Merveilles du Monde (Map Game)

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

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

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

Moderators

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

Important Pages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


 * Georgia: King David retracts his support of a war against Armenia – infuriating Prince George and some members of the court. He declares that, for now, Georgia should focus exclusively on territorial consolidation and economic recovery. Nevertheless, in light of his achievements, he remains popular among both the elite and the masses – perhaps further consolidated by his patronage of the Orthodox Church. Some of his opponents (who would prefer the more pragmatic and aggressive George on the throne), however, posit that David has become weak-willed and too controlled by his Mongol wife Oljath. David dismisses these court members, and fills them with figures loyal to him – respecting the deal made with his late grandfather Beka. However, he allows his brother to remain the Amirspasalar. Anastasius, who is in his late teens, is sent to Kutaisi to be educated in the prestigious Gelati Academy; here, he develops a fondness for scholasticism and music, but as well as Hellenic studies such as neo-Platonism and Aristotelian thought. To prevent pillaging during campaigns and to maintain their loyalty to the state, the members of the Monaspa and the Naqivchaqari – many of whom are low-class nobility with no land – are guaranteed a basic annual salary, and land (complete with serfs) upon completing at least five years of service. This is permitted by an enlarged tax base and a reinvigorated, and remonetized economy. To procure more high-quality military equipment, the government grants contracts to private workshops in Tbilisi and its vicinity; this also guarantees a higher degree of standardization. The manufactured equipment includes lances, bows, arrows, and plate armor. Similar to this, the royal stables are expanded. Horse-breeding is encouraged, with larger horses (above the height of sixteen hands) being preferred. Fortifications are maintained in Tskhumi, Sumqayit, Yerevan, and Batumi. Silver and copper are mined from Imereti and Kartli and are turned into coins – thus underpinning the economy. Under the encouragement of the Crown, commerce expands. Merchant and artisan guilds thrive in Tbilisi, Ganja, and Batumi. Cotton becomes the main export; wine, wool, and enamels are also traded. A variety of dyestuffs (saffron, woad) are imported from overseas to add value to the cloth. Similar to the ban on the outflow of bullion, the export of the lucrative carmine dye (derived from Armenian cochineal) is prohibited. To increase agricultural productivity, three-way crop rotation (in which fields are split into three sections: grain, legumes, and fallow) instead of two-way crop rotation. Irrigation becomes more used, especially among Georgia's Muslim subjects.
 * See of Barcelona: With the death of Pope Callixtus IV, the remaining three cardinals loyal to him, among them Riccardo Petroni, who had led the original collective that had elected Callixtus, call for papal conclave to be held in Rome, now that is under the control Aragon. The cardinals hope to restore the legitimacy of the Papacy in the eyes of Christendom, which has lately been so tarnished by the actions of many in their attempts to gain power from truly pious Christians. As the the conclave is convened, messengers are sent out across Europe to all rulers who have not switched their allegiance to the false Pope in Trier, calling on them to protect the holding of this conclave in the Eternal City from any who would seek to disrupt and prevent it (Mod response). However, during the holding of the conclave, the French cardinal Jean Lemoine falls deathly ill, and he quickly succumbs to his illness, leaving just Riccardo Petroni and Federico Goikoetxea in the conclave. With just two cardinals left and allegiance of Europe wavering over to the false Pope in Trier, the men in Rome are left in dire straights as the year comes to a close.
 * Kingdom of Sicily: During the European events taking place and ongoing in Europe, the sicilian crown fund the construction and development of homes and properties while also working in the development and expansion of ports. Meanwhile, the Neapolitan Army is dispatched to the Papal States to assist in the war effort.
 * Republic of Venice: Due to the recent failure of the assassination of Callixtus and his recent death, the bounty on the anti-pope’s head is still there, waiting until the next one is elected. Support is officially granted to Pope Gregory. However, under the condition that Venice has the blessings to annex the nearby lands of Ferrarra and Este and the current Venetian puppet Padua (TRIER/PAPACY RESPONSE NEEDED). The army is placed near the territories, while more political influence is put on Padua. A bounty is put on every cardinal who supports the antipope or is opposed to Pope Gregory XXI, consisting of the usual 30,000 ducats bounty (MOD RESPONSE ON THE SUCCESS, PLEASE).  Another army of around 20,000 men is raised to defend Venetian and Papal interests in Italy(predominantly to keep foreign influence out of it) to the Papal States. The army is composed of 2,000 highly trained archers, 3,000 light cavalry, 1,000 heavy cavalry and 14,000 infantrymen. With them highly skilled generals and officers and standardized weaponry, to assure that as few of the equipment breaks during combat as possible. The navy is prepared as well, to keep off Aragonese interventions against the Pope, which is seen as only a matter of time until this occurs. The city of Venice itself is extended as well, as the glass factories and textile producers are now regulated according to unitary high standards to assure a good quality of the exported goods. The glass industry in particular faces stricter laws as well, so that the secret of the glass production cant come to foreigners. One of those laws is the strict supervision of the district, and only a few merchants are allowed to enter it. This, however, poses no problem to the branch of the Venetian industry, due to the high demand of Murano glass.
 * Trier dipomacy: Pope Gregory XI give his blessings to annexation of Padua, Ferrara and Este. He also asks Venice to stop the bounties for the anti-pope and cardinals. Gregory says that God will judge and punish them in the right time.
 * Kingdom of Navarre: At the Bishop of Pamplona Federico Goikoetxea's urging, envoys are sent to the governments of England and France to ensure their allegiance. The envoys urge England and France not to support Gregory XI for several reasons: his illegitimate election by a council in his home country with no cardinals, his close relationship with the Holy Roman Emperor, his association with the Knights Templar and his youth and inexperience not befitting a Pope. (Mod response) King Louis I is more cautious, however, with Navarre's other bishop, the Bishop of Tudela Pablo Estévez y Sánchez suggesting a combined conclave between the Aragonese coalition and Gregory XI's coalition to end the schism. Louis I's envoys in England and France, as well as envoys sent to Siena, Florence and Arezzo, also urge sanctions against or an invasion of Venice after hearing of the Venetian assassination attempt on Pope Callixtus IV prior to his death of natural causes. (Mod response) In Iruñea/Pamplona, Louis I and Margaret of Burgundy have a second child, a son named Frederick in honour of Federico Goikoetxea. The 2,000 Navarrese soldiers remain in Rome to fortify the city against revolts or invasions. The government continues to work on improving and expanding farms in the east and south of the nation.
 * Tarascan State: Tariácuri, with the second message from Curicaueri, continues to urbanize Tzintzuntzan and Angamuco. With the aid of Urichu, Erongarícuaro, Pechátaro, and Jarácuaro, expansion is made to the west toward the sea while settlers scan the geography for adequate housing locations. In Tzintzuntzan, military barracks are installed under a new philosophy meant to minimize the total numbers while maximize strategy and efficiency. With this, it is decided that roughly one-fifth of all male adults at the age of 14 must begin militant training, spending upward of 12 years in a faction of 25 before they are able to retire to a live of serenity before reaching the skies. Metallurgy continues to be embraced as a method for producing tools and weapons, with swords, shields, and armor becoming primary components of a warrior. The Assembly of Pátzcuaro votes towards the creation of a tributary system and a plans to reform bureacracy over the coming years. While not limiting Tariácuri's power, it would allow Citlali's military power to be expanded. An envoy of riches and wishful hope is sent towards the city-state of Xilotan, being overlooked by the Xaratanga during the nightly trip, with the hopes of peacefully persuading the Xilotan into becoming an ally of the Tarascan State, having seats in the Assembly, and their King's children becoming powerful military leaders to help boost the reputation of the Xilotan. Promises of crushing their rivals and exerting control over all of the lands are adapted into the conversation. It is expected to go well (Mod Response Needed).
 * Xilotan agrees to the alliance
 * Kingdom of Sweden: With Denmark and Norway pledging their allegiance to Pope Gregory, King Birger calls upon both nations to help defend Rome against the anti-Christ’s forces in Italy. Hearing Birger’s call, Denmark contributes 5,000 noble retainers to Birger’s army, raising its numbers to about 10,000 men. Birger calls upon Norway to honor its alliance with Sweden and to aid Christendom in defending Rome against the false pope’s forces by sending 5,000 men [MOD RESPONSE FOR NORWAY]. Birger also asks the Teutonic Order if they’d be interested in joining the army and helping command with King Birger [TEUTONIC REQUEST]. With Swedish trade growing rapidly throughout the Baltic and northern Europe, the Swedish Merchants’ Guild becomes much more formalized and inclusive. With increasing funds at its disposal, the Merchants’ Guild begins establishing trade posts throughout Finland, Karelia, and northern Sweden, providing a market where native tribesmen and settlers can sell raw materials in exchange for iron tools, materials, and more. The Guild also begins establishing local headquarters in all major cities throughout Sweden, including Visby, Stockholm, and Vyborg, to help coordinate Swedish mercantile ventures there and provide aid to any Swedish merchant. A request is made to the Hanseatic League and Teutonic Order that the Merchants’ Guild be allowed to build similar headquarters in their cities to help Swedish trade [HANSA RESPONSE] [TEUTONIC RESPONSE].
 * Teutonic Diplomacy: We agree and send 3,000 troops to assist your army.and We agree to the merchant guild to build a headquarters and recommenced them to build it in Memel.
 * Mod response: \ Norway accepts the call to send men, but they send less men then expected. The Norwegian contingent being only 3.000 big as norway does still want to be able to defend itself. Norway even if sending men not realy wanting to fight in the war, as they do not care as much as wished about the papal Shism.
 * Republic of Milan: Following the defeat at Corsica the Milan army now being nicknamed the “army of Gregory” due to the total of 17,000 from outside forces supporting Gregory - as well as the financing of a large army of Mercenaries and additions of Scandinavian forces - has swelled the numbers of this army upwards of 50,000 to 62,000 plus potentially more mercenaries from throughout Northern Italy and Southern Germany following some financial assistance. (Any nation willing to assist please respond.) Secret (As well as any army of 62,000 can be kept secret): This army of 62,000 is split into two contingents of 31,000 - mostly along the lines of nationalities. The long lances and vast majority of the Milan and Genoa forces as well as the large group of hired mercenaries Are sent down along the western Coastline on the most direct route to Rome through Florence and others. Whilst Austrian, Bavarian, Pisa, and Pontremoli forces are sent along the eastern Coastline to meet up with Venetian forces through Bologna San Marino Assisi and then eventually into Rome. The force distribution is roughly 6,000 medium to heavy cavalry, 11,000 light cavalry, 10,000 archers and 37,000 infantry. (Big algo and any other additional forces numbers please respond.)
 * Swedish Dip: Upon being told that the Scandinavian troops are not needed, the Swedish/Danish/Norwegian force of 13,000 men is disbanded. Sweden will not send troops.
 * See of Trier: With the eminent end of the war to liberate Rome, Pope Gregory prays to Our Lord to protect the good men that are fighting to save the Christendom from the Aragonese Anti-Christ and his false-prophet. He thanks all the true Christian nations that offered help in this time of need. When he hears about the assassination attempt suffered Callixtus, Gregory says that this isn't necessary, because in the right time God will punish the false-prophet for his sins. May God forgive him for this but, when alone in his chamber, Gregory laughs after imagining a group of cardinals beating the assassin. With the death of Callixtus, Gregory writes to France and England, asking them to recognize him as pope and to send troops to help save Rome [MOD response needed, please]. He also writes to the surviving cardinals of Callixtus saying that they will be pardoned if they swear loyalty to him [MOD and Player response needed, please]. Matthias and Catharina Schwanthaler gives the rule of their religious order to Gregory. They say that it's based in three things: chastity, simplicity and mercy. The pope will analyze their rule and will give the twins his response.
 * Yuan China: Within the imperial court, Crown Prince Dawei advocates for a strong and aggressive foreign policy with a resurgent China taking an active part in regional affairs. Still bitter over the country's loss in Vietnam and the failure of his to retake Korea due to a lack of reinforcements, Prince Dawei views the rest of the country's neighbors with suspecion and hatred. In his conversations with other members of the court in Beiping, the prince is informed on matters taking shape within the backrooms of the Forbidden Palace, and the plans of many generals to expand China's dominion throughout the region. The only thing standing in their way is Emperor Maxiu, who's soft approach to foreign affairs following his experiences with Chagatai, Taiwan, and Korea, making him to cautious to take the steps need to assert Chinese power where it is needed. While Dawei does not want to see the emperor killed or otherwise harmed to resolve this issue, he is more than willing to "hasten" his transition from power to take the reigns of throne under his own command. What is agreed upon by all members of the conspiracy is that the emperor's campaign in Korea must come to a conclusion in favor of China before they can begin. None wish to squander the potential of a victory against a common foe if they can avoid it, and it would give them more time to plan their next move with the emperor away from the imperial palace. The conspirators manage to recruit Maxiu's wife Atala (or Atarah), into the scheme to replace the emperor upon his return to China. The deeply religious emperess was responsible for convincing her husband to convert to Christianity, and it was she who had the monks present Maxiu with the crucifix that he wore into battle during his conquest of Chagatai and later baptism outside of Samarkand. She has for the longest feared that her husband's gingerly approach to the promotion of Christianity in China will lead them down the road to damnation, and believes that her more militant son Dawai would be a better fit for the throne. As with Dawei and some of the other conspirators, Atala believes that the emperor should not be harmed, but given the choice to abdicate peacefully to serve in a separate capacity that would still benefit the throne and not throw the country into chaos should he be slain. Many of the generals involved agree with the plan, though they the decision more as a means of removing a ruler opposed to their desires to reinstate Confucian values over the Chrine ones pushed by the emperor. While they agree on keeping him alive, they secretly hope that by imprisoning him, they can force him to denouce Christianity and bring Confucianism back into the imperial court. On a completely different level though, is the head of the Imperial Guard, the Christian Han general Yexi Xiong, who believes that allowing the emperor to live could produce a wide range of problems such as his potential desire to return to the throne should he not be pleased with his new status as a figurehead within the walls of the palace. Though he does not speak of this openly, Yexi secret plots his own moves with the backing of the Imperial Guard. Upon returning to Beijing, the Chinese delegation inform the imperial court of the insanity surrounding the events related to the various popes in Europe. Outraged by the politicization of the office of pope, the Emperor of China declares that the Europeans have failed to safeguard the office from human error. As such, in front of all his troops and officials, Emperor Maxiu declares himself the new Pope of the Huangdist Church of Zhongguo.