Merveilles du Monde (Map Game)

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

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

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

Moderators

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

Important Pages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sultan Othman dies and is succeeded by Abu Sa'id Uthman II, his uncle, as ruler of Morocco.
 * Crown of Aragon: With the plot set in motion, the invasion begins. With the assistance of the Neapolitan Fleet and the Aragonese Fleet, The islands of Sardinia and Corsica are surrounded. Other ships are used in the addition to prevent interference in the form of a northern blockade to prevent Genoese countering and preventing the invasion of the islands as a total of 35,000 men invade consisting of hired mercenaries and spare men from Morocco and Napoli. During these campaigns, most notably Cagliari and Bastia, landings along the sides of the port cities are made to surround them while ships blockade and cut off the cities. Usage of siege weapons are made with the launching of materials but to the addition of flammable substances and various other techniques used to weaken defenses. The Cavalry Units are used to secure and subjugate the countrysides within Corsica and Sardinia as the main battles are fought. This allows for a steady supply of resources in the process. With the addition of the Genoese Invasion seeing that John has been imprisoned, the calls are made for allied forces to march into the Papal States and secure Rome to be under the Holy See of Callixtus. 18,000 Aragonese men are dispatched to Napoli for the invasion. With the support of her allies, The Aragonese Forces amass a large enough army to truly outbalance the allied forces of John and in the process, the battle for Rome continues with siege weapons and materials as well as various fighting techniques used to combat against the enemies that stand in the armies way with Cavalry used to outmaneuver the enemy infantry forces as well with the addition of other skilled techniques to allow superiority on the ground through division of groups used to target and encircle others mostly being comprised of parties of three while a main branch charges forward and strikes from sides. Beyond the aspect of the wars that confront Aragon, the matters are addressed at home consisting of infrastructure and agriculture. Agriculturally, the systems of irrigation are advanced further in many farms being quite profitable with larger harvests. The interconnectivity of Aragon leads to efficient transfer of information and goods while the main branches of road are completed. Overall, proving to be a significant success. With Catholic Conversions and missionaries in Morocco, churches and the first Cathedral in Ceuta begins construction under the support of Aragon's efforts of spreading the true faith within the portions left in ruins. Administrative Governors of Aragonese Morocco are christianised while laws are put forth in the region to hold adminsitrative court occupations and governance that one must be christian in faith.
 * Kingdom of Navarre: With John XXI's attack on workers from Trier and the revolt in Rome, King Louis I, along with the Bishop of Pamplona Federico Goikoetxea, call for the Papal army to stand down and allow Pope Callixtus IV to be seated in Rome. Navarre's military sends 2,000 soldiers to join the 18,000 Aragonese in Naples, and Louis I sends out envoys to the governments of Castile, Portugal, France, England, Siena, Florence, Naples, Arezzo and Cyprus to send troops and/or ships to aid the coalition in besieging (and if necessary, invading) Rome until the Papal army stands down and allows Pope Callixtus IV to be seated in the See of Rome. (Player and mod responses) A son is born to Louis I and Margaret of Burgundy in the royal palace in Iruñea/Pamplona, named Victor. Discussions about the Basque language reach a resolution, and Louis I decrees that, although Navarro-Aragonese will remain the main governmental language, administrative matters can/will now also be conducted in Basque, giving the language a degree of official status.
 * Florence, Naples and Arezzo gives full support in the attack, Cyprus gives minor support
 * Archbishopric of Trier: The representatives of Sweden, Milan, Hansa, Hungary and of the Teutonic Knights are welcomed by Archbishop Baldwin. The Conclave will happen in the Archiepiscopal Palace and the security will be performed by the Templar Knights. Louis Berger welcomes the Grand Master de Moley to their headquarters at Trier. After hearing about the imprisonment of John XXI, Baldwin really pity his situation - a desperate man taking desperate measures. He asks Giovanni Nutrire to release the 100 innocent workers of Trier and to spare the life of John. Maybe he can live the rest of his life as a monk as a penance for his sins [MOD response needed, please]. The ecclesiastic commission comes to the conclusion that the revelations of the Schwanthaler siblings are credible and that the two don't show mental disturbs. They can preach about Divine Mercy, but since there is no legal pope at the moment the approval of their religious order will need to wait. Matthias and Catharina continue to preach in the streets and feed the poor, soon they attract follows. The ecclesiastic lands, now in the hands of farmers, continue to be used in agriculture with the tax for the use being correctly paid by the farmers. The Bank of Trier continue their work to create a currency for the Archbishopric. The Huber Family expand their lands again. To increase the Episcopal Army, that at the moment is composed by 2,000 men, 500 new soldiers and 300 archers are trained. With the military movements made by Aragon and allies in Italy, Baldwin during his homily in the mass of the Day of Saint Symeon compares the king of Aragon to the Antichrist, with Callixtus IV being his false prophet. He says that now the Antichrist reunite his allies to wage war over the Christendom and will put his false prophet, the Beast of Barcelona, in the Seat of Saint Peter to this way mock Our Lord. Baldwin ends the homily saying: "May God help us!"
 * Nutrire agrees to release the workers of Trier, and says he is willing to release John to a monastery if he relinquishes the claim to the Papacy
 * Republic of Milan: Due to the refusal of Genoa to agree to the integration of Genoa into Milan, the Milanese soldiers hunker down in the city of Genoa and with the Aragon troops on the islands make the proposal to Genoa to have them become a vassal of Milan. (Mod response) Secret: Following the events of the conclave messages are sent to all members of the HRE to declare their loyalty to the Emperor and his brother the newly crowned pope. (Mod response and player responses). More mercenaries are prepared to be hired in case of a denial of this deal. Ships are also hired to prepare for the future.
 * Genoa accepts the deal to be a vassal of Milan.
 * Milan states that Genoese ships will become of the utmost importance in the future and requests that Genoa continue to amp up its production of ships for the future.
 * Republic of Venice: After a year of power struggles, Baiamonte Tiepolo becomes the new Doge of the most serene of Republics. Under his leadership, and to avoid the power struggles that would come after his reign ends (and to secure the succession of successors that he favours) the Council of Ten is called for the first time. The council is elected by the great Senate of the republic and functions as a legislative body that controls, but also confirms the Doge and what he does. The council is elected once a year and usually consists of ministers who are not as close as the “small council,” but have quite some power by vetoing the decisions of the Senate. The army continues to be improved, with the first hand cannons being build. This is one product of a series with a new invention from the far east: gunpowder. Along with the weaponized form of it, natural scientists try to use it for many things like medicine. The newly acquired port in Durazzo starts to become a busy trading hub that plays a key role in the trade between the northern Balkans and Venice, as well as a station for the Venetian navy, to close off the entrance to the Adriatic sea. In the matter of the papal fights, the current pope is to be defended, since more spanish influence has to be avoided. Milan is called to do this as well. However, no real military action has to be taken (MILAN RESPONSE PLEASE) [more to come maybe]
 * Milan Diplomacy: Following the events of the conclave as well as the vassalization of Genoa Milan states that Rome must be defended against this usurper and request Venice move its loyalties to the newly made pope, Gregory XII.
 * Lordship of Ireland: Port facilities at Dublin are expanded and the Irish wool trade grows a little bit. The Duke in Eiru begins to favour drinking whisky made by monks and others within the nobility pick this habit up. Some ships are constructed in Dublin to defend this trade. Longbow training continues as does experimentation with the sudis as Czech hedgehogs.
 * Mali Empire: Slow and steady colonization of the Gorgades continues. The Gorgades Emirate, as a vassal of Mali, traces their rulers back to Omar of Mar Yaqub, claimed to be the son of the admiral Sanbao from a Gorgon. The agricultural products of the empire were also introduced to the islands around this time, creating their own sustainable farming culture. The Atlantic navy continued to be increased and developed as well, reaching out of trade with Iberian states (Player/Mod response), although continued growth and development began to steadily plateau. Musa began to fully centralize his authority over the nations he conquered across northern Nigeria, with his central court moving between the states of Biram, Kano and Daura. He settled down with his wife Aisha, preparing to raise a family of his own. Meanwhile, Abu Bakr's household was complete shambles. The Sufi mystic Baobab confronted Abu Bakr at the court in Niani, exposing his crimes of rape and murder for everyone to hear. When that scandal wasn't enough, the mystic also laid a curse on the Keita Dynasty, saying that this act of inexcusable sin will result in doom for Abu Bakr and all his family. From that day forward, not one drop of rain could be found in various parts of the nation, leading to great hunger and sickness as a result of this drought. Abu Bakr did all he could to plead for forgiveness, wearing sackcloth night and day and prostrating in the Mosque of Djeane. Eventually, Baobab came to the Mansa and told him what he must do in order to lift the curse, both for himself, the nation and his descendants to come: He must journey to the western edge of the world, and do penance at a mosque that sits at the edge of the horizon. There he will find a flower, which he must retrieve and bring back to the Mosque of Djeane, and then his legacy will be cleansed. Baobab further promised that if Abu Bakr succeeded in this mission, his descendents will be restored to the throne in Mali, no matter how long it might take. Now, archaeological and historical analysis of this story, related to us by both Ibn Battuta and Ibn Khaldun, has some vague basis in reality, but only in a cursory form. Some minor droughts existed around this time period across parts of Mali, and evidence suggests a brief decline of population in the years leading up to the catastrophy of Saomaro's civil war. Indeed, Abu Bakr's abdication from power might have been in preparation for the oncoming storm of the great civil disorder caused by Saomaro and his dynasty.
 * Jarldom of Greenland: Work on the new settlement is commencing as planned and the jarl gives it the name of Nuuk. The town is projected to have a population of 50 people which will be mostly farmers and cattle owners.
 * Duchy of Brabant-Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": The Lion of Flanders has finally been beaten in the Second battle of Ghent which just enough of a victory and leverage for him. Duke John II of Brabant finally sets up a treaty, which is known as the Treaty of Aalst. This treaty being made just when John II is in enough health to even write this treaty as he begins to suffer badly from kidney stones. In pain and in glory the treaty is written. While in Brabant, His Majesty, John II, begins to request to the nobles to return home, to end the campaign. Our Duke wanting the economy to heal to make the nobility and cities spend on goods. As trade with Flanders is better for both nations, John II even Sending a personal letter to Robrecht III of Flanders. This letter containing apologies for the wounding of him by one of John's soldiers. As even if they fought it was a war out of a dispute not a hatred towards each other. The restored flow of trade due to the end of the Flemish-Lotharri war, creating new possibilities for merchants. New ships are being build by the Merchants of Brabant, Holland and Zeeland as they want to trade not only in the English Channel no more. Iberia, Ireland and the Baltic all their trade and prosperity they can bring will now see the Merchants of Lotharingia. Merchants and him together offering  to the County of Loon to have Brabantine Merchants export Loon productions on the seas to the world (Mod Response). The Merchants wanting nothing back for this as they see the influence and economic potential as enough of a prize. As they want trade from more inland lowlands to flow through the harbours of Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam as these are the best ports of the lowlands and they know it. Zeelandic Flanders making it also so that Antwerp is harder to directly blockade - which is great as before the inheritance of Holland Brabant only had the Port of Antwerp and Bergen op zoom, Bergen op zoom being everything but an ideal port. Defences are not the problem the main issue being the coast and actual harbour part being small. Antwerp the Great port of Brabant does not have this issue as it is located on the mouth of the Schelde river, the harbour can expand. Duke John in agreement allows the city to be expanded and even merchants to buy if needed land from Flanders on the west side of the Schelde if they can get it done with the Flemish government. His Majesty is even promising to give more rights to these merchants in the future. The "Berghe Huische" has the effect of making the little town of Heyst ten Berghe grow in population massively, it now having a population of around 3,000 which is a lot for its size. Issue being many only live or come there when news of the duke is there. John II even wanting to allow the town to build walls around his mansion to make it more castle like, and to use the height advantage it has. The wall at this moment being not much just some wooden pillars with one tower and a house that was already there. The Delegation to Tabriz finally reaches its destination, meeting with some of the local Nobility and merchants. However, there is a big cultural and linguistic problem, as Brabantine Culture is based around the Catholic faith and that of Tabriz on that of Islam. This making it very impolite for the delegation to consume any alcohol which it so dearly wants. While the language gap makes it hard to make exact agreements as the knowledge of Arabic by the delegation is very small, and Tabriz knowledge of Latin is praticly nothing. Brabantine Delegates talking about Brabant as an Empire of prosperity of Food and Textile trade coming in from the world to Lotharingia. If this is true or not Tabriz can't know for sure as the distance is to great for any communications to actually be anywhere near recent. So a lot of Myth and exaggeration is done to make Brabant sound like an equal to the empires of the East like Persia, Delhi and Yuan Dynasty. Which is from what Brabant has to acknowledge not true as those empires sound like the Wrath of the East equal to the Franks and equal to Rome and Carthage.
 * Loon agrees to the deal.
 * Maraninds of Sultanate: A rebel group of Sahrawi, hostiling toward the Moroccans send about 10,000 man army in the Canary Islands. The Moors push it off the Sahrawi on the island. As the uncle's replacement ruler he enjoy with building most of the territorial mosque and adopting 'the Mosque of Tetuan.' Meanwhile, Abu and his friend told the legacy of Islam 'the Prophet Muhammad' the one who found Islam after a long discussion Abu comes in the desert for accompany his destiny to make Morocco great he think that the Sahrawi were the ones who caused the civil war. The Sahrawi dispute Abu so he tries to convince that 'Western Sahara' is Morocco! but the Sahrawi don't understand what he is saying so Abu comes back in his north territory and launches a discour to 'declare war on the Western Sahara' the Sahrawi leaders refuse just like unacceptable the Sahrawi 'want' independence as revenge so Abu declares war with the leader opposing the Moors. Abu declares a new dynasty heritage of Morocco for passing the Maraninds. (Mod Response needed).
 * What?
 * Papal States: Pope John XXI once again refuses to stop claiming the Papal throne, stating that he had a personal connection to it, and he shouldn't sever that connection. In the castle, the pope prays to the Lord to forgive the sins of our enemies, even though they have done us wrong, and to not forsake His Holiness. He has no one left to talk to except for the guards that taunt him. But he has God, who will listen to his prayers. The pope's health has started to decline in the last few years, and his afraid that he will die. The pope has lived a good life, and surely he will be seated to the right of Christ. The pope talks to one of the guards, Lorenzo, and explains how he was dragged into the whole situation by Wenceslaus of Bohemia, the man who cursed the Holy See and brought it to shame. Pope John XXI is a devout prayer, and will always be one until his inevitable death that comes soon.
 * Georgia: Georgia begins to prepare for the conquest of Armenia – though David declares it will be his brother, George, who leads the expedition. To procure more munitions, contracts are granted to private workshops in the capital, in which they will produce goods such as lances, swords, and armor. Yerevan is further solidified. Silver and copper are mined from Imereti and Kartli, respectively, and are used to mint coinage. Under the encouragement of the Crown, commerce expands. Merchant and artisan guilds thrive in Tbilisi and Ganja, as well as the port of Batumi. Cotton becomes the main export; wine, felt, and enamels are also traded.
 * Latin Empire of Romania: Following the military victories won by defending Kalamata and seizing Mystras, the Latin Empire experiences a period of great confidence in its military prowess. Not only has the Empire protected itself from the larger Byzantine threat on the Achaean homeland, but - for the first time since the cession of parts of Morea to the Byzantines in the 1260s - the Latins have made progress against the formerly resurgent Byzantine Empire. The Latin forces, having defeated the Byzantines in three subsequent years and routed the enemy from the Morea, spend much of the year in small skirmishes with Morean militias but overall, the Latins are met with little resistance which is generally ineffective. Towards the end of the year, Emperor Florent sends a diplomatic envoy to Constantinople with the following message of peace: the conflict between Byzantium and the Latins will formally come to an end once the former recognizes the Latins de jure sovereignty over the entire Peloponnese (Byzantine Response). Domestically, the parts of the Empire continue to flourish in their own ways. Achaea remains the central focus of much Latin administration and efforts, and notably John, the heir to Brabant, is brought up in the rich court traditions of the Frankish rulers and barons. He is under the guardianship of Emperor Florent himself, who is also from the Low Countries. Achaean religious life is changed as the Archbishop of Patras revokes his loyalty to John XXI, and instead agrees with the Archbishop of Corinth over the papal primacy of Callixtus IV. This is seen to have taken place in large part by the secret prodding of Patriarch Nicholas of Thebes, who at the end of the year travels to Barcelona to meet with the rightful pope and affirm his loyalty to the rightful Bishop of Rome. Conversion efforts remain in place, with an emphasis remaining on bringing the Orthodox clergy into the Catholic faith. The County of Caria continues to develop in Anatolia, despite tensions with the neighboring Byzantines and Turks. It has seen an influx of European settlers from France and elsewhere owing to its immense opportunities and possibility for land ownership. In Athens, Duchess Matilda - the only daughter of Florent and Isabella - having overcome her grief for the loss of Guy II de la Roche, announces that she would like to remarry. Being a young duchess and future ruler of the Latin Empire, she would make an attractive spouse for many in Europe (Player Response). Cephalonia and Zakynthos and the Archipelago continue to be governed effectively and fairly. And finally, Epirus continues to be ruled by Anna Palaiologina and rebuild from the war against the Angevin forces that took place largely in Albania.
 * Yuan China: The failure of the primary army to force a crossing at the Yalu River does not dissuade the Yuan forces from their invasion of Korea. Emperor Maxiu decides to organize the opening of a second front against the Koreans, calling upon the blockading fleets of China surrounding the peninsula to begin preparations of a landing in the south. Taking advantage of the Korean army's focus on repulsing the main Yuan force in the northern half of the peninsula, the 15,000 marines attached to the Yuan fleet around Korea are landed on the southern shores near Gwangju, while the remaining Yuan troops in the north reorganize their strength from the provincial forces in nearby Liaoyang, rebuilding their strength to approximately 200,000 troops and return to attempt a second crossing of the river. Artillery units are assembled in the city of Liaoyang to assist with the second crossing attempt, with several of the units consisting of fire lances and the powerful bronze hand cannons produced by the city's forges for this particular operation. According to the generals supervising the campaign with the emperor, the Koreans were only able to barely prevent a successful invasion of the peninsula, and would likely be softened enough for another assault by the Chinese. In the city of Dandong, troops are organized for the renewed invasion attempt, with the emperor giving a speech on how the Koreans slaughtered their fellow soldiers in their uprising and attempts to restore order to the land. He recounts how his grandfather married off one of his daughters to the king of the Koreans, and how the Yuan dynasty invested precious Chinese funds into the peninsula as a show of trust and compassion. He goes on about how the Koreans were protected from the depredations of the Japanese pirates and the noble rulers who abused them by the government of China, and how in the end, his own son attempted to warm relations with the Koreans by inviting them into his home to help govern the land with the Chinese as equals. In the end the emperor states, the Koreans did no appreciate any of the gifts provided to them by the Chinese people, and that the blood of innocent Chinese citizens runs in the streets of Pyongyang, Seoul, and Kaesong, and that it is time for China to avenge the follow. His speech enrages the soldiers, and fills them with renewed zeal for their invasion, shoring up their morale following their recent defeat along the river. Back home, the imperial court continues to enact several of the fiscal reforms advocated for by the emperor, with the expansion of public services in the form of healthcare, housing, and free food for the deeply impoverished, being keep pillars of the emperor's domestic development goals. The construction of churches, roads, dams, bridges, and granaries continues with the funding provided by the coffers of the imperial treasury, with particular focus being made on the education of the Chinese people as a whole, and the goal of breaking the power of the scholar-bureaucrats in the rural regions who continue to dominate the daily lives of the average Chinese peasant. Those members of the bureaucracy in the north and east are made up of average citizens who passed the exams to join the government, and hail from the humble backgrounds of the rolling hills and farmlands which Emperor Maxiu made a particular effort to recruit from. His efforts have born fruit, as this new generation of bureaucrats are actively opposed to the excesses of their older peers within the government, and with the express consent of the emperor, have begun to replace this older hedonistic members of the bureaucracy from their positions of power in a sort of "quiet coup," ensuring that a more productive and compassionate line of administrators takes the reins of power. Throughout most of the north in the provinces of Liaoyang, Lingbei, and Zhongshu, churches and monasteries are being constructed at an astonishing pace, with the majority of the work taking place within the capitals of these provinces where the charity and missionary work of Sala's peers have been most productive. Within the city of Beijing itself, dozens of churches have been erected by the new Christian population growing rapidly within the boundaries of the capital. Shrines which once venerated the person of Confucius and his students have been converted into places of Christian learning, while many parts of the north where the development of cities and towns has been the most active, Mongols and Jurchen nomads newly-settled in the region have fully adopted Christianity as their new way of life. While not as prominent as in the new, the effects of Christianity within China have been slowly snaking their way into the southern provinces of the empire. Effects to begin missionary work in the rural regions of the south have been commenced with the blessings of the empress and the imperial court, seeking to establish new centers of power in the south to develop a base of loyalists in the future. Overall, most members of the imperial court surmise that since the open return of Christianity to China in the early-1200s under Genghis Khan, or nearly a century of progress, at least three to four percent of the imperial population identify as adherents of the Christian faith, with additional growth expected with the official backing of the religion by the emperor several years ago. Elsewhere, the Chinese merchants in the regions of Southeast Asia continue to bring in large amounts of goods and treasures as part of their productive exchanges with the great kingdoms of Khmer, Majapahit, Siam, and Malaya. The ventures are endorsed by the imperial court, which continues to push for increased trading relations with the southern nations as a means of diversifying trade in the region and help open up new sources of revenue for the state. In the north, to help accommodate the development of infrastructure and industry in the region, new forges and mills are built in the cities of Liaoyang, Jilin, Yanji, and Lushan, while a massive granary complex is developed in the northern city of Anshan to help encourage local population growth now that much of the nomadic population there has been settled in the communities of the province. Tens of thousands of trees are planted throughout Manchuria to help develop more arable land in the north, as well as to increase sources of timber for the local population to use in regional construction efforts as the second phase of urban development and expansion comes to a close. In Europe, the Chinese delegation breaks their camp in Paris and move on to the city of Toulouse, where the gather supplies and equipment for their party, and move on to Spain for their fated meeting with the antipope of Huasca. Sala and the leaders of the delegation tread carefully so as to avoid any political disasters, and make sure that their visit is showcased to be as neutral and respectful as possible. Before they head to the antipope, the Chinese delegation decides to stay in the region of Navarre for the coming winter, primarily with the aim of helping them evaluate what steps to take in the region, and how best to make their hasty move for Rome and return to China should their visit be perceived negatively.
 * Sultanate of Mosul: News reaches the Sultanate that Öljaitü has been proclaimed "Sultan of the Stars" for besieging the City of Stars. Whether this means Öljaitü is the Sultan of the Stars for having conquered Kerman and establishing the Sultanate of Stars upon its conquest or is now the Sultan of Stars for having ascended to the Stars in Heaven is unclear. What is clear, however, is that Sultan Öljaitü is no longer in Mosul or any other cities in the realm, and the Sultanate is effectively a part of the Imamanate of Baghdad with the Imam of Baghdad as ruler. Mass prayer is sent to Sultan Öljaitü, Sultan of the Stars, for he has defended Baghdad during the Baghdad Jihad while it was under siege by Qipchaq's unholy horde, rightfully earning the name "The Sword of Baghdad." If Öljaitü is truly dead, then the Earth has lossed a great general, hopefully he is leading the Armies of God in Heaven, General of the Stars, leading the faithful even in death.
 * Kingdom of Sweden: The Kingdom focuses on domestic issues, namely building up the Kingdom's revenues through trade and other mercantile ventures. With the Gulf of Bothnia only open to Swedish ships and the Gulf of Finland only open to Sweden and Hanseatic ships, the Swedish government takes steps to begin exploiting their sole access. Dozens of new fishing vessels are built to begin fishing the Gulfs, while dozens of new trade vessels are also created to begin selling Swedish wares throughout the Baltic. With a 30 percent discount on trade from the Hansa, Swedish goods begin to be plied throughout most of the Baltic and northern Germany. With the Kingdom's population growing, the monarchy looks for alternative methods to feed the ever-growing Swedish population, and this includes stockpiling more dried and salted fish, as well as building up grain stores and increasing the amount of grain shipped to Sweden every year.

1312
''' Habemus Papam! (again). In an attempt to restore balance to the Catholic Church, the Ecumenical Council of Trier elects Baldwin of Luxembourg, the Archbishop of Trier, as the new pope, taking on the name of Pope Gregory XI. The Council puts forth numerous other ordinances, such as denouncing the elections of both John XXI and Callixtus IV, and nullifying the accusations of heresy against the Templars. Pope Gregory is recognized by a variety of Bishops from across Scandinavia, Germany and northern Italy. The Prince-Electors generally cast support towards Gregory, in an attempt to secure German influence over the Papacy as a check against the House of Barcelona, who Emperor Henry VII also recognizes. '''

''' Pope John XXI denounced the actions of the council, but died in prison due to poor health just one month before the council concluded. The Roman people welcome Callixtus IV as the ruler of the Papal States, but the actions of the Council of Trier has left the Italian peninsula sharply divided between supporters of Gregory or Callixtus. In the Papal States thermselves, military previously loyal to John XXI continues to fight the Spanish invaders in the name of the Emperor. '''

John II of Brabant dies from the results of kidney stones, and leaves behind the charter of Heyst.

The "Fortunate Islands" or "Canary Islands" are discovered by Moroccan sailors in the service of Sultan Uthman II.


 * Kingdom of Navarre: The Bishop of Pamplona Federico Goikoetxea, along with King Louis I, publicly denounces the "election" of Gregory XI in Trier as illegitimate. His arguments include: there is already a legitimate pope, Callixtus IV, who is now in Rome; the council in Trier does not include any cardinals and so lacks official status; a council in Trier electing the Archbishop of Trier as a supposed pope casts doubts on their impartiality; and the council and Gregory XI's further actions, particularly their association with the heretical, thuggish Templars further cast doubt on their impartiality and suggest possible corruption. Meanwhile, the Navarrese soldiers in Rome help the Aragon-led coalition install Callixtus IV in the Holy See after Rome is breached and then stay to fortify the city as revolts occur across the Papal States. In Navarre, the government works on expanding and diversifying farms in the countryside, while funding for fishermen in the Bay of Biscay continues. Repairing and strengthening works occur at Pamplona Cathedral in Iruñea/Pamplona after a part of the roof collapses.
 * Delhi Sultanate: The Sultan's Guards (Maratha elite soliders) number 1,000 strong and are stationed in Delhi. Malik Kafur remains the governor of Devagiri with a force of three tumen. The Sultan seeks to standardise the Kotwali (Police) system and consults the Chalisa. It is decided that the governors of the provinces will assign the Kotwals for the towns and cities in their provinces and that these Kotwals will be changed/transferred every two years. The Kotwal is also the head of the fort garrison if there is a fort in their city. Thus the Kotwali (Police) and Army administration are mixed and the Kotwal is essentially an army officer. The Sultan now focuses on extending his reforms across his other territories. The bureaucracy continues to grow steadily. However, the requirements for most of the officers have been fulfilled. The Sultan begins his plan of eliminating village intermediaries and directly dealing with the peasants and village heads in the province of Awadh (Capital: Kara). This measure has already been implemented in the province of Delhi (This actually happened OTL but now I am extending it to Awadh). The Siri Fort is completed in Delhi and the Sultan moves his court to the Siri Fort. The Sultan orders the construction of the Alai Minar which is intended to be twice the size of the Qutub Minar. The Sultan also starts patronizing the Chishti order of Sufism in his realm. The Court Poet Amir Khusro is also a follower of the sect. The influential Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizammuddin Auliya also resides in Delhi. The Sultan appoints Khizr Khan, his eldest son, as the Governor of Awadh and Shadi Khan as Ariz-i-Mamalik (Head of the Military Department, charged with recruitment and payment of salaries). Nusrat Khan remains the Wazir (Prime Minister) of the Sultanate. Alp Khan is the Governor of Gujarat, Malik Kafur is the governor of the Deccan and Ulugh Khan is the governor of Kabul. The Sultan instiutionalises his spy network and makes himself the head of the institution. The Sultan's Intelligence now also has the charge to look out for corrupt officials and report them.
 * Kingdom of Arles: With Aragon and Milan engaged in a War that might escalate along with the recent Roman Uprising and the Death of Pope John XXI and a new Schism. Robert I continue giving his support to the true pope Callixtus IV as well as supporting the recent Actions of Aragon in Rome but declaring Neutrality in the Upcoming Conflict. As his neighbours seem distracted by the current Schism. Robert I takes the advantage to launch an Invasion of the County of Saluzzo and the Dauphiné of Viennois in order to bring them under his control as he sends his brother John and Philip to the County of Saluzzo and the Dauphiné of Viennois each with an Army of 3,000 men with the objective of quickly defeating these nations and expanding the borders of the County of Provence. Meanwhile, with his neighbours distracted Robert I proclaims himself the King of a Restored Kingdom of Arles as he presses forward to restore the prestige of the former Kingdom of Arles and separate it from the Holy Roman Empire.
 * Crown of Aragon: With the wars in Corsica and Sardinia continuing onward, an envoy is sent to Genoa in secret as the region falls into Blockade by the Aragonese Fleet. The request is made to Genoa to switch allegiances away from Milan and be granted as an autonomous vassal under the Crown of Aragon. This includes a financial incentive through loans, control of key ports in Sardinia and Corsica while also protection to hold their sovereignty as a territory as well with Free Trade with other nations within the realm of The Crown by association (Mod Response). As the war continues onward, Reinforcements of men in the form of Aragonese Moroccan and Mercenary Support are brought to replace the casualties faced before in Corsica and Sardinia. With the seat in Rome secured, a unanimous celebration is made although rebellions across the Papal States continue outside Rome. Mixed feelings about the new election strike King James but has agreed to continue to support Callixtus he too joins the christian people in heaven. Siege weapons of course are replenished as supplies are secured through controlled waters around Corsica and Sardinia. With new trade coming through Morocco from Mali, interests increase dramatically. The islands discovered off the coast of Morocco are named La Islas de Fortuna with Aragonese Settlers of business and Commerce interest by the Crown's will, construct a Trade Post on the island. As Merchants come back with stories of wonders and riches of Mali, King James' interests couldn't grow much more. The idea of such a marvelous land of riches and wonder created fantasies in the mind of the king. In his mind, it was set that following this troubling time of war, once peace is made, he will have to visit this land of wonder.
 * Genoa does not agree to support Aragon.
 * Free City of Lübeck: After attending the Conclave of Trier, Lübeck and her allies have elected to support Gregory XI against the violent usurper from Aragon. With both the Bishops of Bremen and Ratzeburg representing Hanseatic interests, Lübeck begins funneling weapons from Scandinavia into Germany and vice-versa. Though it is clear that most of the violence will be taking place in Italy, far from Lübeck's borders, the Danish people are sympathetic to Callixtus, and Sweden cannot be trusted to reign them in. Defensive fortifications are made along the most important roads. However, should it come down to it, Travemünde will protect Lübeck from the north. In the meantime, defensive fortifications are made around the town itself. Though there are a number of wooden fortifications all along the city of Lübeck itself, these uncertain times call for extra defenses. In good faith, Denmark is offered ten percent off luxury items in return for ten percent off spearheads and armor. The Rat has elected to operate under the assumption that Northern Germany will be relatively peaceful while at the same time preparing for the worst. No preemptive moves into Danish territory will be made, nor will Lübeck tolerate such behavior from other states nearby. Hamburg, which is closely tied to Lübeck, is instructed to do much the same thing: offer the carrot rather than the stick. Should the situation call for it, the stick will be prepared for liberal use. It is at this point that the Hanseatic League begins to make moves against states supporting Callixtus IV. Trade sanctions against those German states in favor of Callixtus are made, particularly against the Emperor. However, with Provence proclaiming the titular kingdom of Arles, a title officially held by the Emperor, Lübeck hopes that this engagement will distract a bulk of the Emperor's forces. A gift is sent to Arles, which should aid it in hiring mercenaries. Another sum of money is sent to Milan, with instructions to use it on 10,000 mercenaries when needed. A delegation is sent to England, offering several patrolled trade routes in exchange for English support against Callixtus and a chance to exact revenge on the Kingdom of France. Lastly, a delegation is sent to Portugal, offering it a number of trade deals that should help establish a better sea trade between Germany and Portugal. However, these trade deals are contingent on Portugal remaining out of any relevant engagements in Hispania. (ARLETAT AND MOD RESPONSE NEEDED.) In internal affairs, the Jewish traders and Templar traders continue to clash, with the Jewish traders being pushed to the poorer southern districts of the city. Lübeck continues to thrive in the Baltic trading community, with the Knights Templar establishing trade deals with the Teutonic Knights. Though some are making their way to Sweden, Lübeck is retaining a large number of Templars. They establish a fortress north of Hamburg called Bad Bremerhaven. Ties with Hamburg, Rostock, and Wismar continue to grow closer as a general defensive force is established. Using Lübeck as something of a middle ground, this defensive force can muster nearly 15,000 able-bodied men. It is expected that mercenaries will supplement these forces, along with the Knights Templar in Bremerhaven. This year's Weihnachtsstadt celebrates Lübeck itself. Marzipan, which is said to have been invented in Lübeck, becomes a very popular treat throughout Northern Europe as Lübeck celebrates her own heritage, from its origins as a port city for the Livonian Order to the trading behemoth that it is today.
 * Portugal agrees to limited trade deals.
 * Mali Empire: Abu Bakr and Sanbao the admiral prepared for his final journey, a journey that he would ultimately never return from. A fleet of four ships was set out from Waalo into the Atlantic Ocean, seeking the furthest mosque at the edge of the western horizon. Abu Bakr made a stirring speech about the dangers of vice, and implores all his citizens to seek virtue always and not let foolishness corrupt their future. He also placed his son, Mustafa, as the acting Mansa of Mali in his place. All the family of Kolokan embraced Abu Bakr and wept, being grateful of all he had done for the empire in spite of his vices, and eagerly awaiting his return. Abu Bakr then departed, until the ships was just a dot that disappeared over the horizon. He is often treated as a "sleeping king" legend, where it is believed one day he will return from the far west and restore glory to Mali once again. Until then, his legacy served as a great inspiration to many future explorers, searching for the lands of Abu Bakr which dominated the policies of Malian colonization. As soon as Abu Bakr had departed, a great revolt ensured across Ghana and Sosso, where Somaoro led a massive coup against the Keita Dynasty. The source of Somaoro's power tended to come from the Farimba, or slave divisions, who mutinied against their masters in favor of him. In a matter of weeks, the capital of Niani was surrounded by Somaoro's forces, and he forced Mansa Mustafa to submit as his vassal. Over a few months since this conquest, a counter-revolt ensued across the region of Mali proper, as the remaining free military pushed for restoring power to the Keita dynasty. This revolt completely split the Gbara council, where the Morikanda and Nyamakala sided with the Keita dynasty, and the Maghan and Farimba sided with Somaoro. Having crushed the onset of the revolt, Somaoro executed Mustafa and seized the title of Mansa for himself. The usurper pressed on with a spree of mass murder, fearing everyone as possible supporters of the Keita. He had the all the children of Kolokan executed in front of him in court. He had their skins used to line his throne, and their bones to decorate his doors. This was all done while Mansa Musa was still in exile, ruling over Nigeria as his own kingdom.
 * See of Trier: With the end of the Conclave, Baldwin is elected pope and chose the name Gregory XI, in honor to pope Saint Gregory the Great. His papal coronation is realized in the Cathedral of Trier, with the papal tiara being a donation of the Huber Family. After hearing about the death of John XXI, Gregory pray for God to receive the soul of this poor man. He create as cardinals the Archbishops of Esztergom, Uppsala, Bremen and Milan. He also creates Jacques De Moley and the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order as lay cardinals. Gregory writes letters calling for the loyalty of the Rhine states, England, Venice, Austria and all others Christian nations [MOD and Players response needed, please], he says that the recently attack and occupation of the Holy City of Rome by the armies of Aragon and its allies, shows that Callixtus IV is nothing more than a puppet of the king. He also writes a letter to the king of Aragon, telling him to abandon Callixtus and accept Gregory as the true pope. This way James will save the Church by ending the schism and will be forgiven by God. He ends the letter saying that the future of the Christendom is in James hands [Aragon response needed, please]. Until Aragon gives an answer, 1,000 men of the Episcopal Army are being send as a provisional Papal Army to help Milan in the battles in Italy [Milan response needed, please]. The holy father thinks about the possibility of change the See from Trier to Bremen, until the return to Rome. The Schwanthaler twins continue to preach about Christ's Divine Mercy and starts to plan the creation of the rule for their Religious Order. They are helped by Prior Fischer and when finished, the rule will be presented to Gregory XI.
 * Austria, Mainz and Cologne agree to recognize Gregory
 * Milan happily accepts the 1,000 men of the Episcopal Army and has them unite with other Milanese forces who prepare for the retaking of Rome.
 * Republic of Milan: Following the conclave and addition of outside troops from throughout the HRE the soldiers of Milan and these other nations prepare to retake Rome from Calixtus the antipope and his supporters. Messages are sent to the electors of Bohemia and Austria as well as any other nation willing to provide support for the recapturing of Rome. (Mod and player responses needed). A fleet of Genoese and Mercenary ships is put together in preparation for the protection of Sardinia and Corsica. The ships are launched with numbers roughly even with the Aragonese navy on the islands. Milanese and Genoese soldiers on the Islands of Corsica and Sardinia are told to hunker down and to make Aragon work as hard as they can by harassing them from the walls and using every inch of ground to their advantage. (Algos needed for both sea and land battles of Corsica and Sardinia). The appointing of Francisco Bellinari to Cardinal is a boon for which Milan is very grateful and uses this to say that, loyalty to God and his righteous servants will always be rewarded.  The garrison of Genoa is being reinforced following the vassalization.
 * Maraninds of Sultanate: the citizen large building a ton of city, westernized all of the region suddenly authoritarian monarchist report an Sahrawis introduce in our local region we most secure the central plateau of Morocco as possible we could do ... the uncle ruler hesitates enjoying his life by builting an ton of army secure the central territorial for beating the Sahrawis block.
 * Republic of Venice: Even though being a secular republic, the Bishop of Venice starts to talk with Doge Tiepolo about the current issues with the papacy. Both come to the conclusion, that Callixtus and his supporters cause the trouble in Italy, while making way for foreign influence in the peninsula. To bring back stability, a bounty is put on Callixtus head, consisting of 50,000 Venetian gold ducats when he is captured alive and brought to Venice, 30,000 for a clearly identifiable corpse (MOD RESPONSE ON THE SUCCESS). To avoid trouble with bordering pro-Callixtus states, the bounty is given by the local church institutions. (WIP)
 * A local mercenary group takes the offer the assassinate the pope. They fail.
 * Jarldom of Greenland:on the morning of September 1st, Prince Valdermar of Sweden storms the royal palace with his 15th guards and executes Jarl Anders and proclaims himself Jarl of Greenland. The royal guard was at the time of the storming out on a training exercise. After returning home to the royal palace and noticing Prince Valdemar being the unlawful jarl, the royal guard counter-storms the royal palace and captures Prince Valdemar. This, however, leaves the jarl's sister Brunhilde as the new Jarl of Greenland and her first order is to order the execution of Prince Valdemar by being buried alive in the Greenlandian wasteland.
 * Duchy of Brabant-Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": Duke John II is dead, His son being to young to rule yet. This causes the Nobility and cities to write an invitation to John of Malines to become regent of Brabant, until John can take up his role a Duke (Mod Response). The cities being able to do this as John II "the Expensive" had in his will the new rights and liberties written in the Charter of Heyst - which he wrote when he saw that his death was coming, as he knew making this part of his wish would make it something hard to deny and hard to ignore, too. So it is not refused as it gives more power to the Nobility and to the cities and merchants. The first Counsil of Heyst being exactly three months later on June 21st of 1312, and it is a success budgets are made for the general realm. New expertise introduced into the royal court of the Regent John of Malines. A new focus for Brabant-Lotharingia instead of war brabant wants to focus on trade and mercantalism for the next two decades. New ships and more harbour defences and expansion is what His Majesty, John of Malines wants. New ditches and irrigation systems, polders and more are being planned for. Some farmers in towns like Merksplas, Sint Oerdenronde, Waarland and Middelburg area, the capital of Zeeland being on an island some of irrigation system being renewed. Walls from stone but also just dirt ramparts being made, with small poldering having reclaimed one-tenth of a Brabantine square mile in land back (one Br Mi = five KM). Even if a small area poldering and land reclamation like these is done everywhere, mostly by farmers seeking more land and more flooding protection from nature. the price of grain even going down by 0.14 percent due to an increase in grain that is available in Lotharingia. this being due to the minor increases in land, which cause farmers to make very slightly more grain. Merchants also having more trade with Castile and English Southern France. Although these contacts are still few and far between. Due to this, some ships are built in the harbours of Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The amount of boats being a total of 13 medium-to-great ships and many more smaller ones for in the Zuydersche Zee. Ships having big difference between those meant for the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay, Compared to those of the inland sea. Inland boats smaller and wider compared to a big ships and less rounded form, these ships also often being just slightly improved rowboats with sails. While the ships for the "Mare Lotharri" have a deeper bow and skinnier design with more sails specialy made to travel distance with freight. One ship even going to the Latin empire to bring some Brabantine textiles for Little John as he loves his red and blue coats and tunics with his gambeson with a Lion put on it. While the delegations from the East bring some new information, culture and words, one of the new countries that apparently exist is an Islamic empire to the East of the Indus Called Delhi. Delhi having a population greater then the Old Roman Empire when it had its full glory. It is true no one can know for sure as the delegation does not have the funds to reach Delhi, but as a means to earn money they begin to write and do theatre talks. Teaching latin and Learning themselves Arabic is their way to Communicate which is still harsh and rough, the delegation once hearing of"The plant of fuzzyness and love" the delegation having no idea what that is supposed to mean.
 * Tarascan State: Tariácuri, with the second message from Curicaueri, continues to urbanize Tzintzuntzan and Angamuco. With the aid of Urichu, Erongarícuaro, Pechátaro, and Jarácuaro, expansion is made to the west toward the sea while settlers scan the geography for adequate housing locations. In Tzintzuntzan, military barracks are installed under a new philosophy meant to minimize the total numbers while maximize strategy and efficiency. With this, it is decided that roughly one-fifth of all male adults at the age of 14 must begin militant training, spending upward of 12 years in a faction of 25 before they are able to retire to a live of serenity before reaching the skies. Metallurgy continues to be embraced as a method for producing tools and weapons, with swords, shields, and armor becoming primary components of a warrior. Tariácuri, wanting to ensure the happiness and civility of his city and others, establishes the Assembly of Pátzcuaro, a congress of fifteen nobles from each city-state allied, to help achieve a collective ideological plan between all allies that exist through Cuerauper, as well as to discuss domestic policies.
 * Teutonic Order: After attending the conclave in Trier we recognize Gregory as the real pope. In light of this, the Grand-master orders a five percent trade tariff on nations that still support Callixtus IV. We send diplomats to Denmark, Norway, Riga, and Livonia Order to ask them to support Gregory as pope (Mod Responds Needed). We send 1,000 troops to Milan to help in their war in Italy. The Grand-master heard of the death of John XXI and condemned the people who kept him in terrible conditions and prayed that he will be forgiven by God. Werner von Orselen becomes an important Komtur this year. Construction on a gigantic palace begins in the Capitol and will house the Grand-master and other important advisers and construction is expected to be completed in five years. Due to the influx of Templars coming into our nation the price of Bread rises to 0.2 percent. We start building a port in Braniewo and will be complete next year.
 * Latin Empire of Romania: With no response coming from the Byzantine Empire - but having expelled their forces from the Peloponnese - Emperor Florent announces that the former Morea lands of the Byzantines are now officially integrated into the Principality of Achaea. After this order, sorrow and grief afflict the imperial family as Empress Isabella of Villehardouin dies this year. She is widely mourned by the nation, including by many in the Greek communities who were patronized by the Empress. In an effort to promote the good relations with the Greeks, Florent begins to undertake the study of the Greek language, which is admittedly difficult at his older age. In his lessons with Greek (ex-Orthodox) clergy, he brings the young John of Brabant along, who picks up the language much faster than his guardian. Elsewhere, in Athens, Duchess Matilda continues to send out envoys to Europe in search of suitors: this time she focuses more directly on Aragon (RESPONSE). The population of gasmouloi, or part-Greeks, part-Franks, continues to increase as the fastest relative to the total population of the crusader realms. In Epirus, Anna Palaiologina continues her reign, largely assisted now by Latin Catholic clergy who introduce Western ideas to that region's governance. A boom in trade in the Aegean benefits both Caria and the Archipelago.
 * Kingdom of Sweden: With the election of the Archbishop Baldwin of Luxembourg as Pope Gregory, King Birger and Queen Martha pledge their loyalty on behalf of Sweden to the new Pope. To help spread the new Pope's authority, the Archbishop of Uppsala and King Birger personally visit King Christopher and King Haakon V to plead with them to abandon the puppet-pope [MOD RESPONSE]. Additionally, hearing of the Aragonese attack on the holy city of Rome itself, the Swedish Kingdom flies into a fury, with many nobles and peasants calling to avenge God on the Aragonese devils. King Birger quickly manages to unite a force of 5,000 men, mainly noble retainers and some of the Royal Guard, but waits to hear back from Denmark and Norway before intervening in Italy. With King Birger's son, Magnus, reaching the age of twelve, he begins military training and regular schooling, with the Crown Prince being educated by an array of priests, scholars, and even a Milanese banker, who teaches the Crown Prince math and finances. Additionally, with the growth of Sweden in the Baltic trade and in European politics overall, Queen Martha oversees a project to expand Stockholm to allow more people to move and live in the city. She also begins improvements to the city's port facilities and naval infrastructure to help Stockholm become a larger trade post in the Baltic.
 * Japanese Empire (Three Emperors Period): The Japanese empire this year drives itself full blown into chaos. With the Imperial army beset on all sides. The Tetsuko, and Minamoto clans cooperate in an attempt to crush the Emperor Go-Uda. The Minamoto and Tetsuko assault from the East and west converging quickly on Kyoto with plans to cut the head off the snake so to speak. The plan is to kill or capture the emperor and his family specifically his young son which can be used as a very pliable tool to pass the title of emperor on. Nearly 300,000 troops on all sides converge on Kyoto with many cities being bypassed. Go-Uda marshalls his 80,000 strong imperial army together and now sandwhiched between the two clans in the city of Kyoto. The cities fortifications had been previous expanded to accomodate the wholew of the imperial army with defenses being built as far as ten miles outside the city leaving Kyoto in an extremely strong position defensively. While obviously crowded Fortress Kyoto faces off against the Coalition Tetsuko and Minamoto armies and the city is put to siege. To the north and east the Tetsuko forces assail the fortifications. To the West, the Northwest, and the Southwest the Minamoto slam into those fortifications as well. The battle rages for the better part of the year with all three sides being pushed back, immense decisive battles occuring and the Imperial army being whittled down to an absolute remnant. only 25,000 of the original 80,000 remain by the end of the year as Winter hits. However, being unprepared for winter and with the cities surrounding Kyoto remaining unassailed, the garrisons of these cities are mobilized in defense of their emperor finally overcomming their shock at the two other false emperors prepare their final assault. As the winter sets it, it turns into a blizzard and the assailants are left freezing and demoralized. The arrival of multiple city garrisons led by Hiruzen Ashikaga who had been in Nagoya when the invasion started manages to put together a force of 40,000 out of the various city garrisons and stray samurai which had either been at their homes, on light patrol, or on other diplomatic missions. The force now marshalled at Osaka hits the demoralized Minamoto forces in the flank as an Imperial contingent sallies force a small force on either side against the co-ordinated attack from both the Tetsuko and Minamoto. The relief force under Hiruzen is led into the breach managing to rout the exhausted Minamoto and then turning on the Tetsuko with the remainder of the Imperial army. Both armies are routed by the end of the year as the blizzard ends and the snow melts somewhat. The Imperial city of Kyoto begins to assess its damages as the Tetsuko and Minamoto retreat in shame having spent the vast majority of their forces in the fateful assault on the Emperor. The Emperor having been the focus still manages with the marshalling of the city garrisons to field nearly 50,000 troops sending back much diminshed city garrison units and drilling and equipping this new army as his reformed imperial force. The Minamoto and Tetsuko, however, are nearly broken with only 30,000 troops left between the both of them. The Civil war looks to be entering its end game as the decade begins to pick up. It is, however, expected for all sides to take nearly two years to rebuild strength with the Imperial forces only pushing out to retake or secure further frontier territories. The Tachibana to the north continue their conquest of Hokkaido pushing about halfway through the island. The Tachibana seeing the victory of the Emperor and the war beginning to enter its end stages marshalls its own remaining forces cropping together about 6,000 troops which take former Shiba territory in the north and force the Tetsuko to further consolidate its borders. The Tachibana honor their previous agreement with the emperor and submit inviting an imperial general to take command along side the tachibana daimyo. A funeral is held this year for the Emperors wife and the Niryu clan leader saito having been killed in the battle for Kyoto. Hiruzen Ashikaga is appointed to the position of Kampaku for his efforts in routing the Tetsuko and Minamoto in the titanic battle of Kyoto.
 * Yuan China: The Yuan forces in Korea successfully establish a foothold in northern Korea, fortifying their position before preparing to move farther south. The Chinese soldiers which have landed in the southern half of the peninsula have likewise established their own foothold in the area, and have begun pushing north toward the Korean capital of Kaesong, where they will link up with the primary invasion force to cut off the Korean army from the capital. With their primary objective accomplished, the Yuan army begins to push onward against the Korean army in the north, utilizing their superior fire lance and hand cannon technologies to destroy the rigid formations of the Koreans in the battlefield. Back home, the imperial court continues to fund the development of urban centers throughout the country, as well as fund the construction of forges, granaries, mills, bridges, and roadways for the re-population of the north. In the cities of Liaoyang and Acheng, the population of both locations have grown considerably with the investment of funding into land and housing development, increasing the amount of arable land capable of supporting larger populations in the region. In the countryside, the spread of Christianity has grown rapidly under the aegis of the imperial court and its sponsorship of the religion. Several churches have been built throughout Mongolia, Manchuria, and parts of the central region of Zhongshu, where the adoption of the faith has led to many new congregations being formed under the direction of the clergy in Beijing. As the faith continues to grow, the need for an expanded clergy is made apparent within the church, as the majority of the liturgical work has been performed by Mongols and Chinese subjects who had been members of the Nestorian Church of the East for decades before its ascension as the new court religion. Consequently, as this need has been recognized, so too has the need for a Chinese language Bible, which has yet to be fulfilled. At the moment, only bits and pieces of the holy text have been fully translated, while the rest of it has remained in the old Syriac language readable only to the Nestorian monks who settled in the land ages ago. With this information revealed to her, Empress Atala has decided to commission the translation of the Holy Scriptures into Mandarin Chinese, funding the work from her own coffers and employing hundreds of Huangdist scribes already in the field as missionaries and fluent in the Syriac languages as a necessity for their sermons. Focus is placed on the translation of the Roman Greek Scriptures of the Bible, with the Gospels being of primary importance for the church. In Europe, after receiving the information as to the Council of Trier's decision to nominate a new pope, as well as the continued infighting among the existing popes in Rome and Huesca, the Chinese delegation has come to the conclusion that the their mission has been an abject failure, as the leadership of the Catholic Church continues to feud amongst itself over the title of Vicar of God. Outraged by the outcome, Sala rants against the Catholic faith as absolutely in the hands of the Devil, having allowed itself to succumb to the corruption warned against by Jesus Christ prior to his departure from the earth. Stating that the now three popes are the "wolves among sheep" foretold by Jesus, Sala demands that the delegation return to China to inform the emperor of their failure, and that the church in China may need to chart its own path in the religious waters of humanity. The delegation abruptly departs from Navarre without informing their hosts, and begin their long trip back to China with the news of their failure in meeting with the pope.

1313
'''An assassin hired by the Doge of Venice tries to murder Pope Callixtus IV. The assassin attempts to assassinate the pope, but accidentally ingests the poison he would have used. Still suffering from its effects, he stumbles out to assassinate the Pope. Callixtus catches him and the Cardinals beat the dying man senseless.'''

''' Pope Callixtus IV dies of old age, without ever arriving in Rome himself. Forces of the House of Barcelona continue to fight on his behalf in Italy, which batters back and forth across the Papal States in central Italy and the islands of the Western Mediterranean. The cardinals appointed by Callixtus now must consider carefully if it is worth continuing the schism by electing a new Pope or to accept the recognition of Pope Gregory XI. Upon the death of Callixtus, the nations of Norway, Denmark, and Riga switch allegiance to Gregory, and the nations of England and France begin to seriously reconsider. '''

Chinese engineer Wang Zhen invents the moveable type printing press for the court of the Yuan Dynasty.

'''Kerala breaks off as independent from the Pandyas Dynasty, as well as their vassal in the Maldives. The brothers in civil war make a temporary truce to fight the Hoysalas Dynasty.'''

Bavaria, Austria, Pontremali and Pisa gives military support to the Gregorian campaign against Rome, amounting to a total of 15,000 troops.


 * Georgia: King David retracts his support of a war against Armenia – infuriating Prince George and some members of the court. He declares that, for now, Georgia should focus exclusively on territorial consolidation and economic recovery. Nevertheless, in light of his achievements, he remains popular among both the elite and the masses – perhaps further consolidated by his patronage of the Orthodox Church. Some of his opponents (who would prefer the more pragmatic and aggressive George on the throne), however, posit that David has become weak-willed and too controlled by his Mongol wife Oljath. David dismisses these court members, and fills them with figures loyal to him – respecting the deal made with his late grandfather Beka. However, he allows his brother to remain the Amirspasalar. Anastasius, who is in his late teens, is sent to Kutaisi to be educated in the prestigious Gelati Academy; here, he develops a fondness for scholasticism and music, but as well as Hellenic studies such as neo-Platonism and Aristotelian thought. To prevent pillaging during campaigns and to maintain their loyalty to the state, the members of the Monaspa and the Naqivchaqari – many of whom are low-class nobility with no land – are guaranteed a basic annual salary, and land (complete with serfs) upon completing at least five years of service. This is permitted by an enlarged tax base and a reinvigorated, and remonetized economy. To procure more high-quality military equipment, the government grants contracts to private workshops in Tbilisi and its vicinity; this also guarantees a higher degree of standardization. The manufactured equipment includes lances, bows, arrows, and plate armor. Similar to this, the royal stables are expanded. Horse-breeding is encouraged, with larger horses (above the height of sixteen hands) being preferred. Fortifications are maintained in Tskhumi, Sumqayit, Yerevan, and Batumi. Silver and copper are mined from Imereti and Kartli and are turned into coins – thus underpinning the economy. Under the encouragement of the Crown, commerce expands. Merchant and artisan guilds thrive in Tbilisi, Ganja, and Batumi. Cotton becomes the main export; wine, wool, and enamels are also traded. A variety of dyestuffs (saffron, woad) are imported from overseas to add value to the cloth. Similar to the ban on the outflow of bullion, the export of the lucrative carmine dye (derived from Armenian cochineal) is prohibited. To increase agricultural productivity, three-way crop rotation (in which fields are split into three sections: grain, legumes, and fallow) instead of two-way crop rotation. Irrigation becomes more used, especially among Georgia's Muslim subjects.
 * See of Barcelona: With the death of Pope Callixtus IV, the remaining three cardinals loyal to him, among them Riccardo Petroni, who had led the original collective that had elected Callixtus, call for papal conclave to be held in Rome, now that is under the control Aragon. The cardinals hope to restore the legitimacy of the Papacy in the eyes of Christendom, which has lately been so tarnished by the actions of many in their attempts to gain power from truly pious Christians. As the the conclave is convened, messengers are sent out across Europe to all rulers who have not switched their allegiance to the false Pope in Trier, calling on them to protect the holding of this conclave in the Eternal City from any who would seek to disrupt and prevent it (Mod response). However, during the holding of the conclave, the French cardinal Jean Lemoine falls deathly ill, and he quickly succumbs to his illness, leaving just Riccardo Petroni and Federico Goikoetxea in the conclave. With just two cardinals left and allegiance of Europe wavering over to the false Pope in Trier, the men in Rome are left in dire straights as the year comes to a close.
 * Kingdom of Sicily: During the European events taking place and ongoing in Europe, the Sicilian crown fund the construction and development of homes and properties while also working in the development and expansion of ports. Meanwhile, the Neapolitan Army is dispatched to the Papal States to assist in the war effort.
 * Republic of Venice: Due to the recent failure of the assassination of Callixtus and his recent death, the bounty on the antipope’s head is still there, waiting until the next one is elected. Support is officially granted to Pope Gregory. However, under the condition that Venice has the blessings to annex the nearby lands of Ferrarra and Este and the current Venetian puppet Padua (TRIER/PAPACY RESPONSE NEEDED). The army is placed near the territories, while more political influence is put on Padua. A bounty is put on every cardinal who supports the antipope or is opposed to Pope Gregory XXI, consisting of the usual 30,000 ducats bounty (MOD RESPONSE ON THE SUCCESS, PLEASE).  Another army of around 20,000 men is raised to defend Venetian and Papal interests in Italy(predominantly to keep foreign influence out of it) to the Papal States. The army is composed of 2,000 highly trained archers, 3,000 light cavalry, 1,000 heavy cavalry and 14,000 infantrymen. With them highly skilled generals and officers and standardized weaponry, to assure that as few of the equipment breaks during combat as possible. The navy is prepared as well, to keep off Aragonese interventions against the Pope, which is seen as only a matter of time until this occurs. The city of Venice itself is extended as well, as the glass factories and textile producers are now regulated according to unitary high standards to assure a good quality of the exported goods. The glass industry in particular faces stricter laws as well, so that the secret of the glass production cant come to foreigners. One of those laws is the strict supervision of the district, and only a few merchants are allowed to enter it. This, however, poses no problem to the branch of the Venetian industry, due to the high demand of Murano glass.
 * Trier Dipomacy: Pope Gregory XI give his blessings to annexation of Padua, Ferrara and Este. He also asks Venice to stop the bounties for the antipope and cardinals. Gregory says that God will judge and punish them in the right time.
 * Kingdom of Navarre: At the Bishop of Pamplona Federico Goikoetxea's urging, envoys are sent to the governments of England and France to ensure their allegiance. The envoys urge England and France not to support Gregory XI for several reasons: his illegitimate election by a council in his home country with no cardinals, his close relationship with the Holy Roman Emperor, his association with the Knights Templar and his youth and inexperience not befitting a Pope. (Mod response) King Louis I is more cautious, however, with Navarre's other bishop, the Bishop of Tudela Pablo Estévez y Sánchez suggesting a combined conclave between the Aragonese coalition and Gregory XI's coalition to end the schism. Louis I's envoys in England and France, as well as envoys sent to Siena, Florence and Arezzo, also urge sanctions against or an invasion of Venice after hearing of the Venetian assassination attempt on Pope Callixtus IV prior to his death of natural causes. (Mod response) In Iruñea/Pamplona, Louis I and Margaret of Burgundy have a second child, a son named Frederick in honour of Federico Goikoetxea. The 2,000 Navarrese soldiers remain in Rome to fortify the city against revolts or invasions. The government continues to work on improving and expanding farms in the east and south of the nation.
 * Tarascan State: Tariácuri, with the second message from Curicaueri, continues to urbanize Tzintzuntzan and Angamuco. With the aid of Urichu, Erongarícuaro, Pechátaro, and Jarácuaro, expansion is made to the west toward the sea while settlers scan the geography for adequate housing locations. In Tzintzuntzan, military barracks are installed under a new philosophy meant to minimize the total numbers while maximize strategy and efficiency. With this, it is decided that roughly one-fifth of all male adults at the age of 14 must begin militant training, spending upward of 12 years in a faction of 25 before they are able to retire to a live of serenity before reaching the skies. Metallurgy continues to be embraced as a method for producing tools and weapons, with swords, shields, and armor becoming primary components of a warrior. The Assembly of Pátzcuaro votes towards the creation of a tributary system and a plans to reform bureacracy over the coming years. While not limiting Tariácuri's power, it would allow Citlali's military power to be expanded. An envoy of riches and wishful hope is sent towards the city-state of Xilotan, being overlooked by the Xaratanga during the nightly trip, with the hopes of peacefully persuading the Xilotan into becoming an ally of the Tarascan State, having seats in the Assembly, and their King's children becoming powerful military leaders to help boost the reputation of the Xilotan. Promises of crushing their rivals and exerting control over all of the lands are adapted into the conversation. It is expected to go well (Mod Response Needed).
 * Xilotan agrees to the alliance
 * Kingdom of Sweden: With Denmark and Norway pledging their allegiance to Pope Gregory, King Birger calls upon both nations to help defend Rome against the anti-Christ’s forces in Italy. Hearing Birger’s call, Denmark contributes 5,000 noble retainers to Birger’s army, raising its numbers to about 10,000 men. Birger calls upon Norway to honor its alliance with Sweden and to aid Christendom in defending Rome against the false pope’s forces by sending 5,000 men [MOD RESPONSE FOR NORWAY]. Birger also asks the Teutonic Order if they’d be interested in joining the army and helping command with King Birger [TEUTONIC REQUEST]. With Swedish trade growing rapidly throughout the Baltic and northern Europe, the Swedish Merchants’ Guild becomes much more formalized and inclusive. With increasing funds at its disposal, the Merchants’ Guild begins establishing trade posts throughout Finland, Karelia, and northern Sweden, providing a market where native tribesmen and settlers can sell raw materials in exchange for iron tools, materials, and more. The Guild also begins establishing local headquarters in all major cities throughout Sweden, including Visby, Stockholm, and Vyborg, to help coordinate Swedish mercantile ventures there and provide aid to any Swedish merchant. A request is made to the Hanseatic League and Teutonic Order that the Merchants’ Guild be allowed to build similar headquarters in their cities to help Swedish trade [HANSA RESPONSE] [TEUTONIC RESPONSE].
 * Teutonic Diplomacy: We agree and send 3,000 troops to assist your army and We agree to the merchant guild to build a headquarters and recommenced them to build it in Memel.
 * Mod response: Norway accepts the call to send men, but they send less men then expected. The Norwegian contingent being only 3.000 big as norway does still want to be able to defend itself. Norway even if sending men not realy wanting to fight in the war, as they do not care as much as wished about the papal Shism.
 * Republic of Milan: Following the defeat at Corsica the Milan army now being nicknamed the “army of Gregory” due to the total of 17,000 from outside forces supporting Gregory - as well as the financing of a large army of Mercenaries and additions of Scandinavian forces - has swelled the numbers of this army upwards of 50,000 to 62,000 plus potentially more mercenaries from throughout Northern Italy and Southern Germany following some financial assistance. (Any nation willing to assist please respond.) Secret (As well as any army of 62,000 can be kept secret): This army of 62,000 is split into two contingents of 31,000 - mostly along the lines of nationalities. The long lances and vast majority of the Milan and Genoa forces as well as the large group of hired mercenaries Are sent down along the western Coastline on the most direct route to Rome through Florence and others. Whilst Austrian, Bavarian, Pisa, and Pontremoli forces are sent along the eastern Coastline to meet up with Venetian forces through Bologna San Marino Assisi and then eventually into Rome. The force distribution is roughly 6,000 medium to heavy cavalry, 11,000 light cavalry, 10,000 archers and 37,000 infantry. (Big algo and any other additional forces numbers please respond.)
 * Swedish Dip: Upon being told that the Scandinavian troops are not needed, the Swedish/Danish/Norwegian force of 13,000 men is disbanded. Sweden will not send troops.
 * See of Trier: With the eminent end of the war to liberate Rome, Pope Gregory prays to Our Lord to protect the good men that are fighting to save the Christendom from the Aragonese Anti-Christ and his false-prophet. He thanks all the true Christian nations that offered help in this time of need. When he hears about the assassination attempt suffered Callixtus, Gregory says that this isn't necessary, because in the right time God will punish the false-prophet for his sins. May God forgive him for this but, when alone in his chamber, Gregory laughs after imagining a group of cardinals beating the assassin. With the death of Callixtus, Gregory writes to France and England, asking them to recognize him as pope and to send troops to help save Rome [MOD response needed, please]. He also writes to the surviving cardinals of Callixtus saying that they will be pardoned if they swear loyalty to him [MOD and Player response needed, please]. Matthias and Catharina Schwanthaler gives the rule of their religious order to Gregory. They say that it's based in three things: chastity, simplicity and mercy. The pope will analyze their rule and will give the twins his response.
 * Yuan China: Within the imperial court, Crown Prince Dawei advocates for a strong and aggressive foreign policy with a resurgent China taking an active part in regional affairs. Still bitter over the country's loss in Vietnam and the failure of his to retake Korea due to a lack of reinforcements, Prince Dawei views the rest of the country's neighbors with suspecion and hatred. In his conversations with other members of the court in Beiping, the prince is informed on matters taking shape within the backrooms of the Forbidden Palace, and the plans of many generals to expand China's dominion throughout the region. The only thing standing in their way is Emperor Maxiu, who's soft approach to foreign affairs following his experiences with Chagatai, Taiwan, and Korea, making him to cautious to take the steps need to assert Chinese power where it is needed. While Dawei does not want to see the emperor killed or otherwise harmed to resolve this issue, he is more than willing to "hasten" his transition from power to take the reigns of throne under his own command. What is agreed upon by all members of the conspiracy is that the emperor's campaign in Korea must come to a conclusion in favor of China before they can begin. None wish to squander the potential of a victory against a common foe if they can avoid it, and it would give them more time to plan their next move with the emperor away from the imperial palace. The conspirators manage to recruit Maxiu's wife Atala (or Atarah), into the scheme to replace the emperor upon his return to China. The deeply religious emperess was responsible for convincing her husband to convert to Christianity, and it was she who had the monks present Maxiu with the crucifix that he wore into battle during his conquest of Chagatai and later baptism outside of Samarkand. She has for the longest feared that her husband's gingerly approach to the promotion of Christianity in China will lead them down the road to damnation, and believes that her more militant son Dawai would be a better fit for the throne. As with Dawei and some of the other conspirators, Atala believes that the emperor should not be harmed, but given the choice to abdicate peacefully to serve in a separate capacity that would still benefit the throne and not throw the country into chaos should he be slain. Many of the generals involved agree with the plan, though they the decision more as a means of removing a ruler opposed to their desires to reinstate Confucian values over the Chrine ones pushed by the emperor. While they agree on keeping him alive, they secretly hope that by imprisoning him, they can force him to denouce Christianity and bring Confucianism back into the imperial court. On a completely different level though, is the head of the Imperial Guard, the Christian Han general Yexi Xiong, who believes that allowing the emperor to live could produce a wide range of problems such as his potential desire to return to the throne should he not be pleased with his new status as a figurehead within the walls of the palace. Though he does not speak of this openly, Yexi secret plots his own moves with the backing of the Imperial Guard. Upon returning to Beijing, the Chinese delegation inform the imperial court of the insanity surrounding the events related to the various popes in Europe. Outraged by the politicization of the office of pope, the Emperor of China declares that the Europeans have failed to safeguard the office from human error. As such, in front of all his troops and officials, Emperor Maxiu declares himself the new Pope of the Huangdist Church of Zhongguo.
 * Duchy of Brabant-Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa" the Regency continues as John of Brabant still has not reached adulescence, So John of Malines continues as Regent of Brabant Dynasty. John of Malines being the Uncle of His Majesty, the Heir John of Brabant-Lotharingia, John of Malines at the begining being a bastard of John I of Brabant. But His brother and Duke John II appealed to the Pope and the Emperor to recognise John of Malines as legitimate, as John II knew that would be needed to help the Realm and Family. While this is happening John of Malines requests to the Count of Loon to meet him, so as to discuss the politics of the lowlands and speak of further(Mod response). This meeting is important as John of Malines knows that Loon does not have any ports and wants to use that fact to slowly but steadly integrate Loon into the sphere of Brabant-Lotharingia. Even if John of Malines also wants to get more wealth into Brabant as that would help his own Lordship of Malines. As the lothaharri-Malines trade makes a lot of wealth for his Lordship of Malines, Malines being one of the richer single cities on the lowlands. As many cities of the lowlands are also big production centres Malines strives on allmost pure trade and Mercantalism. Money is what the merchants say, their Dear love. Money they are getting from the Seas and the Land, as textiles are produced in Great quantities, while the wool they need is coming from England, and Spices silks and such are coming from even farther away. Where these countries lay is not exactly known, as The Lotharingian Merchants get it from the Castilians and English Southern France. With more and more boats being build most of them smaller Zuyder see boats small vessels to trade to either Frissia or the Hanseatic League. The Baltic the forgotten sea, Trade flowing from Amsterdam to cities like Hamburg and Lubeck. These states around the baltic providing many needed resources like Swedish Iron for shipworthy Nails,and the Great Banking of the city of Lubeck. Which Brabantine merchants seek to use but also emulate, and possibly even improve upon. But this trade and more outward look makes the name of Brabant to be Know in the whole of Europe, and mostly along the coast. While for the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay bigger ships with more sails and a deeper Bow then any of Hanzeboten, Spices coming from Castile and Portugal. Which the Nobility and the Rich love to put on their Food for their Incredible Dishes like Cinnoman for the applepies. And on other sweeter pastries,mostly with a lot of sugar, Cinnemon Even being used in some Imported Alcoholic drinks to add a taste in Vodka and beer. One cookie is even famed for its use of Cinnemon and the as expensive Nudmeg this cookie being called Kanneel koecke. Most Brabantine foods being based around simple bread with a lot of cow and pigmeat and in Holland and Zeeland pickeled Harings and grains as the Zuydersche see provides a lot of fish - fish which is eaten a lot due to the christian tradition of fish on friday as it is a more simple way of having a form of fasting each week. During the fast the eating of fish increases even more as then normal meats are seen as braking that same fasting, which any christian subject would never want to have. While the Delegates in the East due to not wanting to break any Religious practices allmost soley eat either vegetarian or fish, as fish is one of the more accepted meats to eat by both islam and Judaism,While the Tabriz delegation decided that after learning more Arabic that they have to Return to Lotharingia for a year or two to spread the Knowledge they have inriched themself with. They spread information on the Mysterious Delhi Empire, empire from the Indus to the end of the world.
 * Japanese Empire (Three Emperors Era): The battles from last year have effectively bankrupted much of Japan of manpower. While many have died, many more are wounded and cannot return to any sort of military service. However, with the Emperor maintaining the largest standing army still, the forces under Hiruzen and Crown prince Go-Daigo with the emperor maintaining the peace in the Imperial territories with his presence, march either direction with about 15,000 per army. The two armies begin their inexorable march to the North and South with the army under Hiruzen beginning to retake Shikoku in the name of the Emperor. Resistance remains light and many towns now lacking a garrison and with castles abandoned surrender without a fight. By the end of the Year Shikoku has fallen entirely under Imperial control and the imperial reforms are implemented across the territories effectively destroying the feudal system in the process. The thinning of the Daimyo and samurai classes in Japan sees pretty much the effective collapse of Feudalism in Japan. The scale of warfare and centralized policies as well as the need for manpower has effectively ended the Japanese feudal system. Castles are left in disrepair and cities are left to the whims of the armies marching to and fro across Japan. As the Imperial army marches north seizing territory but facing fierce resistance from the Tetsuko clan which has now been seized by the Mongol outcast Temujin who had married into the family. While effectively token resistance in many cases the Tetsuko begin coalescing what was left of their mainline forces at Lake Inawashiro who prepare for the final stand against the Imperial army. To the north the Tachibana have moved farther into Hokkaido now having conquered the vast majority of the island leaving only the northern one-third of the island uncharted and unconquered. The arrival of 1,000 Ahigaru from Kyoto by ship augments their forces allowing them to centralize further control. The Main Tachibana fort with most of their forces either north or in the main islands is occupied by the Imperial troops forcing the Tachibana to adhere to imperial policy regarding castles and forts. The Emperor, while rebuilding Kyoto, hires architects to expand the city outward and develop "The Sun Palace" a much expanded and built up iteration of the previous ruined imperial residence also acting as a fortress which is expected nearly ten years to fully complete. The development of a bureaucratic system is undertaken with the Emperor beginning to appoint officials under only imperial pay to help manage and develop land. Emperor Go-Uda sees his victory as unavoidable and consequently begins planning for many more major projects after the civil war to reinvigorate Japan and solidify his position within Japanese society. A well built out Imperial roadway system, massive irrigation projects, the establishment of an 80,000-men strong professional army, and the development of an exploratory naval force to explore new diplomatic and trading opportunities around the pacific. The arrival of information of more lands north of Hokkaido prompts him to write and catalogue all his plans should he die and he seeks to for the first time bring Japan into the light as a true empire, not one handicapped by upstart nobles and Shoguns. A small mercenary force commanded by various imperial officers arrive in Okinawa securing the islands and placing them under imperial control after a small and notable engagement.
 * Mali Empire: Mansa Saomaro is often depicted as the most evil tyrant of Mali's medieval history, described in all conteporary literature as the diametric opposite of the good rule by Mansa Musa. Saomaro is considered to have been a cannibal, and even was known to forcefully feed flesh to his prisoners before executing them. He had a xylaphone made of human bones, which he would keep personally in his palace bedchambers. These kind of anecdotes were largely thought to be later fabrications, but in the 19th century archaeologists ultimately uncovered a xylaphone of bones from a garbage heap outside of Niani, that dates to around that same time period. Outside of his direct purges, a general pro-Keita revolt was still underway by half of the Gbara council, which continued to resist Saomaro's power. Simultaneous to this, the Songhai kingdom also revolted, establishing their independent government in Gao once again. It was at that point that Musa received word from his court in Gobir of the situation in Mali, and how he was the only surviving member of the Kieta Dynasty that is elligable to take the throne. Balla Fasseke, Musa's cousin and a daughter of Kolokane, was forced to be Saomaro's bride, until she managed to escape his harem and flee to Gao, and from there to Gobir. Balla showed Musa baobab leaves of his mother's garden, and proved to him that he must fulifll his destiny to restore power over the House of Keita once more. So Musa set out with his vast army of Nigerians, and approached the city of Gao. The king of Songhai welcomed Musa and greeted him in the manner of the emperor, and declared his loyalty to Musa as a loyal vassal. So Musa occupied his forces in Gao and the surrounding Songhai territory, and prepared to invade Mali. The rest of the nation suffered greatly duing this conflict, causing a severe decline of birthrates espeically among the clans directly involved in the Gbara split.
 * Crown of Aragon: with the death of the Castilian King, the son of James II and of Isabella of Castile, Alfonso IV takes the crown in Castile. This ceremony is accompanied by the James II holding a banquet with his son in Toledo. With the war continuing onward, further Christianization of Northern Morocco continues with more missionaries sent by the crown this time to Fes and Rabat. The conclave, after the death of Callixtus, the Crown finds no value supporting the last of the living cardinals in the conclave. With Gregory being the last living pope, ignoring the propaganda made against the crown, an envoy is sent to Pope Gregory offering Rome which has fallen under Aragonese Occupation to Gregory and the evacuation of our forces from the Papal States restoring a united christendom under the church with the addition of neutrality within the Papal States (Player Response). With Corsica under our control and victory in Cagliari, our forces supported by the Castilian and Neapolitan fleets gather to bombard and ruin the Genoese Ports as the Cavalry units within Sardinia charge forth to seize the countrysides and lands of the region. Relentless use of flammable materials such as oils are used in Genoa as flame arrows and other materials are launched into the Port City. James II gladly has two new sons! Elvin and Kevin de Barcelona are born. Their oldest brother Alfonso gifts the two with jewels and gold. The Crown celebrates as the Aragonese people wait to hear the church bells ring of a once more united church and a nation of prosperity once more with a true Pope to follow.
 * Sultanate of Mosul: The soldiers return home, sharing stories of stars illuminating and dancing across the night sky during the Siege of Stars, awe struck by the pure wonder and glory of the cosmos, they saw how truly insigificant the wars of man were under God's magnificent creation, with many being put to the sword by the defenders as an act of mercy, for they died seeing true beauty, being spared from an endless war of reconquest with Khoreson. Those who survived have also received mercy, for they get to see the Stars of their lives, their loved ones, and to share the beauty of the Stars with all. The soldiers report that Öljaitü, Sultan of the Stars, has ascended to the Stars, during the Siege of Stars outside the City of Stars, thus a celebration is held in Öljaitü's honor, and the Öljaitü Insitute of the Stars is established in Baghdad, with the former soldiers taking up to studying the stars, becoming cosmologists and astromers. With Öljaitü's presumed death, the Imam of Baghdad is crowned Sultan of Mosul, merging Baghdad and Mosul into the Imanate. Öljaitü's death is only presumed, however, and it is prophecied by some that Öljaitü will return to battle in a time of great need. The words and stories of the soldiers and the Stars sweep the nation as does the end of secular rule under the Iman, with many becoming fascinated with the stars, the cosmos, and its creator, God, becoming largely disinterested with the world as a whole, deeming it as a corrupt, dark, and lost place, nothing to God's immense power. The only purpose man has upon this Earth is to serve God, know the things of God, and to bring the world to God. With this realization of the purpose of humanity, the Imam of Baghdad swears allegiance to the Caliph, declaring that all who submit to God should be united under the Caliph, and that division between nations and peoples breeds death, welcoming the Caliph return to Baghdad when the time is right. The fascination of the cosmos and of God has observatories, mosques, and universities dedicated to the study of the Heavens appear across the nation.
 * Yazd: It is here that the soldiers spent the majority of the last two years, where they were restored to health, where they regrouped and recounted stories, where they were reignited with a purpose of in life, seeing everything unfold, both beauty and horror, both acts of mercy. As they were restored, the soldiers restored the city by rebuilding it and the land around it. The city is prospering once again, and now stronger after our destruction, switching vassalage from Khoresan to the Sultanate, now the Imanate, now a vassal of a vassal. The tribute sent to Yazd fuels the economy of the Imanate.

1314
''' With Aragon and Sicily pulling their forces out of Rome, the city is occupied by the coalition forces of the Holy Roman Empire, and install Pope Gregory XI as the Pope in Rome. Although the Ecumenical Council of Trier officially condemned the late Pope John XXI, the Liber Pontifica lists the Papacy as succeeding directly from Pope John XXI to Pope Gregory XI, and lists Callixtus IV as the only Antipope. '''

''' With all the other cardinals moving to Rome in support of Gregory XI, the remaining nations of Europe all generally acknowledge his legitimacy, with the exception of the Kingdom of Navarre. Federico Goikoetxea, the last schismatic cardinal, flees to Navarre and proclaims himself Pope to succeed Callixtus IV, taking the papal name of Pope Leo X. '''

''' Emperor Henry VII leads the coalition forces into Italy in support of the Gregorian faction, thus landing a decisive political victory for the Gibbilines of northern Italy. With Pope Gregory being of German origin of the House of Luxembourg, helps to establish more Germanic influence into the Italian peninsula, successfully offsetting the recent expansions of Aragon. '''

''' Henry VII dies shortly after, thus calling an Imperial Diet of the prince electors (Trier, Mainz, Cologne, Brandenburg, Bavaria, Bohemia, and Saxony) to elect his successor. Support is split between Louis IV of Bavaria, from the House of Wittlsbach, and Frederick the Fair of Austria, of the House of Habsburg. '''

''' The Shah of Tabriz negotiates a peace treaty with the Kingdom of Khoreson, and marries the Crown Prince of Tabriz to the daughter of the Emir of Hyrcania. '''

''' The Kingdom of Scotland finally ratifies their chartered parliament under the supervision of England. '''

 King Philip IV of France dies and is succeeded by his son, Philip V. 

''' Minor droughts and foot shortages appear across parts of western Europe. '''

''' Ethiopia invades the Ifat Sultanate. '''
 * Delhi Sultanate: The provinces (Iqtas) are divided into districts(Shiqs). The office of the Shiqdar (district head) is merged with the office of the Kotwal. The Shiqs are further divided into Paraganas (groups of villages) which is under an officer called Amir-i-Sadar, subordinate to the Kotwal. The Kotwal is subordinate to the Governor (Wali/Muqti) of the Province. The system of village administration is not interfered with. The appointment of the Amir-i-Sadar occurs in conjunction with the removal of the intermediaries (Zamindars, etc.), so the appointment of the Amir-i-Sadar has been done only in the Delhi region whereas the feudal system in the other areas has not been disturbed. The appointment of the Amir-i-Sadar has greatly improved the condition of the peasants and the village chiefs because of the removal of the intermediaries. This is the first time a state in India has established direct relations with the peasants (This happened OTL in the Delhi region). The construction of the Alai Minar continues. The Sultan also orders the reconstruction of a road from Kara to Delhi to Kabul. The Department of Intelligence and Corruption (with the Sultan as its head) is expanded and a few officers are also punished for indulging in corruption. The Sultan seeks to reorder the various Departments and posts of his government. On the advice of many of the nobles, he establishes the Bayt-ul-Mal (House of Money) and relegates all financial, monetary and trade functions to this department. The Wazir is made the head of the Bayt-ul-Mal. The Wazir is essentially the second-in-command. The Wazir is responsible for the administration when the Sultan is absent from the capital and is responsible for the Bayt-ul-Mal. The Bayt-ul-Mal becomes the first formal institution with explicitly described functions in the government of the Delhi Sultanate. The first Bimaristan (Hospital) is established in Delhi within the Siri Fort and is maintained by the treasury. Many of the Arabic and Persian Muslim scholars that escaped to India have also set up many libraries in the cities in which they have settled especially Multan, Delhi and Lahore. The governor of Gujarat Alp Khan begins extensively promoting trade, knowing that trade is a very profitable activity. Alp Khan works extensively to introduce concepts of Islamic capitalism into his territories, helped by the fact that the area is in extensive contact with the Arab world. Alp Khan’s efforts combined with the business acumen of Gujarat’s trading communities leads to the beginnings of a gradual rise of merchant capitalism in Gujarat, underpinned by the introduction of Islamic capitalist concepts/institutions. Being a very influential noble and one of the most trusted nobles of the Sultan, Alp Khan begins exerting his influence on the Chalisa to promote trade. Nusrat Khan, the most trusted by the Sultan, is the Wazir.
 * Kingdom of Navarre: King Louis I withdraws all surviving Navarrese troops from Rome and Aragon back to Navarre. He allows Federico Goikoetxea, now Pope Leo X to return to Navarre, but he tries to keep Leo X hidden from the public and does not make any public announcements supporting him, intending to give an impression to other nations of supporting Gregory XI without explicitly doing so. However, inwardly he is deeply embittered and disappointed at the failure of the Aragonese coalition and the crowning of Pope Gregory XI in Rome. Seeing the other European nations acclaim Gregory XI in the hopes of ending the schism, he realises installing Leo X in Rome is currently impossible, especially with the Aragonese withdrawal. He is frustrated with the King of Aragon as he thinks Aragon's aggressive actions of conquest prior to and during the schism alienated nations in the Holy Roman Empire and damaged the reputation of Callixtus IV, allowing Gregory XI to rise to power (although he surmises Gregory XI's personal relationship with the Holy Roman Emperor must also have been involved). With these recent events Louis I is convinced the system of the Catholic Church in Rome and the associated Holy Roman Empire is inherently defective and corrupted and can no longer represent the principles and teachings of Jesus Christ, and he does not want this corrupt entity within his own kingdom. The final drop in the bucket for him is Gregory XI amending the Liber Pontificalis to call the simonist John XXI legitimate while denouncing the righteous Callixtus IV as an antipope, which to Louis I proves that Gregory XI is just as corrupt as John XXI was and that his reign will continue to worsen the corruption in Rome and the Holy Roman Empire, especially with him being the brother of the Holy Roman Emperor. (Secret) Louis I arranges a diplomatic meeting between Leo X, himself and his brother Philip V, recently crowned King of France. He explains to his brother his reasons for opposing Gregory XI and the Roman papacy (see the above and the 1313 envoys). Realising that Gregory XI could not currently be militarily removed from Rome but wanting to avoid the corruption of Rome and the Holy Roman Empire from damaging their nations, Louis I proposes that he and Philip V withdraw the Christian churches in Navarre and France from the Rome-based Catholic Church and instead form a new religious entity, which he tentatively calls the Western Church, with Leo X as its pontiff. Under this Western Church, he hopes to provide the two nations with a Christianity free from the corruption and politics of Rome, so as to more accurately represent the principles and teachings of Jesus Christ. As a distinction to the Roman papacy, Louis I proposes that in the Western Church, instead of relying on corruptible papal conclaves to elect new popes, incumbent pontiffs would personally select their heirs, and in the event no heir was named or the heir could not serve the kings of Navarre and France would select the new pontiff. He also proposes strengthening laws against simony, considering how measures against simony utterly failed in Rome with Gregory XI recognising John XXI as a legitimate pope; and that the Western Church would have its own Liber Pontificalis, recognising Callixtus III and all prior Popes but then listing Callixtus IV and Leo X as the next legitimate pontiffs. Louis I tentatively proposes Tudela as a location for the See of the Western Church, as it is a city in Leo X's homeland which has a cathedral but is somewhat removed from the royal capital of Iruñea/Pamplona. (Mod response for Philip V of France) (End secret) In Navarre, the government works on expanding the military to compensate for the losses suffered in Rome, and the military expands fortifications around the cities of Iruñea/Pamplona and Tudela. Work on improving agriculture in the east and south of the nation continues.
 * Kingdom of Sicily: As members of the house we are sending 1,000 builders for developing Orthodox/Catholic churches. King Roger II learned Christian kids for praticing the life of Jesus. So suddenly, the Sicilian's crown intervened in Rome for the war and Roger II supported the western church. He sent around 1,000 soldiers on the southern Italian territorial coast. Meanwhile, Roger II built some churches with his people.
 * Zimbabwe: The King of Zimbabwe, Kutonga waNdinotenda, orders a head count for all of the able-bodied men in his realm, to make an account of the population's needs and the potential policies he can pursue in the land. The head count of his people returns the number of 500,000 men, women, and children, of which 240,000 are men and 260,000 are women. Most of these individuals reside within the immediate region of the king's capital at Great Zimbabwe, where approximately 18,000 live within the great stone city. The count of all cattle within Zimbabwe is also completed by the local chieftains reporting to the king, revealing a total of 80,000 head of cattle within the kingdom. With this information in hand, the king authorizes a number of the cattle to be slaughtered for their meat and hides, while the rest are returned to their various owners after the counting. The regional crops of sorghum, millet, mungbeans, cowpeas, cassava, sourplum, and marula are brought in for the year, and stored in various locations throughout the kingdom as befitting the largely subsistence method of agriculture in the land. One of the young men assigned to collecting the food to be given to the king and his household, Munashe waTafadzwa, feels that much of the method of farming, warring, and administration are wasteful and time-consuming, and attempts to bring his recommendations to the king. He believes the warriors' weapons are too long and the shields too small to protect them adequately, while he laments the haphazard nature in which the warriors are marshaled for war and let loose into battle without any proper leadership. He also states that the people are lazy and that the land could be better utilized if only the people were properly organized and assigned to lands that were more productive. Kutonga publicly reprimands the young warrior, slapping and chastising him for not remembering his position, and dismisses Munashe's suggestions out of hand. The king states that the way of doing things have preserved the people for centuries, and that tradition should not be upset simply because of some youth decided he didn't like the system. Munashe leaves embittered, and swears that he shall have his revenge, leaving the kingdom for the north on a mission of his own. Fearing the young warrior's rebuke of his kingship, Kutonga's advisors suggest that the king make some improvements in his method of governance for the sake of his own honor and prestige, though they agree to enact some of these changes in their own name so as not to make it appear as if the king made the changes on the suggestion of a mere youth. As such, the king has the grounds of Great Zimbabwe expanded to accommodate a larger personal herd and storage for his crops, while also improving the housing and water supplies for the city surrounding his palace. These improvements allow for a larger number of residents in the area, increasing the population from 18,000 to 20,000 by the end of the year thanks to migration into the city. Furthermore, several of the villages in the region surrounding the capital have their lands improved to provide better foraging material for the herds to graze upon. Though minor, the advisors believe the changes sufficient to keep the people content with their lives and alienated from the disdainful Munashe.
 * Papal States: With the retreat of the armies of Aragon and their allies, Pope Gregory XI finally can arrive in Rome. His first act after arriving in the Eternal City is to hold a mass in thanksgiving for the victory over the schismatics. In the homily he remembers the men that died fighting for the liberation of Rome and says that these good men died as "defenders of the Church." He ends saying that now they are with Our Lord in Heaven. Due to the events that led to the schism in the Church, Gregory writes a bull named Pro Ecclesia. In the bull, he talks about the simony and how this sin nearly destroyed the Church. The bull decrees that any priest, monk, nun, bishop or cardinal that is accused of having committed this sin will be invetigated by the Inquisition and if the accusation is proved true the simmonist will be excommunicated and imprisoned for life. Other decree in the bull is about a future schism, in this case the rival popes will be asked to resign and a conclave will elect a new one. However, if they refuse an Ecumenical Council will be called by any bishop or archbishop. The Council will depose both popes and a new one will be elected. In others matters, the reconstruction of the Papal States begins. The Lateran Palace and walls of Rome are repaired. The Papal Army is reorganized and new troops are trained. Pope Gregory asks Milan to send some bankers to Rome, to help manage the economy of the Papal States [Milan response needed, please]. After hearing about the death of his brother Henry VII, Gregory is deeply sad. A mass is celebrated in the Basilica of Saint Peter in memory of the deceased Emperor. The pontiff prays to God help the prince-electors chose a new Emperor. The archbishops Heinrich II von Virneburg (Cologne), Jens Grand (Riga) and the bishop Niccolò Alberti (Spoleto) are created as cardinals by Gregory. The pope writes a letter to Aragon saying that now he can see that king James was a victim of the servant of the Devil Callixtus IV, the king is a true christian that was seducced by the Beast of Barcelona to serve in his evil name and removes the excommunication placed over James by pope Callixtus III [Aragon response needed, please]. The Schwanthaler twins arrived in Rome with pope Gregory, their is approved and two buildings are given to them in Rome. In one Catharina will form his congregation of women, while in the other Matthias form a congregation of men. The new order is named The Order of the Divine Mercy. After hearing about cardinal Goikoetxea declaring himself pope, Gregory writes to the Kingdom of Navarre to see if they know where Goikoetxea is and says in the letter that the cardinal of Navarre will be pardoned if he pledge his loyalty to Gregory and resign his claims of pope [Players response needed, please]. With the death of Philip IV, pope Gregory writes to Philip V saying that he is sorry for the new king loss and God will confort him [MOD response needed, please].
 * Philip says thanks.
 * Navarrese Diplomacy: In his return letter, King Louis I of Navarre writes Leo X appears to be within the borders of Navarre but the King has no command over him and does not consider him a threat at the moment. In his letter, he also warns Gregory XI against associating with James of Aragon, describing the Aragonese king as a war-hungry egomaniac who controlled Callixtus IV and initiated the schism for his own political gain, and not the other way around.
 * Milan agrees.
 * Mali Empire: When Musa moved his armies into the Songhai Kingdom, he prepared his generals for the oncoming invasion of Mali to claim his throne. Various accounts differ as to how many troops he had at his disposal at this point, mostly understating the number as an attempt to show Musa fighting a war almost single-handedly. Archaological evidence suggests he actually had a vast army of Nigerians at this point, numbering up to 20-30,000 warriors. In addition, at this point the military of Mali had been largely split over the dismemberment of the Gbara, and a large portion of soldiers had defected to Musa's side. Mansa Saomaro, according to legend, was a powerful sorceror who used dark arts of Iblis to conjour many Jinn into his services. Saomaro led out an army from Sosso to invade Songhai, wanting to take the offensive against Musa's forces. This culminated in the Battle of Tabon Hill, outside of the city of Gao, which ended with the destruction of much of Saomaro's forces. Musa himself tried to attack Saomaro directly, but found his weapons of steel or wood would pass right through him as if he was made of air, and then Saomaro teleported back to Niani. This encounter greatly disturbed Musa considerably, even though he won the battle against Saomaro, knowing that his enemy can disappear and reappear at will. Legends also say that Saomaro sent Jinn to torment Musa with terrible nightmares, giving him terrible doubts and fears of his future. The next day, Musa was consoled by his cousin, Balla Fasseke. She explained that while she was imprisoned in the harem of Mansa Saomaro, she managed to uncover the secrets of his magical powers in his bedchamber, and would help Musa to neuteralize his powers. The forces of Songhai also remained loyal to Musa at this time, and swore themselves as his vassals.
 * Duchy of Brabant-Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": John of Malines begins to work to find a solution of the minor draught is issues that are going on in Brabant and the Rest of the Realm. Even if some can call it a Problem farmers see potential in it, as Now some area's hae less watter. So they decide to make better arigation ditches which are dug deeper and straigther, then they were before even if it the amouth of straigthning isn't much it makes it just a slight bit easier for the farmers. This smaller draught also being used put damns and heaps of compacted dirt,so that watter does not return back to these plots of land. The farmers even making ditches when there is no water yet so they can have the most efficient water flow that is possible with their technology. Even with these taken oppertunities, people do get a bit hungry as there is less foood for the general Population. This offcourse angering the population slightly, So His Majesty John of Malines decides to put in lower taxes this year only taking two-thids what he would've done if there were no drought. This is so that there is more food left for farmers, and for those who pay taxes with currency so that they have more money for Grain, bread and other forms of food. Those who benefit the Greatest from this are thankfull to His Majesty the Regent John of Malines and his Merchant mind. John of Malines offering to Both the County of Hainaut and Loon, to John a Special sitting of the Council of Heyst(Mod Response). In this Council John of Malines offers to Hainaut to be formally part of it with three Noble seats for the County and two commoners seats for Both Mons and Valenciennes and one seat for Binche Commoners. Even with this deal their current Monarchy can stay, for so long as the dynasty is alive. But of course, the count has to accept any descesions made by the Counsil of Heyst, but luckly enough joining the counsil will end the Tribute they have to pay. While for Loon, we Offer a simmilar deal three seats for the Nobility and two seats for both Hasselt and Tungorum and one Seat for the city of Borgloon. The Lotharingian Merchants get it from the Castilians and English Southern France. With more and more boats being build most of them smaller Zuyder see boats small vessels to trade to either Frissia or the Hanseatic League, trade flowing from Amsterdam to cities like Hamburg and Lubeck. This trade and more foreign oriented look makes the name of Brabant to be Know in the whole of Europe, and mostly along the coast. While for the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay bigger ships with more sails and a deeper Bow then any of Hanzeboten. The ships also having better addapted crews for the English channel and the Bay of Biscay which are a lot wilder then the seas of the Baltic.
 * Count Arnold of Loon proposes making an economic and political league between Hainut, Brabant and Loon due to their mutual need of the sea ports of Brabant and their union with Holland
 * Lordship of Ireland: Deciding a number of years after the war is a good time to return to the pacification of Ireland the Lord Governor of Ireland makes overtures to Fedlim Ó Conchobair (King of Connacht), Mael Sechlainn mac Eochada (King of Airgialla), Domnall carrach Ó Ruairc (King of West Breifne) and Gilbert Ó Cellaigh (King of Ui Maine) offering to allow them to maintain their Gaelic customs and lands as the current Duke of Eiru does, accept the King's peace and pledge their fealty (Mod response). 
 * Ui Maine and Airgialla agree in order to gain support against rival kingdoms. Connacht and Breifne refuse and form an alliance
 * Jarldom of Greenland: The city of Nuuk is formally inaguarated and debate about wheter it should be the new capital takes place. As the council can't agree on a final decision, Jarl Brunhilde orders that a referendum and a census shall be held in this year. (MOD RESPONSES REQUIRED)
 * The census tells you that the population of Greenland is 2,785 Norse and an unknown number of natives.
 * Republic of Milan: Following Aragon’s withdrawal from Rome, the international forces expectedly return home. However, Galleazzo is met with surprising news, the Aragonese forces have begun raiding Genoa, he returns home with an escort of 10,000 men. The majority being Mercenaries. The remaining forces of 22,000 both Long lances and other hired mercenaries still antsy for a fight, move into Naples and begin to trek through Aragon controlled Naples in response to the occupation by Aragon of Sardinia and Corsica they prepare for large battles hoping to force Aragon soldiers into a pitched battle where the Long lances can employ large hit and run tactics. Galleazzo arrives in Genoa following the raid and immediately orders his fleet to attack against these Aragonese intruders and to “not leave one Aragon ship floating.” (Algo needed for both Naples attacks and Naval battle against Aragon.) A request is sent to Venice for assistance with crushing these “Spanish Invaders.”  Galleazzo asks what Venice would want in exchange. (Venice response needed). 
 * Japanese Empire (Twilight of Two Emperors): In a surprising reversal of Fortunes the Imperial army is stopped cold on all fronts by both the Tetsuko and the Minamoto clans. The manpower simply is not there to continue fighting for the time being. However, the Emperor has taken a commanding lead in the war over the throne. Seeking to take stock in remaining territory and with war exhaustion a clear issue the three parties agree to a five-year truce. Borders will be opened. However, all sides will maintain their current boundaries. This truce lets all of Japan breathe again as the wounded and cared for and the dead are counted. Hundreds of thousands have died civilians and soldiers alike and the landscape of Japan has been changed forever. Unable to keep up the Facade both the Tetsuko and Minamoto are forced to abandon their claims to the Imperial throne and instead maintain their claims over the Shogunate in order to maintain some form of legitimacy. Go-Uda having survived much longer than many suspected finally passes away and the throne passes to a family member, but also a declared Heir as well. A small civil conflict erupts between the Southern and Northern court imperial lines resulting clearly in the military and restoration minded Go-Daigo. The previous battle in Kyoto between the two false emperors and the True emperor caused deaths of many of the Northern court leaving only one option. Go-Daigo was to marry his only viable relative from the Northern court Princess Suiko. Young and beautiful she was known as "the most beautiful woman in Japan" or "Amaterasu incarnate." This marriage led two elder claimants from the northern clan in an attempted coup in the rebuilding Kyoto. A short battle erupted in the Imperial residences leaving the two claimants to the northern courts, Go-Hanako, and Hanazano dead with Go-Daigo, a few of his cousins, and with the birth of his new son Prince Takanaga replacing the son who had been killed in the battle for Kyoto. It has been left relatively secret how many in the Imperial family had died in the battle but it is abundantly clear that the Yamato Dynasty has clearly taken a serious hit in its numbers. However, with the five-year peace underway Emperor Daigo approaches Hiruzen Ashikaga and offers him to keep his Position of Kampaku. The peace has also allowed the development of the imperial beraeucracy to fill in the gaps where Feudalism used to exist with administrators and officials being sent to the far corners of the current territories of the Imperial family. Even administrators are sent to the island of Hokkaido which allow the Tachibana family clear power in Hokkaido but prevent their outright control of the whole island outside of Imperial administration. The various regions of Japan all begin a slow recovery as the death of so many nobles and samurai has forced many institutions to be developed to make up the difference and the redistribution of land is undertaken in the minamoto, Tetsuko, and Imperial territories. The Tetsuko and Minamoto are forced to give castles and land back out to either fallen Daimyo or new families which are given noble titles hoping to give them a reason to fight for them in order to maintain their new positions of power against the new order comming from Kyoto. The Imperial government is forced to send much depleted forces to Hokkaido as a force of nearly 10,000 Ainu threaten the new settlements. 5,000 heavily armed troops are sent to deal with this revolt. The Ainu are clearly unable to break the Imperial forces. However, some of the territories recently subjugated join the revolt forcing precious resources to be diverted into a full scale re-subjugation of the Ainu. Another 5,000 troops are sent to quell the revolt as it becomes clear the Ainu people outside of Imperial control in the northern half of the island are filtering in to support the revolt and possibly push the Japanese farther south. A series of battles occur which blunt the ainu revolt but do not fully subjugate it. The failure of the General to end the revolt quickly and decisively brings the new Emperor Daigo to send his Kampaku Hiruzen to deal with the revolt. He is expected to arrive the next year. With the conquest of Okinawa complete as well the previous year it becomes an absolute trade haven for the Imperial government as stops to small kingdoms in islands to the south, as well as trade from the nations south of the Chinese Empire stop here much before turning over to china. This influx of capital is clear for Emperor Daigo who personally meets with the ruling families of the islands and promises them clear and decisive autonomy on the condition turn the islands into a much more dominant trade area for Japan. The offer is accepted and the 500 Imperial troops in the Islands see an influx of nearly 1,000 Ryukuan men into the island garrison. A small force of 20 ships are delegated here to help maintain proper patrol and prevent piracy as well. Emperor Daigo discovers Go-Uda's plans for many such projects with the success of the restoration and sees a clear vision, a vision which Daigo agrees with and begins implementing some of the needed reforms specifically around land distribution and the reogranization of the Temple and Shoen land systems along side their taxes. Temples are clearly put under a much less aggressive tax bracket. However, with the Shoen, those still at full strength are stripped of their tax free status and without local samurai or Daimyo to challenge him Daigo is able to secure a much needed and permanent form of tax from the Shoen system. The legal code of Japan is also rewritten and updated from its previous Ritsuryō system and is heavily reformed to outmode and overpower the possibilities of Landed nobility maintaining anywhere near the same kind of control under the various Shogunates. The Reformed Ritsuryo system is to be implemented the next year. The reform of agriculture has had tangible benefits as this year a serious surplus is produced as more effective farming techniques are either revived or implemented in the face of the fall of Feudalism. This does free up manpower for other activities including the reformation of the conscription system. The Ashigari system is expanded to handle various households and provide tangible salaries as a large military retinue for the Emperor. The households are forced to provide at least one able bodied male into the service for one year, with only horrible disability and age being a possibility in escaping service. In response the soldiers would be delegated, equipped, and paid for their service with full intent of the payment of these soldiers to go home to make up for lost manpower work in artisanship or farming. However, in order to maintain public order and prevent further revolts, the Conscription is deferred until a year before the truce ends. Various administrative units are organized in order to help establish regiments of 1,000 per regiment. To maintain the possibility of the army staying longer than needed a major tax write off is given equating to one and one-half persons taken off their taxes per extra month served leaving a serious incentive to continue serving in times of long standing war.
 * Kingdom of Sweden: With Pope Greogry enthroned in Rome, the Archbishop Nils Allesson of Uppsala declares the faith united, and King Birger declares a week of celebration, with the commoners and nobility of Sweden celebrating the return of a legitimate Pope to Rome. With agricultural yields decreasing throughout Europe, the Swedish government begins developing a larger fishing operation as an alternative to agriculture, with dozens of fishing vessels being constructed to fish the Baltic. Additionally, a request is made to Norway to allow Swedish fishing vessels to operate out of Norwegian ports to better fish the Atlantic [MOD RESPONSE]. With an increasing number of fish being harvested and preserved, the Swedish government begins heavily trading the foodstuff with much of northern Europe, who uses the fish to make up for the loss of food as a result of agricultural failings. The new market creates a new lucrative source of revenue for the Kingdom. Hanseatic merchants continue selling Swedish iron and iron products throughout northern Germany. The Swedish Merchants' Guild quickly establishes itself throughout the Teutonic Order, helping to facilitate trade in the city of Memel. Crown Prince of Sweden Magnus Birgersson reaches 14 years og age and is formally recognized as a man by Swedish society. To solidify his coming-of-age, King Birger requests that King Christopher marry one of his daughters to Prince Magnus. King Christopher's daughter, the Princess Margaret, is sent to Stockholm to marry Prince Magnus. At the royal wedding the nobles of Denmark and Sweden attend, and both pledge fealty to Prince Magnus as the Crown Prince of both Denmark and Sweden. Prince Magnus and his wife conduct a tour of Denmark, in which Magnus meets with many Danish nobles and makes appearances in many villages for the peasants to see. Both the Danish nobility and the peasantry are charmed by the young Prince, who promises to respect the rights of the Danish nobility.
 * Norway would be willing only if Sweden offered something substantial in return, so they don't lose local profits or tariffs.
 * The Imamate: The celestial supremacy of God is affirmed, God is sovereign over all time and all space, for he is reality, the only true reality to ever exist, and the source of all creation, and he holds time and space together with fixed universal laws to have everything exist in harmony according to His will, and humanity must obey these laws that God has ascribed to us and live in accord with God's will, for "There is nothing but God" and all of creation are merely reflections of God, the creator. It is declared then, that the Universe in its entirety is nothing more than a reflection of God, the world of man being a mere illusion. Day by day more and more are looking at the stars as intensive study of them and the Quran follows, scholars flooding in and new students springing to life, being moved by the teachings of the Imam of Baghdad and the scholar soldiers who served at the Siege of Stars while the Imamate prepares for the return of the Caliph to Baghdad.
 * Yazd: The trade city of Yazd and its surrounding territory is maintained by the Imamate in the peace treaty between Tabriz and Khoreson via the right of conquest, continuing to be a rich and prosperous city in the desert, safe from invasion, serving as a continious jumpstart to the Imamate's economy, providing a sizeable amount of money for construction projects
 * Crown of Aragon: with the somewhat successful assault on Genoa, the construction of 50 new ships are ordered across the various shipyards of Aragon. Occupied Sardinia and Corsica receive an administrative head as the regional courts elect officials to place in power to represent the islands under the King of Aragon. Liberties such as those of language are granted. With the attackers in Naples, The evacuated allied forces of Aragon, Naples, and newly issued forces from Castile engage in militaristic assault with the surrounding of men in bands and groups. With them lacking supply and holding of any kind, this is taken full advantage of with the soldiers using their knowledge to be able to use archers and Cavalry of their own to engage while infantrymen strike the troops. This strategy allows for assault from all angles and fronts hoping to force the men into surrender and capture. Beyond this, the Aragonese, Castilian, and Neapolitan Navies now dragged in engage in wolf-like tactics drawing groups of ships apart while surrounding and assaulting them in an organized fashion with distant flame assault delivered through flammable materials being launched at the vessels from afar sparking blazes in hopes of knocking off more of the Genoese Fleet. In the meantime while this is done, ships distracted from the ensuing conflict attempt to blockade Genoa while ships continue to engage with those having open sails flying the enemy flag knocking them off through quick maneuvering and power displayed in the strategy applied prior.

1315
''' The Great Famine of 1315 terrorizes all of Europe, particularly in the Holy Roman Empire. A number of factors causes an inability to grow grain and livestock across the continent. In Spring, heavy rainfalls and other unusual weather prevents crops from fully ripening, and straw is unable to be cured for farm animals. Food prices rise drastically, going up 300 percent in the Duchy of Lorraine. Salt and bryne become very difficult to procure, making long-term storage of food a herculean task. '''

''' Without proper consensus on the election one way or another, the Imperial Diet of Germany decides to elect both Louis IV of Bavaria and Frederick the Fair of Austria as Co-Kings of Germany. They each petition to Pope Gregory XI to be crowned as the sole Holy Roman Emperor. '''

''' Patriarch Nephon I of Constantinople dies, and is succeeded by John XIII. '''

''' The consistent raids between Aragon and Milan across their respective Italian territories causes overall damage to both their economies across the Tyrrenian Sea, in conjunction with the shortage of resources in the famine. (applies to algos) '''

''' King Philip V of France finally decides to prepare a campaign against Flanders, which becomes very difficult and costly due to the ongoing famine. Additionally, slavery is abolished in France. Also also, France does not recongize Antipope Leo X because he does not want to risk another continental war. '''

''' With the chaos in central Italy and the collapse of their former overlords, the Republic of Pisa grows rapidly in power, now having a substantial navy and military of their own. They decisvely defeat Florence at the Battle of Montecatini, and annexes parts of Tuscany. '''

''' The Old Swiss Confederacy scores a decisve victory against the Duchy of Austria, ensuring their independence from the Habsburgs in honor of William Tell. '''

''' Edward the Bruce, brother of Robert the Bruce, is sworn in as King of Scotland by the newly-created Scottish Parliament. This is disapproved by the King of England, thus reigniting the War of Scottish Independence. '''

''' The Empire of Azcapotzalco makes a series of conquests across the Mexican Valley, forcing vassalage on the small kingdom of Tenotchitlan. '''

''' The Emirate of Grenada begins persecution of the Jews. '''

''' Continuing their conquests in the Aegean, the Knights Hospitaller constructs a Fortress in Kos. '''

''' The Coptic Kingdom of Donggola has its first Muslim ruler. '''


 * Free City of Lübeck: After years of war, Europe can sustain the violence no longer. The Great Famine of 1315 spreads through Europe, starving Lübeck's trade partners. However, the Hanseatic League was formed as a fisherman's trading guild and it will continue to be a fisherman's trading guild. The Jews in the city especially, who cannot eat the pork-rich diet inland agriculture tends to provide, have edged their way into the fishing scene. However, the problem primarily lies in the salt trade. Without salt, fish cannot be stored. Though this is less of a problem for Lübeck, as it is just a city-state rather than a large, spread-out nation, it does not come without challenges. Lübeck proposes a deal with Milan, Provence, and Venice; Mediterranean salt for usable ship parts, sails, and discounted whole ships. German states are offered a cut of the fish trade should they act as middlemen (Bohemia response needed) to ferry what remains of the German salt trade to Lübeck (Mod response for how well this goes). A sea trade deal for salt is also made with the following nations: Portugal, England, Castile, and Aragon (mod and player responses needed). In buying from different suppliers, Lübeck is keeping itself from growing dependent on one source of salt. Lübeck will then trade salt to the Baltic nations, corner the market, and raise the prices. Jewish communities begin to pop up around Travesmunde, where Jewish fisherman establish something of their own Hansa, strengthening their position throughout the city and other Hanseatic cities. With the growing Templar community in Bad Bremerhaven, Lübeck is able to exert a tight monopoly on salt and fish. Holy orders such as the Teutonic Knights are sold to at something of a discount, though Lübeck intends on keeping the states nearby as dependent as possible. Trade deals with Rhine states are made to wean them off the overpriced market in Lorraine, selling at a reduced price before raising the price as Lorraine's salt market collapses. (Mod Response needed.)
 * England accepts the deal, Portugal wants to shop elsewhere before making a decision
 * Mali Empire: Musa took his army and invaded Mali from Songhai, and quickly beseiged the city of Sosso. Saomaro sent his army again to repulse Musa from the land, but failed ultimately and suffered significant losses. Musa continued on and win a decisive victory against Saomaro at the the Battle of Kirina, where he was joined by the commanding military of the loyal fragments of the Gbara, and proceeded there to march on Niani itself. Saomaro was crafty, however, and held the daughter of Balla Fasseke hostage in his palace, threatening that if Musa used his secret knowledge of his magic to try to capture Saomaro, then Balla's daughter would die. Not one to be outwitted, Musa complied to these demands and paused the march on Niani. Instead, Musa sent forth an annoucement across all of Niani and surrounding countryside, publicizing the secrets of Saomaro's magic for all people to hear. The secret powers of the sorcerer-king being thus exposed, he was quickly attacked and cut down by his own guards, and stabbed to death by his servants. Musa marched into the capital of Niani and was there crowned King of Mali and Mansa of the Mali Empire, henceforth known as Mansa Musa. Musa took a careful division of the military to administrate the empire temporarily, until he could properly reform the administration of Mali later. He took the bulk of the army still under his wing, and proceeded into the western wilderness to subjugate the rest of the empire under his will. One day he came to the isolated Kingdom of Kita, ruled by a powerful sorceror who was protected by an army of Jinn living in a lake under his palace. When Musa's army approached the city, the people pleaded for him to not go on, or the Jinn would surely destroy his entire army and himself. Musa knew the dangers of the situation, and proceeded onwards personally to confront the Jinn by himself. Suddenly, at the the words of the Musa's imperial command, the Jinn turned against the King of Kita and rebelled against him, and proclaimed Musa to be their true emperor. He proceeded farther west to subjugate the Kingdom of Waalo, which was briefly in rebellion as soon as Sosso fell. The colonies in the Emirate of Gorgades was already allied to the House of Keita, and immediately recognized him as emperor. In light of the ongoing famines that plague Europe, Mansa Musa immediately pushes through some economic reforms to capitalize on the situation. The salt mines of Ghana are opened to export tons of salt across the caravan trade to Morocco and Egypt, as well as the existing sea trade to Castile and Aragon. The going price of salt, as set by the financial reforms of Mansa Sakoura, is sold at a camel load for 20 Mithqals, or 88 grams, such that 1 kg of gold will buy 1.042 kg of salt.
 * Kingdom of Sweden: With famine breaking out throughout Europe, the Swedish fishing operation becomes more valuable than over. Fortunately for Sweden the monarchy had previously been expanding Sweden's fishing fleet. Having exclusive fishing rights over the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, Swedish ships with holds full of fish fill the Stockholm markets with fresh fish. Without salt, however, the problem of preservation becomes an emergency. Faced with the unique problem of having fish but no salt to preserve them, Sweden reaches out to England and Brabant to form a deal wherein they will ship salt to Sweden and in exchange they will be given a quarter of all fish salted [MOD RESPONSE] [BRABANT RESPONSE]. In response to Norway's counteroffer, Sweden offers Norway the opportunity to have their merchants use the trade posts and facilities of the Swedish Merchant's Guild throughout the Baltic in exchange for access to their ports. With the value of fish rising the Swedish government also offers to give 25 percent of all fish caught by a Swedish vessel in a Norwegian port to Norway as a tariff [MOD RESPONSE]. (more to come)
 * Mod response: England refuses to send more salt then they already do, as it does not have the greatest amouths of salt itself. But the english do end export tarifs for the moment being to make the market do its own magic. Norway accepts the deal offered as it is in dire need of better trade.
 * Brabant response: The Regent John of Malines does not specificly send more land to Sweden,but does encourage the market to do so. Encouraging the sale of salt in return for Swedish as this steel would beneficial to Brabant.
 * Delhi Sultanate: The Sultan extends the appointment of the Amir-i-Sadar officers to replace the intermediaries in the iqta of Awadh. For this the Sultan stations a force of two tumen in the region to check any rebellion from the intermediaries. This reform is welcomed by the village chiefs and peasants. The Amir-i-Sadar is the revenue collection official and is subordinate to the Shiqdar. The Shiqdar is the head of the Shiq (district) and is responsible for the Kotwali (Police). This structure of government (except the Amir-i-Sadar) is now implemented in the rest of the Iqtas of the Sultanate. The feudal system in the iqtas other than Delhi and Awadh is not disturbed. The functioning of the village Panchayats (village administration) is not interfered with in any of the iqtas. A second Bimaristan (Hospital) is established in Multan by the Governor. A third Bimaristan is established in Cambay by Alp Khan, the Governor of Gujarat. Alp Khan shifts the capital of Gujarat to Cambay, the main trade center of Gujarat where many foreign merchants reside. Alp Khan continues to introduce concepts of Islamic capitalism into the Indian trading communities, with the help of the Arabic merchants that have settled in India. These concepts are well accepted by the trading communities in Gujarat. Alp Khan begins importing the works of many Arabic and Persian scholars. With the development of madrassas, observatories and libraries in Mosul and Baghdad, there is an easier flow of knowledge through trade. There is a gradual rise in Merchant Capitalism in Gujarat and a few big trading families start to emerge. Revenue collection in Gujarat starts increasing slowly because of the growth in trade. The Sultan formalizes the Diwan-i-Ariz (Department of the Military), responsible for recruitment and payment of salaries. The Sultan’s bodyguards (elite Maratha soldiers) are also the responsibility of the Ariz-i-Mamalik (Head of the Diwan-i-Ariz). The Sar-i-Jalandar (Head of the Sultan’s bodyguards) is subordinate to the Ariz-i-Mamalik. The Diwan-i-Wizarat (Department of the Wazir) is merged with the Bayt-al-Mal. The Accountant General and Auditor General (existed OTL in the Diwan-i-Wizarat) are appointed in the Bayt-al-Mal. A separate building is being constructed to house the Bayt-al-Mal in the Siri Fort in Delhi. The Sultan continues patronizing the Sufi scholars and saints.
 * Kingdom of Sicily: The King continue to pratroling in the coast so the army detect some unidentify people the army were in sardinia for builting port and the army continue fighting the coast and their neighboor so Frederick III conquer a few of Italian island which they are little most of the Church of Sicily report some unknown people migrate the unknown people who discover they're 'witch' as indentify the catholic church launch a new event about it the pope of Sicily said ' take careful of who are being hurt' the famine touched in the Sicily so the church take care of it of the people so they send among 1,000 monks for protecting.
 * Navarrese Diplomacy: Western Pope Leo X welcomes the Sicilian bishops of Agrigento, Catania, Messina, Palermo and Siracusa into the Western Church.
 * Teutonic Order: It has come - a great famine has plagued our nation and most of Europe. Farms are not producing anymore and the population is going hungry and dying on the streets. plague and violence is now engulfing our nation. Our population has blamed the Jews and some are getting burned at the stake and with people deemed as witches being burned as well. There have also been incidents revolving around cannibalism and parents selling their children for food We ask the HRE to import some grain to our starving nation (Mod Response). but things are looking up do to the Hansetic League trade discounts we can buy fish and salt from Lubeck with a cheap price. We also lower taxes on farms so they can buy the tools necessary to having a harvest. The grand palace construction in the capital is halted until the famine is over. The Grand-master proposes a council in which all major nations will meet in Rome to discuss on ideas to end this famine(Papal Responds Needed). After the death of Duke of Lithuania Vytenis his brother Gediminas becomes Duke of Lithuania. We send some priests to Courland to pacify and civilize the Selonian tribes. We also send priests to the border with Lithuania to pacify and civilize the Yotvingian tribes. We spend some money on improving the army.We send a diplomat to Prague and asks Bohemia for help in the famine do to them not getting effected as much by the Famine and our nation will trade them high quality furniture for grain (Bohemian Responds Needed).
 * Papal Diplomacy: Pope Gregory XI agrees with Council idea, we need to work together to save the people of the Famine.
 * Emperor Louis IV sends what he can but he barely has food of his own.
 * Zimbabwe: The Shona people continue to develop the lands of their kingdom at the direction of King Kutonga, while likewise extending the dwellings of their stone enclosures around Khami, Natale, and Zima. To better organize and manage the resources collected by the inhabitants of his realm, Katonga develops a new administrative system for his realm after reviewing the stocks of food and weapons in his lands. As of yet, all of his lands have been directly administered by him, with the local chieftains traveling to his court to inform him of their progress in meeting their annual quotas in men and food. However, there have been several inconsistencies in the delivery of mandatory quotas, and the king has grown weary of hearing excuses from his many subordinates. As such, Katonga reorganizes the administration in Zimbabwe into eight royal districts known as dunhu, each of which shall be governed by a muchinda or non-hereditary prince, directly appointed to the position by the king. Each shall have his court located in one of the great stone cities of the kingdom, within which several officials known as mutariri shall be assigned by the king. These men consist of local elders, old warriors, men of numbers, and shamen familiar with the seasons of their lands; all officials required to govern the dunhu shall be pulled from this stock of experienced men. The muchinda shall have the task of ensuring that his district's quotas are met each year on pain of death, and that all of the warriors required for the king's service are mobilized during times of war according to the king's demands. Each district shall host several dozen boma, or enclosures, which house a hundred or more people and their livestock, and will all be visited by the mutariri of the prince's court on a monthly basis to ensure that their needs are satisfied. To ensure that the princes are adhering to their duties, the king secretly forms an order of spies, messengers, and assassins known as the maziso ake, or "his eyes," who shall be thoroughly involved in the investigation and disciplining of any princes who fail to fulfill their royal obligations to the king and his household. At random times, the maziso ake shall visit the various boma of a district to document the quota 's fulfillment, and inform the king of this information. Likewise, more public members of the order shall have the task of carrying the king's will to the district courts to inform the princes of their tasks or political developments in Great Zimbabwe. All boma within the kingdom are likewise reorganized into new social units within which all residents in the region are required to live within at all times unless otherwise authorized by their superiors. This ensures that the population of the kingdom is accounted for, along with all of their crops and livestock. All members of a boma are prohibited from marrying without the say-so of their overseers, who take on the task of directly selecting marriage mates for all members of their community. These men are also required to select unmarried men or men with at least two sons to serve in the warhosts of the king, as well as take part in the censuses that shall be conducted every five years at the king's leisure. Land will be centrally-managed by the state as is already the case, but with the addition that plots of land shall be handed over to the princes for distribution to bomas for cultivation and exploitation. Mines will be directly managed by the prince of a district, who is responsible for returning any precious metals over to the king for trade with the outside world, while ensuring that all iron ore supplies are distributed to the various forges of a district for the production of weapons and tools. Further reforms have been delayed to allow the current system to take effect, while the king and his household begin the process of vetting individuals within the royal court to fulfill the roles of prince and overseer throughout the kingdom. Individuals who refuse to serve as the king's agents are simply executed, while those deemed valuable to the state but too old to be of use, are seconded to the new princes as advisors with a ration of meat, grain, and milk and a place in their prince's residence as compensation for their service. In the north, Munashe continues on his quest beyond the kingdom, entering into the lands of the Makonde in southern Tanzania. Wounded from an animal attack and tired from his weeks' long trek through the wilderness, Munashe attempts to find shelter, seeking to expire in quiet rather than in the open where others can see that his journey was a failure. However, he is discovered by several Makonde villagers residing along the Rovuma River foraging for food. Taking pity upon him, the villages rush him to their homes to mend his wounds and provide him with shelter, ensuring him a safe recovery. After healing from his wounds, Munashe begs that the people give him a way of repaying their kindness, to which the chieftain of the area offers him a place within their society as a warrior, which Munashe takes without hesitation. In the service to these local inhabitants, Munashe defends their lands against interlopers while learning their ways and the people of the surrounding countryside.
 * Tarascan State: Tariácuri, with the second message from Curicaueri, continues to urbanize Tzintzuntzan and Angamuco. With the aid of Urichu, Erongarícuaro, Pechátaro, and Jarácuaro, expansion is made to the west toward the sea while settlers scan the geography for adequate housing locations. In Tzintzuntzan, military barracks are installed under a new philosophy meant to minimize the total numbers while maximize strategy and efficiency. With this, it is decided that roughly one-fifth of all male adults at the age of 14 must begin militant training, spending upward of 12 years in a faction of 25 before they are able to retire to a live of serenity before reaching the skies. Metallurgy continues to be embraced as a method for producing tools and weapons, with swords, shields, and armor becoming primary components of a warrior. The Assembly of Pátzcuaro votes towards the creation of a tributary system and a plans to reform bureaucracy over the coming years. While not limiting Tariácuri's power, it would allow Citlali's military power to be expanded. The city-states of Ayutitlan, Azmola, and Colimotl are invaded with forces totaling 900 warriors led by Citlali. After the arrival of two moons, a second unit of 350 warriors will be sent to assist. Xilotan sends an additional 250 warriors in around the sixth moon. This will occur for six moons (totaling 3,250 warriors in combat by mid-year). The Assembly of Pátzcuaro devises that this war is viable to exert military power in the region, in addition to obtaining lands closer to the sea so as to settle. The main goal is to occupy following the deaths of the Kings, followed by the enslavement of all females into the hands of military men and nobles who reign over the new territory, and then annexation. All men are to be executed and burned. Rumors circulate about a powerful city-state in the south, but they go unheard.
 * Republic of Venice: With the Emilia-Romagna region in eastern central Italy under Venetian control, the standards of production quickly become introduced to the region. Ravenna, Bologna and Padova get to become their own self governing cities, with a cabinet of three ministers being added to represent the regions in the Senate of Venice. Due to Pisan expansion into Florentine territory and the obvious incapability of Florence to defend itself, the Venetians offer military protection to Florence (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). Venetian soldiers would defend Tuscany if needed and aid Florence under any circumstance, if they are allowed to build garrisons in the region. The surplus of grain produced for export in Tuscany, the Emilia-Romagna and especially Crete are sold almost exclusively in France, the low countries and Germany, generating massive profits. Another opportunity for profit isn't ignored, as the salt trade deal with Lübeck, and give privileges to them in the salt trade for the ships in return. The navy is also mobilized, sent to the Tyrrhenean sea and Sicily with 150 modern war ships so the Aragonese fleet can be defeated. Another 50 ships are used to blockade the entrance to the eastern mediterranean sea. The Arsenale once again starts to pump out ships and weapons in an unbelievable speed and quantity, with a longer war being expected, around 100 war ships alone are planned, while the trading ship production is mostly outsourced to the secondary Arsenals.
 * Florence prefers an alliance, but yes.
 * Papal States: The Great Famine arrives in the Papal States leaving a trail of despair and the poor are the ones that suffer more. Pope Gregory XI fears that this is God punishment for the schism and the sins of the clergy. Seeing the suffering of the people, Catharina and her fellow nuns of the Order of the Divine Mercy start sharing their food with the poor. The building donated by the Church to Catharina is near the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and now is know as the Convent of Our Lady of Sorrows. The nuns made a soup with the few vegetables available and bread with the little flour they find. The nuns also add some wild nuts in the bread to help turn it more nourishing. A tent is made and the nuns start to give the food. Soon a huge crowd is there seeking for food. After hearing about the actions of his sister, Matthias and his fellow monks repeat Catharina's actions by distributing part of the food that they have. Soon a huge crowd is formed in front of the Monastery of Saint Symeon, near the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere. The actions of the twins inspire pope Gregory XI to do his part to feed the hungry. After all the pope is the "Servant of the servants of God." This way is the pope's duty sacrifice himself for that who suffer. He orders that most of his food be given to the hungry people of Rome. Soon soup and bread is given in a tent in front of the Basilica of Saint Peter with the pope himself helping distribute it to the people. With the price increase of food, Gregory orders the removal of the jewels of the mitres and ecclesial vests. These jewels and three papal tiaras (A pope have only one head!) are pawned and the money is put in the "Fund of the Poor" in the new Bank of Rome, created by the bankers of Milan. This money will be used to help feed the poor. During meals, Gregory eats the same soup and bread that is give to the poor, if the people of God eat little them the pope will eat the same way. The pope orders that all convents and monasteries of the Papal States share their foods with the hungry. In the coastal areas os the Papal States attempts to evaporate brine to produce salt are made and fisherman start to sell smoked fish. Some of this fish is bought by the pope to be used in the soup of the poor. Gregory writes to Venice asking to buy salt [Venice response needed, please] and to Lübeck asking for any food that they have available [Lübeck response needed, please]. Seeing that even with people suffering, the kings continue with wars, the pope writes to all the kings and lords in Europe to call a truce in their conflicts until this famine ends [MOD and Players response needed, please]. The advice of Navarre about Aragon is accepted and Gregory writes to Goikoetxea saying that his proposal for pardon continues [Leo response needed, please]. With Frederick of Austria and Louis IV of Bavaria seeking the imperial throne, Gregory agrees to crown Louis as Holy Roman Emperor and asks him to help feed the hungry people of the Empire [MOD response needed, please].
 * Emperor Louis IV solemnly vows to put the people of the empire first.
 * Lübeck Diplomacy: The Free City of Lübeck is more than happy to provide for the Holy Father in this time of year. A caravan will be established for the duration of the famine, providing the Holy See with shipments of preserved fish. In exchange, Lübeck would like indulgences for all Christian residents of the city.
 * Kingdom of Navarre: Due to the expansion and improvement of farms in the country in the decade preceding the famine, as well as the Navarrese fishermen in the Bay of Biscay whose supply is not affected by the continental weather, Navarre is not as badly affected by the famine as many other nearby nations. However, there are still many deaths to starvation and through the year the government focuses on trying to harvest and distribute as much food as possible, with the fishermen also receiving more funding. Fish are also sold to landlocked areas of Iberia and France at high prices, generating profits for Navarre. Meanwhile, King Louis I is disappointed by his brother Philip V of France refusing to join in his plan of the Western Church for fear of a continental war, but he decides he cannot let such setbacks divert him from the path of justice and Jesus Christ, and he and Leo X execute their plan. Bishop of Pamplona Federico Goikoetxea, now Pope Leo X (b. 1256) and Bishop of Tudela Pablo Estévez y Sánchez (b. 1263) announce in Iruñea/Pamplona that their churches will be seceding from the Catholic Church of Rome due to the corruption of Gregory XI and Rome and the Holy Roman Empire in general (see 1314 post for full details), and will form a new church called the Western Church with Leo X as its pontiff, the Western Pope. The dioceses of the two bishops are swapped, so that Leo X is now the Bishop of Tudela and Pablo Estévez y Sánchez the Bishop of Pamplona, and Tudela Cathedral is made the See of the Western Church. Navarrese clergy also write a new Liber Pontificalis for the Western Church, which includes all the original Popes up to and including Callixtus III, but then continues with Callixtus IV and Leo X instead of John XXI and Gregory XI. Though the government is mainly occupied with famine relief, locals in Tudela begin the construction of some new buildings and fortifications around Tudela to make it more suitable as a Holy See. Leo X announces Pablo Estévez y Sánchez as his heir per the new method of papal succession and announces new, strict laws against simony. He declares the great famine sweeping across Europe as evidence of God casting his judgment upon the corruption that has taken root in the Catholic Church and urges bishops in other nations to join the Western Church. Louis I and Margaret of Burgundy have a third child, a daughter, but she is stillborn. Margaret is stricken with grief and withdraws to her chambers for several weeks, only coming out through the combined efforts of Louis I, Western Pope Leo X and the royal court's doctor.
 * Jarldom of Greenland: After the capital referendum succeds we begin officialy moving our capital to Nuuk. Work on the new royal palace and the parliamentary hall begins and is projected to be finished in three years. This event is celebrfated wideely and is declared Nuuk day.
 * Duchy of Brabant-Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": A great Famine accurs in the whole of Western europe, this damages Brabantine trade and prosperity badly. John of Malines is unsure how to handle this situation, as more taxation would make it possible for him to spend more on it on giving and selling cheap food, while lowering taxes would mean that people have more money to begin. This dillema splits the Council of Heyst as,it is stuck on how to organise relief for the commoners. Both Nobility and Commoners in the council wanting solutions. For the Moment a compremise has been made with some of the budget redirected to where it is needed. The Gastraphetes are seen as a waste of money and material, as their bows are more then thrice the price of a normal bow and require more mainetance and more specific training, although once the mechanics are learned they cost less effort to fire. This if offset by the fact that any Lotharingian Boy over the age of 15 and older has to train his archery once a week. So the Budget for the Gastaphetes is dropped and spend buying grains and preservatives, and then these items are sold with a loss of around selling everything for half the original price. This is meant make food more afordable, while at the same time John of Malines reduced spending by stopping any renovating and building of buildings. The Heyst Mansion not getting its walls that were planned, as a manner to save money. This saved money being also used to give food to the Poor. While the Regent John of Malines also asks of the nobility and merchants to do the same and give money to the poor, or buy them food so that the Brabanders don't die an unneeded death. As death even if heaven gives salvation is something people want without suffering and preferably later then soon. John of Malines even asking the Clergy to give to the poor, as giving to the poor and being charitable is one of the greatest things that one can do before God. While the floodings test the Lotharingian and mostly hollandish and zeelandic dikes, dams and polders. Some even Break and minor damage and deaths accour. most of these deaths being by zeelanders as Zeeland gets the brunt of the flooding, which is not helped by being just a collection of islands. This also being part of the reason for the famine as much land that could've had food and produce is now flooded wet, for their produce and money to be rotten in watter. A lot of effort being put in repairing dams and dikes and even making the arrigation ditches better. Better ditches so that the watter that is there can flow away from the plots back into either the sea or a river. While on another Note with Loon and Hainault joining the Council of Heyst with special status, makes it so that there proportion between the cities and nobility is going more and more towards the Commoners. Even if most of them are the wealthiest of wealthy who often have simmilar prosperity to that of the Nobility. This does not concern the Nobility to much yet, as these merchants do not have the rights that the nobility has. These rights mostly concerning prestige like being allowed a coat of arms, and wearing specific items of clothing. More so the right to be called a sir, and to have the same armour and equipment as knights. These Merchant soldiers also not being allowed to ride horses or lead an army, and if they do only because there is no Noble.
 * Kingdom of Areles : With his failed attack against the Saluzzo and Viennean Forces,  Robert I launches a second invasion sending a force of 6,000 Men to defeat both nations and annex their territories as he is willing to expand his territory. Meanwhile, with Pisa growing in power, Robert I requests an Alliance with them (Mod Response Needed) seeing Pisa as a potential ally. With a new schism between Leo X and Gregory XI, Robert I recognizes Pope Gregory XI while also backing Louis IV of Bavaria as a means to seek his support in restoring the Kingdom of Arles. (Secret) Meanwhile, Robert I sends his brother John to seek the support of the Holy Roman Emperor and the Pope as a means to reclaim his throne in Naples stating that if he is restored on the throne on Naples he will help kick out the Aragonese. (Mod and Papal Response Needed) (End of Secret).
 * Republic of Milan: Following the near stalemate in Naples the force retreats back to Genoa in order to prepare to hunker down and force Aragon to invade should they want Corsica and Sardinia officially. The mercenaries not based out of Milan are disbanded leaving us with a force of roughly 15,000 soldiers all defending Genoa, requests are sent to Venice to organize our efforts against the Aragon Invaders and to clear a path for forces to land in Sardinia and Corsica by eliminating the Aragon Navy. Milanese ships are sent on patrols and prepare should Aragon make any move against us. Another major part of the patrols is in order to protect the fishers who have become even more important in our survival. Some people say to turn a profit of our access to fish, however unsure of just how long this will last they instead decide to wait a year and only use fish for our own survival. The efforts of these fisherman is awarded by their pay rates being increased resulting in even more people going fishing and selling the fish since they are already gaining price. The bankers able to pay a larger sum for the fish end up better fed than those who don’t have the same amount of money. This causes minor unrest until Galleazzo begins to discuss with some of the bankers and an agreement is made that every household will be allotted enough food to survive and rationing will be done. For extras you may go and purchase it. This means that the banks end up paying for the fish which doesn’t go over well at first until they realise how good it is for there Public Relations. A proposal is made to Aragon for paying half price for each Corsica and Sardinia in exchange for peace. (Aragon response needed)
 * Aragon accepts the proposal putting an end to the bloody dispute
 * Crown of Aragon: With peace at last following the conflict this year reaching a deal, portions of the fleet are brought to port but maintain patrols against piracy and basic trade protection. The famine comes and sweeps throughout the Aragonese Realm bringing about a troubling time. Harvests are rationed out by Royal Decree as James sympathises with his people to the extent that he himself escorted of course, feed and gift the poor in Barcelona. The charismatic King after overseeing the conquests of Sardinia and Corsica ensure that he too is with his people. Fishing continues as usual with the fortunate trade with the Mali Empire to the south providing salts. Trade deals are made and salt begins to establish enough of a support that the Aragonese and Castilian Fish Markets don't experience as severe impacts with fish also being smoked. Mushrooms are seen as highly affordable and an easy source of food. This brings about the rise of mushrooms in the lower class diet bringing about a popularity in the nation with various localized dishes. With bread low in supply, things such as the likes of roots and vegetables like potatoes see success in produce allowing some supply of nourishment and alleviate the impacts of the famine some bit for the masses. The Royal Bank of Barcelona is established to monitor the supplies of funds of the treasury and food and grain with the addition of market prices. This is done to maintain a close eye on budget and expense while also managing the necessities of the Crown to meet the requirements for satisfying the people she governs. The interconnectivity of Aragon is put into full potential with the communication of information and traffic being manageable and efficient preventing the loss of significant amounts of life amongst the poorer classes. King James continues to refuses to live a lavish lifestyle continuing to act as a public servant to his people in need gifting whatever he can. The nobility see internal struggle as their lands become fruitless allowing the crown to take advantage and purchase these territories while administrative courts continue to become a center of attention and driving factor of the recent decline of nobility and aristocratic relevance within political affairs. Imports of straw and other food products are made under high demand and focus. Aragon agrees to work alongside Lubeck to expand in trade for mutual benefit in this time of need.

1316
''' The Great Famine reaches the height of its terror across Europe, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people from starvation every month. In Germany, many families resort to extreame measures such as cannibalism. Birth rates fall as peasents are weary of bringing another mouth to feed, and many newborn children are left abandoned. In Italy, the chaos of recent wars between the Spanish, Germans and Italians are compounded by this food shortage, causing episodes of anarchy across Tuscany and Ferrara. Economically, the English Pound drops to half its value. '''

''' Due to the drop of population in Europe, the city of Cairo in the Mamluk Sultanate becomes the largest city in the world by population. '''

''' King Philip V of France launches his invasion of Flanders, but immediately suffers a great loss of military due to the ongoing famine. '''

''' A revolt takes place in Wales led by Llyweln Bren, taking advantage of England's conflict with Scotland. '''

''' Ferdinand of Majorca, third son of James II of Aragon, launches a revolt in Achaea in an attempt to seize the title of Prince for himself, leading 1,000 mercenaries rented from the Catalan Company. '''

''' The Republic of Pisa continues to expand in power over Tuscany, and accepts the alliance of Arles. '''
 * Delhi Sultanate: The Sultan becomes interested in the works of the Caliphs, now available to him through the libraries established by the Arabic and Persian scholars in Delhi. He starts holding regular meetings with a few of the scholars and orders them to translate the works of Arabic scholars into Hindavi (a language whose use is growing among his officers). He pays the scholars a salary and arranges for their travels to bring the books and manuscripts to Delhi. All this is further facilitated by Alp Khan, the governor of Gujarat who had already been patronizing these scholars. The Sultan continues patronizing the Sufi scholars and saints. The influential Sufi scholar and saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya sets out to tour the country, giving sermons to the common people. The Sultan’s scholarly outreach and interest is further encouraged by Amir Khusrow, an influential court poet and close friend of the Sultan. The Governor of Gujarat, Alp Khan invites the scholars of astronomy from the Universities and Madrassahs of Mosul to establish a Madrassa in Dholka (PLAYER RESPONSE). A decree is issued by the Sultan and the Chalisa, decreeing that a separate building for the Kotwali (Police) will be constructed in every Shiq (district) and that each Kotwali will have a strength of 100 soldiers for the enforcement of law and order in the Shiqs. Malik Kafur mounts an expedition to sack the Kakatiya capital of Warangal leading seven tumen (70,000 troops). The Delhi armies use Turkman-Mongol tactics with a large component of light cavalry to overwhelm the opponent. 
 * Imamate Dip: The Delhian request is accepted.
 * Kingdom of Sicily: As the famine touched in Europe us the icilians were, continue pratrolling and fighting but meanwhile, an unknown witch came from the capital of Sicily so the authoritians, told to her to not come afterwhile the pope of Sicily launch a patrol on Sicily for which activity and saving the famine on the nation so we send among 1,000 soldiers on the territorial and continue to fight the witch are being leaving the state so is all good the bisphop of Sicily demanda that we gonna built the church of Palerme and the troop are in archipel of pelage they were in matla establish an territorial the mercenaires from Sicily theyre buitling a castle on the little island.
 * Mali Empire: As Mansa Musa has solidfied control over the Mali Empire, he focuses on improvements to reconstruct the nation after the devastation of Saomaro's civil war. The Gbara is reformed after their initial collapse in the civil war, and some significant changes are made. The older clan-based system of kinship is abolished, and instead each of the positions of the Gbara are given to specific noble families to be passed by primogentiure. The overall structure of Maghan, Nyamakala, Morikanda, and the military officers are all maintained, byt assignend to houses of hereditary nobility instead of specific clans. Millet and Malian rice are used as stable crops, along with sorghum and baobab vegetables which are cultivated across the Senegal and Niger deltas. Gold, salt and copper are exported to Morocco and Egypt by the caravan routes, setting up the largest overland market at Timbuktu. Mansa Musa also had the city of Dakar constructed and expanded at the coast of Waalo, needing to serve as a major trading hub of the Atlantic trade across the Gorgades Islands up to the European kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. Musa also works to begin diversifying their exports as well, cultivating both coffee and palm oil, but generally these aren't nearly as invested in as their main products. Musa maintained his personal military of 35,000 troops, and together with a few of his closely-related feudal vassals, the total military at his disposal ammounted to 100,000 men. The equipment of this military was generally standardized, as necessary to incorporate the Nigerians of Musa's demesne into the standards of Malian military, particularly using flamming arrows, javalins, and chainmail. As soon as Musa had settled in Mali, however, the king of Songhai had died, and his son refused to acknowledge any relation or vassalage to the King of Mali. With his troops all still fresh and organinzed since the end of the civil war, Musa speedily dispatched 80,000 men from his various vassals to invade Songhai on two fronts, leading the command personally as a savage leader. The forces will close in to siege Gao on two sides, to utterly annihlate the Songhai kingdom for their trechary. These bring the best siege weapons that Mali has at the time, even while Gao had been severely damaged in the civil war. The remaining nobility in Songhai were generally discontent with their ruler's sudden switch of loyalty, and would have preferred working out with the Mansa peacefully instead. [Algo requested, to ensure the outcome of the revolt]


 * Republic of Novgorod: Prince Mikhail Yaroslavich of Novgorod, recognizing the great opportunity to exalt revenge upon a weakened Sweden and declares upon them a war to retake Karelia from the treacherous Swedes. 10.000 troops march towards the castle of Vyborg in order to take the key-point of the Karelian campaign [Algo requested]. We offer an alliance to the city of Lübeck, along with a request to aid our cause with several ships. In return for not exporting salt from the brine springs of Rusa, we ask that Novgorodian merchants can trade on their own ships, and wish to integrate their trade network closer with the Hansa (CRIM response). In secret, the veche (government), headed by the posadnik (mayor) of Novgorod Semyon Klimovich, in collaboration with the Archbishop of Novgorod David, conspire in order to spearhead reform. Otherwise, Novgorod exports fur, hops, timber and tar to the rest of Europe, making profits.
 * Republic of Pskov (Novgorodian vassal): Pskov helps Novgorod in its endeavors against Sweden and supplies 4000 troops to the cause. Exports of lard, mead, timber and fur continue.
 * Papal States: After hearing about this "Western Church" of Navarre, pope Gregory XI excommunicates the Navarrese royal family. He denounces Goikoetxea as being a power hungry man that is using the despair of the people with the famine to impose his schismatic ideas. If he wants to do something useful, go help feed the hungry people instead of bragging about being more Christian and Incorruptible. With the famine continuing, the despair of the people in the Papal States grows. Pope Gregory pawns great part of the valuable objects of the papal residence. The resulting money is deposited in the "Fund of the Poors" and is used to buy any food available to feed the poor. Now it is common to see fishermen selling smoked fish In the port of Civitavecchia. The fish is expensive but the pope is capable to buy some to be used in the soup of the poors. Hearing the pope's call and following the exemple of the Order of the Divine Mercy, other religious orders in the Papal States start to feed the people. A rich widow named Francesca Occhino start to help the poor. Francesca is also a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis. Living in Viterbo, she wanted to be a nun of the Order of Saint Clare. However, her parents were against it and forced her to marry a rich man named Damiano Occhino. The marriage was happy but Francesca never have children. Seeing the suffering of the people with the Famine and having a great fortune, Francesca started to help the poor in his house, with crowds seeking for food forming there. Meanwhile, Catharina and the nuns start to forage for edible roots for the soup in the woods near Rome. However, even with the help of the Church the number of deaths is high. After hearing about the abandoned children and the cases of cannibalism, Pope Gregory sends the male leader of Order of the Divine Mercy, Matthias Schwanthaler and two other monks to Venice to beg for some grain [Venice response needed, please]. Meanwhile, attempts to cultivate grains are made, but with few results. The food coming from Lübeck is celebrated when its arrive in Rome and as asked, Pope Gregory XI gives plenary indulgence to the people of the city. He also proclaims that will receive plenary indulgence everyone who gives food to the poor during the Famine. Due to the state of despair of Europe, Gregory XI proclaims the devotion to the Divine Mercy of Christ to all the Church and orders a painting of Christ in the same way that He appeared in the vision of the Schwanthaler twins (description in the Trier post of 1309). (Secret) Pope Gregory says to John that he is sympathetic to the cause of Robert of Arles to recover the throne of Naples (Secret). Gregory writes to Milan asking if they have any food available to be purchased [Milan response needed, please].
 * Milan has some but not a ton as such we will provide minor things, but no major bulk loads.
 * Kingdom of Sweden offers the throne to Novgorod 
 * Sweden quits the game 
 * Kingdom of France: After the defeat in Flanders due to exceptionally bad weather, Philip turns his attention to domestic matters. He tours his lands, from Amiens all the way to Toulouse, detouring to Nantes and Lyons. Philip personally meets with most of his direct vassals, ensuring loyalty, and asking them about the affairs of their holdings. In the north, he is told of and sees evidently a great famine, with many deaths, as well as many people weak from lack of food. This is not as evident in the south, however, as he notes. Philip makes a decree applying to his personal holdings wherein any serf suffering from lack of food may choose to leave their land for Philip's holdings in Gascony and Guyenne, which have not had the same issues of climate. In addition, Philip puts together caravans tasked with transporting any surplus grain from the south to the most affected areas. He also asks his vassals to take similar steps, to prevent starvation of his people.
 * Tarascan State: Tariácuri, with the second message from Curicaueri, continues to urbanize Tzintzuntzan and Angamuco. With the aid of Urichu, Erongarícuaro, Pechátaro, and Jarácuaro, expansion is made to the west toward the sea while settlers scan the geography for adequate housing locations. In Tzintzuntzan, military barracks are installed under a new philosophy meant to minimize the total numbers while maximize strategy and efficiency. With this, it is decided that roughly one-fifth of all male adults at the age of 14 must begin militant training, spending upward of 12 years in a faction of 25 before they are able to retire to a live of serenity before reaching the skies. Metallurgy continues to be embraced as a method for producing tools and weapons, with swords, shields, and armor becoming primary components of a warrior. The Assembly of Pátzcuaro votes towards the creation of a tributary system and a plans to reform bureaucracy over the coming years. While not limiting Tariácuri's power, it would allow Citlali's military power to be expanded. After completely destroying the confederation, the primary policy over the newly aquired territory is done, with all remaining members of the varying dynasties being publically killed. This is also done to all males, regardless of age, with them all being killed. All females are enslaved and placed into the hands of the warriors, who know occupy the territory with autonomy while the policy is undertaken. Citlali is awarded with such rewards, but instead of turning to become the leader of Assembly of Pátzcuaro as offered, he remains his military rank. Xilotan's king, Xitlalcoehua, finally finds that the war has elevated his sons, who participated as warriors, to higher ranks among the military. Settlers among the lower class begin taking major settlership within the city of Ayutitlan particularly. Major military expansion is halted while this policy is enacted, which is expected to occur over a period of eleven years. News of the success in the war solidifies Tariácuri as not only a strong leader, but a competent one.
 * Free City of Lübeck: As the famine grows worse and worse, tensions between traders begins to spiral out of control. These tensions could not be higher between the Knights Templar and the Jewish traders. Early in the year, a Templar enters the business of his Jewish rival and burns it to the ground. The family, which was sleeping upstairs, could not escape and died in the fire. The Templar is put on trial, but is acquitted. This leads to the Pogrom of Lübeck, in which the Jews are violently thrown out of the city. Though many scatter to the wind, others are not willing to travel into a starving Europe. They settle near Travesmünde, where an already-established Jewish community begins to thrive. In the meantime, the outbreak of hostilities between the starving Sweden and the vengeful Novgorod leads to the former closing the Gulf of Finland. For endangering Baltic trade, harming Hanseatic interests, and doing so in a famine, no less, Lübeck names Sweden an enemy of the Hanseatic League. All trade with Sweden is henceforth cut off, Swedish merchants are expelled, and any relevant assets are acquired by the state. The violence towards the Jews quickly turns towards the people actually threatening Baltic trade. Using a land route, the Hansa sends enough money for up to 10,000 mercenaries to Novgorod.
 * Novgorodian Dip: We thank Lübeck and hire 7,000 mercenaries and enough supplies in fish to sustain the army.
 * Teutonic Order: During the height of this famine war has still common and a war has started in the Baltics and we have to choose a side. The Grand-master has decided that the best outcome for his nation is to join Novogorod against Sweden. The Grand-master did this to keep relations with the Hansetic League stabile do to Lubeck suppling us with salt to help in this famine. We will be sending 2,000 troops and 500 archers to Novogorod to defeat Sweden at Vyborg. We send two ships to merge with the Novogorod navy to fight the Swedish navy in the Baltic. With fishing in the Baltic and salt coming from Lubeck deaths do to the Famine are dropping at steady pace. We move 5,000 troops to the coast in case of a Swedish invasion. Rheinstein castle is built in Malbouk. We start hearing about rumors of a land to the east called Indus from Dutch merchants and We send a diplomate to Barbarant to speak to Jan of Malines to see what they know about it. Also to help with the Famine we order churches to give money to the poor so they can buy fish.We send diplomats to Norway and Denmark to convinece them to join the war against Sweden. (MOD RESPONDS NEEDED)
 * County of La Marche: With the worsening of the famine within his domains, Count Charles I puts together all the funds that he may spare in order to purchase food to relieve the people as much as can be done. With the Count's brother, King Philip V, taking significant action to relieve the people under his rule as well, Charles asks that Philip work with him to better relieve the people of La Marche when the King comes to see his brother during his tour of the realm. A second request is also laid at the King's feet, asking that Charles' wife, Blanche of Burgundy, be executed for the crime of adultery, for which she has been imprisoned for the past two years, as the Count wishes to remarry (France response). The initial plans for the construction of a castle on the outskirts of the town of Aubusson, which lays at the confluence of the Creuse and Beauze rivers, are created near the end of the year, to serve as the future seat of the Count of La Marche.
 * Duchy of Brabant-Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": The Regency is over John III of Reginar has reached adulescence. John III decided toghether with His council of Heyst and His uncle John of Malines that John will be Crowned in the Church of Malines. John III being officialy crowned as John III Duke of Lotharingia, Brabant and Limburg, Count of Holland, Zeeland, Aalst and Dalhem and Lord of Malines Hertogenrade and Myerebeke. He now officially takes over the reigns from his uncle, Although he keeps his Uncle as an advisors as it has been five years since he set foot in Brabant. As his Majesty John III was getting educated by the Prince of Achaea. This education gove him the Basic knowledge of Middle French, Greek and even some Latin, as Latin and Greek are the languages of the HolyScripture and French the language of Royalty in Achaea. Although his Knowledge of these language is limited, His Majesty can Speak the language of the people Franconian which is spoken in All of his domain. John III as first chalenge to his rule as there is a massive famine in the realm and most of Western europe. This challenge is not easy to fix, as there are many possible manners to solve it and different philosophies behind them. So the Duke choses a compremise like his Uncle did, This means having lower taxes for people to afford more and at same time giving food for cheaper away to the poor. So the army of brabant and the nobles are asked to only use the minimum of recources to stay trained, and instead using this money to pay for storage of food and preservation of it. One of the manners of preserving food is Pickling where the food is submerged in a sour based liquid, another way of food preservation being Salting where foods are preserved with the use of Salt. John III also suggests eating wallnuts and other berries and such if there no other food, John III even talks about eating sources of food that are seen as filthy to stop this hunger. One of these foods is Crab, which is seen as a form of Sea spider, some even sugesting eating bugs like worms, and crickets. While this is not enough there are instances where the duke personaly visits the farms and digging a bit himself to show his charitable acts, and to give an example for his nobility to help the poor. Due to this famine the Italian cucumber also gains a lot in popularity for its taste and for its price even if it is not easly able to be grown in Brabant. A new meal being Hering with cucember and hard dry bread. While on the other hand John III who is just reaching adulthood is looking for women in europe as to secure the dynasty, while he would prefer like his father an English wife he knows that it isn't the wisest due to politcs. Some suggesting the house of Hainault to finnaly end any disputes between the two houses, but John III the greek lover wants to seek a possible marriage with a Roman. While John III also visits the Counts of Hainault and Loon, as to show that Brabant does not want domination of lands but a Union of Salvation. A union against Possible treats to keep the independence from harmfull ideals, Ideals like republicanism which cannot work in Lowlands. As republicanism is made for cities now duchies. John III also requests to the pope and the emperor to Ellevate Lotharingia as Archduchy (Pope response) (Mod Response).
 * Jarldom of Greenland: To further protect the population from the cold,we begin insulati ng every house to make it keep the heat inside it for longer amount of periods. Meanwhile, the jarl goes on a royal visits and begins building a stable in every major settlement for horses so transportation would be faster.
 * Republic of Milan: With the continued famine as well as peace with Aragon the citizens of Milan look to make money as well as survive through this famine as well as future ones should they arrive. The Genoese ship production becomes a focus with the ship builders pumping out more ships by the week. A new arsenal is put in place similar to the Venetian arsenal which the Bankers of Milan assisted in earlier in order to increase the pace of production.
 * Kingdom of Navarre: As the great famine continues, King Louis I institutes a system where all the nation's grain and grain-based foods are collected, rationed and distributed centrally by the government to ensure that all of the peasants get at least some food. Trade of fish from the Bay of Biscay to other nations lessens with the salt shortage, and the government instead focuses on getting as many fish as possible to the Navarrese as the grain-based food supply remains low. As a result of this, the prominence of fish increases in Navarrese cuisine in general. The Western Church also organises several mass prayers for the famine to end, as thanks to the Western Church the continent has begun to purify from its corruption. Western Pope Leo X welcomes the Sicilian bishops of Agrigento, Catania, Messina, Palermo and Siracusa to the Western Church. Leo X is pleased to see that the Catholic Church is making at least some attempts at reform with the new simony laws, but does not consider them strict enough and doubts Gregory XI's commitment to enforce them as he already failed to follow through with his proposed system to resolve schisms. Leo X organises a commission of clergymen to investigate possible sources of corruption in the Church beyond the obvious simony, in order to make the Western Church's anti-simony laws and general efforts against corruption more effective.
 * Latin Empire of Romania: Early this year, Latin Emperor Florent dies of old age. He had been on the throne of Achaea since 1289, on the throne of Caria since 1301, on the throne of Epirus since 1313, and was father of the Duchess of Athens, Matilda. Florent is much-mourned by the nobles of the Latin Empire, as he was viewed as a chivalrous man who led the Empire to a rebirth under Christendom. In his place, Matilda is crowned Latin Empress of Romania by the Latin Patriarch of Constantinople, Nicholas of Thebes. Soon after being crowned, Matilda faces a rebellion in the form of Ferdinand of Majorca, who is attempting to usurp the title of Princess of Achaea from Empress Matilda. The new Empress, unwilling to cede the title, amasses an army of 7,000 troops (a mixture of Latin knights, Frankish men-at-arms, and gasmouloi troops) from her demesne and those of her immediate vassals. Under the command of Michael Kurkuas, the veteran general of the conflict with Byzantium, the Latin forces prevent the Catalans from staying long in one place and engage in a game of cat-and-mouse before engaging with the enemy on favorable terrain. Seeking to preserve her father's close ties to Aragon, Matilda offers her hand in marriage to a member of the Aragonese royal family (ARAGON). This is also seen as an effort to delegitimize the efforts of Ferdinand of Majorca, who is explicitly denied any claim by the Latin church apparatus in Romania, which has since fallen back in line with the true Pope in Rome. Meanwhile, the economy which is somewhat reliant on imports of grains from eastern Europe, isn't doing too well, so the Empress sends a delegation to the various beyliks in Anatolia to make a deal for the provision of grains, citing their mutual hostility towards the Byzantines.
 * Aragonese Response: James son, John is willing to take up on the offer.
 * Crown of Aragon: With the newfound era of peace continuing especially following the disengagement of Venetian forces, trade continues to be accepted abroad in the Aragonese Western Mediteranean Realm. With the rise of municipals and councils following government alterations abroad over the better half of a century, similar to our Castilian Brothers, the system of cortes are established allowing for a functional system of representatives despite lacking power, make a direct link between the Crown and the various inhabitants. This as a result allows for communication to be more efficient for acknowledging public issues and finding solutions. The Cathedral of Barcelona's base is completed. The road networks are expanded to create minor links and branches to more isolated regions in Aragon. This model is replicated in Corsica and Sardinia linking key ports on the island. Grain production manages to be sustainable on the island's low lying areas and with that, livestock also becomes sustainable. Prices of meat and grain fall domestically as a result. With the rise of salt imports, the domestic value for salts drop across Castile and Aragon respectively. Latest reports from the Royal Bank of Madrid show an uptick in profits in imports and exports with the overall budget set allowing the treasury to take action in allowing expansion of the navy following the losses in wars fought prior with 55 ships ordered for construction. The production of ships are cut to focus on the budget to purchase and supply in food for the nation still facing some starvation. Pressure is put on the Muslim and Jewish populations as they are denied rights of representation in the cortes and lack say thereof. This of course pushes in another wave of converts although not in significant numbers. Meanwhile, in Aragonese Morocco, the laws do not apply but methods and schemes are put in place to further christianize the region as done prior. Civilian crews under military captains are used to maintain an active fleet in the mediteranean to counter piracy and things of the like. This allows the docks to be clear and allow for more imported goods and exportation of goods as trade increases and revenue rises. This though causes wear on the vessels. The solution of various alternative products of produce and food for consumption prove to be fruitful although the poorer masses struggle still with James coming around to the cities to take part as a servant to his people. A solution is settled where separate naval dockyards would be established where ships can be held and repaired with other portions made for construction. With peace finally secure, James sends and envoy to Mali and their emperor. After years of endless desires, the land he had dreamed of venturing is set in motion. James requests a formal visit to the Empire of Mali and meet with the Emperor himself (Mali Response).
 * Mansa Musa, head of the House of Keita, Emperor of Mali, King of the lands of Mali, Waalo, Songhai and Nigeria, the Lion of Africa, formally invites King James of Aragon to come visit him at the court of Niani
 * The Imamate: Last year, the people of the Imamate rejected the false reality of the world, only attending to basic needs, some even fasting. With the Mamluk Sultanate ruling Cairo, now the largest city in the world, it follows that the Mamluks should rule the world, for they have been blessed with its most populace city. To this end, we believe the Mamluks should run our Earthly affairs in exchange for the Caliph returning to Baghdad. (Mod Response Please) The Second Islamic Golden Age continues in full swing, with intensive study of the stars and the Quran sweeping the nation, as mosques and observatories are expanded, as are vast libraries, compiling vast amounts of knowledge, many taking to chart out the stars in the night sky.


 * Georgia: The taxation system is once again changed along Byzantine lines. The sales tax is abolished, as it is recognized to obstruct – not encourage – commerce. A land value tax is implemented. To appease the aristocracy by lessening their tax burden, only two-thirds of the amount will be paid by the landlord – the remainder will be covered by their serfs and retainers. The unpopular poll tax is abolished, and replaced by a tax on one's disposable income. Both of these taxes are set at a rate of ~ five percemt – a number deliberately is chosen due to its positive connotation in Christian numerology, and also because it alludes to the five types of offerings that God commanded Israel to bring to Him. In addition to these, a small customs tax amounting to ~ two percent is established, which is levied on both exports and imports. These reforms raise the annual revenue to about 1.5 million golden dinars.
 * Zimbabwe: Expansion of the administrative organs in Great Zimbabwe continues with the introduction of the various new positions of power as directed by the king. These positions have finally been filled by men of high repute and decades of experience as men of war or men of wisdom, providing their knowledge and insight on matters of state to the king and the nine princes he has selected to govern the various districts of the kingdom. Under the new and somewhat decentralized government, various improvements in the methods of quota management have been obtained, with the new princes and their fellow authority figures, representing a physical presence within the region of their oversight, ensuring that the people recognize that the king has forgotten their obligations to the state. These princes go out into the fields and visit their wards in the various boma which dot the countryside, and ensure that the quotas expected from their districts are collected and stored properly within stone enclosures of the local capitals. Likewise, having ensured a more direct role in the collection of these quotas, enough food and fodder are collected to allow for distribution of rations to those who are most in need within the communities of a district. The number of cattle increases slightly as well, with the food designated for the livestock increasing with the subsequent decrease in theft and delinquency in quota requirements, increasing from 80,000 heads of cattle to 82,000 heads of cattle within the span of a year. The extra cattle are handed over to the king for consignment to the kingdom's national herd, a special herd of various livestock to be used during times of war for the war-camps of the king while on campaign. Elsewhere, with the introduction of strict population management by the king through the mutariri officials assigned to the bomas, marriages are established between men with enough property to properly care for a new family, while their wives are selected from women known to be fertile and capable of bearing healthy offspring thanks to the direct intervention of the local elders. These new families have already begun having new offspring, necessitating the formation of new communities in the underutilized portions of the kingdom. The king is pleased with the developments, as for him new subjects means new warriors and new sources of labor for his mines, all of which remain under his direct control and thus to his direct benefit. The mines themselves continue to extract gold, copper, iron, and ivory for trade with the foreigners along the eastern coast of Mozambique. Until recently, trade with the Arabs has been simple and cordial, with an exchange of metal ores and agricultural goods for Arab and Asiatic items for the local upper and middle classes. However, desiring to take his kingdom in a new direction with his simple yet groundbreaking reforms, Katonga seeks to increase trade with the foreigners visiting his kingdom. However, his court has yet to determine the best way to go about doing this, as they understand that beyond the raw goods and produce of the kingdom, there are not enough craftsmen knowledgeable about the excesses of the Arabs and their counterparts to properly market their trades and goods to them. As such, the king orders a handful of his trusted advisors to go to the coast and investigate the foreigners to ascertain what what best please them and make them valuable trading partners to the kingdom of Zimbabwe. Up north, the young Munashe continues to serve his new found allies in the lands of the Makonde, fighting on their behalf against their Mwani and Mware neighbors. Seeking to put his ideas to the test, Munashe asks the elders of his adopted home to allow him an audience to give insight to various military ideas that would be of benefit to them in their various wars against the regional peoples of southern Tanzania. Granting his request, the elders listen as to the ideas the young foreign warrior has to improvement of their warrior hosts. Munashe states that their weapons are too long and unwieldy, making it difficult for their men to adapt to changing situations on the battlefield, and encouraging them to remain static rather than press the offensive against their similarly static opponents. He goes on to state that the lack of movement on the field by their warriors often results in the young and impatient fighters to throw their spears as javelins to strike an enemy or at the very least goad them into action. However, this only grants the enemy a new weapon, and only encourages them to throw it back at the now defenseless warrior. Other suggestions are made such as removing the sandals from the warriors to help make them faster and get them use to the hardships of marching, as well as drilling them regularly in long marches and campaigns. While the revolutionary ideas of the warrior are not all accepted wholesale by the Makonde elders, they instead opt to give Munashe the opportunity to put his ideas to the test. Having confidence in his leadership abilities thanks to his fearless reputation on the battlefield, a thousand unmarried men are asked to volunteer for service under Munashe, allowing him to put his ideas to the fires and forge of war, and testing them out to see if his ideas are indeed worth the investment he has suggested to the Makonde people.

1317
''' The Great Famine of 1315 gradually comes to an end as normal weather patterns resume, and sees a standard return of crops in summer this year. The parts of Europe most affected by the famine continue to suffer after affects, as currency deflation and diseases from malnutrition continue to be commonplace. Those that contributed to the philanthropy of the Papal States are regarded as heroes. '''

''' The excommunication of Antipope Leo X brings the so-called "Western Church" into public discussion that had almost been forgotten since the Council of Trier. A theologian named Gianni d'Padua (ahistorical) publishes a treatise exposing the tenants of the Western Church as heretical, and contradictory to Catholic dogma. The Duchy of Gascony expells all priests that adhere to this doctrine, and pressure is put on Sicily and Navarre to do the same. '''

''' Also in the Catholic Church, there is general disapproval in Rome against the actions of the Teutonic Knights, supporting an Orthodox nation against a Catholic one, and being motivated by money. '''

''' Ozbeg Khan of the White Horde wishes to seize advantage of Europe's weakened state from the famine, and begins leading his army to raid the borders of Poland and Hungary. He asks Novgorod, along with other Slavic principalities to conscript military in preparation of a full invasion. '''

''' The affects the famine had in Italy becomes some inspiration for Dante when describing tortures of the Inferno. In Tuscany, Agnes of Montepulciano is described to have performed miraculous healings of many affected by malnutrition. '''

''' Similar classic works of literature pop up in the eastern hemisphere at this time. The Hindu philosopher Madhvacharya composes his commentaries on the Vedas and Mahabharata at this time for the Delhi Sultanate. '''

''' Elsewhere in India, the Hoysalas Dynasty makes another push into the Pandyas Empire, laying siege to their capital. '''

''' The Duchy of Lithuania rises in power in eastern Europe, and subjugates the Principality of Polotsk. '''

''' ​​​​​​Caliph ​Al-Mustakfi says he prefers to stay in Cairo than risk the current political state of the Middle East. '''


 * The Imamate: With the Caliph's statement on the state of chaos in the Middle East, we request the Mamluk Sultanate to restore order to our region to make it more suitable for Caliph Al-Mustakfi, granting access for the Mamluks to use our lands as a base of operations to end the state chaos. Aleppo shall serve as a giant gate of entry for the Mamluks. (Mod Response, Please). The influx of soldiers, traders, and families into Aleppo accelerate the growth of the city to heights once thought unreachable, not only in terms of population, but economic growth as well, as the city is fueled by new money, new laborers, and new homes being filled, with construction underway to accomadate the Mamluks. Many of these soldiers have captured Aleppo only a few years prior, and it is made clear that the Mamluks who have fought and died for this city are always welcomed. As the Mamluk soldiers seek wealth of new lands, they set off to Armenian Cicilia to invade it, conquer it, and seize its wealth, with some Allepoans inspired by this oppturnity for wealth and glory, an army of 20,000 strong is set out to invade Armenian Cicilia, under the guise of toppling the dynasty of Baydu Khan's descendants, ensuring the supremacy of the Tabur Khan, the Shah of Tabriz.
 * Mamluk Response: This request is granted, with many soldiers, traders, and their families making their way to the city to relocate in the hope of finding new fortune.
 * Sweden: Sweden issues an unconditional surrender and offers the throne to the Prince of Novgorod. The Royal Family kills themself and the nobility at a massive feast. Stockholm is set on fire along with Visby and burned to the ground.
 * Kingdom of Sicily: The Church Catholic, launch war on the state and is delcare the second Sicilians vespers the pope send 1,000 knights they invade the south penisula of Sicily so the Church actually need send help to Aragon. (Player Reponse)
 * Who are you fighting? you already own Naples
 * Angevin Kingdom of Arles: With the end of the Famine, Robert I presses forward with a new Offensive against the Saluzzo and Viennean Forces with once more a replenished Army of 5,000 Men. Having been turned back 2 times by the Saluzzo and Viennean Forces , Robert I wishes to decisively crush them as a means to establish his power base in the Transalpine region as he also seeks the support of his Pisan Allies (Mod Response Needed). With the King of France seeking his Loyalty , Robert I reaffirms his loyalty to King Phillip V of France and then asks for his support for his campaign in the Transalpine Region. (French Response Needed). (Secret) Robert I begins recruiting Pisan Mercenaries as a means to expand his Army and prepare for a planned campaign in Northern Italy in order to further expand his position in Northern Italy. (End of Secret)
 * Tarascan State: Tariácuri, with the second message from Curicaueri, continues to urbanize Tzintzuntzan and Angamuco. With the aid of Urichu, Erongarícuaro, Pechátaro, and Jarácuaro, expansion is made to the west toward the sea while settlers scan the geography for adequate housing locations. In Tzintzuntzan, military barracks are installed under a new philosophy meant to minimize the total numbers while maximize strategy and efficiency. With this, it is decided that roughly one-fifth of all male adults at the age of 14 must begin militant training, spending upward of 12 years in a faction of 25 before they are able to retire to a live of serenity before reaching the skies. Metallurgy continues to be embraced as a method for producing tools and weapons, with swords, shields, and armor becoming primary components of a warrior. The Assembly of Pátzcuaro votes towards the creation of a tributary system and a plans to reform bureaucracy over the coming years. While not limiting Tariácuri's power, it would allow Citlali's military power to be expanded. After completely destroying the confederation, the primary policy over the newly acquired territory continues to be conducted for another ten years. The coast is finally reached and settlements are expected to occur in a few months. Tariácuri's sons, Hiripan and Tangáxoan, are installed as lords of Ihuatzio and Tzintzuntzan, allowing domestic rule while maintaining military alliances. Mining occurs in the recently conquered Jalisco region.
 * Teutonic Order: The Grand-master was informed that the people of Rome are not fond of his decision of helping Novogorod. so he writes a letter to Pope Gregory as a apology for helping an orthodox nation and said it was not for the money it was for food during the famine and protecting Hansetic League interests. The Great Famine is over and grain is being grown again and we still buy salt from Lubeck but not as much before.We see the Duchy of Lithuania grow in power and we Send a diplomat to Lithuania to improve relations and ask them if they want to trade with us,we will trade high quality furniture(MOD RESPONDS NEEDED).Bouzov castle is built in Chelnmo. The town of Brodnica is founded.The town of Slawno is also founded.Duke Whillam IV has given us land in the courland region called Butow. A monastery is built in Liepaja and a port is also being built there and will be complete in two years.We Divide our nation into three countys which is the County of Prussia,The County of Memel,and the County of Courland.
 * Duke Gediminas of Lithuania is not interested in improving relations and sees the Teutons and Livonians as a threat
 * Zimbabwe: The princes of the royal districts continue to deliver on the annual quotas legally required from their regions in the form of cattle, crops, men, and weapons, for stockpiling in the various storehouses of the king. The king introduces a minor military reform, requiring that all hide shields produced by the districts be built and stained in a unique manner, so that all men raised for war can be identified by their districts, and the regiments more easily documented and managed based on the information. Each ibutho (or "army") will be named after the district of their origin, and they will be commanded by the prince of the district or an experienced warrior appointed by him. At the present, every district is required to provide a thousand men for battle at the call of the king, in addition to the thousand raised by the king within his personal domain surrounding the capital city. In all, this gives the kingdom some 10,000 warriors for defense, allowing them a degree of combat readiness not found anywhere else in southern Africa. Expansion of the kingdom's population has witnessed the birth of many new bomas throughout the region, and thus requires the presence of more and more officials of the princes to oversee the management of these new settles and the lands which they are now cultivating. At the moment, there are hundreds of elders and senior warriors working on behalf of the king and his princes, all of whom are being paid in the form of food and housing from the direct coffers of their overseers. One of the princes believes that it may be of vital importance to regulate the system of compensation within the kingdom to ensure that corruption can be controlled by the king as the royal administration begins to bloat within just two years of its introduction. Elsewhere, the mines of Zimbabwe continue to extract vauble resources for trade within the kingdom and with its foreign visitors. The ivory trade in particular is of great value to the kingdom in the form of hard currency exchanged for the elephant tusks. In the south, the king has expressed concern related to the management of the Nguni people who have established themselves on the southern side of the Limpopo River. Migrating from the old capital of Mapungubwe nearly a century ago, the Nguni left the former kingdom during its collapse and the transition of power to Lusvingo (OTL Great Zimbabwe). Having established a parallel society in terms of culture and social hierarchy, the Nguni lack the same centralized authority in the person of the king, but proven themselves a threat to the stability of the empire's rule and security. Having overseen a great shift in the old way of doing things, and thus reaped the benefits in terms of more abundant harvests and healthier livestock, Zimbabwe's renewed prosperity has encouraged many of the Nguni to raid the lands of the Shona in the north, killing many and stealing their property. To this end, a hundred warriors from every district have been raised for a cycling period of service in the south, to keep tabs on the Nguni and keep them south of the Limpopo at the urging of the king and the local princes. In the east, in line with the king's instruction, the advisors sent to the camps of the Arab traders have begun their work of living with the foreigners and getting some idea as to how best to cater to the needs and desires of the merchants and how they can develop a more profitable relationship. The traders state that they would benefit greatly from establishing a port on the coastline controlled by Zimbabwe, but the advisors understand that this would greatly displease Katonga and place the security of the kingdom at risk. Instead, they suggest that the Shona could build a port for the Arab sailors and their goods, but that its security and administration would also be overseen by the Shona. In exchange, the Arabs would be given favorable trading terms for their assistance in guiding the Shona in the proper manner in which to build such a port, as well as assistance in catering to the needs of the visitors who would likely be staying in the area while they rest for their long journeys at sea. In the far north, Munashe has obtained a great deal of fame and prestige for his recent successes on the battlefield. His superior tactics and reforms to the weapons of his men have allowed him a number of victories against the Mwani and Mwame people neighboring the Mkonde who have adopted him. Many other Mkonde warhosts have likewise adopted Munashe's ideas for their own styles of fighting, but none have had the same success as Munashe himself. Having obtained acclaim for his actions, Munashe has be given his own boma in the north to help protect the land against the Arabs and Swahili who frequently raid into Mkonde lands to take slaves. Seeking to serve those who have supported him since finding him on the verge of death, Munashe takes on the task of guarding the Mkonde against the depredations of the foreign enslavers.
 * Chimu: After years of battle, and chaos, the Chimunese Civil War, comes to an end. Roxhivi Chao, is completely defenseless, and surrenders to the rebellion forces. The tribute system is reformed, and is only used when the Leader needs it. Prosperity, resurges into the Chimu Culture. The civil war, was of a massive scale, covering all the major cities and villages. Lutem Rudu, the leader of the Chimunese rebelllion, becomes a messianic figure to the Chimunese Culture, as the savior of the Chimu, and the chosen one of the gods.
 * Mali Empire: The greatness of the Mali Empire that Ibn Battuta was familiar with began to take complete shape at this time. The various overland and sea trades of gold, copper, salt, coffee and palm oil solidified the vast surpluss of revanue for the empire. Mansa Musa did not devote this money to his personal posessions right away, but instead used it to fund the continued expansion of domestic infrastructure. The cities of Dakar, Timbuktu, and Niani are greatly expanded, with new farms and homes. New settlements are also made on the Gorgades Islands. The Gbara continues to be reformed with replacing clan-based kinship with feudal nobility. The military is also restructured, incorporating the Nigerian demesne of Musa with the existing imperial army of the empire, composed in total now of 30,000 archers, 60,000 javalin infantry, and 10,000 horon cavalry. The river-based navy of Mali along the Senegal and Niger rivers have a total of 2,000 ships. The greatest highlihgt of this year, in 1317, was the arrival of King James II of Aragon to visit the court in Niani personally. The greatest and most respectable forms of entertainment, cuisine, and splendour was shown off to the Spanish royalty, where Mansa Musa himself had them sit at his own table for dinner. James II is shown a variety of tamed wild animals across Africa, whiling dervishes of Sufi mystics, and tranditional dances of Manding. Meanwhile, the suppression of revolts in Songhai continues. Anecdotes describe that the rulers of Gao surrendered after their army was wiped out, but the general Ayyob of Musa refused to listen to their pleas, but instead continued to break down the walls of the city and sack and pillage the entire population. The Songhai people were decimated by the Malian armies, and forced to flee the cities into the outer countryside.
 * Papal States: With the Famine coming to an end, the people of the Papal States celebrates seeing this as result of prayers to Christ's Divine Mercy. In honor to Christ, the Church of Divine Mercy is planed to be built in Rome. People continue to seek convents and monasteries for food, but their numbers are decreasing. The high number of people that died as result of the Famine makes pope Gregory XI take a serious decision. He decides to reduce the spendings of the papal court and places this money in the "Fund of the Poor" to be used to help the people when another calamity happens. Gregory orders the construction of hospitals in Civitavecchia, Viterbo and Rome to help the sick due to the Famine. He also orders the construction of barns to store grains that will be used to feed the poor. The agriculture slowly returns to normal and by orders of the pope part of the food produced in Church lands will be used to feed the poor. Farmers are also incentived to breed cattle. He incentive the fishermans of Civitavecchia to continue with their works, their smoked fish was a important source of food during the Famine. To this better fishing boats are built. The port of Civitavecchia is also improved to be used as a merchant post. The handicraft and textiles are also incentived by the pontiff. The widow Francesca Occhino continues with her humanitarian works, but people around her start to notice that her health seems to be declining. The people that she helped start to fear that Francesca will die soon. Due to their actions during the Famine, Catharina and Matthias are considered saints by the people of Rome. Pope Gregory agrees to raise Brabant-Lotharingia to Archduchy and asks the Emperor to do the same [MOD response needed, please]. The Order of the Divine Mercy is growing with convents and monasteries being built in Viterbo and Civitavecchia. Cassiano Caravello, a monk of Divine Mercy asks the king of Aragon to allow the creation of a monastery in his kingdom [Aragon response needed, please]. Domenica Calegari, a nun of Divine Mercy asks Archduke John of Brabant to allow the construction of a convent in his lands [Brabant-Lotharingia response needed, please]. The repairs in the Lateran Palace, which are stopped due to the Famine, are resumed and new soldiers of the Papal Army are trained. Gregory invites Agnes of Montepulciano to visit Rome, he wants to know more about her. He also gives his support to the works of Gianni D'Padua [MOD response needed, please]. Believing that the Famine was a punishment due to the schism and corruption of the clergy, Gregory returns to his plans to reform the Church, the pope creates a branch of the Inquisition that will be responsible to investigate and judge misconduct of members of the clergy. After seeing the plans of John XXI to reduce the use of indulgences, but also knowing how important their use was during the Famine, Gregory establishes that indulgences will only be given in times of great crisis to those that are dying and to those that help the ones suffering. He also says that the new branch of the Inquisition will also investigate and judge clergymen involved in cases of abuses involving indulgences. The punishment to those involved with simony and others abuses will be excommunication and prison for life. Like the Roman people, pope Gregory isn't very happy with the support of the Teutonic Knights to Novgorod in the war against Sweden. He wrote to the Grand-Master of the Teutonic Order asking for more details about the situation with Sweden [Teutonic Knights response needed, please]. Gregory thanks Milan and Lübeck for their help during the Famine and asks both if they want a trade agreement with the Papal States [Milan and Lübeck response needed, please].
 * Teutonic Diplomacy: Sweden blocked the Gulf of Finland during their war with Novogorod and that was against Hansetic interests so Hansa declarer Sweden as a enemy
 * Agnes and Gianni both visit Rome and pay honor to the Holy Father.
 * Milan happily accepts this trade agreement.
 * Republic of Venice: The recent episodes of civil unrest in Tuscany and the Emilia-Romagna calm down as the recent harvests bring more than enough grain surplus to feed the population. To prevent further trouble the store is rather stored away than sold off, and the taxes of very productive farmers are cut, mainly to encourage the usage of modern and more efficient farming methods. Citizens who cannot afford the taxation, can sign up for labour programs of the State (usually working on building sites or infrastructure projects) to pay in labour. The Florentines, heavily weakened by the great famine of the last few years, fall prey to ambitious Venetian merchants and politicians, who use a large deal of political influence on the Florentine court. One of those policies is the picking of the Florint to the Venetian Ducate with the loophole of the paper money notes, which stabilizes the local economy of Florence, but ultimately reduces their banking capabilities, which are transferred to Venice itself.Opposing Florentine politicians are bribed, appeased or right out killed. The Arsenale in Chania and the largest of the Arsenale, the Original one in Venice, are expanded once more to be able to produce 3 merchant ships and 3 warships simultaneously in a week. Ravenna is organized as a city dedicated to building weaponry and artillery for the Venetian Army. Additionally, the fortification of Rhodes starts this year. SECRET The Milanese are asked for a common strategy against the Pisan forces who so aggressively disturb the fragile order of peace in northern Italy. Venice suggests to fund the fortification program of Milan against Pisa with a 0,5% interest rate, giving the Milanese a large discount (MILANESE RESPONSE) SECRET END Past famines have changed the diet of the Venetians as well: hazelnuts, apples and escargots become regularly served, even in the homes of the upper class. Fish consumption rose as well, especially preserved fish in regions less close to the sea. The Venetian language becomes standardized for the first time, and all Universities, in particular Padua, Bologna and the newly found one in Venice are mandatory to hold lectures in Venetian and Latin, to promote a sense of appeal around the Venetian culture and language. Strange, dar skinned traders appear in Venetian ports as well, after coming supposedly from Egyptian Salt merchants. After a short while it turns out these men come not from Egypt directly but from a far more southern land called Mali. On their return, they are given a note translated in Arabic and Venetian along with the finest glass art Murano could produce in the hopes of establishing trading relationships (MALI RESPONSE PLEASE).
 * Mali dip: A letter in Arabic and Mandinka arrives back in Venice addressed from Mansa Musa, Emperor of Mali and Lion of Africa. It thanks the Venetians for the murano glass, and asks to establish steady trade with the city in exchange for a small tolkan of 240 Mithqals of gold.
 * Milan: Milan politely declines the offer though is very grateful for it as they state they are about to take the Fight to Pisa.
 * Republic of Novgorod: Prince Mikhail Yaroslavich of Novgorod continues his campaign to retake Karelia, with 20.000 troops from Novgorod itself, Pskov, the Teutonic Order and German mercenaries. He SECRETLY sends a delegation to the Karelian tribes in Sweden and the Ushkuyniks of the Volkhov River, asking them to join his cause, with in return that Karelian tribes will be represented in the veche and with large autonomy within the nation, and ask them to surprise attack the fortress of Korela with support of 3000 of our men [MOD response]. The 17.000 men who remain set siege to Vyborg, intending to starve the Swedes out. '[Algo requested for Korela and Vyborg]. We respond to Ozbeg Khan, telling him that we will pay more tribute this year in return of not participating, as we are busy with our own fights, and we apologize '[MOD response].' In SECRET,' the veche (government), headed by the posadnik (mayor) of Novgorod Semyon Klimovich, in collaboration with the Archbishop of Novgorod David, plan in order to spearhead reform. Otherwise, Novgorod exports fur, hops, timber and tar to the rest of Europe through the Teutonic Order, making profits.
 * Republic of Pskov (Novgorodian vassal): Pskov helps Novgorod in its endeavors against Sweden and continues supplying troops to the war against Sweden. Exports of lard, mead, timber and fur continue.
 * Kingdom of Navarre: As Pope Gregory XI initiates reforms reducing indulgences, King Louis I is satisfied the Roman Church is sincerely taking measures to reduce corruption like that of John XXI, and decides to organise a reconciliation between the Western Church and Rome. He and Leo X approach Gregory XI and propose a resolution to the schism: the Western Church will become a sui iuris church, with some autonomy but in communion with the Roman Church; the Western Church would conduct liturgical rites in the Basque language. Leo X would also give up the title of Western Pope and instead become Western Patriarch under his birth name, Federico Goikoetxea. In return, Louis I asks that the Western Patriarch be created cardinal. (Gregory XI response) Even with the proposed resolution of the schism, construction works around Tudela including fortifications and some new administrative buildings near the Cathedral continue as the city would still serve as the administrative centre for the sui iuris church. As the effects of the famine weaken, rationing of food is lessened, but the centralised collection and distribution is retained for the time being as Louis I finds this a good method to ensure all the peasants are fed, lessening the chance of conflicts amongst the peasants. Louis I sends 1,000 soldiers to aid the government of the Kingdom of Sicily as the nation suffers unrest.
 * Papal diplomacy: Pope Gregory XI accepts the proposal and is happy to welcome Navarre back to the Catholic Church. He removes the excommunication from both the royal family and of Goikoetxea. He promises to create Patriarch Goikoetxea as cardinal in the consistory of next year.
 * Duchy of Brabant-Lotharingia: "Harba Lorifa": The Famine is ending in western europe is gradualy ending, and people are once again getting their needed nutrients. Alltough John of Malines did most of the work of dealing with the Famine, Due to John III showing up in many farms and such he's seen as the face of effort. John III his savings and his choice to even eat less and of lesser quality is seen as an act of charitability, as he decided to not order foods with all plausible spices and suggars and instead using it on the poor and sick. With the council of Heyst looking into expanding even more, as to be able to defend itself even more against foreign agression from both the empire and outside of it. The council begins to look into ways to expand and standardise the system in combination of allowing the church some minor influence for if The realm expands into clericaly ruled lands. The idea is to give one clerical seat for each clerical state, alltough the church will keep alot of its own interal rules and traditions. With the one exception being that the clerical state will officialy change to a secular state with the Brabantine Duke as its head figure. For the Implementations and idealising of these idea's John III asks of the pope and the Emperor to have Lotharingia and his tittle of duke of Lotharingia elevated to the Tittle fo Archduke of Lotharingia. (Pope response) (Mod response). The reason for the request is that He belives that the combination of land gain, and religious deeds mostly aimed at the poor makes it worthy of elevation. For this plausible recognition Duke John III recognises Gregory XI as the legitimate pope, and as his Regent John of Malines had not done so due to the shism that was happening. As the shism as not a issue to be meddled with for a Regent that only had to rule until the coming of a Formal duke, which John III did. The council begins to end its emergency budget which focussed alot on laxer taxation and giving food to the poor. With more money available it is now possible to pay soldiers more, the Brabantine archers are also now getting money again to train. These archers being one of the Best due to the use of Brabantine Longbow, in combination with English woolen Gambisons that are produced in Brabant. This training being once a week minimally and some mostly those who have time an hour a day, where they try hitting their targets from further and further away some even hitting it from 300 Brabantine yards which is quite a far distance for an archer to hit. The archers even doing this quite accurately on that distance, but is questioned on how far the distance would be if they had to be put trough the test in war. As these results are under perfect conditions, The Brother of John III becoming a good archer himself. His brother being nicknamed Hendrick "Boogschutter" as his skill is one of the best ever seen in the lands. While John III is still looking for a suiter so he can bear children and have a safe succesion, as he is still unmarried and without children not even illegitimate once. While with money begining to come trough once more, Merchants in the coastall cities begin to build more ships once more. Rotterdam, Antwerp and Amsterdam being the biggest producers of new ships that Trade from far away from the Baltic to the Bay of Biscay. This bay being know as the "Basken golf" as a reference to the local basque which are in the corner of this bay, and which is a great stop for ships to stop and trade with Castile and France. This bringing trade from as far as africa and overland from india, this being mostly related to spices they have.
 * Republic of Milan: With the moves by Pisa against Florence as well as the end of the famine, Milan makes moves to Conquer Pisa to keep them from continuing to disturb this fragile state in Northern Italy with the recent food issues. The navy of Milan moves to blockade Pisa, and a message is sent to the various mercenary companies outside of Milan in Northern Italy in case of a need for them. The forces are moved southwards towards Pisa and prepare for a long siege on the city itself. The Milan forces number roughly 14k with the numbers increasing following some major casualties during the famine. Max capacity estimates currently are between 16k and 18k. Galleazzo is given the command of the forces again due to his great job during the previous wars and is assisted by his brother, Luchino who is a very experienced combatant but has had less command than his brother. (Algo Needed) Galleazzo’s son reaches the age of 15 and has proven less capable with sword but extremely capable with finances and numbers as well as books. This is taken very well by the bankers of Milan who he quickly becomes famous among as he is brought up in the trade by one of Galleazzo’s closest allies in the banking world, Deo Valier. A messenger is sent to venice to try and guarantee Pisa would fall by gaining Venetian assistance in the siege. (Venice response needed). The actions by Arles in Northern Italy are frowned upon by Milan as they consider it an enlarging french influence in Northern Italy.
 * Japanese Empire (Truce Period): The last few years in Japan have been overall not as eventful as prior years however as Emperor Daigo finally hears back from his Kampaku Hiruzen in Hokkaido, the good news is left to him that the Ainu of the southern 2/3rds of the island have been beaten and subjugated once again. Emperor Daigo is greeted with nearly 2000 captives, many women and men who he turns and places them within some of the new systems put in place specifically within some of the farming labor camps that were built to help develop the nations agricultural systems. As the Ainu revolt is finally put down, Emperor Daigo takes the time to carefully foster and develop agricultural projects as well as foster positive growth opportunities for artisans. The Imperial army further undergoes reformes to develop its capabilities seperating its Ashigaru forces into heavy frontline glaive infantry, along side medium melee sword infantry as well as archers will a small component of Fire lances numbering about 200 for quick shock value. The Samurai are delegated into Heavy shock infantry and Heavy shock cavalry. The armies are put into forces of 25,000 and further reforms are put into place allowing and sanctioning the common man to enter into the armed forces outside of being conscription. A Volunteer force is created outside of the regular conscription pool with enlistment period of 8-10 years depending on the situation. They are to be equipped and armed by the government who contracts many artisans and blacksmiths to develop enough arms for nearly 50,000 of these newly enlisted forces. The enlistment of 25,000 troops is met rather quickly and the army made up of many veterans as well as newcommers begins to be drilled in the art of war. Another 25,000 are slated to be recruited and trained the next year in order to bring a solid number of 50,000 troops to bear on the two remaining Daimyo the Tetsuko and Minamoto who have undergone their own developments. Their own conscriptions are able to replenish the minamoto forces to about 20,000 and the Tetsuko to 30,000. Emperor Daigo is seemingly unworried about this haven been spending much time studying and developing new much more sophisticated strategies to handle the war after the truce ends. This sees the full on creation of the Imperial Japanese Navy or Kyujitai. With 3 years left of the truce nearly 100 warships are ordered to be constructed adopting new plans and design for ships. The focus however is on Atakebune light ships. Of superior quality to the Japanese Wokou pirate ships the Emperor quietly treats with a man known only as the "Pirate King" in Osaka having sent for him the previous year. In order to maintain naval dominance and bring the fight to enemy shores the Emperor offers full service within the Kyujitai and a pardoning for their crimes if they turn away from their life of piracy and settle down as professional sailors of the soon to be emergent Japanese navy. As a few ships are completed this year, the Wokou Pirates and their Pirate King are able to see the quality of these ships as well as showcasing awe for a new design of much larger and well equipped ships that were designed to outclass anything the other Japanese competitors might be able to field. It is expected that nearly 200 ships are to be completed (this is well within reason, Singular Daimyo were able to field 100-200 ships against eachother easy) by the end of the truce with more to be built during war time. The Minamoto and tetsuko fleets are also similarly built up but with greater focus on defensive actions and raiding rather than stand up offensive fights. The Imperial treasury thanks to tax reform and the development of trade routes extending to China and further south towards the Filipino tribes as well as trade comming out of the "great isles to the south" of which only rumors are known outside of the arrival of trade ships. While burdened by military buildup these various reforms have Given the Empire a nice cushion to rest on as key developments are made. The expansion of the Bereaucracy helps with these developments and the competence of Daigo and his predecessor Go-Uda and their solid ability in establishing the reformation movement has given the Empire much clout and legitimacy in collecting and developing its production and tax bases much more thoroughly. The hiring of many of the Wokou pirates sees a noted decrease in piracy as many have taken the chance to serve in either the Emperors navy or the growing navy of the two remaining daimyo albeit the vast majority have gone on to join the Imperial navy. Emperor Daigo welcomes another child, this one a daughter to the Imperial court. The development of Cities under imperial control especially Kyoto continues with Kyoto adding to its artisan district with favorable tax policy towards the expansion of the existing district.
 * Bohemia-Poland: Enraged at the recent raids by the White Horde Wenceslaus III orders counter raids and begins calling up the levies, hiring mercenaries, and manning the extensive fortifications of the border region built over the years since his father's time. He also calls on th alliance system established early on in his reign Between Bohemia-Poland, Hiungary, and the South Slavic states. Furthermore Wenceslaus III sends an envoy to the court of Lithuania to extend an offer of friendship to the newly established power, offering Duke Gediminas a fair amount of silver and making promises of future gains into Rus and mongol territory to the duke (mod Response).  Counter-raids into Mongol territory are carried out with light cavalry.  Wencesllaus III and Queen Catherine have their first son he is named Conrad. Intermarriage between  Germans, Poles, and Czechs becomes more common place in Bohemia proper, the gorwing city of Gdansk, SIlesia, and Krakow where Wenceslaus III resides in Wawel Castle. The crown continues to promote, economic growth through the growing trade between the Baltic, and Trans-Carpathian region, and through agriculture and mining. With the worst of the famine having passed efforts are made improve agricutlural output and storage. Royal granaries and stores are established in crown lands. the Court in Krakow continues to grow and to support the arts and sciences with the University of Krakow becoming a pet project of Wenceslaus III who oversees the expansion of the newly contructed university, and inviting scholars, doctors, priests, alchemists, and engineers from all over Europe. In Kutna Hora a string of murders happen starting in the cathedral of Kutna Hora supposedly carried out by members of a secret society however very little is known or down about. Several girls are found completely drained of blood and a couple young men left in a blood Eagle. A few people suspected of witch craft are burned at the stake while more murders occur throughout the town. Eventually after a few months, members of the clergy are murdered once again in the style of a blood eagle, and a great pentacost is discovered in the cathedral. After a string of arrests and subsequent inprisonment of several vagrants passing through the city the matter is considered dealt with, however rumors of a strange preacher who became friendly with members of the local aristocracy and the deprave
 * Lithuania accepts the opportunity to counter-raid the Mongols
 * Crown of Aragon: With the Fleet ready, holding unique riches and products to impress the Mansa including gifts in the form of birds and other wildlife are brought. Renowned performers are also brought along with King James riding in his most dazzling of clothing made just for the occasion, all prepared. Silk is also brought over and an Aragonese Flag as a gift beyond all the other offerings. The fleet, painted in bright colors and consisting of 25 ships enter Mali sailing around the coast. James Arrival is greeted with his men beside him to join him in the meeting with the best artist in all of her realm being brought over to illustrate events such as the meeting. Transcripts are also recorded and James feels extremely humbled and impressed by the riches and dazzling performances. Beyond the meeting between the Mansa, James and his men consisting of an expedition group of explorers take notes of the Empire for scholarly purposes while James is guided around to see all the spectacles he may. The Empire of Wonder truly was as described and it showed. The vegetation and waterways, the armies, the shipping, the valuable products and all around trade. James wished to seize the potential for himself and offers the Mansa a free mutual trade agreement being an exclusive European Nation to have such a unique connection with Mali and wishing to open their products to distribution across European Markets, this deal is offered in hopes of good faith of mutual benefit and also stronger ties to what James can only see as a blooming friendship between the Spanish and Mali. James after giving his offerings and gifts to the Mansa offers a second meeting with Musa (Mali Response). The Royal Bank of Barcelona continues to prove to be a significant success in management and as the famine closes, the farmers and peasants may rejoice with very fruitful harvests made. 85 more ships are ordered for construction in Naval Dockyards set across Aragon. With excess funds brought upon by trade expansion and production, James orders the construction of a fortress around Barcelona, Valencia,Murcia and Ceuta. This would be completed over the duration of the coming years but should assure protection of Aragon's most important cities along the coast. Bastia and Cagliari experience reconstruction and redevelopment efforts with expansion brought upon as well by some growth.