Merveilles du Monde (Map Game)

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

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

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

Moderators

 * Death: Curmudgeonly yours - Crim 01:38, October 14, 2019 (UTC)
 * Famine: User:Nathan1123
 * Pestilence: User:Reximus55
 * War:

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)

1300
'''The dawn of a new century is marked by Pope Boniface VIII declaring a jubilee year. This marks the first Christian jubilee, and is aimed at promoting unity among Christendom and the forgiveness of sins to pilgrims who visit the holy city of Rome.'''

'''With Naples' victory in Potenza, Frederick III marches his army back to the south of Italy. He is emboldened by Pope Boniface VIII's abrogation of the Treaty of Anagni and recognition of Frederick as rightful King of Sicily. His forces continue to occupy much of southern Italy.'''

'''In northern Italy, the war between Venice and Genoa continues to rage. This has opened an opportunity for the Milanese to serve as bankers to much of Europe. However, the number of loans being issued by the bank houses of Milan are quickly growing to be vast. In nearby Siena, the Gran Tavola bank fails which leads to a chain reaction and a speculative crisis. Many creditors fear that the costly wars in northern Europe and southern Europe will prove too costly. (Currency debasement penalty for Milan, Genoa, Denmark, Bohemia, Papal States, and Sweden).'''

'''With Bohemia experiencing economic troubles and a lack of credit, the election of a king of Poland is a much closer-run contest. Władysław the Elbow-high, who nominally supported Wenceslaus of Bohemia, comes only a few votes shy of Wenceslaus. The nation remains under split occupation, however, with the Golden Horde still possessing parts of the country.'''

'''The Golden Horde has its own challenges, however. Toqta Khan begins to make serious progress against the overstretched Horde, with his forces riding towards Sarai Batu, the capital of the Khanate. As he has gone unchallenged this past year, he has gained greater momentum as well with his troops now numbering 35,000.'''

'''Like its fellow Horde to the north, the Ilkhanate is also experiencing severe challenges. In the Sultanate of Rûm, the arrival of Muslims from Cyprus along with the Armenian Christian missionaries leads to a boiling over of tensions. With Kayqubad III's reliance on Mongol traditions, rather than Turko-Persian culture, he sees his realm fall into a civil war - led by Osman Gazi.'''

'''Elsewhere in the Ilkhanate, the unchecked revolt in Baghdad has led to the formation of a temporary theocratic Muslim government based out of that city. The Abbasid Caliph, a puppet of the Mamluks, calls upon all righteous Muslims to engage in subversion and internal war against the Christianizing Ilkhanate. The call is taken up by Öljaitü, brother of Ghazan.'''

The Indian subcontinent sees a small change in the balance of power, as Delhi annexes Gujarat.

'''The scene after the Battle of Sønderborg is one of absolute horror. According to a priest in the castle, the battlefield is strewn with frozen corpses huddled around burned-out fires, putrid fields of bones from human and animal alike, and objects of any kind with bite marks or teeth left from where some soul grew desperate and hungry enough to eat anything for nourishment. If rumors are to be believed, murders of crows circle the devastated castle. Dante Aligheri would write later on this event, depicting Erik VI as an Antichrist. Sønderborg remains in a dire situation, with Swedes and Danish nobles regrouping to finish the job off.'''

'''As soon as John I of Holland had died, the vast majority of nobles in Holland and Zeeland recognized the Duke of Brabant as the successor. However, John of Hainaut, the regent of Holland, refused to accept this change of dynasty, and mounted 800 retainers in Den Hague. He also began to raise considerable defenses in Hainaut in case of having to fight Brabant on two fronts.'''


 * Kingdom of Sweden: Having decided that the army cannot maintain the siege of Sonderborg Castle for another brutal winter, the allied Dano-Swedish force of 36,000 men decides to relocate north temporarily to regroup and resupply. Before they move north, however, the army makes sure to send raiding parties to every village, town, farm and market south of the Tonder River. These raiding parties seize any supplies Eric could use from the local peasantry and burn whatever they cannot carry, including crops and animals. The raiding parties thoroughly strip the land bare, effectively preventing Eric from resupplying his forces. With no supplies, Eric's forces in Sonderborg stay in the miserable condition they emerged after the battle. The allied army will then be able to effectively finish off Eric and his starved, battered forces. Laden with supplies plundered from the lands south of the Tonder, the army moves north and camps at Aabenraa. Before leaving, Christopher and Birger also leave dozens of sentries, spies, and riders around Sonderborg castle to monitor Eric’s actions and also report if Eric’s army leaves the castle. Once at Aabenraa the army again sends parties of raiders but to destroy all bridges over the Tonder and sends men to guard the few fords over the river. The army also fortifies Aabenraa, building makeshift fortifications around the town and digging trenches as well as placing stakes around Aabenraa. Additionally, scouts are regularly deployed to patrol the lands south of the Tonder river to continue informing King Birger and Christopher of Eric’s forces’ movements. The Dano-Swedish army plans to effectively trap Eric beneath the Tonder river, where, without supplies or funds, his men will starve. Additionally, by blocking the river the Dano-Swedish Army prevents Eric from communicating with the rest of Denmark and prevents him from raising any more men. Meanwhile, the Danish and Swedish allied commanders learn from their mistakes at the First Siege of Sonderborg and begin amassing a huge amount of supplies at Aabenraa, aiming to have a supply train with enough to last them three years. Additionally, the army takes this time to rest and train. The army also begins cutting down trees to begin constructing siege engines, specifically trebuchets, battering rams, and siege ladders, with the army planning to return to Sonderborg Castle and besiege it in 1301. While the army regroups and resupplies, King Christopher holds Court in Aabenraa, where he hears petitions from peasants, disputes between different towns, and does his best to resolve the situation, under the supervision and counsel of the Danish nobles. King Christopher’s actions in running the Kingdom solidifies his appearance as the King of Denmark, whilst Eric, trapped and starving at Sonderborg castle, seems only a rebel. The Swedish fleet is also concentrated near the coast near Sonderborg Castle, preventing any resupply efforts from the sea. News of the Pope’s blessings reaches the armies, and the morale of the army is raised as King Christopher receives a Dannebrog personally blessed by the Pope himself. A letter with the Dannebrog reads: “As God sent you the first Dannebrog in the Year of Our Lord 1219 to defeat the heathens at the Battle of Lyndanisse, so to do I now send you this Dannebrog to carry into battle against Eric the Anti-Christ and his anti-Christian forces.” The Dannebrog is proudly displayed, and the receipt of the Pope’s gift and blessings raises the army’s morale incredibly high, with many Danish and Swedish nobles and soldiers resolving to fight to the end to dethrone Eric the Heathen. Additionally, news reaches the men of Milan’s refusal to send funds to Eric, further bolstering morale and confirming King Christopher as the rightful King of Denmark. Priests are again sent throughout Denmark to spread news of the Pope’s blessings and gift to King Christopher and further weaken Eric’s support from the peasantry. Now viewed as the anti-Christ and now known by nobles and peasant alike as “Eric the Anti-Christ”, the peasants of Denmark pledge their loyalty to Christopher, who is seen as heroically attempting to fulfill the Pope’s desire to dethrone Eric.


 * Georgia: The fourteenth-century in Georgia begins with a general sense of optimism and renewed confidence in its future. Having successfully reunified Georgia, as well as securing lost territories in Armenia and Shirvani, David VIII is bestowed with the title of "The Great" by the Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch. To portray him as a merciful and morally just leader, David VIII frees Constantine I and his court – restoring them their property and wealth while granting them control over khevis (second-level administrative units that are under duchies). This move nevertheless garners much awe and respect; even from Western nobles originally resisting reunification. As per tradition, David VIII continues the patronage of the Gelati and Ikalto monasteries – especially the former, where Queen Tamar the Great's remains are purportedly held. The Georgian army is reduced to regulars; the Monaspa (Royal Guard) and Naqivchaqari amount to 10,000 men each. The forces that constitute the Georgian expedition to the Ilkhanate is replenished and remains stable at ~5,000. The settlements of Batumi and Tskhumi (or Sokhumi) are to be heavily fortified; meanwhile, two fortresses are built in Sumqayit and Gagra, respectively. The rich mineral wealth of the Kartli (copper) and Imereti (silver) regions begin to be more heavily exploited, which together with the incorporation of new taxable subjects have resulted in a recovering Treasury. As a result, the veterans of the War of Reunification are relatively well-paid – though some are also paid in land grants, particularly in the region of Shirvani. A ban is placed on the outflow of bullion (though there are some exceptions) to facilitate the recovery of the Georgian economy. To further expand the tax base, commerce – in particular, external trade – is encouraged. Merchant and craftsmen guilds in the capital of Tbilisi and the port of Batumi proliferate. The main trading goods continue to be wool, felt, wine, and enamels. However, cotton cultivation is encouraged and workshops begin to manufacture silks (using raw silk from the East) due to the vacuum left by the receding Italian merchant republics.
 * Kingdom of Denmark: Having emerged heroically victorious over the Swedish and their auxiliaries, King Eric and the rest of his troops regroup with the Danish navy on the coast nearby and leave Sønderborg for their other fortress of Aalholm Castle in southern Lolland by ship as a large Danish naval attack is launched on the Swedish fleet to keep them occupied. The court reestablishes itself at Aalholm, as word of the devastation caused by the Swedes and the remaining nobles supporting Christopher reaches the other parts of Denmark, causing further hatred and fear of the Swedish invader for the deliberate destruction of the land and causing unnecessary harm to the people. Despite the dispute with the Pope much of the clergy likewise continues to remain loyal to the King, including Martin of Dacia (as in OTL), understanding that the Pope has been deceived by the devil-worshiping nobles and the corrupted Swedish king, and that Eric is in fact doing God's work. Despite all of their empty festivities and celebrating, Christopher and the nobles remain thoroughly unpopular and King Eric is received by the people as the rightful king when he arrives on Lolland with his troops, setting up his court at Aalholm Castle. Eric's preachers and supporters that are traveling throughout Denmark and spread word of the victory at Sønderborg, that in spite of being vastly outnumbered, Eric and his Danish army heroically stood firm and defeated the Swedes, and how can anyone be defeated despite having the advantage and claim to be truly on the side of God? The Swedish foreign invader and the traitor Christopher is only viewed with ever more disgust among the peasantry as the magnates' rebellion has only brought destruction to the land. King Eric and his forces, arriving at Aalholm Castle, recuperate from the losses and begin preparing Aalholm and the rest of Lolland for the inevitable Swedish attack.
 * Kingdom of Sweden: The sentries and spies left around Sonderborg Castle notice the increased activity within the castle and discover Eric the Anti-Christ's army moving out of the castle. The sentries quickly send riders to notify King Christopher and King Birger, who rapidly concentrate their forces, break camp and march south to confront Eric's army in the open. Out of the 36,000 men, 3,000 are sent to secure Sonderborg Castle, abandoned my Eric, to cut off his escape and retreat. The 33,000 men of the allied Dano-Swedish army then ambush Eric's unsuspecting, weakened and tired forces after they leave the castle. Caught out in the open, Eric's diminished forces must now face the allied army in an open battle with no castle to hide behind. Additionally, the blockade by the Swedish fleet means that Eric cannot escape by sailing away, as he has done so cowardly in the past. There is no escape from God's wrath. The Dano-Swedish Army, rested and resupplied and with their morale raised by the Pope's blessing, prepare for battle with Eric the Anti-Christ.
 * Yuan China: The siege of Samarakand continues, with Temür Khan ordering his men to continue entrenching themselves around the city and killing any messengers and spies that attempt to escape. The offer of support from Nogai Khan is accepted by Temür Khan, who believes that the support from his fellow khan was directed by Christ himself. Though a hard fought battle, the outcome in favor of his army has convinced Temür Khan that the crucifix handed to him by the Nestorian monks was indeed imbued with the holy power of God and the Virgin Mary. With such divine intervention on his behalf from the Lord Jesus, Temür Khan resolves to completely accept Christ into his life and become a warrior of God in Asia. He instructs the Christian clerics captured during the campaign into Chagatai to baptize both him and his men in the nearby Zeravshan River, and orders his men to join him in the baptism as well, proclaiming that Jesus Christ has given their enemy into their hands, and that with Christ, the rest of Asia shall follow. Thus, high off of their recent victory, the Mongol and Chinese warriors with the emperor shout in favor of the proclamation, and jump into the river as well, likewise believing that the battle was given to their emperor by Christ, and that the defeat of the Chagatai Mongols was the result of their being forsaken by Tengri. To commemorate the result, the emperor instructs that a small Christian shrine be constructed on the battlefield, and hands it over to the Christian leaders who baptized him in the river. Temür Khan rationalizes that the Heavenly Father Tengri and the Earth Mother Eje must surely have been Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary all along, with several of his generals stating that they likely withdraw their blessings from the Chagatai Mongols for failing to acknowledge this truth, and thus sent the Yuan armies to destroy them for their impertinence. This belief is encouraged by the Christian monks present within the Yuan forces, who see this rationalization as an effective means by which to introduce the Christian faith into Mongol ranks and spread it among the Chinese. Temür Khan sends a letter back to the imperial court and his fellow Christian sympathizers within its ranks regarding the victory at Samarkand and his public conversion and baptism into the faith. While he notes that the soldiers with him have fully embraced the faith, but warns the court that there may be those within the ranks of the commoners who do not respect his position as emperor well enough to properly remember their place within the hierarchy of Yuan-dominated China. As such, Chinese soldiers who had been fond of the Christian faith after it was reintroduced into the empire by the Mongols fifty years ago, have been reorganized into wholly Christian units, and rotated into the imperial army and reserve forces surrounding Beijing in preparation for the emperor's return. Back in China proper, the development of the continues as usual, with new towns and infrastructure being developed to accommodate the new lands in the north under the provincial administrations there. The Liaoyang province continues to encourage the development of settled communities in Manchuria, with new roads and inns being built to help accommodate the influx of trade from the south, as well as the movement of nomadic settlers from the north. These individuals are attracted to the possibility of earning a decent income from the new urban expansion programs in Acheng and the surrounding environs, as well as the rural development to help sustain the towns going up within the central basin region. In the Lingbei province, several thousand households have settled down within the walls of Karakorum and Uliastai, where trade into the region has prompted a large amount of wealth to be spread into the province for the people to attain for themselves. This has attracted many Chinese subjects to migrate into the region as with Manchuria to take advantage of the new opportunities available to them in the area. Naval expansion continues as usual, with a seven wei of vessels and crewmen added to the fleets of China. Another 200,000 Chinese soldiers have been drilled in the new system of military doctrine in use within the Yuan army, and are assigned to their various posts throughout the country by the Ministry of War. Several of the units consist of mixed ethnic groups speaking the common Han Chinese language, and are assigned to the two northern provinces where they will begin garrisoning the new towns under expansion there. In particular, one of the 10,000-man strong wàn assigned to the Lingbei Province has been composed of a nearly equal mix of Mongols, Han Chinese, Koreans, Yue, Miao and Uyghurs, all speaking Mandarin Chinese as per the direction of the Ministry of War. It is hoped that this system will become more widespread throughout China, serving as an example of the empire Temür Khan wishes to build. Within Korea, the integration of that protectorate into China proper continues, with Korean bureaucrats being sent to other parts of the empire to staff offices in distance provinces, while more and more Koreans are sent to Beijing to partake in the imperial examinations and administer Korea using the Chinese system of governance. Marriages are officiated according to Chinese rites and laws, and more and more of the Chinese jiaochao currency is being pumped into Korea as the only permitted form of financial transaction between Korean and Chinese merchants, helping to further economically integrate Korea into the empire. 50,000 Chinese soldiers are assigned to Korea for the protection of the peninsula against Japanese piracy, and are sent there along with their families and belongings. Several Korean families are given financial incentives to move into China proper, and adopt Chinese language and clothing as a means of qualifying for land grants from the government.
 * Maraninds of Sultanate: the sultanate of Morocco send among 10,000 cavalry and a group called 'The Almoradivs' are gonna conquered South Iberia and unified become 'Realm of Almoradivs' the Marinids to south conquer north of Algeria with his troop most of Moorish beating the Spanish on north border most of are defeating is basically what is call 'The Reconquestia' in Morocco the scientific Moorish establish an university called 'university of Rabat' for philosophy. Meanwhile, they arrive to Egypt for helping the allies and come to ceremony
 * Delhi Sultanate: With the Chagatai forces busy fighting China and having repulsed numerous Chagatai invasions, Alaudding Khilji sends a force of 40,000 cavalry and 10,000 infantry led by Almas Beg to invade the Chagatai and besiege Kabul. Another force of 150,000 (50,000 infantry and 100,000 cavalry) led by Nusrat Khan Jalesari is sent westwards to invade the Ilkhanate in support of the Mamluk Sultanate and to answer the call by the Abbasid Caliphate for a jihad. Another force of 50,000 troops remains in the Delhi Sultanate area under direct control of the Sultan. The force under Nusrat Khan marches into the Ilkhanate virtually unopposed because most of the Ilkhanate's forces are involved in the West. The forces of the Delhi Sultanate are seen as liberators in the Muslim majority territories and start recruiting soldiers from the territory of the Ilkhanate on the pretext of the jihad that was declared by the Abbasid Caliphate. Nusrat Khan's forces swell by an additional 12,000 irregular troops. Nusrat Khan's forces besiege and raid Balkh, Herat, Zarani and move towards Nishapur. (No need to give me a strike, I know the algos haven't been completed but this would be the likely outcome because the Delhi Sultanate used tactics similar to the Mongols and were able to brutally crush all the Chagatai invasions during Alauddin Khiljis time. I will change my post according to what the mods tell me). The non-Muslims in the Ilkhanate area (that has been conquered) are killed or captured, their valuables confiscated by the army and their property distributed among the local Muslim population. The local Muslim population helps the force led by Nusrat Khan by providing much needed grains and other food items. These wars are successfully funded by the loot gained during the invasion of Gujarat and Devagiri along with some contribution from the treasury. Meanwhile, diplomats are sent to the Mamluk Sultanate to strike an alliance with them (MOD RESPONSE). Another group of diplomats are sent to the court of the Sultan of Bengal, requesting an alliance and to ask him to contribute forces to help in the Jihad against the Ilkhanate(MOD RESPONSE).
 * The Mamluks accept the alliance, as does the Sultan of Bengal. The Bengal Sultan, however, declines to send troops halfway across the known world. -Rexmod.
 * Republic of Venice: The economic crisis in the other Italian city states make action by the Doge and the Council are necessary. The formerly Genoan dominated aspects of the Mediterranean trade like the selling of wax, fur, fish and oil are now seek to be taken over by Venice as well, with massive increase in wax, olive oil and grain production in Candia and the Aegean possessions of Venice, while fishing and textile production are increased in the Venetian homeland. The offer from the Achaean principality is seen as a necessary and comparatively small sacrifice in order to win the upper hand in the conflict against Genoa with Achaean aid. The ships that were hired by Naples arrive this year to support their war against Sicily, and with this the treasuries of the Venetians filled in the process. A monetary reform is implemented as well, where paper money notes becomes an official part of the currency. A 50 and 100 Ducate note is implemented. The notes are all printed with a special silk with a stamp and a serial number on it, to avoid fakes being handed in. The notes can be handed to the bank, where the officials check the serial number and then return the note into gold ducates. The expansion of the Arsenal begins and the production begins to be streamlined, not only for ships but also for arms. Planned is a large secondary Arsenal more inland, away from the harbor, where many weapon manufacturers and blacksmiths would produce arms, nails and tools according to state-regulated norms, so that a high quality and fitting measurements can be assured. The piracy campaign against Genoa continues, with Corsican and French Pirates being hired to harass Genoan ships in their home territory and receiving a small payment for every returned Genoan captain or ship (MOD RESPONSE ON THE SUCCESS). SECRET Vague plans are drawn for the conquest of Rhodes, which would include a siege and then, with Achaean aid, storming the smaller possessions of Genoa and the Byzantines in the region SECRET END
 * Mali Empire: Sakoura arrived to Egypt in great ceremony, and visited in Cairo to meet personally with the Abbasid Caliph. He made his circumlocutions around the great Kaaba in Mecca, and threw the sacred stones at the Rock of Shaitan. Unfortunately, his stay in Egypt was somewhat rushed by the political unrest taking place at the time, as the entire Middle East was erupting in chaos over the invasions of the declining Ilkhanate. In fact, many contemporary historians don't even mention the arrival of Sakoura at all, overshadowed with these other events. In spring the next year, Sakoura returned towards Mali across the valleys of Fezzan and Kanem, but unfortunately never returned to the realms of Mali. As he was passing through the Bornu Empire, his servants rushed a him with knives and stabbed him to death. Much speculation continues over this unexpected event, and most of our information comes from a speech made by Mansa Musa after he came to power. Reportedly, this began the ongoing rivalry between the House of Sefawa and the House of Keita, as the Kanem emperor bribed the servants of Sakoura to have him assassinated. As soon as the caravan arrived back in Mali proper, a revolt erupted with the purpose of putting the Keita family back in power. Somaoro, the son of Sakoura, fled from the city of Niani unharmed, and disappears from the historical record for some time. With Musa in exile, the Keita family installed the eldest son of Kolokan into power, and crowned Mansa Gao in July that year. Mansa Gao was generally regarded as a very weak and quiet ruler, allowing the princes of Mali to continue their decentralized power they largely enjoyed in the past. Mali honors her alliance with the Egypt, as well as the call to arms by the Caliph. 3,000 infantry and 500 cavalry is sent by caravan to aid Egypt's jihad. Individual princes continue to expand their domains east, into OTL Niger.
 * The Kingdom of Portugal: The King promotes ship development and tries to improve his ships. He makes the development try to by more long distance then Merchant.
 * Jarldom of Greenland: We begin building a central longhouse in the middle of the capital to serve as a community gathering and town hall, Next besides there is a request board for the civilians to request stuff.Meanwhile,we begin building a port and some ships to make sure we have ships ready for any situation.
 * Duchy of Brabant: "Harba Lorifa"Some of the Nobility in Holland has chosen to betray the cause of John II of Brabant, While the county of Zeeland supports John II of Brabant as to prevent the County of Flanders and the English navy to destroy the islands they Hold. Duke John II who had readied his nobility since the death the of the Hollandic count, and shortly after the pikemen, archers, men-at-arms and the Gastraphets. Their numbers are far greater then that of the nobility but they do not have the same quality of weaponry and defense as their noble brothers, but their quality has slightly increased due to what many call arms fonds. Army Fonds being where 10% of someones pay is kepth for the unit so it can provide for any new item like pike and chest plate , alltough quality may be slightly lower then original. The Army of the Realm totaly 3,500 men marches from Den herzogenbosche to Dordreghte and then aurther to Rotterdam. Rotterdam being the economic hub of the county without which Holland cannot survive while at the same time being only 15 Miles from the Capital of Des Hages (the Hague). While we call on John of Malinnes to aid Brabant in the defences of brabant, defending the inner area's of Brabant. The city guards in the south of Brabant are ordered to prepare all their defence and recruit as many people as they can. Some 500 troops going to the area to defend. Due to this conflict, the building of the Mansion in Heyst Ten Berge is stopped for the while being as the funds are needed for the war in action for food and new armour of the duke. The city of Antwerp even tough also in the war begins to have even more profits as the Schelde River is now even more open and less worried about Flemish and Zeelandic wars, Antwerp slowly growing in Power, prosperity and population. The colours of Red white Red are flown all across the English channel as Antwerp is trade that will never end.Not a naval fleet but merchant ships are the Lotharingian manner of greatness.
 * Ilkhanate: With Georgia successfully reunified, the one-tenth of the army that was there is recalled back to Tabriz. The one-tenth accompanying the Sultan of Rum is also recalled, so now four-tenths of the army is in the Ilkhanate proper (henceforth referred to as the defensive army) and six-tenths is in the Mamluk Sultanate. The defensive army is commanded in Baydu's absence by his eldest son Qipchaq (OOC: it appears not to have been historically recorded when he was born so I don't know what his OTL age is, but I estimate he's around 20 years old in 1300). Qipchaq commands the entire defensive army to attack the Theocracy/Caliphate in Baghdad. The army besiege the city and attempt to raze it. The defensive army then fortifies a line from Tabriz south to Ahvaz while Qipchaq sends envoys to several foreign leaders. Specifically, he sends naval envoys to Milan, Venice, Naples, Achaea and the Byzantine Empire (through the Cilician port of Tarsus), describing how the Christian Khan Baydu's land is being assaulted by a jihad of Muslim infidels from India and asks for their military support to help defend Christianity from these heretical attackers in a new Crusade. (Milan response) (Venice response) (Naples response) (Achaea response) (Mod response for Byzantine Empire) Qipchaq also sends an envoy to Yuan China through Toqta Khan, in which he congratulates Temür Khan on his conversion to Christianity, proposes an alliance between the Christian khans of Baydu and Temür and asks for military support against the Muslim jihadists from the Delhi Sultanate. (Yuan China response) Meanwhile, in the Mamluk Sultanate, Baydu's attacking army has been besieging Damascus through 1299 and building siege equipment. When Baydu hears the Papal and Cypriot militaries have landed at Gaza and Georgian support troops arrive at Damascus, he launches a final full-on assault of Damascus, attempting to raze the city before marching south towards Jerusalem.
 * Armenian Cilicia: Hethum II arrives back in Sis from his journeying on the diplomatic mission of the Ilkhanate and is appalled to find Sempad has murdered their brother Thoros III and taken the throne for himself. A lot of the military that remains in Cilicia quickly turns to support Hethum II instead of Sempad. The final nail in Sempad's coffin comes when Constantine betrays him to Hethum II in exchange for clemency for his part in Sempad's coup. Sempad is imprisoned and executed, while Constantine is indeed granted clemency but exiled from the court in Sis. Hethum II becomes King again, though he says he intends to abdicate once he finds a suitable heir. He allows the use of the port of Tarsus for Qipchaq's various diplomatic envoys.
 * Sultanate of Rum: Sultan Kayqubad III pulls back the remaining troops from the Trebizond area so five-sixths of the army is under his command (with the other one-sixth accompanying Baydu's army in the Levant). He fortifies the cities of Konya and Sivas and shifts his centre of government from Konya to the eastern city of Sivas. As a final attempt to avoid all-out war with Osman Gazi, he attempts to convince one (or several) of the Muslim nobles he'd bribed before to assassinate Osman Gazi, in exchange for which the nobleman will receive a fief comprising most of western Rum around Konya. (Mod response)
 * The Byzantines lend 2,000 troops to aid in the Crusade for Jerusalem
 * With the Kingdom of Naples busy with the Sicilian Revolt, King Charles II states that Naples won't be able to provide aid to the Ilkhanate for some time.
 * The attempt to assassinate Osman fails
 * Achaea declines to aid the Mongol Ilkhanate in their "crusade," citing Ilkhan Baydu's heretical Christology.
 * Yuan China Response: The Emperor of China agrees to the alliance proposal from the Ilkhanate.
 * Kingdom of Hungary With the repulsion of the Mongols from Poland and Hungary, many of the troops are returned to Hungary. Along with a civil war breaking out in the lands of the heathen mongols who try to deceive faithful Christians with honeyed words, that are empty as their moral fiber. Many lords and others along the border take the opening presented by the current distraction of the mongols, they begin to rebuild and fortify their lands blocking off passes along the Carpathians and creating watchtowers to alert them of any mongol presence. Many of the people who fled the countryside during the mongol invasions return to the plains and the abandoned villages they left behind. During the Mongol and Wallachian Invasion the Kán géns was hit especially with the Lord and his heirs all passing away leaving his lands to the appointment of the King. Due to the majority of troops who died being from the lords along the border dying these lords are exceptionally weakened and with the King losing very few of his personal retinue the last of the holdouts of magnates are brought into the fold. Matthew III Csák is cautious in advising the King to bid his time and be careful around the lords. Word is sent to the most holy father in Rome requesting most humbly for an official coronation and installment of Andrew III to the throne of Hungary. He offers the most holy, a gift of gold as a token of appreciation sending them it to fuel their most holy mission. Papal Response Needed.
 * Papal States: We humbly accept the gold and thank the Hungarian domain for this donation.
 * Lordship of Milan: Following the crash of the Bank in sienna, Milanese bankers immediately react by travelling to Bohemia and working with the Bohemians on taking advantage of the Bohemian Mineral wealth to create a much stronger currency. The Milanese banks also begin to discuss recalling all loans that don’t have direct advantage to Milan. This results in demands for repay in Collateral from Genoa, Sweden, Venice and a re-discussion of the current standing with the Papacy, (Discussions can be done on Discord then respond with answers here.) There is a second large issue occurring this year in Milan as the debate as to where Milanese loyalties lie between the Pope and HRE. With Matteo and company deciding to support the HRE and specifically the Bohemians with publicly announcing their support for the HRE and the Bohemians. Della Torre loyalists become majorly upset with a potential war on the horizon between the two forces.
 * Kingdom of Sweden: Upon hearing of the Milanese demanding repayment, the Swedish Kingdom quickly offers up its large reserve of iron. The Swedish Queen Martha offers to repay the loan's in iron along with 5% interest rates.
 * Republic of Genoa: Due the Republic is subject to pay the claims established by the Milanese bankers, the Genoese bankers, together with the city of Genoa and its colonies, are willing to pay 60 galleys full of silver coins to pay the debts accumulated since 1296.
 * Milan: Knowing how much this would hurt the Genoese Republic the Milanese state that they will rather take it in the form of silks and goods from around the world over time with no interest rate during this period as long as it is paid in a ten-year time.
 * Kingdom of Naples: With the Neapolitan Victory at Potenza, Charles II now with 50,000 Men and a small Flotilla of over 50 Galleys launches a counterattack against the Sicilians through a two-pronged assault with a small force of 15,000 Men under Prince Phillip being sent to march against the positions of Fredrick III while the remaining force of 35,000 Men under Charles II himself supported by his Flotilla of 50 Ships land between Taranto and Montescaglioso behind enemy lines in order to trap the forces of Fredrick III in Southern Italy and force their surrender. Meanwhile, Prince Robert moves forward in recruiting another force of 10,000 Men as a reserve force while heading to Achaea to request the support of 10,000 Troops from all of the Frankish Greek States (Achaean Response Needed). Meanwhile, with the Genoans establishing an alliance with the Byzantines , the Kingdom of Naples proposes an alliance with the Venetians in order to counter the Genoa-Byzantine Alliance and as a means to achieve Charles II’s goal of restoring the Latin Roman Empire or Empire of Romania in which Charles I’s failed to do so. However, shortly after leaving for Achaea, Prince Robert’s wife ,Yolanda of Aragon unfortunately passed away resulting in Charles II deciding to arrange a marriage between his son (Robert) and the Titular Latin Roman Empress , Catherine of Courtnay (Mod Response for if Catherine accepts) as a means of legitimizing the Neapolitan claim to the Throne of Constantinople.
 * Empress Catherine Courtnay agrees to this very tactical marriage
 * Achaea, having served its liege for the required period for ten years time, declines to send further troops to the Italian peninsula.
 * Republic of Genoa: It has arrived in 14th century and debts are accumulating in the Republic. To respond to the demands of the Milanese banks, the Duke together with the local bankers have managed, with much sacrifice, to fill 60 galleys of silver coins to pay the Milanese debt with interest that he dragged since 1295 (Milan response). Taking care about the international relationships, the tumultuous wars that have devastated the Genoese population and economy must end once and for all. With the aim of ending the devastating struggles that occur in the Aegean Sea because of the war with Venice, the Duke has proposed a non-aggression pact for an indefinite period for which the act that can action that could cause a long conflict is prohibited term either for economic purposes (assault merchant galleys, besiege cities, allocate rewards for sunken galleys), strategic purposes (usurp islands), and military purposes (support with troops to allies with the aim of attacking Venetian or Genoese cities or ports) between Genoa, Venice and the respective allies of the newly appointed (Venice response). Turning to internal issues, the site of Monaco has been lifted at the end of this year, it has been recognized sovereignty by Genoa. Francisco Grimaldi, together with the Duke of Genoa and the main leaders of the Spinola and Doria families along with some members of the Ghibelline and Guelph families have signed an act where the Rock of Monaco and its surroundings will be recognized as an independent state, denominating as Principality of Monaco and will not depend economically and militarily on Genoa, leaving Monaco exposed to a possible invasion of neighboring states. While negotiations flow between Genoese, the island of Corsica (under Genoese rule) was isolated from the commerce of the Western Mediterranean and even from the metropolis itself because of Sinucello della Roca. Lamba Doria, under the orders of the Duke and Spinola family, commanded a fleet of 20 galleys with the aim of overthrowing the tyranny of Sinucello. Upon arriving on the island, Lamba Doria encountered little resistance from the faithful of the tyrant and managed to arrest him without any major inconvenience. Sinucello della Roca was put in prison in Genoa where he spent the rest of his days.


 * Bohemia-Poland: Wenceslaus II implements a monetary reform introducing the Groschen , while the construction of the Prague and Krakow Mints are completed. The Kutna Hora Mines are steadily expanded thanks to an end of hostilities with Nogai and Wenceslaus's edict forming a crown monopoly on the mines goes into effect. The new currency weighs approximately 3.5 to 3.7 grams of silver proving much thicker then the italian denars. Circulation and distribution of the new currency is strictly controlled as to avoid a devaluation of the new currency and to bring confidence to the new currency. Negotiations with the Milanese over debt renegotiations continue with Wenceslaus offering the Milanese installment payments in silver based on a new rate pegged to the stronger Groschen without interest, and to allow for the Milanese currency and banking system be backed by Bohemia's silver and gold reserves through the creation of a Bohemian Bank under royal charter. Construction of the University of Praga, and the university of Krakow begin. Still feeling responsible for the senseless loss of life at Lublin, and after many nights without sleep in the still being rebuilt St Mary Basilica Wenceslaus II decides to take up the cross to Jerusalem, he calls upon polish, Bohemian, and German who wish to save their soul to join him in the journey to Jerusalem. He sends an envoy to Rome stating his intent to join the new crusade. He founds the Chivalric Order of Saint Wenceslaus after his ancestor Wenceslaus I of Bohemia. Wenceslaus II sets out from Krakow with 5,000 men marching overland from Hungary Wladyslaw Elbow-High is proclaimed regent in his absence and his son Wenceslaus begins his training to become king someday under the tutelage of Wladyslaw. Construction of Wawel Castle (fotress) continues, as does the construction of new fortifications at Gneizo and Gdansk. An offer is made to expand trade with the Hanseatic league in an effort to expand trade with the Baltic sea. Gdansk's customs are greatly expanded and Germans are encouraged to settle the still heavily depopulated areas of of Bohemia and Poland from the previous incursions by mongols. Overland trade routes are improved. The betrothal of Wenceslaus the younger and Catherine di Visconti is approved, along with the betrothal of Agnes the twin sister Wenceslaus to Rudolf von Hapsburg. To further improve his standing with the Polish and Silesian nobility he also proposes a marriage between the minor Duke Henry VI of Wroclaw to his daughter Anne, and to betroth one of his daughters to Stefan the son of Wladyslaw (mod response).
 * Duke Boleslaw the Strict, the regent of Henry, agrees to the marriage of Henry to Anne
 * Wladyslaw the Elbow-High agrees to betroth his son Stefan to Princess Magaret of Bohemia
 * Crown of Aragon: To some shock, the proposal to establish peace through a Treaty of Zaragoza is ignored prompting James to be placed in a corner. The decision is decided and preparations are made. Following the confirmation of Frederick III’s legitimacy to the crown, James II request the blessings of the papacy to pursue a campaign in support of Frederick III (Papacy Response). For time to come, our men totaling 30,000 strong with 10,500 being that of Cavalry are sent off to Sicily in which there, they would be supplied at the position of Taranto. Ensuring supplies remain at large for the journey ahead, 45 ships are stationed around the Neapolitan coast off the coast of Naples and Salerno preventing supplies of goods to reach Naples from the main ports of entry. This fleet is left in the hands of and is entrusted to Roger de Lauria. These ships of course would target Neapolitan Naval Vessels as well during this lengthy campaign at sea. Due to the recent financial dilemma in Europe accompanied by a newly risen war effort, The Expansive Road Network Project sees delays to ease the costs over time. Beyond that The Family of De La Rosa continues to contribute to the construction of the University of Zaragoza. The Crown’s Army accompanied by the Sicilian Allies lay siege to Benevento after a march northward. The army is divided into two portions in which the northern side, 12,500 men are sent to lay siege on the Northern end with the remaining army laying siege to the southern end. Seeing that there is a river that runs through the city, it is hinted that this may become problematic if forces engage on one end resulting in the plan that if the Siege results in the army’s being able to break through, the opposite end’s forces would allow for the city and the enemy’s men to fall.
 * Papal States: We agree to give the Aragonese their blessings and wish them the best of luck with supporting Frederick III.
 * Naples: With the arrival of Aragonese Troops, the Neapolitan Forces cancel their plans to land south and quickly move to Benevento to engage the Sicilian-Aragonese Force with 50,000 Neapolitan Troops under Charles II moving in to lift the seige while the Neapolitan Fleet engages with the Aragonese Fleet with the objective of eliminating the Aragonese Fleet and trapping the Aragonese Forces in Southern Italy.
 * Nogai Khan :Nogai Khan engages the forces of Toqta Khan at Sorai Batu with a force of four tumen (40,000). The defense of the Polish lands gained in the Coalition War (Mazovia and the lands east of the Vistula) is granted to Lev I. One tumen of Russians rise as the Orthodox Legion, serving as Nogai's reserve in case anything goes wrong in Sorai Batu, leading to closer cultural ties between the Russians and Nogai's Horde, fostering cultural exchange between tribute and liege.
 * Kingdom of England: With the war in France heating up, Edward puts up more pressure for the coastal towns and counties provide more ships for the English Navy, as more conflict with France brews. In light of this, new men are chosen by Edward as the Guardians of Scotland, pending the coronation of a new king, with the current favourite being John Hastings. Internally, the English people prepare for more years of war in order to defend their trade interests and their rights in France. Messengers are sent all around Europe looking for allies against the French in their war of aggression. In Scotland, however, the lords enjoy a short reprieve. Edward does not wish to push his luck by demanding armies for his War just yet, at least not until Scotland has a crowned king. As is being spoken, the Lords and commons in the Scottish parliament are busy writing their own version of Magna Carta, which would hopefully regularize the position of the King of England, King of Scotland, and the overlordship that the English King has. The King moves to Scotland to deal with the Scottish Parliament and leaves the war in France, for the moment, to his Lieutenant of Aquitaine, John St John. More men are raised in England and are transported to Calais to reinforce the English Positions. The English forces,knowing how expensive it is to transport horses across seas, elect to transport infantry and longbowmen into Calais and into Aquitaine as priorities. This leads to a total force count of 10,000 local Aquitaine forces raised last year, 5,000 raised this year, 5,000 reinforcements from England (20,000 in Aquitaine total sent, with 4,000 in losses mean 16,000 men), with 10,000 men in Calais total, the 5,000 sent last year plus the 5,000 this year. of this 26,000 men, a full 6,000 are longbowmen, with 2,500 in Aquitaine. Despite the recent losses, the English decide that keeping the fort of Rouen is too costly, and the majority of English forces retreat onto their ships and leave a force of 4,000 to garrison the city, knowing there is not enough supplies to feed everyone. Nonetheless, the English regroup with their new reinforcements, making their forces number 12,000 plus 4,000 garrison. the 12,000 men, including the new reinforcements, set out to attack French-held forts in an effort to lure the French into dividing their forces and breaking the siege of Bourg. Specifically,  they sail down and lay siege to Bordeaux. Regardless the 10,000 men stationed in Calais are divided in two forces, a smaller force of 4,000 and a larger force of 6,000. The Smaller force is sent to ask the Count of Calais for his allegiance while the Larger force is sent to Rouen to siege the fort. The Goal is to retake parts of Normandy for a possible second purpose to reclaim lost lands and titles.
 * Kingdom of Scotland: Parliament convenes for the first time in Glasgow, opening on the Monday after Easter. The summoned parliament meets and first acknowledges Edward as their Suzerain overlord. They then begin a few debates: the first is on the succession to the Kingdom. Some support crowning John Hastings, but opposition does exist to the idea. Everyone knows that even if an alternative King is found, then it would still, in essence, require the consent of Edward. Remembering what happened with Robert the Bruce, no Scottish lords wish to try for independence again. As such, they settle on perhaps establishing a Magna Carta for Scotland, to curb the powers of Edward to simply demand taxes and armies, as well as have more control over their new King. Edward first pushes back on the idea, but then realizes that it could be the way to increase his power in Scotland, especially by playing the rival lords off one another. This works for a few months as each of the Lords wishes special privileges not afforded to the others. Parliament reaches an impasse in August and the King Dissolves Parliament, promising to reconvene once the war in France is finished. It is hinted that the King might actually agree to a Scottish Magna Carta should the Lords continue to support him with troops in the war with France. Nothing concrete yet though.
 * Principality of Achaea: The jubilee year, declared by the His Holiness, the Pope, is met with great celebration among the Achaean nobility. A large delegation, including both Prince Florent and marshal Nicholas III of Saint Omer, alongside many other nobles, barons, and knights, travel to Rome on a pilgrimage to celebrate and receive absolution for their transgressions. At home, Archbishop John of Patras uses the opportunity to strengthen his efforts to proselytize among the Orthodox population. Many converts from the Orthodox church become members of the local system of Roman Catholic churches, encouraged not only by the Archbishop but also by Princess Isabella of Villehardouin - who has now learned the Greek language after a few years of covert study. Her ability to converse with the local population has endeared her to many of them. After Prince Florent of Hainaut has returned from Rome, he receives word from Nicholas of Saint Omer that the cities of Modon and Coron have been ceded by Venice to the Principality. The Prince immediately travels to these new additions to his realm - for now, they are to be held as a direct barony of the Prince and Princess. In exchange for the new cities, Florent and Isabella sign a mutually-beneficial agreement with Venice, regarding the common foes of Genoa and Byzantium.
 * Lordship of Ireland: Following the successful capture of half of the Kingdom of Thormond and their swearing of fealty the half of the Kingdom taken by force is given to others while the remaining part of Thormond is allowed to live under Brehon law. We send the 4,000 English troops we had with us to France alongside 4,000 troops drawn from Ireland to France mostly consisting of infantry to support the English campaign in France.
 * Kingdom of Cyprus: With defensive fortification production going well, the naval forces aiding the conflict is increased by five. Although losing the territorial legitimacy over the Henry II's claim as the King of Jerusalem, the recent conflict in the 10th crusade have allowed for his legitimacy to be seen effectively, especially with the support from the eastern power that is the Ilkhan and the western support from the Pope himself. Known Muslims in the Kingdom are exiled to the Sultanate of Rum as the Kingdom becomes transitioning into a theocratically-based monarchy. The defensive fortification productions slows down slightly due to the concurrent crusade, but are still expected to be completed by 1330. The push towards Jerusalem after sieging Gaza continues. Diplomatic missions to find supporters and/or additional forces from Europe is done, with the kingdoms of Castile and Portugal being asked to provide armies to help aid in the liberation of the holy land (Castile and Portugal Response Needed).
 * Papal States: We celebrate the year of our lord 1300 by having a Golden Jubilee. We hope that this event unites Christendom and ensures that the pilgrim's sins are forgiven. In the political world, two Papal ships are docked at the port of Acre. The total of troops on both ships equals to 5,500 men. We send our blessings to the belligerents of Sicily and Aragon. We request to Charles II to put their foot down and sign an armistice. We are grateful to receive the gold donation from Hungary, as we believe this can help us recover from the collapse of the banks. In the religious world, we condemn the Waldesians for splitting for the Church and forming their own denomination.
 * Neapolitan Diplomacy: Charles II agrees to stand down and will recognize Fredrick III as the King of Sicily and the rule of the House of Barcelona over the island.

1301
'''Aragon's involvement in the War of the Sicilian Vespers is seen by many in the circles of the Pope as being illegitimate and a violation of the limited mandate to secure Sicily for Frederick III. How the Pope reacts remains to be seen.'''

'''Andrew III of Hungary dies and his son Gezá is proclaimed king - but has yet to be formally crowned by the Archbishop of Esztergom with the Holy Crown of Hungary in Székesfehérvár Basilica. Whether or not a challenger will rise up remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the Angevins of Naples are in no position to make a bid for the throne.'''

'''The French have defeated the English in northern Gascony in two battles at Bourg. Meanwhile, the English have begun to amass a moderate-sized force in northern France. This war, which is only just beginning, is looking like it will be quite costly to both nations.'''

'''The economic situation has been somewhat resolved in northern Italy, as Milan has called in many of its loans. However, what's good for the banker isn't good for those who had previously sought loans. The lack of credit - a way of life that had just begun to emerge in the past five years or so - hurts many nations. (Milan escapes currency debasement, as does Bohemia which issued a new pure currency). Meanwhile, Venice and Genoa heat up their naval rivalry, with Venetian piracy efforts drawing the ire of many nations, but being effective against Genoese shipping.'''

'''The civil war in Rûm continues to heat up, as the overstretched Ilkhanate has failed to make any major changes to the situation. Indeed, the foiled assassination attempt against Osman Gazi leads many to believe the Ilkhan's puppet government is unable to govern this Muslim nation. Ultimately, Kayqubad III ends up being killed in a skirmish outside Konya.'''

'''In a bloody battle outside of Samarkand, the siege has been broken and the Chagatai Khanate lives to fight another day. Meanwhile, in the south, Kabul falls to the Delhi Sultanate with token resistance: the bulk of the Chagatai forces had been busy fighting the Yuan Chinese.'''

There is general unrest (although no revolts) in both Scotland, where some Scottish veterans such as William Wallace support the young Edward Balliol's claim to the throne, and in Yunnan, China.
 * Kingdom of Sweden: Having emerged victorious over the forces of Eric the Anti-Christ, the Dano-Swedish Army wastes no time in chasing down his remaining forces. With Sonderborg Castle captured by Swedish troops and the coastline blocked off by the concentrated Swedish navy, Eric the Anti-Christ has nowhere to run and is soon chased down by Birger’s and Christopher’s forces for a final confrontation [MOD ALGO, PLEASE]. Meanwhile, an offer is made to Eric’s remaining 5,000 men giving them the option to not die fighting for a losing cause. If they hand over Eric the Anti-Christ, dead or alive, they shall receive royal pardons and be allowed to go home to their farms and families. They shall also receive a Papal blessing absolving them of any sins or blame for fighting for the Anti-Christ. Eric’s soldiers are also reminded that they are outnumbered more than seven to one, including 8,000 heavy cavalry [MOD RESPONSE ON OFFER] In domestic affairs, Queen Martha’s management of the nation whilst the King is waging war leads to highly efficient bureaucracy as the Queen fills position based on merit, not on noble birth. The Queen also continues encouraging immigration to Finland, promising lands to any who decides to immigrate. This solves the problem of Sweden’s landless poor, as many immigrate to Finland to receive farms and land. The policy of immigration to Finland also helps to integrate Finland into the Swedish domain and helps to Christianize Finland.
 * The last troops of Eric mutiny against who they perceive to be a tyrannical king, and hand him over to Christopher in Sonderburg for judgement, ending the Danish civil war
 * Mali Empire: The general lack of historical references to Mansa Gao's reign would suggest that he enjoyed a relative peace for quite some time, after the more brutal years of internal conflict wrought by Sakoura and his family. The sheer prestige of the Keita dynasty from the progeny of Kolokan helped to ensure the Empire feel more unified, although in reality it was more decentralized between local princes than the previous ruler. Gao was known at least to have begun many projects that weren't finished until the reign of Abu Bakr II. Since a large section of Atlantic coast was annexed from Walo since the reign of Sundiata, Gao began the steady creation and construction of a large navy along ports at this location. Of course, ships along the oceanic coast was minuscule at this time compared to the fleet of ships meant to navigate waters within the Niger and Senegal Rivers. Prior to any close and continuing contact with Iberia, archaeologists suggest that Mali's early navy were similar in construction to Polynesian ships, taking what was essentially river barges and adapting them to bluer waters. Domestically, Mansa Gao began the reform of Mali's agriculture, and greatly expanded both the root and sorghum fields across Mali proper near Niani. At this early stage, of course, this restructure of agriculture was primarily only seen in Mali proper. Finally, Mansa Gao instituted the construction of the greatest and most principle work of Sahelian style architecture, the Grand Mosque of Djeane. This mosque would slowly be built on and added to over the next ten years.
 * Kingdom of Naples: With the decline of the Neapolitan Forces and the war getting costly, King Charles II sues for peace and states that he is willing to acknowledge Sicilian Independence unwilling to fight the war any longer (Aragonese and Papal Response needed). With support for the war faltering and the Capital on the brink of revolt , Charles II sends Prince Phillip to Milan in order to recruit some Milanese Mercenaries as a means of helping Charles II’s maintain order in Naples and as a last ditch effort to maintain his position as King of Naples (Milanese Response needed). With the Kingdom of Naples unable to secure the Hungarian Throne and less options for Charles II’s the King makes preparations to flee if necessary as the situation seems hopeless. In his castle in Naples , Charles II sends a letter to the King of France begging for the support of the Kingdom of France given that Naples has exhausted its manpower and is no longer able to continue fighting (French Response needed). With this Prince Robert , Charles II eldest son and his heir to the throne is sent to France with his wife the Titular Latin Roman Empress , Catherine I as a means for Charles II’s successor to maintain his claim on the Throne of Naples if he ever gets ousted. Meanwhile, once Phillip is to finish with his affairs in Milan, he is to head to Achaea as part of a secret mission which will only be revealed later.
 * Milan Response: We laugh at the request to recruit mercenaries for simple duties such as maintaining order and state that should they want Mercenaries for a real cause they can notify us.
 * Papal States: The Pope is glad that we are on the same page on ending this bloody war.
 * Maraninds of Sultanate: The troops had a strategy to reforming al-Andalus with their Berber army so we could stop them we send among 10,000 troops in Canaan for helping Egypt and help our brother states ally.
 * Lordship of Milan: The tensions between farmers on the border of Piacenza and Milan reaches a breaking point with Milanese farmers demanding action from Matteo, with the 3,000 Long Lances as well as the Milanese standing force of 1,000 and 1,000 additional Italian mercenaries from around Northern Italy being hired. Of the 1,000 standing force 500 stay at home to make sure there are no back-door maneuvers, then the other 4,500 move into Piacenza with Matteo’s eldest son, Galleazzo leading the forces. Having been a veteran of war in Poland the Long Lances are no stranger to fighting. (Mod responses needed for algos and idea of Piacenza forces). The new motto of Milan and House Visconti has become Hic Stunt Serpentes, (Here be Serpents) Due to the Long Lances base in Milan they have adopted there own version of this with Hic Stunt Dracones (Here Be dragons) The long lances banner has a similar image to that of House Visconti except it’s a three-headed Dragon eating a human. Whilst Galleazzo is away Matteo begins to make minor recoveries from his sickness. In Milan itself the Bankers reorganize themselves into three banks so as to have the best regulation systems possible. The Largest bank, The Nationalibus Ripa. The National Bank which focuses on the handling of contracts for Milan and given by the Milanese government as well as currency regulation, and standardization. The smallest bank, The Mercenarius Ripa. The Mercenary Bank which focuses on the handling of hiring Mercenaries as well as being the official bank of the Long Lances. And the bank in the middle, The Internationalibus Ripa. (The International bank) which handles all affairs with Bohemia as well as the rest of the HRE and other non government sponsored dealings.
 * Swedish Diplomacy: Sweden asks that a team of merchant-bankers be sent to Sweden to help Queen Martha in creating a Swedish National Bank
 * Milan Diplomacy: We happily send members of The Internationalibus Ripa to assist in the creating of this new Swedish National Bank
 * Republic of Venice: With the success of the piracy policies against Genoa, the trade with Achaea, Spain, France and the Greek and Anatolian states, many of whom were trading with Genoa, the Venetian merchants hijack their markets and flood their domain with cheaper and better goods. Especially linen, textiles, salt, grain and spices are sold for low prices. Furthermore, a large scale boycott against Genoa is requested to the allies of Venice, in return for discounts on Venetian goods like salt, textiles and spices (NAPLES, MILAN, ACHAEA RESPONSE NEEDED). Piracy campaigns continue, and Genoan ships are looted if they enter the Venetian parts of the Mediterranean. In the Italian peninsula, the flourishing but very small city of Padua is reached out to, giving them the opportunity for Venetian protection. Under this protection, Padua would still have its own Signore as the de facto ruler. However, the city would benefit from the Venetian wealth, protection and law (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). The request from the Ilkhanate is met with mixed feelings, though 10,000 men could be hired if needed (ILKHANATE RESPONSE, PLEASE). The expansion of the Arsenal continues, and the second Arsenal starts to be built. Additionally, a University is planned in Venice, to increase the prestige and the importance of the city. Paper money continues to be slowly adapted by the merchants.
 * Padua accepts protection from Venice if they will aid their conflict against Verona
 * Milan Diplomacy: We accept this deal.
 * Ilkhanate diplomacy: We accept this deal.
 * Duchy of Brabant: "Harba Lorifa"Duke John II the Hollandic Hainaut forces are scattered near The Hague, After which, Duke John II visits The city and its streets. While at the streets the army is ordered to open the population with open arms without violence, to come as a form of economic and military occupation of the Hainaut dynasty. Duke John II promises that for one year the tax will be reduced by 10% and all taxes on goods within the realm will be done away with. The Duke also promises amnesty to all nobles administrators and nobility who surrender.John when coming to the City hall of the Hague Holds a party just his father John I did after the battle of Woeringen, with food and drinks for anyone who attends. This is done while he's crowned Count of Holland and now not only de jure Count of Holland but also De facto.Even tough most of Hollands accepts John II of Brabant as Count John II of Holland and Zeeland, his full title now being "Duke of Lotharingia, Brabant and Limbourg, Count of Holland, Zeeland, and Dalhem and Co-lord of Maastricht and Lord of Hertogenrade and Myerebeke". but the war has not yet ended the House of Hainaut still has wants to fight,The Duke offers the County of Hainaut a truce to make a peace treaty ending this war (Mod response). Even if The nobility and John II want peace they know it isn't yet there so force of 2,000 march south back to Brabant and Hainaut, While 1,000 troops stay in Holland to make sure the order is accepted and administration continued. Altough John II does not yet call Lotharingia returned he does openly state that the reunification is an event that has already begun and cannot be stopped. With these wars the Many in the Brabantine court do begin to notice that John II is in general getting bolder then ever before fear is not anymore in his name, he's even bold with culture he write and make people write minnelied a form of music that is formal yet jolly. The works on the Heyst Mansion are resumed once more with speed and material being halved for the moment being as some is needed for the war. Law is written everywhere in the realm and the Duke decided that everywhere in the realm Brabantine dietsch should be used, although not standardised the duke does give examples on how to write certain things and he has an administration of linguists to help with inventing new words and helping to translate books from Latin, French, etc. As information is seen as one of the goals of the Brabantine realm.
 * Count John of Hainaut agrees to draw a truce with Brabant, although not fully accepting defeat
 * Jarldom of Greenland: With the new port being finished, more and more people begin working as fishermen which brings in a much needed food supply. This leads to a minor population boom with the population rising from 2500 to 2604. Meanwhile, plans to build a road between the eastern and northern settlements begins to be laid out.
 * Teutonic Knights: The year starts out with a new town called Lobenicht being founded which becomes a hub for fishing. The grand-master Gottfried von Hohenlohe starts ordering the recruitment of people from the country side and starts training them to become knights to expand the military. The grand-master has also ordered the construction of a port in Balga. The Grand-master offers for a trade Alliance with Livonian Order and Riga (Mod Responds Needed).
 * The Livonian order and the Archbishopric of Riga agree to a trade alliance, which goes in competition with the Hanseatic League and Novgorod for trade in the Baltic Sea
 * Kingdom of Hungary: The death of King Andrew III is greatly mourned within the Kingdom, with the ascension of his young son Géza who is only five years of age, leaves some instability within the realm. With all of his nearest adult relatives dead, Csák III Matthew takes up the title of regent utilizing his prerogative as Palatinate of Hungary to do so. The request is sent to his most Holiness to authorize the investiture of Géza III as King of Hungary and Croatia, either by permitting the archbishop of Esztergom to crown Géza as King. [Papal Response Needed] Many of the fortifications along the borders in the Carpathians are built up under the guidance of the Monarch and with his funding, putting them directly under the control of the crown holdings. In attempt to increase the economy Csák III Matthew seeks out a trade deal with Bulgaria and Serbia in order to bring more revenue into the coffers and the nation. [Mod Response needed for Serbia and Bulgaria] Roads are constructed along the areas along the Danube to the plains in attempt to connect the food being transported into the major cities. On the outskirts of Esztergom an abbey known as the Abbey of Saint Elizabeth begins to focus on studying academic studies in pursuit of good, seeking to provide education to others, and opening a path to better understanding good. While small they attract the attention of several noblemen and magnates who provide them with patronage. They begin to grow in numbers although it remains meager.
 * Chimu: The economical situation in Chimu is starting to stabilize. Tributes, are made more often by the orders of Roxhivi Chao. The Chimuenese, expand 5 miles to the south.
 * Bohemia-Poland: Wenceslaus in a letter to the Knight's Templar implores them to assist in reaching the holy land to partake in the crusade against the Mamluks. Having secured Templar help in getting to the holy land Wenceslaus Ii and his 5,000 troops embark on Templar ships boarding for Holy Land to assist in the fight against the infidels. Wenceslaus II begins writing about redemption and about the struggles of mortal man to understand the will of god. Furthermore he touches on Human suffering drawing from his own experience witnessing the carnage at Lublin, and Krakow and how some of his subjects deserted him due to growing despair during the campaign. In Bohemia and Poland Wladyslaw Piast's regency in the absence of Wenceslaus II runs relatively smoothly with the new currency and Sejm helping provide a strong economic boost, and confidence amongst the nobility and cities. construction of the Castles at Gdansk, Gniezo continue while the construction of Wawel Castle (Krakow) remains the priority of the Regency. The military education of Wenceslaus the Younger begins with the boy being trained on horse back, and in the art of swordmanship ,and in the military arts. His education is also expanded to include theology, geography, an understanding of the crown and its duties, along with the languages of Polish, German, Italian, and Latin aside from his native Czech. A strong bond forms between the heir and Wladyslaw, with Wenceslaus the younger adopting many of the mannerism of the Polish noble and trying to emulate his strong sense of honour and chivalry. The regency continues to promote trade with the Hansa, as well as with the Teutonic order, and envoys are sent to the distant Lithuanians in an effort to open them to trade and to open up diplomatic ties with them. influence over the Silesian region is increased through the engagement between Henry and Anne. The university of Praga is completed making it the first university in central Europe. production from the silver mines in Kutna Hora continue to grow in output of production while the minting and distribution of the groschen remains strictly controlled leading to a steady rise in the reserves of the Bohemian-Polish crown. Generous donations are given to the church, however, for the construction of new churches, monasteries and convents. Money is also given to the cause of converting the Pomeranians in the duchy of Pomerania a fief of the Polish crown, and to the settlement of Germans, Poles, and Bohemians into the region. Bohemian metal smithies and artisans begin to gain prominence due to the increased demand for their employment either in the production of weapons or for goods such as glass and jewelry. Agricultural growth also begins as the scars of war continue to fade. Trade continues to grow. The Bank of Praga is founded under a crown monopoly, the new bakn approaches Venice and  Milan to help the implement reforms similar to theirs to start implementing bank notes as a way of fomenting internal business. Jews are also welcomed to settle in Bohemia, Poland.
 * The Knights Templar will send 8,000 knights to help take the Holy Land..
 * Kingdom of Cyprus: Defensive fortification production goes well. Seeing a short loss in the Siege of Jerusalem, diplomacy is sent to Bohemia, the Teutonic Order, Portugal, and the Holy Emperor in asking for support armies in the crusades (Bohemian, Teutonic Order, and Mod Response Needed). With the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller building their armies last year, a second Battle of Jerusalem is conducted with a total Cypriot, Templar, and Hospitaller sending an additional 7,000 to aid in crusades. The Knights Templar agree to help in assisting Bohemia-Poland reach the Holy Land, sending the Knights Templar navy to help move the soldiers, and shortly afterwards, landing all combined forces in Gaza and starting a second Battle of Jerusalem.
 * Teutonic Diplomacy: We agree to send 3,000 Knights to help take the Holy Land.
 * Republic of Genoa: Attempts to negotiate peace with the Republic of Venice have failed. Shipwrecks and looting towards Genoese galleys continue (but on smaller scale) and the important Genoese merchants fear losing Acre and Gaza. In response, the Duke has ordered Admiral Lamba Doria to nominally establish a fleet of 20 war galleys near the Strait of Gibraltar to loot and sink any Venetian merchant ship that approaches it with the aim of cutting trade between Venice and the ports of the Atlantic Ocean. On the other hand, due to the saturation of troops and warships in Genoa, the Republic has opened a service of mercenary galleys with the aim of stopping maintaining an army that generated significant losses to the metropolis. The Kingdom of France has offered to buy a fleet of 100 Genoese galleys to which they sailed to Perpignan where French soldiers along with Genoese embarked towards Bourg where they hope to anchor the English fleet stationed there. Meanwhile, Genoa's economy begins to flourish, silk production workshops receive small incentives thanks to the huge amount of demand in the metropolis and abroad, the "industry" construction begins to take on more and more prestige and the tensions between the pro-Ghibelline and pro-Guelph families are being reduced to give way to a period of peace and harmony within Genoa (due of the recent division between the Guelphs). Slowly, The Republic of Genoa is expanding its purchasing power, along with naval power in the Western Mediterranean and commercial in it.
 * Kingdom of England: Reinforcements arrive from Ireland and England, with 8,000 more troops arriving in Northern France. 4,000 remain in the foothold England has while 4,000 join the forces sieging Rouen, now totaling 10,000 men. Meanwhile, to try to alleviate Tensions in Scotland, Edward personally reminds everyone that Edward Balliol renounced the throne last year in exchange for a pardon. However, talk of a Scottish coronation lead Edward to conclude that it is better to deal with this general unrest now rather than later. Edward sends a letter to the Scottish Lords "I would love to crown a King now, but I cannot in good conscience do so without the approval of a Great Charter for Scotland securing the rights of both the people, the Lords and the King" (essentially providing his support for a Scottish Magna Carta and making the argument that a King should not be crowned before it is finalized).  John Hastings is granted the title of "Chief Guardian of Scotland" in preparation for his coronation after the signature of a Magma Carta, granting him most powers of a King without the official title yet. Edward reminds the Scottish lords in his letters of his intentions to call another Scottish Parliament in order to proclaim a Magna Carta for Scotland once the war for France is over and reminds them of the failure last year's attempts were. "We need to do this right", he ends the letter. Attempts are made to secure Edward Balliol to more publicly and once again renounce the throne with the English garrisons in Scotland. Meanwhile, English forces succesfully capture Bordeaux and begin to fortify the city expecting the French  that is coming, preparing many defences and getting ready to use the city for the battle under bordeaux with the French force. The men in Bordeaux know for an absolute fact that they are fighting for their lives. Should the French forces not be stopped in open battle, this will be the end of English gascony, their gascony, to whom they owed loyalty, the end of the lucrative trade with England. No, the English make their stand under the Walls of Bordeaux. "Only with a victory here do we stand a chance of preserving our Liberties, our Rights, our King, and saving all of Gascony from the Tyranny of Philiop! Only if we Win Here!". Do or Die, they make their stand. As they must protect their people and their Duke. in North Gascony and Bourg. 4,000 men remain holed up within the walls of the city defending Bourg as they hole up within the walls of the city. With Dominance of the seas, the English essentially ensure a steady supply chain to the men within the city. The Sieges continue from last year (Rouen and Amiens, now with 10,000 and 4,000 sieging respectively after this year's reinforcements). An assize of Arms is passed in England. Meanwhile, messengers are sent to various French lords, including, most especially, the Counts of Flanders, with whom England enjoys much wool trade profiting both nations and especially a letter is sent to Brittany, where Duke John II of Brittany, who also holds an English Peerage as the Earl of Richmond and Robert III, Duke of Nevers, are asked to join up forces against Philip and his tyranny. Edward makes the case that England is a better liege and if they begin a rebellion against the House of Capet, especially over the dreaded salt tax that Frenchmen despise, then more unhappy vassals may follow. (Mod response neded). (Historically Guy of Flanders was not pleased with Philip of France and joined in alliance with England, while Duke John of Brittany was also an English Peer. Edward I is also his uncle andRobert III of Nevers broke all feudal ties with France in 1297 due to disputes). In the case of a win during the English last stand at Bordeaux, the Lieutenat of Aquitaine, Joh St John, devises a plan. If the French forces attacking him route, he will not pursue thenm, only pretend to, Instead, he will circle back and ambush the French Armies laying siege to bourg, and attempt to lift the siege one last time by coming around and surprising the Rrench siege camps from the rear. to keep advancing, and run all the way from Bordeaux to Bourg. This plan is prepared in the case of a victory against the French. A similar letter is sent to the Count of Anjou to try to gain his allegiance in this rebellion against France. Edward promises to be a more just Liege Lord than Philip as he attempts to re-assert the old rights of the Angevin Empire and his rights over those lands. Edward Promises to include the French Lords that pledge to him a seat in his Parliament and a right to have a say in the taxes that are levied on them and their lands, the right to not have taxation without represenation. This is especially sent to Charles II of Anjou. (mod Response Please). Hopefully, the promise of having a voice over taxation turns some Lords. Edward hopes that if victories in Guyenne come to fruition and the French Armies are routed, then the Lords may think he has a chance in this rebellion(Mod response, Please)
 * Kingdom of Scotland: The Scottish Lords look at the words of Edward with a grain of salt. While he wasn't outright hostile, he did come off as very confident. Nobody knows what William Wallace's reaction was, as he retains the title of Guardian of Scotland, but makes no mention of Edward's letter. Looking at the prospect of a Scottish Magna Carta, the Nobility begin to form factions so as to try to increase their bargaining power and avoid another failed parliament. The delay until the next parliament also gives them time to formalize their proposals, although major disagreements between the five emerging factions each asking for their rights at the expense of others. The Church faction is led by the church, which sees the Scottish Charter as an opportunity to increase its secular power, the Burguess faction led by the men of the city of Glasgow, and four other factions each led by [noble families asking for different rights], alongside an influential Loyalist/Royalist faction favouring the powers of the king of Scotland. This divides the loyalty of the Scottish Lords, with the disagreements sometimes fanned by English envoys. Regardless, many people are interested in what happens when a parliament is finally called.
 * Nogai Khan: Having defeated Toqta Khan in the field of battle, Nogai now reunifies the Golden Horde under one banner, his banner, proclaiming himself as the rightful Khan of all of the Golden Horde, and with no opponents left to challenge him, he secures this right by right of conquest, by right of victory, and there are more victories to be won for Nogai's friend and ally Lev I is dead. With his death, the need to protect Lev's former lands is paramount, as such, a small contingent of Nogai's forces, (2 tumen) go to Ruthenia to defend from any potential opportunistic invasions, mainly focusing on the Polish lands East of Vistula. Rebuilding of the nation commences, with the most physical rebuilding taking place in Sarai Batu, as reconstruction efforts are implemented, focused on making the capital a shining city of religion, culture, science, trade, and power. As such grand temples and mosques are established throughout the city, with these religious institutions also serving as places of learning. Cultural exchange between the Mongols and the Russians continue to thrive as Russians begin to settle down in Sarai Batu, working alongside Mongols in reconstructing the capital, mainly members of the Orthodox Legion who fought alongside Nogai against the traitorous Toqta. Orthodox priests crown Nogai Khan of all the Golden Horde and baptize him, completing the three full submersions at his coronation in Sarai Batu, the sight of his victory. . The ever ambitious Nogai, however, needs even more wealth to make Sarai Batu and his Golden Horde Heaven upon Earth, so he sets out with an army of 8 tumens strong to the besieged city of Samarkand, seeking to sack it and plunder it of its vast wealth, taking the exhausted Chagatai forces completely by surprise, demanding immediate surrender to Nogai, lest Samarkand burn. Back at home, siege equipment is once again constructed.
 * Kingdom of France: Seeing this war over Gascony escalate into an all-out conflict, King Philip instructs the leaders of Normandie and Picardy, as well as minor lords in the Loire, to raise 20,000 troops, with 10,000 from Normandie, and 5,000 each from Loire and Picardie. These armies are to have a large portion of light cavalry. Philip asks the lords in Burgundy, Champagne, and Occitania to provide whatever troops they can in the fight against England [Mod Response SVP]. In addition, 28,000 troops are sent into Aquitaine in order to reinforce the already existing 10,500, bringing the total troops in Aquitaine to 38,000, 15,000 of which is put to the task of laying siege to Bourg. With the arrival of 100 ships from Genoa, the English troops are unable to leave the town, and a wall is constructed from collected stone to prevent the escape of any English soldiers, or longbow fire. The other 23,500 is sent to crush the English armies sieging Bordeaux. Near Rouen, the strategy is different. A 5,000-man garrison of infantry as well as a token force of heavy cavalry is placed in both Amiens and Le Havre, blocking supply routes to the army at Rouen, and the 10,000 army remaining is tasked with harassing English supply lines with the large amount of light cavalry, but specifically told not to engage in pitched battles with an English army of more than half its size. The army would be well informed of the enemy army's size due to extensive scouting by the light cavalry.
 * Champagne and Occitania gives their full support to France and sends a total of 12,000 troops, including support from Queen Joan of Navarre. Duke Robert II of Burgundy, however, is less inclined and only sends 3,000 troops
 * Principality of Achaea: Having travelled to Rome last year and witnessing the crusader zeal that is permeating throughout Europe, Prince Florent of Hainaut consults with Archbishop John of Patras. Convinced that Baydu Khan is a heretic, Florent is unwilling to engage in that crusade effort but wants to prove his own crusader qualifications. After much discussion, Florent convinces Archbishop John to sanction a holy war against Mentese, the Anatolian Turksih beylik across the Aegean Sea. Florent raises the forces of his vassal barons and calls upon the Count Palatine of Cephalonia and Zakynthos (who recently re-swore vassalage to the Princiaplity), the Duchy of Naxos (who remains a vassal), and the Duke of Athens, Guy II de la Roche - Florent's son-in-law-to-be - to join the holy war against Mentese. Any reluctant nobles are personally visited by marshal Nicholas III of Saint Omer, who has become quite the diplomat among the Achaeans (Mod responses). From the Achaean lands directly, Florent raises 3,000 well-trained knights from the various baronies. He then uses the collective navies of the Frankish crusader states at his disposal to sail across the Aegean to land near Halicarnassus (OTL Bodrum). The Frankish Greek crusaders then meet the army of Mentese (numbering around 2,000) on a Turkish plain. Two thirds of the heavy cavalry would lead a charge into the Turks' right flank while traditional men-at-arms hold the bulk of their forces at bay. Pikemen would also be present among the crusaders' forces, to prevent enemy cavalry charges. The remaining one-third of cavalry would guard the right flank of the attackers' side. Additionally, the coastlines are blockaded to prevent an escape of the Turks by sea, but to enable the potential evacuation of crusaders should the battle turn against us. Back in Achaea, 8-year old Matilda, the principality's presumptive heiress, continues to be educated in Greek, largely under the tutelage of her mother, Isabella. Isabella relies on her personal popularity among the native Greek population as well as their mutual hatred for the Turks to keep the peace domestically.
 * Guy II of Athens agrees to contribute as much military as necessary for fighting the Turks
 * Lordship of Ireland: An Assize of Arms is passed requiring the practice of the longbow once a week by all freemen over the age of 12 and appoints the Constables to be responsible for ensuring it occurs. Taxes are raised to support the war.
 * Ilkhanate: After Qipchaq's forces are repulsed from Baghdad, they recuperate in Tabriz, though a small envoy remains behind at Baghdad with a proposal of a treaty of non-aggression in which Öljaitü would be given sovereignty over most of Iraq in exchange for ceasing hostilities. (Mod response) From a combination of gathering together the local forces defending several smaller cities, more Mongols and anti-jihadist Persian peasants, he is able to expand his defensive army from 25,000 to 60,000 troops. (OOC: Viva explained to me that given its population the Ilkhanate should have about 160,000 total troops rather than the 80,000 to 100,000 I had previously been assuming.) 5,000 troops arrive from Georgia, increasing the number to 65,000. Qipchaq's defensive arvy marches east and attacks the Delhi Sultanate's advancing troops in Nishapur while allied troops from Yuan China cross the Himalayas and attack the Sultanate's homeland. (Yuan China response/confirmation) Qipchaq on behalf of his father also sends an envoy to Nogai Khan, congratulating him on his victory against Toqta Khan and proposing an alliance between the two Christian Khans against the Muslim invaders from the Delhi and Mamluk Sultanates and asks for military aid against Delhi. (Nogai Khan response) Meanwhile, Baydu's army of 30,000 leaves Damascus for the time being and marches south, joining the 18,000 troops from Cyprus and the Papal States, the 10,000 troops from Venice, the 2,000 troops from the Byzantine Empire, the 8,000 Knights Templar and Hospitalier and the 3,000 Teutonic Knights (71,000 total) in launching a second attack on Jerusalem. The 15,000 soldiers garrisoning Aleppo remain in place for the time being and focus on recruiting new soldiers, expanding to 20,000. All of the Ilkhan's family members other than Baydu and Qipchaq (i.e., his consorts, his sons Ali and Muhammad and his daughters Yol Qutlugh and Elathin) are evacuated from Tabriz to Sis in Cilicia, with a ship prepared to evacuate them further to Cyprus if it becomes necessary.
 * Armenian Cilicia: King Hethum II sends 5,000 troops north to aid the Sultanate of Rum and accepts the Ilkhan's family members into his palace in Sis. The rest of Cilicia's military focuses on fortifying the cities of Sis and Tarsus. Hethum II selects Thoros III's 12-year-old son Leo as his future heir.
 * Sultanate of Rum: With Kayqubad III dead, Baydu appoints Mesud II to serve as Sultan of Rum again. Realising war is unavoidable, Mesud II gathers a force comprising 10,000 soldiers from Rum, 5,000 troops from Armenian Cilicia, 5,000 from Georgia and 5,000 from Bohemia (25,000 total) to attack Osman Gazi's base of operations, the town Söğüt. If successful, they will raze Söğüt to the ground.
 * Yuan Chinese Response: In light of the new alliance with the Ilkhanate, the Chinese move to open a new front against the Dehli Sultanate in India. Rather than directly attacking them from the Chinese heartlands, Temür Khan orders the head of the Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs to mobilize his provincial forces and local irregulars, and move against the Indians from his location to the north in Tibet. 50,000 provincial troops garrisoned in Tibet are moved to the border with Dehli, while an additional 20,000 Tibetan irregular warriors are conscripted into service to support the invasion. In Chagatai, the 20,000 provincial soldiers stationed in Turpan are sent to reinforce the main imperial army near Samarkand, and continue to prosecute the war against the Chagatai forces in the region, this time with the aid of the Ilkhanate allied armies nearby. Operating in concert with the Ilkhanate armies, 70,000 Yuan soldiers enter into India using the Dungri La passes in southern Tibet to strike at the Delhi forces rear positions and raid the valley region.
 * Georgia: With a civil war seemingly brewing in Rum, and the renewed threat of Turkish incursions, King David stations about 3,000 horse–archers and 2,000 heavy cavalry in the fortified city of Batumi. He also orders the fortification of Yerevan. David begins to discuss the possibility of occupying the Trapezuntine Empire through vassalization or outright conquest. He sends 5,000 feudal levies to aid the Ilkhans in Anatolia, and another ~5,000 to aid in the Delhi Front. Queen Oljath begins to exert greater influence in Georgian politics (specifically, political affairs in the capital of Tbilisi), with David pre-occupied with military and administerial reform. Oljath is observed by many to be a just and moderate individual, with many admiring her faith in spite of her pagan heritage. Aware of her general popularity, David encourages her to be involved in religious affairs such as the patronage of monasteries and the renovation of prominent religious sites; fortifying the relationship between the state and the church. To secure the safety of his heir apparent, David stipulates that the five-year-old Anastasius will be confined to Tbilisi. Meanwhile, his uncle, the fifteen-year-old George, is withdrawn from Mesopotamia and sent again to live with his maternal grandfather Beka Jaqeli and his mother Natela. Due to the early death of his father, and his older brother's preoccupation with running the country, he has become very attached to Beka, whom he admires and views as a paternal figure. Under the latter's tutelage, George has become well-versed in military doctrine and particularly excels in equestrian sport. To further expand the tax base, commerce – in particular, external trade – is encouraged. Merchant and craftsmen guilds in the capital of Tbilisi and the port of Batumi proliferate. The main trading goods continue to be wool, felt, wine, and enamels. However, cotton cultivation grows and workshops begin manufacturing silks – the latter aided by protectionist laws.
 * Yuan China: Following the escape of the Chagatai forces from Samarkand, Temür Khan calls in 20,000 troops from the garrison at Turpan to reinforce his armies in the region, allowing him to continue prosecuting the war against the Chagatai Mongols. With 120,000 troops in the west, Temür Khan renews his siege of Samarkand, this time moving to cut off reinforcements to the city by creating a series of walls blocking the defenders off from relief. A second wall is built for his own forces, to protect them from any relief force sent to lift the siege. In the south, an army of 70,000 troops comprised of Tibetans and Chinese provincial forces in Tibet are sent to invade the Delhi Sultanate through Dungri La as part of the new alliance with the Ilkhanate. The goal of this force is to help relieve some of the burden on the Ilkhanate by the Indians, and prevent them from pushing deeper into Afghanistan and threatening their Mongol allies in Persia. Back home, the development of the Lingbei and Liaoyang provinces continues, this time witnessing a massive upswing in migration as the monetary reforms in the Chinese heartlands have allowed many families to earn enough money to move north to find their fortunes in the new communities of Mongolia and Manchuria. Acheng's population has grown rapidly in the few years since its use as the central node of Manchuria's urbanization scheme by the imperial government in Beijing, with some 100,000 inhabitants now residing within the city walls. The agricultural development in the region has been fueled by the influx of wheat as the primary crop of the land, with cattle and swine herding providing the supplies of meat for the new population. Several other towns and villages are also being constructed throughout Manchuria, with the governor of Liaoyang informing the imperial court that at least fifty towns with populations in excess of 20,000 each, have been founded under the land grant system instituted by Temür Khan prior to his departure to Chagatai. With the new road network into the north developing in parallel with the new program, northern migration of Chinese citizens has been bountiful for local magistrates looking to expand their offices and sources of tax revenue. In Mongolia, the expansion of Karakorum continues, though it has now grown into the largest city in the steppes region, with more than 150,000 residents located within its walls. Most of these are Mongols who were already present within the immediate area, but now permanently settled within Karakorum's walls following its expansion into a proper city along Chinese lines and administration. In the south, the governor of Yunnan has been given authorization by the imperial court to use his 50,000 provincial forces to suppress the rebels in his region. To aid his in this task, 20,000 provincial soldiers from the neighboring Huguang province and 40,000 Han and Zhuang irregular soldiers from the Yunnan province, have been raised and deployed to Yunnan to bolster the local government forces and crush any rebel forces within the region. Back along the southern coastline, the expansion of the navy continues, with an additional two wei added to the navy, thus bringing the total size of the navy to seventeen wei of 850 ships, 85,000 sailors, and 25,500 marines divided into three operational zones. In Korea, the integration of that region into China continues without let-up, with most of the bureaucracy on the peninsula consisting of a mixture of Han, Mongol, Yue, and Korean bureaucrats and their families, while the provincial army consists of 50,000 soldiers of varying backgrounds and their families, helping to acclimate the local Koreans to a variety of cultures and breaking up the power of the local ruling elites. These elites are likewise ordered to relocate to different parts of China to serve as administrators and judges, while new families from China are brought in to replace them. Some 10,000 Chinese families are ordered to relocate to Pyongyang and the surrounding environs and take up residence there on a permanent basis, while the same number of Korean families are relocated to different parts of China. Within the imperial court, the power grip of the new Nestorian rulers continues to expand under the aegis of the Christian Imperial Guard, and the implicit grace of Temür Khan. Wisely, the monks brought into the imperial court introduce Christian doctrines into Chinese philosophy with the backing of several newly converted Chinese gentlemen-scholars, who slowly feed Christian teachings into the edicts and teachings of the bureaucracy, while carefully indoctrinating newly-minted members of the government in the ways of the Nestorian faith. This ensures that an organic spread of the faith, while not being overtly hostile and aggressive in the manner of converting new members into the faith. Seeking to introduce more of the population to Christianity, a missive from Temür Khan authorizes the imperial court to proclaim the duality of the Virgin Mary to the Chinese goddess of mercy, Guanyin, arguably the most popular of the folk deities of China. Dual icons with the image of Guanyin are made with that of a Chinese interpretation of the Virgin Mary, with the new priests of faith preaching that in the same way the bodhisattva Guanyin always aided the poor and the weak, the Virgin Mary has been incarnated as the continuation of her works, though with time operating on an worldly scale as foretold in the Gospels through the death of her son, Jesus Christ. While slow, many Chinese subjects have taken a liking to the new teaching and the organized manner in which blessings can be received directly from her through her "servants" on the earth, via the few churches constructed in the major cities.
 * Delhi Sultanate: The Sultan raises 50,000 feudal levies (15k cavalry and 35k infantry) and with the 50,000 troops (40k cavalry and 10k infantry) already in the Delhi area, the Sultan leads his forces to meet the invading Yuan force in the fields of Tarain. The Sultan personally leads the force to fight in the fields of Panipat. The force under Ulugh Khan holds Kabul and captures the surrounding areas. The force under Nusrat Khan that is 150k troops strong supplemented by another 12k Muslim Ilkhanate volunteers engage the Ilkhanate forces in Nishapur. Having repelled the Ilkhanate forces, the Delhi Sultanate forces hold the area and capture the surrounding areas. A throng of Muslim volunteers from across India (numbering around 4000) come and join the Sultan in the 3rd battle of Tarain. The Delhi Sultanate requests the Bengal Sultanate to come to its aid as the Yuan invasion threatens Muslim rule in India. (MOD RESPONSE). The Delhi Sultanate also proposes an alliance to the Chagatai in which Delhi is allowed to keep the area conquered in exchange for helping the Chagatai fight the Yuan. (MOD RESPONSE)

1302
'''The decaying authority of the French King leads some of its vassals to lose faith in the ability of the King to retain the kingdom. Robert III – The Lion of Flanders – refuses France's call for war and instead gathers forces to prepare to back another candidate.''' '''The Sultanate of Rum utterly collapses with its defeat at the hands of the Ottomans. No longer able to restore order, it shatters into Beyeliks vying for power. The Ottomans launch an invasion of Byzantine Bithynia. The largest battle – the battle of Bapheus, ends in a crushing Ottoman victory, effectively capturing the region for the Ottomans.''' '''The wars in the Middle East result in a fair amount of Muslim migration into India and Africa. The population of inland African settlements such as Timbuktu begins to swell as a new center of Islamic learning begins to take shape.''' More to come