The Holy Roman Emperor dies of comsumption. A new Emperor must be elected and in light of recent political unrest of the Empire.
Famine in India stunts the population of Bahmanids, mostly in the Deccan region.
So ... there are mod elections on the talk page. Callum is being considered for full mod and Edge's position is being reconsidered, so anyone else you may want to be mod should be voted for as well. I personally was volunteering for Lictor myself but that's up to the people. ~Nate
The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Zeeshan Beg Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mansur An Nasir as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 34 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst hand cannons and rocket launchers were developed as gunpowder became increasingly popular. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion and accordingly, funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The lingua franca promoted throughout the Sultanate was also Persian, primarily due to the fact that Persian had existed as the language spoken by communities in the region for centuries and as such served as an excellent language for communication. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus and the Persian Gulf islands. Diplomats are sent to the Khan of the Astrakhan Khanate. He is promised aid against the Russian Boyardom and the maintainence of Astrakhan sovereignity if the Khan were to convert to the Zaidi sect of Shia Islam and, if he recognized Al Mansur Al Nasir and his successors as the true Caliphs instead of the Abbasid Caliphs. [Mod Response Needed]
Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Julius Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon, with Julia Komnenos acting as the Regent. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Amir. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts, with a major naval base constructed at the city of Trabzon, where the Trabzon fleet was also situated. Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Julius Komnenos would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient. The Prince of Trebizond, Julius Megas Komnenos is married.
Ngarrindjeri: In those days, it came to pass there was a clan leader of great wealth named Tjilbruke. He owned over 1000 wombats, 400 emu, and 50 of the finest kangaroo, besides the many acres of farmland. His only son, Kulutuwi, was custodian of the house, and Tjilbruke loved him more than life itself. One day, the Lord Ngintaka visited Tjilbruke, and spoke to him, "do not fear, for behold, the time of the First Ones is returning, for I am the sole spirit to escape from the Dreaming and return to the land of men". At this, Tjilbruke trembled in fear, and fell before the Lord prostrate. Ngintaka scoffed and said "get up! do not consider yourself unworthy! you I have chosen as my instrument to bring light back to this land and make a great nation out of the land of Murray". After receiving these words, Tjilbruke sent servants all across OTL Adelaide Valley, spreading the good news of this miraculous visitation. Meanwhile, the art of food producing has now spread over most of Southern Australia, and all the tribes there begin establishing permanant villages like the Ngarrindjeri.
Korea continues to experience prosperity under a meritocratic bureaucracy led by monarch Yi Hyorin. A ten-year program is implemented, intended to ease the integration of the northernmost province, Buk-in-do, into the peninsula. For now, the leaders of Buk-in-do receive some autonomy, so long as they remain underneath Korean jurisdiction. An assimilationist policy is imposed among the Jurchens in Buk-in-do to deter separatism. Scholars and the members of the imperial court begin formulating a plan to send a third of Koreans to Manchuria within the space of fifty years, intended to help legitimize and consolidate Korean rule in Manchuria and remove strain on peninsular resources. As Koreans settle in Manchuria, migrants are given large tracts of arable land, which are quickly cultivated and planted with grains, mainly wheat. Harvests are very successful, and many of the surplus is sent to the peninsula. The sudden boost in food output initiates a decline in mortality, and the population growth becomes very favourable. Imperial envoys are sent to the Nivkhs to establish formal relations, hoping to establish an economic zone in Northern Sakhalin. They also request that a limited number of Koreans could settle there, to ease inter–Korean–Nivkh communications and interactions (MOD RESPONSE). The colonies of Seotaeman and Haesi-nam are expanded upon, with colonists in Haesi-nam preparing for the future planned invasion of the Oroks in central Sakhalin. Ships are sent to patrol neighbouring waters, and to explore lands beyond Sakhalin. While they find local tribes and trade with them, they find that the lands beyond Sakhalin are taiga and tundra, and unsuitable for colonization. Envoys are sent to the Kamchatka and Kuril island Ainus, wanting to help them organize into a proper state in return for vassalage (MOD RESPONSE). Korea continues its long entrenched naval tradition, building ten ships this year, four are bigeodo, four are gwaseon, and the two are junks. Arsenals are built to fit a higher capacity of weapons, while more gunpowder weapons are made. Mahayana Buddhism under the Yi sect, which fuses Confucian doctrines and Muist rites, becomes increasingly ingrained into Korean culture. Yi Hyorin continues the encouragement of mercantile activities and commerce. Wealthy yangban patronize the arts and literature. Buildings are upscaled in beauty and sophistication to reflect Korea's growing affluence, while more people, especially those in the yangban, chung-in, and sang-in castes, choose partake in education
The Keikeu Kingdom improves relations with korea
The two regions are found to be wild and filled with thick burly men - Permission from natemod Five Portuguese ships meat the opposing navy in the middle of the ocean
Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation. Edwin has twins born this year, their names are Karsten and Karoline. Hannah has a child also this year, his name is Felix. Our leader is a little worried about who will get the throne for Emperor of the HRE.
Iroquois Nation: This year marks the bicentennial of the Iroquois Confederacy. To celebrate, nine weeks of festivities are to be held, including a nation-wide lacrosse tournament. The tobacco expands and we begin shipping large containers, mainly west and south. The ornate religious works crafted in Nowadaga surge in popularity. Some of these craftsmen begin experimenting with materials and techniques used by other tribes. With sled dogs becoming a necessity due to trade with northern tribes, we begin to breed our war dogs with the Mickmak's large working dogs in the hopes of creating a more efficient beast. The master boat crafters and shamans of the Iroquois Nation continue studying the mystery of Etchemin's journey through the storm. Some speculate that hides could be used to make the barges travel faster by harnessing the wind like Etchemin, but they are written off as deranged since he had no way of guiding his boat. We continue to expand our major towns. Catcodoga goes begins seeing more traffic due to the northern trade expansion.
The Queen of Aragon moves to the Castilian capital of Toledo, as does the rest of the Iberian Royal Family; the Royal Palace of Barcelona becomes the new home of the Aragonese Royal Council, which was recently formed by the Queen to act as the regional legislature for Aragon. one-year-old Crown Prince Ferdinand of Aragon is named Crown Prince of Iberia. Integration of the Aragonese and Castilian militaries are now complete; the Iberian Royal Armada now consists of over 500 warships. We also propose this new Royal Banner for Iberia.
What is the combined population of Iberia? -Rexmod
The union between Castile and Aragon has a population of 8.7 million (Castile: 4.7 million/Aragon: four million). This is based on Edge's stated population on his page, and the size of Aragon's population based on its military size (80,000 troops / 0.02 = four million people). ~Viva
I'm going to frontline here since I know what Rex is getting at: Castile and Aragon are now combinded, and before they both had extensive navies, it makes no sense for them to just get rid of ships they both could support before. Unlike Milan which was adapting a navy as a Land Focused nation, Both Castile and Aragon are naval focused nations. ~Edge
I, for one, agree that naval-focused nations should have a larger navy, and have spoken previously about a separate category for islandic/peninsular/seafaring nations rather than the rudimentary "merchant republic" and "normal nations" difference. Furthermore, Edge, your argument makes no logical sense. If the population of Iberia is the same as the population of Castile and Aragon, then the maximum supported navies of Castile and Aragon combined would be the same as the maximum navy of Iberia. Put simply, your ship count is 365, until the rules are revised. -Rexmod
Kingdom of Tondo: Diyang Kalangitan, now married to Sugbo of Cebu, formalize their marriage in Mactan, Cebu. As Sugbo's father drowned in a fishing accident, Sugbo is widely seen as Cebu's next monarch due to his uncle being the Rajah, who is currently without wife and without child. At the same time, rumors of the Rajah's infertility circulate around the kingdoms, though no officials have confirmed nor denied. With the recent passing of the beloved monarch, Rajah Gambang, the nation mourns. Diyang Kalangitan assumes the throne, and takes no man to be her husband. Instead, she declares that on the eve of her death, the nobility of Tondo, Ma-I, and Pangasinan shall have an electorate regarding the successor of the united realms of Tondo. Kalangitan further consolidates her poweriscreetely assigning political opponents to far-flung provinces of Tondo or to Tondo's vassals of Ma-I and Pangasinan, or to colonization attempts in Palawan, Busuang and Samar. The government of Tondo can be roughly described as a Federal Monarchy, with each province ruled by a council with members proportionate to the province's population. Diyang Kalangitan invites the Huang of Pangasinan, his daughter and Ma-I's regency council, and officials from every province to draft something akin to an OTL constitution, namely, the Saligang Batas ng Tondo at Nasasakupan Nito (Constitution of the sovereign Kingdom of Tondo and all its holdings and possessions). As Maynila is one of the richest cities in South East Asia, it is now high-time to create a lasting legacy for it. A series of bridges and canals connecting the Pasig and Tagik (OTL Taguig) Rivers and all their tributaries to provide acquatic transportation, ease movement of goods, and simply build bridges above the waterways to ease the transportation of people in the Greater Tondo Province (OTL Metro Manila). To prevent problems of income inequality and unequal development, selected families in the capital are given incentives of food and gold to relocate to developing towns and cities in Cavite, Romblon and Samar. A road network has already connected Tondo Province to Cavite, and a series of roads from southeastern and southern Luzon to Pangasinan has already began construction. Tondo metallurgical capabilities increase as blast furnaces and ironforges are built all around the state. The port of Maynila is further expanded, with the navy increasing by 25 small ships and seven war junks. Trade with nearby states continue. Tondo continues expansion in Samae, Palawan and Busuanga. 2000 additional soldiers are trained. Kalangitan orders 400 ships to move to patrol the Visayas archipelago, mainly to protect the trade routes, and secretly to intimidate Cebu. Expansion into Palawan, Negros and Samar continues.
Huangdom of Ma-I: With Tondo's grace, Ma-I settles the western part of Busuanga Island, and dedicates 100 citizens there. Li Han thrives as a cultural and financial capital of Ma-I, while Beigang immediately becomes the second port of Tondo, and conducts trade regularly with nearby nations.
Huangdom of Pangasinan: With Tondo's grace, Pangasinan expands into Central and Northern Luzon, attempting to assimilate the mountain and Igorot tribes located nearby to access the massive agricultural treasure in the Banaue Rice Terraces and the farmlands of Central Luzon. The administrative capital city, Pangasinan, begins construction of a road connecting it to Maynila. Blast furnace construction continues, and a small defense fleet of 15 ships is allotted by Tondo to Pangasinan. Pangasinense traders report sightings of small islands west of Luzon, and scouts are sent by Pangasinan to verify their claims. Pangasinan claims these islands west of Mainland Luzon, now named as the Gambang Islands in honor of Rajah Gambang (OTL Scarborough Shoal)
Benin: With the assassination of Oba Isikhuan, the clergy descends into chaos over the successor to the throne. Most believe that Isikhuan was assassinated by foreigners seeking to avenge the deaths of their kin under his reign, while others point to the clergy which feared that his excesses went too far. Others still point to family members jealous of Isikhuan's wealth and prosperity, and refusal to share it with them, while yet more point a secretive cabal bent on the destruction of the empire by any means. Whatever the reasons, all that is known is that Isikhuan is dead and that he left no heirs to the throne, nor any wives to serve as regent over the empire. The wives of the Oba were themselves killed in the explosion, and the Oba died without heirs due to his infertility and refusal to address the issue seriously. All this is further exacerbated by the fact that now the clergy, responsible for the management of the government, has turned inward on itself seeking to repair the damage Isikhuan's death has wrought upon Benin. As if by clockwork, the imperial family begins to move to remove the dead Oba by force. The children of Uwaifiokun and the siblings of the deceased Oba by Ewuare have immediately begun to position themselves for a shot at the throne. Because of their relationship with the Oba, the Isikhuan's brothers and sisters under the leadership of Usiobaifo, the second eldest of Ewuare's surviving children, have made the first move toward gaining the coveted position of power. Usiobaifo is able to garner some support from the clergy and merchants for the throne, and is immediately declared the new Oba of Benin by the Imperial Guard. However, his chief rival, Enekirighidi, the eldest son of the late Prince Uwafiokun, has gained the backing of the majority of Benin's warriors, who out of respect for the legacy and accomplishments of his father, have rallied his cause to put him on the throne. Both sides have begun at a major disadvantage. Enekirighidi has the bulk of the empire's warriors at his side, along with the vast gold mines of the Sahel under his control. However, he lacks the liquid capital necessary to pay his men, and his lands are underdeveloped. Having been in Niani for studies, Enekirighidi has had to build a power-base in the city and the western regions of the empire. Usiobaifo on the otherhand was in Edo at the time of the death of Isikhuan, and has access to the richest and most developed lands of Benin. However, though awash with gold and silver and the best warriors of Benin under his command, he lacks the raw manpower of the Imperial Army, and is forced to rely upon the far less equipped and trained Metropolitan Army. Enekirighidi begins to rally his forces for the invasion of Usiobaifo's lands in the east. Most Bini fear that this war will be a long one, as Enekirighidi's forces begin their long and bloody march to Edo. Already, the two sides have been aligned as the Royalists (loyal to Usiobaifo) and the Irredentists (loyal to Enekirighidi), as the war enters into its first year. Prince Barum of Ethiopia is whisked off to safety on a fast vessel out of the Bini port of Kalabari to Ethiopia, where he shall be returned to his people to remain until the war in Benin is over. Kuzir priests are sent along with the boy to provide any additional training he may wish to receive while in his homeland, and to provide the baptism into the Kuzir faith should be decide to convert to the religion.
Sultanate of Bengal: Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah asks the Ahom Kingdom again to be Bengal's vassal in return for Chutiya. (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE) (The Ahom Kingdom does not have a player. I was formerly playing it until I switched to Bengal. The Sultan orders the improvement of schools and libraries throughout the Sultanate. Naval maneuvers are conducted, with the Dominant in overall command. Taking a page from the Bahmanid book, the Sultanate also starts distributing copies of The Eastern Myth.
Ahom accepts. -Scraw
Vietnam: The road network has upgraded drastically. More temples are sprouting up throughout the nation. New ships are being built, inspired by Chinese vessels.
Tibet:We start planting opium, we ask China to build 100 plantations in East China where we use convicts as labor. (China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan response needed). We build up our army by 50,000 men and our infrastructure and we also start producing a book called Gold Truth to show the Nepalese people that they belong to Tibet.
Nepal: We are building a wall between us and Delhi, we build up our army and infrastructure.
Delhian Diplomacy: We warn Tibet not to further interfere with any potential Indian expansion north.
Japanese Dip: Accepted.
Delhian Diplomacy:We propose to Tibet our partition of Nepal. (Ok boyd, accept here0
Tibet Dip: We accept.
Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. We send a trading fleet to Benin.
Bahmanids: Ismail Shah acts quickly and decisively in response to the famine. Price controls are established, though they are loose, Ismail hoping to force the merchants to sell lower by just having the government sell at a lower price. Hoarding or violating price controls is made punishable by death for the duration of the famine. The local officials are closely supervised to ensure they are not corrupt, and those who are are exiled to the Laccadives. He uses the large government treasury, made great through trade and conquest, as well as the reparations from the Andaman War, to buy food from the northern provinces and abroad to feed the hungry Deccanis.
Kingdom of Burma: Binnya Dala sends food west and makes quite a tidy profit for his government from it, and advertises this as part of the new success Burma will have as a Bahmanid vassal.
Gurkani Diplomacy: Food supplies are sent to the Bahmanids so that they may be able to cope with the famine.
Delhi Sultanate: We continue military production on both land and sea. Troops are stationed on the border with Nepal, with catapults and trebuchets also built, designed to tear down walls. We also begin an increase in food production to both aid the Bahmanids and make sure a famine doesn't occur within our borders. We continue to spread copies of the Eastern Myth, with Hindu persecution of Gunterists spreading across the country; the Sultan does not even address these persecutions. Our cities continue to be guarded, wary of Gunterists. More mosques, both Shia and Sunni, are built in our cities, along with more academic buildings. We continue to promote growth in Puri as our navy and maritime economy expands. More settlers begin flowing into Odisha, populating not just Puri, but also Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. (SECRET): We begin secretly sending in Muslim and pro-Delhian settlers into Nepal. (END OF SECRET).
Delhian Diplomacy: We ask Mithila to become a vassal of Delhi for 50,000 rupees, and also containing the benefits of being protected from future conquest, among other economic benefits. (MOD RESPONSE)
Mithila accepts. -Scraw
OOC Delhi: Hold on: After doing some more research, I found that Mithila is actually no longer a playable nation. It appears to have already been annexed into the Sultanate before I started playing as Delhi. The closest states I can find to what was Mithila are Nepal (which is not Mithila) and Bhutan (vassalized by Bengal). Sorry, I was intending to vassalize the state just west of Nepal. As a result, I'd like either a new response for this nation, or have this offer crossed out completely.
OOC Guardian (Bahmanids): The state west of Nepal is(Also, maybe you should take a look at the Indian Reference Map.)
Mayapan:Diplomats remain in the Aztec capital to talk about terms for a trade deal. Expansion continues along the southern border. Integration of the southern city-states into the League is continued by the High Council. Each new state is expected to supply men to train and serve in the national army. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Work continues to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
Archduke Ferdinand I of Austria, upon hearing about the death of Wenceslaus, abruptly announces his trip to Budapest to be crowned King of Hungary. When he arrives, it is a grand ceremony, and Ferdinand is pronounced the Hungarian King. He spends most of the year in Hungary, getting used to the political landscape and picking a good council to rule in his name when he returns to Austria. A law is enacted in Austria that makes absolutely independent the Armies of Austria and Hungary, making actions independent of each other, except in wars involving "Direct Threats to the Hungarian Crown", mirroring a law that will be passed in Hungary.
Hungary: The current ruling council is chosen by Ferdinand, the King of Hungary. The first act is to ensure military independence of the Hungarian Crown, increasing the power of the regency council of Hungary over joining wars in all situations other than "direct threats to the crown or the Austrian Nation" to mirror the law passed in Austria. The new King, Ferdinand, stays in Budapest, however, and begins to draft a law formally beginning the incorporation of Cilli's HRE territories into the Austrian Crown. The Austrians slowly begin standardizing their weights and measures, as well as currency, to be up to Austrian Standards, officially chartering mints in Budapest and Cluj (as the Mint of Transylvania).
Archbishop Berthold of Salzburg officially sanctions and blesses Ferdinand in his coronation of Hungary. Meanwhile, he attends to various religious matters.
Cilli: The Count of Cilli officialy pledges fealty to new King Ferdinand, and begins converting weights, measures and currency to Austrian standards, officialy chartering a mint in Cilli. Efforts to perhaps incorporate the HRE territories into Austria begin straightaway.
Two things: 1) the Treaty of Cologne does not give your family the inheritance of Hungary. 2) the County of Cilli is independent, and as you have not conquered them, you cannot post as them. -Rexmod
I would defer to Sky on this one, since I discussed this with him earlier ...
The Caliphate: Continues to encourage economic growth in its regions, especially in Egypt and North Africa. The highest officers of the Caliphate begin to allow more and more autonomy to the states south of the First Cataract in Africa, although still promoting Islam. A holy edict is issued banning all merchants from transpiring commerce with the Christian nation of East Africa, specifically Ethiopia. Meanwhile, in Arabia, the Caliphate continues to build infrastructure for faithful Muslims performing the Hajj to Mecca. In order to keep order and stability in an otherwise overextended state, we allow emirs to host a small army, more of a guard, near their respective capitals. The Caliphate begins to support the arts and specifically the sciences.
Brandenburg-Luxembourg: With the death of the Emperor, Heinrich launches his own bid for the imperial crown and casts his vote for himself along with requesting that the other Electors cast a vote in his favor promising to respect the autonomy of the other princes and to safeguard the foundations and territories of the HRE as the new emperor if elected. Military resutrcturing begins as fresh recruits are brought in and the numbers are raised to eventually be 25,000 after considering the new population gained from Lusatia, and Silesia. Academics and culture start to thrive as the Northern Renassaince takes off in Berlin and Luxembourg. Painting, architecture and music in particular benefit from the growing wealth of Brandenburg. Heinrich begins turning his eyes toward the Teutons, the long time northern rival of Brandenburg, but he holds off on antagonizing them until after his domains have recovered from the costly Second War of the Lions. A talented youth by the name of Gunther at the request of the Prince Elector paints a painting of three youthful lions circling an older crippled one that is lying down. This painting is supposed to symbolize the fall of the old House of Luxembourg and the Bohemian Emperors. mining and metal works continue to grow and Breslau very quickly joins Luxembourg as a major centre of blacksmithies and a small community of gun smithies appears they're linked to the guild in Luxembourg. A marriage is offered to Sweden of his daughter to the House of Vasa. Meanwhile, Heinrich looks for a suitable wife for his now of age son Otto von Brandenburg. Despite his deep love for his son Heinrich looks down upon the secret romance that has started between the young prince and his childhood friend the beauty Karoline von Havel, the granddaughter of the famous Hussite general. He attempts to dissuade his son from further pursuing this but to no avail and makes the two swear to maintain a secret interaction unknown to the rest of the royal court. Meanwhile, the House of Havel and the House of Hohenzollern represent the two most influential families in the circle of the young boy due to the childhood friendships, and many of the young arsitocrats and nobles follow the three noble families of Havel, Brandenburg and Hohenzollern without a second thought. Otto is granted his first military commission taking command of the unit that protects Silesia, as it is well known that he has Hussite sympathies and the Hussites in this new region are large in numbers. The debates on canon law, heresy, and papal practises continues in relative peace in the Brandenburg courts. Gunsmithies from Luxembourg finally finish the prototype for their designs, creating the first functioning matchlock mechanism in Europe, the capacity of this new designs proves quite handy and many gunsmiths begin implementing the new design into their guns. Otto and the young Elsha are married in Breslau where Otto is stationed. The celebration is massive, however, there are tensions in the household of the new couple largely due to the continued romance between Otto and Karoline.
Cologne/Essen Diplomacy: Abbess Sophia of Essen proudly offers one of her secular canonesses (who do not take vows of chastity and are free to marry) as Otto's bride, in order to secure the alliance between Cologne and Brandenburg. The secular canoness's name is Elsha of Julich: she is both beautiful and intelligent, and she has been personally following the Wars of Lions with great interest.
The Crown of Castile begins to prepare for the full union of Castile and Aragon into the Crown of Iberia. Sancho continues to order the Castilian navy to explore the Atlantic for the sake of Glory and Prestige. Cortez continues his paintings, prompting further attention is a Writer and Artist from Barcelona by the name of David Blanco, who creates the first "Picture Bible". More later if I have time.
Within the Kingdom of Gibraltar Alfonso I dies without an heir, and the kingdom falls under the rule of the Crown of Castile directly. The deportation efforts have left the area mostly depopulated of its former Berber population. The nation has a population of 60,000, mostly Christians and mostly Spaniards.
Within the Kingdom of Morocco, Beatriz also dies without an heir, and in order to placate the lord of Galicia, Sancho names Fernado of Eca the new King of Morocco. The nation's population stands at 600,000 Berbers and 120,000 Christians.
Within the Serene Republic of Liguria, the Spinolia family continues in their attempts to retstore Genoa.
Within the Duchy of Athens, Antonio and Isabella are wed, giving the nation an heir with Trastámara blood. The nation's population experiences a steady growth, with 63,000 citizens. Castile continues to improve the quality of life within the Duchy, placating any revolt from the citizens.
Kingdom of England and Scotland: In England, we continue our policy of aggressive deportation resulting in Scottish and English ethnicity slowly becoming more similar due to interbreeding while the governments of the two kingdoms remain separate. At Portsmouth another ten ships are constructed and added to the English fleet while the expansion of a grammar school and university system leads to a lot more people having access to education mainly in towns and cities where these schools can be attended. Trade abroad continues especially with Benin which is a lucrative source of goods. At Oxford, Cambridge and St Andrews, the academic race starts with all three universities competing to have the largest libraries as well as the highest quality of teaching and the Crown encourages the competition with rewards when one university excels causing internal rivalry.
Papal States: After a year of pouring over Cologne's dossier on the Venerable Adelphina of Essen, His Holiness, the Cardinal in charge of the Inquisition, and various knowlegeble bishops university men are convinced of the case for Adelphina's sainthood. Even the advocatus diaboli has difficulty finding good arguments against the holy woman's cause. As a result, on the new saint's feast day, Pope Callixtus IV makes the following solemn proclamation: Ad honorem Sanctae et Individuae Trinitatis, ad exaltationem Fidei Catholicae et Christianae Religionis augmentum, auctoritate Domini nostri Iesu Christi, Beatorum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli, ac Nostra: matura deligeratione praehabita, et divina ope saepius implorata, ac de Venerabilium Fratrum Nostrorum Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalium, Patriarcharum, Archiepiscoporum et Episcoporum, in Urbe exsistentium, consilio, Adelphina Essenesis, Sanctam esse decernimus et definimus ac Sanctorum catalogo adscribimus: statuentes ab Ecclesia Universali illius memoriam quolibet anno die eius natali, sexta nempe iulii, inter Sanctas Virgines et Martyres pia devotione recoli debere. In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. And with that, Saint Adelphina of Essen is entered into the Roman Canon of Saints. The disciplinary reforms began by, or inspired by, the saintly woman continue apace, with bishops reporting a noticable improvement in the discipline of the clergy within their domains since the new Inquisition-led discipline policing began. With the death of the Holy Roman Emperor, the pope uses his influence to get the ecclesiastical Imperial Electors to support Heinrich of Brandenburg. The decision is made both out of respect for the agreement between Callixtus' predecessor and Poland, and because His Holiness believes Heinrich will be able to bring stability to the Empire. On hearing of the heathen Caliphate's embargo of poor maligned Ethiopia, the pope considers sending an embassy to the African bastion of Christianity, both to try to help it economically, and to tryto effect a reunification between the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Rome. The embassy is expected to depart next year under the command of a Fransiscan friar. The Castillian Guard acquires two cannon. Sweden is asked if it is aware of the status of the settlements in Greenland.
Cologne: Trade generally prospers, returns from the printing press are useful, and the roads are improved. More and more young men begin to join the small militia based in Westphalen. Archbishop Dietrich II remains bedridden but clinging on to the last shreds of life; even in his final years, he remains “Dietrich the Patient”. When finally he hears of his good friend Adelphina becoming Saint Adelphina of Essen, he is finally able to smile: the wait was worth it. Meanwhile, Vicar General Wikbold II assists the archbishop in casting his vote for Holy Roman Emperor. Although Cologne was originally allied with Bohemia, it is now allied with Brandenburg and recognises that Brandenburg will make a good ruler. Its vote goes to Heinrich of Brandenburg. Further, a small envoy of canons to Brandenburg bring Heinrich a token of their new alliance, a regal silver shield engraved with lions, and request that, in good faith, Brandenburg assure Cologne that it is willing to help enforce the implementation of Adelphinian Reforms throughout the Holy Roman Empire.
Essen:Habemus Sanctum! We have a saint! Joy erupts in the streets of Essen, for the people’s kind, intelligent leader, the most holy and devout Abbess Adelphina, has been canonised by Pope Callixtus IV! Abbess Sophia proclaims a national day of celebration and the people rejoice. Meanwhile, she continues the inquiry into Adelphina’s intercessory miracles. She hears of Adelphina restoring someone’s ability to walk, making the insane sane again, and waking people from comas. In addition to sending this information to the pope as requested, Sophia has her canonesses draft a small book recounting all of Saint Adelphina’s miracles that, by the end of the year, is printed in the Stelzner press and placed in the Essen Library, ready to begin wider distribution. In other news, the University of Essen continues to grow with canonesses bringing back wider knowledge every year. Finally, Essen offers the Duchy of Thuringen the trade deal of 1458 again in return for implementing Adelphinian Reforms, noting that the pope has now essentially endorsed this approach through canon law. In short, the reforms require the implementation of a Court of Ecclesiastical Discipline to ensure that the clergy members are not corrupt and not selling indulgences. Further, they require a greater emphasis on helping the poor through establishment of schools and infirmaries.
Brandenburg Dip: Heinrich agrees to the request but states that it will not be in his power to enforce but rather to persuade other hre members to adopt the reforms. The gift of the shield is accepted graciously and in exchange a statue is commissioned of the Saint Adelphina as a token of appreciation. The Pious Elsha is accepted as an acceptable bride for the young Otto as she is from an old noble family. Heinrich promises to protect the Archbishopric and to uphold the traditions of the church as best he can.
Kingdom of France: (I'm seriously posting soon) ...
1461
Mods, please remember to look at the mod page for any events.
Also, the rules concerning maximum military has been updated. Please remember to check it out
Also, nations in dynastic union can't act like a personal union. The rules should have been clear enough on that, but it seems some people aren't paying attention -Nate
The situation in Hungary, long held in a purgatory like state since the dispute of ownership, finally reaches its breaking point. Councils held to declare a new king have been split between the Austrian candidate and Ference Bathory, a prominent noble famous for his cruel treatment of Ottomans in previous conflicts. At a recent conference Bathory is nearly assassinated but the culprit is never identified. Civil war soon breaks out between the two sides, with nobles who fear Bathory’s bloodthirst and want Austrian aide in reconquering Croatia opposed to nobles who want to remain independent and support Bathory.
Concerned about the powers of Russia and Poland, the small states of Pskov and Smolensk form a defensive alliance.
Riots between Catholics and Orthodox occur in Constantinople. Peace is restored soldiers from the Kingdom of Greece and the City Guard.
The Elector of Brandenburg is elected Emperor Henry VIII of the Holy Roman Empire, ending rule of the white lion branch of the House of Luxembourg. He now needs to be crowned by the pope
Duchy of Burgundy: the first phase of the Charlian Reforms, their implementation in the northern Netherlands, has been all but completed. The second phase, the spread of the reforms to the southern Netherlands, begins this year. Meanwhile, a prototype for a new type of ship (the Hoy) makes its maiden voyage from Amsterdam. While it's too small to be used as a primary warship, its speed advantage over carrack allows it to be used as a scout, as well as giving it appeal to merchant cartels.
Korea continues to experience prosperity under a meritocratic bureaucracy led by monarch Yi Hyorin. It is now a year into the ten-year integration program, with the quota of Korean settlers rising until the quota's abolishment within nine years. Roads are paved throughtout Buk-in-do, to facilitate transportation between the province and the peninsula, and to promote commerce and links between the two. Jurchens are pressured to assimilated into Korean culture to deter separatist sentiment. Arable land in Manchuria is cultivated by Korean settlers, providing a new source of food for the country, and population growth becomes very favourable. Korean botanists begin cross-breeding rice cultivars, trying to find a new cultivar that can grow with relatively low amounts of water, and also withstand to the colder weather. If this is successful, the new rice cultivar could replace wheat as the primary grain grown in the province. Haesi-nam is renamed to Hwatae-si, while the island it resides in is named Hwatae-do. Hwatae-si is expanded upon, now with over two thousand Korean settlers. After years of conducting raids on Korean settlements, Korea invades the Sakhalin Ainus and the Oroks of central Hwatae-do, sending five thousand troops and a fleet of twenty ships to pacify both groups and to populate the area. Seotaeman is expanded upon. The two southernmost Kuril islands (collectively named Cheondo-ryeol) are colonized, and two small fishing posts, each with a hundred residents, are established. While Korea has set its sights on the rest of the island chain, it does not expand further as the weather up north is colder and while there is potential for the fishing industry, it is not worth it. Korea continues its long entrenched naval tradition, building lots of ships this year, mainly bigeodo, gwaseon, but also a few junks. Arsenals are upgraded, and the production of gunpowder weapons increases. Ships patrol neighbouring waters to consolidate naval presence and territorial integrity. Mahayana Buddhism under the Yi sect, which fuses Confucian doctrines and Muist rites, becomes increasingly ingrained into Korean culture. Yi Hyorin continues the encouragement of mercantile activities and commerce. Wealthy yangban patronize the arts and literature. Buildings are upscaled in beauty and sophistication to reflect Korea's growing affluence, while more people, especially those in the yangban, chung-in, and sang-in castes, choose partake in education.
Korea to Japan: The Koreans offer to sell the Seotaeman (Taiwan colony) for a taels, so long as the two thousand Korean settlers are repatriated back into the peninsula.
China to Korea: We offer to buy your colony in Taiwan as well the Kuril islands in return for three years of no tribute from you, allowing you to make more than you would by selling to Japan.
Korea to China: We refuse to accept the counteroffer as we are reluctant to sell our new colonies so quickly. Also, not paying tribute for one round does not make much of a difference.
Korea to Japan: We sell Seotaeman for 7500 taels.
Japanese Diplomacy: We accept. In return, the Japanese privateers will be instructed not to enter Korean waters. Japan offers to open Fukuoka for Korean traders. Also, Yi Hyorin is gifted a unique explicit work of art. It is very sticky, meaning the artist was passionate about his work.
Korea to Japan: We accept, and look forward to improve our strained relations.
The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Zeeshan Beg Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mansur An Nasir as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 34 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst hand cannons and rocket launchers were developed as gunpowder became increasingly popular. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The lingua franca promoted throughout the Sultanate was also Persian, primarily due to the fact that Persian had existed as the language spoken by communities in the region for centuries and as such served as an excellent language for communication. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus and the Persian Gulf islands. Diplomats are sent to the Khan of the Astrakhan Khanate. He is promised aid against the Russian Boyardom, and the maintainence of Astrakhan sovereignity if the Khan were to convert to the Zaidi sect of Shia Islam, and if he recognized Al Mansur Al Nasir and his successors as the true Caliphs instead of the Abbasid Caliphs. The Khan is reminded that since he already has blood ties with the Gurkani due to being a cousin of Sultan Zeeshan Beg, establishing this alliance would truly be beneficial for both parties and would allow for the return if a period of peace and prosperity. [MOD RESPONSE NEEDED]
Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Julius Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon, with Julia Komnenos acting as the Regent. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Amir. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts, with a major naval base constructed at the city of Trabzon, where the Trabzon fleet was also situated. Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Julius Komnenos would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient. Stephen Komnenos is born.
Aragon begins to demobilise following the lowering of tensions with Portugal. The union with Castile into the United Kingdom of Great Iberia continues, and the Royal Armada now stands at over 500 ships (THIS IS NOW PERMISSIBLE ACCORDING TO REVISED RULES. PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM INCORRECT.), and the shipyards of Aragon continue working on creating more advanced vessels and our foundries continue researching more advanced weaponry to arm them. We deploy ships on Atlantic voyages in cooperation with Castilian ships. More to come
Portugal: Wall construction continues. Naval expansion continues. Exploration continues. Volta do Mar and the Cartaz continue to be enforced, this time with way rigor. Our factories continue to expand gaining increased influence around the natives. Exploration by Iberia is prevented with the Cartaz.
Aragonese Diplomacy: We are outraged by Portugal's blatant attempts to infringe on Great Iberia's rights to explore the seas. The Atlantic does not belong to Portugal, and thus enforcement of the Cartaz is to be ignored. Our ships are ordered to continue exploration of the Atlantic, and our ships are more heavily armed should the Portuguese choose to protest and continue to claim their non-existent right to control the Atlantic.
Aragon OOC: Also, factories aren't a thing. The Cartaz required the approval of the pope (which has not been given), and was for the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, Volta do Mar was not discovered until later in the century.
Burgundian Dip: with the Portuguese uppityness interfering with with Burgundys exploration and trade, the Burgundian Navy will support the Iberians against the nuisance Portuguese.
Because they have infringed upon our exploration, trade and territory, the Crown of Castile and Aragon declare war upon the Kingdom of Portugal. Fernando of Eca presses his Grandfather's claim, as well as defending his claim to Morocco, leads the march on Faro while the navy of Castile and Burgundy fights under de Luxomburg once again and begins a naval battle outside of Lisbon.
500 Portuguese troops battle the Castilian army at the minor city of Monte Gordo
Aragon: We celebrate the final victory over Portugal, and urge Burgundy and Castile to sign the treaty to end the war and determine the terms of peace.
Ethiopia: The previous year while in Ethiopia Baram sent a letter to his soon to be step-father that Ethiopia will send food to his side of the civil war. And he will return in six months whether the war is over or not to help his "Family." Zera sends a large caravan of food every two months the friendly Benin. While in his search for lost artifacts of Ethiopian kings, Zera finds most of Ezanas artifacts, and instantly orders his sword reforged for his heirs. Baram selects 60 royal guard members to learn the Bini landscape from rough maps he drew while there. The men will return with him to Benin. (Alright, post for this turn.) With the largest caravan being sent to Benin, comes Prince Baram and his riders, and his Reforged sword of Ezana. However, before he left he established a more dynamic title for the provincial governors will now be know a Ras, for his more distant fathers sake. Farms are expanded in the flat lands to provide more food for the growing population. Small fishing villages are established in Abbasid land unknown to that of the Ethiopian Emperor.
Bini Diplomacy (Royalists): We implore you to keep Baram in Ethiopia until the war has been won. Should he wish to forego our advice, he may stay. But know that we may not be able to provide adequate protection for the young prince in our war. We appreciate the food supplied by the Ethiopian people, and send out regards to the Emperor of Ethiopia.
Iroquois Nation: The numbers from last year's census are finally collected and it's averaged that 45,000 people are living under the rule of Chief Apenimon and his council. We continue refining tobacco, always striving for the perfect blend. Bean, squash and corn production rises. Chief Apenimon requires that all children attending one of the three schools learn a second language, most likely Algonquin. Study of Etchemin's story continues, a few people start to agree with those that say that the winds can be controlled, many still believe that Hinon would punish someone for attempting to fight him. Tiohero (OTL Toledo) continues to flourish with all western trade coming through it while Catcodoga (OTL Quebec) continues to grow. The northern trade routes are expanded so two sled dogs can travel side by side. The new capital in Sustawan (OTL Ithaca) sees minor growth, mainly in its defenses. The wall has six sides and at each point is a guardpost and two braves can walk beside each other atop the walls.
Ngarrindjeri: The Lord Ngintaka spoke to Tjilbruke, saying "behold, I bring you out of these people as a new nation of civilization such as the times of the First Ones. Heed my words and follow the statutes of the Dreaming and you will prosper greatly, you and your descendents". Tjilbruke then spread these words of Lord Ngintaka throughout the whole valley. Among these words included a complete ban of cannibalism as an abomination, such that only the blood of animals may be shed. Also, all males over 12 years old are commanded to wear a distinctive turban to show them as more civilized than others. Also, there were several mandates of living made, ensuring all members of the tribe dwell in established villages, and to centralize them into organized polities. Now, hearing these words, the local Dreamspeakers disdained these words, as well as the clan leaders, scoffing that such a miracle could ever happen. So Tjilbruke went back to Lord Ngintaka, and asked for a sign. Ngintaka picked up stones and gave them to Tjilbruke, saying "these stones will fly, just as your people will soon rise as well". So Tjilbruke went back to the Dreamspeakers and clan leaders, and told them these words, but was only met with mockary. So he took up the stones and hurled them into the air, and behold, they transformed into birds and flew into the sunset. All were marveled by what they saw, and immediately began venerating Tjilbruke as a powerful shaman.
Ferdinand of Austria Leaving Budapest after the council of Budapest ends in civil war. Being crowned King by His supporters, and with the blessing of the Bishop of Salzburg, Ferdinand raises the Armies of Austria and Bavaria, with the goal of Leading the Archducal guards and other troops into Hungary to defend his crown. In All, thirty thousand troops are raised, as well as numerous other mercenary bands, increasing that number even further. Ferdinand also raises troops from the loyal nobles in Hungary itself, adding sixteen thousand men to his forces. Once both armies are marshaled, forty thousand men march toward [insert city here] while the rest remain in reserve: the men, with several thousand armed with arquebuses and a substantial Archducal torrenta (siege engines and cannons). The Massive force moves across Hungary, hungry to defend their newly crowned king. Only battle tactics will tell who will succeed to the Hungarian throne in truth, as the wits of Ferdinand von Habsburg-Wittelsbach and Ference Bathory will be pitted against each other. Meanwhile, further integration occurs between Austria and Bavaria, bringing both nations closer and closer to a true union, with many wishing for a "united crown in truth and in law" especially after the oddities that had previously happened, and the Austrians and Bavarians fighting side-by-side in many wars in conflicts in the past, building further Kinship between the peoples.
The Archbishop of Salzburg blesses Ferdinand's campaign and declares him true King of Hungary. Meanwhile, Salzburg, which continues to implement the Adelphinian reforms within the territory, wishing to keep all Religious authorities happy within its land, as it is a theocracy.
Wallachian Dip: Wallachia offers to support Austrian claims to the Hungarian throne with manpower and support, if a reciprocated alliance is gained, and Austria supports Wallachia to be the Dominant power in the Balkans.
Austria is interested in its offer, eager to secure its easten and southern flanks in secure support of friendy powers. Austria accepts this alliance.
Delhi Sultanate: We continue military expansion on land and sea, and we continue to guard our cities. The Eastern Myth continues to spread. We continue to build mosques, schools, libraries, and universities. We continue to build roads, including ones to our newly acquired vassal in Nepal. Trade deals are struck on land and overseas. We continue to promote the growth of our cities, especially our port city of Puri. From our newly acquired vassal in Nepal, we form the Himalaya Kingdom, an Delhian tributary. The marriage of one of the Sultan's nephews with the daughter of a wealthy noble from Kathmandu forms a new dynasty to rule over these lands. Settlers from Delhi proper begin settling in Himalaya, Hindus and Muslims alike, and troops are stationed throughout Himalaya to pacify any resistance.
Himalaya Kingdom: Since the kingdom is a Hindu majority nation, along with a Buddhist minority, these remain the chief religions; even so, conversion to Islam is encouraged. Mosques are constructed, and roads help connect Himalaya to the rest of Delhi. Even though Himalaya is a kingdom by name, the king of Himalaya (the Sultan's nephew) has a plan that, as Islamic influence grows in Himalaya, the title will slowly transfer from kingdom to sultanate.
Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. Our trading fleet reached Benin and we learn some of Benin's technology.
Swahili Dip: We send money, grain and other foodstuffs to the Bahmanis to help aid them in the famine.
Kingdom of Ireland: The construction of the Royal palace has been finished in 1453, while the road network had been completed in 1457. Due to this, there is higher stability in the Kingdom due to the increased power and prestige of the King as well as increased trade due to the roads. We continue to expand our education system as we build more schools across the country. We have finished the print shop in Cork and now begin producing books, broadsheets, and printing presses. We begin equipping the Library of Cork and the Cork University with printing presses to store important knowledge and encourage literacy. With English help, we expand our shipbuilding facilities and begin building a modern navy. We begin to centralise power with the king beginning to be able to wield more power and are considering to begin moving away from feudalism to a more efficient system. We build fortifications in our lands as well as beginning to expand pre-existing towns and cities. Cork now has a population of 18,000 and is quickly turning into a bustling city. we begin to try to assimilate them by teaching them Gaelic and our culture. We begin planning reforms to increase our economy. We begin to develop the economy be building mines across the country, as well as encouraging cottage industries. We give money to many of the lords to develop their lands. We begin major expansions and renovations in the print shop and the University in order to increase learning. (Finished 1464) The King welcomed his son, Thomas Fitzgerald back from his studies in England. We begin to strengthen the Bank of Ireland( Formerly Bank of Desmond) in order to finance infrastructure.
Tibet: Since getting the new vassal of Nepal - which we call West Nepal - we build up schools and temples. We also adopt the Ming government system and we build our army. We ask Kangra to be our vassal (mod response needed).
Delhian Diplomacy: We once again warn Tibet to stop interfering with potential Indian expansion north. As a result, Delhi proposes a counter-offer to Kangra to become our vassal for 75,000 rupees, among the defensive and economic benefits being part of Delhi would bring. (MOD RESPONSE)
Tibet: We one up Delhi by asking Kangra to be our vassal for 150,000 tael and better defensive and economic benefits (Mod Response).
Delhian Diplomacy: We warn Kangra that joining Tibet would be a rash mistake, continuing to tell them that you would be defended much more effectively as a Delhian vassal, pointing out Tibet's sparse population and small military.
OOC Delhi: Really?! "Better economic and defensive benefits"? You have literally no military, so what kind of defensive benefit is that? Additionally, you have no access to the sea, no access to the rest of India, no way to get to the Gurkanis, yu really can't go anywhere; that is definitely no economic benefit there.
West Nepal: We kick out any Muslims and pro-Delhi poeple and we start burning any mosques and start building a wall to block out Muslims and pro-Delhi people.
Papal States: His Holiness is annoyed at the news of the riots in Constantinople, and sends a letter to his brother-Patriarch of Constantinople to get his Eastern clergy to assist the Dominicans in showing the goodness of the unification of the Churches. Furthermore, His Holiness decides that next year he will undertake an Apostolic Voyage to Constantinople and co-celebrate an Eastern Divine Liturgy in the Hagia Sophia: as clear a sign as any to the people of the strength and genuineness of the bond between East and West. In other news, the pope crowns the new Holy Roman Emperor in a lavish ceremony in Rome (presumably). His Holiness' homily focuses on the Emperor's role as defender of the Catholic faith. Two major diplomatic events occur this year. Firstly, an embassy is sent to Ethiopia to discuss a resumption of full communion between the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Holy See. The embassy, led by a prominent and kind Franciscan, also asks the Emperor about potential ways the pope can help his fellow Christian nation withstand the heathen Caliphate's embargo. Secondly, the Legate to Sweden travels to Norway and asks the King about the status of the Greeland settlement, specifically its diocese, Garðar. (Skyboi, you're my only hope.)
Sultanate of Bengal: Rukunuddin Barbak Shah orders the construction of fortifications in the main Bengali port of Chatagon. Ten trebuchets are installed to defend the port, and the secondary port of Saptagram is also fortified. The Bengali Navy conducts defensive maneuvers. The Sultan also orders the expansion of irrigation throughout the Sultanate. The Sultan also orders the further dissemination of The Eastern Myth, and Gunturists found to be in the country illegally are deported (but not physically harmed unless they respond with violence). Border controls are tightened, and many are turned away on suspicion of being Guitarist. The Bengali Navy's expansion to 100 ships is expected to complete in 1479.
Ahom Kingdom: Susenphaa orders the development of the Ahom infrastructure, and Rukunuddin Barbak Shah warns him of the dangers of Gunturism.
Wallachia: Vasili Dracultesti (the great general) having been the Gran Prince of Wallachia for years sees multiple surrounding threats to his power, all of which, however, are relatively weakened. Vasili does a military census to gather about as many troops as he potentially could and recognizes a decent force could be raised. Vasili with the weakness of the Ottomans begins a few months of preparation campaign in which he will muster the full might of any and all Romanians he can muster and march on the Ottomans to move south into Bulgaria. His charismatic but also somewhat sadistic leadership is something that all Romanians don't just fear, but immensely respect. In preparation for the invasion infrastructure around the border is built up and stockpiles of weaponry and materials are built up. Vasili makes his intent to seize the remainder of Ottomans' Europe known to his nobles and even begins looking to recruit Bulgarian nobility to bolster his forces. This finally leads to the Wallachian invasion of Ottoman Europe with the expressed intent of driving the Turks from Europe once and for all which slams into the frontiers and quickly beelines for the Aegean coast securing many major cities along the way. In a show of absolute brutality and revenge to the Turks, Vasili has every captured living Turk sailed across the aegean and they are impaled at intervals all along the coast on the anatolian side. A giant grouping of them is left in Izmir near an Ottoman city and a message is left. "Never cross these seas again, or the same will be done to not just your soldiers, but your citizens". With this conquest having ended rather quickly, with the routed ottomans. Vasili goes to every effort to begin unifying this new state and with vast support of Wallachians and Bulgarians he confirms the rights of all the boyars allowing the resumption of many of their lands and officially absorbs all of Ottoman Europe and any of its islands in the Aegean. He also exacts a heavy payment from the ottomans amounting to nearly the entirety of their treasury and horde, as well as many other Turkish valuables and art in order to gain a tribute worth building a new state off of. The vast majority of the nobility from both the Wallachians and Bulgarians as well as the peseants see Vasili as an absolute hero, having regained independence from the great Turkish menace and taken the fight to them in such a spectacular way. Vasili in an attempt to make good with his now massive Bulgarian population marries the young daughter of the Asen family, the last royal family to hold the title of Tsar in bulgaria so as to seal off any loose ends in his claim to the Bulgar throne. While also in an attempt to bring a more central location to his new kingdom, Vasili establishes his capital in Tarnovo in Bulgaria just across the border. Vasili Draculesti now with his new Queen Anastasiya Asen begins assembling the Boyars for a grand coronation the next year to crown him Tsar of Bulgaria. Generally, many of the Wallachians celebrate for the new independence of their Bulgar brethren and many of the Wallachian nobility already knowing Bulgarian begin using it at their primary tongue
Chinese Empire: The Empire continues to grow as its population booms. Seeing the collapsing Empire in the south, Chiang Mai are offered protection as a Chinese vassal state, being promised to be protected from raiders or rampaging Kmehr separatists. (MOD RESPONSE) The military is expanded to 600,000 men, being trained to be loyal to the Emperor while those that are disloyal to the Empire are quietly executed or sent into exile, ensuring the purity of the military in order to avoid another Liu rebellion. The navy is expanded to 900 of the latest ships, ensuring Chinese supremacy in its own coastal waters as well as allowing for the Empire to make its will at sea known if the need should ever arise. As the navy is expanded, naval admirals begin urging the Emperor to establish more based in order to extend Chinese influence and secure the Empires status and safety. While many scoff that the Empire is untouchable, the Emperor agrees to the idea, noting the Mongolian rebels, and that if more military bases and a larger military presence had been in the region at the time, it would have failed. This spurs the creation of new colonies and and want for naval and military bases to spread the reach of China and preserve its strength as well as combat any future potential enemies with superior supply lines and bases to go through. Our colonies in Taiwan and Luzon continue to flourish as more settlers are sent. We send Ambassadors to our protectorate in Tondo about purchasing land from the nation for a naval base (MOD RESPONSE). We send a second ambassador to Vietnam in order to begin talks on purchasing a similar base in the southern portion of their nation. The regions annexed from Mongolia are heavily settled with state direction, making them heavily Chinese and becoming the dominant culture in the area within a few years thanks to the states encouragement.
Mongolia: The Gong continues to accept the flow of Chinese immigration, as it continues to improve the state as a whole and improve the economy, with the total number of Chinese in Mongolia now numbering around 85,000. Mongolia continues to expand northward as settlers continue to flow into the nation. The nation is mostly recovered now from the recent rebellion, with the total amount of life lost being approximately 43,000 Mongolian rebel hordes dying from their assault on the capital city. Government roads now tie the country together and roads link up with China increasing the flow of settlers and income as trade begins to blossom at an increasing rate. The Mongolian military reaches 30,000 men, while another 30,000 Chinese soldiers are stationed with them, teaching them how to fight and use the latest weaponry.
China's protectorate in Tondo declines the offer, fearing that more Sino-influence in the region would lead to the dissolution of their traditional way of life.
Chieng Mai accepts protection from China but would deliberate with its nobility before accepting being a vassal
Japan: The Ashikaga Shogunate, which has seen years of economic prosperity, begins sending scouts out through Indonesia to find native peoples with which to trade. The most profitable trades Japan see are the tea trade and the spice trade. Japanese trading posts are proposed on several islands. However, in order to make the way faster and safer for ships, Japan realizes it must build trading posts and colonies along the way to Indonesia. Enter: the Wokou. These Japanese pirates have made a name for themselves, being a problem for every nation in and along the East China Sea, Japan included. In recent years, Japan has eased their enforcement against the Wokou because of Korean warmongering, allowing the Wokuo to operate unmolested in over half of the Sea of Japan. Japan issues Min'ei-ka Law: any and all Wokuo who register with Japan and act in Japanese interests, up to and including occasionally performing duties as ordered by the Shogun and Emperor of Japan, will be rewarded. The Wokuo who act in Japanese interests become the Jukou ('giant bandits,' as opposed to Wokuo, which means 'dwarf bandits'). The Jukou are forbidden from raiding Japanese and Chinese ships, but are allowed to raid any other ship or colony. Maps are given to the Jukou of Indonesia. Their first mass order is to capture and bring back ships, gold, and commodities they just happen to find. In the meantime, Japanese traders discover the island of Ogasawara while attempting to find a faster way to Indonesia. The Shogun expresses curiosity. In the meantime, the Japanese navy sees massive expansion, especially in the Sea of Japan in order to protect its trade routes, and in the currents to Taiwan. Old ships are retired and used in parts for new ships. The colonies on Hokkaido and Taiwan both expand. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshikage works on bringing Shiba even closer to the Imperial family, visiting Edo this year. The Japanese pornography trade allows the Japanese economy to swell even more. Explicit items are sent to China as tribute while other unique works of *ahem* art are offered to Korea. A pornographic statue is sent to Majapahit for no reason other than to say 'hello and good day from your friends in Japan.' Its sticky exterior already hints of being annointed by the artist himself.
Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation. Our leader is happy that Emperor Henry VIII of Brandenburg is elected Emperor of the HRE. The rule of the White Lion is now over and peace can be restored in the HRE.
Khmer: A new Buddhist king named Sutka rises to power, effectively ending the civil war. In order to bring peace to the region, he allows freedom of religion and promises not to govern the nation based on his faith. This bring unstable peace to the nation. In order to solidify this new national identity, Sutka begins to build up the military even more, and promises to continue Khmer's expansion. (More to come next turn. I'm lazy at the moment.)
Majapahit Empire: After a period of deliberation and debate, Gustimaharaja Wuwamba Yuda effectively declares the lost missionary from Angkor Wat two years ago to be known as Guru Makutha, and effectively declares him a martyr. Makutha was a missionary who began to preach and convert locals in the Khmer Empire prior to the Khmer Civil War, and the day he was thrown off a tower in Ankgor Wat, he gave a speech before the public, detailing his views on the history of Southeast Asia and the emergence of Gunturism, and how Buddha is seen as a messenger of the Trimurti, albeit with a misinterpretation that led to Buddhism (OOC: Gunturism has Buddhist elements). However, he was then sent to the top of the tower and thrown to his death. This becomes an inspiration for future converts to the faith and spread the word of the Trimurti. More missionaries are sent in to Southeast Asia (including Burma and Bengal) by both legal and illegal means, and a few are sent off to Lanka (OTL Sri Lanka/the former Kotte) by illegal means. The colony of Papua is expanded east from the Bird's Head Peninsula by 13 px and south from Kesuburan by 8 px. The Maluku Islands continue cultural integration, while the construction of infrastructure continues.
Kingdom of England and Scotland: In England, we continue our policy of aggressive deportation resulting in Scottish and English ethnicity slowly becoming more similar due to interbreeding while the governments of the two kingdoms remain separate. At Portsmouth another ten ships are constructed and added to the English fleet while the expansion of a grammar school and university system leads to a lot more people having access to education mainly in towns and cities where these schools can be attended. Trade abroad continues especially with Benin which is a lucrative source of goods. At Oxford, Cambridge and St Andrews, the academic race starts with all three universities competing to have the largest libraries as well as the highest quality of teaching and the Crown encourages the competition with rewards when one university excels causing internal rivalry.
Cologne: Having seen his final wishes come true, Archbishop Dietrich II makes a final speech on the importance of patience as a virtue before dying the next day of old age. The canons gather together to elect a new archbishop and eventually settle on Emmerich von Berg, who is incredibly adept with numbers and has ambitious plans for what Cologne should do with the money it has saved up during Dietrich II’s reign. He holds a lavish ceremony in Dietrich’s honour, calling him a devout man of utmost courage. Meanwhile, he continues Dietrich’s work with the militia, offering a small sum to any man who promises to make a living out of working to defend his country, and bidding the local people to support their warriors. Returns from the printing press continue to pour in, as does revenue from trade, and the roads leading to Cologne’s main port are finished.
Essen: Abbess Sophia wishes beautiful Elsha best of luck and a happy marriage, and bids Elsha to write frequent letters. Meanwhile, the Book of Saint Adelphina’s Miracles is circulated throughout Cologne and Westphalen using the printing press. Finally, the university continues to grow and now begins to teach biology and chemistry.
Kingdom of France: Charles VII of France continues to rule and be regent of Lorraine for his son. With his fourth year of rule he continues to focus on military and make mobilization throughout France more effective. Lot More to Come...
Benin: The war in Benin rages on, with the Irredentists marching to take the city of Asale, where they hope to gain a major foothold in the Royalists territory. The Royalists respond aggressively, moving to open a second front in the southwestern regions of Benin where the Irredentists have left only a small force to maintain the frontline against Edo. From his base in Niani, Enekirighidi attempts to reason with the clergymen of the Edo-dominated faction in the civil war, pointing to the clear evidence of Usiobaifo's involvement with the assassination of Oba Isikhuan in 1459. The representatives of the Dari Council of the Kuzir clergy state that they cannot take sides openly, given that Usiobaifo would have them all killed and their families scourged for their refusal to acknowledge his rule in Edo. Prince Usiobaifo on the otherhand seeks to cleanse the land under his control of Irredentist supporters, brutally cracking down on those who voice their support for Iyase Enekirighidi with the backing of the Metropolitan Army forces under his command, and killing their families as well. Enekirighidi himself is no better in that he forces many tens of thousands of civilians into serving as porters for his troops, leading to many dying during their forced service for the Imperial Army. Nearly 200,000 civilians have died during the first year of the war, as well as 50,000 warriors from both sides of the fight. Many regions where the war is taking place have witnessed many civilians fleeing the land to other parts of Benin, where they hope they will remain safe from the war. However, with the collapse of manpower in some regions of Benin along the Niger River, crops have not been brought in for the harvest season in many places, leading to famine. Members of the statistician branch of the oluko believe this will result in a devastating famine if the issue is not dealt with immediately.
Ethiopian OOC: Look at my turn.
King Olaf of Sweden: Nils fully takes over administration policies and is now a grown man. I propose the bethrothal of Adele to the Heir of Brandenburg. Eric is sent back to Denmark as a new man, schizophrenic but dilligent, with a bethrothal proposal in hand for Kristina (mod response, please). I continue a policy of expanding eastward in Finland, to reach the Russian border. I support Declan O' Connor's venture to kill pagans in Finland and fund him. In order to cheer Demetrius up, I go to his castle and drink some beer with him. This doesn't cheer him up, though. I reaffirm my alliance with Brandenburg and secretly agree to their plan. Harald likes to be aggressive, like his uncle Björn. The city of Riksdag, capital of the Scandinavian Empire is completed and built. I find my son Magnus painting two paintings, and I am yet to know what they are.
Duke Eric of Visby: Visby is officially given the Olafinian Reforms, and the Gutnish cheer. I set up a merchant board and begin preparing for the Grand Plan. My son Ludwig is cheerful and a good lad.
In the Bahmani Sultanate, it is a busy year. Prayers are given at all the temples and mosques of the nation in thanks for the end of the famine. Ismail Shah decided to take measures to ensure that any such future occurrence-construction is started on a larger irrigation system (this will complete in about five years) and the patchwork system of individual nobles is replaced by an orderly system of subahs (provinces) each lead by a subahdar (governor) appointed by the Sultan. Nine subahs are created: Sindh, Gujarat, Bahmanistan, Deccan, Andhra, Carnactic, Malabar, Sri Lanka, and the Laccadives. Fortification of several ports on the east coast is begun, to protect the Bahmanid fleet, (which is also expanded) from any further Majapahit incursions. A few Gunturist missionaries trying to sneak into Bahmanid territory are caught and sent back to their homeland. In response, all Gunturists in Bahmanid territory are exiled to the Laccadives. (May it be noted that this is the most generous treatment of the Indian Sultanates-just for the record). Ismail is appalled by the Tibetan treatment of Muslims, but regrets that he is too far away to do anything about it. Muhammad Shah visits Bengal for the first time.
Kingdom of Burma: Binnya Dala continues to build a Burmese fleet, and also works on the construction of a fortified port for it. He warns the Bhuddists that the new combination of Bhuddism with Gunturism shows just how much of sham Gunturism is-they are willing to throw their beliefs out the window to gain power.
Majapahit Diplomacy: We would like to point out that we have officially deciphered your so-called "Eastern Myth" and would like to point out that the paranoia of Ismail Shah and both Buddhism's and Hinduism's desperation to attack the Gunturists have allowed the forged documents to be falsely confused for actual records and for the Trimurti's word to go blind. As a result, we are willing to notify you that your failure of a propaganda campaign is starting to unfold.
(OOC Bahmanids): No offense, Ace, but when were you appointed S. Asia mod?
1462
The population of Algeria greatly increases as a result of children from those deported from Morocco. Some of this new generation gathers in nomadic communities in African Sultanate, taking a culture of exile from their ancient homeland.
With the Khmer Empire restored to unity, albeit still seeing much instability, the state of Southeast Asia turn their economics back toward the Hindu empire.
In India, the result of the "Eastern Myth" for now has spread the knowledge of Gunturism to the Hindu populations that did not originally know about it. The semi-legendary figure of Guntur, albeit in a distorted caricature, is featured for the first time in Indian literature
Duchy of Burgundy: Burgundy formally takes possession of the Azores islands, which are renamed the Sint Michael (Saint Michael) Islands. The Portuguese population is allowed to stay if they take an oath of loyalty to the Duke of Burgundy. Those that don't are forced to find transit to Portugal. With Portuguese hindrance no longer an issue, exploration down the African coast and trade with Benin increases.
The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Zeeshan Beg Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mansur An Nasir as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 34 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst hand cannons and rocket launchers were developed as gunpowder became increasingly popular. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The lingua franca promoted throughout the Sultanate was also Persian, primarily due to the fact that Persian had existed as the language spoken by communities in the region for centuries and as such served as an excellent language for communication. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus and the Persian Gulf islands. Relations between the Gurkani and the Russians had always been tense, particularly since the Burning of Moscow. Since then, the Russian aggressive policy in Eastern Europe had been viewed with disdain by the Gurkani, and relations reached an all time low when the Russians annexed half of the Astrakhan Khanate; capturing Sultan Shahrukh Mirzas daughter and son-in-law. Following the White War, whilst the Gurkani Sultan had tried his very best to mend ties and sought goodwill and friendship; the Russians rejected each and every attempt by the Gurkani. Their introduction of the Russian fleet in the Sea of Azov and later the Black Sea was seen as a clear attempt to intimidate the Gurkani, and when the Russians later signed an alliance with the Abbasids, it was clear they were trying to encircle the Gurkani. What finally reveald the true nature of the Russians was when they invaded Crimea, marching down the Caucasus in 1441, only to retreat with their tails between their legs after encountering the Gurkani military. The Gurkani had temporarily decided not to persue the Russians but the Gurkani would not forget, and they would not forgive. Taking into account the recent crisis in Russia with the peasant revolt, the Gurkani Sultan received blessings from Caliph Al Mansur and declared war upon the Russians, sending an army of 255,000 troops, led by Mahmud Mirza to attack the Russian port city of Rostov on Don. Diplomats are simultaneously sent to the Astrakhan Khanate, requesting them to reconquer their historic territories from the Russians and take their place as the true successors of the Golden Horde by reclaiming Sarai. [MOD RESPONSE]
The Astrakhan Khanate declines. -Sky.
Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Julius Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon, with Julia Komnenos acting as the Regent. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Amir. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts, with a major naval base constructed at the city of Trabzon, where the Trabzon fleet was also situated. Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Julius Komnenos would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient.
Ngarrindjeri: The wealth and prestige of Tjilbruke continued to increase, possessing the majority of the land's wealth and owning the farms from most of the clans. As Tjilbruke rose to this position, he instituted the commandments of the Lord Ngintaka across all the tibes of the valley. All cannibalism was henceforth abolished, and anyone caught in that abominable act was taken out of the village and hung on a tree. Many turbans were manufactured and given to all the males in the land over 12 years of age, distinguishing them from those who did not follow the commandments of Lord Ngintaka. All the villages, according tot he words of Ngintaka, were established as small cities, with the residents given tasks fit for their clan. Tjilbruke gave all that he had as stewardship under his son, Kulutuwi, who he loved more than life itself. This year, however, the great monster Bunyip came out of the Murray river and consumed an entire farmland, killing hundreds of wombats and emu.
Just out of interest, how are these turbans being made? Callumthered (talk) 14:00, September 17, 2016 (UTC)
Crown of Iberia
Within the Crown of Castile, the nation celebrates the victory over Portugal. Castile finances reconstruction after the War. Meanwhile, Castile hosts the diplomatic envoy from Benin.This prompts King Sancho to come into contact with the faith of Kuzirism. Sancho considers the intellectual aspects of Kuzirism as a potentially limitless tool of empire building and growth. He begins to write his own intellectual manifesto, titled Las Teorías de la Gran Humanidad. Cortez and Blanco continue to spread their literary works across the Empire. The Navy stands at 580 warships, Population of Castile stands at five million. The Kingdom of Gibraltar has a population of 150,000. Canals and irrigation continue to enrich the soil of North Morocco, increasing agricultural output
The incorporation of Portugal into Great Iberia continues. This is the subject of significant discussion in the court of Aragon. The Royal Council begins discussions with that of Castile as to how the government of the new King of Portugal will be structured. With all military assets of Portugal now under Iberian control, our engineers begin studying Portuguese naval technologies and military equipment, in the hope that some of Portugal's less outdated technology can be adapted into new weapons, armour, etc., for the Iberian military. In other news, Eleanor I announces the birth of her and Sancho's second child, Princess Arianne, named after her deceased aunt. More to come.
Within the Kingdom of Portugal (Vassal of Castile), Fernando attempts to reestablish order, but the French betrayal of Castile prompts him to rally his forces of 15,000 men and support his home nation. Fernando swears loyalty to Castile, and to prove it he moves his wife to Toledo.
Within the Kingdom of Morocco, the population stands at 550,000 berbers and 150,000 Spaniards. Infrastructure projects, much like the ones practiced in Gibraltar, increase the agricultural output of Morocco.
Within the Republic of Liguria, Spinola rallies a small token force of 5000. Not wanting to spread manpower too thin, Castile offers to sell the territory to Milan if they crush the revolt. The nations ship yards remain heavily damaged however, and it is unlikely that Genoa will ever reclaim its position as the dominant med navy.
Within the Duchy of Athens, Duke Antonio Trastámara establishes a unitary school system, spreading the Spanish languge through out the nation. A garrison of 8000 men is established given the rise in violence within the area.
Majapahit Empire: The Empire continues to send missionaries into Southeast Asia and Lanka, via both legal and illegal means, whereas one of the Gunturists in India being exiled begins to instigate civil unrest, in order to stand up to the tyranny of Sultan Ismail Shah, whose would-be killer has secretly infiltrated the country, posing as a local Muslim. Meanwhile, the Maluke Islands continue cultural integration, while following the expansion of various local Muslim navies, Gustimaharaja Wuwamba Yuda orders the construction of 140 ships by 1470, to which he expects to use these ships to maintain naval superiority. The missionaries in Burma and Bengal are then both secretly ordered to instigate unrest in both nations at ocassional intervals. Infrastructure continues to be constructed.
Papua: Papua's settlements near the initial Kesuburan settlement expand east by 6 px while the settlements near Bird's Head Peninsula is expanded eastward by 15 px.
OOC Bengal: Let me quote MP from Naples' turn in 1401: "For better relations between players, we're not going to have players be assassinated." ~LordM
Ethiopia:To be straight we are sending supplies to the Irredentists, and the prince is currently stationed with Iyase Enekirighidi. Zera is happy with the artifacts he has fount and decided he will be more public again. The firs thing he does is visit the church of our Lady Mary and preys with a large crowd. He begins to distribute found again back to the towns of the empire. The villages of the Blue Nile are growing more prosperous as the years continue. With Baram leaving his first set of notes at home for his father, Zera begins to enact some reforms. He establishes a group of people to clean of the cities, and they will be payed right from the emperor. He also ask his best engineers to experiment with using the Blue Nile and Lake Tana to bring water into his palace.
Korea continues to experience prosperity under a meritocratic bureaucracy led by monarch Yi Hyorin. Korea adopts a militarist policy, believing it will be needed to protect Korea from external threats and insurgencies. Funds are diverted to the development of industrial complexes supporting the military. Workshops specializing in gunpowder weapons receive subsidies to facilitiate higher production, while arsenals are expanded upon. Korea continues its entrenched naval tradition, building lots of ships this year, mainly bigeodo, gwaseon, but also a few junks. Shipyards in Busan and Incheon are expanded to accommodate more ships. Korean architects design a new class of warship, drawing heavily from the gwaseon or spear-ship. The new ironclad ship, named geobukseon or turtle-ship, has an iron roof, while the spear in the front is replaced by a cannon concealed within a dragon-head. There are twenty slots that are used for naval artillery. The geokbukseon has a complement of fifty soldiers and eighty sailors. This class of warship is praised as the next step for Korea's navy, and the architects who made it are given high social status. Production of turtle-ships will start next year, and will replace the gwaseon ship. Ships patrol neighbouring waters to consolidate naval presence and territorial integrity. Roads are paved throughtout Buk-in-do, to facilitate transportation between the province and the peninsula, and to promote commerce and links between the two. Jurchens are encourage to assimilate into Korean culture, to deter separatist sentiment. Arable land within Korea is cultivated by Korean settlers, and with the foot supply being so high, population growth becomes very favourable. A new cultivar of rice, known as Manchu rice, is bred by Korean botanists. Manchu rice could still grow with lower amounts of water, and could withstand colder weather. While the yield is lower than traditional rice cultivars, it becomes used in land where it could be raised in. Hwatae-do remains separate from Buk-in-do, as it lacks a large local population. More Korean settlers arrive in Hwatae-do, displacing local Sakhalin Ainus and Oroks. With Seotaeman sold to the Japanese, all Korean settlers and any valuable items are repatriated back to Korea. More settlers are sent to the Cheondo-ryeol islands, which are administered as a part of Hwatae-do. The island chain becomes an important fishing ground and also a site for whaling. Overseas trade with Majapahit, Tondo, and their vassals increases, with Korean merchants trading porcelain and luxury goods in exchange for tropical goods such as fruits and animal skins. With Fukuoka opened to the Koreans, the Koreans trade with the Japanese, and previously strained relations begin to heal. Korean missionaries are also dispersed to these countries, hoping to convert some locals into Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism under the Yi sect, which fuses Confucian doctrines and Muist rites, becomes increasingly ingrained into Korean culture. Wealthy yangban patronize the arts and literature. Buildings are upscaled in beauty and sophistication to reflect Korea's growing affluence, while more people, especially those in the yangban, chung-in, and sang-in castes, choose partake in education.
Chinese Empire: The Empire continues to grow as its population booms, reaching new hights as the peace causes many to want children feeling it is safe from conflict. The military is expanded to 650,000 men, while the navy reaches 1200 of the latest ships. The Empire continues to contruct cannon and gunpowder factories across the country, allowing them to eventually create a surplus for eventual export. Glad that the Chieng Mai accepted the offer, the Chinese military moves 20,000 troops to southern Chieng Mai in order to defend the new protectorate, establishing three new military bases with 10,000 troops per base in the nation. We begin funding road networks in the region to make the bases and the movement of troops as fast as possible, swearing to defend the Empire and their allies in the Chieng Mai to the last breath. The colonies in Taiwan and Luzon continue to grow and flourish as more and more settlers are sent there.
Mongolia: The Gong continues to accept the flow of Chinese immigration, as it continues to improve the state as a whole and improve the economy, with the total number of Chinese in Mongolia now numbering around 94,000. We continue to expand northward.
Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. Our trading fleet travels further North to the northernmost of Benin before returning.
Papal States: The Inquisition and associated Diocesan Courts of Ecclesiastical Discipline continue improving discipline within the secular clergy and the monasteries. Growing weary of a lack of answer from the Scandinavians, Callixtus IV orders a ship to be sent to Greenland to report on the state of the people there, especially the state of the diocese of Garðar. The ship leaves in Spring, and reaches Greenland in the Summer. (Other MODS: Please say what they find)
The expedition finds the settlement completely deserted
Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation. Anna, Monika's first daughter is born this year.
The Caliphate: Continues to encourage economic growth in its regions, especially in Egypt and North Africa. The highest officers of the Caliphate begin to allow more and more autonomy to the states south of the First Cataract in Africa, although still promoting Islam. A holy edict is issued banning all merchants from transpiring commerce with the Christian nation of East Africa, specifically Ethiopia. Meanwhile, in Arabia, the Caliphate continues to build infrastructure for faithful Muslims performing the Hajj to Mecca. In order to keep order and stability in an otherwise overextended state, we allow emirs to host a small army, more of a guard, near their respective capitals. The Caliphate begins to support the arts and specifically the sciences.
Ethiopian Dip: Zera sent a rider to Cairo to ask why trade from down the Nile has not been arriving in Mogran.
Bahmanids: Ismail Shah is worried. The evils of Gunturism have now begun to seep into India, while the attempt to stop it has backfired dramatically. A few infiltrators are caught, but rather than being sent back, they are arrested and sent to the Laccadives, along with any Gunturist sympathisers. A few Indonesian Hindus are bribed to come off Majapahit ships and talk about how Guntur and his followers burned temples, killed Hindus, and smashed idols. Meanwhile, a few Muslims are disguised and sent into Majapahit territory in retaliation. In more temporal news, the port of Kolon-thota is heavily fortified, and a new naval building program is started to build 20 new warships over the next five years.
Kingdom of Burma: Binnya Dala prays that there will not be another war, for he knows his kingdom will inevitably become a battleground once again. In compliance with Ismail's orders, he sends several Buddhist monks into Majapahit territory. A naval construction program is started, to build ten more warships over the next seven years.
(Majapahit OOC): Errr ... you do realise most of Indonesia circa 1462 is raised into the Gunturist faith, correct? So, unless this is a bunch of old Indonesian Hindu men, then I call rubbish on this one.
I never said they were very many of them. They need only to tell a few directly and word would spread. Also, gold can convince people of just any philosophy in the right quantities.
Iroquois Confederacy: We continue expanding our agriculture. Some farmers begin experimenting with cross-breeding of various squashes, beans, and corn to create a heartier crop. Fishing production continues as well, with more canoes being crafted for open water instead of streams. One day, a boat builder arrives at Sustawan to meet with Chief Apenimon about a new type of boat he has envisioned, based off of Etchemin's survival story. These boats would look like the typical barge, but have what he calls a sail where the lamp post is. The sail would be made of hides, much like the shelters already on the barges. He believes that this could revolutionize how the Iroquois trade. Apenimon, like many of his subjects, proclaims this man to be crazy and that trying to harness the winds would be an insult to Ga-oh (the Wind Spirit). The boat builder returns to his home in shame but continues to have faith in his vision. Braves continue to be trained by War-Chief Beshkno at the fort near Sustawan. They are the elite of the Iroquois braves; mastering every weapon at their disposal along with techniques from allied tribes. Towns continue to expand.
Mexica Alliance: Continues to grow in wealth and power. Expansion along the coast south through Mexica and Zaptoec lands continues, but exploration also begins up the Sierra Madre Oriental. In Tenochtitlan, Emperor Moctezuma I begins to increase the rate of conscription in newly captured lands, however, continuing to ensure religious freedom. There is a slight decrease in sacrifices this year, as many priests begin to replace it with animal sacrifice and bloodletting. With the famine years past, the population begins to soar, and Aztec people from the three main cities are encouraged with rewards to move into newly added lands.
Benin: The Irredentists have captured the city of Asale, and have moved to take the cities of Birnin Kebbi and Lolo just to the south of Asale. In spite of these gains, the cities of Kokolo and Fazo have fallen to the Royalists, who have immediately moved to march on the city of Eloro seeking to cut off the supply of gold to the Irredentist forces. At sea, the Western Fleet that was seized by the Irredentists have overwhelmed the naval forces of the Royalists, who retreated back to port after it was agreed that fighting the vastly larger navy of the forces under Enekirighidi's control was impossible. Instead, Prince Usiobaifo has redirected his funding to the Metropolitan Army, hoping that he can re-arm them to combat the better trained and equipped Imperial Army units of Enekirighidi in the field, as the Imperial Guard has proven itself too small to serve as the primary field army. Elsewhere, famine in many parts of Benin have struck at population centers in the Asale, Borgu, and Nupe provinces, where the Irredentists destroyed the crops seeking to starve the Royalists out of the capital cities. This has ultimately led to the death of some half a million non-combatants, who were unable to collect the crops during the harvest seasons. Refugees have moved to other parts of Benin seeking to escape the fighting, leading to fights between city-dwellers in Songhay province and refugees from the Asale province. Because of the danger of riots in the major cities under his control, Enekirighidi has been forced to send supporting Metropolitan Army forces under his command to the cities to stop the fights, stalling his offensive on the heartlands of Benin and taking Edo. This has given Usiobaifo the initiative as he can now retrain his forces and redeploy them to the front with Enekirighidi in the north. In spite of the fighting, Enekirighidi has sent a delegation to Iberia to seek their diplomatic support for his side as the legitimate ruler of Benin. In Iberia, representatives of the Irridentist faction of Enekirighidi make the case that the Royalist faction of Usiobaifo had Oba Isikhuan killed for his infertility and desire to take the throne for themselves. They state that only Enekirighidi has the legitimacy to rule and that the treason of Usiobaifo disqualifies him from holding power in Benin. While in Iberia, the Bini delegates offend many of the Iberian people, after vocally stating the putrid living conditions of the people living in the nation, and the lack of hygienic behavior of the Iberians commoners, as well as among their own royalty. The civil war does not stop the two sides from trading overseas, seeking to sell goods from the homeland to fund their war at home. Given his naval superiority, Enekirighidi has continued the empire's policies of trade, selling goods that are not vital to the war overseas. Bini merchants in Sofala continue to trade for their empire, remaining neutral in the conflict so as not to harm their markets back home. A Bini merchant vessel ordered to return home to bring goods intended for the war has refused the order. Its captain originally intended to sell hand cannons and gunpowder weapons to a Malagasy city-state, and seeking to make a profit from his goods has illegally defied his government. Instead, he seeks to get as far away from Benin and sell his cargo, seeking to make a great profit and retire somewhere in Southeast Asia where he shall be free from prosecution back home. However, his ship gets hit by a thunderstorm while attempting to make it to the Straits of Malacca, and the vessel runs aground in Aceh, with only a handful of survivors.
Delhi: Following Bahmani, we tighten our security and guards in our cities, intensifying our army and navy programs. Trebuchets and ships are built to heavily guard the port city of Puri. Gunterists and any infiltrating Gunterist missionaries are caught. The Gunterists are then detained in heavily-guarded prisons loacted in the Himalayas, although we are looking for a place to exile them in the future. As a result, we send an expedition south to discover new lands. On another note, the Sultan grants Hindus a separate court system from that of the Muslims, and reminds the Hindus that Hinduism is still free to worship in the Sultanate. Academic buildings continue to be constructed, and roads continue to connect the empire. In retaliation to the Gunterists, Muslims are sent undercover to Sumatra.
The Himalaya Kingdom's two official religions are Hindu and Islam, although Hindus already dominate the Himalayan court. Nonetheless, the Hindu and Muslim court systems are split, just like in Delhi. The kingdom continues to build up infrastructure, and roads connect Himalaya to the rest of Delhi. It also builds up its military for two reasons: to guard the Gunterist prisons, and to stop any potential hostilities from West Nepal.
Delhian Diplomacy: We reiterate our offer to Kangra to become our vassal for 75,000 rupees, along with the economic and defensive benefits that come with being part of Delhi. (MOD RESPONSE)
Bengali Diplomacy: We will send one-half of our Gunturists to your southern islands next year, if you discover any. If not, we intend to send them to the Himalaya Kingdom.
Sultanate of Bengal: After the failure of The Eastern Myth, the Sultan plans to tighten security on the border. No one will be allowed inside Bengal. Half of all illegal Gunturist missionaries are sent to the Laccadive Islands. The other half are currently being held in the northern part of the Ahom Kingdom under heavy guard. These prisoners will be sent to southern Delhian islands next year if the Delhi's discover any islands. If the Dehlians do not discover any islands, they will be sent to the Himalayan Kingdom. Following the Bahmanid example, some Muslims are sent into Majapahit territory as retaliation. Five trebuchets are built in Saptagram. Saptagram and Chatagon receive significant fortifications and the Bengali Navy is ordered to retreat into the Mouths of the Ganges and hold Chatagon. Chatagon also receives Ahom gunpowder artillery prototypes. All cannons and trebuchets are pointed at the sea and are prepared to make an invader's assault on Chatagon hell. The sultan also grants Hindus a separate court system. The Dominant is slated to receive cannons by 1463. Meanwhile, the 30 new ships will be completed in seven years, as building is accelerated. Two ships have already been completed. and are added to the Bengali Navy. Naval development is slated to be 20 new ships per year. (This number wasapproved by Edge over private message, can show screenshots of the private message for evidence)
Ahom Kingdom: Rukunuddin Barbak Shah orders Susenphaa to send his best military scientists to Bengal to help Bengal get firearms in the wake of possible war whom scientists are ordered to further develop artillery prototypes to defend Bengali ports and arm Bengali ships.
Bengal Diplomacy: Can we send Gunturists to the Laccadives?
Delhian Diplomacy: We offer that when our expedition returns next year, that Bengal can send their Gunterists to any southern islands we discover.
Bahmanid Diplomacy: The Bahmanid crown agrees, so long as Bengal covers part of the cost to guard them.
Kingdom of England and Scotland: We offer Crown Prince Edward's hand in marriage to some woman who is about 20. King Richard IV is dismayed by his lack of taxes and the indirect route they come in through and so coordinating with Parliament all of England regardless of town or countryside to be divided into ten Royal Provinces with each province being roughly the same size as all others and contiguous in territory separate from all other forms of land ownership. This policy is only applied to England, the King commissions his Royal treasurer to form a task force to each year asses one of the Royal provinces with all land assessed for its use and taxed according to its use with the owner of the land paying the tax. This is the land tax and replaces most other forms of taxation though taxation on merchants for trading is still maintained. The land tax remains the same for that Royal Province every year until it is updated in ten years after its last survey. We move another 3000 Englishmen into Scotland and another 3000 Scots into England. At Portsmouth another ten ships are constructed and added to the English fleet while the expansion of a grammar school and university system leads to a lot more people having access to education mainly in towns and cities where these schools can be attended. Trade abroad continues especially with Benin which is a lucrative source of goods. At Oxford, Cambridge and St Andrews, the academic race starts with all three universities competing to have the largest libraries as well as the highest quality of teaching and the Crown encourages the competition with rewards when one university excels causing internal rivalry.
Bulgarian Empire: While not in terrible condition in previous years, the new capital city of Tarnovo is spent on lavishly utilizing funds paid out by the Ottomans to Bulgaria. With the city having its walls put under a rebuild, many of its significant older structures, and finally the construction of a new Imperial Palace for Vasili. To much fanfare Vasili Dracultesti is named Tsar of all Bulgaria, and after years is recognized as having resurrected the Empire and hence is the inheritor of the Wallacho-Bulgar legacy. Rather than maintaining his previous name, Vasili decides to adopt the name Kaloyan stressing to all his subjects that this empire will be as great or even greater than before and his name change is to reflect his insistence of this. Turning to face his enemies Vasili-Kaloyan sends an armed envoy to the defeated Ottomans and levies his harsh treaty down upon them. Every year a large sum of tribute will be exacted and delivered to Bulgaria for a period of 50 years. The Ottomans will also divert all their trade convoys and caravans to begin delivering their goods to only the Bulgarian port cities specifically the city at the mouth of the Danube river and its Delta named Kaloyagrad, renamed specifically after the new Bulgarian tsar and his old namesake. Along side of this the ottomans will allow Bulgarian merchants full access to all their ports and goods with no issue. With the outright majority of the empire populace being Bulgarian or Wallachian the shared conquerors of the empire, Vasili-Kaloyan is able to focus outside his borders significantly specifically in order begin building more alliances, diplomatic ties, etc. He specifically turns toward Poland, eyeing the lands of Moldova, ethnically Wallachian, and full of those who would be extremely willing to join the empire or at the least a vassal state. In other ways the potential of just fully overunning the Ottomans and advancing into Anatolia is also a clear possibility. Greece under the umbrella of Italy remains out of reach but Vasili sends an envoy to the Greeks. He asks to discuss the potential for an expanding diplomatic treaty with the Greeks and in another case discuss the issues of territory, specifically a potential territorial expansion for the Greeks. In other news the Tsar with his wife Anastasiya announce that they will be having a child bearing the unified Beserab-Asen family name. He is born later in the year and is named Simeon which solidifies the claim of Vasili to the throne. The new Bulgar empire specifically takes much of its newfound funding specifically using the giant pile of wealth gained as a lump sum in the war to begin a modern outfitting of the Bulgarian army, as well as a rebuild of importants cities and the countryside infrastructure. Having realized the importance of such infrastructure, Vasili makes it a priority to facilitate the development of the roads and other projects to make cross country travel faster albeit somewhat hesitantly as he would much rather devote the funds to conquest. With Austria marching into Hungary to prop up its claim to the throne, and with the new Alliance in place, Bulgarian troops led by Vasili-Kaloyan march into Eastern Hungary.
King Olaf of Sweden: Nils fully takes over administration policies and is now a grown man. I propose the bethrothal of Adele to the Heir of Brandenburg. We await the Danish response to the betrothal of Kristina to Eric of Denmark(mod response, please). I continue a policy of expanding eastward in Finland, to reach the Russian border. I support Declan O' Connor's venture to kill pagans in Finland and fund him. In order to cheer Demetrius up, I go to his castle and drink some beer with him. This doesn't cheer him up, though. I reaffirm my alliance with Brandenburg and secretly agree to their plan. Harald likes to be aggressive, like his uncle Björn. The city of Riksdag, capital of the Scandinavian Empire is completed and built. I find my son Magnus painting two paintings, and I am yet to know what they are. I applaud the actions of Vasili-Kaloyan Basarab-Asen and propose to the pope that he be rewarded with the title Athleta Christi.
Duke Eric of Visby: Visby is officially given the Olafinian Reforms, and the Gutnish cheer. I set up a merchant board and begin preparing for the Grand Plan. My son Ludwig is cheerful and a good lad.
Kingdom of France: Charles VII of France continues to rule and be regent of Lorraine for his son. Charles continues to uber-focus on the French military and improving mobilization systems. Inspired by the English academic competitions, France creates a competition that occurs every ten years to encourage knowledge and innovation. The university that wins receives royal gifts and a grant from the French crown. The 1462 competition included the University of Paris, University of Toulouse, and University of Montpellier, with Paris winning the competition. Improvements continue to be made to the city of Paris to keep it as one of the most significant cities in Europe. Charles VII, although formerly a close ally of Castile, formalizes an Italian alliance and accepts the call to arms against Iberia. Charles feels betrayed that his brother-in-law formed a union with a former French enemy, and suspects them of trying to take Navarre in their attempts of unifying Iberia. The French army is immediately mobilized and a large force is moved through Navarre to Zaragoza, a major city in Aragon, while another force is left to defend the nation.
120,000 since Feud keeps asking.
Burgundian Dip: Duke Charles writes to the king, expressing his disapproval at the decision to abandon the Castilian alliance, noting that their union with Aragon only secures the southern border, many that Italy is a much more recent enemy.
In the Kingdom of Italy, Niccolò Maria Visconti dies of dysentery. There is much mourning, especially by Matteo of Naples, the old king's son, but the people of Italy are confident, based upon Matteo's record in leading Naples hencefar after the death of his mother, Mary Anjou. Matteo travels north to Milan, where he is crowned King and reunited with many of his old mentors from his youth. As the Kingdom of Naples, Matteo - now the leader of the Visconti line - formalizes an alliance with France and then declares war upon Iberia with the intention of retaking historical lands lost in the Vespers of 1282, while calling his French allies into the war.. As King of Italy, Matteo also declares war upon Iberia, to seize Genoa. Both Italian and Neapolitan armies and navies are mobilized. The Neapolitan forces storm the isle of Sicily after a major battle at the crossing of Messina. The Italian forces invade Iberian Liguria, taking it after a battle at Genoa. In Croia, Berat, Epirus and the Morea, the armies are held on high alert and prepare for any necessary defensive action should Iberian Athens move to retaliate.
In response to Italy's nonsense, Iberia abandons Sicily and Liguria.
Oh and you still need an algo to conquer this stuff, since you are being hostile about it
Kingdom of Ireland:We have finished the print shop in Cork and now begin producing books, broadsheets and printing presses. We begin equipping the Library of Cork and the Cork University with printing presses to store important knowledge and encourage literacy.With English help, we expand our shipbuilding facilities and begin building a modern navy with ten ships to be built and finished by 1664. We begin to centralise power with the king beginning to be able to wield more power and are considering to begin moving away from feudalism to a more efficient system. We build fortifications in our lands as well as beginning to expand pre-existing towns and cities. Cork now has a population of 20,000 and is quickly turning into a bustling city. We begin planning reforms to increase our economy. We begin to develop the economy be building mines across the country, as well as encouraging cottage industries. We give money to many of the lords to develop their lands. We begin major expansions and renovations in the print shop and the University in order to increase learning. (finished 1464) The king welcomed his son, Thomas Fitzgerald back from his studies in England. We begin to strengthen the Bank of Ireland (formerly Bank of Desmond) in and begin setting up branches in other Irish cities. We begin sponsoring grammar schools and universities and hold a competition every five years to encourage scientific progress and recruit for civil service. The print shop also begins printing regular weekly broadsheets in Cork aimed at inspiring Irish Nationalism, loyalty to the crown and Celtic/Gaelic pride.
In Austria, the Ruling Council takes care of matters while Ferdinand is out fighting in the war of Hungarian Succession. Having (presumably) defeated his opponent's hosts lats year, Ferdinand spends the rest of the year chasing down any remaining opponents to his rule. After a last-ditch effort to push back Ferdinand's forces by assaulting Budapest itself, Ference Bathory is captured by Ferdinand's forces and taken prisoner. After a trial many considered only a formality, the rival claimant to the Hungarian throne is executed for "rebellion against the crown". Ferdinand spends the year consolidating his rule of Hungary and its vassals, which include, at least formally, Cilli and Serbia. Rebel Nobles that refused to bend the knee and sided with Bathory, at least the ones captured, are stripped of all titles and executed for treason, their lands redistributed to more...loyals subjects, granting those subjects, at least the more powerful ones, the title of Perpetuus Comes, granting them the right to primogeniture succession instead of dividing their territories. This causes many to come to Budapest to swear fealty to their new overlord, at least before his armies can come knocking on their front door. Ferdinand further divides Hungary into multiple counties, although these, in Hungarian tradition, were not strictly hereditary, and the position of "count" will be appointed by the king from the pool of local barons for the remainder of the newly-appointed counts. In all, Hungary is subdivided into Ten counties, Four perpetual and six non-perpetual (in order to increase power). Next, Ferdinand Plans to go to Serbia to investigate the situation there ... Back in Austria, further integration programs are made with Bavaria.
Not Much happens in Salzburg... mostly religious type stuff and things ...
Cilli isn't Hungarian, for the second time now. -Rexmod
1463
The Azores Islands, governored by a member of the House of Aviz, declares itself the Kingdom of Portugal in exile
Duchy of Burgundy: In light of France's continued aggression against Iberia, and their alliance with Italy, Charles and his advisors decide the interests of the French crown and Burgundy have drifted too far apart. In a meeting with the military commanders, it is decided to formally declare Burgundy independent once more. The 50,000 strong Burgundian Army is mobilized, and meets up with the english army. Admiral John de Luxembourg links up with the Royal Navy, and begins a campaign of ravaging French naval bases. Charles' alliance with Emperor Heinrich is invoked. A letter is send to the Duke of Brittany, saying that if Brittany allies with Burgundy, the Breton Dukes will be recognized as kings in their own right once again. (SAVE ME SKYBOIMOD! YOU'RE MY ONLY HOPE!)
Brandenburgian Response to Burgundian Dip: While somewhat hesitant Emperor Heinrich answers the call to arms from their Burgundian brothers and Emperor Heinrich himself leads a 15,000 strong force to join up with the Burgundian and English Forces in the lowlands and launch an invasion from the Brandenburgian Fortress of Luxembourg.. Meanwhile Otto is called back to Berlin to man the 10,000 remaining troops in defense of the the Brandenburg Domains. Heinrich also declares an imperial ban on France and demands that the Duchies of Bar and Lorraine not aid the French King in the war against the Red Lion Alliance, as it would put them in conflict with their sovereign the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
France: Charles VII orders troops to defend Paris (120,000). The navy remains in their ports, not engaging the enemy at sea.
The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Zeeshan Beg Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mansur An Nasir as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 34 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst hand cannons and rocket launchers were developed as gunpowder became increasingly popular. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The lingua franca promoted throughout the Sultanate was also Persian, primarily due to the fact that Persian had existed as the language spoken by communities in the region for centuries and as such served as an excellent language for communication. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus and the Persian Gulf islands. A major victory at the Battle of Rostov on Don led to the capture of Russians Black Sea Port and effectively secured the non-interference of the Russian navy in the battles to come. Mahmud Mirza received praise as a great military general, and was quickly sent orders to march upon Moscow with the remaining 250,000 men. The Sultan, Zeeshan Beg planned to reiterate the 1402 Burning of Moscow to commemorate his Great Grandfather, Timur Beg Mirza. Meanwhile, news that the Astrakhan Khanate had also joined in the war against the Russians increased the morale of the troops who declared Jihad on the Russians.
Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Julius Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon, with Julia Komnenos acting as the Regent. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Amir. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts, with a major naval base constructed at the city of Trabzon, where the Trabzon fleet was also situated. Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Julius Komnenos would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient.
Omani Diplomacy: We request you to pay tribute to our Sultan. If not, we will employ our naval power to raid your coasts.
Oman cannot receive tribute from Gurkani. -scraw
Astrakhan: Well, we initially rejected the generous deal extending from Gurkani because of our lack of faith in their ability to win the war. The Victory at Rostov-on-don inspires us to side with Gurkani as to restore the glory of our ancestor's Golden Horde. We accept the deal given to us by Gurkani and declare war on the Grand Boyardom of Russia citing reconquering our historical lands as our Casus Beli. We join the Gurkani army on their march toward Moscow. In other news the current Khan of Astrakhan Abukhan gives birth to a son Abdulkhakim. After announcement of his conversion to Islam specifically the Gurkani Sect. He begins to build a Grand Mosque in the Capital City of Sarai which currently has around 600,000 people (sarai was one of the largest city of the middle ages see here). In other news hoping to build up our treasuries we begin to open up our ports to christian merchants and other religions. We specifically request a trade deal with Gurkani.
Gurkani Diplomacy: We accept.
Ngerrindjeri: As cities began to spread across the valley, the monster Bunyip once again reared out of the Murray river and wrecked havoc across a nearby village. Tjilbruke beseached Lord Ngintaka what should be done about him. Lord Ngintaka explained to Tjilbruke by vision, that this monster is an emisary of the great demon Bila, who is jealous of Ngintaka's people in Adeleid. Fortunately, Bila is still pacified in Dreamtime, and can only send his agents like Bunyip on his behalf. The population of the tribe is now nearly 20,000.
I fear your population has grown too much too quickly. According to this, estimates for the pre-colonisation Indigenous population of all of South Australia was roughly 15,000. Your tribe would only make up a small portion of that (although admittedly it would have grown due to your increased and more systamised use of agriculture). I like what you're doing, I just think you need to do it slower. Callumthered (talk) 12:08, September 18, 2016 (UTC)
I was going by this source, which says the total population of aboriginal Australia varies wildly from 315,000 to 750,000 or up to 1.6 million. Of course, maybe I didn't take the north-south distribution into account, so I'll change the number a bit later Oh, I didn't mean to push that button! † Oh, well leave a message I guess 18:01, September 18, 2016 (UTC)
Azores and other Portuguese colonies: After a landing in Portugal Afonso requests support from the nobility of Portugal inorder to restore himself to the throne. Mod response.
A few prominent nobles leave Portugal to come live in the Azores, the vast majority do not
Kingdom of Ireland: The King of Ireland, James Fitzgerald is dead, and his son, Thomas Fitzgerald is crowned as the new High King of Ireland. At first people are suspicious as he spent ten years in England being "tutored" but he still remains highly nationalistic and against English interference in Irish affairs.We have finished the print shop in Cork and now begin producing books, broadsheets and printing presses. We begin equipping the Library of Cork and the Cork University with printing presses to store important knowledge and encourage literacy.With English help, we expand our shipbuilding facilities and begin building a modern navy with ten ships to be built and finished by 1664.We begin to centralise power with the king beginning to be able to wield more power and are considering to begin moving away from feudalism to a more efficient system. We build fortifications in our lands as well as beginning to expand pre-existing towns and cities. Cork now has a population of 20,000 and is quickly turning into a bustling city. We begin planning reforms to increase our economy. We begin to develop the economy be building mines across the country, as well as encouraging cottage industries. We give money to many of the lords to develop their lands. We begin major expansions and renovations in the print shop and the university in order to increase learning. (finished in 1464) The king welcomed his son, Thomas Fitzgerald back from his studies in England. We begin to strengthen the Bank of Ireland (formerly Bank of Desmond) in and begin setting up branches in other Irish cities. We begin sponsoring grammar schools and universities and hold a competition every five years to encourage scientific progress and recruit for civil service. The print shop also begins printing regular weekly broadsheets in Cork aimed at inspiring Irish Nationalism, loyalty to the crown and Celtic/Gaelic pride.
I feel it's too early for "Nationalism" per se. Callumthered (talk) 12:08, September 18, 2016 (UTC)
Bulgarian Empire: With Italy being distracted and Greece being extremely weak in comparison to Bulgaria, Tsar Vasili-Kaloyan moves his force of 17,000 onto the Greek territory in Skopje. Tsar Vasili demands the Greeks cede Skopje, all of Macedon and all of Thrace or face the full might of the empire. This is met with great fanfare and support as the outfitting of the military has led to the superb outfitting of the Bulgarian army. The stated goal is not only to just seize historical Bulgar territory, but also to gain position as the dominant power in the Balkans. Bulgaria offers to leave the Italian possessions in Greece alone (so as to not open up an entirely new front while Italy is stuck fighting the Spaniards) if Bulgaria is left to dominate the Balkans. Tsar Vasili Kaloyan immediately offers peace to the Greeks hoping to prevent bloodshed with them but is prepared to do the worst. Tsar Kaloyan requests his new Austrian ally come to his aid in the event of any incursions by any non-Balkan power into the Bulgaro-Greek conflict. the Tsar stresses to the Austrian ruler that such actions are required in order to establish a stable and large state in the Balkans. Tsar Vasili-Kaloyan now declaring victory over the Greeks and seeing no signs of intervention by Italy (and in Italy's case me and Rex went about a mediated deal). Tsar Vasili imposes the Treaty of Tarnovo on the Greeks (greek player plz see this page to figure out whats going on). With the war more or less over, in a quick and decisive campaign, the Beserab-Asen Family is literally venerated and in some cases halfway worshipped. In the span of a few years the Tsar originally from wallachian stock has turned Bulgaria and Wallachia into a powerful united Bullgaro-Wallachian Empire, with the name Bulgaria being taken purely due to the existing prestigious title of the Emperor of Bulgaria. Having unified the Bulgarian peoples and gained a relatively large amount of minorities too, the population is estimated at a rough 3.1 million. Some of the Bulgarian people who previously lived in servitude and unable to relocate due to issues under the Ottomans begin a natural movement to greener territories. This sees roughly 4000 people migrate from the core of Bulgaria to the veritable goldmine of farmland in Wallachia looking to set up and cultivate the area extremely. The Tsar does, however, march a force of 5000 to Constantinople and in conjunction with ships seized from the turks and appropriated as the naval force. the city concedes relatively quickly and the Tsar himself proclaims the city the Sister city to the Bulgarian Capital of Tarnovo. In response to this a significant amount of Bulgarians move to the city. While at the Queen of cities, Vasili Kaloyan humbly attends a church sermon at the Hagia Sophia and while still a grand basilica, it has seen its better days, and the Tsar makes it a personal mission to repair the great buildings of the city and reassert its position. This includes the rebuilding of the Theodosian Walls. While recognizing the past issues with the Byzantine emperors and their empire, Vasili-Kaloyan pays his respects to them and quietly takes the remaining heirlooms of the Byzantine emperors and immortalizes them, planning on putting them in a great mausoleum. The estimated immigration of Bulgarians to the city by the end of the year is amazing with nearly 60,000 Bulgarians seeking better lives by settling into the city and its surrounding areas. While the City is extremely depopulated, it is somewhat sad to see such a great city in tatters, but its restoration is put as a priority alongside the redevelopment of Tarnovo as the Royal capital of Bulgaria. This also amounts to a large donation to the Patriarch of constantinople to begin the rebuilding of the shattered remnants of the Orthodox church.
Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. We send 120 ships to patrol our Ceylon trade post due to security concerns.
Sultanate of Bengal: 20 more ships are added to the Bengali Navy, as a massive development effort is begun. In response to the Majapahit vow to destroy any Bengali or Bahmanid vessel caught within their waters, the Sultan orders the Bengali Navy to enforce the same orders. All Majapahit vessels caught within Bengali waters are ordered to surrender, have their cargo sold, give up any Gunturists that are on board, on pain of death. The Sultan also declares war on Majapahit. Rukunuddin Barbak Shah develops the policy of "Navy First" to combat Majapahit dominance of the sea, realizing that his allies in Delhi and the Bahmanids can supply an army. The defenses around Chatagon are further fortified, and Chatagon receives ten new cannons, built by Ahom scientists. A massive fort is also built near the sea in Chatagon to guard the harbor. Saptagram is also fortified. As a response to the alarmingly large number of illegal Gunturists, the Sultan orders all Gunturists to be sent to the Laccadives. The Sultan orders the "no entry into Bengal" order extensively enforced. The Dominant receives ten cannons, two to be mounted as bow-chasers and the other four to be mounted on the port and starboard sides of the ship. Ten ships in the Bengali Navy also receive cannons.
War Addendum 1: The Sultan orders the mobilization of the army.
Ahom Kingdom: Susenphaa orders the connection of road networks in the Ahom Kingdom to Bengali road networks.
Papal States: Pope Callixtus is enraged at the news that Italy and France have attacked his native Spain. He writes to the Italian and Spanish kings telling them that the war is not a just war. Whilst His Holiness recognises the perils of intervention given the States' encirclement by the Italian-Neapolitan realm, he nonetheless sends five galleys and one thousand troops to assist Spain. With the war going on, the pope-to his great annoyance- cannot travel to Constantinople. He sends the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who co-celebrates a Divine Liturgy with the Patriarch and promises that the pope will visit as soon as possible. In other news, the expedition to Greenland returns with the sad news that the settlement there has been abandoned, leaving only the pagan "Esqimos". The chief Cardinal of the Roman Inquisition and the Superior-General of the Dominican Order, with the approval of Pope Callixtus IV, write to King Olaf of Sweden, asking that he take it upon himself to establish a new settlement in Greenland, thus re-establishing the diocese of Garðar, which can be used as a base from which to convert the unfortunately still-heathen Esqimos. Given the fame of king Olaf's zeal for the Faith, the clerics feel that he would be the most appropriate to fund such a noble and Christian venture.
Majapahit Empire: After receiving reports from an unknown vessel in Aceh from locals, a few dozen men are sent to recover the ship and rescue survivors. As survivors are found, which appear to be missionaries of a far off and unknown land that they call "Benin", and these missionaries retell their story as to how they arrived into Aceh (following a few conversations after their rescue, of course), and the ship's wreckage is searched for anything of use, including maps, historic records, and useful materials or equipment. Among these, guns and cannons are found, similar in principle to the ones used by the Ming Dynasty, but with various different design aesthetics and much simpler to use and manufacture than Ming guns and cannons. Though the ship designs and shipbuilding skills from the wreckage itself would take years to fully decipher, getting the guns and cannons ready would be at least relatively easier. However, due to a lack of skilled gunsmiths (or any gunsmiths for that matter, except the survivors of the wreckage), these guns are kept in reserve for the elite, and it will remain as such until we can get some gunsmiths. The survivors, who are later revealed to be missionaries of a religion called "Kuzirism", eventually begin to teach locals in Sumatra to construct and modify their own guns, in order to assist in helping the currently limited production of firearms and cannons, and by year's end, a few are already offering services to the government for the creation of new firearms. Meanwhile, Wuwamba Yuda continues integration of the Maluku Islands, the construction of additional infrastructure, and (pre-attempt) a letter is secretly sent to our assassin to execute the attempt, and later destroyed, along with any evidence to link the Majapahit to the attempt (which is replaced with the thoroughly fabricated "evidence" against Bengal). (MODERATOR RNG, AND DETAILS PLEASE). (Post-attempt) Following the failure of the attempt, and the fact he was not traced, upon the letter reaching Wuwamba Yuda, he secretly orders the letter destroyed and the assassin is forced to go back into hiding. While all that happens, already existing large ships (at least four of them) are upgraded with already available cannons, whereas the 100 ships for 1470 continue construction. Meanwhile, Muslim infiltrators are caught trying to enter the Empire, and these infiltrators are executed on the spot, which results in a policy of sinking ANY ship from the Bahmanids or other Muslim nations, suspected to be carrying infiltrators. After the Empire receives threats from the Bahmanids, Wuwamba Yuda calls upon Khmer, Toungoo, and Kedah to assist in the coming storm. Until then, a large force of 390 ships is prepared, along with a land force of 80,000 on hold and awaiting the responses before invading. Meanwhile, our agents begin to secretly instigate revolts in the Laccadives ad decide to convince fellow Gunturists to revolt. (MODERATOR RNG AND DETAILS OF THE SUCCESS OF THE ATTEMPT PLEASE). Following the Khmer Empire's move to invade our Malay territories, the 80,000 troops stationed at Malacca are deployedelsewhere in the region, while 150 ships are left to defend the region. Meanwhile, a force of 15,000 is launched along with 30 other ships to strike at Oc Eo and from there, take Angkor itself, while the remaining ships are sent to conduct hit and run assaults against Bahmanid and Bengali ships with the intention of causing as much damage as possible. Any remaining forces are sent to crack down on dissent, and in the event of Khmer taking the region, Wuwamba Yuda orders the complete destruction of all vital assets and non-essential human life, to begin immediately should Khmer take the region.
RNG Assassin attempt: 1-70 fail and no suspects, 71-75 fail majapahit suspect, 76-80 fail bengal suspect, 81-85 success no suspect, 86-90 success majapahit suspect, 91-95 success bengal suspect, 96-100 letter didn't reach assassin, try again next year.
RESULT: 4. DETAIL: The letter reaches the assassin who prepares to kill the Bahamanid ruler in his sleep. He infiltrates himself into the court and prepares a local-bought knife. On the night of the attack, the assassin slithers toward the room of his target, until he is interrupted by courtiers who have seem to had a forbidden love. Caught in the act, the two men scream femininely and are to be executed the next day, but the tension created forces the assassin to flee as he had been alarmed by the numerous people walking by. Dropping his knife somewhere and being low on funds, he sends a letter to the Majapahit, as a sort of report on the events.
Khmer accepts, Toungoo and Kedah do not. -scraw
Laccadives failure. -scraw
Papua: Settlements near Kesuburan continue to expand south by 7 px and east by 9 px, while the Bird's Head Peninsula territory is expanded by 18 px.
OOC Bengal: Again, you cannot assassinate the leaders of other nations! ~Lord
OOC Bahmanids: I've stated multiple times that MP banned this sort of stuff. Which mod (if any) gave you approval for all of this? I want to talk with them. ~Guardian
Korea continues to experience prosperity under a meritocratic bureaucracy led by monarch Yi Hyorin. Jurchens continue to be assimilated under Korean culture and more Korean settlers are sent to Buk-in-do to stomp out separatist movements. Arable land is cultivated, and with food being so plentiful, population growth becomes very favourable. Manchu rice begins to be grown in the more wetter areas of Manchuria, with wheat being the dominant grain in most areas. More settlers arrive in Cheondo-ryeol, as well as Hwatae-do, replacing local peoples. Workshops specializing in gunpowder weapons and Ming-style firearms receive subsidies to facilitate higher production, while arsenals are expanded upon. Korea continues its entrenched naval tradition, building lots of ships this year, mainly bigeodo, gwaseon, but also a few junks. Shipyards in Busan and Incheon are expanded to accommodate more ships. Construction on the geobukseon ship begins, planned to phase out the obsolete gwiseon (an earlier version of the model) ship within a decade. The original plan to phase out gwaseon with the geobukseon is scrapped as the geobukseon is deemed too expensive to displace such a large portion of the royal fleet. Overseas trade in Southeast Asia increases, with Korean merchants trading porcelain and luxury goods in exchange for tropical agricultural goods. Busan begins to grow wealthy due to trade with the Japanese, while Buddhist missionaries are sent to Fukuoka and Southeast Asia to encourage conversion into Yi Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism under the Yi sect, which fuses Confucian doctrines and Muist rites, becomes increasingly ingrained into Korean culture. Wealthy yangban patronize the arts and literature. Buildings are upscaled in beauty and sophistication to reflect Korea's growing affluence, while more people, especially those in the yangban, chung-in, and sang-in castes, chose to partake in education.
Kingdom of Tondo:We offer the Ming the usage of the port of Beigang (in Ma-I/OTL Mindoro) for a yearly fee and five Ming war junks to assist in spreading Ming's sphere of influence. Diyang Kalangitan, now married to Sugbo of Cebu, formalize their marriage in Mactan, Cebu. As Sugbo's father drowned in a fishing accident, Sugbo is widely seen as Cebu's next monarch due to his uncle being the Rajah, who is currently without wife and without child. At the same time, rumors of the Rajah's infertility circulate around the kingdoms, though no officials have confirmed nor denied. With the recent passing of the beloved monarch, Rajah Gambang, the nation mourns. Diyang Kalangitan assumes the throne, and takes no man to be her husband. Instead, she declares that on the eve of her death, the nobility of Tondo, Ma-I, and Pangasinan shall have an electorate regarding the successor of the united realms of Tondo. Kalangitan further consolidates her poweriscreetely assigning political opponents to far-flung provinces of Tondo or to Tondo's vassals of Ma-I and Pangasinan, or to colonization attempts in Palawan, Busuang and Samar. The government of Tondo can be roughly described as a Federal Monarchy, with each province ruled by a council with members proportionate to the province's population. Diyang Kalangitan invites the Huang of Pangasinan, his daughter and Ma-I's regency council, and officials from every province to draft something akin to an OTL constitution, namely, the Saligang Batas ng Tondo at Nasasakupan Nito (Constitution of the sovereign Kingdom of Tondo and all its holdings and possessions). As Maynila is one of the richest cities in South East Asia, it is now high-time to create a lasting legacy for it. A series of bridges and canals connecting the Pasig and Tagik (OTL Taguig) Rivers and all their tributaries to provide acquatic transportation, ease movement of goods, and simply build bridges above the waterways to ease the transportation of people in the Greater Tondo Province (OTL Metro Manila). To prevent problems of income inequality and unequal development, selected families in the capital are given incentives of food and gold to relocate to developing towns and cities in Cavite, Romblon and Samar. A road network has already connected Tondo Province to Cavite, and a series of roads from southeastern and southern Luzon to Pangasinan has already began construction. Tondo metallurgical capabilities increase as blast furnaces and ironforges are built all around the state. The port of Maynila is further expanded, with the navy increasing by 25 small ships and seven war junks. Trade with nearby states continue. Tondo continues expansion in Samae, Palawan and Busuanga. 2000 additional soldiers are trained. Kalangitan orders 400 ships to move to patrol the Visayas archipelago, mainly to protect the trade routes, and secretly to intimidate Cebu. Expansion into Palawan, Negros and Samar continues. Tribute is sent to Ming in the form of gold, silver, and exotic fruits
Huangdom of Ma-I: With Tondo's grace, Ma-I settles the western part of Busuanga Island, and dedicates 100 citizens there. Li Han thrives as a cultural and financial capital of Ma-I, while Beigang immediately becomes the second port of Tondo, and conducts trade regularly with nearby nations.
Huangdom of Pangasinan: With Tondo's grace, Pangasinan expands into Central and Northern Luzon, attempting to assimilate the mountain and Igorot tribes located nearby to access the massive agricultural treasure in the Banaue Rice Terraces and the farmlands of Central Luzon. The administrative capital city, Pangasinan, begins construction of a road connecting it to Maynila. Blast furnace construction continues, and a small defense fleet of 15 ships is allotted by Tondo to Pangasinan. Pangasinense traders report sightings of small islands west of Luzon, and scouts are sent by Pangasinan to verify their claims. Pangasinan claims these islands west of Mainland Luzon, now named as the Gambang Islands in honor of Rajah Gambang (OTL Scarborough Shoal)
The Armenian Kingdom of Cilcia: We declare ourselves independent of Muslim Rule. We begin to defend our borders and expand our defensive military. We establish secure trade routes through our land to encourage heavy merchant travel. The Gurkani Sultanate is urged to leave us in peace, and in return we will grant them free trade and access and the promise of non aggression. (Secretly): We open our borders to Christian refugees seeking refuge from persecution. We develop our agriculture. We request to be under the protectorship of Russia, as they are our closet brother in faith. We also ask that the Armenian Apostolic Church be considered to be in communion with both the Greek Orthodox Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. We present the daughter of our king Hetum II, Zabel, as a suitable bride for the crown prince of England.
You should really ask Reximperio (Gurkani player) before you play part of his nation.... -Nate
Oops, sorry, I will do that- KingCor
Benin: The two warring sides continue to maneuver for positions of power in the empire, seeking to exploit any potential gaps in the others defenses. The cities of Birnin Kibbi and Lolo fall to the Irredentist forces, but without the supporting Metropolitan Army units, the capture of cities further south is ruled out. The Royalists have thoroughly fortified their positions along the Niger River, and re-equipped the auxiliary forces under their control, allowing them to more readily fight the regular forces of the Irredentists. The city of Eloro, the target of the Royalists campaign of the previous year, falls to the forces of Prince Usiobaifo, and he marches into the city triumphantly. However, reinforcements from the cities of Korhogo and Salaga, force Usiobaifo to abandon the city, though not before sacking it of all its gold and silver as loot for his war effort. With the southern route to Edo closed off by the reinforcements of the Royalists in that region, Iyase Enekirighidi instead prepares for a major push from the west into central Benin via the Orun province. Utilizing the northern road from Sagala that bypasses the captured city of Fazo, Enekirighidi hopes to strike into the heart of Usibaifo's territory by exploiting a gap in his defenses and marching on to the imperial capital with little opposition. The riots in Gao are prevented by the forces of Enekirighidi, who are now redirected to holding the line against the Royalists. The famine claims another half a million lives as a result of the famine, though many areas have been able to reclaim the land and reverse the damage of the war in many areas, though the clergy states that the famine will continue so long as manpower is diverted from the harvests and to the war effort. The arts and sciences continue in spite of the civil war, with members of the clergy and intelligentsia funding scientific ventures while the war is fought far from the major cities. In the city of Djenne, the method of drypoint engraving in developed by the resident artisan Ihana Imasuén. His work becomes highly popular with the local population and the merchants travelling through the city.
Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation. Karsten finishes what his father started by invading what is left of Hesse.
The Kingdom of Greece is in peril. With the invading Bulgarian Army already troubling the Greek Kingdom, the terror is multiplied by the death of King Henry I. The Second Royal Election between Grand Duke Jacob, Grand Duke Francesco, and the heir to King Henry, his nephew Infante Ferdinand is rushed during the invasion, and Grand Duke Jacob Crispo is elected King of the Hellenes. With the main Greek allies of Aragon, Portugal, and Naples currently embroiled in war, King Jacob I offers concessions to the Bulgarians: the former lands of Despot Hrelja, Prince Marko, and the House of Velbuzhd will be ceded to the Bulgarians, as long as the Bulgarians cede some lands to connect Greece to the Queen of Cities.
''Bulgarian Dip: Please see Treaty of Tarnovo The Greeks will concede to all the territories listed here and will be bothered no more from here on out by the Empire.
Brandenburg-Luxembourg: Emperor Heinrich recently crowned by the pope and having been elected King of the Germans returns from Rome after a lavish ceremony tired after years of warring and travelling and gets back to focusing on improving the economy and infrastructure of his domains. With the economy of Luxembourg booming he sends his youngest son Karl now aged 17 to the university of of Luxembourg and also sets him up there as governor to rule directly for his father who is off in Berlin as a way of consolidating power across his domains. In a much simliar way Heinrich the heir to his domains is given increased responsilities in Silesia to maintain the peace and continue with the cosolidation of power for the house of Brandenburg. Heinrich begins construction of the Berlin Palace (based on OTL Berlin Palace) as his formal place of residence. Along with this efforts to build up the infrastructure of the growing city of Berlin begins. With the population now standing at 25,000, making it the largest city in the province of Brandenburg. Heinrich publicly condemns Thuringia's invasion of Hesse but having been just having just been elected emperor and still needing to deal with the threat posed by the Teutons Heinrich makes the promise to eventually deal with internal issues of the HRE at a later meeting of the princes. Military expansion continues as the army grows to 25,000 troops under the Heinrichen reforms and more arquebuses using the matchlock firing mechanism are introduced into the rank and file. With the new generation of nobles and aristocrats largely loyal to both Heinrich and his son Otto. Heinrich begins a process of integrating the nobility into the ruling body by creating a council of nobles to act as an advisory council but he also passes a decree reinforcing the obligations of the nobilities to obey and defend their Soveirgn.The power of the nobility is also slightly reduced by the increased flow of people to cities and the growth of Cottage industries. smaller noble families begin depending on the larger houses for financial support which themselves are in buisness with the growing merchant and artisan guilds. The German Renassaince conitnues to take off WIth Berlin, Stettin, Breslau, and Luxembourg as the epicentres in the domains of the Brandenburg family. The University of Berlin grows in prestige as the political, philosophical, economic, and religious debates and classes gain numbers and graduates. Meanwhile the University of Luxembourg is expanded as the Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, and the Mechanical Arts grow. A new department of Mechanical Arts opens up in the University of Breslau ( Mechanical arts was the medival name for the precursor to engineering). The University of Luxembourg in cooperation with the royal family and the Universty of Berlin begin constructing a Library known as the Brandenburg Archives in Berlin. Otto and Elsha have their first child a boy named Otto after his father. A few months later Otto has an illegitamate child with his long time lover Karoline von Havel a girl named Hilde, though the relations between the two is hiding from the public eye. Otto's sympathies for the Hussites continues to grow as many of his forces are Hussite moderates, and he and his men fully support the efforts of his father Heinrich and their family's legacy of keeping peace and harmony between the Hussites and Catholics. The Brandenburg Court debates continue as many moderate Hussites being up the topic of prayer and Papal Infalibility. Along with raising the concepts and beliefs of fate, and sin. Heinrich and the other members of the Brandenburg nobility be them catholic or Hussite continue to reaffirm their loyalties to Rome and the pope, however.
Brandenburg Dip: Heinrich sends a delagate to Bulgaria to open up relations with the young empire.
Iroquois Nation: Farmers continue to experiment with cross-breeding in the attempt to find heartier crops. Trade of ornate jewelry and religious works continues to flourish. To keep up with the copper demand, Apenimon asks for more volunteers to open up mines in New England, all copper workers keep a percentage of their find. Oil continues to be used for a variety of things, including but not limited to; bug repellent, source of light, and medicinal ingredient. Hunting parties out of Catcodoga continue to harass the Cree lands to the north, while trade with the Beothuk, Micmac, and other tribes of the North East continues. After returning home, the boatbuilder who spoke with Apenimon last year begins spreading his idea amongst his neighbors. The boat builders in Powhatan continue to research ways in which our barges can be improved.
Bahmanids:(Note: Until I have evidence that a mod approved Ace completely trampling over MP's 1401 declaration on assassination, the 'assassination attempt' and all things relating to it will be ignored. And before someone complains, I asked Josh about this and he told me to ignore it.) Ismail Shah is happy to attend the marriage of Muhammad Shah and Neela of Bengal, and hopes that this will begin a new era of cooperation between the two Sultanates. Unfortunately, Majapahit obstinance and agression seems to have no bounds-in response to this outrage, all Majapahit vessels in Bahmanid waters are impounded, their cargo sold, and all Gunturists on board sent to the Laccadives. Meanwhile, a horrible rumor spreads, the mysterious Guntur was *gasp* a Dalit! There is widespread anger among the Hindus at this reversal of the order of things, and Hindu mobs begin attacking those suspected of having Gunturist sympathies. In revenge for the (mostly Hindu) crews murdered in cold blood by the Majapahit, they seize a Majapahit trading ship and burn it. Naval production is nearly doubled by a gargantuan effort at every shipyard, as war seems on the horizon. An offer is sent to the Sultan of the Maldives: with war seeming imminent, become a Bahmanid vassal and receive not only protection from Gunturist infiltration and any other enemy that may arise, but also access to the great Bahmanid-Swahili-Omani trade bloc, and with it, riches untold. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED)
Kingdom of Burma:On orders from Ismail, Binnya Dala orders all Majapahit vessels impounded and all Gunturists deported to Khmer. The Burmese navy continues to increase.
(OOC Majapahit): Guardian? You want evidence? Ask Sky. So, yes. He approved the attempt. :P
For anyone reading this later, Rex and Nate both agreed that the assassination was illegal. ~Guardian
Addendum 1: As per discussion w/Nate, my alliance w/the Gurkanis is officially being dropped, due to the three-ally rule.
Addendum 2: Ismail Shah sends an ultimatum to Majapahit-to cease the attacks on Bahmanid and Bengali ships immediately, or face war (and the execution of all Gunturists currently held in the Laccadives). (Play note: if Ace refuses, said war will start next year). Ismail reminds the Majapahit that India is now far stronger, while you are still the same as before.
Majapahit Diplomacy: Think again, old man. Your people's blood will be in your hands.
War Addendum 1:As soon as word reaches them of the declaration of war, the governor of the Laccadives orders all the Gunturists held prisoner to be quietly executed.
War Addendum 2: The Bahmanid navy is ordered to hide in its fortified ports in Sri Lanka, along with that of our allies, while 100,000 men are sent to Sri Lanka and 70,000 overland to Burma to join the other forces already there.
Khmer: Joins the war by invading Malay with 70,000 men and 100 ships. We also encourage all Majapahit vassals to revolt and through of their abusive colonial masters.
Maldives becomes a vassal -scraw
Delhi Sultanate: Outraged by the wicked aggression of the Majapahit, we begin a policy similar to Bahmani: Majapahit ships are impounded, their cargo is sold and Gunterists on board are detained in Himalaya. The horrid rumor about Gunter being a Dalit spreads onto Delhian soil, Hindus begin turning in all suspected of Gunterism; those convicted are detained. With the results of our expedition returning, we discover that there are indeed islands south of the Maldives: the Chagos Islands (OTL British Indian Ocean Territory). Our Gunterist prisoners in Himalaya are stuffed into heavily-guarded and armed Delhian ships to be sent to the Chagos Islands. However, the youngest of the Gunterist brethren (children under seven) are left in Himalaya to do away with their worship of Gunterism and learn the ways of Islam. When the ships arrive in the Chagos, the prisoners are unloaded on an atoll (OTL Egmont Islands) with absolutely nothing: no supplies, no clothing, not even food. These people would have to make new lives for themselves if they were expected to survive. Armed Delhian navy vessels patrol the waters of the Chagos, to insure no escapes or uprisings. Back at home, our naval and army production intensifies, and guarding of our cities becomes even heavier. Despite the great military production, new trade routes (mostly on land this year) help boost our economy to supply our army and navy. UPDATE: Coming to the aid of our borthers in Bahmani, we officially DECLARE WAR on Majapahit and send 125,000 troops to Burma. Any further Gunterists caught will not be sent to the Chagos: they will be killed. We rally Hindus to join our cause, to stop the evils of Gunter from infecting the great nations of India.
Himalaya Kingdom: With the exile of the Gunterists in the Chagos, the youngest of the Gunterists that were given a second chance are transported to the village of Khumjung, where they are to train and learn the ways of Islam under the shadow of Sagarmatha. While the learning is mostly conducted in local village structures, a proper mosque and learning/training center begin to be constructed. We aim to embed in their minds to reject Gunterism, become a loyal Muslim, and swear absolute loyalty to the Sultan. In other news, we begin to also intensify army production and guard our cities to pacify resistance.
Delhian Diplomacy: We reiterate our offer to Kangra to become a Delhian vassal for 75,000 rupees, along with the economic and defensive benefits being part of Delhi would bring. (MOD RESPONSE)
Kangra accepts. -scraw
Khmer: Our population stands at 8.5 million, and for the most part, enough food is produced to feed them, or at least prevent hunger riots. Our economy continues to improve after the ending of the civil war. Sulka continues to prove popular, particularly in his ability to keep religious tensions low - in fact religious violence is falling rapidly in most places, and is now punished much more often. The military continues to grow, and is ready to expand Khmer is Sulka deems it necessary.
Mayapan:Diplomats remain in the Mexica capital to talk about terms for a trade deal. Expansion continues along the southern border. (TOBY, waiting for your response.) Integration of the southern city-states into the League is continued by the High Council. Each new state is expected to supply men to train and serve in the national army. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Work continues to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
The Mexica have created the Texcoco Pact, let's discuss it here.
Mayapan accepts the outlined terms
Kingdom of England and Scotland: Under the precondition, that Burgundy declares war with us we declare war on France in conjunction with Iberia. If Burgundy agrees we send 18,000 troops and our Great General Richard IV protected by our new fleet and the fleet of Burgundy and its admiral to Burgundian Netherlands where we hope to meet a Burgundian force and march to Paris alongside them from the Netherlands. While 4500 troops remain home under the command of the Crown Prince Edward. We aim to take Paris because King Richard IV and the King of Castille are related and so he is defending a family member combined with the fact that we wish to retake historical french lands which we used to control. In England we halt most important work due to monetary strain on our economy but Parliament doesn't mind due to Richard IV's reputation as a good leader and king.
Burgundian Dip: King Richard is welcomed with great fanfare in the Burgundian Netherlands, and Charles allows him overall command of the allied army.
With his rule cemented in Hungary, Austrian Archduke, now undisputed king of the Hungarians, Ferdinand, continues to cement his rule in the realm. Making sure to appoint utterly loyal yes-men as the remaining counts in Hungary, ensuring their loyalty by reminding them that "they can be replaced at the stroke of a pen", Before he leaves, however, he further subdivides the pervious ten counties, dividing many of them in two, as to reduce the powers of the Magnates. The Magates, however, are relatively happy, as they perceive this to mean that more of them can attain the rank of count. THe only ones unaffected by this change, creating twenty Hungarian Counties instead of Ten, are the three Hereditary counts, the most powerful and first of Ferdinand's supporters, one of whom is without male heirs and marries his daughter Zoe Garai to Ferdinand's brother Rudolph von Habsburg-Wittelsbach, effectively ensuring his succession to one of the Hereditary Counties of Hungary. Ferdinand returns to Vienna where he aims to continue the work of his father. Aiming to centralize governance, builds on his father's administrative reforms by making all magistrate positions subject to Archducal approval. He institutes the same type of Count-Appointee system as in Hungary, dividing the Duchies of the Reaml (Austria, Styria, Corinthia-Carniola) into several counties and appointing counts-for-life, making sure to add the caviat that the position is conditional on continued Crown approval. In a grand ceremony, Ferdinand marries a Hungarian noblewoman, sixteen-year-old Zsofia Ujlaki, hoping to quickly produce an heir.
In Hungary, the First High Council is called to order. After long debate, they chose Sigismund Garai, one of the hereditary counts, to serve as viceroy in Ferdinand's absence. The first action they take is to bring all of the minor nobility in line with the new order. The few that resist are made examples of, lands stripped and themselves executed as commoners, replaced by men loyal to the Habsburgs. In Austria, the New Counts begin doing their jobs, galvanized in their loyalty toward Austria, becoming little more than Appointed Magistrates. By the order of Apostolic King Ferdinand, the head of the High Ruling Council of Hungary, whose members contin hand-picked counts as well as the three hereditary counts, is grated the title "Duke of Hungary" by law, the title becoming the de facto equivelant to Lord Regent.
Mexica Alliance: Continues to grow in wealth and power. Expansion along the coast south through Mexica and Zaptoec lands continues, but exploration and settlement building also begins up both the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Pacific coast. In Tenochtitlan, Emperor Moctezuma I begins to increase the rate of conscription in newly captured lands, however, continuing to ensure religious freedom. There is a slight decrease in sacrifices this year, as many priests begin to replace it with animal sacrifice and bloodletting. With the famine years past, the population begins to soar, and Aztec people from the three main cities are encouraged with rewards to move into newly added lands.
Castile: The Castilian Nation declares war on the nations of France under the auspices of liberating Aragon. With all of France's manpower tied down in Paris, Castile liberates Aragon with no resistance (since this is what happened in Sicily when I abandoned it). The last Hostile Iberian strong hold, Navarre, is marched on, as France can not spare the man power to defend it. Portugal contributes 18,000 men to join the Castillian and Aragonese Army.
Japan: Japanese ships continue to explore islands in the Pacific, attempting to find a route to Indonesia that does not require fighting against a current. The Jukuo begin to operate more in these Pacific Islands, leading to an era of romanticism in mainland Japan about the exploration of the Pacific Ocean. They begin to prosper off of the collapse of the Khmer Empire, though the economy of Japan itself works to pick up the fallen pieces of the Khmer Empire's economy. They advertise the location of Japan's Taiwan colony. This colony, already very prosperous, expands further south. In the meantime, Shogun Ashikaga Yoshikage tours the southern portions of Japan even more, especially the areas of Honshu that rebelled against the Shogun. Their loyalties remain affirmed to the Shogun, thankfully. While he is in Southern Honshu, he is noted for having stayed in the recently-settled Hiroshima. Japan's military experts take a look at the weaponry of their neighbors in mainland Asia, notably the hwacha and turtle ships of Korea and the firearms and cannons of China. They intend to replicate these designs and improve upon them. The explicit arts make a fine fortune for artists in Japan, with Daimyo and rich man alike buying these works of art. They are noted for having pushed the boundaries of what is considered normal art in Japan, if not all of East Asia. The Japanese navy sees expansion this year, with several older ships being scrapped, any salvagable parts being used in new ships. The bulk of the Honshu navy patrols the sea of Japan and the tip of Hokkaido while the bulk of the Shimazu navy patrols the inland sea between southern Honshu and the other Japanese islands. Kyushu, in the meantime, provides a tight defense net in the south. The eastern shores do see frequent patrols by the Honshu navy though the need to guard this shore is obviously less imperative than guarding the western shore would be.
Dai Viet: We accept China's naval base deal. Meanwhile, new cities start to creep up toward the northern shore of Vietnam.
Chinese Diplomacy: We thank the nobe Dai Viet government for their selling of the base to the Empire, noting that the Dai Viet will now benefit from Chinese protection - if they call for it in the future.
Chinese Empire: The Empire continues to grow as its population booms, reaching new hights as the peace causes many to want children feeling it is safe from conflict. The military is expanded to 700,000 men, while the navy reaches 1300 of the latest ships. The Empire continues to contruct cannon and gunpowder factories across the country. The colonies in Taiwan and Luzon continue to grow and flourish as more and more settlers are sent there. WILL ADD MORE LATER.
Mongolia: The Gong continues to accept the flow of Chinese immigration, as it continues to improve the state as a whole and improve the economy, with the total number of Chinese in Mongolia now numbering around 98,000. We continue to expand northward.
In the Kingdom of Italy, King Matteo begins the process of restoring order to Liguria, which was recently liberated from Iberian domination. The Republic is renamed as the Republic of Genoa, and given equal rights as the cities of Venice, Florence, Pisa, and Siena. The King also uses some of the royal treasury - expanded from the settlement of the Italo-Austrian War - to fund infrastructure repairs in the docks of Genoa. Elsewhere, he notes with disapproval the invasions of France, but decides along the French king's envoys to not intervene. Integration of Istria has come to completion, but the dominance of the Istriot tongue continues for now. In the Kingdom of Naples, Matteo's men consolidate control over Sicily, Sardinia, and Malta. Existing Aragonese institutions begin to be repurposed for Neapolitan use. The lingua franca of these regions, which has traditionally been closer to standardized Italian than Aragonese, is encouraged as a means of associating the realms with the Italian peninsula. In Croia, Berat, Epirus, and the Morea, the settlement of Italians and resettlement of Albanians and Greeks continues, but the army remains on alert along the borders with Castilian Athens.
1464
With the Bulgar conquest of Constantinople, the vast majority of the Greek academics and scholars are repulsed by the vulgarity and bruteness of their conquerors. They move en masse to the cities of Thessaloniki with others going to Renaissance Italy.
Great Admiral and Burgundian national hero John of Luxembourg dies while trying to mount a naval blockade of France’s northern coast.
Good night, sweet prince. -Guy
In the Burgundian War of Independence, the Burgundian/Brandenburger/English/Castilian alliance has secured control over most of Paris. Resistance is intermittent, but the King appears willing to sign the Treaty of Nancy.
The Gurkani-Astrakhanate invasion of Russia continues after a brief winter respite, with the Muslim forces marching onto Moscow.
NOTE: Minor correction, the Portuguese royal family-in-exile will be stationed in Cape Verde, not Azores. -Sky
Kingdom of Burgundy: With the signing of the Treaty of Nancy, there are celebrations for the establishment of the first independent Burgundian kingdom in a century. March 20, the day of the treaty's signing, is declared to be celebrated as Independence Day. However, the celebration is tempered by the arrival of news of the death of Admiral John de Luxembourg, the "Iron Bastard", while maintaining the blockade on Normandy. The Admiral is given a state funeral, but in accordance to his wishes, is buried in a simple grave on the coast near Ostend, the site of his first experience in combat. Burgundian control over the Sint Michael Islands (Azores) is maintained.
The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Zeeshan Beg Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mansur An Nasir as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 34 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst hand cannons and rocket launchers were developed as gunpowder became increasingly popular. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The lingua franca promoted throughout the Sultanate was also Persian, primarily due to the fact that Persian had existed as the language spoken by communities in the region for centuries and as such served as an excellent language for communication. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus. With the Russian army decimated at the Battle of Moscow, the Gurkani military marched into the city of Moscow and engaged in a mass slaughter of the Russians, reportedly turning the Moscow River red from blood. The soldiers sacked the city and then proceeded to set it ablaze to commemorate the memory of Timur the Great. Russian troops that had been held captive were all blinded with only one soldier being the sole exception; he was blinded in only one eye and then given the task to lead all the other soldiers back to Novgorod. With a complete and total victory secured over the Russians, the Gurkani troops ransacked the Russian countryside, murdering hundreds of men and raping thousands of women, whilst destroying the crops and setting ablaze most of the minor towns and villages. In some cases, the soldiers even engaged in the rape of men and boys, before killing them and dumping their bodies. By the end of the year, most of the occupied regions had been ravaged and razed with hundreds of thousands of Russians killed in the slaughter. Diplomats were soon sent off to Novgorod to signify that the Gurkani were prepared to finally sign peace whilst the Gurkani military finally began to march down south in triumph, carrying with themselves a massive caravan of war spoils and thousands of Russians as 'slaves'. By this point, reports of the atrocities had already reached the Gurkani Sultanate with hundreds of eager slave-owners awaiting the arrival of the 'white' slaves. Meanwhile, most of the Russian Black Sea navy captured at the Battle of Rostov on Don was integrated into the Gurkani Black Sea navy and sent to Trabzon.
Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Julius Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon.Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Amir. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts.Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Julius Komnenos would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient.
Korea continues to experience prosperity under a meritocratic bureaucracy led by monarch Yi Hyorin. Korea designates the ports of Incheon, Mokpo, Busan, Hwataesi, and Sinsado as the only places open to the foreign merchants, to restrict foreign influence on Korean culture and politics. This is referred to as the daseotsi system. Korea implements a ban on the exportation of Korean military technologies, especially gunpowder weapons such as hwacha, and ships such as the geobukseon. This is meant to prevent replication of these technologies by neighbours. A policy of militarization continues, gunpowder weapon production increases as workshops specializing in said industry receive subsidies. Korea continues its naval tradition, building bigeodo, gwaseon, and the first geobukseon, while scrapping older ships and the outdated gwiseon. Korean scientists are tasked with reverse-engineering and replicating Chinese firearms, to replace the less-efficient Korean handcannon. Korea sends naval patrols through the Taiwan strait to ensure that access to Southeast Asia is left untampered by recent Japanese patrols near Taiwan and the Ryukyus. In response to increased Japanese patrols in the Korea strait, Korea does so as well, but tells the Japanese that this is a preemptive measure and should not be counted as aggression. Overseas trade in Southeast Asia increases, with Korean merchants trading porcelain and luxury goods in exchange for tropical agricultural goods. Overseas trade with Japan also increases, instrumental in the improvement of Korean–Japanese relations. Korean merchants trade luxury goods and precious metals in exchange for explicit works of art and Japanese timber. Korean missionaries also travel to Japan, trying to convert the Japanese into Yi Buddhism. Jurchens continue to be assimilated under Korean culture and more Korean settlers are sent to Buk-in-do to stomp out separatist movements. Arable land is cultivated with the Manchu rice cultivar, and with food being so plentiful, population growth becomes very favourable. Mahayana Buddhism under the Yi sect, which fuses Confucian doctrines and Muist rites, becomes increasingly ingrained into Korean culture. Wealthy yangban patronize the arts and literature. Buildings are upscaled in beauty and sophistication to reflect Korea's growing affluence, while more people, especially those in the yangban, chung-in, and sang-in castes, choose to partake in education.
Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 10,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. Our warships aid the Bahmanis in their war.
Croatia: Ragusa is incorporated into the nation with the Ragusan knez being a declared Steward of the Council of Croatia and the Archbishop of Ragusa becoming the Chancellor of Ragusa. The second child of King Rinaldo and Queen Eva is born, her name being Katarina. The Archbishop of Split becomes Chancellor of Dalmatia, Archbishop of Zagreb Chancellor of Slavonia and Archbishop of Vrhbosna Chancellor of Bosnia. This Council is formed as the first chamber of the new Sabor with the 12 noble patricians being the second one. The King issues bulls, mostly with confirmation by the Sabor in order to start creating powerful mayors, the future representatives of the townsfolk.
Bulgarian Empire: In Response to the 1456 agreement giving control of Moldavia to Vasili, he swiftly honors the agreement now his strength being able and establishes itself as the Moldavian overlord (Please look back to the 1456 turn for confirmation on this) With this complete, Vasili looks to end the territorial expansion/restoration of the Empire not wishing to overextend his fledgling empire. In response to owning multiple significant port cities now, Vasili deems in necessary to begin building a fleet for his country, particularly a merchant fleet for the Empire to use for trade. This comes as a surprise to the boyars who have been enamored with whatever aggressive move would come next from their Tsar. This shift to a more economic focus is absolutely shocking to them, but instead of revulsion for not continuing the conquest of the Balkans, the majority of the Boyars declare their open and outright support for the Tsar. Tsar Vaili-Kaloyan having set to work restoring the holy patriarchates in the Empire. This brings the Ecumenical Patriarch into a direct meeting with the Tsar. The Patriarch Grigorios Andris confirms the Tsar as Defender of the Faith for his actions in expelling the Turks from the Balkans, but also as Restorer of the Faith for the current movements to rebuild the strength of the Orthodox Church. This sees the church beginning to spread to to some of the other Balkan kingdoms and duchies with the funding going into the church starting to expand to outside church parties partly starting a more unifying purpose with the Orthodox church. The bulgarian economy having been operating and jumpstarting for nearly two to four years is finally able to get off the ground as regular travel routes begin to be established going through smaller towns between cities, and if not able set up a large outpost as a guarded rest stop for merchants. The Bulgarian population sees some solid growth with the population. The Tsar considering conducting a census to get a more accurate count of population and in order to do this he creates a bureaucracy out of some of the Aristocratic classes. These bureaucrats are immediately put to work conducting a census and the Tsar considers them a personal extension of himself. The Boyars remain unwilling to challenge the king as his bureaucrats get involved into the boyars personal dominions. However, due to their own immediate and unclear control of lands, the Tsar is able to unilaterally go through his country for information on supplies, populations, among other things. Tsar Kaloyan notices the willingness of his Nobility to step aside to his orders and takes mental notes of this as he prepares for an armed tour of his new empire. He raises roughly 3000 troops without difficulty and no objection from his boyars or any of the cities as well. The city of Constantinople sees more growth as with many Greek members of the aristocrats leaving, their upper class living quarters and areas opens up for aristocrats, boyars, high level members in the Tsar's bureaucracy. The City sees another impressive year of growth with the city as the Tsar is able to successfully impress the need of revitalizing the "Queen of Cities". The Theodosian walls see the beginnings of their restoration too as the city now begins to see wealth flow in from the trade and tribute coming out of Anatolia from the Ottomans. It is noticed, however, that the Ottomans are able to trade in spices due to their relationship with the Gurkanis and this begins to be exploited as a relatively cheap source of Spices as the success of the Bulgarians over the Ottomans has left them open to this exploit. Tarnovo, Sofiya, Plovdiv, and Kaoloyagrad all seeing either mass building, restoration, or serious improvement to the city. Constantinople once again becomes a major trade center as a good sized merchant class has started up in the city permeating trade through the city which has impressively gained a 120,000 strong population. As a result of the large amounts of Bulgarian and Wallachian immigration the city is renamed to Vasiligrad.
Duchy of Moldavia:
Croatia: A royal marriage is offered between Katarina, first daugther of King Rinaldo and the heir of the Tsar. In order to strengthen the bond, a trade agreement is offered, as well as an option to become allies.
Bulgar Dip: Accepted.
Papal Diplomacy: Callixtus IV sends a Papal Legate to Bulgaria to establish relations (given that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is one of those which have re-entered communion with Rome whilst maintaining its own traditions and autonomy). The Legate asks the Tsar for permission for the pope to travel to Constantinople next year, as he has been planning to for years, and co-celebrate a Divine Liturgy with the Patriarch of Constantinople.
Bulgarian Dip: While the bulgarian church is in communion with Rome, Constantinople and Greece is not and the transfer and appointing of new priests and men through the rest of the empire for the Bulgarian church has not happened yet. We request the pope spend time in Tarnovo first with the Bulgarian patriarch before continuing with the Tsar to Constantinople.
Papal Dip: His Holiness informs the Tsar that Constantinople and Greece are also in communion with Rome (again, with autonomy and distinctive rites). However, Russia and the Middle Eastern churches are not. Despite this, the pope agrees to the Tsar's travel itinerary.
Mexica Alliance: The alliance is shocked when, in uncertain circumstances, Emperor Moctezuma I dies at age 65. The nations and the cities within are in morning, and he is given a proper royal burial. His grandson, Axicyotzin, ascends to Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, and ruler of the whole of the Mexica Alliance. Unlike Moctezuma, Axicyotzin is far more military focused, but also more benevolent. Expansion north along both coasts continues at a more rapid pace, with some settlements already there opting to join, or be in close association with, the Mexica Alliance. The population of the three main cities grows, at odds with the amount of people leaving to newly added territories. Conscription rates increase, and the first semblinces of a navy are constructed, especially in the coastal city of Tochpan. The Texcoco Pact is signed, pending a signature from the Mayapan.
Sultanate of Sulu: Sulu a small nation of only around 100,000, starts militarizing due to the rocky political conditions in the region. The government starts focusing on infrastructure to better connect the nation's small fishing communities along the coast. They work to build up the capital city of Lutaia, which currently has about 30,000 people.
Brandenburg-Luxembourg: With the economy of Luxembourg booming he sends his youngest son Karl now aged 17 to the university of of Luxembourg and also sets him up there as governor to rule directly for his father who is off in Berlin as a way of consolidating power across his domains. In a much similar way Heinrich the heir to his domains is given increased responsibilities in Silesia to maintain the peace and continue with the consolidation of power for the house of Brandenburg. Heinrich begins construction of the Berlin Palace (based on OTL Berlin Palace) as his formal place of residence. Along with this efforts to build up the infrastructure of the growing city of Berlin begins. With the population now standing at 25,000, making it the largest city in the province of Brandenburg. Heinrich publicly condemns Thuringia's invasion of Hesse but having been just having just been elected emperor and still needing to deal with the threat posed by the Teutons Heinrich makes the promise to eventually deal with internal issues of the HRE at a later meeting of the princes. Military expansion continues as the army grows to 25,000 troops under the Heinrichen reforms and more arquebuses using the matchlock firing mechanism are introduced into the rank and file. With the new generation of nobles and aristocrats largely loyal to both Heinrich and his son Otto. Heinrich begins a process of integrating the nobility into the ruling body by creating a council of nobles to act as an advisory council but he also passes a decree reinforcing the obligations of the nobilities to obey and defend their Sovereign. The power of the nobility is also slightly reduced by the increased flow of people to cities and the growth of Cottage industries. smaller noble families begin depending on the larger houses for financial support which themselves are in business with the growing merchant and artisan guilds. The German Renaissance continues to take off with Berlin, Stettin, Breslau, and Luxembourg as the epicentres in the domains of the Brandenburg family. The University of Berlin grows in prestige as the political, philosophical, economic, and religious debates and classes gain numbers and graduates. Meanwhile the University of Luxembourg is expanded as the Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, and the Mechanical Arts grow. A new department of Mechanical Arts opens up in the University of Breslau (Mechanical arts was the medieval name for the precursor to engineering). The University of Luxembourg in cooperation with the royal family and the University of Berlin begin constructing a Library known as the Brandenburg Archives in Berlin. Otto and Elsha have their first child a boy named Otto after his father. A few months later Otto has an illegitimate child with his long time lover Karoline von Havel a girl named Hilde, though the relations between the two is hiding from the public eye. Otto's sympathies for the Hussites continues to grow as many of his forces are Hussite moderates, and he and his men fully support the efforts of his father Heinrich and their family's legacy of keeping peace and harmony between the Hussites and Catholics. The Brandenburg Court debates continue as many moderate Hussites being up the topic of prayer and Papal Infallibility. Along with raising the concepts and beliefs of fate, and sin. Heinrich and the other members of the Brandenburg nobility be them Catholic or Hussite continue to reaffirm their loyalties to Rome and the pope, however. With the victory over France Heinrich presses for the concession of Lorraine.
Cologne Diplomacy: Abbess Sophia hears of the birth of her beloved Elsha’s first child and sends her wholehearted congratulations to the new couple in Brandenburg, along with a gift for the young Otto: a small silver medallion on a necklace, painted in the honour of Saint Adelphina. Without Adelphina, this prosperous marriage would not have been possible. Abbess Sophia wishes Otto a successful, long and devout life under God.
Kingdom of England and Scotland: With France and England signing peace the Duchy of Brittany becomes a vassal to the Crown. We keep moderate taxes on Brittany and the expectation for the Duke to uphold the laws and maintain a reasonable army while remaining independent otherwise. In England with the war ended Richard IV is welcomed home a hero in London. Richard IV contuines his policy of better education for the country with more work on universities and grammar schools. The fleet is expanded by another ten ships in recognition of its service. The tax reform with better logging on property ownership and recording of that data with records stored in Winchester.
Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation. With the win over Hesse in the second war with them we take over what is left of Hesse. We now control all of what used to be Hesse's land.
Cologne Diplomacy: Archbishop Emmerich of Cologne is keenly aware that Thuringen has taken over Hesse and congratulates Karsten on his overthrow of what was once a state littered with heresy. With this in mind, Emmerich proposes a trade deal with Thuringen, provided that Thuringen adopt the Adelphinian Reforms as supported by both the Holy Roman Emperor and His Holiness Callixtus IV. Emmerich sends an envoy to Thuringen who gift the Duke with a copy of the Book of Adelphinian Reforms. These reforms are explained to involve creating a Court of Discipline to ensure that all clergy members are being true to their vows and not selling indulgences, and encouraging assistance of the poor through the building of infirmaries and schools.
Papal States: The University of Bologna welcomes many of the fleeing Greek academice from Constantinople, and many of the latter begin to take advantage of the University's printing press. The pope hears rumours that some clerics are purporting to sell Indulgences, and sends a small team of Dominicans of the Inquisition to investigate. His Holiness writes to King Olaf of Sweden, asking that he take it upon himself to establish a new settlement in Greenland, thus re-establishing the diocese of Garðar, which can be used as a base from which to convert the unfortunately still-heathen Esqimos. Given the fame of king Olaf's zeal for the Faith, the clerics feel that he would be the most appropriate to fund such a noble and Christian venture. Finally, the pope writes to the Bishops of Brandenburg which use the "Hussite" Rite, asking that representatives be sent to Rome for a meeting to mark the 40th anniversary of the Concord of Luxembourg which will look at the current arrangements between the Latin and "Hussite" rites, the organisational structures, and will also consider the theological debates which have been taking place in Berlin.
Several key members of the Hussite Clergy from Brandenburg go to Rome to speak with the pope and to commemorate the concords that kept peace in the Empire.
Kingdom of France: After a long battle in and around Paris, with thousands of Burgundian, Brandenburger, and English troops coming in and out of the city and many Frenchmen storming in to defend, the city falls to the forces at noon on the one hundred twenty first day. Charles VII orders clergymen to stand outside important buildings and institutions, and requests to talk with the enemy rulers for negotiations. All though there are damages, it leaves much of the city unharmed, under a quasi-occupation by the enemy. Castillian troops also seize Charles's dynastic Navarran lands in the south. Charles is brought to Nancy with his guard where negotiations occur. Many concessions are made including Navarre, dynastic lands to the east, and the vassalage of Brittany. The french treasury is greatly reduced once all of the reparations to the enemy nations are paid. This earns Charles the title of "The Unfortunate". On the brink of a peasants war due to unpopularity of the war, Charles reduces the rate of the Taille. To compensate for all this loss in capital, Charles decides to further cement his alliance with Italy and sells the territory of Saluzzo and Corisca for a large amount of Scudo (along with a deal that formalizes the alliance and lets France keep a small amount of rights in the regions). This causes inflation of French goods, but it also brings a mass amount of wealth back into the treasury. By the end the year Charles is confined to his bedroom, and doctors state it is probably due to stress. With Italian help, France begins building a small navy. The nation continues to look for ways to improve the army. Paris starts being reconstructed. France cuts off relations with the Papal States, after feeling betrayed as they tried to get involved politically against France and Italy. Other stuff happens.
The Kingdom of Italy agrees to buy Corsica and Saluzzo for an extensive sum of money, largely drawing from the reparations from the Italo-Austrian War and the new tax upon Aragonese shipments past the Straits of Messina and Channel of Sicily. We also formalize the alliance and grant France continued docking rights in Corsica for fifty years.
Sultanate of Bengal: After the current victory in the Great Eastern War, Rukunuddin Barbak Shah declares a period of national celebration after the current victories. More campaigns will be conduced. The Hindus throughout the Sultanate cheer the defeat of Gunturism, and many leave Gunturism, after seeing its catastrophic defeat against the Indian Sultanates. The navy continues to grow at a steady rate of 20 ships a year, and cannons are mounted on more ships.
Ahom Kingdom: Susenphaa is overjoyed at the current Indian victory in the Great Eastern War. A national celebration is conducted, and Chariadeo is further renovated.
OOC Delhi: Umm, I don't think the war has ended just yet. We have successfully occupied Malaya, but the war isn't won yet. Keep building up your military though. ~Orange
Delhi and Bahamanid invasion of Malaysia should be retconned. That's way too far. -Nate
OOC Delhi:Perhaps, but given that the troops arrive from the water rahter than going overland, it should speed up travel. The ships would of course be well-guarded. I take that message back after seeing the tactical note. And Delhi wasn't involved in the Battle of Kuala Lumper, as per the algo. Just one more thing: the pre-war stage still needs to be filled out.
Mayapan:The first trade shipment since the signing of the Texcoco pact arrives in Tenochtitlan. Expansion continues along the southern border. Integration of the southern city-states into the League is continued by the High Council. Each new state is expected to supply men to train and serve in the national army. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Work continues to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
Cologne: Archbishop Emmerich of Cologne notices that His Holiness is holding a meeting in Rome to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Concord of Luxembourg, and sends Vicar General Wikbold II, who knew Dietrich II personally, to contribute to discussions. Emmerich assures His Holiness that the late Dietrich II is there in spirit. Back at home, Emmerich continues to support the militia and bid the people to follow suit, and eventually support for a Westphalian militia leads to a medium-sized group of warriors and knights residing at the Westphalen barracks. Happy with this, Emmerich decides to do the same with the barracks in Cologne. Returns from the printing press continue to pour in, as does revenue from trade.
Essen: The Book of Adelphinian Miracles continues to circulate through Cologne and Westphalen and starts to spread into other states that have adopted the Reforms, such as Berg, Mark and Julich. Meanwhile, the University of Essen expands its studies into physical science and broader biological fields. Many canonesses go out into the Holy Roman Empire to learn wider sciences.
Benin: The Irredentists launch a successful offensive against the Royalist-held cities of Birni, Kika, and Kenu, creating a vital backdoor opening in the Royalist defenses. Though the Akan province was ultimately sacrificed for this victory, the tide of the war has been pushed in the favor of the Irredentists thus far, forcing the Royalists to postpone their planned advanced into Irredentist-held Benin in the Asale province. Both sides halt their respective plans as the famine grows more pronounced, forcing both sides to redirect their forces to aid the civilians in the upcoming harvest season to prevent another wave of deaths across the empire. So far, 100,000 people have perished as a result of the lack of food in many areas of Benin, and though the farmland has not been damaged in most of the empire, the manpower needed to bring in the crops from the most developed farmlands have been greatly reduced by the conflict. Iyase Enekirighidi and Prince Usiobaifo reluctantly agree to a year long cessation of hostilities to allow their people to bring in the harvest before returning to war. In the city of Nara, the astronomical discoveries made by Dari Aisosa Nosariere continue to grow. His theories on the concept of the earth revolving around the sun have gained traction in virtually all areas of the Bini scientific community, who believe that his concepts are indeed scientifically accurate. Trade with the Europeans, Indians, and North Africans continues, albeit from the ports in western Benin, as the southeastern ports remain blockaded by the Irredentist forces.
Ngarrindjeri: The cities and agricultural development continue to thrive. Now all tribes in southern Australia are permanently settled into small city settlements, steadily growing in population. Tjilbruke, lord of his tribe, continued to preach the commandments of Lord Ngintaka. One night, Lord Ngintaka visited Tjilbruke at night, saying "now I must show you the things which no mortal man has seen since the days of the First Ones" And immediately Tjilbruke was transported by the Lord to the great Mountain Uluru, the center of the world. From this mountain, Tjilbruke was shown many marvelous visions which he could only begin to describe. Buildings the size of mountains, with many dark chambers. Grand temples made of glass and suspended on wires. Canoes of unimaginable size within oceans as large as the eye can see. Lord Ngintaka explained to Tjilbruke "these are the peoples of the Earth at this present time, all children of the First Ones in the ancient past, but since forgotten the ways of their ancestors. But take care to follow the commandments I give you and you shall be saved". So Tjilbruke eagerly related the words of Lord Ngintaka to all the people of his tribe, and it was recorded in cave paintings by the Dreamspeakers.
Khmer: After last year's defeat of Majapahit we participate in the sack of Wilwatikta, and begin to discuss the area post war with our allies.
Bahmanids:The Majapahit have been dealt a great blow, with the near-destruction of their army and the capture of Malaya. Ismail Shah proposes a treaty to end this war. Meanwhile, Muhammad Shah sires a son, Navid Shah.
Kingdom of Burma: Nothing of note.
Maldives: Nothing of note.
Delhi Sultanate: We continue to produce more army and navy, and continue to crack down on Gunterist followers and missionaries. Gunterists convicted are executed, except for those younglings under seven, who are sent to Khumjung. Ten ships are constructed in Puri this year. Troops are sent overland to help with the war, and we send diplomats to negotiate in Kuala Lumpur. we continue to strike trade deals to boost our economy.
Himalaya Kingdom: We continue our training of the younglings in Khumjung, having already recognized Mohammed as a legendary figure over Gunter. In other news, the queen of Himalaya bears twins: a boy, Girisha, and a girl, Shailaja.
Kangra: We start military recruitment to help in the war against Majapahit. Roads are constructed between Kangra and the rest of Delhi to connect the region with India. We execute Gunterists convicted, except for the younglings sent to Khumjung.
Astrakhan: With the defeat of the Russian forces with our Gurkani allies on Moscow and the subsquent sacking. We take the riches of the city (what is left of it, anyway) into our city. As a city founded at the meeting of various trade routes, Salai continues to grow as a city. The construction of the Grand Mosque of Salai is continued. The army continues to march across the Russian lands plundering their fields, killing their men and raping woman. In true Mongol heritage. The Tengriist Belief in the eastern part of our empire is primarily dominant while Muslims in the southern part remain a majority. Christianity dominates the Northern and western parts.
Apostolic King Ferdinand continues to strengthen his power base in Austria. Using the Archducal guards as a basis, he systematically arrests all of the barons or nobility that have any remote chance of planning rebellion against him, confiscating their lands after a show trial sees them found guilty of treason. Ferdinand's first child, his son, is born and named Prince Frederick. Austrian lands are brought further into the iron fist of Ferdinand. Ferdinand Begins adopting the Style "Apostolic Highness" in an official capacity, enshrining the title in law (just a note, kings weren't called "majesty" in Europe until the Holy Roman Emperors started doing it in 1515). Meanwhile, Administrative reforms are devised, and Austria is divided into multiple "counties" in the same style as Hungary, with the title of Magnus used as the head of the county, personally appointed by the Archduke, formally at least amongst the local noblemen. However, after the recent acquisitions of land, the Crown Estates had grown substantially, in effect giving the Habsburgs the right to appoint at will the local nobility that will become the Magnus. The Archducal Guard is officialy remaned the Royal Guard in honour of Ferdinand's ascension as Apostolic King of Hungary, denoting that the force is loyal to the crown, and not any individual nation. A robed man shows up in Vienna, claiming to be a noble From Ernstberg (Trieste). In front of the entire court of Ferdinand, he claims that the election process, at least in Ernstberg, was rigged as Italy's forces desperately tried to hold onto this sea territory, the only part of Austria under military occupation at the time. Ferdinand sends messengers to Italy, demanding answers to the accusations.
The Duke of Hungary dies of old age, leaving no male issue. As such, succession falls to his son-in-law to become Hereditary count in his place. this Hereditary count just so happens to be the King's brother, Rudolph. After an election by the ruling council, Rudolph is chosen as the next Duke of Hungary. Some other things, maybe.
Chinese Empire: The Empire continues to grow as its population booms, reaching new heights as the peace causes many to want children feeling it is safe from conflict. The military is expanded to its maximum amount. and the military expansion is halted., The navy reaches 1400 of the latest ships. The Empire continues to construct cannon and gunpowder factories across the country. The colonies in Taiwan and Luzon continue to grow and flourish as more and more settlers are sent there, reaching populations large enough for extremely limited self governance.
Mongolia: The Gong continues to accept the flow of Chinese immigration, as it continues to improve the state as a whole and improve the economy, with the total number of Chinese in Mongolia now numbering around 104,000. We continue to expand northward.
Taiwan: The colony reaches 37,000 settlers and continues to flourish, gaining limited self governance from the Empire and being happy with its newfound status. The Imperial naval base is expanded and Chinese ships continue to be built and stationed in Taiwan.
Luzon: The colony reaches 29,000 people, gaining limited self government allows immigration to increase as people are eager to the trade opportunities in the region due to Imperial spending for the growing military bases in the region. The local market growth allows for the colony to be relatively wealthy, allowing for the taxes it sends to the Empire to allow it to develop without micromanagemnt.
1465
I'm going to get this new turn rolling.Callumthered (talk) 05:11, September 20, 2016 (UTC)
During a domestic dispute, the wife of the Ruler of Croatia dumps a pile of dung on him (Mud Event)
NOTE: Standing armies, most nations don't have them right now and the few that do CANNOT have them as large as they post they are (looking at you, Nova). For example, China today is a 1.3 billion nation with a one million man standing army. That's 0.077% of the population for those without calculators. ~Skyboi
Did I not say like 30 turns ago that non mods can't post things under mod events???? ~Lictorofnight
Hey guys, if I didn't make it clear enough before, I'm actually trying to step down as mod because I can't keep up with everything going on in the game. Hopefully the newly-elected mod, whoever that may be, can replace me. I'll still stick around and give advice to the mods if I see anything out of place -Nate
In Korea, a small-scale Jurchen separatist revolt occurs in Sinsado, but due to their usage of unorthodox weaponry and poor organization, it is quickly pacified. This revolt, though small, sparks debate among the state-council on whether or not the gradual integration program has failed, and should Buk-in-do be revoked its temporary semi-autonomy in favour of direct rule as a province. Eventually, Yi Hyorin chooses to pursue the second option, partitioning Buk-in-do into four provinces (Jeochenneong, Gillim, Heuklyonggang, Haegi) and placing the former provisional leader as the governor. She tightens the assimilationist policy, granting those who resist assimilation automatic cheomin caste status. The use of Jurchen clothing is banned, and a Korean pidgin language is formulated to ease the learning of Korean by Jurchens. An influx of Korean settlers arrive in the four provinces, collectively known as Baebyeonggyeong. Arable land is cultivated with the Manchu rice cultivar and wheat, the two primary grains. With the food supply being so high, population growth becomes very favourable. Yi Hyorin revises the caste system, merging the lower sangmin and the upper sangmin into a single caste. The social strata, liberalized under the reign of Sejong, becomes organized and closer to its original establishment. The isolationist daseotsi system is further consolidated, with foreign merchants and envoys being redirected to designated open ports. The production of celadon porcelain is allowed, appealing to foreign merchants, though white porcelain still remains popular domestically. Militarization continues, with gunpowder and weaponry production being subsidized and promoted. The first Korean firearms, replicated from Ming firearms, are produced. New blast-furnaces are constructed, boosting the national iron and steel output. The produced steel is used to create geobukseon and to reinforce melee weaponry and arrows. Korea continues its entrenched naval tradition, building bigeodo, gwaseon, and the first geobukseon, while scrapping older ships and the outdated gwiseon. Korea conducts naval patrols in neighbouring waters to cement Korean naval prowess. Overseas trade in Southeast Asia increases, with Korean merchants trading porcelain and luxury goods in exchange for tropical agricultural goods. Overseas trade with Japan also increases, instrumental in the improvement of Korean–Japanese relations. Korean merchants trade luxury goods and precious metals in exchange for explicit works of art and Japanese timber. Korean missionaries also travel to Japan, trying to convert the Japanese into the Korean sect of Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism under the Yi sect, which fuses Confucian doctrines and Muist rites, becomes increasingly ingrained into Korean culture. Wealthy yangban patronize the arts and literature. Buildings are upscaled in beauty and sophistication to reflect Korea's growing affluence, while more people, especially those in the yangban, chung-in, and sang-in castes, choose partake in education.
The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Zeeshan Beg Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mansur An Nasir as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 34 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst hand cannons and rocket launchers were developed as gunpowder became increasingly popular. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The lingua franca promoted throughout the Sultanate was also Persian, primarily due to the fact that Persian had existed as the language spoken by communities in the region for centuries and as such served as an excellent language for communication. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus. The Gurkani army finally reached the city of Isfahan, having already sold most of the Russian captives into the slave markets. The soldiers were looked upon as heroes and treated with great respect by the people, with the Sultan personally congratulating the troops on their marvelous victory. In truth however, the Sultan and the Caliph had been left completely dumbstruck upon being told of the atrocities committed against the Russians. The Sultan in particular feared that this would destroy the international image of the Gurkani Sultanate and was quick to shift the blame onto the Astrakhan Khanate, clearing out the Gurkani of any blame. Meanwhile, the Caliph felt the need to have Mahmud punished for allowing the persecution of the Russians as it was against the teachings of Islam, an opinion supported by many other top clerics in the Sultanate. The Sultan himself supported the notion of executing Mahmud as he realized that it would eliminate any risk of him overthrowing the Persian nobility, a prospect that became more and more dangerous with each passing day due to the constant increase in the popularity of Mahmud Mirza; primarily due to his outstanding performance as a military general. With a decision being finally made, Mahmud was poisoned in around February on the orders of the Sultan and his wife was subsequently implicated in the crime, being accused of having an affair with a Russian and thus being a sympathiser to the Russian cause. Julia Komnenos was as such executed soon afterward on charges of treason. Mahmud's only son, Sikander Mirza was appointed as the Governor of Bukhara soon afterward and married off to Sultan Zeeshan Begs daughter, Shaheen Mirza.
Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Julius Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Amir. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts.Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Julius Komnenos would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient.
Gurkani Diplomacy: The Gurkani Sultan, Zeeshan Beg Mirza expresses interest in finding a bride for his eldest son, Salman Beg Mirza and his younger son, Suleiman Shah Mirza II. Keen on securing a suitable match, diplomats are sent throughout Europe, South Asia and the Middle East in hopes of attracting the attention of the monarchs of the various Empires and Kingdoms inhabiting the area.
With Aragon having returned to Iberian hands, reconstruction and recovery begins. It will be a slow process, having been the central battleground of the War that has engulfed Iberia. Queen Eleanor I expresses regret at Italy's betrayal and the loss of Sicily to the dishonourable Italian scum. She begins a tour of Aragon, Valencia and Catalonia to meet her traumatised people. With our military destroyed, we are very weak, and we immediately set out to rebuild our damaged shipyards so that we can rebuild our once prized navy. The first five ships roll out of drydocks this year. Our foundries are also rebuilt. It is hoped that we can be at full production capacity within the next ten years.
Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 20,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. The Great Observatory is built in Mogadishu next to the Madrassa of Mogadishu. Sultan Ali dies and is succeeded by Prince Kombe, who married the princess of Sofala.
Papal States: Pope Callixtus IV welcomes the Brandenburger 'Hussite' bishops, as well as Vicar General Wikbold II of Cologne. Joined by members of the Inquisition, general bishops, and theologians from the University of Bologna, the group spend several months discussing the Hussite movement and how it relates to mainstream or Latin Catholicism. What His Holiness gets from the discussions is that the Hussites are very attached to their own traditions: the Communion sub utraque specie (ie both bread and chalice), very strict morality (ie like Catholic puritans), and simpler churches and rituals, however, are supportive of unity with the pope and do not want schism within the universal Church. [Nk tell me if any of this is wrong]. In early summer, the pope finally starts his Apostolic Voyage, journeying to Bulgaria as promised. He meets the Tsar, and travels with him to Constantinople where he publicly embraces the Patriarch and co-celebrates the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom in a packed Hagia Sophia.
Bulgarian Empire: The Empire continues its vast centralization procedures under the Tsar who has proven to be able to do more and more without the approval of the nobility. He has become increasingly Autocratic in nature and with the conducting of his census he gains insight into the population of his new empire which stands at 3.3 million and growing at a decent rate. While he has undergone extreme amounts of planning, Vasili-Kaloyan is unable to go after the more complex economic plans and hires out members from a Venetian trade family, a Genoan banking family which are hired to begin building more sophisticated trade and banking institutions within the empire officially creating the first two banks in the empire in Constantinople, and Tarnovo. Outside of this, the establishment of the regular travel/trade routes through Bulgarias major cities and countryside has led to existing villages to expand into growing towns, and new villages to spring up as stops in between the cities which become common for caravans and people to stop at. The Farming as well continues to show growth in itself as well with settlement of Wallachia by Bulgarian pesants increasing the crop yields of the area as the area rolling right up to the Carpathian mountains is extremely fertile. The Bulgarian rebuild its cities continues, however, a spectacle in Tarnovo reveals itsself and the capital is known to all as the grand capital of the empire having been restructured to handle buildings for thousands of more people with the city architects beleiving the cities expanded boundaries could hold nearly half a million people at its largest extent rivaling Constantinople if fully filled. However, sadly the city currently holds roughly 40,000 people with nearly 30,000 of them being recent immigrants as a result of the recent rebuild. Sofiya also sees significant updates to its infrastructure and living space. The Tsar this year fathers two daughters with his wife Anastaiya and names them Anastasiya and Maria respectively. In order to stabilize and recognize Wallachia and its people as integral to the Empire, the Crown Prince and heir is dictated as the Grand Prince of Wallachia giving the heir not only a title but claim to the families ancestral lands which have been largely centralized to the rule of the Tsar along side constantinople, Tarnovo and its surrounding lands, and some smaller amount of the greek territory. This generally gives the Tsar and his family a very large amount of territory under their personal control.
Duchy of Moldavia: With a population of somewhere in the 400,000 range, the Moldavians seem somewhat wary of joining this new empire to the south, not having expected Vasili to go this way. However, with him being a Romanian they are not entirely offset and tenuously submit to Bulgaria but are entirely confused by the massive acceptance by the Wallachians to live in this empire. They cannot understand how the Wallachians seem to be part of this empire, but the solid side of the Wallachian nobility compared to population size proves that they do in fact have some major stake in this empire. Moldavia re-organizes itself and under the lax policies of their overlord in Tarnovo they are able to begin a more restructured rebuilding of their society as their farming practices change in order to start supporting more having seen multiple armies march across the territory vastly damaging crop yields. The population is mostly rural and the Duke of Moldavia is dismayed at his potential troop raising.
Iroquois Nation: Copper mining and production continues to grow, more Iroquoian treasures are traded throughout the known world. The town of Tiohero sees hundreds of foreign traders every day. In the northern town of Catcodoga, we continue to trade with Micmac and Beothuk but due to the great distance required to cross to get to OTL Newfoundland, many of the barge captains become concerned that they aren't shipping goods fast enough before the ice and snow comes. Some begin to experiment with their barges to get them to move faster across the water. To ease the journey, a fort is established on the island of OTL Anticosti. 60 braves man it and a small palisade is rapidly constructed around five sides of the encampment, with a sixth open to the water with a number of docks. Three longhouses are projected to be completed next year with a timber wall replacing the basic one being finished the following year. The boatbuilders in Powhatan continue to research news ways to travel over water.
Brandenburg-Luxembourg: Having secured the Duchy of Lorraine as a vassal of Brandenburg, Heinrich grants the title as both suziern of the land and as Holy Roman Emperor the title of Duke to his youngest son Karl von Brandenburg who is acting as governer of Luxembourg further bringing the Rhineland under the influence of the house of Brandenburg. Under the management of the two brothers Karl and Otto, Heinrich has secured a solid line of power within his domains. Otto and Elsha have another son baptized Rudolf. The younger Otto is now three years of age and shows to be a very curious child trying to find out all he can. The elder Otto continues to lead his administrative duties as heir, and as governer of Silesia. Heinrich demobilizes the Brandenburg forces that return from France after another victory. Construction of the Berlin Palace continues as does construction of the Brandenburg Archieves and the expansion of the Universities of Breslau, Berlin, and Luxembourg. military reforms continue, and trade continues to expand. Agriculture starts to expand and Heinrich begins organizing taxation reforms and starts a census to determine the population of his domains and to better support financially his growing reforms and construction projects. Heinrich bestows upon Charles of Burgundy the title King of BUrgundy reviving the old title and establishing that the King of Burgundy shall be exempt from participation in Imperial politics unless it is a matter of a defense of the empire. Heinrich begins looking for support from the princes to set forth an imperial project to elect 3 princes to act as the defenders of the empire in a system that the circles would support in times of war to better centralize defensive enterprises. (HRE players please respond once I post the planned reform next turn.)
Kingdom of England and Scotland: With France and England signing peace the Duchy of Brittany becomes a vassal to the Crown. We keep moderate taxes on Brittany and the expectation for the Duke to uphold the laws and maintain a reasonable army while remaining independent otherwise. In England with the war ended Richard IV is welcomed home a hero in London. Richard IV contuines his policy of better education for the country with more work on universities and grammar schools. The fleet is expanded by another ten ships in recognition of its service. The tax reform with better logging on property ownership and recording of that data with records stored in Winchester. For Calais we turn it into a Pale and Edward after his marriage to the daughter of the Earl of Warwick is dispatched as Captain of Calais in which he is to improve the defences of the castle with a yearly sum while some 1500 people from England are dispatched to take farms from some 1500 who are brought back to England.
Cologne: Archbishop Emmerich of Cologne continues to rally support for the militia in Westphalen and Cologne, and sends a canon to each set of barracks to establish a clear code of honour under God for each set of warriors. This begins to increase morale. Returns from the printing press continue to pour in, and revenue from trade is constant. Emmerich offers a trade deal to Burgundy involving silver and coal from Essen and printed goods, if the Duke so desires. Meanwhile, Emmerich hears of an Adelphinian Miracle for the first time: after a terrible accident involving an axe and an uncooperative tree, a young woodsman is saved by a nurse passing by. Later that year, Emmerich personally oversees their happy marriage.
Essen: Abbess Sophia sends another letter to Brandenburg to celebrate Otto and Elsha’s second child, along with another gift, this time a small silver statue of both the bread and chalice intertwined. The University of Essen continues its expansion into physical science and broader biology. The sons of nobles in wider Cologne are now welcome to become academics if they do not aspire to become knights or priests. Abbess Sophia makes her first public lecture, encouraging young women to join the Church as canonesses and contribute to academia. The bond between the Abbey and the University is cemented in the meantime, with canonesses still running the majority of classes after learning from the old Cologne theologians.
Burgundian Dip: King Charles agrees to the trade deal.
Sultanate of Bengal:The Bengali Navy continues to grow by 20 ships a year. The Sultan orders the improvement and renovation of the port facilities at Chatagon. More ships are equipped with cannons. Naval exercises are conducted to show off the Bengali Navy. The capital of Gaur is renovated, and roads throughout the Sultanate are improved and expanded.
Ahom Kingdom: Susenphaa orders his scientists to improve firearm and cannon designs. Roads and schools throughout the kingdom are improved.
Benin: The war continues following the brief year long cessation of hostilities between the two warring sides. With the crops pulled in for the harvest season, the threat of famine has been deterred for the most part, though more than 200,000 civilians died of starvation in the final year of the famine. The Royalists strike first, throwing the bulk of their manpower into a major offensive against the cities of the Asale province. They likewise attempt to regain the Dahomey and Borgu provinces which were captured by the Irredentists in the year before last. However, with the majority of their forces devoted to the northern offensive, the Royalists can only hope to mount a series of small holding actions to keep the Irredentists occupied in the west. Taking the road south from Kenu, Iyase Enekirighidi exploits several gaps in the defenses of Prince Usiobaifo's armies, and captures the city of Ketu, positioning the Irredentists at the doorstep of the Benin heartlands. With the city captured, Enekirighidi launches his own offensive into the core territories of Benin, with his sights set on the imperial city of Edo. Having taken the time to reorganize his forces during the harvest year, Enekirighidi exploited his rival's lack of military experience to bait him into an offensive that would draw his forces away from the capital region and into the Sahel, where Irredentists forces can harass and destroy Royalist supply lines as they attempt to push on to Niani in the far west. With the Royalists in a position of do or die, Enekirighidi takes his time to march into the lightly defended provinces of Lagos, Oyo and Niger. In the northern provinces, the Irredentists put up a fierce resistance to Usiobaifo's invasion, seeking to deprive him of men and time, giving the Iyase in the south as much time as needed to reach Edo. With the two offensives set to reach the respective capitals of both sides, many Bini believe that the end of the war may yet be within sight. Trade with the rest of the world continues out of the Irredentist-controlled cities of Dakar, Ominira, Tanna, and Kokoro, as well as other ports in western Benin, where the trade fleets of the empire can still operate. Many merchants have taken advantage of the increased price of goods to invest in markets that they seek to gain a foothold in, such as the production of guns and cannon, as well as cultivating lands in the west where the ground is highly receptive to water-intensive crops such as cotton, sugar and rice. Expansion of gold mining in the western provinces, which have remained untouched by the war, continue to grow, and the recent discovery of diamonds in that region has made brought many migrants from the eastern provinces into the region. The economy there has thus been fueled by the raising manpower, and the number of towns and villages in the area has increased. Many look forward to the end of the war to expand their opportunities in the region as well as claim the lands of the surrounding tribes for themselves as the end of the fighting appears to be coming to a possible close.
Bahmanids: There is great celebration at the defeat of the Majpahit menace. To prevent them from ever posing a threat again, Ismail Shah orders fifteen shipyards across ht realm to make one ship a year.
Burma: Binnya Dala celebrates the repulsion of the Majapahit invaders and promises that soon, Burma will unite under his rule.
Maldives: Nothing of note. (OOC: I know nothing of the Maldives, so I won't post much of anything for them until I do some research.)
Ngarrendjeri:The cities continue to slowly expand, now with approximately 1000 people in each village in the Adeleid Valley. In the rest of Southern Australia, the population of each city is about a few hundred at a time. As Tjilburke continued to obtain more visions from Lord Ngintaka, concerning Uluru, the kingdoms of the world, and the time of the First Ones, he also continued to relate all he experienced to the Dreamspeakers. Over time, however, it became too much for the Dreamspeakers to record in just cave paintings, so a series of some twenty symbols were drawn up to represent the various concepts repeated in each vision. These symbols began to be recorded on stone with charcol, whenever the speakers were in the trance of Dreamtime. Meanwhile, the breeding of Red Kangaroo begins to resemble an entirely new species of quadruped, now refered to as Yolopodjena
I am afraid it is impossible that your breeding of kangaroos could have resulted in such immense change in such a short time, sorry. Callumthered (talk) 10:00, September 21, 2016 (UTC)
Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation.
Kingdom of France: With the death of Charles VII due to what is believed to be old age, his only son, Charles VIII is coronated in Paris. Charles VIII continues the tasks of his father in rebuilding Paris, improving and reconstructing the army and improving the navy. The French economy is reinvigorated with the flow of money due to the sale of some states to Italy. Charles continues his father's push to distance France from the papacy. Charles VIII removes the edict from Charles VI's reign which established papal investiture in French lands, and returns the nation to free investiture. He also enacts a tariff on any goods leaving Avignon, and taxes papal travels through French lands to Avignon. Charles VIII asks to marry an Italian princess (he is twenty years old).
Kingdom of Croatia: The Ragusan integration benefits the nation as the numerous Ragusan technologies, primarily sewage systems and also law systems are set to be applied in Croatia. The Council and House of Nobles discuss electing a Ban.
Chinese Empire:The Empire continues to grow as its population booms, reaching new heights as the peace causes many to want children feeling it is safe from conflict. Gun workshops keep being produced around the country, improving the economy as more citizens are put to work. The colonies in Taiwan and Luzon continue to grow and flourish as more and more settlers are sent there. We talk with Mongolia, agreeing to start increasing and promoting migrations to Mongolia in order to strengthen our vassal, increasing the numbers from around 3000 per year to almost 4500 per year, with expectations for a steady rise in immigration over time.We ask Toungoo if they wish to become a vassal. (MOD RESPONSE) The Cheing Mai are also once again offered vassalge, since the last time no clear answer was received.
RNGd, Toungoo, although uncertain how the Khmer's may act, declines to become a vassal of the Chinese Empire.
Mongolia: The Gong continues to accept the flow of Chinese immigration, as it continues to improve the state as a whole and improve the economy, with the total number of Chinese in Mongolia now numbering around 108,000. We continue to expand northward.
Taiwan: The colony reaches 41,500 settlers and continues to flourish,expanding and incorporating much of the southern end of the island.
Luzon: The colony reaches 31,000 people, expanding and growing southward.
1466
The Jurchen, following the division into four provinces, begin more quickly accepting the Korean script, and by the end of the year a Jurchen cultural movement begins to fight off the assimilation. The Jurchen cultural movement primarily consists of poetry, writing down folk stories, and engaging in traditional Jurchen cultural events and dressing in such clothing while also adopting a more modern lifestyle similar to the one in Korea.
An elephant drops his droppings on the Gurkani Sultan. Although the elephant was executed and eaten, the Sultan will still have to spend a week with the aftertaste of elephant in his hair (mud event).
Sorry for the late turn, posting will be extended this turn SkyGreen24
Kingdom of Burgundy: The second phase of Charles I's reforms completes, with the entirety of the Netherlands administrative purposes, including the newly added Picardian counties of Boulogne, Amiens, Ponthieu, and Vermandois, centralized away from the local nobility, and into the Estate-General in Brussels. Brussels, thanks to the newfound contiguity of the Burgundian lands, finds itself dealing with greater powers than before. The third and final phase of the Charlian Reforms, their implementation in Champagne, Nevers, and Ducal and Comtial Burgundy, begins immediately.
The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Zeeshan Beg Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mansur An Nasir as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 34 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst hand cannons and rocket launchers were increasingly developed as gunpowder became ever so popular. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The lingua franca promoted throughout the Sultanate was also Persian, primarily due to the fact that Persian had existed as the language spoken by communities in the region for centuries and as such served as an excellent language for communication. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus. Despite Sultan Zeeshan Begs attempts to secure a bride for his son and heir, Salman completely refused to marry 'early'. According to Salman, if he married late in life, it would allow his children to ascend the throne at the prime of their youth. The entire proposal sounded completely absurd to Zeeshan who was worried about Salman, fearing that Salman dying without an heir would threaten the survival of Ulugh Begs line and pass it onto the descendeants of Miran Shah. The Sultan's younger son, Suleiman Shah Mirza II in contrast had been keen on finding a bride for quite some time and was quickly married off to the daughter of the Mihrabanid Malik, Nizam al-Din Yahya. Meanwhile, during the tour of the city of Gamrun, an elephant managed to defecate upon the Gurkani Sultan. News of this incident quickly spread throughout the city and the Sultan became a laughing stock amongst the Baloch who resided in the city. In contrast, the Persians and Arabs started mercilessly killing the local elephants in Gamrun in a show of 'solidarity' with the Sultan, only stopping when personally requested by the Amir.
Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Julius Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Amir. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts.Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Julius Komnenos would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient.
Bulgarian Diplomacy: The Tsar wishes to normalize relations with the Gurkani sultante due to our shared trade relationship as well as relationship shared with the Ottomans. We also inform the Sultan that the Bulgarians may be forced to cross the aegean once more to enforce the treaty with the Ottomans.
Gurkani Diplomacy: Sultan Zeeshan Beg Mirza informs his Bulgarian counterpart that the Gurkani will stay true to the teachings of Islam and will honour the historic agreement made between Sultan Shahrukh Mirza and Sultan Bayezid. As such, in the event of any attack by Bulgaria, the Gurkani Sultanate will intervene to crush the forces of the infidels.
Mayapan: Trade continues with the Mexica. Expansion continues along the southern border. Integration of the southern city-states into the League is continued by the High Council. Each new state is expected to supply men to train and serve in the national army. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Work continues to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
Kingdom of Tondo:We offer the Ming the usage of the port of Beigang (in Ma-I/OTL Mindoro) for a yearly fee and five Ming war junks to assist in spreading Ming's sphere of influence. Diyang Kalangitan, now married to Sugbo of Cebu, formalize their marriage in Mactan, Cebu. As Sugbo's father drowned in a fishing accident, Sugbo is widely seen as Cebu's next monarch due to his uncle being the Rajah, who is currently without wife and without child. At the same time, rumors of the Rajah's infertility circulate around the kingdoms, though no officials have confirmed nor denied. With the recent passing of the beloved monarch, Rajah Gambang, the nation mourns. Diyang Kalangitan assumes the throne, and takes no man to be her husband. Instead, she declares that on the eve of her death, the nobility of Tondo, Ma-I, and Pangasinan shall have an electorate regarding the successor of the united realms of Tondo. Kalangitan further consolidates her poweriscreetely assigning political opponents to far-flung provinces of Tondo or to Tondo's vassals of Ma-I and Pangasinan, or to colonization attempts in Palawan, Busuang and Samar. The government of Tondo can be roughly described as a Federal Monarchy, with each province ruled by a council with members proportionate to the province's population. Diyang Kalangitan invites the Huang of Pangasinan, his daughter and Ma-I's regency council, and officials from every province to draft something akin to an OTL constitution, namely, the Saligang Batas ng Tondo at Nasasakupan Nito (Constitution of the sovereign Kingdom of Tondo and all its holdings and possessions). As Maynila is one of the richest cities in South East Asia, it is now high-time to create a lasting legacy for it. A series of bridges and canals connecting the Pasig and Tagik (OTL Taguig) Rivers and all their tributaries to provide acquatic transportation, ease movement of goods, and simply build bridges above the waterways to ease the transportation of people in the Greater Tondo Province (OTL Metro Manila). To prevent problems of income inequality and unequal development, selected families in the capital are given incentives of food and gold to relocate to developing towns and cities in Cavite, Romblon and Samar. A road network has already connected Tondo Province to Cavite, and a series of roads from southeastern and southern Luzon to Pangasinan has already began construction. Tondo metallurgical capabilities increase as blast furnaces and ironforges are built all around the state. The port of Maynila is further expanded, with the navy increasing by 25 small ships and seven war junks. Trade with nearby states continue. Tondo continues expansion in Samae, Palawan and Busuanga. 2000 additional soldiers are trained. Kalangitan orders 400 ships to move to patrol the Visayas archipelago, mainly to protect the trade routes, and secretly to intimidate Cebu. Expansion into Palawan, Negros and Samar continues. Tribute is sent to Ming in the form of gold, silver and exotic fruits.
Huangdom of Ma-I: With Tondo's grace, Ma-I settles the western part of Busuanga Island, and dedicates 100 citizens there. Li Han thrives as a cultural and financial capital of Ma-I, while Beigang immediately becomes the second port of Tondo, and conducts trade regularly with nearby nations.
Huangdom of Pangasinan: With Tondo's grace, Pangasinan expands into Central and Northern Luzon, attempting to assimilate the mountain and Igorot tribes located nearby to access the massive agricultural treasure in the Banaue Rice Terraces and the farmlands of Central Luzon. The administrative capital city, Pangasinan, begins construction of a road connecting it to Maynila. Blast furnace construction continues, and a small defense fleet of 15 ships is allotted by Tondo to Pangasinan. Pangasinense traders report sightings of small islands west of Luzon, and scouts are sent by Pangasinan to verify their claims. Pangasinan claims these islands west of Mainland Luzon, now named as the Gambang Islands in honor of Rajah Gambang (OTL Scarborough Shoal)
Chinese Diplomacy: We thank Tondo for the acceptance, sending them the five ships and moving a fleet of 50 of the latest warships to the port filled with marine compliments (marine as in soldiers just stationed on the ships). These ships will be stationed there in order to keep Chinese strength showing and ward off any attacks on our protectorate of Tondo. Fleets are ordered to explore the regions more in depth south of Tondo, with an additional six fleets of ten ships each being sent to explore and map the regions south and east of Tondo.
Brandenburg-Luxembourg: Heinrich continues to push his taxation reforms to improve the finances of his domains. He continues to pursue military and administrative reforms through a mix of further bringing the nobility under his control by codifying the privledges and resposibilities of the nobility, and by consolidating the the new council of nobles into the Great Committee of the estates. He further breaks down the estates into the Nobility, and the commoners. The Brandenburg Court debates continue. After the meeting with the pope, the Hussite clergy has mixed feelings but remain loyal to the pope, though under their separate codes and traditions. cultural and scientific development continues as the Northen renassaince continues to develop. The mechanical arts continue to grow in importance, specially as public works, and metallurgy grow in importance in areas such as Luxembourg, and Silesia. WIth Silesian agriculture providing large amounts of food and the mining sector booming the province quickly becomes the higest in earnings for the coffers of the Emperor. Expansion of the trade routes in the domains of the house of Brandenburg continue, now expanding to Lorriane. Expansion of the defenses in Lorraine begin and a supply line connecting Nancy, and Luxembourg is arranged. More matchlocks are made to replace the more combersome arquebuses though their firing rate is slightly lower.Construction of the Berlin Palace continues along with the great Brandenburg Archives. Translating of books to German begins. Mass expansion of the usage of the printing press begins, as universities and scholars use them aty a greater rate. This helps to start codifying and standardizing the German used in the growing domains of the Brandenburg Family. Heinrich wishes to arrange for a meeting with the Emperor to begin formal relations between the HRE and the Bulgar Empire. He sends a formal delegation carrying the new banner of his house. As the first formal usage of the new CoA. Heinrich proposes easier travel throughout the hre for merchants and requests that the other Princes give their feedback on the idea to improve the inroad trade routes of the empire.
Papal Diplomacy (OOC): Could you be more specific about the 'mixed feelings' please?
Japan: Japanese ships continue to explore islands in the Pacific, attempting to find a route to Indonesia that does not require fighting against a current. The Jukuo begin to operate more in these Pacific Islands, leading to an era of romanticism in mainland Japan about the exploration of the Pacific Ocean. They begin to prosper off of the collapse of the Khmer Empire, though the economy of Japan itself works to pick up the fallen pieces of the Khmer Empire's economy. They advertise the location of Japan's Taiwan colony. This colony, already very prosperous, expands further south. In the meantime, Shogun Ashikaga Yoshikage tours the southern portions of Japan even more, especially the areas of Honshu that rebelled against the Shogun. Their loyalties remain affirmed to the Shogun, thankfully. While he is in Southern Honshu, he is noted for having stayed in the recently-settled Hiroshima. Japan's military experts take a look at the weaponry of their neighbors in mainland Asia, notably the hwacha and turtle ships of Korea and the firearms and cannons of China. They intend to replicate these designs and improve upon them. The explicit arts make a fine fortune for artists in Japan, with Daimyo and rich man alike buying these works of art. They are noted for having pushed the boundaries of what is considered normal art in Japan, if not all of East Asia. The Japanese navy sees expansion this year, with several older ships being scrapped, any salvagable parts being used in new ships. The bulk of the Honshu navy patrols the sea of Japan and the tip of Hokkaido while the bulk of the Shimazu navy patrols the inland sea between southern Honshu and the other Japanese islands. Kyushu, in the meantime, provides a tight defense net in the south. The eastern shores do see frequent patrols by the Honshu navy though the need to guard this shore is obviously less imperative than guarding the western shore would be.
Bulgarian Empire: With the development of the empire still coming to head, the growing Spice trade in Bulgaria comming out of being able to tap into the route via the post war agreement with the Ottomans, is further developed. Merchants needed as middle men are given guaranteed jobs as Bulgarian Merchants use them as an easy in to purchasing cheap spices out of Persia from India buying out for the cheap from the middle of the supply route rather than at the end or the beginning in india. This allows for a rather powerful spice trade beginning to develop which provides an unexpected but well received influx of capital as the Merchants on the Bulgarian end are able to mark up the prices for good resale value This, however, is a nominal forcing of the Ottomans to open their ports to Bulgarian merchants which includes the wholesale slaughter of any of the meager troops they can bring to face the well armed merchant parties. Aside from this the normal travel routes through Bulgaria continues to see increased use, and with the various towns and the new villages springing up in between making a relatively well traveled and used route which has also led to some elements of the routes seeing infrastructural improvements. Another competitive Farmland starts to come into use as the large river coming from the aegean which is renamed the Cherno (black) River. This sees a multitude of families from the Bulgarian interior beginning to settle with roughly 1000 people taking up residence in the area. A town is started as the coast of the the Thracian province gaining a population of a few hundred, It is known Trakiya, taking the name of the region but in order to differentiate Thrace is kept as the province name with Trakiya remaining as the Bulgarian name for the town. The Tsar in taking part with an overciew of his country as he visits the most important cities, takes extreme interest in heavily integrating the conquered territories of the Empire as part of the Empires core territories and even looks at his homeland as something that must be made part of the whole as well. Tirgoviste as an important crux between Bulgaria and trade to the rest of Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia) is given its own expansion project as well expanding the interior castle-city out into the surrounding area. The buildup of the city draws Bulgars and Wallachians who become some of the out of castle settlers who build their houses within a respectable distance of the walls so as to not harm the defensive strategy. While considered a city by Wallachian standards the city hardly boasts a population of 12,000 as a good majority of Wallachias population remains an extremely rural one. The cities of Trakiya and Kaloyagrad under advisement from agricultural planners are named by the Tsar as the centers of agricultural development alongside the valley in which core bulgarian territory resides as plans to cultivate the Danube delta begin to be drafted. This gives a large developmental cycle established to the three most fertile and populated parts of the Empire. Tsar Vasili-Kaloyan specifically gives money to farmers deemed highly competent as an incentive to not only expand their farms but as a reward for the Wallacho-Bulgar settlement of territory which has a relatively large Greek population still. Constantinople once again sees some of its former glory restored as the Theodosian walls have seen their full restoration. The new relations with Castile, while unexpected, is welcomed as the Tsar wishes to see a new golden age of the Wallacho-Bulgarian culture which has a large amount of shared culture and tradition. This also happens to be the perfect place for intellectuals as the grand libraries and documents in Constantinople allow for many intellectuals to study old greek philisophy and studies among other things.
Kingdom of Croatia: The lesser nobles, not part of the 12 old tribes of the Sabor, slowly begin losing their land as the Mayors of the Cities begin growing via the issuing of Bulls. The Croat society now begins consisting more of townsfolk rather than just peasants. The 12 nobles families grow as other families are weakened, however, the lesser nobility tends to move to towns and cities and work hard to keep a comfortable life. The Ragusan region stays unique, but literature blooms and spreads throughout Croatia. The Ragusan patricians are worked on being solidified. However, the internal quarrels leave them weakened. Traders grow strong in Ragusa.
Kingdom of England and Scotland:We offer Elizabeth of York to Ferdinand of Great Iberia as a bride to cement a good relationship. With France and England signing peace the Duchy of Brittany becomes a vassal to the Crown. We keep moderate taxes on Brittany and the expectation for the Duke to uphold the laws and maintain a reasonable army while remaining independent otherwise. In England with the war ended Richard IV is welcomed home a hero in London. Richard IV contuines his policy of better education for the country with more work on universities and grammar schools. The fleet is expanded by another ten ships in recognition of its service. The tax reform with better logging on property ownership and recording of that data with records stored in Winchester. For Calais we turn it into a Pale and Edward after his marriage to the daughter of the Earl of Warwick is dispatched as Captain of Calais in which he is to improve the defences of the castle with a yearly sum while some 1500 people from England are dispatched to take farms from some 1500 who are brought back to England.
Iroquois Nation: Throughout the northern regions, raids continue to be carried out on the Cree people. The objective of these raids is to push the Cree away from their territory to open up more hunting/farming lands for future settlements. We continue to trade with our neighbors and expand south into OTL Georgia (previously just traded along the coast). The school in Nowadaga produces more shamans, most of whom are sent to where they're needed in the Iroquois Nation, while some volunteer to travel with the barges to spread the Iroquois culture. In Powhatan, and now Catcodoga, boatsmen continue to experiment with new ways to travel on open water, with quite a few believing that the winds can be harnessed, but are still unsure of the right way to do it. Chief Apenimon reaches out to the Potowatomi tribe of OTL Michigan to ask the chief if he will permit his daughter to marry him. This marriage would bring peace and unity to a once warring peoples (mod response). The defenses around our border are reinforced with fresh units of braves and forts are repaired.
The new Royal Banner of Iberia, featuring the arms of Navarre, is declared official this year.
United Crown
The Crown of Castile continues naval expansion, bringing the navy up to 430 war ships (not including Aragon's) Although spared invasion by the French and Italian forces, Castile spends most of its capital to rebuild Aragon. As a result, the financing of the arts formerly practiced under Sancho has slowed to a halt. Infrastructure projects also stall. Seeking patronage, the artists and poets Cortez, Blanco, and Diaz seek the patronage of the Bulgarian Government. They also travel to Athens to embrace the antiquity of the city. The Government of Castile also seeks an alliance with Bulgaria to ensure the sovereignty of the Duchy of Athens from Greek or Italian invaders. We also offer an alliance to England to go along with the royal marrige offer. Population stands at 5.1 million people. Sancho has his Theories on Perfect Humanity spread across the nation. His theories are based largely on the intellectual practices of the Kuzir faith, and they encourage people to receive education in Writing and Reading regardless of class. It also calls on all citizens to obey the Crown first and foremost, something that particularly increases tensions in navarre and the Basque regions. His theories also call upon the upper class to sponsor the arts, and persue advanced education in Science and Warfare in order to be better citizens for the Crown. Castile assumes control of securing our northern border against potential French aggression. While we work to find a solution to the independence of Portugal, we fear that releasing Portugal from its subjugation under Castile will see the return of the hostile royal family. For now, the idea of and independent Portugal is stalled. In accordance with his theories, Sancho decrees that a new university, The National Institution, shall be opened in Toledo. Sancho turns 38 and Ferdinand turns 10 this year. We accept the English offer for a royal marriage.
The Kingdom of Portugal continues to be ruled by Fernando of Eca. Using his personal military force of 12,000, Fernando peruses campaigns against Nobles who may attempt to usurp his hold on the throne. He receives support form Castile in the form of a military force of 5000 men, given him the numerical superiority over any opponents. His campaigns are bloody, and the nation of Portugal remains in near anarchy. The nation's navy of 90 ships comes under the authority of Castile.
The Kingdom of Morocco continues its deportation efforts, sending nearly 50,000 Berber Muslims to Tunis. The Nations population stands at 300,000 Berbers and 200,000 Spaniards and Christians. irrigation projects continue, alongside the construction of new canals makes the soil far more fertile, and as a result agricultural output increases substantially
The Duchy of Athens continues to expand its own navy, growing to 40 ships this year. The nation rallies a military force of 8000 to defend against possible Italian or Greek Aggression. Duke Antonio continues to focus on quality of life improvements to ensure stability within the Duchy.
The Kingdom of Navarre, now under the crown of Castile, serves to secure Castile's Northern Front from an potential force. Sancho himself takes the throne, placing the kingdom under a personal union with the Crown. The population is forceably relocated to Southern France, as it is not within the horizons of ethnically "Spanish".
The Crown of Aragon continues reconstruction and recovery work, with assistance from Castile. The Central Mediterranean Fleet, largely untouched by the war, stands at 280 ships, while the Western Fleet, based in Barcelona, was completely destroyed. Recovery of our numbers in the home fleet is made a top priority for the purposes of national security, and some 50 ships are ordered to return to Barcelona to form the new Western Mediterranean Fleet. 10 ships are produced this year, bringing to total number of ships in the Armada to 295. The loss of the mostly destroyed Genoa does little to effect Iberia's ability to operate in the Mediterranean. However, the loss of Sicily and Malta are more significant. Nevertheless, Aragon does not drop its claim to Malta or Sicily, although no military moves are made to retake the territories, the Queen of Aragon refuses to relinquish the titles associated with those territories. Our population currently stands at 3.5 million.
Bulgarian Dip: Humbled by the Spanish offer both are accepted, bringing together an alliance as well as pstronage to many castilian thinkers and artists.
Benin: The war looks to be coming to a close as the forces of the two sides have arrayed themselves in such a manner that the end is near. The Royalists have been completely exhausted by the war. As predicted by Enekirighidi, Prince Usiobaifo's refusal to heed the wise counsel of his advisers and military commanders has resulted in numerous losses in men and materiale, as well as the loss of support for his regime in the east. Many of his commanders are refusing to obey his orders as they lose thousands of men to attrition and ambushes deep behind Irredentist lines, and the Dari Council has actively moved to resist the prince's rule, and believing their position to secure, have officially denounced Usiobaifo's reign as illegitimate. With the leader of the Royalist faction officially denounced by the clergy, Bini throughout the empire are now free to defy Usiobaifo and his supporters as traitors. Word of this development has not yet reached Usiobaifo in the Gao province, but thus far, most of the fighting has come to an end. Before he marches into Edo, Enekirighidi wishes to deal with Usiobaifo once and for all on the battlefield, and marches his army up north along the Niger River, with the goal of crushing what remains of Usiobaifo's army. Taking advantage of the lull in fighting, the Bini people move to pick up the pieces and rebuild the tattered regions of Benin which have for nearly seven years served as the battlegrounds of the two warring parties. Rebuilding of the cities of the central provinces begins at once, but many believe that it will take a decade before the scars of war have been healed. The blockade of the southern ports has been lifted, and the warriors who garrisoned those cities and the warships have been relieved. They await their fates in the barracks of the empire, where they remain under heavy guard until the return of Enekirighidi to Edo to take over the government of Benin. Rebuilding of roads, canals, cities, and infrastructure across Benin begins, and the Bini await the outcome of the final battle between Enekirighidi and Usiobaifo outside the walls of Gao which will end the war once and for all.
Chinese Empire: The Emperor continues promoting gun and powder workshops across the Empire, allowing a large stockpile to grow enough to arm an offensive or defensive military force. Shipments of weaponry to heavily defended cities of the finalized products allows for the Imperial Army to keep a lid on the production and stockpile, while at the same time putting gold and silver into the domestic market, massivley promoting trade and local economies. Emperor Chenghua personally visits the army training grounds outside Nanjiing, promoting several soldiers before returning to the Imperial palace. We call for a private conference with Japan in Beijing, asking if they would be our most honorable guests in order to discuss trade, the increasing naval activity of the Empire, and territorial concerns. Settlers continue flowing to Luzon, Taiwan and Mongolia. We ask our ancient neighbor of Tibet, if they would like to become a vassal of the Empire, free of worry and outside threats under the gentle umbrella and guidance of China. (MOD RNG, PLEASE) New lands are discovered south of Tondo, most notable the Majapahit Empire and large chains of unclaimed islands to the east, a fort is considered on northern Borneo, with four ships marine compliments setting up a few houses and a rudimentary port for the ships to dock at, becoming a small beacon of China in the southern seas.
Mongolia: The flow of Chinese settlers begins to steadily rise, from just over 3000 last year to nearly 4500 this year, bringing the Chinese population in the nation to 110,368. The Mongolian population at this point has begun to blend together with the Chinese immigrants, with about 7.08% of the population mixed between Chinese and Mongolian, 22.1% Chinese, and 70.82% Mongolian. The culture blend allows for the golden days of the Great Khanate to mix the culture of the rising Empire to the south, making a mix that gives the region a unique architecture and style. Expansion eastward toward the ocean continues.
Luzon: Expansion into the unclaimed regions continues, allowing shops and larger harbors to be built, which promotes a large Imperial Naval prsence of 73 ships to be stationed there or exploring the region. Population reaches 34,213 people, with a spurt being caused by the increased naval presence and trade in the region.
Taiwan: The colony continues to flourish, having by now completely covered the southern end of the island and rushing northward as the colonists from the mainland begin to be pumped in furiosly by the Empire. The population reaches 46,437, and the naval presence in Taiwan is increased to 130 of the latest and best armed ships in the region. This in itself encourages more trade, as the sailors and marines stationed on them need to eat and buy things to keep from boredom and starvation. Gun and powder workshops begin production, increasing the local economy as the product is bought directly from the oven by the Empire.
Sultanate of Bengal: Rukunuddin Barbak Shah inspects the Bengali Navy, which has grown to 160 vessels. The fleet still grows at a steady rate of 20 ships a year, and 50 ships are now armed with cannons. The Sultan founds the University of Gaur, and Ahom scientists begin to experiment with using heated shot for artillery guns. The results are impressive: the heated cannonballs set targets easily on fire.
Ahom Kingdom: Susenphaa orders the renovation of Garghaon, Rangpur, and Jorhat.
In Austria, Apostolic King Ferdinand continues his centralization campaign. In addition to ensuring the loyalty of his Magni, he founds central institutions, departments, in his realms. Each of his Officers of the court would head one institution, with offices of the magistrates under them. After looking and reading roman governance, he decided taht these "High Authorities" would take the place of the Roman Temples. As a show of his power, Ferdinand raises taxes to fund various institutions, including the military and the University of Vienna. More Policies like the "permit system" used for the printing presses are instituted for various proffessions, at least those which have important state roles, such as judges or lawyers, founding the Vienna Legal Society and the Munich Legal Society, from which every public advocate, men allowed to speak on others behalf during trials, would be registered and pay dues to. This ultimately gives the Archduke (in Austria) or his representative to grant or deny men from becoming officers of the court. He also "relieves" the nobility of the obligation to act as judge at hearings, giving them a position akin to an appeliate court in judicial matters. He also declares that the domain of laws is one of the sovreign, and the role of the Magni is to enforce those rules on those under them. Many more reforms are comming, but the work of Albert V & II will not end. Gathering his closest advisors, Ferdinand begins planning a complete overhaul of the Austrian legal system...Ferdinand's first duaughter is born this year and is christened Alice von Habsburg-Wittelsbach. The university of vienna receives multiple grants from the Archduchy as to continue reserch and improve the works of its philosophers and proffessors, as well as the education of various important people. Ferdinand very much is interested in the renaissance and what it can give him. Having ascended to the title of "Apostolic King", Ferdinand begins to preach the doctrine of divine right of kings in his land, using the fact that he is an "apostolic king" and heir to st stephen as further justification for his centralization of power.
Upon receiving a letter from His brother, the Apostolic King of Hungary, Ferdinand, Duke Rudolph founds the Budapest Society of Jurists based upon letters pattent written up by the King. However, Duke Rudolph has other business oh his hands, namely, subduing the other Hungarian Nobles. This is a tall task, and being the brother of the king, he gets on to it. A short respite in his life was the birth of His first son, christened Ernst, whom he names after his great-uncle and famous battle commander. The implementation of the county system has increase his control, but Hungary has long been outside the relative reach of modernity, and the first action is to levy a tax to rebuild all the old roman roads and construct new ones, raising a small army to collect it from various nobles. He also uses some of that tax money to fund the university of Pecs, an ancient institution devoted to higher learning. Duke Rudolph outlaws "Privilegium Maius Denial" in Hungary in his Authority as viceroy, with minimal resistance from the High Council, who did not mind so long as they were not sent to prison. He thinks of calling a diet of Hungary in order to legitimize Habsburg succession, declaring one to be held in 1470, calling all nobles to prepare for the meeting in four years time, when they can levy their concerns. Hungarian troops begin training, as though preparing for conflict, the Hungarian Apostolic Guard is formed as the Hungarian portion of the Royal Guard. War is prepared and the Despot of Serbia is invited to Budapest to Discuss things...
The Despot of Serbia begins to increase the number of his troops, preparing for armed conflict with one of his neighbours, training his troops for a sneak attack.
Ngarrindjeri: Now chieftain over the entire tribe, Tjilbruke continued to relate the words of Lord Ngintaka to the people of South Australia, particularly of the Murray River region. With the newly-developed sacred symbols, these visions were carefully recorded in stone; of course, these "records" could only be understood from a mystical perspective. Nonetheless, Tjilbruke sent runners to orally direct his commands across the tribe. Stone axes and shovels were put to work, not only in tilling larger fields for agriculture, but also digging underground for basic, unrefined metals. These metals started to be experimented with over large ovens this year. Meanwhile, Tjilbruke decided that his son, Kulutuwi, should find a suitable wife to carry on their legacy. And so, a search was put out to find a suitable wife for Kulutuwi, which did not come to completion until the following year.
Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation. For some reason, a certain type of art is becoming popular with citizens of the nation. This type of art captures the beauty and mystery of the world. An up and coming artists of the name Adolf Heinz is starting to gain fame for painting very good art pieces. Adolf gets hired to paint the inside of the main church building in the capital city.
Papal States: The pope returns from Constantinople, convinced that his public mass with the Patriarch and the Tsar's evident hospitality will be a turning point in the relationship between the Latin-Rite and Greek-Rite members of the Church. Upon his return, he receives a dossier from his committee of the Inquisition which investigated the abuse of Indulgences, and His Holiness is shocked by what it says: clerics have been purporting to actully sell indulgences to people, claiming that by merely paying a fee, people can free their loved ones from Purgatory. Whilst making a donation to a pious institution like a hospital is an acceptable act (when combined with confession, communion, and a prayer for the pope) to gain an indulgence for one's self or for the dead, this blatant selling is simony and heretical. Callixtus meets with his advisors to discuss ways to deal with this utterly depraved practice. He also spends some time reflecting on his meeting with the Hussite bishops, and considering how he can resolve the tensions. In other news, the nobles of the Papal States are ordered to ensure that the fortifications in their regions are ready to withstand any attack that may occur in the future.
In the Kingdom of Italy, Corsica, Saluzzo, and Genoa continue to be integrated into the realm (the former two having been bought from France and the latter ceded from Iberia). Meanwhile, the education reforms instituted by King Niccolò Maria are implemented in the new realms, as is the teaching of standardized Italian. This contrasts with the previous teachings of Ligurian in Corsica and Genoa, but the two languages are mostly mutually intelligible and therefore the conversion is easy enough. Instruction in Istria also continues, as Istriot slowly begins to lose its grip on the population. In the Kingdom of Naples, Matteo's men continue to consolidate control over Sicily, Sardinia, and Malta. Existing Aragonese institutions begin to be repurposed for Neapolitan use. The lingua franca of these regions, which has traditionally been closer to standardized Italian than Aragonese, is encouraged as a means of associating the realms with the Italian peninsula. In Croia, Berat, Epirus, and the Morea, the settlement of Italians and resettlement of Albanians and Greeks continues. The army finally stands down after tensions with Castile have grown cold.
Delhi Sultanate: We continue to build up our army and navy, building 10 ships anually. New trade deals help boost our economy. Ships in Puri are being armed with cannons. In Agra, we begin construction of the University of Agra. Any Gunterists found are killed, except the lucky ones under 7, who are sent to learn Islam and loyalty to the Delhavi Sultan in Himalaya.
Himalaya Kingdom: We continue our training of the formerly Gunterist younglings in Khumjung, with most buildings for the academy complete. Other than that, nothing much else of note occurs.
Kangra: Similar to Delhi and Himalaya, we continue to find and charge Gunterists. Settlers from the rest of Delhi begin flowing in, helping to begin assimilation. The government of Kangra reminds the people that Hindus are free to worship in the country.
The Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman Empire begins a policy of economic growth. Merchants begin to move to Persia, moving to get involved in the very lucrative spice trade. Meanwhile, new tactics are developed for modern warfare. The tactics involve ensuring the troops are trained to be able to move flexibly and adept to any given situation which may arrive. The ranks are made to be three men deep, so as to lower the number of casualties. These tactics mainly apply to the troops which use guns, and new cannons are developed. The need for a strong navy is clear, and ports such as Izmir see massive construction projects, with plans for these ports to become cities which will be renowned for their splendour and size, as well as being the bases of the Ottoman Navy. As the construction begins in the ports, we close them down to all Bulgarian vessels, explaining that the ports must have unimpeded access to ships which belong to ourselves, our allies, and other Muslim states.
Bulgarian Dip: Due to the fact that not even 5 years ago your entire army was slaughtered and the Bulgar Empire was established and we sailed across the sea with no issue, the Tsar of Bulgaria demands all access be re-opened or the Tsar will cross the Aegean once more and burn the Ottomans to the ground even further.
OOC: Hey - Feud here - just saying your country is literally, absolutely and entirely dirt poor. I crossed the Aegean not even 5 years ago and took pretty much everything of value and have exacted a tribute on the Turks every year since. Your nation is so incredibly dirt poor and lets not forget i cut out like a solid 45% of your population by liberating nearly 2 million Bulgars and 400,000 Greeks.
Gurkani Diplomacy: The Gurkani envoy to the Ottomans assures the Ottoman Sultan of Gurkani support in the event of a Bulgarian attack.
Bulgarian Dip: With the Persians involved however, Bulgaria is much more open to establishing amenable trade relations with the Ottomans, and in terms of the tribute which was imposed, it will be lowered and the tribute period will end after 20 years.
'The Zapotec Empire' We are a small but proud nation residing in the central valleys of Oaxaca. Our major city is Monte Alban on the appropriately named Monte Alban. We have around one to two million people and we farm the three fertile valleys of our homeland.
Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 20,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction.
County Palatinate of the Rhine: Elector Palatine Frederick I gives a large among of is personal wealth to local churches, hoping that it would help him gain support from the Church. To ensure the security of travelers and trade in Palatinate, soldiers are ordered to escort everyone who travel in the region, although in exchange of a small fee for non Germans. Wary of Brandenburg's influence, Frederick nonetheless offer them to strengthen trade between their nations, hoping that it will bring prosperity to his lands.
Majapahit Empire: Following our crushing defeat in Malaya two years ago (OOC: Two, not three, per Andreas, who found the 1463 date to be ASB), we begin recruiting 95,000 additional troops to replace the ones lost in Malaya, while a force of 450 ships and 100,000 troops is sent to raid cities in Lanka and wipe out the Bahmanid Navy for good as the years pass. As the ships arrive, Ismail Shah receives a letter from Wuwamba Yuda saying: "If you believed the war was over, then you are quite naïve to believe that." As a result, the remaining 92 ships are stationed to defend the Empire, and while that happens, agents are sent occupied Malaya to instigate civil unrest and convince the locals to become an independent state. In the meantime, infrastructure continues to be built and integration of the Maluku Islands continues. Meanwhile, the first local gunsmiths emerge and slowly, but gradually, by year's end, there are at least 30 local gunsmiths ready to make more guns for the elite troops to use (now ready to be tested in Lanka), while 8 additional ships are refitted with cannons (making a total of 12 Majapahit ships with cannons). 6 of them depart with the rest of the 450 ships sent to Lanka, also ready to test them.
Papua: The Bird's Head Peninsula and the Kesuburan territory reach contact with one another, just barely, after expanding by 16 px north by the Bird's Head Peninsula and the Keusburan settlement (and neighbours), expand by 14 px. The total population is at least 450,000 (most of it concentrated on the Bird's Head Peninsula).
Bahmanids:(Note: This is assuming Ace's version of events in the Great Eastern War. This is in no way acceptance of it, this is just a contingency in case the mods rule in his favor. Obviously subject to change.) The whole Bahmanid realm is terrified at the word of an enormous Majapahit fleet sailing for Sri Lanka. Knowing that the Muslim navies have no chance against the eastern fleets, nearly all Bahmanid ships flee to the west coast of India, but not before 50,000 more troops (in addition to the 100k already there) are sent to fortify the defenses.
1467
You may begin to post now since it seems that the mods are not interested in posting events or are busy. ~EdgeofLictor
Ahem. Regardless of start time nonsense, this turn will end at 7 PM EDT Tomorrow, 9/23. We need to get back on track with turns. If this raises an issue for you let me know on my talk page.~Edge.
Andymod here. I will take over the game's stuff over for now, and create provisional mod events due to the lack of mods currently active. ~Wolves
The movement known soon to become known as the "Renaissance" begins in Thessaloniki. It rapidly spreads to Constantinople following the return of several intellectuals to the City of Emperors. Drawing ideas from humanism it exemplifies ingenuity and the concept of homo universalis.
The Jurchen cultural movement appears to be a success. They decide to rename themselves the Manchu, as a symbol of a new age for their people and traditions. Paintings, poetry, writings, discourse and more begin flourishing, primarily in order to spite the Korean occupiers.
In the Kingdom of Croatia, a small group of priests begin engaging in scholastic debates, similarly to most priests at the moment. However, once they are debating the Trinity, they seem to come to a revelation and begin questioning Trinitarian beliefs in favour of Unitarian ones. Although not deemed heretic to question their beliefs for now, the scholastic debate begins growing in Croatia.
Kuzirism, the Bini religion, becomes more syncretic in lands less connected to the central government of Benin. Although described as a novel and pure religion, focusing on science and discovery, the numerous proselytizers of the faith combine it with regional tribal beliefs to make it more appealing to the peoples.
Magnus Vasa of Sweden begins painting images of Karl von Havel and Jan Hus, sparking controversy in the region, primarily angering the Archbishop of Uppsala, Kettil Vasa, who considers painting heretics to be a sinful act. The Hussite question grows once more in the North, stirring up tension and re-opening old wounds.
Tensions flare up in the St. Michael Islands, and eventually, the Portuguese populace starts rebelling against the Burgundian overlords (No GG). This event signifies a raise in tension in the Portuguese mainland.
The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Zeeshan Beg Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mansur An Nasir as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 34 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst hand cannons and rocket launchers were increasingly developed as gunpowder became ever so popular. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The lingua franca promoted throughout the Sultanate was also Persian, primarily due to the fact that Persian had existed as the language spoken by communities in the region for centuries and as such served as an excellent language for communication. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus. A loan is issued to the Ottoman Empire to aid the nation in its reconstruction.
Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Julius Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Amir. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts.Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Julius Komnenos would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient.
Korea experiences prosperity under a meritocratic bureaucracy, led by the House of Yi and the monarch Yi Hyorin. With the Manchu cultural movement seen as a resistance against assimilation and undermining territorial integrity, the state further restricts Manchu culture, banning the usage of the Manchu language and Manchu wear in formal contexts. Those who refuse are labeled as dissidents and are jailed. Pidgin (simplified) Korean is further promoted to best facilitate the gradual replacement of Manchu by Korean. More Korean settlers pour into the Buk-in-do region (comprised of the Jeochenneong, Gillim, Heuklyonggang, Haegi province). Most settlements, such as Sinsado and Bukgyeong, are majority Korean, but rural areas are majority Manchu but with a considerable Korean minority. Arable land is cultivated with the Manchu rice cultivar and wheat. With the food supply being so high, population growth becomes very favourable. A policy of militarization continues, with gunpowder and weaponry (including firearms) production being subsidized by the government. The Korean metallurgy is further augmented with the construction of blast-furnaces, with the metal used in creating ships and weapons. Korea continues its entrenched naval tradition, building bigeodo, gwaseon, and the first geobukseon, while scrapping older ships and the outdated gwiseon. Korea conducts naval patrols in neighbouring waters to consolidate Korean naval prowess. Overseas trade in Southeast Asia increases, with Korean merchants trading porcelain and luxury goods in exchange for tropical agricultural goods. Overseas trade with Japan also increases, instrumental in the improvement of Korean–Japanese relations. Korean merchants trade luxury goods and precious metals in exchange for explicit works of art and Japanese timber. Korean missionaries also travel to Japan, trying to convert the Japanese into the Korean sect of Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism under the Yi sect, which fuses Confucian doctrines and Muist rites, becomes increasingly ingrained into Korean culture. Wealthy yangban patronize the arts and literature. Buildings are upscaled in beauty and sophistication to reflect Korea's growing affluence, while more people, especially those in the yangban, chung-in, and sang-in castes, choose partake in education.
Kingdom of Burgundy: thanks to the...extensive support from Burgundys Iberian allies, the revolt in the Sint Michael Eilands is easily quashed. In response, the surviving rebels and their families are deported. Exploration of the African coastline continues, thanks to agreements made with Benin. Beginning this year, explorers begin sailing beyond Bini territory and along Africa's western coast.
United Crown of Great Iberia
The Crown of Castile contributes 20,000 men to crush the rebellion in the Azores. Naval expansion continues, bringing the Royal Aramda up to 445 war ships, not including the Aramadas from Portugal, Arargon, Morocco, or Athens. The Rebuliding of Aragon continues, and is expected to be completed by 1469. Population stands at 5.2 million, in large part due to the increased Agrictural capacity of Morocco. As more capital is freed, Castile continues to enact new polices in accordance with his Theories on Perfect Humanity, opening up new branches of the National Institution in Madrid and Casablanca. These new branches specialize in the sciences practiualrly, analazing and translating Bini, Greek, and Roman documnents for the sake of increasing the understanding of the world.
Aragon continues her military recovery. Several shipyards have been rebuilt, and as a result production jumps up to 20 per year on average. Our total number of ships currently stands at 315, not including the Castilian Royal Armada. Spanish continues to become the primary language of instruction and of government, and schoolchildren are required to learn Spanish at school. Centralisation of the country continues this year with the annexation of the Kingdom of Valencia into the larger Kingdom of Catalonia. Valencia remains in the Queen's list of titles, however, though the Kingdom now exists only in name. In response to tensions in Portugal, we deploy 3,000 men westward to put down any feelings of rebelliousness. 30 ships of the Western Fleet are sent to the Sint Michel Islands to help put down the rebellion. Propaganda is also distributed throughout Portugal, warning that the return of Afonso V will mean the destruction of Portugal; public announcements promoting the unity of the Iberian peninsula are also made in Portuguese cities by spokespeople of the government, protected by military escorts.
Within the Kingdom of Portugal, Fernando and his army continue to put down any discontent within the Kingdom. Fernando's army surges to 20,000, including Castillian volunteers who have been sent by the Crown of Castile to facilitate the crushing of these revolts.With the Revolt in the Azores, Fernando sends the entire Royal navy of 101 ships to aid Burgundy in crushing the revolt and keeping Iberian acess to the islands free and unmolested. Population of the Kingdom stands at just over 1 million.
The Kingdom of Morocco continues to deport ethnic Berbers and Muslims at a rapid pace, depleting the population of the territory to 250,000 Berbers. At the Same time, an additional 20,000 Spainsh settlers arrive. Irrigation works continue, reclaiming desert territories and converting them into fertile farm land
The Duchy of Athens continues its naval expansion efforts, growing to 45 ships this year. A token Military force of 8000 continues to prepare the nation for a possible invasion from Naples or Greece.
The Kingdom of Navarre continues to de depopulated by their Castillian overlords. Most of the Nations 60,000 people are sent to southern France, and the population is depleted to 30,000 this year.
Numbers are WAY too high for the Azores. The entire number of troops you sent make the island more populated than OTL 2016. Not happening. A strike. ~Wolves
I would like to protest this strike. First of all, the 3,000 men I deployed were sent to Portugal, not the Azores. Second, I don't see how 30 ships is too much. ~Tim
My mistake is being corrected. I assume any and every criticism. Sorry @IATG, Edge and Tim. The too high number for Castille will.... ummmm... be left out, but with high attrition. ~Wolves
Ngarrindjeri: As a large group of suiters came to the tent of Tjilbruke, offering themselves as brides for Kuluwuti, the first son of the tribe seemed despondent. Although he was immensely diligent and honorable to everything he father required of him, Kuluwuti was terrified at the thought of having to divide his posessions with someone of another clan, especially a woman. So as his father compelled him to take a bride, Kuluwuti fled from the tent and ran off into the wilderness. Meanwhile, there was one girl named Anjea, who was the most beautiful woman in all the land. However, she refused to see the first son of the tribe, believing that marriage into wealth was an abhorant act she would not pursue. But one day, as Anjea was bathing in the Murray river, she was stubled across by Kuluwuti looking for a drink, and they both fell madly in love. Without revealing his name, Kuluwuti swore he would give half of all he owned to Anjea. The girl, not imagining this vagabond to have much, gladly accepted. After they separated, both were aprehended and forced into the arranged marriage they were trying to run away from. But as soon as they discovered that their future spouse was each other, they realized the vow they made in ignorance was guided by destiny. And so was the star-crossed romance of Kuluwuti and his wife Anjea.
Ottoman Empire: The Ottomans are completely prepared to negotiate a better rate of tribute with the Bulgarian Empire. We propose that from now on, we only pay about 1/4 of the current tribute rate. As economic recovery begins, measures are taken to help better the economy. We begin by asking for a small loan from the Gurkani and Abbasids, large enough so that it can make a difference, but small enough that we can repay it. Social discontent begins to build in several parts of the nation due to the economic situation.
Bulgarian Dip: In order to facilitate potenitally a more peaceful relationship in the future, the Bulgarian accept the offer on the tribute and also wish to open up a more peaceful line of Trade.
Sultanate of Bengal: With the signing of the Treaty of Kuala Lumpur, Bengali forces move in to occupy the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Fortifications are built, and trebuchets and cannons are delivered to fortify the islands. Meanwhile, Bengali shipbuilders finish 20 more vessels, keeping up with the orders of 20 ships a year.
Ahom Kingdom: Susenphaa orders the construction of more cannons to meet Bengali demands. Chariadeo is further renovated and roads throughout both kingdoms are improved.
MOD OOC: The war isn't over yet. The treaty hasn't been established and the algo is under work. ~Wolves
Kingdom of Tondo: Diyang Kalangitan, now married to Sugbo of Cebu, formalize their marriage in Mactan, Cebu. As Sugbo's father drowned in a fishing accident, Sugbo is widely seen as Cebu's next monarch due to his uncle being the Rajah, who is currently without wife and without child. At the same time, rumors of the Rajah's infertility circulate around the kingdoms, though no officials have confirmed nor denied. With the recent passing of the beloved monarch, Rajah Gambang, the nation mourns. Diyang Kalangitan assumes the throne, and takes no man to be her husband. Instead, she declares that on the eve of her death, the nobility of Tondo, Ma-I, and Pangasinan shall have an electorate regarding the successor of the united realms of Tondo. Kalangitan further consolidates her poweriscreetely assigning political opponents to far-flung provinces of Tondo or to Tondo's vassals of Ma-I and Pangasinan, or to colonization attempts in Palawan, Busuang and Samar. The government of Tondo can be roughly described as a Federal Monarchy, with each province ruled by a council with members proportionate to the province's population. Diyang Kalangitan invites the Huang of Pangasinan, his daughter and Ma-I's regency council, and officials from every province to draft something akin to an OTL constitution, namely, the Saligang Batas ng Tondo at Nasasakupan Nito (Constitution of the sovereign Kingdom of Tondo and all its holdings and possessions). As Maynila is one of the richest cities in South East Asia, it is now high-time to create a lasting legacy for it. A series of bridges and canals connecting the Pasig and Tagik (OTL Taguig) Rivers and all their tributaries to provide acquatic transportation, ease movement of goods, and simply build bridges above the waterways to ease the transportation of people in the Greater Tondo Province (OTL Metro Manila). To prevent problems of income inequality and unequal development, selected families in the capital are given incentives of food and gold to relocate to developing towns and cities in Cavite, Romblon and Samar. A road network has already connected Tondo Province to Cavite, and a series of roads from southeastern and southern Luzon to Pangasinan has already began construction. Tondo metallurgical capabilities increase as blast furnaces and ironforges are built all around the state. The port of Maynila is further expanded, with the navy increasing by 25 small ships and seven war junks. Trade with nearby states continue. Tondo continues expansion in Samae, Palawan and Busuanga. 2000 additional soldiers are trained. Kalangitan orders 400 ships to move to patrol the Visayas archipelago, mainly to protect the trade routes, and secretly to intimidate Cebu. Expansion into Palawan, Negros and Samar continues. Tribute is sent to Ming in the form of gold, silver and exotic fruits.
Huangdom of Ma-I: With Tondo's grace, Ma-I settles the western part of Busuanga Island, and dedicates 100 citizens there. Li Han thrives as a cultural and financial capital of Ma-I, while Beigang immediately becomes the second port of Tondo, and conducts trade regularly with nearby nations.
Huangdom of Pangasinan: With Tondo's grace, Pangasinan expands into Central and Northern Luzon, attempting to assimilate the mountain and Igorot tribes located nearby to access the massive agricultural treasure in the Banaue Rice Terraces and the farmlands of Central Luzon. The administrative capital city, Pangasinan, begins construction of a road connecting it to Maynila. Blast furnace construction continues, and a small defense fleet of 15 ships is allotted by Tondo to Pangasinan. Pangasinense traders report sightings of small islands west of Luzon, and scouts are sent by Pangasinan to verify their claims. Pangasinan claims these islands west of Mainland Luzon, now named as the Gambang Islands in honor of Rajah Gambang (OTL Scarborough Shoal)
Papal States: The Papal Legate to Sweden castigates Archbishop Vasa of Uppsala, reminding him that since the Concord of Luxembourg, the 'Hussites' have been reconciled with the Church. With the so-called 'Hussite Question' apparently becoming an issue again despite the recent positive meeting between the pope and the Brandenburger 'Hussite' bishops, Pope Callixtus IV again feels compelled to address the issue. Noting his recent travels to the East and his satisfaction with the way the autonomous sui iuris Eastern Churches operate, and noting too the mature developent of 'Hussite' practices, His Holiness writes to the Holy Roman Emperor and Brandenburger 'Hussite' Bishops with a proposal. He proposes that the Hussite-usage which has developed be reorganised into its own sui iuris church along the lines of the Eastern Churches which have returned to full communion with Rome. This autonomous Church [called perhaps the "Utraquist Rite" (because they have communion sub utraque specie) or "Brandenburger Rite"] would have full discretion as to its own internal disciplinary practices [this includes clerical celibacy] and would be able to produce an official Mass of its own [the same way the Eastern Churches use the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom]. It would be led by a Primate (who would automatically be a cardinal) elected by and from the bishops of the Rite. The Church would be completely in communion with Rome, and would accept Catholic theology, but could emphasise certain areas less [like how the Eastern Churches do not talk of Purgatory per se]. In other news, the University of Bologna prints several classic Trinitarian texts such as St Augustine's De Trinitate and relevant sections from St Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologia, Summa Contra Gentiles and Compendium Theologiae. They are bound together in a volume titled "In Defence of the Trinity", and is widely disseminated. Norway is asked to establish a new settlement in Greenland, which can be used as a base from which to evangilise the pagan 'Esqimos' {Mod Response: Skyboi you're my only hope}. In other news, the States' nobles start upgrading fortresses, castles, and defensive walls.
Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 20,000 local tribesman and foreign settlers became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. We build up our fleet and experiment with newer naval designs.
Brandenburg-Luxembourg: Heinrich continues to push forward his efforts to improve trade in the Holy Roman Empire and to improve the general out put of his domains within the Trade system of the HRE. Military reform and expansion continues. Following the delegation from the pope,, Heinrich, and the council of Hussite preachers begin talking about the posibility of the pope's proposal. Unsurprisingly many of the hussite preacher's agree to the idea, and based on the aldephine reforms, and the ideals of the Luxembourg Concord, and hussite ideals, begin developing the foundation's for a new rite within the fold of the vatican with autonomy but still reverring the pope as the final authority of His Grace, the Holy Father on earth. The Hussite or reformed rite is slowly being developed. Heinrich requests that the Archbishop of Cologne take part in the development of the new rite, and a papal representative come to help so as to avoid heretical or extreme ideals from developing. Economic growth particularly in the mining sector and as the growth of metal working and engineering grows. Massive restoration of infrastructure in major cities begin, funded by the new funds gained through trade, improved taxation, and from funds gained in the recent franco-burgundian war. culture and science continues to flourish as the northern renaissaince takes flight. Heinrich continues to promote artists and inventors to his court, and continues to promote the ones he finds the most accomplished, gaining the reputation of a generous patron of the arts. consolidation of the fortifications on the borders of Heinrich's domains with non hre powers, continue particularly in the Rhineland against possible french aggression and in the east, against the intolerant Teutons, and potentially against the powerful Polish Kingdom. Noticing the continued intolerance of the Order and the fact that the Order is now passed its ultility within the European order with the reapproachment of all the Christian churchs, and the fact that no pagans are left in the Balkan region, Heinrich begins calling for the secularization of the Monastic order and offers to grant the Teutonic Order's leader the title of Duke of Prussia should the agree to secularization, as a prince of the HRE. (mod response, Skyboi your my only hope. ) Heinrich sends his son and Heir Otto von Brandenburg to visit the Bulgarian empire to formalize trade routes from the HRE to the Balkans, and to open relations between the great impaler, and the Red Lion.
The Hochmeister of the Teutonic Order defers to His Holiness as to the continued need of the Order (PAPAL RESPONSE).
Cologne: Archbishop Emmerich of Cologne travels immediately to Brandenburg, hoping to personally assist His Holiness in combating any heresy. Cologne, Essen and the Adephinian Reforms fully support this new proposal, given that it is balanced, nuanced and sensitive to Hussite needs. Emmerich notes that it may be useful to continue to have Dietrich Councils (which were established at the Concord of Luxembourg for Hussites to bring their complaints), but modify them such that they emphasise Hussite autonomy. Meanwhile, Vicar General Wikbold II has returned from Rome to an influx of young warriors and morale, given the new trade deal with Burgundy. Revenue from the printing press continues to pour in.
Essen: Abbess Sophia continues to print Adelphinian texts and distribute them throughout all countries with Adelphinian Reforms. Canonesses bringing back knowledge help the University of Essen expand from broader biology into medicial disciplines, and the infirmary near Essen Abbey becomes informally attached to the University. Abbess Sophia continues to give lectures to young women, encouraging them to join academia through their own devout calling, and there is an influx of canonesses that year.
Bulgarian Empire: The Tsar surprised by this return of Greek thinkers to Vasiligrad, and with his funding already involved in the Castilians he extends this to the Greek thinkers, and in many cases gives these men great patronage including great houses in Vasiligrad promising the Greek thinkers long and promising lives in the City funded by the Tsar. Aside from this the Tsar is approached by multiple artists who allow him to sit in for them in his finiest military gear and thick fur robes that he uses while hunting and in his winter conquests in Greece. Another Greek, a historian agrees to sit with the Tsar and chronicle the histories of his family dating back to the pre independence of Wallachia. Bulgarians are absolutely shocked by this upswing in studies and lessons in humanism among others and it spreads like wildfire to the rest of the country with Bulgarian intellectuals in Sofiya, Plovdiv, Preslav, and Tarnovo all taking up studies in this. The only Printing press in the empire, located in Constantinople is put into overdrive as copies of the manuscripts are churned out to supply the sudden demand. This in response sees the development and building of two more printing presses to try and meet the demand. The Tsar himself sees some use in studying this so he is able to be level and maintain a discussion with the men he has given patronage. This is all consuming for the Tsar as he tries to be up date on all the exciting developments. The Tsar as a result of reading a bit into the Roman empires former organization draws up plans to integrate the nobility into his bureaucracy and aristocratic system while simultaneously ending the Feudal system in favor of developing a pliable provincial system in which provincial governors can be replaced at will. A good amount of traction gets behind this as the Tsar meets with his nobility, saying "the people were well enough on their own through the Turks, and will only resent an iron fist like the Turks held over all of us. We must let them thrive and produce!" He announces to his court. The few disgruntled nobles are some of the larger more established Bulgar families but the Tsar goes out of his way to meet with these families. He speaks with the Asen, Petrov, and Velitchkov families being currently the most prominent families in Bulgaria and assures them their aristocratic power will be maintains through the Boyar Council, which serve as an advisement preceding to the Tsar and also have involvement in the Bureaucracy. One caveat that is left alone as the insistence of the Tsar is the Tsars ability to dismiss this at his whim with one condition being the empire must be under some sort of imminent danger. The upper level nobles satisfied their hold on prestige and power in society present this to the lower nobles in the first Boyar Council. This strong action due to its system of wording shows that the Boyars are guaranteed certain rights, such as maintain high position in the army, and cavalry/knight positions be left open to them, they are, however, dubious of the Tsars ability to dissolve the council which will vote on matters and then pass to the Tsar for putting a plan into motion. However, with the Tsar seemingly preoccupied with his studies and personal involvement in the planning and restoring of Bulgaria, and now starting at this point much of the rest of the Empires domains as well. This proves to the Boyars who have been extremely dubious of the council that the Tsar is in fact following the powers set to him. In reality though the Tsar-Vasili Kaloyan maintains an absolute monopoly on power due to his control over the status and power of the three major houses in the nobility. Aside from these important developments, the country begins to show improvement through its agricultural means with Wallachia and the Central Bulgarian valley all showing signs of a great harvest. Interestingly enough the harvest of the area of Thrace where the city of Thrakiya was established producing much more than expected which collects the Tsars attention
Moldavia: A Wallachian noble a cousin of the Bulgarian Tsar takes power after the untimely death of the grand Prince. Ivan Beserab takes control in Moldavia encouraging great loyalty to the Bulgars as for the most part Moldavia has been left to its own devices and only has to send a relatively small payment to the Tsar every year in exchange for outright protection. This while sitting awkwardly with a few of the Moldavian nobles is left relatively unattended as money flowing into a new trade route between the Balkans and Poland causes them to re-evaluate their position in a positive light.
Benin: After killing Prince Usiobaifo and wiping out the remnants of the Royalist army in the fields of Gao, Iyase Enekirighidi returns to the imperial city of Edo under wide fanfare of the people. Entering into the halls of the Imperial Palace, Enekirighidi is confirmed by the members of the Dari Council as the new Oba of Benin. In full view of the people of Benin, Enekirighidi takes on the throne name of Nosagie, meaning "one whom God sent." With the crowds full attention, Oba Nosagie gives a two-hour sermon to his people: "After so many years of war and violence, it is time we move ahead. We must place ourselves back on the path of faith we once believed in. We must continue to preach the words of Ewuare to the world, and inherit it as a gift from God as was so clearly written in His word. It is our destiny. We do this because we must, and we must do this because we can. Yet, of these two forces, the latter is most powerful. We do this because we choose to do this. This is our destiny. Let us turn our eyes to the world, and let us claim it for Oghodua!" With the fiery sermon by the new Oba, the tone for Benin has been set. Rebuilding of Benin is a priority of the empire, and the development of the faith as the means by which Benin shall shake the world as been formalized. Given the lifelong indoctrination into the Kuzir faith for nearly two generations, the Bini are truly unified in "mind and body", with the faith and the people unified under the leadership of the Oba yet again. Members of the oluko have found themselves having to send more missionaries out to clarify the word to the new converts beyond Benin. Though those within the empire are of strong faith, there have been many disturbing reports of congregations beyond the empire combining false religions with the pure religion of Kuzirism. Most of this confusion seems to stem from the belief that Kuzirism is nothing more than an esoteric religion, often claims from the dull and pridefully ignorant. Many dari are sent out to help these peoples understand the goal of the faith and the role they play in it. Kurizism is a way of life, governing the practices of law, marriage, finance, science, and faith. The dari are to inform these groups in a compassionate way the truth of Kuzirism, and the rewards Oghodua has set aside for them should the abandon the false religions and hold true to those of Kuzirism, keeping it pure and unadulterated. The scientific community in Benin begins to grow more productive thanks to the civil war finally coming to an end. Many Bini studying the old expedition of the Mansa Abubakari Keita II nearly 150 years ago, and his disappearance at sea. This prompts many of the dari to recommend looking beyond the seas to Oba Nosagie as the goal of the empire, and expanding the faith in the direction there. Perhaps, they may find the remains of Mansa Abubakari Keita II's once grand fleet, and bring the light of Kuzirism to the peoples who may have vanquished that once mighty king. Bini merchants in Europe send home reports of the European's Renaissance, and send tales of their attempt to join the civilized world and embrace world of logic and reason. Seeing these impressing Kuzir-like qualities, Oba Nosagie believes that Europe is ripe for the missionary work of Kuzirism, and in an unprecedented move, orders thousands of missionaries to take up the call and spread the word of Oghodua to the people of Europe. Hundreds of missionaries are also ordered to the islands of the Azores to speed the truth of God to the Portuguese, and lead them along the path of hope and freedom of superstition and ignorance, freedom that only comes though accepting Kuzirium as their faith.
Burgundian Dip: Due to Burgundy's desire to maintain trade with Benin, King Charles suggests that, as long as Christian missionaries aren't sent into Benin, Benin doesn't send Kuzir missionaries into Burgundian territories. If accepted, the Kuzir missionaries in the St. Michael Islands will be considered to have suffered a lapse of judgment and sent home.
Yeah, not only would that be unprecedented, it would be implausible. Strike three, you're out.
Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation. The Renaissance begins in our nation. Many artists and scientists start to flood the mainstream.
The Renaissance has yet to spread northward. We'll see you in one hundred years or so. -Rexmod
Kingdom of England and Scotland:We offer Elizabeth of York to Ferdinand of Great Iberia as a bride to cement a good relationship. With France and England signing peace the Duchy of Brittany becomes a vassal to the Crown. We keep moderate taxes on Brittany and the expectation for the Duke to uphold the laws and maintain a reasonable army while remaining independent otherwise. In England with the war ended Richard IV is welcomed home a hero in London. Richard IV contuines his policy of better education for the country with more work on universities and grammar schools. The fleet is expanded by another ten ships in recognition of its service. The tax reform with better logging on property ownership and recording of that data with records stored in Winchester. For Calais we turn it into a Pale and Edward after his marriage to the daughter of the Earl of Warwick is dispatched as Captain of Calais in which he is to improve the defences of the castle with a yearly sum while some 1500 people from England are dispatched to take farms from some 1500 who are brought back to England.
Chinese Empire: The fortress in northern Borneo has now thrived into a large local port, being the furthest south Chinese base. As ships dock there regularly now, the Empire orders it to be defended Its population climbs to 316 by the years end. The fleet in the south is increased to explore, and ships now are sailing as far east as OTL northern Paupa. (Will remove if not plasusible). Luzon and Taiwan continue to grow and excede expectations, booming with people and trade.
Mongolia: The flow of Chinese settlers into Mongolia continues, improving the economy and lately the army as Chinese civillians begin enslisting in the Mongolian Army.
Bahmanids:(To all those involved: as per discussion with Scraw a few minutes ago, the version of the Great Eastern War algo I originally posted is correct-so the war is over with a Majapahit defeat.) Ismail Shah meets with Hindu leaders, proud of their loyalty during the recent war, and wonders about giving them more of a role in government. He doesn't act on his ideas for now, though. Naval construction continues as before, bolstered by the addition of the reparation ships from Majapahit. Elements of the easterner's designs are copied. (Note: I'm pinning down the Bahmanid navy as currently 150 vessels.)
Kingdom of Burma: A large naval construction program is started, building 7 ships a year.
Maldives: Nothing of note
King Jacob I Crispo, King of the Hellenes and Nominal Duke of Naxos, reorganizes the Kingdom of Greece after the crippling Greco-Bulgarian War. He rearranges the country into the Grand Duchy of Macedonia, the Grand Duchy of Thessaly, the Grand Duchy of the Aegean, the Duchy of Dolopia, and the Duchy of Magnesia. King Jacob also welcomes the Renaissance to Greece, hoping to draw more artists and scientists to the country. The University of Thessaloniki is established, to teach the next generation of thinkers.
The Queen of Aragon sends a letter to her beloved cousin, King Jacob I, asking for his assurance that Greece will not seek to conquer Athens, which is currently a member of the United Crown.
1468
Turn Rollover will be done within a reasonable timeframe tomorrow night if the mods don't do it -Feud
Attention, Indian players. THE GREAT EASTERN WAR IS NOT OVER! Any attempts to say 'oh, it has ended' are not happening. So far, you have managed to take Malaya, but how do you plan to take the islands you claim? Anyone posting this any further will be given a strike - Wolves
Demetrius Sittapahuk, squatter of Novgorod, dies peacefully in his squat. A large funeral is organized where the attendees must squat and mourn the fallen hero.
The Renaissance movement spreads westward and eastward, reaching the cities of Trabzon and Naples, from which it spreads rapidly into Italy.
The Aragonese nobility, fed up with being marginalized in favour of the Catalonians, demand more power to them and a return of the royal to Zaragoza.
Korea mourns after the death of Yi Hyorin, who died after sixteen years of rule. She is granted her posthumous name Yeogun. Her second-born son, Yi Un, takes the throne at the age of twenty-seven. Yi Un adopts a softer approach to the Manchus, while he encourages the adoption of the Korean language, he removes the policy of forced assimilation and makes the process fully voluntary. Korean settlers continue to pour to the Manchu provinces, to cultivate arable lands (using Manchu rice cultivar and wheat). Yi Un still emphasizes military–industrial development; promoting gunpowder, firearms, and weaponry production. The Korean metallurgy is further augmented with the construction of blast-furnaces, with the metal used in creating ships and weapons. Korea continues its entrenched naval tradition, building bigeodo, gwaseon, and the first geobukseon, while scrapping older ships and the outdated gwiseon. With rumours of a land rich in spices west of the Malaya straits from Majapahit and Khmer merchants, Korea sends a small fleet of ten ships through the straits to confirm the claim. The fleet, comprised of two hyeopseon, two turtle-ships, and six bigeodo, chose to travel near to the coast to minimize any losses. The fleet docks in a Khmer port city before continuing its journey. After months of sailing, the fleet lands in a place inhabited by people known as thBahmanids. A small three-foot golden statue of Buddha, is given as a gift to show good intentions, and royal envoys (accompanied by interpreters) are sent to the capital on the prospect of formally establishing relations. Yi Un begins an era of renewed interests in Buddhist-influenced arts, with wealthy yangban, including himself, patronizing literature and the arts. Buildings are upscaled in beauty (adding further Buddhist influences and elements) and sophistication to showcase Korea's wealth, while more people, especially those in the yangban, chung-in, and sang-in castes, partake in education. Yi Un also promotes science and scholarly activities, diverting funds to related ministries.
The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Salman Beg Mirza started his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mu'ayyad Muhammad as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 34 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst hand cannons and rocket launchers were increasingly developed as gunpowder became ever so popular. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The lingua france promoted throughout the Sultanate was also Persian, primarily due to the fact that Persian had existed as the language spoken by communities in the region for centuries and as such served as an excellent language for communication. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus. Having lived until the age of 76, the Caliph Al Mansur An Nasir finally died due to old age, said to have died peacefully with a smile on his face. Upon hearing of his death, the entire nation went into mourning with a million people reportedly arriving at Isfahan to attend his funeral. The Sultan, Zeeshan Beg Mirza was left shocked at the death of the Caliph, and being incapable of bearing the burden due to extreme sorrow and depression, the Sultan died within a month of the Caliph's death. Until his death, Zeeshan Beg had not appointed a successor for the position of Caliph and as such, upon Prince Salman Beg Mirza's ascension to the throne, he appointed Al Mu'ayyad Muhammad as the new Caliph following mutual consultation with prominent Shi'ite clerics. Following his ascension, one of the first major decisions made by the Sultan was the abolishment of the Compact of Iskenderun. Sultan Salman considered the Compact to have become 'useless' and 'too old' and that it required major amendments. As such, he set out to work, collaborating with the Amirs of various provinces and by the end of the year, the Sultan presented the Second Compact of Iskenderun to effectively govern trade and commerce in the region.
Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Julius Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Sultan. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts. Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Julius Komnenos would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient. The Rennaisance reached the city of Trabzon
Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 20,000 local tribesman, foreign settlers and children born became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. We build up our fleet and experiment with newer naval designs.
Swahili Dip: With the new king reigning, we ask Sofala for a royal marriage whose heir will become the leader of a personal union of both nations.
Your population never was 4 million, as such it cannot become now 1.5 million. Any failure to comply further will result in a strike for not listening to the mod. ~Wolves
The Great City of Sofala accepts the generous offer of the Swahili. ~Wolves
Ottoman Empire: We agree to the Bulgarian proposal to establish a more peaceful means of trade. We invest heavily in the spice trade, and also begin to look into building mines. All this is being done to restore the Ottoman economy. The Renaissance brings new ideas and concepts to the Ottomans, among them, the idea that there is a need to reform the empire. New thinkers begin spreading ideas associated with the renaissance, with the aim of ensuring the survival and success of the empire.
United Crown of Great Iberia
Aragon continues reconstruction and recovery following the highly destructive War of 1463 with France and Italy. The Royal Armada this year reaches 335 ships, not including the navies of the other Iberian countries. Queen Eleanor I discusses with her husband the possibility of transforming the emerging National Institute system into an Iberia-wide network of Royal Universities based on the models pioneered by the Royal University of Barcelona, currently the premier educational institute in Iberia. This would involve the establishment of Royal Universities in Lisbon, Pamplona and Athens. Aragonese settlers begin moving into Navarre to replace the deported French nationals. The Queen repeats her request to her cousin and friend King Jacob I of the Hellenes for assurance that Greece will not attack Athens. (OOC: I say that Jacob is the Queen's friend because Jacob as a teen lived for five years with the Aragonese royal family, in case you didn't know.) In other news, Eleanor has also expressed interest in the arts and sciences, and sends scouts to Germany and Italy to search for artists, in particular musicians, who would be willing to relocate to Iberia and offer their services to the Iberian court. Native Iberian artists are also sought after; all are offered enticing prospects of high pay and comfortable quarters. (SKYBOI YOU'RE MY ONLY HOPE) In response to the emerging danger posed to the Union by the nobles of Zaragoza, Eleanor I calls an emergency meeting of the Royal Council of Zaragoza, which comprises of all the nobles in the Aragonese heartland. The Royal Council convenes in the Royal Palace of Zaragoza, where the Queen meets them to address the nobles' grievances. The Queen recognises the legitimacy of the nobles' concerns, and comes to a compromise with them: the Royal Capital will be moved back to Zaragoza; for logistical reasons, however, the country's administration will remain in Barcelona.
Jacob I of the Kingdom of Greece promises his sister-in-law that he will not invade Athens or the Castilian Greek Isles, unless invaded first by Castile.
Several artistas move to Iberia, including Magnus Vasa, the reknown son of King Olaf of Sweden. ~Wolves
Mayapan: Trade continues with the Mexica. Expansion continues along the southern border. Integration of the southern city-states into the League is continued by the High Council. Each new state is expected to supply men to train and serve in the national army. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Work continues to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
Delhi Sultanate: We continue our large army and navy production, and we continue to construct cannons. Based on Chinese designs obtained through trade, we begin experimenting with firework designs, to be hopefully revealed and demonstrated to the public once the Great Eastern War ends. We continue our status quo on hunting down Gunterists in the empire. We continue to strike trade routes to help our economy along.
Himalaya: We continue to train the younglings in Khumjung. Other than that, nothing of much note occurs.
Kangra: Delhavi settlers continue to flow into the empire. While cultural integration into the rest of Delhi continues, Kangrese culture remains unique. Roads are built to help connect us to the rest of Delhi.
Delhavi diplomacy: This year, two offers are put on the table. The first offer: we ask Tibet to sell their vassal of West Nepal for 100,000 rupees (MOD RESPONSE REQUIRED).
Delhavi diplomacy: The second offer: we ask Ladakh to become our vassal for 75,000 rupees, along with the economic and defense benefits being part of Delhi brings. To further it, we remind Ladakh that their neighbor Kangra has already accepted, and it is time for them to do the same. (MOD RESPONSE REQUIRED)
Tibet (MOD): We graciously accept and await further diplomacy with Bengal. ~Wolves
Ladakh (MOD): We accept out of fear. ~Wolves
Benin: The Kuzir missionaries are brought back from the European continent on the orders of the Dari Council. Though the eagerness of the Oba is acknowledged, the cooler heads on the council inform him of the political ramifications his decision may have. Instead, the missionaries are redirected to regions all across Africa instead to spread the religion to the tribes of the land. They are given specific instructions to teach of the monotheistic nature of Oghodua, and the rewards he holds out for those who accept his word. Adorned in white robes of the clergy, the missionaries preaching on behalf of the theocracy gain many new converts across the continent. They teach the Africans of sanitation, proper farming, the ways of politics, and organization of settlements, all with the aim of aiding them in uplifting themselves to the status of civilized individuals. They told of Benin, the land they came from, and the effort that nation put into ensuring that they were cared for. Trade with India continues as well as with the East African states. Development of the trade corridor there is deemed a priority for the state. Under Oba Nosagie's vision for the reorganization of the military, the greatly depleted forces of Benin's army shall be rebuilt into smaller more proficient forces tasked with policing the lands of Benin and protecting its people from harm from external and internal threats. With the new budget of the empire, many funds are redirected toward the navy, which the Oba sees as the new force protecting Benin from harm. Knowing too of the need to protect Benin's many trade routes as well, the navy is tasked with serving as trade vessels to aid Benin's domination of the regional markets. Serving as the gateway to India and Europe, Benin seeks to expand its route as a middle ground for traders looking to gain a profit by basing themselves in the strategically located empire.
Banned users will not be allowed to post. Any further infraction will be brought before the TSPTF.
Astrakhan: Yekhe Khagan Abukhan continues his rule over the Astrakhan Khanate. With the defeat of the Fiendish Russians he is crowned Yekhe Khagan (Great Emperor) of all Mongols in a brave move by the Khans. We begin a very quick genocide of the Russian minorities in our countries with their children being kidnapped and raised as warriors/concubines. Abukhan hears of his brother-in-law's death and attends his funeral in Gurkani. Hearing of an economic pact forged by their brethren in Gurkani, Abukhan is intrigued and sends word to the Gurkani Caliph about his intrigue of this pact. In an effort to boost our economy we send word to the Bulgar Empire opening trade. We begin to start farming on the fertile grasslands of the Ukrainian plains. We send Word to the Kazakh Empire asking them to become our vassal (Causus Beli: Reclaiming Historical Lands) and if they refuse threatening them with war and subsquent conquest. Mod Response
The mighty Kazakh Empire refuses to assent to the Astrakhan realm's unjust demand. -Rexmod
In response to the Foolishness of the Kazakh Empire we march on them with 18K men hoping to destroy their pettiness.
Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation.
Sultanate of Bengal:20 more ships are built, in accordance with the Sultan's order.
Ahom Kingdom: Nothing of note.
Papal States Following the very positive reaction of his proposal last year, Pope Callixtus IV pens a short Bull titled Unus Panis, Unum Corpus which establishes the "Reformed Northern Catholic Church of the Hussite Rite" [tell me if you want the name changed Nk]. It stipulates that the new sui iuris church will be headed by a Primate (always a bishop), and all the other stipulations from the proposal last year. Work continues on improving defences. Norway is again asked to re-establish Greenlandic settlements so they can be used as a base from which to evangelise the heathen Esquimos. Brandenburg is informed that, given the conversion of the pagan tribes, the crusading nature of the Teutonic Order is no longer required. However, he asks that, if Brandenburg must subsume their land, they give the order special privileges, such as keeping control over key properties such as castles, the right to maintain an armed force, a position of highest honour in the Empire and in Brandenburg for the Hochmeister, and other rights deemed necessary for the Order to remain in a position of appropriate honour for those who subjugated the pagans.
Norway (MOD): We accept the offer of the pope and try to establish a colony in Greenland.
Bulgarian Empire: The Tsar continues to consolidate the power of the Empire under him with the high nobility specifically the three head families comind under jurisdiction of the Tsars bereuacracy and his own personal forces which have become universally the preferred troops as guards and garrisons. This and the unexpectedly powerful nature of the developing working class in the Empire has put the Nobility in a position of total disadantage to each other and compared to the Tsars personal forces also known as the "Chernite konnitsi". Many of the nobles do not even realize of this disadvantage in power and are in many cases more concerned with the economic output of their regions. The Tsar himself has given rewards and even rewarded more lands to high producing nobles only retaining the ability of the Tsar to appropriate from their lands in times of emergency. With all the shifting feudal boundaries starting to stabilize under the Tsars Bereuacracy it becomes abundantly clear the differences in power between the low nobles, high nobles, and the Tsar respectively. While Vasili-Kaloyan centers the nations power around himself he remains dedicated to his studies of the humanism concepts and being kept up to date with artistic trends. The Tsar due to his up to date knowledge is able to help co-ordinate efforts with many intellectuals and artists to propogate the development of culture in the Empire, seeking to emulate the grand historical and archival ways of the Byzantines. This leads to the Tsar establishing his own personal library in Tarnovo with vast collection of texts and materials from the past Byzantine Emperor. He sees the extremely bureaucratic way in which the Byzantine noblility handled its nobility and he heads in this same direction making it extremely difficult to challenge the Tsars Buraeucracy. The Population of Bulgaria hits about 3.4 million with an uptick in growth as new areas become settled. The Bulgarian settlement of Macedon and Thrace continues in earnest with the livable and arable areas of these territories seeing multiple families setting up and beginning their own farming. Thrace in general sees the most as the nearby attraction of Constantionople, and its need for food attracting an extremely lucrative agricultural niche which fills in rather quickly. The Bulgarian population of Thrace since the beginning of settlement has jumped to nearly 80,000 as the Greeks quickly start to become outnumbered. This is mirrored in Adrianograd (otl Adrianople) in which the majority of the city has expanded to include its now majority Bulgarian ethnicity. Constantinople remains the only significantly populated Greek city in the area but that is slowly changing as the Bulgarian population stands to close with the Greek part in a decades time. The Empire shows increasing change as the Renaissance spreads quickly through the country. The Major cities continue to expand as a trend of freemen going to cities becomes more preeminent.
Moldavia: The Principality continues to develop and its population grows modestly and the nobility shows an uptrend for remaining supportive of the Beserab ruler in Tarnovo. Moldavias fleet expands modestly as well adding 3 ships.
Kingdom of England and Scotland:We offer Elizabeth of York to Ferdinand of Great Iberia as a bride to cement a good relationship. With France and England signing peace the Duchy of Brittany becomes a vassal to the Crown. We keep moderate taxes on Brittany and the expectation for the Duke to uphold the laws and maintain a reasonable army while remaining independent otherwise. In England with the war ended Richard IV is welcomed home a hero in London. Richard IV contuines his policy of better education for the country with more work on universities and grammar schools. The fleet is expanded by another ten ships in recognition of its service. The tax reform with better logging on property ownership and recording of that data with records stored in Winchester. For Calais we turn it into a Pale and Edward after his marriage to the daughter of the Earl of Warwick is dispatched as Captain of Calais in which he is to improve the defences of the castle with a yearly sum while some 1500 people from England are dispatched to take farms from some 1500 who are brought back to England.
In Austria, the Servants of His Highness the Archduke (and Apostolic King) are working tirelessly. Administrative reforms, based on the roman empire, are being instituted throughout the nation, transforming it into something more than feudal. IN the meanwhile, Ferdinand begins to increase the investments in the educational institutions of his nation, increasing the endowement fund of the University of Vienna. The Austrian Royal Guard, a force loyal only to the Archduke (and king in Hungary) begin setting up garissons in the various counties of Austria in order to "keep the realm's peace". Their forces swell as they become, as before, the de facto police force in Austria during peacetime as well as being a military organization to train and fight in wars if necessary. It is also passed into law that raising an armed force larger than the Royal Guard garisson by any noble for any reason, without prior consulation and approval by the Archduke or an Authorized intermediary (such as the guarisson force commander), constitutes an act of rebellion. Ferdinand, however, leaves his empire in the adept hands of his brother Albert in his role as Herrkanzler. Ferdinand is on the warpath, eager to secure his power in Hungary by proving himself in battle. After confering with his advisors, and receiving premission from his brother before he left for Austria, the Herrkanzler of Austria, Albert, raises the noble levies, and under the leadership of the Royal Guard (Austria) Generals, Sets twenty thousand of his forces on the border with Cilli. He demands vassalsage from the Count of Cilli, and upon hearing refusal, marches the armies into the Cilli country. They march to besiege the city of Mursa Subota, on the border, a launching point for their invasion, which will hopefully be quick.
After the Arrival of Apostolic King Ferdinand in Budapest, Hungary, the gathered forces, including Royal Guardsmen and their generals, including the Serbian Despot Stefan Tomasevic, A force, nearly thirty thousand men in size, begin on the march toward the Serbian border with Raška (kosovo), declaring a war of conquest on the Kosovar state in order to retuyrn the Serbian Despotate to its former glory. This act is meant to bring the Despot closer into gratitude with his new overlord, the Apostolic King Ferdinand. The Armies begin their march. Meanwhile, Rudolph, with the aid of the remaining forces, begins to amp up the Royal Guard's recruitments in Hungary. His intent to increase the power of the central government in Hungary continues in full force.
When the Hungarian Armies reach Serbia, the despot is eager to enroll his own armed forces into the conflict. Raising five thousand more troops in short time, bringing the overall forces to thirty five thousnad. He sends a man to the Ban of Raška, offering surrender. Upon hearing the negative response, Despot Stefan declares official war on Raška in order to reconquer lands of the old Serbian Despotate, to return it to the former glory it once had. Armies, the combined armies of the Coalition, Lead by both ban Stefan and of course his overlord, the Apostolic King of Hungary Ferdinand, begin their slow march, intending to capture many a keep along the way. They besiege the Raskan capital (Pristina?), and begin their assault on the city, wishing to gain tactical advantage and a launching point for their future war actions...
Khmer Empire: Following the defeat of Majapahit, Malaya is annexed by the Sutka, bringing the population of Khmer up to around 9.4 million. During the war, violence against Gunturists had risen, but even after the war, this goes largely ignored by authorities. In addition, Sutka implements several new laws, dictating where Guntruists can practice their religion, and considers laws dictating where they may live. All ties are cut with Majapahit. In order to beef up the navy, which currently lags significantly behind Majapahit’s. In order to increase the practical size of the navy faster, in addition to the government building ships, Sutka creates a program for civilians to build ships. Under this program, if a trader is willing to build their ships to be usable in a battle, and are willing to give them up in times of need, the government will subsidize their creation. Under this program, the creation of trade ships increase, which leads to trading ships making it to Tondo, where our traders offer to trade with the locals. Meanwhile, the army also increases in size, and currently hovers around 180,000 men. Sutka also begins to encourage cultural growth across the empire. This leads to Sculpting, music, and other forms of art to flourish, mostly around the city of U Thong. While the incentives to create art, at least at the moment, are minimal, plans to increase them begin.
Ethiopia: Zera Yacob dies of old age in his sleep, soon Baram is crowned Emperor of Ethiopia. He takes the crown name Baeda Maryam, and begins to enact the technological advances he learned in Benin. He expands the College of Aksum to accommodate more of the best pupils. Baeda expands the Royal guard to 5000 members and adds a special part to experiment much more with gunpowder weapons. With the Royal palace already having a crude form of running water he decides to attempt to radiate it outward from the palace.
Chinese, Empire: In early February, surrounded by his family, Emperor Chenghua dies, designating his 22 year old son to rule after him. However, not a day after the Emperors death, Lan Qi Ang declares the son unfit to rule since the failed rebellion under his father throws his right to rule under the Mandate of Heaven into doubt, claiming the throne for himself. While many disagree with this, lines begin to be drawn, and a second party arises, challenging the legitimacy of both parties, Pi Ren Shu. Claiming support from the far western portions of the country, he begins to claim large swaths of territory. Thankfully, thanks to his fathers support and growth of the navy under his rule, the navy completely supports the Emperor's son, ensuring the loyalty and control of the coast and colonies of the Empire, managing to hold onto about 6/10 of the Empire and about 7/10 of the Empires population. Lan Qi Ang controls the south western portion of the country, managing to keep a grip on the region as he begins raising troops. Similiarily, in the northwest, Pi Ren Shu begins raising his own army in April, and by July the 3 factions have raised their respective armies, though recruitment continues on. The first battle occurs between Imperial (loyal to the Emperors son), and Pi Ren Shu armies outside the city of Xi'an. The Battle lasts from August 26th through September 2nd, one of the longest battles if not the longest in Chinese history. The final outcome is one of a standstill, with Shu's armies withdrawing due to lack of weaponry on the end of the 2nd. Shu's army retreats back toward the base of operations in Baiyin, where the two armies meet again on the 15th, where the Imperial forces once again defeat Shu's army, inflicting a serious defeat on the rebel forces, where they scatter into retreat. Imperial tropos begin to consolidate their gains, taking over half of Shu's territory and managing to incorporate them back into the Empire. Heavy casulties on both sides leads to many, including the Emperor himself, to begin rethinking the Mandate of Heaven that caused so much bloodshed already. Settlers flow from near battlegrounds, flooding into Mongolia and the coast, and from there to Taiwan and Luzon - even Borneo.
Mongolia: The Gong, upon hearing of the rebellions, declares his states support for the heir of Chenghua, welcoming refugees and boosting the population, increasing the army. Coordination with the Imperial army begins in full force. and rebel forces entering Mongolia are fought off, backed by Imperial troops, strengthening the ties between Imperial China and Mongolia, so much so that Mongolian and Chinese officials begin acting in concert on nearly all military affairs, as is needed to effectivley crush the rebellion.
Korean monarch Yi Un declares full support for the heir of Chenghua, sending ten thousand auxiliaries to the northeast part of the Ming to help put down the rebellion and to consolidate the heir's legitimacy.
As detailed in your talk, the Borneo settlement has been retconned and the large population of the Luzon outpost reduced. ~Wolves
I challenge this ruling completely. -Nova 14:04, September 25, 2016 (UTC)
Cologne: This year, Archbishop Emmerich of Cologne returns from Brandenburg to Cologne to a warm welcome in his home country. Deciding to boost the morale of his people, he travels personally through Cologne and Westphalen on a slow journey that year, preaching at little towns at the importance of supporting those who would fight to protect the freedom of everyone in the Archdiocese. Meanwhile, Wikbold II continues to manage the funds from printing press royalties that come in, along with the revenue from trade. The hospital in Cologne takes in another round of Cologne’s poorest people, and starts a public prevention awareness campaign in the hopes that the next epidemic will not hit Cologne’s people so hard.
Essen: Upon news of the establishment of the Reformed Northern Catholic Church of the Hussite Rite (RNCCHR), Abbess Sophia sends two canonesses, a skilled printer, and a priest from Cologne to Brandenburg to assist with any relevant administrative matters, on behalf of the mainstream Catholic Church. Furthermore, she sends some younger canonesses to Italy to stay there for a year or two and learn about the changes she hears are occurring there, mostly in terms of academic discipline; Sophia wants to try her best to keep up with the times, in as much as that is possible. Finally, Abbess Sophia continues to give lectures to young women, encouraging them to join academia through their own devout calling.
Ngarrindjeri: Tjilbruke guided the men of the tribe into continued improvement of their society. Among the great visions recored in the mystic symbols, included instructions on smelting metels gathered from the ground previously into basic tools and weapons, much more weildly than previous cut stone. In later years, this practice would quickly spread across all the tribes in Southern Australia. Later in the year, Tjilbruke ordered the construction of a large, monumental structure of stone. This stone temple would serve as a basis for the worship of Lord Ngintaka for future generations. Finally, Tjilbruke ordered a code of law to be written as soon as the temple was completed, around the inside walls of the temple. Of course, as this law was "written" in the mystic symology of Tjilbruke, it would only be understandable to the Dreamspeakers when in comunion with Lord Ngintaka. Meanwhile, Kuluwuti consumated with his wife Anjea, and she became impregnated soon after. Kuluwuti and his wife loved each other more than the moon loved the earth.
Bahmanids:A note: In the interests of sanity, Ace and I have agreed to a compromise peace. Fires has also agreed, but LM and Orange have yet to respond to me asking. (AM, please don't strike me. I'm not saying it's over, but I am simply stating an agreement I have w/Ace on chat.) Ismail is intrigued by the arrival of these 'Koreans.' He welcomes the ambassadors, and gives them gifts in return.
Kingdom of Burma: Nothing of note.
Maldives: Nothing of note.
Sweden OOC: This is good, @Guardian. I agree. This is settled then.
Bengal OOC: I believe I agreed?
Kingdom of Ireland: (I'm not playing any more and so Person is in charge now）.
Kingdom of Sweden: This year marks many years of Swedish rule over Scandinavia, and we are proud to announce that Swedish rule has brought peace and stability to Scandinavia. We continue to expand our road system and our trading fleet, adding two ships to the trading fleet of Visby. We begin dealing with the new powers and OFFICIALLY join the Northern Germanic Catholic Church of Hussite Rite.
Sultanate of Bengal: 20 more ships are built.
Ahom Kingdom: Nothing of note.
1469
The Aragonese nobles are content with Queen Eleanor's decision and go home happily.
The Manchu movement, now finally recognized within Korea, sends an envoy to the King's court, thanking him for his understanding.
A famine breaks out in China due to the rebellion and its destruction of crops. Many people are starving with estimates currently unknown.
Rennaissance humanism spreads further, slowly overshadowing Scholasticism as the dominant European philosophy. Although scholastic thought was mainly prevalent among clergy, it was still the main branch of philosophy in Europe for centuries. Even the saying that philosophy is a servant of theology (philosophia ancilla theologiae) is less and less known.
On a related note, due to the downgrading of scholasticism the Unitarian discussion in Croatia begins to settle down although claims are heard of some people still debating and even rejecting Trinitarian beliefs.
Kingdom of Burgundy: ship development continues. With the St. Michael Islands revolt crushed, the surviving rebels are deported to Portugal, and Dutch engineers are brought in to improve the port facilities. Exploration down the African coast continues, with contact with the Congo is made this year. In light of experience with the army of Burgundys Brandenburgian allies, King Charles authorizes a larger scale use of Arquebuses than previous in the Burgundian army. Meanwhile, also impressed by the tactics of the Swiss mercenary companies, Charles also puts investments into studying pikeman tactics.
The Gurkani Sultanate: Sultan Salman Beg Mirza continued his rule over the Sultanate, with Al Mu'ayyad Muhammad as the Caliph. The Gurkani population rose to about 34 million with the people flocking to cities like Herat, Isfahan, Gamrun, Qazvin, Bukhara, Tabriz and Iskenderun; primarily due to their strategic position in the spice trade. In regards to religion, the Sultanate promoted Shia Islam, and advocated conversion to the Zaidi sect from other Islamic sects, often engaging in forced conversions. The military was primarily composed of medium-to-heavy cavalry, composite bow, lance, mace, and sword. Heavy cavalrymen wore plated chain mail or metal lamellar armor, with their horses also wearing leather or metal lamellar barding. The infantry was equipped with daggers and swords to be utilised in close combat against the enemy and elephants as well as carts were used for the transportation of supplies. Cannons were constructed to serve as siege weaponry whilst hand cannons and rocket launchers were increasingly developed as gunpowder became ever so popular. Naval bases were established at Iskenderun, Trabzon and Gamrun to establish the presence of the Gurkani fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the Persian Gulf respectively, keen on controlling any piracy. The Gurkani Navy developed galleys and carracks to augment the smaller patrol fleets. Agriculture and commerce were at the Sultanate's forepoint, with wheat, rice and barley being amongst the largest produced crops. To prevent the Sultanate from ever getting hit by a major famine, the individual Amirs also engaged in the storage of food supplies, which would be utilized in case of famine or otherwise exported. Fishery was promoted as well as it helped in sustaining the fishery villages that were present along the coast, as well as the major port cities of Iskenderun, Basra, Gamrun, Kerch and Trabzon. Importance was also given on the development of proper roads for the merchants utilizing the trade routes through the Sultanate, with all caravans being armed and protected with a small detachment of guards. Meanwhile, the construction of educational madrassahs continued throughout the Empire, with the sultan keen on spreading education and knowledge amongst the populace of the Sultanate. The Sultan sought to replicate the Islamic Golden Age that existed during the period of the Abbasids prior to the Mongol Invasion, and accordingly funded the teaching of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, with Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Anatomy and Medicine being of prime importance. The Sultanate continued to expand its territories into the Caucasus. Following the establishment of the Second Compact of Iskenderun, merchants from Europe were effectively blocked from entering the Sultanate. The only exceptions for now were merchants from the Kingdom of Italy & Naples, the Kingdom of England, Scotland and Duchy of Britanny, and the United Iberian Kingdom. These being the only nations that had sent diplomats to sign the Compact and had essentially established monopoly over the supply of spices to Europe. Meanwhile, Salman Beg began to replicate his Grandfathers policy and diverted funds to the promotion of education in the Sultanate, constructing hundreds of Madrassahs to serve as centers for learning. The Maragheh and Ulugh Beg Observatories were similarly given more funds to ensure that they functioned efficiently. Meanwhile, the Caliph Al Mu'ayyad Muhammad championed the cause of knowledge and heavily stressed on Quranic injunctions and hadith such as "the ink of a scholar is more holy than the blood of a martyr". As such, he issues a fatwa decreeing that it was compulsory for one to educate himself in the knowledge of the world, and that it was haram to prohibit anyone from learning. These actions by the Sultan and the Caliph simultaneously generated a sudden interest in science and knowledge by the people with thousands of people reportedly arriving at the House of Wisdom of Isfahan, keen on gathering the worlds knowledge and translating books from various languages to Persian and Arabic. About around the same time, Salman Beg imposed multiple administrative reforms. These included establishing the former Eyalet of Kerch as the Khedivate of Krymia, with Alairac being declared as the Amir. He had been a major Gurkani loyalist, and quickly assumed the title of 'Balti' following his ascension. Other than that, the former Jalayirid territories were granted to the Sultans brother, Suleiman Shah II and became a Wilayet. Finally, Samarkand was temporarily turned into an Eyalet until the Sultan had an heir who could be fit to rule.
Khedivate of Trabzon: Amir Julius Megas Komnenos continued his reign over the city of Trabzon. Acting as a vassal to the Gurkani Sultanate, he would only be answerable to the Gurkani Sultan. The military and the navy were developed along the same lines as their Gurkani counterparts. Trabzoni authorities continue to work on the construction of a fleet at Trabzon, working side by side with Castilian authorities. The Trabzon Amir, Julius Komnenos would continue to develop the trade route leading from his Black Sea port of Trabzon, connecting it to the city of Tabriz, hoping to make the spice trade routes much more advanced and efficient. Humanism rapidly spreads throughout the Khedivate with multiple intellectuals voicing secular thought. The Amir, Julius Megas Komenos essentially supported it, hoping that the Rennaisance would beenfit the Greeks residing in the Sultanate as it would effectively increase their influence, primarily due to Salmans desperate need for more scholars.
Korean monarch, Yi Un, hearing of the rebellion in China, sends an additional two thousand auxiliaries to help the heir settle the conflict, as well as grains to aid the starving poor. He secures the Sino–Korean border through increased border patrols, to avoid the rebellion from spilling into Korea. The fleet dispatched west of the Malaya straits come back, telling that the rumours of a land rich in spices were indeed true. The sailors bring spices, including previously no known, to confirm their claim. Using the map made from their voyage, Yi Un hopes to dispatch another fleet to further explore the area and to establish proper trading relations, as well to travel further west into a land referred to as the Gurkani. With the Manchus pacified and content with the recognition of their new cultural movement, Korean rule in the northern provinces is consolidated, with more settlers pouring into the region and cultivating land (using the Manchu rice cultivar and wheat). Yi Un makes the development of military and industry the top priority; promoting gunpowder, firearms, and weaponry production. The Korean metallurgy is further augmented with the construction of blast-furnaces, with the metal used in creating ships and weapons. Korea continues its entrenched naval tradition, building bigeodo, gwaseon, and geobukseon, while scrapping older ships and the outdated gwiseon. Yi Un spearheads a new era in Korean history. Scholarly works and artistry are promoted, with several academies and universities being built and many elite partaking in education. As a result, Korea undergoes an era of unprecedented interest in literature–eased by construction of metal block presses. Many wealthy members of the yangban, including the royal family itself, patronize these arts. Buddhism continues to gain traction among the people, with buildings being upscaled with added Buddhist elements.
Kingdom of Tondo: Arnis Masid, Diyang Kalangitan's chief naval officer, is tasked to bring a group of 250 men and 10 ships to explore the known world. He will personally be the peace envoy with Japan, as the convoy shall reach the Japanese Islands first. After Japan, the envoy shall reach Korea, and then the Chinese cities of Beijing and Nanjing. Following that, visits to Vietnam, the Khmer, the Strait of Malacca, Burma, and the Indian states. Diyang Kalangitan, now married to Sugbo of Cebu, formalize their marriage in Mactan, Cebu. As Sugbo's father drowned in a fishing accident, Sugbo is widely seen as Cebu's next monarch due to his uncle being the Rajah, who is currently without wife and without child. At the same time, rumors of the Rajah's infertility circulate around the kingdoms, though no officials have confirmed nor denied. With the recent passing of the beloved monarch, Rajah Gambang, the nation mourns. Diyang Kalangitan assumes the throne, and takes no man to be her husband. Instead, she declares that on the eve of her death, the nobility of Tondo, Ma-I, and Pangasinan shall have an electorate regarding the successor of the united realms of Tondo. Kalangitan further consolidates her poweriscreetely assigning political opponents to far-flung provinces of Tondo or to Tondo's vassals of Ma-I and Pangasinan, or to colonization attempts in Palawan, Busuang and Samar. The government of Tondo can be roughly described as a Federal Monarchy, with each province ruled by a council with members proportionate to the province's population. Diyang Kalangitan invites the Huang of Pangasinan, his daughter and Ma-I's regency council, and officials from every province to draft something akin to an OTL constitution, namely, the Saligang Batas ng Tondo at Nasasakupan Nito (Constitution of the sovereign Kingdom of Tondo and all its holdings and possessions). As Maynila is one of the richest cities in South East Asia, it is now high-time to create a lasting legacy for it. A series of bridges and canals connecting the Pasig and Tagik (OTL Taguig) Rivers and all their tributaries to provide acquatic transportation, ease movement of goods, and simply build bridges above the waterways to ease the transportation of people in the Greater Tondo Province (OTL Metro Manila). To prevent problems of income inequality and unequal development, selected families in the capital are given incentives of food and gold to relocate to developing towns and cities in Cavite, Romblon and Samar. A road network has already connected Tondo Province to Cavite, and a series of roads from southeastern and southern Luzon to Pangasinan has already began construction. Tondo metallurgical capabilities increase as blast furnaces and ironforges are built all around the state. The port of Maynila is further expanded, with the navy increasing by 25 small ships and seven war junks. Trade with nearby states continue. Tondo continues expansion in Samae, Palawan and Busuanga. 2000 additional soldiers are trained. Kalangitan orders 400 ships to move to patrol the Visayas archipelago, mainly to protect the trade routes, and secretly to intimidate Cebu. Expansion into Palawan, Negros and Samar continues. Tribute is sent to Ming in the form of gold, silver and exotic fruits. Under the pretext of piracy, Diyang Kalangitan declares war on the Rajahnate of Butuan in Mindanao for disrupting Tondo's maritime trade with Cebu. 105 ships and 9000 soldiers are assembled for the invasion
Huangdom of Ma-I: With Tondo's grace, Ma-I settles the western part of Busuanga Island, and dedicates 100 citizens there. Li Han thrives as a cultural and financial capital of Ma-I, while Beigang immediately becomes the second port of Tondo, and conducts trade regularly with nearby nations.
Huangdom of Pangasinan: With Tondo's grace, Pangasinan expands into Central and Northern Luzon, attempting to assimilate the mountain and Igorot tribes located nearby to access the massive agricultural treasure in the Banaue Rice Terraces and the farmlands of Central Luzon. The administrative capital city, Pangasinan, begins construction of a road connecting it to Maynila. Blast furnace construction continues, and a small defense fleet of 15 ships is allotted by Tondo to Pangasinan. Pangasinense traders report sightings of small islands west of Luzon, and scouts are sent by Pangasinan to verify their claims. Pangasinan claims these islands west of Mainland Luzon, now named as the Gambang Islands in honor of Rajah Gambang (OTL Scarborough Shoal)
Swahili: The nation's income continues to grow, both from increased tariffs and from the Royal Trade Fleet. Our manufacturers expand and make more money. We expand southward to connect our realm. 20,000 local tribesman, foreign settlers and children born became citizens of our nation last year due to our policies of land reclamation and immigration attraction. We build up our fleet and experiment with newer naval designs. With the war in South East Asia ending, we decide to send a fleet to China to pay tribute by switching ships. The fleet, led by Crown Prince Absame, reaches our port in Kolon(Ceylon) and is refitted to a Kolon based merchant's ship.
The Ottoman Empire continues it's slow recovery from the war, as economic reforms are undertaken to ensure the revival of the economy. As investments are made into the spice trade, we also begin to improve the standards of our merchant ships, as well as naval escorts for them. As gunpowder weapons are slowly introduced, and military reforms in regard to training and discipline begin, the empire starts to see a rise in social unrest, but it isn't too serious. The tribute to Bulgaria continues, but with it having been reduced, the economy isn't too badly effected.
The Caliphate: Continues to encourage economic growth in its regions, especially in Egypt and North Africa. The highest officers of the Caliphate begin to allow more and more autonomy to the states south of the First Cataract in Africa, although still promoting Islam. A holy edict is issued banning all merchants from transpiring commerce with the Christian nation of East Africa, specifically Ethiopia. Meanwhile, in Arabia, the Caliphate continues to build infrastructure for faithful Muslims performing the Hajj to Mecca. In order to keep order and stability in an otherwise overextended state, we allow emirs to host a small army, more of a guard, near their respective capitals. The Caliphate begins to support the arts and specifically the sciences. We begin to mobilize a small number of troops to Nubia and Yemen.
Chinese Empire: The war continues on, with battle resuming in late March between the armies of Ang and the Emperor, where the better armed Imperials hold down the rebel forces and massacre them outside of Bijie, allowing the Imperial forces to mop up Angs army by the end of September, consolidating the southern region. However large parts of his territory and forces manage to join up with Shu, fearing that death is the only option and that Shu may show some mercy for their aid. The war in the north meanwhile spreads to Mongolia, with a Shu force invading the western edges. Imperial and Mongolian forces manage to fight off the rebel army, forcing them out of Mongolia and deep into Chinese rebel territory. With this the war continues, causing mass famines as the farmland in Angs former territories is gutted and ruined, meaning the Empire has to increase farming in the less damaged regions, even going so far as to attempt to increase farms in Luzon and Taiwan to compensate. Thankfully by the end of the year, most of the food is taken care of, though the Emperor and his aids are unsure of what to do if Shu does the same with his territory when he loses. Luzon and Taiwan continue to boom with Chinese citizens fleeing the fighting, increasing the rate of their expansion as they search for safe places to make their homes and hopefully farm their own food.
Mongolia: Chinese citizens continue to flee by the thousands into Mongolia, hoping for escape from the conflict due to Mongolia's general distance from most battles. This leads Mongolia to become even more so mixed in terms of culture, allowing temples and palaces to begin construction in the capital, boosting the prestige and encrougaging even more people to move there. Attempts to increase food production continue in order to aid the Empire, but due to Mongolias lack of much fertile territory, this leads only to a small amount of growth in terms of yaks and other beasts of labor being bred and slain for food.
Duchy of Thuringen: The city guard continues to defend the capital city of Erfurt. Our military grows by adding more recruits each year. We continue to trade a lot with our neighboring states. Farming goes well in our nation this year. Peace is upon our nation since Europe is currently not going through any type of wars and such. Our citizens are happy with the current situation of our nation.
Khmer Empire: Following the defeat of Majapahit, Malaya is annexed by the Sutka, bringing the population of Khmer up to around 9.4 million. During the war, violence against Gunturists had risen, but even after the war, this goes largely ignored by authorities. In addition, Sutka implements several new laws, dictating where Guntruists can practice their religion, as well as laws dictating where they may live. In order to strengthen his hold over the Empire, Sutka begins to style himself as an Emperor sent by god to rule Khmer. This helps to both justify his rule, as well the additional laws limiting the liberties of Guntruists across the Empire. All ties are officially cut with Majapahit, both economic and political. In order to beef up the navy, which currently lags significantly behind Majapahit’s. In order to increase the practical size of the navy faster, in addition to the government building ships, Sutka creates a program for civilians to build ships. Under this program, if a trader is willing to build their ships to be usable in a battle, and are willing to give them up in times of need, the government will subsidize their creation. Thus, the creation of trade ships increase, which leads to trading ships making it to Tondo, where our traders offer to trade with the locals. Meanwhile, the army also increases in size, and currently hovers around 180,000 men. The nation begins to also push guns and canons into a more central role in the Khmer military. All new ships are built with capacity to hold cannons, and most soldiers have access to firearms. Technology in general also increases across the empire. Sutka also begins to encourage cultural growth across the empire. This leads to Sculpting, music, and other forms of art to flourish, mostly around the city of U Thong. While the incentives to create art, at least at the moment, are minimal, plans to increase them begin.
Delhi Sultanate: Delhi rejoices as the Treaty of Kuala Lumpur is finally signed, ending the Great Eastern War. (OOC: Yes, it was finally signed.) Our audiences in the city of Delhi are dazzled as our first fireworks are launched for the celebrations. With the war finally coming to an end, we build up our army and navy to rebuild what was lost. Firearms and cannons play a larger role in the military. With the war ending, maritime trade resumes and grows, along with land trade. Gunterists convicted are given four options: move to Ladakh, be deported to the Chagos, convert to Islam, or be executed. Growth of the port city of Puri is encouraged.
Himalaya Kingdom: With the acquisition of West Nepal from Tibet last year, West Nepal and Kangra merge with Himalaya this year, bringing our population up to around 300,000. Cultural integration of West Nepal begins, and the Gunterist 4-option system is implemented in Himalaya. Roads are built to connect with the rest of Delhi and cities within the Kingdom. The training of the younglings in Khumjung continues, although less and less children arrive at the academy with the option of moving to Ladakh in sight for Gunterists.
Ladakh: While Tibetan culture remains prominent, the new flow of Delhavi settlers helps start up cultural integration. Gunterists begin flowing into the region since here they are free to worship their beliefs here. Gunterist villages remain heavily guarded and patrolled to pacify any resistance or potential revolts.
Astrakhan: Abukhan returns home from his conquest of the Kazkhs empire celebrated throughout the empire. Kazakhs who refuse to bow to the khan are killed and raped while those who don't are treated fairly. Integration of the Kazakh realm begins. Settlers are encouraged to enter the aral sea and the ruthenians plains for greater population growth. Abukhan begins to grow progressively more sick after returning home from the Kazakh conquest. His eldest son of his two children Möxämmätcan begins to rule as regent. Well liked among the Khans he proved his military expertise at the Battle of (Insert Kazakh capital city here) where he outmanevured and destroyed the Kazakh empire forces with very little casualties. Sarai continues to be built up and the Grand mosque gets closer to completion with it beginning to function as a place of academic debate and study. Continue settling on the Ruthenian Plains occurs. Secretly the Great Perm a state of Tatar Majority is asked to rebel against the unjust Russian rule and to join the folds of the Tatar people as they should belong Mod Response.
The elders of Great Perm agree to Astrakhan's plan, and by the end of the year thousands of Permian men take up arms against their Russian overlords. -Rexmod
Papal States: Humanism becomes very popular amongst academics and philosophers throughout the States, especially in the universities. Petrarch's early humanist masterpiece Secretum meus is re-printed and widely disseminated. The ideas in the book (that God gave people their intellect to be used to the fullest; that secular achievements do not preclude an authentic relationship with God) gain wide acceptance, and even members of the Papal Household begin to adhere to a more humanist philosophy, although keeping Scholasticism as a useful tool for theological issues. The pope writes to Sweden, accepting their entrance into the Northern Reformed Catholic Church of the Hussite Rite, sending a small team of advisors to assist with the change in Rite.
Mayapan: Trade continues with the Mexica. Expansion continues along the southern border. Integration of the southern city-states into the League is continued by the High Council. Each new state is expected to supply men to train and serve in the national army. The council seeks to improve commerce and communication between the many settlements of the Yucatan by constructing and maintaining roads between them. Work continues to renovate and update existing buildings and roads, and to create plans for future upkeep and renovations.
Kingdom of England and Scotland, Kingdom of Ireland and Duchy of Brittany: (I am playing Ireland as my vassal now since Red quit) Taxation reform in England is maintained as surveys of the ten new taxation regions in England and the Welsh regions are continued meaning their is an updated census on how much to charge to each landowner. Ireland and Brittany continue to maintain their great deal of independence only being vassals for taxes and provision of soldiers. The expansion of the navy is continued with another ten being launched. The education system has grown dramatically with now a large number of grammar schools and Oxford and Cambridge being large places of learning although many are still hesitant to attend these education facilities.
Bulgarian Empire: Tsar Vasili-Kaloyan, in response to the extreme buildup of Austrian troops in the area, mobilizes a large chunk of his forces he manages to rather easily gather nearly 35,000 men to his banner (this is consistent with just over half the forces I could gather with an absolute monarch.) Impressed by this showing and how much the Tsar is able to prove his control over the troops, the knights, and the Boyars, The Tsar makes it known that troops raised for anything other than official buisiness of the State is a clear sign of rebellion. Having already taken control over much of the force in the area, the low amounts of nobles which are against the Tsar taking direct control are quietly put down or intimidated into giving up their contention. In a bizzarre series of accidents 3 of the most prominent supporters of the limiting of the Tsars power are killed leaving the anti-absolutist faction without a leader and the Tsar dismantling it. This happens in the areas of bulgaria that were not directly controlled by the Tsar and with the high noble families under the direct control through a series of family marriages (and the Asen Families heir apparent on both accounts being the heir of the Family and Heir to the Empire), or the economic control the Tsar has over them. The Wallachians see no difference as they were ruled nearly absolutely under Vasili before the empire came into existence. This is also less founded as the Tsar has been the direct land holder of the entire area since wallachias independence. The Renaissance continues in earnest in bulgaria with many new artworks and books and ideas coming about. These swirl and propogate in Vasiligrad, and many other cities with some new ideas in science being considered and even some inventions noticed elsewhere. This shows a relative openess by some what are considered "Renaissance Generals" or Generals who have been deemed more open to adopting new tactics and technology. The Generals openly invest funds allotted to them into buying and testing with firearms including a few firearms and even a cannon into the raised military forces of the Tsar. With trade re-opened with the Ottomans a relative surplus begins to flow from this direction as well with Vasiligrad at its head turning it into arguably the the greatest trade point in Eastern Europe. The Bulgarian population has a noticeable uptick in population growth this year (.95%) adding nearly 33,000 people this year with the majority of the expansion being in the Wallachian valley as settlers establish firm family footholds in the area. This is also lightly seen in the farmlands to the south in Thrace and Macedonia.
Moldavia: Much of the same happens, the Grand Prince continues to maintain loyalty, and the farming output increases.
Otto arrives in Tarnovo and thanks the auspicious welcome he has gotten from the Emperor.
Majapahit Empire: With the loss of Khmer as an ally, and Malaya as a territory, a total of 1016 ships by the end of the century are planned, and as local gunsmiths reach numbers in the dozens - at least 80 exist currently - the availability of gunpowder weapons becomes a more realistic possibility. With this in mind, we begin to secretly instigate civil unrest in Malaya, hoping to establish an independent state there, while relations are strengthened with Tondo. Meanwhile, civil unrest is also secretly being instigated in other Gunturist communities in Khmer, in order to ensure that the Khmer government ceases to limit Gunturist rights. At the same time, Khmer prioritising development of cannons and guns begins to alarm many within the armed forces, and as such, a total of 30 ships are ordered to be refitted with cannons, while newer models are to be armed to the teeth with said cannons. While all that happens, Gustimaharaja Wuwamba Yuda hopes to make a formal alliance with Tondo. This year, Wuwamba Yuda finally marries to Sari Bulan, his new wife. Integration of the Maluku Islands continues, as does infrastructure development.
Papua: The colony expands a total of 20 px eastward, and the remaining links between the Kesuburan province and the Bird's Head Peninsula are completed. The population stands at 452,000 and from this, a formal defence force is established of 9040 troops.
In the Kingdom of Italy, King Matteo Visconti hosts the canonesses sent previously from Essen. Eager to spread news of the rebirth of ancient culture, he commissions a number of poets and writers to tell of the nation's recent developments. The Biblioteca Italiana has become a central point for all scholars wishing to study the ancients, holding thousands of original Greek, Roman, and (recently added) Arabic sources, as well as many translated copies in standard Italian. After the recent death of Donatello, Arnolfo Cuccia takes the helm as leader of the Milanese school. A true humanist, he fully embraces the Renaissance ideal and lends patronage to others who, like him, embrace the modern artistic styles. Cuccia begins to take over the completion of the Certosa di Pavia, seeing it as having the potential to unite earthly art with divine inspiration. Meanwhile, we strongly object to the Austrian war against Cilli, pointing out that it is in direct contravention of the Treaty of Trieste. Our military is mobilized in event of further tensions with our northern rival or if they refuse to leave Cilli. Meanwhile, integration of Istria, Corsica, and Liguria continue.
Austrian Dip: Apostolic King Ferdinand, upon hearing the Italian King's threat, kindly reminds him that there are no such terms preventing Austrian military Action or expansion in the revised treaty, and sends a letter back to the king telling him to keep his nose out of Austrian buisness, as Austria is not a vassal. Austria is also not pleased by the movement of Armies along the border, and takes this as a sign of renewed agression by its southern neighbour.
In the Kingdom of Naples, King Matteo prepares for war against Dukagjini, to complete his Albanian holdings. This greatly pleases the aging Stefan Thopia of Croia, who was promised the title of Duke of Albania once the realm is united. Before we invade however, we offer them to become a Neapolitan vassal and spare the bloodshed. (MOD RESPONSE). Meanwhile, consolidation of control over Sicily, Sardinia, and Malta continues. The settling of Berat, Epirus, and the Morea with Neapolitan and Italian nationals also continues, with some reaching high minority status. The language of Italian is promoted throughout the realm. Meanwhile, access to Iskanderun (which was recently restricted) brings in massive wealth throughout the realm. Finally, in conjunction with the Abbasids, we introduce the Compact of Valletta, requiring all passage past the Sicilian Channel to be at the approval of the King.
Dukagjini declines!
Iroquois Nation: We continue to trade with our friends in the north. The fort on OTL Anticosti now has a formidable wall surrounding five of six sides, the fifth side is open to the water so barges can dock in safety. Boat builders in Powhatan, as well as in Catcadoga, continue to research new ways to sail. More settlements are discovered in the deep south and we begin sending traders to them with shamans versed in regional languages, primarily Algonkian and Gulf. Agriculture expands as well, with new breeds of squash appearing that are heartier. Chief Apenimon reaches out to the Potowatomi tribe of OTL Michigan to ask the chief if he will permit his daughter to marry him. This marriage would bring peace and unity to a once warring peoples (mod response).
Bahmanids: Great celebrations are held at the final end of the Great Eastern War, but Ismail warns that complacency is dangerous. Shipbuilding continues unabated. Ismail Shah officially thanks the Hindus for turning away from the subversive heresies of Gunturism, and appoints a Hindu as the top governmental advisor. Ismail wonders about other ways to give the Hindus more of a say, but decides only to write these down for now.
Kingdom of Burma: Binnya Dala finally rests easy. This war, unlike the last, has not devastated Mon lands. He is quick to point out how well the Bahmanids protected Burma from Majapahit depredations. As per orders from Ismail, shipbuilding continues. Nonetheless, Binnya Dala now worries about the allowance of Gunturists within his territory, especially with strict directives from Gulbarga not to provoke them. Binnya Dala sponsors many Bhuddist missionaries to go all over the country and even into Tuangoo, in order to strengthen the faith against Gunturism.
Ngarrindjeri: The temple of Tjilbruke continues to be constructed. All able-bodied men of the tribe works together to carefully cun the stones and haul them into place. As it nears completion, the inside walls are etched with the sacred symbols of Lord Ngintaka, completing the law code from all of Tjilbruke's visions. Various tools and weapons begum being lined with smelted metel, still very crude and unrefined, and mostly restricted to hammers, chisels, and drills. The art of metelergy continues to spread across southern Australia. Anjea, the wife of Kuluwuti, bares forth a son this year, who is loved all the more by his father and grandfather.
Austria: Finishes mopping up any resistance in Cilli, fully begining to incorporate the territory into the Duchy of Carinthia and Carniola. The Treaty of Celje is signed finalizing the acquisition, making the Count of Celje a minor administrator in the Austrian territories, subject to all laws, including the ones on limited military power. After finishing up the conquests in Raska, leaves the rest of the forces in the good hands of the Despot of Serbia to finish his road to the sea by conquering Zeta. When Ferdinand returns, he makes grand speeches of his victory, and continues to centralize his power. Recruitment for the Royal Guard continues posthaste, aswell as their training and acquisition of arms and armour with standard conditions, including large numbers of cannons and bombards for the Tormenta. Internally, the Austrian state continues to become more standard. When hearing of the Italian Demands to leave Cilli, Ferdinand laughs and makes a great speech of how this is a grave insult to his person, to the Apostolic King, arguing that as the sovereign of Austria, he has a responsibility to the welfare of his people, and answers only to his people, His Highness the Holy Roman Emperor and God, not some foreign king. He ends the speech and letter with "In both Austria and Hungary and Bavaria, We are the State", for the first time using the Royal We in official parlance, signifying his complete control over the territories. He ends the year by continuing to invest into the university of Vienna, the center for the renaissance in Austria, and encourages inventors to flock to Austria, promising rich rewards for anyone who can show anything truly amazing. The troops previously stationed in Cilli are redeployed along the Italian border to search for possible spies and fortify all border towns. The mountains stand in the way, but fortifications might still be the line between life and death of the Austrian Army.
Hungarian: Troops end the year by overrunning the Raskan forces one by one, capturing their capital, and forcing their leader to sign the Treaty of Pristina, incorporating the territory into Serbia. The Armies continue to advance, however, this time into Zeta as the wars of Serbian Reconquest continue. Meanwhile, back in Hungary, further centralizations of power continue. It has become quite clear that the twenty counts of the nation are merely rubber stamps for the central high ruling council, or the Apostolic King Himself. Recruitment efforts for the Apostolic Hungarian Guard continue to become more and more effective, as officers are trained and seargents train their troops in more efficient manners as experience and other things increase. taxes are increased and roads are built. The council begins to encourage further investment into renaissance ideas by selling printing press lisences to anyone who will buy, as an attempt to get book copying on a roll.
Serbian: Despot Stepan is very glad to be left command of the Army, and uses this opportunity to agrandize Serbia even further by reconquering Zeta, an old territory. They assault (city in Zeta) later the year, hoping to open up a road to the sea to cut off the Zetans from trade
The Arcbhishop of Salzburg blesses all wars by Apostolic King Ferdinand.
Cologne: Archbishop Emmerich holds the next Dietrich Council in Cologne, inviting any and all Catholics, and especially those of the Reformed Northern Catholic Church of the Hussite Rite in Sweden and Brandenburg, to speak at the conference that has become a cornerstone of the religious peace in the Holy Roman Empire. Meanwhile, morale in the country increases and Emmerich encourages the Knights to take peasant militia under their wing to improve their technical skills. By the end of the year, many peasants are more equipped to defend their country. Trade continues to prosper and revenue from the printing press is steady.
Essen: Canonesses in Italy thank King Matteo wholeheartedly for his generous gift of this knowledge, and continue to study there to improve their knowledge. Abbess Sophia sends Italy a letter to show her gratitude. Meanwhile at home, she emphasises prevention and health risks to the people, in the manner of Cologne last year, and spends a significant portion of this year’s income on improving quality of care in the Infirmary. The University of Essen begins to place students in the Infirmary to gain additional experience and increase the overall quality of its education.
United Crown of Great Iberia
Aragon is outraged by Italy's imposition of the so-called Compact of Valletta, which means that unless we renounce our rightful claims to the lands so treacherously stolen by the Italians in 1463, our merchants and military forces in the east Mediterranean will be cut off from Iberia, as will be the Duchy of Athens. As a result of the barrage of troubles facing the Crown during her reign, Queen Eleanor I has earned the sympathetic appellation "The Troubled". We begin searching for alternative land routes to bypass the Sicilian Channel, and begin making contact with the German states of the Holy Roman Empire in an attempt to in the future secure passage for Iberians through German lands. In particular, we ask to establish amicable working relations with the governments of Austria, Baden, Wurttemberg, Switzerland and the other states of the Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavarian Imperial circles. (MOD RESPONSES PLEASE) In the meantime, we ask that the Government of the Gurkani Sultanate help to ensure the welfare of our merchants trapped in the east by Italy. In other news, we continue to bolster our military strength in preparation for a possible future conflict with Italy; we encourage Castile and the other member states of the United Crown to do the same. Queen Eleanor I announces the birth of a pair of twins, Princes Alfonso and Henry of Great Iberia. The new boys are at their births third and fourth in line to the Iberian throne respectively. The Compact of Valletta furthermore gives our government encouragement to search for alternative routes to Asia, as without such commerce we are at risk of losing much of our revenue.
