminas's daughter while also privately offering a chance to discuss a possible division of Mongol and Rus' lands, with Wenceslaus III seeing Gendminas as a strong barrier against further Mongol or steppe peoples incursions into eastern Europe. Wenceslaus III also offers to serve as a godfather to Gendminas or his children should they decide to convert to Catholicism as a sign of comradery between the Bohemians, Poles, and Lithuanians. (Mod Response). Wenceslaus III attends a great mass in the Great cathedral of Krakow built by his father, and sends word to Rome to ask  for Papal blessing the war against the Eastern Heathens. Wenceslaus III himself leads an assault on  Lublin  leading 20,000 of his own men and an contingent of 10,000 well paid mercenaries from Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. Krakow and Praga continue to grow as centers of learning and of sciences with an influx of Italian, German, and other foreign scholars. The disturbing stories out of Kutna Hora continue but without much attention being paid to it with the war in Poland drawing the attention of the crown. Noting the colder weather Wenceslaus III makes provisions to procure as much grain as possible through the Baltic, Transcarpathian region, and northern Italy to make sure that enough supplies are to had to feed his domains and his campaigning armies while foraging.
 * Duke Gendminas agrees to join the coalition, and to allow his daughter Aldona to marry Ottokar, at which point she will be baptized.
 * Republic of Milan: The navy continues to grow at astonishing rates, with the ship production beginning to reach the expected numbers of roughly a little over half of Venice's daily. The Long lances numbering 12,000 begin to look for work outside specifically once again looking to Bohemia as they prepare for a battle against the Mongols. (Bohemian response needed). A number of bankers of the Mercenary Bank look outward to begin financing other mercenary groups throughout Southern Germany and Northern Italy looking to consolidate the mercenary groups. (Mod Response needed on success). Galleazzo makes a statement saying that these next years will be used to consolidate the Milanese realm and better the lives of the peasantry as well as grow the income of Milan back to its “Normal levels”.
 * Bohemian Diplomacy: Wenceslaus III contracts the Long Lancers to assist in the crown in the war against Mongols in particular to assist in the attack on Lublin.
 * Most free mercenary groups in northern Italy take up the offer, and a couple of major German groups from Switzerland and Bavaria do as well
 * The Imamate: The 20,000 Mamluk Soldiers have seized control over the Belen Pass, and with it the Amamos Mountains and the cities within the mountains, including Alexandretta, Portella, and Payas, adding vast wealth and power to the Soldiers, who consolidate their gains before marching upon Kars, the last city standing between the Soldiers and the Sicilian capital, Sis. The conquered lands of Derbesak and the Amanos Mountains, including its cities are given to Aleppo to administer over, the now true home of the Mamluk soldiers and their families. Since these lands are now ruled by Aleppo it is now called Aleppine Cicilia.

1321
''' Yet another poor harvest causes a famine in Europe, not as bad as the Great Famine. '''

''' The Second Shepherd's Crusade proceeds to invade Navarre, continuing to attack Jewish and Muslim settlements they come across. The sheer attrition and actions of the Catholic Church have caused their numbers to decrease dramatically. '''

''' No sooner that they leave France that a new terror appears in Europe. A local inquisitor in Tolouse named Jacques Fornier reports that thousands of lepers across France have entered a secret conspiracy. Their goal is to poison wells and water supplies with their disease, as an act of vengence against society for constantly shunning and discriminating them. King Sancho of Majorca reports that this conspiracy is also in Aragon as well, orchestrated by the Emirate of Grenada as a plot against Christian Iberia. '''

''' Growing tired of Edward II's consistent favoritism toward the Despensers, Roger Mortimer leads a rebellion across Wales and western England, with the support of the Duke of Lancaster and the Marcher Lords. Their faction has a total of 10,000 troops. '''

''' The University of Florence is established, bringing a far greater supply of knowledge and classic literature into Tuscany. Most significantly, Dante Alighieri publishes his monumental work The Divine Comedy this year, forever defining the Italian language. '''

''' But Italy is not the only place of central learning, as this year Ibn Al-Banna in Marrakesh publishes works on algebra and engineering of canals. '''

''' King Stephan Uros II of Serbia dies, and the kingdom falls into civil war between his sons, named Stephan Constantine and Stephan Uros. '''

''' After the death of Co-Emperor Michael IX of Byzantium, his son Andronicus Angelos usurps the title of Co-Emperor to succeed him, initiating an uprising against the current Emperor Andronicus II. '''

Algos on the war with the Mongols will come shortly


 * Mali Empire: Infrastructure for cities of Dakar, Timbuktu, Niani and Gao continue to be expanded along with large agricultural centers across the Empire. Millet, rice sorghum and baobab vegetables continue to be staple crops in this agricultural development. Some architecture in Dakar and Timbuktu start to take drastically different appearences, due to different cultural influences of the trade centers there. Aragon, Venice, and Brabant are now considered familiar trading partners, with some promises of encountering more Europeans indirectly. Some independent feudal nobles take advantage of the cooling temperatures to expand settlements into the Sahara Desert, creating many smaller cities as well as local carrier depots for both commercial and military use. These are also expanded southward, into Central Nigeria to facilitate the continual war in the Bornu Empire, as well as south of Wagadugu to begin consistent hunting of wild elephants. Local feudal lords of Mali continue to enjoy a sumptuous lifestyle using exotic animals and slaves from distant lands. But for Musa, his focus was entirely on the work dedicated before him to conquer Kanem. After Musa seized control of Lake Chad, he held an informal court across all the peaseats and local clan leaders of the Kanem region, attempting to restore order personally as the Bornu Empire is nearly collapsing. Thousands of common farmers, peasants and tribal leaders came to pay homage to Mansa Musa, and respected him as a great leader far greater leader than the Sons of Abdullah, the titular Emperor of Bornu. Finally, a large group of military from Bornu came to swear their alligence to Musa. They explained that Abdullah, the Emperor of Kanem, was brutally murdered by an uprising of the So people, and now the military has defected to the House of Keita and proclaim him, Mansa Musa, as Emperor of Kanem-Bornu. Musa graciously accepted this honor, and had declared that Selma ibn Abdullah, who sits in the current capital city of Njimi, to be in rebellion against his rule. Musa leads his army of 60,000 troops to begin the siege of Njimi, bringing a small number of war elephants to use as the most basic forms of siege equipment. The military will be divided into two groups of 30,000 each, to strike at western and southern flanks respectively as they close in on the city. The remaining military not used on this battle will help to occupy and assimilate the current regions of western Bornu, and pacify the region under the House of Keita.[Algo requested]
 * Kingdom of Navarre: As the Second Shepherds' Crusade enters Navarre, the government moves Jews from small towns into the fortified cities of Iruñea/Pamplona, Donostia/San Sebastián and Tudela for their protection. The nation's military is divided between these three cities to prevent the thuggish brutes of the Shepherds from coming inside, though they are essentially allowed free roam of the countryside due to their dwindling numbers and their stated desire to push further into Iberia which means they would not remain in Navarrese territory for long. However, Western Patriarch Federico Goikoetxea continues to call for an end to the senseless violence of the Shepherds' Crusade. Funding for fishermen in the Bay of Biscay is again boosted during the famine, and as soon as the Shepherds pass through the Navarrese countryside the military is set to work helping peasants repair any damages the mob caused to their farms and provide relief for the famine. Western Church missionaries in Gascony also help the locals there with repairing damages caused by the Shepherds.
 * Tarascan State: Tariácuri, with the second message from Curicaueri, continues to urbanize Tzintzuntzan and Angamuco. With the aid of Urichu, Erongarícuaro, Pechátaro, and Jarácuaro, expansion is made to the west toward the sea while settlers scan the geography for adequate housing locations. In Tzintzuntzan, military barracks are installed under a new philosophy meant to minimize the total numbers while maximize strategy and efficiency. With this, it is decided that roughly one-fifth of all male adults at the age of 14 must begin militant training, spending upward of 12 years in a faction of 25 before they are able to retire to a live of serenity before reaching the skies. The Assembly of Pátzcuaro votes toward the creation of a tributary system and a plans to reform bureaucracy over the coming years. While not limiting Tariácuri's power, it would allow Citlali's military power to be expanded. After completely destroying the confederation, the primary policy over the newly acquired territory continues to be conducted for another six years. The coast is finally reached and settlements are established. With this, fishing is established as a form of gathering food, while the major agricultural and cattle regions in the former Jalisco are absorbed and owned by warriors and nobles. Tariácuri's sons, Hiripan and Tangáxoan, are installed as lords of Ihuatzio and Tzintzuntzan, allowing domestic rule while maintaining military alliances. Mining occurs in the recently conquered Jalisco region, which produces large obsidian deposits. While iron and bronze had been used primarily, the creation of obsidian spears, short swords, and knives occur. A new faction in the military is created by Citlali called the "Chicahtoc Tlacatl", who dress in all black linens and carry these obsidian weapons to attack in the night. They number roughly 1,000, and consist of harshly trained militants in an effort to help produce savages. To help create a more mainstream and easier means of production for amate, Tariácuri begins writing a language script for the Purépecha so as to end the over-usage of pictograms and make the understanding of text much easier. He is assisted to some degree by the shaman Nathecul, who uses his status and beliefs to help with the communication of this new language script to the masses. In Erongarícuaro, serfdom increases due to some anomaly, with a growing rumor of mythological chipmunks in the north.


 * Sultanat-e-Hindustan: Malik Kafur attacks Delhi in late January and easily defeats the forces of Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan. Ulugh Khan is killed on the battlefield and Malik Kafur sends Ulugh Khan’s head to Khizr Khan in Kara. Nusrat Khan escapes with the remaining forces to Lahore and joins up with Shadi Khan. Meanwhile, Humayu Khan’s forces are able to defeat the Kabuli garrison and secure the area. Humayun Khan’s forces block the Khyber Pass while a contingent secures the Jammu-Kashmir region. Malik Kafur leads his forces toward Lahore and attacks Lahore in conjunction with Alp Khan’s forces. Ghazi Malik leads the attack and in a brave attempt, he dislodges Shadi Khan from his horse and kills him. The attack is successful and Lahore is captured. Nusrat Khan is taken to Delhi and beheaded. Khizr Khan Khilji accepts the title of Sultan-e-Hind and formalises the name of his Empire as Sultanat-e-Hindustan. The Sultan bestows many gifts on the nobles that supported him. The Sultan elevates Ghazi Malik to the rank of a noble, makes him a part of the Chalisa. Malik Kafur is also bestowed with many gifts and honours and is made the Head of the Military. Feroze Malik is made the Amir-i-Mamalik (Head of the Diwan-i-Mamalik). Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah, Alauddin’s third son is made the Wazir. Alp Khan remains the governor of Gujarat and is bestowed with many gifts and honours. Malik Kafur renames Devagiri as Alaipur in honour of Alauddin Khilji. The Sultan orders the construction of Alauddin Khilji’s tomb in the Siri Fort Complex in Delhi. The Sultan reorganises the Sultanate. The Kabul iqta remains as it was. The Peshawar iqta is merged into the Lahore iqta. The iqta of Nagaur is created with its capital at Nagaur. The iqtas of Malwa and Awadh remain as they were. The iqta of Devagiri (now Alaipur) is divided into two, the iqta of Alaipur and the iqta of Sultanpur (a new city established in Goa). The Governor of Peshawar, Humayun Khan is made the Governor of Kabul. Muhammad Shah is made the Governor of Lahore. Mahmud Shah is made the Governor of Multan. Ghazi Malik is made the Governor of Nagaur. Sultan Khizr Khan Khilji makes himself the Governor of the iqta of Delhi. Jamshed Mir, a close friend of Khizr Khan is made the Governor of Awadh. Khusro Khan is made the Governor of Alaipur. Ahmad Shah becomes the Governor of Sultanpur. Having regained control of the Sultanate, the Sultanate and the Chalisa decide that it is not worth taking over Zaranj as it does not possess any valuable resources and it is not worth fighting over a bunch of rocks and mountains. The Sultanate still does not recognise the Zaranj Sultanate and stations a permanent force of two tumen in Kabul.
 * Belur Sultanate: Madhavcharya starts touring the other states of South India and spreads his ideology of Advaita Vedanta. He establishes a Matth in Belur, the Belur Matth, as the main center of learning of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. His actions are patronized by the Sultan Veera Ballala III.
 * Papal States: Due to the poor harvests of this year, the Church repeats the same charity acts done during the Great Famine. The grains that were store in the Barns of the Poor are used to feed the people and the money in the Fund of the Poor is used to buy any food available. Soon crowds are formed in the front of monasteries and convents across the Papal States seeking for food. The poor of Rome seeks the help of Matthias and Catharina, the "Twin Saints", and they continue to distribute food. The people start to call the bread with nuts distributed by Catharina and her fellow nuns of the Divine Mercy as the "mercy bread". Pope Gregory XI also starts to distribute food in front of the Basilica of Saint Peter. The pontiff thinks that this new famine is a signal that God isn't satisfied with his efforts to reform the Church, and again exhort the clergy to have more humble lives. Once again fish turns into a important food item and due to the growing production of sea salt in Ostia, there is more ways to conserve it besides smoked fish. The pope continues to condemn the Shepherds' Crusade and says that they must be stoped. The construction of the Church of the Divine Mercy and of the prision for simonists continue. The Ecclesial Tribunal continues its investigation of cases of simony and misconduct. The commission that is studying the case of Francesca Occhino is now analyzing the cure of the hand paralysis of a boy after his mother prayed for Francesca's intercession. Pope Gregory creates as cardinals Nankier Kołda (Bohemia-Poland) and Henry IV of Aspremont (Verdun). After hearing about the plot of lepers wanting to contaminate France, the pope asks inquisitor Jacques Fornier if he has physical evidence that this is true [MOD response needed, please]. After receiving a letter from Pietro Benanti saying that they are spreading the Word of God in Lithuania, the pope starts to pray for the conversion of Lithuania to Christianity. Due to the efforts that king Wenceslau is doing to stop the pagan Mongols of invading Europe, Pope Gregory gives to the king of Bohemia-Poland the title "Defender of the Faith".
 * Kingdom of England: With Roger Mortimer launching a rebellion with the support of the Earl of Lancaster, King Edward II responds by raising a Force of 15,000 troops to confront the Rebellious Marcher Lords and moving his forces into Wales and Western England to defeat the Rebels before they could fully mobilize against his forces (Algo Needed, Please). In addition, Edward mobilizes a force of 7,000 Irishmen and a fleet of over 40 ships in order to cross the Irish Sea and invade Wales from the West in coordination with the King’s main thrust (Algo Also Needed). Meanwhile, with the Shepherds Crusade ravaging the Duchy of  Gascony, the Duke of Gascony mobilizes a force of 5,000 troops and moves forward to intervene in Navarre in order to support the king of Navarre and help the Kingdom of Navarre crush the Crusaders as they move into Navarre. Meanwhile, reconstruction efforts begin in Gascony in order to repair all damaged and destroyed property while some Crusaders captured by the Local Gasconian Forces are charged with heresy and are either imprisoned, or executed for their crimes against the fair Jewish people of Gascony.
 * Navarrese diplomacy: King Louis I thanks Edward II for assistance in driving the brutish Shepherds from Navarre, limiting the damage they could do the countryside, and proposes a formal alliance between the two countries as they have a mutual interest in defending against the Kingdoms of France and Aragon. (England response) Meanwhile, Western Patriarch Federico Goikoetxea criticises the excessive violence at the battle of Xavier between the English army and the untrained peasants, though he is relieved the violence and destruction of the Second Shepherds' Crusade will now be over.
 * Kingdom of Sicily: The Romans's Sicily launch an crusade with the people pagans, so they accros and fought on battle on the southern territorial the mecenarys push it off the pagan and the pagans sicilians took an siege on the south bassin of sicily the locals sicilans force accros the south territorial with among 1k army and calvary the calvary push the fire on it and the pagan capture most of sicilians soldier the damage continue acrossing in the bassin the Sicilians kickout the pagan out of the country and most of survivor resist to the crusader occupations the noblesmens and Frederick III of Sicily asked a trade route for Europe and the East in the congress of the palace Roman Sicily then that the battle continues the monarchy buitling up some harbor defending for invader.
 * Yuan China: The civil war which began last year begins being fought in ernest at the begining of this year, with all three major factions having prepared for fighting and now being ready to bring the fight to the others. The Yuan begin the year with most of northern China, Mongolia and Manchuria under their control, with the 's control ending not far from Beijing. As it turns out, the Emperor Yexi Xiong actully controls the smallest amount of territory of the three factions, controling most of Henan, Shaanxi, and everything below Beijing before Song territory. In the south the "Song" have siezed control of most of the lands bellow the Henan area, well the Yuan control everything North of Beijing As a result of having the smallest territory, the Xing Emperor is forced to put himself on the defensive and dig in and fortify as much as possible the areas surrounding Beijing, leaving his southern lands vulnerable too attack, and the Song forces take advantage of this too solidify there control over the south well launching an offensive into Henan and Shannxi in September well the Xiong forces are focused on defending against the Yuan, who attack into his territory from the north and, led by the enraged Taiding Emperor, force him too flee Beijing and retreat south, leaving most of northern China in the hands of the Yuan. The Song continue to press their advantage after his defeat, siezing most of his territory bellow the Yellow river and some parts of southern Shannxi. This leaves the Xing in an extremley bad position, and thus they are now unlikley to win the war. However, between the Song and the Yuan, it remains to be seen who will be victorious, with the fighting in the next year being likley to be the deciding factor in the war.
 * Archduchy of Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": There is a new tittle to the Lotharingian realm, Count of Loon. His Majesty John III having bought the tittle of Count of Loon, from the current Count of Loon Arnold V of Looz. John becomming John II of Looz officialy even if he uses the Name John III under the pretext that his Uncle was the count for the period when the deal was made thus making him John III still. Even if this a manouver just for the sake of naming it is still done by his majesty as he wants simplicity in his realm. While this is happening his Majesty archduke John III reaches out to nations far and close wanting to ally with them, An offer for a defensive Alliance is send to Renoud the Count of Guelders, and The bishop of Both Utrecht and even Liege(Mod Responses). As for now local grudges are less important than to defend independence and introduce reform into the realm, as The Archduke now truely belives that the emperor is a tyrant that is neither christian nor sane. John III begins to make his voice clear on his want of Imperial reform, where the Hierarchy is simpler and more defined. Where Under the emperor the tittles are well defined of who listens to who, where a Duke listens to a king, and a Count listens to a Duke. While John III is unsure on how the role would be of the emperor himself he does belive that this kind Hierarchy, could possibly make it easier to be ruled and managed. John III calling this reform "Einigheit ordnung" as this is a ordening for the unity of the Realm. Due to the Unstability in the Realm Archduke John III also begins get his army ready once more, The Archers of  Brabant being readied the most and in the greatest numbers. The Number of Soldiers allready readied being a total of 10,000 with more being called to face the possible treat, His majesty asking the Bishop of Verdun and Tournais to aid Lotharingia by sending soldiers to Malines to prepare for a fight against imperial Tyrany(Mod Response). John III also looking into improving his army of the Realm, one of the manners he's doing it is by making archery training mandatory. While some times also giving grants to towns and cities if they can get their city guards up to a certain quality, quality serounds mostly guards their gear and ration. John III mostly wanting better quality rations with enough meat and the least amouth of filler, fillers being things like wallnut and the lowest of quality grains. Meat that is most eaten is pig and cow meat, with the restants of meat are begining to be used mostly in stews. The archduke even forbits using meat restants that is unworked as part of a soldiers meat ration is to meager and not able to keep a men in spirit. To help the spirit of soldiers and the country as a whole, is getting new spices from far away. To get these spices Many ships are build that are getting bigger and bigger, and mostly deeper hulls. These hulls made deeper so that they can carry more cargo, cargo such as spices and Gold. Gold Coming from Mali trough Castille and nevarre and Spices coming from the asia and the east. Spices from lands not know, Trades who go to the mediteranian only knowing it comes from Beyond the Indus.
 * The Rhine states support Brabant against the Emperor
 * Teutonic Order: It is a sad year for the Order because our Grand-master Siegfried von Fuechtwangen has died of smallpox. His successor is Werner von Orslen. The last thing that that Siegfried did before he died was that he and the Order give full support to Fredrick the Fair to become Emperor of the HRE. the first thing that Orslen did was pulled out troops from the 2nd Shepherds Crusade and wrote a apology to the Kingdom of Navarre for the damages caused(Navarre Responds Needed). Orslen also reveled that Siegfreied was a closet anti-semetic and joined the crusade to fulfilled his anti Jewish deeds.We agree to set up a Fund to the Poor to help poor people and get better relations with the Pope. a small famine has occurred but due to us getting salt and fish from Lubeck and with the recently fund to poor deaths are not as high as the Great Famine before. the town of Golub is founded.the town of Barendt is founded. the town of Trakai is founded. Bytow Castle is built.We send some priests to pacify and civilize the Lekow tribe. the town of Tzzew is founded. We built a fort in Radzyn Chelminski. town town of Swieriki is founded. We ask one more time if Venice can tell the Hansetic League where they if they can give us trade relations with a nation down south(Mali) that they recetly got trade relations with(Venice Responds Needed). 
 * Navarrese diplomacy: King Louis I accepts Orslen's apology for the Teutonic Order's involvement in the Second Shepherds' Crusade and praises Orslen's efforts to reform and improve the Order as its new leader.
 * Jarldom of Greenland:work on the new village goes smoothly,with many new families moving in there.a month later census is held which reports that the population has now reached 2,989 persons with 3000 being a very short time away.The port of Nuuk begins to be expanded to accomate more fishing and exports.
 * Crown of Aragon: with the Shepherd's Crusade over, any fears of damage to property are gone but at what price? These questions are raised following accounts of an absolute slaughter of these people in Navarre yet not much is done. James the Great though has raised concerns though following the establishment of the Universal Aragonese Constitution in which all respective regions follow a set standard of laws held by the Council and her representatives including the King Himself excluding certain respective regions that have had representatives file appeals to the king.The English partaking in being centered within Navarre prove to be taken as concerns of English influence set within Navarre and an envoy is sent requesting peaceful retreat from the region after their goals had been met (English Response). The conspiracy of poisoning of water supplies sees some respective investigation but not much is done seeing it as nothing more than a hoax. With that said, 30,000 men from Castile and Aragon converge on Navarre following a meeting between James and his son in Castile. Their reasons? threats of territorial influence and securance of claims on the Iberian region as a whole and claims of illegitimacy of the Western Church amongst the Aragonese and Spanish body as a whole. The portion of Navarre's Bay of Biscay is blockaded by the Castilian Fleet as raids along the shoreline occur. Weapons and supplies are brought in with predominantly Cavalry being dispatched from Castile and Siege Weapons and the bulk of manpower being brought in from Aragon. James the Great leads his forces in the battle of Pamplona where he leads his men in the surrounding of the city and occupation of the countryside. Orders are made clear not to engage with the English forces unless they become hostile first. Boulders and Flammable materials are launched into the city of Pamplona while San Sebastian faces raids and 10,000 forces engage in battle at Tudela while the main forces march into Pamplona. The walled areas and areas of defenses become main targets while the Arga River is surrounded to prevent river usage. Beyond the war actions, James encourages his son to take similar administrative actions like he had done so in Aragon. 65 more ships are ordered to be built. Naval Developments around Harbors and Ports continue while the Fortresses ordered to be built see further levels of completion. The University of Barcelona continue to be proven as an educational national treasure as the Library of Barcelona is established with various portions made of pure concrete and marble made to prevent fires as much as possible as archived works of literature are deposited from abroad. Conversions continue across the Aragonese Realm to unite all of the people under the one true church seeing funding from the Royal Bank of Barcelona which reports well this year with growth. The small famine is isolated to small communities who find quick relief under the new Council who by the orders of the king and under predominantly common law are able to share produce and grain from areas that have produced a surplus of goods. Trade continues to prove to be highly profitable. To appeal to the Portuguese in better relations and affairs, we offer a trade agreement discounting the value of prices and goods exported through Aragon with the addition of 2 of the Easternmost "Islas de Fortuna" (OTL Canary Islands) and a royal marriage between King Alfonso in Castile (Mod Response).
 * Navarrese diplomacy: King Louis I calls on his new ally Portugal to help defend Navarre, promising them they could gain territory for Castile with a victory. (Mod response) Navarre also calls on the English forces who fought the Shepherds to help defend against this new opportunistic attack, promising them Aragonese territory for Gascony with a victory. (England response) Western Patriarch Fernando Goikoetxea calls on the Pope to condemn this attack on the Western Church (Papal response) and calls on nations in the HRE to help defend the Western Church, a Papal ally, against the Aragonese who have repeatedly attacked HRE nations and the papacy. (Player and mod response)
 * Milan diplo: Milan declares there support for Navarre and also encourages others to do the same.
 * Kingdom of France: King Philip V announces that a child has been born, a new heir to the French throne. Seeking to fully capture the joy he feels for this child, he names him after himself. Philip VI is born. Additionally, lepers are imprisoned throughout France, in order to prevent this evil and wicked plot.
 * ' Republic of Novgorod: Prince Mikhail Yaroslavich of Novgorod, garrissoned now in Smolensk, now reinforced with fresh Teuton troops to reinforce his army. Leading the troops of Pskov and the Teutons, Prince Mikhail leaves the Novgorodian troops in Smolensk to defend the city against any Mongol threat. Mikhail himself goes to Kiev to support a new attack. In secret, the veche (government), headed by the new posadnik (mayor) of Novgorod Ostafiy Dvoryaninets, in collaboration with the Archbishop of Novgorod David, conspire in order to spearhead reform, go away from their plan of reforming without a Prince, and see the need to keep strong military leaders around. Other plans for reformation are made. Otherwise, Novgorod exports fur, salt, hops, timber and tar to the rest of Europe, making profits. The Archbishop sends some monks to the Karelians, hoping to convert them, and to mend the relations between the two groups. 'The secretly hired Ushkuyniks, rich from their raid, are sent to Kiev for a new battle.
 * Principality of Tver (PU with Novgorod): The troops of Tver, Yaroslavl, Rostov and Ryazan are led by Prince Mikhail's son Dmitry, who's nicknamed 'the Terrible Eyes' and his smaller brother Alexander. Ambitious, the troops, reinforced with men from Pskov and the Teutonic Order lay siege to Kiev again in order to take the old seat of the Rus' [ALGO needed for Second Siege of Kiev]. Dmitry sends letters to the King of Bohemia, asking him to counter-raid into Chernigov [BOHEMIA response]. Otherwise, Tver has grown rich of trade between Novgorod and the other Russian principalities.
 * Republic of Pskov (Novgorodian vassal): Pskov continues helping Novgorod in its endeavors, and supplies 4,000 troops. Exports of lard, mead, timber and fur continue.
 * Japanese Empire: Emperor Daigo now presides over his first year as the unchallenged sovereign of all Japan. From Okinawa to his northern territories in Hokkaido the Emperor maintains some semblance of involvement in the local lives and politics of every province and area of Japan. This first year of unchallenged rule comes with its own set of problems as some remaining daimyo have expressed their discontent with the Emperors policy of land re-distribution and the scaling back of territorial amounts to the nobility is a notable cause of this unrest. However with the decrease in available martial manpower available to the restless lords and the success of those within the Imperial Capital Region undercuts their complaints. The arrival of 3000 Imperial troops and a singular Koto emblazoned with the Yamato sigil is delivered alongside a singular bereaucrat who says one sentence. "Seppuku or Submission." Two of the Daimyo realizing their bluff has been called commit ritual suicide in the name of the Emperor and the rest fall into line as the Army departs in short order. Emperor Daigo is forced to deal with the devastation wrought by the civil war and on the crisis of land within the empire. Land is open and free yet the Emperor hoards it many claim. It is the primary conversation of the "Yamato Court" (the council conducted yearly between the Emperor, Daimyo, and High Merchants, and Aristocrats) and finally a decision is reached. The Daimyo are to be given new small grants of land in order to help them support themselves and thus also address the concern of the possible decline in quality of the Martial nobility. These estates are much smaller than the previous ones but with many of these daimyo being young, or recently elevated this sates the Daimyo while the remaining land of agricultural value is to be consolidated into private holdings. Many of the high merchants and aristocrats hoping to offload sons who were to gain no inheritance and various other lucky farmers are chosen to have these lands consolidated and various enclosures are to be developed over a 10 year period. As the first part of this process are put into place the expected unrest does not occur. It becomes clear the the population of Japan has taken enough of a hit that actions that traditionally would have caused unrest have simply not. The Emperor contracts his administrators to conduct a thorough census of the Japanese islands which would also help more accurately develop and tax the various provinces of Japan. As the census occurs it becomes clear Japan has suffered catastrophic amounts of casualties from its civil war. While estimates had places the pre war population at nearly 8.6 million the numbers have come back much smaller. 7.5 million people remain in Japan. It is believed most of these have died due to the massive amounts of conscription which had effectively neutered agricultural production for multiple years which had caused a famine. This famine and subsequent disease outbreaks gone unnoticed during the desperate times of war are believed to be the primary driver in Japans lesser population. However with the expansion of Artisan districts in cities, increase in overseas trade and the administrative authority of the Census, the taxes flowing in this year are notable. While not exorbitant, the various administrative and legal reforms have led to an increase in taxing efficiency. It is expected the enclosure system of many farmlands in Japan while relatively new in concept, will allow for a much richer agricultural productive class allowing for higher productive surplus as well as a richer taxable population to work with. Taxes this year are also notably increased by the Emperor Daigo as various projects across the country are planned and begun with plans to rebuild cities, establish a better roadway system, and help the new enclosed private land holders develop their lands. Some of these enclosures notably begin looking for ways to take loans in order to develop their new lands with Animal husbandry becomming a more major force in the Japanese food production scene. Agricultural output this year is still somewhat low but not at famine or population breaking levels and many expect it to go up as the rebuilding and prosperity of the country increases. It becomes clear with the deaths of nearly 1 million people that labor in general has become much more valuable in Japan. The sudden and drastic reduction of the labor force and the new reforms in place have subsequently made labor much more valuable in Japanese society as many seek to do labor simply to make a nice sum of money before striking out to purchase a plot of land or attempt to go out on their own. The Shinto shrine system while subject to much much lower taxation is still taxed which does anger many in the temples however with improvements to the temples themselves being mandated by the government and the infrastructure allowing for greater access and hence greater revenue from those who worship at these shrines and temples is notable and the kneejerk reaction is rescinded on many cases. The capital city of Kyoto sees the continued construction of the Imperial palace and the unveiling of the nearly completed construction of the Kyoto Grand Shrine puts many in Awe. A Temple dedicated to Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess is to be consecrated with the dynasties connection with the Goddess emphasized. Many already look to visit the grand temple and word spreads quickly across Japan over the Imperial families construction of the temple and their dedication to the gods.
 * Zimbabwe: The Shona continue to expand their new port city of Muromo Wenyika, with the support of the Arabs based in the city providing the training and technology necessary to develop Muromo Wenyika into a proper port of trade. These merchants spread the news of the new port throughout the Swahili Coast and the major trading powers of the Arabian Peninsula, which begin to bring in new goods and services in exchange for the gold, silver, iron, and ivory procured within Zimbabwe. To help accommodate the movement of goods and people from the coast to the interior, the king and his son organize the construction of a great road moving from the city of Muromo Wenyika to Manyikeni, and then on to the city of Thulamela where the goods will be sold into the interior for the population to benefit from. The road will be planned in coordination with the Arabs in Muromo Wenyika, who assist the Shona with the engineering needed to make the road wide and stable enough to allow the movement of wagons along the road itself. In the trade of goods at the port city, the Arabs import several dozen Arabian horses to facilitate the racing and trade outside the city walls. The Shona residing in the area frequently gather to observe these races between the Arab horsemen, fascinated by the speed and power of the creatures they ride. Included in the observation of these races is Prince Akashinga himself, who is immediately awed by the horses of the Arabs. He demands that he be given one of his own, and though the Arabs try to warn him that one requires extensive training to become a capable rider, they relent not wishing to insult their powerful host. Immediately mounting one, Akashinga fails to control the horse and is thrown from its back, nearly killing him in the process. Akashinga is rushed to his home where he begins to recover from his injuries. Though fearful of the consequences of Akashinga's inability to accept that he was not trained to ride something so powerful, the Arab merchants are put at ease by Akashinga himself, who declares that he will master the horse and bend it to his will, and instructs the Arabs that they can obtain his forgiveness by teaching him and his how to ride the Arabian steed. King Katonga rushes to Muromo Wenyika after hearing of his son's injury during his attempt to ride a horse, but upon reaching his son, he is informed that the fiery prince has largely recovered from his wounds, and has requested that his father aid him in furnishing the facilities needed for the Arabs to breed their horses in the interior of the country, where the climate and geography are largely similar to that of Arabia where the horses were imported from. While concerned with the danger of additional equestrian incidents taking place, the king permits it at the urging of his son, who sends several Arab horsemen and their steeds to Mapungubwe to begin their work. In the south, the Nguni have largely remained on their side of the river, fearful of another violent incursion by the Shona to punish them for their intransigence. Rather, they have learned from their error, and have taking to inquiring of the Shona's willingness to trade with them instead as a means of obtaining their favor and keeping them passive. They bring leopard and gnu (wildebeest) hides, gazelle horns, and rhino horns to the Shona cities in exchange for cattle, cereal crops, and iron weapons, all of which helps to calm tensions between the settled Shona and pastoral Nguni. The San bushmen for their part have refused to cease their hostilities toward the Shona, having escaped retribution from Zimbabwe thanks to their location on their opposite end of the Kalahari Desert. Instead, they continue to raid into the lands of the Shona people, who continue to resist San aggression and repel their assaults upon their livestock and enclosures. Munashe enters into Mombasa for the first time, taken aback by the sheer size of the city and its population and wealth. Though only home to some 25,000 inhabitants and sheltered along the coastline behind modest city walls, Mombasa's bustling nature and commerce have surpassed any and all accomplishments of the Shona back in Munashe's homeland, with the greatest city of Zimbabwe, the capital of Lusvingo, though similar in population greatly paling in comparison thanks to the scale of buildings, roads, artwork, and surrounding agriculture of the location. Munashe begins to integrate himself into the city's culture and society, taken on the job of a bodyguard after demonstrating his capabilities as warrior and tactician. He is immediately taken into the service of a high-ranking bureaucrat who is impressed with the statue and skills of the young warrior, and helps to introduce Munashe into the ins and outs of Swahili society.
 * Republic of Milan: Milan once again prepares for war. Hoping to use this as justification to retake corsica and Sardinia Galleazo declares war on Aragon in defense of Navarre he also encourages other nations loyal to Pope Gregory to do the same. (Responses needed) The long lances are encouraged to stay in Bohemia for the time being as other mercenary groups in Northern Italy and a few major ones in Southern Germany are reorganized into three groups by the Mercenary Bank of Milan. Each group numbers roughly 15k with them being split based upon geographical location, all of the Southern Germans are put together all of the Northwestern Italians are put together and all of the Northeastern Italians are put together. This is designed to create a sense of bonding between the different regions and keep them working as effectively as possible. Each group also begins to have individual specializations. The northeastern Italians are capable sea combatants and the majority of their training and tactics are focused on that. The Southern germans become specialized as frontline Infantry. The Northwestern Italians follow in the long lances footsteps and become major cavalry and archer power houses. The Northeastern Italians are hired for this war in order to allow for easier invasions and takings of Sardinia, Corsica and other islands and isolated Aragon controlled land. The Milanese fleet is dispatched to clear out any nearby Aragon ships before transporting the 15k Northeastern Italians, who have been nicknamed the Sea Wolves to Corsica and then the Southern Germans, who have been nicknamed the lions claws to move towards naples and prepare to make sure no Aragon soldier makes it north by defending Rome and the entire area on the border. (Algo needed for Corsica) The long lances are told to be prepared to be recalled should Aragon move their full focus.
 * Aragonese Response: with the declaration of war, General Carlos Jimenez and Carlos Vinicci are sent to organize the armies of the mediteranean with attention being given to Corsica as 15,000 men comprised of combined forces from Corsica,Aragon and Morocco organize themselves with suplort from the Catalan Company including lancers, front linesmen, archers, and cavalry as archers and infantrymen are placed in secure higher ground points while catapults are used to launch boulders into any men who dare to land. The full force of the Aragonese Mediteranean Armada is put into display to terrorize Milan with thw assistance of flamed arrows and barging tactics to attack enemy vessels causing as much damage while surrounding transports paving the way for a Genoese Blockade to secure dominance overseas and push Milan into submission. General Juan Figueres is sent to Sicily to organize the men there with the armed forces who have stopped the rebellions in the past in Sicily proper being sent off in defense of Naples if the Milanese forces see fit to antagonize a neutral party.
 * The Imamate: After 4 years campaiging in Cicilia, the Mamluk soldiers finally siege Sis systemitically, surrounding the city, and with its fall shall come Cicilia's conquest for it is the capital city of Cicilia. Internal development and the study of the stars continue domestically.


 * Bohemia-Poland: In the aftermath of the battle of Lublin Wenceslaus III and his troops secure the city and surrounding area to rid it of any remaining mongols. Wenceslaus III holds a mass withhis men in the Lublin cathedral in honour of avenging his father's defeat at lublin 20 years, and marking long coveted unification of all of Poland's lands under one ruler. Wenceslaus's rest is short however as news of the victory at Warsaw reaches Lublin. Wenceslaus III sends order to Henry to leave behind enough of his men to secure the Northern vistula region while he is to bring the rest of the troops south to join up with Wenceslaus III in Lublin to move onto Lviv to assist the still beseiged Ruthenians and to begin the expulsion of the mongol ramnents in the Transcarpathian region cooperating with the Hungarians and Ruthenians. An order is giving to show no mercy to any Mongols still carrying arms or seen around, while those who were captured during the battles of Lublin and Warsaw are offered the good book or the sword.

1322
''' Knowledge about the formula and power of gunpowder begins to slowly reach Europe from the Mongol Empire, mainly transmitted to the Balkans, Carpathia, Greece and Anatolia. Such knowledge is entirely limited to hand cannons and fireworks. '''

''' A Florentine monk named Jordan of Pisa invents a new kind of optical lenses to help magnify vision for the impaired, known as spectacles. Very rapidly this becomes popular among the elderly and nearsighted across northern Italy. '''

''' After his initial defeat at Pontefract Castle, Roger Mortimer and the March Lords calls on an alliance with King Edward Bruce of Scotland. Scotland proceeds to invade England with 3,000 troops against Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, while Mortimer's remaining 8,500 troops regroups at Worchester. Queen Isabella, the wife of Edward II, pleads with him to exile the Despensers instead of supporting the ongoing conflict. '''

''' Elsewhere in England, a local Knight named John Maunderville is implicated as being in league with Mortimer's rebellion. He decides to leave England forever, and dedicate himself on a journey to replicate Marco Polo's voyage to reach China. This year, he crosses the channel and visits France. (Will update this consistently for now on. Any player nation he visits can do whatever they like with it :) '''

''' King Philip V of France dies, and his 8-month old son is crowned as King Philip VI. Charles the Fair, the Count of La Marche, is nominated the Regent of France. '''

''' With the sudden Aragonese invasion of Navarre, a Kingdom in dynastic union with France, many nobles across France (including Valois, Orleans, La March, and Normandy) urge intervention to save the Basque nation. Although Alfonso XI answers his father's call to arms, the nobles of Castile are rather reluctnat to support this thirst of expansion. Both Castile and Portgual end up only giving limited support to their respective sides. '''

''' Siezing advantage of the civil war in China, the Kingdom of Korea launches a counter-attack to besiege the fortress of Pyongyang, taking back their territory lost in previous conflicts with the Mongols. '''

''' In spite of the chaos in Yuan China, multiple advances of literature continue to be produced. Zhao Mengfu paints a mural known as Bathing horses, and Ma Duanlin publishes an encyclopedia called Wenxian Tongkao. '''

''' In the Lowlands, Count Louis VI of Chiny leads a local rebellion with a few barons against the takover of Loon, consisting of 900 troops. '''

''' The Serbian civil war between Stephan and Stephan over the death of their father Stephan results in Stephan winning and being crowned as Stephan's successor. '''

''' A Franciscan Friar in Italy named Simon Rinalducci is accused by political enemies of committing "several serious crimes". In a hasty trial, the Friar seems to plead guilty to these accusations. '''
 * Mali Empire: With the growth of agriculture and infrastructure helping to facilitate a far larger carrying capacity of the nation, less emphasis is made on growing residential districts of the current trading cities of Dakar and Timbuktu. Instead, many smaller towns and cities begin spralling out along the countriside along the Niger and Senegal River valleys. The cooling temperatures helps to facilitate the expansion into the desert, placing oasis depots for military and caravan trade along the Fezzan and Central Nigeria. Rapid expansion of local feudal nobles pushes south beyond Wagadugu towards the Atlantic Ocean, closer to bordering the Bono Kingdom.  As the military of Mali has been fully upgraded with proper steal weapons and short swords, larger siege weapons are also introduced. Primarily this comes from the realm of war elephants, tamed in the wild from the Niger River, but other weapons from Europe and Egypt help conduct sieges using towers and crows. In the east, Mansa Musa fully occupies the city of Njimi, the capital of the Bornu Empire. Musa immediately proclaimed himself as the Emperor of Kanem-Bornu, the true successor of Emperor Abdullah, and the only one purely wise and pious enough to deserve ruling the people of Kanem. The lords of Kanem politely objected to this declaration, saying it was an ancient tradition of theirs that the rulers of Bornu should always be of the same family, the eldest male of their dynasty, and their family had not changed hands in the last five hundred years. Being respectful of this ancient tradition, Musa declared that the houses of Keita and Sefawa should be forever united together, and rule both houses and both courts of each realm simultaneously as one family. The sons of Abdullah were all executed for their treason, and the remaining males of the family were married to daughters of the House of Keita: Dawud the son of Ibrahim was married to Fathima, the daughter of Abu Bakr II. Soloma, the daughter of Dari, was married as Musa's second wife after his first wife Aisha. Finally, Mariam the daughter of Abdullah was married to Ayyob, the eldest son of Musa. Thus, as Musa was now the eldest male of the united house of Keita and Sefawa, was crowned as the new Emperor of Bornu in the city of Njimi.
 * Kingdom of England : With the Forces of Mortmier retreating to Worcester, Edward II continues his advance with 10,500 Men moving his forces towards Worcester while a force of 3,500 Men remains in Pontefract Castle in order to besiege the castle with the English Forces bringing in Siege Equipment in order to quickly force the surrender of the Castle. With his own wife pleading to exile the Despenser and seeing an opportunity having recently opened in Iberia , Edward II decides to consult the English Parliament on whether the Despensers should be exiled or not given how the Opposition towards them has increased (Mod Response Needed). Meanwhile with the Scottish Invasion in the North a Force of 5,000 Men under John of Brittany , the Earl of Richmond are sent to Newcastle-upon-Tyne to halt the Scottish Invasion. With the Scottish Intervention , Edward II calls for his Vassal of the Lordship of Ireland to contribute some of their forces in crushing the Scottish and the Rebel Marcher Lords (Irish Response Needed) .With the Aragonese Invasion of Navarre giving an opportunity for Edward II who sees Aragon as a potential ally in Iberia against France , Edward II orders his troops in Navarre to withdraw from the country as the Kingdom of England declares it’s support for the Aragonese Invasion however due to the current Rebellion , England will be forced to remain neutral until they can make a final decision on whether to intervene or not once the Rebellion has been crushed. With this the Forces in Aquitaine and Gascony are increased to 8,000 Men as Edward II gives the order to begin the construction of Fortifications along the French and Navarrian Border while a Fleet of 35 Ships is amassed in Bordeaux while another Fleet of 50 Ships are assembled in Bristol in case of French or Navarrian Aggression against the Kingdom of England.
 * Mod response: Eager to prevent war, Parliament holds that the Despensers must be exiled, though many believe the King will simply allow them to return after the conflict is over. A show of good faith may be needed to dissuade these cynical opinions.
 * With this Edward II agrees to exile the Despensers at one condition. That the Marcher Lords, Roger Mortimer and the Earl of Lancaster stand down and reaffirm their loyalty to the King. 
 * Delhi Sultanate: The Sultan establishes the Diwan-i-Amir-Kohi (the Department of Agriculture). The Arabic books on Agronomy are currently being studied and copied by scholars in the Madrassa of Dholka. Islamic Capitalist concepts/institutions are now firmly established in the Gujarat region and have also been introduced to certain trade nodes in the interior of the Sultanate. These concepts now begin to seep into the traditional trading communities of the other regions and begin influencing businesses in the major cities of the Sultanate. With the growth of trade and Gujarat being the main trade node, the Sultan orders the construction of a road leading from Kara to Cambay; passing through Budayun, Delhi, Dhar and Dholka (which I will call ‘the Eastern trade road’). A port is established in Sultanpur. The Delhi Sultanate begins participating in the spice trade through the port of Sultanpur (Goa). The Sultanpur fort is being constructed. The Sultan initiates the campaign to conquer Sindh, Malik Kafur leads an army of 5 Tumens to attack the capital, Thatta. The Delhi armies use siege machines and Turko-Mongol tactics. 
 * Archduchy of Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": His Majesty John III Archduke of Lotharingia leads an army of 7,000 men into Kortessem. This army being to fight the army of Count Louis IVI of Chiny as he fights against the newly acquired tittle of the Archduke of Lotharingia. So His majesty marches with his force until he's near the town of Kortessem, where John III splits his army into two groops. The larger groop being the combination of infantry and Archers which goes slightly to the east going to Hemelspark, this groops being around 7,000 of the 9,000. While the other 2,000 soldiers mostly man at arms and knights marching westwards, they do this with a fast tempo making sure they can suprise the enemy. This suprise is done due to the fact that most of Lious' forces are bussy fighting the infantry, when sudenly the Lanced knights apear from the most outer flank of the Chiny forces. The reason for this fight is due to Lious VI of Chiny the son of the old count arnold resisting his father and his father's succesor John III Archduke of Lotharingia, this is due to the earth of Lious who is verry opertunistic and corrupted. This even being the reason why his father arnold V sold his county to John III. While this is happening there begins to grow a nickname and a general Naming rule, John III who was educated in Greece using quite often when talking and writing to foreign envoys refering to himself as Ioanis. His nicnakme even being John the Roman, as the Greeks are seen as Romans even after 700 years after the fall of Rome itself. While all this is happening the John III as count of Holland looks at the current situation in the frissian freedoms, which is in his eyes a mess and not any mess a dangerous and complicated one. Frissia has no King no duke no leader, not central government to hold diplomatic actions. There is no possibility for the people of frissia to hold anyone easly responsible for the actions that are done against them, criminal acts that happen to often for one people, this all due to to the weak legal code and administration. So His Majesty the Archduke John III proposes that the government of Frisia becomes more centralised, standardised and hierarchical then it is as of now. This when combined with a better judical system would make Frissia a more stable and fair country in the empire. An empire and an emperor who most belive to be unchristian and even not sane enough to rule the the Sacred realm that is the Roman empire. This Roman empire that has been rotted allready before Lious IV took the throne, the Decay of the empire accelerated since his majesty took the Throne. So the army who won and Crushed the Loon rebellion now begins to prepare themself for a sacred war against the enemy of the Lord, the son and the Holy spirit, So John III prepares his army once more. An army that has gained more experience due to the Rebellion and is now even stronger and more knowledgeable then it was before. But War is not only waged on land, but also in the Sea trough economics. This economic part of the Realm being expanded by looking into new ship technology such as better ways of log burning and bending and finding ways to simplify and standardise the proces of making the ships. This is done by companies or crews of shipmakers deciding to make their ships all to one standard lenght so each part of a ship can be replaced more easly by just stating which part of a ship has damaged as then they can get a log of the fitting size. Alltough this is meant to enhance efficiency of shipbuilding during this first year it actualy slows it down as now ships are measured more presicely then they ever were before. But even now benefits are seen as now they can calculate more how much cargo they can sell and buy, this making it plausible to have a rough estimate of profit for the crews of ships.


 * Papal States: Pope Gregory XI continues to encourage the clergy to have a more humble life and to help more effectively the poor. The Church"s acts of charity continues to be done across the Papal States, with the most part being done by the Order of the Divine Mercy. The hospitals continues to treat a large number of patients and the construction of the Church of the Divine Mercy continues. The construction of the prison for simmonists finally ends and those imprisioned in Castel Sant'Angelo are transfered there. This year the harvests begin to normalize and more grains coming from Church lands are stocked in the Barns of the Poor. The pope took notice of the case of Simon Rinalducci and feeling that something is wrong, he writes to the responsible for the trial of the friar saying that he wants all the informations about the case and that a new judgment will be made by the Ecclesial Tribunal in Rome [MOD response needed, please]. The pontiff congratulate Jordan of Pisa for his invention and says that God blessed the monk with great intelligence and creativity to create so useful object. Gregory criticizes the violent manner in which the king of England dealt with the Shepherd's crusade. These people could be causing trouble, but they didn't deserved to be massacred that way. (Secret) Pope Gregory writes to Saxony and Switzerland asking about their position regarding Louis IV and his growing paranoia with the states of the Empire. He asks them if they will continue to support an emperor that for no reason decided to antagonize the Hanseatic League and that without reason threatened with invasion the Rhine States (End Secret) [MOD response needed, please]. The pontiff is outraged with the invasion of Navarre by the forces of Aragon and Castile. He says that this invasion have no purpose other than feed the expansionist desires of king James II. Even the so called illegality of the Western Church is a false information, due to said church having reconcilied with Rome in 1317. The pope exhorts all the Christians of Europe to repudiate the Aragonese attack on Navarre. 
 * Saxony is currently divided, but the actual elector, Duke Rudolf of Saxe-Wittenburg, firmly supports the Pope's decision. Duke Eric, of the much smaller Saxe-Laurenburg, supports the Emperor. Switzerland is.... neuteral
 * Rinalducci privately confesses that he took the fall in order to prevent scandal to his brethren in the order


 * County of La Marche: With Philip VI's accession to the throne with his brother's death, resulting in Count Charles becoming the Regent of France, the Count immediately begins working to establish a sense of continuity with the previous reign of his brother, hoping to ensure stability in France, with much turmoil having occurred lately across the kingdom. Although much of the nobility across France desires to intervene in order to defend Navarre, Charles has never been terribly fond of his eldest brother, and though he has not flaunted his dislike by any means, he decides to hold off on any immediate intervention in the name of caution. (Secret) Messengers are sent by Charles on a mission unknown by the court in order to negotiate with the King of Aragon, with the Regent hoping to leverage the possibility of intervention in order to gain something of value for the whole of France (End Secret) (Aragon Response). Firmly believing in the honesty of the honourable Jacques Fornier, Charles begins the execution of the lepers previously imprisoned by his brother, on the charges of treason and conspiracy against both the Crown and the people of France. Messengers are sent to the Papal States calling for a Crusade to be called against the Emirate of Granada, due to their orchestration of this unholy conspiracy in both France and Iberia (Papal Response).
 * Papal diplomacy: Pope Gregory XI is suspicious  if the accusations made by Jacques Fornier are really true. However he supports the formation of a Crusade to defeat the Emirate of Granada, not because he believe in this “leper plot”, but because Muslims have been in Iberia for a long time and now is time for the Christians to reclaim their territory.
 * Aragonese Response: the regent's diplomatic request are accepted with open arms with James daughter Blanca being offered in a hand of marriage to a man of their choice in France to the addition of discounted goods and access to trade goods from the Spanish territories. Othee various offers lay open for further discussion.
 * Zimbabwe: Several Shona merchants within the interior who have profited greatly from the trade with the Arabs have relocated to the coast, where they seek to expand their trading ties with the foreigners and try to bring in new goods from Arabia and India through their Arab contacts. These merchants bring with them their households, servants, slaves, and livestock, establishing several large communities outside of Muromo Wenyika, where they trade their wares with the inhabitants and their foreign guests. The Shona who took up a life by the sea as fishermen and sailors return periodically to take their children with them and get them accustomed to a life at sea, showing them the skills and trades they were shown by the Swahili from the north. These individuals became invaluable in helping to expand the number of food sources along the coast in the east, where thousands of Shona have begun migrating from the interior. They quickly find that their crops of sorghum, millet, and marpula perform poorly in the humid, tropical climate of the region, and look to the foreigners for aid in acquiring a new source of food. Several of the Shona who accompanied the Arabs in their trade missions across the Indian Ocean have spoken of the rice crops from India and Bengal which they saw during the dry season there, which appeared to perform well in the wet and tropical regions of Mozambique. Merchants from Muromo Wenyika familiar with the rice crops of Bengal import rice seeds at the request of the mutariri stationed in the district to help alleviate the issue of crop failure in there, and begin distributing the seeds to the farmers to begin planting ahead of the harvest season. Several of these crops are planted around the city of Manyikeni in the interior of the district, though the inexperience of the Shona in handling the crop results in a very poor harvest later in the year. Many of the farmers are upset, stating that they were told that they could see three or even four harvests in a year with this rice crop, but have only seen one very poor harvest. The merchants who provided the seeds calm the farmers with support of the overseers in the region, who state that they will continue working with the farmers on how to properly cultivate rice in their region. The construction of several new roads leading from the capital city to the surrounding urban centers continues with haste, as the movement of people and goods between the major population centers has increased under the trade-focused policies of the king. Several of these roads are built to pass directly through local boma enclosures, where travelers are entitled to stay if they are coming from a distant city and require a place of shelter and protection during the evening. Most of these roads consist of soil that has been lifted and beaten down, with rocks and stony soil removed to make the roads themselves flat and easy to move through. In the city of Mapungubwe, Prince Akashinga begins his equestrian training alongside several of his close friends and advisors, as well as several warriors he selected to receive similar training themselves. Having fully recovered from his wounds from his previous attempts to ride a horse without proper training, Akashinga has taken heed of his teachers and their warnings, and sought to show the four-legged creature the respect it properly deserves. A large stable is constructed for the Arabs and their steeds to use, as well as any other facilities they deem necessary for their work, and a full staff of local Shona laborers have been seconded to the foreigners to provide the manpower needed to run the stables effectively. The king declines to join his son in his training, but offers to pay for any of the costs accrued in the process of his work to master horsemanship. In the city of Mombasa, Munashe accompanies his master to the ports to assist him in checking in on his ships and assessing the worth of the goods traded over the year. Intrigued by the work of the sailors and merchants at the port, Munashe inquires about the nature of the city's trade and its foreign relations, to which his master begins to go into detail the background of the city's economy and its history, providing a wealth of information that stuns Munashe as to the true scale of the world as a whole. The great merchant himself states that he will be heading off to India on a trading mission and will be taking Munashe with him, both to give hima taste of the foreign cultures as well as to provide him with the knowledge necessary to better serve him in the future. These experiences help to give Munashe a firsthand experience of the world of sailing and trade, and upon learning of the great wealth obtained through these endeavors, convinces Munashe that his prior desire to overthrow the king of Zimbabwe was pointless compared to the true power that could be obtained through gold and silver, of which man is especially fond of.
 * Republic of Venice: The few recent years of religious trouble and bad harvests made the need for reforms necessary and a few new laws come into practice. First of all, the Jews are allowed to settle and worship freely and are free from any religion based taxes. However, the newly settling jews are not allowed to enter the Venetian merchant class but are encouraged to work as artisans, intellectuals (if they have the qualification to do that) and farmers. Especially the Murano glass manufacturers seek to hire Jews, as they live relatively isolated and are therefore less likely to spread the secret of the glass. Second of all, the state pays more attention to the rural areas, as the republic has been expanding rapidly without changing its almost exclusive trade based economy. The cultivation of raw materials required for the production of textiles is expanded in the Greek possessions of Venice, Rhodes and Crete especially and to a minor extend to Dalmatia, Ragusa and Durazzo. The domestication of sheep and cattle is encouraged as well, with limits imposed on the animals themselves, making them affordable, while creating a large base for wool and secure food sources. After almost a decade of Venetian influence and heavy political work making Florence a vassal, the influence is expanded even more, as the overwhelming majority of lectures at the Florentine University are held in venetian. Not only that, but the (temporary) total Venetian control is deemed necessary due to the war in the Thyrrenean sea. To secure Venetian and Italian interests and defending the only true Pope himself in Rome, the Pope is asked to permit the annexation of Florence by Venice, to be able to properly operate in the western Mediterranean (POPE RESPONSE NEEDED). SECRET A ridiculously large amount of money, approximately 100,000 Ducates is planned to be used for convincing the pope to permit the annexation SECRET END Sensing large profits, the Arsenali once again begin to produce war material en masse in cooperation with hired admirals and mercenaries. A navy of 400 warships is planned to set sail to Aragon and wreak havoc on their navy. If the annexation of Florence goes right, the Navy could start from Livorno and cut the delay of the attack by at least a month. The language policy is also making progress: a (for now) only written language that is close to all the various dialects and languages with heavy borrowings from Venetian, Tuscan and Latin, while many Greek words enter the language as well.
 * Papal diplomacy: Pope Gregory XI would be happy to support the actions of Venice. However, due to attempt of bribery, the pontiff don't give his blessings to the annexation of Florence. He says that the next time that this happens Venice will be excommunicated. The money is sent back to Venice.
 * Kingdom of Navarre: The Navarrese military defends to its best ability against the Aragonese attacks on Iruñea/Pamplona and Donostia/San Sebastián. King Louis I thanks Milan and Venice for their intervention on behalf of Navarre. With the backing of Western Patriarch Federico Goikoetxea, the Western Church's missionaries who have been working on converting Basques in northern Castile call for the Basque peasants in northern Castile to rise up in rebellion to oppose the Basques in Navarre from being subjugated by Aragon. (Mod response) With the Regent of France's official neutrality, Louis I sends envoys to individual nobles who have expressed support for Navarre like Valois, Orleans and Normandy, urging them to aid Navarre against Aragon with their local militaries. (Mod response)
 * Volunteer militaries amounting to 4,000 men are sent to Navarre from various parts of France
 * Small groups of Basque peasents revolt and severly damage supply lines from Castile
 * Republic of Novgorod: Prince Mikhail Yaroslavich of Novgorod and Tver's second son Alexander recruits new levies from the city of Smolensk and leads his troops to aid the Bohemians against the evil armies of the Khan at Lviv [ALGO request, but also with Bohemia]. In secret, the veche (government), headed by the new posadnik (mayor) of Novgorod Ostafiy Dvoryaninets, in collaboration with the Archbishop of Novgorod David, conspire in order to spearhead reform, go away from their plan of reforming without a Prince, and see the need to keep strong military leaders around. Other plans for reformation are made. Otherwise, Novgorod exports fur, salt, hops, timber and tar to the rest of Europe, making profits. The Archbishop sends some monks to the Karelians, hoping to convert them, and to mend the relations between the two groups. The secretly hired Ushkuyniks, rich from their last battles, are sent to sack Chernigov.
 * Principality of Tver (PU with Novgorod): The troops of Tver, Yaroslavl, Rostov, Pskov and Ryazan, along with their Teuton allies are led by Prince Mikhail and his son Dmitry, who's nicknamed 'the Terrible Eyes'. They rush to aid the Bohemians against the evil armies of the Khan at Lviv, to free the Rus' once and for all [ALGO request for Lviv, see above]. Otherwise, Tver has grown rich of trade between Novgorod and the other Russian principalities.
 * Republic of Pskov (Novgorodian vassal): Pskov continues helping Novgorod in its endeavors, and supplies 4,000 troops. Exports of lard, mead, timber and fur continue.
 * Crown of Aragon: James seeing no true success in his war against Navarre begins to have the council reconsider the operations of war and the campaign. He orders an envoy to be dispatched to England requesting military access and economic support with supplies. In exchange, trade is encouraged (English Response). If accepted, 10,000 men will march on the already blockaded port of San Sebastian from Gascony securing the port. The rest of the men including mercenaries of the catalan company and reinforcements with organized supply from Zaragoza, a nearby city to Navarre has supplies redirected to Ejea de los Caballeros to make higher rates of efficiency unlike before in this war impacted by attrition. Already in a similar environment of terrain as the Navarre Forces, men are sent to Pamplona through already secured areas of countryside to take the cities already having supplies affected with arrows and cavalry put to use to surround and seize fortifications and defenses while also destroying others and using catapults to the Aragonese advantage. Waterways are used by Cavalry Units to assist in transport and control of the countryside further depriving supplies. Fire continues to be used as a method of striking down the Basque while holes are made with flames used to weaken and collapse defended areas. Beyond this, James convinces his son to try and appeal to the Castilian Nobles to take action against Navarre as they seem to support rebellion in the Castilian Basque region giving a reason for more attention in war (Mod Response). With the defense of Sardinia and Corsica, the portion of the Armada is used to redirect forces after securing mutual dominance in the protection of Corsica and Sardinia against the Milanese. 69 more ships are ordered to be built to replace any lost or damaged vessels. In maintenance of naval dominance in the Western Mediteranean against Milan and Venice with more of our Navy put to use for defensive purposes only taking advantage and using wolf like tactics to surround vessels and destroy them when the opportunity is left available. Bombardments and strikes on ships with flames and other means are used In the meantime. An envoy is sent to Gregory in Rome to arrange potential talks and discussions of peace.
 * Castile agrees this action is intolerable, and they give more support against Navarre
 * England agrees to give Aragon Military Access and Economic support with the King of England providing Aragon with a small force of 2,500 Volunteers 
 * Japanese Empire: The second year of Daigos unchallenged rule sees the fruits of some prior labors made by previous Emperor Uda come to fruit. Some of the imperial developments in agriculture under intensive government subsidy of various high population communal farms. These farmers are provided for in security, food, and in some cases entertainment and small villages grow around these intensive farms. This helps fill in the gaps in lackluster Agricultural performance in Japan however Emperor Daigo sees the necessity to potentially break this system following further development of the enclosure movement with the labor being repurposed for other projects. The support for the enclosure and its development goes forth at full speed as government grants and opportunistic people looking to get away from cities are either granted or purchase large plots of land for re-development. The expansion of the artisan communities in various cities does begin to pay off as the overflow in the amount of artisans of all types sees their need appear in the various redeveloping areas of Japan. In the south multiple Artisan communities begin to integrate within japanese villages and Hiroshima undergoing its own reconstruction sees its own rather lacking community expand heavily. This is partially due to their need to help rebuild and partially due to the increased trade between various peoples across the sea in a land known as China. While knowledge remains limited outside of previous attempts to invade via Korea, the knowledge of some sort of civil conflict allows the Japanese traders some leeway in trading with what are known to be multiple chinese factions. There are other trade relationships developing with various Korean merchant families across the sea which sees many relationships begin to form in a positive light. The new tax system sees benefits as well as the imperial treasury begins to fill up a bit more with the accurate census data and catalogue of much of japans economic and production systems. With the nobility sated for the time being the Emperor begins focusing further on the peseantry. While a clear class system exists the Emperor begins looking into implementing a possible system to judge the aptitude of the peaseantry and the possibility of getting gifted individuals into professions more suited to them. The system is expected to be developed over the next few years however resistance in the nobility is dubious. A Reminder that much of the new nobility owes its position to the emperor is made clear in presiding over the Yamato court this year and Daigo expresses "I have given you your station, and judging from who rules Japan, i do believe i can take it away." The Loyal clans stand steadfast with the emperor giving him a clear majority (not that it was needed) to force through the reform however with the clear majority of his loyal daimyo in support of the reform it is passed with no further issue. The military measures expected to be revoked following the war are instead streamlined and the Emperor creates a moderately sized imperial army drawing on the freemen to form the massed core of his forces with possibilities to expand the army ever present by issueing levies to the cities and lords and other free communities. The 20,000 strong force is made up of about 12,000 Ashigaru formed into a 7000 strong force of frontline spears/glaive infantry, a 2000 strong force of light melee swordsmen and 3000 Archers which are split between mostly archers and a 500 strong Fire lance regiment which is to be used alongside the integrated nobility forces made up of 7000 samurai retainers with 2000 shock infantry, and 3000 heavy cavalry to be augmented by a screening 1000 strong ashigaru light cavalry force. This effectively splits the cost of the Emperors army between the Ashigaru outfitted and funded by the Emperor himself and the Samurai retainers who already rich and noble in their own right will provide their own equipment but will be paid out of the Imperial treasury for the duration of their service. Terms of service are streamlined as well with 5 year enlistment periods and vouchers for labor for the Ashigaru families. The Emperor turns his attention to Hokkaido looking to consolidate the holdings and the native Ainu and the japanese settlers. In order to pacify the new nobility and keep their attention focused (along side with promises of land in Hokkaido) the Emperor sends 5000 Samurai under his new Kampaku Katsumoto Niryu taking the position after the resignation of the previous Kampaku. The forces arrive in Hokkaido near the end of the year and turn north against the unorganized territories and begin marching on the Ainu settlements north of the organized border with full intent to bring the rest of the island under Imperial control. In other news in Hokkaido Japanese settlers and Ainu peoples organize around the chief settlement of Sapporo which sees notable growth and had passed up Hakodate as the most populous japanese city on the island.
 * Tarascan State: Tariácuri, with the second message from Curicaueri, continues to urbanize Tzintzuntzan and Angamuco. With the aid of Urichu, Erongarícuaro, Pechátaro, and Jarácuaro, expansion is halted in the west while settlements are further built. In Tzintzuntzan, military barracks are installed under a new philosophy meant to minimize the total numbers while maximize strategy and efficiency. With this, it is decided that roughly one-fifth of all male adults at the age of 14 must begin militant training, spending upward of 12 years in a faction of 25 before they are able to retire to a live of serenity before reaching the skies. The Assembly of Pátzcuaro votes towards the creation of a tributary system and a plans to reform bureaucracy over the coming years. While not limiting Tariácuri's power, it would allow Citlali's military power to be expanded. After completely destroying the confederation, the primary policy over the newly acquired territory continues to be conducted for another three years. The coast is finally reached and settlements are established. With this, fishing is established as a form of gathering food, while the major agricultural and cattle regions in the former Jalisco are absorbed and owned by warriors and nobles. Tariácuri's sons, Hiripan and Tangáxoan, are installed as lords of Ihuatzio and Tzintzuntzan, allowing domestic rule while maintaining military alliances. Mining occurs in the recently conquered Jalisco region, which produces large obsidian deposits. While iron and bronze had been used primarily, the creation of obsidian spears, short swords, and knives occur. A new faction in the military is created by Citlali called the "Chicahtoc Tlacatl", who dress in all black linens and carry these obsidian weapons to attack in the night. They number roughly 2,000, and consist of harshly trained militants in an effort to help produce savages. To help create a more mainstream and easier means of production for amate, Tariácuri begins writing a language script for the Purépecha so as to end the over-usage of pictograms and make the understanding of text much easier. Expansion inland to the east is made.
 * Jarldom of Greenland:This year sees the pupulation reach 3,000 people which is celebrated all over the island.Meanwhile explorers are sent out to make contact with the Thule people and laern their languagee.To mark this occasion the people are asked to vote on what should be built to commemorate it and the winner is that a gigantic tower should be built in the capital,overlooking the ocean.