The Ashes of Rome (Map Game)

The year is 500 C.E., and the mighty Roman Empire has finally crumbled. Lying in its wake is its legacy state, the Byzantine Empire, occupying The Balkan Peninsula, Anatolia and Northeast Africa. It remains the most powerful European state, though its barbarian neighbors continue to threaten its prosperity. To the East is the mighty Sassanian Empire, centered in Persia, although its forces seem to be steadily encroaching on southeastern Europe.

In the former Western Roman Empire, several Gothic Kingdoms have formed and continue to grow in size and power. The Visigoths are situated mostly in Hispania, the Ostrogoths in Italy, the Franks and the Burgundians in Gaul, the Gepids in Dacia, and the Vandals in Northern Africa. Additionally, the Celtic people, long divided and hostile, have formed the Celtic League, modeled after the long-dead Roman Republic.

In addition to the centralized Kingdoms, tribal groups of Germanic people are beginning to gain strength, though they are not quite yet unified. These groups include the Suebi, the Anglo-Saxons, the Jutes, the Danes, the Alemanni, the Lombards, and the Saxons. To the Northeast lie the Baltic and Slavic nomads, far from unification, and still living in territory untouched by any true nation states. In this tumultuous time, change is inevitable, but yet to be known is who will be lost to the sands of time, and who will emerge triumphant and mighty. (The chief difference in this ATL is that, as opposed to the OTL in which the Gothic kingdoms quickly fell, they have been effectively run, and are now actual, unified nations. They still suffer from countless internal problems, but less so.)

'''The game has officially begun. New players can still sign up.'''

Rules:

 * 1) New turns will begin every day at 22:00 UTC. I will begin each turn in bold, sometimes including pertinent details from the previous term.
 * 2) Each turn signifies five years. This will most likely change as the game approaches the current year.
 * 3) The map will be updated every turn (five years)
 * 4) Inactivity for over ten terms will cause your name to be removed from the nation you are playing. You may return whenever, however, you do not get priority, and if your country is taken, it’s taken.
 * 5) You may join the game whenever by putting your name on the nations list. You are allowed to join the turn immediately after signing up.
 * 6) Keep all actions plausible. Repeated infractions will cause you to be kicked from your nation, and possibly banned, depending on severity.
 * 7) Remember, your actions have consequences, invading territories, whether they were previously inhabited or not, will cause unrest. Keep in mind that when you invade another territory, its people will not immediately be converted to your language, culture, and religion.
 * 8) Be as specific as possible, especially when describing the invasion of another territory. If you are not specific as to location, the mapmaker will most likely not understand exactly what you intend to do.
 * 9) Meta gaming is strictly prohibited, and several offenses will result in a permanent ban.
 * 10) Keep the game and the talk page kind and mature. No major arguments, OOC.
 * 11) Do not edit the map unless you are a mapmaker. If you see any issues with the map, write about it on the talk page.
 * 12) You may randomly switch nations only once, after which you must wait until your nation is defeated to switch.
 * 13) New nations will be added periodically to both the map and the nations list, whether by historical emergence, or by secession. You, of course, may sign up for these whenever they become available.
 * 14) You are encouraged to make pages within this category for nations, coalitions, treaties, or whatever else you believe merits a separate page.
 * 15) In each turn, in addition to whatever actions you choose to perform, you may do one of the following:


 * Improve military.


 * Improve economy.


 * Improve infrastructure.


 * Declare war or seek peace with another nation.


 * Expand the nation into unsettled land. (It is imperative that you are plausible with this).

The Map

 * Lighter shades of a nation's color represent occupied territory, and darker shades represent client or satellite states.
 * I’m a decent mapmaker, though I’m certainly not the best. If anyone would like to be the full-time mapmaker, please apply on the Talk page, and be sure to provide me with some examples of your work.
 * The map will, of course, be changed as more of the world becomes explored.

Nations (Signup)
- Erizium (talk)
 * Autonomous Egypt: -
 * Autonomous Africa -

- Awesome history 28 (talk) 18:20, July 26, 2015 (UTC)

- nothunter

- Saint-King Alaric II wielder of the epic beard and Immortal ruler of the Visigrunge./Afunnymouth
 * Autonomous Italia -

-

-

- Spar

- User:Survivor321

- Wrto12

-

- --Sithlent (talk) 18:30, August 1, 2015 (UTC)

- Killer-f111

- Boone5Jones

- Shagga, Son of Dolf

-

- TheRyderx1 (talk) 15:29, August 8, 2015 (UTC)TheRyderx1

- CheesyCheese (talk) 19:28, August 2, 2015 (UTC)

- –Alexander 17:26, August 2, 2015 (UTC)

- Agent of Doom

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.
 * 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. 

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 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.
 * (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).

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'.

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).
 * 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.

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.
 * Regnum Visigothorum: Accepts, promising a portion of northeastern Austrasia.

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.
 * 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.

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.

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.
 * 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.

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.

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 eastwards.
 * 3) Neo-Partian Empire has an alliance.
 * 4) The Neo-Parthain Empire may invade eastwards.
 * 5) The Persian Empire will not attack Neo-Parthian Empire.
 * 6) The Neo-Parthian Empire will succeed half of there Terrorty 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.

Why would the Lombards make minor gains out of the Ostrogoths,they are currently fighting against four kingdoms with no actual support from the Byzantine Empire as they are not even allies. The Visigoths retreat from Neustria.
 * Keep in mind the Lombards are not an actual nation, but a group of un-unified tribes at this point. Not evey single tribe is invading the Ostrogoths, only the border ones.

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

In OTL Egyptians hated the empire what changed their minds in so little time from the game's start? 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.
 * They didn't change their minds immediately, but over time, fair rule and autonomy granted by the Byzantines helped them change their stance.

The Byzantine Navy isn't stronger than both the Vandalic and the Visigothic Navy and couldn't win against both navy's cause they are not allied with the Ostrogoths and the Ostrogoths have no fleet of importance to help them. The Byzantines make significant gains in Dacia and Vandal North Africa, particularly the latter due to limited Vandal military presence in Africa.
 * This one I'm willing to give you a little credit for. Keep in before the Vangothic alliance, the Byzantines, by far, had the most powerful navy. After the alliance, I doubt that within just five years of naval buildup, the Vangothic navy would be more powerful, but I will not put it out of the realm of possibility.

The Celts push farther into Anglo-Saxon territory.

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

The player that plays as Rus is against the Byzantine Empire and very pro-peace for now,why would the Rus suddenly attack a kingdom that their king doesn't want war with, cause the Byzantine Empire proposed this to them? Eastern territory of the Persian Empire revolts and joins the Neo-Parthian Empire.
 * In the last turn, the Eastern Slavs had said they would be willing to help the Byzantines, who had proposed they invade Dacia. While, in retrospect, I'm not entirely sure that this was the intent of the player, I had assumed it was. I apologize if there are any conflicting ideals there. 

The Neo-Parthian Empire couldn't exist mainly cause the people that leave in this provices are not Parthian but Indian.Is the Mod favouring the Byzantine Empire when at the same time making the Persian Empire collapse for no reason?

I agree. I'm not being biased. How can the new Neo-Partian Empire be THAT BIG. That's ASB. ~ AH28 '''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.'''
 * I'm sorry if it looks like I'm being biased towards the Byzantines on this one, but the fact is, they are dealing with expansion much better than you. Whereas the Byzantines have federalized their empire, and given autonomy to the dissenting territories. The Persians, on the other hand, have expanded to the roughly the same extent as the Byzantines, and have done nothing to federalize or divide their nation. Additionally, when dissent occurred, you simply sent your forces to kill them. That's enough to anger enough people, in such a large, a spread out nation, that they would form a breakaway state. Now, about the name. Neo-Parthia was meant not so much as a literal name for the area, but as an homage to the Parthian Empire, which the residents of that area most likely looked back upon through spoken lore as "A much better time." I'm happy that you vouched your concerns, and I hope that I managed to dispel an misconceptions you may have had. I'm not trying to favor the Byzantines or any other nation, I'm just trying to make realistic alternate history, and unfortunately, without a degree in Geopolitical Science, I can't exactly call myself an expert. I hope that you continue to play the game and, more importantly, enjoy the game. And remember, just because the Persian Empire is having some trouble right now, does not, by any means, mean it will collapse, or even fade into obscurity.

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'.
 * (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.

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.
 * 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.
 * 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.

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.

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.
 * 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.

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.
 * 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.
 * 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 towards 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.

Austrasia: We fight against the Burgunds and try to push them back.

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'''
 * 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.

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.
 * 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.

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: 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.
 * Carthaginian Empire Dip: We accept the offered reparations.

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.

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.
 * 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.

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.

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.
 * Carthaginian Empire Dip:We accept the alliance offer,also aid is send to help the Saxons in their war effort,Carthaginian counselors are send to improve the Saxonic economy and infustructure and officers are send to improve the Saxonic Army.We also ask to trade with the Saxonic Kingdom. 

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.

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.

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.

Persian Empire: We expand 1800 pixels into Russia. We also push 350 pixels into Arabia with the Bytzyan 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.'''
 * Carthaginian Empire: We accept the non-aggression pact and ask for an alliance.
 * The Gothic Empire: Begins eagerly training its citizens for the games. Slaves are offered freedom and citizenship should they win an event.

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.

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 much 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.

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 along 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.
 * 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.