Changes: Merveilles du Monde (Map Game)

Latest revision as of 09:40, 13 March 2024

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.

Marco 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 ...

Map

Moderators

Greed: Crim (talk)
Pride: Nathan1123 (talk)
Wrath: Feudy McPlagueface (talk)
Gluttony: Tullin (talk)
Sloth: Solace (talk)
Envy: Dren (talk)
Lust: Topaz (talk)

Important Pages

The Game

1550

With Pope Zephyrinus II still vacant from Rome after several years, the College of Cardinals in Rome elects Francis Xavier as Leo XII.

The Scrooby Congregation of Manchester unites with another group led by preacher John Smyth, forming the largest group of Presbyterians in the British isles. The city of Portsmouth begins to house a sizeable Wagnerist minority, with a native named Cyril Burt publishing an extensive and soon widespread new translation of the Bible in English, known as the Burt Bible.

In Europe with deveolopments in Pistol technology, the Pistol replaces the use of the lance. The wheellock pistol is used with the cavelry, the pistol only being afordable for those who have enough for a lance.

The summit level canal between Alster and the Trave in Germany ceases to be navigable.

In West Africa a war breaks out between the Ashanti Empire and the Oyo Empire. Ashanti Warrior-King Agyenim Tuffour leads the rapid conquest having secured support among his people through marriage and charisma. His leadership proves impressive and he personally strikes down the Oyo Emperor in the heat of battle.

The Viceroyalty of New Spain imports chocolate to Europe from Mesoameirca, the traditional delicacy of the Huestec elites, is now being served in compact candies among European nobility.

Prince Peter V of Moldavia abdicates in favor of his son, Alexander III. Being a rather ambitious military background, Alexander reorganizes the military of Moldavia in preparation of further expansion. This new military is largely composed of Cumanian vassal clans across the lower Bug River

In the heart of the densest part of the Yucatan, the City-State of Tayasal throws off Spanish control of the region, utilizing the harsh conditions of the jungle to ensure their independence, as the last remnant of the ancient Mayan Empire. This effectively creates a "hole" in the Viceroyalty in the middle of the Yucatan.

The Sabhani Empire launches their campaign to unite the Ganges River, invading the Janpur Sultanate to the south. The achieve a decisive victory at the end of the year by capturing the city of Lucknow.

Altan Khan, a direct descendent of the Genghisid/Yuan dynasty, takes control over the Buryat Khaganate in Central Asia. Having consolidated power over the disparate Mongolian clans that have migrated since the fall of the Northern Yuan, he seeks new ways to legitimize his rule as successor of the Great Khans. So far he primarily does this by standardizing Buddhism in the region, and encouraging the Northern Silk Road.

In Borneo, the Brunei Sultanate begins to greatly expand and vassalizes the states immediately bordering them. The Sultan Saiful Rijal reaches out to the Spanish and Portuguese for purchasing modern armaments for his nation, in exchange for access to the spice trade.

Anna of Bavaria (1475-1550), an unmarried aunt of Duke Otto VI/VIII of Bavaria, dies of natural causes.

In Wales, Teleri ferch Cadfael (1497-1550), sister of Duke Myrddin II of Gwynedd, dies of a disease.

Celtic Confederacy: With the end of the war with France, the economy is the formost issue on the Kings mind, as the economy has been left in shambles by the war. With several years now having passed since the end of the war, he becomes increasingly aware of the English domination of many trade routes traditionally plied by Celtic Traders, and although there is a strong desire to reclaim these, Kenneth knows we are in no position to challenge another power in our current state. Hence, he seeks to open stronger trade relations with the Spanish Empire, who we have historically had good relations with. In order to ensure this goes through, he proposes the marriage of his son, David, to a Spanish Princess, and an official alliance between the two countries (Spanish response needed). A number of impoverished Irish and Scottish men also begin taking indentured servitude contracts in the Spanish colonies, in order to seek a better life and hopefully send some money home to their families once their contracts dare up, something that is encourged by King Kenneth as a way to help establish ties with the Spanish. An explorer by the name of Archibald Wallace, descendant of the famous William Wallace, also comes to Kenneth with a proposal for a company to explore the New world. However, due to the economic circumstances of present Scotland, this is unable to be done. Instead, he heads to England, and asks to enter the Service of England as an explorer. (ENGLISH RESPONSE NEEDED). The CCC also makes an offer to the Ashanti Empire to sell them excess equiptment and the latest in Weapons technology for a high price, to help them in their war with the Oyo Empire, and also seeks to open trade relations (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED).
- England Diplomacy: Archibald Wallace is accepted into the service of RETEC, the company managing England's exploration and colonisation in Meridia.
- The Ashanti purchase a small number of western arms, but are hesistant to invest too greatly in the expensive, difficult to maintain, and complex weapons.
Tsardom of Russia: Temyruk and Nestoras Manikis manage to put down much of the revolt after linking up with Sergey Volkov whose Cossacks had been under siege over the course of the Winter by the Tatar rebels at Tsaritsyn. Temyruk's circassians attack the Tartar flank drawing them away from the fort. They are drawn just south of the River where Manikis leading the mounted steltsy and Cossack carry encircle them and massacring the rebel forces on the west bank of the Volga around the ruins of old Sarai. In the campaign that follows under the overall command of Manikis The Cricassian, and Rus' forces carry out a campaign of slaughter cowing much of the Tatars into submission upon reaching the city of Astrakhan they find much of the population has fled the city while only really the sickly or dead remain there. In the area around the city of Astrakhana ghastly scenes of ritual sacrifice remain with the mangled corpses with the backs cut open, or half decapitated in piles. The funny thing noticed, however, is that those being killed aren't just Rus' but also Tatars leading to a great deal of confusion amongst the Russian forces. The Kniaz Yaroslav meets the war host at Astrakhan accompanied by his entourage. After some investigation into the origins of the Tatar uprising it is discovered that a new group of raiders had arisen a few years prior in the region coming from the Lands to the North. They had developed a following amongst many of the unhappy Tatars with their treatment under the Rus'. While most of the Tatars who fought against Rus' were just discontented serfs and children of former Tatar nobles or men whose women or daughters had been married off to Rus' and other new comers in the region, a group of Paganist fanatics under the leadership of a Terrifying Mystic who the native Tatars believe to be a demon. It is believed by the Tatars and the others that they were the ones who massacred the garrison in Asktrakhan and then soon proceeded to kill even the Tatars and as months of bloodlust swept over the region of Astrakhan. Many of the survivors of these deaths and those caused by the Rus', begin flocking to the small town of Rurik outside Tsaritsyn Where they seek the protection of St. Dimitry from the violence engulfing the Steppes. Konstantin once more offers his support to the former supporters of Sigismund in the elections. Administrative ad military reforms continue. New roads connecting the various riverways, alongside new mule stations, and a growing postal system are built to better relay information and supplies across the expansion realms of the Rus'. Drilling of the Kiev, Moscow, Tver, and Novgorod levies continues forming the core force of the Russian army, and as tensions in Poland and Moldavia grow, with the recent mustering Moldavia's forces. An envoy from Kiev is sent to Alexander of Moldavia (his nephew) requesting information as to why the young Kniaz is mustering his military. (Mod response). The education of the Dimitry the Younger's (1539) education oand formal martial training begins under Yuri Stroganov in Novgorod where he is provided with a very strict orthodox teaching of theology so as to attempt to avoid the same dubious behaviour of his older brother. It is decided by that The Stroganov's younger daughter Sophia (1541) shall marry him while the older Irene Stroganov shall instead wed Sergey Volkov to improve cooperation between the Stroganov and the Volkov families. Furthermore, the Stroganovs are granted large estates along the Kama river up the Volga provided they can fortify and consolidate these lands. The Moscow Arsenal continues to produce armour, weapons, muskets, and culverians. Wheelocks are imported from the Greeks for the Hussars and Cossacks which combined with the Shashka being adopted by many of the Cossacks picking up on the designs of the Circassian allies. Ironworking around the arsenal starts to develop for tools, as Moscow steadily grows. Stables are also built around the arsenal to accommodate the increased demands for horses. Cattle, and Horse Husbandry in Kazan is promoted by the Stroganovs as well as exploitation of salt reserves in Kazan and the Perm region as demand for horses, hides, and salted meats grow as military expansion and reforms continue. Graneries and warehouses for storage are also built to provide To ensure State reserves of supplies for the military, church, and for the serfs of the state are Plenty.
- The Sejm of Poland concur with the Tsar to support the Zbaraski family.
- Prince Alexander assurs his uncle that his ambitions for the good of the Moldavian people will be beneficial for their Slavic allies in Russia
- Konstantin's emissary inquires into a possible purchase of the rest of the Don region would be possible in exchange for Russian support in Alexander's campaigns. Furthermore, Konstantin I offers to partially finances and provide assistance in the form of officers and mercenaries to train and bolster his army.
- Alexander doesn't want to relinquish all that region, but is willing to make a deal for a smaller cession of territory in exchange for financial and mercenary support only.
- Konstantin agrees but requests that Rus' who live or have businesses in the region be allowed to carry on and that The Russian Crown can continue to rely upon the local Cossack communities to bolster the Russian defences in Eastern Front. Promising to come to the Aid of Moldavia as a friend and Family of the Tsar. (Mod response required).
Georgia: Georgia accepts the deal with Russia dividing the North Caucasus. Irene begins writing on the recent history of Georgia - not only describing the events, but also adding her commentary. These writings would form the first chapters of the “Nathaniad”. Meanwhile, George’s son, Simon, marries Ana Guramshvili. By the end of the year, she has a daughter named Barbare.The military continues to be reformed under the direction of George. The heavy cavalry are outfitted with lighter lances. They are also outfitted with pistols, which they will use to break up the enemy ranks before switching to melee. Caucasian horses are bred with steppe horses to improve their stamina and increase their speed; however, since the resultant crosses are smaller and thus unable to carry heavy loads, heavy cavalry mounts continue to be of the Caucasian (particularly Armenian) variety. The use of horse meat, blood, and entrails in food becomes popular. Milk from horses also becomes popular. It is consumed both raw and fermented (which also causes the milk to turn into an alcoholic beverage). However, as horse milk doesn’t have casein, it cannot be turned into cheese. Horseback riding and mounted archery continue to be common pastimes - especially among the elite. Polo is introduced into Georgia, with Nathan himself known to be an avid fan of the sport. He orders the construction of polo grounds in all three of Georgia’s capitals, organizing a polo competition shortly following the completion of the one in Tabriz. The "Europeanization" of the Georgian aristocracy - particularly in western Georgia - continues, in a bid to distance themselves from Persianate culture, which is rapidly falling out of favor. The number of Christians residing in Georgia's peripheral territories is strengthened, with thousands of Armenians being resettled in areas with a strong Muslim presence. The Albanians continued to be assimilated into the Heretian population. The economy continues to flourish due to the export of silk and cotton, and the development of the textile industry. More mulberry and cotton plantations are built. Military expansion continues: the artillery corps is expanded, more muskets and other gunpowder weapons are produced with the expansion of the Tbilisi Arsenal, while more state-owned stables and studs are built. The cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified, with the installation of defensive cannons and thickening of their walls.
Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di" With the Spanish Sending troops ariving in Lotharingia, and thus arriving in the City of Atrecht. 5,000 German mercenaries arriving and the 10,000 soldiers send by the king of Spain himself, Thus the left over 1,000 Belgians Burn the Bridges and flood the Somme and then Begin together with her allies to build. Thus Ditches and mounds between the layers of the city walls. The Soldiers attempting to build a new wall with wood, stone and any other material and placing dirt between these walls. The excrement of the inhabitants often being used between layers as they solidify and are able to be used as compartmental walls and to keep some of the in its place, while also giving some waterproofing to the walls, the plan being to ensure Food by shipments via the Scarpe a tributary of the Scheldt river. The plan being to supply it using small ships which bring in food and building material from the north, although this does face the issue that most of the city is south of the city. Thus the last journey trough the city done by the poor and those who are less able pulling carts and sleds across the city to reach the walls to reinforce it. Jean Frans ordering all Dirty fat to be given to the army in city as the fat is used for lubing equipment and to help make wicks for the punaisiers. While in Luxembourg the Army under old but still healthy Paul de Kremer, and his army of 36,000 continue their defence, building walls and waiting for the Enemy to come. Dulle griet being readied to fire on the enemy, as the cannon does require some work to get back work and improve their qualities. While this all is going down the Groot Belgische raad continue's the writing of the "Nieuwe Groot Belgische Wet" as to finaly reform Belgia into a new and more modern state instead of one based on two century old law.
Empire of Ayutthaya: This year, Tabinschwenti passed on due to an assassination attempt by a noble family hailing from the city of Ava while out on a hunt for a rumored white elephant started by those in league with the conspirators. Across the Empire, in regions discontent with Ayutthayan rule, local nobles overthrew and slaughtered officials assigned to oversee their cities as well as eliminating the Capital Defense Corps forces in those cities with some officials being able to escape due to the loyalty of the Capital Defense Corps officers. After hearing of the chaos breaking out across the Empire, Bayinnaung who was conducting business within the Khmer vassal helping to fortify their position and ensure their stability takes a portion of the Ayutthayan-Khmer forces active in the reion fortfying it and marches toward the city of Ayutthaya which has remain loyal due to the work of the enlarged local garrison and officials within the city as well as local residents from the Japanese quarter.. Deciding to attack both the Malay Peninsula and Phitsanulok due to being trapped between them geographically, Bayinnaung would divide his forces with the larger portion of his forces being put under his command and attack Phitsanulok. Binnya Dala commands a smaller force directed at attacking and securing the Malay Peninsula starting with Six Pagodas Pass where a garrison force is left to hold it while Binnya Dala continued onward. Both campaigns take a good portion of the year with the remaining cities in Siam quickly submitting to Bayinnaung after he conquered Phitsanulok and marshalled forces to Six Pagodas Pass with a portion of the forces being reassigned to Binnya Dala for his siege of Malacca which fell along with the rest of the Peninsula allowing for the Ayutthayan Navy to be put under Bayyinaung. The naval forces in Malacca are prepared to dispatch ships carrying troops and supplies to Dagon which has been besieged by opposition forces with loyalist forces holding the city. In the Tenasserim Coast, Smim Htaw has mobilized his forces to Six Pagodas Pass to block Bayinnaung's armies from advancing through it and removing him from his position as ruler of Martaban.
Abbasid Caliphate: These year would mark the end of the Ash'athite rebellion, with Shah Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza storming the compound at Malayer and systematically execution of the Ayatollah and his affiliates that constituted the original Ash'athites. The Ash'athites would not dissipate completely however, but wouldn't formally organize again until the collapse of the Abbasid Empire in the 17th century. Either way, the end of the Shi'ites rebellions that once hindered Arabic expansion would aid in the Caliphate's final march, leaving Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman to lead the final march on Yazd in an effort to capture the last Safavid monarch and exert total dominance over Iran. He leads 50,000 men. (Algo Needed).
- Gurkani Sultanate: Shah Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza of Persia would rule Iran for a period of 45 years, and much of his early years as Shah would consist of quelling a variety of rebellions while maintaining Sunni hegemony over Persia. The capital, Efsahan, would begin its reconstruction this year, taking on architecture reminiscent of the Greco-Roman and Achaemenid influence.
Kingdom of Morocco: Actual, developing and modernizing few of the population is bring up its search they construct more new thing some half of territory in the desert is being Controlled by the monarchs and its sultan by the way a new law its establish from the speech of multi-culturism and enjoyable of religions way expect, the bank are giving more money and its support in term of development so far most of Europeans merchant come mostly in the Coast part a way in the view the berber-among speaking recruiting some upgrade and pay a lot the council in Morocco demands a way to develop a new period and strategy hope is going be good at least that the government has search its trade in positives.
Kingdom of Hungary: Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items. The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. Simon and Azaria have a second kid a boy named Avery. Vivien has a girl named Matilda. With the new military weapon called the pistol our army adapts to the use of it and adopts it into the arsenal of weapons that we use. We send about 50 assassins to Friuli Venezia Giulia with assassin gauntlets on their arms that have phantom blades. They also have the newly made pistols on them for close quarter combat. These assassins are to kill the government of the nation. After a few days we send 25,000 troops into the nation for an invasion led by General John Zápolya. Then our navy sends 40 ships to blockade the ports and coast lead by Petar Keglević. (Algo needed)
- Banate of Bosnia: Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
- Banate of Severin: The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
Kingdom of Portugal: The king visits all of the colonies while also meeting with the captain of the 1550 expedition. Then he travels to Gordes where he ives an important speech. Meanwhile, the king passes the Mauritius Integration Act which integrates Mauritius as a full scaled province with the same status as Sao Tome, Azores and the Madieras. The flag of Portuguese Mauritius is the Portuguese flag defaced with the picture of the Dodo.
Wagenaar Colonies: Following the defeat of the French attack outside of Broekden in 1548, that city has largely recovered. Sjerd Groenewoud, the prominent trader who led the men of Broekden in battle has his leadership praised by the council, which lends further credence to his ideology of expansion. Therefore, Broekden continues to expand into Mikmaq lands to gain a greater foothold in Ruysch (also known as Meridia). Fishing and whaling continue to lend themselves to the prosperity of Broekden. Meanwhile, up in Kebeck, the economy is driven by trapping, trading, and fishing (mostly for herring). Here, too, expansion continues as more people from Europe (mostly from Belgia, but also Catholics and Columbites from majority-Jungist states) decide to move to the new world.
Kingdom of England: With the aid of the contingent of soldiers, RETEC establishes several farms and military fortifications beyond Atlantic Harbour, along the coast of OTL Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Though, because of the large population of soldiers RETEC's Meridian colony continues to face pressure in terms of food supply and other resources. Tensions with the Lenape also remain high as they are some clashes between farmers and tribespeople. Francis Beaufort, one of RETEC's leaders in Atlantic Harbour, suggests an organised military campaign to subjugate/drive away the Lenape in the vicinity of the settlement in order to make the colony more secure. Thomas Colonna, 2nd Earl of Southampton, who arrived from England this year to be Atlantic Harbour's new administrator following the departure of Philip Courtenay, 3rd Earl of Bristol, is somewhat reluctant, but with RETEC mercenary commander Henry Borgburg also supporting such a move, the RETEC leaders begin to strategise and prepare troops for this plan. The English Parliament continues to provide funding for RETEC's efforts, though with the simultaneous deployment of English mercenaries to Lotharingia they do not supply RETEC with any additional troops at this time. Meanwhile, in England, the increased prominence of the Scrooby Congregation in Manchester causes tensions with local Catholics and alarms the English clergy. The English Inquisition focuses its operations on the Manchester area to halt the spread of Presbyterianism, with Alexander Anderson's mercenary company providing the Inquisitors with security and enforcement. Some Parliamentarians suggest outright expelling the Irish immigrants that are the core of the Congregation from England; there are many discussions in the Parliament about this suggestion, though Queen Margaret and King Edward X are hesitant about it, worried that it doing so may have negative consequences on England's foreign relations. Nonetheless, late in the year, with the support of Archbishop of Canterbury Reginald Pole (and effective neutrality of the co-monarchs). the Inquisition begins arresting Irish Presbyterians and expelling them from England, forcing them to go to the Presbyterian settlements in France or elsewhere in Europe. However, other parts of the Church in England, such as religious orders like the Mercedines, are not happy with this operation which they see as overly aggressive. The English Parliament also gathers some of the English army near Manchester in order to put down any revolts, though they see this operation as the optimal strategy for preventing greater unrest in this area in the future. The 5,000 English mercenaries sent to Lotharingia remain active there. Lincolnshire priests continue gathering funds from nobles for the reconstruction of the spire of Lincoln Cathedral, benefiting from the political support of Queen Margaret and King Edward X. The English Parliaments also funds the improvement of roads and related infrastructure in Cornwall and southwestern England, in order to increase domestic trade and improve the overall economy in this relatively backwater region. Sessilía Sturlungur (1485-1550), the widow of King Edward VII of England, dies of natural causes. Beatrice Beaufort (1481-1550), aunt of Queen Margaret of England and mother of Henrietta Grey, 4th Marquess of Dorset and Robert Grey, Archbishop of York, dies of a disease. Elizabeth Beaufort (b. 1527), daughter of Henry Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Lancaster, marries John Talbot (b. 1520), son of Francis Tuchet, 5th Earl of Shrewsbury. Edmund de la Pole and Frances de Vere have their second child, a son named Richard (b. 1550); and Thomas of York the Younger and Maud of Gloucester have ther second child, a daughter named Bridget (b. 1550). With Francis Xavier being elected as Pope Leo XII, he is succeeded as Patriarch of the Western Church by his fellow Jesuit and close friend Ignatius of Loyola (b. ~1491).
Saxony: Kolias Kape continues his stay with the Iroquois Confederacy, becoming quite respected. He learns about its culture, and introduces European culture too. He teaches some of the Iroquois to speak German, and soon some Iroquois children are being taught German. He also discusses religion with the Iroquois, and attempts to introduce Jungism and Christianity to them, and while some are interested, most do not care for this. After discussions with chiefs, he recognizes on behalf of the Old World, the Iroquois Confederacy as an independent nation of the world, and declares himself Ambassador of the Holy Roman Empire to the Iroquois Confederacy. Having attempted to map a considerable portion of this region of Meridia, Kape sends some of his men on to explore other parts of the continent while he intends to remain among the Iroquois for another year. Meanwhile, back in the actual Duchy of Saxony, Wolfgang voices his support for the Arlesian Pope, Zephyrius, despite having sent troops to aid Lotharingia against Arles a couple of years ago. He points out that the Cardinals cannot elect another Pope merely because the Pope they already elected happens to be out of the country. To cool the situation, he suggests that Francis Xavier is given the title Regens (Regent) Leo, to govern the Papal States and lead the Roman Church in the Pope's absence. (Mod Response).
Roman Empire: Andronikos counter offers, he proposes that Trieste become a Roman protectorate. He does demand that it host a Roman Garrison in a pair of fortresses, one north of the town and the other to the southwest, to be constructed by Rome. He proposes to limit the total garrison to 4,000 men as well to appease Italian fears. Finally, to discourage further fighting and perhaps ease tensions between both sides he maintains his offer of a marriage between Kaisar Manuel and Princess Ippolita of Modena. (Mod Response, Please) The death of Strategos Dragut weighs heavily on both Andronikos and the naval staff of the empire. Command of the Roman fleet passes to his favorite officer, Strategos Aris Matakos. The administration of the empire decays rapidly as the ranks of the Tagmata, who served in all offices of government, were severely depleted at Trieste. Thus, unhappiness with the new Senate, combined with a general failure of government to support the population during the war, creates unrest in Constantinople. Merchants demand access to the emperor, and a boycott on grain imports is imposed by the guild of grain merchants to force the government to comply with their demands for power. Andronikos is enraged by this move, but lacks the support of the city's inhabitants and is unable to quell the dissent. Outside of the capital and its political chaos, the strain of war weighs down the people. The demands on ship-captains and merchants reduces the volume and quality of trade, and with tax revenue equally reduced the waging of the Trieste campaign increasingly requires higher taxes.
- The Italians accept this deal for the time being

1551

The election of the king of Poland becomes slightly contentious between Sigsmund's younger son and brother, named Casimir and John, respectively. Although most nobles are in favor of John, who is crowned as King John II of Poland, this causes instability in the nation, which Prince Alexander of Moldavia wishes to capitalize on. Alexander leads an army of 20,000 troops to invade Poland.

After the campaigns of the Byzantines against the Italians near Trieste, growing unrest takes place within their provinces across Greece and Peloponnesia proper. The large number of Italian immigrants to these regions, intermixed with the previous Latin population of previous generations, erupts into violence with neighboring Greek Orthodox communities. The Orthodox in the regions blame the Catholic population for the deaths of the Byzantine armies in the invasions of Italy, which results in the massacre of 70 Italians in Corinth.

The Tian Dynasty launches a punitive campaign against the Four Oirot Khaganate, to subjugate them into the tributary system once again. The Mongols prove highly resilient and cost the Tian significant resources.

Belgian settlers along the Uruguay River in Meridia encounter tribes of the Guarani people, who are fierce warriors that dominate the region this far deep into the jungles. The Guarani are less interested in attempts by the Belgian private companies to trade.

The fifth outbreak of sweating sickness in England. John Caius of Shrewsbury writes the first full contemporary account of the symptoms of the disease.

The growing power of the Brunei Sultanate across Indonesia allows for Muslim states to become more powerful in their regions. The Makassar Sultanate fully unites the island of Sulawesi, and the Manguidinao Sultanate subjugates the southern half of Mindanao Island.

In Wales, Catherine Asburgo-della Rovere (1480-1551), mother of Duke Myrddin II of Gwynedd, dies of a disease.

In Portugal, Constance of Thuringia (1480-1551), widow of former King John II of Portugal, dies of natural causes.

In Arles, Marcuse of Bruce-Anjou (1482-1551), uncle of King Louis II of Arles, dies of natural causes.

Mali Empire: The civil war reaches a conclusion this year as the Mossi kingdom is fully re-annexed again. The native Mossi rulers that were not killed in battle were imprisoned in Niani, and the kingdom itself was partitioned into four kingdoms: Ouagadougou, Tenkodogo, Fada N'gourma, and Yatenga. These were originally vassals of Mossi, which were now made direct vassals of the empire. The rebel states of Baol and Salum were likewise absorbed by neighboring kingdoms, solidifying the imperialist faction of Waalo across the Maghans of the Gbara. Aswed Zahri returned to the Manding core with the southern armies of the empire, having completed his work in the subjugation of Burkina Faso. The death tolls recorded for his actions have made him a gravely infamous figure in later generations, but contemporary to his own time he was hailed as a hero. The generation following the death of Mamamoo is often viewed as a dark time of Mali's history, and for many people this is largely blamed on Mansa Musa III himself. Musa, however, may not have had as much control over the situation as we may think. The Jaesh Al-Ghul (ghost soldiers) necessitated a new restructure of the military, which had largely remained unchanged since the days of Simba I, but at this point the power of the military rested solely in the hands of the Southern Viceroy, Aswed Zahri. Luqman Al-Lebu was officially recognized as the Northern Viceroy, but after the Mossi campaign Aswed was not relinquishing his share of the imperial army. Economically, Musa attempted to reach out to restore the Saharan caravan trade, and sent envoys to both Tunis and Cairo to re-establish diplomacy with the Wileyats of the Abbasid Caliphate, but this action was strongly blocked by the allies of Waalo in the Gbara. Nonetheless, the envoys reaching Tunisia and Egypt offered to arrange a marriage with his second daughter Zaynab (b. 1522) (Abbasid Response), and to improve relations with the ruler of Egypt. He further sent his eldest daughter Zuhur (b.1520) to be married to the ruler of Morocco. (MOD RESPONSE). Musa's third son Ahmad (b.1528) was installed as the ruler of Yatenga in Mossi, and married to a woman of the former dynasty there named Awa (b.1535). Culturally, art and music in Mali continues to stagnate as religious conservatism takes hold across the empire, in both Yunni and Sunni circles. Mamamoo was often considered the penultimate philosopher of Mali's "Golden age", and after his death the only notable philosophical writings are exclusively commentaries on his work, or his hagiography. Most new works of literature and poetry at this time come from the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Senegal River, as the vassal Serar Kingdoms compete with each other for economic and political supremacy, along with the Babani people farther north. In the west, Mansa Musa officially recognizes the colonies of Bebaghad to annex the coast of Meridia from Kambina (Recife) as far south as Jadid (Rio de Jenairo). Each one of the half-dozen colonies along the coast were nominally under the authority of the respective Serar or Berber state that sponsored them, but effectively the Bebaghad Colony acted as a single entity under the direct control of the Gbara. Musa's second son Simba (b.1521) was named the first "Viceroy of the West", which would prove to be a temporary office. In order to enforce this new administration, the Serer navigator Ilyas Joofa is sent to subjugate the Ceata people using 3,000 troops and 600 cavalry, using the advanced technology of arquebuses and two cannons. (Algo request). This, however, was only the start. Rahi Mukhamil led a more ambitious campaign for the subjugation of the Tupinanda people across southern Meridia, after they had rejected the Islamic religion presented by Imam Musa. 5,000 troops and 800 cavalry are sent to Zimzalabim (Bahia), and recruit as many native allies as possible among the Tamoia people before marching on their Tupi rivals. The promise is made that any of the Tamoia or Tupi that supports the Empire will be given all the settled lands acquired, and made a direct imperial vassal, after they convert to Islam. (Algo/Mod response.)

Georgia: The "Europeanization" of the Georgian aristocracy - particularly in western Georgia - continues, in a bid to distance themselves from Persianate culture, which is rapidly falling out of favor. The number of Christians residing in Georgia's peripheral territories is strengthened, with thousands of Armenians being resettled in areas with a strong Muslim presence. The Albanians continued to be assimilated into the Heretian population. The economy continues to flourish due to the export of silk and cotton, and the development of the textile industry. More mulberry and cotton plantations are built.Military expansion continues: the artillery corps is expanded, more muskets and other gunpowder weapons are produced with the expansion of the Tbilisi Arsenal, while more state-owned stables and studs are built. The cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified, with the installation of defensive cannons and thickening of their walls.
Empire of Japan: With Maguidanao, having secured much of Mindanao partially with Japanese assistance as promised with the prior vassalization agreement, the Japanese zaibatsu begin investing into the port of Cagayan to help develop it into a more widescale port. Some other investments are put into the Rusung archipelago specifically to help more notably develop its agricultural base. Sugary specifically on Samar Island has begun to take hold as a primary product of the region with notabe other sugar production going on across Visayas, Japanese, Tondo or otherwise affiliated. At home Jomei finally pins down a small group of Daimyo running a corrupt and illegal trade ring and exposes them to the Diet. Noting some of the slumped taxes as of late alot of this is blamed on these Daimyo having secured an illegal major source of untaxed income. This in reality is somewhat in relation to the Ikko-Ikki revolts which the Emperor and high Daimyo noble families have tried to find a way to distract from. Emperor Jomei is relatively happy with the success of the colony of Kenzo and authorizes full funding for another colony farther south set up by a small group of former soldiers with intent to bring their families at some point. Their small colony is started as a fort is is named Fort Tokawa with set up to develop the lands around it as a small town. Natives have been contacted in varied amounts between these two areas and a small amount of trade is embarked upon which is actually instrumental in the first year of survival for Fort Tokawa. The exodus of Jizamurai to the settlement of Kenzo continues having gone from roughly 100 settlers initially to nearly 800 in the last five years. This seems to be stemming from many looking for a new life in a colonial region that is not cold and inhospitable. To the north, however, in Arasakura the claims and direct control along the coast has continued heavily as many far ranging outposts and lumber camps have been established. The entirety of Arasakura boasts a population of roughly 2,000 since the establishment of the colonies. Some pushes are made to discovery veritible crops that can be grown in the colonies farther south that would maximize the value. It is noted that rice yields in the Kenzo colony are much lower than in the homeland. However, with Tabako (Tobacco) having been introduced by the Romans and Spanish in recent years it is noted that Tabako can be grown and is taken up until other crops can be taken. While not necessarily having been important or popular in Japan the use of Tobacco has started to see an upswing as the more aristocratic elite have taken up using the product. An upswing in agriculture and rice yields have been noted in Manzhuguo as more people have developed or settled the lands. A notable effect of longtime intermixing of Japanese and Manchus in the region has seen some of the less independently minded Manchus take up more Japanese culture, tradition, diet and many other habits. It is clear that many of the Jurchens have begun to assimilate a bit more clearly. Some of the more independently minded ones to the north, however, entrench in their own tradition and wish to maintain their cultural independence. However, with so much open territory and a relative lack of infringement on the vast Manchu province lying between Manzhuguo and Siberia. It is noted, however, that a few of them have moved to Korchin to become a bit closer to their historical brethren in Korchin.

Tsardom of Russia: With the final suppression of the remaining Tatar revolts in the region of the Former Astrakhan Khanate, things start to quiet down. Unfortunately, however, there are scant traces of the group led by the Mystic to be found other then the stories circling of their dead from survivors of the attacks, and from former rebels. It is generally agreed upon that leniency will be the policy taking as a more conciliatory means of securing the people in the region. more to be added later.
Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di": With the Guarani people turning to more violent means, Willem smit begins to think of manners to make the Shepherds able to defend themselves more easly. Thus Willem Smit is thinking of getting more guns and even allowing guns to be bought without any tolling, this meant to make it cheaper to import guns. Willem Smit planning on having a small army of combined Belgian force, this force mainly existing of around 15 horsemen equipped with Swords, pistols, short spear and an iron helmet, 25 infantry split amongst punaisiers and pikeman, with a small detachment of ten logistics members. The plan being to set up a small barrack upstream the tweeplaat revier, as the shephards often follow said river. In Ruysch news arrives of the Kingdom of France trying to expand their influence over the Wagenaar famyljebedriuw holdings of Broekden and Kebeck, this News filling the people of Frisia with joy. Thus a total of 1,000 Frisians shortly there after join the Koninglyke krijgweer Belgia, thus the defense of Arras/Atrecht totals 17,000 soldiers most of these being Spanish or Germans. As these soldiers continue to build up the walls and improve the the suplies and the flow of the Scarpe River in order to receive bigger ships. While in Luxembourg the 36,000 soldiers under Paul Dekremer continue their build up of the city, adding star pointed defence around the city of Luxembourg although this is not the best of craftsmanship due to haste and the fact that many of these works are performed with the army and the local poor. Each year of the awaited siege making the city more and more of a fortress, Paul Dekremer wanting to wait to further offensive actions until the army is able to properly fortify border cities and towns. For this aid for the future offensive he sends diplomats to Russia offering work to cavalry and artilerist veterans of war in return for money and possible loot. (Russian response). Russians are very well known for their great cavalry such as in the regions around Ruthenia and Caucausus.
Kingdom of Portugal: An expedition lands in Cape Baltimoro (OTL Baltimore) in what is named Sebastianland after King Sebastian. (permission from steph and Nate.) The king visited the town of Sebastiano near Porto where he unveiled the new statue of King Sebastian. Meanwhile, the Portuguese North American colony is founded with Afonos de Gonzales being appointed its first governor. In Cape Baltimoro, a tribe which the Portuguese calls Susquehannock begins attacking the settlement. Hearing of this, the king himself travels there to solve the situation. With the help of a translator, the king peacefully manages to solve the situation and even meets with their chief. (Mod response of the outcome of the meeting).
- The chief of the Susquehannok are willing to negotiate Gonzales as long as their lands are not violated.
Kingdom of Hungary: Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items. The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. We lost the war against Friuli Venezia Giulia last year. Our army retreats and goes back home. With Moldavia sending troops to Poland to get their vacant throne we watch from the sidelines and see what happens before doing anything. Endre and Isabella have a second child a girl named Trinity.
- Banate of Bosnia: Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
- Banate of Severin: The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
Majapahit Empire (Civil war): after Neyrajilaben staged the war against the House of Rasaja. Many people and many vassals sided with them. He got the presence and support of the governor of Bandar Supandi. Adji Supandi, as he comes with over 2,000 men entirely musketeers to serve as skirmishers in the field. The three Mahayardas of Timor and Yamaha and Sibuerito sided with the Aristocracy. Giving arround 6,500 soliders to serve against the declining House of Rasaja. As the Javanese aristocracy successfully fields arround 10,000 in the island of Bali seizing it ports completely. Adji Supandi sends ships to serve as transportation for the troops in Bali. As Adji Supandi leads his navy to defeat the House of Rasaja's small riverine navy in the Brantas. He completely destroys the fleet scoring control over the Brantas River. Thus, Trowulan is in danger. Lampung sides with the declining House of Rasaja after beeing promised to gain such more autonomy in future. As they sent 2,000 troops to defend up trowulan, as they quickly reached there before Adji Supandi seize of the Brantas River. The aristocracy in madura Island scores a victory against a small 100 garrison in an lighty defended by wooden walls. The aristocracy fielded arround 5,000 troops there. 600 of those are the crew of the fire trebuchets, who proved capability against the wooden walls burning them all. Hearing all the news of the advancing aristocracy. Pi quickly fields his royal army of arround 7,000 men and putts it quickly in Trowulan. He tries to send a small navy to defeat Adji Supandi's guarding navy in the Strait of Sunda to let more Lampung troops come in. Sadly they were defeated heavily. As the House of Rasaja's Lantakas and Cetbangs stood no chance against Adji Supandi's European canons. With the Co-admiral Gereyaniha taking over the field to show his might. After that he moves into Sunda territory to link up with the huge army of the rebeling aristocracy there as 15,000 soliders rebelled in the command of Atriosnibangi. The emperor Pi tries to send a small skirmish force to deal some damage to the rebeling aristocracy in Sunda but soon they were caught off guard and were forced to retreat. Neyrajilaben leads 10,000 with Adji Supandi's fleet command to secure the island of demak. As they defeated the House of Rasaja's war canoes. They crossed the river and had minor skirmishes with some anti-aristocracy forces in demak. Fully occupying them after the engagements. Now only 7,000 of the best Pi soliders and 2,000 Lampung soliders will stand against the huge assembled army and fleet going to Brantas numbering arround 38,500 men. With the command of one governor. And three aristocracts. Pi tries all his best in panic to strengthen Trowulan's fortifications as fast as he can as his paranoia of any surprise Seige at its HIEST. He vegans shouting and murdering his servants for any minor mistake. As it is only a matter of time. The Co-admiral Gereyaniha and the admiral Adji Supandi leads their almighty fleet with over 4,000 troops and many Seige wepons to speak of with European Seige Canons to go all in Bandar Lampung. The huge port was seized by the aristocracy forces after a long term fight. Giving acces to more ships that can be used for transportation and more in the upcoming Seige of Trowulan. With only a few months.. Preparing starts to get in effect. As.. The SEIGE OF TROWULAN will begin. Next... Year..
Empire of Ayutthaya: Bayyinaung launches an assault against the forces of Smim Htaw in the Battle of Six Pagodas Pass forcing Smim Htaw to withdraw farther up the Tenasserim Coast with Bayinnaung in pursuit. Meanwhile, at Dagon, supply convoys are engaged by a fleet of ships comandeered by Smim Sawhtut's forces suffering a pretty serious blow to the naval capabilities of Bayinnaung's faction. An evacuation of both men and supplies from Dagon is undertaken on the remaining ships leaving Dagon to fall into enemy hands with the evacuees comprised of various ethnic backgrounds such as Burmans, Shans, and Mons. In an attempt to stop the armies of Bayinnaung from advancing past Martaban, Smim Sawhtut's forces are dispatched to aid Smim Htaw's in driving back the invading forces of Bayinnaung but remain vastly outnumbered with Smim Htaw being driven back to Martaban. At Martaban, Bayinnaung manages to crush the defenders by years end and begins to consoldiate his position as Smim Sawhtut's forces withdraw back into Pegu proper.
Roman Empire: Having made peace with the League of Como Andronikos hopes to keep the peace. Having lost many close friends and allies, he is in many ways a broken man. The violence in the Peloponnesus calms after news of the peace, but the remnants of the Tagmata are deployed there to help prevent either unrest or violence. The men chosen for the task are known to be exceptionally loyal to the emperor who asks them to protect the Italians and Greeks alike. The wedding of Kaisar Manuel and Princess Ippolita of Modena is the only bright spot this year as the unrest in the capital subsides for a few weeks surrounding the ceremonies. However, there is great instability and weakness in Andronikos’ leadership without the Tagmata. He makes attempts to rebuild the force, drafting in new recruits, but the expense of the effort is too great for the strained treasury to bear, and the lack of qualified officers makes such efforts nearly pointless. Having lost his core powerbase and neglected or angered the powerful merchant families, Andronikos’ son Manuel conspires with these mercantile factions to take the throne from his father. Manuel, while not a loyal son, is a competent leader on the surface. However, he possesses greed to the same degree he lacks wisdom, which is to say he is not a thoughtful or well meaning man. Rich in his own right, he capitalizes on the unrest in the capital, bribing several Stratigoí ton Themáton to support him over his father. Though these men are military, Andronikos’ overt preference for the Tagmata has alienated many. With the support of four Themata, the navy, and the rich banking clans, Manuel launches his coup. He first brings the troops loyal to him into the city under the guise of wanting them to participate in a parade to celebrate his father’s victory over the Italians. With the vast majority of the Tagmata stationed in and around Corinth those loyal to Andronikos are few in number. Exactly one week after his wedding, the young Kaisar’s men dispense with his father’s allies, essentially murdering those officers that support the Kaisar-Autokrator and forcing the ordinary soldiers to choose surrender or death. Under the shadow of darkness, an elite contingent of officers breaks into Andronikos’ private residence where he is to be apprehended. However, the plan goes wrong. The officers do not catch Andronikos sleeping as had been planned, but rather find him furiously writing an order at his desk. The struggle leaves Andronikos slain along with several of the invaders. Manuel then crowns himself Kaisar-Basileus of the Greeks and Romans, Autokrator of the Roman Empire. News of the coup spreads quickly across the empire. Andronikos’ largely conservative supporters are disgusted by the events and quickly rally around Manuel’s 3rd Cousin once removed, John. John, who styles himself as Kaisar-Basileus John XI, rallies these supporters who form an informal army of 9,000 men in Thessaly. They march east to catch the young new emperor off guard before he can raise troops to defend the capital. Manuel’s men in the capital, having been paid-off return to their homes leaving the new emperor with limited resources as John’s army approaches. The bankers and commercial interests of the country manage to re-secure the support of the Themata employed in the coup and in total Manuelian forces number 12,000. Ignoring what few military advisors remain, Manuel departs from the city to catch John’s forces at Kavala. The two armies meet on the plains of Thrace near the Maritsa River. John’s army carries the Vergina Sun, the symbol of Macedon as Manuel’s bears the imperial banner. Arrayed out before each other, both armies carry Roman equipment, fight with Roman tactics, and shell each other with Roman artillery. The battle initially favors Manuel, whose greater numbers allow him to devote more forces to the flanks and attempt an encirclement. However, John’s troops prove both more loyal and more willing to stand and fight. They begin pushing back Manuel’s center, which crumbles and begins to route. By the end of the day, the loyalist center teeters on the edge of collapse, while the Verginaian flanks themselves have nearly broken. Both sides retreat in order as the sun sets. During the night, a detachment of loyalist troops are sent north from where they will encircle the enemy and capture John. However, on the opening of the second day of battle, John’s army is nowhere to be seen, having left in the night. It too has marched north and intercepts the flanking party, scattering the smaller force in a dramatic encounter. Having lost 3,200 men, Manuel is forced to retreat to Constantinople with John on his tail. Unable to cut the capital off from supply John takes the time to assemble a larger army but sets up a siege to force Manuel to terms. Inside the city, Manuel rallies his allies and secures the loyalty of most of Anatolia’s elites, subduing those that choose to resist. He also has a son by Ippolita late in the year, who he names Herodotus.
Abbasid Caliphate: Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman would return to Cairo this year, deciding that Damascus would be more suited as the center of the Caliphate following the conquest of Iran. During the later years of Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's reign, humanist ideas would become more concentrated in the Caliphate due to the export of the Taymiyyah Order to the Gurkani Empire and the restoration of the Muʿtazila in Iraq and Syria, ushering in a new period of rational ideological thought that would ultimately lead to the Second Islamic Golden Age. Through these later years, a number of concepts would be cemented to secure the longevity of the Caliphate, including the introduction of the Millet system to maintain authority over the Arabian peninsula and Ifriqiya and further administrative powers being given to the Ulema. The dynasty under Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman that accumulated as a result of his expansion and continued child-bearing under a variety of concubines as well as his wife, Aisha, would result in the formation of a succession crisis, which would ultimately lead the imprisonment and execution of a multitude of Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's children. This would leave Ibrahim bin Mehmud (c. 1523) as the heir apparent, while Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's other children included Abd Manaf (c. 1525), Abu'l-Fadl (c. 1529), Ihsanullah (c. 1530), Fakhraddin (c. 1541), and Mukhtar (c. 1547). The second eldest son of the Caliph, Abd Manaf, would marry the daughter of Mansa Musa III of Mali, Zaynab, while Ihsanullah would marry the third eldest daughter of Gurkani Sultan and Fakhraddin would be placed in an arranged marriage with the second eldest daughter of the Janannid Sultan. The works of Nikolay Turgenev are mass-produced through the printing press, being translated into Arabic and being adapted into the Islamic world by a variety of scholars at the House of Wisdom while the original manuscripts are stored in the Great University of Alexandria. These works would become influential to the role the Caliph exerted over the aristocracy, but would later flourish in the later state of Arabia erected during the collapse of the Abbasid Caliphate. Exports are marked at a higher tariff to better alleviate the economy.
- Gurkani Empire: Following the conquest of Persia, manhunts for the now illegitimate Shah Alqas Mirza begin across Eastern Iran, however, much to the surprise of the Gurkani dynasty, Shah Alqas Mirza would never be found, with contemporary DNA testing proving that Alqas Mirza would settle in Herat before moving into a sedentary life outside of the politics of Iran. However, much of the Safavid dynasty, including son and former heir of the former Savadid Shah Ismail Mirza, Ebraham, would be placed in the court of Sultan Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza, whose reign would last nearly fourty three years, although much of the early years as Sultan would revolve around the quelling of a variety of rebellions instituted by disciples of the Ash'athites and remnants of the Safavid military. Re-construction of Efsahan, Tehran, Shiraz, and Yazd would be conducted through a variety of architectural influence, mainly Abbasid and Greco-Roman. Sultan Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza would declare himself Padishah of Persia. The remnants of the silk road continue to remain highly profitable, with exports consisting of carpetry, copper, gold, leather, and a variety of fruits and spices, with cotton making up a significant export for the Empire. While localized Shi'ite communities maintain primary domestic autonomy, policies to collectivize the Shi'ite population under authority of the Gurkani dynasty are done through a variety of methods, such as allowing the Shi'ite clergy into the Court of the Sultan and held theological debates in Efsahan and Yazd. In the conflict against the Qizilbash, policies to eclipse the power are conducted, including the positioning of the Taymiyyah Order in Yazd and the creation of a slave army based on the ghulams introduced by the Savafids and the various ethnicities that flourished during the Georgian Empire, although most of these policies wouldn't be cemented until 1557.
The Spanish Empire: after an overwhelming victory in Peru, the capital, Cusco lies in waiting. With support from allies and Spaniards, the grand finale of the march comes. The men use shock and superior tactics to their advantage. The objective is to kill the other claimant and bring Peru under proper authority. Some begin to find Pizarro more worthy of choice especially through the allies found within the oppressed tribes like those of the cloud forests. They worry this new Emperor may do more harm to them than any good even after supporting them. Meanwhile, in New Spain, road developments and land investments continue. Cleared land in need of settling are made in Venezuela. The Mouth of the Mississippi is explored by Carlos Santos. He founded the Colony of Rio de Esmeralda, the green color brought upon in Summer where the water would turn bright green marsh. The land is very suitable for agrarian investments and so an attraction of cheap labor is needed. The Governor of Rio de Esmeralda is appointed to Santos's brother, Francisco Santos. Elvin now very old and all his siblings near passing on to heaven has left him saddened but glad his nephew stays close by his side. Alvin also comes to visit time to time but not as often. Nonetheless, a distant cousin is reached out to in France. The House of Foix, the Albret branch. The lates t French developments have sparked a lot of issues within the nation. Crippling National Debt, high levels of Heresy, Expensive Wars leading to large amounts of deaths and persistent failures, and the alliance with a Caliph would leave the population absolutely torn from the monarch. It can be seen that the monarch was of no good to France nor the Catholic people. Therefore Henry de Foix secretly is given support to be new claimant to the French Throne. This notice is sent to many nobles in deep secret in order to ensure secrecy at utmost cost that support would be given in weapons supplies, and money to finally rise up in both the catholic class and noble class but also in the clergy and military against the French King. Propaganda articles would begin to be spread out through 3rd party sources in order to prevent tracing to the Spanish Crown. Through these methods, rebellion would be instilled on the French. Rio de La Plata sees much more expansion upstream as the region continues to bless Buenos Aires as a colony of success. In response to the rebelling Mayans, an expedition of 7,500 men set out.
- Henry Foix is not generally supported in France at this time, asside from a couple of ultra-Catholic nobles
Kingdom of England: At RETEC's Meridian colony, the OTL Delaware Bay and River are officially named the Courtenay Bay and River, respectively, after Philip Courtenay, 3rd Earl of Bristol, who was the first RETEC administrator of Atlantic Harbour (and also after Co-King Edward X of England, who is from the House of Courtenay). RETEC's ships conduct more surveys of Courtenay Bay and the lower reaches of Courtenay River, while in Atlantic Harbour the administrator Thomas Colonna, 2nd Earl of Southampton and Francis Beaufort, along with the English soldiers led by Henry Borgburg, continue planning a campaign to drive away hostile Lenape tribespeople from the colonial farms in OTL Atlantic and Cape May Counties. 5,000 English mercenaries remain in Lotharingia, though as far as the English Parliament can tell the situation there appears to be calming down, so the parliamentarians think the mercenaries may not need to be deployed there much longer. Lincolnshire priests continue gathering funds from nobles for the reconstruction of the spire of Lincoln Cathedral, benefitting from the political support of Queen Margaret and King Edward X. In the Manchester area, the English Inquisition continues arresting Irish Presbyterians and expelling them from England with the aid of Alexander Anderson's mercenary company, with the goal of preventing the civil unrest that may result if the Protestant population were allowed to build up uncontrolled. Several religious orders, such as the Mercedines and Jesuits also begin operating in this area, with the goal of convincing any native English converts of the Scrooby Congregation back to the Catholic Church by more diplomatic means than those of the Inquisition; as part of this strategy, they also focus on performing acts of charity. The English Parliament continues to provide funding for RETEC's Meridian operations and the Inquisition, and this year also provides funding for the expansion of improvement of some large sheep farms in rural England in order to increase the wool production, potentially for international trade. The English economy continues to improve thanks to the increase maritime trade accessed by English merchants due to the negative economic situations of the Celtic Confederacy and France. Reginald Courtenay, 1st Earl of Worcester (1501-1551), younger brother of Co-King Edward X, dies of a disease, and his son Thomas (b. 1524) becomes the 2nd Earl of Worcester. Anthony Colonna (b. 1528), son of Thomas Colonna, 2nd Earl of Southampton, marries Anne Grey (b. 1524), sister of George Grey, 5th Earl of Kent. John Talbot and Elizabeth Beaufort have their first child, a son named George (b. 1551); Henry Bourchier and Beatrice Talbot have their second child, a son named Charles (b. 1551); and Robert Neville, 5th Earl of Westmorland and Catherine Asburgo-della Rovere have their third child, a daughter named Mabel (b. 1551).

1552

Pope Leo XII dies of natural causes in Rome. The Roman cardinals once again urge Pope Zephrynus II to come to Rome, or else a new successor will be elected this year.

Prince Alexander of Moldavia makes some impressive initial gains pressing into Polish territory, seizing on the recent political confusion in the kingdom. King John II, however, proves to be a natural-born tactician, and brings the Polish levies of 8,000 troops to make a defense at Obertyn.

In order to better finance their wars against the Mongols, the Tian Dynasty releases their Central Asian territories into the states of Turfan and Kashgar, retaining as much territory up to the new border at Gansu. The new Kashgar Khanate becomes a powerful state in the region due to the Chinese technology the Turks took with them.

As the Brunei Sultanate further expands their influence in Indonesia, they attack the state in southern Bornu, which causes it to split between the Kingdoms of Sukadana and Banjarmasin.

In New Spain, the Chicemeca people centralize their tribal organization into multiple states across the Sonora desert. News soon reaches Mexico City and Havana that this region in the north contains vast veins of silver.

Duke Leopold VI of Habsburg dies, and is succeeded by his son who is Duke Frederick V.

With the war waging in Java, the aristocracy got the House of Rasaja core land under Seige. It is only a matter of time until Trowulan falls, marking the end of the House of Rasaja.

Saxony: The death of Henry IX several years ago sparked a period of mourning in Saxony. Wolfgang admired Henry for his courage and determination, and for toppling the Frankfurt Dictatorship ("with the help of my father", he adds). Wolfgang suggests that in Pope Zephyrus's absence, the College of Cardinals appoint an official regent to govern Rome and lead the Church until the Pope himself can be present. (Mod Response). Wolfgang receives a letter from several years ago, rather battered, detailing Kolias Kape's first year with the Iroquois Confederacy. This year, Kape develops a scheme independently of Wolfgang and the Duchy of Saxony, to incorporate the Iroquois Confederacy into the Holy Roman Empire, thus allowing the Empire to strongly influence it and yet protect it from colonization and conquest by foreign powers. His idea is no more than an idea - for the moment. A group led by Wilhelm Cederic, that split off from Kape's expedition, goes South, and by the end of the year has safely made it to Mesoamerica (although they lost several men along the way), after hearing of a "desert made of silver" in this region. The construction of a large tower known as the "Skytower" in Waldeck is started to be built. Meanwhile, Saxony's borders move very subtly southward, as soldiers posted to guard the border are instructed to move down a few miles in uninhabited territory.
Majapahit Empire (Civil War): After Neyrajilaben and Adji Supandi and Gereyaniha and Atriosnibangi all came in ready for the last Seige of Trowulan. A minor commander Erijarban is dispatched with a force of 4,000 men to continue his conquest in Lampung. In Maringgai he meets a small resistance of few hundred troops but he managed to defeat them with constant firing of European Seige Cannon on their garrison. Taking hundreds of prisoners while losing fewer than the enemy. In metro he goes for the Seige of the fortress there. Which he quickly capitulates after the whole small garrison was killed in archer and arquebus fire without damaging the fortress. Meanwhile. Ayutthayan Rama was too generous to give us six war elephants to use them in the following Seige. They are transported by Javanese ships to Brantas River and were deployed little far away from Trowulan. All preparations are ready. The army is around now ~40,000 strong. With the six war elephants ready to wage their wrath against the House of Rasaja. Pi have managed to tame two war elephants in his stable in Trowulan. He sends them in command of the Lampung General Daccalagban. He sends out with 1,000 royal troops and 2,000 skirmishers. Pi decides to attend the battle with his two large war elephants. With him mounting on of them. The Lampung skirmishers start firing at the army of the Javanese aristocrats in distant positions. Pi mounts his elephant and rides up with one more toward the six war elephants. The following hand to hand combat while riding elephants took place. As the other four war elephants charges at the royal infantry and skirmishers stomping and killing many of them. In the following engagements. Pi falls from his elephant. He took a heavy fall and was forced to order retreat to Trowulan to defend from his defenses. The elephants proved a decisive victory that included the infantry support. Two elephants were captured. They are used to bring more supplies as spoils of war are beeing captured as well. After the retreat. The Seige of Trowulan came. Heavy fire power by European Seige Canons and archers swing like rain toward the walls of Trowulan. Ladders are placed and ropes are tied to climb up the walls as hand to hand combat begins with the best Royal House of Rasaja forces. Daccalagban was shot in the head while skirmishing with the climbing Javanese aristocracy forces. The gate is rammed up and men begin to pour. Fights in the Brantas begins to occure with all infantry and archers fight in rivers and houses. Pi ordered to stage a hit and run warfare but that soon failed as the entire royal forces were killed and captured. Pi tried to flee but he encountered some soliders that he managed to kill. But after he encountered a huge force of three thousand men he had no choice but to surrender. Pi surrenders in December 1552. Marking the end of the Javanese Civil War. Pi was forced to leave his children and leave his wife. He can only go with his Vietnamese grandmother back to Dai viet. His grandmother (wife of Manputiyja II) with threats from the aristocracy convinced Pi to declare his abdication. He was soo. Forced to flee with his wife and his grandmother to Dai viet in exile. Seeking refuge. [Dai Viet response, please]. With the war ending, it is time to proclaim a new Kingdom: THE KINGDOM OF JAWA! - also making a new constitution on the rule.
- Dai Viet Response: Due to the generosity of the Rasaja clan to Dai Viet in the past, the remaining members of the Rasaja clan including Pi are accepted in seeking refuge in Dai Viet with them provided accomodation in Thang Long. However, Emperor Xaysethathirath still wishes to renew the former alliance with the new dynasty of Java.
Tsardom of Russia: Tsar Konstantin is impressed by the actions of his nephew. However, the decision to attack Poland puts him in a difficult position having just give a nod of support to the Zbaraski. Konstantin I makes the decision to send out envoys to Poland declaring that they won't partake in the foolish actions of their nephew. However, Konstantin I makes it clear that should Poland decides to invade Moldavia he will be forced to intervene to protect his family, and of Russian interests. A second envoy is sent to his nephew Alexander advising his nephew of this however, Konstantin also provides a further funding to hire 10,000 Transylvanian mercenaries, and sends an envoy to Transylvania requesting this. (Mod responses required. Nate only since he is moderating the war). The murder of his cousin and close friend the Greek Tsar Andronikos, Konstnatin I sends an enraged envoy to Constantinople, In the letter he decries the actions of Manuel as Regicide and Patricide, and expresses a deep anguish for the loss of his cousin and close friend Andronikos, remembering how Manuel had seemed so bright and earnest during the family visit to his coranation in Kiev all those years ago, with their being noted tears on the parchment with which the letter has been written on. Konstantin stops short of declaring support for John. However, due to his own close ties to the Greek banking and merchant clans, and expresses in the end of this letter by saying that this is a Greek dispute and that he will not interfere in internal affairs of the Greek dynasty (Byzantine response). Konstantin and Nestoras' military reforms, With Manikis deciding to make adjustments using the elite Varyag taking them out of the Pike and shot formations reorganizing them into smaller units to act in loose cooperation with the tight pike and shot formations, who will are given lighter armour to allow for them to act in such a fashion as elite shock troops who fire volleys along with the streltsy as the armies approach, and then in more shallow lines they'll let out one last final wide volley before engaging the enemy using their Bardiches. While the Pike and shot will hold firm. Nestoras and his wife have another child a daughter named Anjelika. Development of insfrustructure across the domains of Tsar Konstnatin continue with particular emphasis being placed on roads, ports, mule stations, and now plans to develop a more modern postal system begin. The vast state apparatus created by Turgenev and Dimitry continues to grow and consolidate under Konstantin I. Konstantin names Yuri as his chief Judge and as his right hand taking over the post held vacant since the passing of Nikolay Turgenev. The works and teachings of the sly old man instilled to the very core in Konstantin who continues to act as the patron to the growing intellectual circles of kiev and its growing printing industry rivalling now that of Novgorod. The works of Turgenev become central in Russian political thought, and Yuri Stroganov ensures that they are duely instilled in the young Dimiry who now at the age of 13 begins his formal martial training and education as well. He will enter the University of Novgorod and stay at the Stroganov estates due to the growing instability in Constantinople. Kniaz Yaroslav is deeply resentful of special treatment being given to his younger brother, fearing that it has already been decided Dimitry the younger will be declared the heir to Konstantin. This fear starts to develop into a paranoia as the young prince has gone through a depression over the last few years falling heavily into an opium addiction with his Azeri mistress Yanna who many think is a witch poisoning his mind. She gives birth to his son named Yaroslav after his father. When Yaroslav appraoches his father about marrying her Konstantin refuses outright alongside the new patriarch of Novgorod who refuses to recognize the child of a witch as anything other then cursed. This mixed with the humiliation he suffered at the hands of his brother-in-law Grand Kniaz Temyruk of Circassia who has since with his wife (yaroslav's sister) Elizabeth have now had their second child a daughter named Tanya. The depressed prince one day comes across a preacher by the name of Father Gregory who listens to the young Prince's issues and provides him with comfort saying that god has important work for him surely. Soon after this the Priest becomes a confident of the Prince but not for the better, as this old priest feeds his paranoia. Temyruk begins reorganizing the Cricassian tribes into a more consolidated state. However, he promises to respect the traaditional internal affairs of each tribe, and opts to follow the Russian model of creating a Duma in his capital of Nalchik with representatives from each of the tribes, who are each granted a Veche to handle their own internal affairs aslong as levies and taxes are provided. Russian architects and Engineers are brought in to help him create a new capital city with modern walls, and streets. Meanwhile, The Circassian orthodox recognize the Patriarch of Novgorod as their religious leader, and Temyruk commits to converting the rest of the Circassian tribes to the Orthodox faith saving them from their pagan ways as he desires to fully unite the Circassians using the Orthodox church as a unifying force for his people much in the way that the Russians have in the past. The mustering of the Kiev and and Tver Levies begin slowly as to not alert the Poles while Konstantin I awaits for a response from Poland while plans to muster the Moscow and Novgorod Levies (RNG) in case a war with Poland breaks out, while The Garrisons at Pskov, and Smolesk are strengthened to 8,000 men each to fully take advantage of the new star fortresses built there.
- Manuel's Response: The young Kaisar writes extensively to Konstantin who he remebers with fondness as essentially his uncle. He expresses his dismay at his father's death, having only wished to force his father to grant him the rank of Kaisar-Autokrator as co-emperor. He does ask the Konstantin forgive him, and expresses his hopes for redemption despite his flaws. The letter is noticeably stained by tears as well, as Manuel was obviously moved by his elders words.
- Alexander accepts the support of the mercenaries. John insists that this is entirely a defensive war and will not threaten the Slavic lands.
Georgia: The killing on Andronikos by Manuel (which not only constitutes a regicide, but also a patricide) is condemned by many - including Irene, who is Andronikos’ niece and thus Manuel’s first-cousin. Despite Irene’s attempts to get him to intervene in the conflict on behalf of John (who is older, and has more support from the Greek aristocracy), Nathan recognizes Manuel as the Byzantine Emperor. The "Europeanization" of Georgian aristocratic culture continues, with Italian and Greek culture exerting the most influence. The number of Christians residing in Georgia's peripheral territories is bolstered, with thousands of Armenians being resettled in areas with a large Muslim population. The Albanians continued to be assimilated into the Heretian population. The economy continues to flourish due to the export of silk and cotton, and the development of the textile industry. More mulberry and cotton plantations are built. Military expansion continues: the artillery corps is expanded, more muskets and other gunpowder weapons are produced with the expansion of the Tbilisi Arsenal, while more state-owned stables and studs are built. The cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified, with the installation of defensive cannons and thickening of their walls.
Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di": Paul Dekremer hearing of the news of the English parliament considering leaving, gets quite disappointing. Paul Writing to the English that the inactivity is the sign that the English volunteers are making it to much of a risk for Arles to attack thus proving their effectiveness. (English response?) De Kremer planning to use English and Hungarian troops to make sure Verdun is secured and even possible meeting with the enemy and take actions against them. The plan being to make the enemy attack in terrain well known to the soldiers, as to give a terrain advantage. The army at both Arras and Luxembourg ordered to stay at their post but to prepare for possible movement of their army.
- English Diplomacy: The English Parliament agrees with Dekremer's logic after reading his letter, and thus they agree to keep the English mercenaries in Lotharingia a while longer.
Kingdom of Hungary: Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items. The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. A statue is built in honor of Zoltan II on the of the royal house property. The statue is made of marble and put in the royal garden to surround it with beauty. Lavender plants, cherry blossoms, tulips, Iris halophila, Iris danfordiae, Lilium carniolicum, Narcissus tazetta, Orchis italica, Sternbergia lutea, and roses are the plants that surround the statue. The garden has crops that are farmed in its own separate area so the royal cook and gardener can use for food and replant crops. Also in the royal garden is a patio with a few tables and chairs so the family can eat while being outside. Behind the royal garden is the royal cemetery that hold all the past people of the royal family. There aren't really any fancy colorful plants in this area but there are lots of towering trees that give some lovely shade. There are a few benches in this area. There is also a large area where there is just grass so the children can play with themselves and their pets. There are many fountains through out the royal yards in the back and front. A few ponds are also spotted having fish, birds, frogs, and turtles. Many artists and florists from the area come to this area to take in the beauty and capture it on paper and in their eyes. A group of circus performers that are skilled in equestrian are sent to Russia to help out the military learn to use horses. Education gets an increase in budget to be able to have the finest technology to learn how to use them and become more skilled in the work place.
- Banate of Bosnia: Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
- Banate of Severin: The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
Ayutthaya Empire: After securing Martaban in the previous year, Bayinnaung has launched another offensive into the Pegu region in an attempt to secure the capital of Dagon and his advance on the rest of Burma. He begins his assault with an army of 13,000 men, 41 war elephants, and 621 horses by marching on Bago. At Bago, Smim Htaw would challenge Bayinnaung to an elephant duel which Bayinnaung won forcing Htaw to retreat farther into the Irawaddy Delta with Bayyinaung’s army in pursuit. Htaw’s army battered from the retreat and there participation in the Tenasseeim Coast are finally defeated at Bassein leaving upper Burma vulnerable to his armies. Redirecting his army to assault Prome it would quickly fall by years end eroding any will to oppose the might of Bayinnaung with the rest of Burma quickly submitting with the loss of the regional powers of Prome and Pegu. After securing his claim to the throne of the Empire, Bayinnaung is crowned within the capital of Dagon and quickly goes about securing the loyalty of the Shan’s on the fringes of his empire by reaffirming the rights given to them by Tabinschwenti. He is also quick to distribute administrators not native to the regions they’re assigned to govern but refrains from appointing family and royal princes to govern regions preferring to keep them within the confines of the capital. Efforts to rebuild the Empire from the conflict are underway with major nobility from all major cities being required to send delegates to affirm their loyalty to the Rama.
Roman Empire: John’s forces swell as he recruits more from across Epirus; however, his decision to leave a force at Constantinople backfires when Manuel’s forces sortie from the city and decimate the small army. After this battle in the early spring the opposing forces number 11,000 loyalists and 9,000 Verginaians. John continues undermining Manuel’s rule in the west, but in Anatolia, Manuel’s supporters secure the backing of several Strategoi and their Themata. However, these troops are largely unwilling to fight in a dynastic dispute such as this. The result is strategic stalemate and the effective splitting of the empire. Manuel retains the loyalty of the Esovestiarii and puts them to great effect spying on John’s forces. Both sides continually attempt to raise forces, but as much of the empire is unwilling to support either faction there is general dissunity. Constantinople experiences a period of marked unrest as the citizens are unhappy with the revolt and the murder of Kaisar Andronikos.
Kingdom of England: At Atlantic Harbour, Thomas Colonna, Francis Beaufort and Henry Borgburg finish military preparations for the campaign to drive away the hostile Lenape tribespeople on the eastern shore of Courtenay Bay (OTL Delaware Bay) and in the OTL Cape May area, who had been aggressive toward English explorers and farmers. They set out with a force of 5,000, largely comprised of soldiers that were recently sent to Meridia by the English Parliament and led by the mercenary-trained Henry Borgburg. The force marches west from Atlantic Harbour and then north along the eastern shore of Courtenay Bay, attacking any Lenape villages encountered along the way, seeking not necessarily to wipe out the tribespeople but rather mainly to force them to retreat away from the colony around Atlantic Harbour. (Algo needed). The 5,000 English mercenaries in Lotharingia also remain there, following negotiations between Paul Dekremer and the English Parliament. The English Parliament continues funding RETEC's Meridian operations, though the quantity is somewhat reduced this year as the Lotharingian deployment is also given a temporary partial subsidy, and the Parliament also continues providing funding to the English Inquisition, which continues continues arresting Irish Presbyterians in the Manchester area and expelling them from England with the aid of Alexander Anderson's mercenary company, with the goal of preventing the civil unrest that may result if the Protestant population were allowed to build up uncontrolled. The Parliament also allocates some funding for ecclesial clinics in England in response to the recent outbreaks of "sweating sickness", in order to help victims of the disease and possibly find out more about the disease in order to help prevent or limit further outbreaks. In Lincolnshire, after gathering funding for several years with the aid of Queen Margaret and King Edward X of England, local clergy begin hiring workmen to reconstruct the collapsed spire of Lincoln Cathedral. The English economy continues to improve thanks to the increase maritime trade accessed by English merchants due to the negative economic situations of the Celtic Confederacy and France. Margaret of York (1486-1552), sister of former Kings Edward VII and Henry VIII and mother of George Percy, 6th Earl of Northumberland, dies of natural causes. Anne Courtenay (1503-1552), the wife of Thomas Colonna, 2nd Earl of Southampton who is currently administering RETEC's colony in Meridia, dies of a disease in Southampton. Humphrey Stafford (b. 1527), son of Henry Stafford, 4th Duke of Buckingham, marries Katherine Boleyn (b. 1532), sister of Thomas Boleyn, 2nd Earl of Leicester. Anthony Colonna and Anne Grey have their first child, a daughter named Catherine (b. 1552); John Courtenay and Anna Asburgo-della Rovere have their third child, a daughter named Sophia (b. 1552); and Thomas Courtenay, 2nd Earl of Worcester and Mary Colonna have their second child, a son also named Thomas (b. 1552).

1553

The Roman cardinals elect as new Pope Ignatius of Loyola, who was a close associate of Pope Leo XII and fellow Jesuit leader, who they see as the best choice to continue Pope Leo XII's strategy of moderation and reconciliation with the schismatics. He takes the papal name Gregory XIV.

Poland manages to drive back the forces of Alexander of Moldavia at the Battle of Obertyn, who fall back the closest major city to regroup. John immediately follows this victory to drive a wedge between the Moldavian forces and the Romani mercenaries, forcing Alexander's army to be further disorganized. Still, Alexander is determined and raises further Cumanian levies to rescue his position.

After the Siege of Agra, the Sabhani Empire annexes the Sultanate of Janpur, absorbing the entire Ganges River valley. They proceed to pick up their victory with an invasion of the Bengal Sultanate.

After the end of the Italian War against Byzantium, the Doge of Venice retains the organization of the League of Como in Venezia for his own benefit, due to his financial and political influence over the military. He takes the opportunity to establish protectorates over neighboring Italian states, expanding his own domain.

Ashanti forces are surprisingly and soundly defeated in a major battle by the Oyo Empire under the new Alaafin Olusi. The Oyo army emerges from the battle stronger and armed with a number of captured European weapons. They begin a campaign of vengeance against the Ashanti people, looking to establish hegemony over the region.

The civil war in Mutape ends, restoring an obscure branch of the earlier Nyazwe dynasty back to the throne. This allows parts of the nation to break off independent, however, with the coast split between the Gaz Empire and the Swahili Confederacy.

Tsardom of Russia: Seeing his Nephew's blunders on the battlefield Tsar Konstantin I begins to think that his Nephew has overstepped his own capacities and begins looking to see what the situation on the ground in Moldavia is looking like. Russian informants in Galicia and Moldavia to determine what the situation on the ground. (RNG). Clearly seeing signs of a collapse in his nephew's regime, and military Konstatin dispatches orders to Hetman Sergey Volkov to make a connection with the Moldavian cossacks located in the Don Region and east of the Dnieper River to strengthen ties with them in case the Cumans, and Tatar Vassals of Moldavian prince revolt and to prevent a complete collapse of the economy and stability East of the Dnieper. Meanwhile, word is sent to Alexander to end his capaigning or risk a complete collapse of his forces sending work of the growing discontent amongst unreliable vassals instead urging his Nephew to revert to using the Cossacks. (Mod responses required). Kniaz Yaroslav's mind continues to fog as his addiction to opium increases and the old priest Gregory steadily begins to maintain a permanent presence in his household having married Yaroslav, and his beloved Yanna in secret. The young prince's delusions of plots against him continue to grow, reaching their climax during a visit by his brother-in-law, and his family. when during the course of the dinner Temyruk is taking by surprise when Yaroslav, thinking that Temyruk is here to dispose of him on his father's orders as a disgrace, moves to stab his brother-in-law with a knife. The Circassian lord quickly parries this using his smaller blade before knocking Yaroslav to the ground. The prince starts screaming that everyone is trying to kill him, and sit his younger brother on the throne, claiming he is the greatest tsar who ever lived. Clearly seeing the mind of his eldest son faded Konstantin I with a stone face tells the guards to remove his son from his presence not showing emotion or weakness to his courtiers. However, once in privacy with his son-in-law Konstantin falls to the ground trembling wondering how he and god had abandoned his son to fall into this state. Temyruk helps the tsar to his feet and tells him it was not his doing that made the boy lose his mind, instead it his love of the pipe, and his fondness of the Azeri witch. The Patriarch of Novgorod, upon hearing of this, demands that the Azeri witch be burned alive, while the son be brought into te care of the church. Horrfied by this thought Konstatin decides to send some of his agents to quickly remove his son's family from the city before any harm can come to them, and he makes clear instructions to them that Yanna and his grandson Yaroslav must never be allowed to return to Russia proper telling them to take the child into Tartarstan or to Georgia. Catching wind of this a distraught Yaroslav hires some mercenaries the Old Priest Gregory introduces him to. Konstantin's men can reach the house where the child and wife are they are ambushed by Yaroslav's men who kill all of them without remorse, and two have their spines cut open in direct imitation of the murders in Astrakhan and on the Steppes. The inhuman screams of agony that these men let out in their final moments are remembered as the howls of rising demons, as the City of Kiev is consumed by Chaos, with more of the Mercenaries carrying out obscene acts of execution and torture in parts of the city creating chaos as the young Kniaz and his family escape. The delirious and doped up prince looks back at a city he thinks is being consumed by demons, Once members of the Pravaya Ruka and of the Varyag from the Kieven Levy enter the city some semblance of order is restored with many of of the mercenaries who partook in th attack being cut down, but the more aggressive and violent mercenaries appear to have mostly fled the city. By the morning it is determined that some 2,500 people were murdered by the Mercenaries that helped the prince and his family escape.
- RNG: 30/100 (0 best). The envoys get the impression that the government of Moldavia is rather disorganized.
- News of the almost-satanist activity in Kiev shocks both Manuel and John, who write to each other to assure that such behavior will not befall the empire.
- The Cossacks offer to trust the Tsar more than the Moldavian Prince
Roman Empire: As the empire enters its third year of civil war, Manuel celebrates the birth of his second child, another son whom he names Andronikos after his father. Though in a state of civil war, for most people life continues normally. John establishes his acting capital at Larissa from which he begins marshaling an army. However, since he maintains his goal of taking the empire he finds little support. The situation remains in this precarious balance until the summer of 1553. Manuel’s backers manage to convince several of the coastal Anatolian Themata and the Peloponnesian Thema to march for Maneul. News of this reaches John who quickly marches south to first defeat the Peloponnesian Thema before turning north and east to fight Manuel’s main army. The result is the Battle of Kapandriti. John’s numerical and tactical superiority lead to the route of the Thema Peloponnesia, and its retreat to Athens. John, unable to take Athens proper, then turns north to catch Manuel’s now expanded army. This second battle, the Battle of Kavala, pits loyalist forces numbering 24,000 against John’s Verginaian army of 14,000. Having taken the defensive lines north of the city, John’s men are able to repel the Loyalists, suffering 5,000 casualties in the process. Manuel’s army retreats from the field in disarray having suffered 8,000 casualties. John is forced to retreat from Kavala, which is occupied by loyalists a month later. Thus, the second phase of the war comes to a close. To the north in Tyras, Despot Odysseus Hasapis forms a close personal friendship with the Wallachian Voivode Mircea IV the Wise. He also begins courting the support of local leaders and administrators in Dobruja, particularly his cousin, Strategos George Hasapis, the commander of one of Dobruja’s Themata.

Georgia: The "Europeanization" of Georgian aristocratic culture continues, with Italian and Greek culture exerting the most influence. The number of Christians residing in Georgia's peripheral territories is bolstered, with thousands of Armenians being resettled in areas with a large Muslim population. The Albanians continued to be assimilated into the Heretian population. The economy continues to flourish due to the export of silk and cotton, and the development of the textile industry. More mulberry and cotton plantations are built. Military expansion continues: the artillery corps is expanded, more muskets and other gunpowder weapons are produced with the expansion of the Tbilisi Arsenal, while more state-owned stables and studs are built. The cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified, with the installation of defensive cannons and thickening of their walls.
Ayutthaya Empire: With Bayinnaung having managed to restore the power of the Throne, he begins to undertake measures to restore control over the Empire. The restoration of depleted Capital Defense Corps garrisons is first and foremost with the Ministry of War attempting to procure both supplies and equipments for the various garrisons and distributing War College graduates to wherever they are needed. The naval assets of the Empire survived the war mostly intact with only the war boats meant for rivers suffering damage during the campaign into Burma resulting in the acquisition of war boats from local lords by fair compensation as a temporary measure to project power along the Irawaddy River. The Ministry of Laws has overseen efforts to ensure that key nobles and saophas send their sons to the capital where a careful eye can be kept on them and to ensure the loyalties of their fathers. For his part in the war, Binnya Dala has become the chief minister of Bayinnaung overseeing matters from finances to the military of which it is noted he has a talent for. In the name of purifying the religion, Bayinnaung hosts mass ordinations at Kalyani Ordination Hall due to his belief that he is the model Buddhist king. The Ministry of Rites continues with efforts to standardize religion particularly with the banning human and animal sacrifices as well as distributing scripture and feeding monks. The Ministry of Rites has also begun a propaganda effort at the insistence of Binnya Dala by saying that Bayinnaung hails from folk heroes which is a part of the teachings expected within Kyaung schools. The Ministry of Finance has maintained efforts to restore the damage to infrastructure and cities during the war in the prior years and has also gone about constructing pagodas for use. The Ministry has also undertaken efforts to standardize taxation across the Empire to ensure that the necessary funds are available for the functioning of the Empire. With the Shan states as a part of the Empire, new units are formed comprised of men from Shan states along with hereditary cavalry and elephant corps. The people are all declared to be Phrai Luang to deny their services to nobles and bind them to the Crown and its representatives for service. The Ministry of Works has also gone about continuing the efforts of prior rulers to drain the swamps in the Irawaddy Delta and Chao Phraya Delta to acquire fertile farmland. The Thai population of Siam is encouraged to resettle with incentives from low taxation to free land being offered to promote resettlement.

Principality of Vinland: The principality continues to recover from many years of social and political instability. However, the introduction of more and more European technologies and weaponry allows the Vinlanders to continually conquer or assimilate neighboring indigenous peoples. Fur trappers penetrate deeper into the wilderness. These new possessions are named New Markland. The current Prince is Jon, son of Eric Kuis (died 1533). Jon has a son, Mikkel (b. 1536).
- Esgigeland and Unamaland: The commonwealth continues to act as the breadbasket for Vinland. The commonwealth holds a Thing in Vinbergen where free folk elect Kristjan Janssen as the governor-general of the commonwealth.
Kingdom of Hungary: Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items. The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. Our military sends 15,000 troops to Transylvania to retake our past lands. The army sacks all the towns passed by. (Algo needed)
- Banate of Bosnia: Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
- Banate of Severin: The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.

Kingdom of Portugal: The colony of Cape Baltimoro continues growing with the university of Baltimoro being started this year. Meanwhile, King Antonio visits his Habsburg relatives in Austria where he spends two weeks before receiving the sad news that Crown Prince Luis has died due to a disease. This puts Crown Princess Cirí in line to the throne. Meanwhile, trading between the colonists and the natives in Cape Baltimoro begins to take place which brings a new revenue to the imperial treasury.
Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di": While on the Mela continent Willem Smit sends an expedition of one Jersey and two Fluyts under Tom bouwer, the plan being to explore the southern tip of the Melan continent. The plan being to set up a small town with his ~120 men on the southern tip of the continent, as it seems to be a good position for whale hunting. Another benefit being possible control of the seas around it. Thus Tom setting off on the 3rd of November of the year, Willem Smit eagerly waiting for the news of his expedition to arrive back in Bergen. In Belgia Jean Frans and his 17,000 came under attack of the French in Arras, the French having to end the direct on the city although this does not end the siege. Thus Jean Frans continue's the supplying of Arras by river schelde. Jean Frans even receiving some new cannons and guns from Ghent and Bruges, these cities being well known for their Cannon and gun making. Jean Frans thus formally writing letters to the Russian tsar, knights and soldier class, Jean wanting to hire a couple thousand Russian cavalrymen. (Russian response). Jean wanting to pay them a lot and grant them and those related to them extra trade rights and the ability to be fully protected under Belgian law. Jean Frans also recruiting 4,000 Belgians of his own thus Arras being once more defended by 14,000 Belgians, although some need more experience with battle. While in Luxembourg the 37,000 troops under Paul Dekremer, continue to make a fortress out of their city as he waits for the war with France to become less of a threat then it is currently.
Wagenaar Colonies: This year, another group of settlers arrive from Lotharingia - in both Kebeck and Broekden. In the latter colony, which was populated earlier, the local community leaders decide that the threat posed by natives in the south of OTL Nova Scotia will only continue to grow unabated until the local Indians are subjugated. With this in mind, Sjerd Groenewoud - fresh off the victory against the French - goes before the town council and proposes war against the Gespogoitnag clan of the Mikmaq natives. Groenewoud rallies 4,000 men to the campaign, and using overwhelming force (including firearms and horses) they make war on the Mikmaq people to the southwest of OTL Nova Scotia. (ALGO please). Meanwhile, up in Kebeck, trapping and expansion down the Saint Willibrod River (OTL Saint Lawrence) continue unabated. Finally, the company begins to prepare as a new colony is planned for OTL Campbellton, New Brunswick.
Kingdom of England: (Updates on RETEC's colonisation pending algo) Co-rulers Queen Margaret and King Edward X of England celebrate the tenth anniversary of their reign - a milestone their six most recent predecessors failed to achieve, largely due to England's dynastic conflicts. The celebration includes some feasts attended by many members of the nobility, though troublingly Queen Margaret falls ill shortly afterward and has to withdraw from the public eye. The English Parliament continues providing some funding for RETEC and a partial subsidy for the 5,000 English mercenaries that remain active in the defence of Lotharingia, and also continues funding the English Inquisition in their efforts to arrest and expel the problematic Presbyterians, many originally refugees from Ireland, in the Manchester area, with the aid of Alexander Anderson's mercenary company. The Parliament also provides funding for salt production in Cheshire and Worcestershire, in order to increase the quantity of salt available domestically for usage for food preservation in England's major cities. In Lincolnshire, local clergy continue hiring workmen with the goal of reconstructing the fallen spire of Lincoln Cathedral, and various priests across the nation also continue researching the "sweating sickness". George of Gloucester, 1st Earl of Rutland (1494-1553) dies after a horse-riding accident at the celebrations of the ten-year anniversary of the King and Queen's reign, and his son William (b. 1518) becomes the 2nd Earl of Rutland. Continuing previous monarchs' strategies of improving ties to Catholic European nations via marriages, Queen Margaret of England writes to Count Meinhard IX of Gorizia, proposing to arrange a marriage between her niece Isabel Beaufort (b. 1535) and the Count's son Engelbert V (b. 1526). (Mod response) George Beaufort (b. 1529), son of Henry Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Lancaster, marries Isabel Percy (b. 1531), daughter of George Percy, 6th Earl of Northumberland. Humphrey Stafford and Katherine Boleyn have their first child, a daughter named Mary (b. 1553); William of Gloucester, the new 2nd Earl of Rutland and Frances of York have their third child, a son named Robert (b. 1553); Henry Bourchier and Beatrice Talbot have their third child, a daughter named Dorothy (b. 1553); and John Talbot and Elizabeth Beaufort have their second child, a daughter named Margaret (b. 1553).

1554

In a decisive battle, King John II of Poland crushes the armies of Alexander of Moldavia, driving him back toward the border. Even with his armies in route, Alexander puts up an impressive counterattack with what army he has remaining. In order to pursue to offensive against Alexander, King John calls together further levies at the western end of the kingdom, citing the need to fight back against the Orthodox threat, as the kings of Poland have done since the days of Wenceslas, on the frontiers of Christendom. Meanwhile, the Romani mercenaries abandons Alexander's loyalty to return to Moldavia, where the Cumanians are stirring up unrest in his homeland.

The navigator Alexander Drafigo establishes Sweden's first permanent colony in the New World at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, absorbing the Chesapeake confederacy of Natives into a protectorate. Denmark redoubles their efforts at expansion, creating forts in both northern OTL Virginia. They further send an expedition north that allies with the Lenape nation of natives.

France decides to capitalize on the weakened position of Arles by sending 30,000 troops to occupy the County of Auvergne (the enclave of Burgundy in southern France). Other parts of France have become destabilized due to internal conflicts between Gallican and Reformist religions, as the Reformist-majority region refuses to recognize the authority of the Gallican Church. The French monarchy summons dissident reformist nobles to Paris to deliberate on their complaints.

In Rome, Lord Philip Asburgo-della Rovere (1486-1554) dies of natural causes.

Lucia of Gorizia (1502-1554), an unmarried sister of Count Meinhard IX of Gorizia, dies of a disease.

A great fire breaks out in the city of Eindhoven, in Lotharingia.

Agricola publishes a translation of the New Testament in Finnish, which allows Jungist faith to spread into Russian-controlled Finland.

The first alcoholic company in the New World is founded in the city of OTL Miami, known as the New Belgium Brewing Company.

The Gesta Danorum of Grammaticus is published for the first time by Christien Pedersen.

Moretto de Brescia publishes the painting Saint Justina.

Hasan ibn Muhammad El Farsi, a prominent Egyptian historian migrates from Funj to Egypt.

Tsardom of Russia: The city of Kiev in Janruary is still recovering from the the Damage caused by Yaroslav's Violent retreat from the city following his efforts to rescue his wife and son from Tsar Konstantin's men who Yaroslav deemed his enemy in the midst of his delusions that led him to hire mercenaries to keep the guards of the city busy while he saved his family from certain. In reality a concerned Konstantin had stationed some of his men to guard the family of young prince while he in an almost satanic trance howling and attempting to kill his brother-in-law. In his fit young Yaroslav managed to kill three of Konstantin's men including Vadim Gagarin his old friend and something of an uncle to the young Yaroslav, and had been trying to calm him when Yaroslav took out a dagger and jabbed it straight up Vadim's throat as he ws attempting to reason with and embrace Yaroslav. The Prince and his mercenaries proceeded to carry out a slaughter of the towns folk reaching the estates of his father where Yanna and Yaroslav the Younger were being kept. A terrified Yanna screamed as her husband slaughtered the guards and took her by the arm. In her cries of protest and fear something inside the young prince snapped and he backhanded Yanna making her hit her head and falling unconscious. Taking both the child and wife, he and his men proceeded withdraw from the city, with many of the mercenaries committing acts of extreme sadism killing slowly or grotesquely many of the townsfolk of Kiev, and even setting fire to pats of the city before the The Varyag, and other members of the Pravaya Ruka manage to restore order to the city and begin killing in mass the mercenaries cutting them down in a furious rage. Only a few on the mercenaries escape with Yaroslav, being some 50 men, while a further 600 are slaughtered by the Varyag, while some who are deemed leaders are tortured for information by the Pravaya Ruka and ten disposed of with many of them being hung from the posts along the roads and rivers toward Kiev as a show of force by Konstnatin and the Varyag to never attack Kiev. The fires in the city are quickly gotten under control, and reconstruction of the city begins. Konstantin I with a heavy heart turns his attention to the West declaring his second son Dimitry as his Heir as Yaroslav the demented flees with his band into the wild Governante of Tartarstan. Orders are sent out to find him and as well as the band of mercenaries now deemed to be the old cult of Gora who had a village all those years ago near Kazan. Konstantin I hearing word of King John II amassing forces in Southern Poland to Invade Moldavia is a clear violation of the promises of John to Konstantin I providing him with a casus belli to defend his family and allies and Orthodox Kinsmen as the defender of the Orthodox Faith since John is proclaiming a holy war himself. Konstantin orders the Kiev Levies to mobilize fully as well as the Tver Levies while orders to start mustering the Moscow levy. Meanwhile, Hetman Sergey Volkov begins mustering the Russian and Moldavian Cossacks bringing his forces to 15,000 men who start going out putting down some of the restive Cuman and Tatar tribes East of the Dnieper while a detachment of 5,000 Cavalry are sent to bolster Alenxanders forces moving south along the Dnieper and then into Moldavia proper to prevent John form cutting them off like he did the Transylvanian mercenaries. Kniaz Temyruk is ordered to muster 5,000 men and to garrison Tana, and prevent anarchy to the Don River trade which Russia has grown to depend on quite a lot. Meanwhile, the Tver levies numbering 10,000 move to Pskov as if preparing for a major invasion. This is meant to be as obviously as possible to alarm Poland and draw some of their attention north with the Army now numbering 18,000 there. While most of the Kiev levy some 15,000 men are held in reserve. The Novgorod Levy, and the small Russian fleet in the Gulf of Finland composed of 30 Baltic galleys retrofitted with cannons.
Mali Empire: Musa's reign was coming close to an end, in which he was feeling more isolated than ever. The death of Mamamoo had left a great hole in the administration and culture of the realm, and particularly in the royal court where he had been a staple for so many years. But more aspects than that continued to felt isolated, empty as well. Musa's plans at military campaigns had all been thrwarted by the revolt of the Mossi, and general disorganization in the Gbara, which left the military history of Mali with a dull and useless feeling. Even the litature produced out of the Waalo kingdom began to plateau in the use of national epics, besides those copied wholesale from earlier generations, and instead focused on more simple poetry expounding on nature and rural society. It is genrally accepted that the Arbory of Timbuktu also disappeared at this time from written record. All Musa's attempts at foreign diplomacy had not been met, and most of his children now are unmarried for unknown reasons. The Mali Empire sends out a diplomacy to the Ashanti Empire, after their defeat against the Oyo which had been a friendly rival of Mali for many years. The Mansa offers the hand of his younger daughter in marriage to the ruler of Ashanti, and allows a limited amount of military protection for their borders and tribal vassals (Mod response). The greatest expansion Mali had at this point remained in the west with their colonies in Meridia. With the successful defeat of the Ceata in battle, Joofa establishes new forts farther inland, where he claims control over the Ceata tribal kingdom as a protectorate. Meanwhile, Ali Mukhamil continues his war against the Tupinanda, sending 5,000 troops and 800 cavalry to subjugate these headhunters and bring them to the folds of Islam. (Algo). A letter sent by Musa indicates that he does not permit any mass displacement or rampant killing of native people, but that their lands should remain in tact as a vassal state of the empire, as Mali had done in ancient tradition.
- The envoys return stating that the Ashanti Empire is in chaos and that no central authority could be found. They are able to uncover that the Ashanti King has been killed in battle along with two of his sons.
- The Mali Emperor sends a force of 15,000 troops led by Aswed Zahri to bring stability in the region, fearing the rise of tensions in the south like the days of Mustafa I. Aswed occupies the city of Gonja and searches for a suitable replacement for the Ashanti King.
Abbasid Caliphate: Emir Ibrahim bin Mehmud would be appointed as one of Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's advisors during this time to better aid in the legitimacy of his future ascendence to the throne. He would learn after Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman, studying under his father after a lengthy seven-year tenure at the Great University of Alexandria to better prepare his intellectual capabilities, and would ultimately be granted an additional residency in Baghdad so as to contribute to the translation efforts in the House of Wisdom. Much like his father, Ibrahim bin Mehmud would study military strategy and historical conflicts, while most of his siblings would take up roles in the Court or the Ulema. The History of the Abbasid Caliphate would be recorded and printed this year sometime in Damascus under the supervision of the Caliph, with the printing press finally travelling to Baghdad this year, being stored in the House of Wisdom specifically. A variety of plays would be printed and produced this year, with much of them consisting of historical non-fiction or adaption of other works', whether it be Mohamed ibn Tarek al-Abdella Hero of the Nation (albiet published earlier; based on the Thin White Duke), Ehsan al-Matar's adaption of the classical Ethiopian play, The Mad Titan (based off of Timur's invasions during the late 14th century), Erato al-Yamin's Barbary Wars (based on the early Hafsid dynasty during their Golden Age), or Baadur al-Afzal's White Jihad: The struggle against Orthodoxy; these scripts would make up a grand majority of plays submitted and portrayed in cities like Alexandria or Cairo. Due to the enriched state of the Caliphate, a number of notable philosophers and polymaths would appear during this time as well, such as Malik al-Naboulsi, Abu Amin al-Hamid, Karif ibn Muhammad al-Pervaiz, and Madhi al-Nejd. Malik al-Naboulsi would become infamous for his lifetime ninety-nine books centered around astronomy, engineering, clock-work, calculus, and natural philosophy, while Abu Amin al-Hamid and Karif ibn Muhammad al-Pervaiz would establish the Series of Recorded History, a translation movement in Baghdad and Damascus meant to catalogue all known history in the world, both Islamic and non-Islamic (simply regarded as the "Known World"), and as such are allowed special access into the Archives of the Sharif of Mecca and the Abbasid Selected Records. Madhi al-Nejd, however, would become the most recognizable scholar during this period primarily due to his realization that Islam would best be served under the Council of Senior Scholars, and that this Council would be elective in nature so as to best serve the Islamic community as a whole. These ideas of an elective Caliphate similar to the Rashidun would culminate in the publication of خِلَافَة‎ ("the Caliphate"), which would later serve as an early concept and building block of an "enlightened" Caliphate, becoming popular for its outlandish claims of systematically "ending" the eternal Shi'ite and Sunni conflict through the means of this neo-Rashidun state. The construction of a Museum in Alexandria would mark the start of archaeological ventures in the Second Islamic Golden Age, with the House of Rum commissioning many archaeological digs across northern Egypt while establishing a secretive archive in the Citadel of Cairo and Damascus. Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman would become rather interested in archaeology and ancient civilizations during his late reign, and when he was not playing chess, he would be reading and visiting various centers of these ancient civilizations. It was said that, upon visiting the ancient Achaemenid capital, Persepolis, Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman would return to the Citadel of Cairo (where the Ulema resides) and compose the Reservation Mandate of 1554, which would establish a proto-national reservation system to prevent damage to these ancient cities and archaeological remnants, however, serious robbing would routinely occur until the late 16th century. It is likely that the Rosetta stone was found during this time, but would not formally be in the hands of the Caliphate until the 1560s. A variety of educational institutions, or Madrasas, would form during this time, with specific institutions being formed along the Eastern Mediterranean coast in Acre, Alexandria, Beirut, Cairo, Jerusalem, Tartus, Tel Aviv, Tripoli, and Tyre. Fortifications along the Caliphate-Georgia border are updated this year.
- Gurkani Sultanate: Re-construction of Efsahan, Tehran, Shiraz, and Yazd would be conducted through a variety of architectural influence, mainly Abbasid and Greco-Roman. Sultan Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza, the Padishah of Persia, would appoint his son, Adarnarseh Mirza (c. 1534), as Regent of the Sultan, establishing a precedent where the heir-apparent would be the Regent (and later Vizier) of the Sultan, in an effort to provide legitimacy toward their reign as having served under the prior Sultan. The remnants of the silk road continue to remain highly profitable, with exports consisting of carpetry, copper, gold, leather, and a variety of fruits and spices, with cotton making up a significant export for the Empire. While localized Shi'ite communities maintain primary domestic autonomy, policies to collectivize the Shi'ite population under authority of the Gurkani dynasty are done through a variety of methods, such as allowing the Shi'ite clergy into the Court of the Sultan and held theological debates in Efsahan and Yazd. In the conflict against the Qizilbash, policies to eclipse the power are conducted, including the positioning of the Taymiyyah Order in Yazd and the creation of a slave army based on the ghulams introduced by the Savafids and the various ethnicities that flourished during the Georgian Empire, although most of these policies wouldn't be cemented until 1557. Fortifications in Rasht and other eastern cities begin to be updated.
Kingdom of Hungary: Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items. The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. Our military sends 25,000 troops to Transylvania to retake our past lands. This is the second year of the war against them. We try to flank their armies from both sides. Also we sack their towns. (Algo needed). Kamilia and Boris die this year of old age.
- Banate of Bosnia: Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
- Banate of Severin: The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.

Kingdom of Portugal: The colony in Cape Baltimoro begins growing much more as more and more Portuguese settlers arrive every day, a natinal guard consisting of 100 troops is established in the capital of Baltimoro. Meanwhile, a popular local food known as clams begins to be eaten by the richer people. A daughter is born this year who they name Marion.
Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di": With the war against France seeming to never end and the front seeming to unneededly continue. Thus with the aproval of Paul Dekremer who wants to focus his army and navy on Arles, as the French border is harder to defend due to the great open fields of Belgia and France. Thus Jean Frans sends Francis Mortier to the French lines, where he offers a truce and peace negotiations on the white peace principle. (Mod Response). Paul Dekremer's 37,000 now finally starting to prepare for more offensive moves, this meaning gathering carts and weagons, mules, donkeys and horses. Paul Dekremer gathering animals such as ox which are able to carry great amounts of suplies, alot of food being being planned to be bought from locals in currently occupied Lotharingia. The Oxen being planned to move Dulle griet one of the biggest guns in Lotharingia, which although very powerfull is relatively hard to move. The Groot Belgische Reporting to Dekremer that the "Algemene Belgisch wet" and thus that belgian administration and law will change alot. The Raad informing him so he can propose reforms or offer ideas and advice as it is accepted that the general admiral is the base of Lotharingian defence. While in Broekzand Peninsula reports of Caloosa agression the garisons in Fort Majeimi and Damiaenburght, writing letters to Paul Govaerts the Govenor of Hemelstrand. Paul Govaerts promising to send aid and ask for help from the tequesta allies if need be, as the tequesta could be usefull for suplies. Tom Bouwer in the sound coming across big islands on the southern end of Mela, and reaching the pacific ocean, although he is forced back to return to the atlantic side due to weather and suply issue's. Tom Bouwer thus founding a small resting place with the name of Nieuw Jersey chosen for the whole southen tip of Mela and Saint Heliers as the name for the small settlement he founded.
Empire of Japan: Following years of development the colonies in Ashioto-Taiyo (OTL West coast) have begun to develop nicely. Contact with the natives has begun to normalize and formal trade has also started to tick up with furs, and other products starting to be traded. The colony of Kenzo has become resilient and has started to become a hub for travel up and down the region. A chartered ship of the Kyoto Imperial Zaibatsu establishes itself far to the south of the original colony of Kenzo using prior maps charted by Japanese explorers. Seeing no wish to go farther south and be well outside of the range of other Japanese efforts, the colony of Amaterasu (named after the Japanese sun goddess) is established as the many Japanese sailors here said it reminded them wholly of the Japanese sun goddess. It is noted to be a perfect place for ships to dock and another location just to the north is also marked off (OTL LA) to be sent back to the Kyoto Zaibatsu to figure what much be done here while a small outpost is established in the meantime. As developments in overseas trade and exploration have more taken hold the Japanese emperor Jomei begins contracting multiple Zaibatsu, trade guilds, even rich daimyo families to chart, explore, and claims these new lands to the east for the Empire. This puts a direct halt to many other expansion efforts in Asia proper as Jomei is noted to be fascinated by these new lands. While given up to be expensive ventures, the relative stability and profitability of Arasakura is noted to be a prime driver as to why more voyages have been authorized to be sent out. Another voyage is sent which also discovers a bevy of well numbered but disorganized tribes (near OTL seattle and vancouver) and immediate trade is engaged with these peoples. The drawdown of smaller Japanese ships of the transport and trade variety occurs as much of the transport and trade fleet has been changed over to the Japanese styled Djongs which have been put toward these efforts. In the recent years multiple Carrdjongs have entered service bringing total number of these immense warships to about eight (with one being a replacement for the one given to Maguidanao).
Roman Empire: The fourth year of the civil war sees an other period of relative peace. Skirmishes take place in Anatolia as several small Verginaian revolts are quashed. The continued fighting impacts the revenue of the state greatly, as control over the valuable regions of Thessaly, Epirus, and Macedonia provide much of the mineral output of the empire and a significant share of its agricultural wealth. To the north, the Hasapis family plots. Regarded in the capital as useful schemers, the family lives up to their name by continuing to build support around the familial patriarch Odysseus. The marriage of Odysseus’ son, Alexandros Hasapis, to Marina of Wallachia cements an alliance spanning from Dobruja north around the family. Odysseus, loyal to the empire, but seeking to expand his domain, secretly sends a letter to Manuel. He asks permission to intervene in Moldavia and secure the lands west of the Tyras River as an expansion of his Despotate. Manuel extends his blessing to the endeavor, but is unable to directly support such a move, asking Odysseus to wait until the time is opportune to prevent the need for imperial resources.
Kingdom of England: After having fallen ill the previous year, Queen Margaret of England (1502-1554) dies this year in the royal palace. As per the agreement made by the nobility and Parliament upon her ascension in 1543, her husband King Edward X of England, previously co-monarch, now becomes the sole monarch of England. The Queen's death is suspected by some nobles to have been due to foul play, as she fell ill soon after the jubilee celebrations at which George of Gloucester, 1st Earl of Rutland also died under strange circumstances. William of York, the son of the Duke of Clarence who attempted a coup against the royals in 1548, is arrested under suspicion of having been involved in nefarious activities at the previous year's celebrations, though it remains unclear whether or not Margaret's death was of natural causes. (More to come if I have time).

1555

Russia's support for Moldavia doesn't come soon enough before Prince Alexander retreats across the border, with a remaining military of 12,000 troops. John II secures the eastern border with 15,000 troops, but is forced to turn his attention north to address the impending Russian invasion. Sweden answers the call of John's petition by sending 20 galleys and 18 carracks to blockade the Russian navy.

The Principality of Transylvania reaches out to the Byzantine Empire for help against the invading forces of Hungary.

France and Burgundy become locked in combat, as the Counties of Auvergne and Amiens remain occupied with a total of 30,000 troops, and the rest begin to skirmish across the border of Burgundy itself.

In Paris, Reformist theologian Jean Gris makes a historic moment when arguing against the existence of the Gallican Church. He was asked "why would you not accept the word of the Estates-General, which declared the King as the Head of the Church?" he responded "Tell me, if the Estates-General declared that God is not God, would you then say God is not God?", "no, of course no man can say that". "Then they cannot say the King is head of the Church".

In India, the Bengal Sultanate is annexed by the Sabhani Empire, now stretching across all of Northern India from Delhi to the borders of Manipur. Its military is largely exhausted at this point, but it has now established a regular tradition of annual campaigns.

The Malian Army in the Ashanti Kingdom suffers immensely with supply as the local Ashanti chiefs conduct informal raids against them. During their search for a new Ashanti King they hear reports of an invasion from the east. To the south of the Malian positions, Alaafin Olusi launches a campaign into the Ashanti homeland, quickly scattering what Ashanti Forces survived the battle and taking thousands prisoner.

In Japan, Mori Motonari ascends to control the Chukogu province after defeating the resident damiyo of the Ouchi clan. Mori assembles an army of 20,000 troops under his command, in the ambition of living up to his ancestor who was a powerful minister under the Kamukara Shogunate.

Alaafin Olusi approaches European Merchants from Spain, Portugal, and the Celtic Confederacy, offering thousands of captured Ashanti as slaves in exchange for weapons and armor with which to equip his army.

In England, Protestant minister John Rogers is taken before the council of London, after having been imprisoned several times for his unapologetic heresy, is now considered for being removed from this world permenantly.

The first Jewish ghetto in Rome is established.

Florence produces the first modern form of Violins.

The term negro is first coined in Spain to refer to people of color.

Tsardom of Russia: With the attention of John II of Poland on the South and the North at Pskov, Konstantin I orders Kniaz Nestoras Manikis to feign an invasion Via Smolesk using the Moscow Levy in conjunction with Konstantin I's forces in Kiev. To attack John II's forces in the East while the Pskov and Neva garrisons numbering some 25,000 men in total between the two are told to hold tight and take advantage of new fortifications to protect against the Poles and the Swedes. Meanwhile, hearing word of the Swedish fleet blockading the Gulf of Finland Orders are issued to the smaller Russian fleet (30 galleys) are ordered to take advantage of the shallower waters along the Finnic coast forcing the Swedish galleys to Engage them alone where the Russian fleet has the numerical superiority. Meanwhile, a German shipwright by the name of Claus Hecher under the employment of the Neva shipyards proposes to his superiors to use the designs of the armoured river boats in on new galleys, this idea is approved and 3 of the new ships are commissioned. The Novgorod Levy (15,000) is held in reserve in case the Swedes or Poles invade in the Baltic region. The two armies under the command of Manikis and Konstantin invade Poland from Smolesk and Kiev respectively along the the Eastern Border. Nestoras Manikis carries out a series of daring raids deep into Polish territories across the Upper Dnieper in the Smolensk region where just out of view taking advantage of the hills and forests in the area his and Konstantin's infantry and Sappers are busy at work setting up earthwork fortifications reinforced with wooden spikes and lumber to protect against Polish cavalry while proper earthworks are built for an elevated artillery position, while 3,000 of Konstantin's cavalry moves to reinforce the depleted forces of Alexander who is camped south of the Polish Border. Alexander is told to stay in reserve and recoup and when he receives word that a major engagement is to occur he is to move out. He is also told to act as Guard to the approach to Kiev, where several Russian Sappers begin construction of a large wooden mobile fortress that can be moved along the Dnieper as needed to defend Russian territories from a possible Polish assault. The Russian positions near Smolensk near the Dnieper Drainage will be manner by the Streltsy who will fire into the enemy cavalry while the Russian Pikemen whill defend the flanks in tight disciplined formations with the Fearsome Varyag held in Reserve to defend the Artillery which will fire from fortified positions using the highground of the hills in the region to fire down on the Polish forces as they approach. The Cossakcs will continues to raid and skirmish the Poles to draw them to this position while The Hussars and Heavy cavalry will be held in reserve to flank the enemy if an opportunity arises. Hetman Sergey Volkov and the Don, and Volga Cossacks continue to suppress the Tatar and Cuman clans slaughtering entire villages to quell the unrest While the Don river is fortified to protect the river trade routes with the Greeks. Belgia efforts to hire some Russian mercenaries is somewhat successful managing to hire 2,000 Finns.

Mali Empire: The cultural stagnation across the empire has continued, particularly noted at this time period in the kingdom of Waalo. The chief minister of Waalo wrote a number of political satires at this time in lyrical poetry, which laments the cultural situation in Mali. He writes how the empire has lost so much of its respect since the days of Musa I, the great Lion of Africa. He says how some people decry the Keita Dynasty as unworthy for the title of Mansa, and should be replaced by better men, while others wish to destroy the empire completely. Thus, no one is left who respects the House of Musa, and honors what the nation has worked so hard for these 200 years, but are split into these factions who either seek to depose or to destroy. Even those who fein consolation to the empire will say "the Keitas have brought some people joy, but we do not care for them. We hate all emperors alike, good or bad. We hold no fault in the emperor being a tyrant, as that is simply how all emperors are." It's unclear to what extent these anti-imperial critics existed at this time, outside of the known political faction in the Gbara, and likely this work of literature was important for the propaganda of the King of Waalo. Outside of this poetry, the Serar Kingdoms outsourced much of their culture imported from Europe with their trade to Lotharingia and Germany. The most famous such work of art was the Kayorite Map, a complete map of all of Mali's internal vassals and administrations. The situation in the south has become a grave concern for Musa, and reflects what the Keita Dynasty had feared for many generations, a growing rival power out of Greater Nigeria. Aswed's forces in the south pulls back to occupy the border territories of Ashanti, while maintaining a supply route back to Gonja. The Emperor reaches out to another faction who might be more capable of securing order in the region. Mansa Musa III reaches out to the ruler of Jabal Asada, the House of Qamar, and asks for his assistance in containing the growth of the Oyo Empire. He cites how successful the military of Asada was in securing the southern territories so many years ago in the Bono War, so their military is much better suited for the wars against Oyo. In compensation, Musa will withdraw the crippling obligation of slave tribute which had been imposed on their nation many years ago. (Mod response, please). Prince Simba continues to act as the Viceroy of Bebaghad, organizing the secondary vassals of the empire into different sectors according to the corresponding coastal colonies. He appoints native chiefs as lower ministers where possible, and otherwise outsources Fulani Africans, Babani Berbers or Mande.
- Asada agrees, raising 12,000 men to assist in repulsing the rising Oyo. However, the Asadan Army also struggles with supply so far from home, and while it is more effective at fighting in the terrain that dominates the rapidly collapsing Ashanti state it is unable to drive the Oyo back.

Georgia: The wife of Levan, the Byzantine-born Irene, was the foremost patron of the arts during this period. She was particularly enthusiastic about ballet. While she was not a dancer herself, she helped in the development of ballet by codifying its fundamental principles (such as the five basic foot positions) and commissioning some of the earliest ballet productions. While her contemporaries did not share her enthusiasm for Western artistic tradition, Georgian art nevertheless became integrated into broader European tradition. For example, starting from the mid-sixteenth century, frescoes began to incorporate elements from the Renaissance (particularly Mannerist) style. The popularity of Mannerism (and the movement that succeeded it Baroque), was its focus on religious matters rather than secular ones. Nevertheless, many in the Orthodox clergy opposed the “Westernization” of Georgian art - first because of an associated of the aforementioned movements with Catholicism, and secondly, because of the concern that an overemphasis on technical detail would promise the art’s purpose. Meanwhile, the construction of Batumi’s Latin Quarter began during this period, in an attempt to attract foreign merchants (particularly Italians, Greeks, and Germans) there instead of Poti - then, Georgia’s premier port. Many of the buildings in Batumi’s Latin Quarter were constructed in the Renaissance style, emphasizing simple symmetrical forms in emulation of the architectural style of classical antiquity. The revival of Georgian art was underpinned by a burgeoning economy, which attributed its dynamism due to Georgia’s strategic location at the center of Eurasian trading routes (particularly the overland route of the Silk Road), and due to its lucrative exports of silk and cotton. The development of the Georgian economy was also spurred by the resettlement of Armenians (who were adept in commerce) in Georgia’s southern provinces of Syria and Assyria. While Aleppo continued to be the largest city in the region, due to the resettlement of thousands of Armenians over the course of the sixteenth century, Ar-Raqqah - previously a marginal town - had developed into a major administrative and commercial center. Georgia’s large and vibrant economy also aided its military expansion and allowed it to maintain its lead in terms of gunpowder technology. The artillery corps was expanded, while the cavalry was outfitted not only with their usual weaponry (lances and swords) but also pistols - which were fired before charging the enemy. The border cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin were fortified, with Greeks being employed to help “modernize” them through the installation of defensive cannons and the reconstruction of their walls so they are thicker (and thus, more able to withstand artillery).
Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di": A peace at last as the treaty of Abbekerke, which sorts out minor border exchanges, allows for demilitarisation of the Somme. Jean Frans with this peace now able to focus together with Paul Dekremer on the Arlesois Front, as Paul Dekremer is feeling the effects of his age. Paul Dekremer now putting his son Jan Juliaen Dekremer in charge of reforms to the Belgian cavalry, as John is already in his 30s and fully involved in the army and national politics. John being a hard working but yet unknown force in Belgia, as he often worked in logistics of the Belgian army. Thus the 37,000 strong force under Paul Dekremer prepares his army, feeding the ox, mules, horses and donkeys, these animals needing their food even more now to enable them to carry the heavy loads they will have to. Paul Dekremer wanting to ensure that Dulle Griet will be able to be used, as dulle griet shoots up to 700 lbs cannon balls which can create great damage to any city. Dulle griet being jokingly known as a city buster due to the power the cannon has and the damage it can inflict. This transport being helped with 2,000 Finns joining the fight as per request of Jean Frans, as he needed more soldiers as the peace with France was yet unsure. While in Broekzand peninsula with stories of the Calusa getting more and more agressive Paul govaerts requests forces from both the Tequesta and Jaega. (Mod response). Paul recruiting a total of 250 soldiers acros Hemelsstrand, Fort Majeimi and Damiaenburght, and even buying some guns, horses and mules. Paul Govaerts wanting to pacify the Broekzand peninsula as he sees the great opportunity the land has great potential for new farms, sugarcane plantations and Beer breweries. This all while the Groot Belgische raad is finishing the last bits of the New Belgian constitution, as Belgium is transforming from her medieval roots into a more modern state.
- Jeaga and Tequesta make war against Calusa with 800 troops.
Roman Empire: The fifth year of the Verginaian Revolt is a particularly bloody year. A large-scale revolt in Anatolia leads to the Battle of Iconium wherein a Verginaian army of 5,700 men is surrounded and massacred by 18,000 loyalist troops. This battle sees the end of the Verginaian revolt in Anatolia as those leaders loyal to John are captured and executed for treason. The deaths of so many large land-owning aristocrats creates a power vacuum on many estates in the empire. Peasants, who had historically been more or less trapped on the lands of their richer overlords, find themselves in de facto possession of vast tracts of land. Maneul, looking to exploit this situation further, issues an edict granting these peasants title and deed to the land so long as they first pay a modest fee and then pay regular taxes as free-holders. To the west, Manuel sallies forth from his defensive positions at Kavala, intent on ending the war. However, John’s army catches wind of the loyalist advance and proceeds to lay a devious trap. As the loyalist army is crossing the Struma River, Verginaian forces numbering 9,000 descend upon them, the resulting clash is a resounding rebel victory as nearly a quarter of the 20,000 strong loyalist army is wiped out. In total 4,500 loyalists are killed, while the Verginaians take only 1,500 casualties. To the north, in what is growing into effectively the Hasapis Realm, Odysseus Hasapis supports Mircea IV the Wise in supporting Transylvania. The Thema Vlachia is raised by Mircea, as is the Thema Dobruja and both march north into Transylvania to support their struggle.
Kingdom of Hungary: Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items. The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. Previous towns and lands that were sacked that we pushed into are annexed in our nation. The remaining troops push more into the heartland of Transylvania all the way to the capital Cluj-Napoca. Our military sacks the capital taking its treasures and loot. The government is overthrown and put into prison. (Algo needed)
- Banate of Bosnia: Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
- Banate of Severin: The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
Empire of Japan: Emperor Jomei seeing Motonari ousting the Ouchi resident governor while annoyed with the prospect of the Mori clan ousting a duly appointed Daimyo provincial administrator, was thus more annoyed with the Ouchi for not only losing to the Ikko-Ikki revolt, but now the Mori clan and offers him the post of the supreme Provincial daimyo of Chugoku as well as giving Motonari the position in the Joen (uppet diet) that the Ouchi once had. The Ouchi, having lost a serious portion of their lands, are essentially forced to leave Chugoku and move to a grouping of close estates near the Imperial seat to maintain a sort of protection over them. Emperor Jomei reminds the many Daimyo that in most instances infighting between nobilities will not be tolerated as it had led to the Ningbo incident which had cost the Empire greatly. This idea is reinforced heavily with the Emperors heightening of the Imperial home armies standing strength for the first time in nearly 20 years. With nearly 40,000 men in the Capital at any given moment and with a standing pool of nearly 20,000 more which could be called upon quickly in the Capital region, the Emperor makes it known that any more serious infighting will see the Imperial army intervene and that any and all issues regarding governance and administration of a territory or province or land estate should go through the proper channels. This does, however, give the Emperor wherewithall the establish more fully a unified court system for the Empire of Japan. Rather than center it in Kyoto, Nagoya, or Osaka, the High court system of Japan is established in Edo given its central location and neutrality from all of Japans major clans. Having been loyal and relatively obscure within the military structure of the empire, the Tokugawa clan is granted control of Edo as well as tasked with establishing via their neutrality, the court system of the Empire of Japan. Abroad the Japanese colonization of Ashioto-Taiyo continues with the Expansions in Kenzo, Nama, Amaterasu all continue as the open lands, light issues with natives, and the attractiveness of a new life prompt many to seek ways to reach the new lands. The status of Temporary servitude is established in which people would be sponsored and would work for a period of 5 years with an established household before making their own way in the colonies. The Imperial navy makes its first visit to the new world as well as a force of roughly 200 troops and 3 ships carrying military families are brought over and settle in the marked territory north of Amaterasu. This Settlement of Yamamoto (named after the first explorer to Alaska, and its establishment being in OTL Los Angeles) and the involved Ashigaru immediately go about building a small fort and dockyards to receive more ships. Fishing and agriculture take off in these various colonies and the initial colonies of Kenzo and Nama are noted to be inferior in positioning to both Amaterasu and Yamamoto in both agricultural yields for edible crops and in their ability to receive ships which begins to stunt their growth somewhat. Amaterasu very clearly has become the easiest colony to get set up in having soared in its initial population from roughly 300 to nearly 800 in the first two years with the local administrators reeling with the amount of requests to head to this colony. In general the need to mitigate the amount of people wanting to go to colonies is noted and for the time being a sort of Quota is established to direct people as needed rather than have them all show up to one settlement which would be currently unable to house them. Its noted that every 5 years the colonies will send over reports of their progress as well as some of their yield back as a tax and dependent on what comes out of a region in terms of yields will give further allowances for more people to be sent to further develop and settle the region. All of these colonies begin to spread up and down the coast. However, to the south of Amaterasu, it is noted that there is much desert and a sort of cordon is established preventing more settlement and claims coming down that direction. As more exploration is done multiple other points to establish colonies are noted and the report Delivered to the Emperor prompts him to try to figure out what should be prioritized next. An idea of a relatively hands off approach is delineated with restructuring of what can and will be invested every year to be implemented once the logistical hurdles are handled.
- Mori Motonari accepts this office.
Vinland: The principality expands into New Markland as fur trappers establish their place on the island. Modern European metallurgy and economics also transform the island gradually.
Abbasid Caliphate: Emir Ibrahim bin Mehmud would be appointed as one of Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's advisors during this time to better aid in the legitimacy of his future ascendence to the throne. He would learn after Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman, studying under his father after a lengthy seven-year tenure at the Great University of Alexandria to better prepare his intellectual capabilities, and would ultimately be granted an additional residency in Baghdad so as to contribute to the translation efforts in the House of Wisdom. Much like his father, Ibrahim bin Mehmud would study military strategy and historical conflicts, while most of his siblings would take up roles in the Court or the Ulema. While humanist philosophers and a variety of scholars would aid in the construction of the Second Islamic Golden Age, the printing press' would be installed in the territories of Ifriqiya, further solidifying a daily loop of intriguing and interesting compositions and publications. This over-saturation of the printing press' would culminate in a second volumn of the classical collection, One Thousand and One Nights..\
- Gurkani Sultanate: Re-construction of Efsahan, Tehran, Shiraz, and Yazd would be conducted through a variety of architectural influence, mainly Abbasid and Greco-Roman. Sultan Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza, the Padishah of Persia, would appoint his son, Adarnarseh Mirza (c. 1534), as Regent of the Sultan, establishing a precedent where the heir-apparent would be the Regent (and later Vizier) of the Sultan, in an effort to provide legitimacy toward their reign as having served under the prior Sultan. The remnants of the silk road continue to remain highly profitable, with exports consisting of carpetry, copper, gold, leather, and a variety of fruits and spices, with cotton making up a significant export for the Empire. While localized Shi'ite communities maintain primary domestic autonomy, policies to collectivize the Shi'ite population under authority of the Gurkani dynasty are done through a variety of methods, such as allowing the Shi'ite clergy into the Court of the Sultan and held theological debates in Efsahan and Yazd. In the conflict against the Qizilbash, policies to eclipse the power are conducted, including the positioning of the Taymiyyah Order in Yazd and the creation of a slave army based on the ghulams introduced by the Savafids and the various ethnicities that flourished during the Georgian Empire, although most of these policies wouldn't be cemented until 1557. Fortifications in Rasht and other eastern cities begin to be updated. 14,000 troops, under General Mohammed bin Emran al-Baghdadi, invades state of Baloch, employing a more perfected version of the musket, likely originally designed by an Armenian weaponsmith in Efsahan, by legitimizing a lever and spring to better perfect the traditional musket while raising efficency in combat. General Mohammed bin Emran al-Baghdadi would lay siege to the city of Iranshahr this year. (Algo Needed).

1556

King John II counter-attacks against the Russian invasion near Smolensk with 18,000 troops, but pushes directly north along the Reka Udra River to bypass Konstantine's trap, in an attempt to encircle his forces, while the northern and eastern flanks near the border are defended with 8,000 and 5,000 troops, respectively. Meanwhile, Alexander uses the loaned military from Russia to make an orderly retreat from Poland completely, recovering almost all of his army back to the capital. He is immediately met with a general revolt across the Principality, as the Cumanian and Crimean hordes break off from his vassalage, which he attempts to suppress.

The Oyo Empire strikes a decisive political victory when Alaafin Olusi secures the allegiance of the Benin people through a series of key royal marriages. The result of these marriages is effectively a union between the two nations. The addition of Benin's substantial and modern army empowers Alaafin Olusi to subdue most of the Ashanti Kingdom, forcing local chiefs to swear fealty. Only the Malian-supported regions in the north of the country remain independent, though they themselves are in a state of chaos.

The Catawba people of Carolina, although once on friendly terms with the Hanseatic League, would find the colonists growing rather dependent on their resources and, fearful of the recent deaths of their fellow tribal citizens due to a mysterious plague brought over from the Hanseatic homeland, would lead to a very devastating raid on the Hanseatic colonies led by warrior Wattan, nearly expelling the German colonists on the coast, with many of them returning to the Holy Roman Empire.

Denmark sells Sweden part of central Scandinavia near the border with Norway.

Japanese explorers along the western coast hear about the Sinkyone tribe, a mysterious group that worship the spirit of the chipmunk.

The Shaanxi earthquake, regarded as the deadliest earthquake in history, would lead to the deaths of more than 800,000 peoples in China.

Tatars in the territory of Astrakhan would grow restless and rather resentful of the Russian leadership, culminating in a series of rebellions in the eastern and southern territories of Russia.

French explorer and cartography Gabriel Baschet of Brittany would make landfall along the coast of OTL New Jersey in Raritan Bay.

Fuzuli becomes the most prominent poet in the Azerbaijani language in Iraq.

Georgia: The westernization of Georgia’s aristocratic culture continues - evident in the popularity of the Renaissance (particularly Mannerist) style, and ballet de cours. The assimilation of the Caucasian Albanians into the Georgian population continues. Meanwhile, thousands of Armenians are relocated to Syria, Assyria, and Azerbaijan, in order to bolster the respective region’s Christian population. While Muslims now face legal, economic, and political discrimination (being barred from high office, and required to pay a capitation tax), they continue to enjoy a degree of religious freedom under the milla system - with heterodox Muslims, in particular, benefiting greatly from this. The Georgian economy continues to flourish, with the export of cotton and silk; woolens, carpets, ceramics, wine, and saffron are also exported in large quantities. The artillery corps is expanded, while more gunpowder weapons are produced. Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified.
Hanseatic League: This is the 27th year of Peter Burkhart's (b. 1499) reign. He has a younger brother, Henry Burkhart (b. 1512) who is married to Zillah of Hesse (b. 1514) and father of two sons (b.1538, 1541); a younger sister, Matilda Burkhart (b. 1514) who is married to Henry de la Mark; and a younger brother, Jacob Burkhart (b. 1519), who is married to Eleanor Courtenay (b. 1525) and father of Erik Burkhart (b.1546). Following Christmas Mass and a subsequent celebration at Burkhart Palace, Peter Burkhart suffers a seizure. He had been complaining of headaches all year, but following the seizure he is bedridden and his mental faculties are drained. In March, with no sign of recovery and following another, less severe seizure, Peter Burkhart abdicates. An election is held, and Jacob Burkhart is elected Bürgermeister of Lübeck-Hamburg. This is a surprise to many in the League considering the seniority of Henry Burkhart. However, Jacob Burkhart's naval service during the Von Kerpen War and relations with England garner him much support. Henry Burkhart is also partially blamed for the trouble with the Catawba. To punish the Catawba, the Hanseatic League declares war and sends 1,200 men on an expedition along the Cape Fear River to locate and destroy settlements loyal to Wattan. Henry Burkhart himself leads the charge. (Algo needed). Another expedition is sent south, reaching as far as OTL Charleston as they investigate the tribes responsible and punish them accordingly. Naturally, many settlements that had nothing to do with the raid on Carolingia are burned just the same. Trade with the Algonquin-speaking tribes along the Outer Banks continues to be fruitful, as many displaced Germans from the regions south of New Hanover move north. This leads to the official establishment of Jacobstown (OTL Norfolk) around the fort constructed in the region. This primarily includes people who cannot pay for passage back to the New World. Fortunes are made quickly as Hanseatic traders establish routes from Jacobstown through the Chesapeake Bay area. The Hanseatic League does not trade with the Swedish colony in the region and in fact issues an embargo of the colony. Having secured good relations with the Chesapeake Bay indigenous peoples, the League offers alliances with these groups to harass the Swedish colony. For violating Hanseatic claims to the region, the Hansa sues Sweden and demands that the colony be relocated. (Mod response needed for indigenous people, Sweden) Still, many settlers return to Germany or stop halfway at Bermuda, possibly because they could not afford the fare back to Germany yet. This leads to an influx of new colonists on the island. Many of those who return to Germany are Catholics who believe the region is becoming more safe. They are typically families of means or second-generation colonists who could afford to do so. Some may return to their family estates having been occupied by someone else, abandoned in a state of disrepair, or even completely destroyed. One man returns to his flat in Hamburg only to find it occupied by a brewery that kept many of his personal possessions for the decor. Another, who left with his mistress for the New World, returns to find his ex-wife has married his hated neighbor in his absence. Though this isn't to say these stories are all depressing - families are reunited and people see friends they never expected to see again - the decision to move back is a stressful ordeal. Suicide rates are high for ex-colonists; being the 16th century, not much sympathy is given to people who do this
Roman Empire: Now in its 6th year, the war between the Verginaians and Manuel’s Loyalists grinds on. Manuel and his army launches a full on assault on the Verginaian forces. He throws 24,000 men into the assault, hoping to end the war decisively. Their attack manages to reach Thessaloniki, besting one small Verginaian skirmishing force during their advance. However, the army only makes it as far as Methoni before encountering a stubborn Verginaian force. The Battle of Methoni is a veritable second Thermopylea. John’s forces repel wave after wave of loyalists resulting in a pyrrhic Verginaian victory. Both sides suffer dramatically with the Loyalist Army reduced to a shadow of its former self. Only 8,000 loyalists survive the battle and subsequent retreat to Constantinople. John’s forces do not fare much better with only 6,000 survivors. Freeholders and the support they give Manuel shifts the power structure of the Empire. These small land-holders threaten even more the conservative elite, inciting greater revolt and support for John among these traditional power holders. The mercantile class wavers in their support for Manuel over his policy decisions regarding these very freeholders, but their preference for his other policies keeps most loyal. As more nobles and aristocrats flip their support to John his position grows in strength. Meanwhile, farther north, Odysseus Hasapis retreats from Hungary, having ended his and the empire’s support for Transylvania. He reforms his army, and builds his local power base on freeholding peasants in the poldered regions, and Danube merchants. With potential opportunity both north and south, Odysseus plots to become either a king-maker or a king in his own right.
Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di" With peace with France being established, Jean Frans thus moving 12,000 of the 17,000 soldiers at Atrecht. Thus Francis Mortier becomes the General of the Somme army, Francis commanding the 5,000 soldiers left at the Somme. Francis being ordered to keep the peace and transition the region away from martial law, and reintroduce civil law. Thus Now Paul Dekremer and his 37,000 big army start marching on the city of Metz, after Jean Frans and his army arives in Luxembourg. The Soldiers of Dekremer thus advancing on Metz, Paul getting Dulle griet to face the north side of the city. This meant to make it easier to have the physicological effect without needing to the move the cannon all the way. Dekremers plan being to starve the city into surrender, Paul wanting to avoid bloodshed by just lowering their morale and food suply. Paul also making some small walls and digging trenches, this all to give the cannoniers and punaisiers cover. This also making it possible for pikemen to not get hit, although these defences aren't as good as those of the city they are more mobile and easy to replace. This does not make these small ditches and walls confortable as the men are used in standing in mud hours in end, Paul Dekremer hoping to end this war shortly. The plan being to soon rush south and liberate Mosselle from arles and possible even imperial Arles. The plan being to ensure that their government adopts friendlier stance without alienating them. This all while the Groot Belgische Raad begins to finish the "Reformed Belgian law", although some minor issue's have to figures out. In Broekzand mainwhile tequesta and jeaga soldiers arive, Willem jan reporting 800 thus with his own they total 1.050 troops. although a small force this force is very technologically advanced and prepared to fight.
Kingdom of Hungary: Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items. The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. With Odysseus Hasapis the Roman general retreating from the war our troops are happy about the victory. After this long siege that successfully placed by us, at the age of 66 John Zápolya retires from the military. In the capital he is awarded several high ranking medals for this brilliants in war. Winning 4 wars that helped our nation expand. King Oliver with his first victory in war ceases to annex Transylvania back in our nation after losing it years ago. Oliver allows the people of the land to practice what ever religion they want in the region. The rest of the Roman troops are now prisoners of war and sent to prison. Peter of Arpad is looking for a wife at the moment. (Player/Mod response)
- Banate of Bosnia: Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
- Banate of Severin: The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.

Tsardom of Russia: Konstantin hearing word of the Polish movements farther north sends word to the Garrison in Novgorod to Prepare for a siege, while 15,000 troops composed of 6,000 Hussars, 4,000 Mounted Stretlsy armed with Wheellocks, and 5,000 Cossacks to Approach to Lake Ilman to Shadow the Polish Army advancing North but to Remain outside of reach or if possible out of site of the Enemy forces. Meanwhile, an order is issued to Nestoras Manikis to lead the 15,000 strong force. When Word reaches Novgorod The recently raised Novgorod Levy is put to Work building Earthwork dugouts around the City to be manned by the Streltsy in the Levy, and by any Citizen of the city brave enough and skilled enough to use a musket. Taking shots at the enemy forces until the last moment upon which the will carry out a fighting retreat into the cityupon which time the Artillery men with begin firing upon the dugoutswhich are rigged with Gunpowder barrels to inflict as much much damage as possible on the enemy forces, and to make the terrain in the approach to the city as difficu;t as possible to traverse by the enemy forces. The young Dimitry volunteers under a different name as part of the city garrison, He is fortunately placed in training for artillery due to a lack of men to man the cannons along the city fortifications. The Pskov and Neva Garrison are issued orders to remain at their posts to ensure the cities are sufficiently manned to withstad a potential siege in case the Swedes are able to land forces in the Gulf of Finland. The Cossacks under the command of Hetman Sergey Volkov are reinforced with 3,000 circassians under the command of Kniaz Temyruk. The combined Cossack-circassian forces begin a scorched eartch Policy to subdue the revolting Cumans and Mongolian clans. Slaughering and pillaging entire villages while avoding direct engagements with the Moldavian rebels in order to weaken them. An effort to finalize the securing of the Don River under Russian Control while fighting along the Dnieper entisifies due to the large concentration of Cuman and Mongol settlements in the region. The construction of the Dnieper Mobile fotress (made of lumber) is completed and garrisoned with 2,000 men Varyag, and enough Artillery men to man 15 cannons.

1557

Pope Gregory XIV dies of natural causes. The cardinals in Rome elect as his successor Vicenzo Diedo, the Patriarch of Venice, who takes the papal name Nicholas VI.

Having outmaneuvered the Russian forces of Smolensk, King John of Poland takes a gamble to concentrate a total of 22,000 troops to lay siege to the city of Novgorod. His goal is hopefully to occupy the Russian capital and force the Tsar to terms of favorable peace. Sweden proceeds to land 1,200 troops in Finland. Prince Alexander of Moldavia is imprisoned in the capital by his brother who is made Prince Bogdan III. Bogdan proceeds to take the military east in an attempt to suppress the Turkic revolts. The Cossack commander Dimitrash defies to orders of the Circassian allies to set up a semi-independent state of his own near the Sea of Azov.

The City of Cusco falls to the Spanish siege having been starved out for years as native allies to the Spanish have been successful in preventing supply from reaching the city. Farther to the south, however, a potent and powerful force of the Inca armies with a viable population base set up, planning on fighting a long war with the Spanish having studied and managing to find ways to counteract the Spanish tactics and technology to some degree. This unrest in the south is augmented by further attacks from the Mapuche, led by their leader Lautaro.

An outbreak of Influenza spreads across Central Asia, spilling from the Bukhara Khanate across north and central Iran.

French explorer Gabriel Baschet of Brittany would incidentally travel southward after being expelled by the English settlers present in OTL Jersey and losing his compass, later landing in OTL Charleston, South Carolina. Meanwhile, French cartography Émile Dupont would land in OTL Fortaleza, Brazil.

English settlers in Jersey suffer perpetual attacks by natives which consequently contracts the colony as the remaining settlers manage to successfully start fending off the Attacks.

Robert Recorde publishes his book The Whetstone of Wit which uses the first instances of the plus and equal signs in English.

Portemo paints Deposition of the Cross in Florence.

Venetian mathematician Niccolo Tartaglia writes the first work on ballistics.

Georgia: The westernization of Georgia’s aristocratic culture continues - evident in the popularity of the Renaissance (particularly Mannerist) style, and ballet de cours. The assimilation of the Caucasian Albanians into the Georgian population continues. Meanwhile, thousands of Armenians are relocated to Syria, Assyria, and Azerbaijan, in order to bolster the respective region’s Christian population. While Muslims now face legal, economic, and political discrimination (being barred from high office, and required to pay a capitation tax), they continue to enjoy a degree of religious freedom under the milla system - with heterodox Muslims in particular benefiting greatly from this. The Georgian economy continues to flourish, with the export of cotton and silk; woolens, carpets, ceramics, wine, and saffron are also exported in large quantities. The artillery corps is expanded, while more gunpowder weapons are produced. Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified.
Kingdom of England: Though RETEC managed to successfully conquer most of OTL South New Jersey from the Lenape tribespeople in its campaigns around 1553, the subsequent series of attacks by tribespeople, aggravated by the Danish providing aid for them, has made the economic and military situation of the colony difficult to manage. Knowing that the Hanseatic League owns a colony of their own and seems to be expanding their colony toward the English one, RETEC (with the approval of King Edward X of England) approaches the Hanseatic leadership to see if they can work out some sort of deal regarding the Meridian colonies that would benefit both parties. (Hanseatic response) (More to come if I have time)
'Kingdom of Belgium "Vryheid is ons Reght":' With Peace and a formal border with France established, the New constitution is officially adopted. Thus fully changing the nature of Belgium, where the Merchants of the nation are the most important part of the nation. The laws clearly defining what a free company is, and royal companies and what is called the COME UP WITH NAME THINGY . Defitions of terms being made as to make the clearer and avoid terms being up to debate, this clarification and unification of law meant to Unifiy the nation. Simplification and unification being the goal of the Groot Belgische raad, while Klein Belgische raden are given the power to implement these federal laws. This all also allowing better recruitment on local level of troops, Paul Dekremer wanting a more profesional and a more constant stream of recruitment. Alltough he is not able to make this dream into reality, as Paul Dekremer is killed by a stray bullet North of Metz. Paul Dekremer dying at the age of 59, his son Jan Juliaen Dekremer thus Becoming the First Generaal admiraal of Belgium at age 35. The death of his father likely being due to some of the victory shots as were fired in all possible directions. Thus His son soon replacing him and keeping his actual cause of death a secret, the official being that he died of enemy gun fire. His father atleast living to see Metz in Belgian hands, his sons resting for a year in order to plan and organise the army to go south. While in Broekzand Willem Jan and his 1.050 soldiers wait for more suplies from Hemelsstrand.
Kingdom of Portugal:During a visit to Cape Baltimoro,a savage tribe member of the sasquenich tribes throws a spear at the king and mortally wounding him,his last words are"Do not engage the Natives"He is succeded by his dagther who takes the name of Queen Cirí IV,As she is only 7 a regency council lead by her mother rules until she is of age.The late king is buried next to his father and crown prince Luis.
Kingdom of Hungary: Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items. The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. John Zápolya son Alex follows in his father's footsteps to become a general of the army for the King. After being a captain under his father's command for a few wars he he finally gets to shine with his promotion by the King. Since its been really quiet lately the new general just does some light recon routine work by having guards and scouts on the boarders to make our nation safe.
- Banate of Bosnia: Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
- Banate of Severin: The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
Tsardom of Russia: With the growing unrest in The lands of the former Astrakhan Khanate Kniaz Anton Stroganov issues an order to mobilize 5,000 men under his command to ride south to suppress them Reinforcing the Garrison at Tsaristyn to prevent the new stronghold from falling Into Tatar or Kazakh hands and to prevent the rebellion from spreading north into the region of Kazan. He also requests reinforcements from the Qasim Khanate a long time vassal of the the Rus who provides 5,000 Qasim Raiders who are sent to Reinforce Anton and his men. Following the failure to Keep the Tartars quiet in the region Anton decides to carry out a more violent suppression campaign in the region torching the villages and slaughtering without mercy many of the Tatars of revolting villages and then withdrawing to draw in the Tatar rebels before doubling back reinforced by the Qasim Raiders This tactic is employed a couple more times in an attempt to cow the Revolting tatars into Submission. Meanwhile, in the town of Rurik, the Worship of St. Dimitry continues to grow as converted Tatars and recently settled Rus. Nestoras Manikis with 15,000 Cavalry continue to maintain observe The Enemy forces now attempting to lay siege to Novgorod, awaiting the perfect opportunity to strike at the enemy forces while the Streltsy, and Artillerymen inside the city continue to fire relentlessly at the enemy. The Young Dimitry still going by a pseudoname of Alek becomes an accomplished artilleryman using his learning of geography, and Topography his classes at with the stroganovs, and At the university of Novgorod. Word, however, starts to spread amongst the other members of the garrison of his true identity as the heir of the Tsardom of Russia. With knowledge spreading amongst the troops in the city of Novgorod that their future leader is amongst them instills i an increased desire to defend the city at all costs against the Enemy forces. and with the supply lines along the city secure my Armored river cboats escorting supplys the city will be well armed for the Siege outnumbering the Polish 30,000 to 22,000 (15,000 defending inside the city of novgorod, and another 15,000 under the command of Nestoras Manikis) and of the greater number of cannons and muskets produced locally by the Moscow Arsenal and with Stockpiles in Novgorod, Kiev, and Moscow. An envoy is dispatched to to Moldavia, requesting that Bogdan retain a small garrison strong enough to keep the Polish from being able to concentrate and states that the forces under Hetman Sergey, and Kniaz Temyruk can deal with most of the suppression of the Moldavian rebels. He also states he has no interest in interfering in Moldavian internal affairs. However, he would like the lines of communication and coopertion between Moldavia and Russia to remain strong. (Mod Response).
Roman Empire: The seventh year of the civil war proves a less eventful year than the preceding years. With both sides nearing exhaustion, raising further troops becomes more or less impossible. John and his followers face internal dissent, and a small revolt by members of his own loyal nobles. Manuel attempts to reassert imperial control over the military, but is unable to convince local forces to take up arms for his overly-liberal regime. He is forced to address the growing chaos in Moldavia and Taurica. He orders local leaders to support the Kozakos to the north of Taurica and raise the Thema Taurica to protect the Greek ports in that region. He also dispatches a moderately large fleet to protect Roman interests in Tanais. The fleet carries with is a company of marines numbering 4,000. Tired of the war, revolt breaks out among the peasants of the Peloponnese, Thessaly, and Epirus. In Anatolia, riots break out against aristocratic land-holders as more peasants demand rights and deeds to their lands. Manuel, in no position to oppose or enflame these riots is forced to accept some of their demands. He grants the landless poor farmers across the empire the ability to claim deeds upon land they have worked, so long as they can provide proof of work for at least fifteen years. These deeds allow such farmers to buy, sell, and develop such land, but force them to pay a “landlord tax” for the next 100 years to the family from which it was deeded. This dramatic land-ownership reform contributes massively to the Mesaítáxi as local guides and corporations appear across the country.

1558

After sacking some villages near Novgorod, King John quickly retreats from the city to avoid the Russian advancement. He links up with the remaining troops in the south, then proceeds to directly attack the Russian army of 30,000 with his army of 26,000. Sweden proceeds with occupying the fortress of Turku successfully. Bogdan lost his battle against the the Turks, effectively allowing Moldavia to collapse and become partitioned between the Qasim Khanate, the Cossack state of Dimitrash, and the occupation of Circassia, while Bogdan falls back to the heartland of Moldavia to hold a defense against Poland.

Southern parts of Peru and northern Chile further destabilizes from Spanish rule, which organizes in an alliance of the Incas and Mapuche into the "Neo-Inca" state.

In the midst of the Russo-Polish War, King John II creates a more efficient system of communication between the front lines back to the capital, establishing the institution of the "Poczta Polska" (Polish Post).

The influenza pandemic spreads across the rest of the Middle East, affecting all of Georgia, Egypt, and the Byzantine Empire.

Along the ongoing religious sectarian conflict in France, cultural movement begins that has scathing Anti-Feminine rhetoric against the female line of the Premyslid Dynasty. One anonymous text published is titled The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstruous Regiment of Women.

Along the Western coast Japanese explorers begin to get more and more reports of the Mysterious Sinkyone. Some sinkyone wariors being reported shouting Purnaqi, purnaqi while charging a groop of Nongatl tribes men on deer. The Sinkyone being reported to have the skill to ride deer and pacify bears without any trouble.

The Oyo Empire is able to subdue several of the smaller states around it using forces from allied Benin, newly subjugated Ashanti, and its own rapidly modernizing army.

Kingdom of Mutapa: King Gemba Nyazame mobilizes the 10,000 auxiliary troops to the Royal guard, and marches 30,000 combined troops to the Swahili confederacy demanding they rejoin the nation and will be treated as equals in the new government. (Mod response). He also begins to reintegrate makovibra back into the kingdom using 2,000 riders to travel down the royal road seeing if it needs repairs. Scholars in Lusvingo see that water can power a small wheel on a tributary of the Limpopo. The new king continues to upkeep the roads and grow the small textile industry by investing in more sheep.
Tsardom of Russia: Nestoras Manikis and his 15,000 cavalry noting The movements of John II deny jim the battle he is looking for using their greater mobility and time to get within a safe distance while the 15,000 troops inside the city of Novgorod contimue to pound away at the Enemy forces inflicting grueling casualties. Meanwhile, 8,000 forces stationed at Pskov are sent to act as a second shadowing force working in conjunction with Manikis forces bringing the troops in the Novgorod region to 40,000 making any attempts by John II to break the Russian forces in the region suicidal (nate, it would be suicidal to try to win this battle, and based on what ive seen John II isnt an idiot or suicidal). 5,000 Infantry and 3,000 Orthodox Finns mostly trappers are sent to deal with the Invading Finns moving into Pikkio to prevent the Swedes from advancing further, and to use as a base camp. The Sappers there quickly get to work building up a Wooden and Earthwork Fortifications there. while efforts to build those armoured galleys begin in earnest with a framework of the first one being completed as a larger then average galley with thickened wooden walls to make them harder to sink, with more rowers, and two sails to allow for greater mobility, combined with a large ancor near the front to allow to be dropped and allow for quick turns. At the front of the Galley is a Corvus (boarding device) and large Iron Spike to trap and damage the enemy ships in close combat. The Galley will be able to hold ten cannons (11 if the Spike is replaced with another Cannon). Due to the specialized work required for these ships only six are commissioned However, it is thought that therse ships will help give an dge to the Russians to secure the Gulf of Finland. A port on the Island of Fotress on the Island of Kotlin begins. Anton Stroganov continues to Violently suppress The Tatar Rebels in Astrakhan making their way to the city of Astrakhan to cow the rebels inrto submission. In Kazan, Husbandry and cattle raising continue to grow as the demand for horses and salted meat for the war effort grow. Development of towns and fortifications up the Kama river continue under the oversight of the Stroganov Family who settle people from the White Sea region and from The lands around Rostov and Niznhy Novgorod offering them favourable contracts to work the land for a certain amount of years before being allowed to outright purchase their plot of land form the Stroganov family who following the model of the Ruriks parcel out certain lands for development directly by the stroganov family, and parcelling out lands to settlers to instill loyalty. As the Polish army under John II attempts to attack the Cavalry of Manikis, the Russians taking advantage of their higher mobility deny John II the engagement he desires and instead choose to skirmish the enemy forces in the vicinity of Novgorod while Russian Artillery from the city fire upon the advancing Polish forces. Dimitry the younger presence amongst the city defenders greatly boosts morale and the young Kinaz quickly comes into his own now becoming one of the officers of the city garrison along with several of the city's younger nobles, and sons of merchant families who join the ranks of the defenders. The young prince begins taking note of the tactics employed before him, and begins analyzing the topography of the region. Noting the large amounts of forests around Lake Ilmen Dimitry sends a messenger to Manikis and to the reinforcements from Pskov to use the Forest to their advantage to disappear into the woods and prevent a chase from the famed Polish Hussars, while attempting if possible to outflank them upon which time mounted forces form the Novgorod Army will come out to attempt an encrclement of the Polish forces to wipe them out. With Tana secured under a joint Circassian-Greek expedition efforts to consolidate control over the Don River are finalized. Konstantin I orders his 5,000 to the house to finish breaking the forces of the Cuman and Mongol rebels along the Dnieper seeing a complete withdrawal of the Moldavians from the region. He sends an envoy to The new cossack host of Dimitrash offering them the status as vassals of the Russian crown and promising to not bother the internal affairs of the Cossacks in the region as long as they provide military assistance to the Crown anddo not attack Russian or Greek trade or subjects in the region at the risk of facing the wrath of Kiev. Hetman Sergey Volkov also approaches them in this regard noting how the Russian crown has allowed Cossack communities to thrive under their sovereignty. (Mod response). Konstantin I further sends a letter to Bogdan promising to continue to protect him and his family. However, due to the inability of the Moldavians to control the Pontic Steppes, the Russians are obliged to secure the region in conjuntion with their vassals.
- Dimititrash accepts this deal

Georgia: Levan and Irene go to Russia - leaving their daughter, Tinatin, under the care of Rustam and Mariam. The reason Levan’s departure is somewhat unclear. Nevertheless, his absence creates some uncertainty as to whom Nathan - now in his sixties - will bestow the throne. Nathan does not want to bequeath the throne to Rustam, his second son, whose brash and quick-tempered disposition is unbefitting for a King. With Russia’s war with the Poles brought to his attention, Levan asks his uncle, Tsar Constantine, if he could fight on his behalf. The westernization of Georgian aristocratic culture continues. The economy continues to flourish - silk and cotton textiles constitute Georgia’s main exports. To bolster the Christian population in Syria and Assyria, and to bolster the region’s economy, thousands of Armenians are resettled there. Georgia continues to maintain its lead on gunpowder technology. The artillery corps is further expanded. The border cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified; defensive cannons are also installed.
- Konstantin I agrees and welcomes his nephew into the Service of the Russian Tsar, placing him in command of the forces in Kiev (10,000) due to his own declining health.
Kingdom of Belgium "Vryheid is ons Reght": With the first attack on Mets succeding weakening the defences toroughly, Jan Juliaen Dekremer Begins his second assault on the city. This is done by continuing the barage of cannons which fire continiously on the city walls in an attempt to break the wall, Jan Juliaen even offering safe pasage for all citiziens and soldiers if they peacefully surrender (Mod Response). Thus the attack on the city continue's Dulle griet giving heavy punches, the cannon shooting 700lbs cannon balls at the city of Mets. This all while the 17,000 soldiers under Jean Frans begin to move southwards to Vigny, Frans hoping to meet the arles army at the town north of Nanzig. The plan being is to using the Horne River as a difensive line and force the arles army to cross the river. The plan being to hit Arles at many front and make them unable to take all the Royal Punches, Jan Juliaen wanting to ensure that for once and all that the Belgian border will be safe. While in Broekzand Willem and his 1,050 soldiers demand that the Caloose accept a small force of troops to investigate the current situation and calm down the recent tensions (Mod Response). Willem knowing that both answers will lead him to a great succes, the only change being the violence needed.
- The Broekzand tribes accept.
- Metz doesn't surrender yet.
Kingdom of Hungary: Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items. The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. ~~With the influenza pandemic effecting the Byzantium lands we close our boarders to the south. We ask the Kings of Bosnia, Serbia, or Albania if the have a daughter for Prince Peter. (Mod Response)~~

- Banate of Bosnia: Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
- Banate of Severin: The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
- Disease Theory to justify this action does not yet exist.
Roman Empire: The 8th year of the civil war sees internal threats to both factions develop. John’s supporters grow increasingly dismayed by the lack of a dramatic victory and the seemingly endless support offered to Manuel by his mercantile supporters. On the other hand, the merchants who support Manuel are unhappy with his support for the new, growing class of landed peasants. These merchants approach the nobles who back John and Odysseus Hasapis about potentially reaching a brokered peace. The talks break down as both the merchants and nobles express incompatible demands and refuse to compromise. However, both sides continue to court Odysseus and his support. Meanwhile, the merchants 'petition’ Manuel for greater powers in the Senate. Their veiled threat forces the young Kaisar to accept their demands, granting the Senate power to suggest legislation and veto imperial policy through a 2/3rds majority. The power of the new Senate accelerates the growth of the Mesaítáxi.

1559

Pope Nicholas VI dies of natural causes. The College of Cardinals in Rome elects as his successor the Spanish priest and scholastic author John of Ávila, who takes the papal name Benedict XII in honour of the Spanish Pope Benedict XI.

John II is decisively defeated at the Siege of Novgorod, and falls back to Poland sustaining heavy casualties. Sweden is defeated by the forces in Finland and falls back to the fortress of Turku itself, supported by the Swedish navy.

In Astrakhan, a number of Tartar Muslims from villages along the Volga river would carry out self-sacrificing attacks against Russian camps in an effort to scorch fields of grain to better weaken the Russian authority in the region as well as define a line of secession from the Empire.

France settles a peace with Arles, annexing Auvergne and the other enclave of Burgundy and forcing them to relinquish their claim to Ameins. Under heavy pressure of the government of France, they begin preparing a new army of 25,000 troops on Belgian's border, having secured all other rivals, so as to press their claim to the region of Artois.

In Scotland, a Jungist mob, incited by a radical interpretation of the Thinwhitedukism, sack St Andrews Cathedral. One of the main leaders of this movement in Scotland is John Knox. In Ireland, a dense drought backed by poor resource stocking would lead to a famine that would last for nearly two years, with deaths estimated at roughly 70,000 people.

A threatening drought in much of Castile, accompanied by inflation due to the rapid flow of gold from Kolumbia and Meridia, leads the Spanish Empire to declare bankruptcy.

A massive hurricane kills hundreds of Belgian settlers in OTL Florida.

The Sarbani Empire launches their campaign southward in Gondwana, hoping to expand their realm across all of the Indian subcontinent. However, exhaustion and a lack of organization among the Sarbani's leads to a number of tactical mistakes and resources. This would aid in the Bhagat dynasty's fight against the Empire, successfully defeating the Sarbani Emperor at the Battle of Nagpur.

In Southern India, the Nayak Federation would launch an invasion of Sri Lanka, occupying the island within a matter of months under the astounding leadership of General Charat Singh.

In Tibet, just north of India Dravya Shah establishes the Kingdom of Nepal.

The Swahili Confederacy, under the Portuguese Crown, decline the offer to rejoin Mutapa outright, and instead requests that Portugal aid in their oncoming war against the Empire to the south.

French scolar Jean Nicot proposes medicinal properties of tobacco, and introduces "snuff powder" to the French court.

Kano Motonobu establishes the Kano school of painting in Japan.

The stagnation of Mali has settled into a period of unrest across much of the Empire, with citizens and nobility alike claiming the legitimacy toward the Mansa and the Gbara to have grown weak overtime, citing shortcomings in the recent conflicts faced and flaws within the Empire's structure. This would cause for a brief affair when the Sultan of Agadez claimed that the title of Mansa has grown into nothing more than "ceremonial procedures".

In Ethiopia, the power struggle between the Emperor and the aristocracy would result in a number of small skirmishes between differing Princes over the state. Upon the Emperor's untimely death in the War against Funj, however, his eldest son had only reached the age of 7 prior to his death, leaving the aristocracy of Ethiopia to sieze much of the power from the Emperor and his Court, establishing an oligarchy in the process and limiting the influence of the Emperor, demoting the position to be purely ceremonial in action.

Dai Viet-Lan Xang: This year, Emperor Xaysethathirath writes an edict to announce the construction of the Wat Xieng Thong Pagoda in Luang Prabang. The pagoda is built under the management of Vũ Như Ly, the son of the late royal architect Vũ Như Tô. Meanwhile, after the death of Grand Commandant Nguyễn Kim, there was a fight for the position between the trusted son-in-law of Nguyễn Kim, Trịnh Kiểm and the sons of Nguyễn Kim, Nguyễn Uông and Nguyễn Hoàng. To settle this dispute, Emperor Xaysethathirath puts each men in respective positions: Nguyễn Uông as the Grand Commandant, Trịnh Kiểm as the Governor of the Northern institution, and Nguyễn Hoàng as the Governor of the Southern institution. Meanwhile, Dai Viet makes claim to the Côn Đảo Archipelago. The Dai Viet navy is tasked to maintain sovereignty of the islands. So, the Academy of Scholarly Worthies' geographers are tasked to draw the complete atlas of Dai Viet-Lan Xang, with the addition of several islands and Trấn Tây Thành called Đại Việt - Vạn Tượng nhất thống toàn đồ (The complete atlas of Dai Viet-Lan Xang), an addition to the Hồng Đức atlas during the reign of Emperor Lê Thánh Tông.
- Jawa's diplo: after years of negotiating. The aristocracy and the King has made their decision. They demand Pi to be handed back in order to reset the long standing alliance that had been existing before.
- Clan of Rasaja(exile): While Pi and the rest of the clan lives peacefully. The declaration of the aristocracy and the King of Jawa has sent terror to Pi. He asks the Vietnamese emperor to refuse the offer. Promising him to serve as a general is the next Vietnamese wars. As his status of a former emperor can be abandoned easily in exchange of beeing long close to a faithful ally. As they always were.
- Pi is handed back to Java
Abbasid Caliphate: Emir Ibrahim bin Mehmud would be appointed as one of Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's advisors during this time to better aid in the legitimacy of his future ascendence to the throne. He would learn after Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman, studying under his father after a lengthy seven-year tenure at the Great University of Alexandria to better prepare his intellectual capabilities, and would ultimately be granted an additional residency in Baghdad so as to contribute to the translation efforts in the House of Wisdom. Much like his father, Ibrahim bin Mehmud would study military strategy and historical conflicts, while most of his siblings would take up roles in the Court or the Ulema. By this time, the Taymiyyah Order's control over the Ulema and Court of the Caliph had declined rapidly, with many of the Orders migrating into Persia while seats in the Ulema were mostly replaced by the Muʿtazilites and moderate humanists. The Sultanate of Ifriqiya is released as a vassal of the Caliphate.
- Gurkani Sultanate: Re-construction of Efsahan, Tehran, Shiraz, and Yazd would be conducted through a variety of architectural influence, mainly Abbasid and Greco-Roman. Sultan Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza, the Padishah of Persia, would appoint his son, Adarnarseh Mirza (c. 1534), as Regent of the Sultan, establishing a precedent where the heir-apparent would be the Regent (and later Vizier) of the Sultan, in an effort to provide legitimacy toward their reign as having served under the prior Sultan. The remnants of the silk road continue to remain highly profitable, with exports consisting of carpetry, copper, gold, leather, and a variety of fruits and spices, with cotton making up a significant export for the Empire. While localized Shi'ite communities maintain primary domestic autonomy, policies to collectivize the Shi'ite population under authority of the Gurkani dynasty are done through a variety of methods, such as allowing the Shi'ite clergy into the Court of the Sultan and held theological debates in Efsahan and Yazd. In the conflict against the Qizilbash, policies to eclipse the power are conducted, including the positioning of the Taymiyyah Order in Yazd and the creation of a slave army based on the ghulams introduced by the Savafids and the various ethnicities that flourished during the Georgian Empire.
- Sultanate of Ifriqiya: Sultan Yousef ibn Ibrahim would offer his eldest son and heir, Hakim (b. 1532), to the Court of the Mansa in Mali, in hopes of strengthening relations between the northern and western realm [Mali Response Needed]. Due to the adoption of the printing press, pirated works from Europe see en-masse translation into Arabic and Berber, enlightening the period of darkness in canonizing Ifriqiya. This would formally occur upon the publication of "Barbaria", the canonical history of northern Africa since its independence from the Umayyad Caliphate. Piracy begins to increase under the authority of Admiral Nasser Barbary.
Kingdom of Mutapa: Gemba offers the Portuguese full northern coastal rights and his weight in in gold if they decide to help us instead.(Portuguese Player response) He also offers the Gaz Empire an alliance and offers to upkeep the roads built in the nation. (Mod response.) Scholars continue to experiment with the water wheel while textiles begin to bring in good money. Looking to reestablish access to the coast, old maps are brought out and Gemba sends and expedition past the great escarpment. Gemba army makes great use of horses riding the Swahili flatlands with great haste. He begins to move his forces towards the coast aiming for the fishing town of Mzizima. King increases mining efforts in preparation of founding a new port city. His interest in metals leads to send a scholar to find one of the small blast furnaces in the Indian quarter of lusvingo and writes how it works. And sees the hardened iron coming out of it. He takes his findings and has books made a at the library.
Kingdom of Hungary: Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items. The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. We ask Byzantium if they have a daughter so Peter can marry. (Rome Empire player respond)

- Banate of Bosnia: Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
- Banate of Severin: The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
- Disease Theory to justify this action does not yet exist.
Kingdom of Belgium "Vryheid is ons Reght": The caloosa accept Willem Jan's demand, Willem Jan marches 550 soldiers into caloosa territory. Willem setting up another military camp called Fort Kalus, and offering the tribes Protection under the RHC (Mod response). The plan being to set up client states in Broekzand Peninsula, The peninsula being renamed Panterwal .The peninsula being seen as a very fertile and rich in natural resources. The main resource in Herdersvlakte being the sheep as more and more Herders enter the land to graze their sheep and sell the their wool. The wool being needed in Belgia as the Lakenhallen require good quality and great quantity wool, the Lakenhallen being one of the main producers of goods. As laken is often sold to foreign nations for Gold which in turn is used to buy the goods from the African and Asian market. The lands used by the herders thus growing along the great river, as it provided with an easy source of water and drinking for the sheep. While in Vigny Jean Frans gets the order that directly after the battle he is to send his 12,000 soldiers, the plan being soon make peace with Arles and Messin. The plan being to establish peace and ensure continues border of Belgia to her southern border, Jan Juliaen Dekremer wanting to ensure the safety of the Belgian borders. The ultimate goal being to get trade into Belgium and have a everlasting peace and stability.
- They accept.
Empire of Japan: The last few years has seen the Empire restricted in its expansions across the west coast as certain amounts of administrative over-reach, lack of intense direct support from the homeland, and in finality the need to break certain Japanese traditions regarding red meat to augment food supply occuring. This restricts quite a bit of the expansion and focus instead goes from trying to secure more coastal territory to expanding the existing settlements. Kenzo, Yamamoto and Amaterasu see an increase in population. However, the small fort to the south of Kenzo has become depopulated due to a rampant lack of food and poor water. This prompts the failure of a trade guild associated with the Kyoto Zaibatsu and a new ship is contracted by a larger associative trade guild to re-establish the colony. 100 men arrive renaming the settlement Fort Tanaka after the expeditions leader and he sets up the post a bit farther south attempting to avoid some of the water and food issues. The former colonies inhabitants are given a traditional burial and a shrine is built on the remains of the colony. Back in Asia, the Japanese support for Maguindanao and Tondo in their expansion efforts sees more territory in Mindanao and Tondo expanding lightly in Masbate island. The Japanese army embarks on a series of training operations for its army. This year the abilities of a regional army to be sent abroad is tested as Motonari Mori and an Imperial General, Hideyoshi Tetsuko (of the famed Tetsuko clan) are sent with 20,000 troops to Manzhuguo. The force arrives and immediately begins to train alongside the 10,000 strong Manzhuguo regional army. The two armies begin to train heavily in order to test their training and mettle. The Imperial army in order to save money for this operation is demobilized for the duration. However, with many able to just simply take their weapons home or being close to their barracks, they are able to respond should the need arise. The expanding trade influence of Japan now reaches India as multiple open trades are conducted with the myriad states in India hoping to increase trade income from the region. Trade has also notably increased from the Abbasid Caliphate as the two empires have started much more regular trade again following their titanic but distant war.

Roman Empire: As the civil war approaches the one decade Odysseus Hasapis sees his opportunity. He raises his forces from Tyras and his personal allies in Wallachia and Dobruja. These men he compels to march south to end the fighting. He aligns himself with Manuel against John, bringing to bear a new force of 18,000 men and an experienced general. With this new influx of troops and finally a good leader Manuel and Odysseus go on the offensive. Their assault proves more successful than before, but after a series of missteps, John’s superior generalship proves enough to reach a tenuous stalemate. In the interests of the empire, the Senate, an organization of several prominent nobles, and Odysseus himself demand an end to the fighting. With 24,000 men raised and the tacit support of the various Strategoi of the Themata, they demand that John and Manuel either cease fighting and come to an agreement or they will find someone else in the Palaiologian Dynasty or elsewhere to serve as Emperor. They also demand greater rights and the formalization of such rights under a new legal code. This new code grants protections to all property owners from seizure and redistribution by the government, reduces the power of the emperor even further, and extends senatorial voting privileges to all landowners of a defined wealth value. A consortium of bankers, flush with money repaid from Georgian and Russian loans offer Spain a bailout in exchange for a percent of their Meridian gold imports over the next few decades. (Mod Response)
- Spain would agree to this for no more than 2%
- Done.
Saxony: The Catholic Jessen League, illegal since the backlash against Catholics that followed the Wittenberg Massacre, orchestrated by the League, devises a plot to assassinate the entire Supreme Ratia by stocking large amounts of gunpowder underneath them as they gather to vote in a new President. They have been preparing for this for years, and their spies have infiltrated the Ratian Union government itself. (RNG for assassination).
- Mod Response: The gunpowder does not ignite and the UJRR finds it. They have suspects, but no firm leads.

1560

Influenza slowly spreads into West Africa through the Saharan trade routes, ultimately spreading across the much of the eastern territories. The spread of the sickness, in addition to the unrest that has begun to circulate following their failure in securing Ashanti, has led to a schism among the aristocracy and the structure of the Mali Empire, leading to a myriad of Emirs and Sultans in the East to exert their own authority over much of Bornu, although this does not currently disrupt the Gbara. Meanwhile, descendents of the Children of the Antouman relocate to Jabal Asada.

In the war against the Funj Sultanate, Emperor Menas of Ethiopia begins to rely further on the aristocracy of Empire, ceding power to the nobility in an effort to supply and provide resources to take avenge for his father's death in the Battle of Kassala. This would mark a shift in the Ethiopian Empire, for the Emperor's continued reliance on the nobility would mark a shift in the balance of power.

A total solar eclipse can be viewed from Europe. The Starkists in the Hanseatic League, as usual, believe this to be a sign of the end times. A preacher in Brunswick gathers supporters to March on the city and take it over. By the time the plan is executed, twelve people show up, the others believing the attack was to take place the following week. By the following week, the Starkists have forgotten about the eclipse.

A daring raid on Spanish treasure ships by pirates becomes infamous throughout the Caribbean. The same thing happens to a Lotharingian fleet later this year. These two events concern traders and cause a significant decrease in trade through the West Indies. The Golden Age of Piracy has begun!

In Lotharingia, a rodent plague causes a significant decline in the squirrel population.

Mali Empire: Emperor Mansa Musa, third of that name since Sundiata, was soon close to the end of his life. He read all the epics and history of the Mali Empire, from the early life of Mansa Musa I, through the Prophecies of Abu Yunus, through the conquests of Ibn Ismail and Yahya Qamar. And Musa knew that all the history of Mali, their great books of history and foreign-produced maps, was preserved for all time, for later generations to remember and be proud of, and no one can ever take that away. And Musa was happy. Because it was never power or knowledge that he was seeking, but peace. All the people of Niani came to mourn and weep at his feet, and begged him not to go and leave them, but he told them to take comfort. All good things must end, except for Allah only. The time for weeping has passed, and the time has come to instead be grateful of the blessings we still have. "Death", he said, "Is a blessing from God, to remove us from this world after we have lived long enough to benefit it. If we lived forever, in our corrupted carnal state, the world would only get worse and worse". This was a paraphrase of the work On Death by Idris of Segu. He also further quoted the Sundiata, which have been words held fast by ever emperor since the first Keitas "God works with us in mysterious ways. You may be a king, and there is nothing you can do about it. You, however, may not be so lucky, and there is nothing you can do about that either. Each man finds his way already marked out for him and he can change nothing of it." And with those words, Musa left this life, the last great king of Mali, and Uli his son succeeded him. These words have since been spread across the empire, as a mantra of the West African dialects that are shortened to "No worry" or "Hakuna matata". Mansa Uli III was previously the King of Wagadugu, having been installed after the Mossi king was executed. Uli conceeded to the Gbara with the decentralization of the Mali Empire, effectively granting further autonomy to the indirect vassals of the empire. The imperialist faction from the Waalo Kingdom strongly opposed this, and even threatened to place his brother Simba on the throne instead. Uli knew that a civil conflict would soon appear, but there was nothing he could do to prevent it, seeing the ultimate decline of the Mali Empire as inevitble. His son, Addas, had a different idea. Addas approached a shaman in the remote rural countryside of the Senegal River, the exact same place Musa I traveled to after being exiled. The shaman first asked Addas if he wants his future told, and to this Addas refused, saying that he already can see the future of Mali before his eyes, its inevitbly decline and fall. To this the shaman asked, if he wants to see a different future. This was now a startling revelation to Addas: every Shaman sees multiple possible futures, visions of other worlds, but only one ever comes to pass. So Addas said yes, he wants to see a new fate for Mali, as any other world should surely be better than this one.
Kingdom of Portugal:Queen Cirí visits the town of Gordes where she holds a speech meantioning the soon to be 200 years of Portuguese rule.After this she travels to the different colonies and funds infrastructure and hsopitals to increase population.The funeral of King Antonio takes place this year,thre eyears delayed due to a series of unfortunate events srruonding his body.
Kingdom of Belgium "Vryheid is ons Reght": More fury and anger Jan Juliaen Dekremer attacks with his full army the city of Metz, Jan Juliaen once more demanding the surrender of the city. Jan Juliaen seeing the siege and their refusal to surender, causes unneeded death and distruction. Thus Dekremer Jan Juliaen continue's the attack and fires Dulle griet more and more cannons balls at the walls of Metz. This bombardment combined with a charge eventualy captures the city and High the Fearless, a great arlesois general and leader. With this capture of a great leader, The Groot Belgische Raad now pushes for peace. Thus the Groot belgische sends a message to Arles offering peace, and a truce until the peace treaty can be signed (Mod response). Jan Juliaen Dekremer also looking into heavier taxation of the realm as to be able to give some money to both Spain, Hungary and Russia for their aid, as the troops were send in to help Lotharingia. Alltough this name change was only a form of formality, the Help from Hungary coming due to the ties between the Hungarian king and Godfried I of Belgium. The economy mostly trade towards Germany and Europe slowing down greatly, as many cities and places were destroyed or disrupted by troop movement. The plan being to greatly reduce the Belgian army and relly more and more on the Local Guards of the Klein Belgische raden. Which are slightly less diciplined but have greater morale and more geographic informed about their own region, and alot cheaper. In Panterwal with the Calusa accepting vasalage, both Fort Majeimi and Damiaenburght growing from Millitary camps into towns. These millitary posts getting more merchants coming for the trade that can be done with the natives and the land that's available, where they can hunt and aquire very dangerous furs and pelts. Thus Majeimi and Damiaenstad becoming into being even if they are still part of the millitary towns, they have more towns and a population of 800 for Majeimi and 600 for Damiaenstad. This succes being in great contrast with Nieuw Jersey which has trouble atracting any people outside the original crew of the ships.
Tsardom of Russia: Capitalizing on the successful expulsion of the Polish army from Novgorod Manikis and the young Dimitry no longer acting under an alias and instead joining the Aged Manikis to fight. A reorganization of the Novgorod and Tver Garrisons begins to prepare for an invasion of Poland. Meanwhile, the young Levan is brought up to assist with the reorganization and prepare for the uncoming campaigning season. The health of Konstantin takes a serious decline due to the stres in his personal life and the managing of the state and war. construction of the new war galleys continues. posting full thing tomorrow sorry cant to tired rightnow.
Saxony: Wolfgang, the Duke of Saxony, suspects the Catholics were behind the attempt to blow up the Supreme Ratia last year, and heightens anti-Catholic laws in his Duchy. Once again, the Jessen League has only made things worse for themselves. Nevertheless, they are persistent, and decide to try again. Large amounts of gunpowder are smuggled into an area behind the Supreme Ratia building where all the garbage is dumped, disguised as rubbish. By the end of the year, everything is ready. (RNG for assassination). Meanwhile, Northen Catholics elsewhere in Jessen resent the Latin College of Cardinals' continued electing of an antipope despite having already accepted the Pope of the NCC. In an imitation of the Gunpowder Plot conducted by the Black Hand years before, they smuggle large amounts of gunpowder into the city. In advance, they bribe the head of the Papal secret police a large amount of money, with more to come following the incident, with possibly lands and titles granted by the Pope too. (RNG assassination). Meanwhile, Saxony offers to help Hansea protect their overseas territories in exchange for a Meridian territory for itself. (Hanseatic Response). Kolias Kape the explorer developed what was known as the "Kape Plan", during his stay with the Iroquois and independently of his European sponsors, to incorporate the Iroquois Confederacy into the Holy Roman Empire. After convincing various Iroquois chiefs, and most important of all the High Chief Hiawatha (who was never seen, but rather communicated supposedly via the entrails of dead birds and the sun), Kape prepared a hastily compiled treaty, engraved onto a rock, to confirm the Iroquois Confederacy as a member-state of the HRE, and sailed back to Europe, with the "Iroquois ambassador to Europe", Chief Hochadler (one of the first native Meridians to set foot in Europe). He presented the treaty to the Holy Roman Emperor, who was initially confused but confirmed the Iriquois as part of his Empire. Wolfgang, the Duke and Prince-Elector of Saxony commissioned the construction of a tapestry depicting all the previous Dukes of Saxony: Engelbert I, Henry IV, Wenceslaus III, Engelbert II, and Edmund Alwin. Among them are their numerous friends and fellow rulers: Henry of Bohemia, the Counts and Dukes of Lenzburg, the Thin White Duke, the Beauforts and the Yorkists, the side-burned hero of the snowy west, Ermenaric, the Count of Nassau the poet, the adventurer Shadrach de la Marck, Wolfgang of Thuringia laughing with Edmund Alwin, Agnes the Duchess of Hesse, denouncing and assassinating the various Popes lined up elsewhere in the picture, her short-tempered father Hermann, the Archbishop of Mainz, surprised by his birthday party, William II of France wearing a dress and high heels, Charles the Duke of Brandenburg with his 'phantom time theory', Sir Dolphus Thurn and Frederick of Hohenzollern, Philip II the Upright poisoning people with arsenic disguised as liquorice, Sigismund II of Poland, the Princes of Finland, the Kings of Hungary, the great Tsar of Russia, the Meises with their tablets and angels, the Jungs and Freud and Breuer, King Henry of Denmark with his beloved dogs, Wilhelm Jekyll the legendary musician and singer, Emperors Ottokar and Jaromir and Henry IX, with Hugh the Heir glaring down, Louise de la Marck flaunting her Madchenhose, the Head of Celle, the skeletons of great beasts on display at Wittenberg University, the Engelberts - dogs, and hats - and all the other wonders of the world.
Roman Empire: Odysseus and his allies make progress in compelling peace. John and Manuel agree to lay down their arms and marry their daughter and son respectively to end the rivalry. John will be named a Kaisar and granted some limited powers within the government, only checked by the Senate. Manuel will continue on as Emperor. The end of the fighting sees a re-stylization of the empire. The Verginian Star is added to the Imperial Penant, to reflect the return of John’s faction to the imperial fold. The resulting flag features the traditional Betas in the lower left and upper right quadrants and Verginian Stars on a blue field on the upper left and lower right quadrants. Recovery from the civil war begins in earnest as the Senate convenes in full to explore paying off imperial debts, compensating soldiers on both sides, and overall reunifying the people under a moderated, senatorial rule. Odysseus Hasapis’ story does not end there though. He is quickly elected as Speaker of the Senate, a position of his creation, granting him power over legislation rivalling even the emperor. His capital at Tulcea, though not a rival to Constantinople in size, grows massively over the next decades into a large administrative center commanding nearly unprecedented control over the Danube and trade in the east.
Kingdom of Mutapa: Gemba continues his campaign paying men to seize trade shops that come close enough to the coast in the Swahili confederacy. The town of Gemba is founded (OTL Maptuo) and stolen ships are held there. He offers Gaz to rejoin the nation (Mod response). Gemba continues to upkeep the roads and begins to fortify the gold regions. Research on the water wheel continues. Textiles begin to undergo dying techniques with intricate patterns. This textile type becomes very popular among the populace. Envoys are sent north.
Kingdom of England: With the support of King Edward X of England, RETEC continues their previous diplomatic efforts to try to approach the Hanseatic leadership to see if they can work out some sort of deal regarding the Meridian colonies that would benefit both parties. (Hanseatic response)
Poland: Poland gathered troops and invaded Moldavia to push it to east of Southern Buh.

Game is on Hold until Further Notice

Footnotes

MERVEILLES DV MONDE
V ♦ T ♦ E

MCCXCV

Archives List
13th century	14th century	15th century	16th century	17th century	18th century	19th century	20th century
1290-1299	1300-1309 1310-1319 1320-1329 1330-1339 1340-1349 1350-1359 1360-1369 1370-1379 1380-1389 1390-1399	1400-1409 1410-1419 1420-1429 1430-1439 1440-1449 1450-1459 1460-1469 1470-1479 1480-1489 1490-1499	1500-1509 1510-1519 1520-1529 1530-1539 1540-1549 1550-1559 1560-1569 1570-1579 1580-1589 1590-1599	1600-1609 1610-1619 1620-1629 1630-1639 1640-1649 1650-1659 1660-1669 1670-1679 1680-1689 1690-1699	1700-1709 1710-1719 1720-1729 1730-1739 1740-1749 1750-1759 1760-1769 1770-1779 1780-1789 1790-1799	1800-1809 1810-1819 1820-1829 1830-1839 1840-1849 1850-1859 1860-1869 1870-1879 1880-1889 1890-1899	1900-1909 1910-1919 1920-1929 1930-1939 1940-1949 1950-1959 1960-1869 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999 }}

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+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.
+Marco 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.
-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.
+'''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 ...
-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....
 ==Map==
-[[File:MdM_Base.png|600px|center]]
+[[File:1555 MDM Map.png|center|600px]]
 ==Moderators==
-*Death: [[user:CrimsonAssassin|Curmudgeonly yours]] - [[User Talk:CrimsonAssassin|Crim]] 01:38, October 14, 2019 (UTC)
+*Greed: [[user:TheCrimsonOracle|Crim]] ([[User talk:TheCrimsonOracle|talk]])
-*Famine: [[User:Nathan1123]]
+*Pride: [[User:Nathan1123|Nathan1123]] ([[User talk:Nathan1123|talk]])
+*Wrath: [[User:Feudy McPlagueface|Feudy McPlagueface]] ([[User talk:Feudy McPlagueface|talk]])
-*Pestilence: [[User:Reximus55]]
-*War: [[User:Tullin]]
+*Gluttony: [[User:Tullin|Tullin]] ([[User talk:Tullin|talk]])
+*Sloth: [[User:SolaceEaSw|Solace]] ([[User talk:SolaceEaSw|talk]])
+*Envy: [[User:ShadowVIPR|Dren]] ([[User talk:ShadowVIPR|talk]])
+*Lust: [[User:77topaz|Topaz]] ([[User talk:77topaz|talk]])
 ==Important Pages==
-*[[Rules and Algorithm (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)]]
+*[[Rules and Algorithm (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)|Rules and Algorithm]]
-*[[Alliances (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)]]
+*[[Religion (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)|Religion]]
-*[[Holy Roman Empire (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)]]
+*[[Holy Roman Empire (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)|Holy Roman Empire]]
-*[[Feudal Dynasty (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)]]
+*[[College of Cardinals (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)|College of Cardinals]]
-*[[College of Cardinals (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)]]
+*[[Nations (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)|Nations]]
-*[[Nations (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)]]
+*[[Flags (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)|Flags]]
+*[[Treaties (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)|Treaties]]
+*[[Wars (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)|Wars]]
+*[[List of monarchs (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)|List of monarchs]]
 ==The Game==
-===1300===
+===1550===
+<u>'''With Pope Zephyrinus II still vacant from Rome after several years, the College of Cardinals in Rome elects Francis Xavier as Leo XII.'''</u>
-<u>'''The dawn of a new century is marked by Pope Boniface VIII declaring a jubilee year. This marks the first Christian jubilee, and is aimed at promoting unity among Christendom and the forgiveness of sins to pilgrims who visit the Holy City of Rome.'''</u>
+<u>'''The Scrooby Congregation of Manchester unites with another group led by preacher John Smyth, forming the largest group of Presbyterians in the British isles. The city of Portsmouth begins to house a sizeable Wagnerist minority, with a native named Cyril Burt publishing an extensive and soon widespread new translation of the Bible in English, known as the Burt Bible.'''</u>
-<u>'''With Naples' victory in Potenza, Frederick III marches his army back to the south of Italy. He is emboldened by Pope Boniface VIII's abrogation of the Treaty of Anagni and recognition of Frederick as rightful King of Sicily. His forces continue to occupy much of southern Italy.'''</u>
+<u>'''In Europe with deveolopments in Pistol technology, the Pistol replaces the use of the lance. The wheellock pistol is used with the cavelry, the pistol only being afordable for those who have enough for a lance.'''</u>
-<u>'''In northern Italy, the war between Venice and Genoa continues to rage. This has opened an opportunity for the Milanese to serve as bankers to much of Europe. However, the number of loans being issued by the bank houses of Milan are quickly growing to be vast. In nearby Siena, the Gran Tavola bank fails which leads to a chain reaction and a speculative crisis. Many creditors fear that the costly wars in northern Europe and southern Europe will prove too costly. (Currency debasement penalty for Milan, Genoa, Denmark, Bohemia, Papal States, and Sweden).'''</u>
+<u>'''The summit level canal between Alster and the Trave in Germany ceases to be navigable.'''</u>
-<u>'''With Bohemia experiencing economic troubles and a lack of credit, the election of a king of Poland is a much closer-run contest. Władysław the Elbow-high, who nominally supported Wenceslaus of Bohemia, comes only a few votes shy of Wenceslaus. The nation remains under split occupation, however, with the Golden Horde still possessing parts of the country.'''</u>
+<u>'''In West Africa a war breaks out between the Ashanti Empire and the Oyo Empire. Ashanti Warrior-King Agyenim Tuffour leads the rapid conquest having secured support among his people through marriage and charisma. His leadership proves impressive and he personally strikes down the Oyo Emperor in the heat of battle.'''</u>
-<u>'''The Golden Horde has its own challenges, however. Toqta Khan begins to make serious progress against the overstretched Horde, with his forces riding toward Sarai Batu, the capital of the Khanate. As he has gone unchallenged this past year, he has gained greater momentum as well with his troops now numbering 35,000.'''</u>
+<u>'''The Viceroyalty of New Spain imports chocolate to Europe from Mesoameirca, the traditional delicacy of the Huestec elites, is now being served in compact candies among European nobility.'''</u>
-<u>'''Like its fellow Horde to the north, the Ilkhanate is also experiencing severe challenges. In the Sultanate of Rûm, the arrival of Muslims from Cyprus along with the Armenian Christian missionaries leads to a boiling over of tensions. With Kayqubad III's reliance on Mongol traditions, rather than Turko-Persian culture, he sees his realm fall into a civil war - led by Osman Gazi.'''</u>
+<u>'''Prince Peter V of Moldavia abdicates in favor of his son, Alexander III. Being a rather ambitious military background, Alexander reorganizes the military of Moldavia in preparation of further expansion. This new military is largely composed of Cumanian vassal clans across the lower Bug River'''</u>
-<u>'''Elsewhere in the Ilkhanate, the unchecked revolt in Baghdad has led to the formation of a temporary theocratic Muslim government based out of that city. The Abbasid Caliph, a puppet of the Mamluks, calls upon all righteous Muslims to engage in subversion and internal war against the Christianizing Ilkhanate. The call is taken up by Öljaitü, brother of Ghazan.'''</u>
+<u>'''In the heart of the densest part of the Yucatan, the City-State of Tayasal throws off Spanish control of the region, utilizing the harsh conditions of the jungle to ensure their independence, as the last remnant of the ancient Mayan Empire. This effectively creates a "hole" in the Viceroyalty in the middle of the Yucatan.'''</u>
-<u>'''The Indian subcontinent sees a small change in the balance of power, as Delhi annexes Gujarat.'''</u>
+<u>'''The Sabhani Empire launches their campaign to unite the Ganges River, invading the Janpur Sultanate to the south. The achieve a decisive victory at the end of the year by capturing the city of Lucknow.'''</u>
-<u>'''The scene after the Battle of Sønderborg is one of absolute horror. According to a priest in the castle, the battlefield is strewn with frozen corpses huddled around burned-out fires, putrid fields of bones from human and animal alike, and objects of any kind with bite marks or teeth left from where some soul grew desperate and hungry enough to eat anything for nourishment. If rumors are to be believed, murders of crows circle the devastated castle. Dante Aligheri would write later on this event, depicting Erik VI as an Antichrist. Sønderborg remains in a dire situation, with Swedes and Danish nobles regrouping to finish the job off.'''</u>
+<u>'''Altan Khan, a direct descendent of the Genghisid/Yuan dynasty, takes control over the Buryat Khaganate in Central Asia. Having consolidated power over the disparate Mongolian clans that have migrated since the fall of the Northern Yuan, he seeks new ways to legitimize his rule as successor of the Great Khans. So far he primarily does this by standardizing Buddhism in the region, and encouraging the Northern Silk Road.'''</u>
-<u>'''As soon as John I of Holland had died, the vast majority of nobles in Holland and Zeeland recognized the Duke of Brabant as the successor. However, John of Hainaut, the regent of Holland, refused to accept this change of dynasty, and mounted 800 retainers in Den Hague. He also began to raise considerable defenses in Hainaut in case of having to fight Brabant on two fronts.'''</u>
+<u>'''In Borneo, the Brunei Sultanate begins to greatly expand and vassalizes the states immediately bordering them. The Sultan Saiful Rijal reaches out to the Spanish and Portuguese for purchasing modern armaments for his nation, in exchange for access to the spice trade.'''</u>
-* '''Kingdom of Sweden:''' Having decided that the army cannot maintain the siege of Sønderborg Castle for another brutal winter, the allied Dano-Swedish force of 36,000 men decides to relocate north temporarily to regroup and resupply. Before they move north, however, the army makes sure to send raiding parties to every village, town, farm and market south of the Tonder River. These raiding parties seize any supplies Eric could use from the local peasantry and burn whatever they cannot carry, including crops and animals. '''The raiding parties thoroughly strip the land bare, effectively preventing Eric from resupplying his forces. With no supplies, Eric's forces in Sønderborg stay in the miserable condition they emerged after the battle. The allied army will then be able to effectively finish off Eric and his starved, battered forces. '''Laden with supplies plundered from the lands south of the Tonder, the army moves north and camps at Aabenraa. Before leaving, Christopher and Birger also leave dozens of sentries, spies, and riders around Sønderborg Castle to monitor Eric’s actions and also report if Eric’s army leaves the castle. Once at Aabenraa the army again sends parties of raiders but to destroy all bridges over the Tonder and sends men to guard the few fords over the river. The army also fortifies Aabenraa, building makeshift fortifications around the town and digging trenches as well as placing stakes around Aabenraa. Additionally, scouts are regularly deployed to patrol the lands south of the Tonder River to continue informing King Birger and Christopher of Eric’s forces’ movements. '''The Dano-Swedish army plans to effectively trap Eric beneath the Tonder River, where, without supplies or funds, his men will starve.''' Additionally, by blocking the river the Dano-Swedish Army prevents Eric from communicating with the rest of Denmark and prevents him from raising any more men. Meanwhile, the Danish and Swedish allied commanders learn from their mistakes at the First Siege of Sønderborg and begin amassing a huge amount of supplies at Aabenraa, aiming to have a supply train with enough to last them three years. Additionally, the army takes this time to rest and train. The army also begins cutting down trees to begin constructing siege engines, specifically trebuchets, battering rams, and siege ladders, with the army planning to return to Sønderborg Castle and besiege it in 1301. While the army regroups and resupplies, King Christopher holds Court in Aabenraa, where he hears petitions from peasants, disputes between different towns, and does his best to resolve the situation, under the supervision and counsel of the Danish nobles. King Christopher’s actions in running the Kingdom solidifies his appearance as the King of Denmark, whilst Eric, trapped and starving at Sønderborg Castle, seems only a rebel. The Swedish fleet is also concentrated near the coast near Sønderborg Castle, preventing any resupply efforts from the sea. News of the Pope’s blessings reaches the armies, and the morale of the army is raised as King Christopher receives a Dannebrog personally blessed by the Pope himself. A letter with the Dannebrog reads: “As God sent you the first Dannebrog in the Year of Our Lord 1219 to defeat the heathens at the Battle of Lyndanisse, so to do I now send you this Dannebrog to carry into battle against Eric the Anti-Christ and his anti-Christian forces.” The Dannebrog is proudly displayed, and the receipt of the Pope’s gift and blessings raises the army’s morale incredibly high, with many Danish and Swedish nobles and soldiers resolving to fight to the end to dethrone Eric the Heathen. Additionally, news reaches the men of Milan’s refusal to send funds to Eric, further bolstering morale and confirming King Christopher as the rightful King of Denmark. Priests are again sent throughout Denmark to spread news of the Pope’s blessings and gift to King Christopher and further weaken Eric’s support from the peasantry. Now viewed as the anti-Christ and now known by nobles and peasant alike as “Eric the Anti-Christ”, the peasants of Denmark pledge their loyalty to Christopher, who is seen as heroically attempting to fulfill the Pope’s desire to dethrone Eric.
+<u>'''Anna of Bavaria (1475-1550), an unmarried aunt of Duke Otto VI/VIII of Bavaria, dies of natural causes.'''</u>
-* '''Georgia:''' The 14th-century in Georgia begins with a general sense of optimism and renewed confidence in its future. Having successfully reunified Georgia, as well as securing lost territories in Armenia and Shirvani, David VIII is bestowed with the title of "The Great" by the Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch. To portray him as a merciful and morally just leader, David VIII frees Constantine I and his court – restoring them their property and wealth while granting them control over khevis (second-level administrative units that are under duchies). This move nevertheless garners much awe and respect; even from Western nobles originally resisting reunification. As per tradition, David VIII continues the patronage of the Gelati and Ikalto monasteries – especially the former, where Queen Tamar the Great's remains are purportedly held. The Georgian army is reduced to regulars; the Monaspa (Royal Guard) and Naqivchaqari amount to 10,000 men each. The forces that constitute the Georgian expedition to the Ilkhanate is replenished and remains stable at ~5,000. The settlements of Batumi and Tskhumi (or Sokhumi) are to be heavily fortified. Meanwhile, two fortresses are built in Sumqayit and Gagra, respectively. The rich mineral wealth of the Kartli (copper) and Imereti (silver) regions begin to be more heavily exploited, which together with the incorporation of new taxable subjects have resulted in a recovering Treasury. As a result, the veterans of the War of Reunification are relatively well-paid – though some are also paid in land grants, particularly in the region of Shirvani. A ban is placed on the outflow of bullion (though there are some exceptions) to facilitate the recovery of the Georgian economy. To further expand the tax base, commerce – in particular, external trade – is encouraged. Merchant and craftsmen guilds in the capital of Tbilisi and the port of Batumi proliferate. The main trading goods continue to be wool, felt, wine, and enamels. However, cotton cultivation is encouraged and workshops begin to manufacture silks (using raw silk from the East) due to the vacuum left by the receding Italian merchant republics.
-*'''Kingdom of Denmark:''' Having emerged heroically victorious over the Swedish and their auxiliaries, King Eric and the rest of his troops regroup with the Danish navy on the coast nearby and leave Sønderborg for their other fortress of Aalholm Castle in southern Lolland by ship as a large Danish naval attack is launched on the Swedish fleet to keep them occupied. The court reestablishes itself at Aalholm, as word of the devastation caused by the Swedes and the remaining nobles supporting Christopher reaches the other parts of Denmark, causing further hatred and fear of the Swedish invader for the deliberate destruction of the land and causing unnecessary harm to the people. Despite the dispute with the Pope much of the clergy likewise continues to remain loyal to the King, including Martin of Dacia (as in OTL), understanding that the Pope has been deceived by the devil-worshiping nobles and the corrupted Swedish king, and that Eric is in fact doing God's work. Despite all of their empty festivities and celebrating, Christopher and the nobles remain thoroughly unpopular and King Eric is received by the people as the rightful king when he arrives on Lolland with his troops, setting up his court at Aalholm Castle. Eric's preachers and supporters that are traveling throughout Denmark and spread word of the victory at Sønderborg, that in spite of being vastly outnumbered, Eric and his Danish army heroically stood firm and defeated the Swedes, and how can anyone be defeated despite having the advantage and claim to be truly on the side of God? The Swedish foreign invader and the traitor Christopher is only viewed with ever more disgust among the peasantry as the magnates' rebellion has only brought destruction to the land. King Eric and his forces, arriving at Aalholm Castle, recuperate from the losses and begin preparing Aalholm and the rest of Lolland for the inevitable Swedish attack.
-**'''Kingdom of Sweden:''' The sentries and spies left around Sønderborg Castle notice the increased activity within the castle and discover Eric the Anti-Christ's army moving out of the castle. The sentries quickly send riders to notify King Christopher and King Birger, who rapidly concentrate their forces, break camp and march south to confront Eric's army in the open. Out of the 36,000 men, 3,000 are sent to secure Sønderborg Castle, abandoned my Eric, to cut off his escape and retreat. The 33,000 men of the allied Dano-Swedish army then ambush Eric's unsuspecting, weakened and tired forces after they leave the castle. Caught out in the open, Eric's diminished forces must now face the allied army in an open battle with no castle to hide behind. Additionally, the blockade by the Swedish fleet means that Eric cannot escape by sailing away, as he has done so cowardly in the past. There is no escape from God's wrath. The Dano-Swedish Army, rested and resupplied and with their morale raised by the Pope's blessing, prepare for battle with Eric the Anti-Christ.
-* '''Yuan China:''' The siege of Samarakand continues, with Temür Khan ordering his men to continue entrenching themselves around the city and killing any messengers and spies that attempt to escape. The offer of support from Nogai Khan is accepted by Temür Khan, who believes that the support from his fellow khan was directed by Christ himself. Though a hard fought battle, the outcome in favor of his army has convinced Temür Khan that the crucifix handed to him by the Nestorian monks was indeed imbued with the holy power of God and the Virgin Mary. '''With such divine intervention on his behalf from the Lord Jesus, Temür Khan resolves to completely accept Christ into his life and become a warrior of God in Asia. He instructs the Christian clerics captured during the campaign into Chagatai to baptize both him and his men in the nearby Zeravshan River, and orders his men to join him in the baptism as well, proclaiming that Jesus Christ has given their enemy into their hands, and that with Christ, the rest of Asia shall follow.''' Thus, high off of their recent victory, the Mongol and Chinese warriors with the emperor shout in favor of the proclamation, and jump into the river as well, likewise believing that the battle was given to their emperor by Christ, and that the defeat of the Chagatai Mongols was the result of their being forsaken by Tengri. To commemorate the result, the emperor instructs that a small Christian shrine be constructed on the battlefield, and hands it over to the Christian leaders who baptized him in the river. Temür Khan rationalizes that the Heavenly Father Tengri and the Earth Mother Eje must surely have been Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary all along, with several of his generals stating that they likely withdraw their blessings from the Chagatai Mongols for failing to acknowledge this truth, and thus sent the Yuan armies to destroy them for their impertinence. This belief is encouraged by the Christian monks present within the Yuan forces, who see this rationalization as an effective means by which to introduce the Christian faith into Mongol ranks and spread it among the Chinese. Temür Khan sends a letter back to the imperial court and his fellow Christian sympathizers within its ranks regarding the victory at Samarkand and his public conversion and baptism into the faith. While he notes that the soldiers with him have fully embraced the faith, but warns the court that there may be those within the ranks of the commoners who do not respect his position as emperor well enough to properly remember their place within the hierarchy of Yuan-dominated China. As such, Chinese soldiers who had been fond of the Christian faith after it was reintroduced into the empire by the Mongols fifty years ago, have been reorganized into wholly Christian units, and rotated into the imperial army and reserve forces surrounding Beijing in preparation for the emperor's return. Back in China proper, the development of the continues as usual, with new towns and infrastructure being developed to accommodate the new lands in the north under the provincial administrations there. The Liaoyang province continues to encourage the development of settled communities in Manchuria, with new roads and inns being built to help accommodate the influx of trade from the south, as well as the movement of nomadic settlers from the north. These individuals are attracted to the possibility of earning a decent income from the new urban expansion programs in Acheng and the surrounding environs, as well as the rural development to help sustain the towns going up within the central basin region. In the Lingbei province, several thousand households have settled down within the walls of Karakorum and Uliastai, where trade into the region has prompted a large amount of wealth to be spread into the province for the people to attain for themselves. This has attracted many Chinese subjects to migrate into the region as with Manchuria to take advantage of the new opportunities available to them in the area. Naval expansion continues as usual, with a seven ''wei'' of vessels and crewmen added to the fleets of China. Another 200,000 Chinese soldiers have been drilled in the new system of military doctrine in use within the Yuan army, and are assigned to their various posts throughout the country by the Ministry of War. Several of the units consist of mixed ethnic groups speaking the common Han Chinese language, and are assigned to the two northern provinces where they will begin garrisoning the new towns under expansion there. In particular, one of the 10,000-man strong ''wàn'' assigned to the Lingbei Province has been composed of a nearly equal mix of Mongols, Han Chinese, Koreans, Yue, Miao and Uyghurs, all speaking Mandarin Chinese as per the direction of the Ministry of War. It is hoped that this system will become more widespread throughout China, serving as an example of the empire Temür Khan wishes to build. Within Korea, the integration of that protectorate into China proper continues, with Korean bureaucrats being sent to other parts of the empire to staff offices in distance provinces, while more and more Koreans are sent to Beijing to partake in the imperial examinations and administer Korea using the Chinese system of governance. Marriages are officiated according to Chinese rites and laws, and more and more of the Chinese ''jiaochao'' currency is being pumped into Korea as the only permitted form of financial transaction between Korean and Chinese merchants, helping to further economically integrate Korea into the empire. 50,000 Chinese soldiers are assigned to Korea for the protection of the peninsula against Japanese piracy, and are sent there along with their families and belongings. Several Korean families are given financial incentives to move into China proper, and adopt Chinese language and clothing as a means of qualifying for land grants from the government.
-* '''Maraninds of Sultanate:''' the sultanate of Morocco send among 10,000 cavalry and a group called 'The Almoradivs' are gonna conquered South Iberia and unified become 'Realm of Almoradivs' the Marinids to south conquer north of Algeria with his troop most of Moorish beating the Spanish on north border most of are defeating is basically what is call 'The Reconquestia' in Morocco the scientific Moorish establish an university called 'university of Rabat' for philosophy. Meanwhile, they arrive to Egypt for helping the allies and come to ceremony
-* '''Delhi Sultanate:''' With the Chagatai forces busy fighting China and having repulsed numerous Chagatai invasions, Alaudding Khilji sends a force of 40,000 cavalry and 10,000 infantry led by Almas Beg to invade the Chagatai and besiege Kabul. Another force of 150,000 (50,000 infantry and 100,000 cavalry) led by Nusrat Khan Jalesari is sent westward to invade the Ilkhanate in support of the Mamluk Sultanate and to answer the call by the Abbasid Caliphate for a jihad. Another force of 50,000 troops remains in the Delhi Sultanate area under direct control of the Sultan. The force under Nusrat Khan marches into the Ilkhanate virtually unopposed because most of the Ilkhanate's forces are involved in the West. The forces of the Delhi Sultanate are seen as liberators in the Muslim majority territories and start recruiting soldiers from the territory of the Ilkhanate on the pretext of the jihad that was declared by the Abbasid Caliphate. Nusrat Khan's forces swell by an additional 12,000 irregular troops. Nusrat Khan's forces besiege and raid Balkh, Herat, Zarani and move toward Nishapur. (No need to give me a strike, I know the algos haven't been completed but this would be the likely outcome because the Delhi Sultanate used tactics similar to the Mongols and were able to brutally crush all the Chagatai invasions during Alauddin Khiljis time. I will change my post according to what the mods tell me). The non-Muslims in the Ilkhanate area (that has been conquered) are killed or captured, their valuables confiscated by the army and their property distributed among the local Muslim population. The local Muslim population helps the force led by Nusrat Khan by providing much needed grains and other food items. These wars are successfully funded by the loot gained during the invasion of Gujarat and Devagiri along with some contribution from the treasury. '''Meanwhile, diplomats are sent to the Mamluk Sultanate to strike an alliance with them (MOD RESPONSE). Another group of diplomats are sent to the court of the Sultan of Bengal, requesting an alliance and to ask him to contribute forces to help in the Jihad against the Ilkhanate(MOD RESPONSE).'''
-** '''The Mamluks accept the alliance, as does the Sultan of Bengal. The Bengal Sultan, however, declines to send troops halfway across the known world. -Rexmod.'''
-* '''Republic of Venice:''' The economic crisis in the other Italian city states make action by the Doge and the Council are necessary. '''The formerly Genoan dominated aspects of the Mediterranean trade like the selling of wax, fur, fish and oil are now seek to be taken over by Venice as well,''' with massive increase in wax, olive oil and grain production in Candia and the Aegean possessions of Venice, while fishing and textile production are increased in the Venetian homeland. The offer from the Achaean principality is seen as a necessary and comparatively small sacrifice in order to win the upper hand in the conflict against Genoa with Achaean aid. The ships that were hired by Naples arrive this year to support their war against Sicily, and with this the treasuries of the Venetians filled in the process. A monetary reform is implemented as well, where '''paper money notes''' becomes an official part of the currency. A 50 and 100 Ducate note is implemented. The notes are all printed with a special silk with a stamp and a serial number on it, to avoid fakes being handed in. The notes can be handed to the bank, where the officials check the serial number and then return the note into gold ducats. '''The expansion of the Arsenal begins''' and the production begins to be streamlined, not only for ships but also for arms. Planned is a large secondary Arsenal more inland, away from the harbor, where many weapon manufacturers and blacksmiths would produce arms, nails and tools according to state-regulated norms, so that a high quality and fitting measurements can be assured. '''The piracy campaign against Genoa continues,''' with Corsican and French Pirates being hired to harass Genoan ships in their home territory and receiving a small payment for every returned Genoan captain or ship '''(MOD RESPONSE ON THE SUCCESS). SECRET''' Vague plans are drawn for the conquest of Rhodes, which would include a siege and then, with Achaean aid, storming the smaller possessions of Genoa and the Byzantines in the region '''SECRET END'''
-*'''Mali Empire:''' Sakoura arrived to Egypt in great ceremony, and visited in Cairo to meet personally with the Abbasid Caliph. He made his circumlocutions around the great Kaaba in Mecca, and threw the sacred stones at the Rock of Shaitan. Unfortunately, his stay in Egypt was somewhat rushed by the political unrest taking place at the time, as the entire Middle East was erupting in chaos over the invasions of the declining Ilkhanate. In fact, many contemporary historians don't even mention the arrival of Sakoura at all, overshadowed with these other events. In spring the next year, Sakoura returned toward Mali across the valleys of Fezzan and Kanem, but unfortunately never returned to the realms of Mali. As he was passing through the Bornu Empire, his servants rushed a him with knives and stabbed him to death. Much speculation continues over this unexpected event, and most of our information comes from a speech made by Mansa Musa after he came to power. Reportedly, this began the ongoing rivalry between the House of Sefawa and the House of Keita, as the Kanem emperor bribed the servants of Sakoura to have him assassinated. As soon as the caravan arrived back in Mali proper, a revolt erupted with the purpose of putting the Keita family back in power. Somaoro, the son of Sakoura, fled from the city of Niani unharmed, and disappears from the historical record for some time. With Musa in exile, the Keita family installed the eldest son of Kolokan into power, and crowned Mansa Gao in July that year. Mansa Gao was generally regarded as a very weak and quiet ruler, allowing the princes of Mali to continue their decentralized power they largely enjoyed in the past. '''Mali honors her alliance with the Egypt, as well as the call to arms by the Caliph. 3,000 infantry and 500 cavalry is sent by caravan to aid Egypt's jihad'''. Individual princes continue to expand their domains east, into OTL Niger.
-* '''The Kingdom of Portugal:''' The King promotes ship development and tries to improve his ships. He makes the development try to by more long distance then Merchant.
-*'''Jarldom of Greenland:''' We begin building a central longhouse in the middle of the capital to serve as a community gathering and town hall, Next besides there is a request board for the civilians to request stuff. Meanwhile, we begin building a port and some ships to make sure we have ships ready for any situation.
-*'''Duchy of Brabant: "Harba Lorifa"'''Some of the Nobility in Holland has chosen to betray the cause of John II of Brabant, While the county of Zeeland supports John II of Brabant as to prevent the County of Flanders and the English navy to destroy the islands they Hold. Duke John II who had readied his nobility since the death the of the Hollandic count, and shortly after the pikemen, archers, men-at-arms and the Gastraphets. Their numbers are far greater then that of the nobility but they do not have the same quality of weaponry and defense as their noble brothers, but their quality has slightly increased due to what many call arms fonds. Army Fonds being where 10% of someone's pay is kept for the unit so it can provide for any new item like pike and chest plate, although quality may be slightly lower then original. The Army of the Realm totalling 3,500 men marches from Den herzogenbosche to Dordreghte and then farther to Rotterdam. Rotterdam being the economic hub of the county without which Holland cannot survive while at the same time being only 15 Miles from the Capital of Des Hages (the Hague). While we call on John of Malinnes to aid Brabant in the defences of brabant, defending the inner area's of Brabant. The city guards in the south of Brabant are ordered to prepare all their defence and recruit as many people as they can. Some 500 troops going to the area to defend. Due to this conflict, the building of the Mansion in Heyst Ten Berge is stopped for the while being as the funds are needed for the war in action for food and new armour of the duke. The city of Antwerp - even though also in the war - begins to have even more profits as the Schelde River is now even more open and less worried about Flemish and Zeelandic wars, Antwerp slowly growing in Power, prosperity and population. The colours of Red white Red are flown all across the English channel as Antwerp is trade that will never end - not a naval fleet but merchant ships are the Lotharingian manner of greatness.
-*'''Ilkhanate:''' With Georgia successfully reunified, the one-tenth of the army that was there is recalled back to Tabriz. The one-tenth accompanying the Sultan of Rum is also recalled, so now four-tenths of the army is in the Ilkhanate proper (henceforth referred to as the defensive army) and six-tenths is in the Mamluk Sultanate. The defensive army is commanded in Baydu's absence by his eldest son Qipchaq (OOC: it appears not to have been historically recorded when he was born so I don't know what his OTL age is, but I estimate he's around 20 years old in 1300). Qipchaq commands the entire defensive army to attack the Theocracy/Caliphate in Baghdad. The army besiege the city and attempt to raze it. The defensive army then fortifies a line from Tabriz south to Ahvaz while Qipchaq sends envoys to several foreign leaders. Specifically, he sends naval envoys to Milan, Venice, Naples, Achaea and the Byzantine Empire (through the Cilician port of Tarsus), describing how the Christian Khan Baydu's land is being assaulted by a jihad of Muslim infidels from India and asks for their military support to help defend Christianity from these heretical attackers in a new Crusade. '''(Milan response) (Venice response) (Naples response) (Achaea response) (Mod response for Byzantine Empire)''' Qipchaq also sends an envoy to Yuan China through Toqta Khan, in which he congratulates Temür Khan on his conversion to Christianity, proposes an alliance between the Christian khans of Baydu and Temür and asks for military support against the Muslim jihadists from the Delhi Sultanate. '''(Yuan China response)''' Meanwhile, in the Mamluk Sultanate, Baydu's attacking army has been besieging Damascus through 1299 and building siege equipment. When Baydu hears the Papal and Cypriot militaries have landed at Gaza and Georgian support troops arrive at Damascus, he launches a final full-on assault of Damascus, attempting to raze the city before marching south toward Jerusalem.
-**'''Armenian Cilicia:''' Hethum II arrives back in Sis from his journeying on the diplomatic mission of the Ilkhanate and is appalled to find Sempad has murdered their brother Thoros III and taken the throne for himself. A lot of the military that remains in Cilicia quickly turns to support Hethum II instead of Sempad. The final nail in Sempad's coffin comes when Constantine betrays him to Hethum II in exchange for clemency for his part in Sempad's coup. Sempad is imprisoned and executed, while Constantine is indeed granted clemency but exiled from the court in Sis. Hethum II becomes King again, though he says he intends to abdicate once he finds a suitable heir. He allows the use of the port of Tarsus for Qipchaq's various diplomatic envoys.
-**'''Sultanate of Rum:''' Sultan Kayqubad III pulls back the remaining troops from the Trebizond area so five-sixths of the army is under his command (with the other one-sixth accompanying Baydu's army in the Levant). He fortifies the cities of Konya and Sivas and shifts his centre of government from Konya to the eastern city of Sivas. As a final attempt to avoid all-out war with Osman Gazi, he attempts to convince one (or several) of the Muslim nobles he'd bribed before to assassinate Osman Gazi, in exchange for which the nobleman will receive a fief comprising most of western Rum around Konya. '''(Mod response)'''
-**'''The Byzantines lend 2,000 troops to aid in the Crusade for Jerusalem'''
-**'''With the Kingdom of Naples busy with the Sicilian Revolt, King Charles II states that Naples won't be able to provide aid to the Ilkhanate for some time.'''
-**'''The attempt to assassinate Osman fails.'''
-**'''Achaea declines to aid the Mongol Ilkhanate in their "crusade," citing Ilkhan Baydu's heretical Christology.'''
-**'''Yuan China Response:''' The Emperor of China agrees to the alliance proposal from the Ilkhanate.
-*'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' With the repulsion of the Mongols from Poland and Hungary, many of the troops are returned to Hungary. Along with a civil war breaking out in the lands of the heathen Mongols who try to deceive faithful Christians with honeyed words, that are empty as their moral fiber. Many lords and others along the border take the opening presented by the current distraction of the Mongols, they begin to rebuild and fortify their lands blocking off passes along the Carpathians and creating watchtowers to alert them of any Mongol presence. Many of the people who fled the countryside during the Mongol invasions return to the plains and the abandoned villages they left behind. During the Mongol and Wallachian Invasion the Kán géns was hit especially with the Lord and his heirs all passing away leaving his lands to the appointment of the King. Due to the majority of troops who died being from the lords along the border dying these lords are exceptionally weakened and with the King losing very few of his personal retinue the last of the holdouts of magnates are brought into the fold. Matthew III Csák is cautious in advising the King to bid his time and be careful around the lords. Word is sent to the most holy father in Rome requesting most humbly for an official coronation and installment of Andrew III to the throne of Hungary. He offers the most holy, a gift of gold as a token of appreciation sending them it to fuel their most holy mission. '''Papal Response Needed.'''
-**'''Papal States:''' We humbly accept the gold and thank the Hungarian domain for this donation.
-*'''Lordship of Milan:''' Following the crash of the Bank in sienna, Milanese bankers immediately react by travelling to Bohemia and working with the Bohemians on taking advantage of the Bohemian Mineral wealth to create a much stronger currency. The Milanese banks also begin to discuss recalling all loans that don’t have direct advantage to Milan. This results in demands for repay in Collateral from Genoa, Sweden, Venice and a re-discussion of the current standing with the Papacy, (Discussions can be done on Discord then respond with answers here.) There is a second large issue occurring this year in Milan as the debate as to where Milanese loyalties lie between the Pope and HRE. With Matteo and company deciding to support the HRE and specifically the Bohemians with publicly announcing their support for the HRE and the Bohemians. Della Torre loyalists become majorly upset with a potential war on the horizon between the two forces.
-**'''Kingdom of Sweden:''' Upon hearing of the Milanese demanding repayment, the Swedish Kingdom quickly offers up its large reserve of iron. The Swedish Queen Martha offers to repay the loan's in iron along with 5% interest rates.
-**'''Republic of Genoa:''' Due the Republic is subject to pay the claims established by the Milanese bankers, the Genoese bankers, together with the city of Genoa and its colonies, are willing to pay 60 galleys full of silver coins to pay the debts accumulated since 1296.
-***Milan: Knowing how much this would hurt the Genoese Republic the Milanese state that they will rather take it in the form of silks and goods from around the world over time with no interest rate during this period as long as it is paid in a ten-year time.
-*'''Kingdom of Naples:''' With the Neapolitan Victory at Potenza, Charles II now with 50,000 men and a small Flotilla of over 50 Galleys launches a counterattack against the Sicilians through a two-pronged assault with a small force of 15,000 men under Prince Phillip being sent to march against the positions of Fredrick III while the remaining force of 35,000 men under Charles II himself supported by his Flotilla of 50 ships land between Taranto and Montescaglioso behind enemy lines in order to trap the forces of Fredrick III in Southern Italy and force their surrender. Meanwhile, Prince Robert moves forward in recruiting another force of 10,000 men as a reserve force while heading to Achaea to request the support of 10,000 troops from all of the Frankish Greek States ('''Achaean Response Needed'''). Meanwhile, with the Genoans establishing an alliance with the Byzantines, the Kingdom of Naples proposes an alliance with the Venetians in order to counter the Genoa-Byzantine Alliance and as a means to achieve Charles II’s goal of restoring the Latin Roman Empire or Empire of Romania in which Charles I’s failed to do so. However, shortly after leaving for Achaea, Prince Robert’s wife, Yolanda of Aragon unfortunately passed away resulting in Charles II deciding to arrange a marriage between his son (Robert) and the Titular Latin Roman Empress, Catherine of Courtnay ('''Mod Response for if Catherine accepts''') as a means of legitimizing the Neapolitan claim to the Throne of Constantinople.
-**'''Empress Catherine Courtnay agrees to this very tactical marriage.'''
-**'''Achaea, having served its liege for the required period for ten years time, declines to send further troops to the Italian peninsula.'''
-*'''Republic of Genoa:''' It has arrived in 14th century and debts are accumulating in the Republic. To respond to the demands of the Milanese banks, the Duke together with the local bankers have managed, with much sacrifice, to fill 60 galleys of silver coins to pay the Milanese debt with interest that he dragged since 1295 '''(Milan response)'''. Taking care about the international relationships, the tumultuous wars that have devastated the Genoese population and economy must end once and for all. With the aim of ending the devastating struggles that occur in the Aegean Sea because of the war with Venice, the Duke has proposed a non-aggression pact for an indefinite period for which the act that can action that could cause a long conflict is prohibited term either for economic purposes (assault merchant galleys, besiege cities, allocate rewards for sunken galleys), strategic purposes (usurp islands), and military purposes (support with troops to allies with the aim of attacking Venetian or Genoese cities or ports) between Genoa, Venice and the respective allies of the newly appointed '''(Venice response)'''. Turning to internal issues, the site of Monaco has been lifted at the end of this year, it has been recognized sovereignty by Genoa. Francisco Grimaldi, together with the Duke of Genoa and the main leaders of the Spinola and Doria families along with some members of the Ghibelline and Guelph families have signed an act where the Rock of Monaco and its surroundings will be recognized as an independent state, denominating as Principality of Monaco and will not depend economically and militarily on Genoa, leaving Monaco exposed to a possible invasion of neighboring states. While negotiations flow between Genoese, the island of Corsica (under Genoese rule) was isolated from the commerce of the Western Mediterranean and even from the metropolis itself because of Sinucello della Roca. Lamba Doria, under the orders of the Duke and Spinola family, commanded a fleet of 20 galleys with the aim of overthrowing the tyranny of Sinucello. Upon arriving on the island, Lamba Doria encountered little resistance from the faithful of the tyrant and managed to arrest him without any major inconvenience. Sinucello della Roca was put in prison in Genoa where he spent the rest of his days.
+<u>'''In Wales, Teleri ferch Cadfael (1497-1550), sister of Duke Myrddin II of Gwynedd, dies of a disease.'''</u>
-*'''Bohemia-Poland:''' Wenceslaus II implements a monetary reform introducing the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_groschen Groschen], while the construction of the Prague and Krakow Mints are completed. The Kutna Hora Mines are steadily expanded thanks to an end of hostilities with Nogai and Wenceslaus' edict forming a crown monopoly on the mines goes into effect. The new currency weighs approximately 3.5 to 3.7 grams of silver proving much thicker then the Italian denaris. Circulation and distribution of the new currency is strictly controlled as to avoid a devaluation of the new currency and to bring confidence to the new currency. Negotiations with the Milanese over debt re-negotiations continue with Wenceslaus offering the Milanese installment payments in silver based on a new rate pegged to the stronger Groschen without interest, and to allow for the Milanese currency and banking system be backed by Bohemia's silver and gold reserves through the creation of a Bohemian Bank under royal charter. Construction of the University of Praga, and the university of Krakow begin. '''Still feeling responsible for the senseless loss of life at Lublin, and after many nights without sleep in the still being rebuilt St Mary Basilica Wenceslaus II decides to take up the cross to Jerusalem, he calls upon polish, Bohemian, and German who wish to save their soul to join him in the journey to Jerusalem. He sends an envoy to Rome stating his intent to join the new crusade. He founds the Chivalric Order of Saint Wenceslaus after his ancestor Wenceslaus I of Bohemia. Wenceslaus II sets out from Krakow with 5,000 men marching overland from Hungary '''Wladyslaw Elbow-High is proclaimed regent in his absence and his son Wenceslaus begins his training to become king someday under the tutelage of Wladyslaw. Construction of Wawel Castle (fortress) continues, as does the construction of new fortifications at Gneizo and Gdansk. '''An offer is made to expand trade with the Hanseatic league in an effort to expand trade with the Baltic Sea. Gdansk's customs are greatly expanded and Germans are encouraged to settle the still heavily depopulated areas of of Bohemia and Poland from the previous incursions by Mongols. '''Overland trade routes are improved.''' The betrothal of Wenceslaus the younger and Catherine di Visconti is approved, along with the betrothal of Agnes the twin sister Wenceslaus to Rudolf von Hapsburg. To further improve his standing with the Polish and Silesian nobility he also proposes a marriage between the minor Duke Henry VI of Wroclaw to his daughter Anne, and to betroth one of his daughters to Stefan the son of Wladyslaw (mod response).'''
+*'''Celtic Confederacy:''' With the end of the war with France, the economy is the formost issue on the Kings mind, as the economy has been left in shambles by the war. With several years now having passed since the end of the war, he becomes increasingly aware of the English domination of many trade routes traditionally plied by Celtic Traders, and although there is a strong desire to reclaim these, Kenneth knows we are in no position to challenge another power in our current state. Hence, he seeks to '''open stronger trade relations with the Spanish Empire, who we have historically had good relations with. In order to ensure this goes through, he proposes the marriage of his son, David, to a Spanish Princess, and an official alliance between the two countries (Spanish response needed). A number of impoverished Irish and Scottish men also begin taking indentured servitude contracts in the Spanish colonies, in order to seek a better life and hopefully send some money home to their families once their contracts dare up, something that is encourged by King Kenneth as a way to help establish ties with the Spanish.''' An explorer by the name of Archibald Wallace, descendant of the famous William Wallace, also comes to Kenneth with a proposal for a company to explore the New world. However, due to the economic circumstances of present Scotland, this is unable to be done. Instead, he heads to England, and asks to enter the Service of England as an explorer. '''(ENGLISH RESPONSE NEEDED). The CCC also makes an offer to the Ashanti Empire to sell them excess equiptment and the latest in Weapons technology for a high price, to help them in their war with the Oyo Empire, and also seeks to open trade relations (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). '''
-**'''Duke Boleslaw the Strict, the regent of Henry, agrees to the marriage of Henry to Anne'''
+**'''England Diplomacy:''' Archibald Wallace is accepted into the service of RETEC, the company managing England's exploration and colonisation in Meridia.
-**'''Wladyslaw the Elbow-High agrees to betroth his son Stefan to Princess Magaret of Bohemia'''
+**'''The Ashanti purchase a small number of western arms, but are hesistant to invest too greatly in the expensive, difficult to maintain, and complex weapons.'''
-*'''Crown of Aragon:''' To some shock, the proposal to establish peace through a Treaty of Zaragoza is ignored prompting James to be placed in a corner. The decision is decided and preparations are made. Following the confirmation of Frederick III’s legitimacy to the crown, James II request the blessings of the papacy to pursue a campaign in support of Frederick III '''(Papacy Response)'''. For time to come, our men totaling 30,000 strong with 10,500 being that of Cavalry are sent off to Sicily in which there, they would be supplied at the position of Taranto. Ensuring supplies remain at large for the journey ahead, 45 ships are stationed around the Neapolitan coast off the coast of Naples and Salerno preventing supplies of goods to reach Naples from the main ports of entry. This fleet is left in the hands of and is entrusted to Roger de Lauria. These ships of course would target Neapolitan Naval Vessels as well during this lengthy campaign at sea. Due to the recent financial dilemma in Europe accompanied by a newly risen war effort, The Expansive Road Network Project sees delays to ease the costs over time. Beyond that The Family of De La Rosa continues to contribute to the construction of the University of Zaragoza. The Crown’s Army accompanied by the Sicilian Allies lay siege to Benevento after a march northward. The army is divided into two portions in which the northern side, 12,500 men are sent to lay siege on the Northern end with the remaining army laying siege to the southern end. Seeing that there is a river that runs through the city, it is hinted that this may become problematic if forces engage on one end resulting in the plan that if the Siege results in the army’s being able to break through, the opposite end’s forces would allow for the city and the enemy’s men to fall.
+*'''Tsardom of Russia: Temyruk and Nestoras Manikis manage to put down much of the revolt after linking up with Sergey Volkov whose Cossacks had been under siege over the course of the Winter by the Tatar rebels at Tsaritsyn. Temyruk's circassians attack the Tartar flank drawing them away from the fort. They are drawn just south of the River where Manikis leading the mounted steltsy and Cossack carry encircle them and massacring the rebel forces on the west bank of the Volga around the ruins of old Sarai.''' In the campaign that follows under the overall command of Manikis The Cricassian, and Rus' forces carry out a campaign of slaughter cowing much of the Tatars into submission upon reaching the city of Astrakhan they find much of the population has fled the city while only really the sickly or dead remain there. In the area around the city of Astrakhana ghastly scenes of ritual sacrifice remain with the mangled corpses with the backs cut open, or half decapitated in piles. The funny thing noticed, however, is that those being killed aren't just Rus' but also Tatars leading to a great deal of confusion amongst the Russian forces. The Kniaz Yaroslav meets the war host at Astrakhan accompanied by his entourage. After some investigation into the origins of the Tatar uprising it is discovered that a new group of raiders had arisen a few years prior in the region coming from the Lands to the North. They had developed a following amongst many of the unhappy Tatars with their treatment under the Rus'. While most of the Tatars who fought against Rus' were just discontented serfs and children of former Tatar nobles or men whose women or daughters had been married off to Rus' and other new comers in the region, a group of Paganist fanatics under the leadership of a Terrifying Mystic who the native Tatars believe to be a demon. It is believed by the Tatars and the others that they were the ones who massacred the garrison in Asktrakhan and then soon proceeded to kill even the Tatars and as months of bloodlust swept over the region of Astrakhan. Many of the survivors of these deaths and those caused by the Rus', begin flocking to the small town of Rurik outside Tsaritsyn Where they seek the protection of St. Dimitry from the violence engulfing the Steppes. '''Konstantin once more offers his support to the former supporters of Sigismund in the elections.''' Administrative ad military reforms continue. New roads  connecting the various riverways, alongside new mule stations, and a growing postal system are built to better relay information and supplies across the expansion realms of the Rus'. Drilling of the Kiev, Moscow, Tver, and Novgorod levies continues forming the core force of the Russian army, and as tensions in Poland and Moldavia grow, with the recent mustering Moldavia's forces. '''An envoy from Kiev is sent to Alexander of Moldavia (his nephew) requesting information as to why the young Kniaz is mustering his military. (Mod response).''' The education of the Dimitry the Younger's (1539) education oand formal martial training begins under Yuri Stroganov in Novgorod where he is provided with a very strict orthodox teaching of theology so as to attempt to avoid the same dubious behaviour of his older brother. It is decided by that The Stroganov's younger daughter Sophia (1541) shall marry him while the older Irene Stroganov shall instead wed Sergey Volkov to improve cooperation between the Stroganov and the Volkov families. '''Furthermore, the Stroganovs are granted large estates along the Kama river up the Volga provided they can fortify and consolidate these lands.''' The Moscow Arsenal continues to produce armour, weapons, muskets, and culverians. Wheelocks are imported from the Greeks for the Hussars and Cossacks which combined with the Shashka being adopted by many of the Cossacks picking up on the designs of the Circassian allies. Ironworking around the arsenal starts to develop for tools, as Moscow steadily grows. Stables are also built around the arsenal to accommodate the increased demands for horses. Cattle, and Horse Husbandry in Kazan is promoted by the Stroganovs as well as exploitation of salt reserves in Kazan and the Perm region as demand for horses, hides, and salted meats grow as military expansion and reforms continue. Graneries and warehouses for storage are also built to provide To ensure State reserves of supplies for the military, church, and for the serfs of the state are Plenty.
-**'''Papal States:''' We agree to give the Aragonese their blessings and wish them the best of luck with supporting Frederick III.
+**'''The Sejm of Poland concur with the Tsar to support the Zbaraski family.'''
-**'''Naples:''' With the arrival of Aragonese troops, the Neapolitan Forces cancel their plans to land south and quickly move to Benevento to engage the Sicilian-Aragonese Force with 50,000 Neapolitan troops under Charles II moving in to lift the seige while the Neapolitan Fleet engages with the Aragonese Fleet with the objective of eliminating the Aragonese Fleet and trapping the Aragonese Forces in Southern Italy.
+**'''Prince Alexander assurs his uncle that his ambitions for the good of the Moldavian people will be beneficial for their Slavic allies in Russia'''
-*Nogai Khan :Nogai Khan engages the forces of Toqta Khan at Sorai Batu with a force of four tumen (40,000). The defense of the Polish lands gained in the Coalition War (Mazovia and the lands east of the Vistula) is granted to Lev I. One tumen of Russians rise as the Orthodox Legion, serving as Nogai's reserve in case anything goes wrong in Sorai Batu, leading to closer cultural ties between the Russians and Nogai's Horde, fostering cultural exchange between tribute and liege.
+**'''Konstantin's emissary inquires into a possible purchase of the rest of the Don region would be possible in exchange for Russian support in Alexander's campaigns. Furthermore, Konstantin I offers to partially finances and provide assistance in the form of officers and mercenaries to train and bolster his army.'''
-*'''Kingdom of England:''' With the war in France heating up, Edward puts up more pressure for the coastal towns and counties provide more ships for the English Navy, as more conflict with France brews. In light of this, new men are chosen by Edward as the Guardians of Scotland, pending the coronation of a new king, with the current favourite being John Hastings. Internally, the English people prepare for more years of war in order to defend their trade interests and their rights in France. Messengers are sent all around Europe looking for allies against the French in their war of aggression. In Scotland, however, the lords enjoy a short reprieve. Edward does not wish to push his luck by demanding armies for his War just yet, at least not until Scotland has a crowned king. As is being spoken, the Lords and commons in the Scottish parliament are busy writing their own version of Magna Carta, which would hopefully regularize the position of the King of England, King of Scotland, and the overlordship that the English King has. The King moves to Scotland to deal with the Scottish Parliament and leaves the war in France, for the moment, to his Lieutenant of Aquitaine, John St John. More men are raised in England and are transported to Calais to reinforce the English Positions. The English forces,knowing how expensive it is to transport horses across seas, elect to transport infantry and longbowmen into Calais and into Aquitaine as priorities. This leads to a total force count of 10,000 local Aquitaine forces raised last year, 5,000 raised this year, 5,000 reinforcements from England (20,000 in Aquitaine total sent, with 4,000 in losses mean 16,000 men), with 10,000 men in Calais total, the 5,000 sent last year plus the 5,000 this year. of this 26,000 men, a full 6,000 are longbowmen, with 2,500 in Aquitaine. Despite the recent losses, the English decide that keeping the fort of Rouen is too costly, and the majority of English forces retreat onto their ships and leave a force of 4,000 to garrison the city, knowing there is not enough supplies to feed everyone. Nonetheless, the English regroup with their new reinforcements, making their forces number 12,000 plus 4,000 garrison. the 12,000 men, including the new reinforcements, set out to attack French-held forts in an effort to lure the French into dividing their forces and breaking the siege of Bourg. Specifically,  they sail down and lay siege to Bordeaux. Regardless the 10,000 men stationed in Calais are divided in two forces, a smaller force of 4,000 and a larger force of 6,000. The Smaller force is sent to ask the Count of Calais for his allegiance while the Larger force is sent to Rouen to siege the fort. The Goal is to retake parts of Normandy for a possible second purpose to reclaim lost lands and titles.
+**'''Alexander doesn't want to relinquish all that region, but is willing to make a deal for a smaller cession of territory in exchange for financial and mercenary support only.'''
-**'''Kingdom of Scotland:''' Parliament convenes for the first time in Glasgow, opening on the Monday after Easter. The summoned parliament meets and first acknowledges Edward as their Suzerain overlord. They then begin a few debates: the first is on the succession to the Kingdom. Some support crowning John Hastings, but opposition does exist to the idea. Everyone knows that even if an alternative King is found, then it would still, in essence, require the consent of Edward. Remembering what happened with Robert the Bruce, no Scottish lords wish to try for independence again. As such, they settle on perhaps establishing a Magna Carta for Scotland, to curb the powers of Edward to simply demand taxes and armies, as well as have more control over their new King. Edward first pushes back on the idea, but then realizes that it could be the way to increase his power in Scotland, especially by playing the rival lords off one another. This works for a few months as each of the Lords wishes special privileges not afforded to the others. Parliament reaches an impasse in August and the King Dissolves Parliament, promising to reconvene once the war in France is finished. It is hinted that the King might actually agree to a Scottish Magna Carta should the Lords continue to support him with troops in the war with France. Nothing concrete yet though.
+**'''Konstantin agrees but requests that Rus' who live or have businesses in the region be allowed to carry on and that The Russian Crown can continue to rely upon the local Cossack communities to bolster the Russian defences in Eastern Front. Promising to come to the Aid of Moldavia as a friend and Family of the Tsar. (Mod response required).'''
-*'''Principality of Achaea:''' The jubilee year, declared by the His Holiness, the Pope, is met with great celebration among the Achaean nobility. A large delegation, including both Prince Florent and marshal Nicholas III of Saint Omer, alongside many other nobles, barons, and knights, travel to Rome on a pilgrimage to celebrate and receive absolution for their transgressions. At home, Archbishop John of Patras uses the opportunity to strengthen his efforts to proselytize among the Orthodox population. Many converts from the Orthodox church become members of the local system of Roman Catholic churches, encouraged not only by the Archbishop but also by Princess Isabella of Villehardouin - who has now learned the Greek language after a few years of covert study. Her ability to converse with the local population has endeared her to many of them. After Prince Florent of Hainaut has returned from Rome, he receives word from Nicholas of Saint Omer that the cities of Modon and Coron have been ceded by Venice to the Principality. The Prince immediately travels to these new additions to his realm - for now, they are to be held as a direct barony of the Prince and Princess. In exchange for the new cities, Florent and Isabella sign a mutually-beneficial agreement with Venice, regarding the common foes of Genoa and Byzantium.
+* '''Georgia:''' Georgia accepts the deal with Russia dividing the North Caucasus. Irene begins writing on the recent history of Georgia - not only describing the events, but also adding her commentary. These writings would form the first chapters of the “Nathaniad”. Meanwhile, George’s son, Simon, marries Ana Guramshvili. By the end of the year, she has a daughter named Barbare.The military continues to be reformed under the direction of George. The heavy cavalry are outfitted with lighter lances. They are also outfitted with pistols, which they will use to break up the enemy ranks before switching to melee. Caucasian horses are bred with steppe horses to improve their stamina and increase their speed; however, since the resultant crosses are smaller and thus unable to carry heavy loads, heavy cavalry mounts continue to be of the Caucasian (particularly Armenian) variety. The use of horse meat, blood, and entrails in food becomes popular. Milk from horses also becomes popular. It is consumed both raw and fermented (which also causes the milk to turn into an alcoholic beverage). However, as horse milk doesn’t have casein, it cannot be turned into cheese. Horseback riding and mounted archery continue to be common pastimes - especially among the elite. Polo is introduced into Georgia, with Nathan himself known to be an avid fan of the sport. He orders the construction of polo grounds in all three of Georgia’s capitals, organizing a polo competition shortly following the completion of the one in Tabriz. The "Europeanization" of the Georgian aristocracy - particularly in western Georgia - continues, in a bid to distance themselves from Persianate culture, which is rapidly falling out of favor. The number of Christians residing in Georgia's peripheral territories is strengthened, with thousands of Armenians being resettled in areas with a strong Muslim presence. The Albanians continued to be assimilated into the Heretian population. The economy continues to flourish due to the export of silk and cotton, and the development of the textile industry. More mulberry and cotton plantations are built. Military expansion continues: the artillery corps is expanded, more muskets and other gunpowder weapons are produced with the expansion of the Tbilisi Arsenal, while more state-owned stables and studs are built. The cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified, with the installation of defensive cannons and thickening of their walls.
-*'''Lordship of Ireland:''' Following the successful capture of half of the Kingdom of Thormond and their swearing of fealty the half of the Kingdom taken by force is given to others while the remaining part of Thormond is allowed to live under Brehon law. We send the 4,000 English troops we had with us to France alongside 4,000 troops drawn from Ireland to France mostly consisting of infantry to support the English campaign in France.
+* '''Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di"''' With the Spanish Sending troops ariving in Lotharingia, and thus arriving in the City of Atrecht. 5,000 German mercenaries arriving and the 10,000 soldiers send by the king of Spain himself, Thus the left over 1,000 Belgians Burn the Bridges and flood the Somme and then Begin together with her allies to build. Thus Ditches and mounds between the layers of the city walls. The Soldiers attempting to build a new wall with wood, stone and any other material and placing dirt between these walls. The excrement of the inhabitants often being used between layers as they solidify and are able to be used as compartmental walls and to keep some of the in its place, while also giving some waterproofing to the walls, the plan being to ensure Food by shipments via the Scarpe a tributary of the Scheldt river. The plan being to supply it using small ships which bring in food and building material from the north, although this does face the issue that most of the city is south of the city. Thus the last journey trough the city done by the poor and those who are less able pulling carts and sleds across the city to reach the walls to reinforce it. Jean Frans ordering all Dirty fat to be given to the army in city as the fat is used for lubing equipment and to help make wicks for the punaisiers. While in Luxembourg the Army under old but still healthy Paul de Kremer, and his army of 36,000 continue their defence, building walls and waiting for the Enemy to come. Dulle griet being readied to fire on the enemy, as the cannon does require some work to get back work and improve their qualities. While this all is going down the Groot Belgische raad continue's the writing of the "Nieuwe Groot Belgische Wet" as to finaly reform Belgia into a new and more modern state instead of one based on two century old law.
-*'''Kingdom of Cyprus:''' With defensive fortification production going well, the naval forces aiding the conflict is increased by five. Although losing the territorial legitimacy over the Henry II's claim as the King of Jerusalem, the recent conflict in the 10th crusade have allowed for his legitimacy to be seen effectively, especially with the support from the eastern power that is the Ilkhan and the western support from the Pope himself. Known Muslims in the Kingdom are exiled to the Sultanate of Rum as the Kingdom becomes transitioning into a theocratically-based monarchy. The defensive fortification productions slows down slightly due to the concurrent crusade, but are still expected to be completed by 1330. The push toward Jerusalem after sieging Gaza continues. Diplomatic missions to find supporters and/or additional forces from Europe is done, with the kingdoms of Castile and Portugal being asked to provide armies to help aid in the liberation of the Holy Land '''(Castile and Portugal Response Needed)'''.
+*'''Empire of Ayutthaya:''' This year, Tabinschwenti passed on due to an assassination attempt by a noble family hailing from the city of Ava while out on a hunt for a rumored white elephant started by those in league with the conspirators. Across the Empire, in regions discontent with Ayutthayan rule, local nobles overthrew and slaughtered officials assigned to oversee their cities as well as eliminating the Capital Defense Corps forces in those cities with some officials being able to escape due to the loyalty of the Capital Defense Corps officers. After hearing of the chaos breaking out across the Empire, Bayinnaung who was conducting business within the Khmer vassal helping to fortify their position and ensure their stability takes a portion of the Ayutthayan-Khmer forces active in the reion fortfying it and marches toward the city of Ayutthaya which has remain loyal due to the work of the enlarged local garrison and officials within the city as well as local residents from the Japanese quarter.. Deciding to attack both the Malay Peninsula and Phitsanulok due to being trapped between them geographically, Bayinnaung would divide his forces with the larger portion of his forces being put under his command and attack Phitsanulok. Binnya Dala commands a smaller force directed at attacking and securing the Malay Peninsula starting with Six Pagodas Pass where a garrison force is left to hold it while Binnya Dala continued onward. Both campaigns take a good portion of the year with the remaining cities in Siam quickly submitting to Bayinnaung after he conquered Phitsanulok and marshalled forces to Six Pagodas Pass with a portion of the forces being reassigned to Binnya Dala for his siege of Malacca which fell along with the rest of the Peninsula allowing for the Ayutthayan Navy to be put under Bayyinaung. The naval forces in Malacca are prepared to dispatch ships carrying troops and supplies to Dagon which has been besieged by opposition forces with loyalist forces holding the city. In the Tenasserim Coast, Smim Htaw has mobilized his forces to Six Pagodas Pass to block Bayinnaung's armies from advancing through it and removing him from his position as ruler of Martaban.
-*'''Papal States:''' We celebrate the year of our lord 1300 by having a Golden Jubilee. We hope that this event unites Christendom and ensures that the pilgrim's sins are forgiven. In the political world, two Papal ships are docked at the port of Acre. The total of troops on both ships equals to 5,500 men. We send our blessings to the belligerents of Sicily and Aragon. We request to Charles II to put their foot down and sign an armistice. We are grateful to receive the gold donation from Hungary, as we believe this can help us recover from the collapse of the banks. In the religious world, we condemn the Waldesians for splitting for the Church and forming their own denomination.
+*'''Abbasid Caliphate:''' These year would mark the end of the Ash'athite rebellion, with Shah Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza storming the compound at Malayer and systematically execution of the Ayatollah and his affiliates that constituted the original Ash'athites. The Ash'athites would not dissipate completely however, but wouldn't formally organize again until the collapse of the Abbasid Empire in the 17th century. Either way, the end of the Shi'ites rebellions that once hindered Arabic expansion would aid in the Caliphate's final march, leaving Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman to lead the final march on Yazd in an effort to capture the last Safavid monarch and exert total dominance over Iran. He leads 50,000 men. '''(Algo Needed).'''
-**'''Neapolitan Diplomacy:''' Charles II agrees to stand down and will recognize Fredrick III as the King of Sicily and the rule of the House of Barcelona over the island.
+**'''Gurkani Sultanate:''' Shah Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza of Persia would rule Iran for a period of 45 years, and much of his early years as Shah would consist of quelling a variety of rebellions while maintaining Sunni hegemony over Persia. The capital, Efsahan, would begin its reconstruction this year, taking on architecture reminiscent of the Greco-Roman and Achaemenid influence.
+*'''Kingdom of Morocco:''' Actual, developing and modernizing few of the population is bring up its search they construct more new thing some half of territory in the desert is being Controlled by the monarchs and its sultan by the way a new law its establish from the speech of multi-culturism and enjoyable of religions way expect, the bank are giving more money and its support in term of development so far most of Europeans merchant come mostly in the Coast part a way in the view the berber-among speaking recruiting some upgrade and pay a lot the council in Morocco demands a way to develop a new period and strategy hope is going be good at least that the government has search its trade in positives.
+*'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items.''' '''The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. Simon and Azaria have a second kid a boy named Avery. Vivien has a girl named Matilda. With the new military weapon called the pistol our army adapts to the use of it and adopts it into the arsenal of weapons that we use. '''We send about 50 assassins to''' '''Friuli Venezia Giulia with assassin gauntlets on their arms that have phantom blades. They also have the newly made pistols on them for close quarter combat. These assassins are to kill the government of the nation. After a few days we send 25,000 troops into the nation for an invasion led by General John Zápolya. Then our navy sends 40 ships to blockade the ports and coast lead by Petar Keglević. (Algo needed)'''
+** '''Banate of Bosnia:''' Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
+** '''Banate of Severin:''' The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
+*'''Kingdom of Portugal:''' The king visits all of the colonies while also meeting with the captain of the 1550 expedition. Then he travels to Gordes where he ives an important speech. Meanwhile, the king passes the Mauritius Integration Act which integrates Mauritius as a full scaled province with the same status as Sao Tome, Azores and the Madieras. The flag of Portuguese Mauritius is the Portuguese flag defaced with the picture of the Dodo.
+*'''Wagenaar Colonies:''' Following the defeat of the French attack outside of Broekden in 1548, that city has largely recovered. Sjerd Groenewoud, the prominent trader who led the men of Broekden in battle has his leadership praised by the council, which lends further credence to his ideology of expansion. Therefore, Broekden continues to expand into Mikmaq lands to gain a greater foothold in Ruysch (also known as Meridia). Fishing and whaling continue to lend themselves to the prosperity of Broekden. Meanwhile, up in Kebeck, the economy is driven by trapping, trading, and fishing (mostly for herring). Here, too, expansion continues as more people from Europe (mostly from Belgia, but also Catholics and Columbites from majority-Jungist states) decide to move to the new world.
+*'''Kingdom of England:''' With the aid of the contingent of soldiers, RETEC establishes several farms and military fortifications beyond Atlantic Harbour, along the coast of OTL Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Though, because of the large population of soldiers RETEC's Meridian colony continues to face pressure in terms of food supply and other resources. Tensions with the Lenape also remain high as they are some clashes between farmers and tribespeople. Francis Beaufort, one of RETEC's leaders in Atlantic Harbour, suggests an organised military campaign to subjugate/drive away the Lenape in the vicinity of the settlement in order to make the colony more secure. Thomas Colonna, 2nd Earl of Southampton, who arrived from England this year to be Atlantic Harbour's new administrator following the departure of Philip Courtenay, 3rd Earl of Bristol, is somewhat reluctant, but with RETEC mercenary commander Henry Borgburg also supporting such a move, the RETEC leaders begin to strategise and prepare troops for this plan. The English Parliament continues to provide funding for RETEC's efforts, though with the simultaneous deployment of English mercenaries to Lotharingia they do not supply RETEC with any additional troops at this time. Meanwhile, in England, the increased prominence of the Scrooby Congregation in Manchester causes tensions with local Catholics and alarms the English clergy. The English Inquisition focuses its operations on the Manchester area to halt the spread of Presbyterianism, with Alexander Anderson's mercenary company providing the Inquisitors with security and enforcement. Some Parliamentarians suggest outright expelling the Irish immigrants that are the core of the Congregation from England; there are many discussions in the Parliament about this suggestion, though Queen Margaret and King Edward X are hesitant about it, worried that it doing so may have negative consequences on England's foreign relations. Nonetheless, late in the year, with the support of Archbishop of Canterbury Reginald Pole (and effective neutrality of the co-monarchs). '''the Inquisition begins arresting Irish Presbyterians and expelling them from England, forcing them to go to the Presbyterian settlements in France or elsewhere in Europe.''' However, other parts of the Church in England, such as religious orders like the Mercedines, are not happy with this operation which they see as overly aggressive. The English Parliament also gathers some of the English army near Manchester in order to put down any revolts, though they see this operation as the optimal strategy for preventing greater unrest in this area in the future. The 5,000 English mercenaries sent to Lotharingia remain active there. Lincolnshire priests continue gathering funds from nobles for the reconstruction of the spire of Lincoln Cathedral, benefiting from the political support of Queen Margaret and King Edward X. The English Parliaments also funds the improvement of roads and related infrastructure in Cornwall and southwestern England, in order to increase domestic trade and improve the overall economy in this relatively backwater region. Sessilía Sturlungur (1485-1550), the widow of King Edward VII of England, dies of natural causes. Beatrice Beaufort (1481-1550), aunt of Queen Margaret of England and mother of Henrietta Grey, 4th Marquess of Dorset and Robert Grey, Archbishop of York, dies of a disease. Elizabeth Beaufort (b. 1527), daughter of Henry Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Lancaster, marries John Talbot (b. 1520), son of Francis Tuchet, 5th Earl of Shrewsbury. Edmund de la Pole and Frances de Vere have their second child, a son named Richard (b. 1550); and Thomas of York the Younger and Maud of Gloucester have ther second child, a daughter named Bridget (b. 1550). With Francis Xavier being elected as Pope Leo XII, he is succeeded as Patriarch of the Western Church by his fellow Jesuit and close friend Ignatius of Loyola (b. ~1491).
+*'''Saxony:''' Kolias Kape continues his stay with the [[Iroquois Confederacy (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)|Iroquois Confederacy,]] becoming quite respected. He learns about its culture, and introduces European culture too. He teaches some of the Iroquois to speak German, and soon some Iroquois children are being taught German. He also discusses religion with the Iroquois, and attempts to introduce Jungism and Christianity to them, and while some are interested, most do not care for this. After discussions with chiefs, he recognizes on behalf of the Old World, the Iroquois Confederacy as an independent nation of the world, and declares himself Ambassador of the Holy Roman Empire to the Iroquois Confederacy. Having attempted to map a considerable portion of this region of Meridia, Kape sends some of his men on to explore other parts of the continent while he intends to remain among the Iroquois for another year. Meanwhile, back in the actual Duchy of Saxony, Wolfgang voices his support for the Arlesian Pope, Zephyrius, despite having sent troops to aid Lotharingia against Arles a couple of years ago. He points out that the Cardinals cannot elect another Pope merely because the Pope they already elected happens to be out of the country. To cool the situation, he suggests that Francis Xavier is given the title ''Regens'' (Regent)'' '' Leo, to govern the Papal States and lead the Roman Church in the Pope's absence. '''(Mod Response).'''
+*'''Roman Empire: Andronikos counter offers, he proposes that Trieste become a Roman protectorate. He does demand that it host a Roman Garrison in a pair of fortresses, one north of the town and the other to the southwest, to be constructed by Rome. He proposes to limit the total garrison to 4,000 men as well to appease Italian fears. Finally, to discourage further fighting and perhaps ease tensions between both sides he maintains his offer of a marriage between Kaisar Manuel and Princess Ippolita of Modena. (Mod Response, Please)''' The death of Strategos Dragut weighs heavily on both Andronikos and the naval staff of the empire. Command of the Roman fleet passes to his favorite officer, Strategos Aris Matakos. The administration of the empire decays rapidly as the ranks of the Tagmata, who served in all offices of government, were severely depleted at Trieste. Thus, unhappiness with the new Senate, combined with a general failure of government to support the population during the war, creates unrest in Constantinople. Merchants demand access to the emperor, and a boycott on grain imports is imposed by the guild of grain merchants to force the government to comply with their demands for power. Andronikos is enraged by this move, but lacks the support of the city's inhabitants and is unable to quell the dissent. Outside of the capital and its political chaos, the strain of war weighs down the people. The demands on ship-captains and merchants reduces the volume and quality of trade, and with tax revenue equally reduced the waging of the Trieste campaign increasingly requires higher taxes.
+**'''The Italians accept this deal for the time being'''
-===1301===
+===1551===
+<u>'''The election of the king of Poland becomes slightly contentious between Sigsmund's younger son and brother, named Casimir and John, respectively. Although most nobles are in favor of John, who is crowned as King John II of Poland, this causes instability in the nation, which Prince Alexander of Moldavia wishes to capitalize on. Alexander leads an army of 20,000 troops to invade Poland.'''</u>
-<u>'''Aragon's involvement in the War of the Sicilian Vespers is seen by many in the circles of the Pope as being illegitimate and a violation of the limited mandate to secure Sicily for Frederick III. How the Pope reacts remains to be seen.'''</u>
+<u>'''After the campaigns of the Byzantines against the Italians near Trieste, growing unrest takes place within their provinces across Greece and Peloponnesia proper. The large number of Italian immigrants to these regions, intermixed with the previous Latin population of previous generations, erupts into violence with neighboring Greek Orthodox communities. The Orthodox in the regions blame the Catholic population for the deaths of the Byzantine armies in the invasions of Italy, which results in the massacre of 70 Italians in Corinth.'''</u>
-<u>'''Andrew III of Hungary dies and his son Gezá is proclaimed king - but has yet to be formally crowned by the Archbishop of Esztergom with the Holy Crown of Hungary in Székesfehérvár Basilica. Whether or not a challenger will rise up remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the Angevins of Naples are in no position to make a bid for the throne.'''</u>
+<u>'''The Tian Dynasty launches a punitive campaign against the Four Oirot Khaganate, to subjugate them into the tributary system once again. The Mongols prove highly resilient and cost the Tian significant resources.'''</u>
-<u>'''The French have defeated the English in northern Gascony in two battles at Bourg. Meanwhile, the English have begun to amass a moderate-sized force in northern France. This war, which is only just beginning, is looking like it will be quite costly to both nations.'''</u>
+<u>'''Belgian settlers along the Uruguay River in Meridia encounter tribes of the Guarani people, who are fierce warriors that dominate the region this far deep into the jungles. The Guarani are less interested in attempts by the Belgian private companies to trade.'''</u>
-<u>'''The economic situation has been somewhat resolved in northern Italy, as Milan has called in many of its loans. However, what's good for the banker isn't good for those who had previously sought loans. The lack of credit - a way of life that had just begun to emerge in the past five years or so - hurts many nations. (Milan escapes currency debasement, as does Bohemia which issued a new pure currency). Meanwhile, Venice and Genoa heat up their naval rivalry, with Venetian piracy efforts drawing the ire of many nations, but being effective against Genoese shipping.'''</u>
+<u>'''The fifth outbreak of sweating sickness in England. John Caius of Shrewsbury writes the first full contemporary account of the symptoms of the disease.'''</u>
-<u>'''The civil war in Rûm continues to heat up, as the overstretched Ilkhanate has failed to make any major changes to the situation. Indeed, the foiled assassination attempt against Osman Gazi leads many to believe the Ilkhan's puppet government is unable to govern this Muslim nation. Ultimately, Kayqubad III ends up being killed in a skirmish outside Konya.'''</u>
-<u>'''In a bloody battle outside of Samarkand, the siege has been broken and the Chagatai Khanate lives to fight another day. Meanwhile, in the south, Kabul falls to the Delhi Sultanate with token resistance: the bulk of the Chagatai forces had been busy fighting the Yuan Chinese.'''</u>
+<u>'''The growing power of the Brunei Sultanate across Indonesia allows for Muslim states to become more powerful in their regions. The Makassar Sultanate fully unites the island of Sulawesi, and the Manguidinao Sultanate subjugates the southern half of Mindanao Island.'''</u>
+<u>'''In Wales, Catherine Asburgo-della Rovere (1480-1551), mother of Duke Myrddin II of Gwynedd, dies of a disease.'''</u>
-<u>'''There is general unrest (although no revolts) in both Scotland, where some Scottish veterans such as William Wallace support the young Edward Balliol's claim to the throne, and in Yunnan, China.'''</u>
-* '''Kingdom of Sweden:''' Having emerged victorious over the forces of Eric the Anti-Christ, the Dano-Swedish Army wastes no time in chasing down his remaining forces. With Sønderborg Castle captured by Swedish troops and the coastline blocked off by the concentrated Swedish navy, Eric the Anti-Christ has nowhere to run and is soon chased down by Birger’s and Christopher’s forces for a final confrontation '''[MOD ALGO, PLEASE]'''. Meanwhile, an offer is made to Eric’s remaining 5,000 men giving them the option to not die fighting for a losing cause. If they hand over Eric the Anti-Christ, dead or alive, they shall receive royal pardons and be allowed to go home to their farms and families. They shall also receive a Papal blessing absolving them of any sins or blame for fighting for the Anti-Christ. Eric’s soldiers are also reminded that they are outnumbered more than seven to one, including 8,000 heavy cavalry '''[MOD RESPONSE ON OFFER]''' In domestic affairs, Queen Martha’s management of the nation whilst the King is waging war leads to highly efficient bureaucracy as the Queen fills position based on merit, not on noble birth. The Queen also continues encouraging immigration to Finland, promising lands to any who decides to immigrate. This solves the problem of Sweden’s landless poor, as many immigrate to Finland to receive farms and land. The policy of immigration to Finland also helps to integrate Finland into the Swedish domain and helps to Christianize Finland.
-** '''The last troops of Eric mutiny against who they perceive to be a tyrannical king, and hand him over to Christopher in Sønderborg for judgement, ending the Danish civil war'''
-*'''Mali Empire:''' The general lack of historical references to Mansa Gao's reign would suggest that he enjoyed a relative peace for quite some time, after the more brutal years of internal conflict wrought by Sakoura and his family. The sheer prestige of the Keita dynasty from the progeny of Kolokan helped to ensure the Empire feel more unified, although in reality it was more decentralized between local princes than the previous ruler. Gao was known at least to have begun many projects that weren't finished until the reign of Abu Bakr II. Since a large section of Atlantic coast was annexed from Walo since the reign of Sundiata, Gao began the steady creation and construction of a large navy along ports at this location. Of course, ships along the oceanic coast was minuscule at this time compared to the fleet of ships meant to navigate waters within the Niger and Senegal Rivers. Prior to any close and continuing contact with Iberia, archaeologists suggest that Mali's early navy were similar in construction to Polynesian ships, taking what was essentially river barges and adapting them to bluer waters. Domestically, Mansa Gao began the reform of Mali's agriculture, and greatly expanded both the root and sorghum fields across Mali proper near Niani. At this early stage, of course, this restructure of agriculture was primarily only seen in Mali proper. Finally, Mansa Gao instituted the construction of the greatest and most principle work of Sahelian style architecture, the Grand Mosque of Djeane. This mosque would slowly be built on and added to over the next ten years.
-*'''Kingdom of Naples:''' With the decline of the Neapolitan Forces and the war getting costly, King Charles II sues for peace and states that he is willing to acknowledge Sicilian Independence unwilling to fight the war any longer ('''Aragonese and Papal Response needed'''). With support for the war faltering and the Capital on the brink of revolt, Charles II sends Prince Phillip to Milan in order to recruit some Milanese Mercenaries as a means of helping Charles II’s maintain order in Naples and as a last ditch effort to maintain his position as King of Naples ('''Milanese Response needed'''). With the Kingdom of Naples unable to secure the Hungarian Throne and less options for Charles II’s the King makes preparations to flee if necessary as the situation seems hopeless. In his castle in Naples, Charles II sends a letter to the King of France begging for the support of the Kingdom of France given that Naples has exhausted its manpower and is no longer able to continue fighting ('''French Response needed'''). With this Prince Robert, Charles II eldest son and his heir to the throne is sent to France with his wife the Titular Latin Roman Empress, Catherine I as a means for Charles II’s successor to maintain his claim on the Throne of Naples if he ever gets ousted. Meanwhile, once Phillip is to finish with his affairs in Milan, he is to head to Achaea as part of a secret mission which will only be revealed later.
-**'''Milan Response:''' We laugh at the request to recruit mercenaries for simple duties such as maintaining order and state that should they want Mercenaries for a real cause they can notify us.
-**'''Papal States:''' The Pope is glad that we are on the same page on ending this bloody war.
-*'''Maraninds of Sultanate:''' The troops had a strategy to reforming al-Andalus with their Berber army so we could stop them we send among 10,000 troops in Canaan for helping Egypt and help our brother states ally.
-*'''Lordship of Milan:''' '''The tensions between farmers on the border of Piacenza and Milan reaches a breaking point with Milanese farmers demanding action from Matteo, with the 3,000 Long Lances as well as the Milanese standing force of 1,000 and 1,000 additional Italian mercenaries from around Northern Italy being hired. Of the 1,000 standing force 500 stay at home to make sure there are no back-door maneuvers, then the other 4,500 move into Piacenza with Matteo’s eldest son, Galleazzo leading the forces. Having been a veteran of war in Poland the Long Lances are no stranger to fighting. (Mod responses needed for algos and idea of Piacenza forces)'''. The new motto of Milan and House Visconti has become Hic Stunt Serpentes, (Here be Serpents) Due to the Long Lances base in Milan they have adopted there own version of this with Hic Stunt Dracones (Here Be dragons) The long lances banner has a similar image to that of House Visconti except it’s a three-headed Dragon eating a human. Whilst Galleazzo is away Matteo begins to make minor recoveries from his sickness. In Milan itself the Bankers reorganize themselves into three banks so as to have the best regulation systems possible. The Largest bank, The Nationalibus Ripa. The National Bank which focuses on the handling of contracts for Milan and given by the Milanese government as well as currency regulation, and standardization. The smallest bank, The Mercenarius Ripa. The Mercenary Bank which focuses on the handling of hiring Mercenaries as well as being the official bank of the Long Lances. And the bank in the middle, The Internationalibus Ripa. (The International bank) which handles all affairs with Bohemia as well as the rest of the HRE and other non-government sponsored dealings.
-**'''Swedish Diplomacy:''' Sweden asks that a team of merchant-bankers be sent to Sweden to help Queen Martha in creating a Swedish National Bank
-***'''Milan Diplomacy:''' We happily send members of The Internationalibus Ripa to assist in the creating of this new Swedish National Bank
-*'''Republic of Venice:''' With the success of the piracy policies against Genoa, the trade with Achaea, Spain, France and the Greek and Anatolian states, many of whom were trading with Genoa, the Venetian merchants hijack their markets and flood their domain with cheaper and better goods. Especially linen, textiles, salt, grain and spices are sold for low prices. Furthermore, a large scale boycott against Genoa is requested to the allies of Venice, in return for '''discounts on Venetian goods''' like salt, textiles and spices '''(NAPLES, MILAN, ACHAEA RESPONSE NEEDED)'''. Piracy campaigns continue, and Genoan ships are looted if they enter the Venetian parts of the Mediterranean. In the Italian peninsula, the flourishing but very small city of Padua is reached out to, giving them the opportunity for Venetian protection. Under this protection, Padua would still have its own Signore as the de facto ruler. However, the city would benefit from the Venetian wealth, protection and law '''(MOD RESPONSE NEEDED).''' The request from the Ilkhanate is met with mixed feelings, though 10,000 men could be hired if needed '''(ILKHANATE RESPONSE, PLEASE).''' The expansion of the Arsenal continues, and the second Arsenal starts to be built. Additionally, a university is planned in Venice, to increase the prestige and the importance of the city. Paper money continues to be slowly adapted by the merchants.
-**'''Padua accepts protection from Venice if they will aid their conflict against Verona'''
-**'''Milan Diplomacy:''' We accept this deal.
-**'''Ilkhanate diplomacy:''' We accept this deal.
-*'''''Duchy of Brabant: "Harba Lorifa"'''''Duke John II the Hollandic Hainaut forces are scattered near The Hague, After which, Duke John II visits The city and its streets. While at the streets the army is ordered to open the population with open arms without violence, to come as a form of economic and military occupation of the Hainaut dynasty. Duke John II promises that for one year the tax will be reduced by 10% and all taxes on goods within the realm will be done away with. The Duke also promises amnesty to all nobles administrators and nobility who surrender. John, when coming to the city hall of the Hague, holds a party just his father John I did after the battle of Woeringen, with food and drinks for anyone who attends. This is done while he's crowned Count of Holland and now not only de jure Count of Holland but also de facto. Even though most of Holland accepts John II of Brabant as Count John II of Holland and Zeeland, his full title now being '''''"Duke of Lotharingia, Brabant and Limbourg, Count of Holland, Zeeland, and Dalhem and Co-lord of Maastricht and Lord of Hertogenrade and Myerebeke"'''''. but the war has not yet ended the House of Hainaut still has wants to fight,The Duke offers the County of Hainaut a truce to make a peace treaty ending this war '''(Mod response)'''. Even if The nobility and John II want peace they know it isn't yet there so force of 2,000 march south back to Brabant and Hainaut, While 1,000 troops stay in Holland to make sure the order is accepted and administration continued. Although John II does not yet call Lotharingia returned he does openly state that the reunification is an event that has already begun and cannot be stopped. With these wars the Many in the Brabantine court do begin to notice that John II is in general getting bolder then ever before fear is not anymore in his name, he's even bold with culture he write and make people write minnelied a form of music that is formal yet jolly. The works on the Heyst Mansion are resumed once more with speed and material being halved for the moment being as some is needed for the war. Law is written everywhere in the realm and the Duke decided that everywhere in the realm Brabantine dietsch should be used, although not standardised the duke does give examples on how to write certain things and he has an administration of linguists to help with inventing new words and helping to translate books from Latin, French, etc. As information is seen as one of the goals of the Brabantine realm.
-**'''Count John of Hainaut agrees to draw a truce with Brabant, although not fully accepting defeat'''
-*'''Jarldom of Greenland:''' With the new port being finished, more and more people begin working as fishermen which brings in a much needed food supply. This leads to a minor population boom with the population rising from 2500 to 2604. Meanwhile, plans to build a road between the eastern and northern settlements begins to be laid out.
-* '''Teutonic Knights:''' The year starts out with a new town called Lobenicht being founded which becomes a hub for fishing. The grand-master Gottfried von Hohenlohe starts ordering the recruitment of people from the country side and starts training them to become knights to expand the military. The grand-master has also ordered the construction of a port in Balga. '''The Grand-master offers for a trade Alliance with Livonian Order and Riga (Mod Responds Needed).'''
-** '''The Livonian order and the Archbishopric of Riga agree to a trade alliance, which goes in competition with the Hanseatic League and Novgorod for trade in the Baltic Sea'''
-*'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' The death of King Andrew III is greatly mourned within the Kingdom, with the ascension of his young son Géza who is only five years of age, leaves some instability within the realm. With all of his nearest adult relatives dead, Csák III Matthew takes up the title of regent utilizing his prerogative as Palatinate of Hungary to do so. The request is sent to his most Holiness to authorize the investiture of Géza III as King of Hungary and Croatia, either by permitting the archbishop of Esztergom to crown Géza as King. '''[Papal Response Needed]''' Many of the fortifications along the borders in the Carpathians are built up under the guidance of the Monarch and with his funding, putting them directly under the control of the crown holdings. In attempt to increase the economy Csák III Matthew seeks out a trade deal with Bulgaria and Serbia in order to bring more revenue into the coffers and the nation. '''[Mod Response needed for Serbia and Bulgaria]''' Roads are constructed along the areas along the Danube to the plains in attempt to connect the food being transported into the major cities. On the outskirts of Esztergom an abbey known as the Abbey of Saint Elizabeth begins to focus on studying academic studies in pursuit of good, seeking to provide education to others, and opening a path to better understanding good. While small they attract the attention of several noblemen and magnates who provide them with patronage. They begin to grow in numbers although it remains meager.
-**'''Papal States:''' Of course!
-*'''Chimu:''' The economical situation in Chimu is starting to stabilize. Tributes, are made more often by the orders of Roxhivi Chao. The Chimuenese, expand five miles to the south.
-*'''Bohemia-Poland: Wenceslaus in a letter to the Knight's Templar implores them to assist in reaching the Holy Land to partake in the crusade against the Mamluks. '''Having secured Templar help in getting to the Holy Land Wenceslaus Ii and his 5,000 troops embark on Templar ships boarding for Holy Land to assist in the fight against the infidels. Wenceslaus II begins writing about redemption and about the struggles of mortal man to understand the will of god. Furthermore he touches on Human suffering drawing from his own experience witnessing the carnage at Lublin, and Krakow and how some of his subjects deserted him due to growing despair during the campaign. In Bohemia and Poland Wladyslaw Piast's regency in the absence of Wenceslaus II runs relatively smoothly with the new currency and Sejm helping provide a strong economic boost, and confidence amongst the nobility and cities. construction of the Castles at Gdansk, Gniezo continue while the construction of Wawel Castle (Krakow) remains the priority of the Regency. The military education of Wenceslaus the Younger begins with the boy being trained on horse back, and in the art of swordmanship and in the military arts. His education is also expanded to include theology, geography, an understanding of the crown and its duties, along with the languages of Polish, German, Italian, and Latin aside from his native Czech. A strong bond forms between the heir and Wladyslaw, with Wenceslaus the younger adopting many of the mannerism of the Polish noble and trying to emulate his strong sense of honour and chivalry. The regency continues to promote trade with the Hansa, as well as with the Teutonic order, and envoys are sent to the distant Lithuanians in an effort to open them to trade and to open up diplomatic ties with them. influence over the Silesian region is increased through the engagement between Henry and Anne. The university of Praga is completed making it the first university in central Europe. production from the silver mines in Kutna Hora continue to grow in output of production while the minting and distribution of the groschen remains strictly controlled leading to a steady rise in the reserves of the Bohemian-Polish crown. Generous donations are given to the church, however, for the construction of new churches, monasteries and convents. Money is also given to the cause of converting the Pomeranians in the duchy of Pomerania a fief of the Polish crown, and to the settlement of Germans, Poles, and Bohemians into the region. Bohemian metal smithies and artisans begin to gain prominence due to the increased demand for their employment either in the production of weapons or for goods such as glass and jewelry. Agricultural growth also begins as the scars of war continue to fade. Trade continues to grow. '''The Bank of Praga is founded under a crown monopoly, the new bakn approaches Venice and  Milan to help the implement reforms similar to theirs to start implementing bank notes as a way of fomenting internal business. Jews are also welcomed to settle in Bohemia, Poland.'''
-**'''The Knights Templar will send 8,000 knights to help take the Holy Land..'''
-*'''Kingdom of Cyprus:''' Defensive fortification production goes well. Seeing a short loss in the Siege of Jerusalem, diplomacy is sent to Bohemia, the Teutonic Order, Portugal, and the Holy Emperor in asking for support armies in the crusades '''(Bohemian, Teutonic Order, and Mod Response Needed)'''. With the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller building their armies last year, a second Battle of Jerusalem is conducted with a total Cypriot, Templar, and Hospitaller sending an additional 7,000 to aid in crusades. The Knights Templar agree to help in assisting Bohemia-Poland reach the Holy Land, sending the Knights Templar navy to help move the soldiers, and shortly afterward, landing all combined forces in Gaza and starting a second Battle of Jerusalem.
-**'''Teutonic Diplomacy: We agree to send 3,000 Knights to help take the Holy Land.'''
-* '''Republic of Genoa:''' Attempts to negotiate peace with the Republic of Venice have failed. Shipwrecks and looting toward Genoese galleys continue (but on smaller scale) and the important Genoese merchants fear losing Acre and Gaza. In response, the Duke has ordered Admiral Lamba Doria to nominally establish a fleet of 20 war galleys near the Strait of Gibraltar to loot and sink any Venetian merchant ship that approaches it with the aim of cutting trade between Venice and the ports of the Atlantic Ocean. On the other hand, due to the saturation of troops and warships in Genoa, the Republic has opened a service of mercenary galleys with the aim of stopping maintaining an army that generated significant losses to the metropolis. The Kingdom of France has offered to buy a fleet of 100 Genoese galleys to which they sailed to Perpignan where French soldiers along with Genoese embarked toward Bourg where they hope to anchor the English fleet stationed there. Meanwhile, Genoa's economy begins to flourish, silk production workshops receive small incentives thanks to the huge amount of demand in the metropolis and abroad, the "industry" construction begins to take on more and more prestige and the tensions between the pro-Ghibelline and pro-Guelph families are being reduced to give way to a period of peace and harmony within Genoa (due of the recent division between the Guelphs). Slowly, The Republic of Genoa is expanding its purchasing power, along with naval power in the Western Mediterranean and commercial in it.
-*'''Kingdom of England:''' Reinforcements arrive from Ireland and England, with 8,000 more troops arriving in Northern France. 4,000 remain in the foothold England has while 4,000 join the forces sieging Rouen, now totaling 10,000 men. Meanwhile, to try to alleviate Tensions in Scotland, Edward personally reminds everyone that Edward Balliol renounced the throne last year in exchange for a pardon. However, talk of a Scottish coronation led Edward to conclude that it is better to deal with this general unrest now rather than later. Edward sends a letter to the Scottish Lords "I would love to crown a King now, but I cannot in good conscience do so without the approval of a Great Charter for Scotland securing the rights of both the people, the Lords and the King" (essentially providing his support for a Scottish Magna Carta and making the argument that a King should not be crowned before it is finalized). John Hastings is granted the title of "Chief Guardian of Scotland" in preparation for his coronation after the signature of a Magma Carta, granting him most powers of a King without the official title yet. Edward reminds the Scottish lords in his letters of his intentions to call another Scottish Parliament in order to proclaim a Magna Carta for Scotland once the war for France is over and reminds them of the failure last year's attempts were. "We need to do this right", he ends the letter. Attempts are made to secure Edward Balliol to more publicly and once again renounce the throne with the English garrisons in Scotland. Meanwhile, English forces succesfully capture Bordeaux and begin to fortify the city expecting the French  that is coming, preparing many defences and getting ready to use the city for the battle under bordeaux with the French force. The men in Bordeaux know for an absolute fact that they are fighting for their lives. Should the French forces not be stopped in open battle, this will be the end of English gascony, their gascony, to whom they owed loyalty, the end of the lucrative trade with England. No, the English make their stand under the Walls of Bordeaux. "Only with a victory here do we stand a chance of preserving our Liberties, our Rights, our King, and saving all of Gascony from the Tyranny of Philiop! Only if we Win Here!". Do or Die, they make their stand. As they must protect their people and their Duke. in North Gascony and Bourg. 4,000 men remain holed up within the walls of the city defending Bourg as they hole up within the walls of the city. With dominance of the seas, the English essentially ensure a steady supply chain to the men within the city. The Sieges continue from last year (Rouen and Amiens, now with 10,000 and 4,000 sieging respectively after this year's reinforcements). An assize of Arms is passed in England. Meanwhile, messengers are sent to various French lords, including, most especially, the Counts of Flanders, with whom England enjoys much wool trade profiting both nations and especially a letter is sent to Brittany, where Duke John II of Brittany, who also holds an English Peerage as the Earl of Richmond and Robert III, Duke of Nevers, are asked to join up forces against Philip and his tyranny. Edward makes the case that England is a better liege and if they begin a rebellion against the House of Capet, especially over the dreaded salt tax that Frenchmen despise, then more unhappy vassals may follow. '''(Mod response neded).''' (Historically [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy,_Count_of_Flanders Guy of Flanders] was not pleased with Philip of France and joined in alliance with England, while Duke [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_II,_Duke_of_Brittany John of Brittany] was also an English Peer. Edward I is also his uncle and[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_III,_Count_of_Flanders Robert III] of Nevers broke all feudal ties with France in 1297 due to disputes). In the case of a win during the English last stand at Bordeaux, the Lieutenat of Aquitaine, Joh St John, devises a plan. If the French forces attacking him route, he will not pursue thenm, only pretend to, Instead, he will circle back and ambush the French Armies laying siege to bourg, and attempt to lift the siege one last time by coming around and surprising the Rrench siege camps from the rear. to keep advancing, and run all the way from Bordeaux to Bourg. This plan is prepared in the case of a victory against the French. A similar letter is sent to the Count of Anjou to try to gain his allegiance in this rebellion against France. Edward promises to be a more just Liege Lord than Philip as he attempts to re-assert the old rights of the Angevin Empire and his rights over those lands. Edward Promises to include the French Lords that pledge to him a seat in his Parliament and a right to have a say in the taxes that are levied on them and their lands, the right to not have taxation without represenation. This is especially sent to Charles II of Anjou. (mod Response Please). Hopefully, the promise of having a voice over taxation turns some Lords. Edward hopes that if victories in Guyenne come to fruition and the French Armies are routed, then the Lords may think he has a chance in this rebellion'''(Mod response, Please)'''
-**'''Kingdom of Scotland:''' The Scottish Lords look at the words of Edward with a grain of salt. While he wasn't outright hostile, he did come off as very confident. Nobody knows what William Wallace's reaction was, as he retains the title of Guardian of Scotland, but makes no mention of Edward's letter. Looking at the prospect of a Scottish Magna Carta, the Nobility begin to form factions so as to try to increase their bargaining power and avoid another failed parliament. The delay until the next parliament also gives them time to formalize their proposals, although major disagreements between the five emerging factions each asking for their rights at the expense of others. The Church faction is led by the church, which sees the Scottish Charter as an opportunity to increase its secular power, the Burguess faction led by the men of the city of Glasgow, and four other factions each led by [noble families asking for different rights], alongside an influential Loyalist/Royalist faction favouring the powers of the king of Scotland. This divides the loyalty of the Scottish Lords, with the disagreements sometimes fanned by English envoys. Regardless, many people are interested in what happens when a parliament is finally called.
-*'''Nogai Khan:''' Having defeated Toqta Khan in the field of battle, Nogai now reunifies the Golden Horde under one banner, his banner, proclaiming himself as the rightful Khan of all of the Golden Horde, and with no opponents left to challenge him, he secures this right by right of conquest, by right of victory, and there are more victories to be won for Nogai's friend and ally Lev I is dead. With his death, the need to protect Lev's former lands is paramount, as such, a small contingent of Nogai's forces, (two tumen) go to Ruthenia to defend from any potential opportunistic invasions, mainly focusing on the Polish lands East of Vistula. Rebuilding of the nation commences, with the most physical rebuilding taking place in Sarai Batu, as reconstruction efforts are implemented, focused on making the capital a shining city of religion, culture, science, trade, and power. As such grand temples and mosques are established throughout the city, with these religious institutions also serving as places of learning. Cultural exchange between the Mongols and the Russians continue to thrive as Russians begin to settle down in Sarai Batu, working alongside Mongols in reconstructing the capital, mainly members of the Orthodox Legion who fought alongside Nogai against the traitorous Toqta. Orthodox priests crown Nogai Khan of all the Golden Horde and baptize him, completing the three full submersions at his coronation in Sarai Batu, the sight of his victory. The ever ambitious Nogai, however, needs even more wealth to make Sarai Batu and his Golden Horde Heaven upon Earth, so he sets out with an army of eight tumens strong to the besieged city of Samarkand, seeking to sack it and plunder it of its vast wealth, taking the exhausted Chagatai forces completely by surprise, demanding immediate surrender to Nogai, lest Samarkand burn. Back at home, siege equipment is once again constructed.
-* '''Kingdom of France:''' Seeing this war over Gascony escalate into an all-out conflict, King Philip instructs the leaders of Normandie and Picardy, as well as minor lords in the Loire, to raise 20,000 troops, with 10,000 from Normandie, and 5,000 each from Loire and Picardie. These armies are to have a large portion of light cavalry. '''Philip asks the lords in Burgundy, Champagne, and Occitania to provide whatever troops they can in the fight against England [Mod Response SVP].''' In addition, 28,000 troops are sent into Aquitaine in order to reinforce the already existing 10,500, bringing the total troops in Aquitaine to 38,000, 15,000 of which is put to the task of laying siege to Bourg. With the arrival of 100 ships from Genoa, the English troops are unable to leave the town, and a wall is constructed from collected stone to prevent the escape of any English soldiers, or longbow fire. The other 23,500 is sent to crush the English armies sieging Bordeaux. Near Rouen, the strategy is different. A 5,000-man garrison of infantry as well as a token force of heavy cavalry is placed in both Amiens and Le Havre, blocking supply routes to the army at Rouen, and the 10,000 army remaining is tasked with harassing English supply lines with the large amount of light cavalry, but specifically told not to engage in pitched battles with an English army of more than half its size. The army would be well informed of the enemy army's size due to extensive scouting by the light cavalry.
-** '''Champagne and Occitania gives their full support to France and sends a total of 12,000 troops, including support from Queen Joan of Navarre. Duke Robert II of Burgundy, however, is less inclined and only sends 3,000 troops'''
-* '''Principality of Achaea:''' Having travelled to Rome last year and witnessing the crusader zeal that is permeating throughout Europe, Prince Florent of Hainaut consults with Archbishop John of Patras. Convinced that Baydu Khan is a heretic, Florent is unwilling to engage in that crusade effort but wants to prove his own crusader qualifications. After much discussion, Florent convinces Archbishop John to sanction a holy war against '''Mentese''', the Anatolian Turksih beylik across the Aegean Sea. Florent raises the forces of his vassal barons and calls upon the Count Palatine of '''Cephalonia and Zakynthos''' (who recently re-swore vassalage to the Princiaplity), the Duchy of '''Naxos '''(who remains a vassal), and the Duke of '''Athens''', Guy II de la Roche - Florent's son-in-law-to-be - to join the holy war against Mentese. Any reluctant nobles are personally visited by marshal Nicholas III of Saint Omer, who has become quite the diplomat among the Achaeans '''(Mod responses)'''. From the Achaean lands directly, Florent raises 3,000 well-trained knights from the various baronies. He then uses the collective navies of the Frankish crusader states at his disposal to sail across the Aegean to land near Halicarnassus (OTL Bodrum). The Frankish Greek crusaders then meet the army of Mentese (numbering around 2,000) on a Turkish plain. Two thirds of the heavy cavalry would lead a charge into the Turks' right flank while traditional men-at-arms hold the bulk of their forces at bay. Pikemen would also be present among the crusaders' forces, to prevent enemy cavalry charges. The remaining one-third of cavalry would guard the right flank of the attackers' side. Additionally, the coastlines are blockaded to prevent an escape of the Turks by sea, but to enable the potential evacuation of crusaders should the battle turn against us. Back in Achaea, 8-year old Matilda, the principality's presumptive heiress, continues to be educated in Greek, largely under the tutelage of her mother, Isabella. Isabella relies on her personal popularity among the native Greek population as well as their mutual hatred for the Turks to keep the peace domestically.
-** '''Guy II of Athens agrees to contribute as much military as necessary for fighting the Turks.'''
-* '''Lordship of Ireland:''' An Assize of Arms is passed requiring the practice of the longbow once a week by all freemen over the age of 12 and appoints the Constables to be responsible for ensuring it occurs. Taxes are raised to support the war.
-*'''Ilkhanate:''' After Qipchaq's forces are repulsed from Baghdad, they recuperate in Tabriz, though a small envoy remains behind at Baghdad with a proposal of a treaty of non-aggression in which Öljaitü would be given sovereignty over most of Iraq in exchange for ceasing hostilities. '''(Mod response)''' From a combination of gathering together the local forces defending several smaller cities, more Mongols and anti-jihadist Persian peasants, he is able to expand his defensive army from 25,000 to 60,000 troops. (OOC: Viva explained to me that given its population the Ilkhanate should have about 160,000 total troops rather than the 80,000 to 100,000 I had previously been assuming.) 5,000 troops arrive from Georgia, increasing the number to 65,000. Qipchaq's defensive arvy marches east and attacks the Delhi Sultanate's advancing troops in Nishapur while allied troops from Yuan China cross the Himalayas and attack the Sultanate's homeland. '''(Yuan China response/confirmation)''' Qipchaq on behalf of his father also sends an envoy to Nogai Khan, congratulating him on his victory against Toqta Khan and proposing an alliance between the two Christian Khans against the Muslim invaders from the Delhi and Mamluk Sultanates and asks for military aid against Delhi. '''(Nogai Khan response)''' Meanwhile, Baydu's army of 30,000 leaves Damascus for the time being and marches south, joining the 18,000 troops from Cyprus and the Papal States, the 10,000 troops from Venice, the 2,000 troops from the Byzantine Empire, the 8,000 Knights Templar and Hospitalier and the 3,000 Teutonic Knights (71,000 total) in launching a second attack on Jerusalem. The 15,000 soldiers garrisoning Aleppo remain in place for the time being and focus on recruiting new soldiers, expanding to 20,000. All of the Ilkhan's family members other than Baydu and Qipchaq (i.e., his consorts, his sons Ali and Muhammad and his daughters Yol Qutlugh and Elathin) are evacuated from Tabriz to Sis in Cilicia, with a ship prepared to evacuate them further to Cyprus if it becomes necessary.
-**'''Armenian Cilicia:''' King Hethum II sends 5,000 troops north to aid the Sultanate of Rum and accepts the Ilkhan's family members into his palace in Sis. The rest of Cilicia's military focuses on fortifying the cities of Sis and Tarsus. Hethum II selects Thoros III's 12-year-old son Leo as his future heir.
-**'''Sultanate of Rum:''' With Kayqubad III dead, Baydu appoints Mesud II to serve as Sultan of Rum again. Realising war is unavoidable, Mesud II gathers a force comprising 10,000 soldiers from Rum, 5,000 troops from Armenian Cilicia, 5,000 from Georgia and 5,000 from Bohemia (25,000 total) to attack Osman Gazi's base of operations, the town Söğüt. If successful, they will raze Söğüt to the ground.
-**'''Yuan Chinese Response:''' In light of the new alliance with the Ilkhanate, the Chinese move to open a new front against the Dehli Sultanate in India. Rather than directly attacking them from the Chinese heartlands, Temür Khan orders the head of the Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs to mobilize his provincial forces and local irregulars, and move against the Indians from his location to the north in Tibet. 50,000 provincial troops garrisoned in Tibet are moved to the border with Dehli, while an additional 20,000 Tibetan irregular warriors are conscripted into service to support the invasion. In Chagatai, the 20,000 provincial soldiers stationed in Turpan are sent to reinforce the main imperial army near Samarkand, and continue to prosecute the war against the Chagatai forces in the region, this time with the aid of the Ilkhanate allied armies nearby. Operating in concert with the Ilkhanate armies, 70,000 Yuan soldiers enter into India using the Dungri La passes in southern Tibet to strike at the Delhi forces rear positions and raid the valley region.
-* '''Georgia: With a civil war seemingly brewing in Rum, and the renewed threat of Turkish incursions, King David stations about 3,000 horse–archers and 2,000 heavy cavalry in the fortified city of Batumi. He also orders the fortification of Yerevan.''' David begins to discuss the possibility of occupying the Trapezuntine Empire through vassalization or outright conquest. '''He sends 5,000 feudal levies to aid the Ilkhans in Anatolia, and another ~5,000 to aid in the Delhi Front.''' Queen Oljath begins to exert greater influence in Georgian politics (specifically, political affairs in the capital of Tbilisi), with David pre-occupied with military and administerial reform. Oljath is observed by many to be a just and moderate individual, with many admiring her faith in spite of her pagan heritage. Aware of her general popularity, David encourages her to be involved in religious affairs such as the patronage of monasteries and the renovation of prominent religious sites; fortifying the relationship between the state and the church. To secure the safety of his heir apparent, David stipulates that the five-year-old Anastasius will be confined to Tbilisi. Meanwhile, his uncle, the fifteen-year-old George, is withdrawn from Mesopotamia and sent again to live with his maternal grandfather Beka Jaqeli and his mother Natela. Due to the early death of his father, and his older brother's preoccupation with running the country, he has become very attached to Beka, whom he admires and views as a paternal figure. Under the latter's tutelage, George has become well-versed in military doctrine and particularly excels in equestrian sport. To further expand the tax base, commerce – in particular, external trade – is encouraged. Merchant and craftsmen guilds in the capital of Tbilisi and the port of Batumi proliferate. The main trading goods continue to be wool, felt, wine, and enamels. However, cotton cultivation grows and workshops begin manufacturing silks – the latter aided by protectionist laws.
-*'''Yuan China:''' Following the escape of the Chagatai forces from Samarkand, Temür Khan calls in 20,000 troops from the garrison at Turpan to reinforce his armies in the region, allowing him to continue prosecuting the war against the Chagatai Mongols. With 120,000 troops in the west, Temür Khan renews his siege of Samarkand, this time moving to cut off reinforcements to the city by creating a series of walls blocking the defenders off from relief. A second wall is built for his own forces, to protect them from any relief force sent to lift the siege. In the south, an army of 70,000 troops comprised of Tibetans and Chinese provincial forces in Tibet are sent to invade the Delhi Sultanate through Dungri La as part of the new alliance with the Ilkhanate. The goal of this force is to help relieve some of the burden on the Ilkhanate by the Indians, and prevent them from pushing deeper into Afghanistan and threatening their Mongol allies in Persia. Back home, the development of the Lingbei and Liaoyang provinces continues, this time witnessing a massive upswing in migration as the monetary reforms in the Chinese heartlands have allowed many families to earn enough money to move north to find their fortunes in the new communities of Mongolia and Manchuria. Acheng's population has grown rapidly in the few years since its use as the central node of Manchuria's urbanization scheme by the imperial government in Beijing, with some 100,000 inhabitants now residing within the city walls. The agricultural development in the region has been fueled by the influx of wheat as the primary crop of the land, with cattle and swine herding providing the supplies of meat for the new population. Several other towns and villages are also being constructed throughout Manchuria, with the governor of Liaoyang informing the imperial court that at least fifty towns with populations in excess of 20,000 each, have been founded under the land grant system instituted by Temür Khan prior to his departure to Chagatai. With the new road network into the north developing in parallel with the new program, northern migration of Chinese citizens has been bountiful for local magistrates looking to expand their offices and sources of tax revenue. In Mongolia, the expansion of Karakorum continues, though it has now grown into the largest city in the steppes region, with more than 150,000 residents located within its walls. Most of these are Mongols who were already present within the immediate area, but now permanently settled within Karakorum's walls following its expansion into a proper city along Chinese lines and administration. In the south, the governor of Yunnan has been given authorization by the imperial court to use his 50,000 provincial forces to suppress the rebels in his region. To aid his in this task, 20,000 provincial soldiers from the neighboring Huguang province and 40,000 Han and Zhuang irregular soldiers from the Yunnan province, have been raised and deployed to Yunnan to bolster the local government forces and crush any rebel forces within the region. Back along the southern coastline, the expansion of the navy continues, with an additional two ''wei'' added to the navy, thus bringing the total size of the navy to seventeen ''wei'' of 850 ships, 85,000 sailors, and 25,500 marines divided into three operational zones. In Korea, the integration of that region into China continues without let-up, with most of the bureaucracy on the peninsula consisting of a mixture of Han, Mongol, Yue, and Korean bureaucrats and their families, while the provincial army consists of 50,000 soldiers of varying backgrounds and their families, helping to acclimate the local Koreans to a variety of cultures and breaking up the power of the local ruling elites. These elites are likewise ordered to relocate to different parts of China to serve as administrators and judges, while new families from China are brought in to replace them. Some 10,000 Chinese families are ordered to relocate to Pyongyang and the surrounding environs and take up residence there on a permanent basis, while the same number of Korean families are relocated to different parts of China. Within the imperial court, the power grip of the new Nestorian rulers continues to expand under the aegis of the Christian Imperial Guard, and the implicit grace of Temür Khan. Wisely, the monks brought into the imperial court introduce Christian doctrines into Chinese philosophy with the backing of several newly converted Chinese gentlemen-scholars, who slowly feed Christian teachings into the edicts and teachings of the bureaucracy, while carefully indoctrinating newly-minted members of the government in the ways of the Nestorian faith. This ensures that an organic spread of the faith, while not being overtly hostile and aggressive in the manner of converting new members into the faith. Seeking to introduce more of the population to Christianity, a missive from Temür Khan authorizes the imperial court to proclaim the duality of the Virgin Mary to the Chinese goddess of mercy, Guanyin, arguably the most popular of the folk deities of China. Dual icons with the image of Guanyin are made with that of a Chinese interpretation of the Virgin Mary, with the new priests of faith preaching that in the same way the bodhisattva Guanyin always aided the poor and the weak, the Virgin Mary has been incarnated as the continuation of her works, though with time operating on an worldly scale as foretold in the Gospels through the death of her son, Jesus Christ. While slow, many Chinese subjects have taken a liking to the new teaching and the organized manner in which blessings can be received directly from her through her "servants" on the earth, via the few churches constructed in the major cities.
-*'''Delhi Sultanate:''' The Sultan raises 50,000 feudal levies (15,000 cavalry and 35,000 infantry) and with the 50,000 troops (40,000 cavalry and 10,000 infantry) already in the Delhi area, the Sultan leads his forces to meet the invading Yuan force in the fields of '''Tarain. '''The Sultan personally leads the force to fight in the fields of Panipat. The force under Ulugh Khan holds Kabul and captures the surrounding areas. The force under Nusrat Khan that is 150,000 troops strong supplemented by another 12,000 Muslim Ilkhanate volunteers engage the Ilkhanate forces in Nishapur. Having repelled the Ilkhanate forces, the Delhi Sultanate forces hold the area and capture the surrounding areas. A throng of Muslim volunteers from across India (numbering around 4,000) come and join the Sultan in the '''3rd battle of Tarain'''. '''The Delhi Sultanate requests the Bengal Sultanate to come to its aid as the Yuan invasion threatens Muslim rule in India. (MOD RESPONSE). The Delhi Sultanate also proposes an alliance to the Chagatai in which Delhi is allowed to keep the area conquered in exchange for helping the Chagatai fight the Yuan. (MOD RESPONSE)'''
-*'''Crown of Aragon:''' With the war well underway within Napoli, reinforcements and another 15,000 men are sent off to Napoli supplied from Sicily and protected Aragonese ships in addition from supplies in already allied occupied territory. With Benevento’s siege seeming to lean in the allied forces favor and the city already surrounded by cutting off supplies, trebuchets and catapults are put into good use with flammable projectile also being added for the purpose of breaking defenses with other tactics used  for tearing down defenses being applied through methods of digging and placing flammable material under defenses as methods of weakening the structures further. 64 ships in total are put into use for the purpose of harassing and cutting off supplies in Napoli as Frederick and Aragonese forces for the purpose of solidifying dominance at sea. With the University of Zaragoza’s construction continuing onward, the construction of the road network continues as well despite it being done slower due to financial resources being used and expended in Napoli. A plan for a massive cathedral in Barcelona begins
-*'''Papal States:''' We begin to think more and more about excommunicating the Aragonese king due to his actions of occupying Benevento, a personal property of the Pope. However, we decide that it is too risky because our vassal is currently losing the war.
+<u>'''In Portugal, Constance of Thuringia (1480-1551), widow of former King John II of Portugal, dies of natural causes.'''</u>
-===1302===
-<u>'''The decaying authority of the French King leads some of its vassals to lose faith in the ability of the King to retain the kingdom.'''</u>
-<u>'''Count Guy of Flanders has rejected French authority and is allied to Edward, backed by the other Flemish nobles.'''</u>
+<u>'''In Arles, Marcuse of Bruce-Anjou (1482-1551), uncle of King Louis II of Arles, dies of natural causes.'''</u>
+*'''Mali Empire:''' The civil war reaches a conclusion this year as the Mossi kingdom is fully re-annexed again. The native Mossi rulers that were not killed in battle were imprisoned in Niani, and the kingdom itself was partitioned into four kingdoms: Ouagadougou, Tenkodogo, Fada N'gourma, and Yatenga. These were originally vassals of Mossi, which were now made direct vassals of the empire. The rebel states of Baol and Salum were likewise absorbed by neighboring kingdoms, solidifying the imperialist faction of Waalo across the Maghans of the Gbara. Aswed Zahri returned to the Manding core with the southern armies of the empire, having completed his work in the subjugation of Burkina Faso. The death tolls recorded for his actions have made him a gravely infamous figure in later generations, but contemporary to his own time he was hailed as a hero. The generation following the death of Mamamoo is often viewed as a dark time of Mali's history, and for many people this is largely blamed on Mansa Musa III himself. Musa, however, may not have had as much control over the situation as we may think. The Jaesh Al-Ghul (ghost soldiers) necessitated a new restructure of the military, which had largely remained unchanged since the days of Simba I, but at this point the power of the military rested solely in the hands of the Southern Viceroy, Aswed Zahri. Luqman Al-Lebu was officially recognized as the Northern Viceroy, but after the Mossi campaign Aswed was not relinquishing his share of the imperial army. Economically, Musa attempted to reach out to restore the Saharan caravan trade, and sent envoys to both Tunis and Cairo to re-establish diplomacy with the Wileyats of the Abbasid Caliphate, but this action was strongly blocked by the allies of Waalo in the Gbara. Nonetheless, the envoys reaching Tunisia and Egypt offered to arrange a marriage with his second daughter Zaynab (b. 1522) '''(Abbasid Response),''' and to improve relations with the ruler of Egypt. He further sent his eldest daughter Zuhur (b.1520) to be married to the ruler of Morocco. '''(MOD RESPONSE).''' Musa's third son Ahmad (b.1528) was installed as the ruler of Yatenga in Mossi, and married to a woman of the former dynasty there named Awa (b.1535). Culturally, art and music in Mali continues to stagnate as religious conservatism takes hold across the empire, in both Yunni and Sunni circles. Mamamoo was often considered the penultimate philosopher of Mali's "Golden age", and after his death the only notable philosophical writings are exclusively commentaries on his work, or his hagiography. Most new works of literature and poetry at this time come from the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Senegal River, as the vassal Serar Kingdoms compete with each other for economic and political supremacy, along with the Babani people farther north. In the west, Mansa Musa officially recognizes the colonies of Bebaghad to annex the coast of Meridia from Kambina (Recife) as far south as Jadid (Rio de Jenairo). Each one of the half-dozen colonies along the coast were nominally under the authority of the respective Serar or Berber state that sponsored them, but effectively the Bebaghad Colony acted as a single entity under the direct control of the Gbara. Musa's second son Simba (b.1521) was named the first "Viceroy of the West", which would prove to be a temporary office. In order to enforce this new administration, the Serer navigator Ilyas Joofa is sent to subjugate the Ceata people using 3,000 troops and 600 cavalry, using the advanced technology of arquebuses and two cannons. '''(Algo request).''' This, however, was only the start. Rahi Mukhamil led a more ambitious campaign for the subjugation of the Tupinanda people across southern Meridia, after they had rejected the Islamic religion presented by Imam Musa. 5,000 troops and 800 cavalry are sent to Zimzalabim (Bahia), and recruit as many native allies as possible among the Tamoia people before marching on their Tupi rivals. The promise is made that any of the Tamoia or Tupi that supports the Empire will be given all the settled lands acquired, and made a direct imperial vassal, after they convert to Islam. ('''Algo/Mod response.''')
-<u>'''The Sultanate of Rum utterly collapses with its defeat at the hands of the Ottomans. No longer able to restore order, it shatters into Beyeliks vying for power. The Ottomans launch an invasion of Byzantine Bithynia. The largest battle – the battle of Bapheus, ends in a crushing Ottoman victory, effectively capturing the region for the Ottomans.'''</u>
+* '''Georgia:''' The "Europeanization" of the Georgian aristocracy - particularly in western Georgia - continues, in a bid to distance themselves from Persianate culture, which is rapidly falling out of favor. The number of Christians residing in Georgia's peripheral territories is strengthened, with thousands of Armenians being resettled in areas with a strong Muslim presence. The Albanians continued to be assimilated into the Heretian population. The economy continues to flourish due to the export of silk and cotton, and the development of the textile industry. More mulberry and cotton plantations are built.Military expansion continues: the artillery corps is expanded, more muskets and other gunpowder weapons are produced with the expansion of the Tbilisi Arsenal, while more state-owned stables and studs are built. The cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified, with the installation of defensive cannons and thickening of their walls.
-<u>'''The other states are Karasi on the coast near Lesbos, Saruhan near Smyrna, Aydin to the south, and Mentese inland from Halicarnassus. Tekke is on the southern coast near Rhodes, with Beryshir, Hamid, and Germiyan further inland sandwiched between the remains of Rum, Osma, and Tekke.'''</u>
+* '''Empire of Japan:''' With Maguidanao, having secured much of Mindanao partially with Japanese assistance as promised with the prior vassalization agreement, the Japanese zaibatsu begin investing into the port of Cagayan to help develop it into a more widescale port. Some other investments are put into the Rusung archipelago specifically to help more notably develop its agricultural base. Sugary specifically on Samar Island has begun to take hold as a primary product of the region with notabe other sugar production going on across Visayas, Japanese, Tondo or otherwise affiliated. At home Jomei finally pins down a small group of Daimyo running a corrupt and illegal trade ring and exposes them to the Diet. Noting some of the slumped taxes as of late alot of this is blamed on these Daimyo having secured an illegal major source of untaxed income. This in reality is somewhat in relation to the Ikko-Ikki revolts which the Emperor and high Daimyo noble families have tried to find a way to distract from. Emperor Jomei is relatively happy with the success of the colony of Kenzo and authorizes full funding for another colony farther south set up by a small group of former soldiers with intent to bring their families at some point. Their small colony is started as a fort is is named Fort Tokawa with set up to develop the lands around it as a small town. Natives have been contacted in varied amounts between these two areas and a small amount of trade is embarked upon which is actually instrumental in the first year of survival for Fort Tokawa. The exodus of Jizamurai to the settlement of Kenzo continues having gone from roughly 100 settlers initially to nearly 800 in the last five years. This seems to be stemming from many looking for a new life in a colonial region that is not cold and inhospitable. To the north, however, in Arasakura the claims and direct control along the coast has continued heavily as many far ranging outposts and lumber camps have been established. The entirety of Arasakura boasts a population of roughly 2,000 since the establishment of the colonies. Some pushes are made to discovery veritible crops that can be grown in the colonies farther south that would maximize the value. It is noted that rice yields in the Kenzo colony are much lower than in the homeland. However, with Tabako (Tobacco) having been introduced by the Romans and Spanish in recent years it is noted that Tabako can be grown and is taken up until other crops can be taken. While not necessarily having been important or popular in Japan the use of Tobacco has started to see an upswing as the more aristocratic elite have taken up using the product. An upswing in agriculture and rice yields have been noted in Manzhuguo as more people have developed or settled the lands. A notable effect of longtime intermixing of Japanese and Manchus in the region has seen some of the less independently minded Manchus take up more Japanese culture, tradition, diet and many other habits. It is clear that many of the Jurchens have begun to assimilate a bit more clearly. Some of the more independently minded ones to the north, however, entrench in their own tradition and wish to maintain their cultural independence. However, with so much open territory and a relative lack of infringement on the vast Manchu province lying between Manzhuguo and Siberia. It is noted, however, that a few of them have moved to Korchin to become a bit closer to their historical brethren in Korchin.
+*'''Tsardom of Russia: With the final suppression of the remaining Tatar revolts in the region of the Former Astrakhan Khanate, things start to quiet down. Unfortunately, however, there are scant traces of the group led by the Mystic to be found other then the stories circling of their dead from survivors of the attacks, and from former rebels. It is generally agreed upon that leniency will be the policy taking as a more conciliatory means of securing the people in the region. more to be added later.'''
-<u>'''The wars in the Middle East result in a fair amount of Muslim migration into India and Africa. The population of inland African settlements such as Timbuktu begins to swell as a new center of Islamic learning begins to take shape.'''</u>
+*'''Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di":''' With the Guarani people turning to more violent means,  Willem smit begins to think of manners to make the Shepherds able to defend themselves more easly. Thus Willem Smit is thinking of getting more guns and even allowing guns to be bought without any tolling, this meant to make it cheaper to import guns. Willem Smit planning on having a small army of combined Belgian force, this force mainly existing of around 15 horsemen equipped with Swords, pistols, short spear and an iron helmet, 25 infantry split amongst punaisiers and pikeman, with a small detachment of ten logistics members. The plan being to set up a small barrack upstream the tweeplaat revier, as the shephards often follow said river. In Ruysch news arrives of the Kingdom of France trying to expand their influence over the Wagenaar famyljebedriuw holdings of Broekden and Kebeck, this News filling the people of Frisia with joy. Thus a total of 1,000 Frisians shortly there after join the Koninglyke krijgweer Belgia, thus the defense of Arras/Atrecht totals 17,000 soldiers most of these being Spanish or Germans. As these soldiers continue to build up the walls and improve the the suplies and the flow of the Scarpe River in order to receive bigger ships. While in Luxembourg the 36,000 soldiers under Paul Dekremer continue their build up of the city, adding star pointed defence around the city of Luxembourg although this is not the best of craftsmanship due to haste and the fact that many of these works are performed with the army and the local poor. Each year of the awaited siege making the city more and more of a fortress, Paul Dekremer wanting to wait to further offensive actions until the army is able to properly fortify border cities and towns. For this aid for the future offensive he sends diplomats to Russia offering work to cavalry and artilerist veterans of war in return for money and possible loot. '''(Russian response).''' Russians are very well known for their great cavalry such as in the regions around Ruthenia and Caucausus.
+* '''Kingdom of Portugal:''' An expedition lands in Cape Baltimoro (OTL Baltimore) in what is named Sebastianland after King Sebastian. (permission from steph and Nate.) The king visited the town of Sebastiano near Porto where he unveiled the new statue of King Sebastian. Meanwhile, the Portuguese North American colony is founded with Afonos de Gonzales being appointed its first governor. In Cape Baltimoro, a tribe which the Portuguese calls Susquehannock begins attacking the settlement. Hearing of this, the king himself travels there to solve the situation. With the help of a translator, the king peacefully manages to solve the situation and even meets with their chief. '''(Mod response of the outcome of the meeting).'''
+** '''The chief of the Susquehannok are willing to negotiate Gonzales as long as their lands are not violated.'''
+* '''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items.''' '''The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. We lost the war against Friuli Venezia Giulia last year. Our army retreats and goes back home. With Moldavia sending troops to Poland to get their vacant throne we watch from the sidelines and see what happens before doing anything. Endre and Isabella have a second child a girl named Trinity.
+** '''Banate of Bosnia:''' Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
+** '''Banate of Severin:''' The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
+*'''Majapahit Empire (Civil war):''' after Neyrajilaben staged the war against the House of Rasaja. Many people and many vassals sided with them. He got the presence and support of the governor of Bandar Supandi. Adji Supandi, as he comes with over 2,000 men entirely musketeers to serve as skirmishers in the field. The three Mahayardas of Timor and Yamaha and Sibuerito sided with the Aristocracy. Giving arround 6,500 soliders to serve against the declining House of Rasaja. As the Javanese aristocracy successfully fields arround 10,000 in the island of Bali seizing it ports completely. Adji Supandi sends ships to serve as transportation for the troops in Bali. As Adji Supandi leads his navy to defeat the House of Rasaja's small riverine navy in the Brantas. He completely destroys the fleet scoring control over the Brantas River. Thus, Trowulan is in danger. Lampung sides with the declining House of Rasaja after beeing promised to gain such more autonomy in future. As they sent 2,000 troops to defend up trowulan, as they quickly reached there before Adji Supandi seize of the Brantas River. The aristocracy in madura Island scores a victory against a small 100 garrison in an lighty defended by wooden walls. The aristocracy fielded arround 5,000 troops there. 600 of those are the crew of the fire trebuchets, who proved capability against the wooden walls burning them all. Hearing all the news of the advancing aristocracy. Pi quickly fields his royal army of arround 7,000 men and putts it quickly in Trowulan. He tries to send a small navy to defeat Adji Supandi's guarding navy in the Strait of Sunda to let more Lampung troops come in. Sadly they were defeated heavily. As the House of Rasaja's Lantakas and Cetbangs stood no chance against Adji Supandi's European canons. With the Co-admiral Gereyaniha taking over the field to show his might. After that he moves into Sunda territory to link up with the huge army of the rebeling aristocracy there as 15,000 soliders rebelled in the command of Atriosnibangi. The emperor Pi tries to send a small skirmish force to deal some damage to the rebeling aristocracy in Sunda but soon they were caught off guard and were forced to retreat. Neyrajilaben leads 10,000 with Adji Supandi's fleet command to secure the island of demak. As they defeated the House of Rasaja's war canoes. They crossed the river and had minor skirmishes with some anti-aristocracy forces in demak. Fully occupying them after the engagements. Now only 7,000 of the best Pi soliders and 2,000 Lampung soliders will stand against the huge assembled army and fleet going to Brantas numbering arround 38,500 men. With the command of one governor. And three aristocracts. Pi tries all his best in panic to strengthen Trowulan's fortifications as fast as he can as his paranoia of any surprise Seige at its HIEST. He vegans shouting and murdering his servants for any minor mistake. As it is only a matter of time. The Co-admiral Gereyaniha and the admiral Adji Supandi leads their almighty fleet with over 4,000 troops and many Seige wepons to speak of with European Seige Canons to go all in Bandar Lampung. The huge port was seized by the aristocracy forces after a long term fight. Giving acces to more ships that can be used for transportation and more in the upcoming Seige of Trowulan. With only a few months.. Preparing starts to get in effect. As.. The '''SEIGE OF TROWULAN''' will begin. Next... Year..
+*'''Empire of Ayutthaya:''' Bayyinaung launches an assault against the forces of Smim Htaw in the Battle of Six Pagodas Pass forcing Smim Htaw to withdraw farther up the Tenasserim Coast with Bayinnaung in pursuit. Meanwhile, at Dagon, supply convoys are engaged by a fleet of ships comandeered by Smim Sawhtut's forces suffering a pretty serious blow to the naval capabilities of Bayinnaung's faction. An evacuation of both men and supplies from Dagon is undertaken on the remaining ships leaving Dagon to fall into enemy hands with the evacuees comprised of various ethnic backgrounds such as Burmans, Shans, and Mons. In an attempt to stop the armies of Bayinnaung from advancing past Martaban, Smim Sawhtut's forces are dispatched to aid Smim Htaw's in driving back the invading forces of Bayinnaung but remain vastly outnumbered with Smim Htaw being driven back to Martaban. At Martaban, Bayinnaung manages to crush the defenders by years end and begins to consoldiate his position as Smim Sawhtut's forces withdraw back into Pegu proper.
+*'''Roman Empire: Having made peace with the League of Como Andronikos hopes to keep the peace. Having lost many close friends and allies, he is in many ways a broken man. '''The violence in the Peloponnesus calms after news of the peace, but the remnants of the Tagmata are deployed there to help prevent either unrest or violence.''' The men chosen for the task are known to be exceptionally loyal to the emperor who asks them to protect the Italians and Greeks alike. '''The wedding of Kaisar Manuel and Princess Ippolita of Modena is the only bright spot this year as the unrest in the capital subsides for a few weeks surrounding the ceremonies. However, there is great instability and weakness in Andronikos’ leadership without the Tagmata. He makes attempts to rebuild the force, drafting in new recruits, but the expense of the effort is too great for the strained treasury to bear, and the lack of qualified officers makes such efforts nearly pointless. Having lost his core powerbase and neglected or angered the powerful merchant families, Andronikos’ son Manuel conspires with these mercantile factions to take the throne from his father. Manuel, while not a loyal son, is a competent leader on the surface. However, he possesses greed to the same degree he lacks wisdom, which is to say he is not a thoughtful or well meaning man. Rich in his own right, he capitalizes on the unrest in the capital, bribing several Stratigoí ton Themáton to support him over his father. Though these men are military, Andronikos’ overt preference for the Tagmata has alienated many. With the support of four Themata, the navy, and the rich banking clans, Manuel launches his coup. He first brings the troops loyal to him into the city under the guise of wanting them to participate in a parade to celebrate his father’s victory over the Italians. '''With the vast majority of the Tagmata stationed in and around Corinth''' those loyal to Andronikos are few in number. '''Exactly one week after his wedding, the young Kaisar’s men dispense with his father’s allies, essentially murdering those officers that support the Kaisar-Autokrator and forcing the ordinary soldiers to choose surrender or death. Under the shadow of darkness, an elite contingent of officers breaks into Andronikos’ private residence where he is to be apprehended.''' However, the plan goes wrong. The officers do not catch Andronikos sleeping as had been planned, but rather find him furiously writing an order at his desk. '''The struggle leaves Andronikos slain along with several of the invaders. Manuel then crowns himself Kaisar-Basileus of the Greeks and Romans, Autokrator of the Roman Empire.''' News of the coup spreads quickly across the empire. Andronikos’ largely conservative supporters are disgusted by the events and quickly rally around Manuel’s 3rd Cousin once removed, John. '''John, who styles himself as Kaisar-Basileus John XI, rallies these supporters who form an informal army of 9,000 men in Thessaly. They march east to catch the young new emperor off guard before he can raise troops to defend the capital.''' Manuel’s men in the capital, having been paid-off return to their homes leaving the new emperor with limited resources as John’s army approaches. The bankers and commercial interests of the country manage to re-secure the support of the Themata employed in the coup and in total Manuelian forces number 12,000. Ignoring what few military advisors remain, Manuel departs from the city to catch John’s forces at Kavala. The two armies meet on the plains of Thrace near the Maritsa River. '''John’s army carries the Vergina Sun, the symbol of Macedon as Manuel’s bears the imperial banner.''' Arrayed out before each other, both armies carry Roman equipment, fight with Roman tactics, and shell each other with Roman artillery. The battle initially favors Manuel, whose greater numbers allow him to devote more forces to the flanks and attempt an encirclement. However, John’s troops prove both more loyal and more willing to stand and fight. They begin pushing back Manuel’s center, which crumbles and begins to route. By the end of the day, the loyalist center teeters on the edge of collapse, while the Verginaian flanks themselves have nearly broken. Both sides retreat in order as the sun sets. During the night, a detachment of loyalist troops are sent north from where they will encircle the enemy and capture John. However, on the opening of the second day of battle, John’s army is nowhere to be seen, having left in the night. It too has marched north and intercepts the flanking party, scattering the smaller force in a dramatic encounter. Having lost 3,200 men, Manuel is forced to retreat to Constantinople with John on his tail. '''Unable to cut the capital off from supply John takes the time to assemble a larger army but sets up a siege to force Manuel to terms. Inside the city, Manuel rallies his allies and secures the loyalty of most of Anatolia’s elites, subduing those that choose to resist. He also has a son by Ippolita late in the year, who he names Herodotus.'''
+*'''Abbasid Caliphate:''' Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman would return to Cairo this year, deciding that Damascus would be more suited as the center of the Caliphate following the conquest of Iran. During the later years of Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's reign, humanist ideas would become more concentrated in the Caliphate due to the export of the Taymiyyah Order to the Gurkani Empire and the restoration of the Muʿtazila in Iraq and Syria, ushering in a new period of rational ideological thought that would ultimately lead to the Second Islamic Golden Age. Through these later years, a number of concepts would be cemented to secure the longevity of the Caliphate, including the introduction of the Millet system to maintain authority over the Arabian peninsula and Ifriqiya and further administrative powers being given to the Ulema. The dynasty under Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman that accumulated as a result of his expansion and continued child-bearing under a variety of concubines as well as his wife, Aisha, would result in the formation of a succession crisis, which would ultimately lead the imprisonment and execution of a multitude of Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's children. This would leave Ibrahim bin Mehmud (c. 1523) as the heir apparent, while Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's other children included Abd Manaf (c. 1525), Abu'l-Fadl (c. 1529), Ihsanullah (c. 1530), Fakhraddin (c. 1541), and Mukhtar (c. 1547). The second eldest son of the Caliph, Abd Manaf, would marry the daughter of Mansa Musa III of Mali, Zaynab, while Ihsanullah would marry the third eldest daughter of Gurkani Sultan and Fakhraddin would be placed in an arranged marriage with the second eldest daughter of the Janannid Sultan. The works of Nikolay Turgenev are mass-produced through the printing press, being translated into Arabic and being adapted into the Islamic world by a variety of scholars at the House of Wisdom while the original manuscripts are stored in the Great University of Alexandria. These works would become influential to the role the Caliph exerted over the aristocracy, but would later flourish in the later state of Arabia erected during the collapse of the Abbasid Caliphate. Exports are marked at a higher tariff to better alleviate the economy.
+**'''Gurkani Empire:''' Following the conquest of Persia, manhunts for the now illegitimate Shah Alqas Mirza begin across Eastern Iran, however, much to the surprise of the Gurkani dynasty, Shah Alqas Mirza would never be found, with contemporary DNA testing proving that Alqas Mirza would settle in Herat before moving into a sedentary life outside of the politics of Iran. However, much of the Safavid dynasty, including son and former heir of the former Savadid Shah Ismail Mirza, Ebraham, would be placed in the court of Sultan Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza, whose reign would last nearly fourty three years, although much of the early years as Sultan would revolve around the quelling of a variety of rebellions instituted by disciples of the Ash'athites and remnants of the Safavid military. Re-construction of Efsahan, Tehran, Shiraz, and Yazd would be conducted through a variety of architectural influence, mainly Abbasid and Greco-Roman. Sultan Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza would declare himself Padishah of Persia. The remnants of the silk road continue to remain highly profitable, with exports consisting of carpetry, copper, gold, leather, and a variety of fruits and spices, with cotton making up a significant export for the Empire. While localized Shi'ite communities maintain primary domestic autonomy, policies to collectivize the Shi'ite population under authority of the Gurkani dynasty are done through a variety of methods, such as allowing the Shi'ite clergy into the Court of the Sultan and held theological debates in Efsahan and Yazd. In the conflict against the Qizilbash, policies to eclipse the power are conducted, including the positioning of the Taymiyyah Order in Yazd and the creation of a slave army based on the ghulams introduced by the Savafids and the various ethnicities that flourished during the Georgian Empire, although most of these policies wouldn't be cemented until 1557.
+*'''The Spanish Empire:''' after an overwhelming victory in Peru, the capital, Cusco lies in waiting. With support from allies and Spaniards, the grand finale of the march comes. The men use shock and superior tactics to their advantage. The objective is to kill the other claimant and bring Peru under proper authority. Some begin to find Pizarro more worthy of choice especially through the allies found within the oppressed tribes like those of the cloud forests. They worry this new Emperor may do more harm to them than any good even after supporting them. Meanwhile, in New Spain, road developments and land investments continue. Cleared land in need of settling are made in Venezuela. The Mouth of the Mississippi is explored by Carlos Santos. He founded the Colony of Rio de Esmeralda, the green color brought upon in Summer where the water would turn bright green marsh. The land is very suitable for agrarian investments and so an attraction of cheap labor is needed. The Governor of Rio de Esmeralda is appointed to Santos's brother, Francisco Santos. Elvin now very old and all his siblings near passing on to heaven has left him saddened but glad his nephew stays close by his side. Alvin also comes to visit time to time but not as often. Nonetheless, a distant cousin is reached out to in France. The House of Foix, the Albret branch. The lates t French developments have sparked a lot of issues within the nation. Crippling National Debt, high levels of Heresy, Expensive Wars leading to large amounts of deaths and persistent failures, and the alliance with a Caliph would leave the population absolutely torn from the monarch. It can be seen that the monarch was of no good to France nor the Catholic people. Therefore Henry de Foix secretly is given support to be new claimant to the French Throne. This notice is sent to many nobles in deep secret in order to ensure secrecy at utmost cost that support would be given in weapons supplies, and money to finally rise up in both the catholic class and noble class but also in the clergy and military against the French King. Propaganda articles would begin to be spread out through 3rd party sources in order to prevent tracing to the Spanish Crown. Through these methods, rebellion would be instilled on the French. Rio de La Plata sees much more expansion upstream as the region continues to bless Buenos Aires as a colony of success. In response to the rebelling Mayans, an expedition of 7,500 men set out.
+**'''Henry Foix is not generally supported in France at this time, asside from a couple of ultra-Catholic nobles'''
+*'''Kingdom of England:''' At RETEC's Meridian colony, the OTL Delaware Bay and River are officially named the Courtenay Bay and River, respectively, after Philip Courtenay, 3rd Earl of Bristol, who was the first RETEC administrator of Atlantic Harbour (and also after Co-King Edward X of England, who is from the House of Courtenay). RETEC's ships conduct more surveys of Courtenay Bay and the lower reaches of Courtenay River, while in Atlantic Harbour the administrator Thomas Colonna, 2nd Earl of Southampton and Francis Beaufort, along with the English soldiers led by Henry Borgburg, continue planning a campaign to drive away hostile Lenape tribespeople from the colonial farms in OTL Atlantic and Cape May Counties. 5,000 English mercenaries remain in Lotharingia, though as far as the English Parliament can tell the situation there appears to be calming down, so the parliamentarians think the mercenaries may not need to be deployed there much longer. Lincolnshire priests continue gathering funds from nobles for the reconstruction of the spire of Lincoln Cathedral, benefitting from the political support of Queen Margaret and King Edward X. In the Manchester area, the English Inquisition continues arresting Irish Presbyterians and expelling them from England with the aid of Alexander Anderson's mercenary company, with the goal of preventing the civil unrest that may result if the Protestant population were allowed to build up uncontrolled. Several religious orders, such as the Mercedines and Jesuits also begin operating in this area, with the goal of convincing any native English converts of the Scrooby Congregation back to the Catholic Church by more diplomatic means than those of the Inquisition; as part of this strategy, they also focus on performing acts of charity. The English Parliament continues to provide funding for RETEC's Meridian operations and the Inquisition, and this year also provides funding for the expansion of improvement of some large sheep farms in rural England in order to increase the wool production, potentially for international trade. The English economy continues to improve thanks to the increase maritime trade accessed by English merchants due to the negative economic situations of the Celtic Confederacy and France. Reginald Courtenay, 1st Earl of Worcester (1501-1551), younger brother of Co-King Edward X, dies of a disease, and his son Thomas (b. 1524) becomes the 2nd Earl of Worcester. Anthony Colonna (b. 1528), son of Thomas Colonna, 2nd Earl of Southampton, marries Anne Grey (b. 1524), sister of George Grey, 5th Earl of Kent. John Talbot and Elizabeth Beaufort have their first child, a son named George (b. 1551); Henry Bourchier and Beatrice Talbot have their second child, a son named Charles (b. 1551); and Robert Neville, 5th Earl of Westmorland and Catherine Asburgo-della Rovere have their third child, a daughter named Mabel (b. 1551).
+===1552===
-<u>'''General unrest and discontent continues across parts of southern China (Yunnan and Guangzhou), primarily as religious Confucianist leaders are displeased by the introduction of foreign religions and philosophies. That being said, most Confucianists consider his behavior typical of their barbarian overlords. The ongoing wars of Temur Khan strains the finances of the empire, since the armies used by Kublai Khan have not been dismissed.'''</u>
+<u>'''Pope Leo XII dies of natural causes in Rome. The Roman cardinals once again urge Pope Zephrynus II to come to Rome, or else a new successor will be elected this year.'''</u>
-* '''Kingdom of Sweden:''' Early one morning, King Birger and King Christopher are awakened in their camp outside Sønderborg Castle. They leave their tents to find Eric the Anti-Christ, bound and gagged, at their feet, betrayed by his exhausted and demoralized army of peasants. Honoring his promise, King Christopher pardons all 5,000 former rebels, and in a mass confession and communion Archbishop Allesson forgives and blesses them as well. The former rebels are fed and cared for and are provided safe passage back to their homes. Eric the Anti-Christ is put under heavy guard and transferred back to Copenhagen. There he is put in a cage and hung above a city gate, for all to see. For two days he is subjected to this humiliation, with peasants mocking and throwing food at him. '''On the second day he is brought down, cleaned, and put on a Swedish fleet of ten ships which set sail for Rome, intending to deliver the Anti-Christ to the Papacy for the Holy Father to deal with personally'''. With the Danish Civil War now over, King Christopher formally returns to Copenhagen with King Birger and his forces. '''There they sign''' '''the Treaty of Alliance and Friendship, which formalizes an alliance between Denmark and Sweden, names King Birger’s son Magnus as the heir to the Danish throne, and seals a marriage pact between King Christopher and Birger’s daughter Katarina Birgersdotter'''. With Eric removed, King Christopher enthroned with noble support and Denmark finally at peace, Birger declares that he and his army have fulfilled their mission and their duty to God and the Pope. The Swedish Army returns home, and Birger is given a triumphant welcome to Stockholm, where he is greeted by his wife Queen Martha. With the war over, the nobles are released back to their lands and their men are disbanded. Out of the 15,000 men, 8,000 are disbanded as a result. The remaining 7,000 men form the King’s personal guard and are retained to form the nucleus of a Swedish standing army. The Milanese Bankers also arrive, and they are greeted by both the King and Queen. The royals outline their plan to form a national bank to end their currency debasement and tie the nobles financially to the well-being of the Kingdom. The Milanese Bankers are given access to the Kingdom’s funds and tax records in order to work out how exactly to establish the national bank.
-* '''Maraninds of Sultanate:''' The Almoradivs are launching an invasion in Valencia, and occupied major of troop are 10,000 and restoring al-Andalus first of all they taking the island spanish o Balearic islands and then the almoradivs are ready for the invasion. Meanwhile, in Morocco, the sultanate conquer most of Mauritania and the island canary. '''Meanwhile, they're annexing Valence the south territorial of their border which is was an ancient territorial of al-Andalus '''plus among those soldiers most are cavalry and warrior warframe next they're coming to the Strait of Gibraltar.
-* '''Kingdom of Naples:''' With the fall of Beneveto and the capital now vulnerable, along with the Frankish Greek State abandoning their suzerain and the French being unable to provide support to the Kingdom of Naples, Charles II positions himself in the capital recruiting peasants into the army but only managing to increase his forces to 20,000 men with the Neapolitan Army nearing collapse. With Prince Robert and his wife Catherine I arriving to France soon giving birth to her first son in which she and Robert call John. ('''Secret''') Meanwhile, as Robert’s first child is born, Prince Philip decides to stay in Northern Italy in order to recruit Mercenaries from Milan, Venice and Florence in order to build up his own personal army for a Contingency Plan drawn out by his father stating that these Mercenaries will embark of campaign against those who betrayed Charles II and that they would be paid handsomely in the riches taken from the conquered lands. ('''Milanese, Venetian and Florentine Response Needed''') Meanwhile, elements of the Neapolitan Navy secretly change course with a Fleet of 45 Galleys (25 Venetian and 20 Neapolitan) sailing toward the Port of Venice as part of the Angevin Contingency. In Achaea, some agents of Prince Phillip have arrived in Andravida seeking some Frankish Nobles who might still be loyal to their suzerain ('''Mod Response''') ('''End of Secret'''). Meanwhile, in France, Prince Robert and his wife arrive in Paris pledge their loyalty to King Phillip IV of France and in return Prince Robert requests control over the County of Anjou in which once belonged to his father ('''French Response Needed)'''.
-**'''Florence does not want to get involved in this conflict.'''
-**'''Achaean Diplomacy:''' We reiterate that we have not abandoned King Charles II of Naples, but - having completed our feudal obligations for the decade, based upon customary feudal law of the Latin Empire - are now free to engage in our own exploits and defense.
-*'''Mali Empire:''' Mansa Gao continues his earlier domestic policies for improving the lives and finances of Mali. The growth of agricultural works expands greatly in Mali proper, and primarily flourishes in the cities of Ouagadougou and Ghana. The navy of Mali also steadily grows, creating larger ships and other vessels on the Atlantic coast, as well as within the Niger and Senegal Rivers. This year, some boats are also built along the Gambia River as well. The Great Mosque of Djeane also continues to be built, and mosques of similar style are built in Niani as well, where religious works are severely lacking. The steady caravan trade exporting salt and gold continues to expand Mali's finances tremendously, although it starts to plateau this year due to ongoing wars in both Morocco and Egypt. In spite of this conflict, Mansa Gao begins his own great Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, traveling along the Kanem and Fezzan plains all the way to Cairo and Hejaz. He takes the royal family of the Sons of Kolokan with him, particularly his children with his son Muhammad. Mali continues to support the war in Egypt, with this caravan of the Mansa's pilgrimage bringing more supplies to keep Egypt stable.
-*'''Duchy of Brabant: "Harba Lorifa''' "Although a truce with Hainaut exists their leaders do not accept their defeat. John II who defeated John of Hainaut in the Hague with all his troops. They do not want peace. So 3,000 troops who were already marching south back again begin their march for Capital of Mons. Troops joining along the way as they are called upon by Duke John II, Duke of Lotharingia who asks for all soldiers in the realm to join the cause against Hainaut and for the dynasty for the house of Brabant-Lotharingia, as even if this war is not great it has to be over quickly as this war is quite useless. A war between brotherly nations Hainaut and Brabant should fight together not against each other. Lowlands are divided but united by their will to not drown. A land that has for its whole history been attacked from all sides by all nations, but it is know that when it is united that is the most stable that it can be. The Celts, the Romans, the Germanic tribes and the Vikings all attacked but under Lothair II the land was stable and great, a nation that was able to challenge the powers of Europe. Lotharingia will exist is it not now then in 100 years but the nation will exist once more, unlike Rome the culture, language, and politics have not changed. Old franconian is still spoken in these lands and the motto still stands "Were Di" as indeed the Duke can defend his realm, the power of trust, and good administration. Duke John II beginning to write down his ideas for his successor and how to orgnaise the realm better. Duke John wanting to simplify the variants of government with a basic version of laws where on extra laws duties and rights on additional charters. John II believing this could simplify the realm and possibly unite it more centrally. While in Heyst ten Berge, the mansion is being built on fully one more, the building getting a garden and a little chapel to make it able to be used for prayer. The duke also sends a letter to Lious of Loon for a meeting between the realms, as he the heir to the throne of loon seems to be infertille which could cause troubles for his realm. At the same time John wants to support Lious in the struggle if need be with Guelders, Duke John II of Lotharingia, Brabant and Limbourg, Count of Holland, Zeeland, and Dalhem and Co-lord of Maastricht and Lord of Hertogenrade and Myerebeke wanting an alliance with Loon and better co-operation as Loon is in between Brabant and its holdings over the Muese'''(mod response).'''
-**'''Loon accepts an alliance.'''
-*'''Yuan China:''' Concerned with the complaints over the financial burden of his wars, Temür Khan orders his men in India and Transoxiana to plunder the rich cities of the land and bring their wealth back to China for introduction into the state coffers. The raiding parties of the khan in India quickly fan out to rob the surrounding regions of their gold, silver, and precious gems, and having their rear guard units escort the plunder back to Beijing for stockpiling. Temür Khan's quick response to the unrest on the financial front has restored a measure of confidence in his government, and bought him a few more years of campaigning in the west. The 70,000 Yuan soldiers pouring through the Dungri La pass move to seize several Delhi cities, taking advantage of the sultanate's weakness in their rear territories. Capitalizing upon the defenselessness of the territories, the Yuan lay siege to several cities near the pass, these being Sialkot, Kangra, Julluhur, and Sirhind, establishin a 10,000-strong garrison army in these cities, blocking off the pass from being seized by the Delhi forces. Another 40,000 troops from the Gansu province near northern Tibet are sent into the Indian plains as reinforcements per the requests of the Bureau of Tibetan and Buddhist Affairs, to help bolster Chinese forces operating within Delhi territory. They are directed to the frontlines near the city of Delhi, with the goal of increasing the forces there to 100,000 troops. '''This army of the Yuan dynasty moves to meet the Delhi army near Tarain, where they seek to deal a fatal blow to the Indian rulers in the field of battle.''' In Yunnan, imperial guard units are dispatched to track down and apprehend the rebel leaders in the hilly regions of the province. The more violent leaders of the rebels in the region are hunted down and publicly executed for their defiance against the rule of the Yuan dynasty, while the more pragmatic leaders are given the opportunity to recant and submit to the rule of the government once more. To help sooth any feelings of concern, the state ministers work to enlighten those captured rebels of their pure intentions, working to prove that Christianity and Confucianism are not just compatible, but integral to one another as ideologies matching the same overall purpose in life and spirituality. With the support of the Nestorian clergy in Beijing, the imperial court works out how to best incorporate Confucianism into Christianity. According to the monks, due to Confucianism's role as an ethical system rather than a religious ideology, they agree that it is compatible with Christian rites and dogma. Some of the monks even state that the "civil rituals" of Confucianism can easily be co-oped into the Christian faith and work alongside the religion's spiritual rituals. Acknowledging the issue of Chinese ancestral worship, the imperial court's theologians develop a scheme where the ancestors of the people are professed to be angels responsible for serving the Lord in heaven where they work to guide and protect their people on the earth while still in mortal form. The greatest of these ancestors are paired with the role of the seraphim and cherubim, where the stand before God as his most righteous servants. Christian iconography depicting these changes are incorporated into more and more of Chinese public life, with halos and saints being placed alongside those icons of Chinese origin, with the goal of making both interchangeable over time. While some of the rebel leaders remain unconvinced, others are successfully converted into willing members of the growing Christian congregation in China, if only for the fact that there still remain several tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers in the province ready and willing to put them to the sword if they attempt to resist the emperor's will. In Huguang, the 20,000 marines are garrisoned along the coastal cities while the 60,000 provincial forces are redeployed to deal with the rebels in the interior, with a similar plan of operation as in the province of Yunnan. Temür Khan orders a census to be conducted for the following year, with special emphasis on the provinces of Liaoyang and Lingbei in the north, to assess the progress of the north's development into productive components of the empire. In the south, the navy continues to be expanded following its destruction more than three decades ago at the hands of the Vietnamese, with focus on the navy's growth into a co-equal branch of the Yuan military. Another ''wei'' of ships and personnel have been added to the navy's forces, increasing the ability of China to protect its shores once again. As a part of the navy's redevelopment, the admirals of the various Yuan fleets have been commissioned by the imperial court to draft a series of naval doctrines and policies for the coming years with respect to Japan and the eastern isles beyond the Chinese mainland.
-*'''Republic of Venice:''' The absence of 100 Genoan ships and even more ships locked in the Western Mediterranean give an easy choice to raid the already weakened routes to the Genoan colonies in the Aegean and Black Sea. Ships that are engaged are ordered to be looted and then sunken, so that the Genoese can't rescue and repair them, all with the goal to drain their treasuries. Open battles are avoided, to keep the loss of material and men at a bare minimum. Meanwhile, the 10,000 Crusaders that were hired by the Ilkhanate need their paying, which would cost a lump sum of around 8,000 Venetian Gold Ducats '''(ILKHANATE RESPONSE).''' The price can be sold after the war is concluded, with a small increase of 5% of the total fee. Due to the protection (and de facto rule) over Padua, their conflict with Verona becomes a Venetian matter as well. 2,000 heavy infantrymen, 1,000 light infantrymen, 600 archers and 400 cavalrymen. For the battles, notable fortifications are erected at the border regions and Paduan troops are extensively drilled by Venetian officers. However, the battles themselves are led by a Paduan (more to be added later, maybe)
-**'''Ilkhanate response:''' With the war still ongoing, the Ilkhanate asks to pay after the war is concluded, accepting the 5% increase.
-**'''Naples:''' Prince Phillip, having failed to recruit any Milanese and Venetian mercenaries, offers to to pay the equivalent 10,000 Venetian Gold Ducats for a force of 5,000 mercenaries.
-**'''Ventian Dip to Naples: Venice agrees.'''
-**'''Venetian Dip to the Ilkhanate: Venice agrees.'''
-*'''Jarldom of Greenland:''' We begin expanding the fishing workplace even further bringing in even more food. In addition to this, the proud Greenlandic militia of 50 soldiers is raised.
-*'''Teutonic Knights:''' A new cathedral is built in the town of Altstadt. Also, the port in Balga is finished and open this year. A new town is founded called Lignowy which becomes a center of farming and raising horses. The town of Mohrungen is founded which becomes a center for livestock. a fortress is constructed in Elblag. the recruitment of soldiers in the county side continues with the Grand-master aiming for 20,000 knights in 15 years.''' Grand-master Gottfreid von Hohenlohe makes a pilgrimage to Rome to meet the Pope and establish good relations with the Vatican.'''
-**'''Swedish Diplomacy:''' The Kingdom of Sweden is very interested in the Teutonic Knight's trade policies, specifically that they challenge Hanseatic dominance of the Baltic. Chaffing under the Hanseatic League's taxes and tariffs, King Birger offers to form a new trade league with the monastic orders in the area, including the Teutonic Knights. The King of Sweden would also use his influence over the Danish King Christopher to induce Denmark to also join the league.
-**'''Teutonic Diplomacy: We accept the offer.'''
-*'''Lordship of Milan:''' Following the great victory in Piacenza the Milanese Military returns home and is greeted as heroes. The victory in Piacenza opens up an interesting opportunity for Milan. Piacenza is made a part of Milan and following Piacenza ex-nobility discussing with Bankers the Bankers push for a new idea. '''To make Milan a republic similar to the others in northern Italy. With as much pressure on him Matteo sends messages to both the Emperor and the Pope for permission for this to occur. (Mod response for Emperor) (Papal response) '''With the increase in economical power and continued drama between the Della Torre and Visconti a proposal is made to the Della Torre by the Visconti as well as to one of the most influential bankers in Milan currently, Basilio Geovani. His current wife is an extremely well respected woman by the people of Milan. He is also a really well respected man and there becomes minor discussions in both the Della Torre and Visconti that Geovani may actually win the first election surprisingly. The election begins with all land-owning men being allowed to vote, the vast majority of whom are Bankers. The vote takes a total of three weeks with the eventual winner being Basilio Geovani. Basilio upon taking power states that the Mercenaries of Milan should only be allowed to serve countries in Northern Italy or members of the HRE. Visconti agrees with this. However, Della Torre does not but with minimal backing Della Torre concedes it and the new rule passes. His second action is the expansion of all three banks with more jobs opening up and less people needing to work in the field as more money is brought in. The mercenary companies ask for a clause that allows them to work with groups outside of that separate of Milanese activities. The council agrees to this understanding that they are Mercenaries and not a standing army.
-**'''After much deliberation, Albert Habsburg agrees to extinguish the title of Lord of Milan, and allow the merchants to elect their own government.'''
-**'''Papal States:''' We also agree to let the merchants elect their own republic.
-*'''Papal States:''' In the year of our Lord 1302, the former Danish king is put on trial. The decision to burn him at the stake is unanimous. His Holiness has published ''Unum Sanctum, ''which describes the tyrannical rule of James II of Aragon and describes his excommunication. In the political world, we hope the Aragon's excommunication serves as a reminder as to not to attack the Holy Father. We hereby recognize Geza III of Hungary as the holder of the Kingdom of Hungary and Croatia. While Benevento is under de facto Aragonese occupation, Abruzzo is made a fief of the Papacy.
-* '''Georgia: David sends a letter to his maternal relative Alexios – offering to provide 5,000 troops for the defense of the Trapezuntine Empire against the Turks (MOD RESPONSE)'''. While such a move would bring it back under Georgia's sphere of influence, it would remain a fully independent state. '''David also appeals to the Ilkhanate to restore Georgian suzerainty over the region of Samstkhe (which mainly encompasses Lazica and parts of the Armenian Highlands) (ILKHANATE RESPONSE.''' He cites the fact that its split from Georgia was very recent – happening only in 1268. Also, its ruling Prince, Beka Jaqeli has been active in the Georgian court as its de jure Msakhurtukhutsesi (Majordomo). He also holds the position of Atabeg (Vizier), despite having raised George – the younger brother of David, instead of Anastasius – the actual heir apparent. Knowing that David would continue to assure his full autonomy due to their familial ties and his prestige, Beka has agreed to the deal – though with several reservations. Firstly, Samtskhe would have to be incorporated in a single duchy rather than split into several. Secondly, George – to whom he has taken quite a liking – will be guaranteed a high position in court, and given a duchy of his own. The court remains cautious of directly aiding the Crusade, given such a move would arouse dissent among Georgia's Muslim subjects. A significant number of landless lower nobles (~5,000) join – though under their volition. It is iterated that they will not receive state sponsorship. '''David approves the deployment of 10,000 feudal levies to Anatolia to serve under Mongol ranks.''' To further expand the tax base, commerce – in particular, external trade – is encouraged. Merchant and craftsmen guilds in the capital of Tbilisi and the port of Batumi proliferate. The main trading goods continue to be wool, felt, wine, and enamels. However, cotton cultivation grows and workshops begin manufacturing silks – the latter aided by protectionist laws.
-** '''Emperor Alexios II of Trabizond is grateful for the loaning of troops, although their own military is capable enough of defeating the Turks as well.'''
-**'''Ilkhanate response:''' Baydu grants Georgia suzerainty over Samstkhe.
-* '''Kingdom of Cyprus:''' Defensive fortification production continues. Another Battle of Jerusalem occurs, with more siege equipment being deployed to help bring down Arab fortifications while encirclement tactics prove efficient. Written records for all events are made.
-* '''Republic of Genoa:''' A thriving Genoa rise after a tumultuous crisis that devastated the metropolis and its colonies since 1295. After more than seven long years, representatives of the main families (pro-Ghibellines) that govern the Genoese territories come together again in the metropolis to discuss internal and external affairs together with the duke. In this annual assembly and in the future ones the House of Doria, the Spinola, the Zaccaria family, the Boccanegra family and the House of Cybo will meet and the issues taken to resolve had to do with the siege and looting of merchant ships that affects in a small but considerable proportion to the economy of the Republic, the possibility of expanding the influence in the Western Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and finally the distribution of the different areas of influence that each family must possess with respect to the total possessions that the Republic of Genoa houses. Due to the previous negotiations failed to reestablish the peace with Venice, the amount of looting and shipwrecks in the Eastern Mediterranean has not diminished since the War of Curzola began. As it is not possible to cease the systematic loot, a law was implemented which, in case an assailant appears to loot and sink the ships, the rule of “if I do not have it, nobody has it” will apply. In other words, merchants and other crew members who are on board at that time will be obliged to throw all their pertenences or valuables with a significant value on the ship so that the looters cannot loot anything of minimal importance, if a crew member die, the family will be compensated with a total amount of 5,000 silver coins and 1,000 authentic gold coins. On the other hand, to attract mainly buyers in need of mercenaries, a Genoese pact system called “''Genoves commercia foedus''” has been implemented to ensure its dominant trade and power. This is governed by three benefits that will be implemented to the nation and/or city that signs the pact:''' 1. Accessibility to a greater variety of products brought from distant lands without any impediment or retention, being cheaper products compared to rivals. 2. 20% discount when buying and/or renting Genoese mercenaries. 3. Possibility of requesting more flexible loans with an interest of 2% without annual increase.''' However, the pact is also governed by a couple of rules that the client nation or city must follow. '''1. Do not exercise violent and/or hostile actions to the republic (do not invaded territories, do not assault galleys, etc.). 2. Do not finance enemies of the republic.''' To test this commercial pact system, the Kingdom of Mallorca and the Kingdom of Aragon '''(Aragon response)''' '''(Mod response as Kingdom of Mallorca)''' have been offered a request to be able to enjoy certain privileges offered by the international trade that lies in the Mediterranean thanks to the Republic despite the war with Venice. With regard to the defense of the territories, the possibility of an invasion by Venice must not be forgotten, the possessions of Crimea, Corsica and part of Sardinia have been ordered to build a fleet of ten galleys per zone (the metropolis will provide them with resources and capital if necessary). Meanwhile, the hostile actions against Venetian merchants in the Strait of Gibraltar continues.
-** '''Mallorca agrees to the offer.'''
-*'''Ilkhanate:''' Qipchaq's army is reduced to 60,000 and repulsed from Nishapur. Qipchaq decides the ruined city of Nishapur is not working fighting for and sends his army south, curving around the forward Delhi army at Nishapur. The 20,000 troops in Aleppo return to action, with 17,000 of them leaving Aleppo and joining Qipchaq's army on the Persian plains, expanding its size to 77,000. The 3,000 soldiers remaining in Aleppo continue to garrison the city and continue recruiting, expanding their number to 5,000. Qipchaq's army heads east, avoiding cities but instead heading for the plains of Tarain, from where news has come of troops from Yuan China battling the Delhi Sultanate's army. Qipchaq's troops aid the 100,000 Yuan troops, creating a coalition army of 177,000 and outflanking the Delhi army. In the south, the crusader coalition led by Baydu is reduced to 53,000 but continues sieging Jerusalem, and they are replenished by 2,000 troops from Genoa, increasing their number to 55,000. In the meantime, the sieging troops have been building siege equipment and Baydu has been working on integrating the various subgroups in the diverse army to aid the battlefield coordination. Baydu also sends out a few diplomatic envoys, asking the Papal States if they would be able to supply any more troops and also asking the newly independent Sicily and Genoa for aid in the crusade to retake Jerusalem. '''(Papal States response) (Genoa response) (Mod response for Sicily)''' Privately, Baydu decides that if the army is unable to take Jerusalem in 1302 he will have them abandon the siege and head east to aid Qipchaq's army.
-**'''Armenian Cilicia:''' Observing the fall of Rum and the Ottomans' attack on Bithynia, King Hethum II is worried at the potential for the Ottomans to become another aggressive Jihadist state and sends envoys to Achaea and the Byzantine Empire, proposing an alliance between the Christian nations against the aggressive Islamic Ottomans. '''(Achaea response) (Mod response for Byzantium)''' With the goal of making Cilicia's borders more secure, Hethum II sends out an army of 10,000 Cilician soldiers, 5,000 Georgians and 5,000 Bohemians (20,000 total) to take over the city of Sivas, which had been fortified by Rum and due to its easterly location should not have been reached by many Ottoman troops yet. While heading from Sis to Sivas, Hethum II's troops also aid peasants in the war-torn region of eastern Anatolia with rebuilding their farms, improving their economy.
-**'''Republic of Genoa:''' The republic, happily to be part of a crusade, send a legion of the best 2,000 men that can be found in northern Italy to help Ilkhanate with the siege of Jerusalem and future mission against infield in exchange for naval trade without restriction with the city of Acre (if it's released from the Mamluks).
-**'''Ilkhanate response:''' The Ilkhanate agrees to Genoa's request.
-**'''Sicily is too busy right now.'''
-**'''Byzantium accepts the alliance.'''
-**'''Achaean Diplomacy:''' Due to our ongoing hostilities with the Byzantine Empire, we are hesitant to align ourselves with Cilicia following the alliance between Byzantium and Cilicia.
-*'''Mamluke Sultanate:''' Sultan an-Nasir Muhammad announces his support for Osman I of the Ottoman Empire, although he refrains from sending any troops to help him at the moment. Öljaitü, brother of Mahmud Ghazan, an infidel, is offered refuge within Mamluke borders if he finds himself being pushed back, where the Mamluke armies will give him their support in becoming the leader of the Ilkhanate. '''(Mod Response for Öljaitü) '''Mahmud Ghazan’s infidelity will be used against him. '''<u>Again, al-Hakim will announce that the war against the Ilkhanate and the traitors of Islam is just, and call upon the soldiers of the Ilkhanate as well as the people residing in its cities to revolt. Those in his court are told to assassinate him when given the oppurtunity.</u>''' Seeing as how the Papal States has not endorsed the crusades, use this to show how Mahmud Ghazan war is not even endorsed by the spiritual leader of Roman Catholicism, and even try to propaganda by stating Mahmud Ghazan is viewed as heretical even by Christians. '''<u>From the Mamluke forces, numbering 70,000, with 30,000 more being conscripted,which should be easier to maintain since it is at our own home territory, they are to march to Jerusalem, starting by retaking all of the territories that were taken along the march to it, seeing as no army in those areas will be able to withstand my forces, escalades, cannons will be used to breach walls, or other tricky ways of getting into sieged towns.</u>'''<u> '''The armies will be led by all of the top generals of the Mamluke Sultanate. Upon reaching Jerusalem, the Crusader forces will be cornered, in which case attacks will be made from all sides, which is to thin out their armies and end this foolish crusade.'''</u> Furthermore, we remind Mahmud Ghazan that he does not control Aleppo at the moment (this is more for ooc purposes, I’m only reminding him that I control it, as well as Damascus). Furthermore, seeing as the 10,000 Venetian mercenaries are only being paid by a mere sum of 8,000 ducats, the Mamlukes laugh and mock the doge of Venice. He insults the mercenaries and claims that they will die for no reason, with only 8,000 being paid, and even with that, only one ducat each. Furthermore, the Mamlukes mock the Yuan’s invasion of Delhi, from the Himalayas no less, where supplies will easily become thin due to the difficulty of transportation and many men will definitely die, making their defeat to Delhi inevitable.
-**'''Mahmud Ghazan died in 1295, Baydu is the Ilkhan. Aleppo was taken over by the Ilkhanate in 1298 and has been garrisoned by them since. Finally, the Pope did actually endorse the crusade and supplied troops to it. [[User:77topaz|77topaz]] ([[User talk:77topaz|talk]]) 04:44, October 17, 2019 (UTC)'''
-**'''It was Baydu that died in 1295, not Mahmud Ghazan. Also, Aleppo wasn't retaken by the Ilkhanate in 1298, they tried earlier to retake it but failed. The remainder doesn't affect me much if it actually did happen.'''
-**'''Nogai Khan (Ilkhanate): Nogai Khan, Khan of the Ilkhanate and the Golden Horde, seeks to make peace with the Mamluk Sultanate in order to put an end to both the Crusade and the Jihad. The forces of the displaced Baydu Khan still stand at the gates of Jerusalem, but he no longer rules the Ilkhanate, so the state of war between our two states is now over.'''
-**'''Re: Mamluk player, I think you may be missing the fact that 1295 to 1300 were also turns in this game, they are on an archive page. In this game, Baydu lived instead of Ghazan and Aleppo was conquered by the Ilkhanate in 1298. [[User:77topaz|77topaz]] ([[User talk:77topaz|talk]]) 06:06, October 17, 2019 (UTC)'''
-**'''The Mamluks agree to peace out with Nogai Khan, Khan of the Ilkhanate and the Golden Horde. We will destroy the remaining forces at Jerusalem, the ones under Baydu Khan.'''
-**'''The Delhi Sultanate agrees to make peace with Nogai Khan. However, they make it clear that they will be annexing the conquered territory up to Zaranj, Quetta, Farah and Herat (Modern-day Afghanistan)'''
-*'''Kingdom of England:''' In order to boost troop numbers and pad his armies, Edward sends missives to the various north Italian States. Especially Milan, Provence, Savoy and Pisa in order to obtain condotierri (mercenaries) in his fight agaisnt France. (mod response needed for Provence, Savoy and Pisa). Edward offers them all 10,000 pounds for contingents of 3,000 soldiers each to fight at some point in the near future, alongside any plunder they might acquire along the way. Whether they accept or not they only come into play if Edward chooses to bring them to bear. With reinforcements from Guy, the Flemish soldiers alongside the 4,000 English holding defensive positions are set to start ravaging the countryside with sword and fire - but also taking as much plunder as they could. The English know that the infantry is mostly holed up in castles. They are to keep close contact with the soldiers besieging Amiens. They want to lure the French 10,000 men that are harassing supply lines into attacking them, despite orders not to engage forces more than double their size. The Flemish forces also are ordered to adopt a certain special strategy while goading the French forces into battle. Since the French roaming the countryside harassing English supplies are all cavalry, they are to goad the French into battle but carry with them a large number of spikes. These spikes are to be hidden in trenches and raised once the cavalry has advanced sufficiently on the battlefield to try to impale the horses on the spikes. In any case, the total troop count in Normandy should be 20,000 to 25,000 at this point depending on how many troops Flanders gives me. [more to come depending on last years' algo results.]
-**Kingdom of Scotland: With Most of the Unrest quelled for now, It is now up to John Hastings to begin the transition to his personal rule. Plans for bringing the coronation stone back to Scone and having the Scottish coronation occur there are finalized by John hastings and Edward. John Hastings reaches out to a few of the Highland Clans for their help in administration and to present a front against Wallace if he decides to contest the coronation. Hastings orders ships built to create a trade fleet that shall sell Scottish products to europe and develop trade relations with England and the Lordship of Ireland.
-**'''Republic of Venice:''' The Venetians propose to fund them in their war against Genoa, as they are supportive of the French and aid them with mercenaries.
-*'''Lordship of Ireland:''' As the war continues to rage draining the Lordship of Ireland of revenue and men little occurs in the Lordship of Ireland. The beginning of longbow training by all freemen occurs but since it's the beginning there is still much improvement to be had.
+<u>'''Prince Alexander of Moldavia makes some impressive initial gains pressing into Polish territory, seizing on the recent political confusion in the kingdom. King John II, however, proves to be a natural-born tactician, and brings the Polish levies of 8,000 troops to make a defense at Obertyn.'''</u>
-*'''Bohemia-Poland:''' In Bohemia and Poland Władysław Piast's regency in the absence of Wenceslaus II runs relatively smoothly with the new currency and Sejm helping provide a strong economic boost, and confidence amongst the nobility and cities. construction of the Castles at Gdansk, Gniezo continue while the construction of Wawel Castle (Krakow) remains the priority of the Regency. The military education of Wenceslaus the Younger begins with the boy being trained on horse back, and in the art of swordsmanship and in the military arts. His education is also expanded to include theology, geography, an understanding of the crown and its duties, along with the languages of Polish, German, Italian, and Latin aside from his native Czech. A strong bond forms between the heir and Władysław, with Wenceslaus the younger adopting many of the mannerism of the Polish noble and trying to emulate his strong sense of honor and chivalry. The regency continues to promote trade with the Hansa, as well as with the Teutonic order, and envoys are sent to the distant Lithuanians in an effort to open them to trade and to open up diplomatic ties with them. influence over the Silesian region is increased through the engagement between Henry and Anne. The university of Praga is completed making it the first university in central Europe. production from the silver mines in Kutna Hora continue to grow in output of production while the minting and distribution of the groschen remains strictly controlled leading to a steady rise in the reserves of the Bohemian-Polish crown. Generous donations are given to the church, however, for the construction of new churches, monasteries and convents. Money is also given to the cause of converting the Pomeranians in the duchy of Pomerania a fief of the Polish crown, and to the settlement of Germans, Poles, and Bohemians into the region. Bohemian metal smithies and artisans begin to gain prominence due to the increased demand for their employment either in the production of weapons or for goods such as glass and jewelry. Agricultural growth also begins as the scars of war continue to fade. Trade continues to grow. The Bank of Praga is founded under a crown monopoly, the new bank approaches Venice and  Milan to help the implement reforms similar to theirs to start implementing bank notes as a way of fomenting internal business. Jews are also welcomed to settle in Bohemia, Poland. Wenceslaus II after seeing the futility of the new crusade and realizing the insincierty of the Mongol conversion decides to withdraw his troops from the campaign instead taking his men and his pilgrimage to Bethlehem before withdrawing to the coast where he contracts ships to take him back to Europe. He continues his writings expressing his great joy and sadness of seeing the Holy Land, and being unable to enter the city of Jerusalem. He also focuses a lot on how greed and pride are also there in the hearts of man, and reign supreme in the hearts of rulers. He decides to travel to Rome and Italy before returning to his own domains going to Roma with only a fraction of his forces so as not to worry the pope, and requests permission to enter the eternal city and share some time with the pope before returning home from his pilgrimage. '''(Papal response needed.)'''
+<u>'''In order to better finance their wars against the Mongols, the Tian Dynasty releases their Central Asian territories into the states of Turfan and Kashgar, retaining as much territory up to the new border at Gansu. The new Kashgar Khanate becomes a powerful state in the region due to the Chinese technology the Turks took with them.'''</u>
-*'''Bohemian Diplo:''' the regency sends an envoy to Lubeck to offer the hansa a commercial agreement to secure greater access for Bohemian and Polish goods into the Baltic Sea, as well as to attract Hansa merchants and artisans. '''(mod response)'''
-*'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' With the recognition of Géza as King by His Most Holiness in Rome the lands have been stabilized and potential claimants have been defanged. It provides an undisputed authority of Géza to the two kingdoms, with the formerly rebellious Voivode of Transylvania who know lacks a substantial army to enforces his independence being forced to come to Esztergom and pay homage to Géza. Matthew III Csák continues his rule as palatinate and regent of Hungary focusing on juggling the needs of the nobility, focusing on rebuilding the fortifications and the easternmost plains affected by the Mongol invasion and hoping to reunify the divided kingdoms. The Bán of Croatia issues a new charter granting rights to the city of Split in an attempt to make it more prosperous of a port and increase its revenue. The fortifications along the border with the mongols are nearing completion with the areas now being ready to defend from any future incursions. Meanwhile, the Abbey of Saint Elizabeth continues to gain fame and recognition with many nobles and merchants being attracted to its halls to study. Perhaps controversially, the nunnery of the abbey located south in Buda begins to accept female students although the education they receive is very limited and it is eclipsed by the main chapter in its fame.
-*'''Principality of Achaea:''' With the complete and utter decimation of the Mentese Bey's troops outside of Halicarnassus, Prince Florent marches his troops into Milas, the capital of the former Beylik. With the city now under Achaean crusader occupation, many Turks leave the nation to find refuge elsewhere in the Anatolian peninsula. Meanwhile, Florent renames the territory the '''County of Caria''', after the traditional Latin name for the region. While still in Anatolia, Prince Florent proceeds to divide the county into baronies and smaller fiefs. The Achaean prince focuses particularly on assigning fiefdoms to people who are either extremely loyal to him personally or to those who have recently migrated to the region and have close familial ties elsewhere in Europe. That way, they are encouraged to bring their extended families from the continent down to Caria. While Prince Florent spends the majority of the year in Caria, administering the newly-won lands, in Achaea proper, many nobles return to their lands. Princess Isabella and her daughter, Matilda, continue to expand their popularity among the Greek citizen, and Isabella in particular has taken to personally interacting with ''dynatoi'' families that still retain a great deal of influence among the natives. Internationally, Achaea '''agrees to Venice's offer''', whereby they issue an '''embargo of Genoese''' goods in order to receive cheaper Venetian products. This has some short-term disruption of existing trade routes, but it is designed to bring Venice closer to Achaea. The existing Genoese in Achaea are allowed to remain in the principality, but cannot trade with their motherland, and so many traders of that nationality leave.
-*'''Delhi Sultanate:''' The force under Nusrat Khan (130,000) falls back to Farah and mans the Farah Citadel to prevent the Ilkhanate forces from crossing. '''The force under Ulugh Khan (50,000) at Kabul moves to attack the Yuan forces (40,000) pouring into Kashmir and encircles them inside the valley, controlling the heights of the Pir Panjal Range, preventing them from moving further inland. Launching short raids into their camps and severing their supply lines. '''The force under Nusrat Khan, having captured Zaranj in 1300, facing token resistance, is ready to attack if the Ilkhanate forces try to flank using that route. However, those chances are low as trying to cross the barren mountains of Baluchistan by a war weary Ilkhanate army would be nothing short of madness. Having secured the Afghanistan region, General Nusrat Khan continues to send raiding forces into Ilkhanate territory harassing their supply lines, attacking enemy camps and wreaking havoc in the region. The small Ilkhanate volunteer army of 12,000 Ilkhanate Muslim volunteers has swollen by another 7,000 troops. These 19,000 irregulars continue to guard the area around Nishapur. '''The force under the Sultan numbering 100,000 (50,000 regulars and 50,000 feudal levies) troops fights the 70,000 Tibetan irregulars at the Third Battle of Tarain. '''
-*'''Nogai Khan:''' The defeat at Samarkand reminds Nogai that he and his army are not invincible, and some battles simply cannot be won, not even the great Yuan Dynasty. As Nogai's forces retreat back into the territory of the Golden Horde his forces regroup, retrain, and rearm, now numbering ten tumen strong, managing to muster up new recruits, inspired by Nogai's great wisdom, implementing in detail what he learned in Samarkand. '''Nogai Khan answers the call to Baydu Khan's request of alliance and aid by sending ten tumen led by him personally to the Ilkhanate capital of Tabriz (while his son Chaka is left to oversee Sarai Batu), where he hears the news of the Ilkhanate untenable position, calling Baydu Khan a fool for allowing multiple invasions to descend upon his realm from various corners of the world while conducting a failed invasion of his own, allowing Baghdad to fall in open revolt, and bringing chaos to all the world. As such, Nogai Khan demands to rule the Ilkhanate alongside Baydu Khan, and if he fails to comply, death shall be upon him just as he sent countless others to their deaths, and with his death shall be the end of death conducted in this massive war that engulfs the world. To Nogai's surprise, he finds that Baydu Khan is nowhere in sight, in fact beseiging Jerusalem. Thus, Nogai declares himself Khan of the Ilkhanate and of the Golden Horde. The armies of Tabriz pledge allegiance to Nogai, where he seeks to make peace with Delhi first and foremost. Delhi shall cease trying to kill all non-Muslims in the region while Baghdad's status as an Islamic theocracy shall be respected as a city within the Ilkhanate, essentially acting as a state within a state. (Delhi Response Please) Any invasions that are conducted by the resurgent Abassid Caliphate are defended against and repelled while peace is attempted. (Mod Response Please)'''
-*'''Crown of Aragon:''' The final battle begins. With the fall of Benevento, the battle for Naples commences with our navy engaging off the coast maintain dominance and cut the city off completely from supplies with the army closing in to surround and isolate Naples with the support of trebuchets and other anti-defensive measures being applied to secure the city. Shock! All that can be said to describe the Crown's reaction to news of the Moors assault on Valencia. Excess naval vessels and another 26 ships are dispatched to defend the shore while 36,000 men are dispatched to the region. Aragon remains strong with all of its infrastructure development projects in place. The foundations for a new cathedral are completed in Barcelona.
+<u>'''As the Brunei Sultanate further expands their influence in Indonesia, they attack the state in southern Bornu, which causes it to split between the Kingdoms of Sukadana and Banjarmasin.'''</u>
-===1303===
-<u>'''In Alexandria, the ground buckles as a mighty earthquake tears the ancient city apart. The massive Lighthouse of Alexandria, which has served as a beacon and landmark in Egypt since the 3rd century BC, suffers catastrophic damage. The crumbling facade falls to the ground and bay below in a violent collapse. Though the base remains, the world is down a wonder.'''</u>
+<u>'''In New Spain, the Chicemeca people centralize their tribal organization into multiple states across the Sonora desert. News soon reaches Mexico City and Havana that this region in the north contains vast veins of silver.'''</u>
-<u>'''Pope Boniface VIII passes away this year. A [[College of Cardinals (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)| Papal Conclave]] ensues. Players for France, England, Genoa, Naples and Castile can vote'''</u>
+<u>'''Duke Leopold VI of Habsburg dies, and is succeeded by his son who is Duke Frederick V.'''</u>
-<u>'''The Yuan forces in Delhi lose significant numbers to attrition this year. Not only have they crossed a massive mountain range to attempt an invasion, they cannot reliably create a supply line to support the amount of troops they're carrying. The number of troops drops to 60,000 Yuan troops and 40,000 Ilkhan troops.'''</u>
+<u>'''With the war waging in Java, the aristocracy got the House of Rasaja core land under Seige. It is only a matter of time until Trowulan falls, marking the end of the House of Rasaja.'''</u>
-<u>'''The recent troubles in the crusades leads to increased belief that the age of crusades are passed. Suspicion that organizations such as the Knights Templar are simply not needed, if not a drain on Europe entirely, sweeps through Europe.'''</u>
+* '''Saxony:''' The death of Henry IX several years ago sparked a period of mourning in Saxony. Wolfgang admired Henry for his courage and determination, and for toppling the Frankfurt Dictatorship ("with the help of my father", he adds). Wolfgang suggests that in Pope Zephyrus's absence, the College of Cardinals appoint an official regent to govern Rome and lead the Church until the Pope himself can be present. '''(Mod Response).''' Wolfgang receives a letter from several years ago, rather battered, detailing Kolias Kape's first year with the Iroquois Confederacy. This year, Kape develops a scheme independently of Wolfgang and the Duchy of Saxony, to incorporate the Iroquois Confederacy into the Holy Roman Empire, thus allowing the Empire to strongly influence it and yet protect it from colonization and conquest by foreign powers. His idea is no more than an idea - for the moment. A group led by Wilhelm Cederic, that split off from Kape's expedition, goes South, and by the end of the year has safely made it to Mesoamerica (although they lost several men along the way), after hearing of a "desert made of silver" in this region. The construction of a large tower known as the "Skytower" in Waldeck is started to be built. Meanwhile, Saxony's borders move very subtly southward, as soldiers posted to guard the border are instructed to move down a few miles in uninhabited territory.
-<u>'''The recapture of Bordeaux rallies its allies and vassals. Though the King still has lost the Count of Flanders, he is no longer in danger of complete pandemonium.'''</u>
+*'''Majapahit Empire (Civil War):''' After Neyrajilaben and Adji Supandi and Gereyaniha and Atriosnibangi all came in ready for the last Seige of Trowulan. A minor commander Erijarban is dispatched with a force of 4,000 men to continue his conquest in Lampung. In Maringgai he meets a small resistance of few hundred troops but he managed to defeat them with constant firing of European Seige Cannon on their garrison. Taking hundreds of prisoners while losing fewer than the enemy. In metro he goes for the Seige of the fortress there. Which he quickly capitulates after the whole small garrison was killed in archer and arquebus fire without damaging the fortress. Meanwhile. Ayutthayan Rama was too generous to give us six war elephants to use them in the following Seige. They are transported by Javanese ships to Brantas River and were deployed little far away from Trowulan. All preparations are ready. The army is around now ~40,000 strong. With the six war elephants ready to wage their wrath against the House of Rasaja. Pi have managed to tame two war elephants in his stable in Trowulan. He sends them in command of the Lampung General Daccalagban. He sends out with 1,000 royal troops and 2,000 skirmishers. Pi decides to attend the battle with his two large war elephants. With him mounting on of them. The Lampung skirmishers start firing at the army of the Javanese aristocrats in distant positions. Pi mounts his elephant and rides up with one more toward the six war elephants. The following hand to hand combat while riding elephants took place. As the other four war elephants charges at the royal infantry and skirmishers stomping and killing many of them. In the following engagements. Pi falls from his elephant. He took a heavy fall and was forced to order retreat to Trowulan to defend from his defenses. The elephants proved a decisive victory that included the infantry support. Two elephants were captured. They are used to bring more supplies as spoils of war are beeing captured as well. After the retreat. The Seige of Trowulan came. Heavy fire power by European Seige Canons and archers swing like rain toward the walls of Trowulan. Ladders are placed and ropes are tied to climb up the walls as hand to hand combat begins with the best Royal House of Rasaja forces. Daccalagban was shot in the head while skirmishing with the climbing Javanese aristocracy forces. The gate is rammed up and men begin to pour. Fights in the Brantas begins to occure with all infantry and archers fight in rivers and houses. Pi ordered to stage a hit and run warfare but that soon failed as the entire royal forces were killed and captured. Pi tried to flee but he encountered some soliders that he managed to kill. But after he encountered a huge force of three thousand men he had no choice but to surrender. Pi surrenders in December 1552. Marking the end of the Javanese Civil War. Pi was forced to leave his children and leave his wife. He can only go with his Vietnamese grandmother back to Dai viet. His grandmother (wife of Manputiyja II) with threats from the aristocracy convinced Pi to declare his abdication. He was soo. Forced to flee with his wife and his grandmother to Dai viet in exile. Seeking refuge. '''[Dai Viet response, please].''' With the war ending, it is time to proclaim a new Kingdom: THE KINGDOM OF JAWA! - also making a new constitution on the rule.
+**'''Dai Viet Response: Due to the generosity of the Rasaja clan to Dai Viet in the past, the remaining members of the Rasaja clan including Pi are accepted in seeking refuge in Dai Viet with them provided accomodation in Thang Long. However, Emperor Xaysethathirath still wishes to renew the former alliance with the new dynasty of Java.'''
+*'''Tsardom of Russia:''' Tsar Konstantin is impressed by the actions of his nephew. However, the decision to attack Poland puts him in a difficult position having just give a nod of support to the Zbaraski. Konstantin I makes the decision to send out envoys to Poland declaring that they won't partake in the foolish actions of their nephew. However, Konstantin I makes it clear that should Poland decides to invade Moldavia he will be forced to intervene to protect his family, and of Russian interests. '''A second envoy is sent to his nephew Alexander advising his nephew of this however, Konstantin also provides a further funding to hire 10,000 Transylvanian mercenaries, and sends an envoy to Transylvania requesting this. (Mod responses required. Nate only since he is moderating the war).''' The murder of his cousin and close friend the Greek Tsar Andronikos, Konstnatin I sends an enraged envoy to Constantinople, In the letter he decries the actions of Manuel as Regicide and Patricide, and expresses a deep anguish for the loss of his cousin and close friend Andronikos, remembering how Manuel had seemed so bright and earnest during the family visit to his coranation in Kiev all those years ago, with their being noted tears on the parchment with which the letter has been written on. Konstantin stops short of declaring support for John. However, due to his own close ties to the Greek banking and merchant clans, and expresses in the end of this letter by saying that this is a Greek dispute and that he will not interfere in internal affairs of the Greek dynasty (Byzantine response). '''Konstantin and Nestoras' military reforms, With Manikis deciding to make adjustments using the elite Varyag taking them out of the Pike and shot formations reorganizing them into smaller units to act in loose cooperation with the tight pike and shot formations, who will are given lighter armour to allow for them to act in such a fashion as elite shock troops who fire volleys along with the streltsy as the armies approach, and then in more shallow lines they'll let out one last final wide volley before engaging the enemy using their Bardiches. While the Pike and shot will hold firm. Nestoras and his wife have another child a daughter named Anjelika.''' Development of insfrustructure across the domains of Tsar Konstnatin continue with particular emphasis being placed on roads, ports, mule stations, and now plans to develop a more modern postal system begin. The vast state apparatus created by Turgenev  and Dimitry continues to grow and consolidate under Konstantin I. Konstantin names Yuri as his chief Judge and as his right hand taking over the post held vacant since the passing of Nikolay Turgenev. The works and teachings of the sly old man instilled to the very core in Konstantin who continues to act as the patron to the growing intellectual circles of kiev and its growing printing industry rivalling now that of Novgorod. The works of Turgenev become central in Russian political thought, and Yuri Stroganov ensures that they are duely instilled in the young Dimiry who now at the age of 13 begins his formal martial training and education as well. He will enter the University of Novgorod and stay at the Stroganov estates due to the growing instability in Constantinople. Kniaz Yaroslav is deeply resentful of special treatment being given to his younger brother, fearing that it has already been decided Dimitry the younger will be declared the heir to Konstantin. This fear starts to develop into a paranoia as the young prince has gone through a depression over the last few years falling heavily into an opium addiction with his Azeri mistress Yanna who many think is a witch poisoning his mind. She gives birth to his son named Yaroslav after his father. When Yaroslav appraoches his father about marrying her Konstantin refuses outright alongside the new patriarch of Novgorod who refuses to recognize the child of a witch as anything other then cursed. This mixed with the humiliation he suffered at the hands of his brother-in-law Grand Kniaz Temyruk of Circassia who has since with his wife (yaroslav's sister) Elizabeth have now had their second child a daughter named Tanya.  The depressed prince one day comes across a preacher by the name of Father Gregory who listens to the young Prince's issues and provides him with comfort saying that god has important work for him surely. Soon after this the Priest becomes a confident of the Prince but not for the better, as this old priest feeds his paranoia. Temyruk begins reorganizing the Cricassian tribes into a more consolidated state. However, he promises to respect the traaditional internal affairs of each tribe, and opts to follow the Russian model of creating a Duma in his capital of Nalchik with representatives from each of the tribes, who are each granted a Veche to handle their own internal affairs aslong as levies and taxes are provided. Russian architects and Engineers are brought in to help him create a new capital city with modern walls, and streets. Meanwhile, The Circassian orthodox recognize the Patriarch of Novgorod as their religious leader, and Temyruk commits to converting the rest of the Circassian tribes to the Orthodox faith saving them from their pagan ways as he desires to fully unite the Circassians using the Orthodox church as a unifying force for his people much in the way that the Russians have in the past. '''The mustering of the Kiev and and Tver Levies begin slowly as to not alert the Poles while Konstantin I awaits for a response from Poland while plans to muster the Moscow and Novgorod Levies (RNG) in case a war with Poland breaks out, while The Garrisons at Pskov, and Smolesk are strengthened to 8,000 men each to fully take advantage of the new star fortresses built there.'''
+**'''Manuel's Response:''' The young Kaisar writes extensively to Konstantin who he remebers with fondness as essentially his uncle. He expresses his dismay at his father's death, having only wished to force his father to grant him the rank of Kaisar-Autokrator as co-emperor. He does ask the Konstantin forgive him, and expresses his hopes for redemption despite his flaws. The letter is noticeably stained by tears as well, as Manuel was obviously moved by his elders words.
+**'''Alexander accepts the support of the mercenaries. John insists that this is entirely a defensive war and will not threaten the Slavic lands.'''
+* '''Georgia:''' The killing on Andronikos by Manuel (which not only constitutes a regicide, but also a patricide) is condemned by many - including Irene, who is Andronikos’ niece and thus Manuel’s first-cousin. Despite Irene’s attempts to get him to intervene in the conflict on behalf of John (who is older, and has more support from the Greek aristocracy), Nathan recognizes Manuel as the Byzantine Emperor. The "Europeanization" of Georgian aristocratic culture continues, with Italian and Greek culture exerting the most influence. The number of Christians residing in Georgia's peripheral territories is bolstered, with thousands of Armenians being resettled in areas with a large Muslim population. The Albanians continued to be assimilated into the Heretian population. The economy continues to flourish due to the export of silk and cotton, and the development of the textile industry. More mulberry and cotton plantations are built. Military expansion continues: the artillery corps is expanded, more muskets and other gunpowder weapons are produced with the expansion of the Tbilisi Arsenal, while more state-owned stables and studs are built. The cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified, with the installation of defensive cannons and thickening of their walls.
+* '''Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di":''' Paul Dekremer hearing of the news of the English parliament considering leaving, gets quite disappointing. Paul Writing to the English that the inactivity is the sign that the English volunteers are making it to much of a risk for Arles to attack thus proving their effectiveness. '''(English response?)''' De Kremer planning to use English and Hungarian troops to make sure Verdun is secured and even possible meeting with the enemy  and take actions against them. The plan being to make the enemy attack in terrain well known to the soldiers, as to give a terrain advantage. The army at both Arras and Luxembourg ordered to stay at their post but to prepare for possible movement of their army.
+**'''English Diplomacy:''' The English Parliament agrees with Dekremer's logic after reading his letter, and thus they agree to keep the English mercenaries in Lotharingia a while longer.
+* '''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items.''' '''The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. '''A statue is built in honor of Zoltan II on the of the royal house property. The statue is made of marble and put in the royal garden to surround it with beauty. Lavender plants, cherry blossoms, tulips, Iris halophila, Iris danfordiae, Lilium carniolicum, Narcissus tazetta, Orchis italica, Sternbergia lutea, and roses are the plants that surround the statue. The garden has crops that are farmed in its own separate area so the royal cook and gardener can use for food and replant crops. Also in the royal garden is a patio with a few tables and chairs so the family can eat while being outside. Behind the royal garden is the royal cemetery that hold all the past people of the royal family. There aren't really any fancy colorful plants in this area but there are lots of towering trees that give some lovely shade. There are a few benches in this area. There is also a large area where there is just grass so the children can play with themselves and their pets. There are many fountains through out the royal yards in the back and front. A few ponds are also spotted having fish, birds, frogs, and turtles. Many artists and florists from the area come to this area to take in the beauty and capture it on paper and in their eyes. A group of circus performers that are skilled in equestrian are sent to Russia to help out the military learn to use horses. Education gets an increase in budget to be able to have the finest technology to learn how to use them and become more skilled in the work place.'''
+** '''Banate of Bosnia:''' Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
+** '''Banate of Severin:''' The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
+*'''Ayutthaya Empire:''' After securing Martaban in the previous year, Bayinnaung has launched another offensive into the Pegu region in an attempt to secure the capital of Dagon and his advance on the rest of Burma. He begins his assault with an army of 13,000 men, 41 war elephants, and 621 horses by marching on Bago. At Bago, Smim Htaw would challenge Bayinnaung to an elephant duel which Bayinnaung won forcing Htaw to retreat farther into the Irawaddy Delta with Bayyinaung’s army in pursuit. Htaw’s army battered from the retreat and there participation in the Tenasseeim Coast are finally defeated at Bassein leaving upper Burma vulnerable to his armies. Redirecting his army to assault Prome it would quickly fall by years end eroding any will to oppose the might of Bayinnaung with the rest of Burma quickly submitting with the loss of the regional powers of Prome and Pegu. After securing his claim to the throne of the Empire, Bayinnaung is crowned within the capital of Dagon and quickly goes about securing the loyalty of the Shan’s on the fringes of his empire by reaffirming the rights given to them by Tabinschwenti. He is also quick to distribute administrators not native to the regions they’re assigned to govern but refrains from appointing family and royal princes to govern regions preferring to keep them within the confines of the capital. Efforts to rebuild the Empire from the conflict are underway with major nobility from all major cities being required to send delegates to affirm their loyalty to the Rama.
+*'''Roman Empire:''' John’s forces swell as he recruits more from across Epirus; however, his decision to leave a force at Constantinople backfires when Manuel’s forces sortie from the city and decimate the small army. After this battle in the early spring the opposing forces number 11,000 loyalists and 9,000 Verginaians. John continues undermining Manuel’s rule in the west, but in Anatolia, Manuel’s supporters secure the backing of several Strategoi and their Themata. However, these troops are largely unwilling to fight in a dynastic dispute such as this. The result is strategic stalemate and the effective splitting of the empire. Manuel retains the loyalty of the Esovestiarii and puts them to great effect spying on John’s forces. Both sides continually attempt to raise forces, but as much of the empire is unwilling to support either faction there is general dissunity. Constantinople experiences a period of marked unrest as the citizens are unhappy with the revolt and the murder of Kaisar Andronikos.
+*'''Kingdom of England:''' At Atlantic Harbour, Thomas Colonna, Francis Beaufort and Henry Borgburg finish military preparations for the campaign to drive away the hostile Lenape tribespeople on the eastern shore of Courtenay Bay (OTL Delaware Bay) and in the OTL Cape May area, who had been aggressive toward English explorers and farmers. They set out with a force of 5,000, largely comprised of soldiers that were recently sent to Meridia by the English Parliament and led by the mercenary-trained Henry Borgburg. The force marches west from Atlantic Harbour and then north along the eastern shore of Courtenay Bay, attacking any Lenape villages encountered along the way, seeking not necessarily to wipe out the tribespeople but rather mainly to force them to retreat away from the colony around Atlantic Harbour. '''(Algo needed).''' The 5,000 English mercenaries in Lotharingia also remain there, following negotiations between Paul Dekremer and the English Parliament. The English Parliament continues funding RETEC's Meridian operations, though the quantity is somewhat reduced this year as the Lotharingian deployment is also given a temporary partial subsidy, and the Parliament also continues providing funding to the English Inquisition, which continues continues arresting Irish Presbyterians in the Manchester area and expelling them from England with the aid of Alexander Anderson's mercenary company, with the goal of preventing the civil unrest that may result if the Protestant population were allowed to build up uncontrolled. The Parliament also allocates some funding for ecclesial clinics in England in response to the recent outbreaks of "sweating sickness", in order to help victims of the disease and possibly find out more about the disease in order to help prevent or limit further outbreaks. In Lincolnshire, after gathering funding for several years with the aid of Queen Margaret and King Edward X of England, local clergy begin hiring workmen to reconstruct the collapsed spire of Lincoln Cathedral. The English economy continues to improve thanks to the increase maritime trade accessed by English merchants due to the negative economic situations of the Celtic Confederacy and France. Margaret of York (1486-1552), sister of former Kings Edward VII and Henry VIII and mother of George Percy, 6th Earl of Northumberland, dies of natural causes. Anne Courtenay (1503-1552), the wife of Thomas Colonna, 2nd Earl of Southampton who is currently administering RETEC's colony in Meridia, dies of a disease in Southampton. Humphrey Stafford (b. 1527), son of Henry Stafford, 4th Duke of Buckingham, marries Katherine Boleyn (b. 1532), sister of Thomas Boleyn, 2nd Earl of Leicester. Anthony Colonna and Anne Grey have their first child, a daughter named Catherine (b. 1552); John Courtenay and Anna Asburgo-della Rovere have their third child, a daughter named Sophia (b. 1552); and Thomas Courtenay, 2nd Earl of Worcester and Mary Colonna have their second child, a son also named Thomas (b. 1552).
+===1553===
-<u>'''NOTE: All algos should be up to date now. Let any of the mods know otherwise. All results of algos are on the Talk Page of this article'''</u>
+<u>'''The Roman cardinals elect as new Pope Ignatius of Loyola, who was a close associate of Pope Leo XII and fellow Jesuit leader, who they see as the best choice to continue Pope Leo XII's strategy of moderation and reconciliation with the schismatics. He takes the papal name Gregory XIV.'''</u>
-* '''Delhi Sultanate:''' With the end of hostilities and the end of the Jihad and the fact that Qipchaq's forces are wandering inside the Sultanate, the force under Nusrat Khan (142,000 strong with 12,000 volunteers) now comes back toward Delhi, replenishing itself on its way, Nusrat Khan hands over the command to the Sultan. Meanwhile, the Sultan's forces had replenished themselves and stood 40,000 strong. The Sultan raises 50,000 fedual levies as well. '''So now this force of 232,000 strong under the Sultan meets the supply-starved Tibetan and Qipchaq's forces at the Fourth Battle of Tarain (1303) in Tarain, north of Delhi.''' The force brutally massacres the two invading forces, many soldiers are captured and sold into slavery across India. Another 50,000 troops continue to remain in the Kabul region and guard the Khyber Pass.
-**'''Both Yuan China and Qipchaq retreated, so there will be no battle at Tarain in 1303. [[User:77topaz|77topaz]] ([[User talk:77topaz|talk]]) 23:31, October 17, 2019 (UTC)'''
+<u>'''Poland manages to drive back the forces of Alexander of Moldavia at the Battle of Obertyn, who fall back the closest major city to regroup. John immediately follows this victory to drive a wedge between the Moldavian forces and the Romani mercenaries, forcing Alexander's army to be further disorganized. Still, Alexander is determined and raises further Cumanian levies to rescue his position.'''</u>
-*'''Mali Empire:''' Mansa Gao returns to Mali with all his family, fully unharmed and in good health. He continues to progress his previous domestic policies for the growth and development of the empire. Agriculture for roots and sorghum continue to expand across various sub kingdoms outside of Mali, although the fields in Niani and Wagadougu remain the strongest. The navy continues expanding, taking full control of the Niger and Senegal Rivers, with significant presence in Gambia and the Atlantic coast. Meanwhile, by this point Musa in exile has grown to a full adult in the kingdom of Gobir. The king of Gobir died, and his successor was far more cruel and displeased with the royal guests in his home. Musa was very crafty, and challenged the King of Gobir to a game of questions. The King said that if he wins (and he always wins) he will take Musa's life. Musa took a sword off the wall, admiring its glint gently, and said that all he would ask if he wins is to take the sword. So the game began. First they had a series of subtle riddles and games of critical thinking, then moved on to questions about physics and astrology, followed by broader questions of philosophy and theology, always at a complete stalemate. Finally, the King of Gobir asked his final question: what did he have for dinner yesterday. To the amazement of all, Musa laughed and was easily able to answer this question, at last proving his strength of wits above the king of Gobir. As he explained, when Musa studied the glint of the sword, he saw the people gathering trash outside through its reflection, and from that he was able to deduce what was previously served for dinner. As all the people rose up, they immediately saw Musa as a far more wise and capable ruler than that of Gobir, and immediately deposed the ruler in favor of making Musa their king. And so Musa obtained his first political office after having been exiled from Mali.
+<u>'''After the Siege of Agra, the Sabhani Empire annexes the Sultanate of Janpur, absorbing the entire Ganges River valley. They proceed to pick up their victory with an invasion of the Bengal Sultanate.'''</u>
-*'''Yuan China:''' Having completed their goal of opening a new front against Delhi and drawing their forces away from the Ilkhanate, Yuan troops withdraw from India with their loot, captured wives, and valuable relics, leaving the Tibetan forces behind to perform a rearguard action against the Indians. Due to the rationing system of the Mongols, the foot soldiers of the Yuan army are largely decimated (since foraging somehow doesn't exist in this universe), leaving only the more valuable mounted units of the army. Taking advantage of their superior mobility, the Yuan forces retreat toward the mountains to return to the Ilkhanate via the undefended passage ways left by the armies of Delhi attempting to protect their major cities, leaving by way of Quetta and moving on to the Ilkhanate city of Kandahar. In their retreat from the region, the Mongols deliberately kill Muslim civilians and spare the Hindu ones, telling the Hindus that they were sent by God to inspire them to action against their Islamic oppressors. Hundreds of mosques are leveled in the process, and thousands of Muslim clerics put to the sword in the name of the Christ, as the Mongols plant the seeds of discord throughout the population as they withdraw back to the Ilkhanate. The passage way through the Himalayas have been fortified by the Yuan, who garrison the passage with 15,000 Tibetan troops and another 10,000 Chinese soldiers for the purpose securing Tibet's borders. Following the loss of life to the Ilkhanate's military forces, the Yuan government moves to ensure their ally's security, offering a one-time payment in stolen Indian gold to any Mongol and Jurchen warriors willing to permanently relocate from their steppe homelands to the Ilkhanate. '''Some 50,000 agree to the proposal, and move with their families to the Ilkhanate under an arrangement with the allied rulers of that country.''' Back in China proper, the expansion of the Christian faith continues, with many of the higher-ranking members of society converting to Christianity to find favor in the eyes imperial court, and maintain their stations of privilege. Several temples and shrines in Beijing are converted into churches as the grip of the Nestorian priesthood continues to tighten across China. Members of the imperial guard convert to the faith as a sign of their continued loyalty to the emperor, and instruct their families to convert as well. The syncretism of Confucianism and Christianity continues, with the official backing of the state and the implicit support of the army. In Yunnan, the rebels begin to dwindle in number as fewer and fewer members of their ranks see much reason to resist the state based on religious grounds, as more of them begin to reason that Confucianism was never incompatible with Christianity, and that most of them were fighting for the Confucian scholars rather than any of the peasants who failed to see what the problem was. As their supports begin to filter back into their farms and towns, the Confucian scholars are left with no armies to resist the emperor with, and find themselves relegated to the status of self-righteous zealots clinging to a philosophy that still remains a prominent part of Chinese society even with Christianity's introduction and fusion with the concept. Korean integration continues, with economic integration now taking the lead following the political realignment of the Korean elite and its dissolution as a viable threat to the emperor in Beijing. Chinese education is made the law of the land in Korea, with several members of the Censorate arriving in Pyongyang to ensure that the local bureaucrats follow through with their obligations to the state, and enforce the Chinese-aligned education within the province. Naval expansion continues as with the previous years, with growth of the fleets moving forward at a steady pace, though now with a focus on primarily constructing larger ships capable of independent operations at sea. These vessels are somewhat larger than the standard war junks of the navy, and are designed for long-term operations at sea, as the new naval policies from the fleet admirals begin to filter back into the imperial court. In the meantime, the construction of transport vessels has begun, as the Khan wishes to have the ability to project power within the eastern seas, but at the same time not making the same mistakes as his predecessors in using the wrong ships for the task. In a separate mission, multiple scholars are commissioned by the navy to look up all references of typhoons in the region over the past century, and develop a chart that will be used by the fleets for planning their operations and preventing another disasters such as that failed invasion of Japan more than fifty years ago. Expansion of the economy continues with a focus on the development of sea-bound trading with the states of the Indonesian islands. Chinese merchants returning from the south have spoken of the financial success of the native peoples there, and advocate for expanded trade with them on behalf of Yuan China's continued prosperity. Ambassadors from Beijing are sent to the people of Srivijava, Melayu, and Kediri, where they plan to prepare the way for additional Chinese merchants to being settling among the people and opening shops and ports for trade with China.
-*'''Kingdom of Naples:''' With the Siege of Naples going on, Prince Phillip sends a message to his brother in France with a detailed plan aimed to defeat the Aragonese Forces in Southern Italy. Using the Angevin Territories in the County of Provence and the Kingdom of Albania, Prince Philip immediately leaves for Albania where he mobilizes a force of 20,000 men and a small fleet of 15 ships while Prince Robert heads to the County of Province where he raises a force of 10,000 men and a fleet of ten ships while one of Prince Phillips brothers Prince John raises another force of 10,000 men in Epirus. Adding that up to the current Neapolitan Fleet (50 Neapolitan ships and 30 Venetian ships) Prince Philip (Now in command of the Angevin Relief Force) finds himself at the head of an important force of 105 ships and 40,000 men launches an ambitious operation in which may turn the tide of the war. The New Neapolitan Fleet (Minus the ships from the County of Provence set sail for Toulon where they intend to meet up with the other elements of the Fleet. Taking the long route, the Neapolitan Armada avoids Sicily as they head straight for the Libyan Coastline and then follow the North African Coast until they arrive at the point between Sardinia and the Balearic Islands turning north and between the two islands until the French the French coastline where they head for Toulon and meet up with the ten Neapolitan ships there. From there the Fleet then moves south toward Naples before coming to a halt near Rome. The 15,000 troops from Province then move ahead with a small escort of 20 Neapolitan ships and silently land in Gaeta North of Naples where they march North to the City of Pescara where the Albanian troops under Prince Phillip himself arrive with this new force of 40,000 men marching toward Naples coming at a halt at Capua. Then in October after months of preparation, Prince Phillip decides to go on the Offensive. The Offensive Starts with the Neapolitan Armada launching an attack against the Aragonese Fleet at night with a single Neapolitan Galley with an Aragonese Flag sailing straight into the middle of the Aragonese Fleet and being set on fire before colliding with an Aragonese ship setting it on fire and causing chaos amidst the Aragonese Fleet, with the Aragonese distracted by the fire slowly consuming their ships, the Neapolitan Armada then launched their attack against the Aragonese encircling the Fleet and then launching their attack and closing in on the Aragonese ships and giving them little space. As the Naval Battle off the coast of Naples began, the Main Force of 40,000 men launched their own strike attacking the Aragonese and Sicilian Forces at night by attacking their encampments as part of the relief operation to force the lifting of the Siege of Naples with 5,000 men from Naples garrison joining them in the fight. With this Charles II hopes that his sons are successful in the operation as this will prove to be the last opportunity to end the War of the Sicilian Vespers with Charles II keeping his throne.
+<u>'''After the end of the Italian War against Byzantium, the Doge of Venice retains the organization of the League of Como in Venezia for his own benefit, due to his financial and political influence over the military. He takes the opportunity to establish protectorates over neighboring Italian states, expanding his own domain.'''</u>
-*'''Duchy of Brabant: "Harba Lorifa"''' The brabantine nobilty was not able to win the battle over the hainaut capital of Mons, this is a disapointment for the duke. John II does not back down though he continues, the army is ordered to take place and make camp in the small hamlet of Mignault. Which is a small hamlet of only a honderd or so people which is not important of itself, but this causes the haunait army to have to attack lightly fortified possitions. The brabantine army is also helped by the proximity to the city of Brussels and Wavre which are just able to send reinforcements and material, a total of 1,000 extra troops coming from north. This totals the army size to 4,000 loyal followers of the House of Brabant-lothair, Brabant trying to defends it honour and the dynastic titles it hold. The defences consisting of ditches alongside with on purpose breaking of irrigation channels toward the enemy, while at the same time smaller groops of knights and pikemen are trying to disturb the trade that goes into and from Hainaut. The Brabantine troops being with the least on the middle 1,500 each side and 1,000 pikemen and Gastrapheteson, with the job of the middle being so that that the enemy troops are surrounded after they got trapped. This made retreat possible but costly with mercy being given to all who asked for it, this strategy - while risky - was worth it as the flanks were far more mobile then the other troops. While at the same time we offer to lower tariffs on the county of Loon if they would enter the war against hainaut (mod response). In Heyst ten Berge the building of the mansion is continued with most of the walls being useable but not yet finished, as they still need to have wall carpets and more to make it more liveable for the duke and the servants that will serve in it. Small houses and cottages being build around the area to acommodate the servant and the local population, although these buildings are fully part of Malinnes with only Brabantine law counting in the mansion itself and only it. While Duke John II invites Representatives from the lands to Antwerp to attend a special meeting related to the Realm '''(Mod Response)'''. This include representatives for cities and town, nobilty, Merchants, Clerics and peasants who can afford it. This is meant to begin the proces of more representation and centralisation which although not popular seems important for the Lotharingian Realm.
-**'''Representatives of Antwerp attend the meeting'''
-*'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Reconstruction of the eastern realms of Hungary continues, with them being organized under the Palatine of Hungary, and Bán of Croatia. Trade begins to slowly flow through the city of Split and revenue is added to the coffers of the realm. Interestingly enough the Abbey of Saint Elizabeth in Buda gains more notoriety within the realm, and many more nobles begin to send their sons to study there. Matthew III Csák hearing of their academic excellence and fame offers one of the main brothers who study and run the Abbey to come to court and tutor the young king Géza III. He begins to tutor Géza in various activities such as philosophy, theology, and history. Fortifications along the border with the Mongols, venomous adders they are, are finally completed this year with them being designed to maximize efficiency against the Mongols devil hordes. Within the Kingdom of Hungary, however, economic troubles begin to plague the nation, with money being drained from the treasury to finance fortifications. In order to gain opinion and consensus from the majority of the lords, Matthew III Csák calls a Diet to be held within the city of Buda, in order to discuss the problems of tax. Within the diet many discussions for new taxes are brought up in order to ease the burden on the various lords and the economy. Eventually they agree to a tax plan that appeases a vast majority will resolving the issue of the treasury.
-*'''Jarldom of Greenland:''' The people of Greenland begin more and more wishing for indepednece from Norway. We ask Sweden for support.'''(SWEDISH RESPONSE NEEDED)'''.
-*'''Ilkhanate/Armenian Cilicia/Rum:''' With the siege of Jerusalem continuing to prove unfruitful and the military situation in the rest of the Ilkhanate growing increasingly dire, Baydu decides to retreat. He leaves Jerusalem with 10,000 of his most loyal troops and the remaining soldiers are left under the command of Nogai Khan and/or the King of Cyprus and Jerusalem. '''(Nogai Khan and Cyprus may now command the remaining soldiers in Jerusalem)''' Meanwhile, the Cilician army is able to establish control over the fortified city of Sivas and what remains of Rum's military is absorbed into that of Cilicia, officially '''merging the Sultanate of Rum into the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia'''. Baydu's retreating force reaches Aleppo, where about half of his soldiers stay behind, increasing the troop count in the garrison to 10,000. Baydu and the remaining 5,000 soldiers reach the Cilician capital of Sis. After negotiations between Baydu and King Hethum II, the two rulers agree that they will now '''govern Cilicia as a duumvirate''', and Baydu's 5,000 soldiers are absorbed into Cilicia's military. This duumvirate now controls all of the territory of Armenian Cilicia as well as the garrisons of Sivas and Aleppo and the territory between them. The Duumvirate of Cilicia will also continue Baydu's alliance with Nogai Khan. In order to be able to defend against the Ottomans and Mamluks if needed, the Cilician government further fortifies the cities of Sis, Sivas and Aleppo and replenishes the joint military. Meanwhile, soldiers also help peasants in the war-torn region between these three cities with rebuilding their farms, improving the economy and increasing the civilians' morale. Meanwhile, Qipchaq's army in the east is not yet aware of the formation of the Duumvirate of Cilicia. When Yuan China's army retreats back to the north, Qipchaq's army also retreats from Delhi, although they reaffirm that they will continue the alliance with Yuan China and the 50,000 warriors supplied by Temür Khan are absirbed into Qipchaq's forces. They create a defensive line of fortifications between the cities of Mashhad in northeast Persia and Zahedan in southeast Persia.
-*'''Japanese Empire (warring states period):''' The Sengoku Jidai period enters its 4th brutal and agonizing year. The first few years saw skirmishes and little of note as the major powers that be of the Kamakura, Emperor, and Dewa all suffered horrendous casualties following the first battles. While the three primary actors have been rebuilding and nursing their wounds the minor Daimyo have unleashed hell upon earth with battles said to be "sundering the heavens." Allies turned on each other, and even minor clans have gone for delusions of grandeur. As the war has developed even cities have begun to throw in with the Daimyo and interestingly enough the Emperor has secured a moderately powerful base of power. However, with little support from any notable Daimyo, the Emperor Go-Uda approaches the dynamically risen Niryū clan which has championed cooperation with the Emperor and has spent the last four years attempting to carve a pathway to Kyoto either through friendly relations or wholesale conflict. As the Dewa and Minamoto clans wage war just south of Kyoto the Niryū and the Emperor manage to secure a slight corridor of control linking the two areas of control together and bringing their leader Saito to Kyoto. The meeting is notable as the Daimyo prostrates himself before the Emperor in a form that is far from ceremonial. Saito believes in the restoration of the Emperor to power seeing the great works and development the great Chinese empires have wrought under their powerful emperors and their well developed bereaucratic systems. Emperor Go-Uda raises this feudal lord from his submissive place and agrees with him but notifies him heavily the position of "Shogun" shall never plague the empire ever again. This position must be made subservient to the Emperor once more. However, with the relative revolt of the Fujiwara clan, a usually appointed position of Kampaku is left wide open. Duly separating the Kampaku and Sessho positions enshrines within Imperial decree, Go-Uda transfers this position to Lord Saito of the Niryū which brings the position into solidly an imperial controlled and appointed position with a clear ability for the Emperor to revoke it at will. The Sengoku period has left the development of the Japanese daimyo into proper armies with conflict happening so often, that new systems are put into place to squeeze out more and more manpower from territories. With dozens of Daimyo the average army size stretches anywhere from 6,000 to as high as 20,000 with numbers increasing every year. It is unfounded and populations in Japan are forced to relocated as the various lords abuse and relocate populations at will to suit their needs. The Emperor and Niryū clan are not exempt from this. However, the authority of an emperor attracts many from surrounding settlements and lands with even a few cities throwing in with the Emperor. Kyoto, the Nagoya region recently being overtaken by the Niryū clan as well as Osaka and Kobe have given the Emperor quite the territory to work with. As this year begins to close out the Emperor secures multiple allies in multiple newer rising clans of the Kiyama and Uchida clans which bring their modest forces in support of the Emperor. As the Minamoto and Dewa clans make their plays to fight over the position of Shogun and the Emperor consistently being seen as a non-threat only the Ashikaga make moves against the Emperor. The Ashikaga invade the Niryū lands and put their capital fortress to seige prompting the Emperor to assemble his army. The Emperor Go-Uda has established quickly a military force of note. With a lack of local lords to challenge him and multiple feudal lords supporting him the Emperor with his new Kampaku Saito agree that the Feudal system in Japan as it exists is untenable. Every little lord with his own castle and own manpower pool is directly challenging to the Emperor. With a secured and unmolested trade route via Osaka and only the Ashikagas small invasion to the northeast Go-Uda begins abolishing and reorganizing the society within his controlled territory. With necessity to win paramount local nobles are increasingly pressured to turn over more tax revenue and manpower to the developing imperial army. Saito having achieved an extremely powerful position within this government is able to secure guarentees of higher tier noble titles for very few nobles leaving the rest just a few options. Submit to the Emperors new government, or be jailed. A small revolt breaks out in response to this which is brutally and thoroughly crushed as it turns out the Emperor had raised an army of nearly 25,000 from the cities of Ashigaru infantry, and light cavalry with Saitos Samurai acting as heavy shock cavalry and heavy infantry all paid directly out of the Imperial treasury effectively neutering the issue of some compensation. Lands were to be promised to high performing soldiers and the samurai and daimyo on very simply conditions. The building of new castles were forbidden. If a castle was to be built... it would be solely under the control of the Imperial army. As the local lords were crushed solidifying this position and their lands redistributed and the small forts occupied solely by Imperial troops paid directly out of the imperial treasury, Go-Uda turns his attention to the Ashikaga invasion. With 3,000 Samurai having seized a series of towns and countryside and having erected a fort near Nagoya, Saito and Go-Uda march this army to the region. The new Ashikaha daimyo Hiruzen refusing to believe in such a power comming from the Emperor. Hiruzens army arrays itself arrogantly and in a trick only the Daimyo and samurai forces of the Emperor are put against them. With 4,000 samurai to the Ashikaga's 3,000 the fight commences with Saito personally wiping out the greatest fighter in the Ashikaga army the Ashikaga upstarts are quietly and quickly defeated with about 2,000 casualties between both sides. As Hiruzen submits the Saito and hence the Emperor, Go-Uda arrives triumphantly with his 25,000 strong army of conscript Ashigaru. The number raised from just this region of Japan, albeit well populated, is shocking and showcases the stunning might of the Emperors reforms over the last four years. Word of these reforms begin spreading to other powerful daimyo. Notable the Minamoto and Hojo clans adopt some of these reforms forming some of their own armies within the style of the Emperor but with their main power base accruing from the Daimyo very powerful and specific reforms which have reinforced the power of the emperor are not something that can be done by these daumyo without outright upsetting the entire core of these daimyo armies. Go-Uda and Saito begin planning their own powerful moves on the weaker daimyo within their reach seeking to expand the power of the Emperor and bring unity to the Empire of the Rising Sun.
-*'''Kingdom of Sweden:''' After a formal meeting between leaders of the Swedish Kingdom and the Teutonic Order, the two nations agree to formalize a trade alliance, creating the Gotland League, a trade league similar to the Hanseatic league including the various monastic orders in the area, Sweden, and Denmark. Sweden seeks to win over more of the Hanseatic Leagues’ members by promising all members of the Gotland League vastly lowered fees from the Danish Sound Tolls '''[MOD RESPONSE ON SUCCESS]'''. The headquarters of the league is based in Visby, Gotland, which slowly emerges into one of the preeminent trade centers in the Baltic, quickly rivaling Lubeck and Novgorod. Sweden also begins encouraging immigration into the northern areas of Sweden, attempting to establish villages along the road built by Queen Martha to connect Finland and Sweden in order to solidify Sweden’s control of the area. Additionally, to both provide timber for trade and building merchant ships and to clear forests for farmland, the Swedish government begins clearing huge swaths of forests in the north. This reclaimed land is mainly claimed by the Crown. However, the Crown also begins awarding the lands to nobles and nearby towns in order to encourage cultivation and farming. The lumber from these forests are used to construct a large merchant fleet to begin trading with the Teutonic Order, Livonian Order, Denmark, and the rest of the Baltic. The Crown also continues to encourage immigration to Finland and continues sending priests to Finland to Christianize the area. With help from the Milanese bankers, the Swedish government also formally establishes the first iron working Guild in order to standardize and oversee the iron workers and armories in Sweden. The Crown hopes that by uniting the various armories, blacksmiths and iron workers  into a single guild the Swedish capacity to create weapons, armor, and iron tools will increase along with the quality of the work.
-*'''Republic of Genoa:''' The new trade pact seems to have paid off. Although the expectations placed on it were exaggerated, a commercial deal could not be made with the Kingdom of Aragon. Despite this, the annual assembly of Genoa has agreed to focus on nations and/or cities where war is not recurring, a good example is the city of Lisbon. Diplomats, merchants and bankers headed toward the capital of Portugal to launch the ''Genoves commercia foedus'' on it '''(Portuguese response)or(Mod response as Portugal)'''. This pact mainly proposes (as already mentioned in 1302), to provide an exclusive range of products imported from the Far East (spices, jewels, ivory, silk, flavorings and even slaves if required) without any remuneration in exchange except for no aggression toward the merchant galleys of the Republic of Genoa. On the other hand, the defeats suffered by the Byzantines by the Ottoman Turks in West Anatolia are of concern to certain families who swore allegiance to Constantinople. Consequently, representatives of the most important families such as the house of the Imperiali, house of Gattilusio and, although to a lesser extent, the Doria and Spínola families together with the house of Delle Piane ordered to build a fleet of 60 galleys of which the half will be built in this year while the other half will be built the following year. The fleet will be constituted with 5500 sailors, soldiers and some merchants that will depart to Constantinople around 1305 with the aim of defending and ONLY defending Constantinople and its surroundings in case of a massive Ottoman Turkish attack. Meanwhile, the blockade located in the Strait of Gibraltar against Venetian merchant galleys continues, thanks to it, it has been possible to desecrate Venetian flags and banners that may serve to camouflage Genoese merchant ships from the continuous attacks of Muslim privateers hired by Venice. The standard has been implemented in case any merchant galley desires or is obliged by necessity or orders of superiors to cross through the Eastern Mediterranean to carry flags for masts representing the Republic of Venice and hoist them at the moment in which the ship corresponding has entered the Eastern Mediterranean. Together with this rule and the law "if I don't have it, nobody has it", it is expected to reduce the amount of shipwrecks in enemy waters.
-**'''Portugal accepts the offer.'''
-*'''Bohemia-Poland:''' Economic growth continues. Construction of Wawel castle continues. Wenceslaus II returns to his domains resting in Praga. The crown continues to promote german settlement into Bohemia and Poland along with allowing Jews to settle and work. The Kutna Hora mines continue to expand with extraction of silver rising to ten tonnes a year (OTL 20 tonnes a year so on my way to that number) though circulation of the silver remains tightly controlled by the Crown through the Mint and the Bank of Praga. Bohemian Artisans and metal smithies continue to gain prominance with many being employed by the crown and by a growing number of polish and bohemian nobles. Economic ties with Milan and the Hansa continue to grow. The education of Wenceslaus the younger continues in Krakow under the tutelage of Wladyslaw who steps down as Regent upon the return of Wenceslaus II. Wenceslaus the Younger becomes increasingly profficient in horsemenship and swordsminship, while also becoming increasingly fluent in Polish, Italian, and German, while his latin remains rudimentary. He takes a great interest in history, philosophy and in the arts. Polish economic recovery from the mongol invasions continues with the iunflux of trade, settlers, and with the continued subsedies from Bohemia. Gdansk is fortified with a permanent garrison as priest continue to convert the local pomeranians and as the port of Gdansk grows in importance for Poland and for Bohemia providing a direct outlet to the Baltic trade. Wenceslaus II strengthens the crown's direct control over Silesia by placing the minor duke Henry who is betrothed to his daughter Anne under his mentorship bringing him to court and placing the duchy of Wroclaw directly under his authority (OTL event). '''Bohemia requests to join the Gotland League.'''
-**'''Swedish Dip:''' Sweden accepts Bohemia's request to join the league.
+<u>'''Ashanti forces are surprisingly and soundly defeated in a major battle by the Oyo Empire under the new Alaafin Olusi. The Oyo army emerges from the battle stronger and armed with a number of captured European weapons. They begin a campaign of vengeance against the Ashanti people, looking to establish hegemony over the region.'''</u>
-* '''Teutonic Knights:''' Anti-crusade attitude has swept throughout the country and with overwhelming pressure by the Grobgebietigers, the Grand-master is forced to resign. The new Grand-master is Siegfreid von Feuchtwangen. The first thing that the Grand-master did was '''pull out the 3,000 Knights in the Holy Land''' due to the Crusades failing. With the great amount of wealth being produced from trade in the Baltic's the Grand-master has ordered the building of roads and bridges improving infrastructure. A census is conducted which shows the countries population being roughly 320,000 people.
-* '''Principality of Achaea:''' With many nobles recruited and assigned to govern in the County of Caria, Prince Florent of Hainaut returns back across the Aegean Sea to Achaea. The Carian nobles send messages back to their extended families in Europe, seeking to recruit new Latin settlers to the lands formerly occupied by the Greeks and Turks. The Archbishop of Patras, dedicated as always to the cause of the salvation of heathen souls, ordains a local priest to serve the faithful community in Caria. With the Archbishop's support, Prince Florent orders the conversion (to Roman Catholicism) or explusion of all Muslims remaining in Caria. The goal is twofold: to beign the process of Latinizing the population, and to create even more land and wealth for the conquering forces. While Florent no longer remains in Caria, a large contingency of his vassals' troops remain (those troops who are on their third of fourt years of service to the Principality). Within the Peloponnese lands, the appeasement and gradual assimilation of the Greek natives continues and is met with continued success due to the presence of Princess Isabella - who is fluent in Greek and is well-viewed in their communities. Economic production includes olives, grapes, and (now with the addition of Caria) figs. These are sold to Mediterranean traders for a small profit. Particularly important, the recent acquisition of Modon and Coron have opened up major trade opportunitites for enterprising Achaeans.
-* '''Nogai Khan:''' The end of the Crusade and the subsequent Jihad, both ends orchestrated by Nogai Khan, has brought peace throughout the Ilkhanate, no more blood is being spilled upon Ilkhanate soil and theus the people have no reason to live in fear for their lives shall be spared for the fires of war. This peace fills the people with joy, hailing the warlord Nogai Khan as "Peace Bringer", making him immensely popular in the Ilkhanate and recognized as the true Ilkhan by the vast majority of people. With this, and the support of the Ilkhan Army, Nogai Khan secures control of the Ilkhanate and begins its rebuilding, especially in the east where the majority of the Jihad was prosecuted. To help with this national reconstruction, Nogai appoints Öljaitü as the Sword of Baghdad, putting him in charge of Baghdad's defense, protection, and rebuilding. '''With control of both the Golden Horde and the Ilkhanate, Nogai Khan merges the two Khanates into one larger Khanate, the Nogai Khanate, keeping the capital in Tabriz, and builds it further in his own image.''' The second capital, where Nogai son Chaka rules, is still in Sorai Batu, where many recognize him as the de facto ruler. Although Khan is taken from him by his father, the Russians hail him as Tsar Chaka, and he is known by that name due to the increased Russification of the area as the Mongols increasingly go into Tabriz. In Tabriz, however, the most loyal Russian Orthodox followers of Nogai, numbering one tumen still swear allegiance to Nogai and a small Russian presence is established in Tabriz. '''The era of war, however, has not ended, and Nogai "The Peace Bringer" Khan brings war upon the Ottomans, both as defense of Cicilia and the Byzantine Empire, personally leading with his ten tumen strong army into Anatolia, invading them from behind as they face the Byzantines, suddenly, swiftly, and without mercy, the Ottomans must be exterminated before they exterminate the Byzantines and conquer all of Anatolia.'''
-** Öljaitü refuses to be a vassal of Nogai unless he is Muslim
-*'''Crown of Aragon:''' Reinforcements are brought to Naples to continue to besiege the city with the city being cut off. Flammable materials and more trebuchets to tear down defenses are put to use while a heavy focus on cutting off supplies continue in our efforts to push the city to fall. Following victory in defending Valencia, Aragon plots to launch a naval assault on Morocco for opening up a counter invasion.
+<u>'''The civil war in Mutape ends, restoring an obscure branch of the earlier Nyazwe dynasty back to the throne. This allows parts of the nation to break off independent, however, with the coast split between the Gaz Empire and the Swahili Confederacy.'''</u>
-===1304===
-'''You can still post in 1303 for the next hour. All algo results are on the talk page. Please inform any mods of new wars/algos you make this turn. Everything should run smooth now, we thank you for your patience (unless of course you weren't patient, in which case you can go jump in a lake).'''
+*'''Tsardom of Russia:''' Seeing his Nephew's blunders on the battlefield Tsar Konstantin I begins to think that his Nephew has overstepped his own capacities and begins looking to see what the situation on the ground in Moldavia is looking like. Russian informants in Galicia and Moldavia to determine what the situation on the ground. '''(RNG). Clearly seeing signs of a collapse in his nephew's regime, and military Konstatin dispatches orders to Hetman Sergey Volkov to make a connection with the Moldavian cossacks located in the Don Region and east of the Dnieper River to strengthen ties with them in case the Cumans, and Tatar Vassals of Moldavian prince revolt and to prevent a complete collapse of the economy and stability East of the Dnieper. Meanwhile, word is sent to Alexander to end his capaigning or risk a complete collapse of his forces sending work of the growing discontent amongst unreliable vassals instead urging his Nephew to revert to using the Cossacks. (Mod responses required).''' Kniaz Yaroslav's mind continues to fog as his addiction to opium increases and the old priest Gregory steadily begins to maintain a permanent presence in his household having married Yaroslav, and his beloved Yanna in secret. The young prince's delusions of plots against him continue to grow, reaching their climax during a visit by his brother-in-law, and his family. when during the course of the dinner Temyruk is taking by surprise when Yaroslav, thinking that Temyruk is here to dispose of him on his father's orders as a disgrace, moves to stab his brother-in-law with a knife. The Circassian lord quickly parries this using his smaller blade before knocking Yaroslav to the ground. The prince starts screaming that everyone is trying to kill him, and sit his younger brother on the throne, claiming he is the greatest tsar who ever lived. Clearly seeing the mind of his eldest son faded Konstantin I with a stone face tells the guards to remove his son from his presence not showing emotion or weakness to his courtiers. However, once in privacy with his son-in-law Konstantin falls to the ground trembling wondering how he and god had abandoned his son to fall into this state. Temyruk helps the tsar to his feet and tells him it was not his doing that made the boy lose his mind, instead it his love of the pipe, and his fondness of the Azeri witch. The Patriarch of Novgorod, upon hearing of this, demands that the Azeri witch be burned alive, while the son be brought into te care of the church. Horrfied by this thought Konstatin decides to send some of his agents to quickly remove his son's family from the city before any harm can come to them, and he makes clear instructions to them that Yanna and his grandson Yaroslav must never be allowed to return to Russia proper telling them to take the child into Tartarstan or to Georgia. Catching wind of this a distraught Yaroslav hires some mercenaries the Old Priest Gregory introduces him to. Konstantin's men can reach the house where the child and wife are they are ambushed by Yaroslav's men who kill all of them without remorse, and two have their spines cut open in direct imitation of the murders in Astrakhan and on the Steppes. The inhuman screams of agony that these men let out in their final moments are remembered as the howls of rising demons, as the City of Kiev is consumed by Chaos, with more of the Mercenaries carrying out obscene acts of execution and torture in parts of the city creating chaos as the young Kniaz and his family escape. The delirious and doped up prince looks back at a city he thinks is being consumed by demons, Once members of the Pravaya Ruka and of the Varyag from the Kieven Levy enter the city some semblance of order is restored with many of of the mercenaries who partook in th attack being cut down, but the more aggressive and violent mercenaries appear to have mostly fled the city. By the morning it is determined that some 2,500 people were murdered by the Mercenaries that helped the prince and his family escape.
-<u>'''Habemus Papam! the Roman Cardinal Giovanni Boccamazza is elected to succeed Boniface VIII. He has chosen the name Pope Callixtus III.'''</u>
+**'''RNG: 30/100 (0 best). The envoys get the impression that the government of Moldavia is rather disorganized.'''
+**'''News of the almost-satanist activity in Kiev shocks both Manuel and John, who write to each other to assure that such behavior will not befall the empire.'''
+**'''The Cossacks offer to trust the Tsar more than the Moldavian Prince'''
+*'''Roman Empire: As the empire enters its third year of civil war, Manuel celebrates the birth of his second child, another son whom he names Andronikos after his father.''' Though in a state of civil war, for most people life continues normally. John establishes his acting capital at Larissa from which he begins marshaling an army. However, since he maintains his goal of taking the empire he finds little support. The situation remains in this precarious balance until the summer of 1553. Manuel’s backers manage to convince several of the coastal Anatolian Themata and the Peloponnesian Thema to march for Maneul. News of this reaches John who quickly marches south to first defeat the Peloponnesian Thema before turning north and east to fight Manuel’s main army. The result is the Battle of Kapandriti. John’s numerical and tactical superiority lead to the route of the Thema Peloponnesia, and its retreat to Athens. John, unable to take Athens proper, then turns north to catch Manuel’s now expanded army. This second battle, the Battle of Kavala, pits loyalist forces numbering 24,000 against John’s Verginaian army of 14,000. Having taken the defensive lines north of the city, John’s men are able to repel the Loyalists, suffering 5,000 casualties in the process. Manuel’s army retreats from the field in disarray having suffered 8,000 casualties. John is forced to retreat from Kavala, which is occupied by loyalists a month later. Thus, the second phase of the war comes to a close. To the north in Tyras, Despot Odysseus Hasapis forms a close personal friendship with the Wallachian Voivode Mircea IV the Wise. He also begins courting the support of local leaders and administrators in Dobruja, particularly his cousin, Strategos George Hasapis, the commander of one of Dobruja’s Themata.
+* '''Georgia:''' The "Europeanization" of Georgian aristocratic culture continues, with Italian and Greek culture exerting the most influence. The number of Christians residing in Georgia's peripheral territories is bolstered, with thousands of Armenians being resettled in areas with a large Muslim population. The Albanians continued to be assimilated into the Heretian population. The economy continues to flourish due to the export of silk and cotton, and the development of the textile industry. More mulberry and cotton plantations are built. Military expansion continues: the artillery corps is expanded, more muskets and other gunpowder weapons are produced with the expansion of the Tbilisi Arsenal, while more state-owned stables and studs are built. The cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified, with the installation of defensive cannons and thickening of their walls.
-<u>'''Frederick III is Crowned the King of Naples, and honors his treaty with the Papal States by ceding Benevento to the new Pope. This causes great fear among the states in Italy for the threat of Spanish influence on the peninsula, akin to the Norman invasions of centuries prior.'''</u>
+*'''Ayutthaya Empire:''' With Bayinnaung having managed to restore the power of the Throne, he begins to undertake measures to restore control over the Empire. The restoration of depleted Capital Defense Corps garrisons is first and foremost with the Ministry of War attempting to procure both supplies and equipments for the various garrisons and distributing War College graduates to wherever they are needed. The naval assets of the Empire survived the war mostly intact with only the war boats meant for rivers suffering damage during the campaign into Burma resulting in the acquisition of war boats from local lords by fair compensation as a temporary measure to project power along the Irawaddy River. The Ministry of Laws has overseen efforts to ensure that key nobles and saophas send their sons to the capital where a careful eye can be kept on them and to ensure the loyalties of their fathers. For his part in the war, Binnya Dala has become the chief minister of Bayinnaung overseeing matters from finances to the military of which it is noted he has a talent for. In the name of purifying the religion, Bayinnaung hosts mass ordinations at Kalyani Ordination Hall due to his belief that he is the model Buddhist king. The Ministry of Rites continues with efforts to standardize religion particularly with the banning human and animal sacrifices as well as distributing scripture and feeding monks. The Ministry of Rites has also begun a propaganda effort at the insistence of Binnya Dala by saying that Bayinnaung hails from folk heroes which is a part of the teachings expected within Kyaung schools. The Ministry of Finance has maintained efforts to restore the damage to infrastructure and cities during the war in the prior years and has also gone about constructing pagodas for use. The Ministry has also undertaken efforts to standardize taxation across the Empire to ensure that the necessary funds are available for the functioning of the Empire. With the Shan states as a part of the Empire, new units are formed comprised of men from Shan states along with hereditary cavalry and elephant corps. The people are all declared to be Phrai Luang to deny their services to nobles and bind them to the Crown and its representatives for service. The Ministry of Works has also gone about continuing the efforts of prior rulers to drain the swamps in the Irawaddy Delta and Chao Phraya Delta to acquire fertile farmland. The Thai population of Siam is encouraged to resettle with incentives from low taxation to free land being offered to promote resettlement.
+*'''Principality of Vinland:''' The principality continues to recover from many years of social and political instability. However, the introduction of more and more European technologies and weaponry allows the Vinlanders to continually conquer or assimilate neighboring indigenous peoples. Fur trappers penetrate deeper into the wilderness. These new possessions are named New Markland. The current Prince is Jon, son of Eric Kuis (died 1533). Jon has a son, Mikkel (b. 1536).
-<u>'''William Wallace and Edward Balliol renew their revolt in Scotland against English tyranny, taking advantage of the situation in France. They immediately hit much resistance in their attempts at revolt, however.'''</u>
+**'''Esgigeland and Unamaland:''' The commonwealth continues to act as the breadbasket for Vinland. The commonwealth holds a Thing in Vinbergen where free folk elect Kristjan Janssen as the governor-general of the commonwealth.
+*'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items.''' '''The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. '''Our military sends 15,000 troops to Transylvania to retake our past lands. The army sacks all the towns passed by. (Algo needed)'''
+** '''Banate of Bosnia:''' Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
+** '''Banate of Severin:''' The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
+*'''Kingdom of Portugal:''' The colony of Cape Baltimoro continues growing with the university of Baltimoro being started this year. Meanwhile, King Antonio visits his Habsburg relatives in Austria where he spends two weeks before receiving the sad news that Crown Prince Luis has died due to a disease. This puts Crown Princess Cirí in line to the throne. Meanwhile, trading between the colonists and the natives in Cape Baltimoro begins to take place which brings a new revenue to the imperial treasury.
-<u>'''A revolt takes place in the Korean Peninsula, as Confucianists support the independence of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo from the Mongol Empire. 30,000 Koreans call to arms to defend the highlands of the peninsula.'''</u>
+*'''Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di":''' While on the Mela continent Willem Smit sends an expedition of one Jersey and two Fluyts under Tom bouwer, the plan being to explore the southern tip of the Melan continent. The plan being to set up a small town with his ~120 men on the southern tip of the continent, as it seems to be a good position for whale hunting. Another benefit being possible control of the seas around it. Thus Tom setting off on the 3rd of November of the year, Willem Smit eagerly waiting for the news of his expedition to arrive back in Bergen. In Belgia Jean Frans and his 17,000 came under attack of the French in Arras, the French having to end the direct on the city although this does not end the siege. Thus Jean Frans continue's the supplying of Arras by river schelde. Jean Frans even receiving some new cannons and guns from Ghent and Bruges, these cities being well known for their Cannon and gun making. Jean Frans thus formally writing letters to the Russian tsar, knights and soldier class, Jean wanting to hire a couple thousand Russian cavalrymen. ''' (Russian response).''' Jean wanting to pay them a lot and grant them and those related to them extra trade rights and the ability to be fully protected under Belgian law. Jean Frans also recruiting 4,000 Belgians of his own thus Arras being once more defended by 14,000 Belgians, although some need more experience with battle. While in Luxembourg the 37,000 troops under Paul Dekremer, continue to make a fortress out of their city as he waits for the war with France to become less of a threat then it is currently.
+*'''Wagenaar Colonies:''' This year, another group of settlers arrive from Lotharingia - in both Kebeck and Broekden. In the latter colony, which was populated earlier, the local community leaders decide that the threat posed by natives in the south of OTL Nova Scotia will only continue to grow unabated until the local Indians are subjugated. With this in mind, Sjerd Groenewoud - fresh off the victory against the French - goes before the town council and proposes war against the Gespogoitnag clan of the Mikmaq natives. Groenewoud rallies 4,000 men to the campaign, and using overwhelming force (including firearms and horses) they make war on the Mikmaq people to the southwest of OTL Nova Scotia. '''(ALGO please).''' Meanwhile, up in Kebeck, trapping and expansion down the Saint Willibrod River (OTL Saint Lawrence) continue unabated. Finally, the company begins to prepare as a new colony is planned for OTL Campbellton, New Brunswick.
+*'''Kingdom of England:''' '''(Updates on RETEC's colonisation pending algo)''' Co-rulers Queen Margaret and King Edward X of England celebrate the tenth anniversary of their reign - a milestone their six most recent predecessors failed to achieve, largely due to England's dynastic conflicts. The celebration includes some feasts attended by many members of the nobility, though troublingly Queen Margaret falls ill shortly afterward and has to withdraw from the public eye. The English Parliament continues providing some funding for RETEC and a partial subsidy for the 5,000 English mercenaries that remain active in the defence of Lotharingia, and also continues funding the English Inquisition in their efforts to arrest and expel the problematic Presbyterians, many originally refugees from Ireland, in the Manchester area, with the aid of Alexander Anderson's mercenary company. The Parliament also provides funding for salt production in Cheshire and Worcestershire, in order to increase the quantity of salt available domestically for usage for food preservation in England's major cities. In Lincolnshire, local clergy continue hiring workmen with the goal of reconstructing the fallen spire of Lincoln Cathedral, and various priests across the nation also continue researching the "sweating sickness". George of Gloucester, 1st Earl of Rutland (1494-1553) dies after a horse-riding accident at the celebrations of the ten-year anniversary of the King and Queen's reign, and his son William (b. 1518) becomes the 2nd Earl of Rutland. Continuing previous monarchs' strategies of improving ties to Catholic European nations via marriages, Queen Margaret of England writes to Count Meinhard IX of Gorizia, proposing to arrange a marriage between her niece Isabel Beaufort (b. 1535) and the Count's son Engelbert V (b. 1526). '''(Mod response)''' George Beaufort (b. 1529), son of Henry Beaufort, 2nd Duke of Lancaster, marries Isabel Percy (b. 1531), daughter of George Percy, 6th Earl of Northumberland. Humphrey Stafford and Katherine Boleyn have their first child, a daughter named Mary (b. 1553); William of Gloucester, the new 2nd Earl of Rutland and Frances of York have their third child, a son named Robert (b. 1553); Henry Bourchier and Beatrice Talbot have their third child, a daughter named Dorothy (b. 1553); and John Talbot and Elizabeth Beaufort have their second child, a daughter named Margaret (b. 1553).
+===1554===
-<u>'''The Byzantine Empire continues to fall to the encroaching Beyliks of the former Sultanate of Rum. Ephesus and Smyrna are both seized by the Beylik of Aydin. Moreover, '''</u><u>'''Chios is ceded from Byzantium as a colony of Genoa.'''</u>
+<u>'''In a decisive battle, King John II of Poland crushes the armies of Alexander of Moldavia, driving him back toward the border. Even with his armies in route, Alexander puts up an impressive counterattack with what army he has remaining. In order to pursue to offensive against Alexander, King John calls together further levies at the western end of the kingdom, citing the need to fight back against the Orthodox threat, as the kings of Poland have done since the days of Wenceslas, on the frontiers of Christendom. Meanwhile, the Romani mercenaries abandons Alexander's loyalty to return to Moldavia, where the Cumanians are stirring up unrest in his homeland.'''</u>
+<u>'''The navigator Alexander Drafigo establishes Sweden's first permanent colony in the New World at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, absorbing the Chesapeake confederacy of Natives into a protectorate. Denmark redoubles their efforts at expansion, creating forts in both northern OTL Virginia. They further send an expedition north that allies with the Lenape nation of natives.'''</u>
-<u>'''Count John II of Hainut dies, and his son William does not assume the title of Count of Holland. Meanwhile, Amsterdam is just established, as well as the Ypres Cloth Hall.'''</u>
+<u>'''France decides to capitalize on the weakened position of Arles by sending 30,000 troops to occupy the County of Auvergne (the enclave of Burgundy in southern France). Other parts of France have become destabilized due to internal conflicts between Gallican and Reformist religions, as the Reformist-majority region refuses to recognize the authority of the Gallican Church. The French monarchy summons dissident reformist nobles to Paris to deliberate on their complaints.'''</u>
-<u>'''Hundreds of new city-states begin to appear across the Mexican Valley and Chicimec regions of Mesoamerica, adapting to the new "Aztec" culture championed by the Atzcapotzalco Empire.'''</u>
+<u>'''In Rome, Lord Philip Asburgo-della Rovere (1486-1554) dies of natural causes. '''</u>
-<u>'''The Middle East erupts into chaos over the recent events of the Ilkhanate. With their military largely depleted over the war against Mamluks, they suffer from potential invasions from neighboring nations on all sides, as well as the continual collapse of Rum. As they ceded the most significant territory of Tabriz and Fars to the Nogai Khan, the remainder of the Middle East and eastern Iran begin to lose all hope in central authority, and fall into general chaos. The Imamate of Baghdad over southern Mesopotamia claims the most authority over Muslim Arabs in the Middle East proper, while the Kingdom of Khoresan also breaks off, refusing to acknowledge Nogai as the new Shah.'''</u>
+<u>'''Lucia of Gorizia (1502-1554), an unmarried sister of Count Meinhard IX of Gorizia, dies of a disease.'''</u>
-'''<u>As interest in the Tenth Crusade starts to wane, the Kingdom of Cyprus considers negotiating a treaty with the Mamluks to leave Jerusalem if they are allowed to annex Acre and surrounding region on the Palestinian coastline.</u>'''
+<u>'''A great fire breaks out in the city of Eindhoven, in Lotharingia.'''</u>
-*'''Yuan China:''' The imperial government swiftly reacts to the uprising in Korea by mobilizing the army in the surrounding region to punish the rebels for their intransigence. Returning from his successful campaign in the west, Temür Khan orders his 50,000 imperial army troops outside of Beijing to meet up with the 50,000 imperial army soldiers outside of the city of Liaoyang, along with 20,000 provincial troops recently arrived from Taining to march into Korea to meet up with the existing 50,000 provincial troops stationed outside of Pyongyang, and crush the rebellion. An additional 10,000 marines from Ninghai cross the Yellow Sea and land north of Pyongyang. '''The governor of Korea, Temür Khan's son Ertan Khan, assumes command of these 190,000 troops and begins his campaign of wiping out the rebel forces in his province. Before engaging the rebels, Ertan Khan wades into the Chongchon River with several of members of his command and several priests sent by his father to watch over him and his campaign. Ertan orders the priests to baptize him in the river, so that he may gain the same blessings his father received during his war against Chagatai, and then instructs his men to join him to obtain victory over the Koreans with the backing of the Lord Jesus Christ.''' Thousands of Yuan soldiers rush over one another to jump into the river, and receive their baptisms by the overwhelmed Nestorian priests accompanying the army, and with a white hot fury in their chests and nothing by hatred for the now heathen Koreans they move against as Christians. The Yuan fall upon the Koreans and slaughter hundreds of thousands of people, rebels and otherwise, burning down towns and Confucian temples, as well as taking any rebels they capture putting them to the torch as an example of the emperor's lack of patience with those who resist his will. Compared to Yunann which had wisely acknowledged Temür Khan's dominion over the land and was reincorporated back into the empire peacefully, Korea is broken over the knee of the Mongolian side of the empire, crippling its leadership as its defiant elites are buried alive, locked inside of their homes and set on fire, or thrown to wild animals to be eaten alive. The goal of all of this is to contrast consequence of rebellion under the new laws of the empire, and to offer those considering the idea a choice to be spared the horrors the Koreans invited upon themselves. Back in the less tumultuous parts of China, the newly conquered lands of Chagatai are incorporated into the Chinese bureaucracy as the newly-minted province of Xiyu, with the capital located in the city of Ili, the former capital of the Chagatai Khanate, now renamed Yining. Provincial forces garrisoned in the city of Shangdu in the central Zhongshu province home to Beijing, are rotated out with the imperial army units, as the provincial troops are transferred to Yining to enforce Yuan rule over the new province. These forces consist of some 50,000 troops, with 20,000 thousand sent to the city of Samarkand as the second site of imperial forces in the region. Work on rebuilding the city begins, with thousands of Chinese families relocated into the region to help replenish the local population, and to introduce Chinese culture and social norms into Xiyu. The Chinese settlers from the years before have been well-integrated into the land, and help these newcomers adjust to the change in scenery and pave the way for their swift resettlement into the western territories. In the south, a major fortress is constructed along the Dungri Pass, ensuring that the Tibetan Plateau is secured, and that trade with India is policed well enough to ensure a stable peace with the Delhi Sultanate and neighboring buffer states. The 50,000 Yuan troops from the Ilkhanate return to China, and are deployed to new postings in the country, with 30,000 stationed in Turpan to build up that force to 50,000 troops, and the other 20,000 sent to Liaoyang to serve as border guards along the Yalu River and prevent Korean rebels from crossing the river into China proper. Elsewhere, trade with the Southeast Asian countries blossoms as Chinese merchants seeking a new source of revenue relocate to the southern kingdoms to find their fortunes in the region and to help establish Chinese trading influence there ahead of planned financial endeavors. These individuals set up posts with the rest of the Indonesian polities, and return reports of their progress back to China through the Yuan embassies established ahead of their arrival, informing the emperor of their develops and plans for the region. Seeking to secure the trade routes with the south, and deal with the threat of piracy from Okinawa and southern Japan, the Yuan navy begins long-range patrols into the South China Sea during the first half of the year, and returning during the latter half to avoid damage to the ships during the typhoon season, with this information gleaned from the scholars commissioned on compiling a list of recorded typhoons and their approximate dates. Back at home, the Christianization of the Yuan dynasty continues, with the merging of Nestorian and Confucian doctrines into a uniquely Chinese form Christianity. '''See to have a proper ceremony denoting his public conversion to Christianity along the banks of the Zeravshan River near Samarkand, Temür Khan holds a massive baptismal event in which he and his family, along with all of the Christian members of his court in Beijing, and several thousand members of the imperial guard and provincial forces, publicly and formally renounce their old pagan beliefs, and adopt Christianity for all to see. With more than 300,000 imperial subjects, most of whom are recently converted Christians, watch as Temür Khan is baptized for the second time in the Yangtze River outside of the city of Nanjing. Upon emerging from the waters, Temür Khan is given the Christian name of Maxiu, or Matthew, from Saint Matthew the Apostle, who along with Mark, Luke, and John, formed the Four Evangelists who wrote the Holy Gospels of the Bible.''' Invoking the power of the Mandate of Heaven, now in conjunction with the will of the Lord Jesus and king over all creation, the newly named Emperor Maxiu proclaims his goal to follow in the footsteps of his namesake, and spread the faith of Christianity throughout all of China by word or by blade, to save his people from divine destruction and eternal damnation of their immortal souls. With this act of conversion, tens of thousands of Chinese subjects, witnessing the boons of Yunnan's submission to the emperor and Korea's punishment for defiance, follow in the emperor's footsteps as his preaches of the values of combining the traditions of Confucianism with the spiritual edicts of Christianity. While the emperor does not force his people to convert to the new faith immediately, he does make clear what faith awaits those who defy his will. As more and more information and regulations of the new established state faith continue to be compiled for government archives, many of the Chinese priests have come to call their particular denomination of Nestorianism '''Huangdi Christianity''', or '''Huangdism''', after the color yellow which is associated with the Emperor of China, who played a vital role in the faith's reintroduction and resurgence within Chinese society. As part of his new policies, Emperor Maxiu expands the number of granaries within the capital from 58 to 72, each of which is capable of holding 145,000 ''shih'' of rice and grain (one ''shih'' = 133 lbs). Each granary is capable of feeding up to 30,000 people for a year, and five of these new granaries are devoted solely to charitable pursuits by the emperor. The five new granaries are to be used for feeding the province's impoverished families, who are welcomed to the city walls to receive their stipends of food as a sing of the charitable spirit promoted by Christianity. Every day, more than 150,000 of China's poor living in the region surrounding the capital city of Beijing come to receive their food, and have their spirits uplifted by members of the Christian clergy serving the cooked food as part of their sermons. Many of these impoverished individuals are inspired by the priests and the charity of their emperor, leading to many converting to the faith as a sign of appreciation for his actions. Other charitable works are performed by the members of the Chinese government, with a focus on dealing with the internal struggles of the state, mainly those faced by the peasants of China on a daily basis. Using the stolen wealth from India and brought in from the new trade routes with Southeast Asia, the emperor funds many public works devoted to the expansion of basis services and infrastructure, such as inns and wells for travelers and merchants, public houses and latrines with basic sanitation requirements, expanded irrigation canals for farmers, and hospitals in the major cities to help ease the suffering of those afflicted with illnesses.
-*'''Maraninds of Sultanate:''' The troops are capturing those Aragonese soldiers on the island and once they're established, the Emirate of Balearic with support of our Berber army, the sultanate allows the Orthodox for the Christianity of Morocco and adopting the Arianism the sultan announces that the Christians were welcomed in, the realm of Almoradivs and the Emirate of Balearic the thing that the problem is may cause an civil war or rather not maybe just a peaceful conversion of Christianity between Islam and the Christendom we plan a fight the Aragonese for not invading us so we can try among sending 1,000 soldiers.
-*'''Angevin Realm:''' With the fall of Naples, Charles II fles to Albania where he eventually gives up all of the Angevin Properties to his son Robert who is then crowned King of Albania and bestowed the title of Count of Provence <s>along with the title of Despot of Epirus(Previously held by Prince Phillip)</s> while Prince Phillip would take the position of Commander of the Angevin Armies as the remnants of the Angevin Military (30,000 men and 90 ships) fled to Durazzo, capital of Albania and of the Angevin Realm. With Fredrick III being crowned King of Naples, Prince Robert decides to acknowledge him as King of Naples and Sicily as long as he is able to maintain his throne in Albania and position in Provence <s>and Epirus </s>('''Mod Response Needed'''). With his position still vulnerable, Robert I sees that in order to ensure the return of Angevin rule in Naples he would need to make new allies and willing to do so he sends one of his brothers John of Anjou on a diplomatic mission to ensure that the Frankish Greek States are loyal to Robert I as he holds the position of Titular Latin Emperor('''Achaean and Mod Response''') as well to establish an alliance with Venice, improve relations with the Pope as well as manage to convince the King to give the ownership of the County of Anjou to Robert I ('''Venetian, Papal and French Response Needed'''). <s>Meanwhile, Robert I decides to unite the Kingdom of Albania and the Desposate of Epirus into a single Angevin Kingdom of Epirus with Robert I as the King of Epirus as a means to strengthen his position in Greece while moving his capital to Arta. With this Robert I prepares to strengthen the position of the Angevins once more as a means to reclaim Constantinople.</s>
-**'''Frederick III agrees to allow Charles to keep his other titles if he gives up Naples.'''
-**'''Duke Guy II of Athens defers to Achaea's response.'''
-**'''Count John of Anjou accepts alliance.'''
-**'''Papal Response:''' We agree to improve relations with Charles II.
-*'''Mali Empire:''' Mansa Gao enjoys a relative peace along the caravan trade from Mali to the Muslim world. Although Morocco and Egypt continue to have minor conflicts with the Ahl Al-Kitab, the vast exports of salt, gold and copper continue to make the finances of the empire more than prosperous. The navy gets considerable funding from this, with the three main rivers of the empire under full control already, larger ships are built along the Atlantic coast. Larger farming areas continue to be adapted to many larger cities, even as far as Timbuktu, which is now rapidly growing as a significant trading hub. Meanwhile, Musa continued to grow rapidly in strength in the regions he controlled in Nigeria. After leaving the kingdom of Gobir, Musa arrived to the Kingdom of Daura. The King of Daura was very old, having been blinded since a battle where he lost his only son. As soon as Musa arrived at the gates of the city, the King threw open his arms and wept over him, and ordered him to be put in a place of honor. The King of Daura later called a private audience with Musa, and explained that he had a vision from God in a dream, telling him that his long lost son would arrive to Daura this very day. Musa was definitely not one to argue against the generosity of the king, and so ascended to become his adopted son. The King of Daura explained that he had betrothed his son to the charming princess Aisha of Kano. However, in order to prove that Musa is in the same spirit as his son, he must prove a test of strengh and skill. Musa took up a bow and arrow, in the presence of all the court of Daura, and demonstrated shooting a fly straight in the heart. Greatly pleased by this act of skill, the King gladly accepted Musa as his son, and sent him off to Kano to accept the hand of marriage of Aisha. '''3,000 infantry and 1,000 cavalry staying in Morocco rush to the aid of the Marinids at the battle of Melilla.'''
-*'''Delhi Sultanate:''' Having massacred Qipchaq's army the Sultan returns triumphant to the capital. He has captured Afghanistan from the Chagatai and the Ilkhanate. '''The Sultan sends emissaries to Khorasan with the offer of an alliance and being guaranteed by the Delhi Sultanate (MOD RESPONSE). '''The Sultan appoints Ulugh Khan as the governor of Kabul and nearby territories. Ulugh Khan remains in-charge of handling the Mongol invasions. For this Ulugh Khan has at his disposal 40,000 cavalrymen and 20,000 infantrymen which garrison the forts of Farah, Herat, Kabul and guard '''the Khyber Pass, the Gateway to India'''. A second army is maintained for the Indian campaigns standing at 30,000 cavalrymen and 10,000 infantrymen strong stationed near Delhi. The Sultan commissions the construction of the Siri Fort, a massive fort in Delhi. With unrest in the territories raided by the Yuan forces, dissent brews, However, Alauddin Khilji doesn't react to this in the manner that he used to. Having learned from the policies of the Ilkhanate and the desire to create a stable state, on the advice of many of his ministers and to the dismay of some, Alauddin Khilji adopts a new policy of tolerance mainly toward Hindus and Buddhists. To this effect, Alauddin Khilji personally meets the leaders of the cities of the affected areas and initiates procedures for a quick recovery of these areas. However, the Sultan still does not allow non-Muslims to occupy the high ranks in his administration. However, the first Indian Muslim had been promoted to the rank of a noble by the end of this year. A number of Buddhists had fled to India when the war started. A larger number of Muslims are now flowing into the Sultanate every day as the Middle East falls into chaos. These Muslims are easily accommodated into the vast forested areas of the Ganges Doab and the Punjab region. Trees are felled to make way for their settlement and as a result agricultural production is given a boost in these regions. The Sultan knows that to create a stable realm he will have to introduce many administrative and economic reforms. He brainstorms and consults his advisors. The first thing he does is that he revives '''the Chalisa, a council of 40 nobles that administer the Delhi Sultanate under the Sultan of Delhi.''' The first Indian Muslim is made a member of the Chalisa in this year. The Chalisa consists of advisors, courtiers and governors of the Delhi Sultanate. '''A force of 40,000 cavalrymen is raised and put under the command of Ghazi Malik, this force is stationed at the forts of Herat, Farah and Zaranj. Ghazi Malik's forces are also ordered to carry out raids deep into Eastern Iran.''' (The total strength of Delhi's armies currently stands at 140,000 troops which can be easily maintained by the treasury)
-**'''The King of Khoreson allies with Delhi'''
-*'''Archbishopric of Trier:''' With the end of the conclave, Archbishop Diether von Nassau writes a letter congratulating the Holy Father for his election. A great admirer of the Domenican order, the archbishop asks the pope if he approves the creation of a new Domenican monastery in Koblenz. With the letter, he also sends a golden jeweled cross as a gift showing his obedience to the pontiff. '''[Papal response needed]'''. Come to attention of Diether that some buildings are falling apart, the archbishop start to repair these structures. The Aula Palatina (Basilica of Constantine) is repaired and a fortified palace will be built next to it to be used as the archiepiscopal residence. The Roman bridge over the River Moselle and the Porta Nigra are also repaired. When not working in the Archbishopric administration, Diether is writing his commentaries on the New Testament, all written in German.
-*'''Japanese Empire (warring states):''' The Sengoku period continues in earnest with the Minamoto and Dewa clans clashing along the coast of the Sea of Japan. More territory is consolidated or confederated between the two clans as they vye for clear and outright dominance over the home islands. The Battle of Kanazawa sees nearly 30,000 Dewa troops push against 21,000 strong Shogunate amry now using Ashigaru in large amounts to make up for the loss of life in the Samurai over the last few years. In a shocking display of strategy using terrain and feinged retreat the Shogun is able to defeat the Dewa army. The Dewa clan begins to collapse into feuding lords at the loss with the alliance starting to break apart. However, as the Minamoto clan of the Shogunate attempts to exploit the situation, the Tetsuko clan with 3,000 horseman is able to inflict a humiliating defeat on the Minamoto. The Tetsuko clans leadership is known to have welcomed a few mongol warfare advisors to organize their cavalry. Led outright by Akira Tetsuko with his right hand man being known only as Temujin the clan quickly absorbs or conquers multiple Daimyo formerly allied with the Dewa clan focusing heavily on its cavalry with infantry playing clearly a support role. As the Tetsuko clan rampages across central and northern Japan the Emperor Go-Uda conducts a series of small offensives to secure more territory and solidify the hold of the Emperor within the Kyoto and allied areas. The Emperor runs into the Miura and Edo clans having allied and attempting to consolidate their own allied hold over this region of Japan. The Imperial army now numbering 35,000 sends nearly 20,000 men north under Kampaku Saito who is unable to dislodge the two clans after two weeks of battle on and around Mt Fuji. This sees a setback of the Emperor who is forced now to play on the defensive as forces from the Tetsuko and Minamoto clans seize territory forcing a series of battles between both leading to the recapture of territory but no advances beyond this. While the battles on the home islands have been brutal and notable, the Hosokawa and Amago clans have erupted into a massive naval war with the Dewa forcing both to put their armies to use fighting the Dewa. The naval forces engage in a series of small clashes culminating in the battle of Tsushima in which members of the Soo clan watch in awe as two fleets of 70 ships a piece fight to the death off the coast leading to an inconclusive battle which sees both fleets limp back to port. The Emperor is forced to enact a new tax on many of the Shinto and Buddhist shrines in order to help finance his army as pushes heavily to begin a campaign to cut Japan in two leaving the Emperor in decisive control of Japans central regions.
-*'''Lordship of Milan:''' The new republican government enters its second year with Milan prospering greatly because of it. Due to the Genoese, Venetian conflicts continuation, Milan begins to discuss which side they will be forced to take ultimately. Diplomats are sent to Savoy and Provence to discuss current issues in Northern Italy and requests for trade and alliances are sent to both factions citing the fear of France or Spaniards entering Italy. A message is also sent to the Holy Roman Emperor to request to have a few Milanese bankers work with the HRE to become the major guild in the HRE. '''(Mod response).''' Some minor new things come about among the people of Milan with some changes in the way people think, as more research is done into Roman and Greek habits. More thought is put forward especially by major bankers as they look to the Greeks for bettering their income. A Milanese philosopher studies Aristotelian ideas as well as Aquinas and begins to share them with important banking figures. Following the envoys sent to Savoy and Provence'''. With minor bouts occurring between Milanese bankers and citizens and citizens of Pavia as well as major banking rivalry with the florentines beginning to erupt. The drama with Pavia leads to Mercenaries beginning to get antsy anticipating a bout with Pavia. Eventually the war erupts with the Mercenaries starting it within ten minutes of an official declaration occurring. 6,000 troops end up entering and attacking Pavia - 5,000 being Milanese based, as well as another 1,000 being an additional hired mercenary company from northern Italy.'''
-**'''Emperor Albert agrees to incorporate banks of Milan in Imperial land.'''
-*'''Crown of Aragon:''' A time for jubilee in Naples. James II attends a massive banquet after the fall of Naples celebrating the victory and coronation of Frederick III now King of Naples. The Aragonese accept peace and following the war effort, our men are escorted back to Aragonese Territory. James after his return finds it valued to plot a counter invasion of the Moors. The Aragonese Fleet begin a large naval campaign of blockading Morocco in hopes of cutting trade to the region. A request for military access is sent to Castile in hopes of being able to transport our men with more ease in comparison to a long drawn out voyage (Player Response). If accepted, 25,000 men would be sent through Castile and be sent off and divided between Ceuta and Melilla accompanied by our Castilian comrades in hopes of opening the door for an invasion of Morocco's northern coast. This would be made up of various forces of archers, cavalry and other forces capable of inflicting a solid offensive. Siege Weapons and other various supplies to assist in tearing down defenses would be sent by ship as well with the navy put to use in order to ensure possible view from the sea and also assisting with blocking the area off itself to give the best chance to our men in order to secure a solid victory. In the defense of the Balearic Islands, 7,865 men are set to protect the islands supported by archers and ships off the shore to cut off the Moors from escaping with 23 vessels put to use. Flammable materials and various usage of weaponry from projectiles used in the form of arrows and catapults for defense are made sure to be used to ensure the highest amount of security is used. The islands will not be allowed to be put back into the hands of the Moors. James will not see lightly to the treatment of these invaders. The captured men will be used as leverage and converted to Christianity as it to be seen in God's will to lead these men to allow god and Christ Jesus to be their lead. Nonetheless, there is hope in James mind that this war may pave the way for Christianity to spread within the lands of the Moors. The massive Cathedral project continues in Barcelona. Seeing the success done with further interconnectivity of The Crown as a result of increased road infrastructure development aiding the war effort in the defense of Valencia, the end of the war in Napoli marks the return of funding toward the project. Fifteen Galleys in design sharing similarities to those of the Byzantines hoping to increase the speed and standard of our galleys as a result. Repairs are made to Valencia following the defense of the city. It is decided as a priority to ensure that the Moors may be starved into our hand of peace beyond simply opening the door to Aragonese invasion.
-*'''Republic of Venice:''' The honored and trusted allies in Naples are welcomed to the new alliance. The expansions of the Arsenali are finished this year, weaponry and shipbuilding can be streamlined and ships can be mass produced, peaking at a galley every month. This leads to a vast increase of the naval capacities, along with the new law that would make it mandatory to plant two trees to replace the loss of resources. This way it is hoped to reduce the costs of imported wood. With the increase in ships, the spending of piracy is reduced and the naval presence in the east is increased. '''A force of 50 ships is sent to the Genoan helt island of Rhodes,''' and the siege begins.  A quota is set up for captains, to sink or loot at least three Genoan ships. For every additional ship attacked or harmed, an award is given out to the captain and the crew, usually in form of a promotion or smaller monetary prizes. Furthermore, a force of 5,000 men is sent to Verona to aid the Paduans against their conflict against the Veronan army. The force consists of 2,500 infantry, 500 archers and 2,000 cavalry. The armies meet near the city of Verona, in the Valpolicella region '''(ALGO NEEDED)'''. Due to the mountainous terrain of the region, the number of archers is used way more carefully to destroy or disrupt enemy positions with flaming arrows. The infantry would be used to secure roads and start ambushes in the regions. Battles are usually fought in safe positions rather than in the mountainous feels.
-*'''Republic of Genoa:''' Trade flow begins to grow exponentially over the Western Mediterranean, looting toward merchant galleys begins to decrease considerably in Venetian waters and bank deposits are overflowing with coins due to the huge amount of capital that enters due to the collection of taxes. Despite this, piracy in the surroundings of Sardinia and Corsica is still present regardless of the important advances that have been made to date, such as building fortifications along the island of Corsica, to patrol a group of war galleys extracted from the Strait of Gibraltar throughout the island of Sardinia. The commercial pact with Portugal has succeeded and the republic can enjoy the free movement of ships that it offers, therefore, Genoese merchants and merchants have aimed to market and offer products to cities with ports of great relevance such as that of London, Southampton, Bordeaux and Antwerp. The representatives of the wealthy families were not far behind and the possibility of a ''Genoves commercia foedus'' toward the newly named cities '''(England response) (French response) or (Mod response for both)''' was discussed at the annual assembly, the commercial agreement would follow their respective rules with the adhesion that a greater discount will be offered for the recruitment of mercenaries from the republic. Apart from that, the commercial privileges that Genoa's rivals cannot offer will not be altered by it (the free trade of products imported from the Far East and other customers of which Genoa owns). In military matters, due to the continuous attacks on the Byzantine Empire, the number of galleys to be built for the following year was increased to be set at 45 galleys plus the 30 built this year. That includes an incorporation of 800 troops that will join the defense of Constantinople and its strait. Thanks to the fact that the Byzantine Empire ceded the island of Chios to Genoa, it will send an expedition of four galleys under the command of Benedetto I Zaccaria to claim the right to impose Genoese autonomy on the island. Unfortunately, the duke and noble families have not received any news about the success of Benedetto. A reconnaissance messenger has set sail for the island to bring information on the events that have occurred and is expected to return next year.
-**'''England accepts the trade offer.'''
-**'''France accepts the trade offer.'''
-* '''Kingdom of France:''' The remnant of the English army is hunted down, with the commander being certain that victory will be achieved, due to the undersupplied nature of the English army. A force of 5,000 is also sent to capture Bayonne, which would completely secure Gascony for the French crown. The 12,000 newly raised is sent to Normandie, where it hunts down the English army there. A garrison of 2,000 is left in Rouen. '''An offer is sent to England, for the king to revoke the title "duke of Aquitaine", as well as any titles within the kingdom of France, in exchange for peace everlasting and friendship between the two crowns [English response needed].'''
-** '''England refuses to cede its continental territories, but returns the French couriers to bear a message of willingness to negotiate for the future of the two nations. -Rexmod.'''
-*'''Duchy of Brabant: "Harba Lorifa"''' With the Death of the Count of Hainaut, our Duke John of Brabant offers Hainaut a treaty. This treaty being known as [[Treaty of Mons (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)|the Treaty of Mons]] after the city John II failed to take'''(Mod Response)'''John II offers this as he seeks to look more outward, while at the same time being able to look into improving diplomacy and culture in Brabant. Culture John II and John of Malinnes bring with the final stages of Heyst ten Berghe Mansion, Which is now called Hill Mansion due to the very obvious hill that it is on a Hill, one of the higher points in Brabant even. As Brabant is quite a flat and marshy land, which causes problems in the Realm of Duke John II repairs and poldering being a big issue in the realm. Poldering referring to the diking of an area where after they are moved by mills using the Archimedean screw. This slowly after a couple of months creates dry land which they gets first grasses and then other green plants to eventually harvest crops for Human Consumption. These crops mostly being forms of Grain, As grain makes everything in this society From bread to cakes, to even depending on the kind Beer the Drink of Royals. Beer being a staple of Brabantine life, there being hundreds of kinds with most either being brewed locally for self consumption or By the clergy to earn extra money for their abbeys and churches and for giving to the poor, homeless and sick. while at the same time Duke John I was known to give and drink beer with his soldiers to celebrate and that could not be clearer at the Battle of Woeringen, and was again shown after the Battle of the Hague the beer giving becoming a unwritten rule in the army. The army getting better and better trained and gaining new traditions and tricks to keep dicipline high. In Antwerp with the gathering of representatives of the realm it has been decided that a simplified version of the flag and coat of arms of Lotharingia will be used to represent the realm.
-*'''Duumvirate of Cilicia:''' In Sis, Baydu and his four younger children are baptised and officially convert to Christianity. Ali and Muhammad, disgusted at the actions of the jihadists in Persia renounce their Islamic names and take the new names Albert and Martin, respectively. Yol Qutlugh and Elathin, whose names are Mongol rather than Islamic, do not change their names. As the soldiers formerly from Rum and the Ilkhanate are integrated into Cilicia's military, 5,000 more soldiers are sent to the garrison at Sivas, expanding its size to 10,000. The garrison at Aleppo also grows from 10,000 to 12,000 due to recruiting and some soldiers sent from Cilicia. The government continues to work on rebuilding and improving farms in eastern Anatolia and integrating the Turkic peasants there with Persian refugees who fled the jihadists. Nogai Khan's soldiers who pass through Cilicia to attack the Ottomans are '''replenished with food and supplies''' by the locals. King Hethum II of Armenia also formally abdicates in favour of Thoros III's now fifteen year-old son Leo, who becomes King Leo III, though Hethum II remains as regent for Leo III in the Duumvirate until Leo III reaches the age of majority.
-**'''Qipchaq Khanate:''' Qipchaq receives news of his father Baydu abandoning the title of Ilkhan and fleeing to Cilicia. He does not agree with this and declares himself '''Khan of the Qipchaq Khanate''' in eastern Persia. He selects the region's largest city Mashhad as his capital and his army works on fortifying the city, expanding farms around it and maintaining the defensive line down to Zahedan.
-*'''Jarldom of Greenland''' On the 12 of May we official declare independence from Norway and elects the current jarl as the first Jarl of Greenland.As a independent nation we begin the construction of the town council hall where citizens will bring their problems to the king for solutions. The Greenlandic militia and navy are promoted to the Greenlandic royal army and Navy respectively.
-*'''Kingdom of Sweden:''' With steady Swedish immigration to Finland continuing, Sweden's hold over the area is slowly consolidated. New towns are built, Chapels are consecrated, and the road network is developed similar to the road network in Sweden. The Crown's policy of developing Finland into a prosperous Swedish territory seems to be working. The Swedish Guild of Iron continues developing its policies, aiming to standardize a high quality of work throughout Sweden and to develop a nationwide system of recruitment and training. Iron from the mines flows into Swedish smithies and forges to produce a wide range of weapons, armor and equipment. These military and civil equipment is traded throughout the Baltic. To help facilitate trade between the league and to increase communication and trust, the Kingdom of Sweden proposes a Merchant Council be created to monitor and run the Gotland League, consisting of high ranking merchants from the Teutonic Order, Bohemia, Sweden, and Denmark '''[BOHEMIAN RESPONSE NEEDED] [TEUTONIC RESPONSE NEEDED].''' The King of Sweden also uses the increased funds from the Gotland League, iron mines and armor sales to increase the Royal Household Guard to 10,000 men, aiming to form the nucleus of a larger professional standing army. The Kingdom begins sending priests north to Karelia, attempting to Christianize Karelia. '''King Birger also sends priests to every major Karelian tribe and demands that they convert to Christianity and submit to the Birger's rule. In exchange he offers to confirm their lands by making them official nobles within the Swedish nobility and offers to provide them modern arms and armor. A gift of the latest Swedish weapons and armor is gifted to the Karelians to induce them to submit without a fight [MOD RESPONSE NEEDED]. '''King Birger also begins amassing a huge amount of supplies in Vyborg Castle, ordering all lands south of the castle be stripped bare, with the riders burning anything they cannot carry.
-**'''Conversions of Karelians are largely successful near the border, but it also causes a lot of strife from both Pagan and Eastern Orthodox tribes who refuse to submit under any circumstances'''
-**'''Teutonic Diplomacy: We agree to the proposal'''
-*'''Crown of Castile:''' TLDR; Castile offers an alliance to Aragon, Granada (a tributary of Castile) is told to grant military access to Castile and Aragon or face consequences, 15,000 men are readied to enter Granada into Morocco with Aragonese troops. More to come if time.
-**'''Crown of Aragon Response:''' the alliance offer is accepted and with the help of her allies now,  the 15,000 men accompanied by the Aragonese Army enter Ceuta with 10,000 men. The rest of the Aragonese Army marches into Melilla in hopes of stretching Morocco's armies while starting them through blocking of the coast.
-*'''Principality of Achaea:''' The Prince, ever looking to increase the Frankish population of Achaea - and notably in Caria - issues an offer to many urban Neapolitans amid the fall of the city to Aragonese-led forces: relocate to the ''Frankokratia''. The advantages include new land and a similar culture, and an increase in social standing '''(SICILY RESPONSE)'''. Meanwhile, Prince Florent and marshal Nicholas III of Saint Omer travel to Epirus. There, Florent and Nicholas (a skilled diplomat) work to negotiate a mutual-defense agreement with Eprius '''(MOD RESPONSE FOR EPIRUS)'''. Toward the end of the year, preparations are made for the royal wedding between Matilda of Hainaut, heiress of Achaea, and Duke Guy II de la Roche of Athens. This much-anticipated event is slated to take place early in 1305. Latinization of the Peloponnese continues, and the conversions from Islam in Caria also continue (although significantly greater force is applied in Anatolia than in Greece). Finally, with Naples having fallen and the Angevins relocating to nearby Albania, Prince Florent and Princess Isabella decide to not annul their agreements with the Angevins - citing the passing of the crown down a generation and therefore refusing to endorse Robert I of Anjou as suzerain of Achaea. Instead, continuing to seek patronage from abroad, the Prince and Princess send a delegation to '''Aragon''' to negotiate.
-**'''Epirus agrees to a defense pact with Achaea against Italian influence'''
-*'''Teutonic Knights:''' The construction of Large Castles begin in Balga and Malbork and are expected to be complete in two years. A monastery is founded in Balga. also to trade with Sweden more effectively we are cutting large amounts of Lumber to make a sizable trade fleet.To facilitate trade we are beginning to build a medium sized port in Memel. Also, the recruitment of knights end with are army consisting of 10,000 knights.
-*'''Nogai Khan:''' In the interest of peace and in light of the Muslim victory at Jerusalem Nogai reconverts to Islam, answering Öljaitü's condition for vassalage, who is then granted the task of restoring order to the chaotic region of Eastern Iran whose chaos threatens Baghdad at its border, leading an army of 40,000 to restore ordere while Nogai continues to war with the Ottomans
-*'''Papal States:''' Callixstus III looks forward to continuing the works and legacy of Boniface VIII. We plan on enforcing the ''Unum Sanctum ''on Aragon. Catholic kings must know their places and must answer to the Pope. '''(SECRET) We call on Castile to support our cause and help us subjugate Aragon. (END SECRET) '''
+<u>'''Agricola publishes a translation of the New Testament in Finnish, which allows Jungist faith to spread into Russian-controlled Finland.'''</u>
+<u>'''The first alcoholic company in the New World is founded in the city of OTL Miami, known as the New Belgium Brewing Company. '''</u>
+<u>'''The ''Gesta Danorum'' of Grammaticus is published for the first time by Christien Pedersen. '''</u>
+<u>'''Moretto de Brescia publishes the painting ''Saint Justina.'' '''</u>
+<u>'''Hasan ibn Muhammad El Farsi, a prominent Egyptian historian migrates from Funj to Egypt.'''</u>
+*'''Tsardom of Russia:''' The city of Kiev in Janruary is still recovering from the the Damage caused by Yaroslav's Violent retreat from the city following his efforts to rescue his wife and son from Tsar Konstantin's men who Yaroslav deemed his enemy in the midst of his delusions that led him to hire mercenaries to keep the guards of the city busy while he saved his family from certain. In reality a concerned Konstantin had stationed some of his men to guard the family of young prince while he in an almost satanic trance howling and attempting to kill his brother-in-law. In his fit young Yaroslav managed to kill three of Konstantin's men including Vadim Gagarin his old friend and something of an uncle to the young Yaroslav, and had been trying to calm him when Yaroslav took out a dagger and jabbed it straight up Vadim's throat as he ws attempting to reason with and embrace Yaroslav. The Prince and his mercenaries proceeded to carry out a slaughter of the towns folk reaching the estates of his father where Yanna and Yaroslav the Younger were being kept. A terrified Yanna screamed as her husband slaughtered the guards and took her by the arm. In her cries of protest and fear something inside the young prince snapped and he backhanded Yanna making her hit her head and falling unconscious. Taking both the child and wife, he and his men proceeded withdraw from the city, with many of the mercenaries committing acts of extreme sadism killing slowly or grotesquely many of the townsfolk of Kiev, and even setting fire to pats of the city before the The Varyag, and other members of the Pravaya Ruka manage to restore order to the city and begin killing in mass the mercenaries cutting them down in a furious rage. Only a few on the mercenaries escape with Yaroslav, being some 50 men, while a further 600 are slaughtered by the Varyag, while some who are deemed leaders are tortured for information by the Pravaya Ruka and ten disposed of with many of them being hung from the posts along the roads and rivers toward Kiev as a show of force by Konstnatin and the Varyag to never attack Kiev. The fires in the city are quickly gotten under control, and reconstruction of the city begins. '''Konstantin I with a heavy heart turns his attention to the West declaring his second son Dimitry as his Heir as Yaroslav the demented flees with his band into the wild Governante of Tartarstan. Orders are sent out to find him and as well as the band of mercenaries now deemed to be the old cult of Gora who had a village all those years ago near Kazan. Konstantin I hearing word of King John II amassing forces in Southern Poland to Invade Moldavia is a clear violation of the promises of John to Konstantin I providing him with a casus belli to defend his family and allies and Orthodox Kinsmen as the defender of the Orthodox Faith since John is proclaiming a holy war himself. Konstantin orders the Kiev Levies to mobilize fully as well as the Tver Levies while orders to start mustering the Moscow levy. Meanwhile, Hetman Sergey Volkov begins mustering the Russian and Moldavian Cossacks bringing his forces to 15,000 men who start going out putting down some of the restive Cuman and Tatar tribes East of the Dnieper while a detachment of 5,000 Cavalry are sent to bolster Alenxanders forces moving south along the Dnieper and then into Moldavia proper to prevent John form cutting them off like he did the Transylvanian mercenaries. Kniaz Temyruk is ordered to muster 5,000 men and to garrison Tana, and prevent anarchy to the Don River trade which Russia has grown to depend on quite a lot. Meanwhile, the Tver levies numbering 10,000 move to Pskov as if preparing for a major invasion. This is meant to be as obviously as possible to alarm Poland and draw some of their attention north with the Army now numbering 18,000 there. While most of the Kiev levy some 15,000 men are held in reserve. The Novgorod Levy, and the small Russian fleet in the Gulf of Finland composed of 30 Baltic galleys retrofitted with cannons.'''
+*'''Mali Empire:''' Musa's reign was coming close to an end, in which he was feeling more isolated than ever. The death of Mamamoo had left a great hole in the administration and culture of the realm, and particularly in the royal court where he had been a staple for so many years. But more aspects than that continued to felt isolated, empty as well. Musa's plans at military campaigns had all been thrwarted by the revolt of the Mossi, and general disorganization in the Gbara, which left the military history of Mali with a dull and useless feeling. Even the litature produced out of the Waalo kingdom began to plateau in the use of national epics, besides those copied wholesale from earlier generations, and instead focused on more simple poetry expounding on nature and rural society. It is genrally accepted that the Arbory of Timbuktu also disappeared at this time from written record. All Musa's attempts at foreign diplomacy had not been met, and most of his children now are unmarried for unknown reasons. '''The Mali Empire sends out a diplomacy to the Ashanti Empire, after their defeat against the Oyo which had been a friendly rival of Mali for many years. The Mansa offers the hand of his younger daughter in marriage to the ruler of Ashanti, and allows a limited amount of military protection for their borders and tribal vassals (Mod response).''' The greatest expansion Mali had at this point remained in the west with their colonies in Meridia. With the successful defeat of the Ceata in battle, Joofa establishes new forts farther inland, where he claims control over the Ceata tribal kingdom as a protectorate. Meanwhile, Ali Mukhamil continues his war against the Tupinanda, sending 5,000 troops and 800 cavalry to subjugate these headhunters and bring them to the folds of Islam. '''(Algo).''' A letter sent by Musa indicates that he does not permit any mass displacement or rampant killing of native people, but that their lands should remain in tact as a vassal state of the empire, as Mali had done in ancient tradition.
+**'''The envoys return stating that the Ashanti Empire is in chaos and that no central authority could be found. They are able to uncover that the Ashanti King has been killed in battle along with two of his sons.'''
+**'''The Mali Emperor sends a force of 15,000 troops led by Aswed Zahri to bring stability in the region, fearing the rise of tensions in the south like the days of Mustafa I. Aswed occupies the city of Gonja and searches for a suitable replacement for the Ashanti King.'''
+*'''Abbasid Caliphate:''' Emir Ibrahim bin Mehmud would be appointed as one of Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's advisors during this time to better aid in the legitimacy of his future ascendence to the throne. He would learn after Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman, studying under his father after a lengthy seven-year tenure at the Great University of Alexandria to better prepare his intellectual capabilities, and would ultimately be granted an additional residency in Baghdad so as to contribute to the translation efforts in the House of Wisdom. Much like his father, Ibrahim bin Mehmud would study military strategy and historical conflicts, while most of his siblings would take up roles in the Court or the Ulema. The History of the Abbasid Caliphate would be recorded and printed this year sometime in Damascus under the supervision of the Caliph, with the printing press finally travelling to Baghdad this year, being stored in the House of Wisdom specifically. A variety of plays would be printed and produced this year, with much of them consisting of historical non-fiction or adaption of other works', whether it be Mohamed ibn Tarek al-Abdella ''Hero of the Nation'' (albiet published earlier; based on the Thin White Duke), Ehsan al-Matar's adaption of the classical Ethiopian play, ''The Mad Titan'' (based off of Timur's invasions during the late 14th century), Erato al-Yamin's ''Barbary Wars'' (based on the early Hafsid dynasty during their Golden Age), or Baadur al-Afzal's ''White Jihad: The struggle against Orthodoxy''; these scripts would make up a grand majority of plays submitted and portrayed in cities like Alexandria or Cairo. Due to the enriched state of the Caliphate, a number of notable philosophers and polymaths would appear during this time as well, such as Malik al-Naboulsi, Abu Amin al-Hamid, Karif ibn Muhammad al-Pervaiz, and Madhi al-Nejd. Malik al-Naboulsi would become infamous for his lifetime ninety-nine books centered around astronomy, engineering, clock-work, calculus, and natural philosophy, while Abu Amin al-Hamid and Karif ibn Muhammad al-Pervaiz would establish the ''Series of Recorded History'', a translation movement in Baghdad and Damascus meant to catalogue all known history in the world, both Islamic and non-Islamic (simply regarded as the "Known World"), and as such are allowed special access into the Archives of the Sharif of Mecca and the Abbasid Selected Records. Madhi al-Nejd, however, would become the most recognizable scholar during this period primarily due to his realization that Islam would best be served under the Council of Senior Scholars, and that this Council would be elective in nature so as to best serve the Islamic community as a whole. These ideas of an elective Caliphate similar to the Rashidun would culminate in the publication of ''خِلَافَة‎'' ("the Caliphate"), which would later serve as an early concept and building block of an "enlightened" Caliphate, becoming popular for its outlandish claims of systematically "ending" the eternal Shi'ite and Sunni conflict through the means of this neo-Rashidun state. The construction of a Museum in Alexandria would mark the start of archaeological ventures in the Second Islamic Golden Age, with the House of Rum commissioning many archaeological digs across northern Egypt while establishing a secretive archive in the Citadel of Cairo and Damascus. Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman would become rather interested in archaeology and ancient civilizations during his late reign, and when he was not playing chess, he would be reading and visiting various centers of these ancient civilizations. It was said that, upon visiting the ancient Achaemenid capital, Persepolis, Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman would return to the Citadel of Cairo (where the Ulema resides) and compose the ''Reservation Mandate of 1554'', which would establish a proto-national reservation system to prevent damage to these ancient cities and archaeological remnants, however, serious robbing would routinely occur until the late 16th century. It is likely that the Rosetta stone was found during this time, but would not formally be in the hands of the Caliphate until the 1560s. A variety of educational institutions, or '''Madrasas''', would form during this time, with specific institutions being formed along the Eastern Mediterranean coast in Acre, Alexandria, Beirut, Cairo, Jerusalem, Tartus, Tel Aviv, Tripoli, and Tyre. Fortifications along the Caliphate-Georgia border are updated this year.
+**'''Gurkani Sultanate:''' Re-construction of Efsahan, Tehran, Shiraz, and Yazd would be conducted through a variety of architectural influence, mainly Abbasid and Greco-Roman. Sultan Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza, the Padishah of Persia, would appoint his son, Adarnarseh Mirza (c. 1534), as Regent of the Sultan, establishing a precedent where the heir-apparent would be the Regent (and later Vizier) of the Sultan, in an effort to provide legitimacy toward their reign as having served under the prior Sultan. The remnants of the silk road continue to remain highly profitable, with exports consisting of carpetry, copper, gold, leather, and a variety of fruits and spices, with cotton making up a significant export for the Empire. While localized Shi'ite communities maintain primary domestic autonomy, policies to collectivize the Shi'ite population under authority of the Gurkani dynasty are done through a variety of methods, such as allowing the Shi'ite clergy into the Court of the Sultan and held theological debates in Efsahan and Yazd. In the conflict against the Qizilbash, policies to eclipse the power are conducted, including the positioning of the Taymiyyah Order in Yazd and the creation of a slave army based on the ghulams introduced by the Savafids and the various ethnicities that flourished during the Georgian Empire, although most of these policies wouldn't be cemented until 1557. Fortifications in Rasht and other eastern cities begin to be updated.
+*'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items.''' '''The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. '''Our military sends 25,000 troops to Transylvania to retake our past lands. This is the second year of the war against them. We try to flank their armies from both sides. Also we sack their towns. (Algo needed).''' Kamilia and Boris die this year of old age.
+** '''Banate of Bosnia:''' Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
+** '''Banate of Severin:''' The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
+*'''Kingdom of Portugal:''' The colony in Cape Baltimoro begins growing much more as more and more Portuguese settlers arrive every day, a natinal guard consisting of 100 troops is established in the capital of Baltimoro. Meanwhile, a popular local food known as clams begins to be eaten by the richer people. A daughter is born this year who they name Marion.
+*'''Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di":''' With the war against France seeming to never end and the front seeming to unneededly continue.  Thus with the aproval of Paul Dekremer who wants to focus his army and navy on Arles, as the French border is harder to defend due to the great open fields of Belgia and France. Thus Jean Frans sends Francis Mortier to the French lines, where he offers a truce and peace negotiations on the white peace principle. '''(Mod Response).''' Paul Dekremer's 37,000 now finally starting to prepare for more offensive moves, this meaning gathering carts and weagons, mules, donkeys and horses. Paul Dekremer gathering animals such as ox which are able to carry great amounts of suplies, alot of food being being planned to be bought from locals in currently occupied Lotharingia. The Oxen being planned to move Dulle griet one of the biggest guns in Lotharingia, which although very powerfull is relatively hard to move. The Groot Belgische Reporting to Dekremer that the "Algemene Belgisch wet" and thus that belgian administration and law will change alot. The Raad informing him so he can propose reforms or offer ideas and advice as it is accepted that the general admiral is the base of Lotharingian defence. While in Broekzand Peninsula reports of Caloosa agression the garisons in Fort Majeimi and Damiaenburght, writing letters to Paul Govaerts the Govenor of Hemelstrand. Paul Govaerts promising to send aid and ask for help from the tequesta allies if need be, as the tequesta could be usefull for suplies. Tom Bouwer in the sound coming across big islands on the southern end of Mela, and reaching the pacific ocean, although he is forced back to return to the atlantic side due to weather and suply issue's. Tom Bouwer thus founding a small resting place with the name of Nieuw Jersey chosen for the whole southen tip of Mela and Saint Heliers as the name for the small settlement he founded.
+*'''Empire of Japan:''' Following years of development the colonies in Ashioto-Taiyo (OTL West coast) have begun to develop nicely. Contact with the natives has begun to normalize and formal trade has also started to tick up with furs, and other products starting to be traded. The colony of Kenzo has become resilient and has started to become a hub for travel up and down the region. A chartered ship of the Kyoto Imperial Zaibatsu establishes itself far to the south of the original colony of Kenzo using prior maps charted by Japanese explorers. Seeing no wish to go farther south and be well outside of the range of other Japanese efforts, the colony of Amaterasu (named after the Japanese sun goddess) is established as the many Japanese sailors here said it reminded them wholly of the Japanese sun goddess. It is noted to be a perfect place for ships to dock and another location just to the north is also marked off (OTL LA) to be sent back to the Kyoto Zaibatsu to figure what much be done here while a small outpost is established in the meantime. As developments in overseas trade and exploration have more taken hold the Japanese emperor Jomei begins contracting multiple Zaibatsu, trade guilds, even rich daimyo families to chart, explore, and claims these new lands to the east for the Empire. This puts a direct halt to many other expansion efforts in Asia proper as Jomei is noted to be fascinated by these new lands. While given up to be expensive ventures, the relative stability and profitability of Arasakura is noted to be a prime driver as to why more voyages have been authorized to be sent out. Another voyage is sent which also discovers a bevy of well numbered but disorganized tribes (near OTL seattle and vancouver) and immediate trade is engaged with these peoples. The drawdown of smaller Japanese ships of the transport and trade variety occurs as much of the transport and trade fleet has been changed over to the Japanese styled Djongs which have been put toward these efforts. In the recent years multiple Carrdjongs have entered service bringing total number of these immense warships to about eight (with one being a replacement for the one given to Maguidanao).
+*'''Roman Empire:''' The fourth year of the civil war sees an other period of relative peace. Skirmishes take place in Anatolia as several small Verginaian revolts are quashed. The continued fighting impacts the revenue of the state greatly, as control over the valuable regions of Thessaly, Epirus, and Macedonia provide much of the mineral output of the empire and a significant share of its agricultural wealth. To the north, the Hasapis family plots. Regarded in the capital as useful schemers, the family lives up to their name by continuing to build support around the familial patriarch Odysseus. The marriage of Odysseus’ son, Alexandros Hasapis, to Marina of Wallachia cements an alliance spanning from Dobruja north around the family. Odysseus, loyal to the empire, but seeking to expand his domain, secretly sends a letter to Manuel. He asks permission to intervene in Moldavia and secure the lands west of the Tyras River as an expansion of his Despotate. Manuel extends his blessing to the endeavor, but is unable to directly support such a move, asking Odysseus to wait until the time is opportune to prevent the need for imperial resources.
+*'''Kingdom of England:''' After having fallen ill the previous year, Queen Margaret of England (1502-1554) dies this year in the royal palace. As per the agreement made by the nobility and Parliament upon her ascension in 1543, her husband King Edward X of England, previously co-monarch, now becomes the sole monarch of England. The Queen's death is suspected by some nobles to have been due to foul play, as she fell ill soon after the jubilee celebrations at which George of Gloucester, 1st Earl of Rutland also died under strange circumstances. William of York, the son of the Duke of Clarence who attempted a coup against the royals in 1548, is arrested under suspicion of having been involved in nefarious activities at the previous year's celebrations, though it remains unclear whether or not Margaret's death was of natural causes. '''(More to come if I have time).'''
+===1555===
+<u>'''Russia's support for Moldavia doesn't come soon enough before Prince Alexander retreats across the border, with a remaining military of 12,000 troops. John II secures the eastern border with 15,000 troops, but is forced to turn his attention north to address the impending Russian invasion. Sweden answers the call of John's petition by sending 20 galleys and 18 carracks to blockade the Russian navy.'''</u>
+'''<u>The Principality of Transylvania reaches out to the Byzantine Empire for help against the invading forces of Hungary.</u>'''
-===1305===
-'''Ten years into the game, keep up the good work! We couldn't do it without you :)'''
+<u>'''France and Burgundy become locked in combat, as the Counties of '''</u><u>'''Auvergne and Amiens remain occupied with a total of 30,000 troops, and the rest begin to skirmish across the border of Burgundy itself.'''</u>
-<u>'''In Italy, the adoption of a new item of cutlery begins to spread which is called the fork, this is due to the increasing amouth of Pasta that the people in the Italian peninsula are eating.'''</u>
+<u>'''In Paris, Reformist theologian Jean Gris makes a historic moment when arguing against the existence of the Gallican Church. He was asked "why would you not accept the word of the Estates-General, which declared the King as the Head of the Church?" he responded "Tell me, if the Estates-General declared that God is not God, would you then say God is not God?", "no, of course no man can say that". "Then they cannot say the King is head of the Church".'''</u>
-<u>'''The Karelian tribes in general are too disorganized to resist Swedish demands. However, the most powerful Karelian clans call on their alliance of Novgorod for protection, who have had a long-standing rivalry with Sweden. Novgorod begins amasing a naval force for attacking Swedish Finland.'''</u>
+<u>'''In India, the Bengal Sultanate is annexed by the Sabhani Empire, now stretching across all of Northern India from Delhi to the borders of Manipur. Its military is largely exhausted at this point, but it has now established a regular tradition of annual campaigns.'''</u>
-<u>'''After miraculously sustaining invasions in Ceuta and Melilla from Spanish attack, the Sultan Abu Yaqub of Morocco is dubbed the title "Sword of Islam".'''</u>
+<u>'''The Malian Army in the Ashanti Kingdom suffers immensely with supply as the local Ashanti chiefs conduct informal raids against them. During their search for a new Ashanti King they hear reports of an invasion from the east. To the south of the Malian positions, Alaafin Olusi launches a campaign into the Ashanti homeland, quickly scattering what Ashanti Forces survived the battle and taking thousands prisoner.'''</u>
-<u>'''Queen Joan of Navarre dies, and Navarre passes to Louis the Quarreler, the Dauphin of France.'''</u>
+<u>'''In Japan, Mori Motonari ascends to control the Chukogu province after defeating the resident damiyo of the Ouchi clan. Mori assembles an army of 20,000 troops under his command, in the ambition of living up to his ancestor who was a powerful minister under the Kamukara Shogunate.'''</u>
-<u>'''William Wallace dies at the Second Battle of Stirling Castle, thus bringing another temporary peace in the War of Scottish Independence.'''</u>
+<u>'''Alaafin Olusi approaches European Merchants from Spain, Portugal, and the Celtic Confederacy, offering thousands of captured Ashanti as slaves in exchange for weapons and armor with which to equip his army.'''</u>
-<u>'''Wenceslas II of Bohemia dies, and his son Wenceslas III is elected the new King of Poland.'''</u>
+<u>'''In England, Protestant minister John Rogers is taken before the council of London, after having been imprisoned several times for his unapologetic heresy, is now considered for being removed from this world permenantly.'''</u>
-<u>'''Due to the declining interest in the Crusade, the Mamluk Sultanate concludes a peace treaty with the King of Cyprus, allowing the Crusaders to retain control over the cities of Acre, Askelon, Jaffa, and the lands in between.'''</u>
+<u>'''The first Jewish ghetto in Rome is established.'''</u>
-'''<u>After a crushing defeat at the hands of the Nogai Horde and Cilicia, the Ottoman Sultanate starts to fall into chaos between the sons Orhan and Aladdin. This blow against the Muslim Beyliks proves the most decisive for the Byzantine Empire under Andronicus II, who manages to seize much former Rum territory in Anatolia from Aydin, Saruhan and Osman, pushing them further east.</u>'''
+<u>'''Florence produces the first modern form of Violins.'''</u>
-'''<u>The Catalan Company, which proved instrumental in the Spanish conquest of Naples, rises in popularity as a prominent mercenary group. They are mostly hired by groups in the Aegean fighting against the Muslims of Anatolia at the time being.</u>'''
+<u>'''The term ''negro'' is first coined in Spain to refer to people of color.'''</u>
-<u>'''Öljaitü establishes the Sultanate of Mosul spanning across OTL Syria and Iraq, filling out the rest of the Middle East proper outside of the Imamate of Baghdad. He allies with the Mamluk Sultanate and places a claim on the city of Aleppo. The Kingdom of Khoreson, now allied with Delhi, expands westward through Iran, creating vassalized Emirates in Hyrcania and Yazd. Both Öljaitü and the Imam of Baghdad offer to be vassals of Nogai and will help him fight against Khoreson and Delhi, on the condition their territory and ruling houses are not interfered with.'''</u>
+*'''Tsardom of Russia:''' With the attention of John II of Poland on the South and the North at Pskov, Konstantin I orders Kniaz Nestoras Manikis to feign an invasion Via Smolesk using the Moscow Levy in conjunction with Konstantin I's forces in Kiev. To attack John II's forces in the East while the Pskov and Neva garrisons numbering some 25,000 men in total between the two are told to hold tight and take advantage of new fortifications to protect against the Poles and the Swedes. Meanwhile, hearing word of the Swedish fleet blockading the Gulf of Finland Orders are issued to the smaller Russian fleet (30 galleys) are ordered to take advantage of the shallower waters along the Finnic coast forcing the Swedish galleys to Engage them alone where the Russian fleet has the numerical superiority. Meanwhile, a German shipwright by the name of Claus Hecher under the employment of the Neva shipyards proposes to his superiors to use the designs of the armoured river boats in on new galleys, this idea is approved and 3 of the new ships are commissioned. '''The Novgorod Levy (15,000) is held in reserve in case the Swedes or Poles invade in the Baltic region. The two armies under the command of Manikis and Konstantin invade Poland from Smolesk and Kiev respectively along the the Eastern Border. Nestoras Manikis carries out a series of daring raids deep into Polish territories across the Upper Dnieper in the Smolensk region where just out of view taking advantage of the hills and forests in the area his and Konstantin's infantry and Sappers are busy at work setting up earthwork fortifications reinforced with wooden spikes and lumber to protect against Polish cavalry while proper earthworks are built for an elevated artillery position, while 3,000 of Konstantin's cavalry moves to reinforce the depleted forces of Alexander who is camped south of the Polish Border. Alexander is told to stay in reserve and recoup and when he receives word that a major engagement is to occur he is to move out. He is also told to act as Guard to the approach to Kiev, where several Russian Sappers begin construction of a large wooden mobile fortress that can be moved along the Dnieper as needed to defend Russian territories from a possible Polish assault. The Russian positions near Smolensk near the Dnieper Drainage will be manner by the Streltsy who will fire into the enemy cavalry while the Russian Pikemen whill defend the flanks in tight disciplined formations with the Fearsome Varyag held in Reserve to defend the Artillery which will fire from fortified positions using the highground of the hills in the region to fire down on the Polish forces as they approach. The Cossakcs will continues to raid and skirmish the Poles to draw them to this position while The Hussars and Heavy cavalry will be held in reserve to flank the enemy if an opportunity arises. '''Hetman Sergey Volkov and the Don, and Volga Cossacks continue to suppress the Tatar and Cuman clans slaughtering entire villages to quell the unrest  While the Don river is fortified to protect the river trade routes with the Greeks. '''Belgia efforts to hire some Russian mercenaries is somewhat successful managing to hire 2,000 Finns.'''
+*'''Mali Empire:''' The cultural stagnation across the empire has continued, particularly noted at this time period in the kingdom of Waalo. The chief minister of Waalo wrote a number of political satires at this time in lyrical poetry, which laments the cultural situation in Mali. He writes how the empire has lost so much of its respect since the days of Musa I, the great Lion of Africa. He says how some people decry the Keita Dynasty as unworthy for the title of Mansa, and should be replaced by better men, while others wish to destroy the empire completely. Thus, no one is left who respects the House of Musa, and honors what the nation has worked so hard for these 200 years, but are split into these factions who either seek to depose or to destroy. Even those who fein consolation to the empire will say "the Keitas have brought some people joy, but we do not care for them. We hate all emperors alike, good or bad. We hold no fault in the emperor being a tyrant, as that is simply how all emperors are." It's unclear to what extent these anti-imperial critics existed at this time, outside of the known political faction in the Gbara, and likely this work of literature was important for the propaganda of the King of Waalo. Outside of this poetry, the Serar Kingdoms outsourced much of their culture imported from Europe with their trade to Lotharingia and Germany. The most famous such work of art was the Kayorite Map, a complete map of all of Mali's internal vassals and administrations. The situation in the south has become a grave concern for Musa, and reflects what the Keita Dynasty had feared for many generations, a growing rival power out of Greater Nigeria. Aswed's forces in the south pulls back to occupy the border territories of Ashanti, while maintaining a supply route back to Gonja. The Emperor reaches out to another faction who might be more capable of securing order in the region. Mansa Musa III reaches out to the ruler of Jabal Asada, the House of Qamar, and asks for his assistance in containing the growth of the Oyo Empire. He cites how successful the military of Asada was in securing the southern territories so many years ago in the Bono War, so their military is much better suited for the wars against Oyo. In compensation, Musa will withdraw the crippling obligation of slave tribute which had been imposed on their nation many years ago. '''(Mod response, please).''' Prince Simba continues to act as the Viceroy of Bebaghad, organizing the secondary vassals of the empire into different sectors according to the corresponding coastal colonies. He appoints native chiefs as lower ministers where possible, and otherwise outsources Fulani Africans, Babani Berbers or Mande.
-*'''Nogai Khan:''' Nogai happily accepts the conditions laid out by Öljaitü and the Imam of Baghdad, neither their territory or their ruling houses shall be interfered with. Upon the crushing defeat inflicted upon the Ottomans by Nogai, the Byzantines are now saved and Nogai is proclaimed "Savior of Constantinople". In victory Nogai Khan goes to Baghdad to meet with the fellow Great General Öljaitü, where the two break bread and discuss strategy extensively before venturing to Khoreson to reclaim and restore order to the lost territories. Nogai goes north to reconquer Hyrcania with six tumen while Ölijatü goes south to reconquer Yazd with four tumen. <s>Simaltenously Nogai's son Chaka raises 6 tumen from the Golden Horde, invading Bulgaria to assert his claim as the rightful Tsar as the Bulgarians are distracted with Byzantium</s>
+**'''Asada agrees, raising 12,000 men to assist in repulsing the rising Oyo. However, the Asadan Army also struggles with supply so far from home, and while it is more effective at fighting in the terrain that dominates the rapidly collapsing Ashanti state it is unable to drive the Oyo back.'''
+* '''Georgia:''' The wife of Levan, the Byzantine-born Irene, was the foremost patron of the arts during this period. She was particularly enthusiastic about ballet. While she was not a dancer herself, she helped in the development of ballet by codifying its fundamental principles (such as the five basic foot positions) and commissioning some of the earliest ballet productions. While her contemporaries did not share her enthusiasm for Western artistic tradition, Georgian art nevertheless became integrated into broader European tradition. For example, starting from the mid-sixteenth century, frescoes began to incorporate elements from the Renaissance (particularly Mannerist) style. The popularity of Mannerism (and the movement that succeeded it Baroque), was its focus on religious matters rather than secular ones. Nevertheless, many in the Orthodox clergy opposed the “Westernization” of Georgian art - first because of an associated of the aforementioned movements with Catholicism, and secondly, because of the concern that an overemphasis on technical detail would promise the art’s purpose. Meanwhile, the construction of Batumi’s Latin Quarter began during this period, in an attempt to attract foreign merchants (particularly Italians, Greeks, and Germans) there instead of Poti - then, Georgia’s premier port. Many of the buildings in Batumi’s Latin Quarter were constructed in the Renaissance style, emphasizing simple symmetrical forms in emulation of the architectural style of classical antiquity. The revival of Georgian art was underpinned by a burgeoning economy, which attributed its dynamism due to Georgia’s strategic location at the center of Eurasian trading routes (particularly the overland route of the Silk Road), and due to its lucrative exports of silk and cotton. The development of the Georgian economy was also spurred by the resettlement of Armenians (who were adept in commerce) in Georgia’s southern provinces of Syria and Assyria. While Aleppo continued to be the largest city in the region, due to the resettlement of thousands of Armenians over the course of the sixteenth century, Ar-Raqqah - previously a marginal town - had developed into a major administrative and commercial center. Georgia’s large and vibrant economy also aided its military expansion and allowed it to maintain its lead in terms of gunpowder technology. The artillery corps was expanded, while the cavalry was outfitted not only with their usual weaponry (lances and swords) but also pistols - which were fired before charging the enemy. The border cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin were fortified, with Greeks being employed to help “modernize” them through the installation of defensive cannons and the reconstruction of their walls so they are thicker (and thus, more able to withstand artillery).
-**'''See me in my office'''
+* '''Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di":''' A peace at last as the treaty of Abbekerke, which sorts out minor border exchanges, allows for demilitarisation of the Somme. Jean Frans with this peace now able to focus together with Paul Dekremer on the Arlesois Front, as Paul Dekremer is feeling the effects of his age. Paul Dekremer now putting his son Jan Juliaen Dekremer in charge of reforms to the Belgian cavalry, as John is already in his 30s and fully involved in the army and national politics. John being a hard working but yet unknown force in Belgia, as he often worked in logistics of the Belgian army. Thus the 37,000 strong force under Paul Dekremer prepares his army, feeding the ox, mules, horses and donkeys, these animals needing their food even more now to enable them to carry the heavy loads they will have to. Paul Dekremer wanting to ensure that Dulle Griet will be able to be used, as dulle griet shoots up to 700 lbs cannon balls which can create great damage to any city. Dulle griet being jokingly known as a city buster due to the power the cannon has and the damage it can inflict. This transport being helped with 2,000 Finns joining the fight as per request of Jean Frans, as he needed more soldiers as the peace with France was yet unsure.  While in Broekzand peninsula with stories of the Calusa getting more and more agressive Paul govaerts requests forces from both the Tequesta and Jaega. '''(Mod response).''' Paul recruiting a total of 250 soldiers acros Hemelsstrand, Fort Majeimi and Damiaenburght, and even buying some guns, horses and mules. Paul Govaerts wanting to pacify the Broekzand peninsula as he sees the great opportunity the land has great potential for new farms, sugarcane plantations and Beer breweries. This all while the Groot Belgische raad is finishing the last bits of the New Belgian constitution, as Belgium is transforming from her medieval roots into a more modern state.
-**'''Chaka I had a legitimate claim to the Bulgarian throne via marrying Tsar George Terter's daughter Elena, even becoming Tsar of Bulgaria from 1299-1300 OTL. The 6 tumen raised are from the Golden Horde itself, not migrating from Anatolia. The Golden Horde is also under Nogai Khan's control after conquering it from Toqta Khan after defeating him at the Battle of Sorai Batu. Chaka pressing his claim while Bulgaria is heavily distracted should be an allowed move.'''
+** '''Jeaga and Tequesta make war against Calusa with 800 troops.'''
-*'''Kingdom of Sweden:''' When many of the Karelian tribes on or near the border convert, Birger is more than happy to confirm their tribal chieftains as nobles in the Swedish Kingdom, granting their lands and incomes to them and incorporating them into the system of Swedish feudalism. While Birger is pleased to hear of the conversion of many of the Karelian border tribes, he is unhappy to hear of the refusal of the most powerful Karelian tribes and their alliance with the Novgorod Republic, an old and powerful rival of the Swedish Kingdom. Hearing rumors of Novgorod amassing a large naval force, Birger again calls his banners and summons the army. The 10,000 man Royal Guard is supplemented by 8,000 noble retainers for an army of 18,000 men. This army of 18,000 men is quickly dispatched to Vyborg Castle, where King Birger establishes his headquarters and encamps his army outside. Additionally, '''Birger calls upon his allies to aid him in defending Catholic Christendom from the heretical Eastern Orthodox church and the Karelian pagans [BOHEMIAN RESPONSE] [TEUTONIC RESPONSE] [MOD RESPONSE FOR DENMARK]'''. All allied forces are requested to meet at Vyborg. Birger also calls upon the newly converted Karelian nobles to raise their own forces and meet him at Vyborg, promising to award them the lands of the enemy Karelian chieftains '''[MOD RESPONSE NEEDED]'''. Additionally, dozens of scouts are sent into Novgorod territory, specifically around the Gulf of Finland. The scouts are sent to discover exactly where the Novgorod military forces are amassing.   '''[MOD RESPONSE NEEDED] '''The Swedish Navy, in preparation for war, is concentrated on Gotland. Birger begins amassing a huge amount of supplies in Vyborg, sending raiding parties to plunder and pillage all lands south of Vyborg Castle, with the raiders burning and killing whatever they can't carry. Additionally, Birger orders the construction of numerous catapults, which are placed on the ramparts of Vyborg Castle for added defense.
+*'''Roman Empire:''' The fifth year of the Verginaian Revolt is a particularly bloody year. A large-scale revolt in Anatolia leads to the Battle of Iconium wherein a Verginaian army of 5,700 men is surrounded and massacred by 18,000 loyalist troops. This battle sees the end of the Verginaian revolt in Anatolia as those leaders loyal to John are captured and executed for treason. The deaths of so many large land-owning aristocrats creates a power vacuum on many estates in the empire. Peasants, who had historically been more or less trapped on the lands of their richer overlords, find themselves in de facto possession of vast tracts of land. Maneul, looking to exploit this situation further, issues an edict granting these peasants title and deed to the land so long as they first pay a modest fee and then pay regular taxes as free-holders. To the west, Manuel sallies forth from his defensive positions at Kavala, intent on ending the war. However, John’s army catches wind of the loyalist advance and proceeds to lay a devious trap. As the loyalist army is crossing the Struma River, Verginaian forces numbering 9,000 descend upon them, the resulting clash is a resounding rebel victory as nearly a quarter of the 20,000 strong loyalist army is wiped out. In total 4,500 loyalists are killed, while the Verginaians take only 1,500 casualties. '''To the north, in what is growing into effectively the Hasapis Realm, Odysseus Hasapis supports Mircea IV the Wise in supporting Transylvania. The Thema Vlachia is raised by Mircea, as is the Thema Dobruja and both march north into Transylvania to support their struggle.'''
-**'''Denmark agrees to help fight Novgorod'''
+*'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items.''' '''The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. '''Previous towns and lands that were sacked that we pushed into are annexed in our nation.''' '''The remaining troops push more into the heartland of Transylvania all the way to the capital Cluj-Napoca. Our military sacks the capital taking its treasures and loot. The government is overthrown and put into prison. (Algo needed)'''
-**'''An army of Novgorod is marching on Vyborg Castle, while the navy is amasing in the Gulf of Finland on their way to attack Kuusisto Castle'''
+** '''Banate of Bosnia:''' Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
-**'''Teutonic Diplomacy: We Will send 5,000 Knights to help fight Novgorod.'''
+** '''Banate of Severin:''' The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
-**'''About 2,000 soldiers from the Catholic Karelians comes to the aid of Sweden'''
+* '''Empire of Japan: Emperor Jomei seeing Motonari ousting the Ouchi resident governor while annoyed with the prospect of the Mori clan ousting a duly appointed Daimyo provincial administrator, was thus more annoyed with the Ouchi for not only losing to the Ikko-Ikki revolt, but now the Mori clan and offers him the post of the supreme Provincial daimyo of Chugoku as well as giving Motonari the position in the Joen (uppet diet) that the Ouchi once had. '''The Ouchi, having lost a serious portion of their lands, are essentially forced to leave Chugoku and move to a grouping of close estates near the Imperial seat to maintain a sort of protection over them. '''Emperor Jomei reminds the many Daimyo that in most instances infighting between nobilities will not be tolerated as it had led to the Ningbo incident which had cost the Empire greatly.''' This idea is reinforced heavily with the Emperors heightening of the Imperial home armies standing strength for the first time in nearly 20 years. With nearly 40,000 men in the Capital at any given moment and with a standing pool of nearly 20,000 more which could be called upon quickly in the Capital region, the Emperor makes it known that any more serious infighting will see the Imperial army intervene and that any and all issues regarding governance and administration of a territory or province or land estate should go through the proper channels. This does, however, give the Emperor wherewithall the establish more fully a unified court system for the Empire of Japan. Rather than center it in Kyoto, Nagoya, or Osaka, the High court system of Japan is established in Edo given its central location and neutrality from all of Japans major clans. Having been loyal and relatively obscure within the military structure of the empire, the Tokugawa clan is granted control of Edo as well as tasked with establishing via their neutrality, the court system of the Empire of Japan. Abroad the Japanese colonization of Ashioto-Taiyo continues with the Expansions in Kenzo, Nama, Amaterasu all continue as the open lands, light issues with natives, and the attractiveness of a new life prompt many to seek ways to reach the new lands. The status of Temporary servitude is established in which people would be sponsored and would work for a period of 5 years with an established household before making their own way in the colonies. The Imperial navy makes its first visit to the new world as well as a force of roughly 200 troops and 3 ships carrying military families are brought over and settle in the marked territory north of Amaterasu. This Settlement of Yamamoto (named after the first explorer to Alaska, and its establishment being in OTL Los Angeles) and the involved Ashigaru immediately go about building a small fort and dockyards to receive more ships. Fishing and agriculture take off in these various colonies and the initial colonies of Kenzo and Nama are noted to be inferior in positioning to both Amaterasu and Yamamoto in both agricultural yields for edible crops and in their ability to receive ships which begins to stunt their growth somewhat. Amaterasu very clearly has become the easiest colony to get set up in having soared in its initial population from roughly 300 to nearly 800 in the first two years with the local administrators reeling with the amount of requests to head to this colony. In general the need to mitigate the amount of people wanting to go to colonies is noted and for the time being a sort of Quota is established to direct people as needed rather than have them all show up to one settlement which would be currently unable to house them. Its noted that every 5 years the colonies will send over reports of their progress as well as some of their yield back as a tax and dependent on what comes out of a region in terms of yields will give further allowances for more people to be sent to further develop and settle the region. All of these colonies begin to spread up and down the coast. However, to the south of Amaterasu, it is noted that there is much desert and a sort of cordon is established preventing more settlement and claims coming down that direction. As more exploration is done multiple other points to establish colonies are noted and the report Delivered to the Emperor prompts him to try to figure out what should be prioritized next. An idea of a relatively hands off approach is delineated with restructuring of what can and will be invested every year to be implemented once the logistical hurdles are handled.
-**Having their faith called heretical, 5,000 Orthodox Russians rise to help fight Novgorod from the Russian principalities
+** '''Mori Motonari accepts this office.'''
-*'''Delhi Sultanate: The Sultan and the Chalisa decide that it is not wise to interfere further with the affairs of the Middle East and Central Asia. The Sultanate refuses to help Khorasan with its conquests. Emissaries are sent to Mosul, Baghdad and Tabriz making it clear that the Delhi Sultanate does not wish to interfere in their affairs and extends an offer of alliance to the three states, the Delhi Sultanate already has an alliance with the Mamluks (MOD AND PLAYER RESPONSES).''' To this effect, the force under Ghazi Malik that was carrying out raids in Eastern Iran is recalled and is stationed at Herat (one tumen), Farah (one tumen) and Zaranj (one tumen). The force stationed in the Kabul region is reduced to four tumen and is charged with guarding the Khyber pass, the Gateway to India. The six-tumen strong army for the Indian campaigns is stationed near Delhi. The construction of the Siri Fort continues. A larger number of Muslims are now flowing into the Sultanate every day as the Middle East falls into chaos. These Muslims are easily accommodated into the vast forested areas of the Ganges Doab and the Punjab region. Trees are felled to make way for their settlement and as a result agricultural production is given a boost in these regions. Having achieved a certain level of stability, '''Alauddin Khilji launches an attack to capture Ranthambore and defeat the Chahmanas. He sends the six-tumen strong army under Nusrat Khan for this purpose. '''Meanwhile, Alauddin Khilji in consultation with the Chalisa starts introducing administrative and economic reforms. He decides to centre his realm on the major urban centres and extend his central authority from there. These cities are Kara for Awadh, Multan for Punjab, Delhi for the central region, Kabul for Afghanistan, Dholka for Gujarat, Peshawar for Khyber-Pakhtunwa and Zaranj for Eastern Afghanistan. The Chalisa comprises of nobles extremely loyal to the Sultan. The Sultan appoints the Governors for these cities from the Chalisa. (MORE TO COME)
+*'''Vinland:''' The principality expands into New Markland as fur trappers establish their place on the island. Modern European metallurgy and economics also transform the island gradually.
-*'''Nogai Khanate Dip:''' Ölijaitü happily accepts Delhi's alliance offer, having fought together in the Jihad. Nogai Khan is more reluctant, but accepts in the interest of peace.
+*'''Abbasid Caliphate:''' Emir Ibrahim bin Mehmud would be appointed as one of Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's advisors during this time to better aid in the legitimacy of his future ascendence to the throne. He would learn after Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman, studying under his father after a lengthy seven-year tenure at the Great University of Alexandria to better prepare his intellectual capabilities, and would ultimately be granted an additional residency in Baghdad so as to contribute to the translation efforts in the House of Wisdom. Much like his father, Ibrahim bin Mehmud would study military strategy and historical conflicts, while most of his siblings would take up roles in the Court or the Ulema. While humanist philosophers and a variety of scholars would aid in the construction of the Second Islamic Golden Age, the printing press' would be installed in the territories of Ifriqiya, further solidifying a daily loop of intriguing and interesting compositions and publications. This over-saturation of the printing press' would culminate in a second volumn of the classical collection, ''One Thousand and One Nights.''.\
-*'''Crown of Aragon:''' the dilemma faced in last year's partial success with the war against Morocco only leads James into mild frustration but despite this, there is still hope. With the landings in Ceuta at the beach heads and in Melilla, 15,000 more men are sent to join the forces in Melilla containing a mixture of mercenaries and more of the Aragonese Army. Another 10,000 are sent off to Ceuta as well with a request sent to Naples for Naval and military support in our battle against Morocco seeing that James brother would be willing to honor their relationship following the War of The Vespers (Mod Response). 18 more galleys are ordered to be constructed seeing the need to make up for the losses from the year prior. A strong blockade of Morocco continues to ensure that Morocco may at least weaken to raise the chances of a victory. In the battle for Ceuta and Melilla, a heightened level of flammable materials and boulders are used to break defenses via large catapults and trebuchets constructed with heightened flow of supplies. with archers also using flame to set ablaze as much of our enemies defenses and men. In addition, due to the ships off the coast assisting in our visible efforts in seeing the assaults within Ceuta and Melilla, it is decided that when the Moors push down to the beach head that three bands form. One core which will be the main clashing band with two other groups after the clash commences within the main group or move close enough, they will wrap around from both sides entrapping our enemies within. This way, it is more likely that a path for victory would be achieved. Cavalry will also be used to charge through as well in aims of not only knocking off plenty of men but also for the very purpose of heightened speed and effectiveness in battle. The Crown of Aragon hires the mercenaries of the Catalan Company to also support our effort against the Moors. Commanders and men hardened by the battles and veterans of the War of The Vespers are sent over as well with the latest band of reinforcements to increase the effectiveness of the troops. The people of Aragon look toward the south and pray the Our Lord Almighty may lead us into victory. James II even for a time lands in Morocco at Melilla where a stalemate remains praying for our victory as his newly proposed strategy is made. To prevent the catastrophic misfortune of last year's campaign, more care is used with the transport ships. More support is requested from Castile with more men that may join the battle in Melilla and Ceuta. The Holy War for vengeance and Christ our Lord continues.
+**'''Gurkani Sultanate:''' Re-construction of Efsahan, Tehran, Shiraz, and Yazd would be conducted through a variety of architectural influence, mainly Abbasid and Greco-Roman. Sultan Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza, the Padishah of Persia, would appoint his son, Adarnarseh Mirza (c. 1534), as Regent of the Sultan, establishing a precedent where the heir-apparent would be the Regent (and later Vizier) of the Sultan, in an effort to provide legitimacy toward their reign as having served under the prior Sultan. The remnants of the silk road continue to remain highly profitable, with exports consisting of carpetry, copper, gold, leather, and a variety of fruits and spices, with cotton making up a significant export for the Empire. While localized Shi'ite communities maintain primary domestic autonomy, policies to collectivize the Shi'ite population under authority of the Gurkani dynasty are done through a variety of methods, such as allowing the Shi'ite clergy into the Court of the Sultan and held theological debates in Efsahan and Yazd. In the conflict against the Qizilbash, policies to eclipse the power are conducted, including the positioning of the Taymiyyah Order in Yazd and the creation of a slave army based on the ghulams introduced by the Savafids and the various ethnicities that flourished during the Georgian Empire, although most of these policies wouldn't be cemented until 1557. Fortifications in Rasht and other eastern cities begin to be updated. '''14,000 troops, under General Mohammed bin Emran al-Baghdadi, invades state of Baloch''', employing a more perfected version of the musket, likely originally designed by an Armenian weaponsmith in Efsahan, by legitimizing a lever and spring to better perfect the traditional musket while raising efficency in combat. General Mohammed bin Emran al-Baghdadi would lay siege to the city of Iranshahr this year. '''(Algo Needed).'''
-**'''Frederick III aids Aragon to attack Morocco.'''
-*'''Archbishopric of Trier:''' Archbishop Diether is enraged with the disregard of the Crown of Aragon with the pope. How a king can calls himself catholic if he not respect the vicar of Christ on Earth? It's something that Diether will never understood. The restoration of the buildings continues, with the Roman Bridge the first to be done. With the repairs in the Aula Palatina also ending, Diether asks the pope for a relic of Saint Helen to be sent from Rome to be placed in the basilica. He again asks Callixtus III for approval of the creation of the Dominican monastery''' [Papal response needed, please]'''. After learning that the Emperor Albert allowed the Milanese banks to operate in the Empire, the archbishop asks Milan if a bank can be created on Trier to manage the finances of the Archbishopric '''[Milan response needed, please]'''. The construction of the Archiepiscopal Palace continues, with fortified walls being build and a chapel in honour of Saint Dominic being planed. The commentaries on the New Testament is almost finished, with Diether now writing about the Book of Revelation.
-**'''Milan:''' We agree to send Milanese bankers to assist in Trier, with a few members of the International bank based out of Austria are dispatched to assist in Trier.
-*'''Mali Empire:''' Mansa Gao died at a ripe hold age, an enigmatic reign where even his reputation is not entirely clear. He was succeeded by his only surviving legitimate son, Mansa Muhammad. Not much is known of Muhammad's reign either, except some anecdotes describing him as incredibly indulgent and gluttonous. After only reigning a brief tenure of six months, Mansa Muhammad eventually became ill and died of gangrene. He had no children, but at this stage the office of the Mali empire still rested in the hands of the Sons of Kolokan, and so he was succeeded by his first cousin, Abu Bakr. Mansa Abu Bakr is known from many later historians and anecdotes, largely in the context of being the legitimate predecessor to Mansa Musa. He is known as a wise and capable ruler, able to keep the empire fully stable and developing without any compromise to his piety.  Meanwhile, Musa arrived in the court of Kano to present himself as the bridegroom of the charming princess Aisha. Musa immediatley fell madly in love with Aisha's perfect face and form, which is described in detail by the biogrpahy of Ibn Battuta. However, Aisha remembered her previous fiance from Daura, who she still loved in her heart, and refused all of Musa's advances. Musa tried to use his incredible strength and skill to impress Aisha, performing certain herculaean feats, but all of this was to no avail. For every task he did, she insisted that her former fiance could do the same. One day, when Musa had all but given up, Aisha accidentally dropped her earring down a mountain gorge, which disappeared into the darkness. Immediately, without saying a word Musa dived down off the side of the mountain, and battled against multiple legendary monsters before returning to the surface with her earring in tact. Aisha was incredibly impressed by this, and explained that her former fiance would do all he could to show off his own ego, but never humbled himself to do something for her. And so Musa was married in Kano to Aisha, the only surviving child of the ruler of that city. '''Our military supports Morocco as well'''
-*'''Byzantine Empire:''' The declining state of the Byzantine Empire has been halted by the reconquest of Western Turkey. With control reestablished over the city of Nicomedia, a new tax has been created to merchants traveling through the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. The tax intends to help with the Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars, as Bulgarian troops were nearing the city of Adrianopole, the second-most important city in the empire. Byzantine troops were positioned near the city, to prepare for the siege. Bulgarian troops neared the city, and began their attack. However, God had protected his chosen empire on earth, and protected us from the Bulgarians. The outstanding victory against the Bulgarians led to more than 10,000 Bulgarians being slaughtered, while less than 1,000 Byzantines being crushed. A lavish and excellent celebration at the Hagia Sophia will celebrate God's mercy to us, the soldiers who fought bravely, and will mourn the soldiers who died. The 2,000 Bulgarians who have been captured by us were executed. As Byzantine troops prepare to turn this war from a defensive war to an offensive one, Byzantium looks forward to the future and will prosper under God's hand.
-**'''Did your algo [[Talk:Merveilles_du_Monde_(Map_Game)#Byzantine-Bulgarian_War|here on the talk page]]. In the future, don't just claim victory for battles, you have to declare the war and let mods determine the result.'''
-**'''Achaea Diplomacy:''' We issue an ultimatum to Byzantium: return the seized lands in the Morea, or we will resume hostilities. (See my turn for more details).
-*'''Kingdom of Georgia:''' David enters the tenth year of his reign. With the Ilkhanate effectively dissolved, David renounces his fidelity to Baidu – effectively reestablishing Georgian suzerainty over itself. However, he maintains amicable relations with Cilicia, which Baidu oversees as co-monarch. To solidify Georgian ties with the Mongol world, David requests a Mongol princess to be wed to his now nineteen-year-old brother George, who is to be granted the office of Amirspasalar (Lord High Constable) when he comes of age. With the Turkish threat seemingly pacified, all irregular armies (i.e., feudal levies and mercenaries) are disbanded; regulars are stationed along the southern border due to the volatile situation unfolding in the former Ilkhanate. The expansion of the Royal Treasury (no doubt aided due to Imeretian silver reserves, and Kartlian copper reserves – as well as the cessation of tribute) allows the central government to reinforce fortifications and pay regulars in coinage rather than grain or land. To further expand the tax base, the annual head tax is expanded to include all free (i.e., non-serf) subjects of Georgia and is also imposed on newly-reacquired territories. A real property tax – based on the produce it yields – is also promulgated. Commerce expands, under the encouragement of the Crown. Merchant and artisan guilds thrive in Tbilisi and Batumi. Wool, felt, wine, and enamelware is traded. However, imposed protectionist policies and regional instability – both in the Greek and Persian World – have prompted an increase in domestic silk manufacturing (with raw silk acquired from the East via trade). Cotton also reemerges as a major crop, as the Azeri artisans (particularly those from Ganja) begin to spread the knowledge of cotton-weaving and as demand increases due to their usage in undergarments and summer clothing.
-*'''Nogai Khan Dip:''' Nogai Khan informs King David that the Ilkhanate has not collapsed, but has merely changed hands, with Nogai as Ilkhan now, thus Nogai Ilkhan shall be Suzerain over Georgia. Upon recognition of this fact King David's brother shall marry a Mongol Princess.
-*'''Angevin Kingdom of Albania:''' With Achaea refusing to acknowledge Robert I as their suzerain and their influence over the Greek States growing with the support of Athens and Epirus while the Byzantines begin their expansion. Though this is clearly treason, Robert I prefers ignoring this despite his brother's objections as Robert decides to strengthen his position in Albania first and soon invites to leaders of Epirus, Achaea and Athens to meet with him in Durazzo in order to talk about loyalty to their Titular Emperor ('''Mod and Achaean Response'''). ('''Secret''') Robert I sends a delegation to Constantinople proposing an alliance with the Byzantine Empire against Epirus, Achaea and Athens promising the Ottomans control over portions of these traitorous states shall they help the Angevins dispose of them ('''Byzantine Response Needed'''). However, Philip decides to find a more radical solution decides to meet with John I Orsini who wishes to rule over Epirus promising a plan in which he would help John I Orsini take over Epirus at the condition that he allied himself to Robert I and accepted him as his suzerain ('''Mod Response Needed''') while also sending agents to Milan to once more recruit Milanese Mercenaries as part of his plan as well as a contingent of the Catalan Company ('''Milanese and Mod Response Needed''')  ('''End of Secret''')
-** <s>'''John Orsini accepts the alliance against Epirus'''</s>''' Orsini is ruled by Achaea'''
-** '''The Catalan company is willing to fight for enough money'''
-** '''Milanese Condottierri decline stating that it's a war they have minimal interest in for the odds against them.'''
-** '''Achaean Diplomacy:''' Prince Florent refuses to travel to Durazzo, and urges his Epirote and Athenian counterparts to do the same. He counter-proposes a meeting in Clermont, Achaea (See my turn for more details).
-*'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Rebuilding of the economy and fortifications continue under the direction of the Palatinate and Regent of Hungary. Meanwhile, within the Kingdom of Croatia and Dalmatia, they slowly begin to build up the navy under the direction of the Bán of Croatia, this process is very slow and clearly not an attempt to challenge the hegemony of the Venetians within the Adriatic Sea. Meanwhile, the regency council of Géza III offers the hand of his sister Elizabeth to the son of Frederick III for a betrothal and secretly as a contingency against further Angevin aggression within the region '''Mod Response Needed'''. While the Angevins defeat by the Aragonese has brought relief and seemingly secured the throne for the line of Andrew III, still preparations are made for any future incursions by them into the Kingdom of Hungary and Croatia-Dalmatia. Meanwhile, a young man from a merchant family located within the port city of Split going by the name Aleksandar Bašić, leaves the city for a journey to the lands south of Africa which are rumoured to be filled with great riches beyond the imagination along with a group of around 200 merchants. They soon set out across the Mediterranean Sea and head south toward the land of Egypt arriving at the city of Alexandria which they stay only briefly setting out southward traveling across the ancient Nubian lands were they surprisingly hold true to the word of the lord unlike their heathen neighbors. They eventually stop to resupply at the city of Soba within the realm of Alodia, gathering supplies and supping with some of the nobility with Aleksander Bašić recording his experiences as they travel westward and arrive within the city of Njimi within Kanem Bornu recording the elements of the strange and foreign culture found within the city, the people seem to hold their ruler, the Mai as a divine like figure something truly foreign toward the travellers. Eventually they depart and arrive at the lands of the Hausa before the end of the year where the men are ruled by the women, they eventually choose to rest there for a year before they continue their journey westward.
-**'''Frederick III of Sicily agrees to marry Elizabeth of Hungary.'''
-*'''Maraninds of Sultanate:''' The Moroccans use 15,000 cavalry from Mali with the help of support to capture all of Aragonese occupation forces in Ceuta and Mellila the sultanate told 'that the battle is not over..we gonna beat you out of it'.
-*'''Yuan China:''' In Korea, the Yuan army continues to push the rebels into the peninsula, executing any they capture and burning their homes and shrines to the ground. 70,000 troops are left in Pyongyang to flush out any rebel forces which managed to survive the initial battle, while the remaining 120,000 troops move further south to pursue the fleeing Korean rebels to the coastline where they will be destroyed. <s>In the wake of the mass destruction within the protectorate, tens of thousands of Chinese families are permitted to move into the peninsula to settle down over the remains of the Korean towns and cities, while any loyal Korean subjects are spared punishment for the rebellion, and allowed to stay on their land and remain free from any harm meted out to their disloyal neighbors. </s>'''<s>With the uprising on its way to being crushed by the Yuan, the northern half of Korea is reorganized into a province of Yuan China, and renamed Hanguo. Emperor Maxiu appoints his son as the governor of Hanguo, and renames him Prince Dawei (or David), in light of his recent conversion to Christianity</s>.''' Emperor Maxiu continues his public works throughout China, with focus being on the good the state can do for its people, with new granaries being constructed in the major cities to better prepare for good harvests, and for the excess grain stored within the charity granaries to be distributed to the poor and needy during times of lean. The emperor reorganizes the taxation system in China, removing the role of the tax collector and structuring payments so that peasants can pay their taxes directly to officials of the government, removing the corrupt office of tax collector from the empire, and freeing funds for other programs. The postal system originally reserved for the needs of the imperial government, is expanded to the general public, with a nominal fee paid to the state allowing merchants and craftsmen to utilize the system for their own needs. This brings in additional funding for the state, as well as help expand the network of messengers throughout China as demand for its usage increases. New roads and canals are built to accommodate the foot traffic, while a series of inns and watering holes are built to provide refuge for travelers on the road. In the north, the lands of Liaoyang and Lingbei continue to be developed into productive provinces of the empire. Karakorum's population has grown to some 200,000, as trade into the north continues to grow as the demand for finished goods by the Mongolians settled in and around the city expands to fulfill their needs. These settled members of the population begin to produce goods in the region themselves, and trade them with other communities developing in the steppes. The town of Uliastai grows to a population of 30,000, with most of the inhabitants still being those Mongolians who have taking up permanent residence within the city walls as a consequence of its location along a vital northern trade route, as well as the security provided by the local garrison of Yuan troops in the region. A young Chinese girl recently baptized in Beijing takes on the name of Sala (or Sarah), and takes on the personal take of proselytizing the Huangdist faith throughout the rest of China. Having listened to the sermons of the priests in the Beijing for most of her youth, Sala believed that it was her duty to bring the light of Christianity to the rest of her people, and arms herself for the task. Crafting a large cross from the wood of an old Confucian shrine in her village, and requisitioning a Bible from a merchant after selling all of her other personal belongings for it, Sala travels from village to village preaching the word of Jesus Christ throughout the countryside. After news of Sala's preaching work reaches the ears of the emperor, approving of her work, Emperor Maxiu provides the young girl with a paiza, a Mongolian passport that signifies the individual's status and authority, and to shield her from harm while on the road by herself, as anyone who attempts to kill her shall be considered an enemy of the state and executed as such. Sala's fiery sermons in the countryside in the name of the emperor and the Christ inspire many to get baptized, and tear down the shrines to Confucius and burn his books and effigies. Tens of thousands of Chinese continue to be baptized in the name of the Lord as the efforts of the emperor continue as a part of his mission to bring salvation to his people. '''As part of the navy's plans to secure the local region against piracy, 20,000 marines based in Guangzhou and Hangzhou are landed on the island of Taiwan, where they establish camps and landing sites for further settlement of the island. Numerous Chinese fishermen have already been present on the island for centuries, but perform most of their trade with mainland China already, and welcome the move as a means of protecting their trade and preventing pirates from attacking them from Japan and Okinawa.''' Further south, the Chinese continue trading with the nations of the Malay, Thai, and Khmer, with a focus on obtaining precious metals such as gold, silver, and iron, while exchanging food, silks, and finished goods with the latter. Additional trading posts are established within the major cities of the southern powers, allowing the Chinese access to a wider variety of goods and services as their merchants grow in number within these regions. In the west, as the Chagatai have been subdued, trade along the Silk Road flows freely once more, with Chinese merchants traveling out west to sell their goods in the Ilkhanate and Golden Horde cities and towns.
-**'''Please wait for an algo to be done before you start posting about the results of said algo. In this case, you lost. I struck out the inaccurate parts of your turn. -Rexmod.'''
-*'''Duchy of Brabant: "Harba Lorifa'''"Victory and peace over Hainaut at last, the treaty of Mons has brought us 10% of Hainaut's nation income. This new prosperity that is gained makes it able for Brabant and its realm to afford to get better equipped and better defenses for the cities. Included with better equipment is the ability to afford more horses, and foremost better food and armour for the lowest of soldiers,the Pikemen and Gastraphetes. Gastraphetes in Brabant being a simpler variant, compared to the Greek Roman variant of the Gastraphetes, as the Brabantine variant is made less detailed but with still the same mechanisms. Gastraphetes in Brabant just like in the Roman empire were used as a form of long Range fire to supress an enemy that come. While they Perform around the same duty as an archer, the Gastraphetes are stronger at their recommended distance then the average Brabantine archer. This is why Duke John II is and his nobles are now passing a new law that any Brabander male over the age of 15 must own a bow with a draw-weight of minimum 60 Pounds(30 kilo) and 15 arrows and practice at least once a week. Even if this law might seem crazy this is hoped that the regular men now can be called on for his service when in time of need. Since Duke John II never knows when a foreign horde invades, even if he hopes rather later then sooner but still. The Mansion in Heyst ten Berge '''"Berghe Huische"''' it is one of the most beautiful mansions for its size, as it is a rather small country resort. Where music can be heard where the duke can see for miles into his Brabant land, where hunting is a possibility and summer is warm. Nobility of the duke John II is looking outward to gain better relations with the world it knows. A contingent the House of Aerschot make the journey to Greece, settling under the Achaean Principality's realm. One in particular, Godfrey of Brabant, has organized this expedition and begins to build relations with the Achaean rulers, and the House of Avesnes. As only recently peace had come between William of Avesnes and John II, and Floris of Achea being the uncle of the current Hainaut leader. This journey and settling being done to fully lay down arms and work better together.
-*'''Duumvirate of Cilicia:''' Hearing of Öljaitü's Sultanate of Mosul's claim on Aleppo, the Cilician government sends more soldiers from Sis to Aleppo in anticipation of a future attack, increasing the size of the garrison to 15,000. The military also focuses on building extensive defensive fortifications around the city such as tower, curtain walls and series of moats. The government also works on expanding the nation's navy, based in Tarsus. With Nogai Khan's victory over the Ottomans and their subsequent disarray, fears of attacks by the Ottomans are lessened, but the fortifications at Sivas and on the western border of Cilicia are maintained to prevent opportunistic attacks by lesser beyliks and to generally prevent the chaos of western Anatolia from seeping into Cilicia. In light of the alliance with the Byzantine Empire, Cilicia sends '''2,000 troops to support Byzantium in the Western Anatolian and Bulgarian conflicts'''.
-**'''Qipchaq Khanate:''' Because of the incursions of Khoreson into Persia, Qipchaq withdraws troops from outlying cities to the area immediately around Mashhad to guard against a potential attack from Khoreson. There are now 60,000 troops fortifying Mashhad, comprising 40,000 former Ilkhanate soldiers and 20,000 of the settlers supplied by Yuan China. The remaining 30,000 settlers from Yuan China work alongside Persians to improve the farms and general food supply around Mashhad, but could be called into the military if needed.
-*'''Lordship of Ireland:''' Continued support for the English war against the French.
-*'''Papal States:''' The Pontiff's worries about France increase and starts to become paranoid. We approve the construction of the monastery in Koblenz, and accept the cruxification cross, but deny the offer to give a relic of Saint Helen, the reason being that they are one of the most valued relics of the Vatican. We appoint John, Archbishop of Patras, and the Archbishop of Krakow to the Cardinal status.
-*'''Republic of Genoa:''' The trade pact with France and England managed to establish a commercial monopoly in the Atlantic due to the blockade toward the Venetian merchant galleys in Gibraltar. Products from these regions (wine, flax, copper, lead, wool, tin) have served to satisfy the needs of the main cities that are included in the network of Genoese trade routes such as southern Crimea or the metropolis itself. Due to the decline of the pontificate power, the cruzader states were reflected in military and political power. Therefore, in case of a Mamluk invasion toward the Levant <nowiki><<and limiting the Venetian trade>></nowiki>, diplomats and important merchants went to the city of Alexandria to establish the ''Genoves commercia foedus''. The Islamists have always been quite closed about engaging in trade with nations that exercise different religions. To end this, Genoese merchants have enabled Muslim imams and merchants to travel to cities like Genoa to be able to trade products of French, German and English origin and exercise their religion without problems (if they can endure discrimination). In exchange for not attacking or invading Genoese possessions '''(Mamluk Sultanate response)or(Mod response as Mamluk Sultanate)'''. Meanwhile, in the Aegean Sea, the island of Rhodes is attacked by Venetian war galleys preventing the occupation of the Hospittaller Knights. The Republic has not turned a blind eye and has given the Crusaders the opportunity to take the island of Chios (currently in “Genoese possession” thanks to Benedetto I Zaccaria) in exchange for being able to engage in the ''Genoves commercia foedus'' and have the support of Knights in case Génova have to fight a battle against the emirates of the Middle East and Anatolia '''(Mod response as Knights Hospitallers)'''. As a final measure of the year, to reduce completely the Venetian trade in the Western Mediterranean, the fleet of 25 galleys that were blocking the Strait of Gibraltar has sailed along with 15 other galleys from the metropolis to the surroundings of the Strait of Messina with the objective of establishing a new commercial blockade preventing the crossing of Venetian and ONLY Venetian merchant galleys toward the Western Mediterranean and Syracuse.
-**'''The Mamluks and Knights Hospitaller accepts this deal'''
-*'''Principality of Achaea:''' Prince Florent and Princess Isabella, along with their daughter, Matilda, travel to Athens for the royal wedding of Matilda to Duke Guy II de la Roche. The celebration marks the official start of a period of great dynastic union between Athens and Achaea, and with Matilda still the heiress to the Achaean crown (and Isabella presumably too old to have any more children), the prospects of a personal union are well-known around the respective courts. The wedding is officiated by recently-created Cardinal John of Patras, who has become a close colleague of Prince Florent and a steady adviser to Princess Isabella. With their daughter now living in Athens, the Prince and Princess of Achaea continue their focus on converting influential Greek ''dynatoi'' to the Roman Catholic faith. In doing so, they hope that lower classes will also eventually adopt the faith over Eastern Orthodoxy. With the '''Byzantines '''facing a war in Anatolia and a war in Bulgaria, we issue an ultimatum: return the Morea to Achaea or risk fighting on three fronts '''(Byzantine Response)'''. Meanwhile, with the '''Angevin Albanians''' summoning Achaea (along with Epirus and Athens) to Durazzo, we decline but counter-offer that their ruler or his envoy is welcome to meet in Clermont at any time '''(Angevin Response)'''. We urge Athens and Epirus to likewise refuse a meeting in Durazzo, as that might be seen as a sign of fealty and subjugation. Meanwhile, Prince Florent formally announces that his new suzerain is '''Aragon''' and the House of Barcelona more generally. This is in keeping with his previous plege of support to the King of Naples, which is now held by Frederick III, who is greatly influenced by Aragon. Finally, we sent Nicholas III of Saint Omer to '''Bulgaria '''by way of Serbia in order to begin to negotiate a mutual pact against Byzantium.
-*'''Republic of Milan:''' Following the victory in the first battle in Pavia, soldiers move into the city and prepare to siege and eventually capture Pavia for the Republic. Otherwise Matteo Visconti passes away this year. His eldest son is set to take over the family following his return. Otherwise a simple and easy year in Milan.
-*'''Japanese Empire (Sengoku period):''' The Sengoku jidai enters its 6th year with clans continually at eachothers throats. This year sees the solidification of the Tetsuko and and Miura clans with the Miura having betrayed and quickly wiped out the leadership of the Edo clan securing another city for their base support and taking control of the entire Edo clans holdings in the region. This is quickly tested as the marauding Tetsuko clan pushes deep into Miura territory but suffers a blockage as the Miura deploy for the first time in a major japan, Fire-lances, a device based off of a Chinese technology but never known as viable in warfare seeing as it had been phased out of the Chinese army. This is quickly proven to be untrue as the Miura armies deploy two small regiments of 500 a piece using Fire lances which are known to disrupt formations and cause almost guarenteed death if an individual is hit by one. The Tetsuko effectively go into full retreat not expecting this development and the Miura seize multiple town and castles from the Tetsuko before being pressed from the north by the Uesugi clan which has finished its conquest of whats left of the Dewa clan in northern Japan. The Takeda clan having suffered a series of defeats and the death of their patriatch leaving his son Hikaru in charge, throws its lot in with the Emperor conceding to Imperial decree and demand and integrating his forces with the Emperors army. The Minamoto clan having recovered from its disasters against the Tetsuko clan consolidated its hold on the southern islands of Japan. With control over all Kyushu and Shikoku as well as up to the city of Yamaguchi the previous areas occupied by the Minamoto relocating their capital to Fukuoka and fending off the resurgent Hosokawa and Amago clans which now have rallied daimyo to their banners and begun fighting over the main island and its territories. As smaller clans begin forming alliances or declaring allegiances to the larger ones the territories of the Daimyo begin to more notably consolidate as they are forced to combat the progressive policies of the Emperor which have left them with a disadvantage of manpower. The powerful Tachibana clan having been outed by the forces of the Minamoto clan push north in what is known as the "Long march of the Tachibana" which sees nearly 15,000 troops followed by twice as many civilians having been pushed out of their homes in the south. They push on north securing a friendly relationship with the Uesugi after managing to evade any major battles. The Shiba close to collapse and with their people and soldiers starting to scatter toward another daimyo see this approaching army and offer a deal.. an alliance for safe passage. The Tachibana will be allowed to pass the Shiba territories and colonize Hokkaido to the north and when needed their forces will be used to defend the remaining territories Shiba still has in the north. This is agreed to and the continent of Tachibana settlers settle in Southern Hokkaido ousting the Local Ainu peoples with superior technology and tactics in a short campaign. The Emperors armies meet the resurgent Hosokawa in open battle outside of Osaka with a newly raised force of 10,000 incorporating the Takeda samurai face off against the Hosokawa force of 12,000. The battle ends in a draw but with disastrous casualties for both sides with 8000 dead on the Emperors side and 7000 dead on the Hosokawas side. The Push against the Miura is also met with difficulty as the good usage of fire lances by the Miura which rip through ranks of imperial troops and stall advances and even force the concession of territory leaving the newly integrated Takeda lands in serious danger of falling. Emperor Go-Uda is forced to expand his policies on conscription enacting the 50/50 laws which designate or use current organizational structure to group farms together administratively and levy 50% of their manpower and forcing the remainder to tend to the crops. With government assistance scheduled to help unless the situation is dire enough. This is able to bring a whole host of new manpower into the pool and the Emperor begins looking into acquiring fire lances and gunpowder from abroad with intent to mirror the Miura and use their own strategy against them
+===1556===
+<u>'''King John II counter-attacks against the Russian invasion near Smolensk with 18,000 troops, but pushes directly north along the Reka Udra River to bypass Konstantine's trap, in an attempt to encircle his forces, while the northern and eastern flanks near the border are defended with 8,000 and 5,000 troops, respectively. Meanwhile, Alexander uses the loaned military from Russia to make an orderly retreat from Poland completely, recovering almost all of his army back to the capital. He is immediately met with a general revolt across the Principality, as the Cumanian and Crimean hordes break off from his vassalage, which he attempts to suppress.'''</u>
+<u>'''The Oyo Empire strikes a decisive political victory when Alaafin Olusi secures the allegiance of the Benin people through a series of key royal marriages. The result of these marriages is effectively a union between the two nations. The addition of Benin's substantial and modern army empowers Alaafin Olusi to subdue most of the Ashanti Kingdom, forcing local chiefs to swear fealty. Only the Malian-supported regions in the north of the country remain independent, though they themselves are in a state of chaos.'''</u>
+<u>'''The Catawba people of Carolina, although once on friendly terms with the Hanseatic League, would find the colonists growing rather dependent on their resources and, fearful of the recent deaths of their fellow tribal citizens due to a mysterious plague brought over from the Hanseatic homeland, would lead to a very devastating raid on the Hanseatic colonies led by warrior Wattan, nearly expelling the German colonists on the coast, with many of them returning to the Holy Roman Empire.'''</u>
+<u>'''Denmark sells Sweden part of central Scandinavia near the border with Norway.'''</u>
+<u>'''Japanese explorers along the western coast hear about the Sinkyone tribe, a mysterious group that worship the spirit of the chipmunk.'''</u>
+<u>'''The Shaanxi earthquake, regarded as the deadliest earthquake in history, would lead to the deaths of more than 800,000 peoples in China.'''</u>
+<u>'''Tatars in the territory of Astrakhan would grow restless and rather resentful of the Russian leadership, culminating in a series of rebellions in the eastern and southern territories of Russia.'''</u>
+<u>'''French explorer and cartography Gabriel Baschet of Brittany would make landfall along the coast of OTL New Jersey in Raritan Bay.'''</u>
+<u>'''Fuzuli becomes the most prominent poet in the Azerbaijani language in Iraq.'''</u>
+* '''Georgia:''' The westernization of Georgia’s aristocratic culture continues - evident in the popularity of the Renaissance (particularly Mannerist) style, and ''ballet de cours.'' The assimilation of the Caucasian Albanians into the Georgian population continues. Meanwhile, thousands of Armenians are relocated to Syria, Assyria, and Azerbaijan, in order to bolster the respective region’s Christian population. While Muslims now face legal, economic, and political discrimination (being barred from high office, and required to pay a capitation tax), they continue to enjoy a degree of religious freedom under the milla system - with heterodox Muslims, in particular, benefiting greatly from this. The Georgian economy continues to flourish, with the export of cotton and silk; woolens, carpets, ceramics, wine, and saffron are also exported in large quantities. The artillery corps is expanded, while more gunpowder weapons are produced. Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified.
+*'''Hanseatic League:''' This is the 27th year of Peter Burkhart's (b. 1499) reign. He has a younger brother, Henry Burkhart (b. 1512) who is married to Zillah of Hesse (b. 1514) and father of two sons (b.1538, 1541); a younger sister, Matilda Burkhart (b. 1514) who is married to Henry de la Mark; and a younger brother, Jacob Burkhart (b. 1519), who is married to Eleanor Courtenay (b. 1525) and father of Erik Burkhart (b.1546). Following Christmas Mass and a subsequent celebration at Burkhart Palace, Peter Burkhart suffers a seizure. He had been complaining of headaches all year, but following the seizure he is bedridden and his mental faculties are drained. '''In March, with no sign of recovery and following another, less severe seizure, Peter Burkhart abdicates.''' An election is held, and Jacob Burkhart is elected Bürgermeister of Lübeck-Hamburg. This is a surprise to many in the League considering the seniority of Henry Burkhart. However, Jacob Burkhart's naval service during the Von Kerpen War and relations with England garner him much support. Henry Burkhart is also partially blamed for the trouble with the Catawba. '''To punish the Catawba, the Hanseatic League declares war and sends 1,200 men on an expedition along the Cape Fear River to locate and destroy settlements loyal to Wattan. Henry Burkhart himself leads the charge. (Algo needed).''' Another expedition is sent south, reaching as far as OTL Charleston as they investigate the tribes responsible and punish them accordingly. Naturally, many settlements that had nothing to do with the raid on Carolingia are burned just the same. Trade with the Algonquin-speaking tribes along the Outer Banks continues to be fruitful, as many displaced Germans from the regions south of New Hanover move north. This leads to the official establishment of Jacobstown (OTL Norfolk) around the fort constructed in the region. This primarily includes people who cannot pay for passage back to the New World. Fortunes are made quickly as Hanseatic traders establish routes from Jacobstown through the Chesapeake Bay area. '''The Hanseatic League does not trade with the Swedish colony in the region and in fact issues an embargo of the colony. Having secured good relations with the Chesapeake Bay indigenous peoples, the League offers alliances with these groups to harass the Swedish colony. For violating Hanseatic claims to the region, the Hansa sues Sweden and demands that the colony be relocated. (Mod response needed for indigenous people, Sweden)''' Still, many settlers return to Germany or stop halfway at Bermuda, possibly because they could not afford the fare back to Germany yet. This leads to an influx of new colonists on the island. Many of those who return to Germany are Catholics who believe the region is becoming more safe. They are typically families of means or second-generation colonists who could afford to do so. Some may return to their family estates having been occupied by someone else, abandoned in a state of disrepair, or even completely destroyed. One man returns to his flat in Hamburg only to find it occupied by a brewery that kept many of his personal possessions for the decor. Another, who left with his mistress for the New World, returns to find his ex-wife has married his hated neighbor in his absence. Though this isn't to say these stories are all depressing - families are reunited and people see friends they never expected to see again - the decision to move back is a stressful ordeal. Suicide rates are high for ex-colonists; being the 16th century, not much sympathy is given to people who do this
+*'''Roman Empire:''' Now in its 6th year, the war between the Verginaians and Manuel’s Loyalists grinds on. Manuel and his army launches a full on assault on the Verginaian forces. He throws 24,000 men into the assault, hoping to end the war decisively. Their attack manages to reach Thessaloniki, besting one small Verginaian skirmishing force during their advance. However, the army only makes it as far as Methoni before encountering a stubborn Verginaian force. The Battle of Methoni is a veritable second Thermopylea. John’s forces repel wave after wave of loyalists resulting in a pyrrhic Verginaian victory. Both sides suffer dramatically with the Loyalist Army reduced to a shadow of its former self. Only 8,000 loyalists survive the battle and subsequent retreat to Constantinople. John’s forces do not fare much better with only 6,000 survivors. Freeholders and the support they give Manuel shifts the power structure of the Empire. These small land-holders threaten even more the conservative elite, inciting greater revolt and support for John among these traditional power holders. The mercantile class wavers in their support for Manuel over his policy decisions regarding these very freeholders, but their preference for his other policies keeps most loyal. As more nobles and aristocrats flip their support to John his position grows in strength. Meanwhile, farther north, Odysseus Hasapis retreats from Hungary, having ended his and the empire’s support for Transylvania. He reforms his army, and builds his local power base on freeholding peasants in the poldered regions, and Danube merchants. With potential opportunity both north and south, Odysseus plots to become either a king-maker or a king in his own right.
+*'''Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di" '''With peace with France being established, Jean Frans thus moving 12,000 of the 17,000 soldiers at Atrecht. Thus Francis Mortier becomes the General of the Somme army, Francis commanding the 5,000 soldiers left at the Somme. Francis being ordered to keep the peace and transition the region away from martial law, and reintroduce civil law. Thus Now Paul Dekremer and his 37,000 big army start marching on the city of Metz, after Jean Frans and his army arives in Luxembourg. The Soldiers of Dekremer thus advancing on Metz, Paul getting Dulle griet to face the north side of the city. This meant to make it easier to have the physicological effect without needing to the move the cannon all the way. Dekremers plan being to starve the city into surrender, Paul wanting to avoid bloodshed by just lowering their morale and food suply. Paul also making some small walls and digging trenches, this all to give the cannoniers and punaisiers cover. This also making it possible for pikemen to not get hit, although these defences aren't as good as those of the city they are more mobile and easy to replace. This does not make these small ditches and walls confortable as the men are used in standing in mud hours in end, Paul Dekremer hoping to end this war shortly. The plan being to soon rush south and liberate Mosselle from arles and possible even imperial Arles. The plan being to ensure that their government adopts friendlier stance without alienating them. This all while the Groot Belgische Raad begins to finish the "Reformed Belgian law", although some minor issue's have to figures out. In Broekzand mainwhile tequesta and jeaga soldiers arive, Willem jan reporting 800 thus with his own they total 1.050 troops. although a small force this force is very technologically advanced and prepared to fight.
+*'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items.''' '''The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. '''With''' '''Odysseus Hasapis the Roman general retreating from the war our troops are happy about the victory. After this long siege that successfully placed by us, at the age of 66 John Zápolya retires from the military. In the capital he is awarded several high ranking medals for this brilliants in war. Winning 4 wars that helped our nation expand. King Oliver with his first victory in war ceases to annex Transylvania back in our nation after losing it years ago. Oliver allows the people of the land to practice what ever religion they want in the region. The rest of the Roman troops are now prisoners of war and sent to prison. Peter of Arpad is looking for a wife at the moment. (Player/Mod response)'''
+** '''Banate of Bosnia:''' Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
+** '''Banate of Severin:''' The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
+*'''Tsardom of Russia: Konstantin hearing word of the Polish movements farther north sends word to the Garrison in Novgorod to Prepare for a siege, while 15,000 troops composed of 6,000 Hussars, 4,000 Mounted Stretlsy armed with Wheellocks, and 5,000 Cossacks to Approach to Lake Ilman to Shadow the Polish Army advancing North but to Remain outside of reach or if possible out of site of the Enemy forces. Meanwhile, an order is issued to Nestoras Manikis to lead the 15,000 strong force. When Word reaches Novgorod The recently raised Novgorod Levy is put to Work building Earthwork dugouts around the City to be manned by the Streltsy in the Levy, and by any Citizen of the city brave enough and skilled enough to use a musket. Taking shots at the enemy forces until the last moment upon which the will carry out a fighting retreat into the cityupon which time the Artillery men with begin firing upon the dugoutswhich are rigged with Gunpowder barrels to inflict as much much damage as possible on the enemy forces, and to make the terrain in the approach to the city as difficu;t as possible to traverse by the enemy forces. The young Dimitry volunteers under a different name as part of the city garrison, He is fortunately placed in training for artillery due to a lack of men to man the cannons along the city fortifications. '''The Pskov and Neva Garrison are issued orders to remain at their posts to ensure the cities are sufficiently manned to withstad a potential siege in case the Swedes are able to land forces in the Gulf of Finland. The Cossacks under the command of Hetman Sergey Volkov are reinforced with  3,000 circassians under the command of Kniaz Temyruk. The combined Cossack-circassian forces begin a scorched eartch Policy to subdue the revolting Cumans and Mongolian clans. Slaughering and pillaging entire villages while avoding direct engagements with the Moldavian rebels in order to weaken them. An effort to finalize the securing of the Don River under Russian Control while fighting along the Dnieper entisifies due to the large concentration of Cuman and Mongol settlements in the region. The construction of the Dnieper Mobile fotress (made of lumber) is completed and garrisoned with 2,000 men Varyag, and enough Artillery men to man 15 cannons.
+===1557===
+<u>'''Pope Gregory XIV dies of natural causes. The cardinals in Rome elect as his successor Vicenzo Diedo, the Patriarch of Venice, who takes the papal name Nicholas VI.'''</u>
+<u>'''Having outmaneuvered the Russian forces of Smolensk, King John of Poland takes a gamble to concentrate a total of 22,000 troops to lay siege to the city of Novgorod. His goal is hopefully to occupy the Russian capital and force the Tsar to terms of favorable peace. Sweden proceeds to land 1,200 troops in Finland. Prince Alexander of Moldavia is imprisoned in the capital by his brother who is made Prince Bogdan III. Bogdan proceeds to take the military east in an attempt to suppress the Turkic revolts. The Cossack commander Dimitrash defies to orders of the Circassian allies to set up a semi-independent state of his own near the Sea of Azov. '''</u>
+<u>'''The City of Cusco falls to the Spanish siege having been starved out for years as native allies to the Spanish have been successful in preventing supply from reaching the city. Farther to the south, however, a potent and powerful force of the Inca armies with a viable population base set up, planning on fighting a long war with the Spanish having studied and managing to find ways to counteract the Spanish tactics and technology to some degree. This unrest in the south is augmented by further attacks from the Mapuche, led by their leader Lautaro.'''</u>
+<u>'''An outbreak of Influenza spreads across Central Asia, spilling from the Bukhara Khanate across north and central Iran.'''</u>
+<u>'''French explorer Gabriel Baschet of Brittany would incidentally travel southward after being expelled by the English settlers present in OTL Jersey and losing his compass, later landing in OTL Charleston, South Carolina. Meanwhile, French cartography Émile Dupont would land in OTL Fortaleza, Brazil. '''</u>
+<u>'''English settlers in Jersey suffer perpetual attacks by natives which consequently contracts the colony as the remaining settlers manage to successfully start fending off the Attacks.'''</u>
+<u>'''Robert Recorde publishes his book ''The Whetstone of Wit'' which uses the first instances of the plus and equal signs in English.'''</u>
+<u>'''Portemo paints ''Deposition of the Cross'' in Florence. '''</u>
+<u>'''Venetian mathematician Niccolo Tartaglia writes the first work on ballistics.'''</u>
+* '''Georgia:''' The westernization of Georgia’s aristocratic culture continues - evident in the popularity of the Renaissance (particularly Mannerist) style, and ballet de cours. The assimilation of the Caucasian Albanians into the Georgian population continues. Meanwhile, thousands of Armenians are relocated to Syria, Assyria, and Azerbaijan, in order to bolster the respective region’s Christian population. While Muslims now face legal, economic, and political discrimination (being barred from high office, and required to pay a capitation tax), they continue to enjoy a degree of religious freedom under the milla system - with heterodox Muslims in particular benefiting greatly from this. The Georgian economy continues to flourish, with the export of cotton and silk; woolens, carpets, ceramics, wine, and saffron are also exported in large quantities. The artillery corps is expanded, while more gunpowder weapons are produced. Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified.
+*'''Kingdom of England:''' Though RETEC managed to successfully conquer most of OTL South New Jersey from the Lenape tribespeople in its campaigns around 1553, the subsequent series of attacks by tribespeople, aggravated by the Danish providing aid for them, has made the economic and military situation of the colony difficult to manage. Knowing that the Hanseatic League owns a colony of their own and seems to be expanding their colony toward the English one, RETEC (with the approval of King Edward X of England) approaches the Hanseatic leadership to see if they can work out some sort of deal regarding the Meridian colonies that would benefit both parties. '''(Hanseatic response)''' '''(More to come if I have time)'''
+*'''Kingdom of Belgium "Vryheid is ons Reght":'''''' '''With Peace and a formal border with France established, the New constitution is officially adopted. Thus fully changing the nature of Belgium, where the Merchants of the nation are the most important part of the nation. The laws clearly defining what a free company is, and royal companies and what is called the COME UP WITH NAME THINGY . Defitions of terms being made as to make the clearer and avoid terms being up to debate, this clarification and unification of law meant to Unifiy the nation. Simplification and unification being the goal of the Groot Belgische raad, while Klein Belgische raden are given the power to implement these federal laws. This all also allowing better recruitment on local level of troops, Paul Dekremer wanting a more profesional and a more constant stream of recruitment. Alltough he is not able to make this dream into reality, as Paul Dekremer is killed by a stray bullet North of Metz. Paul Dekremer dying at the age of 59, his son Jan Juliaen Dekremer thus Becoming the First Generaal admiraal of Belgium at age 35. The death of his father likely being due to some of the victory shots as were fired in all possible directions. Thus His son soon replacing him and keeping his actual cause of death a secret, the official being that he died of enemy gun fire. His father atleast living to see Metz in Belgian hands, his sons resting for a year in order to plan and organise the army to go south. While in Broekzand Willem Jan and his 1.050 soldiers wait for more suplies from Hemelsstrand.
+* '''Kingdom of Portugal:'''During a visit to Cape Baltimoro,a savage tribe member of the sasquenich tribes throws a spear at the king and mortally wounding him,his last words are"Do not engage the Natives"He is succeded by his dagther who takes the name of Queen Cirí IV,As she is only 7 a regency council lead by her mother rules until she is of age.The late king is buried next to his father and crown prince Luis.
+* '''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items.''' '''The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. '''John Zápolya son Alex follows in his father's footsteps to become a general of the army for the King. After being a captain under his father's command for a few wars he he finally gets to shine with his promotion by the King. Since its been really quiet lately the new general just does some light recon routine work by having guards and scouts on the boarders to make our nation safe. '''
+** '''Banate of Bosnia:''' Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
+** '''Banate of Severin:''' The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
+* '''Tsardom of Russia: With the growing unrest in The lands of the former Astrakhan Khanate Kniaz Anton Stroganov issues an order to mobilize 5,000 men under his command to ride south to suppress them Reinforcing the Garrison at Tsaristyn to prevent the new stronghold from falling Into Tatar or Kazakh hands and to prevent the rebellion from spreading north into the region of Kazan. He also requests reinforcements from the Qasim Khanate a long time vassal of the the Rus who provides 5,000 Qasim Raiders who are sent to Reinforce Anton and his men. '''Following the failure to Keep the Tartars quiet in the region Anton decides to carry out a more violent suppression campaign in the region torching the villages and slaughtering without mercy many of the Tatars of revolting villages and then withdrawing to draw in the Tatar rebels before doubling back reinforced by the Qasim Raiders This tactic is employed a couple more times in an attempt to cow the Revolting tatars into Submission. Meanwhile, in the town of Rurik, the Worship of St. Dimitry continues to grow as converted Tatars and recently settled Rus. '''Nestoras Manikis with 15,000 Cavalry continue to maintain observe The Enemy forces now attempting to lay siege to Novgorod, awaiting the perfect opportunity to strike at the enemy forces while the Streltsy, and Artillerymen inside the city continue to fire relentlessly at the enemy. The Young Dimitry still going by a pseudoname of Alek becomes an accomplished artilleryman using his learning of geography, and Topography his classes at with the stroganovs, and At the university of Novgorod. Word, however, starts to spread amongst the other members of the garrison of his true identity as the heir of the Tsardom of Russia. With knowledge spreading amongst the troops in the city of Novgorod that their future leader is amongst them instills i an increased desire to defend the city at all costs against the Enemy forces. and with the supply lines along the city secure my Armored river cboats escorting supplys the city will be well armed for the Siege outnumbering the Polish 30,000 to 22,000 (15,000 defending inside the city of novgorod, and another 15,000 under the command of Nestoras Manikis) and of the greater number of cannons and muskets produced locally by the Moscow Arsenal and with Stockpiles in Novgorod, Kiev, and Moscow.''' An envoy is dispatched to to Moldavia, requesting that Bogdan retain a small garrison strong enough to keep the Polish from being able to concentrate and states that the forces under Hetman Sergey, and Kniaz Temyruk can deal with most of the suppression of the Moldavian rebels. He also states he has no interest in interfering in Moldavian internal affairs. However, he would like the lines of communication and coopertion between Moldavia and Russia to remain strong. '''(Mod Response).'''
+*'''Roman Empire:''' The seventh year of the civil war proves a less eventful year than the preceding years. With both sides nearing exhaustion, raising further troops becomes more or less impossible. John and his followers face internal dissent, and a small revolt by members of his own loyal nobles. Manuel attempts to reassert imperial control over the military, but is unable to convince local forces to take up arms for his overly-liberal regime. '''He is forced to address the growing chaos in Moldavia and Taurica. He orders local leaders to support the Kozakos to the north of Taurica and raise the Thema Taurica to protect the Greek ports in that region. He also dispatches a moderately large fleet to protect Roman interests in Tanais. The fleet carries with is a company of marines numbering 4,000.''' Tired of the war, revolt breaks out among the peasants of the Peloponnese, Thessaly, and Epirus. In Anatolia, riots break out against aristocratic land-holders as more peasants demand rights and deeds to their lands. Manuel, in no position to oppose or enflame these riots is forced to accept some of their demands. He grants the landless poor farmers across the empire the ability to claim deeds upon land they have worked, so long as they can provide proof of work for at least fifteen years. These deeds allow such farmers to buy, sell, and develop such land, but force them to pay a “landlord tax” for the next 100 years to the family from which it was deeded. This dramatic land-ownership reform contributes massively to the Mesaítáxi as local guides and corporations appear across the country.
+===1558===
+'''<u>After sacking some villages near Novgorod, King John quickly retreats from the city to avoid the Russian advancement. He links up with the remaining troops in the south, then proceeds to directly attack the Russian army of 30,000 with his army of 26,000. Sweden proceeds with occupying the fortress of Turku successfully. Bogdan lost his battle against the the Turks, effectively allowing Moldavia to collapse and become partitioned between the Qasim Khanate, the Cossack state of </u>'''<u>'''Dimitrash'''</u>'''<u>, and the occupation of Circassia, while Bogdan falls back to the heartland of Moldavia to hold a defense against Poland.</u>'''
+'''<u>Southern parts of Peru and northern Chile further destabilizes from Spanish rule, which organizes in an alliance of the Incas and Mapuche into the "Neo-Inca" state.</u>'''
+'''<u>In the midst of the Russo-Polish War, King John II creates a more efficient system of communication between the front lines back to the capital, establishing the institution of the "</u><u>Poczta Polska" (Polish Post).</u>'''
+'''<u>The influenza pandemic spreads across the rest of the Middle East, affecting all of Georgia, Egypt, and the Byzantine Empire.</u>'''
-===1306===
-'''<u>King Wenceslas III of Poland and Bohemia is attacked unexpectedly by assailants of unknown origin, but survives. Discontent becomes apparent among much of Poland who desire to restore the Piast dynasty.</u>'''
+'''<u>Along the ongoing religious sectarian conflict in France, cultural movement begins that has scathing Anti-Feminine rhetoric against the female line of the Premyslid Dynasty. One anonymous text published is titled ''The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstruous Regiment of Women.''</u>'''
-'''<u>Speaking of mysterious circumstances, Pope Callixtus III is assaulted by French-speaking mercenaries and badly wounded. He dies of infection a few months later, necessitating a rapid [[College of Cardinals (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)#1306 Papal Conclave|Papal Conclave]]. (Papal States, Castile, Florence, Naples/Aragon, Albania, Genoa, France, Siena, Bohemia, Achaea).</u>'''
+<u>'''Along the Western coast Japanese explorers begin to get more and more reports of the Mysterious Sinkyone. Some sinkyone wariors being reported shouting Purnaqi, purnaqi while charging a groop of Nongatl tribes men on deer. The Sinkyone being reported to have the skill to ride deer and pacify bears without any trouble.'''</u>
-'''<u>Speaking of French, France suffers an economic crisis within their military spending. Rumors point largely to the Templar Knights, who leads much of French military finances at this time.</u>'''
+<u>'''The Oyo Empire is able to subdue several of the smaller states around it using forces from allied Benin, newly subjugated Ashanti, and its own rapidly modernizing army.'''</u>
-'''<u>Running out of the steam of previous Mongol generations, the Yuan dynasty fails in their recent East Asian conquests. The military sent to Taiwan is mostly lost in the process of its campaign, returning with only 300.</u>'''
+*'''Kingdom of Mutapa: King Gemba Nyazame mobilizes the 10,000 auxiliary troops to the Royal guard, and marches 30,000 combined troops to the Swahili confederacy demanding they rejoin the nation and will be treated as equals in the new government. (Mod response).''' He also begins to reintegrate makovibra back into the kingdom using 2,000 riders to travel down the royal road seeing if it needs repairs. Scholars in Lusvingo see that water can power a small wheel on a tributary of the Limpopo. The new king continues to upkeep the roads and grow the small textile industry by investing in more sheep.
+*'''Tsardom of Russia:''' Nestoras Manikis and his 15,000 cavalry noting The movements of John II deny jim the battle he is looking for using their greater mobility and time to get within a safe distance while the 15,000 troops inside the city of Novgorod contimue to pound away at the Enemy forces inflicting grueling casualties. Meanwhile, 8,000 forces stationed at Pskov are sent to act as a second shadowing force working in conjunction with Manikis forces bringing the troops in the Novgorod region to 40,000 making any attempts by John II to break the Russian forces in the region suicidal (nate, it would be suicidal to try to win this battle, and based on what ive seen John II isnt an idiot or suicidal). 5,000 Infantry and 3,000 Orthodox Finns mostly trappers are sent to deal with the Invading Finns moving into Pikkio to prevent the Swedes from advancing further, and to use as a base camp. The Sappers there quickly  get to work building up a Wooden and Earthwork Fortifications there. while efforts to build those armoured galleys begin in earnest with a framework of the first one being completed as a larger then average galley with thickened wooden walls to make them harder to sink, with more rowers, and two sails to allow for greater mobility, combined with a large ancor near the front to allow to be dropped and allow for quick turns. At the front of the Galley is a Corvus (boarding device)  and large Iron Spike to trap and damage the enemy ships in close combat. The Galley will be able to hold ten cannons (11 if the Spike is replaced with another Cannon). Due to the specialized work required for these ships only six are commissioned However, it is thought that therse ships will help give an dge to the Russians to secure the Gulf of Finland. A port on the Island of Fotress on the Island of Kotlin begins. Anton Stroganov continues to Violently suppress The Tatar Rebels in Astrakhan making their way to the city of Astrakhan to cow the rebels inrto submission. In Kazan, Husbandry and cattle raising continue to grow as the demand for horses and salted meat for the war effort grow. Development of towns and fortifications up the Kama river continue under the oversight of the Stroganov Family who settle people from the White Sea region and from The lands around Rostov and Niznhy Novgorod offering them favourable contracts to work the land for a certain amount of years before being allowed to outright purchase their plot of land form the Stroganov family who following the model of the Ruriks parcel out certain lands for development directly by the stroganov family, and parcelling out lands to settlers to instill loyalty. '''As the Polish army under John II attempts to attack the Cavalry of Manikis, the Russians taking advantage of their higher mobility deny John II the engagement he desires and instead choose to skirmish the enemy forces in the vicinity of Novgorod while Russian Artillery from the city fire upon the advancing Polish forces. Dimitry the younger presence amongst the city defenders greatly boosts morale and the young Kinaz quickly comes into his own now becoming one of the officers of the city garrison along with several of the city's younger nobles, and sons of merchant families who join the ranks of the defenders. The young prince begins taking note of the tactics employed before him, and begins analyzing the topography of the region. Noting the large amounts of forests around Lake Ilmen Dimitry sends a messenger to Manikis and to the reinforcements from Pskov to use the Forest to their advantage to disappear into the woods and prevent a chase from the famed Polish Hussars, while attempting if possible to outflank them upon which time mounted forces form the Novgorod Army will come out to attempt an encrclement of the Polish forces to wipe them out.''' With Tana secured under a joint Circassian-Greek expedition efforts to consolidate control over the Don River are finalized. Konstantin I orders his 5,000 to the house to finish breaking the forces of the Cuman and Mongol rebels along the Dnieper seeing a complete withdrawal of the Moldavians from the region. He sends an envoy to The new cossack host of Dimitrash offering them the status as vassals of the Russian crown and promising to not bother the internal affairs of the Cossacks in the region as long as they provide military assistance to the Crown anddo not attack Russian or Greek trade or subjects in the region at the risk of facing the wrath of Kiev. Hetman Sergey Volkov also approaches them in this regard noting how the Russian crown has allowed Cossack communities to thrive under their sovereignty. '''(Mod response).''' Konstantin I further sends a letter to Bogdan promising to continue to protect him and his family. However, due to the inability of the Moldavians to control the Pontic Steppes, the Russians are obliged to secure the region in conjuntion with their vassals.
+**'''Dimititrash accepts this deal'''
+* '''Georgia:''' Levan and Irene go to Russia - leaving their daughter, Tinatin, under the care of Rustam and Mariam. The reason Levan’s departure is somewhat unclear. Nevertheless, his absence creates some uncertainty as to whom Nathan - now in his sixties - will bestow the throne. Nathan does not want to bequeath the throne to Rustam, his second son, whose brash and quick-tempered disposition is unbefitting for a King. With Russia’s war with the Poles brought to his attention, Levan asks his uncle, Tsar Constantine, if he could fight on his behalf. The westernization of Georgian aristocratic culture continues. The economy continues to flourish - silk and cotton textiles constitute Georgia’s main exports. To bolster the Christian population in Syria and Assyria, and to bolster the region’s economy, thousands of Armenians are resettled there. Georgia continues to maintain its lead on gunpowder technology. The artillery corps is further expanded. The border cities of Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, Mosul, Kermanshah, Hamadan, and Qazvin are fortified; defensive cannons are also installed.
-'''<u>In Korea, the newly-independent Kingdom of Joseon becomes a safe haven for Confucianist and Buddhist populations that have suffered years of persecution under the Yuan at this point.</u>'''
+** '''Konstantin I agrees and welcomes his nephew into the Service of the Russian Tsar, placing him in command of the forces in Kiev (10,000) '''due to his own declining health.
+* '''Kingdom of Belgium "Vryheid is ons Reght":''' With the first attack on Mets succeding weakening the defences toroughly, Jan Juliaen Dekremer Begins his second assault on the city. This is done by continuing the barage of cannons which fire continiously on the city walls in an attempt to break the wall, Jan Juliaen even offering safe pasage for all citiziens and soldiers if they peacefully surrender''' (Mod Response). '''Thus the attack on the city continue's Dulle griet giving heavy punches, the cannon shooting 700lbs cannon balls at the city of Mets. This all while the 17,000 soldiers under Jean Frans begin to move southwards to Vigny, Frans hoping to meet the arles army at the town north of Nanzig. The plan being is to using the Horne River as a difensive line and force the arles army to cross the river. The plan being to hit Arles at many front and make them unable to take all the Royal Punches, Jan Juliaen wanting to ensure that for once and all that the Belgian border will be safe. While in Broekzand Willem and his 1,050 soldiers demand that the Caloose accept a small force of troops to investigate the current situation and calm down the recent tensions''' (Mod Response).''' Willem knowing that both answers will lead him to a great succes, the only change being the violence needed.
+** '''The Broekzand tribes accept.'''
+** '''Metz doesn't surrender yet.'''
+* '''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items.''' '''The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. <s>'''With the influenza pandemic effecting the Byzantium lands we close our boarders to the south. We ask the Kings of Bosnia, Serbia, or Albania if the have a daughter for Prince Peter. (Mod Response)'''</s>
+** '''Banate of Bosnia:''' Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
-'''<u>Nogai Khan dies while besieging Yazd, leaving his massive achievement of territory to fall into other hands. His son Tügä</u>'''<u> '''Khan is crowned the new ruler in Tabriz over the fragmented Persian Empire. His other son Toraï Khan takes over the Golden Horde, but shortly after ward Bayan Khan of the White Horde seizes the opportunity to invade from Kazakhstan to unite the two hordes under his rule. His last son Chaka proceeds to invade the Bulgarian Empire on his own with varying degrees of success.'''</u>
+** '''Banate of Severin:''' The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
+** '''Disease Theory to justify this action does not yet exist.'''
+*'''Roman Empire:''' The 8th year of the civil war sees internal threats to both factions develop. John’s supporters grow increasingly dismayed by the lack of a dramatic victory and the seemingly endless support offered to Manuel by his mercantile supporters. On the other hand, the merchants who support Manuel are unhappy with his support for the new, growing class of landed peasants. These merchants approach the nobles who back John and Odysseus Hasapis about potentially reaching a brokered peace. The talks break down as both the merchants and nobles express incompatible demands and refuse to compromise. However, both sides continue to court Odysseus and his support. Meanwhile, the merchants 'petition’ Manuel for greater powers in the Senate. Their veiled threat forces the young Kaisar to accept their demands, granting the Senate power to suggest legislation and veto imperial policy through a 2/3rds majority. The power of the new Senate accelerates the growth of the Mesaítáxi.
+===1559===
-<u>'''King Birgir of Sweden is captured by a coup by Duke Eric Magnusson and imprisoned in Nyköping Castle, placing strain on their ongoing wars with Novgorod.'''</u>
+<u>'''Pope Nicholas VI dies of natural causes. The College of Cardinals in Rome elects as his successor the Spanish priest and scholastic author John of Ávila, who takes the papal name Benedict XII in honour of the Spanish Pope Benedict XI.'''</u>
-<u>'''The Byzantines begin losing ground in the Aegean after they pulled out their forces to fight Bulgaria, allowing the Ottomans to take back some of Bythnia under the leadership of Sultan Orhan.'''</u>
+<u>'''John II is decisively defeated at the Siege of Novgorod, and falls back to Poland sustaining heavy casualties. Sweden is defeated by the forces in Finland and falls back to the fortress of Turku itself, supported by the Swedish navy.'''</u>
+<u>'''In Astrakhan, a number of Tartar Muslims from villages along the Volga river would carry out self-sacrificing attacks against Russian camps in an effort to scorch fields of grain to better weaken the Russian authority in the region as well as define a line of secession from the Empire.'''</u>
-<u>'''From their base in Chios donated by Genoa, the Hospitaller Knights begin attacking Byzantine holdings in Kos and Rhodes.'''</u>
+<u>'''France settles a peace with Arles, annexing Auvergne and the other enclave of Burgundy and forcing them to relinquish their claim to Ameins. Under heavy pressure of the government of France, they begin preparing a new army of 25,000 troops on Belgian's border, having secured all other rivals, so as to press their claim to the region of Artois.'''</u>
-<u>'''English Parliament forbids heating with coal while Parliament is in session. This fails to be enforced.'''</u>
+<u>'''In Scotland, a Jungist mob, incited by a radical interpretation of the Thinwhitedukism, sack St Andrews Cathedral. One of the main leaders of this movement in Scotland is John Knox. In Ireland, a dense drought backed by poor resource stocking would lead to a famine that would last for nearly two years, with deaths estimated at roughly 70,000 people. '''</u>
-<u>'''Raja Ramadeva of Devagiri, ruler of the Yadava Dynasty of Deccan, invades north and captures the city of Malwa.'''</u>
+<u>'''A threatening drought in much of Castile, accompanied by inflation due to the rapid flow of gold from Kolumbia and Meridia, leads the Spanish Empire to declare bankruptcy.'''</u>
-*'''Free City of Lübeck:''' The north German free city has been the heart of Baltic trade for nearly 50 years. As the hub of trade from Germany to the Baltics and back, Lübeck is hailed as the Venice in the North. Its current Burgermeister, Albrecht Von Bardewik, is a legal genius, responsible for codifying shipping laws in the Baltic. His regulation of prices has allowed Lübeck to stand tall against inland trade magnates like Hamburg or Scandinavian trade giants like Copenhagen. Much as Copenhagen attempts to steal trade from Lübeck, it cannot hope to persuade the Baltic states to cease trading with Lübeck. Furthermore, after a 1288 rebellion in Visby, a heavy-handed Magnus III of Sweden brought ruin to the city, heavily reducing its importance. Lübeck's primary maritime trade partners are Pomerania, the Teutonic Knights, and Sweden, though it thrives on trade with Poland-Bohemia and the Rus. However, the recent actions of Sweden and the Teutonic Order have been something of a concern to Lübeck. Both are endangering Baltic Trade and their own economies. '''The Teutonic Order receives most of its German trade through Lübeck, as does Denmark and Sweden. Both are given the chance to save their economies by disbanding their trade alliances with Riga and with each other. In doing so, Lübeck ensures mutually beneficial trade agreements, protection of merchant ships, cargo insurance, and aid in wars.''' In the meantime, Lübeck works closely with the Archbishopric of Bremen, which relies heavily on Baltic trade. Albrecht Von Bardewik uses this leverage on Bremen to attempt to convince the Archbishop to denounce the scandalous trade alliances in the Baltic while promoting Hanseatic trade practices. Riga and the Livonian Order are both offered the chance to return to their previous arrangements with Lübeck, with the addendum of discounted salt and hemp for five years. '''Mod response''' This offer is extended to the Teutonic Order, with the added bonus of discounted ships and an extension of the offer to ten years. '''Teutonic Diplomacy needed.''' Trade with Hamburg and Lüneburg flourishes this year. Bypassing the royalist tariffs along the Danish straits, this trade route allows an easy land-based trade route to extend from Russia all the way to Flanders. '''Exclusive deals to England, Holland, and Flanders are made in regards to ships. 15 new ships are offered for lease to these countries for the price of 10 in exchange for discounted trade to Lübeck. '''(Mod response needed.) Trade with Poland-Bohemia brings a large number of goods from Hungary and beyond, connecting Baltic trade with trans-Carpathian trade. The establishment of these trade routes over the years seems to be the fastest-growing sector of Hanseatic trade, with the Baltic reaping the rewards as well. The city of Lübeck itself seems its shipyards expanded to hold more ships this year.
-**'''Bremen and Flanders accepts the deal - as does England.'''
-**'''Teutonic Diplomacy: we will disband the Alliance and will trade with Lubeck'''
-**'''Swedish Diplomacy: Since the alliance was disbanded (without consulting us) we accept the Hansa's offer'''
-*'''Kingdom of Sweden:''' After hearing of the kidnapping of his father-in-law the Danish Army of 14,000 men, led by King Christopher, sailing to Vyborg Castle is diverted to Nykoping Castle, where they besiege the castle in the name of King Birger, demanding the King's release. After disembarking the Danish army the Danish navy sails to Kuusisto Castle, where the Swedish navy is repairing and resupplying following the victory at Kuusisto. The two navies rendezvous. Queen Martha in Stockholm, hearing of her husband's kidnapping, raises an additional 5,000 men as feudal levies and personally leads them to Nykoping to meet up with the her nephew and son-in-law Christopher leading the Danish army besieging the castle, raising the army sent to rescue Birger to 19,000 men. Christopher and Martha offer to spare the brothers if they release the King and to let them keep their titles and lands '''[MOD RESPONSE]. '''The Archbishop of Uppsala denounces and condemns the brothers for launching a coup in the midst of defending Sweden against heretics in the East and states any soldiers fighting for the brothers risk damning their immortal souls. With victory secured over the Novgorod forces Torgil Knutsson, appointed the army's leader since the kidnapping of the King, chases the Novgorod army on its retreat north to Lipovka, leaving 3,000 men to garrison the castle. The Swedish Army camps to the south of the Novgorod army, severing it supply lines, its lines of communication and its line of retreat back to Novgorod. Before attacking, Knutsson sends diplomats to Novgorod seeking peace. '''Sweden offers to respect Novgorod's trade rights and territorial integrity and also to not force the conversion of any Orthodox Karelian tribes. Sweden does demand, however, that Novgorod make peace, stop aiding the Karelian tribes and recognize Swedish hegemony over the Karelian people and Northern Finland [MOD RESPONSE]. '''To apply pressure to Novgorod to accept the peace the allied Swedish-Danish navy sails east from Kuusisto and begins raiding the Novgorod coast, burning and pillaging settlements and markets in the old Viking manner. Hearing news of the "fork" from Italy, the Scandinavian iron workers begin mass producing various takes on the "fork" and shipping them to Italy, providing a strangely lucrative market to the Swedish Kingdom.
-**'''The King is peacefully released, but Valdemar flees south to pillage much of Skane using German mercenaries'''
-***'''Swedish Response:''' King Christopher is released from his obligation to fight in Finland to pursue and defeat Valdemar. King Christopher takes 10,000 men south and raises 2,500 men in Holstein. The two forces rendezvous at Skandeborg Castle and King Christopher hunts down and brings Valdemar to battle '''[ALGO]'''
-**'''Novgorod would accept peace except allowing hegemony over Karelia, so as not to abandon their alliances'''
-***'''Swedish Dip:''' Recognizing Swedish hegemony over Finland is a requirement for peace. If Novgorod refuses, the war continues and the Swedish army attacks the remnants of the cut-off and isolated Novgorod army at Lipovka '''[ALGO]'''
-*'''Byzantine Empire:''' What was thought to be a beginning of a rebirth of a new era has resulted in our precious lands being taken by Ottomans and Crusaders. Luckily, our war with the Bulgarians has come to a close, leaving only two fronts. <s>The Byzantine-Bulgarian War ended with the Siege of Plovdiv</s>, when Byzantine forces climbed up into the walls and sprayed Greek fire into the city. Most of the city was destroyed, but luckily we will reconstruct the city into a new and marvelous Byzantine city. <s>After the Siege of Plovdiv, an unorganized attempt to regain men for the army by the Bulgarians resulted in a near-collapse of the Bulgarian nation, which was a perfect attempt for a peace treaty. In the Peace of Adrianopole, the city where we almost fell, we took Eastern Rumelia from the Bulgarians</s>. However, the glory against the Bulgarians quickly subsided after the barbaric Knights took Rhodes from us. The fall of Rhodes marked a beginning for countless and vicious raids that will cost us immensely. As we prepare for the Knights to make a landfall against us, a sense of uncertainty lingers about the Byzantine future.
-**'''If you want to fight a war you have to properly request an algo by describing the forces you use to invade Bulgaria, strategy/tactics, etc.'''
-*'''Archbishopric of Trier:''' The bankers of Milan are welcomed by Archbishop Diether in the city of Trier. A building is given to them to operate the Bank of Trier. The repairs of the Porta Nigra and of the Aula Palatina finally come to an end. The Porta Nigra is renamed and consecrated as the Church of Saint Symeon of Trier and by orders of the archbishop, a fragment of bone is take from the saint body (which is buried in a tomb inside of the Porta Nigra) and placed in a golden reliquary to be venerated. On May 1, the day of Saint Symeon, the reliquary is transported in a procession from the Cathedral of Trier to the Church of Saint Symeon, where it is placed by Diether during a solemn mass in a niche near a statue of Saint Symeon. The archbishop proclaims that every year this procession will be repeated and invites Albert of Habsburg to participate in the next year '''[MOD response needed, please]'''. With finally the papal approval, a Dominican monastery is built on Koblenz, with the monks arriving in July. A library is planned to be built there. The papal refusal to give the relic of Saint Helen sadden the archbishop deeply, but he understood. When he hears about the French attack to the pontiff and his death shock Diether deeply. A mass in memory of Callixtus III is celebrated in Cathedral of Trier. Diether's Commentaries on the New Testament are finaly finished and the Archiepiscopal Palace continues to be constructed. Seeing the need of the economy of the Archbishopric be improved, Diether starts to incentive the agriculture and handicraft. Cattle are bred for meat, leather and wool and fruits are cultivated, with grapes being the most produced. Handicrafts are produced using leather and clothes are produced using wool. Products made of ceramics such as tiles and painted vases are made. The grapes are used to make wine. The wine made of the grapes cultivated by the Huber family becomes popular and two barrels are sent to Albert of Habsburg as a gift '''[MOD response needed, please] ''', Diether hopes that he likes because the archbishop tasted and approved. Seeing how much war is happening in the rest of Europe, an Episcopal Army is created with the intention of protect the Archbishopric of Trier in case of attack. Diether writes to Republic of Metz, County of Luxemburg and County of Verdun asking for the creation of a pact of mutual defense in case of an invasion and also asks them if they are interested in a trade agreement '''[MOD response needed, please]'''. Trade agreements are also made to the Duchy of Brabant '''[Brabant response needed, please] '''and to the Free City of Lübeck '''[Lübeck response needed, please]''', to see if they are interested in commercialize our products. In late November, the cathedral chapter notice that archbishop Diether started to act strange, being easily irritated and talking nonsenses about relics. These episodes are short, with him soon returning to the normal. However, the cathedral chapter fears that the archbishop is losing his mind.
-**'''Albert Habsburg accepts the gift and will attend the procession.'''
-**'''The Rhine states agree to a trade agreement but does not feel a necessity for a defense pact at this time.'''
-**'''Lübeck Diplomacy:''' Burgermeister Albrecht Von Bardewik agrees to this trade. Lübeck offers a formal entry into the growing Hanseatic League. Entry will ensure trade protection, discounted wares, and the right to dock in Hanseatic ports anywhere. Lübeck offers a 1,000 mercenary contract for protection in any defensive wars in exchange for 1,000 mercenaries from Trier should the League require their services.
-**'''Trier Diplomacy:''' Archbishop Diether accepts the offer of the Burgermeister. Due to the geographic position of the Archbishopric, Diether proposes to the League the creation of a Hanseatic merchant post in the city of Koblenz. This way a trade route can be created conecting the Archbishopric and Lübeck by land. From the post, Hanseatic products can be marketed by land to other German states. The post can also use the rivers Rhine and Moselle in Koblenz as waterways to the dispersal of the Hanseatic products.
-*'''Mali Empire:''' Mansa Abu Bakr II continues the policies of his predecessor to build up the nation's infrastructure. The prosperous trade from the Saharan Caravans exports Mali's vast resources to the outside world, as well as expanding the domestic agricultural base at home. The Mosque of Djeane is completed this year, being an outstanding work of Sahelian architecture, before the African Renaissance. Abu Bakr had a particular love for the sea, and fascination with the lands across the ocean, and so invested heavily in the navy started by his predecessor. However, more access to the Atlantic was also needed, and so it was at this time that the Mali Empire made its final push to annex the Kingdom of Waalo. '''Abu Bakr sends 25,000 infantry, 3,000 cavalry and 30 river ships down along the Senegal River to annex Waalo. The forces will strike down against Waalo's military in the field, and press the advantage to push them back to the capital of Ndiangué (modern day Richard Toll) where a siege begins. The river ships are instrumental in carrying supplies and ensuring no reinforcements are left out [algo].''' However, as Abu Bakr observes this war, he is approached by a venerable Sufi mystic that warns that he should not ever go to Waalo himself, or else he would face his ultimate doom. Fearing this prophesy, albeit being skepitcal, Abu Bakr sends local generals of their vassals in Trarza to fight the battle, instead of going himself. Meanwhile, Musa is fighting a war of his own. Having heroically and honorably acquired the three kingdoms of Daura, Kano, and Gobir, Musa centralized their authority under his rule as a single fighting force, together with Aisha by his side. Having combined these militaries together, Musa proceeds inward to subjugate the Kingdom of Katsina, and add it as a vassal under his domains.
-*'''Maraninds of Sultanate:''' During the death of the sultan, his brother came in the northwest of Tetouan demanding of citizens that the Aragonese killed it but his brother took his throne. Meanwhile, his army came to tell him 'we should beat those invader European neighboor for being killed..' the brother had a plan strategy for beating out of spanish control so they came in Ceuta and Melilla kill among of those occupations '''his army come to annexing the island of canary and zwara.''' The brother established emirate of Djerba with help of his army. Meanwhile, they continue to cross the Sahara and they push the Spanish in the north but they're taking a break we just gonna had a better strategy to finish this war we gonna keep most of troop.
-*meanwhile the sultanist and the brother dynasty they're having an civil war bc of the ruler
-*Ölijaitü: Nogai Khan dies alongside Ölijaitü while beseiging Yazd together, where Ölijaitü buries Nogai where he died, in the sands of Yazd. Nogai is buried by Öljaitü under the Islamic tradition, having recently reconverted, which Ölijaitü feels very personally responsible for (having demanded Nogai's reconversion in exchange for vassalage and being instrumental in the Muslim victories in both the Crusade and Jihad). Ölijaitü has deep respect for Nogai, fighting until his very last breathe. Ölijaitü takes command of Nogai's men in Yazd, continuing the siege of Yazd that Nogai died in. To the city of Yazd, a message is sent from Ölijaitü, "I do not wish to bring destruction to this glorious city, surrender to me and your city will be spared." Further, Ölijaitü requests to the Kingdom of Khoreson to be the King of Khoreson, to put an end to the state of chaos and unite with Delhi against the true enemy of the east, Qipchaq, who's wandering horde brings nothing but death and destruction.
-**'''Khoreson does not agree to give up its title to Ölijaitü'''
-**With Khoreson refusing Ölijaitü, Ölijaitü's offer to Yazd is sent once again, demanding the surrender of the besieged city in exchange for it being spared from destruction
-*'''Republic of Venice:''' New aggression from the Genoese force the Venetians to keep the war going. As the Arsenale has improved its production schedules equip and build one galley per week. This can be achieved due to the central organization of the Arsenale and the strict norms of measurements and quality alike. This leads to a new fleet of 200 ships being built since 1304. '''A fleet of 150 is sent to break and annihilate the Genoan fleet in the strait of Messina.''' After victory is achieved in southern Italy, every other Genoan war ship that attempts to flee will be sunken or looted, prisoners will not be taken. '''SECRET''' Attempts are made to reach out  to the Sicilians, as they would profit from very low prices on Venetian goods like textiles or spices, if they are willing to help to blockade the entrance to the Eastern Mediterranean '''(MOD RESPONSE NEEDED)''' The '''Achaeans are offered''' 10 large ships to increase their navy, including all needed equipment for the crew, for a price of around 15,000 instead of 20,000 Venetian gold ducats. In return for the lowered price, they are asked to participate in the blockade of the Aegean routes to the Black Sea against Genoa '''(ACHAEA RESPONSE NEEDED)''' '''SECRET END''' To reinforce the blockade to the Aegean Sea, and so a blockade to the Genoese colonies, 30 ships are sent over to ensure this. Furthermore, a small arsenal is planned in Chania on the island of Candia. However, this would mean rising taxes. To avoid large scale revolt, taxes are lowered for those who produce desired good such as wax, textiles or grain. Taxes on imports, however, are increased, especially things like metal, so that the treasuries can be filled, and the modernization process of the island can be finished earlier. The blockade of Rhodes continues, '''and orders are given to starve the entire island out (MOD RESPONSE ON THE SUCCESS, PLEASE). '''The fork is now fully adapted in most parts of the Venetian society, as it becomes a sign of good manners and wealth to eat things like meat, cooked vegetables and pasta with a fork instead of the hands. The Hanseatic cities of Bremen, Hamburg, Lübeck and also the city of Rungholt are asked to allow Venetian traders to set up trading posts in their cities '''(HANSEATIC RESPONSE NEEDED)'''
-**'''Lübeck Diplomacy:''' Venetian ships are welcome in any port aligned with our growing league in exchange for our ships being welcome in Venetian ports and a mutually-defended trade route. Hansa sends a large cog to Venice as a gift. Christened ''Der Stoltz Von Dandolo'' or ''The Pride of Dandolo'', this massive ship can hold immense amounts of cargo while sacrificing minimal speed.
-**'''Achaean Diplomacy:''' We are willing to accept the terms laid out by the Venetians for 10 ships, but request the price to be further lowered to 12,500 - or 1,250 gold ducats per ship.
-*'''Angevin Kingdom of Albania:''' With Robert I secretly gaining the support of John I Orsini, he decides to send Prince Phillip to Clermont while mobilizing a force of 20,000 men along with elements of the Catalan Company (Approximately 5,000 men) and his Fleet of approximately 60 ships in which half of it is composed of Venetian ships while the other half is composed of ships from Provence, Albania and elements of the Neapolitan Fleet loyal to their true ruler Robert I. Robert I sends a request to Venice offering his support in eradicating Genoan presence in Greece and the Black Sea and in return he asks for Venice to support him in his quest to restore the Latin Empire as it will also result in the dismantlement of another of Venice’s rivals ('''Venetian Response Needed''').  ('''Secret''') Meanwhile, Prince Philip’s agents are sent to Epirus in order to poison the Despot of Epirus and spark a pro-Latin Revolt and install John I Orsini in power ('''Mod Response on the progress of this Needed''') while he also secretly offers the Duke of the Archipelago control of the Duchy of Athens if he secretly supports him against the Principality of Achaea and Athens ('''Mod Response Needed''') ('''End of Secret'''). With these advances Robert I continue forward with his plan to restore the Latin Empire under Angevin rule.
-**'''Thomas I of Epirus dies of poison. His mother Anna Palaiologina seizes de-facto power, and severs all relations with Albania even amidst a revolt of the Latins.'''
-**'''Albanian Military Action : '''With the sudden Latin Revolt and the death of Thomas , Robert I sends his brother Prince Philip to Epirus in command of an Army of 7,500 Troops with the objective of reaching the Epirote Capital of Arta in order to depose Anna Palaiologina and place John I Orsini in power as an Albanian Vassal while also seizing portions of Northern Epirus.
-**'''Duke William of Naxos is interested in the offer, but will not commit himself at this time'''
-*'''Delhi Sultanate: '''Having annexed Ranthambore, the Sultan now turns his attention towards Malwa which is being invaded by the Yadavs, a state that the Sultan had invaded in 1296 and they had stopped tribute payments a few years after the raid of Devagiri. '''The Sultan prepares a force of 10 tumans (mostly cavalry) and sends it to invade Malwa and rout the Yadava armies, the force is led by Malik Kafur, an able slave general. Malik Kafur is aided by Alp Khan, Alauddin's Gujarat governor. The other cities of Malwa are quickly captured with the fall of the Paramara dynasty, the forces of Malik Kafur and the Yadavas meets in a battlefield near Dhar (capital of Malwa), in the Battle of Dhar. '''At home, the Sultan continues with his reforms, instituting a secret service to keep tabs on his nobles and prevent them from hatching conspiracies. Having suffered rebellions in the early part of his reign, Alauddin Khilji also institutes a law preventing marriages between nobles and limiting the interactions between nobles. The Sultan also starts standardizing his bureaucracy, now taking a written test (different from OTL), as he learnt from his advisers that this method was used by the Chinese kings to administer their vast empires, to recruit his officers. The officers are also supposed to know Persian (the official court language) and the local language of the area they want to work in. These tests are conducted in the major urban centres which have governors appointed by the Sultan. The tests are open to the general public however the higher ranks are reserved for Muslims. Alauddin's army administration has started maintaining a descriptive roll of every soldier, and occasionally conducts strict reviews of the army to examine the horses and arms of the soldiers. To ensure that no horse could be presented twice or replaced by a poor-quality horse during the review, Alauddin has established a system of branding the horses. The Sultan also keeps transferring his city/regional governors every few years (a milder version of what he did OTL). In the market reforms, his administration forces the grain transporters to settle in villages at specific distances around the cities to ensure rapid grain transport to the cities (OTL measure extended for cities other than Delhi). Even though Alauddin adopted a policy of tolerance, non-Muslims still have to pay the ''jizya'' tax, however the tax has been reduced and the Muslim subjects are obligated to contrbute ''zakat .'' He has also levied taxes on residences (''ghari'') and grazing (''charai''), however these are substantially lower than that levied OTL. The government has begun establishing marketplaces (''bazaars''), which are regulated by the government, traders indulging in malpractices are punished. '''The government has begun implementing these reforms while many of these have been implemented from the time he ascended the throne (most of these are OTL reforms unless stated otherwise). The Sultan sends emissaries to Khorasan, to pressurise them into accepting Ölijaitü as their King. (MOD RESPONSE)'''
-**'''Khoresan has already rejected offers to crown Ölijaitü, and continues to do so. -Rexmod.'''
-*'''Duchy of Brabant: "Harba Lorifa"'''The population of Heyst ten Berge begins to grow, due to people wanting to able to sell their goods to Duke John II and his nobilty.Since the mansions makes it a important but small meeting place some 4 Brabantine mile (20 Miles) from the Capital city of Brussels, which now with John II needing to also go to Holland and Zeeland is a bit to southly laying in his Realm. While at the same time the reforms related to archery in Brabant begint to slowly show their effect, as some men begin to slowly take up their archery skills and begin to hit the outer layers of their targets. Even with this most people do ignore this law or only follow it laxly, with men attending but using it more as way to gather around the pub and bars. While His majesty John II begins to demobilise the nobility and giving them the option to go back to their estate's. John II wanting to now look into improving his nations and setting the foundation of one Lotharingian dynasty and Realm.
-*'''Jarldom of Greenland: '''this year sees the Capital meeting place finishing construction.At the first meeting there,it is decided to transform the meeting hall into the official parliament( Inatsisartut)which will have 1 member for each 100 people totaling 25 seats in the parliament.The jarl will have the capacity to dissolve it without their concern,but will listen to the parliaments advice.
-*'''Republic of Genoa:''' The defeat suffered in Syracuse has left the republic poorly positioned, despite this, the number of Venetian shipwrecks exceeds the amount compared to Genoese navy in Sicily. Therefore, if Genoa continues to archieve more “defeats” like those of Syracuse, it will eventually win the war. To strengthen commercial security in the Western Mediterranean, a fleet of 30 galleys headed back to the Strait of Gibraltar in order to block trade with the Atlantic again. The war with Venice has reached its culminating moment and all, Genoa customers have been asked if they can sell 2000 (1000 for Mallorca & Knights Hospitallers) of their best mercenaries along with 20 galleys (10 for Mallorca & Knights Hospitallers) to meet in the metropolis of the Republic, this will pay them with 5 gold coins for each soldier they contribute and 10 of them for each galley. Because Benedetto I Zaccaria has been sentenced to death and the Zaccaria house has been extinguished (accused to expropiate Chios), he has left the Genoese annual assembly in the hands of the Spínola, Doria and other important families together with the Duke generating slight internal conflicts between families for the wealth enjoyed by the Zaccaria. Meanwhile, to get more commercial clients, diplomats and merchants went to the city of Murcia to sign the ''Genoves commercia foedus'' with the crown of Castile '''(Mod response as Kingdom of Castille)'''. Regardless of the fact that Genoa has almost absolute control over trade in the Western Mediterranean, the main objective of this trade agreement was to obtain clients and mercenaries from reliable nations to deal with Venetian naval power. On the other hand and radically changing the subject, the city of Acre and the colonies located in southern Crimea have been informed to invest all available resources in the construction of 40 galleys in total (35 in the Black Sea and 5 in Acre) in case of an invasion of enemies (Venice, Albania, Turks or Guelphs like Holy See, Florence, Pisa, Monaco). Althrow, around around 15 galleys from Genoa had been configured to have Trebuchet replacing the space assigned to marines & troops, and a iron chain have been implemented in most of the war galleys to connect each other making a large blockade with easy.
-**'''Castile agrees to the trade deal'''
-*'''Lordship of Ireland: '''The war continues.
-*'''Principality of Achaea: '''With the arrival of Angevin Prince Phillip in Clermont, Prince Florent and Princess Isabella are hospitable and honorable hosts. They summon their barons and vassals to Clermont to negotiate with Prince Philip. With Richard I Orsini present, Florent learns that Richard of Anjou has been seeking to undermine the stability of Achaea. The Duke of Naxos, Guglielmo Sanudo, also reveals that Albania has been undermining the influence of the Prince and Princess. Enraged, Florent sends Philip away with a demand for his brother: '''relinquish the title of Latin Emperor, or face war.''' By the time Florent sends Philip away, news has arrived that Epirus is under revolt after the Achaean ally, Thomas I, was poisoned by the Angevins. This is the last straw for Florent, who moves his army into Epirus, aimed at quelling the revolt. To this end, Nicholas III of Saint Omer - who had earlier in the year '''attempted to negotiate an alliance with Bulgaria against Byzantium (Mod Response)''', is sent to Epirus where he seeks a population exchange with Anna Palaiologina '''(Mod Response)''', in exchange for helping assuage the rebels. As the Albanian forces retreat from Epirus into Albania, the 5,000 Aragonese troops cut off the immediate route back to Durazzo, landing at the mouth of the Seman River. With Albania cut-off from its capital by the surprise Aragonese arrivals, they have no choice but to engage in pitched combat. The combined Achaean/Athenian/Epirote forces, numbering 11,000, which had been closely following the Angevin contingency finally make their move and attack as the Albanians are seeking to cross the Seman River. With Aragon's position secure on the northern side of the river and the joint forces rushing them across to their waiting doom, many enemy knights are caught in the fording of the river. They are then to be defeated as they emerge on the other riverbank or as they are chased by the Achaean-aligned troops. To the sea, the combined Achaean-Aragonese naval blockades the coast, preventing escape by sea. To command these forces is Prince Florent himself. Elsewhere, John, Archbishop of Patras, casts his vote in the Papal Conclave and then he passes away. A godly man, his loss is much mourned by Isabella of Villehardouin.
-**'''Bulgaria accepts a temporary alliance with Achaea against Byzantium'''
-**'''Prince Philip decides to withdraw from Epirus and establish defensive positions in Albania in preparation for an Epirus-Achaean Invasion'''
-*'''Teutonic Knights: '''The year starts out when the Grand-Master decided that '''Joining The Hansetic League''' was the better way to help the economy.with this the Grand-master '''Left the Gotland League''' because it was not making enough money.The castles in Malbouk and Balga are complete and 300 troops are put in each castle. '''The Grand-master asks Riga and the Livonian Order to join the Hanseatic League and leave the Gotland League (Mod Response).''' We will send a envoy to Bremen to Improve relations. The Grand-master is ordering to put higher taxes in Courland. With the war in Novgorod ending we being back the 5,000 Knights sent to Sweden back to the country.
-**'''Riga and Livonia do so only insomuch as they trust the Teutonic knights'''
-*'''Duumvirate of Cilicia:''' Baydu dies from a disease and the now twenty-two year-old (OOC: again, estimate as exact date of birth was not recorded) Albert inherits his place in the Duumvirate alongside Hethum II acting as regent for King Leo III of Armenia. The military continues fortifying Aleppo, with the size of the garrison expanding to 17,000 through extensive recruiting in eastern Anatolia. The government works on increasing the integration between Turkic and Persian inhabitants of the nation by having people from both ethnicities work on the same farms between Sis and Sivas, thereby also expanding the farms and improving the economy. A new Nestorian church is built in Sivas to further integrate the region with Cilicia proper. The government is uncertain about the strategies used by the Byzantine Empire in Bulgaria and so decides not to send any new troops there for now, though the 2,000 soldiers already in Byzantium are kept there.
-**'''Qipchaq Khanate:''' The military focuses on improving the fortifications of Mashhad by building new walls, moats and outlying watchtowers, in order to repel potential attacks from Khoreson or Öljaitü. The Persian and Yuan farmers continue to work on expanding the agriculture and food supply in the area around the city. Qipchaq hopes to establish a connection from Mashhad to the Caspian Sea in order to further improve the agriculture, but the area between Mashhad and the sea is controlled by the Khoreson-allied Emirate of Hyrcania. Hence, Qipchaq sends scouts to infiltrate Hyrcania and investigate the nation's defences and potential locations to attack in order to extend Mashhad's area of control to the Caspian Sea.
-* '''Bohemia-Poland: '''Wenceslaus III marries his betrothed Catherine di Visconti in a lavish ceremony in Krakow inviting members of the princes of the HRE and the various nobles of Poland and Bohemia in an effort to shore up support at home and in the hre. He also commits to liberating eastern Poland from, Ruthenian control taking advantage of the divided attention of the Golden Horde. He calls on the levies and nobles across Bohemia and Poland Mobolizing in Krakow.  He begins hiring mercenaries and calls on his ally Hungary for support. Seige weapons are also built. Jan Muskata votes for the roman candidate. Wenceslaus III seeing the economic potential of the hansa's inland expansion offers to help Hansa traders push further inland.
-* '''Papal States (Sede vacante): '''The citizens of Lazio and the rest of the Papal legations mourn and grieve His Holiness' unsuspected death. Cardinal Giovanni Minio da Morrovalle promises to subjugate the French bastard and to let the French know their place. '''da Morrovalle also promises bars of gold to the Senese council of Siena and the Signoria of Florence for their votes for him to hold the Papal office (MOD RESPONSE PLEASE).'''
-** '''Florence accepts, Siena refuses'''
-*'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' With the mobilization of our Bohemian-Polish allies, the regency council votes to support them in attacking the golden horde in order to secure the border and protect against potential incursions by them. Forces under the king and the magnates begin mobilizing to attack the Golden Horde and liberate the christian living there from the heathen yoke. The army is placed under the leadership of Matthew III Csák, he places his responsibilities under the viceroyalty of Ivan Koszegi, while he is absent from the capital. The troops amass at the Carpathians in the border preparing to launch a strike into the lands of Ruthenia. In response to this, the title of Géza's Great Grandfather Andrew II is claimed, with Géza claiming the title King of Ruthenia.
-*'''Crown of Aragon:''' Following the fall of Ceuta, the path to move south is opened as the allied forces with reinforcements and lines of established supply move inland. 5,000 men allied to the House of Barcelona and stationed in Napoli are sent off to support Achaea in defense against Albania alongside with portions of our relieved fleet off the coast of Morocco following the fall of Ceuta with 20 ships in total being dispatched while the remainder of non-supply ships block off regions of yet to be captured shoreline. Men in Melilla receive supply after capturing defenses and continue to use siege weapons in the city which have already been supplied prior to capture it in hopes of our allied forces being able to join in Fes for further support. Forces in the battle for Fes see supply as crucial with Cavalry being taken full advantage of. Contact with coast secured, supplies such as food and water are able to be delivered to our men by horseback. The city is cut off to ensure that a supply shortage may ensue even outside of conflict with the arrival of catapults and trebuchets being used to launch massive chunks of hazardous debris into the city with archers launching arrows at men and over defenses alike to ignite defenses and take out enemies. Digging through the surface, flammable material is also used to chip away at defenses and create significant weaknesses. Meanwhile, similar attacks are applied to secure Melilla in order to secure the city through siege tactics and weapons that are applied in Fes. King James II to boost morale and as the flag-bearer of the Papacy, lead his men in the battle for Fes.
-*'''Japanese Empire (Sengoku): '''The Sengoku Jidai continues in earnest with the Emperor this year marshalling his forces for a massive push on central Japan. A force of 15,000 a force of 20,000 and a force of 25,000 are sent Southwest, North and Northeast respectively under the commands of Hiruzen, Saito, and the Emperor himself Go-Uda march on the Hosokawa, Tetsuko, and Miura clans. This endeaver almost breaks the bank for the Emperor who uses some outside funding from allied or loyal daimyo's personal fortunes promising riches beyond belief following the reunification of Japan. The first battles to be joined are the battle with the Hosokawa clan about 50 miles north of the city of Wakayama taking advantage of the majority of the Hosokawa armies focused east on the Amago and Minamoto clans. Hiruzen looking to prove himself to the emperor and to anger his parent Minamoto clan with his escape to the emperor manages to secure a series of stunning victories against the Hosokawa garrison forces wiping out or recruiting many of them following their defeat. Wakayama falls by the beginning of winter and the Hosokawa are pushed out of all the territory to the south of the capital effectively suring most of this section of the island. The Hosokawa daimyo in an attempt to retake the region land once down the coast from the city only to be met with Hiruzen deploying fire lances on the landing ships setting many of them on fire and absolutely slaughtering the vast majority of the rest with the few who surrendered committing Seppuku as honor demands. The war to the north brings the Emperors forces under Saito into conflict with the re-organized Tetsuko forces who secure a few early victories only to be drawn full well into Saitos trap in the valley between Horai mountain and Minako mountain. The Tetsuko force suffers a serious defeat which leads to their defense of the Obama and Takashima fortresses leading to two back to back decisive defeats for the Tetsuko. Reeling from this the Tetsuko see some losses against the Miura as well who are unaware of the Imperial army marching on Edo. As the Tetsuko fall back from various forward positions, Saitos army turns southwest starting the siege of Maizuru looking to evict a recently made Amago stronghold. The march on Edo puts the largest of the Emperors armies led by Go-Usa himself against a 30,000 strong Miura army. The battle before its initiation sees flipping of nearly 2000 samurai and 3000 of his Ashigaru forces to the Miura forcing a deperate stand for the Emperor. His forces are caught on the backfoot fighting ferociously against the traitors as the Mirua army closes with his own. Having been studying up on strategy the last few years, Go-Uda takes falls back quickly in an attempt to reconstitute his army. The Miura forces force the Emperors army all the way back to Nagoya putting the city to siege trapping him. One fateful day however, Go-Uda plots taking his forces  he waits for nightfall following the days battles having barely staved off the assaults into the city with purely the City garrison. His army strikes late into the night comming up quickly on the Miura encampment. Fire-arrows, Firelances, and two trebuchets complete with flaming munitions fly into the Miura camp. Tents and fortifications barely manned are set aflame as Imperial troops stream into the camp wiping out or capturing most of the forward troops. The Miura forces having lost nearly half their number to this surprise begin a shameful retreat harassed by the Emperors forces. His act having invigorated his troops and with deeds of this turnaround spreading to the entire empire and other daimyo, he reveals his trump card. A mercenary force preparing to intervene and break the siege of Nagoya are redirected and a fleet sails up the Tokyo bay seizing Yokohama and managing to batter Edo into a very disadvantageous siege. The Miura forces now sandwhiched between the two armies are forced to evacuate leaving much of their core territory and try to march over the Chiba in order to re-establish a secure base of power. With great successes this year the Emperor has clearly used this year to become one of the dominant forces on the islands as the remaining Daimyo are forced to re-organize following the disastrous first years of the Sengoku period.
-*'''Republic of Milan:''' Following the defeat in the city of Pavia Milanese forces reorganize and prepare for a second assault with battering rams as well as more ladders. Half of the large cavalry force of the Milanese mercenaries dismount in order to better assault the walls upon the breaking of the gates the remainder of the Cavalry will charge in hoping to use the foot soldiers to push enemy forces off of the gate and give our Cavalry a larger field to work with inside of the castle. From here, Our forces will be able to rout the enemy due to our large force of powerful medium and heavy cavalry being able to cycle charge. This tactic has been further refined in recent battles as the long lances begin to incorporate more major foot soldiers in there company. A diplomat is sent to Lubeck to discuss current economic matters and future plans for the HRE economically.
+<u>'''A massive hurricane kills hundreds of Belgian settlers in OTL Florida.'''</u>
+<u>'''The Sarbani Empire launches their campaign southward in Gondwana, hoping to expand their realm across all of the Indian subcontinent. However, exhaustion and a lack of organization among the Sarbani's leads to a number of tactical mistakes and resources. This would aid in the Bhagat dynasty's fight against the Empire, successfully defeating the Sarbani Emperor at the Battle of Nagpur. '''</u>
+<u>'''In Southern India, the Nayak Federation would launch an invasion of Sri Lanka, occupying the island within a matter of months under the astounding leadership of General Charat Singh.'''</u>
+'''<u>In Tibet, just north of India</u>'''<u> </u><u>'''Dravya Shah establishes the Kingdom of Nepal.'''</u>
+<u>'''The Swahili Confederacy, under the Portuguese Crown, decline the offer to rejoin Mutapa outright, and instead requests that Portugal aid in their oncoming war against the Empire to the south.'''</u>
+<u>'''French scolar Jean Nicot proposes medicinal properties of tobacco, and introduces "snuff powder" to the French court.'''</u>
+<u>'''Kano Motonobu establishes the Kano school of painting in Japan.'''</u>
+<u>'''The stagnation of Mali has settled into a period of unrest across much of the Empire, with citizens and nobility alike claiming the legitimacy toward the Mansa and the Gbara to have grown weak overtime, citing shortcomings in the recent conflicts faced and flaws within the Empire's structure. This would cause for a brief affair when the Sultan of Agadez claimed that the title of Mansa has grown into nothing more than "ceremonial procedures". '''</u>
+<u>'''In Ethiopia, the power struggle between the Emperor and the aristocracy would result in a number of small skirmishes between differing Princes over the state. Upon the Emperor's untimely death in the War against Funj, however, his eldest son had only reached the age of 7 prior to his death, leaving the aristocracy of Ethiopia to sieze much of the power from the Emperor and his Court, establishing an oligarchy in the process and limiting the influence of the Emperor, demoting the position to be purely ceremonial in action.'''</u>
+*'''Dai Viet-Lan Xang:''' This year, Emperor Xaysethathirath writes an edict to announce the construction of the Wat Xieng Thong Pagoda in Luang Prabang. The pagoda is built under the management of Vũ Như Ly, the son of the late royal architect Vũ Như Tô. Meanwhile, after the death of Grand Commandant Nguyễn Kim, there was a fight for the position between the trusted son-in-law of Nguyễn Kim, Trịnh Kiểm and the sons of Nguyễn Kim, Nguyễn Uông and Nguyễn Hoàng. To settle this dispute, Emperor Xaysethathirath puts each men in respective positions: Nguyễn Uông as the Grand Commandant, Trịnh Kiểm as the Governor of the Northern institution, and Nguyễn Hoàng as the Governor of the Southern institution. Meanwhile, Dai Viet makes claim to the Côn Đảo Archipelago. The Dai Viet navy is tasked to maintain sovereignty of the islands. So, the Academy of Scholarly Worthies' geographers are tasked to draw the complete atlas of Dai Viet-Lan Xang, with the addition of several islands and Trấn Tây Thành called ''Đại Việt - Vạn Tượng nhất thống toàn đồ (The complete atlas of Dai Viet-Lan Xang)'', an addition to the Hồng Đức atlas during the reign of Emperor Lê Thánh Tông.
+**'''Jawa's diplo:''' after years of negotiating. The aristocracy and the King has made their decision. They demand Pi to be handed back in order to reset the long standing alliance that had been existing before.
+**'''Clan of Rasaja(exile):''' While Pi and the rest of the clan lives peacefully. The declaration of the aristocracy and the King of Jawa has sent terror to Pi. He asks the Vietnamese emperor to refuse the offer. Promising him to serve as a general is the next Vietnamese wars. As his status of a former emperor can be abandoned easily in exchange of beeing long close to a faithful ally. As they always were.
+**'''Pi is handed back to Java'''
+*'''Abbasid Caliphate:''' Emir Ibrahim bin Mehmud would be appointed as one of Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman's advisors during this time to better aid in the legitimacy of his future ascendence to the throne. He would learn after Caliph al-Abdūkʿrāhman, studying under his father after a lengthy seven-year tenure at the Great University of Alexandria to better prepare his intellectual capabilities, and would ultimately be granted an additional residency in Baghdad so as to contribute to the translation efforts in the House of Wisdom. Much like his father, Ibrahim bin Mehmud would study military strategy and historical conflicts, while most of his siblings would take up roles in the Court or the Ulema. By this time, the Taymiyyah Order's control over the Ulema and Court of the Caliph had declined rapidly, with many of the Orders migrating into Persia while seats in the Ulema were mostly replaced by the Muʿtazilites and moderate humanists. The Sultanate of Ifriqiya is released as a vassal of the Caliphate.
+**'''Gurkani Sultanate:''' Re-construction of Efsahan, Tehran, Shiraz, and Yazd would be conducted through a variety of architectural influence, mainly Abbasid and Greco-Roman. Sultan Ariyāramna al-Gurkāni Mirza, the Padishah of Persia, would appoint his son, Adarnarseh Mirza (c. 1534), as Regent of the Sultan, establishing a precedent where the heir-apparent would be the Regent (and later Vizier) of the Sultan, in an effort to provide legitimacy toward their reign as having served under the prior Sultan. The remnants of the silk road continue to remain highly profitable, with exports consisting of carpetry, copper, gold, leather, and a variety of fruits and spices, with cotton making up a significant export for the Empire. While localized Shi'ite communities maintain primary domestic autonomy, policies to collectivize the Shi'ite population under authority of the Gurkani dynasty are done through a variety of methods, such as allowing the Shi'ite clergy into the Court of the Sultan and held theological debates in Efsahan and Yazd. In the conflict against the Qizilbash, policies to eclipse the power are conducted, including the positioning of the Taymiyyah Order in Yazd and the creation of a slave army based on the ghulams introduced by the Savafids and the various ethnicities that flourished during the Georgian Empire.
+**'''Sultanate of Ifriqiya:''' Sultan Yousef ibn Ibrahim would offer his eldest son and heir, Hakim (b. 1532), to the Court of the Mansa in Mali, in hopes of strengthening relations between the northern and western realm '''[Mali Response Needed]'''. Due to the adoption of the printing press, pirated works from Europe see en-masse translation into Arabic and Berber, enlightening the period of darkness in canonizing Ifriqiya. This would formally occur upon the publication of "Barbaria", the canonical history of northern Africa since its independence from the Umayyad Caliphate. Piracy begins to increase under the authority of Admiral Nasser Barbary.
+*<p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-f7058106-7fff-a394-8cee-1b3397c27c11">'''Kingdom of Mutapa: Gemba offers the Portuguese full northern coastal rights and his weight in in gold if they decide to help us instead.(Portuguese Player response) He also offers the Gaz Empire an alliance and offers to upkeep the roads built in the nation. (Mod response.)''' Scholars continue to experiment with the water wheel while textiles begin to bring in good money. Looking to reestablish access to the coast, old maps are brought out and Gemba sends and expedition past the great escarpment. Gemba army makes great use of horses riding the Swahili flatlands with great haste. He begins to move his forces towards the coast aiming for the fishing town of Mzizima. King increases mining efforts in preparation of founding a new port city. His interest in metals leads to send a scholar to find one of the small blast furnaces in the Indian quarter of lusvingo and writes how it works. And sees the hardened iron coming out of it. He takes his findings and has books made a at the library.</p>
+*<p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-f7058106-7fff-a394-8cee-1b3397c27c11">'''Kingdom of Hungary:''' Trade along the Danube River is prospering due to goods being brought into our nation to help rebuild our nation. The university continues the growth of people being eager to get in and learn from the best. Trade increases with people importing bulk technology and ideas from other nations. While our agriculture sector exports a ton of crops all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The military academy continues to expand in size. The economy is booming throughout the nation feeling healthy. Population is growing a lot these past few years. The mass production of printing presses have increased. Publication has increased a lot with books and papers all throughout the nation. Education by the increase in books has increased tremendously. Our banks are flourishing from all the money we are getting from people putting all their money into their accounts from all the trade. The mines are doing well with the finding of more minerals to make our currency and other expensive items.''' '''The construction of a canal system made for irrigation to farm lands from the Danube River is continuing to help increase the number of crops to help the economy. With all the new guns being brought into our nation our technology as been modernizing rapidly making our army more stronger and importantly positioned. '''We ask Byzantium if they have a daughter so Peter can marry. (Rome Empire player respond) '''</p>
+** '''Banate of Bosnia:''' Within this territory everything is doing fine. We feed off Hungary itself by prospering with trade and the economy. Our industries are doing what we can to help Hungary out.
+** '''Banate of Severin:''' The territory experiences prosperity from Hungary. Trade is going well and the economy is as well. Other sectors of the nation also do well helping Hungary out.
+** '''Disease Theory to justify this action does not yet exist.'''
+* ''' '''Kingdom of Belgium "Vryheid is ons Reght": The caloosa accept Willem Jan's demand, Willem Jan marches 550 soldiers into caloosa territory. Willem setting up another military camp called Fort Kalus, and offering the tribes Protection under the RHC '''(Mod response).''' The plan being to set up client states in Broekzand Peninsula, The peninsula being renamed''' Panterwal '''.The peninsula being seen as a very fertile and rich in natural resources. The main resource in Herdersvlakte being the sheep as more and more Herders enter the land to graze their sheep and sell the their wool. The wool being needed in Belgia as the Lakenhallen require good quality and great quantity wool, the Lakenhallen being one of the main producers of goods. As laken is often sold to foreign nations for Gold which in turn is used to buy the goods from the African and Asian market. The lands used by the herders thus growing along the great river, as it provided with an easy source of water and drinking for the sheep. While in Vigny Jean Frans gets the order that directly after the battle he is to send his 12,000 soldiers, the plan being soon make peace with Arles and Messin. The plan being to establish peace and ensure continues border of Belgia to her southern border, Jan Juliaen Dekremer wanting to ensure the safety of the Belgian borders. The ultimate goal being to get trade into Belgium and have a everlasting peace and stability.
+** '''They accept.'''
+* '''Empire of Japan:''' The last few years has seen the Empire restricted in its expansions across the west coast as certain amounts of administrative over-reach, lack of intense direct support from the homeland, and in finality the need to break certain Japanese traditions regarding red meat to augment food supply occuring. This restricts quite a bit of the expansion and focus instead goes from trying to secure more coastal territory to expanding the existing settlements. Kenzo, Yamamoto and Amaterasu see an increase in population. However, the small fort to the south of Kenzo has become depopulated due to a rampant lack of food and poor water. This prompts the failure of a trade guild associated with the Kyoto Zaibatsu and a new ship is contracted by a larger associative trade guild to re-establish the colony. 100 men arrive renaming the settlement Fort Tanaka after the expeditions leader and he sets up the post a bit farther south attempting to avoid some of the water and food issues. The former colonies inhabitants are given a traditional burial and a shrine is built on the remains of the colony. Back in Asia, the Japanese support for Maguindanao and Tondo in their expansion efforts sees more territory in Mindanao and Tondo expanding lightly in Masbate island. The Japanese army embarks on a series of training operations for its army. This year the abilities of a regional army to be sent abroad is tested as Motonari Mori and an Imperial General, Hideyoshi Tetsuko (of the famed Tetsuko clan) are sent with 20,000 troops to Manzhuguo. The force arrives and immediately begins to train alongside the 10,000 strong Manzhuguo regional army. The two armies begin to train heavily in order to test their training and mettle. The Imperial army in order to save money for this operation is demobilized for the duration. However, with many able to just simply take their weapons home or being close to their barracks, they are able to respond should the need arise. The expanding trade influence of Japan now reaches India as multiple open trades are conducted with the myriad states in India hoping to increase trade income from the region. Trade has also notably increased from the Abbasid Caliphate as the two empires have started much more regular trade again following their titanic but distant war.
+*'''Roman Empire:''' As the civil war approaches the one decade Odysseus Hasapis sees his opportunity. He raises his forces from Tyras and his personal allies in Wallachia and Dobruja. These men he compels to march south to end the fighting. He aligns himself with Manuel against John, bringing to bear a new force of 18,000 men and an experienced general. With this new influx of troops and finally a good leader Manuel and Odysseus go on the offensive. Their assault proves more successful than before, but after a series of missteps, John’s superior generalship proves enough to reach a tenuous stalemate. In the interests of the empire, the Senate, an organization of several prominent nobles, and Odysseus himself demand an end to the fighting. With 24,000 men raised and the tacit support of the various Strategoi of the Themata, they demand that John and Manuel either cease fighting and come to an agreement or they will find someone else in the Palaiologian Dynasty or elsewhere to serve as Emperor. They also demand greater rights and the formalization of such rights under a new legal code. This new code grants protections to all property owners from seizure and redistribution by the government, reduces the power of the emperor even further, and extends senatorial voting privileges to all landowners of a defined wealth value. '''A consortium of bankers, flush with money repaid from Georgian and Russian loans offer Spain a bailout in exchange for a percent of their Meridian gold imports over the next few decades. (Mod Response)  '''
+**'''Spain would agree to this for no more than 2%'''
+**'''Done.'''
+*'''Saxony:''' The Catholic Jessen League, illegal since the backlash against Catholics that followed the Wittenberg Massacre, orchestrated by the League, devises a plot to assassinate the entire Supreme Ratia by stocking large amounts of gunpowder underneath them as they gather to vote in a new President. They have been preparing for this for years, and their spies have infiltrated the Ratian Union government itself. '''(RNG for assassination)'''.
+**'''Mod Response:''' The gunpowder does not ignite and the UJRR finds it. They have suspects, but no firm leads.
+===1560===
+'''<u>Influenza slowly spreads into West Africa through the Saharan trade routes, ultimately spreading across the much of the eastern territories. The spread of the sickness, in addition to the unrest that has begun to circulate following their failure in securing Ashanti, has led to a schism among the aristocracy and the structure of the Mali Empire, leading to a myriad of Emirs and Sultans in the East to exert their own authority over much of Bornu, although this does not currently disrupt the Gbara. Meanwhile, descendents of the Children of the Antouman relocate to Jabal Asada.</u>'''
+'''<u>In the war against the Funj Sultanate, Emperor Menas of Ethiopia begins to rely further on the aristocracy of Empire, ceding power to the nobility in an effort to supply and provide resources to take avenge for his father's death in the Battle of Kassala. This would mark a shift in the Ethiopian Empire, for the Emperor's continued reliance on the nobility would mark a shift in the balance of power.</u>'''
+'''<u>A total solar eclipse can be viewed from Europe. The Starkists in the Hanseatic League, as usual, believe this to be a sign of the end times. A preacher in Brunswick gathers supporters to March on the city and take it over. By the time the plan is executed, twelve people show up, the others believing the attack was to take place the following week. By the following week, the Starkists have forgotten about the eclipse.</u>'''
+<u>'''A daring raid on Spanish treasure ships by pirates becomes infamous throughout the Caribbean. The same thing happens to a Lotharingian fleet later this year. These two events concern traders and cause a significant decrease in trade through the West Indies. The Golden Age of Piracy has begun!'''</u>
+<u>'''In Lotharingia, a rodent plague causes a significant decline in the squirrel population.'''</u>
-===1307===
-'''<u>Habemus Papam! Cardinal </u><u>Giovanni Minio da Morrovalle is elected the new Pope, and has taken the name Pope John XXI. The ''Liber Pontifica'' then alters the name of the previous Pope John XXI to be retroactively referred to as "Pope John XX".</u>'''
-'''<u>Or... maybe not? News travels from Siena that the Cardinal bribed other members of the conclave to vote for him. This scandal raises legitimate concern of the election being invalid. </u><u>Riccardo Petroni leads a collective of f</u><u>our Cardinals (from Siena, France, Aragon and Castile) to relocate to hold a new conclave outside of Italy, either in Avignon or Barcelona. The Knights Templar and other Holy Orders generally adheres to Pope John XXI for the time being, which further aggravates the military finances of France.</u>'''
+*'''Mali Empire:''' Emperor Mansa Musa, third of that name since Sundiata, was soon close to the end of his life. He read all the epics and history of the Mali Empire, from the early life of Mansa Musa I, through the Prophecies of Abu Yunus, through the conquests of Ibn Ismail and Yahya Qamar. And Musa knew that all the history of Mali, their great books of history and foreign-produced maps, was preserved for all time, for later generations to remember and be proud of, and no one can ever take that away. And Musa was happy. Because it was never power or knowledge that he was seeking, but peace. All the people of Niani came to mourn and weep at his feet, and begged him not to go and leave them, but he told them to take comfort. All good things must end, except for Allah only. The time for weeping has passed, and the time has come to instead be grateful of the blessings we still have. "Death", he said, "Is a blessing from God, to remove us from this world after we have lived long enough to benefit it. If we lived forever, in our corrupted carnal state, the world would only get worse and worse". This was a paraphrase of the work ''On Death'' by Idris of Segu. He also further quoted the Sundiata, which have been words held fast by ever emperor since the first Keitas "God works with us in mysterious ways. You may be a king, and there is nothing you can do about it. You, however, may not be so lucky, and there is nothing you can do about that either. Each man finds his way already marked out for him and he can change nothing of it." And with those words, Musa left this life, the last great king of Mali, and Uli his son succeeded him. These words have since been spread across the empire, as a mantra of the West African dialects that are shortened to "No worry" or "Hakuna matata". Mansa Uli III was previously the King of Wagadugu, having been installed after the Mossi king was executed. Uli conceeded to the Gbara with the decentralization of the Mali Empire, effectively granting further autonomy to the indirect vassals of the empire. The imperialist faction from the Waalo Kingdom strongly opposed this, and even threatened to place his brother Simba on the throne instead. Uli knew that a civil conflict would soon appear, but there was nothing he could do to prevent it, seeing the ultimate decline of the Mali Empire as inevitble. His son, Addas, had a different idea. Addas approached a shaman in the remote rural countryside of the Senegal River, the exact same place Musa I traveled to after being exiled. The shaman first asked Addas if he wants his future told, and to this Addas refused, saying that he already can see the future of Mali before his eyes, its inevitbly decline and fall. To this the shaman asked, if he wants to see a different future. This was now a startling revelation to Addas: every Shaman sees multiple possible futures, visions of other worlds, but only one ever comes to pass. So Addas said yes, he wants to see a new fate for Mali, as any other world should surely be better than this one.
-'''<u>Almost as an act of God, the Lateran Palace in Rome burns down.</u>'''
+*'''Kingdom of Portugal:'''Queen Cirí visits the town of Gordes where she holds a speech meantioning the soon to be 200 years of Portuguese rule.After this she travels to the different colonies and funds infrastructure and hsopitals to increase population.The funeral of King Antonio takes place this year,thre eyears delayed due to a series of unfortunate events srruonding his body.
+*'''Kingdom of Belgium "Vryheid is ons Reght":''' More fury and anger Jan Juliaen Dekremer attacks with his full army the city of Metz, Jan Juliaen once more demanding the surrender of the city. Jan Juliaen seeing the siege and their refusal to surender, causes unneeded death and distruction. Thus Dekremer Jan Juliaen continue's the attack and fires Dulle griet more and more cannons balls at the walls of Metz. This bombardment combined with a charge eventualy captures the city and High the Fearless, a great arlesois general and leader. With this capture of a great leader, The Groot Belgische Raad now pushes for peace. Thus the Groot belgische sends a message to Arles offering peace, and a truce until the peace treaty can be signed''' (Mod response).''' Jan Juliaen Dekremer also looking into heavier taxation of the realm as to be able to give some money to both Spain, Hungary and Russia for their aid, as the troops were send in to help Lotharingia. Alltough this name change was only a form of formality, the Help from Hungary coming due to the ties between the Hungarian king and Godfried I of Belgium. The economy mostly trade towards Germany and Europe slowing down greatly, as many cities and places were destroyed or disrupted by troop movement. The plan being to greatly reduce the Belgian army and relly more and more on the Local Guards of the Klein Belgische raden. Which are slightly less diciplined but have greater morale and more geographic informed about their own region, and alot cheaper. In Panterwal with the Calusa accepting vasalage, both Fort Majeimi and Damiaenburght  growing from Millitary camps into towns. These millitary posts getting more merchants coming for the trade that can be done with the natives and the land that's available, where they can hunt and aquire very dangerous furs and pelts. Thus Majeimi and Damiaenstad becoming into being even if they are still part of the millitary towns, they have more towns and a population of 800 for Majeimi and 600 for Damiaenstad. This succes being in great contrast with Nieuw Jersey which has trouble atracting any people outside the original crew of the ships.
+*'''Tsardom of Russia: Capitalizing on the successful expulsion of the Polish army from Novgorod Manikis and the young Dimitry no longer acting under an alias and instead joining the Aged Manikis to fight. A reorganization of the Novgorod and Tver Garrisons begins to prepare for an invasion of Poland. Meanwhile, the young Levan is brought up to assist with the reorganization and prepare for the uncoming campaigning season. '''The health of Konstantin takes a serious decline due to the stres in his personal life and the managing of the state and war. construction of the new war galleys continues. posting full thing tomorrow sorry cant to tired rightnow.
+*'''Saxony:''' Wolfgang, the Duke of Saxony, suspects the Catholics were behind the attempt to blow up the Supreme Ratia last year, and heightens anti-Catholic laws in his Duchy. Once again, the Jessen League has only made things worse for themselves. Nevertheless, they are persistent, and decide to try again. Large amounts of gunpowder are smuggled into an area behind the Supreme Ratia building where all the garbage is dumped, disguised as rubbish. By the end of the year, everything is ready. '''(RNG for assassination)'''. Meanwhile, Northen Catholics elsewhere in Jessen resent the Latin College of Cardinals' continued electing of an antipope despite having already accepted the Pope of the NCC. In an imitation of the Gunpowder Plot conducted by the Black Hand years before, they smuggle large amounts of gunpowder into the city. In advance, they bribe the head of the Papal secret police a large amount of money, with more to come following the incident, with possibly lands and titles granted by the Pope too. '''(RNG assassination)'''. Meanwhile, Saxony offers to help Hansea protect their overseas territories in exchange for a Meridian territory for itself. '''(Hanseatic Response)'''. Kolias Kape the explorer developed what was known as the "Kape Plan", during his stay with the Iroquois and independently of his European sponsors, to incorporate the Iroquois Confederacy into the Holy Roman Empire. After convincing various Iroquois chiefs, and most important of all the High Chief Hiawatha (who was never seen, but rather communicated supposedly via the entrails of dead birds and the sun), Kape prepared a hastily compiled treaty, engraved onto a rock, to confirm the Iroquois Confederacy as a member-state of the HRE, and sailed back to Europe, with the "Iroquois ambassador to Europe", Chief Hochadler (one of the first native Meridians to set foot in Europe). He presented the treaty to the Holy Roman Emperor, who was initially confused but confirmed the Iriquois as part of his Empire. Wolfgang, the Duke and Prince-Elector of Saxony commissioned the construction of a tapestry depicting all the previous Dukes of Saxony: Engelbert I, Henry IV, Wenceslaus III, Engelbert II, and Edmund Alwin. Among them are their numerous friends and fellow rulers: Henry of Bohemia, the Counts and Dukes of Lenzburg, the Thin White Duke, the Beauforts and the Yorkists, the side-burned hero of the snowy west, Ermenaric, the Count of Nassau the poet, the adventurer Shadrach de la Marck, Wolfgang of Thuringia laughing with Edmund Alwin, Agnes the Duchess of Hesse, denouncing and assassinating the various Popes lined up elsewhere in the picture, her short-tempered father Hermann, the Archbishop of Mainz, surprised by his birthday party, William II of France wearing a dress and high heels, Charles the Duke of Brandenburg with his 'phantom time theory', Sir Dolphus Thurn and Frederick of Hohenzollern, Philip II the Upright poisoning people with arsenic disguised as liquorice, Sigismund II of Poland, the Princes of Finland, the Kings of Hungary, the great Tsar of Russia, the Meises with their tablets and angels, the Jungs and Freud and Breuer, King Henry of Denmark with his beloved dogs, Wilhelm Jekyll the legendary musician and singer, Emperors Ottokar and Jaromir and Henry IX, with Hugh the Heir glaring down, Louise de la Marck flaunting her ''Madchenhose'', the Head of Celle, the skeletons of great beasts on display at Wittenberg University, the Engelberts - dogs, and hats - and all the other wonders of the world.
+*'''Roman Empire:''' Odysseus and his allies make progress in compelling peace. John and Manuel agree to lay down their arms and marry their daughter and son respectively to end the rivalry. John will be named a Kaisar and granted some limited powers within the government, only checked by the Senate. Manuel will continue on as Emperor. The end of the fighting sees a re-stylization of the empire. The Verginian Star is added to the Imperial Penant, to reflect the return of John’s faction to the imperial fold. The resulting flag features the traditional Betas in the lower left and upper right quadrants and Verginian Stars on a blue field on the upper left and lower right quadrants. Recovery from the civil war begins in earnest as the Senate convenes in full to explore paying off imperial debts, compensating soldiers on both sides, and overall reunifying the people under a moderated, senatorial rule. Odysseus Hasapis’ story does not end there though. He is quickly elected as Speaker of the Senate, a position of his creation, granting him power over legislation rivalling even the emperor. His capital at Tulcea, though not a rival to Constantinople in size, grows massively over the next decades into a large administrative center commanding nearly unprecedented control over the Danube and trade in the east.
+*<p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-0b290efb-7fff-76be-1c8e-928bc284191b">'''Kingdom of Mutapa:''' Gemba continues his campaign paying men to seize trade shops that come close enough to the coast in the Swahili confederacy. The town of Gemba is founded (OTL Maptuo) and stolen ships are held there. '''He offers Gaz to rejoin the nation (Mod response)'''. Gemba continues to upkeep the roads and begins to fortify the gold regions. Research on the water wheel continues. Textiles begin to undergo dying techniques with intricate patterns. This textile type becomes very popular among the populace. Envoys are sent north. </p>
+*'''Kingdom of England:''' With the support of King Edward X of England, RETEC continues their previous diplomatic efforts to try to approach the Hanseatic leadership to see if they can work out some sort of deal regarding the Meridian colonies that would benefit both parties. '''(Hanseatic response)'''
+*'''Poland: Poland gathered troops and invaded Moldavia to push it to east of Southern Buh.'''
+===Game is on Hold until Further Notice===
-'''<u>After the mysterious assassination of Sultan Abu Thabit Amir while beseiging Ceuta, Morocco falls into a civil war between his two rival sons: Abu Al-Rabi Sulayman and Othman ibn Idris. Othman is by far and away smaller in power, holding only Tétouan, Tangiers and lands in between. However, he makes an offer to Aragon to grant them free trade in Morocco if he is supported as Sultan.</u>'''
+==<u>'''Footnotes'''</u>==
-'''<u>Chaka Khan briefly seizes the capital of Bulgaria and is proclaimed the new Tsar, but is eventually deposed after seven months by the previous Tsar, who has him murdered. </u>'''
+{{MdM}}
+[[Category:Merveilles du Monde (Map Game)| ]]
-'''<u>Bayan Khan begins sweeping through the Golden Horde, having taken the capital of Sarai and advancing on Bolghar. Rumors spread of his ambitions of following up a renewed invasion of eastern Europe.</u>'''
-'''<u>The Republic of Novgorod agrees to Sweden's original peace deal.</u>'''
-'''<u>King Edward I of England dies, and is succeeded by Edward II.</u>'''
-'''<u>Hospitaller invasions in the Aegean continues, as does various wars in the former states of Rum.</u>'''
-'''<u>William Tell manages to shoot an apple off his son's head, sparking a revolution in Switzerland against the Duchy of Austria.</u>'''
-* '''Kingdom of Sweden: '''With victory achieved over the Novgorod forces and a peace being signed, the Swedish army moves into northern Finland and Karelia. Here the army begins pacifying the Karelians who refused to submit, burning their villages, plundering their lands and slaughtering the people, with the disloyal Chieftains who started the war and their families being crucified. The disorganized Karelians are too weak to resist the Swedish onslaught. The border Karelians who were loyal and submitted to Sweden are given portions of the remainer of Karelia, which is divided up and awarded to different Catholic chieftains, who are made nobles of Finland. Other portions of Karelia are awarded to Swedish nobles. In order to thoroughly Christianize the region, the Swedish monarchy and Church work together to build a Church in every major Karelian settlement and assign a priest to each Church. Additionally, the Swedish government begins building two castles in Karelia to solidify Swedish dominance. After being defeated in Skane by King Christopher, Valdemar returns to Stockholm to beg for mercy before his brother. Though urged by Queen Martha and several advisors to execute him, Birger cannot forget how Valdemar released him peacefully from Nyopking and did not harm him or threaten to harm him. Instead of executing Valdemar, he is sent with a single ship and 15 men to the distant Jarldom of Greenland to live a permanent exile in the unknown world out there. '''[JARLDOM OF GREENLAND RESPONSE] '''Birger’s other brother is allowed to keep his lands and titles however he is confined to his castle, stripped of his private bodyguard and instead is guarded by Royal Guards loyal to Birger. The brother is also forbidden from receiving noble visitors in order to prevent conspiracy. With Denmark secured, Karelia conquered and the war in Novgorod seemingly wrapping up, the government turns to its domestic affairs. With the Gotland League disbanded, Sweden begins adjusting to the regulations and restrictions of the Hanseatic League. With the Gotland League disbanded, the Sound Tolls are raised to their normal levels again for all non-Scandinavian traders in the Baltic. To handle Swedish economic affairs within the Hanseatic League the Milanese bankers advise Birger to establish a merchants guild within Sweden, allowing merchants to form mutual protection contracts and making it easier to cooperate. It also allows easier communication between the iron workers, the main producers of Swedish goods, and the merchants, who trade the goods.
-*'''Free City of Lübeck:''' The head state of the Hanseatic League sees an exponential influx of trade. With the League's hiccup now ended, Lübeck intends to ensure membership in the league is indeed mutually beneficial. Some states saw Hanseatic trade as punitive; Bürgermeister Albrecht Von Bardewik intends to empower each member state through cultural and commercial means. He organizes a Yuletide celebration of Hanseatic member states. For twelve days, a festival prior to Christmas Day is held in the corresponding city square. This festival is called ''Weihnachtsstadt''. This celebration will rotate each year, celebrating a different location. '''To honor Sweden for her contribution to Hanseatic law in the past, the first Weihnachtsstadt celebrates Visby. Games, folktales of bygone ages, and decorations line the streets as Swedish vendors in Lübeck see increased attention.''' In the meantime, attempts to expand the docks of Lübeck continue. The hulls of 40 ships are laid down this year. Though some are sold, 20 are pressed into the Lübeck navy. 15 new ships are sent to protect Hanseatic trade in the Baltics while the other 5 act as protection for a merchant fleet into the Mediterranean, where they escort merchant ships into the Italian city. '''A dedicated land route from Lübeck to Meissen is proposed. The city will act as an intermediary between Lübeck and Milanese trade. Hungary is offered a similar deal.''' Meanwhile, Lübeck asserts nominal control over Hamburg and Bremen. '''A mercenary group out of Bremerhaven is contracted in case of war or unrest. Lübeck begins a campaign to get the Archbishop of Bremen named Cardinal.''' In the meantime, Lübeck establishes offices along the Frisian coast, hoping to capitalize on the fairly unadulterated trade in the region. Following the Swedish war with Novgorod, trade with Russia has been somewhat disrupted. Intending to resume trade as soon as possible to deliver Russian products throughout the Baltic, Lübeck offers to aid Novgorod in establishing a new settlement along the banks of the Ea River at the location of OTL St. Petersburg. This settlement, which will be owned by Novgorod, will be established with the help of a number of Hanseatic guilds, which will maximize profit throughout the Baltic. '''Mod response needed.'''
-*'''Delhi Sultanate: Having besieged Dhar and cornered the Yadava force, the Sultan's 52k strong army detaches 3 Tumans to besiege Dhar, the rest 22k troops are reinforced with 2 Tumans from Afghanistan and are sent to Devagiri (totalling 42k troops). They besiege Devagiri and move into the city to the fight the remnants out. '''The troops raiding Devagiri benefit from its weakened defenses due to the fact that it was raided back in 1296. The Delhi armies use Mongol tactics, being a Turkman dynasty, using a cavalry based approach while attacking the opposing force. Catapults are used to besiege Dhar. With the siege of Dhar complete and the Yadava forces being routed, the Paramara territory is annexed and a Governor is appointed for Dhar from the Chalisa.''' '''Meanwhile the Sultan continues his reforms, the urban centres continue to grow. As the Middle East falls into further chaos, more Muslims migrate to India and are easily accommodated, many of them settle in Gujarat as traders and merchants. Trade begins to flourish as direct sea trade is established with many states. The Siri fort continues to be constructed. The government keeps implementing the reforms as the bureaucracy expands steadily. Alauddin introduces a major reform in agriculture, reducing ''kharaj ''(agricultural tax) from 50% to 40%. The administration also begins collecting revenue directly from the cultivators (peasants and village chiefs) and eliminates the intermediaries, this is only done in the area around Delhi and in Awadh and Punjab. ''' '''The Government works on consolidating control over the newly acquired territories.
-* '''Kingdom of Georgia:''' Beka Jaqeli dies at the age of ~57. His death is mourned by many, including both King David and Prince George, both of whom are his grandsons. With George now recognized as a "man" – having been recently wed to the Mongol princess Altansarnai – he is given the position of Lord High Constable in the Georgian court. With the Heir Apparent, Crown Prince Anastasius, now aged twelve years, Oljath begins to mentor him in the affairs of state and matters such as theology, music, and literature. The youth begins to take interest in archery in-conjunction with horseback riding – both activities he has observed from his maternal relatives. With both Persia and the Golden Horde seemingly in chaos, David places all regular troops (which total ~20,000) on high alert. He nevertheless continues to send tribute to Tügä Khan. Afraid of reversing Georgia's recent territorial gains, David strengthens the fortifications in Sumqayit and Tskhumi to the north; recognizing the low elevation of the Arran valley makes it relatively prone to a foreign attack, he strengthens the walls of the strategically-important cities of Ganja and Baku. The Naqivchaqari, which are comprised of highly mobile and ranged horse–archers (which fight using Turko–Mongol tactics), would prove to be highly-instrumental in repelling any potential behaviors; meanwhile, the Monaspa begin to specialize further in inflicting shock and routing enemy troops – using weapons such as lances and thrusting swords. Silver from Imereti and copper from Kartli are used to mint coinage – underpinning the economy. Under the encouragement of the Crown, commerce expands. Merchant and artisan guilds thrive in Tbilisi and Ganja, as well as the port of Batumi. Wine, wool (as felt), and enamels are traded. However, cotton cloth becomes an increasingly important commodity.
-* '''Angevin Kingdom of Albania : '''Acknowledging that there is no way to turn back and that he is trapped , King Robert I sends a message to the Byzantine Emperor requesting an alliance with the Byzantine Empire against the Achaeans while also requesting some minor support from the Venetians ('''Byzantine and Venitian Response Needed'''). Meanwhile , Prince Philip falls back to the Shkumbin River where he quickly establishes small fortifications in preparation for the Achaean League’s advance with <s>6,000</s> Men left while sending a Fleet of approximately 60 Ships to break the enemy blockade. In order to try to halt the enemy advance , King Robert I mobilizes a force of 3,000 Troops from Provence and sends these troops to Albania with the Albanian Fleet set to attack the Achaean-Aragonese Fleet once these troops arrive in front of the blockade as a means to give them an opening and allow them to quickly land in Durres , the Albanian Capital. ('''Secret''') Enraged by the treason of some Greek Nobles and with Prince Florent present in the Battlefield , Prince Philip sends Agents to meet with Margaret of Villehardouin offering to support her in claiming the Principality of Achaea as well as trying to gain the support of Hugh V , the Duke of Burgundy, who is also the Titular King of Thessalonica offering the Duke control of parts of the Principality of Achaea and the Duchy of Athens as a means to give him a base of operations to retake Thessalonica with his support while also seeking the support of Thessaly against the Achaeans ('''Mod Response Needed''') ('''End of Secret'''). With this Prince Philip prepares the met with the forces of  Prince Florence still willing to crush him and defeat him personally for his treason against the Latin Emperor.
-** '''You have 4,000 left'''
-* '''Byzantine Empire: '''We are interested in your offer and we accept. We need as much possible support we can get against our enemies.
-* '''Archbishopric of Trier''': With the decline of the mental health of Archbishop Diether, much of the politic decisions in the Archbishopric are made by the cathedral chapter. With the end of the conclave, the chapter writes a letter in the name of the archbishop to pope John XXI and sends to him a barrel of wine produced by the Huber family as gift to be used as Sacramental wine in the pontifical mass. The chapter and Diether denounce the dissident cardinals as schismatics and support the election of John XXi as legal '''[Papal response needed, please]'''. The Huber family has been gaining prominence due to the excellent wine produced. The cathedral chapter also writes to the Burgermeister reinterating the aceptance of his offer to participate in the Hanseatic League and asks if a Hanseatic merchant post can be built on Koblenz, to use the rivers Moselle and Rhine as waterways to transport Hanseatic products. In the name of the Bank of Trier, the chapter asks the Free City of Lübeck if they would be interested in using its services to manage the finances of the League. A invitation for participate in the festivities of the Day of Saint Symeon next year are send to the Archbishop of Bremen and to the Burgermeister '''[Lübeck response needed, please]'''. The chapter sends congratulations to Wenceslaw III for his marriage last year and asks for a trade agreement between the Archbishopric and Bohemia-Poland. A golden cross is sent to Wenceslaw and a jewelry necklace is sent to Catherine di Visconti as gifts '''[Bohemia-Poland response needed, please]'''. In Koblenz, the monastery and its library are finished and the first prior general is Berthold von Fischer. Diether donate his Commentaries to the monastery’s library and the Church of Saint Castor is given to the Order to be used as their main church in the city. The Archiepiscopal Palace is almost complete. Seeking to the train the Episcopal Army, the cathedral chapter acting in the name of the archbishop asks the Catalan Company if they can help. Their experience in wars and their efficiency are famous, also the Company will be very well paid for their services '''[MOD response needed, please]'''. One week before the day of Saint Symeon of Trier, his reliquary is moved to the Cathedral of Trier to be venerated until the procession. By day it’s exposed to the faithful and by night it’s kept safe in a vault. During these seven days, many pilgrims arrive, seeking for graces and miracles. They visit the tomb of Saint Symeon at his Church and pray before the reliquary at the Cathedral. A small fair is formed, with people selling food and handicrafts. Ceramic tiles and vases painted with saints icons become popular products at this fair, with many being bought. Finally, at May 1 the procession leaves the Cathedral ofTrier carrying the reliquary. This year there are many more people than in the previous one. Accompanying the procession is Albert of Habsburg. Prior Fischer and the Dominican monks are also following it. The procession ends at the Church of Saint Symeon of Trier, with Diether and the auxiliary bishop of Trier co-celebrating the solemn mass and depositing the reliquary in its niche. The madness episodes of Archbishop Diether become more frequent and are lasting long. By September he is only talking nonsenses about relics. In October after a crises, Diether fall from the stairs of his house and is badly injured. He dies in late November due to the injuries and his body is buried in the Aula Palatina after a mass for his memory was celebrated. The Cathedral Chapter elects Baldwin von Luxemburg as the new Archbishop of Trier.
-** '''The Catalan Company are crusading in Morocco, but send a few officers to help train the Episcopal army of Trier'''
-** '''Hanseatic Diplomacy:''' The Hansa prefers to keep its finances in the hands of her own merchant guilds and circles. However, such an offer does entice a ''Ratsherr'' (A member of Lübeck's city council) named Balthasar Lüneburg to pursue banking practices modeled after those of Trier and Milan.
-** '''Papal Response: '''We thank the Archbishopric of Trier for recognizing us as the one and only papacy.
-* '''Mali Empire:''' After a smashing victory against Waalo, Mansa Abu Bakr invested more heavily into the Atlantic naval expansion, a particular interest of his. In a meeting of the Gbara at Niani, the Mansa pitched his idea to finance a concerted effort of exploration of the Atlantic Ocean, for the primary reason of finding ways to export their gold and salt without relying so heavily on the Sahelian Caravans. So in spring of that year, an expedition of three ships and eight smaller vessels were commissioned to the Malian admiral Sanbao, for exploring the great unknown. The voyagaes of Sanbao are often the subject of historical debate, as they are often filled with various fantastic stories or imagery, but also are a very key source of information for the Mali Empirea this time period. In his first voyage, Sanbao traveled north along the coast of Africa starting in Waalo, and first arrived at the town called Nwadibu. This was a very small fishing village, where he claimed to meet many women collecting old jars and lamps that washed ashore. When he asked what they do with the jars, they explained that these held various Jinn that were imprisoned by King Solomon thousands of years ago, and so whenever they find a jar they immediately open it and let the Jinn run free. He asked if they feared the Jinn harming them at all, and they assured him that the vast majority of these Jinn were fairly weak and could do no harm to a man or woman of Islam. He continued north to the town of Eddaxla, which was a major hub of trade for Arabic people. The ruler of these tribes described himself as being a direct descendant of Abi Waqqas, and knew of no Caliph since the succession of Al-M'amun. Continuing further north, he eventually arrived at the island of Majorero, ruled by the mighty kingdom of Maxorata. He described the inhabitents of this island in detail, saying that their religion had a male God worshipped only by men, and also a goddess worshipped only by women. Finally, he turned east from this island and arrived at the great city of Guelmim (ⴳⵯⴻⵍⵎⵉⵎ), well-known to any travelers of Morocco and the Sahel. From here he was able to seek an audience with the Sultan of Morocco, and obtained several notable gifts that he brought back home to the court of Niani. Meanwhile, Mansa Abu Bakr did some traveling of his own, as he journeyed with his family across the Sahara desert eastward to make pilgrimage to Mecca in the Mamluk Sultanate. Musa continues his successful conquests in exile by invading the Kingdom of Zamfara. The Saharan Caravan trade continues to prosper.
-*'''Crown of Aragon:''' '''Following the events of the conclave, the Cardinals are invited to Barcelona to elect a new pope.(PLAYER RESPONSES)''' 20 more ships, 6 of which support vessels and the other 14 galleys are constructed and are ordered to aid in the support of the Atlantic Coastal Blockade of Morocco as the northern coast has been secured. With the nation in a state of civil war, The Crown takes full advantage of this situation by agreeing to support Othman as Sultan believing that it would perhaps open the door for greater Aragonese Operations and ease within the war efforts as it would collectivise more forces to finish off the war. With the victory in Melilla and the men of Aragon and her allies now arriving in Fes, the siege continues with siege tactics continuing on with the blocking of the city from outside connections, flaming arrows being launched inwards to take out men and ignite defenses and structures within the city, and boulders launched by catapults being used to destroy defenses while diggers continue to damage defenses using flammable materials and tunnels. These weak points also become targets for catapults as well seeing as it could be used to break through and secure the city in a what would be very important victory for Aragon, her allies, and the Moors who have aligned with her. Rabat experiences a large concentration of ships to block trade off ensuring the city would only have what it can sustainably rely on its own domestically. A second group are sent to destroy the ports and burn them to the ground. This is replicated throughout portions where the blockade extend. Outside of Rabat, this is done most notably in Anfa/Casablanca, Safi, Agadir, and Essaouira. '''Back where the conclave is being organised, a notable Bishop who has been seen in good faith by The Crown and those who have surrounded themselves around him is Bishop Martín López de Azlor of Huesca. This man sees the support of the Aragonese within the conclave.'''
-*'''Maraninds of Sultanate: '''Following the civil war abu join the dynasty movement,he report some saharouis rebel got against of both movement in a way abu come in Aragon to come to fix this situation hostille afterwhile abu come in the western sahara for hiding behind that civil war and he come to his bornplace suddenly,the army dynasty search him so abu is safe he come in sahara to conquer so othman to defeating most of dynasty movement and removing this civil war.
-*'''Byzantine Empire: '''The Byzantine Empire is in a rather desperate situation, having enemies on all sides. Bulgarian, Achaean and Knight forces all plan against us, while we only have 12,000 men. Our border with Bulgaria will hold 6,000 men, with 4,000 infantry, 1,500 cavalry and 500 elite Varagrian guards. Meanwhile, our Achaean border to the south will hold 5,000 men, with 3,500 infantry, 1,000 cavalry and 500 elite Varagrian guards. Our Bulgarian army is led by the king himself Andronikos II, while our Achaean army is led by Ioannes the Nicaean, a soldier from Nicaea who has rose himself to become high-quality soldier and general, although he does not compare to our king. Finally, our 1,000 extra men are placed in major cities, such as Thessalonica (200 men), Adrianopole (300 men) and Constantinople (500 men). We also hold an extra 8,000 men in reserves, who hold basic military education. Our navy holds a total of 24 ships, with 6 galleys, 8 cogs, and 10 transport ships that will hold a total of 4,000 men. Meanwhile, on the home front, an advisor close to the king who held a fair share of power has been accused of heresy and converting to Catholicism. The advisor was tried but proved innocent in the imperial court, and the accuser was found guilty of lying. He has had been blinded so he will not be able to corrupt his vision to declare false and dangerous lies. Meanwhile in Thessalonica, a small plague killed 5,000 residents. The Byzantine Emperor on Easter Day had blessed the victims and a memorial was held at the Hagia Sophia. Meanwhile, the Byzantine diplomacy has attracted the attention of King Robert, ruler of Albania, to form an alliance with us, adding an extra 6,000 men to the table. The Byzantine future can be blessed and prosperous, but a long and risky fight will have to be won to get there.
-*'''Bohemia-Poland:''' The rapid advance of Bayan Khaninto the golden horde raises alarms amongst the court of Wenceslaus III both Polish and Bohemians still remember the devastation inflicted upon the European nations over the course of the previous century. Wenceslaus III chooses to change the goals of his planned invasion of Ruthenia from one of reconquest to one of consolidating a strong opposition to the new Mongol threat. '''Envoys are sent to the various Russian princes and to the ramnents of the Golden horde to build a coalition against Bayan (mod response). Having gained the interest of the Southern Rus Wenceslaus III commits to providing 30,000 troops to the coming war against the Mongols and also begins sending arms and and masons to help the Ruthenians fortify themselves against the coming Mongols. Wenceslaus III's council design plans to work in close cooperation with the Hungarians in a drawn scorched earth camapign in the Carpathians while Krakow and the Fortifications in Lesser Poland will fall back should the fighting draw out to long. '''In domestic affairs despite some tensions amongst the crown and the polish nobility the continuation of fair rule and consulting the nobles along with the growing prosperity of Poland thanks to the growing trade with the Hansa and in the Transcarathian region leads to some calming of the unrest along with the looming threat of another mongol invasion. Promotion of the settlement of germans continues mainly in Krakow, Bohemia, and in Gdansk, and Silesia. Direct control over silesia continues to grow while the young Duke Henry VI remains under the tutalage of his future brother in law Wenceslaus III. Hungary is called upon to amass troops to aid in the coalition. more to be added later.
-**'''Concerned about the potential of a rising Mongol power, many of the southern Russian states - Ruthenia, Chernigov, and Muron all declare their interest in the coalition. Some of the northern states, however, believe that the true threat to Russians remain Catholics, not Mongols.'''
-**'''Trier Diplomacy: '''To show the support of the Archbishopric to king Wenceslaus III in his war with the pagans, a chest of gold is offered to help with the war effort.
-*'''Duchy of Brabant: "Harba Lorifa"'''Our duke's father in law Edward I of England dies, Duke John II sends his condolences to the New english king Edward II. John II even requesting that His Majesty Edward II recognises Uncle in-law's status and Tittle of Duke of Lotharingia(Mod Response). While this is happening John II finaly has the chance to begin to teach his son John basic chivelry and writing and reading, even tough Little John does have issues being to concentrate being a little kid who wants to play. Little john now also getting dressed more properly like a noble and the Heir of the throne would, with fancy colours and nicely decorated and made buttons and belts on. John also now going on parades and meetings togheter with his big Father, these meeting having a big impression on the boy Little john looking around and admiring the beautifull clothing and manner of talking. Our duke and father of Little John, John II considers sending his son and Heir to the Throne  of to a foreign country so he can be cultured in their custums and language. While also getting benefits of information that is available there and not in Brabant-Lotharingia, as not all books and traditions are transelateable into other languages. This fact Combined with Duke John II wish to restore relations with the house of Avesnes makes him request to Prince Florent of Hainaut, that John heir to the Lotharingian throne can studdy in Achaea(Achaean response). The heir to the Throne also being possible to find men to in the future to train Brabantine Gatraphetes who are compared to the greeks undertrained. The archery trainings which any men over 15 is obligated to go ,on the other hand is having great but slow results. The skills of the commen peasant slowly but steadly improving, as they now do realy have to train to shoot their bows. While the nobility after only one year have to ready themself up again, As john II officialy sends a request to the county of flanders to return Flemish zeeland and Land of Aalst'''(Mod Response).''' This is done while at the same time readying and army of around 5,500 men on their border, with Duke John II asking zeeland''' (Mod response)''' to provide for extra troops for the fight.
-**'''Flanders refuses to bow to these demands and prepares for war'''
-**'''Zeeland supports Brabant in the conflict'''
-**'''King Edward II unofficially recognizes John II of Brabant as Duke of Lothraingia'''
-*'''Jarldom of Greenland: '''We accept the swedish proposal but tells him that we wont finance his stay and instead he will have to find a work on Greenland.works on raising cattle and goats begins.on the 12 december ,the jarl returns from a snowstorm in which he catches a nasty cold which he dies of on the 29th december.he is succede by hi younger brother,Anders.
-*'''Lordship of Ireland: '''With no longer active fighting the troops are recalled to Ireland and sent back to their homes. The population of able bodied men is allowed to slowly rise again while debts incurred are paid down by way of taxation on land and movable property while low spending elsewhere. An enclosure act is passed consolidating some small holdings and removing public land principally for sheep farmers. Trade is promoted with England, Scotland and France while sheep farmers harvesting wool are taxed less.
-*'''Kingdom of Navarre:''' The eighteen year-old Louis I, King of Navarre and next in line the French throne, decides to renounce his heirship of the French throne but retain the Navarrese throne after discussions with his father King Philip IV of France and his siblings in Paris; his brother Philip the Tall now becomes the French crown prince. Thus, the personal union between France and Navarre ends, though Louis agrees to maintain an alliance with his father's kingdom. Upon returning to the Navarrese capital of Iruñea/Pamplona, Louis I and his wife Margaret of Burgundy are met with great acclaim and praised as heroes by the Navarrese people, who are glad to have a local king again instead of being ruled from Paris. In Navarre, Louis I orders the improvement and expansion of the nation's main seaport at Donostia/San Sebastián in order to increase opportunities for maritime trade and fishing. Meanwhile, Louis I keeps a close eye on the papal dispute between Rome and Aragon, hoping to see a Navarrese cardinal appointed.
-*'''Papal States: '''We laugh at the fact that the inferior Catholic nations are making their own conclave. They should remember that I am the one who they ultimately answer to. Because of the previous pope's death, we excommunicate Philip of France on the lines of intended murder. In the culinary world, pasta forks are required at restaurants and taverns in Lazio, Benevento, and the rest of the Papal legations. The Pontiff publishes a papal bull in support of fighting the Mongols with Orthodox cooperation.
-*'''Teutonic Knights: '''With the crisis that is happening with the Vatican we announce we will be '''Joining the Conclave against the Pope.''' The Grand-master has ordered 500 priests to be sent to the northern and western parts of the country to convert them the Christianity and we will be sending 1,000 knights there to maintain order while that is happening.also do to wealth being generated by us joining the Hansetic League we will lower taxes in all county's.also do to the war going to happen between Bohemia and the Mongols we send 5,000 troops to Bohemia to help them as we do consider them allies.'''(Secret)'''We send a diplomat to Zaragoza to discuss plans with Aragon on what should be done with the conclave to defeat the illegitimate Pope '''(End of Secret). '''Meanwhile the medium sized port that was under construction for four years is finally opened in Memel.
-*'''Japanese Empire (Sengoku): '''The sengoku jidai continues! The Various failures and successes the previous year of many of the powerful clans of Daimyo has led to the the establishment of more serious alliances and in a shock to all the declaration of the new Minamoto Shogun Hideyoshi as the true emperor of Japan claiming to be "Son of Heaven" using past marriages with the Imperial family to justify their claim as descendants of Amaterasu. Quickly adopting similar reforms to the Emperor in Kyoto the "Usurper emperor" draws the Ire of all Japan with the Emperor demanding Truce with all the other clans. This shocking development brings all the powerful clans of Japan together in Kyoto under the banner of truce and honor, the latter of which is absolutely sacred in Japan. With wide recognition that the Minamoto are usurpers to the throne the Emperor unifies the warring clans together in the "Coalition to depose the Minamoto." A massive army, the largest Japan has ever seen numbering 150,000 marches south to meet the advancing Minamoto with an army of 60,000. While vastly outnumbered the Minamoto have much clearer unity and their armies not broken up by clan. The Coalition army however is not organized in a serious fashion with the army broken up into seperate forces by clan and not traveling together in order to prevent infighting. This leads to serious cohesion issues within the Army and the Coalition army is smashed piecemeal. After nearly 6 consecutive battles over the course of 3 weeks the Coalition suffers immense defeat. The only two armies to hold their own are the Imperial army and the Tetsuko army, both of which are able to prevent outright defeat. The collapse of the coalition forces leaves alot of land up for grabs as the Hosokawa, and Amago clans absolutely collapse with the Minamoto forces securing the vast majority of southern Japan now with the Minamoto bordering the Tetsuko and Imperial territories. The Tetsuko have been successful in securing the rest of northern Japan while the Emperor secures much of Japans pacific coast running from Kobe to Ibaraki abandoning recently seized territory in the north to secure strategic defensive positions only holding on to the city of Takashima in order to maintain some semblance of imperial presence to the north. With the defeat of the coalition and the end of the smaller clans fighting across Japan all that stand are the Tetsuko, the Minamoto, and the Empire. Not wishing to be left behind in terms of legitimacy the Tetsuko lord claims the title of Emperor as well. This once again shocks the Minamoto and the Imperial family both of which condemn the declaration. Exhausted from almost nearly a decade of war the three sides begin to fortify and consolidate refusing any more engagement for the year. The only remaining free clan the Tachibana having settled in Southern Hokkaido and with the collapse of the Shiba before the Tachibana could mobilize, their presence on Hokkaido is seen as a non issue to the Tetsuko emperor to the south of them. However being relatively weak and non-confrontational the Tachibana allow refugees from all over Japan to begin settling in Hokkaido. Their emergency actions allow for the setting up of multiple villages outside of the constructed fortress. With nearly 60,000 people and still having 10,000 troops the Tachibana begin securing more territory accross southern Hokkaido and begin subjugating the Ainu tribes and bringing the people to their own settlements to aid in the building up of the new port at Hakodate. Being unable to effectively compete with the localized strength the local Ainu tribes either begin to migrate further north, willingly join the settlers, or fight their new presumed overlords. The difference in tactics in technology is clear and the Ainu are unable to effectively resist the Tachibana which now begin to see a rise in recruitable manpower as more refugees arrive to escape the war further south. The Tachibana however do send an envoy to the emperor Go-Uda claiming submission but refusing to join the war for obvious reasons. They offer to submit as long as the Emperor wins the war and send a small amount of tribute.
-*'''Republic of Genoa:''' The time had come when the republic would bet all its hopes on ending the war with Venice. In Genoa there were 158 Genoese and non-Genoese galleys ready to leave into the battle, while in the Strait of Gibraltar, a fleet of 30 war galleys continues to block the sea routes that conduce to the Atlantic. In order to increase the number of troops and warships, representatives of the Spínola family and local bankers went to Castilla and hired a fleet of 20 galleys along with 2000 mercenaries with a price of 5 gold coins for each soldier and 10 Coins for each galley. As soon as the mercenary fleet was going to join the main army, it went to Corsica to join another fleet of 10 Genoese galleys parked waiting for the raid. The army of 56 Genoese galleys with 15 Trebuchets and 5000 soldiers & marines, along with 20 French, 20 English, 20 Portuguese, 20 Mamluks, 10 from Mallorca and 10 hospitals galleys with 2000 mercenaries (1000 of Mallorca & 800 from Knights) commanded by Admiral Lamba Doria and his son Andrea Doria headed to Tunisia where they would be grouped with the Corsica's fleet composed of 20 Hispanic with 2000 mercenaries and 10 Genoese galleys (built in 1302) with 380 soldiers and the Genoese Sardinia fleet of 10 galleys with 800 soldiers (also built in 1302) around October 21 of 1307. For the next day, the main army set sail Heading to Bari where he will meet the fleet of 45 galleys with 4100 soldiers from the Black Sea (10 in 1302 and 35 in 1306) along with other 5 with 200 from Acre who had arrived in time for midnight because they left Crimea and Acre two days ago . The fleet that had originally departed Genoa with 156 war galleys with 14800 troops, became an army of 246 galleys with 17610 from different parts of Europe ready to besiege the capital of the most important city of its greatest rival; Venice. Commanded by Laba Doria and her son Andrea Doria, the navy sailed as soon as dawn appeared on the horizon towards the city of Venice. While they were in the immediate vicinity of the city, the navy met the main Venetian naval force, in the moment they entered into eye contact, both sides established their respective battle positions. Despite being surrounded by enemy ships, the Genoese established a galleys defense system in the form of a circumference; The 15 galleys carrying Trebuchets were placed in the center of the circumference escorted by 3 galleys each while the rest formed a circumference linked by chains in order to protect the galleys established in the center from enemy incursions. '''[ALGO NEEDED PLS: The battle of Venice: Genoa vs Venice].'''
-*'''''Republic of Milan:''''' Following the victory in Pavia, The Second Republican election occurs with Galleazzo Visconti being elected by a landslide. '''The Long lances having just returned from Pavia prepare to go to Bohemia to help against the Mongols. (Bohemian response needed.''') Further reforms are put into place in order to better organize the government system of Milan. All men have the right to vote for the house which they feel like is gonna represent them the best. For each of these men they’re vote value is proportionate to their cited and confirmed income. Higher incomes mean higher vote values, higher income also means higher taxes. As such the lower income men such as working on farms are paid by the bank, which is given currency and power through the government. With the increase in population this had to be rethought. It was eventually settled that voters would be divided into three categories. Banker, Worker, Mercenary. Bankers are as can be explained high income voters who pay higher taxes usually these people are bankers they give 1 vote for their candidate. Workers are farm men with consistent income but lower income. They give 1 vote for their candidate. Mercenary’s based out of Milan give 1.5 votes per person, this is due to the increased income these men receive and how invaluable they are to Milan however this group is rather small in comparison to the others with there numbers currently swelling above 7.5k as the population of Milan grows. Current population numbers are estimated at between 1 and 1.25 million people in the owned territory with the majority being in Milan itself. This new system is based at least in part upon some of the recently further explored greek and roman republican systems of old. More heavily upon the greek. The Milanese once again look to expand their territory. '''Upon hearing of this new alliance in the Northern HRE, Milan immediately sends envoys and people bearing permissions to set up loan/banking deals with this new alliance. (Lubeck response needed.).'''
-*Öljaitü: With victory in Yazd Nogai is avenged, the city's wealth being plundered. Yazd's wealth will return though, and it will rebuild from its destruction, for Öljaitü and his forces fear retribution from Khoreson and build up fortifications to defend the recently captured city, reconstructing Yazd and readying the army to defend it from a coubterattack. Out of respect for the deceased Nogai and his living son, Öljaitü makes the same offer to Tügä that he made to his father, Öljaitü shall acknowledge Tüga Khan as the Ilkhan so long as he does not fight Öljaitü, and Öljaitü shall fight on behalf of Tüga Khan as his vassal. (Mod Response please)
-*'''Principality of Achaea: '''Having won control over the southern third of Albania, Prince Florent quickly leads his troops forward to face the Albanian troops. Having reduced the enemy forces by half in 1306, Florent chases the Angevin troops to the southern bank of the Shkumbin River. Achaean-aligned forces (numbering around 14,000) pin the Angevins against the coast and the river - once again. They attack before the Albanians have time to establish fortifications, with a strong flanking effort from the east - pushing the Albanians towards the sea. Nicholas III of Saint Omer, the loyal marshal of Achaea, travels to the outlying regions and baronies of Achaea, including John Orsini of the County Palatine of Cephalonia and Zakynthos, and Duke William of Naxos. Nicholas III, the adept diplomat, works to promote unity of the Achaean realm. Meanwhile, in Athens, at the end of the year, Duchess Matilda (herself the heiress to Achaea) is pregnant with the heir to the duchy. With the death of Archbishop John of Patras, Pope John XXI appoints the bishop of Andravida, Thomas, to the Archbishopric. Thomas remains loyal to the Pope amid talks of an anti-papacy. The same cannot be said of John of Spoleto, the Archbishop of Corinth, who is greatly disappointed in the simony of John XXI.
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-[[Category:Merveilles du Monde (Map Game)]]
 [[Category:Map Games]]