500 to 600 (The Ashes of Rome Map Game)

500 C.E.
The game has begun.

'''Unrest occurs in the Byzantine provinces of Egypt and Africa. Many citizens of these provinces are calling for separation from the empire.'''

The Ostrogoths and Vandals continue to fight for control of Sicily.

The Suebi Tribes begin to raid trade routes in the Western Visigothic Kingdom.

'''The Gepids declare Byzantine Dalmatia rightfully part of their kingdom. The Byzantines do not acknowledge the claim.'''

Frankish: We invade the Visigothic kingdom, Burgundy and the Celtic League.

Anglo-Saxon Tribes: We begin to improve our military and recruit more willing men into our armies. We propose an alliance with the Frankish and Visigothic Kingdoms. Visigothic Kingdom: The Visigoths send a party of diplomats to both Burgundy and the Celts offering an alliance until the Frankish threat can be dealt with. Trade route security and road maintenance is improved, as well as an increased number of troop patrols passing through North Western Iberia. Spies are sent into the Byzantine provinces to investigate rumors of political unrest.
 * The Visigoths decline the offer and denounce the Anglo-Saxon involvement with the Franks.
 * Frank Dip: Accepts the offer.

The entire Visigothic Kingdom focuses on becoming tighter knit, with government control becoming more centralized. Artists and inventors are encouraged to spread their works across the lands, as the Visigothic empire aspires to replace Rome as the cultural epicenter of the world. Carnage and warfare become heavily glorified in Visigothic society. Arenas and fighting pits are created to satiate the people's growing blood lust. A call is put out for any and all Visigothic people to form a grand raiding party, not just soldiers are permitted, but any and all who show patriotism, an affinity for battle or simply have a burning hatred for outsiders. This raiding party is promoted heavily and gossip of it spreads throughout the land like wildfire. The Visigoths send a warning to the tribes of the Suebi, stating that any further action made against them would result in war. Jute Tribes: Settlers travel north and settle in the southern tip of modern-day Norway, creating small villages and trading ports on the peninsula. (Picture a line from modern day Stavanger to Arendal, with all land below that being occupied by Jutes now).
 * Byzantine Dip: In exchange for increased trade, less border tension, and mutual benefits to both of our empires, we would be willing to renounce our claims to Italia should the Visigoths agree to our proposal.
 * Visigoth Salsa: The Visigoths believe you have mistaken them for the Ostrogoths.
 * Burgundy accepts the offer. 

Byzantine Empire: We give greater autonomy to Egypt and our African provinces, and start to federalize our large and unruly empire. We also offer to warm relations with the Persian Empire''', and offer them joint expansion into the Arabian Peninsula (MOD response if Persia doesn't post). We improve the economy and the military. '''We expand into Crimea, Arabia and Libya by ... 200 px (no expansion numbers were given). Persian Empire: We officially rename our empire the 'Persian Empire'. We begin expanding into Arabia. We also expand eastward toward India. Furthermore, we expand a little (50 pixels) into Russia. We expand 450 pixels in each direction (if not, suggest a measurement). We build our military and infrastructure. We begin building roads to connect such a large empire.
 * Persian Dip: We accept and start invading Arabia jointly with the Byzantine Empire. The pact will be called the 'Turkish-Persian Pact'.

Slavic Peoples: Migration toward the east begins, settling in territories farther to the east (taking what is now the Lviv Oblast and Zakarpattia Oblast)

Vandalic Kingdom: We recruit more native men to our armies, 90% of Vandals soldiers in the Vandalic army are demobilized and return to their homes due to being a minority on our kingdom and not wanting to get reduced even more, many lands and houses belonging to natives around Carthage are being given to Vandal people and many natives end up as their slaves. We make an attack using most of our army toward Palermo. Also, we offer to the Ostrogoths peace giving them Corsica for the rest of Sicily. We also expand 500 pixels into North Algeria without entering too inland into the desert and Moroccan Coasts.

Baltic Peoples: With the Slavic tribes approaching from the south, some Balts begin to fear they could become conquered and lose their territories. As a result, military recruiting increases. The Galindian clan, in Masuria, forms a plan to unite the Balts under their rule to protect their lands from invasions.

Celtic League: Begins to improve its economy and build up its military. Celtica accepts alliance offer from Visigothic Kingdom. The population of Celtica begins to grow slowly fast, adding 4000 people each year. Some farms and cities are upgraded and roads are improved.

Burgundy: Rallies its forces to fight against the Frankish invasion. As a result of the war, the king of Burgundy orders the mass recruitment to bring the army at a total of 7000 men. Weapons are produced to help fight the Franks, and cavalry is trained to help drive the Franks back.

505 C.E.
Unrest in the Southern Byzantine provinces has been completely quelled.

The Turkic-Persian Pact is enacted, and the two empires slowly begin to divide up Arabia.

'''The Franks make major gains in Celtic Brittany, and they gain complete control over the Channel Islands. They do, however, experience minor losses on the Burgundian and Visigothic Fronts.'''

The Vandals make slight gains in Sicily, oc

cupying most of its Southwest coast.

The Galindian clan gains power in the Baltic lands.

The Suebi tribes continue to raid Visigothic outposts.

The Gepids send small military units into Byzantine Dalmatia, and begin to besiege its smaller cities.

The Jutes begin to settle in Southern Norway.

Burgundy mounts an offensive against the Franks, using 1000 men in attempt to split the Frankish forces in half.

Alemanni Tribes: Chieftain Shagga Son of Dolf, joins every Alemanni tribe and clan, creating the first "Alemanni Confederation", a new expansion wave begins to fund new villages to unsettled lands to the east, while minor roads are created on not forested areas on the confederation, Shagga desires to use this next five years to improve the infrastructure of the Alemanni, by improving crops, roads and basic life conditions.

Anglo-Saxon Tribes: We finish recruiting soldiers into our standing military and declare war with the Celts by invading their territory in OTL Wales and Cornwall. We are now trying to build forts and walls that will be able us to protect our territory.

Frankish Kingdom: We are happy that the Anglo-Saxons have honored their alliance, and we aim to take all of Brittany. We try to regroup in the south and launch a major offensive.

Jute Tribes: The Jutes continue to travel into Norway and move farther north (50 pixels or so) in search of more farming land. Other settlers begin to move east and create small, agriculture based settlements in Sweden, north of the Danish Tribes. Many Jute chieftains, noticing the actions and unification of other peoples, hold an assembly and create the "United Jutland Tribes" in which a new chieftain is selected every five years from the major tribes and every tribe has a say in the actions of the nation, though the chieftain can veto any decision and has the ultimate say. The first elected chieftain, being the choice of 19 out of 31 tribes, is Jarl of Aarhus.

Visigothic Kingdom: In immediate retaliation to the Suebi's increased hostilities, the Visigothic raiding party of rumors is armed and put to use for the first time being sent north to capture and enslave the Suebi people, burn their villages and annex their lands. Meanwhile, the Visigoths send some settlers and a battalion of soldiers across the Strait of Gibraltar, capturing and claiming the lands south for up to a hundred kilometers. The Visigoths formally apologize to the Vandals for expanding into lands they currently covet and hope for friendly relations in the future.

Animosity between the citizens of Visigoth and Ostrogoth begins to grow as their cultures struggle to differentiate themselves. To qualm this, the Visigothic empire officially declares itself to be the one true Gothic kingdom, and adjusts their name accordingly. '''The Visigothic Kingdom becomes known as "Regnum Visigothorum". '''This is done with hopes of unifying the kingdom even further and giving a sense of ancestral patriotism to the people. In an attempt to salvage relations with the nation in control of Italia, the Visigoths send a diplomat to the Ostrogothic Kingdom, commending their economics and warning them of the impending Frankish threat.

All of the lands of Iberia are claimed to be part of Regnum Visigothorum, the unsettled territory to the north however, is not taken by direct force. Instead, the Visigoths set up several farms, trading outposts, lumber mills, and mining camps, offering jobs to the natives and providing meals for their families. Several military outposts are set up, in hopes of training able bodied soldiers and incorporating them into the Visigoth army.

Following the successful relations formed with the Celts and the Burgunds, the Visigoths urge the two nations to form a similar relationship with one another. Considering the recent formation of the TPP, perhaps even a bad-ass nickname for this three-way alliance would be in order. To further support Celtic troops fighting the Frankish invasion, a few supply ships with weapons and food are sent to Brittany.

The brunt of the Visigoth army is sent to the Frankish front line. The Visigoths march in swarms, from south to north and then back down while pushing ever eastward. A diplomat is sent to the Alemanni Confederation in hopes of enlisting help in the current conflict. The Visigoths promise the Alemanni a swath of the Franks northeastern territories, as well as permanent embassy in their capitol in exchange for their support in the Franko-Gothic war.

Slavic People: The territory is divided between several principalities. As the Slavs continue to expand eastward, individual princes decide to improve infrastructure in their territories.

' ''Byzantine Empire: We begin to send in military units of our own, including our cataphracts and a few thousand swordsmen into Dalmatia, to enforce our sovereignty over the area against the Gepids. We also advise them to immediately cease all actions against Byzantium . We also expand 300 px farther into Crimea, 500 px linearly along the North African coast, 1000 px on the Arabian coast, and 500 px along the Nile. ''' Missionaries are sent into Byzantine Arabia while Jews are given greater say in society. Trade routes within the empire begin to flourish, as multiple new cities are founded in certain sites while others, such as Alexandria, Athens, Jerusalem, and Constantinople grow in prosperity. The military is improved.

Persian Empire: We continue our joint expansion with the Byzantine Empire into Arabia, slowly conquering them. We expand 1000 pixels into Arabia (that's what the Byzantine Empire is expanding). We expand 850 pixels eastward, expanding toward India. We also expand 50 pixels into Russia. We build our military and infrastructure. We expand our army. We build hundreds of roads to connect the huge empire. We also begin expanding cities so people can live in houses, instead of somewhere else. People begin to get used to the name being changed to 'Persian Empire'.

Celtic League: Continues to improve its economy and build up its military. Celtica continues to the Celtic homeland from Frankish and Anglo-Saxon invaders, which 80,000 soldiers are defending. The population of Celtica continues to grow slowly fast, adding 4000 people each year. Some farms and cities are upgraded and roads are improved.

510 C.E.
(I have decided to update the map every turn, as opposed to every five turns.) '''In the fringes of the Persian Empire, non-Persian ethnic groups begin to create tension. Many call for separation from the empire, and a few groups begin raiding Persian towns.'''

The TPP pushes farther into Arabia.

'''The War of Frankish Aggression continues. The Franks gain complete control over Brittany, however, the Burgunds and Visigoths begin to push into Frankish Territory.'''

The Celts make slight gains in Anglo-Saxon territory near Cornwall, however, the rest of the front remains stagnant.

The Byzantines push Gepid forces entirely out of Dalmatia.

The Vandals gain complete control over Sicily.

'''Tension grows between Baltic and Slavic tribes. Skirmishes between tribes occur in border areas.'''

'''The Visigoths gain about two-thirds of the Suebi Tribes' territory. Many Suebi tribes, originally living peacefully in Visogothic Lusitania, are horrified by the treatment of their people, and start violent uprisings in their native territory.'''

The Visigothic puppet state of Vasconia is created in Northern Iberia.

Frankish Kingdom: With Brittany secured, we move all forces to the south and try to stop the enemy.

Vandalic Kingdom: Every capable non-Vandal man is recruited into the army and being trained and prepared for an invasion of the Italian Peninsula. We hire many mercenaries with the promise that they may take much loot from the Italian Peninsula. We build more ships and finally we invade the Italian Peninsula from Southern Italy capturing Crotone and we expand more into the non-settled areas of Morocco and Northern Algeria by 800 px. We also ask for an alliance with the Visigoths and will give them half the Ostrogothic kingdom if they help us in the war and give us the newly settled areas they have in Africa. We will also help them with their war against the Franks. Jute Tribes: A new chieftain, Abelone of Hjorring, is selected, securing the vote of 24 out of 31 tribes. The official title for leader of Jutland becomes Jarl, in honor of the first leader, '''Jarl of Aarhus. Jarl Abelone '''expands the country southward ~100 pixels into the unclaimed territory to the southeast of Jutland and the settlements in Sweden north of the Danish Tribes are expanded eastward (perhaps looking something like this http://imgur.com/bZulA4S). Due to the maritime position of Jutland, the Jutes become skilled in shipbuilding and begin to travel out of their local water and trade with more empires, exporting fish and raw materials and becoming wealthier in the process.
 * Frank Dip: We offer an alliance, promising them the land they want.
 * Regnum Visigothorum (The Visigoths) Dip: The Visigoths eagerly support Vandalic control over Sicily and accept the alliance, but propose an additional condition: the Visigoths would like to maintain some control over the Strait and create a port city between our two empires in Northern Africa near the Strait of Gibraltar that could be used by both Empires, as well as a request for support from the Vandals in improving the Visigothic navy. In return The Visigoths offer the Vandals a large number of slave workers captured from the Suebi tribes, as well as the lands they want in Ostrogoth, and a promise to not push any farther into Africa for the foreseeable future.
 * The Vandalic Kingdom: The Vandals accept the first two terms but not to not expand into Africa. In return you may take Northern Italy as the Vandals are few in number and very populated areas could very well cripple the Kingdom. That's why we want to continue expanding into Northern African Coasts. If you leave us to settle Northern Africa Coasts we will help you conquer another country without taking any lands for ourselves.

Slavic Peoples: We continue expanding to the east and generally keep away from the Baltic peoples for now. Princes begin recruiting more men into their armies. They also encourage more expansion to the east to enlarge Slavic territory. Slav settlers take control of what is now the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Rivne Oblast, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Ternopil Oblast, Chernivtsi Oblast, and the Zhytomyr Oblast.

Regnum Visigothorum (The Visigoths): The Visigothic forces on the Frankish front line are ordered to hunker down and assert a defensive position. In preparation for attacks from the Franks, fortifications are built around eastern Visigothic camps and traps are set in Frankish forests. Visigothic land unit presence in the conflict against the Suebi is increased. A new policy is put into place regarding the state of Northern Ibera; The Enslavement Alternative policy - Any peaceful tribe to come forward and reveal the locations of those who plot against the kingdom would be granted amnesty. Additionally, any strong able-bodied man or woman who came forward and wished to join the war against the Franks was promised full citizenship within the kingdom should they remain loyal to the crown.

Regnum Visgothorum formally praises Vandalic expansion into Africa and informs the Vandals that they will not be a threat to their expansion. The Vandalic/Visigothic shared port city is founded and named "Vangoth Port". The Visigoths militarize the Ostrogoth border and warn the Burgunds that there may be warfare between the Gothic kingdoms south of their territories in the near future.

Diplomats are sent to speak with the leaders of the Lombards, and the '''Gepids. The Visigoths propose that in the following five years, the two nations should work together in order to stage an attack against the Ostrogoths. In return, the Visigoths will provide the Lombards with parts of northern Italy as well as support the Gepids claims over Byzantine Dalmatia'''. Burgundy: now has a standing military of over 20,000 men, and many more are expected to join up later. With the continuing war to drive out the Franks, several Burgundy forces drive north into Frankish territory, and the fighting increases, with Burgundy desiring a coast from the Franks. Celtic League: Continues to improve its economy and build up its military. Celtica continues its war on Anglo-Saxon and currently invades Anglo-Saxon homeland with 50,000 soldiers. Celtica also begins to retake Brittany from the Franks with 20,000 soldiers. The population of Celtica continues to grow slowly fast, adding 5000 people each year. Some farms and cities are upgraded and roads are improved.
 * The Gepids accept the Visigothic proposal.
 * The Lombards accept the Visigothic proposal.
 * Alemanni Dip: accept the Visigothic proposal. An Army of 10.000 men is marching to the Frankish front expecting to face opposition soon, more men are being trained as for now, we assume a defensive stance protecting ourselves in the forests.
 * Alemanni Dip: We would like to establish a peaceful treaty with the Burgundian Kingdom, seeking future improvement of economical prosperity (small trade routes)  and defensive pacts.

Byzantine Empire:    We offer the Ostrogoths a Byzantine entry on their side of the war, in exchange for the territories of OTL Croatia and all land between it and the Byzantines (Mod response as they don't post) '''. We also expand 300 px farther into Ukraine, 500 px linearly along the North African coast, 1000 px on the Arabian coast, and 500 px along the Nile. '''  Missionaries are sent into Byzantine Arabia while Jews are given greater say in society. Trade routes within the empire begin to flourish, as multiple new cities are founded in certain sites while others, such as Alexandria, Athens, Jerusalem, and Constantinople grow in prosperity. The military is improved with the additional construction of our Dromons and more swords and armor for the army. The formula for Greek fire, a fire nearly impossible to douse, is given to military leaders and high-ranking politicians to avoid its loss should the royal family and their servants perish. Movements start to rise up in Anatolia, calling for the limiting of the monarchy's power and giving more control of the state and government to the people. The creation of provinces and enacting of federalism, akin to the Old Roman Empire start with the re-implementation of the Senatorial system happening alongside this. We also propose the construction of trade cities with the Persian Empire along our borders. Persian Empire: We continue our joint expansion with the Byzantine Empire into Arabia, slowly conquering them. '''We accept the Byzantine Empire's proposal and we begin building trade cities on the Byzantine Empire-Persian Empire border. This increases our trade with the Byzantine Empire. We destroy the people who are raiding our cities. We refuse to split the empire saying that this will 'calm down'.''' We expand 1000 pixels into Arabia. We expand 850 pixels eastward, expanding toward India. We also expand 50 pixels into Russia. We build our military and infrastructure. We expand our army. We build hundreds of roads to connect the huge empire. We also begin expanding cities so people can live in houses, instead of somewhere else. People begin to get used to the name being changed to 'Persian Empire'.
 * (Mod response): The Ostrogoths accept the offer for alliance with the Byzantines, but refuse to give up Croatia. They instead propose that, once the war is over, the Byzantines may take any land gained from the Gepids and Lombards.
 * Vandalic Kingdom Dip: We offer the Byzantine Empire to give them OTL Croatia and all land between it and the Byzantines when we conquer them if they join our side in the war against the Ostrogoths as we have no ambitions to these lands and do not want to get into war with the Byzantines. (Negotiable).

Alemanni Confederation: The Tribes continue the peaceful settling farther north and east into Saxon and Lombardian, respectively, known lands ... Infrastructure has improved. However, due to the increasing menace of bellicose tribes, Shagga has decided to improve the training of every potential young warrior and to create more helmets, shields, swords and axes, praised Tyr god of war and justice. Due to the new roads, small trade flourishes among the confederation tribes. Anglo-Saxon Tribes: We try to repel the Celtic invasion with a majority of our troops, and we continue to try to build up our standing infrastructure.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Commends The Alemanni for their rapidly growing empire and thanks them for their efforts in the war. However, the Visigoths must warn the Alemanni that there will be consequences to their careless expansion into Lombardian territory.

Baltic Tribes: The chieftain of the Galindian clan, Aleksandras, has successfully united most of the Baltic tribes and declares himself the new ruler of the Kingdom of the Balts. He urges the chieftains under his rule to connect their new kingdom by building new roads. The Kingdom urges its people to settle northward instead of infringing on Slavic lands, and the Balts settle the rest of OTL Lithuania.

515 C.E.
'''The War of Frankish Aggression continues. The Burgunds push farther into Frankish territory, and the Visigoths and Alemanni hold their defensive position. Casualties are high on the Frankish Side.'''

Widespread '''dissatisfaction with the war, coupled with the death of King Clovis I, causes the Frankish Kingdom to split into two Kingdoms, Austrasia and Neustria, ruled by two of Clovis's sons. The majority of the deaths and loss occurred in Neustrian territory. Both kingdoms continue to fight, and maintain friendly relations. (Tao, by default, you become Austrasia, the Eastern kingdom, but you may switch to Neustria if you'd like.)'''

The Byzantines fully federalize their empire, in the Roman style.

'''The Visigoths fully conquer and Annex Suebi territory. A few tribes opt for the Enslavement Alternative, though most fight until the bitter end.'''

The Vandals conquer a small amount of territory on the Italian Peninsula, centered around Reggio Calabria, though the war becomes incredibly bogged down, with high casualty counts on both sides.

The Celts push farther into Anglo-Saxon territory, but both nations suffer heavy losses.

'''A culture divide begins to form in the Slavic Tribes, with a clear difference between Eastern and Western Slavic culture. Animosity grows between the two groups. However, tension between Balts and Slavs begins to dissipate.'''

'''The Persian empire suffers armed uprisings in its Eastern territory. The belligerents call themselves the "Neo-Parthian Empire."'''

The Gepids and Lombards attack the Ostrogothic Kingdom, but suffer minor losses.

'''Right, I think we should have an algo. Anyone agree with me? If so, I will be the algo mod, and have something in mind.'''

Austrasia: We deploy more troops and halt most forces, with a few exceptions. We maintain relations with Neustria.

Burgundy: Mounts a massive push into Neustria, using over 10,000 men. More men are conscripted, but by now, with the war having gone our way for such a long time, several ministers begin proposing that peace be made. This is supported by a small, but noticeable, group of populace.
 * Neustria agrees that a peace treaty may be in order, and proposes that, if all conquered land is returned to Neustria, they will assist the Burgundians in any future conflicts.

Vandalic Kingdom: We recruit every able non-Vandal man from the newly settle areas, also slaves that are at least decent fighters (in the arena) are promised freedom and money if they fight for their King, with the new boost of men we are able to make further advances in southern Italy. Many new buildings in Carthage are build including a huge Arena, Hellenic-Roman-Vandalic styled huge public baths, new race course for chariot races and other sports and is made the capital of our kingdom. Around the kingdom trade begins to flourish using the old Roman roads which are repaired and more roads are being built. Due to this, the Vandalic Kingdom gains more taxes and is able to spend it in improving our army and ships giving the soldiers better steel forged swords and armors. Alan's people and Vandal's people start to mix with each other more and more eventually creating a common culture. We expand more into Moroccan coasts by 1200 px. Also we ask from our friends the Visigoths to give us this lands in Africa http://prntscr.com/80wsqf keeping their agreed control in the Vargoth Port and the Straits of Gibraltar in exchange for Central Italy http://prntscr.com/80wwkb including Rome when we will conquer it. We also ask the Visigoths to give us Suebi slaves in exchange for African slaves with exchange rate of 1.20 African slaves for one Suebi slave, because the African people have started being seen as a threat by the Vandals due to being the majority. Again, we also propose to the Byzantines that to give them OTL Croatia and all land between it and the Byzantines when we conquer them if they join our side in the war against the Ostrogoths as we have no ambitions to these lands and do not want to get into war with the Byzantines. (Negotiable). Jute Tribes: Jarl Abelone refuses to step down from power and, backed by several of the more powerful tribes, creates a monarchy in which he is the first Jarl of the Abelonian Dynasty. As well, Jarl Abelone officially renames the tribes the Kingdom of Jutland. Thanks to increased maritime activity and the establishment of many ports, the Kingdom of Jutland grows wealthier. The Jutes, wishing to be a large as their neighbors, fuarther expand into the south, east and north (something like this, sorry if this is annoying, but I feel like I can better explain where I want to expand if I draw it http://imgur.com/8OgZh6w). Lastly, the Jutes would like to aid the Celts, Visigoths and Burgundy in the conflict with the Anglo-Saxons and Franks (Australasian and Neustria) in exchange for parts of the Anglo-Saxon and Frankish kingdoms. Slavic Peoples: To cut off further Byzantine expansion into the Ukraine region, Prince (who became the leader of the migrating tribes) oversees further settling in the south. Now, the Slavs take control of the Kirovohrad Oblast, Vinnytsia Oblast, Kiev Oblast, Chernihiv Oblast, Cherkasy Oblast, and the Dniprotetrovsk Oblast, effectively cutting off Byzantine territory from any unoccupied land. Prince Kyi does not want conflict but wishes to keep the Byzantines to the bottled up so that the Slavs can continue expanding. Meanwhile, farther north, small groups of settlers begin settling in the Gomel Oblast of modern Belarus. At the same time, he establishes the new city of Kiev to serve as the capital of the eastern portion (most recently colonized) of the Slavic territories. The rift between the western Slavic tribes and the east continues to grow. Regnum Visigothorum: The Visigoths fall back from the Frankish and Iberian fronts, readying themselves along the Ostrogothic border. Having accomplished the enslavement of the Suebi peoples, the Visigothic raiding party is officially incorporated into the military and sent to the Ostrogothic border with the rest. The Vangothian navy re-ports in Sicily and prepares to be put to the test for the first time.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Encourages peace between the Burgunds and the Neustrians.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Reluctantly accepts the Vandalic proposal and hands over their lands in Africa, while insisting that they be allowed to maintain a military presence in the area.
 * Vandalic Kingdom agrees for the Regnum Visigothorum to maintain some limited military presence in the area and wants to trade the our African slaves for Suebi slaves with exchange rate of 1.20 African slaves for one Suebi slave and some extra gold. Also, we ask for the Visigoths to join the war against the Ostrogoths as soon as they can due to the war with the Suebi being over and the war against the Ostrogoths getting to a stalemate and us having high casualties.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Accepts.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Accepts, promising a portion of northeastern Austrasia.
 * Byzantine Dip: We will stop expansion into Ukraine if you invade and divide the Gepid Kingdom alongside us
 * Slavic Diplomacy: We would be willing to help.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Reminds the Slavs that they are in no condition to fight in such a large conflict. The Visigoths go on to commend the Slavic expansion and heavily suggests that they take this opportunity to take what lands they want while the Byzantines are distracted with their war effort against Ostrogoth.

A diplomat with a peace offering is sent to speak with the leaders of Neustria - Regnum Visigothorum will give up all of its captured territories in Gaul to Neustria, as well as help clean up the damages from the fighting. In return, the Visigoths expect the Neustrians to seek peace with Burgundy and the Celts and allow open borders for all allies of Regnum Visigothorum. Additionally a side offer is made; the Visigoths promise to help Neustria claim its rightful land from the Austrasians and offer a majority stake in captured territory should they return Brittany to the Celts.

Armies stationed outside of The Ostrogothic Kingdom are officially sent in to besiege castles and capture territory. The Vangothian navy asserts itself in the fight for Southern Italy, hoping to give the Vandals a reasonable advantage. The Visigothic infantry are given the order to spread out, pushing north east and hoping to meet in the middle with the Lombards and Gepids, effectively pulling a noose around the Ostrogoths neck before tightening it on the push southward.

The Kingdom of the Visigoths sends an official party of diplomats to the Baltic territories. The Visigoths explain the situation with the Byzantines and the Slavs, and suggest a Defensive Pact between our two nations. This pact would proclaim, that if any outside nation decided to make war with Balts, the Visigoths would be obligated to help, assuming the Balts would do the same for them. The Visigoths remind the Balts of the poor Slavic military and highly suggests expansion into their territory if they decide to join the Byzantines by attacking the Gepids. Celtic League: Continues to improve its economy and build up its military. Celtica continues its war on Anglo-Saxon and currently invades Anglo-Saxon homeland with 50,000 soldiers. Celtica continues to invade Brittany with 20,000 soldiers. The population of Celtica continues to grow slowly fast, adding 6000 people each year. Some farms and cities are upgraded and roads are improved. Celtic ships arrives at Suðuroy in Faroe Islands, they start building the first settlements in the Faroe Islands and Celtica begins to expend into Faroe Islands.
 * Neustria agrees to the first parts of the peace treaty, but do not care for any territory from the Austrasians, due to a desire for continued positive relations with its sister kingdom. As such, Neustria would like to keep Celtic Britanny, but will return the Channel Islands.

Byzantine Empire: Byzantium enters the war on the side of the Ostrogoths and we send our capable fleet to Vandalic Sicily and Malta and to combat any Visigothic ships. Any Vandalic ship carrying goods shall be shot on sight. 25 Legions are also sent to North Africa in an attempt to gain more control of the Mediterranean from the Vandals. These legions are also supported by naval escorts when fighting near the coast. The same orders are given to any legions encountering Visigoth forces '''The war with the Vandals inspire the Byzantines, seeing it as a way to reclaim their former glory as the Roman Empire. While Italia and Rome itself may still be out of reach, the reclamation of our lost territories proves to be a vital role in civilian support of the war. Conscription need not be enacted as the army suddenly swelled with volunteers. The production of military equipment, such as swords and catapults increases as demand also increases. Byzantine-Persian trade routes and trade cities start to prosper, bringing in unimaginable wealth to the Empire. Ten Legions are also sent to the Gepid border.'''We also expand 300 px farther into Ukraine, 500 px linearly along the North African coast, 1000 px on the Arabian coast, and 500 px along the Nile. Kingdom of the Balts: We refuse any alliance with Regnum Visigothorum for now, hoping to remain neutral while the Kingdom consolidates its power. The chieftains continue to connect their lands through new roads. King Aleksandras celebrates the birth of his first son, Juozas in 513 AD, and is named the heir to the kingdom. The army of the Galidian clan is improved to protect the new kingdom from the internal threats of ambitious chieftains, or anyone who opposes the new heir.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Sends spies and diplomats into Egypt to denounce the Byzantine Empire. Rumors are spread about a separatist movement, and ethnic Egyptians are convinced of their sovereign right to be their own respectable nation. Points are made, suggesting the Byzantines have no authority over Africa.

Gepid Kingdom: We focus on mining for precious ores, which will help boost our economy. The drinking age is raised to 18, in order to prevent too many fatalities. We promise asylum for anyone attempting to escape for crimes or draft evasion.

Persian Empire: We offer the Neo-Parthian Empire the Treaty of Karachi. We expand 600 pixels into Arabia and 400 pixels into Russia. We begin building trade cities along the Bytzan Empire's border, this means the economy of the Persian Empire. We continue our joint expansion with the Bytzan Empire into Arabia. We build are army. We build infrastructure and are military. We build hundreds of roads to connect this huge empire. We also continue to build are houses to house are huge empire.
 * The Neo-Parthian Empire would like to know what exactly the Treaty of Karachi entails.
 * Treaty of Karachi:
 * 1) Neo-Parthian Empire will not attack the Persian Empire.
 * 2) The Persian Empire will not attack eastward.
 * 3) Neo-Partian Empire has an alliance.
 * 4) The Neo-Parthain Empire may invade eastward.
 * 5) The Persian Empire will not attack Neo-Parthian Empire.
 * 6) The Neo-Parthian Empire will cede half of their territory to the Persian Empire
 * Persian Empire: AH28
 * Neo-Parthian Empire: (Mod) Knoxmoor

520 C.E.
The Visigothic army pushes far into Italia, and the Lombards make minor gains.

The Visigoths retreat from Neustria.

Espionage efforts by the Visigoths in Byzantium are unsuccessful, and the citizens of Africa and Egypt remain fervently loyal to their empire.

The Vandals make slight gains in Southern Italia, with the aid of the Vangothic Navy, but the Byzantine Navy continues to heavily damage the fleet, making further progress difficult.

The Byzantines make significant gains in Dacia and Vandal North Africa, particularly the latter due to limited Vandal military presence in Africa.

The Celts push farther into Anglo-Saxon territory.

'''The Eastern Slavs invade Dacia. The Western Slavs refuse to do the same.'''

Eastern territory of the Persian Empire revolts and joins the Neo-Parthian Empire.

'''War weariness takes hold in the Ostrogothic Kingdom. Some soldiers begin to refuse to fight, and as a result, Ostrogothic military prowess drops significantly. Many citizens begin to push for a peace treaty, even if it entails living under a different ruler.'''

Slavic Peoples: Prince Kyi does not want to take military action against either the Byzantines or anyone else, but begins reforming the military, understanding that it would need to be improved so they could defend their territories. It took both volunteers and conscripts, rising to a strength of 100,000 men in total in eastern Slavic territories. The prince personally oversees the training of this new army. Prince Kyi decides to split off from the West Slavs completely, and announced that any other Slavs from the west can join him in the east if they want new land. This policy is highly successful in increasing the east's population. More settlement and expansion occur, with settlers colonizing the Sumy Oblast, Poltava Oblast, Donetsk Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, and Luhansk Oblast. Based in Kiev, the people of the new kingdom become known as the Rus'. Burgundy: Feeling the war has gone on long enough, sends a delegation to the Franks for peace, whereby the Franks will accept their loses, and return Brittany to the Celts. However, they will be paid for their loses. Economic recovery and demobilization begin, but not on a large scale. Kingdom of Jutland: Many merchant and exploration ships are converted to be used for troop transport and 15,000 conscripted men and volunteers land in northern Australasia to honor their treaty with Regnum Visigothorum and attempt to take advantage of the weakened armies. As well, 10,000 men are sent to the east coast of the island of the Anglo-Saxons to aid the Celts in their attack, effectively forcing the Anglo-Saxons to fight a two-front war. Lastly, Jarl Abelone encourages further expansion in OTL Sweden and Norway, and settlers establish settlements all the way to Sweden's east coast and 50 pixels farther north into Norway.
 * (Your nation's name and color has been changed on the map and legend accordingly.)
 * Vandalic Kingdom Dip: We ask the Rus', due to having claims in Byzantine lands and not wanting to make war against the Gepids, to withdraw from the Gepids' lands and make peace with them and join us in our fight against Byzantium due to having common goals. Byzantium is becoming stronger day by day and soon it will be unstoppable.
 * Rus' Diplomacy: We will withdraw from Gepid territory in exchange for them not taking any retaliatory action against us.
 * Vandalic Kingdom Dip: We agree with your terms but also propose that you attack the Byzantines now that they are at war with five or more Kingdoms.
 * Byzantine Dip: In exchange for the Rus' neutrality or alliance in the war, Byzantium would be willing to give you a strip of land to give you access to the Black Sea (the OTL Odessa Oblast), plus free use of the developed ports of Crimea for 30 years to trade with us or other countries in the Mediterranean.
 * Vandalic Kingdom Dip: We offer you any Byzantine Crimea and Ukraine and any lands you may occupy form the Byzantine Empire, now that they are at war with five kingdoms in exchange for an alliance and support in the war against the Byzantines, or they will betray you in the future and conquer you as they are overextending with no countermeasure and this may be the last effort to defeat them that has any chances of succeding. Persian Empire is collapsing leaving the Byzantines as the world's only Superpower unless we stop them.
 * Neustria reluctantly agrees.

Western Slavs: We expand west into unoccupied central Europe trying to claim as much as possible. In addition, tribes begin to unite. infrastructure and military are increased. Anglo-Saxon Tribes: Following the constant devastating battles between us and the Celts, we offer a temporary stalemate between us and them so we can improve our armies for later wars. We stop improving infrastructure, and we focus on improving our military.
 * Rus' Diplomacy: We would like to continue trade and other close cooperation with our western brothers for the mutual benefit of our peoples.
 * the Western slavs agree to this arrangement.

Vandalic Kingdom: Carthaginian (Phoenician) arts, technology and customs are being discovered in our capital, Carthage. People began praising the Carthageans (Phoenicians) and are being treated as heroes, a fallen almighty warlike civilization. We began adopting many things from them like their alphabet. Also Carthaginian architecture is being used very often lately in combination with Heleno-Roman/Vandalic architecture. The remaining Carthaginians (Phoenicians) become privileged citizens of the Vandalic Kingdom after the King falls in love with their civilization adopting many of their customs, and thinking highly of their religion (not adopting it). Most of the army (80%) goes back to Africa to defend it. Every able-bodied man or woman in the occupied areas, the newly settled areas and the rest of the kingdom is conscripted - Vandal or not. We fortify our defences in Africa and our navy being superior to the Byzantine navy with the help of the Vargoth/Visogoth navy is able to stop the Byzantines from landing in Italy. We continue settling Morocco and the nearby isles by 1000px. We ask our allies the Visigoths to help us defend Africa because they are the next target of the Byzantines. We also ask the Rus', due to having claims in Byzantine lands and being against war with the Gepids, to withdraw from the Gepids' lands and make peace with them and join us in our fight against Byzantium. Byzantine Empire: Diplomats are sent to Lombard lands to gain favor with them. (To clarify, I am only at war with the Visigoths, Gepids and the Vandals). Our war continues against the Visigoths, Gepids and Vandals with our navy surrounding Sicily and Malta. 40 additional legions move into North Africa and the legions already stationed there are ordered to head north to capture ancient Carthage, which will serve as a vital base of operations should it be taken. We encourage the Ostrogoths to join the Byzantines in North Africa after retaking/taking Southern Italia and Corsica and Sardinia. However, we do offer the Vandals peace with the only things that will change is that control of OTL Malta switches to us. All conquered territory shall be returned to them. '''The war is increasingly popular with the populace, especially in Egypt and Africa, where the rumors spread by unknown spies are merely words to the wind. To reward the African and Egyptian provinces' loyalty to the empire, they are each given permanent seats in the Senate, effectively giving them a say in how the empire is run. With the population growing at an astounding rate per year, more farms are built, most especially in Northern Egypt and Anatolia, which are excellent sources of agricultural products. Iron production moves to the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, giving employment to those in need. Heavy naval losses are reported, but multiple coastal cities are ordered to produce naval ships to try to replace our losses. Trade cities continue to prosper.''' We temporarily cease all expansions into uncharted land. We also invite the Ostrogoths and Persia to form an 'Imperial League', an economic and military alliance aimed to secure the sovereignty of all nations involved. Any nations that are not at war with others are invited to join, regardless of their location, wealth or power. Celtic League: Continues to improve its economy and build up its military. Celtica continues its war on Anglo-Saxon and currently invades Anglo-Saxon homeland with 50,000 soldiers. Celtica requests Neustria to end this war and Brittany and the Channel Islands would be returned to Celtica. The population of Celtica continues to grow slowly fast, adding 6000 people each year. Some farms and cities are upgraded and roads are improved. With the Celts colonize Faroe Islands fully, they start sending on another exploration on Iceland. To then, Celtic ships arrives at OTL Höfn in Iceland, they start building the first settlements in the Iceland and Celtica begins to expend into Iceland. Regnum Visigothorum: The captured lands in northern Italy are officially annexed into the Visigothic territory. The Visigothic infantry tightens up their position and hopes to march north, strengthening a curve into militarized territory. A diplomat is sent into Lombard to diffuse the relationship with the Byzantines. The Visigoths will allow the Lombards to keep all of their captured territory in Italy, as well as promise to provide them with all of the benefits of being an ally of the Kingdom, including trade opportunities and open borders with friendly nations. The Visigoths demand, however, that the Lombards pull out of the war with the Ostrogoths and focus all effort on supporting their friend the Gepid Kingdom.
 * Vandalic Kingdom Dip: We ask the Lombards to attack Byzantium due to Byzantium supporting their enemy and join us in our fight against the Byzantine Empire with promises of this http://prntscr.com/81deis and ask them to ally with us to coordinate better against our enemies.(Mod response)
 * Vandalic Kingdom Dip: We ask the Gepids to ally to coordinate better because we are fighting the same enemy.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Without diverting any of its attention from the Ostrogthic front line, the Visigoths order their units along the militarized Strait of Gibraltar to move in and assist the Vandals. The Visigoth navy is busy with the fight in Southern Italy, and the brunt of the Visigothic military has its hands full in Northern Ostrogoth, so instead the Visigoths also attempt to form a sea-caravan system between themselves and the Vandals that would result in them both being better supplied for future battles.
 * Vandalic Kingdom Dip: With our capital Carthage close to falling and the Ostrogoths close to surrendering facing huge desertion problems and their people wanting peace at any cost, we ask the Visigoths to aid us against the Byzantines in Africa with half of their army (or conscript more) currently fighting the Ostrogoths, out of fear that the Byzantine Empire is expanding way too much and will attack the Visigoths next after Africa falls to restore the Roman Empire.
 * Byzantine Dip: We offer peace to the Vandals. The terms are these: Byzantium cedes these areas http://prntscr.com/81f9gp and all of their territory occupied by us in exchange for occupied South Italy and two dozens of their renowned ships. Should the Vandals accept this peace we also offer them membership in the Imperial League.
 * Vandalic Kingdom Dip: We accept the Byzantine terms for peace, also accepting their invitation into the Imperial League.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Denounces this decision.
 * ' Byzantine Dip: We offer to include the Ostrogoths in the Imperial League, which will guarantee Byzantine ground support in reclaiming their territories in Gaul and Northern Italia'
 * Byzantine Dip: We invite the Lombards into the Imperial League and offer them help in improving their economy and military
 * Vandalic Kingdom Dip: We make a counter proposal: we will give the Byzantines / Ostrogoths Corsica in exchange for Sicily and give the Byzantines Southern Italian-occupied lands in exchange for Malta. We also ask for this because the Byzantines having these lands threatens our existance as a nation. http://prntscr.com/81f8b3
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Sends more spies into Byzantine to watch troop patrols and report back on military and political activity. The Visigothic kingdom hopes to learn from the Byzantine and ancient Roman military techniques and formulates ways to thwart them.
 * (Mod response): The Lombards decline the Byzantine offer.
 * Neustria reluctantly agrees.

Prisoners of war captured in the conflict with the Ostrogoths are treated fairly and offered an opportunity to earn freedom through servicing the Kingdom. In order to combat the heavy cavalry and archers of the Byzantine army, Visigothic troops fighting on the front line are equipped with long bronze goring spears and heavy metal tower shields. Lighter units such as raiding parties and falxman are dress in very light clothing and merely let their offense act as a defense. In areas where fighting with the Byzantines is heaviest, goring spears are hammered into the Earth, pointed at an angle to stop any approaching cavalry dead in its tracks.

The Gothic language finds its way spread uniformly across the kingdom and the king officially encourages its usage. Visigothic schools are founded with the intention of unifying the peoples behind a common education. Christianity is officially adopted as the national religion due to most Visigoths being fervent believers anyway. The Codex Argenteus is written and several hundred copies are made. Within a short time the Codex can be found in most Visigothic households and even makes its way into some of the surrounding nations.

With high hopes of creating a unified "Gothic Empire", the Visigoths offer the Ostrogothic peoples an 'easy-out' of the war altogether. The "simplex solutio treaty" is drawn up and presented to the Ostrogoths.

The conditions of the treaty are as follows: Following the peace in Vandalic territory, the Vangothian naval presence in Southern Italy is reduced as the forces are restationed to help defend Carthage against a possible Byzantine invasion. The Visigoths watch carefully over Carthage and pray for good news but until they hear back from the Ostrogoths about their proposal, do not openly divert their units from Italy. Austrasia: We fight against the Burgunds and try to push them back.
 * 1) The Ostrogoths surrender to the Visigothic invasion and submit all of their holdings in northern Italy and the adjacent territory in central Italy until and including, Rome, to the Regnum Visigothorum effectively creating a unified Gothic Empire.
 * 2) The Visigoths will de-militarize "bastions of society" and towns/villages with large civilian populace, as well as pull out of Southern Italy completely.
 * 3) Visigoths promise to push the fighting out of Italy and ensure the Ostrogoths that they will have to take no place in the future fighting.
 * 4) The Visigoths will help clean up war damages and provide economic bailout to impoverished parts of the kingdom.
 * 5) The Ostrogoths are promised protection under the Regnum Visigothorum expecting only loyalty in exchange.
 * 6) Elections will be held in Rome to decide on a senate of decision makers that would help to make future decisions for the people of Italia.
 * 7) The Ostrogoths renounce their friendship with the Byzantines.
 * 8) Hospitals and medical retreats are to be created to help with injured Ostrogothic troops.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: afunnymouth
 * Ostrogothic Kingdom: (Mod) Knoxmoor
 * (Mod Response): The Ostrogoths will accept the proposal, and cede all currently held lands to the Visigoths, on the conditions that the Ostrogothic lands are granted autonomy, and that the empire is divided into two provinces, Hispania and Italia, with the former being ruled by the Visigothic Monarchy, and the latter being ruled by the Ostrogothic monarchy. Ruling over both of these territories would be a mutually agreed leadership council, be it by a monarch selected by both Kingdoms, or a council of sorts. Additionally, the Ostrogoths demand that the Kingdom be renamed, "Regnum Gothorum" proving a lack of bias toward the Visigoths.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Accepts and the Gothic Empire is established. The Saint-King Alaric II is declared the immortal ruler of the Gothic peoples. Under him, a council of decision makers are to be elected in Rome that will concern themselves with the wants and concerns of the Ostrogothic kingdom.
 * Vandalic Kingdom: We also offer peace to the Ostrogoths asking only for Sicily.(Mod's Response)
 * (Mod Response): The Ostrogoths accept.

Persian Empire: We continue our expansion into Arabia, now expanding 400 pixels into Arabia. We begin focusing more into Russia, expanding 1900 pixels into Russia. We build our military and infrastructure. We build our army. We offer an alliance to Neo-Parthians, which is in the Treaty of Karachi. We build hundreds of roads across the empire. Trade cities prosper, giving the economy a boost. We build more houses to house the great people of the Persian Empire. Kingdom of the Balts: Road construction continues, with watch towers and guard stations being built along them. Baltic settlers continue to move north and settle in OTL Estonia minus the two islands next to it in the Baltic Sea.
 * The Neo-Parthians agree to the Treaty of Karachi.

525 C.E.
(Due to expansion and discovery, all turns following this one will use a global map.)

(Autonomous territories are now playable. These territories, for the most part, must follow the wishes of the ruling empire. They can, of course, push for independence, and make suggestions regarding actions and policy to the ruling empire.)

(I appreciate the constructive criticism you folks have made in the last turn, and I am always open to it. The main page, however, is not the place for it. It clutters up the page, and may confuse readers. Please put any comments, positive or negative, in the talk section, and I will be sure to read and respond to them. Thank you!)

Two separate treaties are signed to end the war against the Ostrogoths.

The Byzantines cede land to the Vandals, and the Byzantines are given Vandal-occupied southern Italy, as well as a fleet of two dozen ships.

The Ostrogoths sign the Simplex Solution Treaty, resulting in the establishment of a "Gothic Empire."

The Treaty of Karachi is signed, and the Neo-Parthians cede land to the Persian Empire.

Neustria cedes Brittany back to the Celts.

The Jutes land in Austrasian and Anglo-Saxon territory, making minor gains on both fronts.

The Celts make major gains in Anglo-Saxon territory.

The Byzantines continue to push into Dacia.

'''Byzantine Crimea begins to grow disgruntled, their people identifying more closely with the Rus'. A significant portion of the populace begins to advocate annexation by the Rus'.'''

'''The Imperial League is formed, consisting of an alliance between the Persians, the Byzantines and the Vandals. They allow any nations not currently at war to join'''

Western Slavs: The tribes centralize and form the West Slavic confederacy. For now, this will remain just a loose collection of states, but already work is being done to achieve a more centralized government. In times of peace, the individual states will operate mostly individually, but when attacked, all states will assist in the defense of the confederacy. The capital of the confederacy is Oscelburg, in the north eastern section of our nation. The economy continues to function well, as trade with the Rus' proves extremely useful. '''We declare war on the Lombard tribes, and ask that Gothic empire help with our attack. The war is very popular, with nationalism high across the newly formed confederacy. We ask for trade to open up with Byzantium, the Gothic Empire, and the Baltic Kingdom''' Kingdom of Jutland: The beloved Jarl Abelone dies at the age of 65, and his eldest son, Sven Abelone, age 41, becomes Jarl. Sven travels to Anglo-Saxon territory with 5000 fresh troops to personally lead the assault and aid the Celts, leaving his advisors to look after the kingdom. As usual, due to a growing population and interest in more farm land and coastline to trade on, northern expansion into OTL Norway takes place (about the same as usual) and further expansion into Sweden, north of the existing settlements, is made as well. Lastly, the Jutes would like to propose an opening of trade between Jutland and the Western Slavs, hoping to strengthen the two nations economically. Rus' Principality: Eastern Slavic expansion continues. With the Byzantine crisis over, since the Vandals have made peace and are no longer asking us to attack them, Prince Kyi views the Persians as a new potential foe. Because of this, he encourages continued expansion and settlement, and says that every family that has at least five children will receive special pensions from the royal government. Before the Persians can make any further moves, the Rus' army of 80,000 men occupies what is now the Rostov Oblast, Volgograd Oblast, and the Saratov Oblast. These forces are here to discourage any further Persian expansion into Russia. The Rus' army is increased in overall size, with both conscripts and volunteers, standing at 130,000 men. Rus' colonizers also settle in the Bryansk Oblast, Belgorod Oblast, Voronezh Oblast. Meanwhile, the popularity of Prince Kyi as a leader among the people grows, who takes the title of Grand Prince of Kiev. He goes about building up the identity of the Rus' as a people, and encourages works of art, architecture and literature.
 * The Gothic Empire: Denies any involvement with the Western Slavs while they prey on our allies. The Gothic armies are currently engaged in warfare against the Byzantines in Lombardian territory and are ordered to defend against organized Slavic attacks on Lombard soil.
 * The Gothic Empire: Holds a festival in remembrance of the much admired Jarl Abelone.
 * The Jutes appreciate the festival and public opinion of the Goths rise.

The Gothic Empire: The new Gothic flag flies in Rome. With the war bogging down and the Gothic Empire filling in the cracks of its foundation, the Goths are vehemently patriotic and loyalty among the common people is becoming increasingly uniform. Immortal Saint-King Alaric II of the Goths doubles the length and thickness of his glorious beard. Naval troops pull out of southern Italia and active land units in the north are split up. The majority of forces are sent into Lombard territory and are given orders to defend against attacks from Western Slavs, while the remaining forces are sent to guard borders in the east against the Byzantines. The Vangothic navy is stationed back in Port Vangoth to recover and improve.

Five respected elders are elected to the Roman senate. Alaric II names himself head of the committee and the six of them convene twice a month to discuss the state of the empire. The Goths, having achieved the unified kingdom they had sought out to achieve, would be open to discussing armistice with the Byzantines and Austrasians. The Gothic Empire offers the Vandals a moderate sum of gold as reparation for not being able to assist in the fight against the Byzantines, hoping they will be able to use it to recover from losses. The Goths are still uneasy about the existence of the Imperial League.

Alaric II appoints a commission to prepare an abstract of the Roman laws and imperial decrees, which would form the authoritative code for his subjects. The Lex Romana is officially published, detailing ancient Roman and Visigothic knowledge and acting as an official law book to the Empire. This is all done in a hope of preserving traditions and teachings from the past to ensure that the empire can continue to build upon the knowledge of its ancestors.

In celebration of the recent unification, the Goths begin constructing The Grand Colosseum of Toulouse - an epic arena for heroic gladiators and lowly slaves alike to demonstrate their worth in battle. Research of combustibles and ballistics is increased in order to better impress the audiences. African slaves are deployed in northwestern and southern Italia to clean up the destruction created during the war. The Goths follow through on their promises and put up many additional hospitals and hire educated doctors. Poverty stricken territories are provided with irrigation and adopt better techniques of crop rotation to optimize seasonal outputs. Burgundy: Begins to demobilize following the end of the war with the Franks, and begins rebuilding much of the economy and other areas of Burgundy life and culture.
 * Carthaginian Empire Dip: We accept the offered reparations.

Celtic League: Continues to improve its economy and build up its military. Celtica continues its war on Anglo-Saxon and currently invades Anglo-Saxon homeland with 50,000 soldiers. The population of Celtica continues to grow slowly fast, adding 6000 people each year. More farms and cities are upgraded or built and roads are improved. Celts cut down trees to make houses for population. Exploration on Iceland continues, as Celtic settlers now colonized about half of Iceland. Carthaginian Empire: The economy recovers from the war.We continue to find more relics of the Carthaginians with the King Gelimer going so far as proclaiming himself emperor of the '''Carthaginian Empire. Carthaginians and Vandals''' start to mix with each other more and more eventually creating a common culture. The ships lost or traded in the war are being rebuilt. Many Anglo-Saxons emigrate outside of the Anglo-Saxon lands because of Celtic persecution and are welcomed with open arms in the Carthaginian Empire. Our empire contains around two million people after a known researcher's study is published. The study has been conducted with easy calculations. The population grows by 50.000 people each year due to huge immigration from many parts of the world and high birth rate In the study it is argued that most Vandals/Carthaginians live in the Carthaginian heartlands (Tunisia/northern Algeria) and Emperor Gelimer wants to change that. Migration programs are being suggested to Emperor Gelimer one by one by his royal advisors until he chooses one. New infrastructure is built in the newly settled areas, taxes are lowered there sufficiently enough for Vandal, Carthaginians and Romans, so that the wealth won't change hands creating a new African ruling class and economy in newly settled areas. Also, around half of the Africans in the empire are randomly chosen and are enslaved and send to Carthaginian heartlands due to having low slave/African population, improving the economy in the Carthaginian heartlands, too. Atlantic Isles are settled, northeastern Morocco and northwestern Algeria are also settled by 1200 px. Because of Anglo-Saxon influence the Carthaginian Empire demands the Celtic Union not to persecute the Anglo-Saxons and not annex all their territory giving the Saxon Tribes an area in southeastern England/London area http://prntscr.com/81usog'''and threatens with military intervention and retaliation. Diplomats are sent to speak with the leaders of the Saxons'''. The Carthaginian Empire proposes that in the following five years, the Saxons should attack Austrasia in order not to lose the splitting of the Austrasia and press their claims and take Saxon (German) populated lands. In return, the Carthaginian Empire offers them help in improving their economy and military and shall help them if needed or asked by them.
 * The Gothic Empire: Applauds Celtic victories, but suggests that the Celts consider seeking peace with the Anglo-Saxons in the near future.
 * The West Slavic Confederation: Asks for a military and economic alliance with the Celtic League, believing that it would benefit both of our great nations.

Persian Empire: We expand 1800 pixels into Russia. We also push 350 pixels into Arabia with the Bytzyan Empire. We also invade the Emirate, expanding 100 pixels. We invite the Neo-Parthian Empire to join the Imperial League. We don't attack the Goths. We would also like to improve trade with the Neo-Parthian Empire by building trade cities along the Parthian-Persian border. We improve our military and infrastructure. We build up our army. We build hundreds of roads across the Persian Empire, connecting the huge empire. We build more houses.

Kingdom of the Balts: Large roads now connect the majority of the tribes, with many roads eventually leading to the capital of Luks, which has been rapidly growing in size since the formation of the Kingdom. Settlers land on the two islands next to OTL Lithuania and begin construction of new ports and villages there.

530 C.E.
(Please let me know on the talk page if this map if too large. If so, I will scale it down or use a different one.)

The Byzantines make large gains in Dacia.

A stalemate occurs in Dalmatia between the Goths and the Byzantines.

The Goths push the Slavs out of Lombard territory.

Austrasia request that the Goths set terms for a peace treaty between the two nations.

The Jutes are pushed out of Austrasia.

The Celts and Jutes make make major gains in Anglo-Saxon territory, bringing the tribes to the brink of destruction.

The nationalist movement in Crimea and Ukraine continues to gain followers.

The Danes, fearful of rapid Jute expansion, begin waging active warfare against Jute settlements in Sweden.

The Imperial League grows in power and reputation.

Kingdom of Jutland: Due to attacks by the Danes, the Jutes begin to attack from the north out of their Swedish settlements and from the west, landing on the islands of Funen and Zealand. Troops from the Austrasian front are pulled and half are used in the offensive against the Danes. The other half are used in the campaign against the Anglo-Saxons, with the Jutes hoping to defeat them and establish permanent colonies in the area.

Saxonic Kingdom: A new chieftain, Ekbert of Sandvik is selected, securing the vote of 31 out of 38 tribes. Chieftain Ekbert of Sandvik: Gathers more power going as far as proclaiming himself King unopposed. We accept the Carthaginian Empire's proposal but instead attack the Anglo-Saxon tribes in order to save them from the Celt's aggression. We invade the British Isles with many ships. We also ask the Carthaginian Empire an alliance. Rus' Principality: Prince Kyi continues to build up the military, raising it to 150,000 men. For now, he ignores the nationalist movement in Crimea and the rest of Byzantine-controlled Ukraine. But he continues the East Slav expansion into Russia. Settlers reach the Penza Oblast, Tula Oblast, Lipetsk Oblast, Tambov Oblast, Mordovia Republic, Chuvash Republic, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, and Moscow Oblast. At the same time, he orders a massive infrastructure improvement project to begin, with cities being better fortified and roads being built to connect major population centers.
 * Carthaginian Empire Dip: We accept the alliance offer. Also, aid is send to help the Saxons in their war effort, Carthaginian counselors are sent to improve the Saxonic economy and infrastructure and officers are send to improve the Saxonic Army.We also ask to trade with the Saxonic Kingdom.

West Slavic Confederacy: A new leader, Saner Mortemor is elected and proves amazingly popular with both the populace and the government. He immediately apologizes for our unreasonable attack on the Lombards. He also asks to join the Imperial League as the fourth member, and promises to uphold all responsibilities of a member. Meanwhile, he also orders drastic military reforms, to both increase and organize the military which now numbers about 75,000 men. In order to dfend our borders, a string of forts is built along our border to hinder any invaders. Meanwhile, major cities like Oscelburg, Locerburg (located in the northwestern part of our nation) and Seminburg (located in the southern part of our nation) are fortified. Major agricultural reforms are also passed in order to satisfy our rapidly growing population which currently stands at about 750,000. These reforms are meant to provide a large tradable surplus within 25 years. In addition, Saner Mortemor tries to smooth over arguments between states, to ensure the empire's longevity. Trade continues with the Rus', and we offer free trade to any nation that would like to. Byzantine Empire: We offer the new Gothic Empire peace (proposed terms on his/her talk page) and continue the war with the Gepids. To try to maintain peace in Ukraine, we offer them the same amount of autonomy given to Egypt, where they shall be allowed to retain their own language and culture and elect their own officials, including the leader of their own province, provided that he/she swears an oath to the Empire. Rebuilding of the economy and infrastructure continues, with more weapons created.
 * Byzantine Dip: Accepts the West Slavic entrance into the Imperial League.
 * Carthaginian Empire: We accept the free trade agreement.
 * Kingdom of Jutland: Opens their borders to free trade with the Western Slavs.
 * The Gothic Empire: Accepts the Byzantines terms and signs the treaty. The Goths cut all ties with the Gepids and ask the Byzantines to give them a quick death. Gothic troops are pulled from the Dalmatia border and re-stationed elsewhere. The Goths join the Imperial League, but recommends that stricter requirements for joining be formulates, and further suggests that the League work together to accomplish a common goal, dispelling animosity between nations involved.

Burgundy: Continues to recover from the war, and begins attempting to expand its borders by requesting to purchase land from the Almenni. Furthermore, hoping to gain access to the sea, we send a message to the Visgoths, asking for the purchase of some land that would give us access to the Mediterranean.
 * Lombardy: Requests to join the Imperial League to Byzantium. Lombardy believes that the West Slavic Confederation should repay Lombardy for their invasion/seizure of Lombard territory and their damages. Byzantium should help ensure fairness is involved so that no bitterness will arise between the two nations.

Carthaginian Empire: Infrastructure is built/repaired throughout the empire. Roads are being built/repaired on the mainland and the islands and ports are been built/repaired in many coastal areas/cities of the Empire including the newly settled islands in order to be able to connect with the rest of the Empire. That creates a huge economic boost in underdeveloped parts of the empire. Foreign and local military officers - as well as mercenaries - are hired to train the army in new tactics/methods. The soldiers are also trained harder making the army stronger. The army is also equipped with better weapons, shields and armor. The newly=settled islands are named Aynook. Local Romans begin to mix/assimilate with/to the (neo-) Carthaginian (/Phoenician) culture in the Carthaginian Heartlands. A researcher informs Emperor Gelimer that the islands of Sicily, Malta, Sardinia and Corsica have assimilated our culture very much but instead, the Aynook islands, northeastern Morocco and northwestern Argeria haven't even being colonized enough to assimilate. That's why the Emperor gives benefits like low taxes and privileged treatment and lands to anyone who will settle there. Emperor Gelimer makes a law that African (not Punic) people by default are slaves - any remaining African man, woman or child is enslaved. '''The island in the Atlantic Ocean is settled and the African coasts are settled farther south by 1500 px. We offer free trade to any nation that wants it.'''
 * Persia: We accept a free trade pact with you.
 * The Gothic Empire: Would like to buy a large number of African slaves for work on a project.
 * Carthaginian Empire Dip: Agrees to sell a large number of African slaves to our friends the Goths and also asks for a free trade agreement with the Gothic Empire.

Persian Empire: We expand 1800 pixels into Russia. We also push 350 pixels into Arabia with the Byzantine Empire. We continue are invasion of the Emirate, expanding 100 pixels. We invite the Neo-Parthian Empire to join the Imperial League. We don't attack the Goths but keep wary of them. We continue to improve trade with the Neo-Parthian Empire by building trade cities along the Parthian-Persian border. We improve our military and infrastructure. We build up our army. We build hundreds of roads across the Persian Empire, connecting the huge empire. We build more houses. '''We suggest the Imperial Games (The Ashes of Rome Map Game) to anybody who's in the Imperial League. It's where nations of the Imperial League play in sporting events and will achieve medals if first, second or third. The games will take place once every five years and be host in a different city every time. It will first take place in 535. We offer a non-aggression pact to whatever nation that is west of us.''' The Danish Tribes: We officially announce that The Danish Tribes are advancing in military technology and strong men for our Danish army. Also, we officially change our name to  The Danish Kingdom. Besides that, the Danish Kingdom attempts to expand to the southwest part of Finland, by using boats to get there, trying to avoid the Kingdom Of Jutland's attention. Besides that, we request an alliance with the Baltic Kingdom.
 * Lombardy Dip We accept the free trade pact with you. We will now trade wine with you. Since we are friends with the Goths, we offer a hand in friendship toward you as well. We would like to purchase some African slaves from you, and also 10,000 loads of bread. We will pay 11,000 gold coins for 3000 African slaves and the bread mentioned.
 * Carthaginian Empire Dip:We agree to the terms mentioned.
 * Carthaginian Empire Dip: We accept the non-aggression pact and ask for an alliance.
 * The Gothic Empire accepts the non-aggresion pact. Begins eagerly training its citizens for the games. Slaves are offered freedom and citizenship should they win an event.

The Gothic Empire: The Goths accept the Western Slavic Peoples apology and does not hold any animosity toward the nation. In addition to the peace with the Slavs, the Goth's sign a peace-treaty with the Byzantines. Having recently made peace with several nations, the Goths withdraw troops from Lombard and the Dalmatian Border. The National Guard is created in Gothic territory; unlike soldiers, the guard members are offered a salary and many of the soldiers from the Dalmatian front are integrated. Slaves are moved into southern Italy to begin constructing a great wall between the Goths and the Byzantines, to both reduce the bleeding of cultures and help defend against naval attacks from the south. The Goths apologize for blocking out their new neighbors and insist that it was not done as a precautionary measure against them, but merely as a way to "drive Gothic peoples closer together".

A conference is held between the Austrasians  and the Gothic Empire to discuss an end to the war which had plagued these lands for over thirty years. The Goths will pull all troops away from Austrasian territory and suggest their allies do the same. In exchange, the Goths would like the Austrasians to provide the Alemmani with the land promised to them in south-eastern Austrasia. All of this peace causes King Alaric II's beard to double in size yet again.

With help from the increased research of ballistics as well Carthaginian naval expertise, the Goths are able to create a new form of naval combat ship. The new Gothic ship known as the "navali balista excusso" is equipped with massive ballistas, capable of harpooning enemy ships or bombarding coastal cities. Boarding parties and privateers are trained specifically for invasions by sea - and rumors of a war in the works begin to spread.

A war is officially declared against the Danish Kingdom  and all troops pulled out of Lombard and Austrasia are sent to Sweden to fight alongside their allies the Jutes. The Gothic Kingdom offers Jarl Sven Abelone of the Jutes a seat in the Roman Senate, effectively providing the Jutes with a fraction of decision making power and influence over the Gothic peoples. The Goths recommend the Jutes focus the brunt of their army on the Danes and pull out of Anglo-Saxon lands. Celtic League: Continues to improve its economy and build up its military. Celtica continues its war on Anglo-Saxon and currently invades the Anglo-Saxon homeland with 50,000 soldiers. The population of Celtica continues to grow slowly fast, adding 6000 people each year. More farms and cities are upgraded or built and roads are improved. Celts cut down trees to make houses for population. Exploration on Iceland ends, as Celtic settlers now colonized all of Iceland. Another exploration on Scandinavia starts, when Celtic ships arrives at OTL Trondheim in Norway, they start building the first settlements in the Norway and Celtica begins to expand into Norway. The Celtic League accepts a military and economic alliance request from West Slavic Confederation.
 * The West Slavic Confederation: Offers to send economic aid in the Goth's war against the Danish Kingdom, in exchange for the blueprints of the navali balista excusso ships.
 * The Gothic Empire: Accepts.
 * Austrasia (Mod Response) accepts the Gothic Proposal, and cedes land to the Alemanni.
 * Jarl Sven Abelone accepts the generous Gothic proposal and thanks the Gothic Empire for all aid the Jutes have received.

Lombard Tribe: After the long, staggering war, a brief period of stability and peace is long overdue. The king enacts economic reforms to repair the damages of war, replenish the military strength and create an ever prosperous Lombardy. Trading posts are built. Farms grow in size and productivity. Women are encouraged to maintain employment. Noble men are told to pay their women equally as men. An alliance offer is sent to the Goths, and a request for Byzantine aid to speed the repair of the economy is sent. It is a request for 24,000 loaves of bread : enough to feed all who are in famine. Repayment to them for their acceptance would be 1600 slaves and 2000 gold coins. Roads and infrastructure are rebuilt, and those who deny women the right to work are deposed by the king. Stability increases. The economy grows. Forts are repaired. Requests are made to open up trade with neighboring Ostrogoths ,Byzantium, and the Goths. Trading posts would be built in their territories if they accept this offer, and all economies involved would increase. In addition, we accept the offer made by the Carthaginians in which trade was granted between them and any nation. Wine from our provinces will now be traded with Carthage for something equal in value. Kingdom of the Balts: We continue to improve the infrastructure of our kingdom. More land near the capital is opened up to agricultural and farming. Settlers also improve our new territories we recently acquired, building roads to connect them to the rest of our kingdom. We apply to join the Imperial League.
 * The Gothic Empire accepts the alliance and trade agreements. Caravans are established between the Lombards and several Gothic provinces. (This includes the Ostrogoths as they have been assimilated into the Gothic Empire)

535 C.E.
(Asian nations and the Kingdom of Ghana are now playable.)

'''The War of Britannia is over, the Celts and the Jutes having conquered all Anglo-Saxon territory. The remaining Anglo-Saxon populace is divided mostly into two camps: rebel war bands that continue to raid captured cities, and defeated citizens, pleading only for some semblance of Anglo-Saxon self rule. Others flee to the Carthaginian Empire, as well as Saxon territory.'''

'''The Byzantines have captured all of Dacia. Unrest is high throughout the region.'''

'''The Autonomous Byzantine Region of Bosporus is created. This decision quells much of the unrest, though some still call for independence.'''

Austrasia cedes land to the Alemanni.

'''The Jutes make significant gains in Sweden. Many Danes begin to evacuate Swedish territory, and move into newly settled lands in Finland.'''

'''Citizens of the eastern portion of the Rus' Principality begin to feel disconnected from the central government in Kiev. Many ignore national decrees and decisions, following instead the decisions of local lords.'''

The Imperial League now contains the Persians, the Byzantines, the Carthaginians, the Western Slavs, the Goths, and the Balts.

The Gothic Puppet state of Vasconia begins to reject Gothic influence, and declares itself the Sovereign Republic of Vasconia.

Note to members of the Imperial League: I (Firesofdoom) have made a page for us and have proposed a motion. Link: http://althistory.wikia.com/wiki/The_Imperial_league_(The_Ashes_of_Rome_Map_Game)

Liang: The emperor hears rumors of great empires to the west and scouts are sent to investigate, and gunpowder is worked on.

Rus' Principality: To prevent any potential unrest, Grand Prince Kyi gives some autonomy to different regions, establishing oblast-type administrative divisions. Each is ruled by a prince who answers to the Grand Prince of Kiev, and is part of the Prince Council, the government's legislature that meets in Kiev. Each prince has free reign over his oblast, as long as he abides by the laws established in Kiev, and visits the capital every several months for assemblies of the Prince Council. Princes also have limited authority over the garrisons stationed in the region's territory. They are selected from leaders chosen by the locals in their regions, and where there are none, a prince is appointed from elsewhere. Meanwhile, the army continues to be improved, with a total of 150,000 soldiers. Garrisons are established across the country depending on the importance of specific regions. Settlers continue to expand, entering the Samara Oblast, Kirov Oblast, Vladimir Oblast, Yaroslavl Oblast, Ivanovo Oblast, Orenburg Oblast, Bashkortostan Republic, Tatarstan Republic. With the recent improvements in infrastructure, living conditions improve and communications become faster. Citizens are happy with the new improvements in conditions. Major cities other than Kiev include Lviv, Tsaritsyn, Nizhny Novgorod, Gomel, Moscow, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, and Yaroslavl. Population continues to increase. As the settlers go farther east, army units accompany them to ensure security in the event of encounters with possible hostiles. They also help with construction of infrastructure. Meanwhile, Grand Prince Kyi has essentially made the Rus' principalities a non-aligned, neutral state.

Kingdom of Jutland: Jarl Sven Abelone would like to offer a peace treaty to the Danes, entailing that all fighting will cease if the Danes evacuate their holdings in Sweden and settle in Finland. As well, the Danes must pledge to never begin settling in Sweden or Norway, as doing so would break the treaty. The Jutes would also like to offer a treaty to the Celtic League, in which all Jute-occupied land in the British Isles will be turned over to the Celts if the Celts promise to give up their holdings in Norway. The Celts must also pledge to never establish settlements or colonize in Norway or Sweden. Hephthalite Empire: We begin to improve and modernize our standing military, and we aim to have an army that can compete with the powerful Persian Empire. Our young and rather inexperienced tegin (ruler), Astrahula, begins to solidify his rule and plans to fully convert the nomadic confederation into a true empire once the time is right. We offer an alliance and royal marriage with the Liang Dynasty of China.
 * The Danish Kingdom would accept the peace treaty, also offering to ally with the Jutes.
 * Liang: Accepts.

Japan: Builds up army and expands north, conquering the Ainu people without a fight because they believe it will help them economically. Lombards: Economic and military reforms are nearly complete. We begin to recruit new soldiers, and assimilate refugees from the recently captured provinces by the Byzantines. We use this as a method to obtain valuable commanders and military units that were once serving for the '''Slavic Federation. '''Our army is now growing in size and in strength - and exponentially so. We ask Carthage, the Goths, and neighboring nations if they would like to sell any arms to us, and if they are willing to help our military prosper so that a sudden invasion would be nearly impossible to lose. With the new economic reforms, women are now able to join the army and have regular jobs. We decide to pay for troops. The current King decides to unite the Lombard tribes forming The Kingdom of Lombardy. He, influenced by the Christian reforms of Byzantium, decides to embrace Christianity. This will make us want to align toward Christian military powers, such as the Byzantines. With this new trade agreement with the Goths, our nation becomes one of the biggest European trading powers, and our government begins to enact reforms of centralization. Due to the size of our economy, we find the lure of obtaining a navy even more irresistible. We ask the Goths if they would like to sell adjacent territory which is '''connected to the ocean and Lombardy. We would pay a handsome price to get the land south of our borders, where the sea of Venice is if The Goths '''are willing to sell it to us. In addition, Forts are built in the cities of : Žilina, Prešov, Zlín, and Budapest. We make Bystríca our capital city. Neo-Parthian: Upgrade military to FSU. That's all. Peace to all.
 * (Mod): Tao's right. You can say how you go about expanding north, and you can offer economic assistance to the Ainu on the condition that they join your empire, but in the end, it is up to me to decide whether or not the Ainu agree.
 * Carthaginian Empire Dip: We will give you superior technology and weapons if you help our friends the Saxons in a possible war against the Celts. We could also help you take many lands from a country for example the western slavs later if you agree.
 * Lombard Dip: We graciously accept your proposal. We are happy that you are willing to help us with a potential war against the Western Slavs. We are happy to declare war with the Celts and fight alongside Saxony. However, we have no port in which we can send units to war there. We request access to the ports of Carthage and Saxony.
 * Saxonic Kingdom Dip: We give access Lombards to our ports.

Saxon Kingdom: Continues to improve its economy and build up its military. The population of the Saxon Kingdom continues to grow fast. More farms and cities are built or upgraded and roads are improved. Due to the size of our economy, we find the lure of obtaining a navy even more irresistible. We ask the Carthaginian Empire to help us in a war against Celts. Byzantine Empire: To try to maintain peace in the Ukraine, we offer them the same amount of autonomy given to Egypt, where they shall be allowed to retain their own language and culture and elect their own officials, including the leader of their own province, provided that he/she swears an oath to the Empire. Rebuilding of the economy and infrastructure continues, with more weapons created.
 * Carthaginian Empire Dip: We agree to the Saxons' proposal and ready our army to invade Britain unless the Celts give this http://prntscr.com/82ldmh to the Saxons.

West Slavic Confederation: With the blueprints to the Gothic ships, we build a large navy, and Invade Ireland, listing the inhumane treatment of the Anglo-Saxons and the Celts posing a threat as reasons for attacking. Our newly formed navy is sent, along with 36,000 of our troops, hoping to cripple the Celts. (NOTE: i will use this war to test the new algo, Knox can retconn the algo if he wants) we use newly designed, superior weapons, and new tactics. Meanwhile, back within the borders of our nation, military reforms continue, to both increase and organize the military which now numbers about 75,000 men. In order to dfend our borders, a string of forts is built along our border to hinder any invaders. Meanwhile, major cities like Oscelburg, Locerburg (located in the northwestern part of our nation) and Seminburg (located in the southern part of our nation) are fortified. Major agricultural reforms are also passed in order to satisfy our rapidly growing population which currently stands at about 750,000. These reforms are meant to provide a large tradable surplus within 25 years. In addition, Saner Mortemor tries to smooth over arguments between states, to ensure the empire's longevity. 'Trade continues with the Rus', and we offer free trade to any nation that would like to trade. Gupta Kingdom: The raja (king) of the Gupta kingdom builds up a huge army of war elephants, horsemen and infantry, and attack the Kalachuri kingdom. Although much of the countryside peasants surrendered without a fight, we lay siege to their capital city. '''We also send messengers to the Zhonguo, Persians, Greeks, and Russkies to establish diplomatic contacts with those countries. '''Buddhist and Hindu temples are built. Indian nationalism and the call to unify all of India into a single state is present in the minds of the ruling class of the Gupta kingdom. We expand into Bhutan and southern Tibet, the tribes living there lacking any type of military organization. We also expand into the Kachin, Sagaing, Chin, Rakhine, regions of Burma. The military commander appoints a local village elder to collect 1/10th of crops as a tribute, and lets these regions a limited form of self-rule. Pillaging any newly conquered territories is prohibited. Great efforts are made to assimilate these people into Indian culture. We also begin to build up our navy.
 * The Gothic Empire begins secretly supplying the Slavs with tools, weapons, and ships.
 * Kingdom of the Balts accepts the offer of free trade.

Danish Kingdom: The Danes are trying to focus on the east side of Finland, attempting to claim a medium chunk of land next to the Danish territories in Finland in the East and a bit of land to the North. They accept the Jutes offer, but also, they ask for an alliance with the Jutes. If Danes claim the medium amount of land in the east, the Danish Kingdom would start to build a town with hospitals and entertainment-puppets. Persian Empire: We expand 800 pixels into Russia. We also push 350 pixels into Arabia with the Byzantine Empire. We invade Turkmenistan expanding 1200 pixels. We invite the Neo-Parthian Empire to join the Imperial League. We don't attack the Goths but keep wary of them. We continue to improve trade with the Neo-Parthian Empire by building trade cities along the Parthian-Persian border. We improve our military and infrastructure. We build up our army. We build hundreds of roads across the Persian Empire, connecting the huge empire. We build more houses. We offer a non-aggression pact to whatever nation that is west of us. We honour our alliance with Goth Empire. Carthaginian Empire: Improves its infrastructure and builds up its military.We expand 1500 px into the southern African coasts.Due to no Celtic response we declare war against the Celts, gathering a huge fleet and invading the British Isles more than 200.000 soldiers. The Danish kingdom is also offered an alliance and support in the war against the Jutes and all Jutish lands if the Jutes opt to support the Celts due to their alliance. The Goths are asked to stay neutral or support us, as does the rest of the Imperial League is asked due to the mistreatment of the Anglo-Saxons and mostly the infringement of the most important reason the Imperial League was founded to maintain the sovereignty of the existing nations. The Gothic Empire: Troops are withdrawn from Sweden and wartime is declared officially over. The Goths shift their sights inward and become increasingly isolationist. All slaves who have fought for the Goths are given the rights of citizens, though their treatment in society is still far from acceptance. In order to quell animosity between citizens and former slaves, jobs in which slaves and citizens alike work as equals are created constructing new bridges/military bases/taverns and other public access sites.
 * Kingdom of Jutland: The Jutes would like to accept the alliance offer and hopes that the two countries can prosper with one another's aid.
 *  ' Gupta Kingdom  Dip:'    We request our merchants gain access to the Persian market, to sell their goods. We request some form of collaboration with the Imperial League.
 * The West Slavic Confederation thanks the Carthaginian Empire for their assistance in the war against the Celtic League.
 * The Gothic Empire: Isn't touching this one with a thirty-nine and a half foot pole.

In the wake of  Vasconian nationalist movements, the Goths construct roads to their capital and offer only continued positive relations. An influential representative among the Vasconian people is elected and given a seat on the Roman Senate. A grand election is held among all Gothic territories, including Vasconia, in which it will be decided whether Vasconia will be allowed to break away from the Gothic Empire. The ability of Gothic troops to simply annex Vasconia and take it back is subtly implanted into the back of everyone's minds.

Kingdom of the Balts: We continue to expand our farmland, as well as building new ports along the Baltic coast, hopefully to increase trade in that region.

540 C.E.
The Northern Wei Kingdom splits into the Eastern and Western Wei Kingdoms.

The Gupta Kingdom pushes into Kalachuri territory.

'''The plebiscite regarding Vasconian independence returned negative. Due to the unstated threat of Gothic invasion, the Vasconian republic decides to rejoin the empire as a puppet state.'''

'''The Carthaginians, Saxons, Lombards, and Western Slavs invade Britannia. The Western Slavs land in Ireland, the Carthaginians in Ireland and Cornwall, and the Lombards and Saxons around the Anglo-Saxon city of Lundenwic. Casualties are high for the invaders, but with footholds established along certain coasts, further progress will be less difficult.'''

The Danes have ceded all Swedish territory to the Jutes.

Unrest has almost completely dissipated in the autonomous region of Bosporus.

'''Rus' and Persian settlements in Russia face constant barrages of barbarian assault. Further settlement into the area will likely be impossible for centuries.'''

'''Dissent begins to occur in the Southeastern Carthaginian Empire, its people advocating independence. The high portion of African Natives, who are treated as slaves universally throughout the empire, is the driving force of the unrest.'''

Liang: Taking advantage of the wei's weakness, we invade both kingdoms. We give gunpowder to the Hepthalites. Rus' Principality: The Grand Prince of Kiev is surprised at the sudden barbarian attacks, but no matter, the 170,000 strong army that he had been forming and training over the last decade would see to the problem. Especially the army units sent with settlers who colonize the new territories. Meanwhile, infrastructure continues to be improved, which improves the living conditions for the Rus' people.
 * (Mod) I'm going to have to veto the invention of gunpowder. The earliest gunpowder was created in China in 1044, and even then, it wasn't true gunpowder due to the fact that it was not explosive. It's going to have to wait until at least the 10th century.

West Slavic Confederation: With our new and fully functional navy, we continue to fight deeper into the Irish proper, trying to take as much territory as possible. we use newly designed, superior weapons, and new tactics. Meanwhile, back within the borders of our nation, military reforms continue, to both increase and organize the military which now numbers about 75,000 men. In order to dfend our borders, a string of forts is built along our border to hinder any invaders. Meanwhile, major cities like Oscelburg, Locerburg (located in the northwestern part of our nation) and Seminburg (located in the southern part of our nation) are fortified. Major agricultural reforms are also passed in order to satisfy our rapidly growing population which currently stands at about 750,000. These reforms are meant to provide a large tradable surplus within 25 years. In addition, Saner Mortemor tries to smooth over arguments between states, to ensure the empire's longevity. 'Trade continues with the Rus', and we offer free trade to any nation that would like to trade.

Lombard Kingdom: In Brittanica we use our stronghold as a place to regroup, retrain and fortify the region. Here we make sure to convert the native people to Christianity, and tell them that their King is not Christian, and therefore, should be deposed. We equip the natives with weapons, and tell them to fight for Christianity, as God is always the way. We send missionaries to the captured fronts after things stabilize there. We witness this new technology being used in warfare, and begin to blueprint it on the home front. Tactics used by other commanders are being taught to ours. We use the landings as a place in which we could assert religious zeal. Missionaries spread the word of God, and we make it appear as if God has truly came, as we have a huge surplus of bread at home, which we have managed to give to the starving, war exhausted peoples of the region we have conquered. We make roman - legion style armor, having seen its effectiveness in previous battles. In addition, we think using cavalry more effectively could help change the tide of the war. Due to the huge surplus of food, we begin to see that specialization is slowly taking place. People are no longer having to work nearly as much as before to feed themselves, and those working in the Agriculture business at home begin buying the lands of other farmers which would be used purely for the growth of crops on massive fields. Starvation is beginning to become slowly less common throughout the peasant classes, and Nobles are monopolizing on this new innovation of buying land from the peasants, and using it for farming. Because the Nobles pay so handsomely for the land of the peasants, the frequency of poverty among peasants decreases. More people move to cities. Centralization slowly begins to occur. Traders and merchants of the peasant class are also making ends meet far better than before the introduction to trading. Speaking of trading, our nation would like to establish The Silk Road once more. Seeing its previous era of prosperity between all who trade on it, we feel it would benefit all who accept this offer to re-create it. We ask Byzantium (mod response, as he orshe doesn't post): Persia, and the Neo-Parthinian Empire if they would like to establish this trade route. As a whole, our economy is becoming vibrant and emerging to be one of the best in the entire region. Refugees take the work on the farm from the war with the Celts, as they hear the promise of a better living here in Lombardy. We offer to take a total of 30,000 displaced women, children and men. Those who come to Lombardy usually work on the giant farms, and are paid well for their labour. Money here is a second priority, as the needs of all are highly stressed, as the King Odis knows it is the way to achieve success as a nation. In addition to taking refugees, we take prisoners of war, and enslave them, using them as serfs in farms. The King, Odis passes a Decree of Human Rights, in which he believes that serfs should be treated very well, and are required to have breaks from intense labor, as it is obvious that they are the key to this nation. We fortify the mainland even more, and use prisoners of war and refugees to speed this up exponentially. Salt is now tradable as well, as we have found this mineral throughout our countryside. Danish Kingdom: The Danish People continue to expand their territory, aiming to the east of Finland. At that time, the Danes are building more theaters and more hospitals, expanding little villages into small towns. The economics of the Danish Kingdom improve. The Danish King died after that, Aleksander 1st takes place in the King's throne.
 * Byzantine Dip: Accepts.

Gorguyeo Kingdom: Continues to improve its economy, infrastructure and build up its military. The population of Gorguyeo Kingdom continues to grow slowly fast, adding 6000 people each year. More farms and cities are upgraded or built and roads are improved. Gorguyeoans cut down trees to make houses for the population. Gorguyeo Kingdom expend 2000 px into Korea and 2000 px into Manchuria, totaling 4000 px. Gorguyeo Kingdom invades Eastern and Western Wei Kingdoms due to Wei's weakness.

Carthaginian Empire: Improves its infrastructure and builds up its military. African slaves are sold by thousands to anyone willing to buy them, thus reducing the unrest. For the remaining slaves a basic slave rights law happens making their owners treat them less harsh and their murder a crime unless they rebel against the empire or their owner, kill or hurt someone or disrespect their owners or a free citizen of Carthage. On the other hand, they must be sufficiently fed by their owners. When they refuse to do their job whipping them is allowed. Territories inside the Carthaginian Empire not populated by Carthaginians continue to be settled.''We expand 2500 px into the southern African coasts. ''Also, more Carthaginian citizens are recruited to fight the war with 20% of them remaining back home to quell the unrest. Our armies take the whole Cornwall and invade and occupy the whole Brittany. The army marches farther north and east into Ireland. The West Slavic Confederation and Lombard Kingdom for an alliance to better coordinate in our war against the Celts. Burgundy: Sends an army of 10,000 into Alemanni, with the goal of seizing land that is strategically important. Massive amounts of effort is diverted to ensuring the dominance of Burgundy over Alemanni. We send an emissary to the Visgiths, offering them control over part of Alemanni. Celtic League: The Celtic League would like to propose a peace treaty to the Western Slavs, Carthaginians and Saxons, in which all land in the British Isles is ceded to them and all remaining Celts are relocated to the Celtic territory of Iceland, Brittany, the Faroe Islands, and the Orkney Islands. If this peace treaty is accepted, the Celts would like to apply for the Imperial League if possible. Kingdom of Jutland: Jarl Sven Abelone asserts full control and ownership over the various islands off the coast of Jutland (namely Funen and Zealand), with all Danes living there being offered to live within the kingdom or join their brethren in Finland. The Jutes would like to state their disassociation in the war against the Celts, and ask that the Western Slavs, Lombards, Saxons, and Carthaginians leave the Jute holdings in Britannia untouched. Further expansion is made north in Norway and Sweden by the same amounts.
 * The West Slavic Confederation: Agrees.
 * Lombard Dip: We accept your offer, and buy thousands of slaves from your kingdom, turning them into payed infantry and farm workers. We begin to equip these units well. And train them incredibly well. We will not send these units to combat (14-20,000 individuals) for ten years, as we plan to train a massive army that excels all others.
 * The Gothic Empire: Will accept responsibility for a portion of conquered southern Alemanni affairs in exchange for the promise that if possible, the Alemanni people will be shown mercy. A defense pact between the Goths and the Burgunds is also proposed, voided if either nation intentionally starts a war with someone. If these terms are accepted, the leader of Burgundy is offered a temporary seat on the Roman Senate.
 * Carthaginian Empire: We will let the Celts keep Ireland, they will have to give the rest of their lands to the Saxons and Brittany and Cornwall to the Western Slavs and the Lombards.
 * Celtic League: The Celts would like to politely decline the counteroffer, and instead will give all lands except Iceland to the Western Slavs, Carthaginians, Lombards, and Saxons.
 * The Gothic Empire: Is made uneasy by the recent conquests near their territory. The Goths assert their authority over Brittany and insist that all invading nations respect that fact. The Celts are permitted to maintain their presence in the area.

The Gothic Empire: For fear of having their slaves encouraged by the revolts in Carthage and the Decree of Human Rights in Lombardy, the Goths also begin to show more kindness toward the slaves. They are to be treated as a low class workers rather than sub-human servants, and are allowed the privileges of basic human rights. Loyal slaves are also offered a deal in which their kin will be considered official citizens under the empire and be allowed in schools, should they show exemplary effort to improve the empire.

The Goths continue their research into ballistics and combustion to better 'wow' the audiences at the Imperial Games. The practice of firing flaming arrows is adopted and developed with care. A harbor is built in Vasconia and work begins on a new Gothic fleet. Trade is connected to Vasconia by sea and several land caravans supplying food are recruited. The land previously inhabited by Suebi tribals is offered autonomy and a representative is selected to sit in during meetings with the Roman Senate.

Persian Empire: We expand 300 pixels into Russia. We also push 300 pixels into Arabia with the Byzantine Empire. We invade Turkmenistan expanding 1800 pixels. We continue to improve trade with the Neo-Parthian Empire by building trade cities along the Parthian-Persian border. Our economy booms with the Bytzyan Empire trade cities. We improve our military and infrastructure. We build up our army. We build hundreds of roads across the Persian Empire, connecting the huge empire. We build more houses. We offer a non-aggression pact to whatever nation that is west of us. We honour our alliance with Goth Empire.

Gupta Kingdom: From 540 - 545 CE (AD), the Gupta Kingdom takes over all of Burma to the border of the Kingdom of Funan. The local peasants living there are given citizenship if they would convert to Hinduism. Rice farming is encouraged in the region. The northern border is also pushed north by about 40 pixels or so. The east Kalachuri territory previously occupied by Gupta forces is annexed into the Gupta state proper. Cities and villages are rebuilt.Tribute is set up, and local village elders are allowed to self-rule under the overseer a military official. In 540, Gupta forces continued their advance westward, from the east, into Kalachuri territory. By 543, all central part of the Kalachuri kingdom (Madhya Pradesh) is conquered by Gupta forces and made an occupied territory. The western part continues to resist. The navy is built up. The Andaman islands are colonized and annexed into the Gupta Kingdom. A small fort and port is set up on the southernmost tip of India.

(Just a heads up, the next turn will have to begin an hour early, due to a conflict in my schedule. Try to get all of your posts in today by 21:00 UTC.)

545 C.E.
(I'm really sorry for the earliness. If anyone did not get a chance to write their turn, feel free to do so from 21-22 UTC. After that, the turn becomes final.)

The Liang and Gorguyeo Kingdoms push into the weakened Wei territory.

The Jutes have conquered the Danish Isles.

'''The War of Britannia continues, as no treaty has been agreed upon. The Carthaginians, Lombards, Saxons, and Western Slavs continue to push deeper into Celtic territory.'''

'''The War of Frankish Unification has begun. The Austrasians invade Neustria, in hopes of reuniting the Frankish People.'''

The Guptas push farther into Kalachuri territory.

The Burgundians make advances into Alemanni territory, granting control of some of their captured lands to the Goths.

Gothic Suebia has been granted autonomy.

'''Carthaginian dissent has been quelled. However, southward expansion has been halted by dense jungle, coupled with regular attacks by native tribes. Expansion will likely be impossible for quite some time.'''

Lombard Kingdom: We declare war on the Alemanni Confederation, citing 'Conquest' as our cause for war, we offer to split their territory with Burgundy. Liang: We continue invading the wei. We give crossbows to our allies.
 * The Gothic Empire: Pleads with the Lombards to be merciful to the Alemanni people, as they have been long standing friends.

Celtic League: In order to prevent the excessive loss of life and preserve the Celtic people's culture and language, all Celts living in Britannia are encouraged to flee to the colony of Iceland and forfeit the lands to the ruthless invaders. Celts living in Brittany stay. However, they are unnerved by the presence of the Goths in the area.

Kingdom of the Balts: Beloved King Aleksandras dies of natural causes, and his son Juozas ascends to the throne. Many chieftains are unhappy with not being able to elect their leader. In order to quell possible rebellion, Juozas orders the creation of the Chieftain Council, a senate to give the tribes in the kingdom better representation. Work on the infrastructure continues.

Kingdom of Jutland: The Jutes would like to propose a royal marriage with their closest allies, the '''Danish and Gothic Kingdom. '''Jarl Sven Abelone offers his daughters', Hilde and Jule, hand in marriage. The Jutes hope this marriage will strengthen the relationship between them and their allies and prevent any breaking of treaties in the future. Jarl Sven Abelone and many Jutes settled in the Jute colony on Britannia are worried by the rapid expansion and conquering of the British Isles and expulsion of their former allies, the Celts. Confirmation is still wanted as to the safety and security of the Jute colony on the island. Due to the nation's peaceful state, the Jutes would like to join the Imperial League. Lastly, as usual, farther expansion north into Norway and Sweden is made, by the usual amount. Hephthalite Empire: The nation continues to improve and build up its standing army, now standing at almost 75,000 fairly well-trained soldiers. Our tegin, Astrahula, is still extremely ambitious and plans to conquer all of India in his lifetime. We offer to join the Liang Dynasty's war against the Wei Dynasty. The Danish Kingdom: King '''Aleksander 1st accepts the offer of the Jutes, and offers his son, Adolf to marry one of the Jutes' Princesses, leaving the second son, Danske without a bride. Besides that, the Danes continues to head east, and a bit to the north., claiming the lands as the Danish Kingdom. They build more cities with hospitals and entertainment puppet theaters, discovering '''salt near the baltic sea. '''Many of the Danes have built small villages with big farms, hoping to increase the economics of Danish Kingdom. Besides that, The Danish King Aleksander 1st would like to ally with the Gothic Kingdom, due to the fact that the Jutes have allied with the Goths, and the King would like to form a trade with the Goths and the Jutes, offering salt.'''
 * The Gothic Empire sadly admits that King Alaric II has no legitimate children and cannot accept the marriage.
 * Liang accepts.

Gorguyeo Kingdom: Continues to improve its economy, infrastructure and build up its military. The population of Gorguyeo Kingdom continues to grow slowly fast, adding 10,000 people each year. More farms and cities are upgraded or built and roads are improved. Gorguyeoans cut down trees to make houses for the population. Gorguyeo Kingdom expend 2000 px into Korea and 4000 px into Manchuria, totaling 6000 px. Gorguyeo Kingdom continues invading Eastern and Western Wei Kingdoms. Gorguyeo Kingdom requests Liang Kingdom for alliance and royal marriage.

Persian Empire: We expand 300 pixels into Russia. We also push 300 pixels into Arabia with the Byzantine Empire. We continue are invasion Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan expanding 1800 pixels. We continue to improve trade with the Neo-Parthian Empire by building trade cities along the Parthian-Persian border. Our economy booms with the Bytzyan Empire trade cities. We improve our military and infrastructure. We build up our army. We build hundreds of roads across the Persian Empire, connecting the huge empire. We build more houses. We offer a non-aggression pact to whatever nation that is west of us. We honour our alliance with Goth Empire.

Rus' Principality: With the army strengthened and the interior secure, we begin expanding again. Settlers go to the north, taking the Leningrad Oblast, Vologda Oblast, Arkhangelsk Oblast, and Karelia. At the same time, construction of roads, houses, and fortresses continues throughout our territory. Population continues to increase and trade with the Western Slavs continues.

The Gothic Empire: The elderly king Alaric II is stricken ill and is bedridden for several weeks. In his absence the Roman Senate makes the decision to give more rights to women. Women are allowed as much of a vote in selecting representatives and unmarried childless women are allowed to join the royal Gothic army. Twenty years have passed since the Ostrogoths were accepted into the empire, and the decision is made that for Visigothic and Ostrogothic troops to officially merge. Following the acceptance of women and the recruitment of Italian soldiers, the Gothic army nearly doubles in size.

A diplomat is sent into Neustria with a proposal; in exchange for control over this stretch of land, The Goths promise to help reclaim their lost territories from the Austrasians and ensure their sovereignty for the foreseeable future. With the Burgunds,  another deal is proposed in which they provide us with control over a larger portion of the passage into northern Italy and we will accept their claims over the Alemanni and provide all adjacent Austrasian territory for up to 50 mi (once captured). A secret task force of highly skilled mercenaries named the Umbra-Gotha is hired and trained for covert operations. The Codex Argenteus is translated into Vandalic and Franconian and Latin and distibuted into the respective territories where those languages are spoken, (ie; Carthage, Neustria/Austrasia, etc) in order to spread Arian Christianity.

Alaric II fights off the illness and makes a full recovery, prompting the respect and loyalty of his people to grow exponentially. Seeing his end draw nearer, and having no legitimate children of his own frightens Alaric II and he fears the empire he built may fall apart without him. Alaric II has now outlived all of his illegitimate offspring and decides to adopt a young Suebian boy named Lucien. The boy is trained in military strategy, how to fight with and lead an army, and is effectively groomed for leadership. The Kingdom of Ghana: The king of Ghana, seeking great fortune and power to fuel his rule over the Ghanans people, expanded across the Niger and Benue rivers. Hoping to open new regions of his realm to trade and commerce. While at the same time focusing on the kingdoms infrastructure, as it expands along the many rivers to flow throughout the region, to help maintain the unity of their ever growing kingdom.
 * (Mod) Neustria, due to its dire situation, reluctantly accepts the Gothic offer.
 * The Gothic Empire mounts an offensive with a third of its army supporting the Neustrians along the border.

However, amongst all of them are heard whispers, amongst the people of Ghana that tell of nations beyond the Sahara, far to the north where many a war is waged, and thousands are slaughtered. Though calmly denied by the king of the realm, it cannot be ignored as a possible cause for the realm's recent policy of expansionism.

West Slavic Confederation: With our new and fully functional navy, we continue to fight deeper into the Irish proper, trying to take as much territory as possible. we use newly designed, superior weapons, and new tactics. Meanwhile, back within the borders of our nation, military reforms continue, to both increase and organize the military which now numbers about 75,000 men. In order to dfend our borders, a string of forts is built along our border to hinder any invaders. Meanwhile, major cities like Oscelburg, Locerburg (located in the northwestern part of our nation) and Seminburg (located in the southern part of our nation) are fortified. Major agricultural reforms are also passed in order to satisfy our rapidly growing population which currently stands at about 750,000. These reforms are meant to provide a large tradable surplus within 25 years. In addition, Saner Mortemor tries to smooth over arguments between states, to ensure the empire's longevity. 'Trade continues with the Rus', and we offer free trade to any nation that would like to trade.

Burgundy continues pushing into Alemanni, and begins building up its economy.
 * The Gothic Empire proposes a deal with the Burgunds in which they provide us with control over a larger portion of the passage into northern Italy and we will provide all adjacent Austrasian territory for up to 50 mi (once captured).

550 C.E.
The Gorguyeo, Hephthalite, and Liang push farther into Wei territory.

The Gupta Kingdom makes gains in Kalachuri territory.

Further expansion into Russia continues to prove impossible for the Persians and the Rus'.

The Neustrians cede land over to the Goths, and with Gothic help, manage to push back the front line.

The Burgundians and Lombards gain more territory form the Alemanni.

The Carthaginians, Lombards, Western Slavs, and Saxons continue to divide up Britannia.

The Celts rapidly begin to evacuate Britain, settling in their Icelandic territory.

Unrest occurs in Gorguyeo South Korea, where local leaders begin pushing for independence through violent means.

Hephthalite Empire: While a majority of our troops are helping the Liang Dynasty against the Wei, almost 35,000 men are still stationed on the mainland and we continue to improve our military. '''We officially begin our conquest of India by declaring war on the Kalachuri Dynasty. Our troops immediately move into their territory.'''

Kingdom of Jutland: Jarl Sven Abelone and the Jute people would like to offer assistance to their allies, the Goths, in the war against Austrasia to honor their alliance and decide to invade with the whole of their army from the north, forcing the Austrasians to fight a two front war. The Jarl, never one to sit by idly, decides to fight and command on the front lines of the battle. The Jutes in the Britannia colony are still unnerved by the presence of invaders on the island and as a result the security of the border is heightened and patrols are made regularly to insure no Jute land is invaded. Lastly, the usual northward expansion is made in Norway and Sweden (none was added to the map last time, I'm not sure why, maybe it could be double this time to make up for it?)

Rus' Principality: Grand Prince Kyi decides to mount military expeditions against barbarians and does not understand why disorganized bands pose such a threat. A total of 50,000 men take part in a sweep through the regions to the north of our territory to clear out any hostiles. Construction of infrastructure continues.

The Danish Kingdom: The Danes attempt to claim a large chunk of land to the north and to the east. Besides that, The Danish Kingdom is improving with its military equipment, as they now found sharper swords and more durable shelds. and lastly, the Danish King has visited all of Finland, and has decided to build shops, in which people can buy things with Dankes. This would improve economics a lot faster, but the downside is, that people need jobs to earn a living.

The Gothic Empire: Another battalion consisting of a third of the main Gothic military is marched through the fortified Alemanni border and into Austrasia with orders to march west, then north to meet with the Neustrian front, tying a noose around the nations neck, forcing them to divide up their armies in an effort to defend. The much improved Gothic navy travels to the waters north of Austrasia and launches an attack on coastal cities. The Gothic Navali Balista Excusso is employed in the war and used to bombard Austrasian troops, providing support for Gothic fighters. The Umbra-Gotha is sent out on its first assignment: Capture King Sigebert I and bring him back alive to the Goths stationed in Neustria.

The Alemanni territory ceded to the Gothic Empire by the Burgunds is annexed into the empire turned into a military outpost for the war efforts in Austrasia. A deal is proposed with the Lombards, Burgunds  and  Alemanni in which the Goths would be ensured safe passage through the warzone unharmed in order for continued protection from the Austrasian threat as well as a portion of the lands captured. The Goths promise to return the Alemanni territory when it is safe to do so.

The Suebian boy, Lucien, is permitted to sit in on the meetings of the Roman Senate at the age of nine, and is allowed to state his opinions by thirteen. Alaric II raises the boy like his own and teaches him the philosophies that allowed him to be such a great leader in his time. The common people are not told of Lucien's birth origins, and it is to be assumed that he is the son of Alaric II.

Alaric II eagerly accepts the changes enacted in his absence and even goes so far as to open up another seat on the senate and hold elections for a female politician. Once elected, the wise woman who was chosen becomes the last senator to be incorporated into the "Regis Decem" ortherwise known as "The King's Ten". Underneath them, one hundred people are chosen at random from all across the empire, 50% men and 50% women. Though they have no viable say in finalities, the one hundred delagates are allowed to make suggestions to the Regis Decem and effectively have their voice be heard.

While the Goths continue to accept and learn from the Roman culture, the nation does not allow it to consume them and continues to develop as an independent source for creativity and cultural expression. The old Pagan ways are long behind the empire as it fully embraces Arian Christianity. Churches are erected and are run locally by the communities they exist within in order to prevent them from becoming monetized. Small capitalistic ventures are encouraged by the empire, but building of monopolies and massive corporations is made illegal.

A huge Gothic force marches into Brittany and makes its presence known without any open acts of aggression. The Goths are on strict orders not to attack the Celts, and to retreat if met with opposition. A fleet of passenger ships is prepared for the future 'relocation' of Celtic refugees. Arian Celts that wish to join the empire are offered citizenship in exchange for a vow of loyalty.

Burgundy: Is satisfied with its gains from the Alemanni, and tells the Lombards to stop fighting, or face the might of Burgundy. In the meantime, Burgundy also asks the Goths to cede a narrow piece of land to the south of its borders so that Burgundy may have access to the sea. Burgund forces mount a massive invasion of Austraians in order to expand its influence and power. West Slavic Confederation: With our new and fully functional navy, we continue to fight deeper into the Irish proper, trying to take as much territory as possible. we use newly designed, superior weapons, and new tactics. In Addition, we open up a new front against the celts in Scotland, trying to accelerate the collapse of the nation. Meanwhile, back within the borders of our nation, military reforms continue, to both increase and organize the military which now numbers about 75,000 men. In order to dfend our borders, a string of forts is built along our border to hinder any invaders. Meanwhile, major cities like Oscelburg, Locerburg (located in the northwestern part of our nation) and Seminburg (located in the southern part of our nation) are fortified. Major agricultural reforms are also passed in order to satisfy our rapidly growing population which currently stands at about 750,000. These reforms are meant to provide a large tradable surplus within 25 years. In addition, Saner Mortemor tries to smooth over arguments between states, to ensure the empire's longevity. 'Trade continues with the Rus', and we offer free trade to any nation that would like to trade. Persian Empire: We stop our expansion in Russia. Instead we invade Tajikistan, expanding 350 pixels into it. We push 300 pixels into Arabia with the Byzantine Empire. We continue our invasion of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan expanding 1800 pixels. We continue to improve trade with the Neo-Parthian Empire by building trade cities along the Parthian-Persian border. Our economy booms with the Bytzyan Empire trade cities. We improve our military and infrastructure. We build up our army. We build hundreds of roads across the Persian Empire, connecting the huge empire. We build more houses. We offer a non-aggression pact to whatever nation that is west of us. We honour our alliance with Goth Empire. We host the Imperial Games (The Ashes of Rome) in Dubai.
 * The Gothic Empire: Declines. Gorguyeo Kingdom: Continues to improve its economy, infrastructure and build up its military. The population of Gorguyeo Kingdom continues to grow slowly fast, adding 10,000 people each year. More farms and cities are upgraded or built and roads are improved. Gorguyeoans cut down trees to make houses for the population. Gorguyeo Kingdom expend 6000 px into Manchuria, while all of Korea is completely colonized under Gorguyeo control. Also, Gorguyeo settlers colonized Tsushima Island, Jejudo and Ulleungdo in just one year. Gorguyeo Kingdom continues invading Eastern and Western Wei Kingdoms. Gorguyeo forces disembarks and attacks OTL Shandong Province by transporting forces hrough Korea Bay. Gorguyeo soldiers and cavalries are sent to OTL South Korea to crush the rebellions trying to become independent. While Sillan and Baekje are spoken majority in southern Korea, the Gorguyeo government has passed a new law to extinct Sillan and Baekje languages immediately. If an Gorguyeo inhabitant spoke Sillan or Baekje as their native language must lean the knowledge of Goguryeo language, starting its Goguryeoization progress in regions of Baekje and Silla.
 * Liang accepts the offer from the previous turn.
 * Persia: We accept.

The Kingdom of Ghana: The king continues his policy of expansion, up along the Senegal river toward the west, hoping to find further new realms to settle and open to trade along the great rivers that unite his kingdom. At the same time infrastructure has become an important part of their rapid expansion, and has also been a major focus of their territorial growth.

However, in secret the king has grown more weary of what may lie ahead, the whispers that once trotted the edge of his kingdom have become more and more pronounced in their effects as the edges of society farther down the Senegal River speak of foreign men. It is only all too worrying for the man who hosts such a heavy crown upon his head.

Due to the pronounced focus on infrastructural development for approximately ten years, the borders around the river ways have grown to a degree beyond the rivers themselves. All the while sailors exploring the coast beyond the Niger and Benue Rivers, attempt to explore what the endless coasts may offer (eventual discovery of the Volga River from the coastline).

Kingdom of the Balts: Our settlers head eastward once more, reaching the westward and southern shores of Lake Ladoga, taking all of OTL Leningrad Oblast. Roads are built to connect this new territory to the rest of the nation. Cargo ships are constructed in our Baltic ports to continue trading with the nations located along the North Sea.

Celtic League: All Celts continue to flee to Iceland and would one again like to propose a treaty in which all Celtic land is given to the invaders while the Celts are allowed sanctuary and control on Iceland. In the meantime, Iceland is slowly transformed and becomes more developed, with towns, roads and ports being built. The Celts would like proposes open trade with any country that is interested. The Celts also begin to improve their armies and defenses of Iceland, in preparation for a possible attack.

555 C.E.
'''The Avar and Göktürk Khaganates emerge in Central Asia, formed from groups of barbarian nomads. The Avars swiftly attack and conquer eastern Rus' and Persian territory, and establish a foothold in Russia. They are, however, still a barely-organized, nomadic war band, relying on surprise attacks with massive numbers of troops.'''

The Hepthalite, Gorguyeo and Liang Kingdoms make significant gains in Wei territory.

The Gupta and Hepthalite Kingdoms conquer all of the Kalachuri Kingdom.

'''The Goths reclaim all Neustrian territory, and execute their "Noose" strategy in Austrasian territory. It proves highly effective. The Burgundians and Jutes push into Austrasian territory as well.'''

'''The Celts completely evacuate Britannia, and the invaders swiftly conquer the remainder. Pockets of resistance remain, though the majority of the Celtic people are now living in Iceland.'''

'''The Gorguyeos' attempted ethnic cleansing proves to be a failure. The Sillia and Baekje Kingdoms break off from the empire, and due to the over-extended nature of the Gorguyeo Kingdom, are able to maintain relative safety and stability.'''

The Chenla Kingdom breaks away from the Funan Kingdom.

Rus' Principality: The emergence of the khanates and their expansion is surprising due to the strength of the Rus' military. With the shock gone, the Rus' army will have no problems defeating them. Grand Prince Kyi assembles an army and personally commands it in a campaign against the invaders, with a total of 125,000 troops while another expansionary operation continues to the north of Rus' lands, to clear out other barbarians. Meanwhile, construction of infrastructure continues.

Danish Kingdom: The Danes continue to expand their territories to the east and north of Finland. The Danes grow by 5000 people every year, and hospitals, theaters and bigger towns are built increasing the economics of the Danish Kingdom.

Kingdom of the Balts: Towns and farms expand across the kingdom, especially in the new territories in the northeast. Hearing rumors of incoming barbarians, the eastern border and eastern towns are fortified.

Hepthalite Empire: We continue our conquest of India by immediately declaring war on the Chalukya Dynasty after conquering the Kalachuri Kingdom. In terms of diplomacy, we are willing to establish trade relations with the Persian Empire and the Imperial League in general. Carthaginian Empire: Improves its infrastructure and builds up its military.We continue to sell African slaves to anyone willing to buy them.We invade Britanny and Iceland and the rest of the Celtic lands with our army,recruiting even more people from the homeland. ''We expand 3500 px into the southern African coasts. ''We send representatives to the Kingdom of Ghana forbidding them to expand to the northwestern African coast anymore or it's war.
 * Persia Dip: We accept.

Kingdom of Jutland: Jarl Sven Abelone dies at age 71 while leading his army against the Austrasians, causing his soldiers grief and rage. His most trusted and highest ranking general, Mikel, is given control of the forces and continues the invasion. His only son, Bodil Abelone, aged 26, is made Jarl. Many are unnerved by the new Jarl's relative youth, inexperience and infirmities. At the age of 5, while ice fishing with his dad, Bodil fell into the water and nearly drowned, leading to irreversible brain damage. The left side of his body was paralyzed and he suffered numerous seizures afterward, though his mind was still intact and unaffected. Jarl Bodil Abelone proposes to take his father's seat in the Roman Senate, and has been fascinated by Roman and Gothic people and history since his childhood. The Jutes develop more towns and roads under the new Jarl and hope to grow into a great power, and as a result people are encouraged to have many children and settle in frontier regions in the north, helping to grow the population of the kingdom faster. Farther expansion north is made to suit the growing population.

Persian Empire: We stop our expansion into Russia. We continue our expansion into Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, expanding 2350 pixels into them. We expand 450 pixels into Arabia. We seek warm relationship with Avar but not warm relations with Göktürk. If we reach them we won't declare war on them. We build our military and infrastructure. We build hundreds of roads. We build more houses. We build up our army in preparation for war. We continue trade with the Neo-Parthian Empire and the Bytzan Empire. We offer a non-aggression pact and trade improvement with any country which is west of us. The Kingdom of Ghana: With the discovery of the Carthaginian nation, great levels of distress and worry begin to spread throughout the kingdom as the Ghanans debate as to what should be done in reaction to this newfound, and possibly equal political entity.
 * The Kingdom of Jutland: Would like to accept the non-aggression pact with the Persian Empire.
 * Persia: We accept.

The King, wishing to maintain the stability of the kingdom, seeks to trade and maintain a peace with the Carthaginian people, hoping that they might bring trade goods down the Senegal River, to thei port town at the mouth of the river. At the same time, nobility and the royal family, send agents and emissaries throughout the known world that they have for long time been cut off from.

-Offer of trade and non-aggression is sent to the fair peoples of Carthage, while agreeing to settle no farther north, than the Senegal River.

Meanwhile sailors exploring beyond the mouth of the Niger and Benue rivers, discover the Volta river and begin to settle along its shores, while the kingdom's infrastructural policies continue to expand, primarily focused on connecting any settlements that may form along the Volta, with the rest of the kingdoms watery highways.

The Gothic Empire: Orders are put out to the Gothic troops in Austrasia to begin tightening the noose, strengthening their border and pushing inland. Coastal raiders near the Netherlands are sent ashore and told to support the front. At sixteen, the Suebian boy, Lucien, is given control over a small group of troops and begins actively fighting in the war against the Austrasians. With no word back from the Umbra-Gotha for an extended period of time, a recovery team is sent in to find them and report back on their progress. The Goths send a diplomat to speak with the Burgunds. A small, but intimidating, fighting force accompanies the diplomat, providing better backing for our words after our last diplomatic proposals were met with silence. The Gothic Empire requests the Burgunds annex what lands they have already captured, then pull their armies away from the area and cease further northern expansion, as this territory is already claimed.

Interactions in the Roman Senate flourish with the introduction of the one hundred delegates and policies are finally put into place to better regulate trade in the empire. A standard form of currency, backed by a mountain of accumulated gold, is adopted. The Euro is introduced to Gothic financial markets as an accounting currency, replacing the former "gold coin" or denarius. Work on a national bank begins in Barcelona and slaves are re-stationed there. To ensure the fair and ethical treatment of slave workers, another policy is put into place: For every five slaves that die during the construction, one of the overseers is hung in return.

Nineteen year old Lucien is given an official spot on the Senate as the "leader in waiting". His political power is to be currently near non-existent until the death of Alaric II. Despite his lack of official power, he holds much sway with the senate as his opinions are valued beyond compare. His military strategy is considered the best in the Gothic military and he is without a doubt, the most decorated officer to ever call themselves a Goth.

A team of scribes and missionaries is sent south with inscribing tools and stone tablets with the intent of learning native African languages and transcribing the Codex Argenteus accordingly. Warm relations are offered to African tribes in exchange for a return of the same. Gothic technology and infrastructure is introduced to the natives in an effort to impress and strike with awe. The ideas of 'sinning' and confession are preached in hopes of deifying the Gothic Empire as a bastion of spiritual and moral superiority.

A wave of sorrow and mourning sweeps over the nation following the unfortunate demise of Jarl Sven Abelone. In honour of the Jutes and all they have done for the Gothic Empire, the open seat in the Roman Senate is declared "The Abelone Chair". The young Bodil Abelone is readily accepted as the rightful heir to Sven's chair and welcomed into the Roman Senate. Lucien and Bodil become fast friends, spending far too much of their time in senate meetings discussing the joys of women and wine.

Gothic presence in Celtic Britanny is increased and settlers begin moving into the area. Camps are constructed on the northern coasts for Celtic refugees, and relocation ships begin officially taking Celtic citizens to Iceland. Any opposition is met with retaliation, sending the belligerent and rebellious Celts to live in high security camps on the northern coast.

Celtic League: Further fortifications are built on the coasts of Iceland to insure no incursions can be made into Celtic land. The Celts begin to adopt newer methods of fighting, realizing they can utilize the extreme climate of their home to ambush and flank larger forces. Towns, roads and ports are further advanced in the meantime as well.

(Sorry to inconvenience you folks again, but the turn is going to be an hour and a half early today, beginning at 20:30 UTC. The same rule applies where, if you did not get a chance to post before the early turn started, you may make a post in the previous turn, until 22:00 UTC.)

560 C.E.
The Goruyeo, Liang and Hephthalite Kingdoms completely conquer the Wei Kingdoms.

The Hephthalites begin to push in to Chalukya territory.

'''The Goths and Carthaginians capture all of Brittany. Due to the extreme fortifications in Iceland and a climate Carthaginian soldiers were unfamiliar with, they fail to make landings, and the Celt successfully defend the island.'''

The Gothic noose tactic is completed, all of Austrasia is captured, and the Umbra-Gotha return with Sigebert I.

Carthaginian expansion to the south continues to prove impossible, due to attacks by native tribes and dense jungle.

The Rus', through careful military campaigns, manage to defend their remaining territory from the Avars.

Rus' Principality: The Princes' Council is surprised at the results of their campaign, receiving conflicting intelligence reports. Nonetheless, our '''well-organized, well-equipped army should be more than a match for the barbarians. A total of 135,000 soldiers take part in the operation against the disorganized barbarians. Well-laid plans are created to draw them into a decisive battle and destroy their entire force through encirclements are put into action.''' Construction of infrastructure continues, as projects are finished in the main cities within the Ukraine and Russia.

Autonomous Egypt: We begin building an independent military. The people begin to reject Christianity and many families begin converting back to the old ways of Ra. We ask the Byzantines for more better representation. A leader named Osirus is quickly looked upon with respect. He is given power over autonomous Egypt.

Persian Empire: We continue our expansion into Kazakhstan, expanding 2400 pixels in five years. We expand 450 pixels into Arabia. We offer a non-aggression pact with Avar. We build our military and infrastructure. We build up our huge army so we can explore new lands. We build thousands of roads to connect the huge empire. We build more houses. We offer a trade alliance and a non-aggression pact to anybody who's west of us. We host the Imperial Games for the third time. Liang: We annex our parts of the Wei and expand west by 2900 pixels.
 * (Mod) The Avar: Accept the offer.

Danish Kingdom: We continue to expand to the southwest this time, occupying the land and making sure that the military of the Danes have modern weapons.

The Kingdom of Ghana: With the recent discovery of the Mediterranean world, the kingdom of Ghana realizes the much larger world, and political environment that they now exist in. Not only that, but the idea that other views exist on how one should carry out their lives, and the gods that determine the world's natural order, has brought much debate and upheaval to the ramshackle macabre that is The Kingdom of Ghana. Further to the point, recent discoveries of their now close neighbor, the Carthaginians, has revealed the startling fact, that they deal in the enslavement of other fellow Ghanans, who live too far from central authorities to be kept safe from Carthaginian slavers.

The King of Ghana facing a multitude of problems that had never before been faced by himself or his ancestral rulers elects to build up a military, dropping the Kingdom's expansionist policies, for a focus on facing up to their now strong and more centralized neighbor. Meanwhile Nobility amongst the kingdom now support their new policy of militarism, hoping that their buildup will be enough to secure what now seems to them as a pitiable land compared to the rest of the worldly nations.

Hoping to seek an ally in their time of need, The Kingdom of Ghana attempts to open relations with the Gothic Empire, as their relative proximity and power would be a great boon to deterring Carthaginian expansion in the rest of western Africa.

-The offer of Trade and Non-Aggression is repealed, with the envoys and diplomats called back to the kingdom, with recent discovery of Carthaginian slave trade.

Settlers along the Volta river expand farther eastward, along the coastline that separates the two rivers.

War is now on the minds of every Ghanan subject and nobleman. As a result, many of the people of the Kingdom openly support rebellion, and any revolutionary efforts within Carthage territory, whilst the King turns a blind eye to any events that may come forth.

~War is on the horizon. The Gothic Empire: As victory is declared and the Gothic flag flies over Metz, a resounding shockwave of patriotism is felt throughout the Empire. Troops are sent home to their families and parades are held to honor those who fell in defense of their brothers. The Gothic Empire formally thanks all those who participated in the war, proving to keep their casualties at a minimum. The empire adopts the practice of awarding war heroes with gifts and medals to commemorate their deeds. With Sigebert I in captivity and a new ruling body over the territory, the faint idea that the western European world might be one day free from the Frankish threat that had loomed over everyone for sixty years, had finally becoming a reality.
 * The Gothic Empire will declare war on the Carthaginians if they do not accept recent diplomatic proposals.

The fallen king Sigebert I is paraded through the streets with nothing to shield his nakedness but his own hands. After ferocious beating and public torture, Sigebert is turned over to his half-brother Chilperic. The Goths promise Chilperic full control over Sigebert's fate, but also offer to keep his hands clean by dealing with the problem themselves.

As his final great act in the realm of the living, King Alaric II draws up a map of how he desires the lands to be distributed following the war. On his ninetieth birthday, the regular senate meeting came as expected and Alaric II showed up as spry and full of life as ever. He presented the map to the senate, to which there was a clear dividing argument. The Suebian representative and four of the Italian representatives proclaim that the empire is in desperate need of expansion, demanding that there be a larger take on the captured Austrasian territory. Tension grows, and soon a shouting match breaks out. King Alaric II, already old and infirm, can't handle the stress, and collapses onto the table clutching at his heart. Swords are drawn, and the ten promptly become five.

The "Regis Decem" maintains it's name despite it's now ever present falsities. Following the bloodshed in the senate and the death of his father, Lucien declares himself the undisputed leader of the Gothic Empire.With Suebian blood still pumping in his veins and the fire of a Goth burning in his heart, Lucien promises to fill both the role as leader of the Goths and representative of the Suebian people. The bodies of the four Italian elders and the Suebian representative are strapped with weights, taken to the Bay of Biscay, and thrown into the ocean, never to be spoken of again. As his first action in senate, the young Lucien rejects the title of King, claiming it to be "an old word, used in a dead world", and instead takes to be calling "Chairman". Chairman Lucien apologizes to his supporting delegates for the drama and insists that something like that could never happen again under his command. The Abelone Chair is still dedicated to Bodil Abelone and Lucien takes the time to personally apologize to him for the sudden and violent change, also expressing his desire for a continued alliance with the Jutes.

Alaric II's memoirs are discovered buried away in his chambers and possession of them is turned over to his son. Chairman Lucien, eager to please his father's ghost, is determined to accomplish all the things Alaric II could not live long enough to do himself. He personally sets out on an journey to the capitals of Neustria, Burgundy, The Alemanni Confederation and Carthage, to discuss territory distribution. He first travels to the Neustrian capital, providing this swath of land to the Neustrians in exchange for continued friendly relations between the two great nations. His next stop in is in Burgundy, where he repeats the same offer made to them years before, excluding the seat on the senate and with an added offer of extra territory. The Burgundians will be given land in southern Austrasia in exchange for greater control over the passage into Italia. In the Alemanni Confederation, the lands that were siezed by the Burgundians and put under Goth control, are returned with an accompanying formal apology and offer of minor reparations in the form of gold. In exchange for complete control of Britanny, the Goths offer land in northern Austrasia. Kingdom of Jutland: Further expansion is made north, roads and towns are improved.
 * The Jutes would like to maintain the alliance and a healthy relationship, with Bodil and supporting Lucien.
 * (Mod) The Alemanni graciously accept.
 * (Mod) Neustria accepts.

565 C.E.
Following the demise of Austrasia, Neustria is ceded a large portion of its former territory, and all new territory is annexed immediately.

The Goths cede land to the Alemanni.

The Hephthalites make gains in Chalukya territory.

'''The Rus' begin to push into Avar territory. The Avars request assistance from their recent allies, the Persians.'''

Celtic Iceland continues to hold strong against Carthaginian invasion.

Byzantium refuses to grant Autonomous Egypt more representation.

'''The Persian Empire's rapid expansion begins to catch up to them. Local ethnic groups across vast swathes of the massive empire begin to rebel.'''

The Neustrians exile Sigebert I to the uninhabited island of Gotska Sandön in the Baltic Sea.

The Japanese: Expand north and southward, starting a war with the Ainu.

Liang: We invade the Japanese due to their aggression. We continue expanding at a rate of 2000 pixels.

Rus' Principality: Grand Prince Kyi views the recent actions of the Avars as a blessing in disguise. He presents his new plan to the Prince Council, which is mostly in agreement and ratifies it. The Grand Prince of Kiev then travels around the country to personally give speeches and spread the news. Out of the principality's population of around five million, they will initiate a draft of most able-bodied men. Kyi is a leader who is viewed very positively by the people for his skillful leadership, improving living conditions and managing to keep the Rus' out of conflicts to not needlessly waste the lives of soldiers. He also brings up the recent victories against the Avars, improving morale. As a result, the people are willing to fight for him. A mobilization of 400,000 enthusiastic men begins, to bolster the 170,000-man regular army. Conscripts are trained and sent off to the front to aid the more veteran troops, which are gradually given some time to go home and visit their families. A total of 200,000 troops fight on the front against the Avars. Another 200,000 are present on the southern border with the Persian Empire, which Kyi warns to stay out of the conflict unless it wants to be invaded. The remaining 170,000 (partly conscripts, partly veterans) are positioned in the western regions for border security and law enforcement tasks. '''The Grand Prince secretly takes advantage of the unrest throughout the Persian Empire by dispatching agents into the Russian lands held by Persia to stir up nationalism and pro-Rus' sentiment among the majority Slav and Caucasus Greek populations. They work from behind the scenes to not get caught by the Persian authorities and are attempting to start a popular uprising.'''

Göktürk Khaganate:' İstemi Yabghu is the current ruler of our powerful khaganate. Our control of the Silk Road is powerful and gains us wealth. Tribal chiefs hold much sovereign authority to keep the land under control. Tengrism is the main focused religion among the people, and the governing power accepts and celebrates this religion. We expand 600 px into areas around Lake Baikal. Our nation prospers and grows.

The Gothic Empire: The people of the empire have trouble adjusting to their new leader and a rise in the crime rate becomes immediately noticeable. The Gothic National Guard begins setting up garrisons in every city to help protect innocents and quell dissatisfaction with the sudden increase in criminal activity. The use of imprisonment is adopted and fortified dungeons and jails begin to pop up all over the empire.

Control over the Netherlands falls to the Jutes in celebration of their renewed alliance. A request is made to build a Gothic embassy in Neustria to ensure that there are no Austrasian uprisings. The requests made to Carthage and Burgundy five years before still stand. In honor of his beloved father, Lucien orders that a two hundred foot tall marble statue of Alaric II be erected in the center of Toledo, his beard being a primary focal point of the structure. Much of the slave work force is redirected there and the same policy of overseer responsibility is put in place. The Danish Kingdom: We continue to expand to the southwest and attempt to claim a large chunk of land. Aleksander 1st, seeing how the Baltic Kingdom acts, and '''thinks that the Baltic Kingdom is preparing for war, asks the Jutes for help to fight the Baltic. '''Besides that, The Danish Kingdom builds more hospitals and more puppet theaters and places to have jobs. Every year the Danish Kingdom population grows by 3000 people per year, resulting in economic growth. The Danes also recruit more men for his army of knights and the very first Danish navy.
 * Neustria accepts.

Japan: We have sent an army to Taiwan and are now exploring it.

The Kingdom of Ghana: The unrest, that began to plague the kingdom during their early on discovery of the other worldly civilizations, has begun to die down, as society at hand becomes more grounded toward the sheer scope of human existence. However, there is still a high level of outcry and jeering toward the current political elite, to take immediate action against the Carthaginians. Who view their society, from what they can tell, as beneath them and that people of their like are only of use as slaves.

The King of Ghana continues to push for military development, for he fears that the only way that peace could be achieved for his people, may be through hostile methods, and he understands their hatred toward this assault upon their prestigious society.

Emissaries and diplomats sent to the Gothic Empire, continue to pursue friendly relations, with the hope that they may work together against the Carthaginians, and their well known and publicized, slave trade.

Further expansions around the West African region, has been halted due to the recent militant hostilities, that have been brewing for some time in the area. These hostilities seem to be split, between the Carthaginian slave traders, and the Ghanan Kingdom, of whom has, at least from the surface, done very little to halt these violations against the Ghanan and local people.

Amidst all of this, the nobles of Ghana continue to support any form of dissent or rebellion against the Carthaginian kingdom, and their continued slave trade.

The tension that the people of the region feel, toward the Carthaginians, and their slavers, has reached a boiling point, as the people of the realm clamor for retribution.

570 C.E.
(I apologize for the incredibly late turn, something unexpectedly came up.)

The Hephthalites have almost completely completely conquered the Chalukya Dynasty.

Due to their undeveloped navy, the Liang fail to make significant landings in Japanese territory.

Massive slave revolts occur in the southern Carthaginian Empire, due to ethnic and cultural ties to the Ghanan Kingdom.

Unrest continues to plague all of Persia.

'''The Rus' push farther into Avar territory. War exhaustion bogs down both sides.'''

Rus' Principality: The Rus' armies continue to fight off the barbarians, all of their victories are publicized by the Prince Council to raise morale. Construction continues on infrastructure, but is slowed down due to many men going off to fight in the war. Agents continue to work secretly in Persia in an attempt to create an uprising.

Göktürk Khaganate: We continue to gain much wealth from the Silk Road trade. Nazim Qaghan kills Istemi in his sleep and becomes the new leader of the empire. We gather a very large group of people and expand 750 px in northern Manchuria. '''We ask the Gorguyeo Kingdom to establish trade with us (MOD RESPONSE). '''We keep steady control over our population. The capital, ítüken is fortified. Kingdom of Jutland: The Jutes would like to thank the Goths for the Netherlands, and many settlers are encouraged to move there and begin construction of towns and population of the area. Further expansion is made north as well. The Jutes would like to honor their alliance with the Danes, and are requesting to position a force of 5000 soldiers on the Danish-Baltic border and recommend the Danes to do the same with their army. This is to deter the threat of future Baltic attacks. If an invasion of Danish land occurs, the Jutes and Bodil Abelone will aid the Danes in anyway possible. The Danish Kingdom: The Danish King Aleksander 1st accepts the Jutes request, as the Danes position a force of 4300 soldiers on the Baltic-Danish border, and makes sure that their first navy is ready for defense. The navy has over 700 people. Besides that, the Danish Kingdom attempts to claim a large chunk of land at the southwest side of Finland. The Danish Kingdom asks the Jutes' aid for the most modern weapons in this year.
 * (Mod) The Gorguyeo accept.
 * The Danes accepts the request.
 * (I'm sorry, I don't really follow. The Danes already control all of southwest Finland. What region are you referring to when you say this?)

Persian Empire: The year 570 is very important to the Persian Empire. We stop expanding in all directions to deal with the rebels. We send military and economic aid to the Avar. We aid uprisings in the Rus' Empire. We offer the Treaty of Dubai to the rebels. The main parts are that there is a new 'parliament' created called the 'House of the People'. It basically has seats in that it is elected by the people in different areas. There will be a creation of different parties who try to get the majority. When one party has the most seats the leader of the party becomes the 'prime minster'. The prime minster will have lots of say in the running of the country. Persia, however, will remain a kingdom. Elections will take place every five years, the first one being in 575. We build more houses and build our infrastructure. We also improve the standard of living in Persia.
 * The Jutes accept.

Byzantine Empire: We begin to put down slave revolts by allowing slaves to have expanded rights, as well as a better chance of freedom. Many slaves are allowed to serve in the military for a period of six years, at the end of which they and their families get their freedom. We continue to build up our military, more specifically our navy, to prevent any attacks from a greater naval power. Several classes of ships are designed and built, including a large type, a medium type and several variants of a smaller type. We expand 200 pixels south into Africa and 80 pixels east into Arabia.

The Gothic Empire: An order is put out to tear down the wall in southern Italy, opening up communications with the area. Trade caravans are sent through with the goal of creating a better trading hub with the Byzantines. The town of Alaric is founded along the Byzantine border, named for the fallen Gothic king. Several banks and currency exchanges are set up in an effort to boost industry in the south. The Goths would like to build a road to Byzantine cities in southern Italy.

The Umbra-Gotha are re-purposed as the Chairman's official body guards. The highly skilled unit consist of thirty loyal men willing to give their life for the empire at moments notice. They are to follow Lucien in all of endeavors and obey his every command without question.

Chairman Lucien travels all across the Gothic Empire, giving speeches in Rome, Toulouse, Suebia and Toledo. He declares his undying devotion to the empire and vows to fight for the continued survival and prosperity of the nation. The goals set out for him in his father's memoirs weigh heavy in the back of his mind, a constant flurry of calculations and elaborate plans flood through his consciousness like blood. It would seem, to he himself at least, that things were coming together all too perfectly for the empire and the people in it.

The matter concerning Brittany is still at hand. Chairman Lucien makes a proposal to the Imperial League,stating that Carthaginian refusal to give up lands in Brittany should be considered a direct act of war against the Gothic Empire.Territory captured in Brittany is annexed into the empire and active military personnel in the area are ordered to fully militarize the Carthaginian border. The Goths would like to officially repeat their request one last time; give up control over Brittany, or face retaliation from a tremendous force of muscle. The border is fortified and trap falls are set up to deter Carthaginian unit expansion into the area. The Kingdom of Ghana: The tension and hostility building within the kingdom has finally reached its apex, and as of this year, 570 C.E. The king of Ghana officially declares war upon the foul and befallen, Carthaginian Empire. With the backing of a decades worth of military buildup, the King hopes for a swift and decisive strike upon their now dire enemy. The goal of the war is to take the majority of the west African coastline, pushing the Carthaginians back into northern Africa.
 * Carthage agrees to withdraw from Brittany, and requests the Goths' aid, militarily or financially, in the war against Ghana.(Mod Response)
 * The Gothic Empire believes Carthage is in no place to make demands and insists they give up their hold on Brittany regardless.

Nobility who have long supported rebellious groups throughout Carthaginian lands, primarily those of the African slaves, attempt to rally and lead these groups as military units hoping to coordinate with the Ghanan military, but for the most part it is also an attempt at glory and fame to be won in what their people would surely view as an act of the utmost valor.

Due to the current military conflict, most if not all of the Kingdom's resources are focused on the outcome of this conflict, with a small detail of diplomats still residing in the Gothic Empire, to further improve relations with whom they hope to be a new, and friendly, neighbor.

575 C.E.
The Hephthalites conquer the remainder of Chalukya territory.

The Treaty of Dubai ends the unrest in the newly renamed Persian Kingdom.

'''The Ghanans invade the Carthaginian Empire, using their superior knowledge of the dense jungle to their advantage. They are halted not far into the Sahara Desert, where their tactics prove to be far less useful. The Carthaginians, however, are suffering armed, slave uprisings throughout most of their southwestern territory, granting the Ghanans an extreme benefit.'''

The Carthaginians take Gothic rhetoric to be a declaration of war, and invade Goth-controlled Morocco, overwhelming the forces stationed there and capturing it.

'''With Persian support beginning to arrive, the Avars manage to halt Rus' advances. Casualties continue to be high on both sides.'''

Cultural and ethnic divisions begin to become more defined in the Göktürk Khaganate, and a rift begins to form between the eastern and western peoples.

(For the next five days, the turns will all begin at 17:00 UTC. I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. It will return to normal afterward.)

Liang: We expand 3000 pixels west we ask for an alliance with Persia.

Kingdom of Jutland: Further expansion is made north. The Jutes maintain their presence on the Danish-Baltic border to ensure no invasion of Finland is attempted. Bodil Abelone is unnerved by the Carthaginian invasion of Gothic territory, but would like to pledge his and his people's support to the Gothic cause and whatever decision they make.

Göktürk Khaganate: Our military currently stands at 235,000 men and we encourage more to join. We try to blend culture to keep east and west under control but still allow cultural difference. We gain a lot from our trade with Gorguyeo Kingdom and we improve relations with them. '''In a quest for power for the empire, we declare war on the Liang Dynasty. We bring 50,000 more men to fight and attack with 220,000 men, 10,000 cavalry, and artillery (catapults). We ask Gorguyeo to join us in battle against Liang and send 100,000 troops.''' Danish Kingdom: King Aleksander 1st thanks our ally Kingdom Of Jutland, and sends 120 danes to claim the North of Finland. The Danes research Catapults''' for war and now the Danish army has 4300 knights, 2000 Archers 700 Navy soldiers, 150 starting catapults. King Aleksander 1st, at year 574, has got a disease that is Impossible to kill. It is known, that The Danish King will soon die, at age 55 - 56. It has been named Cancer.''' The Gothic Empire: The peace throughout the empire is short lived as the Goths are betrayed by the nation they once considered their ally. A plea for assistance is put out to the members of the Imperial League (Byzantine, Western Slavs and Persia), insisting that they help us defend against the treacherous Vandals. The Gothic peoples are appalled at the acts of war against them, and the word "vandal" quickly finds its way into their lexicon as a term used for a deceitful or otherwise vile person.
 * (Mod) The Gorguyeo agree, and attack the Liang as well.
 * ((OOC))I'm not a mod, but an understanding and naming of cancer is pretty ASB.
 * ((OOC))I'm not a mod either and I don't see a problem. Does it really matter that much, it's just part of his character. The word might not even really mean "Cancer", but instead, be a translation/placeholder in the same sense thatnone of us write our responses in Latin. Afunnymouth

The rest of Brittany is quickly annexed and traps and fortifications in the area are taken down to protect the citizens. A road connecting Brittany to the capital is formed and inhabitants are offered jobs as workers or soldiers for the empire. Military units stationed nearby are redirected south, to the strait of Gibraltar.

Cargo ships from Vasconia are to be sent south into Africa to supply the Ghanans and their war efforts. Every slave in the empire is offered the chance to finally "break the chains of oppression" and bring down the world's most notorious slave traders. Entire battalions of slaves are formed and sent south into Carthaginian territory to assist slave revolts and stir up more internal pressure for the Vandalic empire.

Chairman Lucien personally leads Gothic armies in a full frontal assault of Vangoth, attempting to recapture control over the navy and push Vandals out of the area. The Umbra-Gotha are given orders to travel to the capital of Carthage and commit tremendous acts of arson, as well as killing masters and freeing their slaves, allowing them to fall in with their ranks, effectively building an army out of freed Vandal slaves.

Byzantine Empire: We begin to put down slave revolts by allowing slaves to have expanded rights as well as a better chance of freedom. Many slaves are allowed to serve in the military for a period of six years, at the end of which they and their families get their freedom. We continue to build up our military, more specifically our navy, to prevent any attacks from a greater naval power. Several classes of ships are designed and built, including a large type, a medium type and several variants of a smaller type. We expand 200 pixels south into Africa and 80 pixels east into Arabia.'''We find it disappointing that two members of the Imperial League would fight each other but are forced to side with Carthage, as they are a founding member and the Goths are not. we send boats across the Adriatic Sea and begin an assault on Italy. With nowhere else to go, many freed slaves join our atmy, making it one of the biggest in the world.'''

Persian Kingdom: The rebels seize. The first Persian elections take place, electing seats in the House of the People. Mass popularity for the king due to 'freedom'. The first major act of the new Persian Kingdom is to free all slaves. Most of the people in the House of the People voted yes. This frustrates the king a little. We continue our expansion northward, expanding 2500 pixels, if we meet any countries there we begin expanding eastward toward the Chinease mountains. We also expand 450 pixels into Arabia. We continue to aid the Avars, sending three times the amount as we did before as our way of saying sorry. We side with the Byzantine Empire in any conflict, aiding whoever they aid. We don't declare war on anybody but if they attack us we will. We build our military and infrastructure. We build our army so we can explore new lands. We build more roads to connect the huge kingdom.

((For the next five days, turns will begin at 17:00, so make sure you get your current turn in before then!))

580 C.E.
(Just a reminder that the next five turn, beginning now, will start at 17:00 UTC.)

'''The Göktürks and Gorguyeos begin to push into Liang territory. Unrest is high among the Gorguyeo people, due to recent diplomatic ties to the Liang. Many push for immediate withdrawal from the war.'''

'''With Persian aid, the Avars manage to push to the front back to the original borders. Not wanting anymore bloodshed, they request peace with the Rus'.'''

The Goths recapture the Straits of Gibraltar, and push deep into Morocco.

'''The Ghanans push slightly into Carthaginian territory. Slave revolts grow in size and number throughout all of the western empire. The Carthaginian Empire appears to be on the verge of total collapse.'''

The Byzantines push steadily into Gothic Croatia, and continue to bombard mainland Italia with their naval forces.

Cultural differences in the Göktürk Khaganate appear to have been mended.

Carthaginian, Lombard, Saxon, and Western Slav controlled British territories begin to feel distant from their ruling powers, and begin to push for independence.

Rus' Principality: Since we are capable of continuing to fight, we tell the Avars that the only way we will accept peace is if they return to us all of our original territories that they invaded. Agents are secretly deployed there to get the local populations to rise up against their occupants in favor of reunifying with the main Rus' lands as we await the Avars' response. These agents recruit followers to, if the Avars do not accept our offer, begin a guerrilla campaign behind their lines. Construction of infrastructure and trade with the Western Slavs continues.

Danish Kingdom: The beloved King Aleksander 1st died of cancer, and his son, Danske, takes the crown and is now in charge as "king". The first thing King Danske does is ask Kingdom of the Jutes to help invade the Baltic Kingdom. The land would be split, as the Danes would get the northern side of Baltic Kingdom, and the Jutes would get the Southern side. Besides that, the Danes attempt to claim a large chunk of land to the west, as the Danes would try to get in Russia's territory. (Present Russia's northern side). The third thing, the Danes attempt to build a capital at the centre of Finland, naming it "Danneburg". Byzantine Empire: We begin to put down slave revolts by allowing slaves to have expanded rights as well as a better chance of freedom. Many slaves are allowed to serve in the military for a period of six years, at the end of which they and their families get their freedom. We continue to build up our military, more specifically our navy, to prevent any attacks from a greater naval power. Several classes of ships are designed and built, including a large type, a medium type and several variants of a smaller type. We expand 200 pixels south into Africa and 80 pixels east into Arabia.'''We find it disappointing that two members of the Imperial League would fight each other but are forced to side with Carthage, as they are a founding member and the Goths are not. we send boats across the Adriatic Sea and begin an assault on Italy. With nowhere else to go, many freed slaves join our atmy, making it one of the biggest in the world.''' Hephthalite Empire: Following the conquest of the Chalukya, we begin to assimilate the native people into our culture to reduce civil unrest in the area. We also begin to rebuild our military and we propose an alliance with the Gupta.
 * Kingdom of Jutland: Does not wish to invade those who have not invaded Jutland or Berutllies, still offers to leave a presence of 2500 troops to protect the border. If the Danes need aid, however, the Jutes will be the first to help.
 * Byzantine diplomacy: We offer peace to the Goths under the following terms:
 * 1) our nations will cease all hostilities with each other.
 * 2) the Goths will be allowed to continue fighting the Carthaginians.
 * 3) the Goths will cede all of the former territory of the Ostrogoths to the Byzantium Empire.
 * The Gothic Empire: Declines. The Imperial betrayal will lead to the death of one of our great empires.

Autonomous Africa: We focus this turn towards military. Testing many different metals, and numerous long and short bows. Also we need to repair and expand roads throughout Africa, in efforts to try encouraging a common language. Subtle whispers start to grow of Independence in Africa.

Göktürk Khaganate: We continue to attack Liang with hardly any resistance. We try to gain up to 1000 px by fast combat with 250,000 men and catapult cover. Our cavalry rushes the Liang armies while our troops go around to attack from behind while a barrage of archers strike from the cliffs. We improve economy to keep the population under control and give more freedoms to the people while gaining money for the whole empire.

Silla Dynasty: We ask an alliance with Liang dynasty. We invade Tamra (Jeju Island), and Baekje. We militarize our borders with the Goguryeo, and begin the construction of a ten foot wall around the capital city of Seorabeol (Gyeongju). The Gothic Empire: Following the surprising betrayal of the Imperial League, the Gothic empire breaks away and attempts to form it's own counter-alliance in The High Council of Europe. Nations with representatives in the High Council have no additional influence over Gothic peoples, but are granted the loyalty of all nations involved, as well as a defensive pact, only void should a member be the aggressor, in which case aid will still likely be provided assuming the cause is just. Members are also offered the ability to make propositions that will be checked and voted on every five years.The Jutes, naturally, are the first offered membership in The High Council of Europe, as they have been the Goths longest standing friend and ally. Emissaries are sent with a message for Persia and the Western Slavic Confederacy, requesting that they abandon their ties with the warmongering alliance of bully states known as the Imperial League, while also offering them spots on The High Council of Europe. The Gothic emissaries point out that with our combined military forces, we could destroy the Byzantines, allowing for a more peaceful world, while also providing riches and territorial gains to the nations involved.
 * Liang accepts so long as silla assists in the fight.

Unable to attend to the meetings of the Regis Decem, as he is currently off fighting a war, Chairman Lucien carefully selects his most loyal representative to fill his seat in his absence. Troop moral is reinforced through propaganda and speeches promoting the idea that the empire is doing this to free slaves and please their gods. It is said that all men must be equal under the eyes of the lord, for in our ancient texts, their is no specific damnation of color nor ethnicity. In addition to freeing slaves in northern Africa, the sudden attack and betrayal from the Byzantines, should be more than enough motivation to sustain the army for another five years.

The Vangothic navy is captured and claimed, being re-stationed in Vasconia for repairs and to be outfitted with more troops. Chairman Lucien then leads his men back into Gothic territory to direct the full focus of the empire's wrath on the Byzantines. On the way out of Morroco, all captured territory is razed to the ground and the army is sure to kill any Vandal civilians they come across, freeing their slaves and offering them food and pay, as well as a spot among the troops. The land is covered in salts and forests are set aflame to deter any Carthaginian pursuers. A group of scouts is sent to check on the location and progress of the Umbra-Gotha's slave revolt in the capital of Carthage.

Soldiers suffering from war fatigue are allowed to fall back from the main force (after inspection and approval from an officer), and begin construction of massive walls and a drawbridge to fortify the strait. The walls are equipped with the advanced Gothic ballistas and men with experience manning the weapon are stationed there.The fires are occasionally fed, and the Goths continue bombarding the area with flaming ballista spears from afar.

Chairman Lucien calls the Byzantine's so called 'peace offering' an insult to the Gothic Empire's might, and has the emissary publicly burned on a pyre. The Goths reminds Byzantium that by challenging them to such a conflict, the loss of Byzantine loss of life will be crippling. In a flurry of blood-lusted rage, the whole of the Gothic army marches to Croatia and launches an assault on the Byzantines. The Vangothic navy merges with the Vasconian navy, and a fleet of the navali balista excusso is sent to aid in the reclamation effort in Croatia.

A message is sent out to the Danes and the Jutes suggesting that due to the Balts peaceful nature and well-known isolationism, it would be a better idea to focus their militaries in places that would be more beneficial to the Mediteranean world. The Goths do not wish to quarrel, and wouldn't be offended if the Jutes and Danes continue their conquest of the Baltic peoples. The Alemanni Confederation Is offered a deal similar to the one the Ostrogoths accepted in 525 CE, wherein they will be allowed complete protection from the Gothic Empire in exchange for political control over their territory and military activity. Signatures for Alemanni assimilation Liang: We immediately put up heavy resistance, deploying all of our forces to counter attack, and ask for assistance from our allies. We withdraw our alliance and Royal marriage with the Gorguyeos due to their betrayal.
 * The Jutes would also like to declare war on Carthage and aid the Goths in the North Africa campaign, sending 20,000 troops to reinforce. As well, the Jutes are formulating a plan to invade Carthaginian terrtiory in Brittany, and have begun to support rebel independence groups in the area to further weaken Carthaginian strength in the region.
 * The Gothic Empire
 * (Mod) The Alemanni, fearful of invasion by the Lombards or Burgundians, accept the offer.
 * The Kingdom of Jutland would like to join the confederation and the High Council of Europe.

Autonomous Egypt: we continue growing and expanding our independent military. With the world's slaves in upheaval, we halt the practice of slaving and begin offering slaves places in our armies. Byzantine influence is rejected due to their inattention and we form the republic of Egypt. We suggest Africans under Byzantine control follow our influences.

585 C.E.
'''The Göktürks and Gorguyeos push farther into Liang territory. The Liang begin to establish a more fortified defense, and casualties on the aggressors' side skyrocket.'''

The Avars establish a defensive perimeter on the Rus' border, unwilling to surrender territory they believe is rightfully theirs.

The Alemanni Confederation becomes the autonomous Gothic state of Alemannia.

'''A large portion of the western Carthaginian Empire collapsed, due to Slave uprisings and barbarian invaders. The remainder of the Empire appears to be on the verge of collapse.'''

The Umbra-Gotha reach Carthage, and begin to create chaos within the city.

'''Upon Gothic withdrawal from Morocco, Carthaginian forces begin to reclaim territory. The land, however, is barren and useless, due to Gothic scorched Earth tactics, as well as few available Carthaginian troops, with the majority dealing with uprisings and Ghanan forces.'''

'''The Goths push back into Croatia, capturing all of its former coastline with the help of the Vangothic navy, as well as a small amount of inland territory. Massive naval battles ensue in the Adriatic Sea, with neither side having the clear upper hand.'''

Sillia forces begin to invade Baekje territory.

The High Council of Europe is formed, its members so far being the Goths and the Jutes.

British territories continue to push for independence, and some begin doing so in a violent fashion.

'''Unrest appears to be growing in Byzantine Autonomous regions. Rumors of independence movements begin to spread.'''

Rus' Principality: The Prince Council views the defensive posturing as a sign that the Avars are running out of supplies and troops. An army of 300,000 men is deployed in a massive offensive to break through the defensive lines, while at the same time, Rus' agents that have entered and operated in Avar territory begin to recruit local Slavs to form guerrilla bands to attack the rear areas of the Avar army. A riverine fleet is under construction on the Volga River at Tsaritsyn, which will be deployed down the rivers into Avar territory once complete. Trade continues with the Western Slavs.

Byzantine Empire: We begin to put down slave revolts by allowing slaves to have expanded rights as well as a better chance of freedom. Many slaves are allowed to serve in the military for a period of six years, at the end of which they and their families get their freedom. We continue to build up our military, more specifically our navy, to prevent any attacks from a greater naval power. Several classes of ships are designed and built, including a large type, a medium type and several variants of a smaller type. We expand 200 pixels south into Africa and 80 pixels east into Arabia.'''We find it disappointing that two members of the Imperial League would fight each other but are forced to side with Carthage, as they are a founding member and the Goths are not. we send boats across the Adriatic Sea and begin an assault on Ialy. With nowhere else to go, many freed slaves join our atmy, making it one of the biggest in the world.'''

Göktürk Khaganate: '''With our army now at 270,000 men, we attack Liang with all forces. To avoid too many casualties, we begin a guerrilla style of warfare allowing ten men to take down 50 enemies using traps, arrows and surprise charges. Our cavalry stands at 15,000 and we send all to move around enemies and trample them from behind while stabbing them. Our large catapult assault covers our forces while destroying the enemies. We ask our ally to add many more men to its fighting force. We also ask the Liang to surrender to avoid more deaths. We improve economy and gain wealth from trade and land.  '''

Silla Dynasty: We continue our invasion Tamra (Jeju Island), and Baekje. We continue militarizing our borders with the Goguryeo, and continue the construction of a ten-foot wall around the capital city of Seorabeol (Gyeongju). We send 15,000 troops to help defend the Liang Dynasty from the Goguryeo Koreans.

Liang: Due to the Göktürks changing tactics, we change also, luring the enemy into traps when they advance, and enemy losses skyrocket. Our superior bowmen pummel them from afar. We refuse to surrender unless they present their terms and we say yes.

Göktürk Dip: We will stop invading the Liang if we get to keep the land we occupied and half of Goguryeo occupied land while Goguryeo keeps other half of their occupied lands. We will then give an NAP for 40 years which if broken will be -20 in algo.

'''Liang: What the hell? -20 in the algo? wtf? This just benefits you and not the Goguryeo. Unless the Göktürks revise this treaty, we reject it.'''

Autonomous Africa: Military remains our highest priority. Leaders are established, a common language is founded and a city is named capital of Africa. New troops are recruited and are trained for common North African terrain. From whispers to roars soon everyone is talking of independence from the Byzantine Empire.

Leaders rise and fall, but one stands out from the rest; Mbali a young African boy, no more than 13, but content on leading an army. Barbarian and rogue Carthaginian slaves are fought back and now recognize African territory is off limits. Mbali is praised for his heroism and tactical knowledge. Eventually ending up in the capital to defend and rule at just 16. Army commanders begin training troops at specific ranks, also mapping nearby towns, cities and roads. Independence rest in the minds of all, while leaders plan for possible retaliation. Mbali awaits the long road ahead, with all foreseeable problems in mind.

Danish Kingdom: Changes are beign made since the beloved King Aleksander 1st died. Children cannot go outside at 20:00. All criminals get death sentences. All soldiers must be strong ... The Danes expand to the west this time, hoping to go farther into Europe.

Autonomous Egypt: We continue fortifying our defenses and preparing for a possible invasion from the warring empires. We openly begin pushing Byzantine out of our lands and expand southward 200 px.

Persian Kingdom: SORRY FOR NOT DOING MY TURN YESTERDAY. COULD THE MAPMAKER PLEASE UPDATE THE MAP SO IT MAKES IT THAT PERSIA EXPANDS 2500 PIXELS EASTWARD TOWARD THE CHINESE MOUNTAINS AND 500 PIXELS INTO ARABIA. We continue aiding the Avars in their war against the Rus Principality. Sending normal amount of aid now. We call for the Rus to surrender otherwise they'll be crushed. We continue expanding eastwards towards the Chinese mountains. We offer a trade agreement with Göktürk. They let Persian trade people through the country and we give them superior military. We would also help them build trade roads across the empire and trade cities along the Göktürk-Persian border. If Persian trade people are aloud through Göktürk then we will discover the Chinese people in 588 and return home in 591. The 585 elections happen. People celebrate ten years of this Kingdom. We are considered the strongest country in the world by the people. We build are army greatly, most of the people in the army are ex-slaves. We build our military and infrastructure. We build more roads to connect the huge kingdom. It's including one road from Tehran to the border. This road will go all the way to China. We build more houses. We keep wary of our imperial allies - this means we stop aiding any Imperial League members.

The Gothic Empire: Granite and iron mining camps begin springing up all across the empire in an effort to supply the armies with much needed materiel. Miners are allowed to sell to the market personally for slight gain but are offered significant bonuses for signing on with the empire and providing complete access to all minerals collected. With this new influx of metals we attempt to re-arm the military with thick iron tower shields and replace the bronze-tipped spears with that of iron ones.

With the Byzantine's slave militant force now being given their freedom, the Goths send insurgents to attempt to convert them to our side of the conflict. Converted Byzantine soldiers are asked to march with regiments on the front line to provide better insight about the local environment and territory. Coastal raiders that landed in Croatia are ordered to come ashore and push inland with the rest of the main Gothic force. Rather than following the favored tactic of "tying the noose", the Goths march as a dense wall of shields and spears, pushing forward while maintaining their safety and defensive benefit behind tower shields.

Inspired by Alaric II's tactics in the first war against the Byzantines, at every fortified camp the Goths create while pushing forward, angled spears and placed in the dirt with the intentions of stopping Byzantine cavalry dead in their tracks. The tactics of using materials from nature to blend in with the environment is adopted and an additional stealth unit is sent to sneak along the south side of the army, popping out and attacking any unsuspecting attackers as they may come.

The now grizzled and war hardened Chairman Lucien continues to boost his troops morale through giving speeches and telling epic stories of heroism. Excerpts from king Alaric II's memoirs are read aloud, detailing his plans for an invasion against the Byzantines. The people are reassured by Lucien's knowledge of the battlefield, as he makes it clear why he was selected to lead the people.

With the establishment of the High Council of Europe, the Goths begin boasting their influence, and proclaiming that they would make a far better ally in a push for global peace. While the armies are still blood-lusted and enjoy killing to defend their fellow man, peace is constantly on the back of everyone's mind. If any nation would like to join the Council, they are asked to reject Imperial influence and instead sign on with them to ensure a safer world.

Emissaries sent to Persia are regretful to inform of Persian neutrality in the conflict. Lucien takes it as a blessing and is thankful that the Persians are taking the mature response and not betraying either of their friends. The Gothic Empire would still like to honor our alliance with the Persians and insist that when the current conflict calms back down, our armies would support theirs against the barbaric invasions and rebel uprisings that are rumored to be plaguing their lands. Diplomats sent into the Western Slavic Confederation  are to stay there, improving their relations and continually encouraging they break away from the Imperial League and join the High Council of Europe. A deal is struck up with the Carthaginians where we will offer them peace and their lands back (excluding the Vangothic Port city) and help in cleaning up Morocco. In exchange, the Carthaginians are expected to stop trade with the Byzantines and formally renounce their place in the Imperial League. Kingdom of the Balts: New King Juozas II continues to improve the kingdom's infrastructure, expanding the areas for agriculture across the nation. Our ports along the Baltic coast increase trade across the North Sea, with our trade ships heading west to trade.
 * (Mod) The Carthaginians, faced with extreme internal turmoil, accept.
 * (Mod) The Western Slavs decline the offer.

590 C.E.
'''A stalemate occurs between the Göktürks and Gorguyeos and the Liang and Sillia. Loss of life on both sides is tremendously high.'''

The Avars, with Persian aid, begin to push into Rus' territory.

'''The Carthaginian and Gothic Empires have made peace. Unrest is still high in the Carthaginian Empire, however, with active war over, stability appears to be slowly returning.'''

'''Gothic forces reach the former border in Croatia. A stalemate occurs here, neither force seeming to gain the upper hand.'''

'''With the majority of the Byzantine military dealing with the Goths, independence movements begin to rapidly gain followings. It would appear that the Byzantine Empire is on the eve of a large scale rebellion.'''

The Sillia push farther into Baekje territory.

Nearly all of Great Britain is now in turmoil as different independence movements spring up and continue to grow in power.

Danish Kingdom: We claim lands to the east and declare war on the Baltic Kingdom, With King Danske's reason of "Threat to Danish land". we move all of our knights and catapults near Danish-Baltic border, and ready our navy to attack Baltic from the west.

Byzantine Empire: We begin to put down slave revolts by allowing slaves to have expanded rights as well as a better chance of freedom. Many slaves are allowed to serve in the military for a period of six years, at the end of which they and their families get their freedom. We continue to build up our military, more specifically our navy, to prevent any attacks from a greater naval power. Several classes of ships are designed and built, including a large type, a medium type and several variants of a smaller type. We expand 200 pixels south into Africa and 80 pixels east into Arabia. '''We also make peace with the goths, and begin to calm growing unrest within our nation. we become more democratic, with a parliament formed to serve under the king''' Rus' Principality: Since apparently our 300,000-man offensive was unsuccessful somehow, we draft more conscripts to bolster the army, while agents operating in territories occupied by the Avars begin insurgencies against them (attacking their supply lines, raiding their camps, etc.) Meanwhile, the riverine fleet at Tsaristyn reaches completion. A total of 300,000 men are fighting against the Avars, and continue to go onto the offensive. The generals plan to overwhelm the Avars with a combination of heavy assaults at the front and the insurgencies in their rear lines. In the places where retreats are being executed, the army evacuates villagers and employs a scorched earth policy.
 * The Gothic Empire laughs at the peace offer and imprisons the Byzantine emissaries carrying the message. They are publicly beheaded the following day.

Autonomous Africa: With independence growing closer everyday, military focus is still essential. The bitter-sweet words of the Byzantines do not go unnoticed. However, past neglect and failure to follow through gives their words little weight. Diplomats are sent to the Byzantine Empire to encourage Native African slaves to lead revolts, and if need be return to Africa to work towards Independence. To reduce poverty, aqueducts, roads and shelters are repaired all across the country. Scouts are sent south of Africa in hopes of making future advance easier. Scouts begin painting large rocks different colors to ensure no area is over explored. Hills, rivers and trees are added to maps. The Gothic Empire: With the Byzantines declaration of peace rejected, the Goths attempt to push a tiny bit into their territory by besieging castles and raiding villages. The Umbra-Gotha hears word of Autonomous Africa's actions against the Byzantines and becomes interested. They lead their army of freed African slaves from Carthage to Autonomous Africa and offer them assistance in their push for independence. The Goths will attempt to capture and kill all Byzantine representatives in the African state and ensure Mbali complete control as leader of the independent nation.
 * The Gothic Empire sends its most advanced military unit to Autonomous Africa leading an army of freed African slaves. They offer to ensure Mbali is in control of the nation as an independent.

In the recaptured territories, Chairman Lucien meets a young peasant woman and instantly falls in love. They spend months together before, unbeknownst to Lucien, she is finally impregnated with his child. Being at war for the past fifteen years, something snapped inside Lucien and he feels the need to get back out to the battlefield. He bids farewell to the woman he once said he loved, before marching back off to continue with his war effort. A system of generals is established, in which regiments are broken up into groups of ten thousand, each led by the most experienced officer. The generals are informed of Lucien's backup plans should things awry. The army is prepared to make any countermove should the Byzantines manage to thwart their efforts.

A new boat design is drawn up with the intention of creating a fleet of smaller more mobile ships with a focus on speed and maneuverability rather than strength and capacity, it is dubbed the "Jack-Rabbit". This new boat is used to cut off Byzantine supply lines and overthrow naval and cargo vessels quietly in the night. The captured ships are to be taken back to the Vasconian navy and swap out their flags for that of the Gothic one. The Gothic siege tower is improved and can now carry more men, be equipped with ladders as-well as a wider boarding plank to allow for more Goths to rush the castle at once.

With the war against the Carthaginians at an end, the men stationed along the Vangothic wall are ordered to swap out for troops experience war fatigue. Engineers from the wall are also drafted into the army so that they may assist in creating fortifications and improving on the infrastructure of the live-in fighting forces.

Silla: We continue our invasion of Baekje. We are done with the construction of a wall around Seorabeol (Gyeongju), and now start the construction of a twenty-foot wall in the Goryeo-Silla border. We increase trade with Japan and China, and implement a land reform that evenly splits land between the citizens. We send an additional 1000 troops to help defend the Liang Dynasty from the Goguryeo Koreans.

595 C.E.
The Liang begin to push back into conquered territory.

'''Persian-Avar forces continue to push into Rus' territory. However, the large Rus' force, coupled with scorched Earth tactics begins to slow the advance down.'''

The Goths, thanks to tactical changes, manage to break the stalemate, and push into Byzantine Dalmatia.

The independence movement in Byzantine Africa comes to a critical point, and due to Byzantine attention being turned elsewhere, and with the help of the Goths, the Kingdom of Africa declares itself independent, ruled by the now-famous Mbali.

'''The Danes make slight gains in Baltic territory, due to the surprise nature of their assault. However, the war quickly reaches a stalemate, due to the roughly equally matched forces of either side.'''

The Sillia conquer all of the remaining Baekje territory.

'''Great Britain is thrown completely into anarchy, and after nearly four years of bloody war, five nations emerge: The Kingdom of Leinster, the Kingdom of Connacht, the Kingdom of Wales-Cornwall, the Pictish Republic, and the formerly destroyed Anglo-Saxonic Kingdom. Jute-controlled Britain, due to the Jutes' long term presence on the island, survives the revolutions.'''

Danish Kingdom: We continue our attack on the Baltic Kingdom, attacking the Baltic with our navy from the east and attempt to push our knights to the south into Baltic territory. We attempt to expand to the west.

Göktürk Khaganate: ''We improve our economy and mobilization rate. '''We agree to trade with Persia. '''Due to this we gain more supplies and more advanced weaponry for the war and get many more shields to block arrow strikes making them useless to our enemy. '''We move through easy and high terrain and gain better ground than Liang. We gather a massive attack force of 300,000 men for us and 120,000 for our ally as well as 25,000 cavalry, and 1000 artillery. '''50,000 of our 300,000 are archers. '''We attack with all of this and use new types of warfare more advanced and unpredictable. We surround enemy armies and completely destroy them. We try to advance 1200 px into Liang territory. We use spies to assassinate Liang leader and generals.' Kingdom of Jutland: More aid and troops are sent to the Gothic forces stationed in Byzantine. Further expansion is made north and border patrol in Jute Britannia is increased in order to ensure no invasions are made by the newly formed nations.
 * You can't say that you advance some pixels into enemy territory in a war. That's not how it works here

Japan: We are expanding farther southward into Taiwan and also expanding farther to the north on the Japanese mainland. (oh, and this is my new flag):

The Kingdom of Africa: Mbali takes time to personally greet and sincerely thank each Umbra-Goth; before long talk of the High Council of Europe arose. Mbali eagerly sends word to The Gothic Empire in hopes of joining. With his Kingdom completely free from Byzantine influence Mbali travels the country giving speeches and starring in parades. The Euro is adopted from the Goths and soon duties become jobs. Troops are sent south into the previously scouted terrain with orders expand. (200 px) Setting up camps and organizing trade and patrols, but careful not to push natives from their homeland. Soon fearing he's getting soft, Mbali insists he continue to fight for his kingdom. Martial arts are studied and trained to the male population, focusing hand-to-hand combat and weapon disarming techniques. Threat of retaliation from The Byzantine Empire still persists. Silla: We directly annex Baekje and Tamra. We continue the construction of a twenty-foot wall in the Goryeo-Silla border. We increase trade with Japan and China. We send an additional 2000 troops to help defend the Liang Dynasty from the Goguryeo Koreans, and invade Goguryeo with 150,000 troops.
 * The Gothic Empire Accepts.

Persian Kingdom: Our traders visit Eastern culture, saying that 'we come in peace and peaceful trade. We can be friends or enemies, it's your choice. The people in the Persian Kingdom is very excited about news of new cultures beyond Persia. We send hundreds of traders to trade with these eastern cultures. We build roads both in the Göktürk and the Persian Kingdom. We aid the Göktürks and give them superior miltary in return to let us go through their country. The politicians in the Houses of the People are worried about the crisis in the Byzantine Empire. However, we do stay in the Imperial League. We expand 2500 pixels toward the Chinese mountains and 500 pixels into Arabia. We build our military and infrastructure. We build more houses. We build our army, with more volunteers coming to join the Persians. We aid the Avars. The Gothic Empire: Open pushing into  Byzantine territory is halted and the Goths hole up in a slew of castles along the strip of land they captured. Top Gothic engineers are put to the test improving the castles defenses and equipping them with the latest ballistic technology. Byzantine civilians living in or around the castle, or captured from villages, are sent to live in camps within the castle grounds. The Goths send threats, stating that if the Byzantines attempt to recapture their lands, the civilians will be executed on the spot.
 * Liang Dip: We ask for an alliance, and ask they not support the Göktürks.
 * Göktürk Dip: We ask that Persia not ally with Liang, seeing as we are letting you expand, we are winning the war and you have absolutely no ties to Liang and they give you no trade.

The Umbra-Gotha in the newly Independent Africa begin training African soldiers in common warfare tactics, as well as teaching them the history of wars in the Mediterranean world. Schools are built in the area. Land caravans are connected by roads and trade by sea opens up. The Goths begin supplying Africans with advanced weaponry in preparation for a possible Byzantine invasion.

The Kingdom of Ghana: The people of Ghana enter into a period of mourning, as the old King Kaya Magha, has passed away without truly seeing the end to the war of liberation he had started so many years ago. His son, the young prince Mayan Dyabe Cisse, arises to the throne, with the hopes that this may be the beginning of a new age - an age where his people will be free and independent and that this will herald in a golden age of peace of development across the land. Many respect the now young king's right to the throne, and little of the nobility oppose his right to rule, out of respect for his father, and his hopes for the future.

The kingdom of Ghana officially requests that the war between themselves and the Carthaginian Empire end, with the Kingdom of Ghana claiming rights to the occupied territories along the west African coastline. Any and all Carthaginian subjects will be allowed to return to their homeland if the peace agreement is met.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Ghana begins to demobilize its military forces and focus on economic growth and rebuilding in the occupied war-torn lands.

Ghanan noblemen are assigned as regents over the occupied lands, in hopes of an easy transition of regional government in the area. Whilst any and all slaves who opposed the Carthaginian occupation are granted full rights in the kingdom, with some being respected as war heroes for their glorious opposition of the bastardous slavers from the north.

Many Ghanans celebrate what is now considered a heroic victory across the kingdom, as many see this as an absolution of our strength as an independent kingdom, in a world now filled with many a competitor.
 * (Mod) The Carthaginian Empire accepts.

600 C.E.
(Just a reminder, every turn after this will begin at 22:00 UTC. Sorry for the inconvenience this week; I hope is was bearable.)

'''The Göktürks manage to push back into Liang territory. The Liang, however, manage to overcome Gorguyeo forces and continue their push into formerly owned territory.'''

'''The Avar-Persian forces make slight gains. However, Rus' defense tactics finally bring the invasion to a halt. A bloody stalemate ensues.'''

'''The Gothic defense strategy proves to be a success. They hold their current position, while sustaining relatively few casualties.'''

The Danes push slightly into Baltic territory, but are again slowed down by the equally sized Baltic forces.

'''The Persian Empire's massive size once again proves to be problematic. All further territorial expansion proves to be Futile as any advances are quickly lost to constant barbarian attacks and the difficult terrain of the Tibetan highlands, as well as the brutal Arabian deserts.'''

'''A plebiscite is held in Vasconia, resulting in a five-to-one decision to be fully incorporated into the Gothic Empire. They request that they join the Gothic Empire with the same degree of autonomy as Suebia, Italia and Alemannia.'''

The Carthaginian empire, fearing increased internal turmoil, begins to emancipate its slaves.

Rus' Principality: The complete river fleet of about thirty vessels makes its way up the Volga and turns off down another river that leads into Avar territory. These ships drop off specially Rus' volunteers, which become known as Cossacks, that target Avar camps, settlers, and ambush enemy columns. The ships strike at Avar camps along the river banks with archers and small catapults, moving up and down the river to spread as much chaos among the Avar ranks and do as much damage to the Avars as possible. Meanwhile, on the ground, the army is replenished with 100,000 volunteers (mainly refugees from the conquered territories who want their land back). A force of 250,000 men begins a counteroffensive while the river fleet does its damage farther in Avar territory, hoping that the combination will drive them out.

Silla: We continue the construction of a twenty-foot wall in the Goryeo-Silla border. We tell all able-bodied men to serve in the military for at least three years. We increase trade with Japan, China and wish to do trade with Persia. '''We launch the full-scale invasion of Goguryeo, trying to unify the peninsula under Silla. We encourage the Japanese and the Chinese to help us in our unification of the Korean peninsula. '''

Autonomous Egypt: We promise to reaffirm our loyalty to the Byzantines on the condition that they inform us before making major political decisions, as well as offer our leader an independent spot in the Imperial League. The Africans are congratulated on their newfound independance, but we inform them that acting against our interests may result in them being conquered. We also would like to expand west in an effort to enclave the new and rapidly expansive African nation.

Danish Kingdom: We attempt to push southwest into the Baltic territories. We recruit our very first archers and quickly send them in the war against the Balts. We attempt to expand to the west, again.

The Kingdom of Africa: With more open trade and economy starting to flow, poverty reaches an all time low. Wide spread Infrastructure begins. Group shelters, religious buildings and main roads are constructed, as well as regular maintenance of frequently used routes. Clay and stone building materials are studied, along with hotter burning kilns. Having traveled to the far edges of his kingdom, Mbali sees dying potential within poverty stricken villages. A motto to inspire greatness is established: Even men born of peasants can rise to points of nobility. We regret to hear Egypt forfeit its independence, but harsh words and effort to stunt growth in our country will not be taken lightly. Spies are sent to nearby Egypt to count troops and map large cities, however, remaining unseen is highest priority.  

Kingdom of Jutland: Bodil Abelone and the Jutes continue to aid the Goths and their allies in the Byzantine war. Further expansion is made north.

Liang: starts pushing against the Göktürks, and advances a meager 100 pixels into Göktürk land. Expansion is put on hold, and we send aid to Silla. We again ask for an alliance with Persia.

The Kingdom of Ghana: The king, Mayan Dyabe Cisse, continues his policy of reconstruction and development in the occupied territories that took the brunt of the war, with the hope that they can be brought more fully into the Kingdom's domain.

Meanwhile, Ghanan peoples living farther south expand slowly along the coastline(growing from where the Volta river empties out into the ocean, towards the occupied territories on the western coastline), as more and more of the coastline is populated.

Diplomats in the Gothic Empire request for their likely more advance knowledge in sailing, with hopes that they can open up trade between the two great and prestigious nations.

Much of The Kingdom of Ghana celebrates their victory over the Carthaginian empire, and many amongst the people look to the future with a bright hope, with many of the people being inspired to expand the power and influence of their great and righteous nation. Due to this victory and racial tensions, many of the common folk and or nobility now consider the Carthaginians a lesser people, and barbarians who attempted to subjugate a far more noble people. The Kingdom of Ghana begins to develop tendencies of ethnocentrism, now only really respecting other nations that they view as worldly powers, believing themselves to be counted amongst the political elite. The Gothic Empire: The wall along the Carthaginian border is officially abandoned, while the Gothic people still remain skeptical of our neighbors despite their efforts to emancipate their slaves. All units get in formation along the border of Byzantine Dalmatia. led by Chairman Lucien, The full force of the Gothic peoples, undivided and more motivated than they have ever been in history, begin the vehement slaughter of any citizen that doesn't proclaim their undying loyalty to our nation and our god, as they are seen as heathens, traitors and uncivilized barbarians.
 * The Gothic Empire will gladly accept a joint research-pact to help improve the navy of both parties. A spot on the High Council of Europe  is also offered to the Ghanans.
 * The Kingdom of Ghana will agree, if only to maintain some influence the Mediterranean world, and to further oppose the barbaric Carthaginians.

Lucien's ex-lover from Croatia comes forward with twin sons in front of the Roman Senate. The woman claims that she is unfit to raise the boys on her own as she is an unwed mother and has no source of income. With Lucien's representative still in control over those sort of decisions, he hesitantly accepts and allows the woman a place to raise the children in the castle of Toulouse. The boys are named Becket and Alaric III and they take on the name of their father, and thus the surname of of Lousean is created.

The Umbra-Gotha continue training the army of freed African slaves, moving them to the Egyptian/KOA border in preparation of a possible attack against our ally the Kingdom of Africa.