Merveilles du Monde (Map Game)

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

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

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

Map

Moderators

• Death: Curmudgeonly yours - Crim 01:38, October 14, 2019 (UTC)
• Famine: User:Nathan1123
• Pestilence: Feudy McPlagueface (talk)
• War: User:Tullin
• Fake: Kqbj

Important Pages

• Rules and Algorithm (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
• Religion (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
• Holy Roman Empire (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
• College of Cardinals (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
• Nations (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
• Flags (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
• Treaties (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
• Wars (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)
• List of monarchs (Merveilles du Monde Map Game)

The Game

1470

Emperor Sigismund II dies, and a new Imperial diet is called to elect the new King of Germany. Without a legitimate heir, both the Electorate of Brandenburg and the Duchy of Livonia are inherited by his nephew, Henry of Bohemia. This places Bohemia and Brandenburg back into a personal union.

With the political divisions occurring in the Yorkist dynasty, King Henry VI of England petitions Ireland to secretly work out an agreement to end the dynastic dispute between them, out of fear of him losing control over the English magnates.

The Hanseatic League uncovers that the privateers of the North Sea are being sponsored by English nobles.

The Crusader Order of Bari returns to the Island of Karpathos, while the rest of the Aegean Sea falls into the hands of the Byzantine Empire. Reports are alerted to the Emperor of the Crusader's arrival, which has crossed over into claimed territory for Rome.

A second civil war breaks out across the Majapahit Empire, as the Sultan of Demak rebels against the Maharajah Singhawikramawardhana.

As the ongoing Catholic inquisition is finding success across the Holy Roman Empire, a second wave of Witchcraft activity appears to surface across the Swiss Confederacy. Monks in Germany begin taking up a concerted study of witches and demonology, applying the Renaissance critical philosophy to this theological problem. This rise of demonic activity is also detected among the Orthodox realm, as Vampires are being reported in the Transylvanian region spanning Hungary, Wallachia, and Dobrujah.

The Kingdom of Daju falls into disarray after King Anwar dies without an heir. In response, the Kingdom of Mankuria annexes Daju, with Mankurian King Azmera declaring himself as the "Emperor of Nubia". Meanwhile, Muslims in the former Ifat Sultanate grow in unrest.

Stephen the Great becomes leader of Moldavia, and proceeds on an expedition to seize territory from the Crimean Khanate.

Domenico da Piacenza becomes a foremost pioneer in the development of modern dancing in Florence.

In some distant corner of the Pacific Ocean, a civil war arises in the Tui Tonga Empire, in which the ancient dynasty since the 10th century is deposed.

At this point, the moveable type printing press is available to all nations in Western Europe.

French Chemist Jaquin Rousselle dedicates his book The Compound of Alchemy to the King Henry II of France.

Jacopo Bellini paints the Virgin of Humility. 

• Kilwa: The Sultan of Kilwa, Sa'id idn al-Hassan, begins issuing coins displaying his own as well as his father's image. He also marries the daughter of the Emir of Mombasa. The Sultan begins sponsoring research into new shipbuilding techniques.
• Dai Viet: The army went through a new recruitment and saw itself to the original number before the war with Ayutthaya. The Emperor visits Tay Kinh and witnesses the bumper crops there and couldn't help showing his joy by composing a poem describing the good harvest. A new law is made regarding the traditional customs as one of many society reforms Emperor Tư Thành makes stating that: "Children who are mourning for their parents, wives who are mourning for their husbands must follow the general statute of three years, and must not arbitrarily violate or violate the law. Children who mourn for their parents but first wife's is pregnant, then they are forced to be exiled. If a wife mourns her husband in an indiscriminate manner, or if she puts on a regular shirt despite not having finished attending the funeral, or has received a bride price from another person, or married to another husband, then the penalty is death. If a funeral ceremony is still happening, but one goes out to see the fun activities and keeps watching it, then he shall be punished to exile. If any man wanting greed and desires and marries the concubine of the criminals, or having affairs with concubines of their relatives, even when they are dead, along with corrupt officials shall receive penalties depending on the seriousness of the crimes." New warships for the navy are being constructed. Merchants are encouraged to trade with neighboring countries, now with the improved relations to those countries. As the news of the civil war in Majapahit reaches the ears of Emperor Tư Thành, wanting to test out the effectiveness of the navy, as well as to gather slave labor to the country, and strengthen the position of Dai Viet in Southeast Asia, an offer is made to the Majapahit ruler by Emperor Tư Thành to provide combat support from the Dai Viet navy, granted that the supplies and rations of the navy must be provided by Majapahit. (Mod response).
  • Maharajah Singhawikramawardhana agrees.
• Empire of Ethiopia: The Emperor interprets the Sultan’s lack of reply as a refusal to even acknowledge the Ethiopian requests and thus an automatic denial. Citing the refused ultimatum as a causes belli, the Emperor charges his brother, Amda Seyon, with leading an invasion of Yemen. The Ayutthaya ships also join the Ethiopian forces at Beri, and the Ethiopian sailors are shocked by the clear superiority of the Ayutthaya ships. Working with the Ayutthaya captains, Prince Amda Seyon formulates a plan wherein 35 dhows will support the eight Ayutthaya djongs in blockading Aden, aiming to either force the Yemeni navy into battle or to economically cripple Yemen by blockading its main port. If the Yemeni give battle, the plan is for the Ethiopian dhows to form a protective perimeter around the Ayutthaya djongs, who will use their gunpowder weapons to fire upon the Yemeni fleet. If the Yemeni fleet closes to fight, the men in the dhows will engage them in boarding actions while the djongs continue firing upon the enemy ships. All ships attempting to enter the Yemeni harbor are instead directed to Ethiopian harbors. [ALGO/MOD RESPONSE NEEDED]. 15 other dhows are divided into squads to pillage the Yemeni coast and plunder coastal towns and harbors. 
• Iceland: Sadness strikes as King Ólaf VI dies and is succeeded by his brother Domnhall VI. More funds are sent to the Latin Empire. With the Anti-Heresy League becoming more aggressive the Icelandic population becomes more Lollard. The Icelandic Trading company prepares for an exploration down Islandika. 
• Empire of Romania: Emperor Julius expresses alarm at the spread of demonic activity across the Orthodox realm. Understanding the potential threat to the people of the Empire of Romania and Epirus, Achaea, and Thessaly, the emperor and the Imperial Senate pass the Imperial Mandate of Anti-Heresy and Witchcraft, mandating re-baptisms for all citizens and the creation of the Group of Three, a small, elite organization dedicated to rooting out demonic activity and heresy throughout the empire and beyond. The task force is led by three of Emperor Suprano’s most trusted military advisors, well versed in both military and religious theory. Government spending toward reconstruction, already on the downturn after the end of the Five Year Plan drops by over one half, with a newfound focus on security. A reserve force of 3,000 men is called up, and armaments ordered from Venice to equip them with the latest military technology.
  • [MOD RESPONSE]: Pleased with the Byzantine capitulation on the matter of the Island of Karpathos, Emperor Suprano officially reaches out to the leadership of the Order of Bari, congratulating them on the reclamation of their home island and offering the promised financial support in reconstruction. The senior leadership of the Order are invited to Athens to participate in the annual Coronation Day celebration, where the Order’s rich history and work toward the progress of Catholicism will be lauded and celebrated. It is hoped that this will be a key first step in a close relationship between the Empire of Romania and the Order of Bari. Several monks from the Order are also invited to come to Romania to assist in the implementation of the Imperial Mandate of Anti-Heresy and Witchcraft, given a critical shortage of religious leaders to perform baptisms, exorcisms, and other important tasks in the spiritual war.
    • The Order of Bari helps in cracking down on Witches.
  • [MOD RESPONSE]: Following the recent increases in reports of demonic and vampiric activity across Wallachia and Dobruja, the Group of Three finds similar reports coming from regions within Epirus and Achaea, specifically in the island of Corfu and areas around the cities of Nicopolis and Patras. Emperor Suprano requests that the Group of Three be allowed to investigate these reports in Epirus and Achaea and report their findings to the Pope in Rome. The presence of several senior monks from the Order of Bari are also requested for this expedition, to assist with potential anti-demonic actions and advise the task force. Julius Suprano stresses to the leaderships of Epirus and Achaea that the incursion will be limited to around 60 men, divided into three groups of 20 each, tiny number that will be limited to mostly observatory actions.
    • They are very successful at this.
  • [MOD RESPONSE]: Emperor Suprano Requests to purchase 5,000 halberds, 2,000 bucklers, 3,000 small swords and 500 arquebuses from Venice as rearmament begins and funds are made available for the military.
    • Venice supplies this for the right amount of money.
• Grand Duke of Lithuania: Polotosk is being colonized and fully controlled, in the region area we secure people to Christianized so they accepted an area called Oka is being expanded here and colonized they sent 12,000 Polish soldiers to secure the areas and into two squads a fortress is being built here more cities are improved and led into a colonization expansion in the commonwealth, fully understandable that Casimir IV's has been in action to investigates any case of Taborites to launch a patrol, in a discussion Elizabeth and other council in Poland fully leading the Poles to investigate in Masovia if any Taborites are here in this region. Anyway, the grand duke as interprets and raise more me. The fortress is highly run by high office and more ships are built. While the economy is improving a little effort is made up more weapons sre constructed a port is being establish in the sea for trades and economy relations in the north territorial a county is constructed and its main border is established. Casimir IV send envoy 11,000 soldiers to investigate against the Taborites if anyone of them are here so most of areas is fully Christianized a Polish fleet is made up for the trades and continue to move from trades to port Casimir IV and Elizabeth of Austria discuss about the inquisition and protect the expansion of the commonwealth Casimir IV fully ask her that many areas should be Christianized while most of areas is moderated the Polish forces task is fully in charge to secure and investigate against those heresy, some trading company became to control the port and send for an expansion exploration in the sea some men are raised well, the economy is growth up they support to  mobilise investment and private sector fully order by Casimir to the Polish force is continue to investigate against the Taborites they sent 12,000 to divided against them those areas is fully constructable and protected under civil law across the commonwealth the government works to improving the economy and the kingdom while they gain more money, and at least some new additional boats are finished up and is raise more Casimir IV is NOT tolerate with the Taborites while the kingdom is in development and recovering.
• Papal States: Pope Anastasius VI and the Roman Curia welcomes Queen Katherine of Spain in the Papal States. The pontiff gives to her a Golden Rose blessed by him as a gift for her efforts to destroy clerical corruption and heresy in her Empire. Like his predecessors, Pope Anastasius VI continues to support and reinforce the Inquisition. The Pontifical Roman Press continue to spread pamphlets and wors in defense of the Catholic faith and against the Taborites and radical Lollards. The construction of the new Apostolic Palace and of the Cappella Magna continues. Antonio Rossellino start to work in the tomb of Pope Anastasius VI. Andrea del Verrochio and Leonardo da Vinci continue painting the frescos in the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory. Marco Bronzino finishes the sculpture of Angel Uriel and is invited by the pope to make a sculpture of Pope Anastasius V to place in the Anastasian Academy. Piero della Francesca continues to paint the frescos about the apparitions, the greatest of the frescos will show the Miracle of the Flowers and will occupy an entire wall. The construction of the tower for studies of astronomy continue. All these works of art are financed with the money that was once used to sustain the luxury of the papal court, while the money used to fund the works of charity is intact and only used to help the poor. The production of weapons in the Papal Arsenal of Orvieto continues. Meanwhile, Captain General Domenico Malatesta continues training troops for the Papal Army. The Arsenals of Ostia and Civitavecchia continues to produce ships. Federigo Marin, the new professor of Natural Theology in Saint Augustine's University, use the same field trips that Adalfredo Meccia used. On these field trips, Marin and his pupils visit the Alexandrine Gardens and othe regions of the Papal States to observe the creatures and propose the characteristics that God gave them to survive. The construction of the Chape commissioned by Cardinal Ari Sturlungur continues. Johann Burchard now working as Papal Assistant writes in his diary all situations that he see happening in the Papal Court. Many of his writings about the year of 1470 are about the visit of Queen Katherine. Giuliano Della Rovere continue his studies of theology at Saint Augustine's University and he continues to hate Rodrigo de Borgia. Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini, even now being a cardinal, continue to participate in the works of charity ofthe Mercedine Order. The reforms started by the deceased Cardinal Alfons de Borja in the Church of San Giacomo degli Spagnoli continues under Rodrigo de Borgia. Prince Ársæll Esturlungio continues with the reforms of the Rocca Abbaziale. One day, while visiting Rome, Rodrigo de Borgia meets Vannozza dei Cattanei and the two become lovers. News arrive from Florence that Lorenzo de Medici and Margaret of Habsburg had a daughter named Lucrezia Maria Romola de' Medici. The Holy Father creates as cardinals Rinaldo Orsini (Florence), Corrado Capece (Papal States) and Paolo di Campofregoso (Genoa). Pope Anastasius VI chooses as Papal Vicars: Maximilian of Habsburg (Patrimony of Saint Peter); Cardinal Corrado Capece (Benevento); Cardinal Latino Orsini (Comtat Venaissin); Alfons Malatesta y Borja, with his mother Joana de Borgia as regent (Romagna); Federico da Montefeltro (Spoleto); Ercole I d'Este (Ancona); Otaviano da Polenta (Ravenna); John of Aragon, the ex-emperors of the Latin were relocated as Lords of Frosinone (Campagna and Marittima Province).
  • Republic of Ancona: New galleys are built in the shipyards of Ancona making the Republic navy grow in number. The buildings across the Republic continue being reformed. Books and pamphlets of apologetic and defense of the Catholic Faith are published by the printing press and send to various nations of Europe through the Anconian ships.
• Archbishopric of Mainz: Cardinal Diether von Isenburg remains a firm supporter of the extensive reforms in the Catholic church, including the Inquisition and the Assembly of Preachers. He continues to support raising education in his Diocese. He continues to patronize Johannes Gutenberg, particularly in the printing of releases from the Pontifical Roman Press. The Cardinal is concerned by this recent spike in witchcraft, and commissions some of his priest very trained in the Renaissance methods of study and educated in the classical philosophies to study the matter. He also invites other reputable scholars to come to Mainz, and if they impress him, he gaurantees to employ them to pursue a study of the supernatural, to better combat it. Finally, in his capacity as Archchancellor of Germany, he collects his regular reports on behalf of the Emperor, and prepares to present them to the new King of Germany, shortly after his coronation. He includes in these reports notations clearly indicating several of the Emperor’s administrators who are obviously sloppy in their record keeping, and poorly managing their lands, as well as failing to enforce the Emperor’s laws. He recommends, to start the reign of the new monarch on a positive note, that he authorize the Archchancellor to remove these men from authority, and replace them with certain men of extreme competence and loyalty whom the Archchancellor has identified over the last two years. None of the people listed are of great power, upper-middle rank at most, so removing them will not rock any boats, though it will establish him as a reformer and an enemy of corruption. (Mod Response).
  • Mod response: The archchancellor considers these reforms and is intended to remove those who are careless or corrupt. but lets the Archbishop know that he would like to first discus this with members of the empire as to not upset member states.
• Kingdom of Portugal: The queen travels to Sao Tome and Principe to meet with the people there and ask them what they would need there. A fort begins being constructed in Sao Tome and Principe to protect the people from any naval invasion. The queen participates in an arm wrestling tournament with a few soldiers and surprises everyone by beating them all. Meanwhile, in Lisboa, the royal library and University of Lisboa are renovated to include more classrooms and study halls. This increases the number of people attending the university which increases the number of people with a higher education.
• Kingdom of Eiru: As part of the new peace between Ireland and England, Elizabeth Beaufort, the granddaughter of Edward Beaufort the claimant to the throne, is sent to England to marry Edmund of York to put the war of the roses behind them. The printing press arrives in Dublin and Waterford and is used to make some bibles. Piracy is dealt with as rising number of nathairs venture out onto the seas, quicker going into wind than most of the pirates ships.
• Kingdom of Ayutthaya: Dai Viet's intervention in Majapahit has reached the ears of Rama Trailokanat prompting his interest in the conflict but ultimately he chooses to refrain from joining the conflict in the meantime. Ayutthaya continues to oversee the security of the Straits of Ayutthaya especially with the loss of Majapahit's forces who have been redirected south to deal with the Demak Sultanate. Tun Perak has been given orders to prepare for what may come by fortifying Ayutthaya's naval and land defenses on Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula with the Ayutthayan Navy operating cautiously in case spillover from the war reaches the region. The Penghulu Bendahari is given orders to begin prepping Ayutthaya's funds and treasury for war. Dhammazedi has returned to Ayutthaya to institute further reforms to Buddhism based off his experiences travelling across Ayutthaya.

• Vinland: The population grows to 3,800 this year. Dogajavick grows in its permanent population as more nomads decide to settle here due to a more stable food source. Elufsker and Shamyeby continue to grow. Runby becomes the home of a shrine to Saint Peter. The shrine is made from wood and is erected by local Christians. Christians on the island number no more than about 50, and their faith has diverged quite a lot since they first arrived in the 11th century. In other news, two Things are held this year: one at Issvik, and the other at Dogajavick. At the Issvik Thing, Norse Vinlanders once more agree that they should confederalize in order to better protect themselves from the Beothuk as well as expand further under a united banner into prime hunting grounds. However, who should lead them is again undecided. Erik Hrothgarsson improves his standing amongst the Norse and inches closer to becoming their leader. His wife becomes pregnant this year and many hopes arise he will father a son. His clan hopes that a son will help him sway the Norse to his side at next year’s Thing. In Dogajavick, the Thing looks much different. This Thing includes much Beothuk and Tvennufolk celebration, heavily featuring red ochre and indigenous culture. The Thing here establishes an annual assembly for all free peoples of the land. Representatives of Shamyeby agree to swear fealty to Hjalfar. In seafaring news, Shamyeby sailors make several trips to their new outpost in Esgigeland, trading fish, furs, meats, vegetables, seeds, runic objects, and pieces of artwork with the Mi’kmaq. The new outpost is named Keathutberga. A Tvennu man marries a Mi’kmaq woman this year. In Shamyeby, the town grows healthily. A trade route is established and fortified between Shamyeby and Dogajavick, allowing Mi’kmaq goods to enter the latter’s markets. In Elufsker news, several men embark westward in the late spring and soon find themselves sailing down the Vestelfr (OTL St. Lawrence). The sailing is smooth. However, they are attacked at some points by unknown peoples, resulting in the death of two sailors. Eventually, the reach the lands of a people called the Iroquois.
  • Vinlandic Dip to Iroquois: The Norse request to temporarily lodge with the Iroquois before they are ready to return home, as well as establish trading relations with them. They offer the Iroquois a gift of fish, pelts, and Norse runes and artifacts.
  • Iroquois: We accept.
• Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di": With the death of Juan of Barcelona-Leon the heir to the Spanish throne Katherine of Barcelona-Leon takes the mandate of Spainish monarch thus Jan Leonard Regnier becomes Consort King Juan Leonardo de Barcelona-Regnier. While being heir to the throne of Lotharingia, a Lotharingian king who's continuing the fighting against the liege rebellion. The Rebellion of liege only having 400 rebels armed mostly with pikes and other basic and cheap weapons such as spears made out tree branches, as the rebels aren't able to find much support in the barren forests. While in Africa, the Trade of African goods such as ivory, gold and spices continue in lands such as Etula, Shebro Island and Hoebaai. This bringing wealth to the KWAC and Lotharingia, which is needed for the recovery of Lotharingia as the damage of the Franco-Lotharingian war is still not fully repaired.
• Swiss Confederacy: In response to the new accusations of witchcraft appearing in the Swiss Confederacy, Bishop of Augsburg and Grand Inquisitor of the Swiss Confederacy Jodok Seitz and Bishop of Chur Ortlieb von Brandis decide to set up a new clerical commission to investigate accusations of witchcraft. Some delegates from the Central Council will observe this commission to make sure the efforts against witchcraft do not get out of hand like the witch trials of Bishop of Sion André dei Benzi of Gualdo in the 1420s did, and some medical scholars from the University of Basel also join the commission in order to investigate whether accusations of witchcraft or demonic possession may just be the result of medical conditions. 2,000 Swiss mercenaries remain in Arles to aid King Lucas of Arles against Modena. Hearing that King Henry VI of England is trying to reconcile with the House of Beaufort, Eberhard, Count of Lenzburg writes to the English King that he agrees with the King of Ireland's suggestion for Elizabeth Beaufort (b. 1459), granddaughter of Edmund Beaufort (the former King Edward V of England) to be betrothed to Edward of York (b. 1464), the son of Henry VI. (Mod response) As the ruling house of England is now trying to reconcile with the Beauforts and thereby with Ireland, the Central Council decides to change tack and take an entirely neutral position with regards to the disputes between Ireland and Scotland for now, though they will continue to pay close attention to these. After the death of the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund II, Count Eberhard writes to his relative Hermann III, Landgrave of Hesse, who is the Elector of Hesse; Louis IX, Duke of Bavaria-Landshut, who has an established political alliance with the Swiss Confederacy and is the Elector of Bavaria; as well as to Wenceslaus III, Duke of Saxe-Wittenberg, who is the Elector of Saxony, to propose for Wenceslaus III of Saxony to be a candidate to be elected the new Holy Roman Emperor instead of a fourth consecutive Premsylid. (Saxony response) (Mod response for Hesse and Bavaria). The Central Council continues to pay attention to the conflicts in northern Italy to which Swiss mercenaries have been deployed, and also continue to give fairly passive support to the League of the Public Weal in France. Domestically, the government works on improving roads and related infrastructure in the central Cantons of Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden, Engelberg and Glarus, in order to aid the movement of traders and goods and boost the economy. The joint military of the Confederacy focuses on fortifying mountain passes and other border crossings on the southwestern border of the nation in the Cantons of Pontarlier, Lausanne, Geneva and Sion, while those mercenaries gathered at Rapperswil Castle in the Canton of Toggenburg work on improving the fortifications of the castle and surrounding town while waiting for potential deployment to northern Italy or the British Isles. Patriarch of the Western Church Eneko Etcheverry (1405-1470) dies of a disease and is succeeded as Western Patriarch by Federico Fernández (b. 1425), head priest of the Western Church of Unterwalden in the Swiss Confederacy, who is in turn succeeded as head priest by his elder brother Humberto Fernández (b. 1422). The Central Council writes to Pope Anastasius VI to propose that the new Western Patriarch be created cardinal to replace Etcheverry. (Papal response). Catherine von Lenzburg (1400-1470), aunt of Eberhard, Count of Lenzburg and mother of Hermann III, Landgrave of Hesse, dies of natural causes. Later in the year, Margaret of Gorizia (1402-1470), daughter of Sophia von Lenzburg and mother of Peter IV, Duke of Savoy, dies. Engelbert von Lenzburg and Marianne of Württemberg have their first child, a son named Ulrich VIII (b. 1470). Later in the year, Maria von Lenzburg and Albert IV, Duke of Bavaria-Munich have their first child, a daughter named Agnes (b. 1470). Francis Capet-Berry and Margaret of Bourbon have their third child, a daughter named Joan (b. 1470).
  • Saxony: Wenceslaus III of Saxony is honoured by the Count Eberhard's proposal, and will gladly accept if the other electors lend him their support.
  • Hesse approves, Bavaria rejects.
• Roman Empire: Basileus Gregorios accedes to the Latin, Ventian, and Papal support for the restoration of the Order of Bari, but firmly occupies Naxos against invasion. Internally, the empire continues to utilize its relative trade advantage over Venice and the Latins to profit immensely, even satiating Basileus’ Gregorios’ demands for military spending. However, the Emperor is annoyed. The attempts by the Latins to undermine Roman Hegemony over Achaea and Epirus anger him greatly, to the point that he considers a military intervention. Instead he grants several captains within the Roman Merchant Navy Letters of Marque against shipping run out of the “Empire of Romania.” Captured Barbary ships are prized for this fighting as their high speed and wide beam allows them to carry significant numbers of boarders and catch vulnerable merchantmen. Internally, the financial markets of the Forum of the Ox grow dominant over all of northern Greece and compete greatly in Achaea. The Forum’s relative trade power over Athen’s smaller sector grants it significant influence. Roman merchants, who are afforded reduced taxation and thus more competitive rates in the Empire’s tributaries in Greece undermine and replace those of Venice and the few from the Latin Empire. Having come to dominate trade from the Silk Road, which largely passes through our Orthodox brothers in Georgia, the empire also possesses a great deal of valuable trade power in the east. Access to markets in Epirus and Achaea have allowed Roman merchants the ability to stop-off in friendly ports before travelling westward to sell in Ancona, Montferrat, or beyond. Thus effectively cutting Athens and Venice out of a significant segment of trade along the silk road. In Taurica, Tartars from the Golden Horde, who often come to trade with the Greek merchants, begin being converted to Orthodoxy. These new converts also mix with the Greek and Moldavian populations to create a group of semi-nomadic horseback people in the region to the south of the Danapris River. A similar cultural group appears in the Kuban region with Greek-speaking, Orthodox Tartars becoming a significant force in the territory. This acculturation of Tartars to Greek merchant culture undermines the power of the Golden Horde in the area. These groups are largely autonomous from local control and include members of Greek, Tartar, Circassian, and Moldavian origin depending on their location, and grow renown for their skill with Ankistróploi from horseback. The Great Library of Constantinople finally officially opens this year.
  • [Mod Response, Please]: With the Latins attempting to undermine the Empire’s newfound influence in Greece Basileus Gregorios institutes a policy of isolation toward the fledgling country. Orthodox leadership in Epirus and Achaea are brought to meet with the Basileus who offers significant military and economic support in exchange for their adoption of the Byzantine Hyperpyron. He offers to send minters to their capitals, free of charge, to re-strike their treasuries into hyperpyrons.
• Hanseatic League: As a new year dawns and the Baltic thaws, the non-stop trade of the Hanseatic League continues to guide German economics into a daring, new age. Every year, representatives of the Hanseatic League (Ratssendeboten) meet at an assembly in Lübeck known as the Tagfahrt. However, since the mid-14th century, the aldermen of the League have had the true say in what happens in these meetings. The League has come a long way since the days of its early inception. Civility reigned; if a consensus was threatened that may benefit the League as a whole, an alternative idea was not proposed. Something, after all, is better than nothing. Now, however, the central states of the Hanseatic League dominate trade and therefore hold significant sway over the politics of the region. The Hanseatic League recognizes four men who represent the entire central political entity and who also hold considerable sway over those who may not be governed by Hanseatic ideals. They are as follows: the Bürgermeister of Lübeck and Hamburg - Simon Burkhart, who share a mayor and who hold the final say in where shipments throughout the four regions go; Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who determine the prices of salt; the Prince-Admiral of Rostock Christopher von Warnow, who holds a permanent hereditary military position; and Prince-Archbishop of Bremen, Baldwin of Venden, who holds significant sway over ecumenical politics in the Baltic. Houses Ascania and Welf have an agreement to alternate control over the Principality of Lüneburg, which has kept the peace for some time. This also prevents the region from slipping out of the hands of either house. With Pomerania-Stettin being brought ever deeper into the fold of the Hanseatic League, trade along the Baltic becomes more lucrative than ever. The Baltic Duchies also see a heavy increase in trade due to the lack of organized interference from Pomerania. However, piracy continues to affect the Baltic. Rostock and Kiel shipyards pump out bulks en masse. To protect their convoys against the pirates, the Hanseatic League employs ships known as the Orlogship. These ships have historically been equipped with crossbows and catapults. The Hakenbüchse (Arquebus) is becoming increasingly common on Hanseatic Ships. Others are being fitted with the Culverin, a small cannon that yields devastating results at close range. Nine carracks are built at Kiel with another six being built in Rostock. They join the convoys that already criss-cross the Baltic and North Sea in a seemingly unending parade. Assistance from trading partner Sweden is requested against pirate havens on Gotland. Tales of pirates and smugglers are traded throughout Hamburg and Lübeck of a more romantic nature. With the discovery that English nobles are behind the attacks on Hanseatic shipping, the Hansa pulls all trade from England until the privateers are called off. This severely impacts many English industries, particularly the cloth-making industry and flax. English ship-making abilities are confounded. This has a twofold effect seen by the end of the year: a downswing in overt piracy and an upswing in smuggling. While product is still lost to traders looking to make a lucrative mark, the violent attacks on the Hanseatic League seem to decrease noticeably. However, the Hansa intends to employ full measures to protect its trade in the North Sea. Specific names of nobles involved are released, particularly among their political opponents. Furthermore, Hanseatic privateers increase their pirate-hunting measures. Many raid English trading vessels. The Hansa's involvement in these attacks are, of course, denied. Recognizing the precarious situation in the North Sea, England is invited to peace talks in Hamburg to ensure German trade can return to England and mitigate an already-spiraling disaster in exchange for the end and punishment of English privateer action. (Mod Response Needed).
• The Spanish Empire: With Queen Katherine's return from the Holy City of Rome, she continues to be a queen of true glory. As the Hispanic Assembly ensures administrative affairs are handled well and the municipal leaders being entrusted by Katherine to follow out the anti-corruption decrees and policies, Katherine centers a focus this year on the humanitarian efforts of maintenance within the realm. As much as the Academies of Medicine in the Empire since the age of the Great Plague had improved, it was quite clear that more needed to be done. With great swaths of income coming into the empire, Katherine sets aside a fund from the Royal Treasury to be used to employ physicians across different areas of Hispania. The Medical Academies of Genoa, Barcelona, Naples, Toledo, A Coruna, and Sevilla, Bari and Syracuse are ordered to either be constructed or remodeled from their current structures in order to be expanded upon to include facilities for care. This decree is sent about to various religious institutes across the Empire calling about nuns and women to help nurse and care for the sick. Toledo, the beating heart of both Spain and Iberia sees the first patients be cared for in the newly built care areas and against some of her advisors wishes, her majesty welcomes and even tends to the facilities ensuring they are managed as she envisioned them to be. Meanwhile, in Northern Italy, by the assistance of her uncle, a deal is struck to intervene in the conflict of Northern Italy. Unfortunately we must side against her leading relative of Modena and restore peace amongst the Latin Brothers. Queen Katherine agrees to use the might of the Spanish Armada and 18,000 men to assist Arles in stopping Modena's aggression in a war that shouldn't need to occur.

1471

The Imperial Diet has not yet chosen a new King of Germany, as electors are divided between those supporting King Henry III of Bohemia (supported by Bohemia, Brandenburg, and Cologne) and Wenceslaus III of Saxony (supported by Trier, Bavaria and Nassau). If the election turns out to be a tie, then the two candidates will become Co-Kings, as what happened between Louis IV and Frederick III.

In England, King Henry VI struggles to maintain a bale\nce of power between the nobles, as Richard the Earl of Warwick continues to project the power of the Nevilles to undermine his authority. Henry himself wants to try to keep the magnates pinned down while he attempts to re-assert England's power abroad, which is why he had been secretly sponsoring privateers against the Hanseatic League.

In Switzerland, the inquisition of Bishop Ortlieb von Brandis proves being very successful, and convicts over 8,000 women of Witchcraft. This was the largest witch trial in European history.

A similar situation appears in Greece as well. The Despot of Epirus welcomes the Byzantine diplomats to discuss their economic union, and adoption of the Byzantine currency. When the diplomats arrived in Arta, however, they soon discovered many of the local population had been kidnapped and murdered, not in any political targets but seemingly random villagers. This was believed to be the work of a Satanist, Wicca cult, evidenced by the remains of sacrificed goats and blasphemous chants etched in eloquent Latin.

Shortly after the incident, the Despot of Morea suddenly announces that he will negotiate with the Romans in Constantinople, rather than allowing them into his country. However, Venetian merchants and the Order of Bari quickly spread word that these Satanist cults had been conducting murders in both nations, which they made known to both the Pope and other Italian states. The Romanian population is quick to accuse the Greek people as being responsible for this act, wich they also report to Italy.

The Majapahit Empire is able to sustain control over the island of Java, but continues to struggle against the Demak. In order to relieve the situation, Maharajah Singhawikramawardhana moves the capital of the empire to Kediri.

A revolt occurs among the common people of central Russia, who are supported by the Republic of Novgorod to depose the feudal princes and instate a merchant republic. Moscow and Smolensk leads the forces to oppose this faction.

Portuguese explorers sailing south of the equator first sights the Southern Cross constellation, the star that is positioned directly above the South Pole just like Ursa Minor is in the North.

Thomas Malory publishes a complete collection of romance stories based on Arthurian Britain, titled The Death of Arthur. It is written to be allegorical to the political situation in Britain and Europe in general, which perfectly captures the Humanist philosophy prominent at this time. It also codifies the relationship between the legendary figures of Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, and the Holy Grail which had been floating in different continuities since the 12th century.

• Kingdom of Arles: The victory at Noli leads the army to rest and recuperate. Good food, beer, brandy and wine is supplied to the troops to celebrate this victory. (stability improves?) A few barrels of the best Arlean Rose Wine is sent to Savoy and the Swiss as a gift. The navy begins blockading La Spezia as we request the huge army of Spanish support to wait. (HISPANIAN RESPONSE). Altisi becomes a general and he leads 1,000 troops to Florence in which Philippe Lowen and his 6,500 Pisan troops are encamped. A young military prodigy named Fathien Muchalio de Ross graduates from the Militarie Academie de Marseilles. He is quite small in stature but has a brilliant mind. He is sent to Noli and further taught by the great Luio Artleo, while Sebastian Belli leads the forces in Noli. A painting of young Luio Artleo leading his troops to victory in Saluzzo is painted by the royal painter and he is knighted for his valuable services. The great writer Lucas Sassingnón dies at 77 years of age, an amazing feat. He is mourned by the public and buried in the Pertuis Cathedral, his hometown. Even more amazing, Lucas I has triplets, two girls and a boy named Anaïs after his sister, Fleur and Andre after his deceased son. In Lorviti, Local Bandits attack the population, raiding and killing many. The settlement barely survives, and resources from Nouvelle Digne to help boost the settlement to pre-raid numbers.
  • Pisa: the troops now totaling 7,500 slowly advance and take positions at a more easily defendable position in the forest just a few kilometres from La Spezia

• Grand Duke of Lithuania: The commonwealth has finally continue their inquisitions toward in the empire, and working in this investigate Casimir IV has finally discussed that finally that some areas will be in their control and establish more colony and Christianized them' throughout the cathedral its in on final early developments progress to establish it the economy grow up and more effort is raise up a group of Catholics is investigate in a village of Doruchow the Catholic Poles and Lithuanians as follow the system behind those heresy to send against them, the soldiers are in service of Casimir IV's while Elizabeth of Austria secure that many duchy should be investigate in village and rural areas they intervene to main more mobilize and start talking with the villagers from the populations in an encounter, more university and scholar is built up to release in public with major conflict that the Poles will continue the investigator across the kingdom and the empire in Eastern Europe, a region areas which isn't colonize is set to by a troops of 5,000 soldiers to Christianized them in the Volhynia part is constitute to Christianize them and investigate it, which is occurring the occupation of Casimir IV's and its principality states he leads to encourage the Christians for it more economy is continue to grow up Polostok become an eastern colony of Poland and is demand well improved more cities is establish and fortifications the Catholics as continue to spread the religion in east and in non-Christians area to grow up more population and economy more money is gave it and ships are built well. The Polish nobility was interested for this idea and many regional leader is approved by Elizabeth of Austria which to continue more work under the economic advanced this many areas where they coal mining and created a labor Polish forces Casimir IV was thought followed by public and its own monarchy continue in some year, the populations is in investigations some news stuff that The policies of religious tolerance that developed in the country, which the development grow up some areas are built and a fortifications is sent possibly more settlement is indeed worked and many more effort is doing.
• Empire of Ethiopia: With the Yemeni fleet destroyed at the Battle of Aden, the Empire gains naval superiority in the Red Sea. The 25 ships sent to pillage the Yemeni coast are recalled to Barari and used to transport 15,000 Ethiopian soldiers across the Red Sea into Yemen, landing on the immediate opposite side of the Bab-el Mandeb straits, where they proceed to march on Aden led by Amda Seyon. The city is placed under siege, with Ethiopian ships transporting siege weapons to the 15,000 man army, consisting of 5,000 arqurbusiers and 8,000 heavy infantry along with 2,000 cavalry. The city, blockaded and cut off, is bombarded with mangonels and trebuchets, which fling flaming balls into the city to start fires as well. [ALGO NEEDED]. The blockading djongs under the Ayutthaya captains also begin bombarding the city from the sea. 
• Iceland: King Domnhall V continues the criticism of the Anti-Heresy League. 
• Archbishopric of Mainz: Cardinal Diether von Isenburg remains a firm supporter of the extensive reforms in the Catholic church, including the Inquisition and the Assembly of Preachers. He continues to support raising education in his Diocese. He continues to patronize Johannes Gutenberg, particularly in the printing of releases from the Pontifical Roman Press. Cardinal von Isenburg votes his vote in the Imperial Diet to Henry of Bohemia, to be the new King of Germany. Finally, in his capacity as Archchancellor of Germany, he collects his regular reports on behalf of the Emperor, and prepares to present them to the new King of Germany, shortly after his coronation. His reports include an estimation of the amount that the imperial revenue will increase, by the elimination of graft alone. It is quite impressive. He also notes that the handful of people he has recommended being replaced are widely unpopular, and not well connected. He agrees completely that nothing should be done to destabilize the empire, which is why it is best to start small when reforming. Cardinal von Isenburg decides to convene a meeting of the City Council of Mainz, to debate possibly revising the local taxes of the Electorate of Mainz. He also requests representatives from the local parishes, and prominent guildsmen, to present any specific suggestions or complaints they may have before the council. Any revision to the tax code will be made next year.
• Papal States: Pope Anastasius VI continues to support and reinforce the Inquisition. The Pontifical Roman Press continue to spread pamphlets and wors in defense of the Catholic faith and against the Taborites and radical Lollards. After receiving reports about Satanic Cults in Latin territories in Greece, Anastasius VI orders some Inquisitors leadered by the Grand Inquisitor Oliviero Carafa from Naples to travel there to investigate these cases. The pontiff explicitly orders that the Inquisitors will only stay in Latin controled territory and can work together with the Orthodox clerics if necessary. [MOD response for the success of the investigation, please]. With Poland-Lithuania joining the Inquisition, Pope Anastasius VI declares Cardinal Jan Długosz as Grand Inquisitor of Poland-Lithuania. The construction of te new Apostolic Palace and of the Cappella Magna continues. Antonio Rossellino start to work in the tomb of Pope Anastasius VI. Andrea del Verrochio and Leonardo da Vinci continue painting the frescos in the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory. Marco Bronzino finishes the scupture of Angel Uriel and is invited by the pope to make a sculpture of Pope Anastasius V to place in the Anastasian Academy. Piero della Francesca continues to paint the frescos about the apparitions, the greatest of the frescos will show the Miracle of the Flowers and will occupy an entire wall. The construction of the tower for studies of astronomy continue. All these works of art are financed with the money that was once used to sustain the luxury of the papal court, while the money used to fund the works of charity is intact and only used to help the poor. The production of weapons in the Papal Arsenal of Orvieto continues. Meanwhile, Captain General Domenico Malatesta continues training troops for the Papal Army. The Arsenals of Ostia and Civitavecchia continues to produce ships. Federigo Marin, the new professor of Natural Theology in Saint Augustine's University, use the same field trips that Adalfredo Meccia used. On these field trips, Marin and his pupils visit the Alexandrine Gardens and othe regions of the Papal States to observe the creatures and propose the characteristcs that God gave them to survive. The construction of the Chapel commissioned by Cardinal Ari Sturlungur continues. Johann Burchard now working as Papal Assistant writes in his diary all situations that he see happening in the Papal Court. Giuliano Della Rovere continue his studies of theology at Saint Augustine's University and he continues to hate Rodrigo de Borgia. Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini, even now being a cardinal, continue to participate in the works of charity ofthe Mercedine Order. The reforms started by the deceased Cardinal Alfons de Borja in the Church of San Giacomo degli Spagnoli continues under Rodrigo de Borgia. Prince Ársæll Esturlungio continues with the reforms of the Rocca Abbaziale. Rodrigo de Borgia and Vannozza dei Cattanei continue with their affair. Philip of Habsburg and Luchina Della Rovere have a son named Galeotto. Another birth in the Della Rovere Family happens, when Leonardo Della Rovere and Ippolita Maria Sforza have a daughter named Isabella. The Holy Father creates as cardinals Patriarch Federico Fernández (Western Church), Ortlieb von Brandis (Swiss Confederacy), Jiří z Vašíček (Hussite Patriarch) and Neil Kinnock (Celtic Patriarch). Wishing to add more books to the Vatican colection, Pope Anastasius VI writes to the King of England asking copies of books of several authors, mainly the recently published The Death of Arthur of Thomas Malory. [MOD response needed, please]. This year, Pope Anastasius VI declares Vicent Ferrer as a Saint after many miracles attributed to Ferrer's intercession are reported.
  • Republic of Ancona: New galleys are built in the shipyards of Ancona, this way making the Republic navy grow in number. The buildings across the Republic continue being reformed. Books and pamphlets of apologetic and defense of the Catholic Faith are published by the printing press and send to various nations of Europe through the Anconian ships.
  • The Death of Arthur is an immediate success in Italy.

• Empire of Romania: Shocked by the discoveries made in Epirus and Achaea by the Group of Three as well as independent Venetian merchants and monks from the Order of Bari, Emperor Julius moves to shut down border traffic from the two nations into Romania, fearing the spread of these Satanic movements into his own nation. 1,000 additional troops are mobilized to help secure the border. While casual travel and trade are suspended, anyone from Epirus or Achaea who wish to escape the demonic activity within their borders and start over in Athens are allowed to do so, only if they pass a rigorous religious examination set forth by the Order of Bari and pledge to renounce Satan. The Romanian bond market suffers heavily, with many bonds trading at a severe discount and high interest rates in response to the Satanist uprisings in the north and the Byzantine embargo. All new issuance is temporarily suspended until the end of this economic crisis.
  • [MOD AND PAPAL STATES RESPONSE]: Emperor Julius welcomes the Inquisition into the Empire of Romani, and calls for the Inquisition to move swiftly into Epirus and Achaea as well to help quell these Satanic cults, and suggests monitoring into the neighboring polities of Serbia, Albania, and Thessaly as well. The emperor reaches out to the Despots of Epirus and Achaea, urging cooperation with the Papal authorities to quickly quell the demonic activity within their borders.
    • Papal Diplomacy: Anastasius VI ordered some Inquisitors leadered by the Grand Inquisitor Oliviero Carafa from Naples to travel there to investigate these cases.
    • Romanian Diplomacy: Glad the Pope has recognized the severity of the issue, the Inquisitor is escorted by the Group of Three into Epirus and Achaea to help root out and destroy the Satanist movement.
  • [MOD AND CATHOLIC NATIONS RESPONSE]: Concerned by the economic implications of the Byzantines’ economic quarantine and their use of piracy, Emperor Julius calls on Venice, who is also under economic attack by the Byzantine regime to help secure trade lanes within the Aegean and increase anti-piracy patrols. Furthermore, the emperor and the Imperial Senate officially denounce the Byzantine usage of unsavory pirates, and calls for a Catholic condemnation of what is clearly an attack on the entire faith itself.
    • Papal Diplomacy: Pope Anastasius VI suggests the creation of a Catholic alliance of Mediterranean nations against pirates.
    • Venice cooporates with suppressing piracy in the Aegean
• Kingdom of Ayutthaya: After much deliberation, Rama Trailokanat has seen fit to take action in regards to the conflict in Majapahit and opts to send messengers to the regions of Siantar, Hasinggan, Jambi, and Dewak encouraging them to break free of Majapahit and become tributary to Ayutthaya to ensure they're independence from Majapahit is guaranteed. (Mod Response). The Mekong River border with Lan Xang is fortified on the orders Tun Perak who has seen fit to make preparations for any potential future wars against Dai Viet. Rama Trailokanat has given orders for the Temmengung to dispatch and maintain spies in Majapahit in order to observe how the war progresses and if the war could be twisted to Ayutthaya's benefit. The Penghulu Bendahari has begun instituting economic measures aimed at ensuring the smooth flow of trade in this time of turmoil for the region and has also continued with the frugal spending requested of him by Rama Trailokanat. Integration efforts of new regions proceed somewhat smoothly with only minor hiccups in regard to the cultures and people present. Efforts continue to centralize Ayutthaya's governance with Rama Trailokanat handing out titles to those worthy in the Sakdina system. A diplomatic party is sent to Hindustan requesting friendly relations between it and Ayutthaya. (Mod Response).
  • These states would appreciate the support, but are suspicious of Siam's intensions, seeing their rapid expansion into Malaysia
  • Hindustan accepts trade and diplomacy with Siam
• Kingdom of Portugal: The queen and her best friend celebrate their 11th birthday this year, this time they celebrate it at the royal palace of Porto. The two Portuguese explorers Pedro Escobar and Joao De Santarem reach a place they call Santo André (Sassandra Ivory Coast where they establish a trading post with 200 settlers. (Asked nate who said it was okay). The Queen pays a visit to the Madieras where the people are cheering at her when she and her best friend visits them.
• Roman Empire: The supernatural events taking place in Greece and across Wallachia and Dobruja spur the Patriarch of Constantinople to launch its own anti-heretical inquisition. Patriarch Dionysius I installs Manuel Christonymos as the Church Inquisitor, to seek the source of the unnatural events and purge them. Manuel takes the task extremely seriously and assembles a small army of roughly 1,000 men, with which he travels to Epirus and begins to investigate. The Church also attempts to influence the local leadership in Dobruja, Epirus, and Morea to support this Orthodox Inquisition, which tends to target Catholics and other undesirables, offering material support. These focused investigations look for a cause to the Satanists, which local and church authorities suspect to be corrupted crypto-Catholics. Latin Satanists under the guise of the “Group of Three” are blamed en masse, with church and authority leaders distributing the news through printed and spoken word. Aside from church matters, Basileus Gregorios has a change of heart. He orders an end to state-sanctioned piracy, and enrolls the captains into the Imperial Fleet once more. However, these captains bring their light, fast ships with them, inspiring new advances in ship design and construction. In terms of trade, the empire’s naval expansion goes forward, enabling Greek merchants greater capacity to take over Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean trade. The developments in Taurica continue, the numbers and local influence of the mixed, “Kozákos,” grows steadily. The most substantial growth occurs in the Kuban area where Gotho-Greek frontiersmen mix with the Turko-Tartar population in the area. A second major area of growth is in the area of a growing settlement known as Melitopolis at the mouth of the Gerrus (Molochna) River. Thechnially in territory ruled by the Golden Horde, the town becomes a site of local trade and commerce between the Kozákos and Greek merchants. A substantial reason for this growth was the adoption of more militaristic state administration under Gregorios who’s crackdown on inefficiency and corruption prompted an exodus of roguish-types from Taurica. Also in the region, Basileus Gregorios determines to solidify Roman rule. He dissolved Trebizond and Theodoro, granting their respective rulers substantial pensions and estates within Taurica. Both families are given significant titles and valuable positions within the administration of the newly integrated territory.
  • [Papal Response, Please]: Basileus Gregorios and Patriarch Dionysius I reach out to the Pope to meet regarding the upswing in cultist activity and potentially improving Catholic-Orthodox relations.
    • Papal Diplomacy: Pope Anastasius VI says to Grand Inquisitor Oliviero Carafa and the others Inquisitors (most from the Dominican Order) will travel to Constantinople to meet with Basileus Gregorios and Patriarch Dionysius.
  • [Spanish Response, Please]: Basileus Gregorios, influenced by a pro-Spanish faction in the Syndikáto Empóron, sends an envoy to the Spanish Crown, seeking to formalize a trade relationship with specific points of commerce and exchange rates. He suggests that the empires designate Syracuse and Naples as the main points of commerce between the Roman and Spanish Empires where both empires shall jointly operate money exchanges and reduce taxes on each other's goods. He also offers to sign an agreement of exclusivity in trade, outlawing Roman commerce with Portugal and Genoa for further reduced taxes on Roman Goods in Spain.
  • [Mod Response, Please]: Basileus Gregorios sends royal marriage requests to Moldavia and Serbia seeking royal marriages for Crown Prince John (b. 1451) and Princess Irene (b. 1454) respectively. He also approaches the Despot of Epirus seeking a royal marriage for his son Prince Micheal (b. 1453).
    • Dorde of Serbia offers his daughter Marija.
    • Stephen III of Moldavia offers his son Alexandru.
• Hanseatic League: As a new year dawns and the Baltic thaws, the non-stop trade of the Hanseatic League continues to guide German economics into a daring, new age. Every year, representatives of the Hanseatic League (Ratssendeboten) meet at an assembly in Lübeck known as the Tagfahrt. However, since the mid-14th century, the aldermen of the League have had the true say in what happens in these meetings. The League has come a long way since the days of its early inception. Civility reigned; if a consensus was threatened that may benefit the League as a whole, an alternative idea was not proposed. Something, after all, is better than nothing. Now, however, the central states of the Hanseatic League dominate trade and therefore hold significant sway over the politics of the region. The Hanseatic League recognizes four men who represent the entire central political entity and who also hold considerable sway over those who may not be governed by Hanseatic ideals. They are as follows: the Bürgermeister of Lübeck and Hamburg - Simon Burkhart, who share a mayor and who hold the final say in where shipments throughout the four regions go; Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who determine the prices of salt; the Prince-Admiral of Rostock Christopher von Warnow, who holds a permanent hereditary military position; and Prince-Archbishop of Bremen, Baldwin of Venden, who holds significant sway over ecumenical politics in the Baltic. Houses Ascania and Welf have an agreement to alternate control over the Principality of Lüneburg, which has kept the peace for some time. This also prevents the region from slipping out of the hands of either house. With Pomerania-Stettin being brought ever deeper into the fold of the Hanseatic League, trade along the Baltic becomes more lucrative than ever. The Baltic Duchies also see a heavy increase in trade due to the lack of organized interference from Pomerania. However, piracy continues to affect the Baltic. Rostock and Kiel shipyards pump out bulks en masse. To protect their convoys against the pirates, the Hanseatic League employs ships known as the Orlogship. These ships have historically been equipped with crossbows and catapults. The Hakenbüchse (Arquebus) is becoming increasingly common on Hanseatic Ships. Others are being fitted with the Culverin, a small cannon that yields devastating results at close range. Nine carracks are built at Kiel with another six being built in Rostock. They join the convoys that already criss-cross the Baltic and North Sea in a seemingly unending parade. Assistance from trading partner Sweden is requested against pirate havens on Gotland. Tales of pirates and smugglers are traded throughout Hamburg and Lübeck of a more romantic nature. The peace talks with the pirates continue into the early months of the year. Yorkist delegations are presented with proof of their funding of privateers. As the Hanseatic League has no interest in the dynastic affairs of England, it simply wishes for the privateers to be recalled and punished, reparations made, and German trade to once again enter England's ports. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) To combat any further piracy, the Hanseatic League establishes a larger presence in Heligoland. Cannons are erected at key areas around the island, with the docks being expanded to house more ships. Though the former is ostensibly a peace burg effort, the latter is meant to expand Heligoland's importance. An offer to create Kontors in Scotland and Wales are officially requested. In Ireland, the construction of the Hanseatic port enters its final phase, as Hanseatic ships flow into the Kontor and deliver German goods to Ireland like never before. A Hanseatic surveyor arrives in Reykjavik to find good land for a Hanseatic quarter. He arrives in the spring and stays through the winter, observing what ports are usable during cold months and which are frozen over. He also uses local documents to see where would be the best place to establish this new port. By the end of the year, he has acquired a stretch of coastline he intends to call it Lundhaven - Puffin Bay - after the birds he becomes enamored with during his time in Iceland. Expeditions to the south of Mali continue this year, with the gold coast being reached and surveyed. Contact with the natives proves to be fruitful and peaceful.
  • Henry VI accepts the terms
  • Kingdom of Wales Dip: The offer from the Hanseatic League to create Kontors in Wales is gladly accepted, understanding how it would greatly increase our trade volume, strengthening the growth of our nation, who has just managed to recover from the latest war. Ideal locations such as our capital, Cardiff, the second biggest city in the realm, Caernarfon, as well as other big cities, to the likes of Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Pembroke and Swansea, are offered to the Hanseatic League, to ensure a sizable increase in trade volume, with such a reliable trade partner such as the Hanseatic League is widely considered to be.
  • Kingdom of Scotland Dip: We also agree to the setup of Hansa Kontors in Scottish cities, hoping to reap the benifits of increased trade with northern Germany and increased linkage into the North Sea trade generally. We personally recommend setting up kontors in Inverness and Edinburgh, as they are among the most important Scottish port cities.
• Kingdom of Scotland: We once again continue to seek foreign alliances, so King Edward offers the hand of his daughter, Aoife, to an eligible male from the Danish royal family, in an attempt to secure an alliance between us and the Orbero Union to further trade in the North Sea and to ensure we continue to have allies outside of the British isles. (OREBRO RESPONSE NEEDED) We also continue to do our best to spread the printing press throughout Scotland.
• Swiss Confederacy: Jodok Seitz, Bishop of Augsburg and Grand Inquisitor of the Swiss Confederacy, dies. He is succeeded as Bishop of Augsburg by Jakob Goffredi and as Cardinal by Bishop of Chur Ortlieb von Brandis. The Central Council writes to Pope Anastasius VI, suggesting that von Brandis be created the new Grand Inquisitor of the Swiss Confederacy as well. (Papal response) The investigation commission against witchcraft created by von Brandis and the late Seitz makes a large number of convictions, but this draws the alarm of some other Swiss bishops, including Bishop of Sion Walter Supersaxo and Bishop of Lausanne Aymon von Lenzburg. The Central Council tries to convince the clergy to avoid burnings as much as possible, to comply with Pope Sixtus V's bill De Haeretici from c. 1404, and to avoid creating unnecessary unrest amongst the populace. Keeping the domestic populace calm as the witchcraft investigations are ongoing becomes the general focus of the government this year, as diplomats from the Central Council try to make sure the trials proceed properly and avoid the formation of riots. With regards to the election of the King of Germany, Eberhard, Count of Lenzburg writes to his first cousin Hermann III, Landgrave of Hesse, who had expressed support for Eberhard's proposed candidate the previous year; Eberhard encourages Hermann III to officially cast his vote as Elector of Hesse for Duke Wenceslaus III of Saxe-Wittenberg. (Mod response) At the same time, Bishop of Chur Ortlieb von Brandis writes to the Archbishop-Elector of Bremen, encouraging him to vote for the candidate from Saxony instead of having a fourth consecutive King/Emperor from the same dynasty. (Mod response) The Central Council continues to pay close attention to the various tensions occurring in the British Isles, though they seem to have calmed down somewhat, with the outright war between Ireland and Scotland the Central Council had been expecting not yet occurring. Knowing that King Henry VI of England is trying to repair relations between the Lancastrian and Yorkist factions, Count Eberhard writes to him to suggest that he restore the title of Duke of Somerset to the Beauforts that they had prior to their exile. (Mod response) The joint military of the Swiss Confederacy focuses on improving the fortifications of the city of Schwyz, where the Central Council is convened, by strengthening and expanding the city walls. Some soldiers are also sent by the Central Council to guard the locations of witchcraft trials and try to defuse any riots. 2,000 Swiss mercenaries remain in Arles to aid King Lucas of Arles against Modena. The congregation of mercenaries at Rapperswil Castle in the Canton of Toggenburg is released for now as it appears tensions in the British Isles have calmed somewhat and Arles's conflict seems to be going well enough that no additional Swiss mercenaries are currently required. Konrad III, Count of Württemberg (1409-1471) dies of natural causes and is succeeded as Count by his son Eberhard V (b. 1441), who is currently unmarried. Jónina Sturlungur (1405-1471), wife of the late Frederick of Habsburg and sister of former King Andrés Heinrich I of Iceland, former Count Gustav of Savoy and current Prince Eiríkur of Finland, dies of a disease. Godfrey Courtenay and Isabel Neville have their first child, a son named John (b. 1471).
  • King Henry VI restores the title of Duke of Somerset to the Beuforts.
• Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di": King godfried health which has been on the decline for five years already is now on his last breath, Godfried being an old man in his 60s. Godfrieds life being centered around minimising the damage that had been done by his father Feinsan of Regnier Lotharingen, King of Lotharingia, Italy and Germany, Emperor of Romans, who disgraced Lotharingia and the Regniers. Godfried trying to use diplomacy, trade and marriage such as having his son and heir to the throne John educated in Hesse. Godfired also betrothing John Leonard to the heir of the Spanish throne, Katherine having married John and become queen of Spain. This slowing down the tensions slightly between the KWAC and the Spanish West Africa Company, as their governments are less hostile to each other. Thus the KWAC begins to invest more into their actual warehouses and holdings, such as Etula, Hoekbaai en Congo Bay.
• Kingdom of Wales: King Edmund, as a personality of high intellect, noticing the recently published collection of romance stories by the reknown author Thomas Malory, titled The Death of Arthur, immediately responds by claiming that his realm, Wales, to be the birth place of the fabled King Arthur and other legendary figures, collectively referred to as The Knights of the Round Table, such as Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain and Sir Galahad, as such their admirable legacy belongs exclusively to our realm, both culturally speaking and through our common ancestry. The census that places our population at 556,000 people is used for administrative and tax purposes. The works on our capital's defenses are finally finished, the result is very noticable, Cardiff's walls and other fortifications now stand firmer than ever. making the city as impenetrable as possible. The two newly established printing shops in Cardiff and Caernarfon prove to be commercial successes, continue circulating best sellers like the Welsh language version of the Bible, "Sinclar's Adventures" and other already popular books, now rendering them affordable even for the lower nobility, the merchant class and the commoners. The construction of the two additional Caravel type vessels, equiped with 14 light broadside cannons as well as two heavy cannons mounted on the bow and stern, is finally finished, King Edmund inaugurates these two new warships, naming them "Llywelyn the Great" and "Llywelyn the Last" respectively, pairing those two vessels together, like grandfather and grandson. King Edmund finds himself cornered, he is forced to repeat the previous inauguration ceremony out of stubborness, unwilling to admit that he was drunk last time and expose himself, as such he has to promote this tradition now, so this his cover won't be blown up. Again he uses a cup of wine, toasting to the ships and throwing his cup into the water, continuing to claim this is an old tradition tracing back to Ancient Rome and Greece. Right away he orders another additional two vessels, with the same characteristic as the previous ones, Caravels equiped with the same number of cannons being constructed. This brings our total fleet to four caravels, with an additional two under construction. King Edmund continues to promote the reconciliation of his realm, divided into two similar yet starkly different halves, the Pura Walia region, dominanated by the independent minded Welsh nobility and the Marchia Walliae region, dominanated by the Anglo-Norman nobility, by encouraging the adoption of Welsh customs and traditions by the Anglo-Norman part of his nobility, furthermore encouraging marriages between the Anglo-Normans and Welsh noble families, with a bit more success thus far, as a few more Yorkist supporting loyalist Anglo-Norman noble families that have good relations with King Edmund only follow suit by adopting some Welsh customs and traditions and/or intermarrying with the Welsh nobility for the time being. The worship of Saint Owain (Lawgoch), although already extremely popular on its own, continues being greatly promoted, seeing him as a unifying theme that would serve to further solidify the realm.

• Vinland: The population grows to 3,950. Dogajavick, Elufsker, and Shamyeby expands. Issvik and Hallrberga stagnate while Runby grows. The trade post at Keathutberga is active this year as Mi’kmaq natives trade foodstuffs and artifacts with the Tvennufolk. Shamyeby plans to send a large family to Keathutberga and establish a homestead there. This is not an action taken this year. The Dogajavick-Shamyeby confederacy holds a Thing this year where law is dispensed and social festivities commence. In the Norse lands, the Thing is held at Hallrberga, where Erik Hrothgarsson finally convinces the various patriarchs to be their ruler. His case is helped by the birth of a son, Erik Eriksson. Erik Hrothgarsson consolidates the Norse lands under a decentralized tribal confederacy known as Skogrfjalland. The population numbers around 900 to 1,000. Erik Hrothgarsson is upset that the Iroquois were uninterested in trade, but he is interested in establishing a trade outpost on the tip of Vestelfrland (Gaspe' Peninsula). There are now two distinct, if decentralized, states on Vinland: The Norse are under the banner of Skogrfjalland, while the Tvennufolk and some Beothuk are under the banner of the Dogajavick-Shamyeby confederacy. Norse leaders are becoming envious of the agricultural lands in the extreme south of Dogajavick-Shamyeby, no longer happy with their fish. In seafaring news, sailors from Shamyeby sail around OTL New England but bad storms force them home early.
• Chimu: The conflict is near to its end. The Pakatmayo already lost a lot of units, and several members were captured and put on trial for their crimes against the Inca Empire. Many battles were fought the past few years. The Battle of Isiden, one of the key villages near Chan Chan, the capital of the former Chimu Kingdom, and now the new Inca Empire. The chimunese and the Inca military used all of the resources they could in order to win the upper hand in the conflict. Now, with the reveal of the true leader of the organization, named "Allasrikik", The conflict meets its near end with many of the troops from this organization, either decimated or captured. The Pakatmayo lost control of many Villages, like Takunis, Niskariv, Rotinva, Sein Sein and most importantly Okomatyo, one of the key locations where most of the economic resources from the Inca empire were located. The shenagánik, continued with its secret black operations, and they managed to captured four important high ranking members of this organization. Viracocha's quarantine is lifted for one day per week, so he can attend political and territorial affairs. The conflict continues and it's near its climax.
• Dai Viet: 15,000 men are provided with warships to prepare for a naval invasion of the Demak. These ships starting in Cam Ranh port shall be guided by a Majapahit ship to direct them to the position of the Demak Sultanate. Upon arriving there Majapahit ships are asked to blockading the main port of Demak as Dai Viet ships will do a landing operation to invade the Demak Sultanate. Trading ships to the Demak Sultanate are required to be redirected to Majapahit ports instead. Dai Viet's Mong Dongs and Majapahit's djongs equipped with cannons and cetbangs shall shoot the enemy ships that are in the way. Rations are fully supplied by Majapahit so the Vietnamese army ought not to worry about the lack of supplies even when mainland Dai Viet is very distant. 15,000 Vietnamese men along with whatever number of Majapahit infantry has shall invade and siege the capital Bintara. (Mod Response or Possible Algo, combatants are Majapahit and Demak). Meanwhile, on the mainland, renovations and construction of several small temples and palaces are made. The Emperor continues encouraging people to migrate south and Lan Xang for reclaimation of virgin soil there as done in the north. The rest of army is put on guard against possible threats.
  • Lan Xang: The King continues to encourage the reclamation of virgin soil. He allows portions of the Vietnamese migration in the country as it can add more manpower to the country. Queen Thao Quốc gives birth to a baby girl who is named Moukdavanyh.

1472

Having reached a stalemate in the election of the new King of Germany, the Imperial Diet decides to make Wenceslas of Saxony and Henry of Bohemia Co-Kings, while Henry defers the title of emperor over to Wenceslas, should he seek it.

A local rebellion in Yorkshire erupts against King Henry VI, led by someone known as "Robin of Redesdale", possibly a pseudonym for a dissatisfied noble.

A large shipment of Byzantine money being sent to Epirus is attacked by Satanist cultists, who attempt to steal the gold but are ultimately driven back by the Byzantines. The Orthodox Inquisition succeeds at disposing dozens of reported cases of demonic activity and witches in Transylvania, but none of them have any connection to these recent two incidents. The Despot of Eprius, in great haste, declares he has no knowledge of where this activity comes from.

After the withdraw of sanctioned piracy from Emperor Gregory, one single pirate named Laurentius Priapas (ATL character) attempts to attack the Latin Empire anyway, hoping to seize the opportunity of prestigue. He is defeated and his ship is confiscated by the Order of Bari.

After importing The Death of Arthur into Rome, interest in Arthurian literature explodes across the Italian peninsula. Many new churches being built decide to include iconography of the Round Table and the Holy Grail, as Arthur is considered one of the Nine Worthies of Christianity.

As Lotharingia's trading company sets up trading posts along the coast of Africa, many nearby tribes offers to set them up in a lucrative slave trade, purchasing African people from other tribal kingdoms.

The Majapahit Empire continues to fight against Demak with support of Vietnam, but in the process loses control over parts of central Sumatra.

War continues to break out across the Rus' states as Novgorod brings the forces of Vladimir and Tver against the forces of Moscow, Smolensk and Ryazan.

Afansey Nikitin of Tver leaves Russia at this point, and goes on a long trek across Central Asia through the Tartary as a merchant.

The Duchies of Austria become united again under Duke Stephen Arpad. He is the first to assert Austria's sovereignty in opposition to the domination of the King of Hungary. Meanwhile, Hungary loses most of its control over Wallachia after the successful campaigns of Vlad the Impaler.

In Lotharingia, the city council of Amsterdam bans snowball fights. (This is OTL).

Leonardo Da Vinci at this point qualifies for joining a guild of artists in Florence, where he is listed as among the "master artists" of the city. Elsewhere in Italy, many medieval works of mathematics and astronomy are being printed for the first time and published.

But Europe is not the only producer of literature. In Texcoco, Nezahualcoyotl publishes a collection of Nahuatl poetry.

• Kingdom of Ayutthaya: With the conflict in Majapahit reaching its Sumatra territories, envoys are sent to the breakaway Sumatra territories to offer them tributary status under Ayutthaya. (Mod Response). Rama Trailokanat has also decided to refrain from any active involvement in Majapahit's affairs for the time being and chooses instead to focus on Ayutthaya's domestic situation economically and politically. In Malacca, there are Muslim protest against the government to request that Ayutthaya contributes aid to Demak mush to the dismay of the royal government who are forced to raise some men in the region to help police it against any potential unrest that might occur. The Orang Besar face problems implementing administrative measures in Prome and Sumatra forcing Rama Trailokanat to resolve the situation by requesting that locals whether they be commoners or not are sent to Ayutthayan institutions to be educated and fill out the ranks of the Orang Besar assigned to these regions. Dhammazedi travels at the request of Rama Trailokanat to Ayutthayan Sumatra in order to help convert or least pacify the local Muslim populations with Pasai sending its own members of the clergy to help keep the peace as well. Ayutthayan naval ports are erected on Sumatra to help reinforce Ayutthaya's control over the Straits of Ayutthaya as well as serving as shipyards for warships. The craftsman of Ayutthaya continue limited production of arquebus leading to Tun Perak creating a small group of troops to train with the weapon and they also produce the cetbang. The Ayutthayan Navy maintains its defensive posture at the news of Dai Viet-Majapahit naval operations which could possibly spill over into Ayutthayan held regions. Tun Perak also continues with the construction of fortifcations and defenses along the Mekong River but takes effort to show that no hostile action is intended and that these are simply precautionary measures. The Penghulu Bendahari has implemented measures to secure food and wealth for future use by holding minute portions from taxes in reserves or stockpiles scattered across Ayutthaya.
  • Jambi will give tribute to Ayutthaya in exchange for access to the strait.
• Iceland: King Domnhall V begins a trade system between Iceland and Greenland. We ask that Cardinal Secretary Ari Sturlungur visits Iceland for the first time in five decades. (Papal Response Needed). Hermanos of Corinth is sent more funds. The Regency Council offers the Yorkshire rebellion 2,000 troops and resources. (Mod response needed).
  • Papal Diplomacy: Cardinal-Secretary Ari Sturlungur travels to Iceland in a brief visit.
• Grand Duke of Lithuania: The inquistor is discussing with the king of Poland known as Casimir IV he would lead him to stop witchcraft and any kind of heresy movement in cities and village in the commonwealth Casimir IV continue to expansion his vassal and more construction is made up more ships is well developed and continue to rise the outpost is finally became a trade colony in the north to administrative the reign of it, while more cities is being modernizing and grow up more population and economy is advancing well the port is officially purchased they sent soldiers in there, to keep and mobilize asking by the order with the conflict against the heresy the inquistor is forced to sent them in any village or proof that if there's cultist or people who confess with the devil, more scholar is built up and the cathedral is finally constructed that take many year to finish the activist of Casimir led to a serious conditions major problem Polotosk is also mobilizing and patrolled even, in Poland the Polish nobility has an interesting discussion with Casimir IV to take effort that the Catholics should still strong and gain more power, agricultural and social progress is doing well more content are discover and finally sell to market for merchants and ships in the trade route and takes many portions and purchase them a defensive moment is being made and take effort the tradeport is being active more building is in construction so far, Casimir IV is continue support more and arts is improving more gallery is made and museums also they produce more weapons for it, contribution social is still happening the trade has reserved taxes and many agriculture foods while the ships are still being social and sometimely hostile from traffic more men are being sent for the investigations' and more cities is establish more states and administered by the govermenents also constructed fortifications and defense among the river and Poland's side for protection of the kingdom and across Poland and Lithuania to contribute trades and social link via to the river, with the movements the expansion region being controlled and continue to grow up and more progression.
• Papal States: Pope Anastasius VI continues to support and reinforce the Inquisition. The Pontifical Roman Press continue to spread pamphlets and works in defense of the Catholic faith and against the Taborites and radical Lollards. Grand Inquisitor Oliviero Carafa from Naples and his fellow Dominican Inquisitors continue with the investigations about the Satanic cults in the Greek territories. After some investigations, they propose that these Satanic Cults can be related to Luciferians (Lucifer's worshipers) that fled from Western Europe due to the rise of the Catholic Inquisition. They consider that during their rituals, they use Latin texts used by Ancient Romans in their pagan rituals. Grand Inquisitor Carafa considers that Taborites and extreme radical Lollards can be involved with this sudden rise of the Satanism, by giving the Luciferians protection in their communities. The results of the Inquisition's investigation are sent to the Emperor Julius and to Basileus Gregorios. [Romania and Byzantium response needed, please]. The construction of te new Apostolic Palace and of the Cappella Magna continues. Antonio Rossellino finishes the tomb of Pope Anastasius VI. Andrea del Verrochio and Leonardo da Vinci continue painting the frescos in the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory, this year they start to paint the great fresco named "Victory of the Rosary". Marco Bronzino finishes the scupture of Pope Anastasius V and it is placed in the Anastasian Academy. Piero della Francesca starts the great fresco "Miracle of the Flowers". In this fresco, Piero della Francesca will paint the moment of this miracle. The construction of the tower for studies of astronomy continue. All these works of art are financed with the money that was once used to sustain the luxury of the papal court, while the money used to fund the works of charity is intact and only used to help the poor. The production of weapons in the Papal Arsenal of Orvieto continues. Meanwhile, Captain General Domenico Malatesta continues training troops for the Papal Army. The Arsenals of Ostia and Civitavecchia continues to produce ships. Federigo Marin, the new professor of Natural Theology in Saint Augustine's University, use the same field trips that Adalfredo Meccia used. On these field trips, Marin and his pupils visit the Alexandrine Gardens and othe regions of the Papal States to observe the creatures and propose the characteristcs that God gave them to survive. The construction of the Chapel commissioned by Cardinal Ari Sturlungur continues. Johann Burchard now working as Papal Assistant writes in his diary all situations that he see happening in the Papal Court. Giuliano Della Rovere continue his studies of theology at Saint Augustine's University and he continues to hate Rodrigo de Borgia. Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini, even now being a cardinal, continue to participate in the works of charity ofthe Mercedine Order. The reforms started by the deceased Cardinal Alfons de Borja in the Church of San Giacomo degli Spagnoli continues under Rodrigo de Borgia. Prince Ársæll Esturlungio continues with the reforms of the Rocca Abbaziale. Rodrigo de Borgia and Vannozza dei Cattanei continue with their affair. Philip of Habsburg and Luchina Della Rovere have a son named Carlos. News arrive from Florence saying that Lorenzo de Medici and Margaret of Habsburg had a son named Piero. The Holy Father agrees with the Central Council of the Swiss Confederacy and Cardinal Ortlieb von Brandis is chosen as Grand Inquisitor.
  • Republic of Ancona: New galleys are built in the shipyards of Ancona, this way making the Republic navy grow in number. The buildings across the Republic continue being reformed. Books and pamphlets of apologetic and defense of the Catholic Faith are published by the printing press and send to various nations of Europe through the Anconian ships.
  • Roman Diplomacy: Anastasius' evidence is considered and the envoy told to thank the Pope for his assistance. However, Roman efforts to root out heresy continue.
• Empire of Romania: With the cultist situation in the neighboring states spiraling out of control and citing Byzantine inexperience and their failure to identify the deviant Taborite and Lollard communities as the centers for these demonic cults, Emperor Julius orders the Group of Three to begin military operations against said communities shown to be sheltering Luciferians by the Papal investigation. The Group of Three returns to Epirus and Achaea, this time with 4,000 Romanian troops and 40 monks from the Order of Bari. With the Pope’s blessing, Grand Inquisitor Olivierno Carafa is appointed Grand Inquisitor of Romania, and his 15 experienced enforcers distributed through the Group of Three to provide critical training and religious guidance to the mostly green Romanian troops. Over 600 heretics are executed - although they are hanged, as Emperor Julius had previously signed an edict forbidding the use of fire as a method of execution - and dozens arrested and shipped off to Rome. One of the heretics arrested is unexpectedly the Despot of Epirus, who was found with heretical and borderline Satanic reading material found in his home in Arta, as well as letters expressing sympathy to the Lollard community. Without a proper replacement for the Despot, and little time to properly vet available candidates, Grand Inquisitor Carafa directly takes over administrative duties of Epirus, although Arta city administrator Theodoros Christoforou is designated as the future Despot once this crisis has passed. Despite these cults being within Orthodox areas, a non-insignificant number of Catholic cultists and Luciferians are found alongside Orthodox heretics. Interrogation reveals that some of these individuals had fled Romania during the civil war and hoped to establish themselves in the looser-governed Despotates of Epirus and Achaea, while others were Catholics fleeing the inquisition in the Swiss Confederacy from Central Europe. The Byzantine forces in the area are told to return home, or face the risk of showing they support the cults in the area - and in private conversations, Emperor Julius and the inner circle believe the Byzantines will, not willing to risk war with the Catholic realm, comply and withdraw their military presence, especially given the proximity of Epirus to Athens and the fact that much of these operations were already underway by the time word reached Constantinople. Given the failure of the Orthodox inquisition to properly identify and deal with the source of the Satanic cults, it is expected that the local Orthodox population will if not welcome, begrudgingly accept the Catholic inquisition as a necessity to purge a joint enemy of both Catholics and Orthodox. Emperor Julius delivers a scathing speech in Athens, pointing out the fact that the Byzantines had added Epirus and Achaea to their spheres of influence after the Latin Civil War, yet had allowed these hives of heresy and Satanist activity to remain unchecked for many years. He also draws a connection between the illegal Byzantine-sponsored pirates, who attacked the Order of Bari this year and were defeated, bringing up questions on why Byzantine-affiliated forces are attacking peaceful Catholic religious orders. The emperor lauds the swift actions of the Pope and Grand Inquisitor Carafa in dealing a fatal blow to these anti-Christian cults and declares that victory is within sight.
  • [SWISS CONFEDERACY RESPONSE]: Given the Swiss Confederacy’s recent experience in dealing with Satanists and their successful inquisition, Emperor Julius invites the Confederacy to send experienced priests to assist with operations in Epirus and Achaea.
  • Swiss diplomacy: Ortlieb von Brandis, Bishop of Chur and Grand Inquisitor of the Swiss Confederacy, sends about half a dozen priests that were on his witchcraft commission to aid the similar operations in the Latin Empire.
  • Roman Diplomacy: Basileus Gregorios, outraged by the Latin's intervention in Roman Tributaries, demands the withdrawal of Latin military forces.

• Vinland: The population grows to 4,075. Dogajavick, Elufsker, Shamyeby, Hallrberga grow this year. The trade post at Keathutberga is active once more, and a homestead is established by Svend Osmundsson near the outpost.
  • Skogrfjalland: The Norse population rises. The 1472 Thing decides that there will be an elective monarchy, whereby the body of patriarchs and village elders will gather when each confederal chief dies and elect a new one. The capital is declared as whichever city the reigning chieftain lives in. The Thing also crafts a legal code based on their ancestral Scandinavian laws. Erik Hrothgarsson sends out an expedition of men to establish a trade post in Vestelfrland. The men sail for a few days and reach OTL Gaspe, where they spend time erecting a building. The local Mi’kmaq initially mistake them for Tvennufolk, but when they realize they are a different people, they become wary. The Norse erect their outpost and try to reach out to the Mi’kmaq but to no avail. Some men stay behind to maintain the outpost while others return to Skogrfjalland for the winter. In technological news, the few smithies left on the island, mostly in Elufsker, are the center for the crude metallurgy. A few swords are smelted.
  • Dogajavick-Shamyeby: The population rises. By this year, the trade route between Dogajavick and Shamyeby has become easily identifiable and well traversed. The port of Shamyeby is now a wooden structure frequented by longboats to and from Keathutberga. Dogajavick seafarers think about setting up a trade outpost in an island (OTL Prince Edward Island) they have encountered a few times southwest of Shamyeby. Local Mi’kmaq refer to it as Abegweit. However, other seafarers propose an outpost in Vestelfrland in order to compete with the Norse. Hjalfar himself considers petitioning the Mi’kmaq of the Esgigeoag tribe for an alliance, and perhaps a confederal union down the line. In technological news, several longboats are constructed this year.
  • Beothuk: The Beothuk are predominant in the center of the island. They are mostly hunter-gatherers. They hear about the centralization of the Norse folk and their cousins. In response, there are rumblings among the Beothuk families of a need to confederalize as well, however, communication is difficult due to the low population density.
• Roman Empire: 1472 is a year of celebration in the Capital. Two royal weddings occur. Crown Prince John weds Marija of Serbia and Bulgaria, and Princess Irene weds Alexandru of Moldavia. The attempt on the minters’ convoy leads to a formal secular investigation and support for the inquisition. 4,000 Imperial Soldiers are placed under the command of Church Inquisitor Manuel Christonymos who embarks on indiscriminate persecution and abuse of suspected Catholic Satanists. Specifically targeted by the Inquisitor are the “Group of Three” who he believes to be working against God. The year turns into a bloodbath as Catholics, heretics, and minorities are arbitrarily accused by townsfolk and put to death by the inquisition. Casualty estimates will later report anywhere between 3,000 and 12,000 killed. Catholic immigrants from the west are targeted for their presumed satanist connections, resulting in the executions of several hundred recently arrived Latin, Venetian, and other merchants. These attacks follow from the Pope’s own evidence, as well as political motivation from within the Roman Empire. The developments in Taurica continue, the numbers and local influence of the Kozákos, grows steadily.

• Kingdom of Portugal: The Santo Andre trade post in theIvory Coast grows steadily with plans of making it a colony already in the works. Several Portuguese ships dock there with trade goods from Europe to be sold to the natives and potentially Mali. (MALI RESPONSE NEEDED). The profits from these trading missions are used to fund the other colonies while also improving them. The queen and her best friend, Amalia, celebrate their 12th bithday together - this time in Lisboa. The Portuguese explorer, João Vaz Corte-Real, gets lost on the ocean and sights a coast he calls Bacalao (OTL possibly Newfoundland - actually might have happened this year. (Permission by nate). He draws a map of the shore but can't find his way back to it after arriving back in Portugal.

• Kingdom of Arles: Lucas I decides to send one last decisive blow to the Modenans. The navy continues barraging the port at La Spezia while another 2,000 troops are sent to the Pisan base near La Spezia, bringing the total to 9,500. These forces are led by Altisi Anjou-Lenzburg and Philippe Lowen. In western Sahara, Nouvelle Digne is becoming more prosperous by the day. The currently 9,000 residents there are satisfied. An expedition is sent to Mali to gift them some gold and Rose wine. (MALI RESPONSE). Crop yields this year drop, but this is made up for by the increase in the production of Rose Wine. Lucas I chooses to hold an art exhibition and famous artists around Europe are invited to take part. (mod response to how it goes)(optional response if you have artists). We start making a prototype of the Culverin. The economy is improved.
  • Pisa: The 9,500 strong force led by the experienced Philippe Lowen push toward La Spezia. Intelligence is gathered, and soon it is obvious that only about 1,500 troops are stationed there. We bombard the city with siege weapons, then surrounding and assaulting the city. work is started on expanding the left wing of the University of Pisa and the economy is improved. (ALGO NEEDED).
• Hanseatic League: As a new year dawns and the Baltic thaws, the non-stop trade of the Hanseatic League continues to guide German economics into a daring, new age. Every year, representatives of the Hanseatic League (Ratssendeboten) meet at an assembly in Lübeck known as the Tagfahrt. However, since the mid-14th century, the aldermen of the League have had the true say in what happens in these meetings. The League has come a long way since the days of its early inception. Civility reigned; if a consensus was threatened that may benefit the League as a whole, an alternative idea was not proposed. Something, after all, is better than nothing. Now, however, the central states of the Hanseatic League dominate trade and therefore hold significant sway over the politics of the region. The Hanseatic League recognizes four men who represent the entire central political entity and who also hold considerable sway over those who may not be governed by Hanseatic ideals. They are as follows: the Bürgermeister of Lübeck and Hamburg - Simon Burkhart, who share a mayor and who hold the final say in where shipments throughout the four regions go; Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who determine the prices of salt; the Prince-Admiral of Rostock Christopher von Warnow, who holds a permanent hereditary military position; and Prince-Archbishop of Bremen, Baldwin of Venden, who holds significant sway over ecumenical politics in the Baltic. Houses Ascania and Welf have an agreement to alternate control over the Principality of Lüneburg, which has kept the peace for some time. This also prevents the region from slipping out of the hands of either house. With Pomerania-Stettin being brought ever deeper into the fold of the Hanseatic League, trade along the Baltic becomes more lucrative than ever. The Baltic Duchies also see a heavy increase in trade due to the lack of organized interference from Pomerania. However, piracy continues to affect the Baltic. Rostock and Kiel shipyards pump out bulks en masse. To protect their convoys against the pirates, the Hanseatic League employs ships known as the Orlogship. These ships have historically been equipped with crossbows and catapults. The Hakenbüchse (Arquebus) is becoming increasingly common on Hanseatic Ships. Others are being fitted with the Culverin, a small cannon that yields devastating results at close range. Nine carracks are built at Kiel with another six being built in Rostock. They join the convoys that already criss-cross the Baltic and North Sea in a seemingly unending parade. The Hanseatic League has been responsible for defusing a number of close calls that could have easily led to war simply with the power of her pocketbook and navy. The fortifications around Cuxhaven and Heligoland are expanded, stoneworks rising ever higher to defend the coastline of the entrance to the North Sea and the Baltic. The North Sea is quickly becoming safer by the day, allowing goods to flood into Dublin and now as far away as Reykjavik. The Kontor in Bergen sees extensive renovations as both the British Isles and, to a certain degree, Norway are used as halfway points for ships on long journeys or for convoys to unload mass amounts of cargo. This cargo is either picked up by Hanseatic traders or by traders from the Kontors' host country. The Welsh's generous offer is applauded by the Hanseatic traders, who are as eager as the Welshman are to trade with them. Swansea is seen as the most convenient spot for sea-based trade. The Hansa pays for the land needed for the docks and warehouses and send some surveyors to begin work. The Scottish invitation to establish a Kontor in Edinburgh is also met with excitement. As is the case in Wales, gold is exchanged for land to establish ports and warehouses. Construction in Edinburgh goes by a little bit faster in Edinburgh due to proximity and necessity, though that is not to say the construction of the Welsh Kontor is not progressing at a slow rate. In Iceland, Lundhaven sees the first of its ports well underway as well. Due to the new shipping lanes in Mali, exotic African goods make their way into Hanseatic ports, which in turn are sold throughout Europe. The Malinese accepted Hanseatic trade deals to break monopolies in Europe and that is precisely what it intends to do. However, with competition from Portugal (an unknown and non-German entity) and Lotharingia (an ally, yet a powerful one at that), along with potential pirates in the area, led to the Hanseatic League issuing the Heligoland Accord: a stipend from the government for any captain willing to accompany convoys to protect them and to carry goods themselves. Crewmembers are famously left out of this agreement, causing some friction and even a mutiny or two. In Germany, the Hanseatic League intends to create an easier way of moving goods from the Mediterranean to the North Sea and the Baltic. Already, it has some trade agreements with Switzerland and good enough relations with the Papal States to do so unmolested, but in times of great change, the Hanseatic League wishes to make crossing Europe easier than ever. It requests the privilege of building a depot in Bern and a Kontor in Monaco (Swiss and Savoyard responses requested.) Finally, the Hansa recognizes Danzig's growing importance in the League. Their restlessness has led to revolt and civil war before and will again. The Hanseatic League is prepared to pay top dollar to trade partner Poland-Lithuania for the release of Royal Prussia in order to free the ethnic Germans along the Baltic coast. (Polish-Lithuanian response requested).
  • A discusion with the Hanseatic League King Casimir IV fully agrees with it while they would accept to do it so.
  • Swiss diplomacy: The Central Council approves the Hanseatic League establishing a trade depot in Bern.
• Swiss Confederacy: 2,000 Swiss mercenaries remain in Arles to aid King Lucas of Arles against Modena, a state the Central Council has disliked ever since they overthrew the Milanese government which had friendly relations with the Swiss. At the urging of the Central Council, Bishop of Augsburg Jakob Goffredi begins to wind down the investigations and trials about witchcraft that have taken place in the Swiss Confederacy over the last two years; Bishop of Chur and Grand Inquisitor of the Swiss Confederacy Ortlieb von Brandis considers these efforts to have been a success against Satanism and other heresy. As these trials wind down, about half a dozen priests who were involved in the investigations are sent to the Latin Empire to aid efforts against Satanism and other heresy there. As a result of this exchange with the Latin Empire, Swiss bishops are outraged when they hear of the violence that has been committed there against Catholics by Byzantine forces, leading Grand Inquisitor Ortlieb von Brandis and Bishop of Lausanne Aymon von Lenzburg to write to Pope Anastasius VI, urging him to condemn the anti-Catholic violence. (Papal response) Scholars from the University of Basel accompanying the investigative commission in Switzerland determine that some alleged cases of witchcraft or demonic possession were actually caused by medical conditions, leading to some accused being spared. The Central Council continues to try to limit the number of burnings being undertaken by clergy investigating witchcraft, sending some soldiers of the joint military to oversee trials to enforce this. Diplomats from the government continue to pacify civilians to limit panic over the witchcraft accusations and avoid riots. Other domestic efforts undertaken by the government during this time include improvements of roads in the large Cantons of Bern, Lucerne, Sion and Fribourg, with the goal of aiding trade and the movement of goods, thereby boosting the economy. Upon hearing of the result of the royal election of Germany, Eberhard, Count of Lenzburg encourages his relative Duke Wenceslaus III of Saxe-Wittenberg, Co-King of Germany, to seek to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor. (Saxony response) Hearing of the popularity of The Death of Arthur in Italy, the Bern Library and the University of Basel write to Roman libraries, seeking to have copies of these books brought to the Swiss Confederacy. (Papal response) The Central Council continues to pay close attention to the various tensions in the British Isles, especially those between Ireland and Scotland, which they are surprised have not sprung into outright war yet. The joint military of the Swiss Confederacy focuses on fortifying mountain passes and other border crossings on the northeastern border of the nation in the Cantons of Sargans, Montfort, Augsburg, Kempten and Salem. Constance von Lenzburg (1428-1472), sister of Count Eberhard and wife of King Edmund of Wales, dies in Wales of a disease, and Count Eberhard attends her funeral. Francis Capet, Duke of Berry and Margaret Bourbon have their fourth child, a son named Philip (b. 1472). Later in the year, Engelbert von Lenzburg and Marianne of Württemberg have their second child, a daughter named Ida (b. 1472).
• Archbishopric of Mainz: Cardinal Diether von Isenburg remains a firm supporter of the extensive reforms in the Catholic church, including the Inquisition and the Assembly of Preachers. He continues to support raising education in his Diocese. He continues to patronize Johannes Gutenberg, particularly in the printing of releases from the Pontifical Roman Press. Cardinal von Isenburg expresses his congratulations to both Wenceslas of Saxony and Henry of Bohemia, swearing to serve their interests loyally, and to raise the office of the King of Germany to greater and greater prestige and power. In his capacity as Archchancellor of Germany, he presents his regular reports the new co-kings. His reports indicate a steady rise in imperial revenue, as his increased oversight has reduced graft and mismanagement. He expects further increases over the next year, and intends to continue to implement more direct supervision of the Chancelleries of the Empire, strengthening the direct control of the king over the desparat Imperial Imperial immediacies. The City Council of Mainz, after much debate, put forward a proposal of tax reforms which all the representatives could agree on, which would benefit to some degree the merchant class and peasant class, while not overly favoring any one side, or cutting into the traditional rights of the nobles and church.
• 'Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di"' No more snowball fights in amsterdam, as the town government bans the activity. This being a result of many people getting injured and some even killed by snowballs,as it often leads to very growded situations and very big snowball fights. One death being that of Godfried of Regnier King of Lotharingia, Duke of Brabant, Moselle, Overmaas and Frisia, Count Luxembourg, Holland, Flanders, Namur, Loon and Zeeland, the ruler of Lotharingia for one half century. Godfried seeing a great change in policy of Lotharingia from aggresive emperorship to mercantile friendship toward the empire. Thus now Jan Leonard Regnier is crowned in the Berghuische as Rex Lothari, Duke of Brabant, Moselle, Overmaas and Frisia, Count Luxembourg, Holland, Flanders, Namur, Loon and Zeeland, while also allready being king consort of Spain. King John being the fith in his dynasty to bear the name, and one of the best educated kings, as John Leonard was educate at the royal court of hesse. 
• Dai Viet: The Emperor remakes the steps of the Hội exams. There are five phases: The first one is eight topics on the Four Books (四書) (four topics on the Analects, four on the Mencius), the examinee gets to pick four out of those eight. About the Five Annals (五經), each annals has three topics and the examinee gets to pick one each, particularly the Spring and Autumn Annals has two topics but has to be merged into one essay. The second is the test of the abilities to compose text accordingly. The third one is the poetry exams, testing the examinee the ability to compose poems in the seven words-eight sentences (七言八句) forms. The fourth one is the test of judgement of examinees, asking about the difference between the Four Books and the Five Annals as well as judging the previous emperors' policies. The fifth ones are Mathematics exams. The Trạng nguyên (Zhuangyuan 狀元, first placed), Bảng nhãn (榜眼, runners-up) and Thám hoa (探花 - third placed) shall be promoted accordingly. He also warned the mandarins to love the people, severely punish the greed, revive the customs, encourage agriculture and leeves, if they are being lazy then the police will investigate, arrest them and sent to exile in Quang Nam. The Cham and Lao people living in Dai Viet have to Vietnameseize their names; they are allowed have a name that has only three words long. As an effort to help Majapahit to finish their issues in Demak so they can pacify rebel forces in Sumatra, an additional of 5,000 men are sent to aid the Majapahit forces in Demak. The rest of the Dai Viet navy is tasked to maintain sercurity in the Eastern sea, the trading market that heavily benefits the Dai Viet economy.
  • Lan Xang: Vietnamese experts are sent to Lan Xang to further help the government in the progress of irrigation and reclaming virgin soil for cultivation.
• Empire of Japan: The discovery this year of another island to the east prompts a wide array of criticism going all the way back to the homeland. While usually not an issue, the next island (Attu Island OTL) brings about the issue of wasting money on exploratory voyages. This issue starts a rumbling in the Sapporo Zaibatsu which always being the most lightweight of the Zaibatsu, looks for a way to get ahead of the curve and outpace the more profitable southern Zaibatsu. A captain on his way home for leave in Hokkaido happens upon the information that the Tachibana and Sapporo Zaibatsu have struck a deal to embark on a long ranging exploratory voyage. The impetus behind this lies in the eventual large profits coming out of northern expedition. Hayanari Tachibana, and the Sapporo Zaibatsu having put out an order for an experienced captain to assemble a crew, approach the naval officer. It is an unusual affair as they approached him at his home in full view of his family. The offer proposed is a risky one, but Captain Guy Yamamoto accepts it earnestly. The attempt to assemble a crew is put off as insane. However, Guy takes a long look and pushes to the south arriving in Kyoto in the middle of the year. He sees his admiral, who is curious as to why he is back in Kyoto rather than his family. He puts in a series of strange requests which cues in the Admiral as to what is going on. Admiral Hisashi Nagase is let in on the plan and in a twist of fate, the Admiral authorizes the release of the captain's own ship. The Swift Wind is released, a ship well built to handle weather. She is used to the storms and uncertainties of the open Pacific, a Great War Junk. It is something that will obviously be missed, but the Admiral's coverage will stall insight for the time being. Until the voyage, the Ship is holed up in the Osaka Harbor awaiting "maintenance". The Ships crew is granted alongside the ship. As the months wear on Captain Guy manages to secure the support of four more smaller ships. Independent tradesman, looking make their fortune sign onto the expedition. A mixture of medium and large scale tradeships, they are well accustomed to making runs along the Azuma Islands seas, and the long voyage to Ayyutuhaya and Indochina. As the collections for ships end the charting the need for supply begins looking on to the next year. The home economy continues to advance as the Zaibatsu now finally begin to regain their full strength, the full flow of trade now coming back to full. As a result of the Ouchi debacle the Generalty falls out of politics consolidating their power among the armies. The Admiralty, however, encouraged by its successes is able to get two permanent representatives put into the Imperial Diet surprising many. Regardless of this the Admiralty is more concerned with maintaining their new position rather than picking sides in the Diet and either abstain or vote on unanimous proposals and ones that will help them. The Emperor seeing issue with the current power structure and noticing a trend in history of a lack of power balance causing civil conflict in Japan, turns to his generals. He courts them and secures their support relativelyt quickly. He then begins courting multiple members of the Noble houses of Japan looking to the future as he tries to prevent the Diet from attaining too much freedom.
• Duchy of Saxony: Duke Wenceslaus becomes co-king of Germany with Henry of Bohemia. The two kings meet to congratulate each other and discuss their plans to rule Germany. After much deliberation, and with encouragement from the Count of Lenzburg, Wenceslaus accepts the title of Holy Roman Emperor if it is still alright with Henry. Celebrations occur in the Duchy of Saxony to honour the Duke's election. A huge portrait of an imagined scene showing Wenceslaus shaking hands with Henry of Bohemia is painted. Wenceslaus III thanks all those who supported him during the election, including the Swiss Confederacy, expressing that he is eternally grateful, and will consider them his friends in years to come. He also thanks the Archbishop of Mainz for his efforts to strengthen the Empire.
  • Haneatic Diplomacy: Simon Burkhart and his son Johannes celebrate the ascension of Wenceslaus and Henry, attending their coronations. A small, decorative ship is pulled on wheels into Saxony, which is presented as a gift, along with some marzipan: a delicacy from Lübeck.
• The Spanish Empire: With Queen Katherine if Spain and now, Queen-Consort of Lotharingia, now settled in her throne, she begins to oversee the campaign efforts against the violent rulership of Modena with a lead-up to a siege on Alessandria if the battle of Tortona succeeds. 16,000 Spanish Forces engage with the Modenese Military with one of the leaders being none other than what had already been declared as the true Duke of Modena, a contested ruler, Leonardo Della Rovere, Husband to the current daughter of the acclaimed Duke of Modena. Della Rovere and Commander Diego Velazquez cook up a plan to envelope the forces of Modena forcing them into the river at the end of the town and by doing so, crushing the army. This flanking maneuver uses the bulk of the cavalry to swoop in from the sides while the main regiment focuses on first unloading long arrows before proceeding to use a mixture of grenades and cannons unrelentingly contributing to the tearing of defenses as well if any are present. Beyond this, the well supplied armies would organize themselves to charge and drive inward into the bulk of the Modenese forces by following through with the cavalry using swords and rifles to tear down the men that remain to fight. [Algo Needed]. Those that refuse to surrender would be pushed back into the river as well as any commanders being captured at the end of the battle. Outside of Northern Italy, with a new trade arrangement being struck with the Romans, the Empire's Markets - especially those of Sicily - bloom in Taranto and Bari but Naples as well. The expansion of Nueva Zamora continues as more land is cultivated for the further increase in both sugar as well as trade.
• Kingdom of Wales: King Edmund decides that a Welsh version of the The Death of Arthur book is desperately required to rectify historical truths, therefore he enlists the help of the reknowned Welsh poet, Lewys Glyn Cothi, to start working on developing a historically accurate version of the The Death of Arthur, considering the one published by the English author Thomas Malory to be full of intentional inaccuracies, presenting King Arthur, the wizard Merlin and other legendary figures, collectively referred to as The Knights of the Round Table, such as Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain and Sir Galahad, as Englishman, something completely false. Additionally the identification of Logres as England, Camelot as Winchester, Astolat as Guildford and the presentation of the false narrative that the Saxons where a group of foreign invaders, unrelated to the "Celtic" English people is purely slanderous and a complete distortion of history. Lewys Glyn Cothi version of King Arthur's epic tale is going to be titled as the King Arthur, the Progenitor of Wales. The census that places our population at 556,000 people is used for administrative and tax purposes. The two newly established printing shops in Cardiff and Caernarfon have proven to be commercial successes, continue circulating best sellers like the Welsh language version of the Bible, "Sinclar's Adventures" and other already popular books, now rendering them affordable even for the lower nobility, the merchant class and the commoners. Given how many success the recently constructed vessels had, King Edmund is determined to standardize this process of equiping all future Welsh Navy warhips with both light broadside cannons and heavy cannons mounted on the bow and stern, the number of which would depend on the vessel's size, brings it into act by signing a royal decree. Construction of the another additional two Caravels continues. This brings our total fleet to four caravels, with an additional two under construction. King Edmund continues to promote the reconciliation of his realm, divided into two similar yet starkly different halves, the Pura Walia region, dominated by the independently minded Welsh nobility and the Marchia Walliae region, dominanated by the Anglo-Norman nobility, by encouraging the adoption of Welsh customs and traditions by the Anglo-Norman part of his nobility, furthermore encouraging marriages between the Anglo-Normans and Welsh noble families, with a bit more success thus far, as a few more Yorkist supporting loyalist Anglo-Norman noble families that have good relations with King Edmund only follow suit by adopting some Welsh customs and traditions and/or intermarrying with the Welsh nobility for the time being. The worship of Saint Owain (Lawgoch), although already extremely popular on its own, continues being greatly promoted, seeing him as a unifying theme that would serve to further solidify the realm.
• Orebro Union: The Union sends men and ships to assist in the Scottish invasion of Ireland after accepting the alliance and marriage offer. (OOC: sorry I’ve been busy.)

1473

With Wenceslas III of Saxony accepting the title of Emperor, the matter goes to the Pope whether to officially have him crowned. The princes of Aachen accept the current political order under the Saxon emperor, even with much politics of the empire at this point is under the inflence of a Czech dynasty.

The current chaos in Greece causes the attempted Orthodox inquisition to quickly turn into an unexpected massacre. The Latin forces arrive to the Papal request of an inquisition in Epirus is suddenly attacked and driven out of Arta by the Byzantine imperials. At the Massacre of Arta, caused in part by both armies of inquisators, a total of 3,600 civilians are killed, most of which are Catholic Greek and Italians with a few hundred Orthodox heretics as well.

Among the casualties are a dozen monks from the Order of Bari, and the Despot of Epirus himself. News of this event reaches Rome, comparing the "Orthodox Inquisition" with that of the Medieval Massacre of the Latins.

In England, the former King Edward V dies in Somerset. His son Edward Beaufort begins gathering political support to push his own agenda to revoke the earlier agreement of rapproachment, and his own claim to the throne of England. Among his main support at this time is the Earl of Warwick, and his marriage ties in the Holy Roman Empire.

The Demak Sultanate collapses with the capture of Bintara by Majapahit forces supported by Vietnam. They nominally retain control over Sumatra, but concede to the economic concessions of Jambi to Siam.

Smolensk, Moscow and Ryazan continue to struggle in fighting against the centralization of Novgorod.

James II of Cyprus dies, and is succeeded by his son who is King James III. However, he is only a baby and power over the Crusader Kingdom is given to his Venetian mother, Catherine.

In Nuremburg, Conrad Paumenn becomes the most well-known composer and organist in Germany, due to being able to compose and perform music even while being blind from birth.

The first completed printed copy of Avicenna's work on medicine is published in Modena.

In Krakow, John Cantius develops the medieval theory of Impetus, that objects move due to an outside affect on it.

William Caxton sets up an office of printing in England, and publishes a copy of The Real History of Troy, the first book published in the English language.

• Roman Empire: Hearing of the massacre at Arta and the Latin attempts at influence, Basileus Gregorios demands action. He raises an army of 15,000 men and marches to rendezvous with the 5,000 imperial soldiers already in Epirus. Upon arriving he systematically executed any known Latin officials, expelled all Papal officials not involved with the day-to-day management of Catholic churches, and establishes a military government for the region. In Ioannina, the Epurite Capital, he and Church Inquisitor Manuel Christonymos appeal to the public in their mother tongue to cast out any Catholic conspirators and to report their malfeasance to local, church, or Roman authorities. His words also denounce the Latins, Venetians, and Papacy for interference in the Orthodox Faith and Greek society. He then marches south through Thessaly to the border of Neopatria, a client of the Latin Empire where he orders the construction of a string of fortifications and checkpoints, forcibly closing the border and ceasing all out-bound trade from Latin merchants. As the former Despot of Epirus, Manuel of Epirus, leaves only a young son, Alexander, as an heir the boy is taken to Constantinople for his safety and education. In Thessaly the Catholic nobility is forcibly evicted, their property seized, and the territory annexed. Back in the Empire, Prince John raises an additional 3,000 men and marches for Gallipoli where he begins constructing an artillery emplacement to deny access to the Sea of Marmara to Venetian ships should they attempt to sail for Constantinople.
  • [Secret Mod Response]:A shrewder man than his father, Prince John orders Roman informant and spy networks in Morea and Attica to attempt to discover the root of the attacks. He specifically instructs them to investigate the activities of Latin merchants, officials, and religious figures who are suspected of interference.

• Kingdom of Wales: Lewys Glyn Cothi finalizes his work, titled King Arthur, the Progenitor of Wales, greatly aided through his efforts by King Edmund's patronage. The census that places our population at 556,000 people is used for administrative and tax purposes. The two newly established printing shops in Cardiff and Caernarfon have proven to be commercial successes, continue circulating best sellers like the Welsh language version of the Bible, "Sinclar's Adventures" and other already popular books, now rendering them affordable even for the lower nobility, the merchant class and the commoners. Given how many success the recently constructed vessels had, King Edmund is determined to standardize this process of equiping all future Welsh Navy warhips with both light broadside cannons and heavy cannons mounted on the bow and stern, the number of which would depend on the vessel's size, brings it into act by signing a royal decree. Construction of the another additional two Caravels continues. This brings our total fleet to four caravels, with an additional two under construction. King Edmund continues to promote the reconciliation of his realm, divided into two similar yet starkly different halves, the Pura Walia region, dominanated by the independent minded Welsh nobility and the Marchia Walliae region, dominanated by the Anglo-Norman nobility, by encouraging the adoption of Welsh customs and traditions by the Anglo-Norman part of his nobility, furthermore encouraging marriages between the Anglo-Normans and Welsh noble families, with a bit more success thus far, as a few more Yorkist supporting loyalist Anglo-Norman noble families that have good relations with King Edmund only follow suit by adopting some Welsh customs and traditions and/or intermarrying with the Welsh nobility for the time being. The worship of Saint Owain (Lawgoch), although already extremely popular on its own, continues being greatly promoted, seeing him as a unifying theme that would serve to further solidify the realm. With the resounding commercial success that the introduction of Guttenberg's printing press had on our realm, King Edmund is rather eager to pursue other such projects to strengthen his realm, lately his attention falls unto the silk-weaving technology, that has been recently introduced into Western Europe, the French cities of Lyon and Beziers were the first that this exquisite technology that allows the production of such fine silk clothing appered. Given our good relations with the Kingdom of France and most of continental Europe, we request that they share this magnificent technology with us, using our contacts and friends to go directly to their guilds and offer a considerable ammount of money to procure this fascinating technology of silk weaving. (Mod Response).
  • The King of France doesn't directly have control over it, but he is willing to more freely regulate the Silk trade going to Wales

• Kingdom of Arles: Lucas I decides to push toward La Spezia again. The troops near La Spezia are reformed and consolidated. 3,000 troops are sent on ships to surround La Spezia from the sea. Another 2,000 troops are sent to the Pisan base. The economy is improved. Sir Luio Artleo passes away this year and is mourned.
  • Pisa: 2,000 more troops reach the Pisan base. With the total force numbering about 10,000, Philippe Lowen orders another assault. Altisi leads the charge. Siege weapons destroy the walls of La Spezia. (ALGO NEEDED).
• Dai Viet: With the victory at Demak, the Emperor is extreamly pleased as the position of the Dai Viet navy is heavily increased. The effectiveness of the Dai Viet warships is proven to be very high. A letter is sent to the Singhawikramawardhana requesting Dai Viet ought to be rewarded handsomely due to their contribution to the war. It also stated to offer the marriage between Prince Girindrawardhana of Majapahit and Princess Thanh Toại of Dai Viet. (Mod Response). Depending on whatever Majapahit response with the situation in Sumatra, Dai Viet will chose whether or not to support Majapahit. Demak prisoners of war are transported to be exiled in Southern Dai Viet for the need of manpower to reclam virgin soil there to make land for cultivation, in which they are monitored by regional mandarins. The rest of the remaining Vietnamese troops shall return to Dai Viet while the standing army pacifies small ethinic minorities revolts in the North.
  • Lan Xang: With help of Vietnamese experts, irrigation systems as well as plantations are upgraded decently. A renovation of the Royal Palace is conducted. Buddhism continues to be promoted across the country.
  • Marriage accepted

• Iceland: The king prepares a journey from Greenland to Vinland and then Vinland to down below Islandika. More funds go to Greece to go into war coffers.
• Empire of Ethiopia: Having defeated the Yemeni attempt to sally out and break the Ethiopian siege of Aden, the Imperial forces continue the siege into Year Three. [ALGO NEEDED]. The Princess Nyala strikes up a friendship with the Princess Borgia, with both sharing a love of Ethiopian flora and fauna. The Princesses often spend time in Princess Nyala’s private arboretum and animal collection, eating picnics amongst the various exotic birds, mammals and more. This is much to the chagrin of the Empress Dowager Sofia, who resents the growing influence of Princess Borgia and attempts to strip her of influence by ignoring any noble who interacts with her. However, despite these attempts the Princess Borgia uses her youth, beauty and charm to win over numerous Ethiopian aristocrats and nobles. This is in contrast to the aging Empress Dowager Sofia, who has grown irritable and increasingly tired as she grows older. Despite the resentment between the two, many note the similarities shared by the two women, with many seeing Princess Borgia as a younger version of the Empress Dowager Sofia. With Aden completely blockaded by Ethiopian and Ayutthaya ships, the ports of Ethiopia see a massive influx of trade as merchants who previously stopped at Aden now stop at Ethiopian ports. To encourage these merchants to make the new route permanent, the Emperor Tewodros, upon advice from his Minister of Trade, temporarily halves the docking fees and tribute that merchants must pay to stop at Ethiopian harbors. The Emperor also oversees the final touches to the Hall of Champions, a massive marble plaza containing two Greco-Roman Churches on opposite sides of a massive pool, with the statues of dead emperor lining the pool on both sides. Only one side remains finished, however, so that future emperors may be added to the Hall. Among the Emperors who warranted statues are Amda Seyon the Magnificent and Tewodros the Great. 
• Savoy: Shocked at the chaos in the Latin Empire, Peter IV starts to convince the League for a crusade in Greece. (Anti-Heresy League Response). 
  • The Anti-Heresy League is willing to help, with the Pope's blessing.
  • Papal diplomacy: Pope Anastasius VI give his blessings to this military operation.
• Grand Duke of Lithuania: More expansion is under construction, in the reign of Casimir IV the economy grows up. Yet more laws are established and the investigator of inquistion is still happening and continue more city is constructed, the cathedral its in its final construction at moment and open public a gallery is new added with the help of the trade Baltic the population grow up more improvement effort and more men raised, in this actual point Polotosk becoming a colony tradeport for supplies and productions, by wise the inquistor discusses with Casimir IV that more areas should be Christianized which the Polish fleet would soon start this in many villages and sea. More fortifications are built up, and the Polish or Lithuanian nobility is very in development and such more businesses Casimir IV has improved the effort of the commonwealth tradepost is very well active and much more progressing en route a canal is being up in constructions in the Baltic Sea with the help of the builder Polish and a discussion is made of development, power and reign with Casimir IV. more built is up and trade is still working on it while more effort is made up and Casimir IV is currently discusing with the inquistor for more investigator later. A letter is sent to convince the empire for the crusade in Greece to protect the nations's Catholics and the rest of Europe to gain more protections, with a discussion with Casimir IV to help the Latin empire (Latin Reponse)  
  • Romania Diplomacy: Emperor Julius thanks King Casimir IV, and would welcome any support against the Byzantine Orthodox aggressors.
  • Roman Diplomacy: Basileus Gregorios denounces the Lithuanian decision to endorse a crusade as an affront to Christendom itself. He also reminds the Duke that Roman soldiers have not deployed beyond the borders of the Roman Empire or its tributaries, and that only illegal tresspassers currently face punishment. 
• Papal States: Pope Anastasius VI is horrified with the massacres caused by the Greek Orthodox and denounces them as arbitrary acts of violence that only serves to protect the true heretics and Satanists. The pope calls all Catholic nations to repudiate the violence and to send help to the Catholics being opressed in the East. Anastasius VI also declares a papal embargo over trade between Catholics and Byzantium. If the Greeks desire to isolate themselves, nothing more fair than leaving them alone and taking Catholic money with us. The pope exhorts the the great seamen and merchants of Catholic Europe to find new ways of reaching the East, whithout needing to ask for crumbs from the Monsters of Byzantium. Using the report of Grand Inquisitor Oliviero Carafa, some members of the Inquisition in Rome spreads the opinion that Taborites are part of the Luciferianism and that their version of the Bible is perverted and was made under Satan's influence. Letters with this idea are sent to all Inquisitions across Europe, asking them to double efforts against these Satanists. The construction of the new Apostolic Palace and of the Cappella Magna continues. Antonio Rossellino finishes the tomb of Pope Anastasius VI. Andrea del Verrochio and Leonardo da Vinci continues to paint the great fresco named "Victory of the Rosary". Piero della Francesca continues to paint the great fresco "Miracle of the Flowers" in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope. The construction of the tower for studies of astronomy continue. All these works of art are financed with the money that was once used to sustain the luxury of the papal court, while the money used to fund the works of charity is intact and only used to help the poor. The production of weapons in the Papal Arsenal of Orvieto continues. Meanwhile, Captain General Domenico Malatesta continues training troops for the Papal Army. The Arsenals of Ostia and Civitavecchia continues to produce ships. Federigo Marin, the new professor of Natural Theology in Saint Augustine's University, use the same field trips that Adalfredo Meccia used. On these field trips, Marin and his pupils visit the Alexandrine Gardens and othe regions of the Papal States to observe the creatures and propose the characteristcs that God gave them to survive. The construction of the Chapel commissioned by Cardinal Ari Sturlungur continues. Johann Burchard now working as Papal Assistant writes in his diary all situations that he see happening in the Papal Court. Giuliano Della Rovere continue his studies of theology at Saint Augustine's University and he continues to hate Rodrigo de Borgia. With the persecution of Catholics by the Greek Orthodox, Giuliano Della Rovere writes a brief text where he compares these mass assassination of Latins with the Diocletianic Persecutions, to the point of refer to Basileus Gregorios as "Basileus Diocletianus II". In the text that is named "The Satanic Byzantium", he says that these Greeks don't deserve to use the heritage of the Great Constantine. All the time in his text, Giuliano refers to the population of Byzantium's territories as "Byzantines" rather than Romans. Soon after its publication, the text becomes popular across the Papal States and the word "Byzantine" becomes popular to refer to the people of Byzantium. Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini, even now being a cardinal, continue to participate in the works of charity ofthe Mercedine Order. The reforms started by the deceased Cardinal Alfons de Borja in the Church of San Giacomo degli Spagnoli continues under Rodrigo de Borgia. Prince Ársæll Esturlungio continues with the reforms of the Rocca Abbaziale. Rodrigo de Borgia and Vannozza dei Cattanei continue with their affair. Philip of Habsburg and Luchina Della Rovere have a son named Sisto. From Florence arrive news that Lorenzo de Medici and Margaret of Habsburg had a daughter named Maddalena. A birth also happens in the Borgia Family, with Adriana del Mila and Ludovico Orsini Migliorati having a son named Orsino. The Holy Father will crown Wenceslas III of Saxony as Roman Emperor, but the pope asks him to continue the support that the last Emperors gave to the Inquisition and the Association of Missionaries and Preachers [Saxony response needed, please]. As requested by the Central Council, a copy of The Death of Arthur is sent to the Swiss Confederacy.
  • Republic of Ancona: New galleys are built in the shipyards of Ancona, this way making the Republic navy grow in number. The buildings across the Republic continue to be reformed. Books and pamphlets of apologetic and defense of the Catholic Faith are published by the printing press and send to various nations of Europe through the Anconian ships.
  • Saxony: Wenceslaus is only too happy to continue supporting the good work of the Inquisition and the Association.
• Empire of Romania: Shocked by the Byzantine support of Satanist movements and protection of said guilty parties, as well as the unnecessary bloodshed within their borders of over 50,000 Catholics, Emperor Julius personally travels to Rome to request the Pope call for a Crusade against the heretical Byzantine aggressors. The emperor thanks Spain, Lithuania, Saxony, and countless other nations who have already pledged their support. Some within the empire and Imperial Senate even call for a complete genocide of the Byzantine people ala the war against Benjamin in the Book of Judges, which Emperor Julius quickly quells. Many also begin to believe that Basileus Gregorios is indeed the seven-headed beast described by Saint John in the Book of Revelations. Beyond military intervention, Emperor Julius also recommends a total and complete embargo of Byzantine trade by the Catholic realm - or at least what is left of it, given most merchants have already started avoiding Byzantine ports after the massacre of thousands of innocent merchants in Constantinople and other regions of the heretical nation. The Long Walls, under construction for many years, are finally completed, and efforts are made to reinforce Athens’ defenses and food stockpiles.
  • [MOD, SPANISH, AUVERGNE AND SWISS RESPONSE]: Grand Inquisitor Carafa miraculously survives the Byzantine genocide and returns to Athens. He quickly travels to Rome where he presents his findings and then Venice, Naples, Florence, the Swiss Confederacy, Denmark, Spain, and Auvergne. The bodies of the 18 slain monks of the Order of Bari travel with him, shocking royal courts and Catholic across the continent. In each court he asks that the nation defend their Catholic brothers from systemic murder and push back the Byzantine aggressors who have attacked the earthly instruments of God Himself. It is hoped Venice will be especially eager, given the literal murder of thousands of Venetians by the Byzantines.
  • Swiss diplomacy: Outraged at the violence committed against Catholic monks and the danger the Swiss priests who travelled to Greece were put into, the Central Council offers the Latin Empire the use of 3,000 (partially subsidised) mercenaries, though another nation like Venice or the Papal States would have to supply the ships to get these mercenaries to the Latin Empire.
  • Arles Diplomavy: We offer to supply ships.
  • Venice and Florence both support Romania
  • Papal diplomacy: Pope Anastasius VI agrees with Emperor Julius and officialy calls for a military operation to defend the Catholics being oppressed by the Greek Orthodox and to organize a proper Inquisition. 7,000 men from the Papal Army are sent, with ten galleys. The Elders of the Republic of Ancona also want to help and send 2,500 mercenaries and five galleys.
• Kingdom of Ayutthaya: The defeat of Demak by Majapahit brings interest to Rama Trailokanat who remains concerned by the instability of Majapahit and its growing closeness to Dai Viet. Seeking to find a reliable trade partner and ally, diplomatic overtures are made to the Kingdom of Blambangan requesting friendly relations for the time being. (Mod Response). Blambangan traders are provided some favoritism in order to cultivate a possible alliance in the future should Majapahit side with Dai Viet in potential future wars. Diplomatic envoys are also dispatched to the Pagaruyung Kingdom on the southwestern side of Sumatra requesting that they become tributary to Ayutthaya. (Mod Response). Ayutthayan control over the Straits of Ayutthaya are tightened to ensure that none who would attempt to challenge or attack Ayutthaya are permitted through with no kingdoms being restricted so far. Hang Tuah is ordered to launch an aggressive campaign with the Ayutthayan Navy to stamp out piracy that has only grown in the absence of Majapahit from the region. The construction of fortifications along the Mekong River are only continued with the Khmer Kingdom being encouraged to do the same along the highlands on the Khmer-Champa border. The integration of Aru, Indragiri, Prome, and western Lan Xang are continued with the Orang Besar assigned to these regions receiving those who had undergone training to be officials that were natives to these regions. The Penghulu Bendahari reports that control over the Straits of Ayutthaya have led to an increased income from trade taxes which is put to good use funding infrastructure development and maintenance across Ayutthaya with a priority focus being on recently acquired regions to better integrate them into Ayutthaya. Dhammazedi has taken over the duties as tutor to Borommarachathirat III educating him in Buddhism and assisting in his other studies. Rama Trailokanat is blessed with another male child who he names Ramabithodi II as of this year. Ayutthaya continues to promote Buddhism across its holdings but takes care not to be aggressive in its campaign out of fear of offending the Muslim populations under or in Ayutthaya. Gifts of silk, ivory, and other items are sent to the tributary rulers of Trengganu and Pahang in the Malay Peninsula to show that their loyalty has not been forgotten.
  • Blambagan and Sumatra improve relations.
• Empire of Japan: As the situation develops within the Tachibana and Sapporo Zaibatsu, a crisis of funding comes across as a key backer of the expedition, the Tachibana and their significant funds, force a quiet withdraw. This is much to the annoyance of Captain Guy Yamamoto who instead turns to the free traders and fur rangers of the northern region arriving in Sakhalin early in the year. He cobbles together a group of enterprising fur tradesman who do not stand by the northern Zaibatsu. In exchange for some participation and funding, these groups agree. However, this is not enough and the Captain begins planning on a trip to the Tachibana lords to try to bring them back into the fold. Development in Fort Koba runs at a fever pitch as its port facilities expand and a large quarter for the navy is set up to help house and logistically handle the supply weight of the fleet in the region. this also prompts the families of some of these sailors to arrive in the settlement which brings the population of Appari to grow a bit as well. After many years of development and lacking the population for labor of the homeland, the Province of Manzhu finishes its great roadway network which extends to Aimoi, Nahodki, all the way to the Japanese-Korean border settlements and forts, and finally a riverside roadway extending all the way to Amuraji officially linking the two cities on a safe and maintained road. It is seen as a logistical triumph for the region as efforts to tame the land have been hardgoing and less than easy. As a result of over a century of settlement and integration with the empire, the Province of Manzhu being the most attractive of the two direct Manchurian provinces, hosts the lion's share of the settlement. Boasting upward of 600,000 people, with rough plurality with the local manchus, The region has truly begun to produce for the Empire. Agricultural yields go up year by year as farms become much more established and prosperous. Mining of metals like tin and copper have started to grow a bit larger and even a quarry for limestone and porcelain stone. While procelain making has only lightly taken off thanks to a group of Chinese expatriates establishing themselves decades ago in Japan, its growth in Manzhu and Amuraji provinces has been unfounded. It is a growing and important product coming out of the region and its high quality and value is obvious to the buyers down town. A clearly Japanese influenced form of porcelain begins to come out of the Empire with Japanese script, art, and patterns starting to stand independently of the chinese styled porcelain. While in no means a competitor for the porcelain giant that is China, the Japanese porcelain becomes an attractive style that many farther south begin to be purchased as well. After close living and cooperation in some of the joint towns north of Aimoi and Nahodki, the Manchus and Japanese have continued to blend together further. The relatively quiet temperament of the Manchus since their settlement in the region has not gone unnoticed and their loyalty to the leader who kept them safe is just as surprising. As a result, the Manchu lands while scattered throughout Manzhu and Amuraji, are large, and by far not unproductive. Their agriculture produces heavily, and their demand for finished goods from the cities has further integrated them within Japanese society. Loan words begin to become common between the two groups and to the north even the Vassal Manchu Khanate begins to emulate Japanese court practices and even sends an envoy to the emperor requesting that as a "member of the empire, and loyal taxpayer of the aristocracy, he deserves as seat at the table." While many look to the arrival of three Manchu representatives to the diet with annoyance and trepidation of "barbarians" sitting at the discussion table with them, the Emperor wholeheartedly agrees to the concept seeking to 1) achieve their loyalty, and 2) further integrate them within the empire proper rather than a vassal tributary state.
• Kingdom of Eiru: Frustrated by the Beaufort's going back on their word to make up with King Henry VI and Warwick's own rebellion, the Parliament of Ireland decides to honour their agreement with King Henry VI and offers him our full support in his conflict with the oath breakers. (Mod or England response). Forces are concentrated at Cork with continued construction of the nathair.
• Hafsid Caliphate: As Caliph Ahmad III prepares the next step in his grand scheme, Grand Vizier Al-Najm II rallies the armies of the Caliphate. Scribed by the jurist Sohali an early morning, the Caliph spoke, "The Great Caliphate of Ifriqiya has been restored with the power of God, and God shall strengthen the Caliphate's struggle against the heretics of the north and the illegitimate of the eastern river". The Black Pearl, a pirate company under the direction of Grand Vizier Al-Najm II, begin mass-raiding along the trade routes in Aegea and the Eastern Mediterranean. The Bedoin army, large in their capacity, are scattered throughout the Caliphate, maintaining the Caliph's control over cities as well as the setting up of defenses near the Rif and Mamluk territories. The Taureg peoples are slaughtered as many Bedoin troops move southward to the city of Djelfa, expanding the reach of the Caliphate further into the great desert from where the gold of the Mali Empire resides. Meanwhile, Ibrahim 'Amr, the son of "deceased" General Muhammad al-Janann, is raised comfortably by his Ibadi uncle and aunt while former General Abdullah 'Amr 'Uthman returns from his travels in the Mali Empire, having finished his learning under the wise and elderly Djiata Agadezi.
• Archbishopric of Mainz: Cardinal Diether von Isenburg remains a firm supporter of the extensive reforms in the Catholic church, including the Inquisition and the Assembly of Preachers. He joins with the Pope in repudiating the violent massacre in Byzantium. He continues to support raising education in his Diocese. He continues to patronize Johannes Gutenberg, particularly in the printing of releases from the Pontifical Roman Press. Cardinal von Isenburg attends the coronation of Wenceslas of Saxony, and shows his reverence with a gift, and elegantly printed copy of Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart, by Chrétien de Troyes. In his capacity as Archchancellor of Germany, he presents his regular reports the co-kings. His reports indicate that, over the last two years, his campaign against corruption has raised the imperial revenue by nearly five percent. He intends to continue, with the support of the Kings of Germany, increasing the oversight and control of the Emperor over the Imperial immediacies, to bring them more tightly into line with the will of their monarch.
• Kingdom of Portugal: The trade with Mali and the natives in Santo Andre continues to grow with the profits being diverted to improve the conditions of the other colonies while also funding the expansion of the trade post in Santo Andre. Meanwhile, the queen and her best friend ceebrate their 13th birthday. The royal navy begins a series of naval exercises to prepare for future wars and also implements a series of reforms to make it easier for commanders to issue orders in a timely manner.
• Kingdom of Maabar: Vilkhit's great infrastructure projects brings great trade to Madruai. He commissions a new Temple in Korkai. In Korkai the large hulled ships have cannons equipped on them and the forts in the north are maintained to keep them in good order. A New fort and bridge begin construction on the Kaveri. Small contingents of the royal guard are sent around to train rural farmers. Trade companies are set up in what ports will allow in the East Indies.
• Swiss Confederacy: 3,000 Swiss mercenaries travel south, where they use Arlesian and/or Papal ships to travel with those forces to aid the Latin Empire against the ruthless violence of the Byzantines. The bishops of the Swiss Confederacy condemn the violence against Catholic monks of the Massacre of Arta. As the Inquisition in Greece turns into a military conflict, the Swiss priests who travelled there flee back to Europe lest they fall victim to similar violence as at Arta. 2,000 Swiss mercenaries remain in Arles to aid King Lucas of Arles against Modena, though the Central Council considers redirecting these to protect the Catholic Church in the Latin Empire. Meanwhile, the Central Council continues to pay attention to the political situation in the British Isles, particularly the renewed tensions between the ruling House of York of England and the House of Beaufort. Hearing that Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick is in a general alliance with Edward Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset, Eberhard, Count of Lenzburg proposes to arrange a marriage between Henry Beaufort (b. 1457), the son and heir of the Duke of Somerset, and Blanche Courtenay (b. 1458), the sister of Godfrey Courtenay, the heir apparent to the Earldom of Devon and the heir presumptive to the Earldom of Warwick. (Mod response). Since they would be second cousins, Count Eberhard also writes to Pope Anastasius VI to ask him to provide a dispensation for this marriage. (Papal response) The copy of The Death of Arthur sent from Rome arrives at the library of the University of Basel. The scholars at the University make further copies of the book using their printing press, and some of these are sent to the Zürich Library and Bern Library. The spread of these books in Switzerland causes Arthurian mythology to become popular amongst nobles and clergy in the nation. Having talked about this ten years ago with the then-Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund II but not having received a clear answer then, the Central Council writes to the new Holy Roman Emperor Wenceslaus, proposing that the County of Lenzburg be elevated to a Duchy given its political and economic importance in the Alpine region, as the Count of Lenzburg is the effective chairman of the Central Council of the Swiss Confederacy. (Saxony response). At this point, the witchcraft trials in the Swiss Confederacy have largely ceased, though the Inquisition remains active in the nation, led by Bishop of Chur Ortlieb von Brandis, Grand Inquisitor of the Swiss Confederacy. Domestically, the government works on recruiting peasants to be lumberjacks in order to improve the wood production for construction, manufacture and trade, boosting the economy. The joint military of the Confederacy focuses on improving the fortifications of Zürich, the most populous city in the nation, by building new watchtowers. Bishop of Augsburg Jakob Goffredi dies and is succeeded as Bishop by Franciscan friar Ulrich Geislinger, meaning the diocese has now been represented by bishops from five different holy orders in the past fifty years (the others being the Carmelites, the Order of Divine Mercy/Mercedines, Dominicans and Premonstratensians/Norbertines). Godfrey Courtenay and Isabel Neville have their second child, a daughter named Cecily (b. 1473). Later in the year, Maria von Lenzburg and Albert IV, Duke of Bavaria-Munich, have their second child, a son named Albert V (b. 1473).
  • Marriage accepted.
  • Papal Diplomacy: Pope Anastasius VI agrees and gives the marriage dispensation.
  • Saxony: Wenceslaus agrees to elevate Lenzburg to a Duchy, as this mirrors its importance, and because he is grateful for the support Lenzburg has shown his Duchy and the Empire over the years.

• Vinland: The population grows to 4,190. Dogajavick, Elufsker, Shamyeby, Hallrberga grow this year. The trade post at Keathutberga is active once more. Osmundsson’s homestead grows by a longhouse as the family of Bjorn Svendsson moves in.
  • Skogrfjalland: The Norse population rises. The trade outpost at Vestelfrland is sacked by Gaspeaog Mi’kmaq and essentially destroyed. Erik Hrothgarsson is outraged and begins planning for another expedition. In technological news, the few smithies left on the island, mostly in Elufsker, are the center for the crude metallurgy. More swords are smelted this year, possibly in preparation for some type of conflict. Runby grows this year and becomes the center of the island’s 50-strong Christian population. A young woman named Astrid converts to Christianity. A new hamlet is founded on the edge of Norse territory and is named Ostvoll. Linguistically, a new word for the mixed race population develops: Svartfolk, which alludes to the Norse perception of them as dark and dirty.
  • Dogajavick-Shamyeby: The population rises. By this year, the trade route between Dogajavick and Shamyeby has become easily identifiable and well traversed. The port of Shamyeby is now a wooden structure frequented by longboats to and from Keathutberga. Seafarers hear of the news of the destruction of the outpost at Vestelfrland and seize upon the opportunity. Rather hastily, sailors set out from Shamyeby and land at Vestelfrland several days later, where they find the Norse ruins. The Mi’kmaq recognizes the Tvennufolk and are more welcoming toward them. An outpost is erected. In other news, Hjalfar begins planning to ask the Esgigeoag tribe to enter into the tribal confederacy. Hearing about the strange metallurgical actions in Skogrfjalland, Hjalfar orders the construction of new longships and bows. Dogajavick constructs a road toward the ocean in order to build a port of their own and capitalize on trade. This is begrudgingly accepted by the people of Shamyeby at the 1473 Thing.
  • Beothuk: The Beothuk are predominant in the center of the island. They are mostly hunter-gatherers. They hear about the centralization of the Norse folk and their cousins. In response, there are rumblings among the Beothuk families of a need to confederalize as well. However, communication is difficult due to the low population density.
• Novogrod-Tver (all Rus'): Grand Kniaz Mikhail III Borisovich. continues his invasion of the Princes of Ryazan, Smolesk and Moscuvy focusing first on Smolesk to prevent any possible intervention from Poland and to prevent Smolesk from joining forces with Ryazan, leading 25,000 trops to bear against Smolesk's forces. Calling on the city of Smolesk's merchants to aid. Kiev is also called to muster troops to assist and provide a distraction for Ryazan so as to prevent them from fully supporting Smolesk. The armies of Mikhail are split into a centre, a right and a left flank with the centre being mainly infantry a mix of pikemen, crossbowmen and small number of arquebuers in the mix in a one-to-seven ratio. While the flanks are made up predominantly of cavalry made up of a mix of light and heavy cavalry made up of the veteran cavalry that fought consistently against the Tartars. AN effort to envelope the flanks of the Smolesk Army care made by the harrassing cavalry. Efforts to maintrain ties and support the revolting merchants in Ryazan and Muscovy continue. Following the Outcome the battle Mikhail III sends for Pskov to supply reinforcements atleast 4,000 and move to regroup his men to cut the remnants of the Smolesk army away from the city of Smolesk, secret envoys are sent to the Smolesk merchants and artisans to rise up against the Prince of Smolesk and to let the Novogrod-Tver troops in to realize the establishment of a merchant city. cannons are brought in in case of a siege aand also to assist in field. War Wagons are set up as a defensive measure around the camps and also as a means of blockading supplies to the enemy. Kiev is ordered to continue tieing up the enemy forces and to help cut off smolesk from Rzayan and Moscuvy. An outfit of some 2,000 mercenaries is also raised in Novogrod made up of Finns, and Rus' mainly.
• Kingdom of Scotland: With Irelands forces now concentrated in Cork, their defenses against invasion are much lowered in the Ulster region. Deciding that it is now or never, King Edward decides to, as his last great act, led the invasion of Ireland. Gathering as many Scottish forces as possible and with the full force of the Scottish Navy supporting the landing, we kick of the invasion of ireland with a mass landing in Ulster, intending to quickly sieze and fortify the region against any potential Irish counterattack. (Algorithm needed). This force is personally led by King Edward himself, and as we land we call upon all true Irishmen to rise in rebellion against the false king, promising vastly increased rights and privileges for them.
• Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di": King John Leonard V becoming king now mostly moves back to Lotharingia, although he does appoint a prince regent. This regent being the Lord of Aerschot Filips I van Croÿ as he is a very influencial and diplomacy oriented. His position being one needed for if John has to make voyages to spain as King consort of the kingdom, as John does not always want to be separated from his wife. Leonard bringing Hessian and Lotharingian culture to the court in Toledo as some of advisors stay in the Kingdom of Spain, these being mostly diplomats and closer friends to the king himself. The KWAC having hope but also some fear with the new king, as they want to keep the status quo in relations to the king. Meanwhile, a boom has started in Hoekbaai, Etula, Uurwald as slave trade from Congo, and the Oyo empire increases. This being partially the effect of the Oyo-KWAC compact, as slave labour is needed for the banana planting which is starting to be picked up in Sherbo Island by the Azienda du Blu.
• Hanseatic League: As a new year dawns and the Baltic thaws, the non-stop trade of the Hanseatic League continues to guide German economics into a daring, new age. Every year, representatives of the Hanseatic League (Ratssendeboten) meet at an assembly in Lübeck known as the Tagfahrt. However, since the mid-14th century, the aldermen of the League have had the true say in what happens in these meetings. The League has come a long way since the days of its early inception. Civility reigned; if a consensus was threatened that may benefit the League as a whole, an alternative idea was not proposed. Something, after all, is better than nothing. Now, however, the central states of the Hanseatic League dominate trade and therefore hold significant sway over the politics of the region. The Hanseatic League recognizes four men who represent the entire central political entity and who also hold considerable sway over those who may not be governed by Hanseatic ideals. They are as follows: the Bürgermeister of Lübeck and Hamburg - Simon Burkhart, who share a mayor and who hold the final say in where shipments throughout the four regions go; Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who determine the prices of salt; the Prince-Admiral of Rostock Christopher von Warnow, who holds a permanent hereditary military position; and Prince-Archbishop of Bremen, Baldwin of Venden, who holds significant sway over ecumenical politics in the Baltic. Houses Ascania and Welf have an agreement to alternate control over the Principality of Lüneburg, which has kept the peace for some time. This also prevents the region from slipping out of the hands of either house. With Pomerania-Stettin being brought ever deeper into the fold of the Hanseatic League, trade along the Baltic becomes more lucrative than ever. The Baltic Duchies also see a heavy increase in trade due to the lack of organized interference from Pomerania. However, piracy continues to affect the Baltic. Rostock and Kiel shipyards pump out bulks en masse. To protect their convoys against the pirates, the Hanseatic League employs ships known as the Orlogship. These ships have historically been equipped with crossbows and catapults. The Hakenbüchse (Arquebus) is becoming increasingly common on Hanseatic Ships. Others are being fitted with the Culverin, a small cannon that yields devastating results at close range. Nine carracks are built at Kiel with another six being built in Rostock. They join the convoys that already criss-cross the Baltic and North Sea in a seemingly unending parade. The Hanseatic League has been responsible for defusing a number of close calls that could have easily led to war simply with the power of her pocketbook and navy. The fortifications around Cuxhaven and Heligoland are expanded, stoneworks rising ever higher to defend the coastline of the entrance to the North Sea and the Baltic. The North Sea is quickly becoming safer by the day, allowing goods to flood into Dublin and now as far away as Reykjavik. The Kontor in Bergen sees extensive renovations as both the British Isles and, to a certain degree, Norway are used as halfway points for ships on long journeys or for convoys to unload mass amounts of cargo. This cargo is either picked up by Hanseatic traders or by traders from the Kontors' host country. With the war between Scotland and Ireland, trade to both countries is affected, yet ships still slip in under close guard. The port in Swansea sees large-scale construction underway, with drydocks and workshops being constructed along the new pier. Smiths also set up shop in and around the area, which will produce nails and tools. Due to the new shipping lanes in Mali, exotic African goods make their way into Hanseatic ports, which in turn are sold throughout Europe. The Malinese accepted Hanseatic trade deals to break monopolies in Europe and that is precisely what it intends to do. However, with competition from Portugal (an unknown and non-German entity) and Lotharingia (an ally, yet a powerful one at that), along with potential pirates in the area, led to the Hanseatic League issuing the Heligoland Accord: a stipend from the government for any captain willing to accompany convoys to protect them and to carry goods themselves. A convoy establishes contact with Oyo. Intrigued in the wares of the land, a series of trade routes diverging from the Malinese routes and covering Oyo ports are drafted and proposed to Oyo.' The recent acquisition of Royal Prussia is celebrated throughout the League. For some time now, Danzig and many other German cities have lived under a Polish regime. Elated to live under a German regime once more, trade from these cities explodes. Danzig sees a marked growth in its markets this year. However, not everyone is happy about the regime change: Poles that had enjoyed rule under the previous and strong Polish king leave in droves or practice acts of disorder against the Hanseatic League. Enforcers by trade guilds are hired by Danzig and begin cracking down on such behavior, perhaps with a little too much fervor.

1474

Various states across the Catholic world assemble their armies in Turin for the Holy War against the Greeks, consisting of 6,000 troops across Germany and Italy. This also includes support from the Crusader armies of the Hospitallers and the Order of Bari. The Kingdom of Cyprus likewise is forced to support the Venetians due to the current regent.

With the Scottish invasion of Ireland, Richard Neville officially leaves King Henry's court and alligns himself with the Lancastrian claimant Edward Beaufort. The Lancastrian armies begin to siege Gloucester, and call on familial relations in Germany to support their position.

After the largely inconclusive battle of Rzhev, the Rus' armies split up in an attempt to secure defenses for both Smolensk and Moscow.

Nations in the Balkans, mainly Serbia and Hungary, makes certain revolutions in gunpowder technology. The Trunnion is invented, allowing cannons to be tilted and adjusted on the battlefield. India and Burma both have developed larger siege cannons as well, including some that are transported on wheels. Arquebuses are first used in Central and Southern India. In China, the "thunderbombs" are a kind of bamboo grenade developed by the Tian Dynasty, which they share with Korea.

Stephen III of Moldavia continues to war against the Tartars, and siezes control of Odessa.

The Republic of Venice creates the first patent system.

Various church chants are composed in the Flemish language by Guillaume du Fayt.

Gomes de Azaura completes a chronicle of Portuguese history.

• Saxony: Hearing that Edward Beaufort is besieging Gloucester, Wenceslaus III sends 5,000 Saxon troops to aid his relative and the Lancastrian cause in his capacity as Duke. However, he is reulctant to involve the rest of the Holy Roman Empire in the conflict, and so does not employ any Imperial troops on behalf of Beaufort. However, after hearing trade restrictions will be imposed by England on German courts if they support the Beauforts, the Duke vows not to send any more soldiers, though it is too late to recall the ones alreday sent now. Meanwhile, he elevates the Counties of Upper and Lower Mark to Margraviates to reflect their position as marches of the Holy Roman Empire, on the Rhine border. Wenceslaus also assures Cardinal von Isenburg that he has his full support to continue his good work for the Empire, and is grateful for his gift of Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart, which he finds a most delightful work.
• Kingdom of England: With the recent death of Edward V and resurgence of conflict with the Beauforts, Henry VI feels the need to search through his conscience and for religious guidance, recently elevated by the election of Thomas Bourchier, the former Archbishop of Canterbury to the Papacy. After many long hours of prayer and mediation, Henry VI writes to his former archbishop, asking him to publicly reaffirm that he is the man divinely blessed by God to rule England via a papal bull (PAPAL DIP RESPONSE). After this period of recluse and religious enlightenment, the news of the now departed Richard Neville reaches the King. His sudden disappearance is initially one of suspicion, which is confirmed when news reaches the crown that he has fled for Dublin. Edward (Henry VI’s son), Duke of York, meets with lords in York and beyond, and demands for them to raise up an army, who become incentivized by tax breaks and privileges to efficiently raise up men to go and fight the Beaufort scourage in Glocester. Two lords in particular, Lords Percy and Stanley, are beyond successful in their endeavor, and raise a moderate army numbering 20,000 which are headed by the Duke of York ready for battle. Their efforts are praised for raising such a numerous force on short notice. The fighting in the city progresses well at first, and at one point during the battle tips heavily in Yorkshire favor. (ALGO REQUIRED). The Beaufort call for family to aid their cause is met with a chuckle, even to Elizabeth of Beaufort, Edward of York’s spouse. Seeing that this at was a desperate call to arms, Henry VI makes it known that any German courts who support the Beauforts would be restricted from English trade markets, and in turn ask that the Hanseatic League, helps us in enforcing this policy. (HANSEATIC DIP RESPONSE). The situation in Ireland is looked upon with grave concern, and to many advisors it demonstrates the failed effectiveness of the Celtic Confederacy. Whatever, if any public display of unity existed, it was absolutely shattered by Scottish aggression, and that this “confederation” is as laughable as a donkeys arse to be blessed by the clergy. Letters and gifts of kinship are shared with our all branches of our family, but in particular our family across the channel.
• Empire of Ethiopia: The Empire enters a period of mourning as the Empress Dowager Sofia passes away at her beloved Water Gardens. Her imminent death being well known, much of her family had attended her during her final days at the Water Gardens, including her sons, the Emperor Tewodros II and the Prince Amda Seyon, who briefly left the siege of Yemen to be with his mother during her final hours. The Princess Nyala also attends along with her sister-in-law the Empress Zoya and the Crown Prince, the Prince of Kaffa, Tewodros III. As a sign of respect for his mother Amda Seyon does not bring his wife, the Princess Borgia, whom the Empress Dowager still resents even on her deathbed. The Empress passes away surrounded by her loved ones in the place she most enjoyed in the Empire. A long period of mourning is declared and the Empress Dowager is interned at the Imperial Mausoleum with her husband, the Emperor Tewodros the Great. Thousands mourn the well-liked Roman Princess who became one of the most powerful and influential members of the Ethiopian Court. With the two brothers Tewodros II and Amda Seyon meeting in person they discuss the war. While the siege continues successfully, the Emperor is alarmed by the loss of life and the length of time the city’s siege has been continuing. He considers offering terms of surrender to the Yemeni. However, Prince Amda Seyon is adamant that total victory is near and can be achieved, knowing that while Ethiopian losses have been high they have been equally high or even higher on the Yemeni side. He insists that the siege must continue, else the sacrifices of the soldiers who died before will be wasted. The Emperor is convinced, and orders his brother to continue the siege until the city is captured. The Siege of Aden continues into year five, with the dwindling Yemeni garrison under constant attack by Ethiopian archers, skirmishers, and artillery. [ALGO NEEDED].
• Kingdom of Arles: We chase the Modenans out of La Spezia. Altisi was seen to be bravely charging into battle, his first lunge slicing the head off a Modenan horseman. This leads to him being nicknamed Altisi 'Sharparm.' 6,000 troops stay in La Spezia to suppress any rowdy peasants. the remaining 12,000 troops head out toward Cerreto Laghi and set up base there, preparing for an assault on Sassuolo. Meanwhile, we offer transport ships to any country to aid the Latin Empire. We invite the Swiss to recall the 2,000 mercenaries as we realise that the situation in the Latin Empire is more important and the situation against Modena is under control. (SWISS RESPONSE). The economy is improved and two 2.1 Carrackés are built.
  • Pisa: Philippe Lowen passes away and his only son Philippe II takes control. The Lowen Fort is now halfway built.
  • Swiss Diplomacy: The Central Council agrees with King Lucas of Arles' reasoning and the 2,000 Swiss mercenaries in Arles are recalled back to the Swiss Confederacy.
• Kingdom of Wales: With the re-ignition of the War of the Roses, King Edmund considers his choices, on the one hand, his older brother, King Henry VI of England, with whom relations have soured exponentially over the past few years, especially after King Edmund decided to disinherit his brother from succession to the Welsh throne, at the behest of the Welsh parliament in Cardiff, in response to his father disinhereting King Edmund from succession to the English throne, after pressure from the allied Kingdom of Scotland, whose interests laid into keeping the two realms, England and Wales respectively, seperated. On the other hand, Edward Beaufort, formely a fierce rival, now the main Lancasterian claimant, who is allied with Owen Tudor, another previously fierce rival and currently claimant to the throne of Wales. However, our ally, Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick's recent re-alignment with the Lancasterian side changes everything now, along with vile High King Eadbhard's realignment in support of Henry VI of England, abandoning his former Lancasterian allies in their time of need, like the backstabbing cut-throat he is. Therefore King Edmund of Wales actively seeks a rapprochement with House Lancaster, offering his military support to Edward Beaufort against his brother, King Henry VI, for the crown of England. In exchange he demands the recognition of the independence of his realm, the Kingdom of Wales, from the Kingdom of England entirely, along with the renounciation of all claims to it by England. (Mod Response). He does not, however, limit his actions to initiating negotiations with Edward Beaufort alone, offering the royal pardon, as well as his estates back, to be returned after the conclusion of the ongoing phase of the War of the Roses, to Owen Tudor, whose family has fought bravely in the Welsh War of Independence, requesting him to renounce his claim to the throne of Wales once and for all in exchange, appealing to his sense of patriotism, beseeching him to accept for the sake of preservation of the unity of the Welsh nobility in these trying times, even though we have essentially been enemies for decades now, there is something greater to behold, our shared dedication to the independent of the Kindgom of Wales from the Kingdom of England. (Mod Response) The two newly established printing shops in Cardiff and Caernarfon have proven to be commercial successes, continue circulating best sellers like the Welsh language version of the Bible, "Sinclar's Adventures" and other already popular books, now rendering them affordable even for the lower nobility, the merchant class and the commoners. With the ongoing war, construction of new caravels and ships for our navy is halted in its entirety for the time being, as the vast majority of our resources are dedicated into our army. King Edmund of Wales raises a force of 12,000 men from all across Wales, flying the fearsome and sacred banner of Saint Owen [Lawgoch], as they rally in defense of their homeland. King Edmund then proceeds to take personal command of the main force of 8,000 men, marching toward Gloucester, in support of Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick's and Edward Beaufort's forces, against King Henry's English forces, as brother against brother, they clash against one another. [ALGO REQUESTED] The additional 4,000 men are left back home as reserves, under the command of the 18-year-old Myrddin (Merlin) ap Cadfael (Bruce) of Gwynedd, remaining in the region to oppose any potential Irish landing, in the case that his father is unsuccessful in crushing the Irish fleet at sea and putting a permanent end at the threat of an invasion from Eiru. [ALGO REQUESTED]. Additionally, King Edmund of Wales attempts to recruit mercenaries from the continent in order to bolster his forces for the ongoing conflict, reaching to our contracts in France and other Western European states, given the good relations we still enjoiy with them. (Mod Response). The construction of the another additional two Caravels is completed, finishing up before the war kicked in. This brings our total fleet to six caravels. Those warships along with the rest of the Welsh navy [The entirety of the Welsh navy] under the command of their newly appointed Admiral and loyal ally, Duke Cadfael ap Alisdair of Gwynedd, instructed to patrol the Irish Sea, to prevent any hostile states, such as the High Kingdom of Eiru, from crossing across the sea to provide support to King Henry VI of England, by engaging with any and all Irish fleets in the Irish Sea, avoiding engagement only in face of overwhelming odds against him and harassing the Irish fleet instead, denying High King Eadbhard the ability to intervene in the War of the Roses and reinforce King Henry VI's forces. [NAVAL ALGO REQUESTED] King Edmund continues to promote the reconciliation of his realm, divided into two similar yet starkly different halves, the Pura Walia region, dominanated by the independent minded Welsh nobility and the Marchia Walliae region, dominanated by the Anglo-Norman nobility, by encouraging the adoption of Welsh customs and traditions by the Anglo-Norman part of his nobility, furthermore encouraging marriages between the Anglo-Normans and Welsh noble families, with a bit more success thus far, as a few more Yorkist supporting loyalist Anglo-Norman noble families that have good relations with King Edmund only follow suit by adopting some Welsh customs and traditions and/or intermarrying with the Welsh nobility for the time being. The ongoing war serves to further the worship of Saint Owain (Lawgoch), although already extremely popular on its own, now becomes a rallying cry for the Welshmen as they go on to clash with unprecedented ferocity against King Henry VI's detested English forces. With the resounding commercial success that the introduction of Guttenberg's printing press had on our realm, King Edmund is rather eager to persue other such projects to strengthen his realm, lately his attention falls unto the silk-weaving technology, that has been recently introduced into Western Europe, the French cities of Lyon and Beziers were the first that this exquisite technology that allows the production of such fine silk clothing appered. Furthermore, King Edmund personally requests assistance from our ally, King Henry II of France in the ongoing War of the Roses against King Henry VI of England, given our almost a century old alliance between our two realms. (Mod Response).
  • Edward Beufort and the Welsh nobles wasn't claiming Wales in the first place.
  • The Welsh nobles wants their titles fully reinstated.
  • I told you in DM your total military was 8,000 to 10,000, why did you raise it to 12,000? Nevertheless, this number could be achieved with mercenaries.
  • France is remaining neutral.
• Dai Viet: To make it easier for the government to account the people's household and land ownership status, a new law is made regarding the merge of the household register and the land register. The population of the Vietnamese people migrating in to the south has been increasing for the last 30 years. They have been marrying ethnic minorities like the Cham people as it was previously the land of Champa. The progress of culture assimilation of the Cham continues to be conducted, as per last year the Emperor forces them to register a three-word name, as well as forcing them to practice Vietnamese culture since the beginning of the annexation. As the Vietnamese population has been increasing in the south, infrastructure renovations are conducted in two major cities of Hue and Cha Ban (Vijaya), as well as the establishment of the new port of Hoi An, as an another effort to help boosting trade. Meanwhile, diplomatic envoys Le Hoang Duc, Nguyen Don Phuc, Ngo Loi, Nghien Nhan Tho and Nguyen Dinh My are sent to China to pay the annual tribute to Tian China, as well as requesting a trading market between Vietnamese and Chinese merchants to be opened in Nanning to further increase trade with China. (Mod Response). A manifesto is made by the Emperor of reminding the Imperial Court’s mandarins of earlier loyalists of the Tran dynasty and encouraged them to be the same, with rewards given to their family and later generations after they pass away. With Princess Thanh Toai living in Majapahit, gifts from the Emperor to the Princess are occasionally given to her transported by Royal Ships driven by court mandarins, and her job is to inform them of any suspicious or notable activities happening in Majapahit. She has also given birth to a baby boy. Lan Xang sends their tribute of local products to Dai Viet. Vietnamese merchants have sailed to Vijayanagara and request trade. (Mod Response).
  • China and Deccan states agree to trade.
• Hindustan (Gurkani Dynasty): The city of Tabarhinda (Bhatinda) home to Qila Mubarak (Fort) was made the capital of the Subah of Punjab in 1435. Makhdoom Ali Mahimi died in 1437 and the Maharajah who had been profoundly influenced by his views, ordered the construction of a grand Dargah in what is now called Mahim. This small island port on the West Coast of India has grown into a bustling port city rivalling the likes of Surat and Cambay. The ascension of Maharajah Adam Shah, himself a devotee of one of the major syncretic sects which came from a merger of the Bhakti and Sufi traditions around Delhi and assimilated the Nizamuddin Sufi, ushered in an era of further religious syncretism between Hinduism and Islam, being a scholar of Astronomy, he had kept the shools and Madrassas established by his predecessors alive and had expanded these centers of learning. Furthermore, the nobility and a large part of the Muslim and non-Muslim population had begun following the syncretic sects as the Sufi and Bhakti movements had completely merged and existed in the form of different sects. The powers of the Ulama and the Brahmins had severely weakened by now and the Ulama had become irrelevant to state administration in the time of Ulugh Beg. The new sects preached the Oneness of God, the feeling of brotherhood and mutual respect, charity and the idea of “live and let live”. A large number of Gurus and Saints preached as the center of religious life shifted away from the Mosques and began to shift away from the Temples. The Sufi-Bhakti movements led an era of religious reform. While the Orthodox Ulama completely rejected the new movements as heresies, great debates were held between the Saints and Gurus at one side and the Brahmins on the other side. The Sufi-Bhakti movement as it is now called by historians reached its peak under the reign of Maharajah Adam Shah and remained as the strongest religious force in Indian society for centuries to come. At this point of time, Orthodox Islam had become a minority with only a few people retaining their Sunni beliefs, most notably the Muslims of the trading community did not come under the influence of these movements. Several Hindu orthodox sects remained in different parts of the country and never directly clashed with the movement being pluralistic themselves. Several Sufi-Bhakti shrines exist across the land and people make pilgrimages to these shrines. Khanqahs have become the main feature of religious life in the cities and towns with people of all religions gathering there to listen to the sermons of the visiting Gurus and Saints. The Gurus and Saints stay in the Khanqahs and the Khanqahs also act as schools for people who want to learn the doctrines of the sect. Different Khanqahs are controlled by different sects however, the sects generally consider themselves as belonging to the same movement and are pluralistic and tolerant in nature. As such several large Khanqahs have been built under the reign of the Maharajah and his father and older Khanqahs have been expanded. Delhi itself is home to five large Khanqahs. In the matters of administration, Maharjah Adam Shah oversaw the complete implementation of the Dustur and has added his father’s and his own reforms to it. Most of the power is held by the Chalisa with the Maharajah busying himself with scholarly and religious matters. Every month a Grand Religious Darbar is held in Delhi where the Maharajah invites all the men of religion of Delhi and those travelling in the area and discusses with them and hears their debates. The Chalisa has decided to conquer the Kingdom of Kalinga and subjugate their vassal tribes, for this an army of 70,000 is sent to Kalinga under the command of General Hamid Khan. (ALGO REQUIRED).
• Kingdom of Eiru: When the entire Scottish army started assembling in western Scotland there was concern but Scotland did not declare war and there was a belief based upon convention, they would declare war before they invaded. When Scotland without warning and without cause invades after we created a new alliance with the Yorkists and affirmed our support for their supposed allies who they have just betrayed. Many nobles feel that King Edward of Scotland is a repeated liar because of his actions toward England and Ireland. They can't trust him and treat his not particularly generous offer with contempt. Most nobles feel that King Edward of Scotland hasn’t promised them personally anything in particular and his promises are vague to the point of not even being promises and it’s unlikely since how he rules in Scotland, he would follow them through. He didn’t ask the Scottish Parliament if they believed this war was a good idea because he doesn’t consult his Parliament and he has raised his entire levy to fight in a war of no benefit to the levies. Scotland’s personal union with the Burgundians is not looked upon favourably because they’re European. Many Irish nobles worry about the tyrannical character of the King of Scotland not being in line with the promises made. The so-called King of Wales has declared war on his own brother which is fratricide and started attacks without cause against Irish trade leading to many merchants being angry at Wales along with anger over his attempted fratricide. Indignation in Dublin at a surprise and random invasion is fierce. The King does not attend Parliament relying on his supporters to speak on his behalf, the Lords and Commons of Parliament turn out in full amour and weapons and pass a declaration of war with Scotland committing Parliament to remove all Scots from Ireland and reaffirming support for King Eadbhard unanimously, maybe there were dissenters but the threat of violence led them to keep quiet during the gathering. The Scottish invasion is denounced as nothing more than a war of aggression, promises to Irish nobles are denounced because they’re made by a King who betrays his allies and runs his country with an iron fist. Ireland prepares for a war against a King whose reputation in Ireland is one of a liar and a tyrant. Lords Percy and Stanley return via the Celtic sea to London on a single nathair to join with King Henry and fight against their rival Warwick.
  • War plan: Parliament grants the mayors of Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Derry and Coleraine permission and funds to raise 700 troops each from the town and surrounding lands to garrison their fortifications. The King due to his age stays in Dublin and leaves his sons Aodh and Fionbharr to assemble the main host who will employ a Fabian strategy of avoiding battle. Some 4,000 troops under Aodh and Fionbharr move to Omagh unless the Scottish army are already there in which case, they move to Enniskillen and if the Scots follow them, they will go to Carrick-on-the-Shannon then if they continue pursuit to Athlone. If the Scots wish to attack them at Athlone they can do so against sharpened stakes and ditches and other field fortifications with the Shannon protecting one flank and Carn bog protecting the other. Following the Irish all the way to Athlone would lead the Scots a long way from their supply line and vulnerable to attacks in the rear by irregulars If the Scots at any point stop following them, we keep a healthy distance.
  • Some 7,000 Irish troops are sent to act as irregulars, moving in small groups over rough terrain unsuitable for cavalry and large armies, led by local guides and leaders from whichever area they originate from and enter Ulster targeting foraging and scouting parties. Locals of Ulster are told to hide their grain and livestock because anything the Scots find they will steal. The war plan is to just hold the ports and avoid fighting the Scottish army in battle until they are forced to either launch desperate attacks or go home.
  • Naval plan: The fleet concentrates at Galway and starts sailing out into the Atlantic in ones and twos before turning north and then using the prevailing Westerlies to be downwind of Scottish supply ships. Large Scottish formations are avoided by taking advantage of our lateen sails and smaller ships to sail away from larger bulkier Scottish formations. We make no attempt to control the Irish sea or engage with the Welsh ships.
• Poland-Lithuania: The Poles and Lithuanians are interested in the current event in Greece. By the way, the commonwealth continue to grow up and more economy is improved well some expansion area limit is being fully controlled Polotosk is going well more ships and fleet is being constructed again in the north side the military is mobilized and patrolled the inquistor has also fully investigate in many urban areas in Polish village and Lithuanians the border in north Baltic is fully established a village is up made and approved by Casimir IV and Elizabeth of Austria, so far the trade is going well the canal will take a year to finish it from more merchants came out, by wise a Typically a nobleman's landholding comprised some folwark, a large farmer worked by serfs to produce surpluses for internal and external trade from this economy is would work arangement well for ranger class the urban population becomes low according for the state with pre-occupations, they sent an act of average and sometime they put more businesse from the development and the Lithuanian-Baltic trades in Europe some coupled with the szlachta's privileged position when compared to the bourgeoisie in the duchy and the kingdom Casimir IV resulted a fairly low social progress thus a rather slow development of agriculture some effort that Casimir IV attempts to hold absolute monarchy with more strongest more cities is recovering and towns are being Christianized and baptised the Poles is investigate Tabor if there are any Taborites case followed by the inquisitor and view them as the heresey and protect the Christendom the Poles start to help the poor and finacing them to protect against those evil and more urban is being recovering and constructed additionally raise more people in the country in Doruchow the investigations is becoming really serious to remove those heresey and those investigator Casimir IV would like to send a letter to the Papal State and Latin empire, for a military interventions in Greece to protect the Catholics and send their soldiers to protect the western borders which are Catholic, and major who could support our hope and protect the Catholic church and a letter is sent to the Papal State if Casimir IV to allow them to join it. (Papal/Latin response).
  • Romanian Diplomacy: Emperor Julius thanks Casimir IV for his words of support, and delivers the message that the Pope has authorized for Poland-Lithuania to mobilize against the Byzantine Empire.
• Kingdom of Ayutthaya: The appearance of traders from the Kingdom of Maabar in large amounts establishing trade posts and companies raises concerns from the Penghulu Bendahari who undertakes efforts to ensure that they do not displace or weaken the power of the Ayutthayan government sponsored trade guild. Ayutthayan fortifications along the Mekong River are nearing completion with only minor delays in a few locations with the workers and engineers assigned to them being redirected to the highlands that compose the Khmer-Champa border to work on and complete them. Rama Trailokanat continues to assign ranks by the Sakdina system showing favor to those who are proven capable at administrating and are loyal to allow those possessing said qualities to maintain and develop larger tracts of land with which he encourages them to focus on farmig and exploiting the land to its maximum potential. The Ayutthayan naval campaign against pirates continues into its second year with the implementation of a system that rewards money to those who have contributed aid to the ongoing efforts with the Orang Laut being given encouragement in the form of titles and wealth to continue providing assistance. Laksamana Hang Tuah utilizes the remaining naval forces to protect the trade routes under Ayutthayan control and works closesly with the Temenggung to observe and gather intel on ships and their crews passing through Ayutthayan regions through discrete means. Despite the refusal of Pagaruyang to become tributary, Rama Trailokanat holds no ill will and accepts their willingness to become closer and friendlier with Ayutthaya allowing them to pass through Ayutthayan holdings. The development of siege cannons in Burma and India has piqued the interest of Ayutthaya's officers who insist on launching an analysis of the weapon for consideration of its potential production in Ayutthaya. A request is sent to Toungoo requesting permission for Ayutthayan officers and craftsman to observe and examine the improved siege cannon they developed. (Mod Response). Interest in the Ceylon region has prompted the deployment of envoys to request friendly relations between the Kingdom of Kotte and Ayutthaya. (Mod Response). A tributary mission to China is organized alongside another mission to Bodh Gaya once again after a delayed amount of time due to the turmoil in recent years. Dhammazedi continues his tutelage of the Crown Prince teaching him of many qualities befitting a ruler and educating him in the many subjects he will need to master in order to ascend to the kingship. Integration of new regions across Ayutthaya proceed with their being minor difficulties in some of the regions with populations still not comfortable with Ayutthayan control primarily in the Lan Xang region of Ayutthaya where the people have been in conflict with Ayutthayan forces many times as a result of the wars of the past. Tun Perak insist on the deployment of the police and security forces under the Temmengung into the region in order to pacify the unrest. The arquebus continues to see small scale production and assignment to troops who had originally used the hand cannon as a replacement for those weapons.
  • Toungoo does not consider that good enough reason to share the technology.
  • Ceylon accepts trade relations.

• Iceland: As the Scottish invasion begins Domnhall continues with his funding of Ireland and Corinth. The king also finally sets sail and tries to reach Vinland for the first half of his expedition of Islandika. As Cardinal Secretary Ari has passed away Arnar, Prince of Greenland, is sent for the funeral. Arnar asks the pope if Iceland can send 2,000 men along with the Papal army to Greece.(Papal response needed).
  • Papal diplomacy: Pope Anastasius VI allows that and says that all help is welcome.
• Papal States: Seeing the growing conflict in England leaves Pope Anastasius VI apprehensive. During his time as Archbishop of Canterbury he was a good friend of both Edmund and Henry of York to the point that he can't choose a side. With Emperor Wenceslas supporting the Beauforts, in a time where the cooperation between Imperial and Papal powers are necessary due to menace of heretics, the pontiff decides to remain neutral in this conflict for now, this way focusing his attention in the war against the Greeks. The pontiff decides to send 1,500 more men to help there with six cannons produced in the Arsenal of Orvieto. With the popularity of the text "Satanic Byzantium" made by Giuliano Della Rovere, the Papal court start to use the term "Byzantine" to refer to the people of Byzantium. The pope send letters to other Catholic nations (NPCs) asking more help for the Catholics being opressed by the "Byzantines". [MOD response needed, please]. The construction of the new Apostolic Palace and of the Cappella Magna continues. Andrea del Verrochio and Leonardo da Vinci continues to paint the great fresco named "Victory of the Rosary". Piero della Francesca continues to paint the great fresco "Miracle of the Flowers" in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope. The construction of the tower for studies of astronomy continue. All these works of art are financed with the money that was once used to sustain the luxury of the papal court, while the money used to fund the works of charity is intact and only used to help the poor. The production of weapons in the Papal Arsenal of Orvieto continues. Meanwhile, Captain General Domenico Malatesta continues training troops for the Papal Army. The Arsenals of Ostia and Civitavecchia continues to produce ships. Federigo Marin, the new professor of Natural Theology in Saint Augustine's University, use the same field trips that Adalfredo Meccia used. On these field trips, Marin and his pupils visit the Alexandrine Gardens and othe regions of the Papal States to observe the creatures and propose the characteristcs that God gave them to survive. The construction of the Chapel commissioned by deceased Cardinal Ari Sturlungur continues. Johann Burchard now working as Papal Assistant writes in his diary all situations that he see happening in the Papal Court. Giuliano Della Rovere continue his studies of theology at Saint Augustine's University and he continues to hate Rodrigo de Borgia. Giuliano Della Rovere send copies of "Satanic Byzantium" Siena, Modena, Florence and Venice. In this work he compares Basileus Gregorios with Diocletian, even calling him as Basileus Diocletianus II and introduce the word "Byzantine" to refer to the population of Byzantium. He ask the clerics of these nations to spread the horrors of the "Byzantines" and their affinity to Satanism to the people across Italy. [MOD response needed, please]. Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini, even now being a cardinal, continue to participate in the works of charity ofthe Mercedine Order. The reforms started by the deceased Cardinal Alfons de Borja in the Church of San Giacomo degli Spagnoli continues under Rodrigo de Borgia. Prince Ársæll Esturlungio continues with the reforms of the Rocca Abbaziale. Rodrigo de Borgia and Vannozza dei Cattanei continue with their affair. This year Vannozza gives birth to Giovanni de Borgia. Philip of Habsburg and Luchina Della Rovere have a daughter named Isabella.
  • Republic of Ancona: New galleys are built in the shipyards of Ancona, this way making the Republic navy grow in number. The buildings across the Republic continue to be reformed. Books and pamphlets of apologetic and defense of the Catholic Faith are published by the printing press and send to various nations of Europe through the Anconian ships.

• Novogrod-Tver: Grand Kniaz Mikhail III moves to take advantage of the splitting of the Allied states of Smolesk, Ryzan and Moscuvy. The now reinforced army moves to wipe out the remaining forces of th Kniaz of Smolesk, drawing them into a definitive battle or risk being cut off and encircled. the Tverian Cavalry harrasses and continues to flank and steer the Smolesk forces into a prepared position were War wagons cut off which is used to funnel them into cannon fire for shock value as the infantry and cavalry encircle the forces to crush them.  Following Kniaz Mikhail once more requests that the City of Smolesk open its doors without the need for a liege, requesting the submission of the city. Preperations are made to move of Ryazan with the Tverian and Novgordian cavlary skirmishing the forces of Ryazan and Moscuvy. The forces of Kiev are allowed to rest and start to cut the Moscuvy and Ryazan forces. The icty of Smolesk is completely blockaded since the city doesnt seem to want to submit. Preparations for a siege are laid out with cannons and trebuchets being brought in, and war wagons and garrisons being established around the main camp and along the roads. To raise funds, efforts to expand the revenue from the fur trade to the east begin. 
• Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di": The death of a great composer and musician of the Lotharingian school, his name being Guillaume Dufay. Born a bastard but died a hero composer of songs such as L'homme armé one of the most famous songs of the western world, a song made for secular means and adopted by the church. His song L'homme armé becoming a song widely used by the Königliche Lotharingische Armee, often used during masses for the army and sang while marching to their destination. One destination that has been chosen being that of the Greek Empire of Romania, this force being 2,000 soldiers strong. These men having served in the army against the Liege rebellion in the name of King Godfried von Lotharingen, as the man have fought bravely and have proven themself useful in fight against regimes. Thus the force of 2,000 is sent to help the Emperor of Romania Julius Suprano, the soldiers being send to the capital of Athens. The emperor of Romania isgiven control over the soldiers as the Dutch soldiers aren't used to mountainous terrain and the heat related to it. In Africa the trade of modern Lotharingian weapons and fabrics are now traded more and more for Slaves and more importantly gold and ivory. As Lotharingian demands for ivory, gold, coffee, jungle woods and even rice increases, the jungle woods coming from Congo and rice and gold from Mali. Congo being a big pool of manpower and a big market which the KWAC is looking for to exploit.
• Kingdom of Portugal: The Queen pays a visit to all of the military stationed in the Portuguese trade and colonies. There she makes a marvelous speech which raises their morale significantly. Meanwhile, in Gordes for the first time since it was handed over to Portugal in 1375, the gate of Gordes opens to French people who come to visit Gordes. Mass celebrations are planned with several high standing nobles and people to attend. In addition to this, plans for the upcoming coronation of Queen Cirí III are planned. In response to the inevitable crusade against the Byzantine Empire, the regent decides to support it with a small quantity of their ships.
• Archbishopric of Mainz: Cardinal Diether von Isenburg remains a firm supporter of the extensive reforms in the Catholic church, including the Inquisition and the Assembly of Preachers. He continues to support raising education in his Diocese. He continues to patronize Johannes Gutenberg, particularly in the printing of releases from the Pontifical Roman Press. He continues his endeavors to increase the bureaucratic oversight of the Emperor’s lands, and standardize their upkeep. Cardinal von Isenburg is enthused by the Pope’s call for a Holy War, and the resporation of order to this errent land of Christendom. He commands all the priests in his diocese to encourage their parishioners to consider fighting in this cause, in the name of the Lord. He also, in his capacity of the Holy See of Germany, sends messengers through the empire to the other dioceses, spreading the same message. For the Electorate of Mainz, he raises 1,000 of his own local soldiers, under a very competent and cautious commander, and sends them to join the Holy Army at Turin, and march in the war. (Papal Response.) Cardinal von Isenburg requests from the Emperor whether or not he should forbid the Imperial immediacies to trade with the Beauforts, or not. (Saxony Response.)
  • Saxony: The Emperor Wenceslaus personally supports the Beauforts, and trade may continue as usual, (though he will give them no more direct support for now, due to trade restrictions threatened by Henry VI of England, and because other parts of the Empire have not declared which side they support yet).
• Roman Empire: Basileus Gregorios raises another 10,000 men from the Themes for a total of 35,000 men stationed in Thessaly. He fortifies his men south of Larissa in a mountain pass on the border with Neopatria. His army is composed of 2,000 light cavalry for scouting and pursuing the enemy, 8,000 heavy cavalry, 10,000 heavy infantry, and 10,000 Ankistróploi (heavy wall-gun style arquebuses). Meanwhile, John continues fortifying his position at Gallipoli awaiting a Venetian attack with laborers drawn from the population of Constantinople. He also assembles the imperial fleet, numbering 75 warships and an additional 500 converted merchant vessels for a total of 575 ships. In the Aegean, the Imperial Fleet goes on the offensive. 50 Former Barbary pirate ships and Galeas Caraveles are employed to harry the enemy fleet, disrupting the logistics chain required to support the enemy armies. The remaining 525 ships are kept in reserve to defend the capital from a naval invasion. The war is financed with the sale of Bonds of the Faith and People, which are advertised as defending not only Christendom from Satan but also Greco-Roman Civilization from barbarity.
  • [Mod Response]: Seeing the Catholics for the traitors to Christendom that they are, Patriarch Dionysius I calls upon all men of the true faith to come fight for the glory of God against the false believers. His call to arms is distributed by the Imperial press in Greek, Latin, Georgian, Bulgarian, Vlachian, and Russian through Roman trade networks on the Black Sea and the various rivers that drain into it. The hope is to gather support for the defense of Orthodoxy, be it nobility or peasants.
    • Vlad the Impaler, the Prince of Wallachia comes to the Byzantine's aid with 4,000 troops.
    • His men are welcomed and he is asked to aid John in defending Constantinople from attack.
  • [Mod Response]: Roman Allies, Dorde of Serbia and Stephen III of Moldavia, are asked for any aid they can spare. Gregorios does write that he recognizes Stephen’s struggles against the Tartars and understands if he has no resources to spare.
    • Stephen can only spare up to 800 men.
  • [Algo Please]: In Asia Minor, Despot Tagaris of Cappadocia leads his army of 7,000 men to throw the Knights Hospitaller from Smyrna before the enemy can reinforce the position. They lay siege to the city but through leaflets offer its Orthodox Greek inhabitants a chance to either flee the city or open the gate before beginning the siege. They are aided in their efforts by several large siege guns, one of which becomes known as the Great Roman Bombard or the Dardanelles Gun.
• Swiss Confederacy: After the County of Lenzburg is elevated to a Duchy, there are widespread celebrations in both the town of Lenzburg and the city of Schwyz, where the Central Council is convened. Eberhard, the newly elevated Duke of Lenzburg, thanks the Holy Roman Emperor Wenceslaus. After the diplomacy between King Lucas of Arles and the Swiss Central Council, the 2,000 Swiss mercenaries in Arles are recalled back to their home nation. 1,000 of them are subsequently sent to reinforce the Swiss contingent aiding the Latin Empire, increasing the number of Swiss mercenaries in Greece to 4,000. As the tensions between Ireland and Scotland that the Central Council had been paying attention to erupt into outright war, the Central Council resume their previous stance of supporting King Edward III of Scotland against Ireland. Following discussions in the Central Council, Eberhard, Duke of Lenzburg writes to the Scottish King, offering him the use of 2,000 Swiss mercenaries (the ongoing conflict in Greece restricting the available numbers). (Scotland response). The other conflict that has simultaneously erupted in the British Isles, between the House of York of King Henry VI of England and the House of Beaufort, is more divisive in the Central Council. Currently, with the House of Lenzburg having marital ties to both sides of the English conflict, the Central Council leans toward supporting the Beaufort side because of Wenceslaus III of Saxony (the Holy Roman Emperor)'s support of that side. However, the Central Council does not make any public statements on the York-Beaufort conflict yet. Eberhard, Duke of Lenzburg, whose conflict with his brother Gottfried two decades ago had partially resulted from English succession conflicts ongoing then, also decides to stay publicly neutral for now, also using the stance of the English Pope Anastasius VI, though he also listens to the pro-Beaufort arguments in the Central Council and publicly supports Scotland in the Celtic conflict. The Central Council also pays attention to how the Hanseatic League will react to this conflict. Hearing that the Portuguese nobility were looking for a husband for their young queen, Duke Eberhard writes to them, proposing Amadeus VI of Geneva-Lenzburg (b. 1463), the son and heir of William IV, Count of Geneva, as a potential groom. (Portugal response). As more copies of it are printed in various cities in the nation, The Death of Arthur continues to grow more popular within the Swiss Confederacy. Domestically, the government works on recruiting peasants to be mercenaries because of the large number of conflicts now ongoing in Europe. The joint military of the Swiss Confederacy focuses on fortifying mountain passes and other border crossings on the northern border of the nation in the Cantons of Basel-Bishopric, Basel-City, Aargau, Schaffhausen and Constance. Bishop of Constance Hermann von Breitenladenburg dies and is succeeded as Bishop by Ludwig von Freiburg. Eiríkur Sturlungur, Prince of Finland (1405-1474) dies of natural causes, and his son Adolph de la Marck (b. 1424) becomes the new Prince of Finland. Later in the year, Antonia of Württemberg (1407-1474), daughter of Margaret von Lenzburg (1380-1445) and widow of King Richard II of England (1411-1468), dies. Godfrey Courtenay and Isabel Neville have their third child, a son named Edmund (b. 1474).
  • Portuguese Diplomacy: The queen accept this betrothal.
• Empire of Romania: Faced with an existential threat to not only the empire, but to the Catholic Faith itself, Emperor Julius calls for all nations within the Catholic realm to come to arms to defeat the Byzantine Orthodox evil. Within the borders of the empire, Orthodox residents are told their status as citizens will not be jeopardized as long as they swear their non-aggression toward the Catholic Church. Despite these measures, animosity between Latin and Greek populations breaks out, with dozens killed in riots and lynchings across the empire. Preparation for a siege continues in Athens, with a third, temporary wall built within the inner layers and enough food for a four-year holdout stockpiled. Emperor Julius also points to the alliance between the Satanist vampire Vlad the Impaler and the Byzantine Empire as undeniable proof of the link between the heretical nation and Satan.
  • [MOD RESPONSE]: Emperor Julius sends a secret envoy to the Hungarians, asking them to put aside their past differences and reminding them that as Vlad the Impaler has left Wallachia to assist their heretical enemies, he has left his home country wide open. He suggests that the country take back their land in the absence of their greatest enemy, and potentially even come south to destroy Vlad the Impaler forever. The nation is also asked to allow the Polish-Lithuanian army to pass through to come to the defense of Romania.
    • Hungary will attack Wallachia.
  • [PAPAL AND MOD RESPONSE]: An appeal is made to the rest of the Catholic realm for a defense of the faith, given the Byzantine Empire’s de facto declaration of war. The Pope is asked to call a formal Crusade against the greatest enemy the faith has faced since the Great Temptation. Any nation that does not undergo a full mobilization must be have its leaders be excommunicated and declared enemies of the faith.
    • The Anti-Heresy League is assembled in Turin, as are support from Crusader states.
    • Grand Inquisitor Carafa takes command of these troops and immediately sets sail for Epirus, looking to strike Byzantine forces from the back while the over 27,000 Catholic forces in Greece prepare to strike at Byzantine armies.
• Kingdom of Scotland: With our landing in Ulster now completed, we do our best to fortify the area we have taken, in order to fight this war defensively due to being outnumbered. The locals are treated well, and the Scottish forces largely rely on food imported from prepared food stores in Scotland and other areas which we have been preparing for years for this invasion. We have. This also makes the Irish Kings propaganda of Scottish forces “pillaging all they take” look ridiculous, as no such things are happening. We do little besides ensuring that the area is fortified rather than pushing forward, and our naval forces continue to patrol the North channel and northern Irish Sea, using our control over the naval area to ensure our control over the coastline. The small town of Béal Feirsde (Belfast) becomes the main fortified center of Irish forces in the area, from which the Scottish forces are based. The Swiss offer of mercenary forces to fight on our side in Ireland is gladly accepted, and we are extremley grateful to our Swiss friends. We also seek to hire as many mercenaries as possible from available forces (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED FOR HOW MANY MERCENARIES I CAN GET).
• Vinland: The population grows to 4,375. All cities grow this year, except Erikoberg. Two families from Shamyeby move to Osmundsson’s homestead near the Keathutberga trade post. 
  • Skogrfjalland: The Norse population stagnates as a proportion of the total population. The swords smelted the last two years are given to a band of warriors from the southern Norse cities, namely those from Elufsker, Hallrberga, and Issvik. In other news, Erik Hrothgarsson sends an expedition to sail along the coast of Markland and find a suitable area to establish an outpost.
  • Dogajavick-Shamyeby: A new name begins emerging for the hitherto unnamed tribal confederacy. Suthrvinland/Suðrvinland (Southern Vinland). The name begins earning currency among the Tvennufolk and Beothuk. Keathutberga and Vestelfrland grow this year, much to the credit of trade-eager Mi’kmaq. Hjalfar and village elders discuss the final details of the offer to the Esgigeoag Mi’kmaq to join the confederacy. A few longboats are built this year and Hjalfar takes note of the armoring of Norse bands in the north.
  • Beothuk: The southern Beothuk tribespeople hear of the Tvennufolk’s plan to ask the Mi’kmaq to confederalize. They wonder why they, who have been mostly peaceful toward the Tvennufolk, have not been similarly invited. Gatherings of small family bands address the issue but it loses traction quickly in favor of hunting and gathering.
• Chimu: The Pakatmayo are almost decimated. They lost many battles, like the Second Battle of Takunis, The Second battle of Sein Sein, the Battle of Aratmakia, and the battle of Ritmukia. Rimukia and Aratmakia, were one of the most important locations, near Viracocha's domain, were only the upper class of the civilization, like merchants and the clergy, resided on. The Pakatmayo had many of its leaders already captured, and the main leader is missing. It is presumed that he left the lands of the Inca Empire as a way of retreat. Until further notice, Viracocha's domain is still on alert, in case of a new surprise attack. The war stopped, and the civilization is recovering slowly. The military had many loses, and the economy was devastated in this conflict. Now, with the conflict seemingly stopped, a glimpse of peace is seen in the Inca Empire.
• Spain: In support of Athens, The Spanish Empire under Queen Katherine of Spain dispatch a mixture of volunteers and reserve military servicemen to fight in the cause of the Catholic Church in Greece as our distant relatives try to stand up against the Byzantines. This is arranged after much debate seeing that the crown are already in a conflict within Northern Italy. The clergy had insisted the involvement in her courts as Katherine was the Catholic Monarch. Knowing this, she knew what she must follow her honorable duty and a total of 13,000 Zealot Volunteers and some Spanish Servicemen led by our fine General Diego Espananza are dispatched to Athens.
• Hanseatic League: As a new year dawns and the Baltic thaws, the non-stop trade of the Hanseatic League continues to guide German economics into a daring, new age. Every year, representatives of the Hanseatic League (Ratssendeboten) meet at an assembly in Lübeck known as the Tagfahrt. However, since the mid-14th century, the aldermen of the League have had the true say in what happens in these meetings. The League has come a long way since the days of its early inception. Civility reigned; if a consensus was threatened that may benefit the League as a whole, an alternative idea was not proposed. Something, after all, is better than nothing. Now, however, the central states of the Hanseatic League dominate trade and therefore hold significant sway over the politics of the region. The Hanseatic League recognizes four men who represent the entire central political entity and who also hold considerable sway over those who may not be governed by Hanseatic ideals. They are as follows: the Bürgermeister of Lübeck and Hamburg - Simon Burkhart, who share a mayor and who hold the final say in where shipments throughout the four regions go; Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who determine the prices of salt; the Prince-Admiral of Rostock Christopher von Warnow, who holds a permanent hereditary military position; and Prince-Archbishop of Bremen, Baldwin of Venden, who holds significant sway over ecumenical politics in the Baltic. Houses Ascania and Welf have an agreement to alternate control over the Principality of Lüneburg, which has kept the peace for some time. This also prevents the region from slipping out of the hands of either house. With Pomerania-Stettin being brought ever deeper into the fold of the Hanseatic League, trade along the Baltic becomes more lucrative than ever. The Baltic Duchies also see a heavy increase in trade due to the lack of organized interference from Pomerania. However, piracy continues to affect the Baltic. Rostock and Kiel shipyards pump out bulks en masse. To protect their convoys against the pirates, the Hanseatic League employs ships known as the Orlogship. These ships have historically been equipped with crossbows and catapults. The Hakenbüchse (Arquebus) is becoming increasingly common on Hanseatic Ships. Others are being fitted with the Culverin, a small cannon that yields devastating results at close range. Nine carracks are built at Kiel with another six being built in Rostock. They join the convoys that already criss-cross the Baltic and North Sea in a seemingly unending parade. The Hanseatic League has been responsible for defusing a number of close calls that could have easily led to war simply with the power of her pocketbook and navy. The fortifications around Cuxhaven and Heligoland are expanded, stoneworks rising ever higher to defend the coastline of the entrance to the North Sea and the Baltic. The North Sea is quickly becoming safer by the day, allowing goods to flood into Dublin and now as far away as Reykjavik. The Kontor in Bergen sees extensive renovations as both the British Isles and, to a certain degree, Norway are used as halfway points for ships on long journeys or for convoys to unload mass amounts of cargo. This cargo is either picked up by Hanseatic traders or by traders from the Kontors' host country. Wary of the Yorkists, the English request is hotly debated in the Tagfahrt of 1474. However, a significant portion of the Ratssendeboten and Aldermen support some economic deal with England considering the current sway of the War of the Roses. However, concerned about the possible rise of House York and the return of hostilities in the North Sea, the Hanseatic League sends 3,000 mercenaries to Wales to be used in defense against England. They are not to be used in any other offensive wars. Lundhaven sees extensive progress as whalers and fur traders interested in cornering a growing market begin to set up shop in Iceland. Their homes or domiciles are largely located on the grounds of this Hanseatic Quarter. A small German community of working men begins to grow. However, they spend a significant portion of the year out at sea. This success makes ripples within the Hanseatic League. Some begin to become concerned the old money of the Baltic may become endangered by a growing new money of North Sea magnates. This seems to be counter-balanced, however, by the acquisition of Danzig and many other Hanseatic cities. Danzig extends de facto control over the region of Pomerania. In the meantime, the Hanseatic League plans an ambitious infrastructure project, working to renovate the roads to all Hanseatic cities. Work begins in the central states and is expected to take ten years to complete. The Free City of Osnabrück is invited into the central states of the Hanseatic League, which would give it an equal say among Aldermen and a chance to stay safe from expanding German powers. (Mod Response needed) Due to the new shipping lanes in Mali, exotic African goods make their way into Hanseatic ports, which in turn are sold throughout Europe. The Malinese accepted Hanseatic trade deals to break monopolies in Europe and that is precisely what it intends to do. However, with competition from Portugal (an unknown and non-German entity) and Lotharingia (an ally, yet a powerful one at that), along with potential pirates in the area, led to the Hanseatic League issuing the Heligoland Accord: a stipend from the government for any captain willing to accompany convoys to protect them and to carry goods themselves. A convoy establishes contact with Oyo. Intrigued in the wares of the land, a series of trade routes diverging from the Malinese routes and covering Oyo ports are drafted and proposed to Oyo.'

1475

The first blood of the Greco-Latin war goes to Byzantium, that manages to defeat the Hospitaller knights and sacks the city of Smyrna. The remaining Crusaders retreats back to the island of Chios.

Hungary seizes the opportunity of the conflict to invade Wallachia, hoping to support Radu the Handsome to depose Vlad III as Prince. At this point, Prince Vlad III's brutality combined with his affiliation with the Order of the Dragon gives him a reputation across the Catholic world as being associated with demons, and is therefore given the nickname "Dracula".

With Wales entering the war against the Yorkist dynasty, many Welsh nobles favoring the Yorkists cause civil unrest in various places in northern and central Wales, as well as causing resistance to the Lancastrian pressence in the March lands. Algos for the war are being processed. Please message the appropriate mod with the information given in the pinned message of the channel, if you haven't done so already.

The Prince of Smolensk is deposed by a Cossack revolt paid off by merchants, who then proceed to invite the Novgorod forces in. Meanwhile, Moscow and Ryazan pool their forces together to make a desparate camapiagn to attack the city of Tver.

The Mamlukes send 8,000 men to relieve the Siege of Aden and drive out the Abyssian invaders.

Prince Stephen III of Moldavia occupies the capital of the Crimean Khanate, killing the current Khan and looting the region. During this campaign, Moldavia develops the first shoulderstock for the existing arquebus technology.

George, the current prince of Bavaria, asks for the hand of marriage of a princess from Poland-Lithuania.

Board games become very popular among southern Europe, both in the depiction of military campaigns and metaphorical representations of virtuous struggles. Games such as "chess" and "virtue and vice" are well known in both Constantinople, Athens, Venice, and Florence. The chess game in Constantinople is the oldest fully-documented chess match in recorded history.

The Usfurid Clans of Bahrain become a vassal of the Imamate of Oman.

With the gradual decline of the Mexican Empire, subsequent rulers have steadily withdrawn from the Mayan regions and retreated back to the Mexican valley. In its place, the former Olmec Civilization begins to see a resurgance. This is centered at the city of Tayasal, but extends from Tabasco to Checatmal.

In Zimbabwe, Nyazwe is finally reunifeid by the rulers of the Mutape kingdom subjugating the other states.

In France, the Jewish Rabbinical scholar Shlomo Rashi publishes a commentary of the Torah on Guttenburg's press, being the first published work in the Hebrew language.

In Achaea, the Greek painter Paulus Donatis completes his work Saint George and the Dragon. Theodorus Gaza of Nicomedia also publishes a commentary on Theophrastus' work on plants.

• Novgorod-Tver: Grand Kniaz Mikhail III leaves a small garrison in the city of Smolesk and allows the merchants to organize a city council modeled on the Novgorodian model. Looking to bolster his troops 4,000 fresh levies are raised in Tver, and Vladimir, while cossack mercenaries are hired numbering some 2,000 men, and the recruitment of mercenaries in the Baltics begin. Grand Kniaz Mikhail leads his armies to intercept the armies of Moscuvy and Ryazan outside of of the city of Tver calling on the Kieven forces numbering some 2,000 troops to assist in flanking the allied forces. Mikhail organizes the Tverian and Novgorodian Cavalry to work closely with the cossacks to flank the enemy forces emplyong once more war wagons to prevent the enemy from meneuveuring well and to trap them against the Volga while pikemen hold a line aided by cannons, arquebusers and  crossbowmen. River boats are used to improve supplies as the city of Novgorod tightens its economic dominance over the cities of the Rus', Mikhail sees the opportunity for this growing economic power to improve the financing and supplying of the military campaign, as well as for the contracting of Rus', Balts, Germans and Finns as mercenaries, and as trappers to improve revenue from the fur trade in the east. Finnic timber and iron are collected as weapons, and armor are produced alongside an increase in demand for wagons to either turn into war wagons, or for the growing demand for supply wagons. An expansion of the merchant fleet also begins to secure food and general supplies. War wagon tactics are improved upon, while the ratio of aruqbuecers increases within the infantry to improve shock value and take advatange of the cover provided by the war wagons as portable protection and artillery protectedby pikemen, while cavalry are mainly used for flanking and driving the enemy into the killing field, while also skirmishing and scavanging. A heavy cavalry elite force is retained for charges mostly to break enemy formations. In the wake of the crushing victory at Tver Mikhail moves to laying the ground work for the siege of Muscovy aimimng to cut it off from Ryazan and blackading the city.
• Vinland: The population grows to 4,500. All cities grow this year, except Erikoberg, which seems to be declining. A family from rural Suðrvinland moves to Keathutberga.
  • Skogrfjalland: The Norse population stagnates as a proportion of the total population. Bands of warriors gather in Elufsker but their secret excursion is halted due to an early winter. Norse seafarers identify several locations along the Marklandic coast for outposts. The 1475 Thing in Elufsker establishes the tribal council which will be centered in Elufsker and empowered to make legal and political decisions when the Thing is not in session.
  • Suðrvinland: All cities grow this year, including a new village emerging on the southern coasts, named Vargrberg. Keathutberga grows while Vestelfrland begins constructing a rudimentary port. A few longboats are built this year, making use of Dogajavick’s developing port. Hjalfar sends an offer to the Mi’kmaq Esgigeoag Tribe (OTL central Nova Scotia from Sheet Harbor to Port Hawkesbury) asking them to be a part of the Suðrvinland confederacy. Hjalfar offers them the rights of freemen in the confederacy and the ability to participate in annual Things. He offers them longboats, bows, and the knowledge to craft them, as well as favorable trade rights. In return, he asks for their allegiance to the confederacy and continual settlement of the Keathutberga area. Hjalfar is willing to compromise and reminds the Esgigeoag that the Norsemen are a savage, violent people who may one day threaten the Mi'kmaq. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED).
    • The Esgigeoag tribe are willing to ally in order to compet against their rival Mi'kmaq tribes. Howevery, currently they don't see as much of a threat from the Norse, and so are hesitant to join a confederacy speaking a different language
  • Beothuk: The southern Beothuk peoples send an envoy to the 1475 Thing held in Shamyeby, asking for their inclusion into the confederacy. Suðrvinlandic elders deliberate the request but pressing issues with the Esgigeoag tribe as well as militant Norse capture their attention. The Beothuk tribes return home and wait until next year.

• Kingdom of Arles: Lucas I sends an envoy to Modena, offering peace. These are the terms that he demands. Firstly, he demands the full annexation of Noli. Secondly, He demands a formation of a Vassal. Its lands will be all of Modena's coastal territories and up inland until the town of Cerreto Laghi. This state will have a capital city at La Spezia and will be called The state of La Spezia. Thirdly, Modena will pay for war reparations. (MOD RESPONSE). In occupied Sassuolo, 3,000 troops move out toward La Spezia, in which they get on Transport ships and sail to Scotland to help out. Another 1,000 volunteers join them at Marseilles, giving a grand total of 4,000. They are led by young commander Van Lotal. Lucas I orders him to follow the Scottish Armies, and to give help whenever possible. Altisi 'Sharparm' now commands the Armies in Sasuolo while Sebastian Belli stays in Noli. Fathien Muchalio de Ross, Our young talented General, returns to Arles after the studying stint at Noli with the late Luio Artleo. More roads are built in the north to connect the more mountainous regions with the more populous south. Lucas I takes a tour around the northern areas, surveying the area and inspecting citizens. The economy is improved and another 2.1 Carracké is built. In other news, Aline has her first child, a boy named Lucas after her father. Later in the year however, Lucas I feels that he has not fulfilled his purpose in life. After days of deliberation, he decides to step down as King and becomes his proclaimed title; The Great Protector. He acts as head General of the army and new queen Aline's Adviser.
  • Pisa: The expansion of the left wing at the University of Pisa is completed.
  • Modena agrees to Noli and tribute, but not La Spezia
• Kingdom of Wales: The joint Lancasterian-King Edmund's offensive into Glouchester results in a failure. However, the war hasn't nearly been finished yet, if the English dare to launch a counter offensive into Wales, then King Edmund takes overall command of the 9,094 men that managed to retreat from the offensive, flying the fearsome and sacred banner of Saint Owen [Lawgoch], as they rally in defense of their homeland, with the addition of the 3,000 mercenaries newly recruited from the Hanseatic League, bring King Edmund's forces to a total of 12,000 men. King Edmund's allies, Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick and Edward Beaufort stand by his side. They retreating forces regroup and move to intercept any and all English movement into Wales, hoping to prevent them from linking up and assisting the disloyal Yorkists inside Wales. King Edmund, an experienced commander and formitable tactician, carefully formulates his strategy for the English forces that are about to enter Wales, organizing the defenses of his realm, lures the enemy forces into his battlefield of choosing, being on the defense, as he has perfectly laid all the pieces in place. Under the cover of relative fog and rain, in a boggy terrain, King Edmund positions his weakened center line, 1,000 infantrymen in front and another 1,000 Welsh longbows behind them, protected by four lines of ditches and two lines of cheval de frise anti cavalry measures, a portable frame with some wooden spikes essentially, in a perfect repetition of the Battle of Loudoun Hill. Only in this case, the rest of his forces, more than 10,000 swift and mobile infantrymen, as opposed to the heavy armored and inflexible Englishmen, lay hidden in the forest to the east and west, waiting for the perfect time to strike and unleash their ambush, hitting them from their exposed flanks after the English forces get exhausted in their futile attempts at sending wave after wave of their troops being mercilessly put down at the hands of the fierce and motivated Welshmen in their struggle to defend their homeland.[ALGO REQUESTED] Otherwise noticing the passive stance of England, King Edmund takes charge of the efforts to crackdown on against traitors to the realm in the Northern and Central Wales regions, with the entirety of his forces, 16,000 men, after hearing rumors of incitement of rebellion in support of King Henry VI of England from amongst the Anglo-Norman pro-Yorkist nobility in Wales. The two newly established printing shops in Cardiff and Caernarfon have proven to be commercial successes, continue circulating best sellers like the Welsh language version of the Bible, "Sinclar's Adventures" and other already popular books, now rendering them affordable even for the lower nobility, the merchant class and the commoners. With the ongoing war, construction of new caravels and ships for our navy is halted in its entirety for the time being, as the vast majority of our resources are dedicated into our army. Given that this phase of the War of the Roses is pretty much over, as a comeback from the defeat at Glouchester seems highly unlikely and we are facing an unprecedented threat from the times of the Welsh War of Independence onward, we call upon all those pro-Yorkist Welsh nobles to rally with their King in the defense of the realm, as this has just turned into a war for the very survival of our nation. (Mod Response) Otherwise the 4,000 men left back home as reserves, under the leadership of the 19-year-old Myrddin (Merlin) ap Cadfael (Bruce) of Gwynedd conduct a crackdown against traitors to the realm in the Northern and Central Wales regions, at the behest of King Edmund, after hearing rumors of incitement of rebellion in support of King Henry VI of England from amongst the Anglo-Norman pro-Yorkist nobility in Wales, increasingly relying predominantly on the native Welsh nobility onward. [ALGO REQUESTED]. Those nobles found guilt of disloyalty to their King, inciting unrest in support of the vile King Henry VI of England, are imprisoned and striped of their titles when found guilty after receiving fair but speedy trials. These titles, either revert to the royal domain, or get awarded to the King's principal supporters, the native Welsh nobility as opposed to the Anglo-Norman nobility. The only exception to this case is in the case of formerly stripped titles from pro-Lancasterian nobles, most prominent among them Owen Tudor, who are able to get back a part of their domains as per our initial agreement. The ongoing war serves to further the worship of Saint Owain (Lawgoch), although already extremely popular on its own, now becomes a rallying cry for the Welshmen as they go on to clash with unprecedented ferocity against King Henry VI's detested English forces. Our six newly constructed cavarel warships along with the rest of the Welsh navy [The entirety of the Welsh navy] under the command of their newly appointed Admiral and loyal ally, Duke Cadfael ap Alisdair of Gwynedd, instructed to patrol the Irish Sea, to prevent any hostile states, such as the High Kingdom of Eiru, from crossing across the sea to provide support to King Henry VI of England, by engaging with any and all Irish fleets in the Irish Sea, avoiding engagement only in face of overwhelming odds against him and harassing the Irish fleet instead, denying High King Eadbhard the ability to intervene in the War of the Roses and reinforce King Henry VI's forces. [NAVAL ALGO REQUESTED] King Edmund continues to promote the reconciliation of his realm, divided into two similar yet starkly different halves, the Pura Walia region, dominanated by the independent minded Welsh nobility and the Marchia Walliae region, dominanated by the Anglo-Norman nobility, by encouraging the adoption of Welsh customs and traditions by the Anglo-Norman part of his nobility, furthermore encouraging marriages between the Anglo-Normans and Welsh noble families, with a bit more success thus far, as a few more Yorkist supporting loyalist Anglo-Norman noble families that have good relations with King Edmund only follow suit by adopting some Welsh customs and traditions and/or intermarrying with the Welsh nobility for the time being. With the resounding commercial success that the introduction of Guttenberg's printing press had on our realm, King Edmund is rather eager to persue other such projects to strengthen his realm, lately his attention falls unto the silk-weaving technology, that has been recently introduced into Western Europe, the French cities of Lyon and Beziers were the first that this exquisite technology that allows the production of such fine silk clothing appered. We approach our trade partners, the Hanseatic League, requesting assistance with our fleet, asking for a discount on ship parts and wholesale ships, to purchase all of our ship part needs and an additional four new caravel vessels from them, as well as requesting to pay for these by taking advantage of the other extremely useful services that the Haneastic League provides, requesting to pay for these vessels and vessel parts by loaning money from the Hanseatic League with a ten percent annual interest that will begin accumulating after the end of the war, to enable us to fight this war successfully, in the light of our recent agreements with them, as it would also enable them to protect their own investments, the newly constructed Kontors across Wales. (Hanseatic League Player Response).
  • The pro-Yorkist nobles don't feel there is that kind of a threat currently
• Iceland: The king and his expedition forces reach an Island they name New Domnhallsland (St. Pierre). He is satisfied with his exploration and returns to Iceland. The economy prospers with our Monopoly on blubber being almost uncontested. Funds go to the Sturlungurs all over the world.
• Poland-Lithuania: Casimir IV is furious against that aggression, the economy is doing well at moment more progress social is still ongoing and dominated by the Polish nobles and part of the commonwealth some commercial goes in success in promotions during the trades and the tradepost is successfully become an active trade in the north region for Hanseatic people and trades stuff some states are being upgraded and civilized a law is being established under the policy's Poles and Baltic some stuff are being advanced developed with more productions and presue otherthing well, the investigator in Tabor has now found some Taborites with the inquistor and the city is being mobilized in the urban rural, against those heresy to continue combat against those cultist who worship the devil they send his expeditions force to search those heresy and try to investigate against those cultists in Europe. Anyway, the ships are well built at moment the population is going well another note is that most of cities start to recovering and more scholars are established, more fleet is being constructed and Poland is being expansion well the territory is fully controled more upgraded and their establish more port for trade's interest a gallery is established most of Polish villages are being investigated if there are any Taborites case from the Catholic's policy and protect Christendom the people are now loaning money from the trades and fully establish more activities movement Casimir IV attempts that he approved more stuff toward the countryside and fully control to upgrade all stuff is needed while the population is growing up more economy yet and again,and farrmer continue to agricole in those locals region Casimir IV is launching a campaign contributed 25,000 soldiers from the north down through Hungary and into Moldovia to help the Catholics in Greece Casimir IV would like to accept married the princesse of Bavaria (Mod reponse)
  • Marriage accepted
• Dai Viet: With Vijayanagara accepting trade to Dai Viet, Vietnamese merchants quickly realize that they possess firearms that are very light and efficient compared to those of the hand cannons modelled by Ho Nguyen Trung during the Ho dynasty that the Dai Viet army has been using ever since. Envoys sending valuable silk and local products of ceramics are sent to the Vijayanagara court in return of the purchase of a number of those firearms. (Mod Response). Following that, the Emperor orders the Cuc Bach to extend the scales of weaponry factories as well as the recruitment of new strong blacksmiths. Funds are continued being spent on agricultural development with the upgrade on general infrastructure and levees as well as renovations of three main ports of Van Don, Cam Ranh and Hoi An. This year, naval fleets from the islands of Ryukyu due to a storm have washed into the Dai Viet southern shore. (OTL) These people are taken by the army and are offered jobs in the local weaponry factories by the local mandarins. The Dai Viet navy is tasked with maintaining sercurity in Dai Viet's territorial waters domain as well as keeping an eye on the Sumatra regions.
  • They are sold a handful
• Kingdom of Ayutthaya: The naval campaign attempting to root out pirates along the Straits of Ayutthaya has been ended as of this year with the aggressive pirate hunting being left to the Orang Laut people who have been given the necessary equipment and supplies to support their operations. The Ayutthayan Navy continues to maintain security in the Gulf and Straits of Ayutthaya with any armed naval forces from outside powers being carefully scrutinized and limited in their access to the named regions. Encouragement for the establishment of foundries in Ayutthaya is done by the Ayutthayan government to increase the production of cetbangs, arquebus, and rentakas for use by the military and those in the Ayutthaya merchants guild. Despite Toungoo's refusal to allow Ayutthayan officers to observe the siege cannons in action, spies have reported that the weapons are not as accurate as one might be led to believe and should be regarded as tools to lower morale and intimidate the enemy resulting in the loss of Ayutthayan interest for the time being in acquiring the weapons. The development of infrastructure across Ayutthaya continues under the oversight of the officials in the Orang Besar who have been given charge over the undertaking. Construction for fortifications along the eastern boundaries for Ayutthaya continue under the direction of Ayutthayan officers and Tun Perak who sees these fortifications as a vital necessity to the security of Ayutthaya. Cooperation between Laksamana Hang Tuah and the Penghulu Bendahari start under the orders of Rama Trailokanat in order to tax trade passing through the Straits of Ayutthaya. Nobles are still encouraged to develop and refine the land provided to them in order to increase agricultural output with those who fail to do so being demoted by the sakdina system and being replaced by those more willing to devote some of their wealth from taxes to the job. Ayutthayan holdings on Sumatra continue to have ports developed in order to serve as naval ports and points for the flow of trade with attention given to the establishment of defenses on the island as well.
• Empire of Japan: Captain Guy Yamamoto this year manages to resecure support from the Tachibana clan after fiercely negotiating his position for almost a year and a half. It is becomming clear that most who are in on this voyage are anxious and more reserved than normal. Quite a bit of money had been sunk for this expedition already and it wasn't even underway. However, they all agree to persevere and push beyond the most north-eastern island which has come to be called as Attu Island by the small local population. Seeing as they are knowledgeable of nearby regions, the give some credence to the theory that more islands in this chain go east. The Imperial Diet and normal functions of the Imperial government for the first time in years truly seem to be working normally as everything has finally calmed down. The easing factor of the Soga clan making overtures to both of the former factions in the Ouchi lands crisis alleviates many concerns. The Emperor continues to build his coalition so that he made once again hold a dominant sway in Imperial politics. It isnt the intervention he truly wants, its in reality the Oversight over the lower lords and aristocrats in his country that he wants. The Imperial navy continues to gain notoriety as the military elite, with the navy promptly being seen as the Shield of the Japanese people. Its ability to project power and bring troops to any of its territories to defend is sounded off with great pride. As the navy ascends to its position as the prime branch of the military, it also begins investing heavily into multiple points. Aimoi and the Riau islands just off the coast of Ayyutuhaya both see funding increase as they look to make these two as the Imperial Navies prime ports and fortresses outside of Japan alongside the already heavily invested Fort Koba in the Asuma island chain. The fortress on Batam island is finally finished boasting a large amount of cannons and enough supply room to possibly last for years. It is a unique Japanese castle made out of stone rather than wood to stand test to the elements better. 
• Empire of Romania: In conjunction with the Polish attack from the north, Grand Inquisitor Carafa takes command of the 36,000 assembled Catholic soldiers in Athens (4,000 Swiss, 2,000 Icelandic, 6,000 Anti-Heresy League, 8,500 Papal, 13,000 Spanish and 2,500 Romanian). The combined Catholic armies strike into Byzantine forces stationed at Epirus, hoping for a quick victory that will carry over into Achaea. It is hoped that the Polish and Hungarian incursion into the north will divert much Byzantine attention in that direction, preventing them from proper resupply in the Greecian front.
• Kingdom of England: Henry VI is beyond pleased upon hearing the Beaufort challenge in Glocester and their failed challenge to the crown. However, as many of the illegitimate claimant’s forces retreat back into the Welsh countryside, justice has not yet been served. With his own brother turning against his authority and serving as a safe haven for enemies of the English crown, king Henry has no choice but to take personal offense and to consider the option of taking justice into his own hands. The Welsh nobility up in arms over our familial dispute are well received, and their sentiments and emphasized with. Compassionate for their struggle, Henry VI asks for these Welsh nobles to rat out any Lancastrians, and make them feel more unwelcome in Wales as if they were in England. The Duke of York maintains his force of 10,000 in the battle-recovering Glocester, and requests another force of 6,000 to be risen and stationed in Liverpool to prevent any threat that the Beaufort-haven of Wales poses to our border. The Irish and their support for the legitimate Yorkshire dynasty are welcome after many years of hostility, and wishes for the Irish again reaffirm this legitimacy in the crown as they have done prior. Trade with continental Europe (particularly with those across the channel and the Hausians) is strengthened, with English grain and wool industries respectively gaining more prominence in the southeast via worker efficiency and trade. In addition, several gifts and letters and exchanged with Henry’s brother, the King of France, to show his general good will and happiness to his brother.
• Hindustan (Hindustani Dynasty): In his literary pursuits, the Maharajah had substantially expanded the library at the Delhi Madrassa. This had included the collection of all availible books and manuscripts and their translation to Hindustani. Moreover, the Maharaja had discovered several texts relating to the highly developed tradition of Indian Drama and had heavily patronised its revival in the major city. Unlike other Rajas, he had married a single Rajput princess popularly known as Maharani Anjali. As the nature of his rule was much different from the ways of his forefathers and his family had changed much over time and had begun despising the ways of their forefathers and identified more closely with Hindustan than with the Steppes of Central Asia, the Maharajah decided to adopt a different title and changed the name of the dynasty to the Hindustani Dynasty. While this was not accepted by many Turani nobles, this was fully supported by the powerful Hindustani faction. The Hindustani faction had merged in the preceding decades with the Afghani faction and the powers of the Turani faction had been reduced significantly, this was in conjunction with an increase in the Hindu members in the Chalisa. And so, the Maharajah changed his regnal name to Maharaja-i-Hind Adam Singh Hindustani. The title Singh (Lion) being used as an honorific as it is used by the Rajputs. The Maharajah nominates his eldest son Yuvraj Shamsher Singh Hindustani, his successor in accordance with the Rules of the Dustur. A second force is prepared under General Narendra ud-Daula to invade and retake Maabar.
• Archbishopric of Mainz: All of Mainz mourns the death of Johannes Gutenberg, who dies peacefully in his bed. The Cardinal has announced the addition of a new wing to the Electoral Palace at Aschaffenburg, dedicated to holding the Cardinal’s library, named the Gutenberg wing. The wing will also include residences for visiting scholars, wishing to use the library. Cardinal Diether von Isenburg remains a firm supporter of the extensive reforms in the Catholic church, including the Inquisition and the Assembly of Preachers. He continues to support raising education in his Diocese. He continues to patronize the printing of releases from the Pontifical Roman Press, and other great works for the Library of Aschaffenburg. He continues his endeavors to increase the bureaucratic oversight of the Emperor’s lands, and standardize their upkeep. Cardinal von Isenburg begins recruiting a few “unofficial” agents, to spy on the Imperial immediacies, and give him more information on the Emperor’s administrators. As his influence grows, so to do the burdens of his office. The Archchancellor begins construction of a larger residence in Mainz, with more offices to support the multiple levels of clerks he his finding necessary to manage the Emperor’s disparate lands. Cardinal von Isenburg encourage the parishioners in his diocese to support the Holy War on Byzantium. He also, in his capacity of the Holy See of Germany, continues to spread the same message through the other diocese of Germany.
• Empire of Ethiopia: After six years of siege the Empire finally captures Aden. The city is looted and plundered, with Ethiopian soldiers taking as much of the wealth in the prosperous city as possible. The Prince Amda Seyon imprisons the Sultan in his palace, placing him under armed guard and shackling his feet. Before the Prince can enjoy his victory. However, word reaches him of an approaching Mameluke army. He sends the Ethiopian fleet to Ethiopia for aid, and the Emperor musters the remaining 5,000 Chewa warriors and calls in feudal levies, raising another 10,000 men. The army, personally led by the Emperor himself, along with a large amount of supplies is loaded onto the Ethiopian fleet. The fleet carrying the 15,000 man army sails to reinforce Aden. In the meantime the Prince Amda Seyon repairs the city’s defenses as fast as possible to await the impending Mameluke army. [ALGO NEEDED?)] In Rome, word spreads of the fact that the Roman Pontiff has called for a Holy War against the Orthodox Christians in the East. While many doubt that the Pope would call for a war against fellow Christians, this is confirmed when pamphlets and literature published by the Republic of Ancona calling for the defense of Catholicism are brought into the Coptic community by merchants and travelers. Confused and concerned, the Ethiopian priests in Rome request a meeting with the Pope to discuss why he has called for a so-called “holy war" against fellow Christians, and whether this newfound Catholic zealotry poses a threat to the moderately sized but still growing Coptic community in Rome. [PAPAL RESPONSE NEEDED]. The Order of St. Anthony continues to spread the faith throughout the Empire, though the Order of St. Laurentius assumes responsibility for spreading Christianity throughout Somalia.
  • Papal diplomacy: Pope Anastasius VI inform the priests about the massacres of several Catholics caused by the Byzantines. He says that these Greeks used the Inquisition and the Satanic cults in their territory as excuses to kill not only heretics, but also innocents. The pope says that this war is in defense of the Catholics that are being oppressed. The pontiff also says that the Coptics in the Papal States are safe, after all they are aligned with the Pope of Alexandria, which tradition is different of the one professed by the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Byzantine Emperor, into whose hands runs the blood of so many innocent Christians. 
• Kingdom of Eiru: As the Scottish enemy concentrates at Béal Feirsde, the 4,000 under Aodh move from Óghmaigh (Omagh, Tyrone) to  Ard Mhacha (Armagh) and set up camp building defences in the form of Irish hedgehogs and ditches. If the Scottish advance in strength against us Aodh will pull back to Cavan and if the Scots continue to pursue, then Longford and then Athlone where they would make a stand. The 7,000 skirmishers team up with the Magennis and Mac-Donnell clans to act as guides and broadly based out of Ard Mhacha move on foot in groups of 20-30 to hit Scottish scouting and foraging parties. Coleraine castle receives further reinforcement and maintenance work with the walls shored up and moat kept clear by its garrison and labourers brought in. The other castles as listed previously are also kept garrisoned and maintained. Trade with Europe continues out of towns on the Atlantic and Celtic Sea.
• Kingdom of Portugal:This year is widely celebrated all across Portugal,as the city of gordes has now officialy been part of Portugal for 100 years.In Gordes,a lot of citizens gather at the market square where the queen holds a speech celebration 100 years.In Portugal,The cathdral of Lisboa is prepared for the queen coronation next year.
• Papal States: The situation in Britain continues to torment Pope Anastasius VI. He continues to show no desire to meddle in the War of Roses, saying that this is a matter to secular powers. He hopes that Henry VI (who Anastasius VI secretly thinks that should be the true King of England) and Edmund of Wales (who did much for Catholicism in Wales and supports the Inquisition) can be able to reach peace. However, with Scotland invading Ireland the pope shows official support to the Scottish due to their help in religion matters, as happened during the Council of York. The Lordship of Ireland is a Papal fief and as such is under the pope's power to decide who is worthy to have it. Due to this the pontiff thinks that the kings of Scotland, Wales or England could be good pious rulers of the Lordship since they showed more care for religious matters than the actual Kings of Ireland, to the point of the Irish supporting antipopes during the Markist Schism. Anastasius VI thinks that the rulers of Ireland need to change their ways if they desire to continue as protectors of a Papal fief. The construction of the new Apostolic Palace and of the Cappella Magna continues. Andrea del Verrochio and Leonardo da Vinci continues to paint the great fresco named "Victory of the Rosary". Piero della Francesca continues to paint the great fresco "Miracle of the Flowers" in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope. The construction of the tower for studies of astronomy continue. All these works of art are financed with the money that was once used to sustain the luxury of the papal court, while the money used to fund the works of charity is intact and only used to help the poor. The production of weapons in the Papal Arsenal of Orvieto continues. Meanwhile, Captain General Domenico Malatesta continues training troops for the Papal Army. The Arsenals of Ostia and Civitavecchia continues to produce ships. Federigo Marin, the new professor of Natural Theology in Saint Augustine's University, use the same field trips that Adalfredo Meccia used. On these field trips, Marin and his pupils visit the Alexandrine Gardens and othe regions of the Papal States to observe the creatures and propose the characteristcs that God gave them to survive. The construction of the Chapel commissioned by deceased Cardinal Ari Sturlungur is finished this year. Johann Burchard now working as Papal Assistant writes in his diary all situations that he see happening in the Papal Court. Giuliano Della Rovere continue his studies of theology at Saint Augustine's University and he continues to hate Rodrigo de Borgia. Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini, even now being a cardinal, continue to participate in the works of charity ofthe Mercedine Order. The reforms started by the deceased Cardinal Alfons de Borja in the Church of San Giacomo degli Spagnoli continues under Rodrigo de Borgia. Prince Ársæll Esturlungio continues with the reforms of the Rocca Abbaziale. He he hears about the young artist Bernardino Pinturicchio and writes to him asking to come to Subiaco to paint frescos in his castle. [MOD response needed, please]. Rodrigo de Borgia and Vannozza dei Cattanei continue with their affair. This year Vannozza gives birth to another son that is named Cesare Borgia. However, a tragedy happens when during the night a group of hooded men invade the house of Vannozza while Rodrigo de Borgia is visiting. The men try to kill Rodrigo, but they fail and set the house in fire. Rodrigo, Vannozza and the one-years old Giovanni are able to escape, but the baby Cesare is left behind in the house. After the fire ends, Rodrigo and his servants try to recover the baby's body, but nothing is found. The men that attacked also disappeared. Rumors in the Papal States say that this attack was ordered by the Della Rovere Family. In the outskirts of Rome, a man in a carriage receives a baby, a boy, from a hooded man. Philip of Habsburg and Luchina Della Rovere have a daughter named Ferdinand. News arrive from Florence announcing the birth of Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici, son of Lorenzo de Medici and Margaret of Habsburg. The Sack of Smyrna makes the people of the Papal States hate even more the Orthodox Greeks.
  • Republic of Ancona: New galleys are built in the shipyards of Ancona, this way making the Republic navy grow in number. The buildings across the Republic continue being reformed. Books and pamphlets of apologetic and defense of the Catholic Faith are published by the printing press and send to various nations of Europe through the Anconian ships.
  • Bernardino Pinturicchio paints Saint Jerome in the Desert for the Pope.
• Swiss Confederacy: 4,000 Swiss mercenaries remain with the Crusader forces in Greece. After the troops in Greece hear of the fall of Smyrna and send the news back to their homeland, the Swiss Central Council writes to the surviving Knights Hospitaller who fled to Chios, offering them refuge in the Swiss Confederacy. (Mod response) 2,000 Swiss mercenaries remain in the British Isles to aid King Edward III of Scotland against Ireland. The Central Council continues to pay close attention to the conflict between Scotland and Ireland, as well as the simultaneous conflict between the Houses of York and Beaufort in England. The Central Council continues to debate about the latter conflict but generally lean toward favouring the Beaufort side, but Eberhard, Duke of Lenzburg keeps the government officially neutral on that front for now. Though, the Hanseatic League's support for the Beauforts makes the Duke less wary about potentially supporting the Beauforts. Despite the withdrawal of the Swiss mercenaries in favour of the conflict in Greece, the Central Council continues to publicly support Arles in their war against Modena. However, they are confused about how, after King Lucas of Arles abdicated, his daughter Aline gained the throne, because by the Salic law generally used in France her younger brother Louis (and his younger brother Andre) would have been ahead of her in the line of succession. Duke Eberhard writes to some lower Arlesian nobles, asking them what they think of this succession contrary to the Salic law. (Mod response) Duke Eberhard also writes to Wenceslaus, Holy Roman Emperor and Henry III, King of Bohemia, proposing to arrange a marriage between Henry III's son Sigismund of Brandenburg-Bohemia (b. 1444) and Wenceslaus's daughter Christina de la Marck (b. 1453); as they would be second cousins, a papal dispensation would also be required for this marriage, so Eberhard also writes to Pope Anastasius VI. (Saxony response) (Mod response for Bohemia) (Papal response) Domestically, the government works on improving roads and other infrastructure in the central western Cantons of Bern, Solothurn, Fribourg and Lucerne, in order to improve trade, aid the movement of goods and generally boost the economy. The joint military of the Confederacy focuses on fortifying mountain passes and other border crossings on the southeastern border of the nation, in the Cantons of Sargans, Chur, Disentis and Uri. The popularity of The Death of Arthur amongst the Swiss nobles and clergy causes several Swiss churches to start using iconography of Arthur (as one of the Nine Worthies of Christianity), the Round Table and the Holy Grail, similarly to what some Italian churches have already been doing, alongside more local saints such as Saint Ulrich of Augsburg, Saint Federico Goikoetxea and in some cases the well-regarded Ulrich VI, Count of Lenzburg. August de la Marck (1445-1475), a brother of the Emperor Wenceslaus who was unmarried but had an illegitimate son who was adopted by the Count of Wasaborg, dies of a disease. Engelbert von Lenzburg and Marianne of Württemberg have their third child, a daughter named Sabina (b. 1475). Thomas Courtenay, 14th Earl of Devon (1432-1475, OTL died in battle in 1461) dies of a disease, and his son Godfrey (b. 1455) becomes the 15th Earl of Devon.
  • Papal diplomacy: Pope Anastasius VI agrees and gives the marriage dispensation.
  • Marriage accepted by Bohemia
  • The Knights of Saint John wish to remain in Greece in the struggle against the heretics
  • Arles nobility is upset over this.
  • Saxony: Wenceslaus happily accepts the marriage proposal.
• Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di": As gunpowder technology increases the height of city walls decrease as the trajectory of a cannon ball is flatter then that of a trebuchet, thus walls are exchanging height for tickness to resist the cannon ball. This combined with the advances such as Trunnions and limbers, this increasing their adaptability and their movement speed. Thus making it easier to use cannons further away from the front without big logistical issues, this technology being very interesting for the ships of the KWAC. As this allows easier and faster fire at an enemy who allready is technologically disadvantaged, the KWAC looking into using slave labour to get the raw material to make some of the bigger bulk mechanisms. African trade such as in Uurwald, Etula, Hoekbaai and Sherbro islands, the "Koninglyke West Afrikaansche Compagnie" hoping to get Uurwald into a fully fledged town. The ways that are looked into is mostly attracting local congolese population and making trade deals with them, bringing slaves and making the little setlement worth for Lotharingians and Europeans alike to live in. Hoekbaai growing up to the size of 1,000 Lotharingians and other Europeans, with a few hundred of africans living along the Europeans as they are atracted to job opertunity and the goods they offer.
• Kingdom of Scotland: With the pope now officially endorsing our candidacy for kingship of Ireland, and statement of support for our invasion, we officially call upon those Irish lords who stand true to their Catholic beliefs to switch sides and support us, promising them the lands of those who refuse to surrender. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). (Secret) We also open communications with the papacy, also what we could do to get them to officially declare us king of Ireland, and promising to bring the association of missionaries and preachers and the inquisiton into Ireland in exchange for their support, well stating our willingness to offer more as well. (LOU RESPONSE NEEDED, END SECRET). This, combined with the arrival of Arlesian troops in support of us and the Swiss mercenaries we hired also gives King Edward the confidence to advance in Armagh, held by 4,000 irish troops. They withdraw, allowing us to take the city (as person said he would retreat if we advanced on it), after which we stop and allow them to retreat. Edward throws a party in celebration, which unfortunately leads to his death. His wife Anne of Burgundy then dies of grief, leading to their second son, James, to inherit burgundy. As the husband of the new ruler of Burgundy, this puts Burgundy and Arles in a personal union, well also ending the control of Scotland over the region. In Ireland, however, fortifications continue being built in Béal Feirsde, which despite being a small town continues to be the center of our operations due to its easy acess to the sea (and thus easy ability to be re-supplied via the sea in the event of a siege), and the infrastructure we have put in place to defend it over the last year. We also begin officially shipping in construction materials in large amounts, begining to quickly erect fortifications in the region in order to ensure we are able to defend it in the future. We also officially reach out to the Hanseatic League in order to request the hiring of around 3,000 mercenaries, promising generous pay, in exchange for their support. We also promise additional trade privileges and much expanded areas for their kontors if they support us and provide some subsidies for the mercenaries, in order to help us in Ireland. (CRIM RESPONSE NEEDED). We also begin launching raids on Irish shipping throughout the Irish Sea, doing our best to avoid any naval patrols and mostly attacking trade ships, in order to cut off their trade and make it harder for them to support their war effort. However, we avoid attacking any Hanseatic or Lancaster English ships, and avoid attacking foreign ships in general.
  • Hanseatic Dip: We reject the request; our mercenaries will not be used in wars of aggression.
• Saxony: The marriage between Christina de la Marck and her second cousin Sigismund of Brandenburg-Bohemia occurs, a much celebrated occasion. Eager to continue in this vein, Emperor Wenceslaus suggests a marriage between King Henry's daughter Maria of Brandenburg-Bohemia (b.1445) and Wenceslaus's son and heir, Engelbert de la Marck (b.1452. As second cousins, the marriage will require papal dispensation. (Mod Response for Bohemia) (Papal Response). Wenceslaus also begins reconstructing and enlarging his castle, Schloss Wittenberg, renovating it and renaming it Palast Wittenberg (Wittenberg Palace), as now he is Emperor he is in need of a grander seat. To show he is a selfless ruler, he uses funds only from his own personal Ducal treasury to build, rather than taxing German citizens. 
• Phagmodrupa Dynasty: the ruler of the Phagmodrupa dynasty, Kunga Lekpa — since 1448 —, seeks after the political reorganization of Tibet, trying to regain the power its dynasty held until 1446 — when Tsang was taken from them by Norzang (r. 1446-1466), founder of the Rinpungpa Dynasty—. First of all, Ü (east-central Tibet) is centralized under the direct rule of the head of Phagmodrupa, which now is king Kunga Lekpa; second, the authority of the Chinese prince, the wang, is devalued the point of a local merit; and third, the ministers of the kingdom are forced to take an oath and promise loyalty to the Phagmodrupa dynasty. In the religious topic, the secular rulers of Tibet need the support from Buddhist sects and Phagmodrupa are not an exception; seeing that the ruler of Rinpungpa is trying to build a monastery at the outskirts of Lhasa for the Kagyu sect, we fund the monks of Gelugpa sect in Sera and Drepung to ruin the construction of the monastery and kill the seventh Karmapa, Chödrak Gyatso; we also try to gain the Sakya favour by giving them some autonomy over lands which are not controlled by the Gelug. In diplomacy, we send a diplomat to the Guge kingdom to seek an alliance with his ruler, Lobsang Rabten (blo bzang rab brtan); the idea behind this is to make a united force against the Rinpungpa dynasty and to reinforce the Dalai Lama’s influence — which now is lacking political power. (MOD RESPONSE FOR GUGE.) 
  • Guge accepts this alliance.
• Roman Empire: Having driven the Catholics from Asia Minor the Cappadocian Army, a highly professional force modelled on a Roman Theme, is freed-up for duty elsewhere. Manuel Tagaris, Despot of Cappadocia takes less than a month to rebuild his army before joining with the Moldavian forces which have been staying in Constantinople in reserve. Now numbering 6,500 men (~5,700 Cappadocians, 800 Moldavians), he and his army sail north to the aid of Stephen III of Moldavia. After landing these men in Taurica the flotilla, numbering 50 ships turns west for the Danube in an attempt to thwart any crossing of the river by Hungarian or Polish forces. The ships are ordered to attack any enemy barges attempting to cross the river and threaten any large-scale crossing. Closer to home, Prince John rallies his small contingent of 5,000 men and marches to Epirus. There he gathers the remains of the Epurite Army and any loyal Orthodox levies to his banner, swelling his force to a strength of 7,000 (5,000 Romans, 2,000 Epurites/Peasant Levies) men. The army is cored by 3,000 heavy infantry, 2,000 ankistróploi and 2,000 light cavalry for harassing and shadowing any enemy advance. Prince John employs his light cavalry as scouts, using them and his army’s knowledge of the local terrain to catch the Catholic forces in a mountain pass where superior Roman ankistróploi can decimate the armored knights. The light cavalry also prevents the enemy from foraging, increasing their dependence on over-extended supply lines from across the sea. To the south, Gregorios maintains his position, fully confident in his army’s capabilities. He continues fortifying his position, placing cannons in overwatching positions and preparing his men for fighting by digging a ditch, placing spikes within, and planting small caltrops in the approach to his position. He leaves the wings unfettered expecting that his overconfident enemy will be likely to engage in a frontal cavalry charge. In essence, Gregorios hopes to bleed his enemy dry while protecting his own forces. He has the men erect a low breastwork behind the anti-cavalry trench to turn any battle into effectively an assault on a very well fortified line. (Having been the subject to regional for three years as of 1475). Morale remains high among his 30,000 (100 percent Themic and Tagmata Romans) strong army. Internally, the economy gears up for war. Seeing the Catholics as an existential threat, the Patriarch of Constantinople continues his call for volunteers from all true Christendom. He sends letters the the Alexandrian Pope and the Ethiopians, Georgians, and others explaining the Catholic aggression against Orthodoxy. He blames the unprompted Latin invasion of Epirus for the deaths of the innocent, refuting the Pope in Rome outright. Even further, he highlights the lack of recent Satanist activity as proof that the chaos was in fact fabricated by Catholic leaders who were corrupted by Satan and greed. The Patriarch also dedicated the Church’s wealth to the war, he personally oversees the procurement of Kozákos from around Taurica for the support of Stephen III of Moldavia. [Mod Response]. In other internal news, the arsenals are quick to adopt Moldavian stocks for ankistróploi and they quickly tool-up to begin producing such weapons. More bonds are sold to support the war providing the necessary funds for the purchase of new arms and cannons.
  • [Mod Response]: Kozákos around Taurica are contacted by Patriarch Dionysios I who seeks to purchase their services as mercenaries against the Catholic Poles for Stephen III of Moldavia.
  • Orebro Union: 5,000 men, 100 ships, and supplies are sent to Ireland to help fight the war with Scotland.

1476

The Greco-Italian War begins in earnest as the Catholic coalition forces invades Epirus, with the support of the Venetian and Spanish navies. Algo will be due this turn.

Hungary accepts support from Poland, in the war against Wallachia, but insists on a very limited amount of troops to come into their country. Wallachia's defenses are strong, but some nobles prove disloyal as they prefer to install Radu the Fair in opposition to Vlad.

The nobles of Arles confront the Protector-General Lucas, and insist that he should be immediately restored to the title of King, or at the very least give the throne to his son Louis. The Occitanian nobles consider Lucas to be one of their most beloved kings since Robert I, having so thoroughly defeated the Italians in battle, and cannot imagine why he would want to abdicate.

In India, Muslim governors in Gujarat, Malwa, and Golconda begin exerting individual power over Hindustan, regulating their own economy and their own military, although these dynasties remain loyal to the Maharajah.

The Black Sheep Turkmans of western Persia become disillusioned with the Georgian Empire, having been in slow decline in the last 20 years. Allying with the Iranian states of Herat and Baloch, they raise an army of 12,000 and attempt to sieze Tabriz, led by mercenary Mehmed Osmanaglu.

Duke Galeazzo Sforza of Modena is assassinated in a conspiracy of three different Italian families, and is succeeded by his son Gian.

Having overrun the Crimean Khanate, Prince Stephen III leads a massive campaign against the Tartars in the former Sarmatian lands, looting many Muslim settlements with the aid of Cossack armies.

The Tlatonoi Axayacatl is defeated at Potanchan, allowing the Neo-Mayan civilization centered at Tayasal to regain independence.

The first edition of The Travels of Marco Polo are printed.

The Goyghor Mosque is constructed in Bengal.

The Aymara people south of the Inca Empire begin launching frequent raids against their trade and expansion into the south.

• Empire of Ethiopia: With the Mameluke army defeated and retreating, the Ethiopians retain control over Yemen and the Sultan. The Sultan is brought in chains before the Emperor by his brother Prince Amda Seyon. The Emperor proposes the following terms to the Yemeni Sultan. The Sultanate must pay a tribute of 25 percent of its income to the Empire of Ethiopia for the next ten years and must cede a 20-mile portion on the other side of the Bab-El Mandeb Strait to the Empire for the construction of an Ethiopian fort and a port city. The Yemeni Sultan must also send his son and heir to Ethiopia to be educated as a guest (hostage) of the Empire [MOD RESPONSE FOR YEMEN]. In Ethiopia, the Emperor’s son the Crown Prince Tewodros III rules the Empire as his father is away in Yemen, and begins training in using an arquebus. The Crown Prince, while touring the city of Beri to review the ports there, notices an increased number of cannons on Indian merchant ships, as well as hearing reports for Ethiopian merchants that the Indians have produced advanced cannonry and gunpowder weapons. News comes from Rome and Greece carrying two very conflicting stories regarding a war between Christians in Europe. An Ethiopian priest sent from Rome describes how the Roman Christians, known as ‘Catholics,’ claim that the Orthodox Christians in Greece attacked and massacred a number of innocent Catholic women and children, and thus the Catholics have gone to war to righteously avenge their fallen. A letter from the Roman Emperor, the a relative of the Imperial family, however, states that the Catholics are lying and blaming the Orthodox for crimes and murders committed by rogue pagans and Satanists. Unsure of who to believe and unable to handle the situation, the Crown Prince awaits his father’s return to see what, if anything, should be done. The Princess Borgia, sensing her nephew’s uncertainty, begins to comfort and advise the Prince, hoping to promote Catholicism in Ethiopia.
  • The Sultan decides he would rather become a martyr than to accept terms. His heir follows suit as well.  
• Kingdom of Arles: Disaster is upon us! Early in the year, a smallpox epidemic strikes Marseilles. many people die on the streets, and the royal family evacuates to Gap. However, the plauge seemed to have caught up to them and before long, Anaïs, Louis and Andre II lay dead. Lucas I and Fleur survives, while Aline was in Scotland at the time. This catastrophic event leads Lucas into isolation and severe depression. Eventually, he decides to explain that he did not like doing "boring king stuff" like document signing and wanted to become a general since he was young. He had decided to give it to his oldest child as he thought she was most suitable. He assures that he will still be the one that decides military campaigns that will help guide Aline. With that he sinks back to his palace. (MOD RESPONSE for nobles to see how they react). The epidemic kills off many ruining the economy. Fortunately by June, the epidemic has died down and Aline is able to return to Arles. A large funeral is put up for the royals and other prominent people whom have died of smallpox. A week later, Aline is declared queen by Lucas I. Her first decision is to spend record-breaking amounts of money to repair the financial losses incurred during the epidemic. By December, the nation's treasury is significantly smaller, but the nation has taken huge steps toward normalcy. Several nobles praise Aline, but some are still not convinced. Lucas I recovers enough to walk and speak out in public although he may need several more months of therapy to help him regain his confident demeanuour. Peace is signed with the Modenans. The troops are recalled from Sassuolo back to Arles. The culverin is finally finished, and production is started. Altisi 'Sharparm' travels to Pisa and trains up the Pisan Military.
  • Pisa: Philippe II gives ample support toward the Arleans to help recover from the epidemic. The Lowen Fort is finished Philippe II takes a trip through the fort, thoroughly impressed by the design. 
• Dai Viet: Wishing to turn the region of Quang Nam and the Hoi An trading port into a major economic centre, The Emperor writes an edict annoucing the construction of the Thanh Chiem Palace in Hoi An, making it the administrative centre of Quang Nam. This is an effort to govern the sources of products traded there. Foreign merchants wanting to trade in Hoi An are required to inform the local mandarins for their agreement to arrive to the port to trade. This is expected to boost Dai Viet's income on trade. Funds are continued to be spent on developing general infrastructure and the road networks down south. With the purchase of araquebuses from Vijayanagara, they are equipped to the army with military training conducted at Giảng võ đường to master these guns. Meanwhile, samples of these firearms are given to Vietnamese experts to study on their structure, for them to work out and possibly order weaponry factories to mass produce them in the future for the entire army to be equipped with these guns. Exploiting minerals and natural resources are also conducted. The Dai Viet navy continues to be tasked to maintain sercurity in the Eastern Sea. As the Majapahit Maharajah Singhawikramawardhana passed away last year, the royal court assumes that his son, Prince Girindrawardhana is set to be the next Maharajah. The Emperor, accompanied by a handful of bodyguards and court mandarins set sail to Majapahit to visit the country to see if this is the case as well as bringing gifts to present them to Girindrawardhana and his beloved daughter Thanh Toại, now Maharani of Majapahit (Mod Response). When he is away the court is managed by Admiral Lê Cảnh Huy.
  • The Majapahit ruler welcomes the visit of the Vietnamese royal house.
• Iceland: The king prepares the Icelandic army to be ready for any invasions. More Greenlandic trade ways pop up.
• Novgorod-Tver: The Siege of Moscow begins. Cannons and trebuchets are employed on the walls while overland routes to the city are blockaded and the land is scavanged. The supply lines are improved dramaticly with the incoporation of Smolesk and vast tracks Moscuvite territory. The forces laying siege to Moscow are numbering some 18,000. Seeing an opportunity to gain a new ally inthe region and scared of the growing presence of Catholic forces in the Steppes Mikhail sends 5,000 men to assist the Moldovians against the Polish and Hungarian invaders. An alliance is offered to Stefan III of Moldovia )mod response needed). With the fall of Moscow, Grand Kniaz Mikhail III deposes the Kniaz of Moscuvy. WIth only the city of Ryazan left, Mikhail offers the city a chance to submit and depose their Prince, all the while he moves to lay saiege to the city blockading the roads. Expansion of fur trading continues into the interior into the lands of the Great Perm. The traders largely Finns, and Rus' from Novogrod make attempts to improve trade relations with Great Perm and gain permission to engage in activities in the region. (Mod response). 
  • Stephen accepts the support.
• Kingdom of England: Henry VI continues to be on high alert along the Welsh border due to the ongoing support and recent retreat of Lancastrian forces back into their lands. He feels that his brother was long behind his suspicion to remove him, and once again goes into a personal retreat in Kent, asking God to give him spiritual guidance as to how he should continue with the crisis. With the marriage of the Duke of York and Elizabeth Beaufort having been in place for several years now, Henry VI also makes it clear to the English nobility that the two dynasties are already mended, and that in time the Beaufort line will some day be in the court again. With seeing so much distraught in what could’ve been under the control, he begins to flirt with the thought that perhaps not yet his legitimacy, but others’ need to be questioned. The growing Duke of York continues to maintains his force of 10,000 in Glocester, with 2,000 new re-enforcements now along the border as well. 6,000 more are stationed along the northern Welsh border in Liverpool. Trade with continental Europe continues to be strengthened, with English grain and wool industries respectively continuing to branch out and reach new markets. In addition, several gifts and letters and exchanged with Henry’s sister and brother in-law, Joan of York and Henry II de Capet, to show his love and support for his older sister and her reign.
• Poland-Lithuania: Casimir IV, is continuing his best support for the Catholic side and protect the Christendom in this ongoing battle. Trade is going well and more Baltic merchants are going the people continue to branch and some new improvement of the kingdom, from other state they attempt to work well and more effort is made the cathedral is has own finally place and well constructed that take a lot in his own activity in Vilnius all throught they improved the ships and the trade with additionally more support and continue the Baltic-Polish trade in this fun routes Tabor is securized to search more local Taborites who hide and most of Poles help the poor to construct their houses and villages are still investigating with the inquistor and the Polish nobility the Poles have an interest for this trial and such thing like this, and an agreement discusion with the Lithuanian nobility's side in face of the political economy of Casimir IV he engage the people to improved and upgraded more facility and move his law to a very developed organization in very stage in this case more people decided to united and work out to fact to help and gain more order in the commonwealth they attempt to interior for more focusing and extra thing is needed and respectively the community and toward the poor for those who work in good reason the economy is continuing to grow up and more scholar is again constructed so far most of urban areas is being Christianized more trade and had point to built there and more textiles is still ongoing and gain more production while anyway, more economy is grow up and fact more development is well up Casimir IV highly invented more method and make effort on his stuff Casimir IV, had improved more economy of what is needed and a discusion with the inquistor would be helpful to protect the population against the T^aborites and those persons with matter thing that is needed, so Casimir IV continues to support the Catholic side and this combat with Greece. Anyway, Casimir IV send a letter to the Duke of Bavaria to had a wedding day with the Bavarian princess with a joy moments with Casimir IV. (Mod Response).
• Mali Empire: Mansa Uli II continues to sponsor further literature of history and science at the Library of Timbuktu, as well as the competing nearby universities of Dakar and Samla. Work is done to complete and publish the history and geography of the Mali Empire, known collectively as the "Malian Encyclopedia", but in reality is a collection of essays from across various different fields. Major studies are done on the sciences of local plants and animals, which is collected in the well-known "beastiary" of Timbuktu. The architecture of religious and public buildings in the major cities of the empire continue to follow the form of the "Sahelian Gothic", with ornate spired minerets and vaulted archways. Stained glass windows at the mosques constructed in Timbuktu begin at this time to incorporate European styles of perspective, but examples of such technqiues at this time period are more so an anomaly. The navy is expanded this year, completing four new galleys along the Malian model, and fitted with mounted cannons and other modern componants. The navy helps to secure more direct passage into the Atlantic through the Gorgades Islands, as well as the vital trade routes running as far north as Europe and as far south as Sao Tome. More military and financial resources are used to support the growing vassal in the Kongo. Work is done with the Lotharingian West African Company to complete a map of the entire empire for the benefit of Europeans. 
  • Kingdom of Zayiyr: Omar dies this year, and passes the throne of the kingdom to his son Yakub. The kingdom at this point has fully supplied their military, and created an education system that teaches the population in reading in both Tameshq and Mande. Yakub sponsors grammarians from Timbuktu to transcribe the Kongolese language using Arabic script. 
• Kingdom of Eiru: To quash any rumours of our lack of piety and so if the Scottish were to take over there would be an institution to reject their heretecial Lollardism. we form the Irish inquisition. It is our enemies though who contain far more heretics such as the Lollards than our own armies do. The Pope is likely mistaken in his beliefs and influenced by our enemies. Dublin and most of Ireland is still held by the Ui Neills. The calls for nobles to simply switch sides is rejected as lies by a King of Scotland who cannot be trusted. The high number of foreign mercenaries and allies amongst the Scottish leads to concerns. Wales and the Beaufort's defeat by England negatively influences opinion against siding with Scotland and Wales after the Yorkist triumph. Henry Percy son of the Henry Percy the 3rd Earl of Northumberland is asked to due to his family connections to the King of Ireland, long-standing grievances with Scotland and with £1,000 to pay troops take advantage of Scotland left being entirely undefended and take 1,000 troops from Northumberland and raid the villages of the Scotland's lowlands from Berwick upon Tweed to Dunbar with fire and sword until the Scottish form a force to stop it. (English response). With the Scottish advancing to Armagh the force under Aodh stays at Cavan and skirmishers hit their scouting and foraging parties with continued aggression. If the Scottish wish to pursue us to Cavan we will fall back to Longford and from there to Athlone. Trade with England and Europe continues out of towns such as Waterford and Cork with the fleet being shifted from Galway to Cork. Defences at the port cities and towns being defended are further improved.
  • English Diplomacy: Seeing the various benefits of £1,000 into our coffers with otherwise idle men, we accept the Irish proposal, on the terms that they accept full responsibility for these troops and their actions.
• Papal States: Pope Anastasius VI creates as cardinal Prospero Caffarelli (Bishop of Ascoli Piceno, Papal States). The Fund of Charity gives support to the Kingdom of Arles after the outbreak of smallpox there this year. Pope Anastasius VI grants the marriage dispensation asked for by Emperor Wenceslaus.
• Kingdom of Portugal: On 26 June, Queen Cirí III takes the coronation oath in the royal cathedral in Lisboa, she is wearing the brand new crown jewels including the golden spire. With the queen's coronation, the regency council is disolved as the queen assumes power of the kingdom. To find out whether the spice trade is valuable she sends to traveling merchants to the Latin empire to find out and then report back. Meanwhile, in preparation for an upcomming expedition in the 1480s, Santo Andre is greatly expanded with a large port being built with the help of the funds that come from the trade with the natives. In a shocking seen of event, the queen's best friend Amalia is found murdered by a group of people with unknown nationality. The queen is outraged and executes them all in the classical way of portuguese monarchs (ripping their hearts out). After this the queen orders her buried in a graveyard for friends of the portuguese monarchs.(Secret begin: After Amalias death, a well trusted courtier takes a metal box containing unknown items and drops it into the palace well.Secret End)
• Kingdom of Ayutthaya: After years of waiting, the expedition bound for the land of Ethiopia has finally returned delivering a report of what they had been up to in the far away kingdom. Rama Trailokanat is informed of the war in Ethiopia and the results of the war which interest him greatly in the land of Ethiopia leading him to consider future expeditions . The crew of the expedition also inform him of the arquebus weapons they acquired from Ethiopia as a reward which are said to be made in a place called Europe. The arquebus weapons are taken to craftsman for study and analysis to see if they have any ideas worth incorporating into the existing arquebus in use with any thing of value being examined and incorporated into the production of the new arquebus weapons inspired from European designs. The new weapons are given out in small batches for testing in the meantime under secrecy. The death of Singhawikramawardhana makes its way to the court of Ayutthaya prompting the dispatch of envoys to deliver the condolences of Rama Trailokanat to Majapahit. The arrival of Dai Viet's Emperor in Majapahit greatly concerns Rama Trailokanat at the evergrowing closeness to the two realms and he decides to send envoys to the Bruneian Empire requesting mutual cooperation and friendship between Ayutthaya and Brunei in the matters of trade and security along trade routes (Mod Response). Another group of diplomats is sent to Blambangan offering a defensive alliance to the Kingdom as a precautionary measure should Majapahit become aggressive toward either kingdom (Mod Response). Continued encouragment for the construction of border defense in the Khmer Kingdom continue with the vital port city of Prey Nokor being added to the list of areas being fortified as a way to protect the access to martime trade for the Khmer. The integration of Lan Xang, Prome, and the Sumatra regions of Ayutthaya progress somewhat smoothly with the only chief area of concern being the former areas of Lan Xang who retain some remaining hostility at the Ayutthayan presence and control due to years of conflict where this region was inevitably roped into due to its location. Laksamana Hang Tuah continues to oversee the deployment of Ayutthaya's naval forces in the role of protecting trade. The Orang Laut people are continually employed in the role of pirate hunting with much success due to their maritime tradition. The development of ports on Sumatra to support trade continues with great effort being invested into the ports due to the importance of the trade route for the flow of spices. Ayutthayan control over the Straits of Ayutthaya have ensured that they are able to acquire a variety of cannons from neighboring regions with these weapons being purchased for examination by craftsman and blacksmiths for use in improving existing cannon designs. At the insistence of Tun Perak, variable quotas are instituted for future wartime conscription to better make use of the differing populations from across Ayutthaya withthe newly integrated regions having villages designated for troop specializations from cavalry to elephantry to cannons. The Capital Defense Corps at Ayutthaya has it numbers reinforced with these troops being dispersed and used to staff key locations around Ayutthaya in order to maintain the peace. Rama Trailokanat has decided to provide some funding to monasteries and mosques across Ayutthaya following the Pye-kyaung system originating from Pegu in order to train and educate young men in martial arts, astrology, medicine, horse/elephant riding, boxing, reading, self defense, and religious education for Buddhism (in monasteries) and Islam (in mosques). The expectation is that all young men were expected to have received a basic level of secular education and religious education from their local religious instiution as preparations for times of war and peace.
  • Brunei is reluctant to make any forma alliance
  • Balambagan is very willing to ally
• Roman Empire: Though the Battle for Arta ended with withdrawal for the empire, the casualties for the crusaders evoke imagery of Pyrrhus of Epirus, whose ancient capital sat at Arta. Basileus Gregorios recalls the words of Pyrrhus to his advisors. “Ne ego si iterum eodem modo uicero, sine ullo milite Epirum reuertar. Another such victory and I come back to Epirus alone.” Having been forced from Arta, Gregorios and his army rest and recuperate in Ioannina where he attempts to raise more men. Having defeated the Lithuanians soundly in Moldavia, Manuel Tagaris and his 3,000 remaining men return to Constantinople where they receive orders to rendezvous with Basileus Gregorios and his army in Ioannina. The Roman forces in the region now number roughly 12,250. Gregorios and his men intensively fortify the city, bringing in cannons to act as counter-battery artillery and piling packed dirt in front of the city walls to reduce the power of the enemy siege weapons. (Perhaps More to Come)
  • [Mod Response, Please]: Gjon Skanderburg is sent a request for men and supplies to prevent the collapse of Orthodoxy in the face of Catholic aggression. Should he initially refuse, Basileus Gregorios is willing to pay to hire Albanian mercenaries from King Skanderburg.
  • Albania comes to the help of the Byzantines
• Swiss Confederacy: When news reaches Switzerland of the smallpox outbreak in Arles, the Central Council offers the Kingdom's government some funding to help them recover from this crisis. (Arles response) At the same time, the joint military of the Swiss Confederacy moves to the southwest of the nation, guarding mountain passes on the borders of the Cantons of Pontarlier, Geneva, Lausanne and Sion to prevent people infected by smallpox from entering the nation; as part of this, all people from Arles are prevented from entering the Confederacy for the duration of the year except for government diplomats. While in this area, the joint military works on improving the fortifications of these mountain passes and other border crossings in the Cantons of Pontarlier, Geneva, Lausanne and Sion. In the extremely bloody Second Battle of Arta, 3,000 Swiss mercenaries are killed despite the overall Catholic victory; as a result, the Central Council withdraws the surviving 1,000 mercenaries back to their home nation. The government's main domestic focus then becomes restoring the morale of the surviving mercenaries from Arta and replenishing the Swiss mercenary force by recruiting peasants to be mercenaries. However, the Central Council generally supporting the Crusade, and encourage other German nations to continue supplying troops to the effort; the Central Council themselves would be willing to send out troops to Greece again in one or two years after morale and troop numbers have recovered. 2,000 Swiss mercenaries remain in the British Isles to aid King Edward III of Scotland against Ireland, and they are emboldened by Pope Anastasius VI's support of the Scottish cause. The Central Council also continues to pay close attention to the simultaneous conflict between the Houses of York and Beaufort in England; the Swiss diplomatic position on this remains the same as the previous year, with the Central Council somewhat favouring the Beauforts and Eberhard, Duke of Lenzburg remaining officially neutral. The Central Council also pays attention to the succession disputes in the Kingdom of Arles. Iconography related to King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table and the Holy Grail continues to be created in Swiss churches due to the popularity of The Death of Arthur amongst Swiss nobles and clergy. Maria von Lenzburg and Albert IV, Duke of Bavaria-Munich have their third child, a daughter named Anna (b. 1476). Later in the year, Blanche Courtenay and Henry Beaufort have their first child, a son named Edward (b. 1476) after Henry's father, the Beaufort faction leader in the English civil war. In December, tragedy strikes Godfrey Courtenay, 15th Earl of Devon again when, little more than a year after the death of his father, his wife Isabel Neville (1451-1476) dies in the childbirth of their fourth child, a girl. However, the daughter survives, and Godfrey names her Isabel (b. 1476) in honour of her mother.
• Archbishopric of Mainz: Construction of the new wing to the Electoral Palace at Aschaffenburg, and the new Electoral Palace for the Archchancellor in Mainz continue, with the Cardinal requesting the finest artisans to make these monuments of art and culture in Mainz. Cardinal Diether von Isenburg remains a firm supporter of the extensive reforms in the Catholic church, including the Inquisition, the Assembly of Preachers, and the Holy War against Byzantium. He continues to support raising education in his Diocese. He continues to patronize the printing of releases from the Pontifical Roman Press, and other great works for the Library of Mainz. He continues his endeavors to increase the bureaucratic oversight of the Emperor’s lands, and standardize their upkeep. Cardinal von Isenburg continues recruiting a growing network of “unofficial” agents, to spy on the Imperial immediacies, and give him more information on the Emperor’s administrators, and potential threats.
• Hafsid Caliphate: As Caliph Ahmad III prepares the next step in his grand scheme, Grand Vizier Al-Najm II rallies the armies of the Caliphate. With pirate reports indicating that a large conflict between the Greeks and Latins resulted in hefty casualties on both sides, including a significant percentage of Cypriot forces. Caliph Ahmed III realizes this as the perfect opportunity for the next movement in his grand scheme. A force of 500 pirates, protected by nearly 20 ships, are sent to land an attack against the Cypriots at Paphos. A distraction for the main force, 6,000 berbers led by Vizier Al-Najm II and protected by 140 ships, land at Famagusta, where they are expected to siege the city and then move onward to the city of Nicosia [Algo]. If the intel proves false, Al-Najm II is expected to kill the scouts responsible and prepare a full retreat. Meanwhile, 4,000 Berbers are sent to attack and annex the city of Tripoli, as it remains the last holdout of Christendom in Libya [Algo]. The Pact of Tunis, being with the Wattasids and Mamluks, is offered to be renewed. [Mod/Player].
• Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di" A new art begins to sprout in Lotharingia, this art being Cartography. Cartographers being needed as exploration into Africa combined with the general rise of new Belgic arts, this being part of the larger European Renaissance. The Belgic Renaissance being equal in quality and skill to those in Italy, as the artists are often in contact through trade and apprenticeship of some Lotharingians in cities such as Bruges, Ghent and in Milan and Genoa, Italy. The Cartographers mapping out the newly discovered and explored lands in Africa such as the West African innerlands, such as Timbuktu and Niani. As most of these informational maps are in Arabic or other Bantu languages which makes them very hard to understand and use them. Thus Cartographers do their best to translate and improve west african maps and knowledge as to help the merchants of the "Koninglyke West Afrikaansche Compagnie" and the Rex Lotharri indirectly with this action. The new technology such as the truinnions and limbers greatly improving the firepower and the mobility. The continued inovation also begins to decrease the costs of cannons as now they're made more mobille and addaptable instead of only having very big city busters or small hand cannons. The cities of Ghent, Bruges and Mons being the biggest producers of cannons and Punaisiers, the punasier now being given shoulderstock a rest for the punaisoir. This making it to hold and better to aim thus even more effective but also cheaper then before, the cost mostly being wood replacing the large iron tube end. As wood is cheaper then iron and is able to be crafted by slightly lower skilled craftman, thus being even cheaper then the handcannons of the olden days. Mainwhile in the Senatus regus Lotharri pernamently move back to the Parliament van Mechelen, as to have a more pernament seat of government and to make the relationships with the rest of the sacred empire even easier, as for a long time the Senate was still held in the duality of Aachen.
• Hanseatic League: As a new year dawns and the Baltic thaws, the non-stop trade of the Hanseatic League continues to guide German economics into a daring, new age. Every year, representatives of the Hanseatic League (Ratssendeboten) meet at an assembly in Lübeck known as the Tagfahrt. However, since the mid-14th century, the aldermen of the League have had the true say in what happens in these meetings. The League has come a long way since the days of its early inception. Civility reigned; if a consensus was threatened that may benefit the League as a whole, an alternative idea was not proposed. Something, after all, is better than nothing. Now, however, the central states of the Hanseatic League dominate trade and therefore hold significant sway over the politics of the region. The Hanseatic League recognizes four men who represent the entire central political entity and who also hold considerable sway over those who may not be governed by Hanseatic ideals. They are as follows: the Bürgermeister of Lübeck and Hamburg - Simon Burkhart, who share a mayor and who hold the final say in where shipments throughout the four regions go; Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who determine the prices of salt; the Prince-Admiral of Rostock Christopher von Warnow, who holds a permanent hereditary military position; and Prince-Archbishop of Bremen, Baldwin of Venden, who holds significant sway over ecumenical politics in the Baltic. Houses Ascania and Welf have an agreement to alternate control over the Principality of Lüneburg, which has kept the peace for some time. This also prevents the region from slipping out of the hands of either house. With Pomerania-Stettin being brought ever deeper into the fold of the Hanseatic League, trade along the Baltic becomes more lucrative than ever. The Baltic Duchies also see a heavy increase in trade due to the lack of organized interference from Pomerania. However, piracy continues to affect the Baltic. Rostock and Kiel shipyards pump out bulks en masse. To protect their convoys against the pirates, the Hanseatic League employs ships known as the Orlogship. These ships have historically been equipped with crossbows and catapults. The Hakenbüchse (Arquebus) is becoming increasingly common on Hanseatic Ships. Others are being fitted with the Culverin, a small cannon that yields devastating results at close range. Nine carracks are built at Kiel with another six being built in Rostock. They join the convoys that already criss-cross the Baltic and North Sea in a seemingly unending parade. The Hanseatic League has been responsible for defusing a number of close calls that could have easily led to war simply with the power of her pocketbook and navy. The fortifications around Cuxhaven and Heligoland are expanded, stoneworks rising ever higher to defend the coastline of the entrance to the North Sea and the Baltic. The North Sea is quickly becoming safer by the day, allowing goods to flood into Dublin and now as far away as Reykjavik. The Kontor in Bergen sees extensive renovations as both the British Isles and, to a certain degree, Norway are used as halfway points for ships on long journeys or for convoys to unload mass amounts of cargo. This cargo is either picked up by Hanseatic traders or by traders from the Kontors' host country. The Hanseatic League continues to patrol English waters, guarding their convoys as they make their way into English harbors or other Kontors in the Isles. They intend to ensure trade continues with or without war. Statesman Simon Burkhart leads a faction of Aldermen who donate a set number of active ships per convoy. Though many of the city-states following Burkhart's decree follow largely due to his substantial presence in League, this law is not officially adopted by the Hanseatic League as of this year. Instead, it is adopted individually by many Hanseatic port towns. The League does not know it yet, but these laws will establish a precedence on a standing naval presence in the North Sea during times of war. Otherwise, the Hanseatic League remains neutral in the War of the Roses conflict, wary of it escalating once more. To the north, the Kontor in Scotland see an increase in the amount of German traders residing in the Kontors for at least one-third of the year. Unlike in Iceland, where most of these men are working class, the Germans in Scotland are oftentimes more wealthy. They seek to edge in the whaling market being created by their counterparts in Iceland. Competing convoys will, in some cases, occupy all ports of a Kontor so a rival cannot dock. Back home in Germany, the Hanseatic League continues an ambitious infrastructure project, working to renovate the roads to all Hanseatic cities. Work begins in the central states and is expected to take ten years to complete. The Free City of Osnabrück is invited into the central states of the Hanseatic League, which would give it an equal say among Aldermen and a chance to stay safe from expanding German powers. (Mod Response needed). Due to the new shipping lanes in Mali, exotic African goods make their way into Hanseatic ports, which in turn are sold throughout Europe. The Malinese accepted Hanseatic trade deals to break monopolies in Europe and that is precisely what it intends to do. However, with competition from Portugal (an unknown and non-German entity) and Lotharingia (an ally, yet a powerful one at that), along with potential pirates in the area, led to the Hanseatic League issuing the Heligoland Accord: a stipend from the government for any captain willing to accompany convoys to protect them and to carry goods themselves. A convoy establishes contact with Oyo. Intrigued in the wares of the land, a series of trade routes diverging from the Malinese routes and covering Oyo ports are drafted and proposed to Oyo.

• Vinland: The population grows to 4,750. All cities grow this year, except Erikoberg, which seems to be declining. Another family from rural Suðrvinland moves to Keathutberga.
  • Skogrfjalland: The Norse population stagnates as a proportion of the total population. The bands of warriors launch an excursion into Suðrvinland from Elufkser to pillage and plunder but are repelled. Erik Hrothgarsson is upset but plans for the next excursion. Hallrberglanders establish an outpost across the shores in Markland.
  • Suðrvinland: All cities grow this year, including a new village emerging on the southern coasts, named Vargrberg. Keathutberga grows while Vestelfrland begins constructing a rudimentary port. A few longboats are built this year, making use of Dogajavick’s developing port. Hjalfar accepts the Esgigeoag alliance and keeps the offer of confederalization open. However, because they are not willing to accept all of his terms yet, he will not honor them with the know-how to construct longboats. He still allows for favorable trade terms. Hjalfar begins assembling a stronger military force to counteract the violent Norse. He accepts Southern Beothuk tribes into the confederacy, and sends diplomats and translators into the interior to negotiate confederacy with the northern tribes.
  • Beothuk: The southern Beothuk are happy to be included into the Suðrvinlandic confederacy, and will participate in efforts to include their northern kinsmen into the confederacy.
• Kingdom of Wales: Further preparations of our defenses are organized from King Edmund personally, such as construction of fortifications in the Anglo-Welsh borders as well as strengthening of the existing ones, for the inevitability of the threat that the long awaited English invasion would present us. The two newly established printing shops in Cardiff and Caernarfon have proven to be commercial successes, continue circulating best sellers like the Welsh language version of the Bible, "Sinclar's Adventures", "King Arthur, the Progenitor of Wales" by reknowned Welsh author Lewys Glyn Cothi and other already popular books, now rendering them affordable even for the lower nobility, the merchant class and the commoners. With the ongoing war, construction of new caravels and ships for our navy is halted in its entirety for the time being, as the vast majority of our resources are dedicated into our army. Given that this phase of the War of the Roses is pretty much over, as a comeback from the defeat at Glouchester seems highly unlikely and we are facing an unprecedented threat from the times of the Welsh War of Independence onward, we call upon all those pro-Yorkist Welsh nobles to rally with their King in the defense of the realm, as this has just turned into a war for the very survival of our nation. (Mod Response) Even more crackdown takes place against the disloyal Yorkist nobility, as King Henry VI's inaction gives us the necessary time to solidify our realm and purge our realm from traitors in the face of the upcoming English attack, with our 17,000 men under the leadership of the 20-year-old Myrddin (Merlin) ap Cadfael (Bruce) of Gwynedd conduct a crackdown against traitors to the realm in the Northern and Central Wales regions, at the behest of King Edmund, after hearing rumors of incitement of rebellion in support of King Henry VI of England from amongst the Anglo-Norman pro-Yorkist nobility in Wales, increasingly relying predominantly on the native Welsh nobility onward. [ALGO REQUESTED]. Those nobles found guilt of disloyalty to their King, inciting unrest in support of the vile King Henry VI of England, are imprisoned and striped of their titles when found guilty after receiving fair but speedy trials. These titles, either revert to the royal domain, or get awarded to the King's principal supporters, the native Welsh nobility as opposed to the Anglo-Norman nobility. The only exception to this case is in the case of formerly stripped titles from pro-Lancasterian nobles, most prominent among them Owen Tudor, who are able to get back a part of their domains as per our initial agreement. The ongoing war serves to further the worship of Saint Owain (Lawgoch), although already extremely popular on its own, now becomes a rallying cry for the Welshmen as they go on to clash with unprecedented ferocity against King Henry VI's detested English forces. With the Eiru fleet having yielded us the Irish Sea, our entire navy, under the command of their newly appointed Admiral and loyal ally, Duke Cadfael ap Alisdair of Gwynedd, proceeds to place a blockade on the High Kingdom of Eiru accessing the Kingdom of England, in coordination with the Scottish navy, to disallow any sort of trade and military assistance taking place within the two respective kingdoms, Eiru and England [NAVAL ALGO REQUESTED]. King Edmund continues to promote the reconciliation of his realm, divided into two similar yet starkly different halves, the Pura Walia region, dominanated by the independent minded Welsh nobility and the Marchia Walliae region, dominanated by the Anglo-Norman nobility, by encouraging the adoption of Welsh customs and traditions by the Anglo-Norman part of his nobility, furthermore encouraging marriages between the Anglo-Normans and Welsh noble families, with a bit more success thus far, as a few more Yorkist supporting loyalist Anglo-Norman noble families that have good relations with King Edmund only follow suit by adopting some Welsh customs and traditions and/or intermarrying with the Welsh nobility for the time being. We approach our trade partners, the Hanseatic League, requesting assistance with our fleet, asking for a discount on ship parts and wholesale ships, to purchase all of our ship part needs and an additional four new caravel vessels from them, as well as requesting to pay for these by taking advantage of the other extremely useful services that the Haneastic League provides, requesting to pay for these vessels and vessel parts by loaning money from the Hanseatic League with a ten percent annual interest that will begin accumulating after the end of the war, to enable us to fight this war successfully, in the light of our recent agreements with them, as it would also enable them to protect their own investments, the newly constructed Kontors across Wales. (Hanseatic League Player Response).
• Hindustan (Hindustani Dynasty): The Maharaja orders the construction of a theatre in Delhi. The force of General Narendra ud-Daula marches into Maabar, besieging Kanchi seeking to reannex the Kingdom. The force is 300,000 strong consisting of a mix of light cavalry and light infantry. The force also includes 12 large siege cannons towed by Elephants capable of firing 175-225 pound cannonballs and also employed the use of several smaller cannons capable of firing ~50 pound cannon balls. After the capture of Kanchi the force moves to besiege the fortified city of Vijayanagara. This was the first use of artillery on a massive scale in the Indian Subcontinent. (ALGO NEEDED). The Maharaja, being disinterested in administrative work (which he had delegated to the nobles in the Chalisa) did not know anything of the moves being made by the Governors (which were now called Nawabs) of Malwa, Gujarat and Golconda Subahs. However, many of the nobles in the Chalisa were deeply concerned and the news soon reached the Yuvraj (Crown-Prince). The Yuvraj, having been educated in the art of statecraft at the Delhi Madrassa approached his father and told him about the situation. The Maharaja was knowledgeable enough to understand the gravity of the situation, the Yuvraj asked for his permission to take care of the situation. The permission was granted. The postal system and the roadways of the Empire lay decaying, no moves were made to improve communications between the Empire and intra-Empire trade had decayed for the lack of communication and protection from bandits and wild animals. The Yuvraj knew of the importance of a strong Communication system for the maintenance of the large Empire and the importance of trade. To improve this, he ordered a revamp of the Postal System and he began setting it up again. Sarais which had fallen into disrepair were given to the Postal Department for maintenance, they were reopened and renovated. The Postal Department was also give the charge of protecting trade routes from bandits and wild animals. For this, a small light cavalry force is set up to patrol the major roadways. All this is added to the Dustur.

1477

The Pope Anastasius VI dies while giving a sermon in Rimini. As he leads a prayer, a loose stone being used for construction on the Church breaks free and lands on his head, killing him immediately. A new conclave is held to elect the new Pope.

The large number of Catholic forces continue their occupation in Epirus, amidst both the chaos of coordinating logistics with each other, as well as the ongoing resistance of the Greeks in Epirus who were not forced into submission even after the Byzantine withdrawal. Some Crusader support is diverted, however, to aid the Kingdom of Cyprus against the Hafsid raids.

The Zayidi Shia sect in Yemen raises a revolt against the Ethiopian occupation of the region, and insist on creating their own free society independent of both Coptic and Sunni domination. An army of some 7,000 bedoins gathers in the city of Sada.

The nobles in Arles stages a conspiracy against the "Protector General" Lucas. They storm the palace and seize control of the throne room with 800 men, demanding he should be reinstated as King instead of Protector. They propose a solution to his issue of "not dealing with kingly stuff": he should sign an agreement of bestowing local autonomy to all his strongest nobles, headed by a council in Nice that will direct the secular affairs of the nation in the name of the king.

Mount Bárðarbunga explodes in Iceland, creating a plume of toxic smoke 20 km high. The explosive force is something not seen for hundreds of years.

King Henry II of France dies this year. His son is then crowned as King William II in Paris.

The new Duke of Modena arrests the men responsible for the assassination of his father, and has them executed.

William Caxton publishes Dictates of the Eminent Philosophers in England. A second, mysterious book is published with an unknown author, called the Ordinances of Alchemy. 

• Mamluk Sultanate: With the defeat of the Muslim forces in Yemen, Sultan Ayyob ibn Abdullah ibn Muslim orders the reorganization and reconstruction of the Mamluk army after their humiliating defeat in Yemen by the Christian Ethiopian forces. The sultan gives a decree that all Muslim males in the sultanate must serve at least two years in the Egyptian military, where they will then be put in reserves. We raise like round up like 1,000 men and put them on the border with Ethiopian Yemen. Despite our defeat, we offer the Ethiopians a deal: they withdraw from Yemen and allow Egyptian forces to enter the country and garrison there, and we will take up the task of stopping piracy in the area, they’ll just need to withdraw their forces from the area. (ETHIOPIAN RESPONSE NEEDED). Grand Sultan Ayyob ibn Abdullah ibn Muslim gladly renews the Pact of Tunis. With blessing from the caliph Al-Mustanjid, numerous Islamic cultural centers are opened up nation-wide in major cities such as Alexandria, Jerulselum, Damascus, and the holy cited of Mecca and Medina, encouraging the study and examination of Islamic philosophy and the Quran. The Caliph also commissions a project of grand proportions: the rebuilding of the library of Alexandria, this time as a place to store Islamic and Arab and North African literature, which will then be open for reading and examination by the public we send out invites to scholars across the Muslim world, to as west as Mali to as East as Iran to come and contribute to this historical project. The local governates also begin building toad infrastructure in order to promote and keep trade flowing through Egypt and out. The royal court issued a decree that the nation will be promoting farming and agriculture along the Nile River and will be mainly focusing on sugar along with other cash crops, and the royal court begins issuing out land charters to nobles and middle class families and men to get the industry starting with the government injecting hundreds of thousand of dollars to kick start the industry. We manage to round up 2,000 men in the Levant and place them on the border with the Georgians or whoever border Mamluk Syria. The Grand Sultan also issues out a decree in support of ship building in order to strengthen the Mamluk fleet, and also issues out royal charters to noblemen seeking to establish ship building companies along with naval military companies in order to outfit these ships with the finest weaponry in the Muslim world. We begin redirecting resources toward building a Red Sea fleet, with one of our major sea ports in the Red Sea: Jeddah, being used to make ships.
  • Ethiopia Dip: Ethiopia would be pleased to accept such an offer on the condition that Egypt recognize Ethiopia's annexation of the Yemeni side of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
  • We agree- Egyptian Egypt.
• Papal States: With the death of Pope Anastasius VI, his Fisherman's Ring is broken by Charles de Neufchâtel, who became Cardinal-Secretary after the death of the previous officeholder Ari Sturlungur in 1474. Because of the circumstances of the Pope's death, the Roman Curia starts to debate ways to ensure that construction works in Rome adhere to some minimal standard of safety, to avoid such accidents happening again in the future. The Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition, the Pontifical Roman Press, the Association of Missionaries and Preachers and the Papal Army continue their usual activities as they await the election of the new Pope.
• Saxony: Emperor Wenceslaus is thoroughly alarmed by the unexpected outbursts from various German states this year, declaring him a “Swiss puppet”, and suggesting a new Emperor. Wenceslaus makes it clear that there will be no new Imperial Election until his death, and that his relative the Landgrave of Hesse (who he admits he always considered a great friend) should refrain from challenging Wenceslaus’s authority. Wenceslaus is shocked by co-king Henry of Bohemia’s claim that Anna (Amalia) de la Marck was merely Henry’s “mistress”, considered she was officially married to him as a child, at the bequest of Wenceslaus’s grandfather Engelbert. Wenceslaus suggests that he and Henry, the two co-Kings of Germany meet, to talk things over if Henry is feeling dissatisfied.(Bohemia Response) He is unimpressed by Thuringia’s preachings of hellfire and treasonous denouncing of him. In a moving speech, he declares he has the best interests of Germany at heart, and, while he has always been a great friend of the Swiss Confederacy, finds it ridiculous that some states claim he is their “puppet”. Anyone who challenges his authority goes against Germany, and against God Himself. There was a fair election, chronicled at length, and there were no more bribes than usual, for an Imperial election. Wenceslaus increases his personal guard tenfold, in case of assassinations, which he has heard rumours of. To finish the matter once and for all, Wenceslaus writes to the Pope to confirm publicly that he is the true Holy Roman Emperor (Papal Response).
• Cologne: As Cologne has historically supported the king Henry III of Bohemia for the role of emperor of the holy roman emperor, the nation of Cologne is forced to reject the offer leveled against it by the nation of Hesse. A delegation is sent in secret to Aachen to monitor affairs there is gain intelligence about the happenings of the empire. A delegation is also sent to Mainz, Trier, and Bremen, as the Archbishop recommends that the ecclesiastical princes make a firm stance against heresy in the empire, and work to combat it. The nation sponsors the printing press and the creation of a military, expanding the army.
• Iceland: The king, after hearing the news of Bárðarbunga, orders that all food be put into a national stockpile. With people living away from the Volcano no serious population damage. The HÍKF sent a 100 men and a 100 women to try to land and make a town in Nýja Domnhallsland. The navy is placed near Shetland to be able to form a blockade everywhere. The Royal museum is founded with St. Helens relic, Domnhall II’s cloak and every Monarch's Crown.
• Nassau: John II of Nassau-Weilburg dies suddenly of the common cold, and strangely the ruler of Nassau does as well, as does most of his family, in an accident. Thusly all the lands of the House of Nassau unexpectedly pass to, and are united under, Ermanaric the Unready, a 23 year old distant cousin of the last ruler of Nassau. He was a fairly bookish child, obsessed with strategy, history, and reading, where he learned many strange and distant tales. As he had no ambition of ruling, he spent his days writing poetry and little stories, usually about a genre he nicknamed "alternate history". Now, he has been plunged into statecraft and the matters of war. Although he was pretty good at fighting as a wee lad growing up, which his father the famed hunter ensured, he would strengthen into a real leader and commander. He takes note of the political situation in Germany: assaulted on all sides by numerous powers. The Lotharingians dominate the lowlands, the Swiss dominate the south. He reads the plea from Henry III of Bohemia and is partially moved by the argument; there should be only one king surely, and one not bribed or picked by the Swiss, should his accusation turn out to be true. He sends word to the Bohemian, stating that he has taken up a blue rose in solidarity. The ruler drills the army and elects to create a modern fighting force. Although the nation is small, he is determined to upgrade his force within his means.
  • Bohemia: We propose a marriage alliance with Nassau, in which the daughter of Henry III, Agnes, marries Ermanaric.
• Mali Empire: Mansa Uli II continues to work on the expansion of the art and literature of the empire. The library of Timbuktu adds a new wing to the university called the Shajaniyya "Arborary". This is effectively a medieval greenhouse, collecting various kinds of plants and some small animals from across all of West Africa. This arborary continued in one form or another all the way into the 19th century, when it was severly damaged in the Great War. Since then, sadly, the great greenhouse of Uli's reign has been severely delapotated, until a recent revival program by the Malian government in the 21st century. The first Maktabi (director) of the arborary is listed as Taulut Yahya, who is otherwise unknown to the historical record. The Mali Empire dispatches Jombo Sillah, a renowned diplomat and geographer from Njimi, to travel along the caravan route across Darfur to the Nile valley, then travel north to Egypt in the court of Sultan Jamal ibn Abdullah ibn Muslim. There he offers to re-affirm the long-standing alliance between Mali and Egypt, and fully supports their hegemony over the Red Sea to the best of our abilities. Books and scientific instruments from the University of Timbuktu is brought from Mali to Cairo, along with three chests of gold and two of salt. The Portuguese offer of trade is accepted. 
  • Kingdom of Zayiyr: Mai/Makongo Yakub dedicates his time toward the expansion of the kingdom. He feels that the fascination of Omar with domestic affairs and education was a waste of time, and brought out of his constant paranoia of the Kongolese people. Yakub builds up fortifications to the east, as a way of defending the kingdom from the states that exist deeper in Africa along the Kongo River. He also establishes some defenses in the north, although Omar established an alliance with the northern kingdom, Yakub didn't want to take any changes. The total personal army of Zayiyr at this point is 4,500, which he largely stations in the south in preparation of a military campaign there. 
  • Egyptian Response: Ayyob ibn Abdullah ibn Muslim, Sultan of Egypt, gladly reaffirms the long-standing alliance between Egypt and Mali.
• Empire of Ethiopia: To the surprise of the Emperor, the captive Sultan refuses to accept the Ethiopian offer, stating he would rather die as a martyr than be humiliated as such. The Emperor’s patience worn thin, he orders the Sultan imprisoned in a dungeon. Hearing of the Zayidi Shia revolt, the Emperor proposes the following terms to the rebel army at Sada: The Emperor will turn Aden over to the Shia rebels and supply them with weapons and firearms as long as the new Shia government of Yemen recognizes Ethiopia’s right to construct a fortress and port city on the Yemeni side of the strait [MOD RESPONSE FOR SHIA REBELS]. While the war rages in Yemen, in the Ethiopian homeland the golden age of culture, art and literacy continues. Plays done in the Greco-Roman style continue to gain audiences, with plays written about Ethiopian historical figures such as Amda Seyon the Magnificent. Another play is written about St. Laurentius, in which he is celebrated as a tragic Christian martyr who converted to Christianity and refused to abandon it even upon threat of death. The Universities of Barari and Beri educate the Ethiopian bureaucracy, the mekwanint, and the Ethiopian nobility, the mesafint, creating a solid educated class of nobles and bureaucrats to maintain the Empire’s stability and prosperity. Despite the brief interruption by Yemeni pirates, Ethiopian trade continues to thrive, with Ethiopian merchants sailing to Persia, India and Zimbabwe. Merchants bring Indian silks, textiles, dyes, perfumes and Chinese porcelains for sale throughout the Empire and for exportation to Zimbabwe and Mali. The Trans-African Silk Road connecting Ethiopia and Mali continues to provide a steady flow of gold into Ethiopia while trade with Zimbabwe provides a market for Indian goods sold by Ethiopian merchants. Trade with the inland African tribes continues, with Ethiopian merchants trading salt, iron tools and weapons along with textiles in exchange for ivory, gold, and tortoise shell. The Empire's textile industry becomes a pillar of the domestic economy, with cotton farms in the Ethiopian highlands producing cotton that is traded by merchants to textile weavers in Ethiopia and Somalia, with the Chewa cities in northern Somalia emerging as a large producer of Ethiopian domestic textiles. Commercially small Ethiopian business continue to spread, with coffee shops, clothing stores, and dye stations becoming more widespread throughout the Empire's urban areas.
• Kingdom of Wales: Further preparations of our defenses are organized from King Edmund personally, such as construction of fortifications in the Anglo-Welsh borders as well as strengthening of the existing ones, for the inevitability of the threat that the long awaited English invasion would present us. The War of the Roses hasn't nearly been finished yet, if the English dare to launch a counter offensive into Wales, then King Edmund takes overall command of the 9,094 men that managed to retreat from the offensive, flying the fearsome and sacred banner of Saint Owen [Lawgoch], as they rally in defense of their homeland, with the addition of the 3,000 mercenaries newly recruited from the Hanseatic League and another 5,000 Hispanian men, bring King Edmund's forces to a total of 21,000 men. King Edmund's allies, Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick and Edward Beaufort stand by his side. They retreating forces regroup and move to intercept any and all English movement into Wales, hoping to prevent them from linking up and assisting the disloyal Yorkists inside Wales. King Edmund, an experienced commander and formitable tactician, carefully formulates his strategy for the English forces that are about to enter Wales, organizing the defenses of his realm, lures the enemy forces into his battlefield of choosing, being on the defense, as he has perfectly laid all the pieces in place. Under the cover of relative fog and rain, in a boggy terrain, King Edmund positions his weakened center line, 2,000 infantrymen in front and another 3,000 Welsh longbows behind them, protected by four lines of ditches and two lines of cheval de frise anti cavalry measures, a portable frame with some wooden spikes essentially, in a perfect repetition of the Battle of Loudoun Hill. Only in this case, the rest of his forces, more than 17,000 swift and mobile infantrymen, as opposed to the heavy armored and inflexible Englishmen, lay hidden in the forest to the east and west, waiting for the perfect time to strike and unleash their ambush, hitting them from their exposed flanks after the English forces get exhausted in their futile attempts at sending wave after wave of their troops being mercilessly put down at the hands of the fierce and motivated Welshmen in their struggle to defend their homeland. [ALGO REQUESTED] In the case that England decides to invade Scotland instead a new offensive is launched, taking advantage of the preoccupation of the English forces against Scotland to launch an offensive for the city of Hereford, assaulting it with 18,000 men under King Edmund's command. Otherwise noticing the passive stance of England, King Edmund takes charge of the efforts to crackdown on against traitors to the realm in the Northern and Central Wales regions, with the entirety of his forces, 21,000 men, after hearing rumors of incitement of rebellion in support of King Henry VI of England from amongst the Anglo-Norman pro-Yorkist nobility in Wales. The two newly established printing shops in Cardiff and Caernarfon have proven to be commercial succFurther preparations of our defenses are organized from King Edmund personally, such as construction of fortifications in the Anglo-Welsh borders as well as strengthening of the existing ones, for the inevitability of the threat that the long awaited English invasion would present us. The two newly established printing shops in Cardiff and Caernarfon have proven to be commercial successes, continue circulating best sellers like the Welsh language version of the Bible, "Sinclar's Adventures", "King Arthur, the Progenitor of Wales" by reknowned Welsh author Lewys Glyn Cothi and other already popular books, now rendering them affordable even for the lower nobility, the merchant class and the commoners. With the ongoing war, construction of new caravels and ships for our navy is halted in its entirety for the time being, as the vast majority of our resources are dedicated into our army. Given that this phase of the War of the Roses is pretty much over, as a comeback from the defeat at Glouchester seems highly unlikely and we are facing an unprecedented threat from the times of the Welsh War of Independence onward, we call upon all those pro-Yorkist Welsh nobles to rally with their King in the defense of the realm, as this has just turned into a war for the very survival of our nation. Even more crackdown takes place against the disloyal Yorkist nobility, as King Henry VI's inaction gives us the necessary time to solidify our realm and purge our realm from traitors in the face of the upcoming English invasion, giving our utmost importance into this, with our 21.000 men under the leadership of the 20-year-old Myrddin (Merlin) ap Cadfael (Bruce) of Gwynedd conduct a crackdown against traitors to the realm in the Northern and Central Wales regions, at the behest of King Edmund, after hearing rumors of incitement of rebellion in support of King Henry VI of England from amongst the Anglo-Norman pro-Yorkist nobility in Wales, increasingly relying predominantly on the native Welsh nobility onward. [ALGO REQUESTED] or (Mod Response). Those nobles found guilt of disloyalty to their King, inciting unrest in support of the vile King Henry VI of England, are imprisoned and striped of their titles when found guilty after receiving fair but speedy trials. These titles, either revert to the royal domain, or get awarded to the King's principal supporters, the native Welsh nobility as opposed to the Anglo-Norman nobility. The only exception to this case is in the case of formerly stripped titles from pro-Lancasterian nobles, most prominent among them Owen Tudor, who are able to get back a part of their domains as per our initial agreement. The ongoing war serves to further the worship of Saint Owain (Lawgoch), although already extremely popular on its own, now becomes a rallying cry for the Welshmen as they go on to clash with unprecedented ferocity against King Henry VI's detested English forces. With the Eiru fleet having yielded us the Irish Sea, our entire navy, under the command of their newly appointed Admiral and loyal ally, Duke Cadfael ap Alisdair of Gwynedd, proceeds to place a blockade on the High Kingdom of Eiru accessing the Kingdom of England, in coordination with the Scottish navy, to disallow any sort of trade and military assistance taking place within the two respective kingdoms, Eiru and England. [NAVAL ALGO REQUESTED] King Edmund continues to promote the reconciliation of his realm, divided into two similar yet starkly different halves, the Pura Walia region, dominanated by the independent minded Welsh nobility and the Marchia Walliae region, dominanated by the Anglo-Norman nobility, by encouraging the adoption of Welsh customs and traditions by the Anglo-Norman part of his nobility, furthermore encouraging marriages between the Anglo-Normans and Welsh noble families, with a bit more success thus far, as a few more Yorkist supporting loyalist Anglo-Norman noble families that have good relations with King Edmund only follow suit by adopting some Welsh customs and traditions and/or intermarrying with the Welsh nobility for the time being.King Edmund approaches Queen Katherine of Spain, urgently requesting her assistance, offering important trade privilages for Spanish traders, as well as offering the vacant crown of the Ameraudur of the Celtic Confederacy to Queen Katherine of Spain, promising to be her loyal subject in exchange for the assistance, given recent Spanish involvement in the British Isles, specifically installing his father to power in England, for without some help from abroad he would surely perish against the inevitable invasion from his vile brother, King Henry VI of England. (Hispanian Player Response).

• • Spanish Response: After much consideration alongside her advisors and court, Queen Katherine agrees to the offer by Wales and the Celts. 5,000 Spanish forces are to be dispatched to Wales with the assistance of escorts of the Spanish Armada.
• Novgorod-Tver: The Siege of Ryazan begins as the city doesn't respond to the offer to surrender. with 15,000 troops cannons trebuchets, the city is blockaded and the country side is looted for food and supplies.(algo please). Mikhail sends another 3,000 troops to join up with the 3,000 troops that remain following the batlte against Poland to regroup and are offered to assist the Byazantine in their war against the Latin League in an effort to gain some funds and to improve trade relations with the Romans. The men who served with Stefan's Moldovians pick up on the shoulderstocks for the arquebus quickly adopting it to improve the stability of the weapon. With the fall of Ryazan Mikhail III celebrates his triumph of bringing all the Rus' cities under the control of Tver-Novgorod in the city of Kiev. Mikhail decides to annex Moscow outright to Tver while the city of Smolesk is allowed to retain contorl over its territory Rzayan's lands are divided into those that will be retained by the city and those that will be parcelled out amongst the men. Lands in Moscow are similarly parcelled out to men who serve in the army or to those who wish to purchase a plot as free holders. A garrison is left in each city loyal to Mikhail himself. Novgorod's economic dominance is ensured throughout the Russian. Furthermore the middle class of the cities are granted full internal autonomy as long as taxes and levies be provided. The Novgorod Charter is proclaimed as the safeguard of city rights and responsibilities. Merchant activity into the Great Perm and the Ural region continues to grow. Outposts farther East begin to pop up. Plans are laid out to revamp and reorganize the military, to better incoporate new technologies and tactics. Another Envoy is sent to the Great Perm requesting they allow for greater merchant activities in the region (Mod response, please). Novgordian trade routes connecting with the silk road are strengthened between Kiev and Novgorod and into the steppes as well, Caravans routes are provided with extra security to establish firm economic control over the Central Russian region.. A request is sent to Byzantium to improve trading along the Dnieper, and to recruit Greek architects to help revitalize the city. (Roman response needed).
  • Roman Response: Basileus Gregorios agrees.
• Kingdom of Ayutthaya: The widespread implementation of the Pwe-kyuang system across Ayutthaya continues under the oversight of the Orang Besar and Tun Perak with only a few minor hiccups occurring in the process. The system has been improved so that the teachers of the students are permitted to recommend their most exceptional students to be permitted to partake in the more advanced schools meant to train government officials and military officers. The encouragement of nobles to develop their land continues with heavy insistence from the royal government with the focus on farming development being concentrated on the Ayutthaya, Battambang, and former Lan Xang regions which have all proven suitable for rice farming. The news of the Hindustan war against Maabar to the West is troubling news to the court of Ayutthaya who have heard of this empire rapid conquest in recent years leading to Tun Perak ordering the establishment of fortifications in the Prome and Pegu regions. The flow of trade through the Straits of Malacca continues relatively unimpeded with the exception of taxes placed on vessels passing through. A tribute mission to China is organized but the Bodh Gaya missions are put on hold on the orders of Rama Trailokanat due to the uncertainty around Hindustan. With the expansion of Hindustan to the west and growing Dai Viet-Majapahit bonds a greater level of importance is focused on the development and refinement of the Java arquebus with European designs leading to the first Ayutthayan arquebus models which are still undergoing continued development. The first batches of the Ayutthayan arquebus are delivered to villages selected for training arquebusier's with the arquebus weapons locked up in central magazines until needed for either training or war. The Ayutthayan navy continues to oversee trade and with the Bruneians stepping up and assisting in the east, more ships are relocated to the other regions of concern and the implementation of more rotating patrols across the patrols. In an effort to stem the ongoing troubles from locals in Lan Xang, a portion of the Capital Defense Corp is mobilized under Hang Jebat and the Xaswin Phudi to garrison the region. The merchants guild continues to see growth due to the sponsorship of Ayutthaya's government and begin operating increasingly further away from Ayutthaya due to their growing influence in trade. The Orang Besar are continuing with operations to put the variable quotas of Tun Perak into effect with census' being conducted across Ayutthaya to gauge how much each village and region must contribute.
• Empire of Japan: As the years wear on the expedition to the east seems to finally be put on track. As the scheduling starts to be lined up it is noticed that the Flagship of the expeditionary fleet, the Sundered Grace will not be available to the opening of 1480. While annoying the Tachibana and Sapporo Zaibatsu are happy to have a solidified date for the expedition. The development of the economy reaches a more fevered pace as Manzhu and Amuraji start rapidly playing catch up to the other provinces in Japan. The ever cheapening options of heading toward the Asian mainland provinces puts thousands on boats heading for these regions. Growing settlements, opening lands, and the development of production and artisan based pursuits expands the smaller towns and settlements as well as once again expanding Aimoi outside of the proper city walls and onto the surrounding landscape. The Port Facilities of Aimoi also become reknown as they have clearly started to match their home islands counterparts. The shipyards produce civilian shipping, and importantly are able to produce the notorious Japanese War Junk putting it as a top ship producer. The Japanese empire having expanded its monetary system far beyond what was originally conceived suffers a severe setback as it becomes clear that there is too many people for not enough currency. With the empire standing at just over 11 million people and growing rapidly, the available money supply has shrunk and isnt able to cover the entire populace. This prompts an imperial oversight mission to the gold and silver mines of Japan. The idea is to bring about deeper and more comprehensive mining for the gold and silver mines to help bring the currency supply back to a more optimal level. The Iwami-Ginzan mine being relatively modest in scale and newer compared to the other mines sees the most pressure as the private operation is threatened with an Imperial takeover should they not be able to expand their operation considerably. This year, intending to expand the fur outposts in Siberia, three groups of a permanent nature push into the three main siberian outposts (outside of Kamchatka) to turns these outposts into full on production towns for the export of furs.
• Hafsid Caliphate: The dead speak. As Caliph Ahmad III prepares the next step in his grand scheme, Grand Vizier Al-Najm II rallies the armies of the Caliphate. With pirate reports indicating that a large conflict between the Greeks and Latins resulted in hefty casualties on both sides, including a significant percentage of Cypriot forces. Caliph Ahmed III realizes this as the perfect opportunity for the next movement in his grand scheme. Retreating back to Libya, Al-Najm II prepares for yet another assault on Cyprus, understand his faults from before. A blockade of 200 ships is established around the most significant coastal cities of Cyprus, with embargoes against Latin merchants being set along the Barbary coast as Latin merchants in the region are piked, with their heads shafted upon spears lining the coastal waters of Ifriqiya. Surrounding the enemy, four armies of 2,000 Berber pirates invade at Kyrenia, Kantara, Gastria, and Famagusta, while a special force of 1,500, led by Al-Najm II himself, uses the attack on Famagusta as a distraction to move his men into the River of Pedieos and toward the capital of Nicosia. [Algos Needed]. Tripoli is annexed back into the Caliphate while the remnants of crusaders there are beaten to death with sticks or rocks.
• Georgia: The aging King George VIII – son of Alexander I, and grandson of Anastasios II, abdicates and places his 21-year old son, Alexander II on the throne. Alexander suppresses the Second Black Turkoman Revolt, he commits 51,000 troops (mostly levies, with royal troops comprising the officer corps) to lift the Siege of Tabriz: 30,000 mounted archers, 15,000 lancers, 5,000 arquebusiers, and 1,000 artillerymen. The arquebusiers are placed in the center, while the mounted archers are placed on both wings. Meanwhile, the lancers are placed on reserve (the second line). First, a cannon volley is fired to disperse enemy ranks. Then, the mounted-archers harass the enemy flanks with support from the arquebusiers; they use their superior mobility to evade enemy fire. Then, once enemy numbers have been reduced, the lancers are sent to "mop" troops; if enemy numbers are too high, the lancers instead break enemy ranks and/or initiate a rout by charging in a wedge formation (which maximizes the shock inflicted by them). Afterward, wrongdoers from Azerbaijan (resettling them in other parts of the Empire) unless they convert to Christianity (preferably to Georgian Orthodoxy, but many opt to convert to the Oriental Orthodox or Armenian churches). To help ensure the security of the capital, Tabriz, Alexander I orders large concentric walls be built around its core – including the Caucasian district of "New Tbilisi". While Georgia remains the regional hegemon, decades of relatively weak and idle leaders have loosened its previously iron-hard grip upon the region – thus, it is clear to Alexander that his claim as "Shahanshah" is increasingly untenable. While Georgian culture continues to be a confluence between the Orthodox and Persian Worlds, Alexander deemphasizes Georgia's "Persianate" status and reorients his realm to the West. Meanwhile, he sends a convoy to the Byzantine Empire asking for a groom for his young sister, Mariam II.
  • Roman Response: Basileus Gregorios offers his son Micheal in marriage to Mariam II. 
• Roman Empire: With the Crusaders distracted and their forces reduced by the attacks by the Barbary Pirates Basileus Gregorios closes in for the kill. In an effort to encircle the enemy he asks Gjon Skanderburg to march south through Thessaly to Neopatria and then west toward the Neopatrian-Epirus border. The goal is to force the Crusaders to return to defend their supply lines. Simultaneously, the Roman Army of 18,250 men (9,250 Romans and Epirotes, 6,000 Russians, and 3,000 Cappadocians) marches west and then south, gathering Epurite Partisans as it goes. The two movements are designed to encircle the remaining crusader army and hopefully crush it in southern Epirus. Should this be accomplished, Gregorios intends to begin the liberation of the Latin Empire and Neopatria from their Catholic oppressors.
  • You'll need to do an algo for this -Solmod
• Kingdom of Eiru: Eadbhard dies this year and is succeeded by his son Aodh who briefly returns to Dublin to be crowned leaving his brother Fionbharr in the field at Clones. The Parliament of Ireland convenes to discuss why Wales and Scotland agreed to submit to Spanish domination on behalf of the entire Celtic Confederacy without consultation in spite of Spain not being a member and not being even remotely Celtic and Katherine being a woman. Outraged that a conquest by Scotland would then lead to Spain and a woman being in charge Parliament confirms Aodh as King and the deceleration of war with Scotland stands. King Aodh holds at Clones with an intention to retreat if attacked while his skirmishers attack the Scottish foraging and scouting parties. The fleet is at Cork and holds position in Cork harbour, most trade with Europe and England is stopped by the blockade which does not endear the Welsh or Scottish to Irish merchants. The Irish inquisition gets up and running in its pursuit for heretics. Henry Percy son of Henry Percy, 4th Earl of Northumberland is given another £1,000 to continue his raids over the border. (English response)
• Hesse: Hermann III, Landgrave of Hesse, Elector of Hesse, receives a letter from the Eberhard, Count of Lenzburg, and it convinces him that he will formally run for the position of Emperor within the empire, and so Herman III travels across the empire rallying support, and officially travels to the capitals of the empire to make it known that he will be elected as emperor. He replies to his relative that he ought to immediately switch his allegiance from Wenceslaus the Unworthy to him, and to tell everyone else to do so. He sends information to the other electors urging them to support him, as he has many good plans for the future of the empire. He officially asks Bavaria to vote for him (Bavaria player response</nowiki>), and he asks the Archbishop of Mainz to vote for him ('''Mainz player response'''), and he asks Saxe-Wittenberg to vote for him ('''Saxony player response'''), and he asks Bohemia to vote for him ('''Bohemia player response'''), and he asks Cologne, Trier, Bremen, and Nassau to vote for him ('''Mod response'''). He begins plans for ways to streamline the empire for the benefit of all those assembled princes.
  • Bohemia:' We propose that the oldest son of Henry III marry the Hessian elector's daughter.
  • Saxony: Wenceslaus of Saxony has always considered his relative the Landgrave of Hesse a worthy friend, and is injured by his treasonous ideas. He urges Hermann to cease this talk immediately, or action will be taken against him.
    Hesse: Herman replies that he means no harm but simply will be running for the office of emperor on account of Wenceslaus' death in 1477. He replies to Wenceslaus stating that if he reads this letter he should abdicate for the good of his nation, the empire, and the family, but Herman fears that Wenceslaus never got a chance to read the letter before his untimely demise. 
• Kingdom of Scotland: We continue to hold position in Ireland, not being confident enough to push forward as it is. However, with English forces beginning to raid into Scotland and knowing how much of a threat we now face (as well as the fact that if we move any troops to counter the English raids into Scotland that our frontline in Ulster will collapse, we concur with the approach of wales and approach Queen Katherine of Spain, urgently requesting her assistance, offering important trade privileges for Spanish traders, and standing with Wales in offering the vacant crown of the Ameraudur of the Celtic Confederacy to the Queen, promising to be her loyal subject in exchange for the assistance, realizing that we can not survive in our current situation without her assistance. We plan to launch a new offensive as soon as Spanish reinforcements arrive to aid us, as only then will we be confident to do so. (Hispanian Player Response).
• Hanseatic League: As a new year dawns and the Baltic thaws, the non-stop trade of the Hanseatic League continues to guide German economics into a daring, new age. Every year, representatives of the Hanseatic League (Ratssendeboten) meet at an assembly in Lübeck known as the Tagfahrt. However, since the mid-14th century, the aldermen of the League have had the true say in what happens in these meetings. The League has come a long way since the days of its early inception. Civility reigned; if a consensus was threatened that may benefit the League as a whole, an alternative idea was not proposed. Something, after all, is better than nothing. Now, however, the central states of the Hanseatic League dominate trade and therefore hold significant sway over the politics of the region. The Hanseatic League recognizes four men who represent the entire central political entity and who also hold considerable sway over those who may not be governed by Hanseatic ideals. They are as follows: the Bürgermeister of Lübeck and Hamburg - Simon Burkhart, who share a mayor and who hold the final say in where shipments throughout the four regions go; Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who determine the prices of salt; the Prince-Admiral of Rostock Christopher von Warnow, who holds a permanent hereditary military position; and Prince-Archbishop of Bremen, Baldwin of Venden, who holds significant sway over ecumenical politics in the Baltic. Houses Ascania and Welf have an agreement to alternate control over the Principality of Lüneburg, which has kept the peace for some time. This also prevents the region from slipping out of the hands of either house. With Pomerania-Stettin being brought ever deeper into the fold of the Hanseatic League, trade along the Baltic becomes more lucrative than ever. The Baltic Duchies also see a heavy increase in trade due to the lack of organized interference from Pomerania. However, piracy continues to affect the Baltic. Rostock and Kiel shipyards pump out bulks en masse. To protect their convoys against the pirates, the Hanseatic League employs ships known as the Orlogship. These ships have historically been equipped with crossbows and catapults. The Hakenbüchse (Arquebus) is becoming increasingly common on Hanseatic Ships. Others are being fitted with the Culverin, a small cannon that yields devastating results at close range. Nine carracks are built at Kiel with another six being built in Rostock. They join the convoys that already criss-cross the Baltic and North Sea in a seemingly unending parade. The Hanseatic League has been responsible for defusing a number of close calls that could have easily led to war simply with the power of her pocketbook and navy. The fortifications around Cuxhaven and Heligoland are expanded, stoneworks rising ever higher to defend the coastline of the entrance to the North Sea and the Baltic. The North Sea is quickly becoming safer by the day, allowing goods to flood into Dublin and now as far away as Reykjavik. The Kontor in Bergen sees extensive renovations as both the British Isles and, to a certain degree, Norway are used as halfway points for ships on long journeys or for convoys to unload mass amounts of cargo. This cargo is either picked up by Hanseatic traders or by traders from the Kontors' host country. The Hanseatic League continues to patrol English waters, guarding their convoys as they make their way into English harbors or other Kontors in the Isles. They intend to ensure trade continues with or without war. Statesman Simon Burkhart leads a faction of Aldermen who donate a set number of active ships per convoy. Though many of the city-states following Burkhart's decree follow largely due to his substantial presence in League, this law is not officially adopted by the Hanseatic League as of this year. Instead, it is adopted individually by many Hanseatic port towns. The League does not know it yet, but these laws will establish a precedence on a standing naval presence in the North Sea during times of war. Otherwise, the Hanseatic League remains neutral in the War of the Roses conflict, wary of it escalating once more. To the north, the Kontor in Scotland see an increase in the amount of German traders residing in the Kontors for at least one-third of the year. Unlike in Iceland, where most of these men are working class, the Germans in Scotland are oftentimes more wealthy. They seek to edge in the whaling market being created by their counterparts in Iceland. Competing convoys will, in some cases, occupy all ports of a Kontor so a rival cannot dock. Back home in Germany, the Hanseatic League continues an ambitious infrastructure project, working to renovate the roads to all Hanseatic cities. Work begins in the central states and is expected to take ten years to complete. The Free City of Osnabrück is invited into the central states of the Hanseatic League, which would give it an equal say among Aldermen and a chance to stay safe from expanding German powers. (Mod Response needed). Due to the new shipping lanes in Mali, exotic African goods make their way into Hanseatic ports, which in turn are sold throughout Europe. The Malinese accepted Hanseatic trade deals to break monopolies in Europe and that is precisely what it intends to do. However, with competition from Portugal (an unknown and non-German entity) and Lotharingia (an ally, yet a powerful one at that), along with potential pirates in the area, led to the Hanseatic League issuing the Heligoland Accord: a stipend from the government for any captain willing to accompany convoys to protect them and to carry goods themselves. A convoy establishes contact with Oyo. Intrigued in the wares of the land, a series of trade routes diverging from the Malinese routes and covering Oyo ports are drafted and proposed to Oyo.
  • Osnabrück accepts. -Solmod
• Thuringia: The "Swiss Confederacy" is vehemently denounced, on account of several of their heinous acts; their politicking and vile influence over the rightful Germany is horrendous and an affront to god; no foreign Republican demagogue shall rule over Thuringia through puppet Emperors. Why does the Swissman declare that they can propose that they choose who is our emperor? Reject the Saxon king, who is the Swisser's puppet. Their clear cabal is upfront and displayed as purposely obtrusive to the fair ideals of the gbgovernm,ent. THe true EMperor will be selected fairly and not through background deals; rebel, do not go softly into their ploy. Their delicate manipulation; crafted. It is, dangerously arranged to be attacking and controlling; they infect Germany and amake it so that there is no truth. The "Swiss Confederation" is vehemently denounced, due to several of their heinous acts; their political and vile influence on legitimate Germany is considerable and an affront to God; no foreign republican demagogue will rule Thuringia through the puppet emperors. Why does the Swiss state that it can offer to choose who is our emperor? Rejects the Saxon King, who is Swisser's puppet. Their clear cabal is direct and displayed as voluntarily invasive for the just ideals of gbgovernm, ent. The real emperor will be selected fairly and not through substantive contracts; rebels, do not gently enter their ploy. Their delicate handling; designed. He is dangerously willing to attack and control; they infect Germany and amake so that there is no truth. We propose that there should be a true election of emperor, and it should be conducted expeditiously. It should be crafted fairly so that the electors have a say. It is ridiculous that the Swiss continually attack Germany from without and from otuside. They are sowing the seeds of their slowly take over and infiltration of the government, of the papal see, and of Europe. Their mercenaries march, endlessly, on multiple locations, and all the while they profit off constant warfare that they inflict. They are racketeering, gradually gaining power. Can it be stopped, their carelessly implausible actions, that are illogical - Unless there is to be recognized that what they are doing is for hteir own gain; unmoral and provcoked to attack and displace Gemrany and Germans alike and the German states and the sanctity of the church ans the sanctity of marriage, and the true positions of the Germans and the German race and that which was sowed by Charles the Great and by Otto and by Jesus and the disciplines and all the saints and the roman emperors. Did they not balk at the wishes of the rightful emeperor all those years ago, which sowed the seeds for rebellion, which, continually, rips apart the rightful empires internal fabric and continually harasses and rejects its fibres from joining into a cohesive, well established built state. The Swiss, should we even call them that and legitimize their hanous tongue, is harmful and despicious to the good of Europe and the sanctiity of the well established balance of power among medieval, that is to say, middle aged, states, which has existed and had been trying to exist, should they allow it, when they have decided that they have done enough harm, enough constant and continual harm to the people and the places and the good faithful men and women and children of the ordered and good nations; let the Swiss know that their attacks have not gone unnoticed because the German people are becoming fed up, and doubly upset, willing to question them, willing to stand and investigzage what really happened in the imperial election. The imperial election which they forged, might I remind you, and tainted with blood and money in the form of constant bribes and backdoor and background dealings and promises. It is no surpruise that they bought the election of the lacky, puppet, who then turned around and bestowed upon them gifts and gifts and constant showers of favors; should we not be alarmed by the constant unceasing idiotic drownings of their calculated and ridiculous proclamations? Hark, read this verbatim quote and tell the good people of the world,w ho you had previously lied to or stood complacent in front of; "In response to the new accusations of witchcraft appearing in the Swiss Confederacy, Bishop of Augsburg and Grand Inquisitor of the Swiss Confederacy Jodok Seitz and Bishop of Chur Ortlieb von Brandis decide to set up a new clerical commission to investigate accusations of witchcraft. Some delegates from the Central Council will observe this commission to make sure the efforts against witchcraft do not get out of hand like the witch trials of Bishop of Sion André dei Benzi of Gualdo in the 1420s did, and some medical scholars from the University of Basel also join the commission in order to investigate whether accusations of witchcraft or demonic possession may just be the result of medical conditions. 2,000 Swiss mercenaries remain in Arles to aid King Lucas of Arles against Modena. Hearing that King Henry VI of England is trying to reconcile with the House of Beaufort, Eberhard, Count of Lenzburg writes to the English King that he agrees with the King of Ireland's suggestion for Elizabeth Beaufort (b. 1459), granddaughter of Edmund Beaufort (the former King Edward V of England) to be betrothed to Edward of York (b. 1464), the son of Henry VI. (Mod response) As the ruling house of England is now trying to reconcile with the Beauforts and thereby with Ireland, the Central Council decides to change tack and take an entirely neutral position with regards to the disputes between Ireland and Scotland for now, though they will continue to pay close attention to these. After the death of the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund II, Count Eberhard writes to his relative Hermann III, Landgrave of Hesse, who is the Elector of Hesse; Louis IX, Duke of Bavaria-Landshut, who has an established political alliance with the Swiss Confederacy and is the Elector of Bavaria; as well as to Wenceslaus III, Duke of Saxe-Wittenberg, who is the Elector of Saxony, to propose for Wenceslaus III of Saxony to be a candidate to be elected the new Holy Roman Emperor instead of a fourth consecutive Premsylid. (Saxony response) (Mod response for Hesse and Bavaria). The Central Council continues to pay attention to the conflicts in northern Italy to which Swiss mercenaries have been deployed, and also continue to give fairly passive support to the League of the Public Weal in France. Domestically, the government works on improving roads and related infrastructure in the central Cantons of Schwyz, Uri, Unterwalden, Engelberg and Glarus, in order to aid the movement of traders and goods and boost the economy. The joint military of the Confederacy focuses on fortifying mountain passes and other border crossings on the southwestern border of the nation in the Cantons of Pontarlier, Lausanne, Geneva and Sion, while those mercenaries gathered at Rapperswil Castle in the Canton of Toggenburg work on improving the fortifications of the castle and surrounding town while waiting for potential deployment to northern Italy or the British Isles. Patriarch of the Western Church Eneko Etcheverry (1405-1470) dies of a disease and is succeeded as Western Patriarch by Federico Fernández (b. 1425), head priest of the Western Church of Unterwalden in the Swiss Confederacy, who is in turn succeeded as head priest by his elder brother Humberto Fernández (b. 1422). The Central Council writes to Pope Anastasius VI to propose that the new Western Patriarch be created cardinal to replace Etcheverry. (Papal response) Catherine von Lenzburg (1400-1470), aunt of Eberhard, Count of Lenzburg and mother of Hermann III, Landgrave of Hesse, dies of natural causes. Later in the year, Margaret of Gorizia (1402-1470), daughter of Sophia von Lenzburg and mother of Peter IV, Duke of Savoy, dies. Engelbert von Lenzburg and Marianne of Württemberg have their first child, a son named Ulrich VIII (b. 1470). Later in the year, Maria von Lenzburg and Albert IV, Duke of Bavaria-Munich have their first child, a daughter named Agnes (b. 1470). Francis Capet-Berry and Margaret of Bourbon have their third child, a daughter named Joan (b. 1470)." What does this have to do with Jesus? What does this have to do with rightful, lawful actions in the empire? They purposely crafted these actions recounted in order to subvert the order of the world, and I pray that we wake up; please wake up Germany, reclaim your lost glory before the influence of the Swiss ont he politics of this fair empire, which they have continually attacked and attempted to dismantle. Let it be known that the Swiss will have their reckoning when Jesus Christ rises and assends on easter to judge the living and the dead; and he sees what crimes they have commited, aye, as have we, and he will strike them with the vengence that they deserve for their actions; countless actions, all of it ridiculous, nonsense, constant harazssment of the Germans that has dug their soul deeper and deeper into the limbo of hell; do they crave that? Hell's fire will clench them of their insolence and teach them, a lesson, the nation of THuringia simply prays that we wake up and see it, and bring them there sooner rather than later. And, Thuringia does not fault the Saxon who attempted to be king, he was under the influence perhaps of wrongful forces and spirits, called the Swiss, who influenced him and made him these promises and contolled him, but it is not his fault; no let us reclaim his mind and liberate him and Germany and all the careful dealings of the Germans from the Swiss menace.
  • Bohemia: We propose the aht ruler of tHuringia marry the daughter of Henry III, and a son marry the daughter of THuringia.
  • One of the most skilled warriors in the entire kingdom, the bastard son of the famed dueler Conrad One-eye himself, Conradin, is dispatched with a covert band of experienced trackers, hunters, and killers, and a great sum of money and resources. He is dispatched to covertly assassinate the false king Wenceslaus III. If he falls each and every man will fight to the last and attempt to kill in the next day, or the next day, or the next day. All 20 men will try to kill him in different ways. Conradin elects to have 100 men ambush him in the woods, as he previously mentioned he liked to hunt, and attack him on all sides with archers and soldiers. Should that fail, another man plants explosives underneath the target's camp. And should that fail, countless other plots are intricately planned to be executed one after another. Each day he will be targeted over and over again until he dies, and each assassin is specially trained to not reveal any information, although they would not know anything in particular on account of never having spoken to a Thuringian official directly.
  • Thuringia accepts that two nobles may marry.
• Archbishopric of Mainz: Construction of the new wing to the Electoral Palace at Aschaffenburg, and the new Electoral Palace for the Archchancellor in Mainz is finally completed this year. Cardinal Diether von Isenburg remains a firm supporter of the extensive reforms in the Catholic church, including the Inquisition, the Assembly of Preachers, and the Holy War against Byzantium. He continues to support raising education in his Diocese. He continues to patronize the printing of releases from the Pontifical Roman Press, and other great works for the Library of Mainz. He continues his endeavors to increase the bureaucratic oversight of the Emperor’s lands, and standardize their upkeep. Cardinal von Isenburg continues recruiting a growing network of “unofficial” agents, to spy on the Imperial immediacies, and give him more information on the Emperor’s administrators, and potential threats. While journeying to the Papal Conclave with his usual rentineue of clerks, the Cardinal falls into the company of a certain Kaspar von Roggendorf, a man of an immenent knightly family from Austria, currently working as a treasurer for a minor baron in Waldviertel, currently on pilgramage to Rome. As they travel together, the two become friends, and Cardinal von Isenburg is astonished at the man's financial genius, talking with him more and more about the burdens he is under as the Emperor's Archchancellor.
• Dai Viet: Seeking to increase relations between Dai Viet and Majapahit, an offer is made to the new Maharajah, Girindrawardhana for an alliance with Dai Viet. Due to the increasingly loose control of Majapahit on the island of Sumatra, the Emperor also request the island of Belitung to be ceded to Dai Viet in order to get more closeness to Majapahit domain for this alliance. (Mod Response). The Emperor and the royal house, having said goodbye to the Maharajah and his beloved daughter, set sail back to Dai Viet mainland. Upon returning, he continues making new policies to further increase the economy of the country. He orders new trading markets to be opened across the country. With the trading aspect of the economy's scales getting bigger and bigger, regional mandarins are tasked with maintaining security along these markets. The navy is also tasked to maintain security along the Dai Viet's domain of the Eastern sea to destroy pirate bands and arresting disruptive and cheating characters. Following that are the opening of new plantations in the reclaimed soil down south. The country now has over fifty plantations. The Dai La fort along the Thang Long Imperial Citadel is getting upgraded and expanded. Fortifications along the Lan Na border are also conducted to prevent disruptive bands. The Emperor requests historian Ngô Sĩ Liên and others to work on compiling the Complete Annals of Dai Viet, writing the history of every Vietnamese dynasty since the Hung kings period. Meanwhile, he and other court mandarins work on compiling the Law Code of Hồng Đức. The progress of examining the arquebuses are completed and the arquebuses are set to be equipped on every Vietnamese soldiers in the future. In the meantime the weaponry factories managed by Cuc Bach are tasked to produce these arquebuses, to equip their products to the army. Workers are also tasked to exploit natural resources to get the blacksmiths supplies. The progress of military training of mastering arquebuses are still conducted with shooting added to the military exams in Giảng võ đường.
  • Majapahit doesn't want to sell the island that has significant population on it already.
• Swiss Confederacy: 2,000 Swiss mercenaries remain in the British Isles to aid King Robert III of Scotland against Ireland. Meanwhile, the 1,000 mercenaries who returned from Greece continue to recuperate in the Swiss Confederacy, with some of them suffering from psychological trauma from seeing so many of their comrades die in the incredibly bloody fighting at Arta. Hearing of the internal conflict in Arles, Eberhard, Duke of Lenzburg offers to aid Protector-General Lucas against the rebels with 2,000 soldiers of the joint military of the Swiss Confederacy, if in exchange Lucas allows Swiss merchants greater trading rights in the seaports of Arles. (Arles response). In particular, the Central Council discusses with various Swiss merchants, including the guild of Zürich, ideas about trading, with one particular idea that emerges being setting up a Swiss maritime trading company out of an Arlesian port such as Nice. Related to this, domestically, the government funds boatbuilders working on the shores of Lake Lucerne (in Lucerne, Canton of Lucerne) and Lake Constance (in Constance, Canton of Constance and Bregenz, Canton of Montfort), who having been working for the past century on creating ferries and fishing boats, as their expertise would be useful for such a proposed venture. The joint military of the Confederacy ends the closure of borders in the southwest of the nation as it seems the smallpox outbreak in Arles has passed, and instead the troops gather at the military base of Neuchâtel Castle in the Canton of Neuchâtel in preparation of potential deployment to Arles as the talks between Eberhard and Lucas are ongoing. While there, the soldiers of the joint military work on improving the defensive walls and other fortifications of Neuchâtel Castle and the surrounding city. The Central Council continues to pay attention to the conflicts in Greece, but they do not deploy mercenaries there again yet as they want to allow the Swiss mercenary force time to recuperate and replenish their numbers. They also continue to pay attention to the various conflicts in the British Isles as Swiss mercenaries remain deployed in Scotland and generally retain the same diplomatic position as the previous year, supporting Scotland and leaning toward supporting the House of Beaufort but remaining officially neutral in the York-Beaufort conflict. Eberhard V, Count of Württemberg (1441-1477) dies from a disease. As he did not have any children, it seems logical to the Central Council that Eberhard V's sister and only close living relative, Marianne of Württemberg (b. 1443) would become Countess, and this would make her husband Engelbert von Lenzburg (b. 1448) Count jure uxoris of Württemberg. Eberhard, Duke of Lenzburg visits Stuttgart for the funeral of his namesake and seeks to confirm with the lower nobles of Württemberg that this understanding of the succession is correct. (Mod response). Eberhard also writes to King Henry III of Bohemia about a marriage that had been proposed by Holy Roman Emperor Wenceslaus in 1475 and had been given a papal dispensation by Pope Anastasius VI, of Henry III's daughter Maria of Brandenburg-Bohemia/Premyslid (b. 1445) and Wenceslaus's son and heir Engelbert de la Marck (b. 1452). (Mod response). Blanche Courtenay and Henry Beaufort have their second child, a daughter named Henrietta (b. 1477).
  • As far as the church officials can tell, this is correct.
  • Marriage accepted.
• Vinland: The population grows to 4,940. All cities grow this year. Erikoberg ends its decline, but still stagnants as its population seemingly moves to Hallrberga for a variety of reasons. No new Tvennufolk families move to Keathutberga, but the families there give birth to a few children.
  • Skogrfjalland: The Norse population stagnates as a proportion of the total population. Erik Hrothgarsson orders the training of a new band of warriors and blesses them with the strength of violent ferocity of Odin. The Hallrberglander outpost in Markland is name Nordberg.
  • Suðrvinland: All cities grow this year. Vargrberg is the host of this year's Suðrvinlandic Thing. There the chieftains agree that a force of the strongest of warriors must be levvied to defend against the Norse. Hjalfar begins assembling a stronger military force to counteract the violent Norse. He accepts Southern Beothuk tribes into the confederacy, and sends diplomats and translators into the interior to negotiate confederacy with the northern tribes. He negotiates the confederacy of a few tribes of Beothuk in the central eastern part of Vinland.
  • Beothuk: The southern Beothuk are happy to be included into the Suðrvinlandic confederacy, and will participate in efforts to include their northern kinsmen into the confederacy.
• Poland-Lithuania: Casimir IV has fully continued to contribute their men to support the Catholics in the ongoing war and supported by his Polish nobility and the kingdom Casimir IV and the bavarians nobility actually discuss in peace and stuff promote his trade and such those idea, the economy is doing well as always and is good indeed and became dominated by feudal agriculture some largest export are commodity with the merchants of Gdansk and sign a contract with the merchants in that tradeport across Casimir IV's reign and policy most of region is being constructed and establish village and continue to recognize the politic of Casimir IV so while the inquistions still continue and search in Tabor and such areas neighbor many in, the state if there's any Taborites case at this point the Lithuanians and the bavarians nobility sign an impact to had discusion relations and principal communications and trades in common' by the way, Casimir IV made a right of military assemblies of the regional nobility and constructing more stuff to help the kingdom Casimir IV is enjoyed with the princess at the court and somewhat hour later the people engage the king and continue to good development of Lithuania-Poland the Poles have an influence of it that the Lithuanians can continue to work and unite with them for good own sake indeed which is good Gdansk is become an active trade port and more population continue to grow up dominated by the Polish regional locals and a few nobility Lithuanians support them Casimir IV has thought the Latin as a third official language of the Catholic's christianity and have many good relations in this realm the inquistions still continue and most of the Poles help the poor and engage respectivly make more house and thus turn into a modernizations and upgraded activity across the kingdom thus would make more money and the people promote the realm of the trade in Europe, to gain more discussion and interest Casimir IV kindly continue to support the crusade's occupation of that campaign the Poles have offering more stuff and gain more connection to gain trades and export to given recent Lithuanians involvements and the expansionist is under controlled by Casimir IV is assisted that they continue to work and most of new market are added and new establishment and settlement while most of scholar is finally and constructed and more Polish fleet is constructed and Casimir IV's continue to organize and make more powerful discusion and decision with the people.
• Empire of Romania: Unphased by Byzantine efforts to cut off their supply chains, a massive naval resupply effort begins from the Papal States to the port of Igoumenitsa, where the combined Catholic forces relocate to. An additional 13,000 Polish troops arrive, having marched to Venice around Hungary and sailed to Epirus via the Venetian merchant navy. Fortifications begin in earnest, and preparations are made for a large-scale conflict with Byzantine forces. A small, light force of 3,000 cavalry and light infantry are left in the south-eastern portion of Epirus to slow down the Byzantine advance and force them to commit additional resources to protecting their supply lines, already stretched thin. 5,000 Papal forces are commited to attacking the lightly defended Byzantine operating base at the Neopatria-Thessaly border, going north to avoid the forces commanded by Gjon Skanderburg. By occupying the base, it is hoped that supplies to the Byzantine armies in Greece will be almost entirely cut off. 300 Romanian scouts are assigned to this division to acts as local guides. Once the base has been occupied, these scouts are to set up small forward operating camps 20 kilometers from the base to warn the main force of any incoming Byzantine troop movement, with smoke to be used as a warning measure. Should the Byzantines come back to the base, the soldiers are to burn and destroy the base and retreat to Athens to prepare for a suppression of Achaea.
• Kingdom of Bohemia: Henry III of Bohemia, despising the "co-king" system, which he remarks in the chronicles as vastly improper and practically impossible, decides, in secret, that he will attempt to ensure that no such disaster continues into the future. As ordained by God and his vicar the surpreme Pope, and centuries of tradition and legal precedent, and the laws of Charlemagne and the emperors of old, there can be only one king of Germany, and he will be crowned as Emperor. The "Swiss Scheme", which has elevated Count Lenzburg to Imperial Kingmaker, and the stooge Wenceslaus to king, is indecent and a fraud, thinks Henry, and he plots secretly to redirect this course. Additionally, he realizes that the want-to-be-king has incestuously married his own daughter while he was indisposed, and thinking that vile, laments. Henry gathers his sons, of which he has eight in adulthood: Henry the Black, Count of Cray; Ottokar Tooler; Pavel the Sarmaritian; Conrad One-eye the legendary dueler; Jaromir the Captain of the White Company; Charles the Ghost of Lechfeld; Bernard Twice-Died; Marek Ironside; and he has them promise that he will continue their father's path. They swear a holy oath and pledge to free the empire and liberate their family and their nation from the cletches of the other schemers. To commemorate this pledge, each member takes a blue rose. A secret correspondence is sent to the Hesse nation, stating that if the Hessians end their campaign for Emperor and support Bohemia, they will be elevated under his government, promised lands from the vanquished, and given the satisfaction of accomplishing their like minded goals. An alliance is also sent to Thuringia, Lotharingia, Bavaria, and Austria. Henry III learns that one of his mistresses, who he attests he did not officially marry, named Anna (Amalia) de la Marck has four children, which he formally acknowledges as four bastards. All four of those children are to be disinherited and they are illegitimate. And frankly, he investigates further and confirms that Anna (Amalia) de la Marck is in fact definitively dead, having been deceased previously when she died of natural causes.
• Kingdom of Arles: Lucas I, residing in the temporary residence at Gap, scoffs at the nobles' offer. He orders the 5,000 reserve troops in the area to surround Marseilles. Meanwhile, 300 nobles still loyal to Lucas open the city gates, Allowing the troops to rush into the palace. Heavy fighting begins in the surrounding areas. The 2,000 Swiss troops are accepted, and join in the fight. Two small contingents of 200 men led by Altisi and Fathien Muchalio Le Ross respectively march to the gates and mops up any nobles who escape. (ALGO NEEDED) The effects of the smallpox epedemic are still felt throughout the lands. Crop yields decrease, although only slightly due to Aline's investments. In the Western Sahara, an influx of new births raise total populations to about 12,000. The ports at Noli are upgraded to Arlean levels. We request Spanish support in dealing with this rebellion. (HISPANIC RESPONSE).
  • The Spanish Crown: Queen Katherine agrees.
  • Pisa: A 400 strong force sails to Marseilles and join the fight. The economy is improved.
• The Spanish Empire: After claiming victory in Modena and establishing the Della Rovere upon the throne, Isabella withdraws her men from the territory placing them back in the Empire. The commanders are revered and honored but are handed a new mission. Under Juan Rosarios, Admiral of the 3rd Armada of A Coruna, General Jose is given a mission now including 8,000 men to be dispatched to Wales mostly comprising of Galician Spaniards. Its a prideful position knowing the roots tie to the Empire yet remain distant relatives to our formal subjects within Britannia. Therefore, a combination of 20,000 forces are gathered to be sent to help our partners in Scotland and Wales in total. Our men in Greece are also relieved with trained zealots being sent in their place returning our troops home and leaving behind a commander and Hispanic "Army" that would both save face as well as prevent the further exhaustion of resources in areas that aren't of focus. Therefore, our targets lie in Britannia. As holding the honorable position as Armadeaur, Katherine will indeed defend her subjects and partners under the realm. Katherine this year births twins. Prince Elvin and Princess Catalina. In Trujillo, a young Francisco Pizarro turns one year of age.
• Duchy of Bavaria-Landshut: In a tragic accident, Ludwig IX and his son die in a hunting accident. This leaves the Duchy without an heir, and as such, the crowns of Bavaria are reunited and all of Ludwig's possessions, including the Duchy of Bavaria-Landshut and his elector status are transferred to Albert IV, Duke of Bavaria-Munich. wanting to secure his position, Albert immediately asks that the Bavarian alliance with the Swiss confederacy continue, promising good relation in the future. In addition, he suggests a marriage between his son William and one of the Sons of the Duke of Thuringia, in an agreement that would make William the heir to the Duchy of Thuringia. In an effort to maintain the Duchy's cohesion, Albert leaves much of Ludwig's royal household intact, and uses existing apparatuses to manage the bureaucracy of the newly reunified Bavaria.
  • Thuringia accepts.

1478

Habemus Papum! Bishop Jan Długosz is elected the new pope, taking on the papal name Pope Honorius VI. Being from the Latin Greek population, he pushes in earnest for the Holy War against the Byzantine Empire. However, in his writings he does not describe it as a Crusade, but more an extension of the ongoing inquisition against heresy.

In the Holy Roman Empire, the reign of Emperor Wenceslaus faces a wave of political uncertainty and intrigue, as all the electors of the empire begin reviving their economies and political courts simultaneously. The exact meaning of this sudden activity is still uncertain.

Ryazan surrenders to Novgorod, placing the princes of the Kievan Rus' effectively under the control of one republic.

At this point in time, the languages of proper German and Franconian German or "Middle Belgic" become mutually unintelligble, requiring official documents to either be translated or transmitted in Latin.

The Kingdom of Arles falls into civil war between the King and nobles over his recent attempt at abdication.

The Demak Sultanate again revolts against the Majapahit Empire, now in a more weakened sate.

A new sporting event called "Cricket" appears in Paris.

In Florence, the Piazzi family enacts a conspiarcy in an attempt to assassinate the d'Medicis, killing one of them.

Modino de Luizzi publishes the first printed anatomical textbook in Padua.

• Nassau: There is great celebration in Nassau as Ermanaric is married to his first wife, named Agnes. Twins are born (according to the family tree), which Ermanaric is excited about. He decides to craft a long form poem to commemorate the occassion and he recites it in front of the celebrating parties at his court, to mixed reviews. There are confusing matters in the empire, as Ermanaric receives conflicting reports about who the emperor is and if he is even alive still. Figuring that the emperor is dead, he decides to travel to Aachen just in case and investigate. Letters arrive from various parties all at once, seemingly indicating that both hesse and Bohemia seek the imperial throne. Nassau has little care for either, although Ermanaric's wife is Bohemian in origin so he decides to choose the latter out of the two options. He writes an eloquently written letter to the Hessian ruler, explaining that although he wants no bad blood with him, he simply cannot vote for him at this time. While in Aachen, Ermanaric focuses more on his poetry and writing, and constructs a short story in his "alternate history" genre about if the House of Lenzburg had died out in the 1200s. He also dreams of perhaps becoming the Premier Master of Ceremonies or the Superintendent general of the Theaters for the emperor should he be elected, and courts the idea with the Bohemians. Seeking peace in the empire above all else, Ermanaric proposes to the Swiss that his newly born daughter Tabitha be betrothed to a descendant of the Duke of Lenzburg, and that his son Jezrahiah be betrothed to a daughter of the Duke of Thuringia. He seeks to bring both parties to the negotiation table so that perhaps their differences can be ironed out (Swiss player and Thuringian player response).
• Kingdom of Arles: Having kicked out the Rebels from Marseilles, their only occupied city, they now reside in the areas west of Marseilles. The Army stops to rest. Lucas I decides that the Rebels must be defeated quickly. Reinforcements from Pisa and Saluzzo join the ranks, swelling the Army to about 7,600. This is led by Altisi and Fathien Mulchalio Le Ross. The Spanish Reinforcements coming from the border surround the Rebels, While 1,000 elite royal knights follow the Protector General Lucas I. Sebastian Belli stays in Noli to govern the lands. The troops around the rebels, now numbering about 13,000, advance toward the rebels encampment, Vigueirat fields. The bulk of the army (7600 troops) assaults first, following by the Hispanians from behind and finally the Royal Knights Whom will attempt to destroy their flank. (ALGO NEEDED) After Marseilles is liberated, trade profits improve tremendously, and so do Crop Yields, As Arles recovers from the Smallpox Epidemic. Damage from the battle is repaired. An envoy is sent to Bavaria-Landshut, offering a political alliance. (BAVARIAN RESPONSE) We say that this Alliance will be Mutually Beneficial, As we seek to have more influence in Central Europe, While you need maritime trade. In the Western Sahara, the influx of new residents continues.
  • Pisa: The state is becoming increasingly rich. Philippe II travels to the Papal States to pay respects to the Pope. The Lowen Fort is painted by artist Glenalsi Firlvo. It has become one of the sights that distinguish Pisa, other than the Leaning tower of Pisa and the University of Pisa.
• Papal States: With the end of the conclave, Cardinal Jan Długosz is elected as the new Pope and takes the papal name Honorius VI in honour of Pope Honorius V, the previous pontiff to hail from Eastern Europe. With a new pontiff, come changes in the Curia. Cardinal Youssef II el-Hadathi becomes the new Cardinal-Secretary, Cardinal Ortlieb von Brandis becomes the General Commissary of the Church, Cardinal Charles de Neufchâtel returns to being the head of the Association of Missionaries and Preachers, Cardinal Francesco della Rovere becomes the new head of the Pontifical Roman Press, Cardinal Francesco Todeschini-Piccolomini becomes the head of the Institute of Works of Charity, Cardinal John III Peckenschlager continues as the prefect of the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition, Cardinal Berardo Eroli is the new Dean of the College of Cardinals and Cardinal Rinaldo Orsini becomes the Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church. Pope Honorius VI has several discussions with the Roman Curia about the circumstances of the death of Pope Anastasius VI, and as a result of these discussions new laws are created that mandate that building construction efforts in Rome need to adhere to certain minimal standards of safety and care, to avoid incidents like the one who which resulted in the previous Pope's death from happening again. Pope Honorius VI encourages all Catholic nations to contribute to the Holy War to protect to the Latin Empire in Greece. Under Pope Honorius VI's supervision and the new construction workplace safety laws, construction begins in Rome of the Cortile del Belvedere (Belvedere Court), a building intended to host a new Vatican Library. Bramante becomes responsible for the project of the Cortile del Belvedere. The pontiff writes to Antonio Pollaiuolo, asking him to come to Rome to work in Honorius' tomb and to help Bramante with Cortile's project [MOD response needed, please]. Using the archives of the Vatican, Honorius start to work in a book about the History of the Papacy. Pope Honorius VI creates as cardinals Filiasio Roverella (Archbishop of Ravenna, Papal States), Arsæll Esturlungio (of Rocca Abbaziale, Papal States), Bartolomeo Fanti (of Mantua, Modena), John Walton (Archbishop of Dublin, Ireland) and Ulrich Geislinger (Bishop of Augsburg, Swiss Confederacy). In response to the diplomatic request from Saxony the previous year, Pope Honorius VI affirms that Wenceslaus III, Duke of Saxony is currently the legitimate Holy Roman Emperor. The pontiff don't understand so many doubts about the legality of Wenceslaus III as Emperor or the accusations that the Lenzburgs rigged the elections. If the Lenzburg manipulated the elections to Wenceslaus win, how could it have ended with Wenceslaus and the King of Bohemia as co-kings of Germany? The worse part of this absurd pamtomime is that was the King of Bohemia himself who stepped down in favor of Wenceslaus III becoming the Emperor. If he wanted to be Emperor, why he stepped down in his claim? Pope Honorius VI considers this entire situation as absurd. Philip of Habsburg and Luchina Della Rovere have a daughter named Mary. Concerned with the Pazzi Conspiracy that happened in Florence, Philip of Habsburg writes to his sister Margaret and her husband Lorenzo de' Medici asking them if they and their children, including the young Luisa (b. 1476) are safe. Philip offer Lorenzo a group of 500 soldiers to help defeat the Pazzi if an armed conflict becomes necessary [MOD response needed, please].
  • Antonio Pollaiuolo accepts the commission.
  • Lorenzo d'Medici accepts the help.
• Thuringia: BOOK ONE: Water. The road to Aachen was a long one, that sloped through the forests of western Germany, and over countless hills and mountains and rivers. He regretted agreeing to this mission now, as the days became longer and more tiresome, and more than anything he dreamed of home. “It’s getting dark,” murmured Greyhands. Even now his sword hand bounced near the hilt of his sword, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. It was no secret that Rolf “Greyhands” Bayard was the most feared and celebrated knight in all of the Holy Roman Empire, but neither was his short temper and disdain for trouble. Wolfgang gripped his coat tighter, feeling the chilling breeze as it peaked through their caravan. He peered over at Johnan who was usually the first to want to rest. Sure enough the old man practically had his eyes already shut, and he swayed with the rhythm of his horse below. “Yes let’s make camp here for the night,” Wolfgang commanded. That night the three of them huddled around the fire, and Wolfgang thought of his father. He hoped he would be successful in the capital, and do as his father commanded. He’s getting older, Wolfgang thought. Sometimes his mind seems half gone too. “The city of Charlemagne is quite grand…” Johann had begun to wax poetic again, but this time the night was so lonely Wolfgang almost wanted to hear him out. “Yes I’ve heard. Although for a holy Roman empire I wonder how holy and Roman the city is.” Johann grinned. “My boy...some say Charles used imperial Rome as the model for our legion precisely because it was so foreign, so {beat} alien. He’d seen what had become of the world’s attempts to emulate the culture of the ancients - the in-fighting, the corruption. Rome was a highly militarized autocracy that effectively integrated the foreign cultures it conquered. It dedicated its citizens to something higher than themselves - to the idea of Rome itself. In Rome he found a template for a society equal to the challenges of the post-Roman world - a society that could and would survive. Since then we have shifted from that path, but truly, it could be a society that could prevent mankind from fracturing and destroying itself in this new world, by establishing a new {packs Ro-MAH-na} Pax Romana.” Wolfgang rolled his eyes. “It means a {taking time with each term} nationalist, imperialist, totalitarian, homogeneous culture that obliterates the identity of every group it conquers. Long-term stability at all costs. The individual has no value beyond his utility to the state, whether as an instrument of war, or production.” Wolfgang countered, “So you think my father will have us destroy the HRE because you hate its inefficiencies?” Johann smirked. “No, I'll destroy it because it's inevitable that it be destroyed. It's {heh-GEHL-ee-an} Dialectics, not personal animosity. {enjoying the superiority of teacher} How do I put this basically enough? It's a philosophical theory that I recently invented, the kind you might encounter if you took time to read some books. The fundamental premise is to envision history as a sequence of "dialectical" conflicts. Each dialectic begins with a proposition, a {emphasis}thesis......which inherently contains, or creates, its opposite - an antithesis. Thesis and antithesis. The conflict is inevitable. But the resolution of the conflict yields something new - a synthesis - eliminating the flaws in each, leaving behind common elements and ideas. The hordes wiped the slate clean. Human civilization descended to a level of ignorance that effectively set our cultural progress back to zero. The Swiss-backed oligarchy has all of the problems of the ancient Roman Republic - extreme bureaucracy, corruption, extensive princely infighting. Just as with the ancient Republic, it is natural that a military force should conquer and transform the Holy Roman Empire into a military dictatorship. Thesis and antithesis. The Rhine River is our Rubicon. The Holy Roman Empire’s council will be {beat}eradicated, but the new synthesis will change the nation as well… ...from an aimless army to a standing military force that protects its citizens, {finality} and the power of its dictator.” There was a long pause. “Wow did my father teach you all that nonsense?” Wolfgang laughed. “Old man...I hope for everyone’s sake you live to see your new world order.” Rolf shifted in his seat. The knight had been so quiet that Wolfgang forgot he was there. “Something’s coming, my lord.” The knight jumped up to his feet and drew a blade. His cold steel, the blade of Saints Cosmas and Damian, shimmered in the moonlight. “Don’t strike!” cried a voice in the distance. “I bring news.” A messenger ran up to them, dwarfed under the might of the great knight. “The emperor has died,” gulped the messenger. “The emperor died during a hunting accident. Wenceslaus III is dead.” “Enough,” spat Rolf, and he took one eye off the boy to glance at Wolfgang. “And how do you know this?” said Wolfgang. The boy drew a letter from his pocket, still sealed with the wax of the Saxon crown. “The news has been traveling for some time, and I’ve been trying to catch up to you,” he mumbled. “And what else have they been saying,” added Johann. The boy paused. “If I may be honest sir, it’s no secret that the Swiss ordered his death, and they prayed on it too.” “Typical,” replied Johann. Wolfgang was long in thought. “We must continue what my father sent us to do, now more than ever. And we must get to Aachen and elect a new king.” The next day Wolfgang took some time to assess the situation in Germany, and as they rode the pieces of state danced in his head. There’s something rotten in the House of Lenzburg, he wagered. He thought back to 1477: a dozen noblemen and women suddenly die in mysterious circumstances and unfortunate accidents...someone’s killing the opposition. But who could be behind it? Old Man Eberhard sits in his tower in the Swiss Alps, seemingly never moving or leaving. All the while he must be plotting something. Every time a Pope dies his men are there to oversee the next one, and every time an Emperor dies they are there as well. Curious, he thought. When his company arrived in Aachen many other electors and noblemen had already arrived. The city was full of live and action, and everywhere Wolfgang seemed to go the people murmured rumors of what would happen next. Henry III claims the throne, and Wolfgang thought back to the mere technicality that seemed to rob him of the title last election. He was walking through the old city with Rolf by his side, finally seeing the sites of the city. The buildings, the statues, it all made him think of just what his father had planned…”Wolfgang you sonnofabitch.” He turned around and a smile cracked cross his face. “Jaromir?” The two men embraced. “So you made it finally, have you?” “Shouldn’t you be off crusading in the east?” The two men laughed. It had begun all those years ago when Wolfgang crossed into the Holy Land for the first time. Standing on the walls of Jerusalem are guaranteed to make any man a believer. Sometime about those hills and those streets, and the smell and the sounds and sights. There were priests and monks wandering through the streets, and pilgrims frantically daring their heads in every direction. And little boy thieves ran around them all, desperate for a coin or two. It was there that he had first met Jaromir of Bohemia, a strong barrel of a man with a long, oddly rectangular and black beard. “You look just as tired of praying as I am,” the man said the first time they spoke. “Indeed I am,” Wolfgang had admitted. “So what do you say we get out of this city and go on an adventure?” They had rode out from Jerusalem just as the sun was beginning to set, and they crossed into the countryside and into Saracen territory. Jaromir claimed he had heard a tale that the holy grail itself had fallen into Muslim hands, and was somewhere in the nearby hills. So they tracked down some bandits and made haste into their camp. He could never forget how they fought and fought, and Jaromir skillfully cut them down, and Wolfgang just tried to keep up. “There,” Wolfgang had cried, pointing to a great treasure box. But when they uncovered what was inside they found only a small, inconsequential looking cup among some other trinkets. “Aye, I suppose this is the grail,” Wolfgang laughed. “Hopefully it grants me some good luck,” Jaromir said, taking a sip of water out of it, poured from his old drinking flask. That reminded him, he hadn’t seen that old cup in ages. “Oh hello there,” said another voice. It was Jaromir’s little brother Marek. He couldn’t help but remember Marek is the little boy that he was back in Jerusalem, always annoying him and complaining every step of the pilgrimage. “You’ve grown up a bit,” Wolfgang admitted, “Yes it’s been ages old friend,” he replied, his annoying voice having remained. “What brings you lot to the capital?” Wolfgang asked. “Same as you, I suppose,” sighed Jaromir, as the trio began to walk. “The emperor is dead, long live the new one, as they say.” “And I take it you want to convince me to vote for your father?” Wolfgang said. “Well yes, if you wouldn’t mind.” Wolfgang laughed, “don’t worry my father had already made up his mind. I’ll just vote as he told me. Assuming he isn’t on his way here.” Jaromir ran a hand through his wavy, long hair. “Good, we’ll need a man of your talent. And his too.” Jaromir pointed over his shoulder and Wolfgang looked back, noticing Rolf still followed from a short distance, ever vigilant. Eventually the Duke did arrive in all his fanfare, and that weathered man was speaking practically in tongues the hymns of Lenzburg’s downfall, and the rebirth of a new Germany. By crazy old father, thought Wolfgang. Once he was an ambitious man, a determined man, with clear goals. Everyone remembered him from back then, so no one ought to question him now. His argument was simple: definitive proof that the Swiss oligarchs had indisputably bought the last imperial election, and furthermore had done so to control the empire like a puppet. But Wolfgang knew it ran deeper than that, much deeper. For only him and a few trusted men knew the real tale of what they had done, all those years ago. It was a tale so old that no one else in the empire surely remembered, yet his father remembered. He would always remember. In time the Swiss even arrived in the capital, and the old duke turned his head to them. He was thinner and paler than ever at the sight of them, and all the more opinionated. He was loud and other times he was quiet, he was absent-minded and other times wide awake. He was judging and sometimes too lost in thought. He was proud but sometimes hunched over, refusing to see another person in his vicinity. The Swiss envoy joked one night and called him the Thin White Duke, perhaps he didn’t mean it as an insult. The fool would get what was coming to him regardless. That night he cried out, and he roared and howled, his face red with blood and his blood boiling with anger. He screamed how they tried to control them, they harvested them like crops, and they used us like fuel for their hungry machinations. They orchestrated every marriage, they carefully crafted our families to align with their plans for our demise. Only them charted every last royal family, every last election, and every cardinal that coughed during a papal conclave. Why? That is what he kept spewing. But he knew why, or at least he claimed to. He saw it in their eyes, they desired power. More than anything else they desired the power to shape the country to their will, and so far they had been successful. News came that the armies of Henry III would likely come, and it became clear that the will of that fiery old emperor would not be quenched. The Thin White Duke admired it, Wolfgang thought. He had sent word to Bohemia, that let Thuringia support you in your election; let Thuringia drop any pretext of an attempt toward imperial ascensy in exchange for their audacious support in a clear and concise scheme that benefited them both. He said, our dukedom bows to you! But your loyal servant, your most exquisitely loyal and excellently non-errant earl requires, nay requests, a simple proposition that his majesty the emperor should support his fiefs in the rightful regulatory fight against the renegades should the right time arise! Germany would arise, oh king, to march alongside you, to curb the heathens and the heretics and the hilariously sinful syndicates who plot against you. We would support you in all your endeavours to right the wrongs of an empire, and to turn the tide of the turbulent ocean waters should you hold your hand out to command them….just, we humbly, humbly request, that his majesty’s government keep in mind the plight of all those who take up the sword against Swiss sonsofbitches. And having delivered that message to the Bohemians, Wolfgang simply thought, good grief.
• Archbishopric of Mainz: Cardinal von Isenburg pays homage to Pope Honorius VI, and honors his election with the gift of a copy of the Dialogues of Socrates. Cardinal Diether von Isenburg remains a firm supporter of the extensive reforms in the Catholic church, including the Inquisition, the Assembly of Preachers, and the Holy War against Byzantium. He continues to support raising education in his Diocese. He continues to patronize the printing of releases from the Pontifical Roman Press, and other great works for the Library of Mainz. He continues to manage the administrative system he has created to manage the lands of the holy Roman Emperor. In his regular report to the Emperor, the Cardinal reports that, as a result of the reforms he has made over the last 14 years, imperial revenue has risen by over 10% since 1465. Corruption and mismanagment are at an all time low, and they are now able to move forward over time in standardizing the laws and practices of all the Imperial immediacies. The direct power of the emperor over the rule of his immediacies has never been so strong. With the recent death of the Count Philipp of Katzenelnbogen, the house of Katzenelnbogen is now extinct in the male line. The Archchancellor requests that the Emperor award the rule of the lands around Darmstadt to the Electorate of Mainz, in order to unite the disparate branches of the Electorate geographically. (Saxony Response).
  • Saxony: After some deliberation, Wenceslaus agrees to award the rule of the lands around Darmstadt to the Electorate of Mainz. He thinks this is a good idea.
• Iceland: The king sends funds to build a school and a church in Nýja Domnhallslandi and sends an additional 25 women and 25 men. The king sends an envoy to the Örebro Union and offers them an alliance(Response Needed). We continue to send our funds to the Papal States and Corinth. During the Althingi election no Sturlungurs are elected for the first time since 1327. The king requests the hand of Louise of Gorizia (b. 1464) in marriage. (Swiss response needed).
  • Swiss diplomacy: Eberhard, Duke of Lenzburg approves of this proposed marriage, though he notes it would also require approval from Henry VII, Count of Gorizia as well as a papal dispensation for incest. (Mod response for Gorizia) (Papal response).
    • Papal Diplomacy: Pope Honorius VI approves the marriage.
• Dai Viet: Having heard that the Demak sultanate has revolted against Majapahit again, now with the weakened state of the empire, the Emperor makes a deal with Maharajah Girindrawardhana. Dai Viet will provide 28,000 naval troops to support Majapahit against Demak in the war again, but this time, if Majapahit wins, Majapahit shall cede small territories of the empire to Dai Viet as a result. Also, for the meantime in this war, the Emperor's daughter Thanh Toại shall be transported back to Dai Viet for her own safety and shall be reunited with her husband the Maharajah after the war. If Majapahit accepts, Dai Viet will immediately send the naval troops to Java. (Mod Response) This can also be seen as an opportunity for Dai Viet's army to test out the new arquebuses that have started been produced and equppied to Dai Viet troops starting from this year. Historian Ngô Sĩ Liên and his team have finished compiling the Complete Annals of Dai Viet, hvaing studied from previous historical works of earlier dynasties. The Annals writes the history of Dai Viet since the Hung kings periods with mythical tales of Son Tinh, Saint Giong to the current year of 1478. The Law Code of Hồng Đức continues to be compiled. Following that, 28,000 men commanded by Admiral Le Canh Huy set sail to Java for war against Demak.
  • Majapahit accepts
• Poland-Lithaunia: Economy advances well during all the week, almost all the region are built and even among the agricultural becomes developed and begins to contribute rural are now constructed and finally the population continue to growup, which is good indeed! since Casimir IV begins to improve the armor and the tactics of the soldiers to be more developed of his support, the nobility Poles sign a contracts with the merchants to recognize the Polish trade route and social support support and an agreement with the Lithuanians as well in this regard discusion the improving health lands and mortally they size the economy into a good point calculator as Casimir IV worked so far and improved the city a funds is sent to finish the construction of the canal with his progress and new market is establish in the expansion territorial tradepost at the North's border as well and is raise more men and women in the actual kingdom and literally  relatively fast-paced in some areas, lagged behind the developing country Silesia becomes a labor slow forces to work on construction and martial development and exportation and signed as a tradeport just like Gdansk the order Poles has order send more mens for the inquistions and stuff still, the fact that Casimir IV encourage the Catholic in the war current and send his hope to them Tabor is forcibly now become under an investigations inquistion state if there's any case again, Casimir IV think is a good idea to make more gallery and organized the areas and upgraded so he send a fund with builter to construct more and constructed regions Casimir IV is currrently enjoying a good discussion with the Bavarians princess and a good time. Anyway, some discussion with the Poles suggest to make more progress and recovering and make more progress and also continue to support the Catholic's occupation in greece in respectively.
• Kingdom of Hungary and Dalmatia: Stephen X becomes King after the death of his uncle Vilmos III. in April from disease. The king displayed symptoms like high fever, aching limbs and dry coughs, the doctors were unable to cure him. His suffering is well documented by having the best doctors of the university around him, not only trying to cure him but thoroughly describing the symptoms to learn from them. Stephen X, meanwhile, keeps contact with Radu the Fair and offers 15,000 men to crush Vlads tyrannical satanic rule over Wallachia. The only thing expected in return would be a marriage of him or one of his direct heirs with an Arpad prince or princess (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) Though Stephen’s goals are not explicitly religious, he asks the Holy Father to fund the modernization of his army, to limit Orthodox influence over Wallachia. (PAPACY RESPONSE NEEDED). The King and his ministers, ever crafty, also make use of the new invention from Germany: the printing press. With depictions of Vlad doing satanist rituals, drinking the blood of innocent virgins or being depicted as a terrible creature with the fangs and claws of a wolf. Heralds are sent throughout Hungary and Wallachia, spreading rumors in the population about Vlads connections to satanists, in hopes to destroy Vlads base of support. (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE). In Buda, Ljubljana and Debrecen, as well as the trading cities of Dalmatia the cities undergo a large shift. To prevent diseases from spreading and to combat the incredible stink of the cities, the roads of the cities are paved and gutters are installed. these gutters are sloped toward a nearby river or the sea. Public restrooms in a Roman fashion are set up at least in the wealthier parts of the cities, however they are strictly separating male and female guests to prevent acts of adultery.
  • Papal Diplomacy: Pope Honorius VI will help the modernization of the army if King Stephen X allows the Inquisition to operate in Hungary and gives more support to the Association of Missionaries and Preachers that already exists in his Kingdom. The pontiff says that these two are good weapons against heresy and are the right thing to be done, since the King of Hungary is the Apostolic Majesty, a title that exist since the times of Saint Stephen I, the first Christian king of Hungary.
  • Radu agrees.
  • The propaganda is marginally successful.
• United Rus': Having succeeded in consolidating the military and economic power of the Rus', Novgorod and Mikhail III go about reorganizing the political and economic structure of the former Kieven Rus', with the previously ignored divisions of interests between the Grand Kniaz and the Merchants and Boyars steadily coming to the front. The biggest contention being Mikhail III's deamnds to be recognized as the Tsar of all Rus', while the city of Novgorod and indeed many of the middle class across the various cities being against this insteed preferring to embrace the Republican model. Despite these differences an uneasy balance of power is established through  the Sudebnik of 1478 (Code of Law) which is laid out as a compromise with the Novgorod being recognized as the dominant city of the Rus' and the Novgorodian charter being enshrined to safeguard the rights and privileges of the merchant and artisans of the cities against the intrusive nature of the Boyars. Furthermore a City Duma (council) is created within each city to rule it. while many of the privileges of the Boyars of Novgorod, Tver, Kiev, and the other former principalities are left more or less unchanged though the land holdings of many of the Boyars who supported the Princes are confiscated with a small amount being granted to the loyalist Boyars and the majority being held under the tutalage of Grand Kniaz to be sold off to potential free holders and merchants. The troops who served are also giving small to medium plots of land as freehold estates in recognition of their service. Efforts to carry out military reforms also begin with much of the military power of the Boyars now gone, the freeholders and cities are looked upon to provide manpower for the military, with plans to revamp the levies into semi-professional ones. There is also a major relaxation of social mobility. The fur trade is greatly expanded east with trading post being set up in the Ural region with most traders in that area being mostly Finns and Rus', who attempt to maintain good ties with the Koni (OTL Great Perm) tribes. An effort to baptize them also begin as Novgordian preachers aso begin trekking farther east. Cossack activity grows in the frontier region with so many displaced from the recent civil war. Amongst the 5,000 men serving in the Orthodox coalition against the false crusade, the shoulderstock is fully embraced among them leading to the growth in arquebuser numbers now one-in-five (the Russians took up guns really quickly, OTL) and pikemen are increasingly the backbone of the force. The increased demand for furs, timber and iron led to a steady increase in the growth of towns along the Finnic coast and in the interior of Finland, and the city of Novgorod itself takes an increased interest in its development. The merchant fleet continues to expand as does the trading port at Neva. ​​​​​​ Construction of the University of Novgorod begins as the literate elite of the city begin to invest more in promoting literacy amongst its professional, a growing number of merchants also begin looking to acquire the printing press from the Hansa, along with other novelties. Mikhail III himself approaches the Hansa about procuring some culverians. Mikhail III also sends out envoys to look into procuring a bride for himself, with the Arpads in particular being sought out. In an effort to stabilize the situation to his west and to avoid Moldovia and Hungary entering a war. An envoy is sent to Hungary to work out a peaceful resolution to the Wallachian crisis and to possibly secure an Arpad bride (Hungarian diplomacy required). A request is sent to Moldovia to allow for the free access of Rus' merchants along the Dnieper and Volga Rivers as well as a trade agreement between Moldovia and the Rus'. (Mod response).
  • Hungarian Dip: Princess Elizabeth, a cousin of King Stephen X is offered as a bride.
  • Rus' Dip: Grand Kniaz Mikhail III agrees to the marriage.
  • Moldavia Diplomacy: We are willing to allow Rus' merchants free access to the Dnieper and Volga Rivers, provided all such trade destined for the Black Sea is conducted by Moldavian merchants. Alternatively, Rus' merchants may pay full taxes and sell their own goods in the Black Sea. 
  • Great Perm allows this.
• Mamluk Sultanate: With the Ethiopians having other plans, the Grand Sultan Jamal Muslimi (changed his name) decides that to rid the Christian scum from Yemen that war must be had and mobilizes the Egyptian Armies for war. He manages to raise 20,000 troops and sends them into Yemen, marching into the major population centers on their way to Aden, declaring themselves “Liberators” liberating the people of Yemen from the Christian Inbred hordes of the south. The Egyptian force eventually manages to arrive at Aden where they immediately besiege the city and send some ships to blockade the ports and bombard the city. The caliph calls on the people of Yemen to take up arms and help the Mamluk forces in defeating the Christians in Aden. We send an ultimatum to Ethiopia, either withdraw from Aden completely and release the sultan to us, or be utterly destroyed by Egyptian forces. (ETHIOPIAN RESPONSE NEEDED). We send a representatives to the Shi’ite rebels telling them that we will leave them alone and allow them to occupy a small part of the city as a commune if they lay down their arms and don’t give the Mamluk soldiers any trouble.(MOD RESPONSE NEEDED)
  • The Shia don't trust the Mamluks
• Empire of Ethiopia: The treacherous Mamelukes break their word and after falsely reaching peace with Ethiopia launches a surprise invasion of Yemen. As Mameluke forces enter Yemen with demands the Ethiopians withdraw entirely, the Empire is forced to oblige. The Ethiopian army sails away from Yemen, with the Mamelukes having failed to blockade the city. The Imperial forces totally loot the capital, plundering it of all its wealth as well as its entire treasury and enslaving or killing the populace before returning to Ethiopia with the captive Sultan and his heir in tow [SECRET] After plundering Aden for all its wealth, the Emperor sends word via spies to the Shia army in Sa’dah letting them know the Ethiopian army plans to withdraw from Aden by the end of the year and thus they should occupy it after and offering to send weapons, firearms and supplies to the Shia rebels [END SECRET][MOD RESPONSE NEEDED]. The Ethiopian navy remains on guard and prepares to counter any Mameluke naval strike or concentration. The Emperor returns to Ethiopia in triumph, parading the captured Sultan through the streets of Barari along with captured Yemeni slaves and wealth. The Sultan is imprisoned under heavy guard in an unknown dungeon in the Imperial capital, while his son and heir is educated under guard in Barari under the new name of Yaqob. The Emperor fulfills his promise to the mesafint and gives them a large portion of the captured Yemeni treasury, loot and captured slaves as a reward for their services. The war, taking much longer than expected due to the stubborn resistance of the Yemeni people, has depleted Imperial coffers to unusually low levels, especially for years of plenty. To address the temporary lack of funds, the Emperor begins imposing financial reforms meant to make up for the impact of the war. Import and export tariffs are raised, while docking fees for ships stopping in Ethiopian ports are reimposed at slightly higher rates. Expenditures are cut in the form of subsidies to the Order of St. Anthony and charity given to local orphanages. Additionally, the Empire begins setting up toll stations on certain Ethiopian roads in monarchical lands for the collection of small tolls from travelers, merchants and others. With the war with the Mamelukes a potential reality, the Empire calls upon its ancient alliances with Alodia and Makuria, asking that they send forces to defend Christendom in East Africa from the treacherous Mameluk horde. [MOD RESPONSE].  
  • Shia accepts the help.
  • Makuria sends help, Alodia delays.
• County of Württemberg: Seeking to affirm their diplomatic status with their neighbors, the Count of Württemberg, Ulrich V, departs from Stuttgart for Switzerland to visit his kinswoman Marianne of Württemberg and her children, as well as take stock of the relationship Württemberg and the Swiss cantons possess as of the present. Back home, Ulrich's court prepares for a major feast for the lower nobility within the realm to celebrate Ulrich's 36 years of stable rule and prosperity. His wife, Margaret of Savoy, seeks to surprise her husband upon his return to Stuttgart with a variety of gifts from dignitaries from throughout Europe, among them books about the role of a leader and his subjects. Seeking to fill his hunger for esoteric or otherwise controversial knowledge, Margaret commissions a budding author from the countryside by the name of Eckhard Holdermann to pin a book for her husband, after having read some of his confiscated works a few years ago. Though his works would have seen him punished for its hostile tone Catholics or promotion of "irregular means" for the security of the realm, it is considered fascinating enough for the count's tastes to serve as a present from his wife. The short treatise entitled Ein Vorschlag zum politischen Handeln eines loyalen Subjekts des Imperiums (or "A proposal for political action by a Loyal Subject of the Empire"), is pinned by Holdermann in exchange for his release from bonds in Stuttgart, and sent to Margaret ahead of the planned gathering at the court in the capital. On a domestic scale, Ulrich continues to issue orders on the development of his lands, authorizing the construction of several new mills to assist with plans to expand the number of farming plots in the countryside. Elsewhere, Ulrich V's newly-secured heir, Eberhard II, takes promoting the concept of a greater Württemberg to help secure his plans to hold onto power in the county, and increase the loyalties of the nobility to him, having heard of their disdain for the young heir. As his father grows old, Eberhard seeks to quickly fill in the future power vacuum with the support of his fellow family members. Already there is talk of Eberhard taking over the official court duties on behalf of Ulrich at his father's urging, to ensure that he can make good on the recent family treaty with Württemberg-Urach and their childless count.
• Kingdom of Ayutthaya: The news of revolt in Majapahit has made its way to the court of Ayutthaya presenting a great opportunity for Ayutthaya to exploit. (Secret) Envoys are sent to the Demak Sultanate offering to discretely supply them with weapons, food, and supplies for their war effort (Mod Response, End Secret). Another group of diplomats are sent to the Kingdom of Blambangan to determine their intentions and plans regarding this conflict (Mod Response). As Prince Borommarachathirat III tours the city of Ayutthaya, an assassination attempt was made against the young prince only to be stopped by the timely intervention of a Japanese samurai from the Japanese portion of the city prompting Rama Trailokanat to reward and thank the warrior. Interested in the country from which the man hails after hearing of its reputation and from past contact with it, Rama Trailokanat decides to send diplomats baring gifts to Japan requesting friendly relations and friendship between the two regions (Japan Response). Ayutthayan naval forces under Laksamana Hang Tuah are redirected to Ayutthayan holdings neighboring Majapahit to protect the flow of trade and prevent the conflict from affecting the daily operations of the territories. The Penghulu Bendahari starts up frugal spending habits for the government due to the possible future need for said funds considering the state of the region at the insistence of Tun Perak who believes that Ayutthayan involvement in Majapahit's conflict is inevitable. The reinforcement and maintenance of Ayutthayan border holdings with Lan Xang are continued as a precaution in the event Dai Viet and Ayutthaya come to blows over the Demak revolt. The unrest in Lan Xang has died down for the time being thanks to the efforts of Hang Jebat and the Xaswin Phudi with them being ordered to remain in the region and assist with the efforts to build fortiifcations. The Pwe-Kyaung system continues to produce candidates with the most promising being sent to higher institutes of learning to train more officials and officers. The Merchants guild continues to operate but has been assigned Ayutthayan naval vessels to serve as escorts when entering regions in turmoil with the intent of this last for the duration of this conflict. For any merchant vessels hailing from Ayutthaya that aren't assigned escorts, they are equipped with weapons paid for by a joint efforts between the Ayutthayan government and merchants guild. Despite the focus of the Ayutthayan governmnet being drawn elsewhere, Ayutthayan nobles are still encouraged to develop their lands with government officials being dispatched to help them in the task to make the best use of the land.
  • Demak accepts support.
  • Blambagan is neutral for now.
  • Japanese Dip: Accepting the gifts and the envoy, the Imperial Diet, and Emperor both conclude that a friend internationally is most welcome. The Envoy is treated to the highest regard and given every honor even dining with the Emperor and Five noble houses one night. The Thai Envoy arrives back to Ayyutuhaya bearing Japanese Porcelain, a series of ceremonial swords, some cultural literature and art, and finally a small gift of gold as well. The Japanese Envoy personally presents this to the Thai king hoping to foster relations more directly..
• Kingdom of Bohemia: The news reaches the Bohemian king Henry III that the previous emperor has died, and he chooses to pursue the throne, as he was the rightful elect prior to the introduction of the Saxon. He sends a letter to Saxony urging them to support him, and he has deep condolensenes for their loss, and assures them he has their best interests at heart. Henry III promises great changes that will benefit the empire as a whole, and promises to be a just and fair ruler. He also promises that he will not pursue dynastic rule over the empire and that his son will not pursue the crown after him, as he wants the empire and its elections to be fair and open to all. The Bohemian king travels to Aachen to be proclaimed emperor and asks all electors to elect him. He thanks Thuringia for its support, and promises that their candidates for offices in the empire will be rewarded. He writes to Cardinal von Isenburg and tells him that if he votes for Henry III, Isenburg will be granted an office in the imperial government once more and allowed to continue his work.
  • Trier Diplomacy: The Archbishop of Trier stands to speak at the diet in Aachen. The young man is named Baldwin, and had the rare distinction of being one of the only archbishops of the city to rise through the ranks from a position of lowbirth, and the commoner stands out among a sea of rich and esquisitely prestigious nobles. He clears his throat and makes an impassioned speech. He reminds them of the days of Charlemagne, when men of all walks of life, from Saracens to good Christian priests to Norsemen, and even Frenchmen, were united by one thing, the chivalry and brotherhood of knighthood. That famous band of retainers served the empire with distinction and honor, like very few emperors ever have. And so, Baldwin says why not nominate Rolf Bayard? He is the most skilled and well respected knight in all the land, and a true paragon of virtue in all matters of chivalry. Baldwin goes on, advocating for the fellow lowborn, who had risen through the ranks just like he had. When all is said he sits down again to a silent room. He reckons that the noblemen will probably not take kindly to that proposal, so he figures he'll probably vote for Henry III again.
  • Saxony: Regretfully, the Duke of Saxony cannot support Henry, as he has decided to stand for Emperor himself. However, Henry is welcome to vote for him.
• Kingdom of Portugal: Queen Cirí III visits the royal mausoleum for the first time since Sancho II's reign. She spends her entire day in there as is customary for all Portuguese monarchs. Meanwhile, in Santo Andre, the port continues to be expanded as the work on the 1482 expedition continues. The expedition will conists of ten ships and have the finest explorers aboard them that Portugal can offer. Meanwhile, the upcoming marriage between the queen and the SWwiss Amades is prepared.

• Georgia: Alexander suppresses the Second Black Turkoman Revolt. Since the cause of the revolt was delayed pay, Alexander pardons the rebels and rushes to pay his Black Turkoman vassals. To avoid a similar revolt from occurring again, he disperses the remaining Black Turkomans in Azerbaijan across his realm while appointing Christian Anatolian Turks to posts in Azerbaijan. While there is peace in the capital once more, the mobilization of a large number of troops has dented the Treasury – which had already been steadily dwindling due to lower revenue (due to corruption among tax collectors, and widespread evasion) coupled with increased spending. Alexander tries to deter the threat of a fiscal crisis by cutting back on "unnecessary" spending and expanding tax quotas – the latter thus ensuring the tax farmers do not artificially decrease local revenue for their own benefit. He also leaves the task of tax collection to local bureaucrats and officials (rather than tax farmers) in both Kartli and Azerbaijan and issues heavier penalties for tax evasion. Meanwhile, George VIII dies at the age of 61. He is buried in the churchyards of the Vank Cathedral in Tabriz. While Alexander is in Kartli, he meets a Caucasian Greek girl by the name of Nikita Alexopoulos. He marries her later that year – incurring disapproval from the aristocracy, who believe a commoner like her is not fit for an Emperor. Despite her humble background, Nikita is reasonably educated (being the eldest daughter of a petty merchant), and like Theodora (the Byzantine-born Empress Consort of Anastasios II), she spends the bulk of her free time in the palatial library. After much deliberation, Alexander decides to withdraw any Georgian troops stationed in Iran and ends the practice of extracting tribute from its Shah – thus the period of ending Georgian primacy over Iran. However, due to blood ties between the Baidushvili's (which Bagrat V himself appointed) and the Bagrationis, relations between the two will remain cordial. While the end of Georgian suzerainty over Iran constitutes a partial reversal of Bagrat V's legacy (particularly his lifelong effort to establish a "Persianate" empire), Alexander continues to claim the title of "Shahanshah" though more as an honorific title. Georgian withdrawal, however, inflames pre-existing religious tensions in Iran between Christians (mainly Armenians, who constituted the mercantile elite – especially in Esfahan), the majority Sunnis, and the minority Shias – who align themselves with Christians (out of pragmatism) due to the shared desire to undermine the Sunni majority. A Taymiyyah (fundamentalist) Muslim cleric by the name of Nathan (ناثان) Allahverdi initiates a peasant revolt, which aims to expel the Baidushvili's or at the very least, end their policy of religious tolerance – thus allowing the rooting out of Shias (who are deemed heretical), and the relegation of the Armenians as second-class dhimmis. With a peasant army of 20,000, he attempts to siege Esfahan; while this fails, he continues to run amuck in the vicinity, amassing more and more followers. While the incumbent Shah, Erivan Baidushvili, asks for aid, Alexander is unable to send any as he is tied down in aristocratic squabbles and because he fears the cost of compensating the levies would constitute too much of a strain on the empire's finances.
• Saxony: Wenceslaus, Holy Roman Emperor, was indeed assassinated while hunting - just several hours after receiving a statement from the Pope, confirming that he is indeed the true Holy Roman Emperor, and that the ambitions of Henry III of Bohemia are absurd. His funeral occurs, and it is a magnificent event, though perhaps not so magnificent as his father's was, with so little notice. On his grave, is the enscription that reads, "Here Lies Wenceslaus - Duke, Elector, Emperor, KIng". His son succeeds as Engelbert II, Duke of Saxe-Wittenberg and Elector of Saxony. Engelbert passionately denounces Bohemia and its allies, believing them to have killed his father. Any man who stands with them commits sacrilege, as they are responsible for the murder of a good and righteous man, the Emperor of Germany, recognized by the Holy Father himself, just hours before he was cruelly murdered. Engelbert declares that he plans to stand for the position of Emperor. He would not usually advocate a dynastic continuation, but his father's life was cut short, and Engelbert declares himself his father's natural successor to continue his reign. He asks for the support of all the Electors - including the Landgrave of Hesse, his relative and friend, who his father created a Margrave just a few years ago, and the Archbishop of Mainz, whose reforms his father always supported and acknowledged. If they so desire, any of the electors may declare their support for Engelbert right now. (Hesse, Bohemia, Thuringia, Trier, Mainz, Nassau, Mod Response - optional). Engelbert asks for the Duke of Lenzburg to declare support for him, as the Confederacy and Saxony have always been firm allies and friends. (Swiss Response). Engelbert gathers support from all over the Empire, travelling back and forth. He also becomes popular amongst the common people, particularly. He coninues to express his outrage over his father's death - it was, he says, "a callous stab in the back".
• Kingdom of Wales: Further preparations of our defenses are organized from King Edmund personally, such as construction of fortifications in the Anglo-Welsh borders as well as strengthening of the existing ones, for the inevitability of the threat that the long awaited English invasion would present us. Given that this phase of the War of the Roses is pretty much over, as a comeback from the defeat at Glouchester seems highly unlikely and we are facing an unprecedented threat from the times of the Welsh War of Independence onward, we call upon all those pro-Yorkist Welsh nobles to rally with their King in the defense of the realm, as this has just turned into a war for the very survival of our nation. Noticing the passive stance of England, even more crackdown takes place against the disloyal Yorkist nobility, as King Henry VI's inaction gives us the necessary time to solidify our realm and purge our realm from traitors in the face of the upcoming English invasion, giving our utmost importance into this, with our 21.000 men under the leadership of the 22-year-old Myrddin (Merlin) ap Cadfael (Bruce) of Gwynedd conduct a crackdown against traitors to the realm in the Northern and Central Wales regions, with the entirety of his forces, 11,000 men, (including the Hanseatic mercenaries) after hearing rumors of incitement of rebellion in support of King Henry VI of England from amongst the Anglo-Norman pro-Yorkist nobility in Wales. [ALGO REQUESTED] or (Mod Response) The two newly established printing shops in Cardiff and Caernarfon have proven to be commercial successes, continue circulating best sellers like the Welsh language version of the Bible, "Sinclar's Adventures", "King Arthur, the Progenitor of Wales" by reknowned Welsh author Lewys Glyn Cothi and other already popular books, now rendering them affordable even for the lower nobility, the merchant class and the commoners. With the ongoing war, construction of new caravels and ships for our navy is halted in its entirety for the time being, as the vast majority of our resources are dedicated into our army. Given that the two conflicts, the War of the Roses and the conflict over the Irish crown, are even more interlinked than one could imagine, a swift Scottish victory would allow King Robert III to assume power over the Celtic Confederacy, thus free of his preoccupation, he would surely come to our aid against England. Thus an intervention into the Irish-Scottish conflict, into the side of the Kingdom of Scotland, is therefore decided, with our 5.000 men under the leadership of King Edmund himself, crossing the sea with the support of the entirety of the Welsh fleet under the command of Admiral Cadfael ap Alisdair of Gwynedd, arriving with his full force and taking over the unfortified and undefended town of Kilkeel, setting up camp there and beginning to construct durable fortifications around the town, such as 4 metres high stone walls, with the addition of stone watchtowers 9 metres high, then a sizable citadel and barracks to house the King, his personal retinue and his 5.000 men and finally a moat around the town's new walls, mimicing the Scottish tactics to deny the use of their numerical advantage to the Irish, by avoiding an engagement. [ALGO REQUESTED] or (Mod Response). Those nobles found guilt of disloyalty to their King, inciting unrest in support of the vile King Henry VI of England, continue to be imprisoned and striped of their titles when found guilty after receiving fair but speedy trials. These titles, either revert to the royal domain, or get awarded to the King's principal supporters, the native Welsh nobility as opposed to the Anglo-Norman nobility. The only exception to this case is in the case of formerly stripped titles from pro-Lancasterian nobles, most prominent among them Owen Tudor, who are able to get back a part of their domains as per our initial agreement. The ongoing war serves to further the worship of Saint Owain (Lawgoch), although already extremely popular on its own, now becomes a rallying cry for the Welshmen as they go on to clash with unprecedented ferocity against King Henry VI's detested English forces. With the Eiru fleet having yielded us the Irish Sea, our entire navy, under the command of their newly appointed Admiral and loyal ally, Duke Cadfael ap Alisdair of Gwynedd, proceeds to place a blockade on the High Kingdom of Eiru accessing the Kingdom of England, in coordination with the Scottish navy, to disallow any sort of trade and military assistance taking place within the two respective kingdoms, Eiru and England. [NAVAL ALGO REQUESTED] King Edmund continues to promote the reconciliation of his realm, divided into two similar yet starkly different halves, the Pura Walia region, dominanated by the independent minded Welsh nobility and the Marchia Walliae region, dominanated by the Anglo-Norman nobility, by encouraging the adoption of Welsh customs and traditions by the Anglo-Norman part of his nobility, furthermore encouraging marriages between the Anglo-Normans and Welsh noble families, with a bit more success thus far, as a few more Yorkist supporting loyalist Anglo-Norman noble families that have good relations with King Edmund only follow suit by adopting some Welsh customs and traditions and/or intermarrying with the Welsh nobility for the time being.
• Roman Empire: Tragedy, Crown Prince John, heir to the throne, dies childless in battle with the armies of the Papacy. The death of Prince John places Micheal in the line of succession. The blow devastates Gregorios, already in poor health due to the stress and struggle of war. By the end of the year he is nearly bed-ridden, but summons his son to discuss the future. Prince Micheal, husband of Mariam II of Georgia is not a well learned man. Though he attended the best schools in the empire his inability to read clearly has stunted his administrative abilities. He is known instead for his wonderful painting and musical prowess. The aged Basileus and his son spend several days and many hours discussing the future, and in the end Micheal emerges from the Palace of Blachernae having grown somewhat as a leader. He remains an nearly incompotent administrator, but promises to preserve the status quo. In an effort to prepare him for rule, Gregorios names his Co-Basileus. In regard to the war, Basileus Gregorios seeks a truce. Despite the overtures he prepares to continue the defense of Epirus, calling on the Themes to recruit more young men for the army. The cost of this war has been astronomical and the cost in lives disastrous. With the success of the negotiations at Patras, Gregorios allows his empire the stability to recover.
  • [Papal Response]: With the empire’s manpower base nearly exhausted, Basileus Gregorios seeks a truce. He sends an envoy to the Pope to propose an end to the “inquisition.” The two sides meet in Patras to negotiate a peace treaty.
• Hafsid Caliphate: As Caliph Ahmad III prepares the next step in his grand scheme, Grand Vizier Al-Najm II rallies the armies of the Caliphate. With pirate reports indicating that a large conflict between the Greeks and Latins resulted in hefty casualties on both sides, including a significant percentage of Cypriot forces. Caliph Ahmed III realizes this as the perfect opportunity for the next movement in his grand scheme. Securing the beachhead at Kyrenia, the remnants of the crusader army are piked while forces are organized. An additional army of 2,000 berbers arrive after naval dominance is secured in the region early this year. Port cities in Cyprus are raided by hundreds of pirates, while the primary force of 5,000 berbers, led by Vizier Al-Najm II, march to siege Nocisia and fulfill the conquest of Cyprus. [Algo Needed]. 
• Swiss Confederacy: Eberhard, Duke of Lenzburg visits Bavaria for the funeral of Ludwig IX of Bavaria-Landshut and his son. He talks to Albert IV, who is now Duke of (All) Bavaria, and after Albert asks about it Eberhard confirms that the alliance of Bavaria with the Swiss Confederacy will continue. The sudden wave of anti-Swiss sentiment apparent in discourse between German nobility surprises the Central Council. When Eberhard, Duke of Lenzburg hears from allies in Bavaria that King Henry III of Bohemia has been spreading anti-Swiss and anti-Saxon propaganda to Bavaria and presumably other nations, he discusses this with the Central Council and they conclude that Henry of Bohemia is probably the original source of this hostile propaganda, and it may have to do with his ambitions to be Holy Roman Emperor. Duke Eberhard sadly reflects that the Bohemian King must have lost his sanity, a sad fate that sometimes befalls monarchs such as the former King Andrés Heinrich II of Iceland, as the Bohemian King had voluntarily stepped down from his campaign for the emperorship to allow Wenceslaus to ascend in 1472. Rumours are also heard of King Henry III doing other strange things such as trying to disinherit the children of his marriage with Amalia de la Marck, which affirms the suspicions that he must have gone insane. When news arrives in Switzerland that the Holy Roman Emperor Wenceslaus has been assassinated scant months later, Eberhard and the Central Council can only conclude that this horrific crime was undertaken at the behest of the King of Bohemia. Upon hearing that the assassinated Wenceslaus's son, Engelbert II, Duke of Saxe-Wittenberg, is seeking to become the new King of Germany/Emperor at the Imperial Election that will be held next year, Duke Eberhard immediately declares his support for Engelbert II's candidacy. Predictably, they hear that King Henry III of Bohemia will also be a candidate at this election, upon which the Central Council decides that this clearly insane man must be prevented from becoming Holy Roman Emperor as he would lead to destruction of the empire. After discussions in the Central Council, Ortlieb von Brandis, Bishop of Chur and Grand Inquisitor of the Swiss Confederacy, writes to the Archbishop-Electors of Mainz, Bremen, Cologne and Trier; in his letter he describes how King Henry III of Bohemia seems to have gone insane and seems corrupt, and thus encourages them to support the candidacy of Engelbert II of Saxony, who is the son of the rightful Emperor Wenceslaus who was so tragically murdered. (Mainz response) (Hanseatic response for Bremen) (Mod response for Cologne and Trier) Because of the anti-Swiss hostilities that seem to have suddenly emerged in the Holy Roman Emperor, the Central Council recalls the 2,000 Swiss mercenaries in Scotland back to the Swiss Confederacy in order to increase the size of the military forces domestically available for defensive purposes. Nonetheless, the Central Council continues diplomatically supporting King Robert III of Scotland in his conflict with Ireland. They continue to pay some attention to the York-Beaufort-York conflict but less so now that all these tensions have emerged in Germany. 2,000 soldiers of the joint military of the Swiss Confederacy remain in the Kingdom of Arles to aid Protector-General Lucas and Queen Aline against the rebels there. Because of the tensions across Germany, the rest of the joint military of the Confederacy focuses on fortifying mountain passes and other border crossings on the northeastern border of the nation, in the Cantons of Augsburg, Kempten, Montfort, Sargans, Salem and Constance, to ensure the security of this border. Domestically, the government works on recruiting peasants to be soldiers in the joint military because of the aforementioned tensions which led the Central Council to anticipate potential military conflict in the near future. Bishop of Basel and Cardinal Johann V von Venningen dies; he is succeeded as Bishop by Caspar von Mühlhausen and as Cardinal by Bishop of Augsburg Ulrich Geislinger. Bishop, Cardinal and Grand Inquisitor Ortlieb von Brandis asks Pope Honorius VI to confirm that the papal protection of the Swiss Confederacy, originally placed by Pope Innocent VI in 1356, remains in place. (Papal response) Eberhard, Duke of Lenzburg writes to the young King William II of France and Peter IV, Duke of Savoy, proposing to arrange a marriage between William II (b. 1455) and Peter IV’s daughter Beatrice of Savoy (b. 1457); as they would be second cousins once removed, a papal dispensation would be required for this marriage, so Eberhard also writes to Pope Honorius VI about it. (Mod response for France and Savoy) (Papal response) Thomas Beaufort (1431-1478), an unmarried brother of Edward Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset, dies of injuries sustained during fighting in the English civil war. Engelbert von Lenzburg and Marianne of Württemberg have their fourth child, a son named Burkhard (b. 1478).
  • Marriage approved
• Cologne: Upon hearing the news of the emperor's assassination, the Archbishop of Cologne begins an investigation. He notes that the son of the late emperor, Engelbert II, immediately ascended to his father's lands and attempts to claim his father's seat as emperor, despite earlier claims that dynastic succession would not be the case. Thus he concludes that one likely possibility is that the boy murdered his own father, so that he could be emperor. He also considers whether Henry III may have been responsible. He notes that Henry III could have been emperor but already voluntarily stepped down, which seems to be contradictory. The Archbishop reckons that if Henry III wanted to be emperor he would have not stepped down, so he considers option one more likely. The Archbishop sends word to Henry III upon reading his imperial proposal, and demands that Cologne be granted the position of Master of Laws, so that he might investigate the matter further, in exchange for an affirmative vote in the election. The archbishop notes that the Swiss are raising forces and concentrating forces near the border, not far from some of the electors who voiced opinions against him. Cologne finds this matter very alarming, as he fears the Swiss may be amassing an army to threaten electors into voting in line, perhaps confirming the rumors he had already heard. The Archbishop sends out a decree saying that states purposely trying to strongarm the election ought to be condemned.
• Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di": With Cartography, exploration and investment in Africa growings. Such as on the Sherbro island where bananas and Malian rice begin being grown, this comes as there is a bigger need from the "Koninglyke West Afrikaansche Compagnie" to have their own food source. As the KWAC wants to have a form of self reliance as not to demand fully on foreign markets for food, this is also for cultural and religious reasons as Islam doesn't allow the consumption of pigs. Thus African hogs from the west african mainland to Sherbro Island, as these hogs are quite big in size. The KWAC merchants and farmers trying beginning the slow proces of domestication of these hogs, the banana and other local grass powering this domestication. The KWAC using this food to power a colonial effort Etula being renamed to Hendrico as Hendrik wevers has died of Malaria, thus the governate of Hendrico is formally split from that of Hoekbaai with Adriaen Beyaert becoming the new and first governor of a separate Hendrico Colony. Diederic Godard becoming the govonor of Sherbo-dakar colony, which due to size are still one colony as they are small but economicly and politically very important. 
• Hesse: Margrave Herman III of Hesse continues his ambition to run for emperor. With the sudden death of the Saxon ruler Wenceslaus an opportunity suddenly comes. Herman III travels to Aachen and intends to vote for himself, and urges others to follow his lead. Should he not be able to procure enough votes, he decides to vote for Henry III. This on account of many factors, including the insulting letter that the Saxons sent him, the fact that there is some validity to the theory that the Saxon ruler murdered his father, and generally to spite that miserable side of the family, which he's grown cold to due to their dealings. Hesse begins to procure a strong army, training a fighting force of professional soldiers that will augment the peasant levies. Herman III and his advisors oversee the matter, fearing that war of defense may be coming. The marriage proposal is also accepted. 
• Oyo Empire: We will begin an infrastructural project to increase internal trade. While roads are already common in the Metropolitan Oyo empire itself our outer territories are rather lacking. To support the caravans which facilitate trade we will begin a project to establish roads roads across Oyo from North to south. To prevent corruption at the monarchic level Chiefs will be given the road plans and have minimum qoutas to meet at a lower local level. These Chiefs will have Oyo Overseers however. The Alaafins next priority will be to send an army of 4,000 men to collect tribute from Borgu and Nupe. This large tributary force is to reestablish that they are still tributaries and must still pay tribute in form of slaves cowries and soldiers. Next the Alaafin will open up the frontier. We will assist families in settling designated strongholds out in the frontier. Before being sent out these families must convert to Islam. Finally we will make Enslaving Muslims officially illegal and offer much lower taxes for Muslims to attract the poor to convert as missionaries are to be attached to every official caravan going to villages and spreading the faith of allah. Also propose creating a road that will go through Mali Oyo and Borgu to facilitate trade.
   
• Duchy of Bavaria: Following his ascension to the unified throne of Bavaria, Alfred IV continues to make sure the Duchy is stabilized. He continues to take advantage of Bavaria-Landshut's extensive bureaucracy, especially for the purposes of tax collection. Most of Ludwig IX's royal household remains intact and is relocated to the new capital in Munich, serving to help administer the Duchy and ensure the two halves of Bavaria continue to work together. In order to better administer the Duchy, Alfred IV commissions a census, to be completed by the end of the year [mod response]. In addition, he asks the Duke of Thuringia to confirm the arranged marriage between his son Albert V and the Duke's daughter Sibylle for the year 1485, in an agreement that would make William the heir to the Duchy of Thuringia. In addition, the Duke sends and envoy to Poland-Lithuania, recommending closer relations and an increase in trade. Toward the end of the year, Albert IV's wife gives birth to twins, who are given the names Ludwig and William. The Duke remains suspicious of the Bohemian accusations against our Swiss allies, but is undecided in the election.
• Casimir IV accept it.
• The census proves to be very inefficiently run, but you are fairly sure there are over one million people in both halves of Bavaria.
• Hanseatic League: As a new year dawns and the Baltic thaws, the non-stop trade of the Hanseatic League continues to guide German economics into a daring, new age. Every year, representatives of the Hanseatic League (Ratssendeboten) meet at an assembly in Lübeck known as the Tagfahrt. However, since the mid-14th century, the aldermen of the League have had the true say in what happens in these meetings. The League has come a long way since the days of its early inception. Civility reigned; if a consensus was threatened that may benefit the League as a whole, an alternative idea was not proposed. Something, after all, is better than nothing. Now, however, the central states of the Hanseatic League dominate trade and therefore hold significant sway over the politics of the region. The Hanseatic League recognizes four men who represent the entire central political entity and who also hold considerable sway over those who may not be governed by Hanseatic ideals. They are as follows: the Bürgermeister of Lübeck and Hamburg - Simon Burkhart, who share a mayor and who hold the final say in where shipments throughout the four regions go; Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who determine the prices of salt; the Prince-Admiral of Rostock Christopher von Warnow, who holds a permanent hereditary military position; and Prince-Archbishop of Bremen, Baldwin of Venden, who holds significant sway over ecumenical politics in the Baltic. Houses Ascania and Welf have an agreement to alternate control over the Principality of Lüneburg, which has kept the peace for some time. This also prevents the region from slipping out of the hands of either house. With Pomerania-Stettin being brought ever deeper into the fold of the Hanseatic League, trade along the Baltic becomes more lucrative than ever. The Baltic Duchies also see a heavy increase in trade due to the lack of organized interference from Pomerania. However, piracy continues to affect the Baltic. Rostock and Kiel shipyards pump out bulks en masse. To protect their convoys against the pirates, the Hanseatic League employs ships known as the Orlogship. These ships have historically been equipped with crossbows and catapults. The Hakenbüchse (Arquebus) is becoming increasingly common on Hanseatic Ships. Others are being fitted with the Culverin, a small cannon that yields devastating results at close range. Nine carracks are built at Kiel with another six being built in Rostock. They join the convoys that already criss-cross the Baltic and North Sea in a seemingly unending parade. The Hanseatic League has been responsible for defusing a number of close calls that could have easily led to war simply with the power of her pocketbook and navy. The fortifications around Cuxhaven and Heligoland are expanded, stoneworks rising ever higher to defend the coastline of the entrance to the North Sea and the Baltic. The North Sea is quickly becoming safer by the day, allowing goods to flood into Dublin and now as far away as Reykjavik. The Kontor in Bergen sees extensive renovations as both the British Isles and, to a certain degree, Norway are used as halfway points for ships on long journeys or for convoys to unload mass amounts of cargo. This cargo is either picked up by Hanseatic traders or by traders from the Kontors' host country. The Hanseatic League continues to patrol English waters, guarding their convoys as they make their way into English harbors or other Kontors in the Isles. They intend to ensure trade continues with or without war. The presence of German traders in Scotland continues to grow. Magnates from Hamburg establish control over the lumber yards, effectively controlling the means of ship production. However, most Germans in the Kontors are from Danzig and Kiel. In Iceland, however, most of the people employed by the League are native Icelanders. Several export and production companies are run by German merchants who spend less than a month on the island. The Hanseatic League, believing westward exploration to be a futile effort, allows merchant and sailor Kristopher Pike the charter to the Pike Whaling Company after years of arguments, partially to fill a new business quota in Iceland and partially to shut Pike up. The merchant has a larger-than-life personality, with rumors of his eccentricities spreading across the North Sea and Baltic. He is, however, a man of results, and the prospect of breaking into new economic ground entices many captains seeking contracts. By the end of the year, Pike has acquired a significant fleet of whaling ships. Due to the new shipping lanes in Mali, exotic African goods make their way into Hanseatic ports, which in turn are sold throughout Europe. The Malinese accepted Hanseatic trade deals to break monopolies in Europe and that is precisely what it intends to do. However, with competition from Portugal (an unknown and non-German entity) and Lotharingia (an ally, yet a powerful one at that), along with potential pirates in the area, led to the Hanseatic League issuing the Heligoland Accord: a stipend from the government for any captain willing to accompany convoys to protect them and to carry goods themselves. A convoy establishes contact with Oyo. Intrigued in the wares of the land, a series of trade routes diverging from the Malinese routes and covering Oyo ports are drafted and proposed to Oyo.
• Vinland: The population grows to 5,099. All cities grow this year. Erikoberg ends its decline, but still stagnants as its population seemingly moves to Hallrberga for a variety of reasons. No new Tvennufolk families move to Keathutberga, but the families there give birth to a few children.
  • Skogrfjalland: The Norse population stagnates as a proportion of the total population. Erik Hrothgarsson orders the training of a new band of warriors and blesses them with the strength of violent ferocity of Odin. The Hallrberglander outpost in Markland is name Nordberg. Hrothgarsson's band of warriors assaults a handful of small Tvennufolk hamlets over the summer, taking territory from Suðrvinland.
  • Suðrvinland: 'All cities grow this year. Hjalfar laments the loss of territory to the Norse. Attempts at reclamation are unsuccessful and some Tvennufolk warriors are lost. Hjalfar plans an excursion for next summer to retake the territory. More Beothuk are added into the confederacy.
  • Beothuk: The southern Beothuk are happy to be included into the Suðrvinlandic confederacy, and will participate in efforts to include their northern kinsmen into the confederacy.
• Moldavia: Prince Stephen III continues his reign over Moldavia, and joins in the broader peace between the Catholic enemies and his Orthodox allies. In the court at Suceava, many scholars, priests and monks begin to consider how best to begin integration of the vast lands to the east of Moldavia proper. Prince Stephen looks to Herodotopolis (more commonly known as Irodoras among the Moldavian population) along the Dnieper as a model city, rich in trade and opportunity. With trade revenues from the Rus' in the north and the Roman Empire in the south, Stephen III begins to invest in developing his own trading infrastructure for Moldavia, encouraging local burghers from Moldavia to begin exploring trade and shipping on their own, with his backing. Meanwhile, we look on closely as Vlad Dracul is targetted by Hungary.
• Hindustan (Hindustani Dynasty): The push against Maabar had been halted in 1477 as the Yuvraj recalled some forces to deal with the unruly Governors of Malwa and Maabar, who were promptly subdued after a small skirmish outside Dhar where Yuvraj Shamsher Singh Hindustani personally led his forces to battle. This also allowed him to enforce a major reform, that of not paying Government officials in the form of land grants. His decision was fully supported by his father, the Maharaja and most of the Chalisa nobles. The War against Maabar had witnessed a few skirmishes following the capture of Kanchi. The War is resumed this year. One force of 100,000 troops (with 12 bombards and 40 50-pound cannons) moves to siege the fortress of Belur. Another force under General Ilyas consisting of 120,000 troops (with 8 bombards and 32 50-pound cannons) besieges the Fortress of Vijaynagar (City) (TWO ALGOS NEEDED). Focusing on his promotion of trade, the Yuvraj (Crown-Prince) sends groups of traders and envoys to Ethiopia, Egypt, Georgia and Oman to hammer out deals for the facilitation of trade. The Hindustani delegation offers the traders of these nations unrestricted access to Indian cities and trade networks and allows them to set up quarters in the trading area of these cities and also allows them to use existing financial infrastructure in India (based on Islamic capitalist ideas) (MOD AND PLAYER RESPONSE). It is decided that there shall be regular trade delegations to these nations annually on behalf of the government to deal with any issues and discuss ideas for further implementation of trade. Having crushed the Malwa and Gujarat governors, Shamsher Singh starts thinking of further plans to reinforce the Empire that he will inherit. A reciprocal delegation is sent to Ayutthaya in response to the 1471 delegation from Ayutthaya to establish a trade deal and talk about establishing land trade routes from Ayutthaya to the Eastern City of Tis Hazari (ATL Mrauk U City) (Ayutthaya Response). 
  • Ethiopia dip: The Empire gladly accepts the trade proposals of Hindustan but warns that Egypt has already worked with Yemeni pirates to disrupt the shipping from India to Africa already
  • Egypt is appalled by the vicious lies Ethiopia has spread and tells Ethiopia that Egypt has not worked with any pirates. Nonetheless, we accept the Hindustani trade proposal.
  • Ayutthaya Diplo: Rama Trailokanat would be glad to open trade routes between the two realms and hopes for a prosperous, mutually beneficial relationship between Ayutthaya and Hindustan.

1479

Emperor Wenceslaus of Germany has been found dead in a hunting accident, although many people suspect more foul play than just pheasents. A new Imperial Diet is held to elect a new King of Germany. Players for Mainz, Bohemia, Bavaria, Hesse, Lotharingia, Bremen, and Saxony must visit the page and give their votes. As a result of the period of co-regency, the political factions of Germany is now split between the supporters of the Premyslids and the Lenzburgs.

The Anti-Orthodox coalition war, informally known as the Thessalonian Crusade, is now proving very costly as the Crusader forces are being overrun by the more advanced armies of Byzantium, now also being supported by the Orthodox powers of the east. While the Italian and German supplies have thus been stretched, the Muslims of north Africa have seized the opportunity with the invasion of Cyprus, now placing Nicosia under siege.

Hogs Hogs Hogs, giant forest hogs from Benin and the Oyo empire. These animals having been taken by Portuguese and KWAC traders to cities such as Dakar and the whole Gambia River basin. The giant wild hogs eating a lot of the wild vegetation of the area causing the locals to hunt them down as they cause hunger all over the Gambia River delta. The hogs even competing with the Warthog for resources this causing big warthog death.

Vlad the Impaler is betrayed by courtiers and ultimately captured in battle against his brother Radu, who regains the throne of Wallachia under the domination of the Kingdom of Hungary. Vlad is kept as a prisoner in Buda.

The Khanate of Astrakhan breaks off from what's left of the Golden Horde. The remnant of the Timurid Empire in Central Asia also breaks up, between the Khanate of Khiva and the Khanate of Bukhara.

The Black Plague breaks out in the city of Florence.

In Genoa, Cristobol Colombo begins a career of collecting and studying maps of the Atlantic ocean, after a collection of maps was given to him as a wedding gift.

The memoires of Tomas de Torquemada, the leading force of the Catholic inquisition, is published.

Jorge Manrique begins publishing a series of lyrical poetry from Spain.

• Hindustan (Hindustani Dynasty): With increased trade reinvigorating the Indian commercial scene and lending a new lease of life to the financial sector (which has developed quite a bit over the Islamic Financial concepts). The Indian commercial and financial sector used to be well linked over the entire subcontinent but the links had suffered due to a neglect of the internal trade networks. The Indian financial sector made extensive use of the Hundi system to transfer funds over large distances. Most of the cities had a dedicated commercial centre where all the traders resided. The revamp of the Sarai system and the Chalisa pressing mercenaries into regular paid work to protect merchants has led to a substantial increase in internal trade over the past few years. This has also made a barrage of newer items available to the overseas market. Indian merchants have maintained overseas contacts and frequently travel overseas. The Maharajah has decided to use this newly expanded network and has sent several groups of envoys to large cities in Georgia, Oman, Ayutthaya, Ethiopia, and Egypt to copy and collect as many books as they can and bring them to the Madrassa of Delhi. The Hindustani Armies move towards the Kaveri River almost unopposed.
• Thuringia: During the long days when the electors were on their way, and he was trapped in that city waiting, Wolfgang thought of his time as a child. I was a truly happy lad, he thought. In the late summers back then we had lived in a castle in a village that looked across the river and the plain to the mountains, he began to reminisce. In the bed of the river there were pebbles and boulders, dry and white in the sun, and the water was clear and swiftly moving and blue in the channels. Troops went by the house and down the road and the dust they raised powdered the leaves of the trees. The trunks of the trees too were dusty and the leaves fell early that year and we saw the troops marching along the road and the dust rising and leaves, stirred by the breeze, falling and the soldiers marching and afterward the road bare and white except for the leaves. The plain was rich with crops; there were many orchards of fruit trees and beyond the plain the mountains were brown and bare. There was fighting in the mountains and at night we could see the flashes from the cannons. In the dark it was like summer lightning, but the nights were cool and there was not the feeling of a storm coming. Sometimes in the dark we heard the troops marching under the window and guns going past pulled by horses. There was much traffic at night and many mules on the roads with boxes of supplies on each side of their pack-saddles and grey wagons that carried men, and other wagons with loads covered with canvas that moved slower in the traffic. There were big guns too that passed in the day drawn by big horses, the long barrels of the guns covered with green branches and green leafy branches and vines laid over the horses. To the north we could look across a valley and see a forest of chestnut trees and behind it another mountain on this side of the river. There was fighting for that mountain too, but it was not successful, and in the fall when the rains came the leaves all fell from the chestnut trees and the branches were bare and the trunks black with rain. The vineyards were thin and bare-branched too and all the country wet and brown and dead with the autumn. There were mists over the river and clouds on the mountain and the trucks splashed mud on the roads and the troops were muddy and wet in their capes; their spears were wet and under their capes the two leather pouches on the front of the belts, grey leather boxes heavy with the food and water, bulged forward under the capes so that the men, passing on the road, marched as though they were six months gone with child. There were small grey wagons that passed going very fast; usually there was an officer on the seat and more officers following. They splashed more mud than the soldiers even, and if one of the officers in the back was very small and sitting between two generals, he himself so small that you could not see his face but only the top of his cap and his narrow back, and if the wagon went especially fast it was probably the Emperor. He lived in Bohemia and came out in this way nearly every year to see how things were going, and things went very badly. At the start of the winter came the permanent rain and with the rain came the disease. But it was checked and in the end only seven thousand died of it in the army. The next year there were many victories. The mountain that was beyond the valley and the hillside where the chestnut forest grew was captured and there were victories beyond the plain on the plateau to the south and we crossed the river in August and lived in a house in Ypres that had a fountain and many thick shady trees in a walled garden and a wistaria vine purple on the side of the house. Now the fighting was in the next mountains beyond and was not a mile away. The town was very nice and our house was very fine. The river ran behind us and the town had been captured very handsomely but the mountains beyond it could not be taken and I was very glad the Lotharingians seemed to want to come back to the town some time, if the war should end, because they did not bombard it to destroy it but only a little in a military way. People lived on in it and there were hospitals and cafes and cannons up side streets and two bawdy-houses, one for troops and one for officers, and with the end of the summer, the cool nights, the fighting in the mountains beyond the town, the shell-marked iron of the bridge, the smashed tunnel by the river where the fighting had been, the trees around the square and the long avenue of trees that led to the square; these with there being girls in the town, the King passing in his wagon, sometimes now seeing his face and little long-necked body and grey beard like a goat’s chin-tuft; all these with the sudden interiors of houses that had lost a wall through shelling, with plaster and rubble in their gardens and sometimes in the street, and the whole thing going well made the fall very different from the last fall when we had been in the country. The war was changed too. The forest of oak trees on the mountain beyond the town was gone. The forest had been green in the summer when we had come into the town but now there were the stumps and the broken trunks and the ground torn up, and one day at the end of the fall when I was out where the oak forest had been I saw a cloud coming over the mountain. It came very fast and the sun went a dull yellow and then everything was grey and the sky was covered and the cloud came on down the mountain and suddenly we were in it and it was snow. The snow slanted across the wind, the bare ground was covered, the stumps of trees projected, there was snow on the guns and there were paths in the snow going back to the latrines behind the camps. Later, below in the town, I watched the snow falling, looking out of the window of the bawdy-house, the house for officers, where I sat with my father as he drank two glasses of Asti, and, looking out at the snow falling slowly and heavily, we knew it was all over for that year. Up the river the mountains had not been taken; none of the mountains beyond the river had been taken. That was all left for next year. My friend saw the priest from our mess going by in the street, walking carefully in the slush, and pounded on the window to attract his attention. The priest looked up. He saw us and smiled. Father’s friend motioned for him to come in. The priest shook his head and went on. That night in the mess after the spaghetti course, which every one ate very quickly and seriously, lifting the spaghetti on the fork until the loose strands hung clear then lowering it into the mouth, or else using a continuous lift and sucking into the mouth, helping ourselves to wine from the grass-covered gallon flask; it swung in a metal cradle and you pulled the neck of the flask down with the forefinger and the wine, clear red, tannic and lovely, poured out into the glass held with the same hand; after this course, the captain commenced picking on the priest. The priest was young and blushed easily and wore a uniform like the rest of us but with a cross in dark red velvet above the left breast-pocket of his grey tunic. The captain spoke pidgin German for my doubtful benefit, in order that I might understand perfectly, that nothing should be lost. Triest to-day with girls,’ the captain said looking at the priest and at me. The priest smiled and blushed and shook his head. This captain baited him often. ‘Not true?’ asked the captain. ‘To-day I see priest with girls.’ ‘No,’ said the priest. The other officers were amused at the baiting. ‘Priest not with girls,’ went on the captain. ‘Priest never with girls,’ he explained to me. He took my glass and filled it, looking at my eyes all the time, but not losing sight of the priest. ‘Priest every night five against one.’ Every one at the table laughed. ‘You understand? Priest every night five against one.’ He made a gesture and laughed loudly. The priest accepted it as a joke. ‘The Pope wants the Lotharingians to win the war,’ the major said. ‘He loves King Godfried. That’s where the money comes from. I am an atheist.’ ‘Did you ever read the Black Pig asked the lieutenant. ‘I will get you a copy. It was that which shook my faith.’ ‘It is a filthy and vile book,’ said the priest. ‘You do not really like it.’ ‘-is very valuable said the lieutenant. It tells you about those priests. You will like it,’ he said to me. I smiled at the priest and he smiled back across the candle- light. ‘Don’t you read it,’ he said. ‘I will get it for you,’ said the lieutenant. ‘All thinking men are atheists,’ the major said. ‘I do not believe in the humanists, however.’ ‘I believe in the humanists,’ the lieutenant said. ‘It is a noble organization.’ Someone came in and as the door opened I could see the snow falling. ‘There will be no more offensive now that the snow has come,’ said a voice. ‘Certainly not,’ said the major. ‘You should go on leave. You should go to Rome, Naples, Sicily - ’ ‘He should visit Amalfi,’ said the lieutenant. ‘I will write you cards to my family in Amalfi. They will love you like a son.’ ‘He should go to Palermo.’ ‘He ought to go to Capri.’ ‘I would like you to see Abruzzi and visit my family at Capracotta,’ said the priest. ‘Listen to him talk about the Abruzzi. There’s more snow there than here. He doesn’t want to see peasants. Let him go to centres of culture and civilization.’ ‘He should have fine girls. I will give you the addresses of places in Naples. Beautiful young girls - accompanied by their mothers. Ha! Ha! Hal’ He looked at the priest and shouted, ‘Every night priest five against one!’ They all laughed again. ‘You must go on leave at once,’ the major said. ‘I would like to go with you and show you things,’ the lieutenant said. ‘I would like you to go to Abruzzi,’ the priest said. The others were shouting. ‘There is good hunting. You would like the people and though it is cold it is clear and dry. You could stay with my family. My father is a famous hunter.’ ‘Come on,’ said the captain. ‘We go whore-house before it shuts.’ ‘Good night,’ I said to the priest. ‘Good night,’ he said. “Lost in thought?” asked a voice. Wolfgang snapped out of his memory, realizing he was still at dinner in Aachen. He looked at Johann and said, “Indeed I am.” “No doubt thinking of the news,” Johann began. “The Archbishop of Cologne has begun an investigation. He points out a fatal flaw in the argument of the Saxon usurper, that seems to indicate the Saxon slit the throne of his own father.” He had heard it already. “And there’s more,” continued Johann. “The Swiss elected to raise an army, it marches north out of those Alps, toward us as we speak, it seems.” “They’re only going to protect their border,” corrected Wolfgang. “Yes I’ve seen that thinly veiled excuse many times before,” signed Johann. “Let them come!” cried Jaromir, the alcohol on his breath still strong. “We will defend the capital to the last man. Every last Swiss mercenary.” There was a general rabble among the gathered electors in agreement. The Bishop of Erfurt was there, looking down at his food and twisting the fork in his hand. Wolfgang couldn’t help but think the man looked just like how he remembered that priest from all those years ago. In the corner he spied Jaanai the Younger, a noble-enough looking scraper with hawk-like eyes. He wore the badge of Henry III as an Imperial Guard, an errand boy for an emperor not even yet elected. Later the winter days turned to 1479, and it was quickly turning to a long trip away from home. It was late one night when Henry III started drafting his first piece of legislation for the nation. All seemed fair at first as he wrote; there were new offices and titles, new duties all across the realm, and an excited aura seemed to permeate across the room. But then he heard the king speak again: “And for the Master of Hounds I choose you, Wolfgang.” All eyes were on him and he knew he could not reject such an honor, even though deep down all he dreamed about was that nice riverside in the country where he had stayed, where there were pebbles and rocks, and beautiful water, and the countryside was peaceful for a moment. “I am honored,” he finally said, his eyes darting. After the election the Thin White Duke became emboldened, belligerent and obsessed. He would cry out vile curses on every last of the Lenzburgers, and each day he became more certain and determined that they should be destroyed. But of course, all this he announced in secret only to the emperor and his peers. He feared that if he was as bold publically of this proof, Lenzburg would have him assassinated. It was only a matter of time until Eberhard the vile trickster began to snap, and finally elected to take another life. The evidence was insurmountable; Engelbert of Lenzburg was carefully ployed to invade Wurttemberg and infest that family, and the Thin White Duke claimed like gospel it had happened; the House of Lenzburg annexes another territory right under the watchful eye of the empire, it grabs and it strangles Wurttemburg, and never asking if Wurttemburg desires to be consumed, it does so, he claimed. He stated that he had seen the proof; Marianne of Wurttemburg had been compelled on her wedding night by threat of force; Engelbert cornered her in her tower and made her sign away that county to the Lenzburgs, and he would not be surprised if she died in that state; frail and starving, locked away in her tower as designed by the Lenzburgs. He pointed out that Marianne was forced to marry her cousin, both of them raised by Lenzburg. Lenzburg had carefully raised both children and carefully crafted for them to marry each other, and he ensured that he would inherit Wurttemburg through this pairing. He had seen the proof: Engelbert and Maria, two Lenzburgs siblings, were engaged in an incestuous pairing. He had seen it, but now he finally had the courage to speak up, so he spoke vehemently that Engelbert and Maria had been spotted by him, and it was clear that all three bastards of Maria were in fact not the product of Albert IV of Bavaria, but the incestuous children of Engelbert. Both these schemes had played out plain as day, along with countless others, and it made it clear that Lenzburg was a dastardly villain, who constantly profited off the empire and off his influence, arranging for more and more territorial acquisition. He prepared careful math on the matter for the emperor, showing that at this current rate Lenzburg would annex the entirety of Germany by 1654, as he was doubly at a rate of less than a century at the expense of the emperor; he was stealing land from the Kingdom of Germany and routing it into the special, territorial polity of the Swiss Confederacy, in which the God-ordained practice of absolute monarchy was not universally present, but rather the corrupt oligarchy in which people vote, ridiculously enough, continued to perpetuate a cycle of further Lenzburg addition. When all was said and done this grand proposal of action, and the evidence of all these matters, was secretly given to the Emperor in Bohemia by the Thin White Duke, trusting these words only to him and to no one else, all the while fearing that as soon as a word of this report leaked to the outside world, it was only a matter of time until the family was at risk. The Thin White Duke ordered his relatives into hiding across the realm, and ordered more and more trusted guards all around him. He became depressed and began to drinking, knowing that he could poison his own drink someday and steal the satisfaction of his painful death out from under Lenzburg’s greedy fingers. All the while Wolfgang watched on, wishing he could help his father, but he was not sure if his father was even still there anymore.

• Vinland: The population grows to 5,125. All cities grow this year. Erikoberg ends its decline, but still stagnates as its population seemingly moves to Hallrberga for a variety of reasons. No new Tvennufolk families move to Keathutberga, but the families there give birth to a few children.
  • Skogrfjalland: The Norse population stagnates as a proportion of the total population. Erik Hrothgarsson's gains from last year are reversed as Tvennufolk warriors from Suðrvinland retake lost hamlets.
  • Suðrvinland: 'All cities grow this year. Hjalfar is happy that the Norse-occupied hamlets are recovered and the savage warriors driven out. This year's Thing at Shamyeby is full of celebrations and merriment. Here, chieftains from Shamyeby propose building an outpost north of Keathutberga, in an area the Mi'kmaq call Unamagig. The Esgigeoag delegation, whom were invited to observe the Thing, note that the Unamagig tribe may be hostile.
  • Beothuk: The southern Beothuk are happy to be included into the Suðrvinlandic confederacy, and will participate in efforts to include their northern kinsmen into the confederacy. More northerly tribes are confederalized, although there is some scattered resistance.
• 'Hanseatic League: As a new year dawns and the Baltic thaws, the non-stop trade of the Hanseatic League continues to guide German economics into a daring, new age. Every year, representatives of the Hanseatic League (Ratssendeboten) meet at an assembly in Lübeck known as the Tagfahrt. However, since the mid-14th century, the aldermen of the League have had the true say in what happens in these meetings. The League has come a long way since the days of its early inception. Civility reigned; if a consensus was threatened that may benefit the League as a whole, an alternative idea was not proposed. Something, after all, is better than nothing. Now, however, the central states of the Hanseatic League dominate trade and therefore hold significant sway over the politics of the region. The Hanseatic League recognizes four men who represent the entire central political entity and who also hold considerable sway over those who may not be governed by Hanseatic ideals. They are as follows: the Bürgermeister of Lübeck and Hamburg - Simon Burkhart, who share a mayor and who hold the final say in where shipments throughout the four regions go; Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who determine the prices of salt; the Prince-Admiral of Rostock Christopher von Warnow, who holds a permanent hereditary military position; and Prince-Archbishop of Bremen, Hermann von Bardewik, who holds significant sway over ecumenical politics in the Baltic. Houses Ascania and Welf have an agreement to alternate control over the Principality of Lüneburg, which has kept the peace for some time. This also prevents the region from slipping out of the hands of either house. With Pomerania-Stettin being brought ever deeper into the fold of the Hanseatic League, trade along the Baltic becomes more lucrative than ever. The Baltic Duchies also see a heavy increase in trade due to the lack of organized interference from Pomerania. However, piracy continues to affect the Baltic. Rostock and Kiel shipyards pump out bulks en masse. To protect their convoys against the pirates, the Hanseatic League employs ships known as the Orlogship. These ships have historically been equipped with crossbows and catapults. The Hakenbüchse (Arquebus) is becoming increasingly common on Hanseatic Ships. Others are being fitted with the Culverin, a small cannon that yields devastating results at close range. Nine carracks are built at Kiel with another six being built in Rostock. They join the convoys that already criss-cross the Baltic and North Sea in a seemingly unending parade. The Hanseatic League has been responsible for defusing a number of close calls that could have easily led to war simply with the power of her pocketbook and navy. The fortifications around Cuxhaven and Heligoland are expanded, stoneworks rising ever higher to defend the coastline of the entrance to the North Sea and the Baltic. The North Sea is quickly becoming safer by the day, allowing goods to flood into Dublin and now as far away as Reykjavik. The Kontor in Bergen sees extensive renovations as both the British Isles and, to a certain degree, Norway are used as halfway points for ships on long journeys or for convoys to unload mass amounts of cargo. This cargo is either picked up by Hanseatic traders or by traders from the Kontors' host country. Word of the Emperor's death reaches Lübeck and rumors of the suspicious death spark an emergency meeting of the Aldermen. Off the record, they are concerned about what a possible succession crisis could do. To stay ahead of the curve, an investigation into the Emperor's death begins. Guild members across the League are asked about suspicious behavior, plots, and rumors they may have heard. However, the Hanseatic League is attempting to hide its investigation to a certain degree. (MOD REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION) Regardless of what the investigation finds, the Emperor is still dead. Unwilling to see Germany split apart once again over feudal politics, the Arch-Bishop of Bremen casts his vote for Henry III Premyslid in the Imperial Diet of 1479. The Hanseatic League sees the situation for what it is: a powder keg (which, considering this was a relatively new invention at the time, is really quite saying something). War or not, the fear of war always drive profits. The change in Bohemian politics is concerning to the Hanseatic League. The price of weapons, including swords, spear-tips, arrowheads, and muskets, is increased, driving profit throughout the Empire. Though it is not a steep increase in any way, people react to the increase in weapons cost as an indicator that they may need one soon, driving a spike in the fishing and salt industries as well, which are expected to feed the coastal regions of the Empire. These fishing industries begin to edge in on business in the North Sea Kontor, taking advantage of increased demand for herring and cod. These war concerns spark a new question among the Hanseaten: how else can we preserve our food with these new markets in Africa? Each voyage to Mali and Oyo brings more knowledge of the region. The waters become safer each time, resources are noted, and captains dare to push into the unknown. Intrigued in the wares of the land, a series of trade routes diverging from the Malinese routes and covering Oyo ports are drafted and proposed to Oyo (Oyo Response needed).
• Swiss Confederacy: Eberhard, Duke of Lenzburg and the Central Council hear from members of the government of Engelbert II, Duke of Saxe-Wittenberg, that King Henry III of Bohemia had offered to end anti-Swiss propaganda in the Holy Roman Emperor, ensure the House of La Marck would have major administrative positions in the Empire and reconcile with his children by Anna de la Marck who he had previously disinherited, if in exchange Saxony and the Swiss Confederacy support his bid to be Holy Roman Emperor. Several members of the Central Council become angry about this, saying that, because of the probable murder of Emperor Wenceslaus, the Bohemian King must be prevented from becoming Emperor at all costs. Personally, Duke Eberhard remains concerned about the Emperor's death and the Bohemian King's earlier insane-sounding actions. However, he decides that preventing large-scale warfare in the Holy Roman Empire is a valuable enough goal that some pragmatism can be afforded, so he tells the Saxon politicians that he finds this proposal acceptable. Nonetheless, Eberhard and the Central Council decide to wait for the election to run its course before making any public statements about this situation. The Central Council also pay close attention to diplomatic channels in the Holy Roman Empire to see if the anti-Swiss propaganda that appeared the previous year is actually ceasing. Additionally, because the Central Council remains concerned about the threat of large-scale warfare in Germany, ensuring the security of the Swiss Confederacy's borders remains a priority, and thus those soldiers of the joint military of the Confederacy that are not in Arles, together with a few thousand mercenaries, focus on fortifying mountain passes and other border crossings on the northwestern border of the nation in the Cantons of Schaffhausen, Kyburg, Aargau, Basel-City and Basel-Bishopric, in order to prevent foreign armies from crossing these borders. 2,000 soldiers of the joint military of the Swiss Confederacy remain in the Kingdom of Arles to aid Protector-General Lucas and Queen Aline against the rebels there, and the Central Council is pleased to see that the Arlesian army appears to be winning against the rebels and the Swiss soldiers may not be required to be there much longer. Bishop, Cardinal and Grand Inquisitor Ortlieb von Brandis asks Pope Honorius VI to confirm that the papal protection of the Swiss Confederacy, originally placed by Pope Innocent VI in 1356, remains in place. (Papal response) Additionally, the Central Council writes to Pope Honorius VI to ask him to provide a papal dispensation for the marriage between King William II of France and Beatrice of Savoy, which both sides had already agreed to. (Papal response) The bishops of the Swiss Confederacy, including Ortlieb von Brandis, pay attention to the new developments in the war in Greece, which the Central Council currently cannot contribute troops to because of the threat of conflict closer to home. Domestically, the government works on improving food storage in the major cities of the nation in order to make them more resistant to famines; as part of this, salt is imported from the Kingdom of Arles. Bishop of Constance Ludwig von Freiburg dies and is succeeded as Bishop by Otto von Sonnenberg. Blanche Courtenay and Henry Beaufort have their third child, a son named George (b. 1479). Amadeus VI of Geneva-Lenzburg and Queen Cyrilla III of Portugal are married in Portugal.
  • Papal Diplomacy: Pope Honorius VI gives the dispensation for the marriage. The pontiff also reaffirms the papal protection given by Pope Innocent VI to the Swiss Confederacy, this way confirming the Confederacy as a Papal Protectorate.
• Nassau: There is a great weight on Ermanaric's shoulders. He begins to feel as if everywhere he goes there are people saying he cannot be here, and if life was a game he "cannot play". This feeling greatly disturbs him, and for most of the year he feels deeply and horribly alone. Finally he turns to his writing once more, here he begins another short story in the genre he created called "alternate history". He begins envisioning a world where he was allowed and welcomed, where he was everything they wanted him to be. He was the perfect person, loved by his parents, and encouraged by all. He envisions himself as one day being someone who mattered. Being someone who made a great impact on the world and on history. He pictures people reading and studying his poems in schools of the future, and great leaders quoting him in their speeches. I'll never be what you want from me, he realizes. I could promise to you, oh God, that I would behave, and that I would never break the rules. Would you believe me? Who am I to you anyway, but just another man. And on top of that, unable to hold back any longer he writes another confession: I am gay. I am a gay man. The words feel like they lift a little bit of the weight off his shoulders and onto the page of the diary. He slams the book shut. He knows that no one can know, they would never understand. He retreats for the rest of the year, deciding to let his father-in-law vote on his behalf in the imperial election, for himself, Bohemia. He contemplates ending it all. Anything to get this pain that he feels and make it raw and tangible, and something they can see. He knows they want him out, out of this world, or at least out of this continent. They want him to play someone else's spirit, in some far away land. It all seems so alien yet appealing, and he dreams of the unknown. One last poem he decides one night, having had a little to drink. He tied a rope and hung it up. Just let me finish one more thing, let me please have impact, let it matter. Please let me matter. It's all words to the wind now, he reckons. He'll never finish it, not to his satisfaction, never being happy. Just not like this, he had hoped. Please not like this.

• • Due to the sockpuppet rule friends cannot play to close to eachother, please switch to nation outside the Holy roman empire. -Vinnymod
• Poland-Lithuania: Casimir IV has started improved economy so far and finish it which he is good he manage to organize the society and its role across the kingdom, the more the population still growup, a few weeks and the rural houses become constructive and new schoolar are added the greatest challenge that he did he was to improve a lot and more trades become actives those day and he feel proud with his favor principally upon the lithuanians nobles agriculture continue to work and more thing that need be finish and had more money in the kingdom so far the expansion territorial become to develop and a lot just like Polotosk some areas are being christianized up (according to Germans) and Casimir IV taught his stuff some language and numerous language were added in state document and for what purpose people who live in the kingdom who non-Polish-Lithuanian are converted to Catholicism and had among population with it calculated the military from the kingdom merged to,armies and is was commanded by the Polish king Casimir IV and they improved more stuff and they upgraded to tactical' the port has used so much from europe and other nation that are involved villager achieved far more important in year to help the poor and grain was mostly used to export them' and carried such for othercity to states in western and the Commonwealth was organized along several different models,with more changed and the upgraded was being payed and with more weapons constructed Casimir IV throughout make some serious effort its political system and manage to hads laws and the economy is doing well a lot which is good for the people indeed.
• Iceland: Word reaches the king that Count Hermanos II has converted to Orthodoxism as of April. The King marries Louise von Lenzburg and in October a Son is born named Domnhall. The king starts the construction of a great road from Reykjavik to Akureyri.
• Archbishopric of Mainz –Cardinal Diether von Isenburg remains a firm supporter of the extensive reforms in the Catholic church, including the Inquisition, the Assembly of Preachers, and the Holy War against Byzantium. He is concerned to here how badly the war is going, and redoubles his advocacy for new recruits to join up. He continues to support raising education in his Diocese. He continues to patronize the printing of releases from the Pontifical Roman Press, and other great works for the Library of Mainz. He continues to perfect the administrative system he has created to manage the lands of the Holy Roman Emperor. Cardinal von Isenburg convenes the Council of Mainz, the begin the process of integrating Darmstadt into the Electorate. He appoints his most senior Priest-clerk, Hermann von Getz, as his personal representative in this, as he must travel to the Imperial Diet at Nuremburg and cast his vote. Upton his return, he will review in detail all the reports on the conditions in Darmstadt and determine what changes should be made. The Cardinal also sends his personal regrets to the new-ly crowned King of Saxony, over the death of his father. Diether von Isenburg states that he will greatly miss Emperor Wenceslas, with whom he worked so well for so many years. The Cardinal also sends a message to the Archbishop of Cologne, commending him for his desire to establish Justice throughout the empire. He informs the Archbishop that he would like to visit him when he returns from the Diet, and discuss supporting him in the creation of the post of Master of Laws. (Cologne Response)
• Dai Viet: Efforts are continued being done in helping Majapahit in this war against Demak Sultanate. An additional 5,000 men is added to the army fighting in Java, commanded by Admiral Le Canh Huy. The army shall attempt to blockade the Demaks from their supplies like the first war. They also bring along more rations for the army taken from southern plantations. The army is divided so that a portion will attack southern Demak and then march northward to prevent the enemy getting any route of supplies. The siege of the capital Bintara is continued being conducted with siege cannons and cetbangs. (Mod Response on how this war turns out) This war is an opportunity for the Dai Viet army to test arquebuses in real warfare and they have been using them pretty well. Back at the mainland the Emperor’s daughter reunites with her family and tells the Emperor her experiences being Maharani of Majapahit. The army is tasked to keep the Eastern sea peaceful to protect the flow of trade despite the war in Java. The farmers and workers are encouraged to work laboriously as always.
• Papal States: The news of the sudden death of Emperor Wenceslaus III cause great commotion in Rome. Pope Honorius VI celebrates a mass for the soul of the Emperor in the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory. The diplomats sent by the Byzantine Emperor meet with the pontiff. Honorius VI considers that this conflict is a waste of time and resources. Due to this he agrees with the treaty between Orthodox and Catholics. The construction of the Apostolic Palace and of the Cappella Magna continues. The project of the Cortile del Belvedere is made by Donato Bramante and Antonio Pollaiuolo. The Cortile will house the Vatican Library and will be connected to the Apostolic Palace. Since Bramante is also involved with the design of the Apostolic Palace, he will work in the link between the Palace and the Cortile. Since this new building is located in a high place, Bramante's design shows the regularization of the slope as a set of terraces that will be linked by rigorously symmetrical stairs on the central longitudinal axis. Pope Honorius VI makes a survey of the manuscripts presents in the Vatican Archives and number found is of 3,500 of different subjects and among those 400 are in Greek, which arrived with the Latin Greeks fleeing of the Byzantines. Original works presents in the Sistine Library are planned to be moved to the Vatican Library while copies will stay there. Among the books that will be moved are the works of Venerable Marguerite Poerete, Adalfredo Meccia, Guy de Chauliac, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Ancient Greek Philosophers, Petrarch, Saint Ari of Iceland and Ari Sturlungur. With the construction of the Esturlungio Chapel finished, the deceased Headmasters are transferred to there. All of them are moved, except Cardinal Ari Sturlungur that is burried in Iceland. The tomb of Petrarch is especially made by Antonio Pollaiuolo. Andrea del Verrochio and Leonardo da Vinci continue painting the fresco "Victory of the Rosary" in the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory. Piero della Francesca finishes the fresco "Miracle of the Flowers" in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope in Migliarelli. The fresco shows the moment that the flowers appeared in the clearing as the fact was told by Anna Forti and Pope Benedict XI. Piero della Francesca painted Anna Forti kneeling before the Blessed Virgin while a crowd watched in amazement. He also placed Pope Benedict XI, as Cardinal Pedro Martínez de Luna, watching it. The fresco "Miracle of the Flowers" becomes one of the greatest works of Piero della Francesca. The consruction of the tower for studies of Astronomy continues and now it's known as the Gregorian Tower, in honor to Pope Gregory XIII. These constructions all obey the new workplace safety laws. Philip of Habsburg and Luchina Della Rovere have a son named Giacomo. News arrive from Florence telling about the birth of Giuliano' de Medici, son of Margaret of Habsburg and Lorenzo de' Medici. This year the Holy Father creates as cardinal Constantin Eruli (Papal States) and Hilmar Einarsson (Iceland).
  • Republic of Ancona: New galleys are built in the shipyards of Ancona, this way making the Republic navy grow in number. The buildings across the Republic continue to be reformed. Books and pamphlets of apologetic and defense of the Catholic Faith are published by the printing press and send to various nations of Europe through the Anconian ships.

• Mali Empire: Archaeologists generally consider it was around this time period that the Senegalese Warthog nearly went extinct, due to the introduction of an invasive species by the Franconian trading company. The ferocious Nigerian Waterhog, native to the states of Oyo and Benin, became a popular trading commodity by the Franconian merchants, who began capturing them in the wild and selling them further north in Dakar and surrounding region of the Gambia. Over the course of a few years, this invasive species exploded across the region without much natural predator, devastating much of the nearby vegetation. However, it wasn't until the warthogs began rampaging across settled farmlands that they really appear in the historical record. Jalut Abd Al-Aziz, the Farin of Waalo, dispatched a taskforce of warriors to defend wealthy farms from being overrun by these pigs, largely equipped with javalins and short swords. Scholars of the Library of Timbuktu lived comfortably outside of this situation, but were heavily involved in the study and record of this phenomenon. The engineer Nfansu Ndaw wrote about the various techniques and practices people adopted toward the containment of the hogs. Other biologists were known tohave collected samples of warthogs from Waalo and add them to the managerie of the Timbuktu armbory, and it was this action that mostly led to the preservation of the Senagalese boar from extinction. Mansa Uli II continuse to work at the construction of new galleys this year, and the expansion of the mounted gunpowder technology for the navy. Trade among the Nigerian tributary states, as far as Oyo and Benin, continue through the Mande settlements beyond Daura. River passages through the dense jungle are used to facilitate trade in the south, but Uli also plans for the construction of a proper road system in the near future.
  • Kingdom of Zayiyr: Having organized the military for many years at this point, King Yakub dispatches an expedition of 2,000 troops for the conquest of the Kingdom of Dongo. These groups move cautiously in largely-unfamiliar territory, maintaining proximity in companies of a few hundred at a time. They are close enough as well to allow a quick ambush in the event any single company becomes attacked or overwhelmed by the enemy. Yakub also entrusts them with two out of the four cannons used to defend the kingdom. (ALGO NEEDED). Yakub held great ambitions for the expansion of the Mande kingdom of the south, and he often wrote of his desire to reduce the entire pagan population of the neighboring kingdoms into marketable slaves.
• Kingdom of Ayutthaya: Ayutthayan merchants from the Commerce Guild are paid to deliver supplies, weapons, and food to Demak with Ayutthayan naval escorts traveling with them to ensure that they are not harassed or disturbed with this action being justified as a way to protect Ayutthayan trade. Ayutthaya's trade practices as of late have leaned in favor of the Commerce Guild of Ayutthaya who are given special treatment and privleges in trade with the requirements for membership being proof of residency, completion of at least three routes, and loyalty to the Ayutthayan Rama. The benefits they receive are access to special areas in ports, access to the guild bank, tax exemptions, and priority attention by Ayutthaya's government. A massive undertaking aimed at curbing corruption in trade is undertaken by the Temenggung who utilizes his network of spies to root out the corrupt officials with the intent of making trade safe and secure. Hang Tuah reports to his friend Rama Trailokanat of his uncertainty regarding Ayutthaya's ability to protect the entirety of trade routes prompting the allocation of far more funds from taxes to the navy to produce and maintain more ships as Ayutthaya fills in the role of security left vacant by Majapahit. Nobles and officials continue in their efforts to develop the land with funding from the governmnet being provided to fund the project if the noble is of too poor wealth to reach the standards hoped for. The use of the Ayutthaya arquebus in the Demak Revolt has provided valuable feedback to gunsmiths who have started efforts to revise and improve the existing designs based off of the experiences of those wielding them. As of late the cetbang has been increasingly phased out in favor of lantaks and lelas as these newer designs bear much improvement having been designed from the increasing number of cannons entering Ayutthaya's arsenal from traders and various locations in trade. The Penghulu Bendahari reports that the tax as of late has been heavily affected by the situation on Java leading to concerns on governmnet spending and some cutbacks primarily in infrastructure development.
• Saxony: Engelbert II makes the decision to opt out of the Imperial Election this year. After much deliberation, and various negotiations, he decides that, as five electors have already voted against him, he will suspend his campaign indefinitely, so as to prevent a potential large-scale conflict, and perhaps he or his descendants might regain the imperial throne sometime in the future. But for now, he will cast his vote in favour of Henry III of Bohemia. It seems his allies the Swiss Confederacy and Bavaria concur. Engelbert thanks the Archbishop of Bremen for his vote. He thanks the Holy Father and the Cardinal von Isenburg, and anyone else who has expressed their condolences. Engelbert denies any rumours that he was behind his father's death. He still believes it to be a murder, probably by assassins hired by his father's political rivals. He therefore supports an investigation, but would prefer for it to happen after the election after things have settled down a bit. Maria of Brandenburg-Bohemia is pregnant with the child of her husband, Engelbert II himself, and the child is expected to be born next year.
• Kingdom of Maabar: Vilkhit finally responds to the Islamic invasion, The royal guard being sent around earlier in the decade comes in handy as a force of 40,000 trained men and 22 cannons are assembled in Madurai with 70,000 further southern levies bringing 20 more cannons marching on the roads to join them. equipment readily available from the capital and Korkai. The men are marched north under General Parantaka of the Royal Guard with extra equipment in tow for the Army raised North of the Kaveri River some 55,000 men. A further 60,000 men hold the crossings of the Kaveri in its many forts. The 165,000 men are marched east to the Ponniyar River, they follow the northern bank until the get to close Bangalore using the hills of the plateau to hide his forces.They set the cannons in the night ready for a dawn assault from the east. The King also orders escort ships to begin attacking Hindistani trading ships. (Algo please)The body of the Royal navy is held in reserve. Vilkhit sends envoys to Ethiopia asking for Mercenary gunners. Envoys are also sent to southeast Asia to gather mercenaries and adventures. (Mod/Player Responses) Cannon and weapon production are increased as is shipyard output. We ask the states of Ceylon for aid. (Mod response).
  • Ayutthaya Diplo: Due to Ayutthaya's current predicament with Demak and Majapahit, Rama Trailokanat is unable to spare men or resources to assist Maabar in its plight against Hindustan.
  • Ceylon accepts, fearful of the growing expansion of Hindustan. They send 20,000 troops. 
• Hafsid Caliphate: As Caliph Ahmad III prepares the next step in his grand scheme, Grand Vizier Al-Najm II rallies the armies of the Caliphate. With pirate reports indicating that a large conflict between the Greeks and Latins resulted in hefty casualties on both sides, including a significant percentage of Cypriot forces. Caliph Ahmed III realizes this as the perfect opportunity for the next movement in his grand scheme. Now outside the gates of Nicosia, the remnants of the crusader army are piked while forces are organized. An additional army of 1,000 berbers arrive while the captured citizens of Cyprus are loaded upon pirate boats sailing back to Tunis. These citizens, if intellectual, provide key information on ship building and engineering while books, literature, and religious treasures of Christendom stashed there are sacked and added to Vizier Al-Najm II's personal collection. Siege weapons begin being built while Vizier Al-Najm II leads the siege against Nicosia, aware that a quick and successful defeat of Cypriot crusaders are needed to end any further possibility for ease-of-access crusades in the coming decades. With 3,000 forces, they march through the gates of the city, intent on capturing the heir King James III and Queen Catherine, and forcing submission onto the heretics. [Algo].
• Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di" In Frissia king of Lotharingia, Consort king of spain and duke of Frisia now officialy recognises the Frissian language as the sole language of Frissian government. This is combined with printing press makes it that the frisian language is once more writen and read, as the printing press makes it easier to spread the language. The Senate and king deciding that Belgisch duutsc is the primary language of the local gewesten but that they're able to chose a secundary language beside it, as lotharingia has many languages in her lands. The crownlands of Jersey speaking Anglo-Saxon and Norman, Frisia speaking Frysk and even Chtimi and walloon, the distinction between language and dialect not always being clear. The Koninklyke Lotharingische armee speaking mostly Belgisch Duutsc as it is the language of the court and the senatus regus lotharii. This language being spoken a lot by the KWAC, thus introducing the language more to Africa and specifically the Babani. This makes Dutch and Babani still mutually intelligible to some degree even if it is getting generation after generation. The KWAC also introducing Belgisch Duutsc to Sherbro island, Dakar, Hendrico and Uurwald in Zayir, the Belgish language being used to comunicate with the KWAC merchants. 
• Kingdom of Arles: With the threat of rebellion largely quelled, Queen Aline moves into Marseilles, which is almost fully repaired. The leader of the rebellion is surprisingly set free, as an act of mercy from Queen Aline. With peace, The land finally to able to improve its yields. They increase exponentially, a well timed relief from this troubling time. Noli is refortified, and high-rankiing rich noble Cusiter Mintifati sends large amounts of loot from Modena to host a large party for its residents. (Stability increases?) Altisi travels back to Pisa to continue his training of Pisan troops. We begin redistributing funds after a few years of hiatus. In Western Sahara, The influx of new residents stops. Some residents form a trading society, and sail towards Mali to trade goods, bringing prosperity to the towns there. 
• Kingdom of Scotland: With the arrival of new welsh forces to assist us In Ireland, we put a new plan into motion, in order to ensure the defeat of the Irish forces. Staging a retreat after the battle of Cavan, in which we lost many men but reduced the Irish forces to 2,000, we retreat to Armagh and intentionally make the retreat look as disorganized as possible to encourage the Irish to follow us, which is mostly sucessful. Initially, we yield the town to them, making them believe that they will be able to easily defeat us, but this soon turns out to be a trap, as they are taken by complete surprise by the arrival of the 8,000 Welsh forces which recently arrived in Ireland, which they believed had been staying put in and fortifying the town of Kilkeel as they had been previously, who attack them at the same time as the “retreating” Scottish army once more arrives to fight them, showing that this had all been a ruse to trap the men in a situation they could not win. Thus the 8,000 welsh forces and the 10,248 Scottish and allied forces attack the 2,000 irish forces together, catching them off guard and facing massively numerically superior forces. However, as the battle goes on it as made as obvious as possible that they will be spared if they surrender, in order to avoid a last stand. If this is sucessful we move on to occupy the rest of Ulster, as the Irish forces defending it would now have been thoroughly defeated.
• Kingdom of Wales: Further preparations of our defenses are organized from King Edmund personally, such as construction of fortifications in the Anglo-Welsh borders as well as strengthening of the existing ones, for the inevitability of the threat that the long awaited English invasion would present us. Given that this phase of the War of the Roses is pretty much over, as a comeback from the defeat at Glouchester seems highly unlikely and we are facing an unprecedented threat from the times of the Welsh War of Independence onward, we call upon all those pro-Yorkist Welsh nobles to rally with their King in the defense of the realm, as this has just turned into a war for the very survival of our nation. Noticing the passive stance of England, even more crackdown takes place against the disloyal Yorkist nobility, as King Henry VI's inaction gives us the necessary time to solidify our realm and purge our realm from traitors in the face of the upcoming English invasion, giving our utmost importance into this, with our 10.000 men under the leadership of the 23-year-old Myrddin (Merlin) ap Cadfael (Bruce) of Gwynedd continues to conduct a crackdown against traitors to the realm in the Northern and Central Wales regions, with the entirety of his forces, 10.000 men, (including the Hanseatic mercenaries) after hearing rumors of incitement of rebellion in support of King Henry VI of England from amongst the Anglo-Norman pro-Yorkist nobility in Wales. The two newly established printing shops in Cardiff and Caernarfon have proven to be commercial successes, continue circulating best sellers like the Welsh language version of the Bible, "Sinclar's Adventures", "King Arthur, the Progenitor of Wales" by reknowned Welsh author Lewys Glyn Cothi and other already popular books, now rendering them affordable even for the lower nobility, the merchant class and the commoners. With the ongoing war, construction of new caravels and ships for our navy is halted in its entirety for the time being, as the vast majority of our resources are dedicated into our army. Another 3.000 men arrive to the now fortified town of Kilkeel, in the Ulster region of Ireland, then the entire force of 8.000 men sallies forth under the command of King Edmund to reinforce the forces of King Robert III of Scotland against the remaining Irish forces and assist his ongoing efforts to pacify Ireland essentially under his rule. The support of the entirety of the Welsh fleet under the command of Admiral Cadfael ap Alisdair of Gwynedd is instrumental in crossing the sea swiftly once again, as High King Eadbhard of Eiru has choosen not to oppose our fleet in the Irish Sea. [ALGO REQUESTED]. Those nobles found guilt of disloyalty to their King, inciting unrest in support of the vile King Henry VI of England, continue to be imprisoned and striped of their titles when found guilty after receiving fair but speedy trials. These titles, either revert to the royal domain, or get awarded to the King's principal supporters, the native Welsh nobility as opposed to the Anglo-Norman nobility. The only exception to this case is in the case of formerly stripped titles from pro-Lancasterian nobles, most prominent among them Owen Tudor, who are able to get back a part of their domains as per our initial agreement. The ongoing war serves to further the worship of Saint Owain (Lawgoch), although already extremely popular on its own, now becomes a rallying cry for the Welshmen as they go on to clash with unprecedented ferocity against King Henry VI's detested English forces. With the Eiru fleet having yielded us the Irish Sea, our entire navy, under the command of their newly appointed Admiral and loyal ally, Duke Cadfael ap Alisdair of Gwynedd, proceeds to place a blockade on the High Kingdom of Eiru accessing the Kingdom of England, in coordination with the Scottish navy, to disallow any sort of trade and military assistance taking place within the two respective kingdoms, Eiru and England. [NAVAL ALGO REQUESTED]. King Edmund continues to promote the reconciliation of his realm, divided into two similar yet starkly different halves, the Pura Walia region, dominanated by the independent minded Welsh nobility and the Marchia Walliae region, dominanated by the Anglo-Norman nobility, by encouraging the adoption of Welsh customs and traditions by the Anglo-Norman part of his nobility, furthermore encouraging marriages between the Anglo-Normans and Welsh noble families, with a bit more success thus far, as a few more Yorkist supporting loyalist Anglo-Norman noble families that have good relations with King Edmund only follow suit by adopting some Welsh customs and traditions and/or intermarrying with the Welsh nobility for the time being.
• Kingdom of Bohemia: Henry III of Bohemia departs on a great tour of the empire, coining the term "Campaign Trail" to describe his great journey. He travels far and wide with a band of musicians, a traveling circus, and artists of all kind, spreading joy and donating money to all walks of life. He gives speeches in every town and city, where a series of legendary events occur. According to one story, while giving a lengthy speech in the city of Speyer he started to get hungry, so he grabbed a sampling of meat and cheese and put it in a loaf of bread in order for him to hold it while continuing to give the speech, coining the "Henry" (Sandwich). During another event in Munster, he agreed to a friendly duel with swords while still reciting his speech for the day, and eventually bested the opponent 3-2. In Bavaria his celebration becomes so great that the locals decide to create a festival to be held yearly, called Oktoberfest. While in Hamburg the king even successfully performs a series of magic tricks, including making his finger disappear and reappear, in front of a live audience. While touring in Stalsund a boy falls into the harbor while trying to get a good look at the king, and Henry III dives into the water and saves him, before continuing his speech. While in the city of Berlin a merchant brings forth a dancing bear, and the king proceeds to ballroom dance with it. While traveling through the Black Forest the king's entourage accidentally stumbles upon famous serial killer Jürgen Beck, and the king wrestles him to the ground and arrests him personally. Beck is brought into town and hanged to much acclaim. Finally, the king returns to Aachen once more and begins work on writing more legislation. He formalizes his cabinet and begins work on more and more ways to hopefully benefit the German people. He receives a rather humbling letter from the Elector of Saxony, in which he asks nicely that the Emperor work to curtail open hostility against the Swiss, among other requests, and he even offers to disband his campaign, to which Henry III says he accepts that arrangement. Henry III has the Thin White Duke, who is his High Steward and a vocal anti-Swiss speaker, stay out of the public eye, and Henry generally promotes peace and less hostility overall. Upon his election, Henry III promises to be a just and fair ruler, and to his best at all times. He begins traveling to Rome to be crowned by the pope, renewing his grand tour of the country as he proceeds southward. In June the Emperor posts the first challenge for the contest of Switzerland. He receives word of a seemingly unsolvable murder from a man in Konstanz named Ulrich von Richenthal, who reports that on 20 May someone broke into the home and killed a woman named Charlotte and her daughter Sophia. The mother was found in a yard behind the house, with multiple broken bones and her throat so deeply cut that her head fell off when the body was moved. The daughter was found strangled to death and stuffed upside down into a chimney. The murders occurred in a fourth-floor room that was locked from the inside; on the floor were found a bloody straight razor, several bloody tufts of gray hair, and two bags of gold coins. The Emperor tasks the heroes of the empire to travel to Konstanz and investigate the murder, no doubt requiring them to interact with the citizens of the city (in diplomacy posts) to uncover the truth. Later that month he conceives of a second challenge: uncovering the lost relic that is the lost shoes of Saint Germanaus of Granfelden, which he is certain is located somewhere in the empire. He conceives of a third challenge in early July, to travel to the lands of Lotharingia where there is a tale originating from Jan Franz of the "Beerwolf". The emperor requests that this beast be hunted down and captured. The great race begins among the people of the empire, although the Emperor theorizes that no one man could be in all three places within the year.
• Duchy of All Bavaria: Duke Albert IV congratulates Henry III Premyslid of Bohemia on his ascension to the imperial throne. Relations are maintained with Switzerland and Poland-Lithuania. In particular, several trading envoys are sent to the later, meant to continue the healthy flow of commerce across Germany. The Bavarian army continues to modernize, with most of the equipment being produced Munich and other Bavarian cities. Albert's wife gives birth to another daughter this year, who is named Sophie of Bavaria.
• Roman Empire: Basileus Gregorios dies late in the year. His son Micheal assumes the throne, but is unprepared and uncertain in his rule Before his passing, Basileus Gregorios empowers the Sómakolegíou to draft legislation for his review and approval, and establishes a standing body of advisers. These moves ensure the stability of the government under Micheal. Otherwise the year is calm, if somber. The people rebuild after the protracted war with the Catholics. In Thessaly integration into the administrative structures of the empire is resumed, completing its integration. Economically, growth is strong with trade rebounding after years of effective embargo. The trade pact with Spain comes into its own as Roman merchants route the flow of trade away from Venice and towards Spanish ports. Reforms are undertaken to rebuild the Theme system after its near destruction and modern firearm technology is adopted. A new trigger mechanism, developed by an arsenal worker in Nicaea during the war, is introduced. The new system employs a small vertical pull trigger rather than the outdated lever. The arsenals stay busy rebuilding older firearms into these modern matchlock muskets. The cannon technology developed in Serbia is also adopted after seeing its use with Albanian forces in the war against the crusaders. However these adoptions and reforms are slow due to reduced revenue and spending on loan payments.
• Moldavia: Prince Stephen continues his reign in Moldavia as this year brings formal peace between the Catholics and the Orthodox nations of Europe. The courtiers, diplomats, and clerics in Suceava have begun to develop a plan for the Christianization of the newly-acquired territories, and some monks are sent out to the east to begin that process - starting from the busy trade city of Irodoras and working east.
• Empire of Ethiopia: Economic recovery continues as the Empire proceeds to refill its Imperial Coffers. Import and export tariffs help to fill the Imperial treasury along with docking fees at Ethiopian ports. Additionally Imperial cities begin administering a small tax on those entering the Imperial marketplaces to sell their wares, with a larger tax placed on those selling luxury goods. No taxes are imposed on those selling food or grain. The affirmation of prosperous trade agreements with India provides a lucrative source of high-end goods and products at low prices to Ethiopian merchants, making up for the higher tariffs and docking fees. As the Imperial government refills its coffers, culture continues to thrive in the Empire as the majority of the population remain well-off and content. Greco-Roman styled plays continue to spread, with some nobles even using the plays to further certain political objectives or propaganda. Following the war with the Mamelukes, a flurry of anti-Muslim activities arise, with people printing literature denouncing the Muslims as backwards savages, and even a play being written in which a loving and caring Ethiopian master is betrayed and murdered by an Egyptian slave he freed seconds earlier, stabbed in the back by the man he had saved. One prominent Ethiopian scholar writes an essay describing the two religions as Cain and Abel, with the Muslims being Cain and the Christians being Abel. This basic dichotomy with the Muslims compared to an evil biblical character and the Christians compared to a righteous one is easy to understand by even the illiterate peasantry, who begin to come to believe Islam is inherently evil and Christianity inherently righteous. The standing army under Prince Amda Seyon continues to drill with its arquebuses, having obtained valuable experience during the war with Yemen and leading at a generation of experienced officers who know how to fight with gunpowder weapons.  
• The Spanish Empire: A new year, 3 more children. Their highnesses Guillermo, Anne, and Willibrord are born. Young Elvin spends his time in the palace playing about as he finds himself landing into mischief while the oldest of them all watch over them, always being welcomed by cousins and relatives. As peace finally re-arises itself amongst Spanish Lands, a focus on the Atlantic Trade, this time along the Ivory Coast are made with the beginning of a layout being made for a port at Puerto Danielo (OTL Akwidaa). The Spanish West African Co. Mission expanding out of Mali leads to more merchants arriving to trade in Benin especially with the close proximity to our sister partners of Lotharingia as well as the Colony of Nueva Zamora.

• Georgia: The government revenue increases due to the crackdown on tax evasion. Alexander sends a small detachment of 5,000 to help his kinsman Erivan crush "Nathan's Rebellion". While their efforts to siege Esfahan proved fruitless, Nathan Allahverdi and his peasant army continue to run amock in the countryside – killing or enslaving any suspected Shia or Armenian Christian. Allahverdi is revealed to be of Armenian heritage, with his name being derived from the Armenian Nat'an (նաթան); despite this revelation, support for him and his fundamentalist ideology remains strong due to a perceived decline of the region under the mismanagement/due to the neglect of the Georgians and their appointed Baidushvili Shah's. Upon hearing of the arrival of the Georgian troops, Allahverdi relocates to the city of Kirman. It is here that he declares one of his supporters, the handsome and virile Housiang "the Strong", the rightful Shah of Persia. While this alienates some of his supporters, Housiang's charisma nevertheless resonates among the ranks of Allahverdi's peasant army. Real power still rests in Allahverdi's hands, however, as he is appointed Grand Vizier by Housiang. Housiang goes north to besiege the cities of Khorasan – culminating in the Siege of Nishapur, which ends in a victory on behalf of the rebels (with mass defections on the side of the loyalists). The news of a fundamentalist Muslim state emerging in Kerman and Khorasan galvanizes the Georgian aristocracy, as well as Alexander's Black Turkoman vassals. Despite being ennobled and being on the government payroll, they remain wary of the Georgian monarchy as well as the Georgianized Mongol Hulagushvili's (the ducal house of Azerbaijan). However, they are – due to many being Shia, and a plurality being Sunni, – split between the decision to ally with the Georgians and Baidushvili's, or with the nascent fundamentalist state under Housiang.

1480

By an overwhelming victory, King Henry III of Bohemia is elected as King Henry VIII of Germany, and can now negotiate with the Pope on his potential status as Emperor. This election, affirming the power of the Premyslid dynasty for the time being, gives opportunity of organizing and solidfying the offices and duties of the Empire.

Pope Honorius VI dies of natural causes. A new conclave is held to elect the new Pope.

At the suggestion of the Alderman of Lubeck, officers of the Imperial immediacies opens an investigation in the mysterious death of Emperor Wenceslaus. They haven't made any breakthroughs yet but they feel they are on a good lead.

The largest calibre of cannon at this time period is developed in the Byzantine Empire, known as the "Dardanelles gun", or colloquially called the "Ok-Boomer".

The forces of Majapahit and Dai Viet are defeated by Demak at the Siege of Bintara, forcing the Sultanate to become effectively independent fort he time being. This further dissatablizes the empire and allows for further development of Muslim states in Indonesia.

As the Atlantic ocean gradually sees more traffic of Spain and Portugal exploring the region around North Africa, there begins several disputes of soverign waters between various merchant fleets.

Although Cyprus has not completely fallen to the Hafsids, the ongoing Siege of Nicosia results in the kingdom falling into local unrest and chaos. Venice sends as much support as they can to sustain the Crusaders.

The Hindustani armies sweeps into southern India to pillage various major cities in Maabar, also known as the Pandyan Kingdom.

In Mali the giant forrest hog population begins to once more decline, this being due to the big food requirement combined with their nocturnal tedencies and their inability to cope with high tempature and sun exposure. Thus the population begins to drop drasticly with exceptions being in Kwac held Sherbro island and Jabal asada, where they continue to strive.

An earthquake in Egypt destroys what little remains of the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Antonio Vivarini paints the mural Adoration of the Magi. Vecchietta constructs the altarpiece fort he Cathedral of Sienna.

• Thuringia: In the spring after that winter Wolfgang was becoming more of a man back then, and his father had him volunteer once more to fight in that war. When I came back to the front, he thought, we still lived in that town. There were many more guns in the country around and the spring had come. The fields were green and there were small green shoots on the vines, the trees along the road had small leaves and a breeze came from the sea. I saw the town with the hill and the old castle above it in a cup in the hills with the mountains beyond, brown mountains with a little green on their slopes. In the town there were more guns, there were some new hospitals, you met Saxon men and sometimes women, on the street, and a few more houses had been hit by the cannons. It was warm and like the spring and I walked down the alleyway of trees, warmed from the sun on the wall, and found we still lived in the same house and that it all looked the same as when I had left it. The door was open, there was a soldier sitting on a bench outside in the sun, an ambulance was waiting by the side door and inside the door, as I went in, there was the smell of marble floors and hospital. It was all as I had left it except that now it was spring. I looked in the door of the big room and saw the major sitting at his desk, the window open and the sunlight coming into the room. He did not see me and I did not know whether to go in and report or go upstairs first and clean up. I decided to go on upstairs. The room I shared with the lieutenant Rinaldi looked out on the courtyard. The window was open, my bed was made up with blankets and my things hung on the wall, the helmet in an oblong tin can, with a pouch on the same peg. At the foot of the bed was my fiat trunk, and my winter boots, the leather shiny with oil, were on the trunk. My sword with its blued accent and the lovely dark walnut, cheek-fitted, handle, hung over the two beds. The lieutenant, Rinaldi, lay asleep on the other bed. He woke when he heard me in the room and sat up. ‘Ciaou!’ he said. ‘What kind of time did you have?’ ‘Magnificent.’ We shook hands and he put his arm around my neck and kissed me. ‘Oughf,’ I said. ‘You’re dirty,’ he said. ‘You ought to wash. Where did you go and what did you do? Tell me everything at once.’ ‘I went everywhere. Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples, Villa San Giovanni, Messina, Taormina - ’ I talk like a time-table. ‘Did you have any beautiful adventures?’ ‘Alilano, Firenze, Roma, Napoli - ’ What’s enough. ‘Tell me really what was the best.’ 'In Milano.' 'That was because it was first. Where did you meet her? In the Cova? Where did you go? How did you feel? Tell me everything at once. Did you stay all night?’ ‘Yes.’ 'That’s nothing. Here now we have beautiful girls. New girls never been to the front before.’ 'Wonderful.’ 'You don’t believe me? We will go now this afternoon and see. And in the town we have beautiful English girls. I am now in love with Miss Barkley. I will take you to call. I will probably marry Miss Barkley.’ 'I have to get washed and report. Doesn’t anybody work now?’ 'Since you are gone we have nothing but frostbites, chilblains, jaundice, gonorrhoea, self-inflicted wounds, pneumonia and hard and soft chancres. Every week someone gets wounded by rock fragments. There are a few real wounded. Next week the war starts again. Perhaps it starts again. They say so. Do you think I would do right to marry Miss Barkley - after the war of course?’ 'Absolutely,’ I said and poured the basin full of water. 'To-night you will tell me everything,’ said Rinaldi. 'Now I must go back to sleep to be fresh and beautiful for Miss Barkley.’ I took off my tunic and shirt and washed in the cold water in the basin. While I rubbed myself with a towel I looked around the room and out the window and at Rinaldi lying with his eyes closed on the bed. He was good looking, was my age, and he came from Amalfi. He loved being a surgeon and we were great friends. While I was looking at him he opened his eyes. 'Have you any money?’ 'Yes.’ 'Loan me fifty ducats.’ I dried my hands and took out my pocket-book from the inside of my tunic hanging on the wall. Rinaldi took the amount and pocketed it without rising from the bed. He smiled, 'I must make on Miss Barkley the impression of a man of sufficient wealth. You are my great and good friend and financial protector.’ 'Go to hell,’ I said. That night at the mess I sat next to the priest and he was disappointed and suddenly hurt that I had not gone to the Abnazzi. He had written to his father that I was coming and they had made preparations. I myself felt as badly as he did and could not understand why I had not gone. It was what I had wanted to do and I tried to explain how one thing had led to another and finally he saw it and understood that I had really wanted to go and it was almost all right. I had drunk much wine and afterwards coffee and Strega and I explained, winefully, how we did not do the things we wanted to do; we never did such things. We two were talking while the others argued. I had wanted to go to Abruzzi. I had gone to no place where the roads were frozen and hard as iron, where it was clear cold and dry and the snow was dry and powdery and hare-tracks in the snow and the peasants took off their hats and called you Lord and there was good hunting. I had gone to no such place but to the smoke of cafes and nights when the room whirled and you needed to look at the wall to make it stop, nights in bed, drunk, when you knew that that was all there was, and the strange excite- ment of waking and not knowing who it was with you and the world all unreal in the dark and so exciting that you must resume again unknowing and not caring in the night, sure that this was all and all and all and not caring. Suddenly to care very much and to sleep, to wake with it sometimes morning and all that had been there gone and everything sharp and hard and clear and sometimes a dispute about the cost. Sometimes still pleasant and fond and warm and breakfast and lunch. Sometimes all niceness gone and glad to get out on the street but always another day starting and then another night. I tried to tell about the night and the difference between the night and the day and how the night was better unless the day was very clean and cold and I could not tell it; as I cannot tell it now. But if you have had it you know. He had not had it but he understood that I had really wanted to go to the Abruzzi but had not gone and we were still friends, with many tastes alike, but with the difference between us. He had always known what I did not know and what, when I learned it, I was always able to forget. But I did not know that then, although I learned it later. In the meantime we were all at the mess, the meal was finished, and the argument went on. We two stopped talking and the captain shouted, ‘Priest not happy. Priest not happy without girls.’ ‘I am happy,’ said the priest. ‘Priest not happy. Priest wants Lotharingians to win the war,’ the captain said. The others listened. The priest shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Priest wants us never to attack. Don’t you want us never to attack?’ ‘No. If there is a war I suppose we must attack.’ ‘Must attack. Shall attack!’ The priest nodded. ‘Leave him alone,’ the major said. ‘He’s all right.” ‘He can’t do anything about it anyway,’ the captain said. We all got up and left the table. Looking around the capital Wolfgang he begun to get to know some of the other electors and princes, and had seen the people who would be around him on the government job. There was the knights, about seven of them now, all dressed in their fairly ornate armor and carefully crafted white tunics, that looked like it would be too bothersome to even have to put on before a fight, let alone to let it all be too dirtied by the constant fighting and warring they were expected to do. All around that circle the talk was of war most likely. There was Greyhands like a wise old bear that heard known of that talk, for he was too good for mere rumors it seemed, but deep down he never left a good rumor unturned, simply to study it and see why the people were saying it. Jaromir was wise too, Wolfgang hoped, but he was louder and more fierousius. Every night he would be seen entertaining the other guests, laughing like a storm and pouring another round, his thunder roaring across the room from his imposing frame. Every so often his brother “One-Eye” came in and joined too, but he would always stop himself after a while, as if he felt guilty from too much laughing. And Wolfgang finally found out which eye he had lost. It was his left. No doubt, when the laughter stopped they were all serious fighters, none of them stooges. It had been one morning early in the week, when everyone was miserable because the weekend was over, and they were passing through the streets of the city with the new emperor, and a man leaped forward, then another, then another, until he was surrounded by a dozen men, all thirsty looking and ragged, with their swords drawn. Someone thought he heard a man shout that “your death is here, crazy emperor,” least that’s what that someone told Wolfgang at one point or another. But either way, soon after, a dozen men all leaped at the emperor, swords drawn, hacking and slashing at the man, but there was a couple guards there, I think Conrad “One-Eye” and Jaanai the Younger, and somehow they managed to fight off and kill every last man. Except one, that one the emperor captured himself, because of course the fearless emperor could not allow himself to look craven, so even he fought a few too, really turning it into three against twelve when all was said and done. And they interrogated the one survivor, and tortured and prodded him, until he coughed out, “Lenzburg”. Spymaster Conradin made sure of that, Wolfgang wagered, but either way there was some great mistrust in the air and some great uncertainty, with the rumors floating around that there was nothing Lenzburg wouldn’t do for his own personal gain. They all talked of this, in a hushed tone of course, as one day Eberhard II himself was supposed to arrive to become the grand cup-bearer, which Wolfgang thought of as an excruciating job. Then, days and days past and it seemed that the old man on the mountain wasn’t coming down, either out of fear of his life or his reputation, so some other Lenzburg showed up in the capital. That just made everyone else angry; I think it was Sigismund, who the emperor legitimized, or Johann the new High Medicus, and Falconer Edmund Alwin de la Marck who scoffed at that, saying it was a ridiculous turn of events. So, the emperor said a new cup-bearer would be appointed, but there were rumors that somewhere a Lenzburg would surely be appointed. The Thin White Duke thought it wise of course, he was saying that the cup-bearer ought not to be a poisoner, otherwise he would just poison the cup, and Wolfgang supposed that made a lick of sense. He talked with Philip of Habsburg, who was a fairly proud looking prince from Brandenburg, andhe carried out his role as standard-bearer with extreme prejudice for all things prestigious, and he always wore the most fancy clothes around the capital, with a retinue of a bunch of flowery looking soldiers, with garlands and flowers wrapped around the chainmail. The Nassau poet was there too for a while. Now, I first met Ermanaric von Nassau not long after my appointment was done and we all split up for the night. There was talking that he had just gotten over a serious illness that I won’t bother to talk about, except that it had something to do with the miserably weary situation, and I couldn’t help but feel that feeling that everything was dead too, Wolfgang thought. With the coming of Ermanaric began the part of my stay in Aachen you could call my life on the road. Before that I’d often dreamed of going back west to see the country, always vaguely planning and never taking off. Ermanaric is the perfect guy for the road because he actually was born on the road, when his parents were passing through Frankfurt am Maine, in a jalopy of a wagon, on their way to Paris. First reports of him came to me through Kaspar von Roggendorf, who’d shown me a few letters from him written back in Nassau. I was tremendously interested in the letters because they so naively and sweetly asked Kaspar to teach him all about treasury affairs and all the wonderful intellectual things that Chad knew. At one point Jaanai and I talked about the letters and wondered if we would ever meet the strange Ermanaric “the Poet”. This is all far back, when Ermanaric was not the way he is today, when he was a young writer shrouded in mystery. Then news came that Ermanaric was out of school and was coming to Aachen for the first time; also there was talk that he had just married a girl called Agnes. One day I was hanging around the capital and Kaspar and Jaanai told me Ermanaric was staying in a cold-water pad in East Aachen, the Lotharingian side of town. Ermanaric had arrived the night before, the first time in the city, with his beautiful little sharp chick Agnes; they got off the road and cut around the corner looking for a place to eat and went right in the old inn near the post office, and since then that inn has always been a big symbol of Aachen because of him. They spent money on beautiful big glazed cakes and creampuffs. All this time Ermanaric was telling Agnes things like this: ‘Now, darling, here we are in Aachen and although I haven’t quite told you everything that I was thinking about when we crossed the Rhine and especially at the point when we passed the reformatory which reminded me of my jail problem, it is absolutely necessary now to postpone all those leftover things concerning our personal lovethings and at once begin thinking of specific worklife plans...’ and so on in the way that he had in those early days. I went to the cold-water flat with the boys, and Ermanaric came to the door in his shorts. Agnes was jumping off the dining table; Ermanaric had dispatched the occupant of the apartment to the kitchen, probably to make coffee, while he proceeded with his loveproblems, for to him the arts was the one and only holy and important thing in life, although he had to sweat and curse to make a living and so on. You saw that in the way he stood bobbing his head, always looking down, nodding, like a young boxer to instructions, to make you think he was listening to every word, throwing in a thousand ‘yeses’ and ‘That’s rights.’ My first impression of Ermanaric was of a young Lucas Sassingnón - trim, thin-hipped, blueeyed, with a real Rhinelander accent - a sideburned hero of the snowy west. In fact he’d just been staying on a ranch out in Munster, before marrying Agnes and coming to the big city. Agnes was a pretty blonde with immense ringlets of hair like a sea of golden tresses; she sat there on the edge of the table with her hands hanging in her lap and her smoky blue country eyes fixed in a wide stare because she was in an evil gray Aachen pad that she’d heard about back east in Bohemia, and waiting like a longbodied emaciated surrealist woman in a serious room. But, outside of being a sweet little girl, she was awfully dumb and capable of doing horrible things. That night we all drank beer and pulled wrists and talked till dawn, and in the morning, while we sat around dumbly drinking some more in the gray light of a gloomy day, Ermanaric got up nervously, paced around thinking of his next big story and decided the thing to do was have Agnes make breakfast and sweep the floor. That’s when I ended up going home that first day. During the following week he confided in Kaspar that he still had doubts about his writings and he kept reading him off fragments of those half-completed poems he always started; Kaspar said I was a writer and he should come to me for advice, but I only barely knew the art of prose and was certaintly not as dedicated to it. Meanwhile Ermanaric had gotten a job as the head of the theatre and of the arts, had a fight with Agnes in their Stolberg apartment - God knows why they went there - and she was so mad and so down deep vindictive that she reported to the Imperial Guard some false trumped-up hysterical crazy charge, and Ermanaric had to move out of there. So he had no place to live. He came right out to west Aachen, where I was living with my father and all the Thuringian delegates, and one night while I was studying there was a knock on the door, and there was Ermanaric, bowing, shuffling obsequiously in the dark of the hall, and saying, ‘Hello, you remember me - Ermanaric von Nassau? I’ve come to ask you if we could write together.’ ‘And where’s Agnes?’ I asked, and Ermanaric said she’d apparently whored a few dollars together and gone back to Prague- the whore!’ So we went out to have a few beers because we couldn’t talk like we wanted to talk in front of my Father, who sat in the living room reading the news and spouting out anti-Swiss rhetoric. He took one look at Ermanaric and decided that he was a madman. In the bar I told Ermanaric, ‘Hell, man, I know very well you didn’t come to me only to read me your poems, and after all what do I really know about it except you’ve got to stick to it with the energy of an opium addict.’ And he said, ‘Yes, of course, I know exactly what you mean and in fact all those problems have occurred to me, but the thing that I want is the realization of those factors that should one depend on Socrates’ dichotomy for any inwardly realized…’ and so on in that way, things I understood not a bit and he himself didn’t. In those days he really didn’t know what he was talking about; that is to say, he was a young aspiring poet all hung-up on the wonderful possibilities of becoming a real intellectual, and he liked to talk in the tone and using the words, but in a jumbled way, that he had heard from ‘real intellectuals’ - although, mind you, he wasn’t so naive as that in all other things, and it took him just a few months with the rest of the court to become completely in there with all the terms and jargon. Nonetheless we understood each other on other levels of madness, and I agreed that he could stay at my house till he reconciled with his wife and furthermore we agreed to go out to France sometime. That was the winter of 1478. One night when Ermanaric ate supper at my house - he already had the job in the imperial cabinet - he leaned over my shoulder as I was writing a note for the government meeting, and he said, ‘Come on man, the theatres in Paris won’t wait, make it fast.’ I said, ‘Hold on just a minute, I’ll be right with you soon as I finish this speech,’ and it was one of the best speeches I’d ever say in front of our emperor. Then I dressed and off we flew to west in search of a stage big enough for his ambition. As we rode in the weird void of empty forest between Lotharingia and France, we leaned on each other with fingers waving and yelled and talked excitedly, and I was beginning to get the bug like him. He was simply a youth tremendously excited with life, and though he was a romantic, he was only romantic because he wanted so much to live and to get involved with people who would otherwise pay no attention to him. He was romancing me and I knew it (for room and board and an audience for his poems, etc.), and he knew I knew (this has been the basis of our relationship), but I didn’t care and we got along fine - no pestering, no catering; we tiptoed around each other like heartbreaking new friends. I began to learn from him as much as he probably learned from me. As far as my work was concerned he said, ‘Go ahead, everything you do is great.’ He watched over my shoulder as I wrote speeches and learned my confidence for politics, yelling, ‘Yes! That’s right! Wow! Man!’ and ‘Phew!’ and wiped his face with his handkerchief. ‘Man, wow, there’s so many things to do, so many things to write! How to even begin to get it all down and without modified restraints and all hung-up on like literary inhibitions and grammatical fears…’ ‘That’s right, man, now you’re talking.’ And a kind of holy lightning I saw flashing from his excitement and his visions, which he described so torrentially that people in the streets of Paris looked around to see the ‘overexcited nut.’ In France he’d spent a third of his time in the theatre, a third in the bars, and a third in the library. They’d seen him rushing eagerly down the winter streets, bareheaded, carrying books to the theatre, or climbing trees to get into the attics of buddies where he spent days reading or hiding from the law. We went to Paris - I forget what the situation was, two playwrights - there were no playwrights there; they were supposed to meet him in a cafe and didn’t show up. We went back to the wagon where he had a few things to do - change his clothes in the shack in back and spruce up a bit in front of a cracked mirror and so on, and then we took off. And that was the night Ermanaric met Ludovico Ariosto. A tremendous thing happened when Ermanaric metLudovico Ariosto. Two keen playwrights that they are, they took to each other at the drop of a hat. Two piercing eyes glanced into two piercing eyes - the holy writer with the shining mind, and the sorrowful poetic writer with the dark mind that is Ludovico Ariosto. From that moment on I saw very little of Ermanaric, and I was a little sorry too. Their energies met headon, I was a lout compared, I couldn’t keep up with them. The whole mad swirl of everything that was to come began then; it would mix up all my friends and all I had left of my family in a big dust cloud over the Parisian night. Ludovico told him of all the writers out in Italy, all going about making plays and crafting works in each and every renaissance town. And Ermanaric told Ludovico of unknown people in Germany like Johann, the clubfooted poolhall rotation shark and cardplayer and queer saint. He told him of Kaspar von Roggensorf, Big Ernestl, his boyhood buddies, his street buddies, his innumerable peers and curiosities, his heroes, heroines, adventures. They rushed down the street together, digging everything in the early way they had, which later became so much sadder and perceptive and blank. But then they danced down the streets like dingledodies, and I shambled after as I’ve been doing all my life after people who interest me, because the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes ‘Awww!’ What did they call such young people in Germany? Wanting dearly to learn how to write like Ludovico, the first thing you know, Ermanaric was attacking him with a great amorous soul such as only a poet can have. ‘Now, Ludovico, let me speak - here’s what I’m saying…’ I didn’t see them for about two weeks, during which time they cemented their relationship to fiendish allday-allnight-talk proportions. Then came spring, the great time of traveling, and everybody in the scattered gang was getting ready to take one trip or another. I was busily at work on trying to keep up with the happenings back in Aachen and when I carne to the halfway mark, I got ready to travel back for the very first time. Ermanaric had already left. Ludovico and I saw him off at the south edge of Paris. Upstairs they had a place where you could make engravings for a couple coins. Ludovico took off his hat and looked sinister. Ermanaric made a profile shot and looked coyly around. I took a straight picture that made me look like a thirty-year-old Italian who’d kill anybody who said anything against his mother. This picture Ludovico and Ermanaric neatly cut down the middle with a razor and saved a half each in their pockets. Ermanaric was wearing a real western business suit for his big trip back to Aachen; he’d finished his first fling in Paris. I say fling, but he only worked like a dog in cafes across the city. The most fantastic cafe occupant in the world, he can write an alternate history essay at forty miles an hour into a neat couple of pages, and stop at the dinner time, jump out of the creative mind, leap into another game somewhere cross the bar, win a game or two of whatever the drunken lads were playing, back swiftly into writing a poem by candlelight; then clear to the place he was staying at, sprinting like a track star, hand a copy off to a friend, leap into a newly arrived wagon before the driver even realizes, leap literally under him as he steps out, start the horses with the door flapping, and roar off to the next available spot, arc, pop in, brake, out, run; working like that without pause eight hours a night, evening rush hours and after-theater rush hours, in greasy wino pants with a frayed fur-lined jacket and beat shoes that flap. Now he’d bought a new suit to go back in; made from a tailor in downtime Paris, with a watch and watch chain, and a great pile of papers with which he was going to start writing in an Aachen rooming house as soon as he got back to the job there. We had a farewell meal of franks and beans in a small cafe near the Seine, and then Ermanaric got on the wagon that said goodbye and roared off into the night. There went our wrangler. I promised myself to go the same way when spring really bloomed and opened up the land. And this was really the way that my whole road experience began, and the things that were to come are too fantastic not to tell. Yes, and it wasn’t only because I was tired of the politics of the capital that I wanted to get to now Ermanaric, and my life hanging around the capital had reached the completion of its cycle and was stultified, but because, somehow, in spite of our difference in character, he reminded me of some long-lost brother; the sight of his suffering bony face with the long sideburns and his straining muscular sweating neck made me remember my boyhood in those towns near the front in Lotharingia with the Priest and the Major and all them. His dirty workclothes clung to him so gracefully, as though you couldn’t buy a better fit from a custom tailor but only earn it from hardwork, as Ermanaric had, in his stresses. And in his excited way of speaking I heard again the voices of old companions and brothers under the bridges, along the wash-lined neighborhood and drowsy doorsteps of afternoon where boys played and sang while their older brothers worked in the crafts. All my other current friends were ‘intellectuals’ - Kaspar, Johann the Philosopher and his low-voiced serious staring talk, my father and his critical anti-every-thing drawl - or else they were pompous nobles from round Germany like Philip and his laurelly attire; Edmund Alwin the same, sprawled out in the bird house tending to the falcons. But Ermanaric’s intelligence was every bit as formal and shining and complete, without the tedious intellectualness. And his non conformity was not something that sulked and sneered; it was a wild yeasaying overburst of joy; it was wild, the west wind, an ode from Paris, something new, long prophesied, long a-coming. Besides, all my Paris friends were in the negative, nightmare position of putting down society and giving their tired bookish or political or psychoanalytical reasons, but Ermanaric just raced in society, eager for bread and love; he didn’t care one way or the other, ‘so long’s we can eat, son, y’ear me? I’m hungry, I’m starving, let’s eat right now!’ - and off we’d rush to eat, whereof, as saith Ecclesiastes, ‘It is your portion under the sun.’ A western kinsman of the sun, Ermanaric. Although my Father warned me that he would get me in trouble, I could hear a new call and see a new horizon, and believe it at my young age; and a little bit of trouble or even Ermanaric’s eventual rejection of me as a buddy, putting me down, as he would later, on starving sidewalks and sickbeds - what did it matter? I was a young man and I wanted to take off. Somewhere along the line I knew there’d be other people, visions, everything; somewhere along the line the pearl would be handed to me. When I found out that Ermanaric had passed away I felt a weird type of way about it. The man had somehow gotten back to Nassau but it was hard to adjust to life once more. He had completed some hundred plays, a thousand short stories, and what seemed like a million poems, but every so often he used to send me one here and there, but they slowly stopped coming, and I wondered if he still was feeling insecure about the whole thing. It was a shame too, and got me thinking about all those nights he was smiling and writing furiously in the cafes in Paris, and then in the day chasing down various art critics and stagers across the city to shove a new novel into their hands to read. I was wondering what happened for a long while, but I figured it’s hard to be happy like you were in your twenties forever, and he was quickly approaching the point where the early twenties become the mid twenties, and that’s a whole other world that raises a lot of questions; you start thinking what the hell am I doing with my life, writing these stories if no one ain’t ever gonna read them. Every day you put on a new face and pretend to be whatever character you’re playing at the moment, and they expect you to really get in his shoes and understand what’s going on. It’s a tough life being a writer, especially when it seems no one’s really connecting with how you feel. So I made sure I left Aachen early one morning with enough time to spare and made my way to Nassau to see it for myself. Everyone was expecting me to say something I suppose, since I was the real lord of the room with my highly prestigious clothing and my expensive looking regalia that made me feel like a fool for not being more like myself now more than ever. Finally I said I owe at least that to the man, so I stood up and decided I’d read a little poem that Ermanaric had wrote one day back in Paris, that probably no one had ever read before except us, especially not out loud, and it felt weird that for once in their lives, maybe because they were being forced to by the eternal gun-point that is the societal pressure to show up and attend a funeral, they were gonna hear Ermanaric’s words. And worst of all there was that body in the casket seemingly listening to, and it wasn’t exactly the man I remembered, no, Ermanaric was full of life, and he wondered what he’d be thinking right now. “I made a mistake. I went down one road where there was a blue feathery rose, held it up to her and asked, ‘is this yours?’ And she looked and said ‘No that belongs to an animal.’ She left after that and I haven’t seen her since. she’s not at her place. I keep going there, leaving notes stuck into the door. I go back and the notes are still there. I take that Aachen imperial cross, cut it down from my neck, tie it to her doorknob with a shoelace, leave a book of poems. When I go back the next night everything is still there. I keep searching the streets for that last blood-wine horse she drives with a weak heart, and the horseshoes hanging from wore nails. I run around the streets an inch away from weeping, ashamed of my sentimentality and possible love. A confused man running in the rain...wondering where the good luck went.”
• Hanseatic League: As a new year dawns and the Baltic thaws, the non-stop trade of the Hanseatic League continues to guide German economics into a daring, new age. Every year, representatives of the Hanseatic League (Ratssendeboten) meet at an assembly in Lübeck known as the Tagfahrt. However, since the mid-14th century, the aldermen of the League have had the true say in what happens in these meetings. The League has come a long way since the days of its early inception. Civility reigned; if a consensus was threatened that may benefit the League as a whole, an alternative idea was not proposed. Something, after all, is better than nothing. Now, however, the central states of the Hanseatic League dominate trade and therefore hold significant sway over the politics of the region. The Hanseatic League recognizes four men who represent the entire central political entity and who also hold considerable sway over those who may not be governed by Hanseatic ideals. They are as follows: the Bürgermeister of Lübeck and Hamburg - Simon Burkhart, who share a mayor and who hold the final say in where shipments throughout the four regions go; Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, who determine the prices of salt; the Prince-Admiral of Rostock Christopher von Warnow, who holds a permanent hereditary military position; and Prince-Archbishop of Bremen, Hermann von Bardewik, who holds significant sway over ecumenical politics in the Baltic. Houses Ascania and Welf have an agreement to alternate control over the Principality of Lüneburg, which has kept the peace for some time. This also prevents the region from slipping out of the hands of either house. With Pomerania-Stettin being brought ever deeper into the fold of the Hanseatic League, trade along the Baltic becomes more lucrative than ever. The Baltic Duchies also see a heavy increase in trade due to the lack of organized interference from Pomerania. However, piracy continues to affect the Baltic. Rostock and Kiel shipyards pump out bulks en masse. To protect their convoys against the pirates, the Hanseatic League employs ships known as the Orlogship. These ships have historically been equipped with crossbows and catapults. The Hakenbüchse (Arquebus) is becoming increasingly common on Hanseatic Ships. Others are being fitted with the Culverin, a small cannon that yields devastating results at close range. Nine carracks are built at Kiel with another six being built in Rostock. They join the convoys that already criss-cross the Baltic and North Sea in a seemingly unending parade. The Hanseatic League has been responsible for defusing a number of close calls that could have easily led to war simply with the power of her pocketbook and navy. The fortifications around Cuxhaven and Heligoland are expanded, stoneworks rising ever higher to defend the coastline of the entrance to the North Sea and the Baltic. The North Sea is quickly becoming safer by the day, allowing goods to flood into Dublin and now as far away as Reykjavik. The League, happy with its progress in Bergen, works on renovating its routes into the Rhineland. Damaged bridges or unprofitable routes are located and redrawn throughout Germany. The price of weapons, including swords, spear-tips, arrowheads, and cannons falls with the news of Bohemia winning by electoral consensus in the Imperial Diet. The investigation hits a stone wall as money stops being funneled into the project. By December, the investigators have accepted new cases and have moved on. The good news drives alcohol prices. To congratulate Bohemia-Brandenburg in their ascension, the Hansa sends much ale and marzipan. A beer-making savant delivers a shipment of ale; it is smoky and dark, with a hint of sweetness. Those able to taste it before it was sent to Bohemia say that it is the best beer they have ever had and would like the beer-maker to make more. When asked, the savant admitted even he wasn't able to make a batch quite like the first one - he left his recipe book out in the rain and it got waterlogged. The rise of a new Emperor is not the only good news. Simon Burkhart is being made spymaster of the Holy Roman Empire. This is bittersweet, however, as this means he will be away from his beloved Lübeck. In his stead, he appoints his eldest son Johann Burkhart as his regent. He travels with Johann, who will be taking Maria Premyslid as his wife. The two are wed in a beautiful ceremony that Simon uses as an excuse to display the extravagant wealth of the Hanseatic League. Johann and Maria travel back home while Simon gets to work in Bohemia. Recognizing the rising importance of inland cities such as Müster and the Free City of Cologne, the Hanseatic League wishes to give these cities full representation within the League and invites their leaders to become Aldermen within the Hansa. Doing so would effectively integrate them into the inner cities of the League. The Archbishop of Cologne, however, would remain independent, as has been the case for centuries. (Mod Response Needed)
• Dai Viet: The remains of the Dai Viet army returns to Dai Viet with embarrassment. The military went through a recruitment progress to rehabilitate from the casualties. Arquebuses are still being produced by factories managed by Cuc Bach. The Emperor sends Thanh Toai back to Majapahit and, although the Dai Viet-Majapahit coalition has lost, the Emperor, through words of envoys accompanying Thanh Toai convinces the Maharajah to cede to Dai Viet the city of Banjarmasin in Borneo, to make the Dai Viet domain closer to Majapahit and their rival Demak to benefit future campaigns. (Mod Response) Now that the warfare is temporarily over, funds are now being spent on economic development as usual, with the progress of hard labour of reclaming virgin soil and exploiting minerals and natural resources done by prisoners of war from Demak, that has been castrated. The army is being put on guard against possible threats. The farmers and workers are encouraged to work laboriously as always.
  • Majapahit doesn't want to give such an important province, but they are willing to cede control of important ports and some small islands
• Hindustan (Hindustani Dynasty): Envoys are sent to Madurai to offer peace terms to the Maabar Kingdom. The Hindustani envoys offer a border at the Kaveri River and vassalage to the Kingdom of Maabar (Maabar Response). A Group of traders and envoys are sent to Oman to hammer out deals for the facilitation of trade. The Hindustani delegation offers the traders of these nations unrestricted access to Indian cities and trade networks and allows them to set up quarters in the trading area of these cities and also allows them to use existing financial infrastructure in India (based on Islamic capitalist ideas). (MOD RESPONSE).
  • Oman asks to have exclusive trading  priveleges to southern India, and their support in facilitating their trade to east Africa
• Poland-Lithuania: The remainder of the reign Casimir Iexpansion continues, to be controlled and developed in the principalities and the states fully That Polotosk is being controlled so well the Germans also saying that Poland is well advanced and their own economy such thanks that the king improved those areas and follow those economy, just like the other nation it's in territorial respectively the military quickly throughout that was turning into an organized tactical and establish states from in territory's vassal of Poland the Baltic-Polish continue while the population grow up and more discusion peace with buddies' the nobles took an interest to had an organized economy into one-party that can hire money and paussible establish more policy to encourage them and had more class as aways the north areas are being christainized up and more cities is constructed they play a signifcant role (just like OTL btw) indeed and export some good stuff that they founded and paid by the agriculture people Warsaw become the most active trade and key of economy which is advanced more money is up and affected the size and such money mostly ships merchant are from the western europeans people and some areas are recovering and arranged large portions throughout outside the river shipping moved north, southward transport being less profitable and often were purchased in the tradepost of Gdansk the Polish nobles took them as a positive notes and agreement and its own follow economy system in one by piece and most of the kingdom are serious for for the development of msocial and trade most of territory is comprised it through with Poland's noted and Casimir IV engage artisan and rest to encourage to work and win money the germans are suprised that the Poles and Lithuanians continue their progress according to some neighbors and some thing that are in slow progress in economy key's respectively and thus a rather ongoing development in Poland. Meanwhile, Casimir IV allows them to establish more money and areas and fund it and alllow the population growup and more ships are positining well constructed.
• Papal States: With the death of Pope Honorius VI, his Fisherman's Ring is broken by Cardinal-Secretary Youssef II el-Hadathi. After a mass is celebrated for his soul in the Basilica of Saint Peter, the deceased pontiff is buried in the Basilica in the tomb made by Antonio Pollaiuolo. Due to Honorius' death, he isn't able to crown Henry III of Bohemia as Holy Roman Emperor. The ceremony will need to wait until the end of the Conclave. The pope was able to finish the book "History of the Papacy" last year. In the book he separate the History of the Papacy in phases that start with the "Primitive Papacy". Some other phases in the book are the "Papacy of the Council" that started with Pope Saint Gregory XI and finished with Pope Pius II, when started the "Papacy of the Inquisition". This book and the "Annals of the Famous Kingdom of Poland", a work in 12 volumes and in Latin language that covers events in Western Europe, that was also write by Pope Honorius VI are added to the colection of the Vatican Library. The construction of the Apostolic Palace, Cappella Magna, Gregorian Tower and Cortile del Belvedere continue. The number of acidents in these constructions decreased greatly since the creation of the workplace safety laws. Under the sponsorship of Prince Arsæll Esturlungio, Pinturicchio paint great frescos in the Rocca Abbaziale, some examples are the "Delilah Cutting Samson's Hair", "Saint Thorlak preaches in Iceland", "The pope visits Iceland" and the "Baptism of Christ". Philip of Habsburg and Luchina Della Rovere have a daughter named Catherine. Seeking to make ties with important families in Europe, Giuliano Della Rovere convinces his sister Luchina and her husband Philip von Habsburg to arrange a betrothal between their daughter Isabella and Edward, heir of the Kingdom of Scotland. They agree and a formal proposal is sent to the Scottish King asking the betrothal of Isabella with Edward. [Scotland response needed, please]. Philip also writes to Queen Katherina of Spain offering his daughter Eleonor in betrothal to one of the Queen's sons, so they can marry when reaching the age [Spain response needed, please]. After the mourning for the probable death of their son Cesare, Rodrigo Borgia and Vannozza dei Cattanei have a daughter named Lucrezia. While the cardinals are in the Conclave, the people pray to God that the new pope be a good shepherd to Christendom.
  • Scotland dip: King Robert agrees to the proposal of a betrothal between Isabella Von Habsburg and his son Edward, happy to create ties between his dynasty and a prominent family in the Papal States, since he has pretty much secured alliances with everybody he really needs to in the British Isles and surrounding areas.
  • Republic of Ancona: The death of Pope Honorius VI is mourned by the people of Ancona and a mass is celebrated for his soul in the Cathedral of Ancona. New ships are build in the Arsenals of the Republic.The Elders start a project to make the Republic a great center of art. For this they create the Academy of Ancona, seeking to bring artists to the Republic
  • Duchy of All Bavaria: All the people of Bavaria mourn the death of Pope Honorius VI, and Duke Albert IV orders a vigil held for him across All Bavaria to celebrate his papacy and honor him in death.
• Kingdom of Ayutthaya: With the war in Majapahit now over and the Demak Sultanate a separate entity, envoys are dispatched to Demak to recognize it as an independent entity and hammer out a trade deal between Ayutthaya and Demak (Mod Response). Diplomats are also dispatched to the Majapahit territories north of Jambi to encourage them to break away and become tributary to Ayutthaya using Majapahit's recent defeat by Demak as an example of its inability to protect and secure these regions (Mod Response). Foundries across Ayutthaya have been modified to produce the improved Ayutthaya arquebus, lela, and lantakas on a larger scale and have taken feedback from the initial users of these weapons to improve them. The Commerce Guild has increasingly expanded its reach across the Nusantara and Ayutthaya due to the weakening of Majapahit resulting in greater membership and profits. The development of Ayutthayan Sumatra continues underway with its port facilities and fortifications due to its strategic position and vulnerability. The Temmengung continues with his efforts to stamp out the growing corruption to ensure that the taxes needed for Ayutthaya's continued functioning arrive in its treasury. Nobles continue to receive encouragement to develop their lands with the development not being mandatory but insisted upon by the officials assigned to help plan and organize them. The Navy continues to conduct patrols across the entirety of Ayutthaya's waters and trade routes with the decline of Majapahit having affected the naval power balance by a great deal. Rama Trailokanat has seen fit to provide patronage to artisans and entertainers across Ayutthaya to keep the people happy. Infrastructure maintenance and development continues to remain a priority for the Penghulu Bendahari. .
  • Demak opens a trade deal with Siam
  • Jambi accepts a tributary status
• Rossiya: Mikhail III and his new wife Elizabeth have their first child a son named Dimitri. Codification and stadnardization of laws continue to bring the other Rus cities in line with Tver and Novgorod. Trade continues to grow into the interior of Eurasia as trading posts extend towards the Urals through Qarim and Koni territory, and the Fur trade sees a massive upsurge as the disruption caused by the war streadily comes to an end. Mikhail also begins looking to alleviating the large amount of displaco following the storming of Moscow and Ryazan by trying to orgainize Freeholder estates on the frontier regions to allow for growth, especially along the Volga River. Military reforms continue with the shoulder stock being integrated into the design for Rus arquebuses. The recent aquisition of Culvarians from the Hansa also allow for an expansion of the Grand Kniaz's arsenal. An offer is made to secure the freedom of Vad the Impaler from Hungary and bring him under the service of the Rus, with Mikhail taking an interest in the Impaler, and as a means of removing a thorn in the side of Hungary by placing him under the eye of the Grand Kniaz. (Hungarian response needed.)
  • Hungarian Dip: In correspondence with Radu, Stephen X agrees with this proposal, however would like to note that Vlad will be regarded as an outlaw should he ever be spotted west of the Zbuch River.
  • Kingdom of Wales Dip: King Edmund, having a great appreciation of this man's talents, whos exploits are heard all the way to Cardiff, makes a counter proposition, offering to take that man to the far away British Isles, were he won't be able to bother the great King Stephen X of Hungary ever again.
  • Kingdom of Scotland Dip: We agree with our Welsh ally and add our own voice to the proposal, pointing out that Russia is not all that distant from Hungary itself and that it is likley that they will use him against them in the future, especially considering the fact that Rossiya is an Orthodox nation that will most likley use him against Catholics in the future, well we, as fellow Pious Catholics far from any orthodox presense, can put him to uses that will not harm Catholicism.
• Iceland: The King has a daughter he names Anna, she is baptized by the Cardinal. As the king leaves the Akureyri theatre an immigrant attacks the king with the intention of killing him, while the man attacks a nun kicks the attacker's jaw and the front of his tongue flies upon her robe. Then she punches on the back of his head and he falls to the ground, the king makes him a Senatrix and she will choose her successor and her successor. The grand king continues economic reforms and the grand roads continue to be built. Maritime technology is improving with people studying the byzant ships. The king reaches out to Denmark and offers them an alliance based on their viking heritage. (Mod Response Needed).
  • King Olaf considers the closer diplomacy, but doesn't commit at this time
• Duchy of All Bavaria: Albert IV continues his efforts to make the reunification of Bavaria as smooth as possible. The former Landshut household has been fully incorporated into the royal household in Munich, and is now primarily responsible for administering the Kingdom. With more administrative power at his disposal, Albert IV starts on some moderate reforms, especially of the tax collection system. He hopes to keep taxes at the current rate, or even lower them, and instead tries to increase the efficiency which they are collected by deploying his royal household to more closely oversee the collection of taxes at the local level. In order to placate local nobles, who previously had full control over tax collection, Albert IV vows they will continue to collect their mandated portion of the taxes and gives them a one-time sum in exchange for the rights to collect taxes. For now, the use of this system is mostly concentrated around Munich and Regensburg, with the rest of the Duchy operating on the old system, but the royal household plans to continue to expand it in the near future. taking advantage of the low prices for the weapons across Germany, Albert IV continues to modernize the Bavarian military by purchasing the most recent weapons. Using the patchy census data he has, he and his household are able to assign how many troops each region should be able to raise in the event of war, and how many standing troops should exist in the Duchy. Right now, the Duchy has a standing army of roughly 8,000, with the potential to raise a total of 60,000 if needed. The treasury also sets aside funding to pay merchandise, should they ever be needed. He also begins to increase weapons production around Munich, specifically of firearms and cannon. In particular, designs for a new cannon modeled after the Dardanelles gun recently invented in Byzantium are drawn up, with plans for a smaller version to begin production in the near future. Wanting to forge a stronger alliance with Poland-Lithuania and increase the power of his relatives, Albert IV sends an envoy to Poland-Lithuania suggesting that George of Bavaria be given a prominent place in the Polish military, citing his demonstrated potential before he married. [Poland-Lithuania response] Trade continues to grow, especially with Poland-Lithuania, and Albert IV starts to use his small standing army to patrol the highways of Bavaria to keep them safe for merchants, offering merchants from any nation access to Bavaria's safe roads in exchange for a small fee, though the fee is waived for the Duke's close allies. In addition, Albert IV sends an Envoy back to Arles, apologizing for the late reply and gratefully accepting the offer of the alliance if it is still good. [Arles response]. After giving birth to another son, named George, Albert IV's wife, tragically dies of complications during birth.
• Kingdom of Bohemia: As the unchallenged emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Henry III begins to carry out his promised reforms. The 1479 diet produces a series of changes that greatly reform the empire (see the empire page), including the creation of a better judicial system to crack down on feuds and acts of violence, outlining of the process of creating laws, creating new offices in government, and dividing the empire into administrative divisions for more efficient taxation and mobilization. When word reaches the emperor that the pope is dead and therefore can’t crown him, he is proclaimed emperor anyway, ending that tradition (just as Maximilian I did in OTL) from now on. Otto de la Marck is appointed to the newly created office of Superintendent General of Sports, and he is expected to help formalize the rules of sporting so that the first tournaments can officially be held in 1481. Last year, the Emperor issued three great challenges for the contenders for the Kingdom of Switzerland (see last turn), which causes a craze as dozens of people, low and high born alike, travel the empire in search of the solutions. Nobles prove to have the greatest advantage, owing to their ability to freely travel, pay large amounts, and raise men to help them, but a handful of lowborn men become famous for their valiant efforts as well. Philip of Habsburg, noted for his proud and pompous demeanor, decides he is clearly gifted enough to solve the unfortunate murders in Konstanz. He travels to the city with a great entourage and stays in the city in high style, becoming minorly distracted by parties and aristocratic matters. Eventually, noting that there was gold dropped at the scene of the crime, he tracks the bags of gold down to a local merchant named Karl and has him arrested and interrogated, wagering that the man may have broken into the house and done the murders, and he continues to investigate further. Meanwhile a local Swissman named Georg von Erlach arrives in the city and begins his own investigation. He is attacked by ruffians supposedly hired by Philip, and Georg realizes he will have to dodge the other contestants in order to succeed. Karl’s brother, Klaus, also makes a case that the merchant wouldn’t have had a motive to do the crime, that he simply dropped off that money the day before, but Klaus mysteriously disappears soon after. In Lotharingia a great hunt for the Beerwolf continues, as hundreds of peasants venture into the woods in all directions, searching high and low for the mystical beast. Imperial Guard Ernest “the Bastard” declares that he will prove himself as a great warrior, and leads a small band of hunters into the woods, into the most perilous part of the forest. Another noble, Kilian von Bibra, hires hundreds of men to search the forest and chop down every last tree if needed. At one point, two hired peasant bands of two nobles engage in a skirmish in the woods as a proxy war of the two houses’ longstanding feud. A soldier of the Greek War, Ernest Frederick, finds himself caught up in the conflict coincidentally while passing through the forest as a vagrant. The fighting triggers something in him and he snaps, accidentally wounding a sheriff’s deputy after the sheriff harasses him, and he flees into the woods. Sheriff Otto von Jori starts assembling a mob to track him down for the crime, but Frederick keeps escaping their grasp, trapping the deputies in makeshift traps. Ernest becomes distracted by this development, seeking to carry out the Emperor’s justice, and he joins the hunt for Frederick as well. Finally they chase Frederick into town where he burns down the sheriff’s house and goes on a rampage through town, culminating in him cornering the sheriff. Before Frederick can slay the sheriff, Ernest intercepts and talks him down, causing Frederick to collapse into tears. He reveals he was the last survivor of an elite unit of mercenaries during the war, and still struggles with nightmares from his experiences. Ernest sympathizes with him and decides he will spare the man for his crimes, taking him back to Aachen, and removing himself from the contest for the remainder of the year. Elsewhere, the emperor’s son Henry "the Black" decides to search for the lost relic of Saint Germananus, but soon realizes he has no idea where to start. He travels first to Auxerre and spends months investigating and searching there, with the locals sending him on quest after quest. He eventually assembles a team of other knights; Winand Raitz “the Engineer”, Jantis “the Jackal” Jett, Bonaventure “the Monk”, and Florian Geyer. He reaches a small fortress in the countryside and demands entry, to which the local noble refuses and instead taunts him. One of Henry’s companions, Winand Raitz “the Engineer”, elects that they should build a “Trojan Horse” to sneak their way into the castle, and they build a giant wooden horse for this purpose. When the horse is left in front of the castle the defenders let it in, but Henry soon discovers the peasant mob he hired to be inside the horse slept in and forgot to get inside. The group abandons that lead and instead splits up to search the countryside. Sir Florian encounters a camp in the woods where a Black Knight guards and the two are forced to duel. After a lengthy fight the Black Knight’s arm is severed, but he continues to duel with his other arm, to Florian’s amazement, before finally dying. Sir Jantis ventures elsewhere and receives a message shot by an arrow from a nearby keep, describing a damsel in distress. He fights his way inside, killing all those in his path to reach the damsel, before discovering that the “damsel” was actually a young man who was annoyed that his father was forcing him to marry a woman he did not like. Bonaventure “the Monk”’s travels bring him to a small town seemingly only populated by young, beautiful women. He fights in vain to avoid the advances of the women, trying to stick to his Christian vows. Luckily, Jantis arrives just in time to “rescue” Bonaventure from the clutches of the women clawing at his robes. Elsewhere Sir Winand finds an old hermit living in the woods, who gives him clues of a nearby cave. The group eventually regroups. They head to a nearby cave where it is rumored that Saint Germanus was martyred, and they uncover an inscription detailing the castle where his body was taken to. Returning to the old hermit, he agrees to help them solve the riddle of the inscription and lead them to the castle, if they can answer a question of his own. He asks, “what is the hardest thing a man can do?” To which Henry answers, “to tell the truth.” The hermit agrees to lead the party to the castle, but they soon discover the castle is actually the one from earlier in the year that they had failed to infiltrate. Henry begins making preparations for an army to arrive to siege the castle, before he receives word that he has been in the wrong place the whole time; he was hunting after the remains of Germanus of Auxerre when he was supposed to be searching for Germanus of Granfelden. Distraught for wasting the year, he returns to Germany with his knights to try again next year. Meanwhile, in Aachen, Spymaster Conradin dies leading some to speculate he was murdered. He is replaced by Senior Alderman Simon Burkhart of the Hansa, and the Emperor decides to also offer Burkhart a marriage proposal between one of Burkhart’s children and Conradin’s sister Maria. Sigismund of Brandenburg-Bohemia also dies and is replaced with his brother Johannes. Elsewhere Charles "the Ghost of Lechfeld" becomes high skeptical with all the murders going around and begins his own investigation, which bridges into conspiracy theory very quickly. His findings lead him to a theory that the Pope may have falsified about 300 years of history, and that it’s actually the 1100s, and that the Pope is now assassinating people who question the calendar.
• Kingdom of Wales: Further preparations of our defenses are organized from King Edmund personally, such as construction of fortifications in the Anglo-Welsh borders as well as strengthening of the existing ones, for the inevitability of the threat that the long awaited English invasion would present us. Given that this phase of the War of the Roses is pretty much over, as a comeback from the defeat at Glouchester seems highly unlikely and we are facing an unprecedented threat from the times of the Welsh War of Independence onward, we call upon all those pro-Yorkist Welsh nobles to rally with their King in the defense of the realm, as this has just turned into a war for the very survival of our nation. Noticing the passive stance of England, even more crackdown takes place against the disloyal Yorkist nobility, as King Henry VI's inaction gives us the necessary time to solidify our realm and purge our realm from traitors in the face of the upcoming English invasion, giving our utmost importance into this, with our 10.000 men under the leadership of the 23-year-old Myrddin (Merlin) ap Cadfael (Bruce) of Gwynedd continues to conduct a crackdown against traitors to the realm in the Northern and Central Wales regions, with the entirety of his forces, 10.000 men, (including the Hanseatic mercenaries) after hearing rumors of incitement of rebellion in support of King Henry VI of England from amongst the Anglo-Norman pro-Yorkist nobility in Wales. The two newly established printing shops in Cardiff and Caernarfon have proven to be commercial successes, continue circulating best sellers like the Welsh language version of the Bible, "Sinclar's Adventures", "King Arthur, the Progenitor of Wales" by reknowned Welsh author Lewys Glyn Cothi and other already popular books, now rendering them affordable even for the lower nobility, the merchant class and the commoners. With the ongoing war, construction of new caravels and ships for our navy is halted in its entirety for the time being, as the vast majority of our resources are dedicated into our army. With the conflict in Ireland finally finished, Myrddin (Merlin) ap Cadfael (Bruce) is finally reunited with his wife, Catherine of House Wales-York and they have a happy accident, later this year their son is borned, who is named Cadfael ap Myrddin. The Welsh force of 8.000 men under the personal command of King Edmund assists King Robert III of Scotland's forces to finish up the Irish who continue to resist his divine right to rule the island and solidify his hold over Ireland, before they would set to return home. Another 3.000 men arrive to the now fortified town of Kilkeel, in the Ulster region of Ireland, then the entire force of 8.000 men sallies forth under the command of King Edmund to reinforce the forces of King Robert III of Scotland against the remaining Irish forces and assist his ongoing efforts to pacify Ireland essentially under his rule. The support of the entirety of the Welsh fleet under the command of Admiral Cadfael ap Alisdair of Gwynedd is instrumental in crossing the sea swiftly once again, as High King Eadbhard of Eiru has choosen not to oppose our fleet in the Irish Sea. [ALGO REQUESTED]. Those nobles found guilt of disloyalty to their King, inciting unrest in support of the vile King Henry VI of England, continue to be imprisoned and striped of their titles when found guilty after receiving fair but speedy trials. These titles, either revert to the royal domain, or get awarded to the King's principal supporters, the native Welsh nobility as opposed to the Anglo-Norman nobility. The only exception to this case is in the case of formerly stripped titles from pro-Lancasterian nobles, most prominent among them Owen Tudor, who are able to get back a part of their domains as per our initial agreement. The ongoing war serves to further the worship of Saint Owain (Lawgoch), although already extremely popular on its own, now becomes a rallying cry for the Welshmen as they go on to clash with unprecedented ferocity against King Henry VI's detested English forces. With the Eiru fleet having yielded us the Irish Sea, our entire navy, under the command of their newly appointed Admiral and loyal ally, Duke Cadfael ap Alisdair of Gwynedd, proceeds to place a blockade on the High Kingdom of Eiru accessing the Kingdom of England, in coordination with the Scottish navy, to disallow any sort of trade and military assistance taking place within the two respective kingdoms, Eiru and England. [NAVAL ALGO REQUESTED]. King Edmund continues to promote the reconciliation of his realm, divided into two similar yet starkly different halves, the Pura Walia region, dominanated by the independent minded Welsh nobility and the Marchia Walliae region, dominanated by the Anglo-Norman nobility, by encouraging the adoption of Welsh customs and traditions by the Anglo-Norman part of his nobility, furthermore encouraging marriages between the Anglo-Normans and Welsh noble families, with a bit more success thus far, as a few more Yorkist supporting loyalist Anglo-Norman noble families that have good relations with King Edmund only follow suit by adopting some Welsh customs and traditions and/or intermarrying with the Welsh nobility for the time being.
• Kingdom of Portugal: All of Portugal is cheering,as Queen Cirí III gives birth to a son who se names John,taking the name from John I of Portugal.The Queen pays a visit to Gordes,Santo Andre and cape Bojar,where she holds sppeches about the importance about these places to not only the former malian slaves but also the portuguese settlers.In Santo Andre,the trade town is expanded inwards,where a bigger trade post is built called santo Cirí(otl Sago).The promising explorer Dias comes to the queens court asking her fund his future expediton.
• Kingdom of Lotharingia: "Were Di" Trade and mercantalism continue's in Africa by the kwac. the kwac enjoying their giant forrest hogs as they are introduced to Sherbro island and are allready in hoekbaai, pigs being the biggest source of meat for merchant food. A new dish becoming popular with Merchants which is very lotharingian in origin meal, this being Rice with chicken,hog and a small bit of blonde lotharingian beer and curry. This becoming a dish in the courts of Jabal asada and is loved by governor  Adriaen Beyaert the Kwac govenor over Hendrico. Adriaen being a great lover of blonde beers which are allmost impossible to get in Africa due to differences in climate and religion, islam not allowing the consumption of alcohol thus muslims don't brew it either. Adriaen brining his wife with him and shortly afterwards being reported that his wife is pregnant as she hadn't seen him in more then 4 years. This son being called Sebastiaan Beyaerts, his son being one of the first births in kwac history of europeans in africa.
• Hafsid Caliphate: As Caliph Ahmad III prepares the next step in his grand scheme, Grand Vizier Al-Najm II rallies the armies of the Caliphate. With pirate reports indicating that a large conflict between the Greeks and Latins resulted in hefty casualties on both sides, including a significant percentage of Cypriot forces. Caliph Ahmed III realizes this as the perfect opportunity for the next movement in his grand scheme. Now posessing control over Cyprus outside of Nicosia, Vizier Al-Najm II decides that they shall need more manpower to complete this task. Now pulling resources from the island for their own use and establishing small garrisons in major cities, slave troops numbering 2k from Libya arrive at Cyprus. One of these slave soldiers, known as Arif Amini, shows his loyalty to Vizier Al-Najm II after preventing an attempted assassination against him. As such, Vizier Al-Najm II declares him the Emir of "Nahazira". With siege weapons arriving, Vizier Al-Najm II leads one final attack on Nicosia, sieging them from all directions and showing no mercy [Algo Needed]. The long-lost and unknown son of Vizier Al-Najm II, Ibrahim, continues to be raised by his Ibadi uncle and aunts, wishing he could leave and venture off into the great sea like his "deceased" father, while the long-lost and unknown daughter, Laiha, continues to defy historical expectations as a female in Ifriqiya.

• Mamluk Sultanate: We respond time the recent destruction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria by organizing a reconstruction effort to rebuild the lighthouse to its former glory, hiring workers from across the land to aid in the reconstruction effort. In Yemen, we also begin reconstruction efforts, building local reconstruction corps to aid soldiers in rebuilding the port city of Aden after the barbaric Christian forces ransacked and pillaged they city, leaving death and destruction in their wake. The caliph makes a decree encouraging Muslims to move to Aden to help repopulate it after the killings and enslavement of the people there by the barbaric infidel forces of Abyssinia. We install Juhaina Tahirid as monarch of Yemen, being one of the only acceptable candidates to ascend the throne from the Tahirid family, she becomes Sultana of Yemen in March, with a provisional regency council ruling before her in partnership with the head of the occupation force. We install Juhaina as a de facto vassal of Yemen and she is used as a surrogate to implement policies favored by the Egyptian government. Despite them not trusting us, we allow the Shi’ite Muslims to continue on with their lives and to live in peace and outline a sector of the city for them to live in peace in, effectively acting as a commune. Due to the Ethiopians betraying our trust, just like the brutish Christians they are, we hire former Yemeni pirates as privateers to attack and raid Yemeni ships and basically go about their previous business by under Egypt and Yemeni protection. We also use Yemen as a place to build a naval presence, seizing Yemeni resources and decominishing any remaining Yemeni ships to be used to build ships for a Indian Ocean fleet to defend against any future Ethiopian attacks. We direct Yemeni privateers to stay clear of Indian trade ships and to not disrupt the Pan-African trade route thing too much and to just focus on Ethiopian ships, both civilian and military. [SECRET] we send agents to Ethiopia with the task of breaking the Sultan of Yemen and his son, or at least one of the two out of Ethiopian captivity and taking them back to Yemen (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED!).[END SECRET]. Local governates continue to build up road infrastructure to promote and preserve trade through Egypt and out. With a blessing from the Caliph, numerous Islamic cultural sites continue to open up, and any current Islamic cultural sites expand and grow into major centers for Scholars and philosophers to discuss Muslim philosophy and the Quran, while the project to rebuild the Libraru of Alexandria continues at great speeds. ‘’’We once again send invitations to Muslim scholars and philosophers across the Muslim world, from Mali to Iran, offering them to help in the reconstruction efforts of the library of Alexandria by gathering up some important Islamic literature to be stored in the library. (PLAYER/MOD RESPONSE NEEDED I GUESS). With Georgia facing a revolt, we begin a massive recruiting campaign in both Egypt and the levant, encouraging people to join the army, and divert 10k troops from Yemen, with local Egyptian forces aiding in rebuilding their military to eventually take the place of Egyptian forces there, and send these 10k troops to the Levant to meet with 20k other troops who gather into one army of 30k troops and rally at the border with the border with Georgia or whatever.. with that, we march our 30 thousand man army towards Mosul, with it Beijing a major fortress in the way, and then, if victorious, move on to Baghdad with the hope of surrounding, besieging, and taking the city and hopefully the rest of Mesopotamia with it. With the Mamluk army heading east for Mosul, the Caliph issues a Jihadagainst the Georgian Empire, calling for Muslims through the Georgian empire to revolt and to support the advancing Egyptian forces (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED ON HOW EFFECTIVE THE JIHAD AND CALL FOR REBELLION IS). [SECRET]We offer Muslim nobles in Mesopotamia to join the mamluk forces and to revolt against Georgian rule, in exchange they will get to keep their nobility and wealth and even expand , and will even earn a place in the royal court (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED)[END SECRET].

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