Konig des Menschen VI (Archive 7)

This is the seventh archive for Konig des Menschen Chapter VI
==Turns==
===Turn XXXI: 1550 - 1555===
====Mod Event====
*A Dream Unachieved: Tulaani had a bad dream last night. It kept repeating to her, every other night. She couldn't get a good nights sleep lately, and with her age, it was too important. The dream where she crawl through the ground, and the new so-called monarch of Keisaria putting an end to her life kept her up at night. Were these visions that even the great Buli had before? Tulaani would wonder. She wondered what it would be like, to see your fate, but now that she experienced it, she did not like it. Even if Tulaani believed in order, and thus a set of rules to follow, she did not agree with what the vision is showing her. The same pattern in the dream keeps revealing the same banner being waved towards the left of the battlefield, the exact same spot... wait... is that the banner? Suddenly the sounds of cannons fired, and parts of the wall fell. She felt her stomach drop in fear, but that should not stop her. She would make her own choice to try to change it, to change fate itself. Instead of ordering her men to try to take up positions to defend, she instead ordered her men near the wall to hide and wait. As the enemy strolled through the hole in the wall and start to spread out, Tulaani ordered her men to fire. It was a massacre, but it got the job done. Most of the force, she could guess, of 5,000 were wiped out. She could finally rest, and the vision has went away... well not until she heard of a contingency force making a move for Astana. The capture of Astana would ensure her armies may become surrounded and trapped. In alarm, Tulaani ordered an immediate break out and to head straight for Astana. Her forces eventually happen across the camp to the siege. Thank the Great Khans that she was not too late, even though it has been weeks. Without a moment longer, Tulaani made her move. Her forces, along with her, rushed through the enemy camp. As the Khatun (or Empress) moved about the camp, she felt a familiar and dark presence. It was him.
*She looked around, riding through the battle with her horse, dodging arrows, bullets whizzing by her, and any attempts to slash was met by her own in retaliation. It was then she finally found him... she felt... an overwhelming sense of dread and she found... HIM. It was the one in her dreams that may have threatened her existence. She needed to act now. She charged against him, only to be shot off her horse. Tulaani was not surprised. In a fit of rage and desperation, she charged at Andrus, this young despot she wants to call him (formality still stuck with her). The duel was intense. She made for him, he dodges. He attempts to do the same, she knocks him out of the way. She is getting frustrated, to the point of becoming sloppy. Heard a sound behind her, turned to her left, found a bullet in her side. She staggered and turned to see a young soldier attempting to take her down for himself. She went after him, only to be stabbed in her leg and she crumbled to the ground. Disabled. Was she too stupid to lead at the front, risking her Empire to be as every bit of Buli? It was a bad habit she never broke, and she paid the price for it. As she sits there on her knees, the young despot made an inquiry. That is where her resolve finally broke. She confessed with this young despot, desperate to let her dream and her life's story be known. How she grew up, how she learned of a hero she wanted to become, how she actually making progress in the name of this said hero, how her dream of the region achieving peace and order to be achieved. His head merely tilts in confusion. Of course he cannot understand, but Tulaani finally was able to get everything off her chest. With a sad gesture to her chest is where the young one finally understood. With a sharp pain, she felt tears well in her eyes. The pain she felt the most was not physical. Tulaani muttered the names of people she wants to apologize to, before darkness overtook her vision.
*The Keisarian forces would go on to defeat the rest of the Daevite forces in Kazakh. The new Khatun (or Empress as the Keisarians called it) of the Third Daevites, Bulilun, sued for peace. Allowing the Keisarians to take most of Kazakh (save for Astana). Tulaani's dream of peace and order in the region was a long road to be achieved, but she nearly came close; the Daevites won't fall with her.
*Amber Bear (Part 3): With thousands of troops behind him, Andrus knew that this was his pivotal moment to stop the Daevites once and for all. He can't help but feel a sense of deja vu, but it's likely nothing. In 1550, his scouts reported that defenders of the city of Turgai has dug in and prepared itself for a siege, led by Tulaani. The force is just enough to be able to stop his own forces. He promptly moved his forces in to siege the city. The city of Turgai was bombarded with the fire of artillery. The siege has been going quite well... for the most part. Men were running out of food and supplies, among other things. Aleksander, the supposed leader of the military forces sieging the city has discussed with Andrus about any new strategy. He then advised about his idea to Andrus, and would like him to make the call. The young man was way over in his head, and Aleksander would like to teach him a lesson or two. Andrus ordered an immediate assault on the front and back of the city, exploiting a small opening in the wall to help this. As his forces reached the wall, they were stunned to find no one really guarding that part. As they entered the city however, they realize too late that it was a trap. The trap resulted in the massacre of 5,000 troops in the assault (roughly 2% of Keisaria's military force). When Andrus heard news of this, he was devastated. In his mind, he had ordered thousands to their deaths. While he was considering all this, and whether he's really cut out to lead, Aleksander came by and asked him what is wrong. Andrus told Aleksander he has had doubts about the leadership position. Upon being inquired, he told Aleksander that he does not know what to do. Everything that has led up to this moment in his life is starting to fail him. Aleksander contemplated this for a moment, letting the pieces fall into place, before smiling and saying he has a plan.
*Finally having convinced Andrus to be under his complete thumb rather than just taking everything as a suggestion, Aleksander told Andrus to take a small contingent of forces eastwards, towards Astana (the capital of Kazakhs), they would be off the battlefield and some of the attention is driven elsewhere. Maybe Aleksander could end the war himself. Andrus would be allowed to have his victory, sure, but he would only become more trusted as Aleksander works in the shadows. Andrus was certain his small contingent of roughly 8,000 to 10,000 did not go unnoticed in the Daevite Empire. Especially because they met some local resistance and smaller armies controlled by lesser generals. Meanwhile, Aleksander would've had Tulaani eventually. At least, if she didn't basically set up a breakout force of 10,000 to ride out eastward. Andrus eventually got to Astana and settle his forces down around the city and begun its siege. It was a pleasant few weeks of progress, but eventually it turned out that he was right when his forces would not go unnoticed. He woke to one day find his camp being ravaged by Daevite forces led by Tulaani, their expertise on horseback made them very hard to catch. Andrus ran around and attempted to take ahold of the situation. It worked somewhat, he managed to organize most of his forces to fight back properly, somewhat beating back the Daevites. Suddenly, Andrus felt something... a vibration behind him!? He quickly dodged out of the way in the nick of time to see Tulaani charging her horse straight past him. A few seconds late and he would've been staked. He quickly ordered his men to fire at the intruder, and she obliged, missing Tulaani yet not the horse. Tulaani was sent spiraling off her horse and onto the ground. She got up and charged against Andrus in such blind rage, that even Andrus was surprised at her very different personality. He expected something else from her, as the Daevite prisoners claimed.
*Tulaani attempted to keep hitting Andrus with such ferocity that even his troops hesitate to defend him in fear of being stabbed. They cannot fire either, for fear of hitting Andrus. Damn. Looks like he is on his own now. The Empress of the Third Daevites made an attempt at his chest, Andrus dodged and attempted to grab the spear only to be nearly yanked towards the ground. He dodged out of the way as she made an attempt towards the ground. This pattern repeats. It wasn't until someone brave enough from Andrus' lines step forward and attempted to save him that Andrus have finally gotten the upper hand. He didn't care about fighting dirty, he just wants to survive. While Tulaani is distracted, Andrus dived towards her feet just as she can realize her slip-up. She attempted to dodge, only to have Andrus' sword stab her leg. The Empress cried out in pain, and falls to the ground. She was probably slashed and stabbed before, judging by her scars, but it doesn't mean that the hole in her leg makes it any better. As Andrus slowly steps forward, ready to end it. Tulaani slowly got up on her knees, coughing out blood. Andrus took a moment to ask her why she went so far in all this, so much bloodshed for what idea? She attempted to explain, but her words are too foreign for Andrus. But a gesture to her chest was enough. Andrus watches as the tears fall from her eyes, and she mutters some apologies before life left her. It was not long until the Daevite forces took notice and panicked. As the Daevite forces starts to retreat. Andrus noticed a voice spoke behind him, as he turned. He sees a man that introduced himself as Batu, and asked if he could take away Tulaani. Andrus doesn't speak a lick of language that Batu is speaking, but he understood the finger pointing to the body. Andrus grips his sword, he could kill Batu right now and claim the glory of showing Tulaani's body. But... he nods to Batu, agreeing for Tulaani to be taken back.
*Protestant Reformation within the Holy Roman Empire: Despite Westria's efforts to curb and expel Protestants from the Lowlands, believers ever convert to the faith in greater numbers, rendering their attempts less and less effective. During this time period, an influx of Zwollenaar Hollander and Flemish followers are recorded, with the latter two as somewhat of a by-product of Westria's prosecution of the population of the Lowlands. Meanwhile, due to being left unchecked by the Holy Roman Emperor, Protestantism denominations, particularly Lutheranism and Calvinism, blossomed in the Holy Roman Empire, even encroaching territories held by the Emperor, and occasional crypto-Protestant churches would be found along Westria proper, worshipping the so-called "heretic" faith, away from the scrutiny of the government. Boiheim, whose breakaway from the Church has been curbed a century prior, has slowly starting to return to the teachings of Jan Hus, while several small communities along the Baltic coast have adopted Odinism as a result of extensive trading relationships with Vestkyst and Svearike.
*New Discoveries: In 1553, Hugh Willoughby seeks a Northeast Passage over Russia; reaches either Kolguyev Island or Novaya Zemlya.
*A People Disunited (Finale): The Realm of Vinland had finally been reforged and reunited. The rebellious earls and kings bowing down and the unjust king in Urlöndun dead, Vinland is one once more. Tamhas, now an old man, pleased with his accomplishments focuses on local matters and tightening the bonds between the dozens of peoples within the Thanedom. Christianity, catholic and various forms of protestantism begin to spread within the borders surprisingly peacefully, with churches being built in major towns. Trade begins to bloom, as ships cross the Atlantic to trade with the Albionese and other Europeans. The city of Tradailcaladh is finally united by land. Small Amaiqac chieftains receive more power and rivalries begin amongst the chiefdoms within Vinland and outside of it. This is the beginning of a Golden Age.
*Lion Demon of the Punjab: In the cities of north India, rumors spread of a man with a rather colorful origin. Born to a son of the Qarshids and a duaghter of the Daevites, prince to the ancient Azarkhate of Sinkhara, the man named Aslan rises to the throne of Udaipur, seeking to reclaim the glory that was promised to him by fate itself. Amidst the collapse of the Delhi Azarkhate, he seeks to unify the Indian subcontinent under a new pious kingdom that spread the faith of Arzham to all corners of its borders. Declaring himself the Azarkh of Hindustan, he mobilises the forces of Udaipur to launch a lengthy campaign of conquest and glory. Dehli, Jaipur and Agra fall to the Hindustani sieges rather quickly, as many citizens have already redirected their loyalties toward the charismatic Aslan. Entire divisions of the Delhi Azarkhate outright swear fealty to Aslan as he approaches them, but it is his ferocity on the battlefield that earns him the nickname, the "Lion Demon of the Punjab".
*Turquoise Kamui Exploration Corps (IV): Sugimoto and Asirpa have spent the last few years charting and exploring the coast of West Arcadia, as it would later be known. After a brief stop in Ohlone, they manage to find passage and a guide to take them to the so-called Turquoise Kingdoms to the east. Eventually, they would arrive in Indetah, where they found turquoise in the street markets and on the necks of the citizens. Brokering many a deal, the Turquoise Kamui Exploration Corps would eventually serve a major role in the revitalisation of the turquoise trade, pushing for the establishment of a permanent trade route towards Ohlone and the rest of the world.
*Council of Trent: By order of Pope Julius III, the council reconvenes in 1551.
*Nostradamus: The first almanac of the reputed French astronomer, seer and physician was written in 1550
====NPC Event====
*Rea: The viceroyalty conquers Zenu and Tayrona
*Taxacola: The first university within the viceroyalty is established
*China superrregion: In the Henan region in 1551, a severe frost in the spring destroys food crops, coupled with torrential rainfall in the summer causing massive flooding, and in the fall a tornado swept through and destroys much of the buckwheat, plunging the region into mass starvation, following similar disasters in previous years.
*Vera Cruz: The city of São Paolo is founded
*Catonzia: They integrate Caddo into the Viceroyalty of Catonzia.
*Hispania: With how the Valcan West Expedition Alliance bafflingly refuses to utilise the free source of labour that is the Native American population to work in sugar plantations and failing to adopt the encomienda system that has been used by other viceroyalties to great success, the colony failed to generate profits as sugar plants fail and treasures from the Aztecs dried up, and with how prosperous other colonies' sugar trade are, there is immense pressure on the VWEA on the Crown and its shareholders and investors, who have bought into the company's apparent successes in trade - in fact brought in from their bringing Aztec artifacts and whatever little resource they can - to immediately spin things around. The Hispanian court orders a replacement council in place of the existing one - which will be sent back to Hispania proper - deeming them 'unsatisfactory' in their jobs, and demand the Company turn Nueva Valcania into a profitable venture like other viceroyalties, else face eviction.
*Safaretids: They rush to the defense of the west. Some groups see the Atoumans as liberators, but only a few people would act upon this as the Safaretids were not in a state of decline at the minute.
==== Mutapa ====
* Government: Monarchy.
** Mwene: Neshangwe Munembire
* Economy: The Economy of Mutapa is pretty good as it is mainly an agrarian nation, with mining as a secondary activity, from mines we get gold and stuff that we can trade for stuff like silk, ceramics and other exotic items. Trade is also a part of our economy as we trade with many of the nations/tribes around us.
* Capital: Ne-we 
* Demographics:
** Population: 735 000
** Cities:
*** Ne-We: 4 593
** Rural areas: 730 407
** Ethnicites: 80% Shona, 20% Karanga
** Religion: 100% Mwari believers.
* Wars and Conflicts: (italics: Potential War)
** War against nsokoni: The 5 058 soldiers will continue towards the western border of Nsokoni.
* Military of Mutapa: As Mutapa is a rural nation, we can have an active miltary size of 2% (11 240 14 700) and reserves size of 1% (5 620 7 350) of our total population.
** Active: 2%
*** 6 233 African Spearmen
*** 5 233 bowmen
*** 3 234 Light Cavalry 
** Reserves: not active 1%
*** 3 122 African Spearmen
*** 2 570 bowmen
*** 1 658 Light Cavalry
* Navy:
** Fishing boats: 420
* Diplomacy:
* Events: 
** Agriculture: With the war going on we start focusing a bit more on increasing our agriculture and food supplies.
** Integration of the Kiwa people: Same as we did with the Shakiran's, we teach the Kiwa's all about how we do everything in Mutapa.
** The northern Zulu tribes: The northern Zulu tribes are invited to join Mutapa.
==== Kingdom of Galatoi ====
* Government: Monarchy.
* King: Isarnus Aendarus (1552-nowadays). Isarnus, which means "Iron" in Galatoin, is the only son of Magnurius. Since childroon, Isarnus was interested in war and fights and he later studied military science in Mauretania. Isarnus is well-respected in military and among artists.
* Magnurius Aendarus (1531-1552). Magnurius was the only relative to the former king of Galatoi, who passed away in 1530. He was coronated in the times of peace, and peace he promised, and peace he brought. Since then, the new dynasty shall reign: the Aendarus family. 
* Economy: Agrarian economy with heavy focus on trade. Slave trade plays a key role in the economy of Galatoi, expecially Advorix and other major cities. Gold trade is important, too.
** Capital: Advorix
* Demographics: The population of Galatoi is approximately two and a half million people, most of them (95%) live in rural areas. The map shows ethnicities and religions of Galatoi: Grey - almost no people live there except for a few minor settlements. blue - Galatoins (a million people), turquoise - ethnic minoroties but their religion is Ateuritism (Galatoin religion), light green - ethnic minorities who worship Ares or other deities. The regions are reffered as "Blue Galatoi", "Turquoise Galatoi", and "Green Galatoi" respetively.
* Wars and Conflicts: none
* Military: 20000 troops, big share of them are slaves. Cavalry is also present but in small numbers.
* Events:
** Homoeroticism: In recent years, homoeroticism is becoming noticeable in Galatoin mythology and art. The male deities of Ateuritism are paired in stories. In different regions, there are different pairs, which causes tensions between worshippers from different regions of Galatoi. The biggest conflict is between LeuTius followers (Leuceni, God of Instinct and Apathy + Atregtius, God of Justice and Righteousness) and LeuVirus followers (Leuceni, God of Instinct and Apathy + Sacravirus, God of Senseless Destruction). Artists, writers and poets use characters in their works of art to express a variety of feelings and situations. However, priests and religious leaders in general call it heretic and barbaric.
** Inquisition: The inquisition that lasted during the last 2 decades turned out successful, and people in Green areas begin converting to Ateuritism.
** Death of Magnurius: Magnurius died in 1552 from heart attack. His reign will be remembered as times of peace, prosperity, and unity in Galatoi. A few days later, Isarnus came to throne. Soldiers cheered, while religious figures were suspicious of him as their authority in the society could be challenged.Military academy of Advorix: Isarnus opened the very first professional military academy in Advorix, similar to the one in Mauretania where he studied military science. In addition, spending on military has increased a lot since Isarus came to throne.
** Feudalism: There is a complex feudal system in Galatoi. Much lands in Blue Galatoi have been gradually absorbed by the Church of Advorix since it was created centuries ago. After the war with Ares cultists broke off and Galatoi was defeated, religious figures used current political climate to become the dominant force in the society. After the most recent war, king Magnurius appointed lords he trusted in Turquoise and Green areas. By the time Isarius came to throne, these local lords have already established themselves there and feudal relations emerged.
====Dragon's Fire====
*Leadership Structure: There is a leadership structure within Dragon's Fire. They do have the authority and reserve rights to revoke membership. The Grand Dragon, created as a title to go with the de facto leader and obviously coming out from a tavern, has most of the power and the final say in its current leadership structure. There are senior chiefs, but they are small in number and are often appointed by the Grand Dragon or the Representative manually. The group's purpose is not exactly clear, having changed a lot over the past 20 years as of 1540. It is perhaps why historians seem to be intrigued but also forget about its existence. The Operator is known to carry out financial operations of the organisation and handles most of the assets of the organisation.
**Grand Dragon:
***Mechiel Tangelder (b. 1480 - d. [1549], office 1502 - 1542)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502, office since 1542)
**Head of the Tangelder Company:
***Mechiel Tangelder (b. 1480 - d. [1549], office 1515 - 1542)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502, office 1542 - 1551)
***Joris Polder (b. 1520, office since 1551)
**Representative of the Grand Dragon:
***Hubert Bodde (b. 1473 - d. 1536, office c. early 1510s - 1536)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502, office 1536 - 1546) - abolished
**Operator (Financier): Gert Rutters (b. 1499, office since 1530)
**Senior Chiefs: Nine figures
*Membership: 1000 members, all of them are concentrated in Westrian Netherlands and based around Den Haag and the surrounding towns within a close range of no more than 30 kilometres. Most of the membership comes from secret meetings and invitations by word of select messengers. Slavokans (or Jews, the sentiment of antisemitism in Europe is still prevalent so its expected) are not accepted however. Women are technically allowed into the organisation but they are smaller in numbers compared to men.
**The Tangelder Company: It is a front company that owns much of the assets that the New World expedition led by the late Grand Dragon holds, along with many of the weapons and ships of the organisation. It is secretly and mainly operated by Dragon's Fire for the purpose of not making the organisation dubious and stashing a lot of gold with intention of revolting, although some of its members are known to have supported other underground groups indirectly since its distancing from its original purpose in the early 16th century.
***320 men
***6 transport ships
***2 caravels
*Diplomacy: N/A
*Operations: N/A
*Events: (The lower caps events are hurting me)
**Pursuit for New Goals: This period saw the front mercenary company (though it is no longer in its name anymore) Tangelder Company transferring hands to another member of Dragon's Fire and soldier within such mercenary organisation. Few more ships are being bought, while the wealth of the company continues to steadily decline, as the wealth that was shared and taken from the New World diminishes. The goals of moving away from Westrian Netherlands in the next few years is still in effect.
==== Archduchy of Westria ====
* Head of the State: 
** Emperor Friedrich VIII Hohenstaufen (B 1st March 1514 - still alive), (R 12th May 1528 - present)
*** Head of the Government:
**** Archchancellor Hermann von Stroof (B 1488 - still alive), (R 12th January 1541 -present)
***** Government: Absolute Feudal Monarchy ruled by an
Archduke. Though a lot of powers are also vested in to a council. The 
title is By the Grace of God Archduke of Westria, Last of the Romans, 
Duke of Burgundy, Guleders, Brabant, Flanders and Luxembourg. Our ruling
 dynasty is Hohenstaufen. We are also the Emperor of the HRE since 1351.
*** Consort:
**** Empress Eldegard Pendragon (B 1517 - still alive), (R 1537 - present)
*** Heir to the throne:
**** Crown Prince Leon Hohenstaufen (B 1539 - still alive), (R 1539 - present)
*** Religious Head: 
**** Archbishop Gerhard von Dress (B 1478 - still alive), (R 1541 - present)
*** Governor of Westrian Netherlands
**** Governor Hans Hartwig (B 1475 - 1554), (12th May 1528 - 12th March 1554)
**** Governor Willem Alexander van Frisien (B 1498 - still alive), (12th March 1554 - present)
*** Demographics:
**** Population:
**** Wien: Population: 21,260
**** Amsterdam: Population: 8,600
**** Konr: Population: 9,520
**** Rich: Population: 11,360
**** Polanum: Population: 12,860
**** Bozn: Population: 14,290
**** Trieste: 13,140
**** Antwerp: Population: 6,350
**** Liege: Population: 6,300
**** Luxembourg: Population: 4,340
**** Brussels: Population: 7,100
**** Rural and smaller towns population: 2,285,930
**** Total population: 2,402,040
**** Religion: catholic christians (92%), Protestants(8%)(many more secret protestants)
**** Ethnicities: 60% Westrian, 2% Venetian, 23% Flemish 10% Wallon and "Luxembourger" 5%
** Economy: We are based on agriculture and trade through the danube river and with most of the HRE. We use our own coins which resembles a lot those of the old Roman empire. We have also started with trade from the sea through our port Trieste and Westrian Netherlands.
** Allies:
** Venice
** Albion
** Escosia
* Wars and conflicts: 
** Chief Commander: Jonas von Hochtenburg (B 1498 - still alive), (R 1537 - present)
** Army: Total of
** Pikemen: 10,400
** Swordmen: 220
** Bowmen: 2,110
** Cavalry: 6,330
** Crossbowmen: 2,140
** Arquebusier: 10,600
** Navy: Total of
** Cocha: 60
** Cog: 50
** Hoy: 36
** Mediterranean brigantines: 20
** Carrack: 18
** Heavy weaponry
** Cannons: 2,000
*** Events:
**** No One Expects the Return of the Westrian Inqusition: The persecution of non catholics continues in our lands. At the same time we try and co-operate with other still catholic nations to try and defeat the ever growing protestantism. The heavy persecution seems to have given fruit but only on the surface as the secret protestants are hidden and their numbers unknown but larger than known protestants at least.  
**** Where do they all come from?: We try our best to co-operate with the princes still loyal to the catholic church to eradicate the protestant plague but they seem impossible to stop they keep on growing and keep on increasing in numbers. Wherever we go there is just more of them. They breed like rabbits and spread like a plague. What can you do against these things? Yes one thing, continue to persecute them!  
**** Our mainland has the plague!!: Our mainland has the protestant plague not in small numbers as before in greater numbers. The protestants spread their wings on it as we start to send out the Westrian Inqusition to suppress them and aswell many soldiers to stamp down unwanted protestant unrest.  
**** Expelling protestants: Expelling protestant population seem to be ineffcient there is not positive outcome except that they start spreading their faith elsewhere.  
**** Cleansing of Amsterdam: The cleansing continues though it is seemingly pointless at this point.  
**** Cleanising of Brussels: The only place that was cleansed succesfully because all of them fled to Amsterdam "except the fact there is probably a bunch hiding aswell"  
**** Westrian Netherlands: Rebellions, unrest, religious tension what life is wonderful in Westrian Netherlands. Hans Hartwig died in 1554 and was succeded by the flemish Willem Alexander van Frisien.  
**** The problematic prince: Prince Hans "the heretic" Hohenstaufen continues his writings like nothing ever happened. He is still just a big problem since he seems not to be able to die and live a long life instead. Every letter he writes needs to be checked since we don't want any of his words out in the open. He also saves everything he writes in a large chest like that one would even get out of the castle. After his death we shall throw it where no one can find it. His dangerous writing can make the protestant people believe that they have someone on their so called side.  
* Diplomacy:
==== Nihonese Federation ====
* Government: Federation of Feudal entities, nominally a Republic
** Empress: Uchiha no San-nin (Takagi Anzu)
** Prime Minister: Kanzaki Noriko
** Shogun: Takeda Shizuka
** Congress: A representative body of every single Daimyo, autonomous territory and more, with election methods differing heavily. All headquartered at Osaka Castle, with its two main chambers used for the houses.
*** House of Peers: Nobles and samurai ascended to give them input on the laws of the land. As peers, they have the authority to present laws so long as it is practiced between peers of two different daimyo.
**** No. of Seats: 112, distributed by family, not daimyo
**** Clans (By Representation):
***** Kanzaki with 28 seats
***** Tachibana with 16 seats
***** Satsuma with 10 seats
***** Shiba* with 10 seats
***** Matsudaira with 8 seats
***** Mogami* with 6 seats
***** Tanabe with 6 seats
***** Oda* with 4 seats
***** Ryuzoji with 4 seats
***** Takeda with 4 seats
***** Otomo with 2 seats
***** Nagao with 2 seats
***** Ashina with 2 seats
***** Odawara with 2 seats
***** Nanbu with 2 seats
***** Midoriya with 2 seats
***** Uzumaki with 2 seats
***** Uesugi* with 2 seats
**** Autonomous Territories' Representation: Both Izumo-Matsue and Chiba are allowed to participate as 'outside forces' where they can present legislation with at least two other representatives.
*** House of Representatives: Everyone else. Divided into the merchant quarter, the peasant half and the valued quarter (artisans and religious figures). As Representatives, they have the power to force the House of Peers to a Kaiketsu no Hakken, 'Solution Discovery', where the House of Peers must present legislation satisfactory to at least a majority of the peasant half and either the merchant or valued quarters. Elected via councils, committees or popular votes.
**** No. of Seats: 224
***** Peasant Half: 112
****** Elected by popular vote per familial region.
***** Merchant Quarter: 56
****** Elected by committee. Represents the interests of the companies, majority Kamakura Company, NSC, Kokumotsu ryūtsū kaisha (Grain Distribution Company).
***** Valued Quarter: 56
**** Autonomous Territories' Representation: No representation, voting disallowed.
*** Legislative Process:
**** Introducting a Bill/Law: A bill can only be introduced by the House of Peers, but the House of Representatives can compel the House of Peers to introduce a bill satisfactory to them. The below scenarios introduce the process:
***** Introduction purely by the House of Peers: Should a bill be introduced by two Peers of different daimyo, it must first pass a two-thirds majority in the House of Peers before being given to the House of Representatives, where it must achieve a two-thirds majority with the Peasant Half and a majority with the Merchant and Valued quarters for it to pass to the Prime Minister, who must sign it for it to be passed.
***** Compellation by the House of Representatives: A majority of the representatives must first issue a Solution Discovery which includes a general overview of the grievances that are to be addressed in the bill. Then, the House of Peers must search for a law that not only passes its two-thirds majority but is judged by a committee from the House of Representatives to be 'appropriate and sufficient' for the fulfilling of the Solution Discovery. There it must finally achieve a majority with the Peasant Half, and a majority in at least one of the quarters, to be passed to the Prime Minister.
**** Meetings: Meetings are to be convened every year on the most suitable days of Autumn with at least a 75% turnout rate.
** Clans and Alliances:
*** Oda
**** Main family: Oda (minor branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: N-A
*** Takeda
**** Main family: Takeda (main branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: Matsudaira
*** Tachibana
**** Main family: Tachibana (main branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: Fujiwara
*** Mogami
**** Main family: Mogami (main branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: Odawara, Niigata
*** Kanzaki
**** Main family: Kanzaki (side branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: Mori, Miyoshi, Chosokame, Shin-Yamato
*** Satsuma
**** Main family: Ryukyu (main branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: Ryukyu, Taira, Honkobu-Taira
*** Western Alliance
**** Shiba, Uesugi, Azai, Ashina
*** Tohoku Communion:
**** Nagao, Ashina, Nanbu
** Rule of Law: Nihon practices a proto-law system known as the Taiyo no Hosoku, the Sun's Law, which strictly places an emphasis on political families and the ownership of land. The Hosoku is unique in that it makes the transferral of land owned by a family illegal, rather making the only way to gain land to be political marriage. It explicitly prohibits any form of ritual combat, any form of honour combat, and most of all, war against other daimyo. On top of that, it issues a guarantee of human rights, including the 'right to education', the 'right to food', and the 'right to living space'.
* Allies: Ezo, by personal union with Fujiwara; Joseon, defensive military alliance
* Capital: Kyoto
* Demographics:
** Population: 12,340,000
** Ethnicities: Yamatai (79%), Chinese-origin (4%), Joseonese (8%), Syonanese (6%), Other (2%)
** Official Religion: Shinto, with Buddhist influences
* Population Distribution:
** Urban Population:
*** Percentage of total population: 8% (Approx. 1,010,000)
*** By city (rounded to the nearest 5,000):
**** Edo: 40,000
***** Edo surroundings: 50,000
**** Kyoto: 35,000
***** Kyoto surroundings: 40,000
**** Fukushima: 35,000
***** Fukushima surroundings: 20,000
**** Hiroshima: 30,000
**** Kobe: 25,000
***** Hiroshima-Kobe wider region: 25,000
**** Nagasaki: 25,000
**** Yokohama: 20,000
**** Takaoka: 15,000
**** Niigata: 15,000
**** Izumo-Matsue Au. Region: 25,000
**** Chiba Au. Region: 20,000
**** Others not exceeding 15,000 in population: 590,000
*** By region:
**** Tohoku: 23%
**** Kanto: 21%
**** Kansai: 14%
**** Chubu: 17%
**** Chugoku: 11%
**** Shikoku: 5%
**** Kyushu: 9%
** Rural Population:
*** Percentage of total population: 92% (Approx. 11,630,000)
*** By region:
**** Tohoku: 18%
**** Kanto: 14%
**** Chubu: 19%
**** Kansai: 15%
**** Chugoku: 12%
**** Shikoku: 11%
**** Kyushu: 11%
* Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
** Protection of the Syonanese Government:
*** 50 Kawataro-fune
*** 30 Hayai-fune
*** 75 supply ships
*** 13,000 sailors
** Sengoku Jidai:
*** Events:
**** STATUS:
***** North (Tohoku, Kanto):
****** Dominant clan: Tachibana
****** Competing clans/alliances: Mogami, Tohoku Communion, Western Alliance
****** State of Affairs: Openly hostile, constant skirmishes, inter-family warfare
***** Central (Chubu, Kinki):
****** Dominant clan: Shiba
****** Competing clans/alliances:  Takeda, Western Alliance
****** State of Affairs: Relative peace, limited skirmishes, stable families
***** South (Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu):
****** Dominant clan: Kanzaki
****** Competing clans/alliances: Satsuma
****** State of Affairs: Relative peace, limited skirmishes, stable families
* Army:
** Horses [15,000]: Modest steeds trained to gallop across the rough and uneven terrain of Nihon's islands. They can also be employed for charging out of boats onto land, although that kind of situation is comparably rarer.
** General infantry [24,000]: Rudimentarily trained infantry with a general focus on close-ranged melee and shortrange bow combat. Second priority for usage of battering rams and other siege equipment, usually assisting other infantry and auxillaries with tasks.
** Irregular infantry [25,000]: Infantry-in-training as well as part-time infantry that does not serve for lifetime employment. Mostly the former. First priority for handling of siege equipment.
** Support staff [6,000]: Infantry serving in entirely logistical roles. Equipped with extreme short range equipment such as daggers for self-defence, the bulk of many impromptu convoys.
** Auxillary infantry [3,000]: Long-range bowmen and combat medics. Heavily trained, many chosen to be officers upon promotion in the field.
** Irregular auxillaries [16,000]: Often merchants and mercenaries serving the same role as auxillary infantry, auxillaries-in-training or officers serving in combat.
* Highest-ranking generals:
** N_A
* Navy:
** Kawataro-fune [359]: An armoured slow-moving battleship which covers the deck in metal plating and a layer of steel behind the caravel structure to give it a special amount of versatility. If it is sinking, it can last for enough hours to bring it back to shore or at least into a kamikaze attack.
** Hayai-fune [323]: A restored line of lightly-armoured battleships designed to quickly board another ship before sinking it. Incredibly fragile.
** Supply ships [811]: Unarmoured fast-moving cargo ships as well as heavy lightly-armoured supply ships. The former used to resupply close to land; the latter used to carry along supplies on longer, no-docking expeditions.
** Irregular converteds [29]: Various ships with various amounts of armour and what not attached on; mostly former Kei-fune and and Hayai-fune and cargo ships. Heavily personalised, often used as fleet commander ships.
** Regular sailors [25,000]: close-quarters trained, basic infantry training and ship training
** Reserve sailors [20,000]: see above
* Admirals:
** Takeda Shizuka
* Diplomacy:
**  
* Economics:
** Status of the Economy:
*** Value of Gold: While barter has remained one of the biggest methods of trade within the country, gold is the currency by which trade with foreign merchants has been practiced. The main source of gold in Nihon, however, are the Han nations to the East, Kansha and Syonan; it has no actual power over the premier currency it uses. The usage of bronze and copper coins for smaller denominations has become generally more commonplace in urban areas, while barter trade remains common. The national mint is centred in Edo, controlled by a council of retired or former daimyo.
**** Actual monetary value: One ounce of gold can currently buy eight sacks of rice (7.8kg total).
**** Currency:
***** 1-yen coin (copper)
***** 5-yen coin (copper)
***** 10-yen coin (bronze)
***** 100-yen coin (bronze)
***** 1000-yen promissory note (backed in gold)
*** Economic Overview: A significant portion of the Nihonese economy is centred around traditional agriculture, with rice as the national staple of the country; barter trade occurs on a limited communal scale, with the adoption of partial paper and minted currency already having occurred. Small artisanal trades in the fields of writing and artistry have become coveted as prestige symbols; education extends to only roughly 11% of the population, with this small class of artisans a thin sliver of a middle class between the vast majority of the peasantry and the higher nobility.
**** Economic Policy:
***** Re-Militarisation: The building of naval vessels becomes a nationwide priority with the value of ships artificially raised by the Kyoto government in order to create a bubble where old drydocks re-open and re-attract old workers from before the beginning of the Bakufu. This also leads to incredibly rapid ship-building and the further ballooning of the size of the navy.
***** Arquebus Production: Copies of the European weapon, designed for usage by any and all military forces. More commonly known in Nihon as the Tanegashima (after where they first landed). 
**** Economic Trends:
***** Private Conglomerates: Private commercial entities begin to develop in the absence of a central authority, many of whom quickly develop into monopolistic entities that carry multiple different trades and industries all at once. The Kamakura and Nihonese Southern Companies are at the forefront of this, but other mercenary and financial organisations begin formation in urban centres, especially private police who become the primary arbiters of public security in cities and towns.
***** Coastal Centralisation: With the arising of the re-militarisation policy, a significant amount of trade begins to be conducted primarily via sea; previously, what minimal maintenance work that had been done on the old roads connecting Nihon was enough, but with the arising of the first inter-clan conflicts, these no longer remained neutral or safe and thus ports have become the most surefire option to receive goods safely. This leads to the shift of economic power to cities like Edo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Niigata among others; especially those with drydocks.
** Major Economic Organisations:
*** Kamakura Company: Front organisation with dealings in weapons, assassinations and other various activities.
**** Nihon: 6,600 members (150 ninja)
**** Kansha: 1,400 members
**** Syonan: 1,900 members (50 ninja)
**** Wu: 100 members
**** Dai Viet: 100 members
*** Nihonese Southern Company: Mercenary group. Professional army.
**** Nihon: 4,100 members and two hayai-fune
**** Syonan: 12,100 members and 15 hayai-fune + 10 kawataro-fune
**** Kansha: 2,800 members and one kawataro-fune
**** Dai Viet: 1,500 members
* Culture:
** Yamatai: The dominant culture on the three main islands, practiced by the vast majority of ethnic Nihonese; it emphasises the importance of self and the privilege of existence. A partly individualistic culture with overtly communal streaks that designates the greatness of finding a specific calling and engaging it with the most effort possible; giving rise to a society that prizes the arts as well as the value of literature. While it does not shun the sciences, they are not often given priority; meanwhile, the military and warriors are given outsized importance against all else. Its envisioning of Shinto has numerous distinct cultural streaks from the nations that existed before Yamato united the three main islands under its own banner; as well as little reminders of the past.
** Ainu: A distinct, unique culture native to Tohoku and Ezo; a kind of communal culture that emphasises the community and a place within that community. It speaks of the importance of discovering a place within society and fulfilling the callings asked of you by others, and that no individual is above the common good. Its adoption of arts and literature is thus comparably limited, but it is the Ainu which have advanced Nihon's science so far, partly due to the fact that they are encouraged to go to school from younger ages (and generally live in more urbanised societies). Their envisioning of Shinto is more akin to a kind of lifestyle, which promotes certain practices and discourages others; one which has, surprisingly, remained largely sturdy for the last 400 years.
** Joseonese-Han: A minority culture arising from the great giants from across the sea; Joseonese-Han is a monstrous beast of mish-mashed cultures, from distinct Han streaks arising almost 600 years ago to the original Xia cultures. It is almost entirely reliant on distinct, tiny Xianist sects and practices a form of Buddhism mixed with Shinto.
* Religion:
** Shinto: A polytheistic, animistic and pantheistic religion which most Nihonese follow. It revolves around the kami - gods/spirits, which are depending on region omnipresent or omniscient. Worship is mainly practiced in household shrines and public shrines, with family shrines more common for political and clan officials. Extreme levels of localisation, with many in the North having strong Ainu streaks while those in Kyushu and Kansha have subtle Han influence.
* Events:
** The Phoenix of Nihon [12]:
*** A Full Stomach - Winter 1551: She walks out into the open and for the first time in her long life she sees fulfillment. Noriko has waited nearly a century to see this day, but she finally comes upon it; talking a routine run through the streets of Kyoto, she notices that the people are about and strolling. Leisure, she presumes; she takes pride in that fact, the striking sight of the peasantry running down to a large tent set up on its outskirts to take a vote shocking her less and less by the day. She continues, with every breath, to buck the traditions engendered by the old monarchy, having taken it upon herself personally to sprint among the nation's people, and now, with that, caught sight of something truly exhilarating. A short robbery, characterised by a woman making off with the bag of another; but instead of hue-and-cry, officers subdued the thief, and Noriko hands back the items to their rightful owner. As she does that, the man at the head of the family has but one thing to say: 
**** 'Thank you. For dinner."
*** A Full Stomach [CONTINUED]: She hasn't the foggiest what the man means for a moment, and she travels back to the Imperial Palace to ponder. Senmyaku, a regular fixture in the place now, suggests that it is an attempt at engendering gratitude, her advisors suggest that it is a show of respect. Noriko quietly considers for just a moment that someone could possibly thank her for what she's done, and the rest of the day in that winter she spends weeping. Her ambitions have not been for naught, she discovers, looking through the finally-recollected census; and her people lived that year in the kind of prosperity they could never have imagined before. The stoic, expressionless Prime Minister takes up a bottle of sake, drinking till very much as far from sober as she could be permitted to be; her quiet, happy celebration is hijacked by the intrusion of a lifetime of regrets, and her attendants recall hearing her cry for hours on hours, an extraordinary incident of vulnerability. 
*** The Northern Wall - 1552: With a renewed resolve Noriko drafts together the Northern Wall, a proposal to effectively prevent Northern incursion into the rest of the Federation; their given purpose to effectively starve out Tohoku into submission. She acknowledges to the Congress its potential ineffectiveness and spends much of her time delineating how it would not in fact cut off Tachibana from its Fujiwaran territory; but pointing out that the North has become a barren land run by daimyo, she argues it is the only way to protect the safety of the fledgling republic. On a razor's edge, she gets her way in a proceeding vote, and begins the construction of a series of defensive barriers designed to force any incursions into specific, advantageous locations where their forces could be whittled down; this is incredibly unpopular, especially with many Tohoku representatives, who walk out of the Congress to go home. Still, the proposal goes ahead, and Noriko re-assembles the Army to a much reduced extent, managing to bring back a third of its original forces, and sets them up along the defensive line. She alone understands the threat posed by Oda Nobunaga, and if there is any proof that she is ahead of her time, she will soon be proven quite so very right. 
** The Death of Nihon [8]:
*** His Protege - Autumn 1552: On a routine trip to Osaka, he comes upon a series of swordsmiths poorly attempting to emulate his style to pass off to less fortunate others and out of frustration has the city authorities arrest the lot; but then he comes upon another beginner. A girl with pinkish hair and browned skin, as if she's come from the South - a Souji. Curious. No Souji has stood on these three islands since a brief visit from Ojirou Souji before the trek that would take her to Europe and to death; and he wonders what she wishes to do here. Suddenly - out of nowhere - she asks to be his student in his 'school' of smithing. He shrugs the entire idea off. It's not a school, he explains, it's not a style; it's an art he has taken up. He doesn't wish to push his craft onto another, he remarks, before the girl shakes her head and presents him with a small bag of gold coins. A small bag of coins no one has seen since the day of Himiko San-nin a hundred years ago - coins worth enough to afford a four-child family food till the end of their lives. Bewildered, he shockedly accepts the girl's request, and asks for her name. 'Tala.' She responds; 'Tala Souji.' He quickly discovers that the girl shares an incredible aptitude for the craft of metalsmithing, especially swordsmithing; but not in the way one would expect - she is surprisingly ingenious with the application of various types of tools as well as the utility of certain weapons. Yet, her performance defeats her confidence almost all the time; and the ageing man cannot for the life of him understand how such a promising young protege tosses away the very concept of self-esteem on a whim. 
*** A Monk and a Princess - 1553: Kiyo has spent much of her life as a pawn now. From birth to early adulthood she has spent significant amounts of her life as a political tool for others' benefit; no freedom to move around, no freedom to do as she wishes, groomed for the intricacies of court. Not that it mattered to her back then, it was a content life, and it was that duty which was thrust upon her by centuries of lineage. Then, a monk changed everything. While at a shrine as part of her priorities, she meets a young man by the name of Wu Jin; and he takes her view of the world and tosses it on its head. The monk is Kanshai, but he professes no special love for his home; he takes it upon himself to travel the world, and Edo is but one of his newfound temporary residences, where he helps local shrines with their duties. Kiyo's very idea of the space around her is introduced to the concept of places beyond this lone city, beyond the ceremonial priorities of old times, beyond the rolling, rocky hills of Nihon. And as her duties become ever more overbearing with the further ascent of reactionary politics within Tachibana, she quietly finds herself yearning to join this respectable young chap on the explorations of which he boasts; making away from the droll of her life in Edo Castle. 
** The Taisho of Nihon [6]:
*** The Conquering of the North - 1552: Over the beginning of 1552 Nobuna coerces Nanbu into an alliance before absorbing back the territories of Odawara, stampeding across with a comparably tiny force to unite Tohoku under her control. At the Battle of Akita, however, it appears her luck has run out, forced to engage with roughly 13,000 men with barely 2,100 and almost no supplies; she is told by her few advisors it would be best simply to retreat. Retreat? Hah. She instead threatens the advisors with execution and leads her men into a deeply forested area outside the city, before allowing Midoriya forces to set up camp during a heavy rainfall. In addition she sets up a decoy army on the nearby hills, making an attack from so close seem comparably unlikely; in the dark she has her men attack and the numerical disadvantage of 10,800 people becomes a numerical advantage of about 400. Thousands die that night, and with that Midoriya Yo'kun gives up and swears fealty to Nobunaga. Meanwhile, she contacts an old clan further to the south - the Date, who emerged out of the Fujiwara but were shafted during the clan's merger with Tachibana - and offers to let them take control of their old lands with her support. With that in mind, she conversely contacts Tachibana, using evidence of the Date's treachery as a bargaining chip to get them to ally with her. Yet still, they refuse; she knows she'll have to gain their attention by other means... 
*** Brutal Suppression - 1554: And the killing only continues. Minor complaints of starvation are met with execution, her men pioneering the usage of arquebuses widespread via firing squad executions; and she becomes known as an exceptionally brutal leader. One account claims she allowed her men to rape the children of an orphanage until its elderly leader gave in to her demands for shelter; and others are more or less brutalistic in nature. Even ignoring the clear embellishments Nobuna is uniquely violent, crushing dissent across her conquered territories as she descends across the land; finally, she sends one last message in the winter to the Tachibana, threatening them with extinction. Her lands barren and stripped bare by her endless conquests, she holds a long breath in, knowing her ambitions will end should they not fall for the bluff. 
Notable People:
* 1401-1473 [The Last Days of the Heian]:
** Uchiha Tomoko (1387 - 1469) [deceased]: Head of the Yamatai faction during the Civil War and later Empress (1412-1469) under the name 'Uchiha no Ichiban'.
** Mori Kyoko (1378 - 1473) [deceased]: One of the two heads of the Peoples' League during the Civil War, later Speaker of the National Convention unopposed until death. Spouse: Kido Mirio.
** Hori Shizuku (1377 - 1456) [deceased]: The other head of the Peoples' League, a minor political player in Hiroshima after the war. Committed suicide under threat of involuntary execution.
** Midoriya Kaitou (1383 - 1472) [deceased]: A minor player in the Civil War who gained popularity as a capable administrator. Birth name Zhang Kaisheng. Spouse: Midoriya Yuki.
** Seishiro Kirie (1381 - 1463) [deceased]: One of the heads of the Outsiders who found herself alienated from her hometown in her pursuit of political unity. Became a remarkable writer, writing works such as The Use of War, a critical book on the purpose of strife. Spouse: Bakushi Yona.
** Bakushi Yona (1380 - 1463) [deceased]: A Yamatai-Eskosian, best known for fighting for the political rights of the tiny Eskosian minority in Nihon. Became a political kingmaker after the war. Spouse: Seishiro Kirie.
** Hu Jin-Yo (1376 - 1462) [deceased]: A Joseon-Yamatai, best known as a Joseonese reunificationist who participated in a minor role during the Civil War. Afterwards, provided much financial support to the Nihonese army advancing in Kyongsong before dying in a tragic accident.
** Kanzaki Izuku (1394 - 1489) [deceased]: First Shogun then Taisho, well known for unconventional military tactics that precipitated asymmetrical warfare against enemy forces. Lived a relatively stunted life afterwards, travelled into Joseon and participated in its war against Kyongsong before travelling West in hopes of retracing the steps of Bulijin Khatun, a dream promptly foiled. Spouse: Yonekura Hiyori.
** Nishimiya Asuka (1372 - 1479) [deceased]: Shogun after her predecessor Kanzaki was passed over due to ignoring the Empress, she became something of a despot and massively expanded the powers of the military as well as a small secret police under the direction of Empress Uchiha and Speaker Mori. Lived a quiet, nondescript life. Spouse: Ryuzoji Mirio.
* 1474 - 1523 [The Rise of the Bakufu]
** Uchiha Ryu (1467 - 1512) [deceased]: Adopted son of Empress Uchiha, originally groomed to be an apt successor of hers; he was soon convinced to take another path by the Regent. Overthrown in 1487.
** Senjougahara Ryuko (1459 - 1489) [deceased]: Popular regent originally meant to become successor to Uchiha, eventually sidelined. With a massive amount of political power, however, she pulled strings to keep herself as Regent and manipulated the new Emperor as she wished. Murdered by an assassin.
** Senmyaku Hyo-in (1436 - 1486) [deceased]: Powerful orator of the Dochaku who advocated for their betterment. Eventually sidelined due to the maneuvring of Empress Uchiha.
** Yamagata Jiro (1461 - 1503) [deceased]: An upstart military man who became Shogun at the behest of the late Nishimiya Asuka. Soon evolved into a broadly popular political figure who usurped the throne from Uchiha Ryu, but his ambitions overcame him and he was deposed after attempting to re-consolidate power.
** Kanzaki Noriko (1467 - ??): Nationalist despot intent on restoring Nihon to political unitarism. She quickly exploited her way through the chaos of rapid decentralisation to insert herself as the effective leader of Nihon in just one and a half decades, essentially unchallenged.
* 1524 - ?? [Sengoku Jidai]
** Oda Nobuhide (1499 - 1543): Minor yet influential political figure of the exiled main family of the Oda clan. Killed by mistake.
** Takagi Anzu (1497 - ??): Adopted daughter of Kanzaki Noriko, adept fighter, eventually, Nihonese Empress. Fled to Kansha.
** Oda Nobunaga (1534 - ??): The vengeful daughter of Nobuhide; a furious orator and military genius.
** Uesugi Kagetora (1531 - ??): 
* Kanzaki Family: From a minor clan in old Minamoto arose one of the defining political and military families of the early Bakufu. This chronicles its most famous members.
** Izuku (1394 - 1489): Grandfather of the entire family. Began the Kanzaki name by abandoning usage of the old Minamoto clan name and rising as first a potential Emperor before becoming one of the most prolific generals in Nihon's history. However, his attempts at glory were foiled and eventually he gave up, passing his life's work to a strange girl who might just get some use out of it.
** Noriko (1467 - ??): Two generations later, a bored Shinto temple head turned trainer turned puppet master. Exploited the political weaknesses of the political system to make herself a de facto leader, first head of the Kanzaki Clan. Charted the family's rise to prominence and eventually the family's dominance for a few decades; began her ascent hoping to salvage the family name but eventually became a radical republican dead set on changing the world as we know it.
** Setsuna (1482 - ??): Another third generation'er; she went missing in Syonan before being discovered as Noriko travelled to it. Made head of the Nihonese Southern Company. Spouse: Souji Nakamura.
====Atouman Empire====
*Government: Azarkhate
**Aesuit: Ioxamander "The Magnificent" (c. 1519 - )
**House of Atmanaglu:
***-- Nihaevran of Adrianople (b. 1494-1545)
****Ozumuhn (b. 1524-)
****Khanidon (b. 1524-)
****Abdammet (b. 1529-)
***-- Mahrnet of Adnan (b. 1523-)
****Atman III (b. 1547-)
****Ashura (b. 1555-)
****Indra (b. 1555-)
**Grand Vizier:
***Suleyman II abd-Muttari Pasha (b. 1456-1519) (c. 1501-1503, 1508-1509, 1514-1519)
***Hersekenia abd-Beyid Pasha (b. 1464-1553) (c. 1503-1507, 1513-1514)
***Ozman abd-Jafar Pasha (b. 1481-1550) (c. 1510-1513, 1524)
***Dogukhan abd-Ashur Pasha (b. 1484-1552) (c. 1519-1524, 1531-1533)
***Utman abd-Vedit Pasha (b. 1482-1545) (c. 1524-1531, 1532-1545)
***Khanidon Pasha (b. 1524-) (c. 1545-)
***Grand Council: 1000 seats
****Cult of Ioxamander: 451 seats
****Rationalists: 337 seats
****Fundamentalists: 688 seats
*Economy: The economy of the Atouman Empire was based on a system of iqta', an Arzhamite feudal system, as the Atouman state's ultimate goal, was consolidation and extension of the Azarkh's power, and the way to reach it was by taking advantage of resources and the revenues system by making the productive classes prosperous. So while the agrarian-based economy was fruitful in its development, it ultimately prevented the emergence of social disorder and kept the traditional organization of the culture and society as a whole. Mining operations would also aid as a driving factor of the economy, with copper, iron, silver, and gold being mined in Bulgaria while fruits are grown across the Anatolian region and Balkan peninsula producing bountiful luxuries that are consequently sold at the various port markets in Ionia and Greece. Olive trees grow in wild fashion, with their oil being harvested and sold to the highest bidder. Atouman expansion into Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries would emphasize a Greco-Persian royal sentiment, which would be emphasized furthermore in Azarkh Iskandir I's reign, who famously claimed himself as Padishah, a term historically used to describe the ruling monarch of Persia. This emphasis would lead to the capital cities becoming major commercial and industrial centers, serving as highways between the Greco-Roman-Daevite cultures and mercantile trade. This policy of tolerance would later lead to Azarkh Tayyeb's Mandate of Adrianople, which officially allowed for the Jewish people to reside and prosper in the Atouman Realm far away from the persecution they faced at the hands of Christendom. Most of these people were settled in either Constantinople or other port cities along the Ionian coast. Other exports include cotton, a myriad of fruits, and plenty of slaves, primarily Neo-Pagans and Hellenic Christians in North Africa. The campaigns of Azarkh Ioxamander would lead to a boost in the economic diversity of the Empire, now exporting African goods and re-constructing the coastal cities previously razed during his conquests. A large trade network that extended from the Adnanian subcontinent to the sands of Mauretania and across the Balkan peninsula had been established through Ioxamander's conquests, establishing broad economic security atop of conquering millions of subjects. The Atouman Empire at the end of the 16th century was the most economically profitable empire in Europe and during the 17th century, would only continue to expand further and further.
*Capital: Constantinople
*Demographics:
**Population: 26,130,000
***Anatolia: 7,300,000
***Balkans: 3,550,000
***Egypt: 4,350,000
***Greece: 1,100,000
***Syria: 850,000
***Ifriqiya: 1,025,000
***Atlasiya: 3,555,000
***Hejaz: 400,000
***Mesopotamia: 3,000,000
***Misc: 1,000,000
**Ethnicity:
***Greek: 23.1%
***Persian: 20.3%
***Aegytan: 16.9%
***Adnanite: 11.7%
***Turkish: 8.9%
***Daevite: 5.5%
***Syrian: 4.7%
***Mixed African: 3.8%
***Israelite: 3.3%
***Cyrenaican: 1.8%
**Religion:
***Arzham: Under Atouman authority, Arzham would make a re-emergence in the western world unseen since the collapse of the Askari Azarkhate in the 14th century. Followers of the Xunni belief, the House of Atmanaglu would dedicate a number of resources to spreading the word of Arzhang. This included the construction of Ozman's Temple, which would stand as the largest religious institution until the construction of Ioxamander's Temple in 1547, and numerous methods of prolythesizing that worked to varied results. It would become the most known form of Arzham in Europe at the time, with many religious scholars and priests at the time admiring the state of the Atouman Empire and it's relation to Arzham, as although the empire was not born around Kandahar, it still is seen as rightfully guided in the eyes of the Arzhamic community.
****Xunni Beliefs: The Xunni denomination of Arzham is often characterized by a greater emphasis on the prophet Arzhang, his companions in Persia, and the patronage of the all of the classic Azarkhates’ as rightly-guided successor states in contrast to the Xa’mah belief, which only correlate proper successorship to Arzhang’s original state and the Askari Azarkhate. While the Xa’mah believe that the prophet Arzhang can only be succeeded by relatives or immediate family members, the Xunni deny this concept of succession-by-lineage, instead believing that the Arzhamite community can change and evolve to the point where staying in tradition will only lead to disaster, with this concept being further emphasized by the collapse of the Askari Azarkhate. While most differences between the Xunni and the Xa’mah are relatively political in nature, the Xunni represents a majority of the believers of Arzham that are more wide-spread across Eurasia, with the Xa’mah representing pluralities in places like India and Persia.
***Christianity: Christianity following the collapse of the Byzantine Empire would stagnate during this time, declining into a plurality due to a myriad of policies introduced by the Atouman Empire, such as increased taxing, second-class citizenship, and the banning of proselytizing, which was punishable by death. This decline in Christianity would also be further aided by the re-organization of the Janissaries, which by this part were mostly made up of young Christian slaves from the Balkans that had converted to Islam. During the Atouman-Isetium War, Kaiser Achaeus would institute a similar policy of enslavement and brain-washing, kidnapping the youngest children of various Christian families in Syria and the Levant, as well as re-organizing their numerous churches and cathedrals into mosques or other Arzhamite institutions. As such, the Christian communities in the Atouman Empire declined exceptionally, with most of the Hellenic-influenced Christians converting to Arzham in the face of disaster.
***Judaism: The Jewish communities of the Atouman Empire would flourish in the 16th century due to the former Azarkh Tayyeb’s policy of tolerance. While the Jewish communities of the Empire were small and most located in Constantinople, Kaiser Achaeus would allow the construction of Synagogues along the Ionian coast in exchange for the Jewish communities paying a higher tax as part of the already existing jizya tax. This wouldn’t necessarily bother the Jewish people, for most of the Jews that were able to migrate were mostly bankers that had made fortunes off of their time spent in Europe. The Jewish population were also staunch supporters for Atouman expansion, oftentimes offering funds for extentensive campaigns meant to drive away the heretics from the Holy Land.
***Zoroastrianism: The Zoroastrian community of the Atouman Empire was primarily limited due to Zoroastrian’s decline during the rise of Arzham in Persia and due to a newly realized focus towards Arabia. Zoroastrians in the Atouman Empire were mostly specific to the oriental territories such as Hejaz and Adnania.
***Syncretic Philosophy: Representing a rather small community, Syncretic philosophy in Greece and Anatolia would foster as a result of diversification. Although syncretic schools of thought, such as the Abyadites and Aesunids, were primarily focused on inter-religion unification, other schools like the Smyrnites were more focused on political reform, specifically the adoption of secular political ideologies like democracy and republicanism. The circulation of these differing concepts would lead to Azarkh Tayyeb instituting the eradication of syncretic philosophy in the early years of the 16th century.
*Wars and Conflicts:
**King of Kings: The Second Chapter (1532-1554)
***Atouman-Safaretid War (1548-1554):
****Khanidon's Campaign: His eyes were sunk as Khanidon continued to lead his forces onward. When his absent father, Ioxamander, asked him initially to join him in both the throne room and as a member of his mythical war cabinet, he joined instantly due to the fact that his own father did not spend a lot of time with him, and wanted the chance to have a long overdue conversation. He would stop his horse, halting the expansive army behind him. It was Arashena, the golden city that stood as a symbol of power in similar capacity to cities like Grane or Damascus, and as Khanidon peered over the city on a rather salty and stale day, he could tell a storm was brewing. What followed though, he could not expect. As Khanidon stationed himself in front of his men, they would come across the northern Safaretid army. The northern Safaretid army, referred to in Atouman barracks at the time as the "mugals" for their slave-like appearance, was led by a Georgian named Volkan Utkudlishvili from the city of Qabala. While Khanidon may have led larger armies than Volkan, Volkan remained intelligent through guerilla tactics and stealth that, over time, had weakened the Atouman forces in their northern campaign. In 1551, Khanidon would siege the city of Lori, forcing Volkan to retreat back into the mountain terrain. Volkan's use of the geography to their advantage would lead to Khanidon and his forces suffering high casualties in the Battle of Red Rivers. With no chance to go northward and seek redemption without dying along the way, and waiting for his father's arrival so they may take Arashena, Khanidon and his army would retreat back to Lori and spend the winter defending the city. In 1552, Khanidon would get word on the troubles of Ioxamander's campaign after messengers report the Siege of Susa finally occuring this year rather than it's initial projected date of 1550. After realizing that he will be stopped going northward and that Ioxamander's return was to be delated, Khanidon decided to siege Arashena himself. After five years at war and desperate, Khanidon would grow restless, suffering from the trauma of war. It was not his game, he thought, but of course it was. When he was younger, Khanidon would recount his father telling him war stories, and that one day he would make his own stories for his own children and lead the Empire, and that the pressure should not get to him. "Nidon..." his eyes opened at the words and where they came from, gazing right and then forward, where he saw a rather young man, maybe in his 20s, in very tatterred and old clothing. Looking at his surroundings, they would dissipate as the dirt below his feet turned to mud and he was swallowed into the Earth. He would fall from sinking, landing in a tomb he recognized from a distant dream. His breath would freeze in the cold air, turning to see a table with twelve seats with the ghosts of the former Azarkhs talking collectively in a rush. Khanidon recognized them from the Royal Palace, but there were a few he could not recognize. He could not see who sat at the end of the table, taking a step to see only for all of the historical warlords to turn at his arrival. "I..." he would muster, but soon he recognized the man at the end of the table as the man that he saw above. "Khanidon... What has made you worrisome?" he could not respond momentarily, barely even saying, "I, uh... can't do it... I can't lead..." Khanidon signed as he fell to his knees, tears beginning to flow. "My son..." he looked up at his a man he remembered from the paintings his father showed him in his youth; it was his great-grandfather, Iskandir II, "...We understand the feeling. We all have been there... but this is your moment..." Iskandir would say, only for another man at the table to reminisce, "Ah yes... I remember Thessalonica..." "Thessalonica? We actually made it there?" "Of course we did. You made the plans." "Well of course I did, but I wasn't alive to see it in action... did you uh, did you actually make the horse?" the men would chuckle solemnly at Iskendir I, Khanidon himself confused since at the time, he could not recognize any of the men speaking besides his great-grandfather, but soon they would turn back to him. "...I'm just... I can't do it." "You can!" The man at the end would say, and soon, the table and the people would vanish except the last man. He would continue to speak, "...We all have a choice, but we also all have a journey we must walk..." The man would walk towards him, his beard messy and his face sprinkled with dirt. "When I was a young man, my mother would tell me that I was dreaming when I told her I wished to rule... but look what I have created..." The room would shift to overlooking Ioxamander as in his Siege of Susa. "Your father thinks highly of you, I hope you know that..." Khanidon would turn to him, speachless. "He knew you were ready, thats why he sent you to carry out your campaign... I have a gift for you..." Thunder would roll in as Khanidon opened his eyes to see the mugal army and Volkan. He looked at his surroundings, seeing himself to have returned to outside of Arashena. He felt something heavy attached to his belt, looking to see a sword carved out of steel and ebony. He saw a name carved on it, Atman. Khanidon would look up towards the sky before mounting his horse. Readying his musket, Khanidon would proclaim loudly "CHARGE!", and thus, the Siege of Arashena would begin, lasting nearly a year before ending in the Summer of 1554. The city had been conquered, and while Volkan had managed to escape his grasp, Khanidon felt proud and celebratory, and proclaimed that the fall of the city has ended the northern campaign.
****Ioxamander's Campaign: It was early dawn, too dark to tell though, when Ioxamander began his journey across the farmlands of Kuwait that once fed food to the warlords of ancient empires. He felt blessed to walk on the ground where his forefathers fought and spilled blood over to make the harvest bountiful, and now knowing that he could present a sacrifice to their memory felt like an honor, but for some reason he could not pull himself to understanding why he felt non-gratuitous. He would come to a stop on a hill that resided near the shores of where the salt met the sand. He would unmount his warhorse, turning towards the flourishing crimson that blazed across the horizon. In this moment of clarity as he looked out to the sun rising above the sea, Ioxamander felt guilt; he felt the beauty of the world, the life and the growth, the decay and the death; he felt it all. Soon his gaze became clouded, was it a voice? As the tears hit the rough soil, Ioxamander would continue to look at oblivion itself as it continued to be illustrated by the angels that watched over him, but just as soon as his eyes softened and his eyes cleared of a long and misty fog, the word would boom as if from the sky above, "IOXAMANDER!". He would turn back to reality: the grey, desolate world of which he lived. What did he see in this world? He saw words, on this "thefutureofeuropes wiki", but he could not understand what the words were. As he aimlessly continued to walk into the endless void, he wondered when it would end. The pain. The suffering. The screams of the children of whom's parents were slaughtered as his palm. He cried out in anger, cursing the world for which he has lived, cursing it for the text that he could not read, and cursing it for making him who he was. His eyes would open, "Sir", who was the voice? Ioxamander turned to see a young soldier, barely even holding steady on his musket, as he spoke nervously, "A moment..." Soon it was apparent. The night was stormy, the rain pouring harsher than normal. The lightening cracked the sky, and a city burned. The city was Kerman, pillaged and burned by the Atouman Empire in 1554 under the liege of Ioxamander. "The casualties we've suffered might be too difficult to withstand this time", his voice shaky, shivering to comfort the cold storm as it continued. "What was the number?" Why was he asking this question? As long as he was Kaiser, Ioxamander would never recount casualties, even in his brutal campaign across the Adnanite peninsula. He began to think about his son, Ozumuhn, and how he already missed the opportunity to attend his son and Bulilan's marriage years ago by this point. "Estimations vary. Some say twenty... others say fifty..." the boy's eyes would dart around, a tear dropping as he realized that this was all pointless. He expected his 'king' to say that they should keep going further; that Ioxamander is leading them to the land blessed by the touching of God; that this campaign will be the final nail in the coffin. But Ioxamander spoke softly and clearly, "We..." he turned to the boy, "...are done here."
==== Sublime State of Zhaowa ====
* Government: Thalassocratic Mixed Kongsi Republic
** Administration: Zhaowa, like it’s mother state, Li, has an administrative system not dissimilar to the Li system of Prefectures (Chú), Urban Counties (Hwen), and Rural Counties (Vo). There are 21 prefectures.
** Grand Overseer (Taixu): The Taixu is the ruler of Zhaowa as elected by the Grand Tribunal. They have the ability to veto any action done by the Grand Tribunal. Upon their death, the vice-taixu, chosen by the Taixu, becomes the interrex until an election occurs, no more than a year after the Taixu’s death.
*** List of Taixus:
**** Jieu Jengywéi (1492-1526)
**** Kyang Baklangit (1526-)
** Grand Tribunal (Ta Fapdéng): The Grand Tribunal is the main legislative authority in Zhaowa. It is made up of 81 members who vote on national policy and pass bills.
** Council of Nine (Bát Yén ci Hwai): The Council of Nine oversee the 9 ministries of government in Zhaowa. They are hand-picked by the Taixu. Though meritocratic on paper, the ranks of the Council of Nine come from the same couple of noble families. The 9 ministries of government are the; the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Ceremony, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Supervision, and the Ministry of Households. All of the ministers are subordinate to the Taixu.
** Lower Tribunal (Hyaci Fapdéng): The Lower Tribunal consists of all citizens elected by the Common People’s Tribunal and many high-ranking Bureaucrats. Members of the Lower Tribunal meet once a year to elect members of the Grand Tribunal. There are 873 members of the Lower Tribunal. They function similarly to the Electoral College in OTL US politics.
** Common People’s Tribunal (Kúngyén ci Fapdéng): The Common People’s Tribunal consists of all citizens within the State of Zhaowa. It is by far the largest electoral body within Zhaowa. All citizens have the right to directly elect leaders for their respective counties and prefectures via popular vote. Though they do not directly vote for higher positions, they very much influence their decisions. As representatives those elected are both morally and practically obligated to represent the wishes of those under them, as the common people can easily vote them out if they do not fulfill their wishes.
** Political Parties: While there are no official political parties Within Zhaowa, there are several political blocs within the Tribunals.
*** Aristocrats: The Aristocrats are a large front wishing to preserve the status-quo and increase the power of the noble class. They hold 16 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Tradesmen’s Front (Xángtang): The Tradesmen’s Front, primarily made up of Lower-level officials, merchants, and artisans, is a major political bloc within Zhaowa. They advocate for less trade restrictions, more power to the Hwais, lower tariffs, a strong navy, improving infrastructure, and pacifist foreign policy. They hold 14 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Militarists (Kwúntang): The Stratocrats are a sister group of the Tradesmen's front. They share many of the same beliefs as the Tradesmen's Front. However, they advocate for socially conservative policies and aggressive foreign policy. They hold 17 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Traditionalists (Dauvuttang): The Traditionalist Party, primarily made up of Buddhists and Xianists, is one of the larger political fronts within Zhaowa. They advocate for socially Conservative policies, reforms to the Ministry of Ceremony, and Isolationist Foreign Policy. They hold 6 seats in the Grand Tribunal,
*** Xianists (Xéntang): The Xianists are a fringe political bloc. They advocate for increased authority of Xianist schools, socially Progressive policies, reforms to the Ministry of Ceremony, and exploration into Papua and Australia. They hold 3 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Commoner’s Front (Noungyéntang): Forming the basis of Tsúyén’s support base, the Commoner’s Front is a front consisting of ethnic Toraja, Alfur, Makassarese, Papuan, non-Ternatian Halmaherans, and numerous other ethnic minorities, as well as sinitic lesser officials who managed to claw their way up to the Grand Tribunal. The Makkasan and Nunusakuan nobility is well represented within the Commoner’s Front. In addition, numerous merchants, especially those involved in Western Nusantara are staunch activists of this group. Though with disparate views, they all are united in their support of Tsuyenist policies, which emphasize strengthening of the nation by all means necessary, from proto-communist policies in Papua, to policies increasing the power of foreign Hwais, to the construction of a large and powerful navy. They hold 17 seats within the Grand Tribunal.
* Economy: Zhaowa has a Proto-Capitalist economy, focusing on agriculture, spices, metals, fishing, and forest products. Perhaps the most important part of the Zhaowanese economy is the trade of all of the above. A major feature of the Zhaowanese economy is the Hwai, an economic and societal structure functioning similar to a Renaissance Guild, a Trade/Workers Union, and a Cartel. Hwais evolved from notions of brothership among the Mercantile and Managerial class of Yun-era China. Most citizens are part of or somehow involved in a Hwai. Hwais are commercial organizations consisting of members that provide capital and shared profits. Though much of the population may not be an active member of a Hwai, many citizens work for a member of a Hwai. Since all involved in the Hwai receive equal profits and have equal capital, Zhaowa could also be classified as Proto-Market-Socialist. Zhaowa has a paper and coin based Fiat monetary system. To avoid inflation, all money is in the hands of the Ministry of Finance. All paper money can be exchanged for gold, silver, and copper, or silk with an exchange rate of 3%.
** Main Currency: Ceijen
** Monetary Value: 1 Ceijen coin (制钱) is equivalent to one mace (3.8 grams) of 21K rose gold (12% Copper, 88% Gold).
* Demographics:
** Ethnic Makeup:
*** 8.9% Pure Sinitic
*** 28.8% Mixed-Sinitic
*** 23.3% Makassarese
*** 11.1% Sumbawan
*** 8.7% Minahasan
*** 8.3% Alfur
*** 5.8% Toraja
*** 4.1% Papuan
*** 1% Other
** Total Population: 631,500
*** Maluku: 36,000
*** Makassar: 30,500
*** Manado: 28,000
*** Nimkyóng: 23,000
*** Ampenan: 17,000
*** Selam: 16,000
*** Launa: 12,000
*** Sufu: 8,500
*** Jáng Hwi: 4,500
*** Tangbana: 1000
** Religion: 6% Xianist, 18% Mahayana Buddhist, 20% Theravada Buddhist, 6% Hindu, 26% Animist, 5% Arzhamist, 25% Clearwater Buddhist, 1% Other
* Military: 29,150 Personnel (~4.62%)
** Army: 8,900
*** 200 Garrison Artillerymen
*** 3,800 Standard Infantry
*** 1,200 Field Artillerymen (all personnel not armed with melee weapons)
*** 100 Military Engineers
*** ~3500 Disorganized Infantry
** Navy: 20350 Sailors/Marines, 814 Ships (excluding coastal patrol)
*** 18 Hunghwangjwen (45 meters) (1980 crew total)
*** 60 Yienkapjwen (35 meters) (6000 crew total)
*** 180 Supply ships (30 meters) (3375 sailors total)
*** 55 Heavy-Cannon/Rocket Ships (27 meters) (1155 crew total)
*** 180 3-Masted Djongs (24 meters) (3240 crew total)
*** 200 War Perahu (17 meters) (2000 crew total)
*** 50 Reconnaissance Ships (15 meters) (400 crew total)
*** 70 Troop Transports (700 crew total, able to carry 5600 troops in total)
*** Various Disorganized Levied Coastal Patrol (1500 crew)
** Firearms:
*** Cetbang/Jwangpiau: The Jwangpiau is the most commonly used gun in Zhaowa. It is a breech-loading swivel gun, and is used on fortifications and ships. These come in portable (wheeled) and stationary varieties.
*** Xépdan-tswáng: The Xépdan-tswang, literally meaning “Ten Shot Gun”, is a gun similar to an Organ Gun. Inspired by the multiple rocket launchers in use across the Sinosphere, instead of firing arrows or rockets, it fires iron or bronze pellets. It is used as an anti-personnel gun. Due to it having 10x more barrels than an average gun, it can shoot 10x more bullets, but it takes 10x more time to clean. Unlike the guns of Europe, it is breech loading, which provides quicker loading time. To seal the breech, paper cartridges or a block are used, though this is quite ineffective. The Xépdan-tswáng is used in very low quantities, with perhaps only 50 being used across Zhaowa.
*** Lagatswáng: A Lagastwang is the Zhaowanese term for an Arquebus
**** Jiue Lagatswáng: The Jiue Lagatswáng is an uncommon weapon in Zhaowa, referring to all breach-loaded arquebuses. They have a much faster loading time than standard muzzle-loading Lagatswáng, though they often malfunction.
**** Hwaje Lagatswáng: The Hwaje Lagatswáng is the most common form of Lagatswang in Zhaowa. It is a matchloading firearm, often coming with a stand and a spike attached to the top.
**** Lyuenlagatswáng: The Lyuenlagatswáng is the Zhaowanese term for wheelock guns. Though they are more useful than the Standard Matchlock Lagatswáng in wet conditions, they often malfunction and are hard to produce.
**** Lau Lagatswáng: The Lau Lagatswáng refers to all primitive Lagatswáng.
*** Bedil Tombak/Lungencwung: The Lungencwung, literally meaning “Hand Gun”, is a common gun in Zhaowa. It is quite simple, with a socket attached to a pole and a tube from which projectiles are fired from. It commonly has a blade attached to it in case of melee fighting. It is quickly being replaced by the Lagatswang.
*** Hwacá: The Hwacá is a multiple rocket launcher or an organ gun, depending on the projectile used. It fires around 150 rockets or arrows, which are contained within a wooden frame. The wooden frame allows the rockets to fly straighter, and, as a result, farther. In elevated positions, they have a range of 600 meters. However, on flat positions, they have a range of only 200 meters. Current rockets have a length of around 15 centimeters. Though with a short range, it has enough force to make a 30 cm-deep crater in a patch of sand. A second, larger rocket is currently being produced, with a length of 45 centimeters, with a range of 1100 meters.
*** Cwungdung: The Cwungdung is a common firearm in Zhaowa, used on larger ships and on fortresses. Most models of Cwungdung have a maximum range of around 950 meters, with one model having a maximum range of 1500 meters with darts. Darts are made out of wood tipped with iron, with iron tail fins. Unlike the modern conception of darts, these darts are quite large, slightly less than a meter long. When they strike their target, they generally bury up to their iron fletching. Though less destructive than rockets, they have much better accuracy. Cwungdung also fire numerous iron or stone cannonballs, though they have much lower range, with an average maximum range of 600 meters.
**** Kubiliem: The Kubiliem is a muzzle-loading cannon, specifically referring to Culverins imported by Europeans. Instead of firing darts like the Cwungdung, it fires round cannonballs. Due to this, it has a flat, though compartiviely shorter trajectory.
** Research and Production:
*** Cwungdung: As always, advances in range and accuracy are being made. However, with the death of Cili Gava, advancements and breakthroughs begin to slow.
*** Navy: Langka Karaeng fully updates the navy. He is aiming for the Yienkapjwen to eventually become the backbone of the Zhaowanese navy, not a complement.
*** Rockets: As always, advances in range and accuracy are being made. However, with the death of Cili Gava, advancements and breakthroughs begin to slow
* Wars and Conflicts:
** Occupation of Sunda (1535-): Regardless of the Majapahit response, Sunda is treated as a territory of Zhaowa. In 1543, Simao’s main base of operations for activities within Nusantara is captured. Though a major victory, numerous fortresses of his still exist. Roads are built, and an open immigration policy is put into practice, with numerous Zhaowanese migrating into Sunda, intermingling with the Chinese diaspora already present. 
**Subdual of Majapahit (1545-): The city of Majapahit has yet to be captured. There are simply too many forces and ships surrounding the city. However, there is a massive advance in the west, with much of Java and Sumatra being captured due to support from local rulers. In 1555, an ultimatum is sent out to the rulers of Majapahit, stating that if they surrender, they shall keep their core territories, the Negara Agung.30 ships blockading Majapahit City are sent back for repair, and the other 140 continue to blockade the city, occasionally making limited attacks at the port district of the city.  Meanwhile, a force of 2250 march towards Majapahit City from the west, aided by a fleet of 40 Zhaowanese ships, dead set on besieging and capturing the city. 
***2250 Soldiers (Attacking Majapahit City
***140 Ships (Blockading Majapahit City)
***80 Ships (Defending the Sunda Strait)
***400 Soldiers (In and around the Sunda Strait)
* Diplomacy: 
** Majapahit: Surrender, and you shall retain your core territory. If not, then I cannot promise anything except certain death for your rulers. 
* Events:
** Split Peach in Tainamtau (3):
*** Stranded among Barbarians - 1550-1551: The Zhaowanese expedition had to leave. They could no longer wait passively on the coast of Australia. In October of 1550, Kiemhwi and his ships sailed east, but fortune had left them. The expedition gets stuck in a patch of sea with no wind for almost 3 weeks, before finally moving to the northeast. In November, they find out that they had sailed too far south, and were once again stuck in New Zealand. However, encounters with the Maori are largely peaceful this time around, but unfavorable winds and coming cold means that they had to spend the entirety of winter with a Maori tribe. By February, the crew once again sets sail, and this time they are shipwrecked in the Solomon islands following a particularly bad storm in March. Trying to repair the broken ship proves to be a worthless endeavor, and Kiemhwi is forced to abandon some of his men. However, they still must complete the mission set out of them. They would sail east, and would eventually reach the western extremities of the Chiefdom of Makemake, charting a few islands, before returning home. The expedition was meant to explore further, but the homesickness of the crew convinces them to return home. In May of 1551, the crew finally returns to Jang Hwi. However,
*** Yearning and Marriage - 1550-1551:  Just as the two were about to get together, cruel fate has torn them apart. Senghoi’s meals lose all flavor, and time seems to go at an incredibly fast pace and a painfully slow one at the same time, if that makes sense. Senghoi grew accustomed for his weekly meetings with Kiemhwi, and it would take months for him to lose that habit. He would often go to the teahouse where the two usually meet, and would be greeted with nothing. In the meantime, he would take care of Kiemhwi’s children and residence in his absence. When the expedition finally returned, almost 3 years after it had left, Senghoi was delighted. When Kiemhwi returned home, he was worried at the state of his family and his home. However, he was shocked to find Senghoi playing with the youngest two, and the older two outside pretending to spar. Senghoi, seeing Kiemhwi, instantly leapt up and embraced him. After what seemed like hours in his embrace, though it was likely only seconds, Kiemhwi only whispered 3 words.
**** “I missed you.”
*** The two would eventually get married by a Xianist priest in 1553, though the marriage would not be mentioned to any except the closest of friends, due to social and legal reasons.
*** Exploration into Australia: As part of an expedition in 1544, Kiemhwi and Senghoi, along with a few other explorers, venture along the coast of Australia, fully mapping it. They land in the city of Wangarr, and then travel by boat to the Yolngu capital of Kookaburra. They would continue all the way to Gwarri, at which point they sail to Java, discovering Christmas Island in the process.
**Fenghuang of the South Sea (3):
***Leaving the World - 1552: After just 17 months of marriage, Yienvuk dies of heartworm on January 18th, leaving Touiku a widow at the age of 21. She, of course, doesn’t mind. She never cared all that much for her husband, and after marrying one of their senior members, she has numerous powerful connections within the ZESC. In addition, after Yienvuk’s death, she was no longer bound to him, granting her more freedom. However, Touiku bore no children with Yienvuk, meaning that in the eyes of Zhaowanese society, she has yet to do her duty as a woman. However, Touiku has no will to remarry, and Tsuyen fears that her remarrying would stifle any future opportunities for her.
***Bureaucratic Life - 1553-1544: In May of 1553, Touiku passes the National Examination and resigns from her formal position as a Úyxáng. She is assigned to a post in Zhaowanese Java. Due to her being one of the first government-employed civil servants in the area, she immediately is of higher importance than most entry-level officials. Due to the territory not being incorporated yet, military leaders, officials, and local nobility hold all of the power. Touiku falls into the middle category. As an employee of the Ministry of Households, she oversees tax collection and census-taking. In addition, she is a de facto employee of the Ministry of Works, with her controlling where the tax money goes. Her position requires her to work with military leaders, who generally dictate where the taxes go. However, nothing is forcing her to take some of the taxes for her own personal gain. Though she has the ability to do so, she refuses, living a frugal life like Tsuyen. She quickly gains reputation for being incorruptible, and more and more power.
***Shenanigans in Kansha - 1544-1555: Teuku is forced to resign from her position as a worker for the Ministry of Households due to the Zhaowanese government finally deciding to consolidate the region, with a promise that she would one day be reappointed. In reality, she was probably just seen as ‘too inexperienced’ by the Minister of Personnel. After all, she was both female and young. Fine by her. She returns to the ZESC, and becomes one of their diplomats, managing trade deals with local merchant guilds in Kansha. Her position also gives her a lot of freedom, and uses said freedom to do what she does best, fucking around.
**The Imperial Idea (8):
***Next in Line - 1552: Knowing that Baklangit has at most a decade to live, Tsúyén desperately searches for a Taixu whom he can mentor and advise properly (unsugarcoated version: a Taixu he can basically control with little hassle). No candidate seems to stand out, and those who do are too low on the social ladder to be taken seriously by the Grand Tribunal. Eventually, a 48 year old man named Kyang Hyancuetvo is chosen as a promising candidate by Tsúyén. Having served as a military leader who oversaw the campaign in Sumatra before being recalled in 1551. He seems competent and agreeable enough for the Zhaowanese population, though Tsúyén is certainly peeved at having a less than ideal Taixu take the Vermillion Crown. It doesn’t matter. Hyancuetvo will be dead soon enough, and he has an idea for the next Taixu.
***Administrative Reforms: In order to streamline the Zhaowanese bureaucracy, Tsuyen issues numerous reforms to the bureaucratic system. The Ministry of Commerce is rebranded, and is now named the Ministry of State. The Ministry of State manages Zhaowanese foreign policy and diplomacy, specifically in trade. Due to overseas Hwais effectively being extensions of the Zhaowanese state, the Ministry of State also manages the actions of them. The Ministry of Supervision is merged with the Ministry of Personnel. However, the police and investigational force established by Tsuyen, which had previously been under the control of the Ministry of Personnel is to fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Law. In addition, the Ministry of War is to be given jurisdiction over the appointment of military officers, which had previously been under the control of the Ministry of Personnel. In addition, protocol surrounding the census, tax-collecting, and the autonomy of individual counties is standardized. All rural counties now only need to send in the amount of taxes collected, the population of their respective counties, and total crops grown. To make sure county magistrates behave properly, the Ministry of Personnel is to send a Government Inspector every year. In addition, lower level officials and administrative secretaries have the ability to send a complaint to the central government in case the magistrate is acting up. This system leaves massive room for corruption, but it’s better than what came before. Tsuyen eventually hopes to impose more Chinese systems of bureaucracy later, increasing the central government’s power, and limiting corruption, but that must wait.
***Heaven’s Mandate: With Majapahit about to fall, Zhaowa is poised to become the next great power of Nusantara. First Malacca and Former Majapahit, then Salakanagara, then Srivijaya, then Later Majapahit, and now, Zhaowa. Taking inspiration from the ancient Yang idea of the ‘Mandate of Heaven’, the Nusantaran idea of a Devaraja, and Clearwater Buddhist ideas on kingship, Tsúyén creates the concept of the ‘Heaven’s Mandate’. In essence, the concept provides Zhaowa with a divine right to rule. All rulers of a nation (only really applies to the Malay Archipelago and SEA) must abide by Buddhist ideals of leadership. Once they have consistently failed to do so, they no longer have the right to rule, and ought to be deposed and have their niche filled by a nation worthy of the position of hegemon. Majapahit, unable to impose authority outside of their core territories, is deemed to have ‘fallen from grace’ and ‘become aged’. Zhaowa now embodies the nation succeeding the obsolete hegemon. Though used as a tool to justify massive conquests in Nusantara, it becomes common knowledge by the 1600s, and becomes one of the foundations for the Zhaowanese identity.
==== Kingdom of Imerina ====
* Government: Feudal Monarchy (Kingdom)
** Monarch: Queen Rangitamanjakatrimovavy (B 1493 - D 1552, Age 58) (R 1517-1552), Queen Rafohy (B 1528 - Age 26, alive) (R 1552 - Present)
** Consort: Razakatsitakatrandriana (B 1527 - Age 27, alive) (C 1547 - Present)
** King Dowager: King Ratsifandrihamanana (B 1494 - Age 60, alive)
** Ruling Dynasty: Hova (Ndahimananjara branch of Ammagari)
** Order of Succession: Prince Andriamanelo (B 1546 - Age 8, alive), Prince Manelobe (B 1529 - Age 25, alive), Princess Ravoamasina (B 1535 - Age 19, alive), Prince Andrianakotrina [son of Andriamihaja] (B 1519 - Age 35, alive), Prince Andriatanjany (B 1541 - Age 13, alive)
* Economy: The economy of Imerina is based mainly on agriculture and fishing, there's also trade going on with the Swahili and various peoples on our home island including the other Malagasy states of Betsimisaraka (even though relations are strained at this point), Mahafaly and Bara. The Merina economy stands as one of the strongest and most developed in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, mostly due to the effect of foreign contact.
* Allies: N/A
* Capital: Mahajanga
* Demographics (including rebelling areas):
** Population: ca 545 000 total
** Ambanja: 2 200
** Mahajanga: 8 800
** Toamasina: 4 000
** Morafenobe: 1 800
** Analamanga: 1 700
** Rural regions: ca 528 000
** Ethnicities: 87% Malagasy (divided into 60% Merina and 27% others such as Betsimisaraka, Sakalava, Tsimihety, Sihanaka, Antankarana etc.), 7% Komoro Natives (Swahili), 6% Adnanite
** Religion: 65% Tombovelan Zoroastrianism, 35% Haintenism (traditional Merina folklore)
* Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
** N/A
* Military: Due to Imerina being a rural realm, a large amount of units can be raised for warfare, but usually about 1% of the population is the most trained and prepared soldiers that can be drafted. Parentheses means the deployed units in cases where not all units are deployed for war.
** Deployed units: None
** 2 050 Spearmen
** 600 Bowmen
** 1 650 Crossbowmen
** 700 Light Cavalry
** 100 Fossa Warriors (currently relegated to non-military positions)
* Navy:
** 9 Adananita class ships
** 7 Mer'ana class ships
** 8 transport ships
* Diplomacy:
** Everyone on Matagasykara: Zoroastrian missionary work.
** Mutapa: Further contact and relation stuff. Also Zoroastrian missionaries.
* Events:
** After a Queen, Another: Rangita's reign was marked with a large amount of change. A civil war came and went followed by reform of the governing system. Also we saw the end of regular contact with the Ahuric Empire after its fall and now Imerina has started to pursue expansionist goals. In 1552 Rangita finally passes away from natural causes and her eldest child Rafohy becomes the new monarch and also the second Queen regnant of Imerina (unless you count Zafimahova). It is early in her reign so you can't say much yet but she seems to essentially be acting in the same way her mother was in her last years.
** Southern Expansion: Through missionary work, integration through trade and general settling, the lands to the south that remain under tribes are to be incorporated into Imerina over time, first as unorganized territories to later become subdivisions of our realm.
** Half-ass turn ik, I'm not proud of it: Beans.
====The United Kingdoms of the British Isles (Albion)====
*Note: If you wish to engage in diplomacy with me, please DM me on Discord
Government: Absolute Monarchy
*Drakes: 
**Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - )
***David (M, b. 1537 - )
***Elizabeth (F, b. 1541 - )
***Francis (F, b. 1541 - )
**Sister: Frances (F, b. 1497 - )
***Albus (M, b. 1519 - )
****George (M, b. 1542 - )
****Gregory (M, b. 1554 - )
**Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - )
***Eldegard (F, b. 1517 - )
****Married off to a Westrian prince
***Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
****Alvin (M, b. 1545 - )
****Carol (F, b. 1549 - )
*Important People: 
Economy: The economy of British Isles consists of trade and commerce of a variety of materials. The primary export products of the UK are fish, wool, cloth, and a variety of vegetables.
Main Religion: Christianity
Cities and Demographics:
*Population: 6.66 million
*Cities
**Brighton: A newer shipbuilding facility located on the English Channel. 
**Birmingham: A quiet town that is the location of McCarthy Arms Company, one of, if not, the oldest firearms companies to date.
**Caen: The main hub where products heading to Britain from land mount ships to cross the channel.
**Calais: One of the few French towns still owned by the British, it is a prosperous city that is one of the most important trading hubs in the North Sea.
**Camp Avalon: An old British camp located on a Vinland island. Though mostly uninhabited, it is staffed by a skeleton crew, in the event of a British ship stranding itself on the Vinland island.
**Dover: Main location of the British navy. While elements of the navy are located throughout the territory, the headquarters of the navy are located here. In addition, Dover is the main trading hub between it and Caen.
**Dublin: Main hub of Ireland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
**Glaemchester: A British town north of London, this city is known to house various wealthy nobles, with some of the finest tapestries being produced here.
**Glasgow: Main hub of Scotland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
**London: The capital of England, and location of the throne.
**Portsmouth: The location of the first drydocks in history, which became the founding of various legendary ships of the Royal Navy
**York: Main center of England’s eastern fishing company. Also where a bulk of British trading companies are located, evident from the various merchant caravels present there.
Wars and Conflicts
*Sonata of the Crimson and Azure: A religious war fought within the Roundtable Knights. See events for more info. 
Armed Forces
*Total: 134,350 Manpower
*Army
**Total: 127,820
**United Drake Forces: 
***Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 20,000
***Marksman Infantry: 48,000
***Light Cavalry: 10,000
****Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry: 500
***Heavy Cavalry: 2,000
***Bow Cavalry: 2,900
***Field Artillerymen: 5,800
****Field cannons: 1,760
***Logistical Support: 30,000
*Roundtable Knights (Elite): 8,350
**These are Britain’s elite forces. A rebirthed version sprouting from Artoria’s original group of holy knights, this force has never lost a battle, and has unwavering loyalty to the crown and the Order of the Roundtable, willing to fight to the death for the survival of the British Isles.
**While most are able to fight, members of the Roundtable are encouraged to branch out into their own craft, such as pottery and sheepherding, with the idea that everyone should act like a Roundtable Knight and give their all into both their craft and their country. 
**The only way to become a Roundtable Knight is to be selected by an existing member of the group. Most knights tend to make apprentices out of those they recruit to the Roundtable, and generally, no one usually complains when a Roundtable Knight selects someone to join the ranks of the Roundtables. Depending on the country/chapter, one can also be appointed to the Roundtable by the crown.
**As of 1527, three factions are formed within the Roundtables
***The Crimson Sun
***The Azure Moon
***The White Orchids
****Renames themselves Orchid Heaven in 1542
**Notable (Living) Members:
***The Drake Family
*Navy:
**Personnel: 5,800 (combined between both fleets)
**Naval Vessels:
***Ember-class British Galleons: 20
****Main flagship: HMS Ember
***Swallow-class Interceptor: 26
****Designed to be the fastest ships in the world (for their size) without sacrificing too much firepower.
***Cabigail-class Caravel: 60
***London-class British Caravel: 4
****Kept in service for purposes of training new sailors.
***Dove-class Dual-Purpose Merchant Caravel: 100
****These ships are given to British merchants who sail in dangerous waters, and are crewed by either mercenaries hired by said merchants or the merchants themselves. Only included in ship-counts for the navy to deter invasions by sea.
Research and Development
*MAC Cannons: McCarthy Industries continues to produce MAC Cannons in a variety of calibers and sizes, ranging from small 6 pound field cannons to 16 pound naval cannons. At least in Britain, McCarthy Industries has the monopoly on the firearms industry.
**Continued efforts are made into producing a variety of cannons, with development beginning on a more powerful 32 pounder cannon, with the idea to increase its range with longer barrels.
*Naval Vessels: Continued development on galleons is performed, to see if it is possible to improve British vessels further. They experiment with two aspects; size and firepower. British Naval Engineers hope to determine proper ratios for size, durability, and firepower, as well as taking note of various lessons learned in the field, such as logistical issues found in British Caravels.
**Modernization efforts are made to the Ember-class of ships, replacing aging wood as needed, as well as upgunning the galleons with newer models of cannons.
*McCarthy Arms Company: Continued efforts are made to improve the wheel lock, with minor changes made over time to allow for easier manufacturing of the rifle.
**In addition, McCarthy Industries continues development on a handgun to complement the rifles, with these models rolling out in 1548.
*Glaemchester: Becomes a city of prominence with the explosion of tapestry-oriented companies settling down in the city, but is slowly being torn apart due to the religious conflicts occuring within its boundaries.
Training and Production
*Reformation of the Army: Upon realizing horses can be trained to not flinch when having guns fired from their back, training begins for light cavalry, to have them be able to fire muskets from horseback, in addition to their normal duties.
**Renamed to “Skirmisher Shock Cavalry”
*Whatever equipment and personnel is required to maintain numbers on the frontline.
Diplomacy
*Americas: With intelligence from the Vinlanders, the British decide to scope out the other nations of the Eastern Coast of North America, and see what they have to offer
**Elysia: (See Events for more details)
*Europeans: Though not offered the top-line models, Britain does allow McCarthy Arms Company to sell some of their wares overseas, to those willing to purchase them, at least
**The Crimson Sun and Azure Moon factions send delegations to the countries of Europe, asking for support in their war. Whoever gets more support by the end will determine whether Britain is Roman Catholic or Anglican. (Will be going on for one more turn)
*Vinland: The British send what supplies they can so that the new Vinland thane can maintain their territory and then some. (see events for more details).
**Assistance is requested by the British government as they send their troops in (done in 1556)
*Agousta: Britain asks if they wish to enter into a defensive alliance with one another
Allies
*Vinland: Allies in the New World. Led by Tahmas, Vinland now prospers with the new leadership as they thrive with the protection of the British navy.
*Velkyst: Norweigan allies in the North Sea. The oldest ally of Britain, harkening back to the British Empire’s founding.
*Westria: An ally on mainland Europe who also dislikes France, cause f**k France (jk).
Events
*Sonata of the Crimson and Azure (Part 4): Both sides receive more support from foreign factions, with a small French force now assisting the Crimson Sun and the Azure Moon receiving assistance from Vestkyst. With Mordue at the helm of the Azure Moon, the faction begins a slow offensive, starting in 1553 and lasting the majority of the decade. However, it is apparent that the Crimson Sun troops are holding fast, only losing a few blocks every three years. However, supply strain begins to affect both sides, as either faction could snap.
*The Rise of the Company Fleets (Part 6): With the world opening up, and rumors of prosperity and gold present, various companies sprout up around Britain, with the goal to investigate various locations of notice with hopes to make it big.
**British Faviero Greek Company: “The BFG Company” for short, this company has taken an interest to the region of Elysia. Its leaders, Faviero and Raleigh have enacted a multi-decade long plan to wrestle control of the region for themselves, though if other situations were to come up, they’d adapt on the fly.
***Phase 2B: As trading between Britain and Elysia becomes more stable, a permanent place for the fleet to moor at is established. Though housed by a skeleton crew, the ‘temporary’ Camp of Roanoke was established in 1537, to allow merchant ships to dock and send their wares inland, as well as a place for BFG expeditionists to rest for a few days before the BFG expeditionaries move inland. This camp eventually became permenant roughly over a decade later.
***Roanoke: In 1552, a fresh fleet of armed merchant ships sail for Roanoke, only to see the entire fort, empty of civilians and vacant of materials. Upon discovering this, the fleet sends a message back to the headquarters of the BFG Company, who presume the raiders to be the Elysians. With this justification in hand, they begin amassing troops, with the BFG Company officially landing mercenary troops in Elysia in late 1553.
****No one truly knows what happened to the merchants in Roanoke, though a common theory among modern historians is that a bad famine hit during the winter months, forcing the British to move in with the Greeks and other nearby tribes, while others believe the entire disappearance of Roanoke to be an inside job, so the BFG Company would have the justification to invade Elysia.
***Company Fleet Flagship: The Doomslayer
**The Henry Amerigo League of Observance: A group (nicknamed HALO) that is headed by Henry of Glaemchester. Now a competent company, the HALO company travels the seas, now intermingling with a faction known as the Amekrogu’s to the south.
***The Amazon Expedition (Part 2): Continuing to make contact with Amekrogu, Henry does his best to try and win over the heart of Amekrogu’s leader to enter into an alliance with the HALO Company, offering to assist the Amekrogu’s against the threat of Spanish invasion in return for a defensive alliance and trade route (including the trade of British-made Muskets in return for cacao and the likes)
***Company Fleet Flagship: The Pillar of Autumn
*The Elysian War (BFG Involvement, 1553 - 1556)
**Baptism of Fire: The mercenaries sent in are woefully underprepared. Assuming the Greeks are backwards in their technology, the mercs advance into the forest, leading to many situations of entire battalions of mercenaries getting ambushed by the Elysians, leading to heavy casualties among the BFG mercenaries. In fact, the BFG troops struggle to even maintain their foothold in the region, only able to protect camp Roanoke with assistance from the BFG Navy. It also doesn’t help that 
**The Destruction of HMS Eternal: One night in August, 1554, the HMS Eternal is tasked with advancing into the Elysian Bay. As they advance, they round a corner and suddenly run into a gaggle of small triremes filled with Elysians. Though the crew of HMS Eternal fought valiantly, they were eventually overwhelmed by the amount of boats present, leading to the ship’s magazine detonating when a soldier’s rifle misfired, leading to hundreds of lives being lost, with only twelve managing to escape the burning ship and evade capture.
***The loss of HMS Eternal sparks the start of development within British shipyards to design a ship that can house smaller ships within, to provide the British fleet with smaller more maneuverable ships to fight alongside the larger ships anywhere in the globe.
**The British Intervene: By 1556, the BFG mercenaries managed to secure camp Roanoke, managing to secure camp Roanoke as supplies slowly seeped into the camp. However, by now, the British step in, sending both the British Royal Navy and the British army into Elysia to bring the conflict to an end by capturing Elysia themselves.
***In addition, they reach out to Vinland for some men and Vinland longboats to assist in the British invasion, in return for a plethora of new weapons and gold as compensation for their assistance.
***In addition, the British fleet assisting in Elysia is helmed by an up and coming admiral at the time: Admiral Drake.
*Rulers
**Pendragon:
***Artoria “Ember” Pendragon (F, b.1317- 1389?) (Reign: 1351 ~ 1369 - 1389) 
***Ash I (M, b. 1347 - 1434) (Reign: 1390 - 1434)
****Sister: Aura (F, b.1350 - 1434)
***Ash II (M, b. 1399 - 1442) (Reign: 1434 - 1442)
***Amber (F, b. 1424 - ) (Reign: 1442 - 1482)
****Brother: Edward (M, b. 1441 - 1481)
**Mordue:
***River Mordue (F, b. 1322 - 1393) (Reign: 1369 - 1393)
***Henry (M, b. 1353 - 1429) (Reign: 1393 - 1429)
****Daughter: Mary (F, b. 1382 - 1399)
***Lionel (M, b. 1388 - 1482) (Reign: 1430 - 1482)
****Son: Leo I (M, b. 1407 - 1465)
*****Leo III (M, b. 1445 - 1478)
****Son: Leo II (M, b. 1423 - 1478)
****Brother: Henry II (M, b. 1398 - 1478)
***Casimir (M, b. 1454 - 1533)
***Queen Abigail (F, b. 1455 - 1533)
*Roundtable Knights
**Joan “Anne” of Arc (Died in 1431)
**Sir George Cromwell of Cotswold (Died in 1445)
**Sir George Cromwell II of Cotswold (Died in 1482)
**Sir Rex of Dover (Died in 1482)
**Joanna Palaiologos McCarthy (Died in 1528)
*Misc
**Shauna McCarthy (Died in 1489)
***Founder of McCarthy Arms Company, one, if not, the oldest firearms companies in the world.
====The Syonanese Diarchy | Syonan Nikun-shu====
*Government: Mixed Noble Republic
**Grand Kōshaku of All Syonan, Suwawa and Tidung, Lord Protector of Sabah and Palawan: The Grand Kōshaku is the ruler of Syonan. He is elected by the Syonanese Diet upon the previous Kōshaku’s death, resignation, or impeachment and serves a life term.
***Noriaki Kakyoin (born 1462, ruled 1491-1526)
***Hideki Heihachiro (born 1494, ruled 1526-)
**Subordinate Kōshakus: The constituent kingdoms of Hiraga and Nagasato are each ruled by a subordinate Kōshaku. Subordinate Kōshakus are the second most powerful positions in Syonan, with a subordinate Kōshaku having almost total control in their respective domains, answering only to the Grand Kōshaku and their respective Diets.
***Hiragan Kōshaku:
****Yoshimune Kira (born 1449, ruled 1475-1514)
****Ryohei Higashikata (born 1455, ruled 1514-)
***Nagasatoan Kōshaku:
****Ginzo Souji (born 1453, ruled 1482-)
****Shigeki Souji (born 1497, ruled 1540-)
***Yang di-Pertua Agong of Sabah and Palawan: Serves a similar role to a subordinate Kōshaku, with free reign over the 8 prefectures of Sabah and Palawan.
****Pengiran Dahud Sinaman (born 1470, ruled 1511-)
**Syonanese Diet: The Syonanese Diet is the main legislative body of Syonan. A bicameral system based on Syonan’s 2 constituent kingdoms, it is composed of Syonan’s nobility and particularly powerful burgher families. The Syonanese Diet hosts 732 delegates in total.
***Hiragan Diet: The Hiragan Diet is the main legislative body of the constituent Kingdom of Hiraga (located in the northern half of Syonan). Made up of notable Hiragan noble and burgher families, the Hiragan Diet hosts 437 delegates.
****The autonomous province of Sabah and Palawan sends 27 delegates to the Hiragan Diet.
***Nagasatoan Diet: The Nagasatoan Diet is the main legislative body of the constituent Kingdom of Nagasato (including the overseas territories of Suwawa and Tidung), located in the southern half of the country. Composed of notable Nagasatoan noble and burgher families, the Nagasatoan Diet hosts 295 delegates.
****Suwawa and Tidung, being governed under Nagasato, is theoretically subject to the Nagasatoan Diet. However, there is little to no representation of the two overseas territories in the Syonanese legislature.
***Unified Outer Diet: The unofficial legislative body of Syonan’s overseas territories, it is de facto the main governing body in Syonanese Borneo and Sulawesi, with their laws holding more clout on the ground than even federal laws. The Unified Outer Diet hosts 201 members, 88 from Sabah, 72 from Tidung, and 51 from Suwawa.
**Political Parties: Although no real political parties exist in Syonan as of yet, there are several loose power blocs within the Syonanese Diet, with borders between specific power blocs sometimes muddy and difficult to discern. Many delegates are influenced by multiple blocs.
***Centralists: The Centralist bloc is composed of those delegates who desire more central government control over local affairs in Syonan. An extremely big tent bloc, Centralists range from those who simply want more government oversight in day to day governance, to supporters of Anjuro Katagiri’s absolutist and imperial policies, to those who want to do away with the Diarchy system altogether. Significantly more powerful in the north than in the south the Centralists, along with their bitter enemies the Federalists, are the two most powerful blocs in the Syonanese Diet.
***Federalists: The Federalist bloc is composed of those delegates who desire less central government control over Syonan. A similarly big tent bloc to the Centralists, they range from feudalists to status quo supporters to even a few Nagastoan secessionists. Significantly more powerful in the south and in the Bornean territories than in the north, the Federalists, along with the Centralists, are the two most powerful blocs in the Syonanese Diet, and are perpetually at odds with one another.
***Traders: Supporting mercantilist policies and touting the trade guilds as the lifeblood of the Syonanese economy, the traders punch far above their weight in power, mostly due to Syonan’s control over the seas. They are the most staunch supporters of the Sulu Sea sound toll. Many of them tend to agree in part with the Militarists on certain supposed “integral territories of Syonan”.
***Militarists: The Syonanese militarists are probably by far the most unified bloc in Syonanese politics, uniformly advocating for stratocratic principles and aggressive foreign policy to “keep Syonan great” (read. continue Syonanese near-hegemony over maritime Southeast Asia). They are quite inclined to randomly scream “Syonan Banzai” and debate you for hours on how Palawan and Sabah are integral territories of Syonan stolen by the Bruneians.
***Traditionalists: The traditionalists are a faction dedicated to preserving the status quo. They are the most socially conservative group, and also tout an isolationist foreign policy, which they call “Sakoku”. No one really takes them seriously at the moment.
***Religious Supremacists: Syonan’s religious supremacists are a mostly fringe group that emphasize increased authority of religious bodies over governance and everyday life. Although the Shinto, Buddhist, Hindu and Xianist blocs clash often, their proposed policies are much the same, designed to give their religion more power in state affairs.
***Reformists: Even with the most conventional parliamentary system, there will always be a couple hardy radicals. ‘Nuff said.
*Administration: Syonan is divided into 2 constituent kingdoms (koku), which are further subdivided into 10 provinces (dō). The 9 provinces are in turn subdivided into 43 prefectures (ken), which are in turn further divided into districts (gun).
**Suwawa and Tidung are considered overseas territories of the constituent Kingdom of Nagasato. They do not have any representation in the Syonanese Diet, and their people are not considered Syonanese citizens (and thus are not awarded the rights of Syonanese citizens) unless they are descended from at least one Syonanese parent or descended from at least one parent that has served in the Syonanese military.
**Sabah and Palawan is an autonomous province under the constituent Kingdom of Hiraga (with the exception of the southernmost portions of former Bruneian Sabah, which has been incorporated into the Kingdom of Nagasato as Tarakan Prefecture). Autonomous provinces are similar to normal provinces except that they have more power domestically, as the constituent kingdom-level government is not allowed to impose laws and restrictions on the autonomous province, with the only power they are able to wield over provincial authorities in an autonomous province being a veto.
*Capital City:
**Syonanese and Hiragan Capital: Morioh
***Sabahan Capital: Sandakan
**Nagasatoan Capital: Nagasato
***Suwawan Capital: Gorontalo
***Tidungese Capital: Kutei
*Economy: Syonan boasts a diverse and robust economy geared towards foreign trade. Major sectors of the Syonanese economy include agriculture, mining, the spice trade, fishing, and logging. The late 15th and early 16th centuries would see the inception of the Syonanese plantation economy, particularly prevalent in the plains of Central Luzon and inland Mindanao, while urban and coastal economies would remain dominated by various merchant guilds.
**Currency: The Syonanese taru is the main currency in Syonan, backed up by gold reserves, with one taru equivalent to around 3.2 grams of gold. In rural and remote areas, however, the barter system is king, due to limited state influence in these areas.
*Demographics:
**Total Population: 1,281,728
***Hiraga: 480,295
****Morioh: 43,025
****Mei-nira: 63,012
****Kitahara: 36,725
****Kanakawa 30,878
****Keishi: 28,193
****Naga: 25,378
***Nagasato (including Tarakan but not Suwawa or Tidung): 303,470
****Nagasato-shi: 35,145
****Davao: 39,104
****Pemagarong: 27,992
****Souhama-Shibu: 26,023
****Tsuhama: 23,125
****Cagayan: 9,231
***Sabah and Palawan: 271,048
****Sandakan: 38,370
****Api: 25,925
***Suwawa: 78,028
****Gorontalo: 11,792
***Tidung: 148,887
****Kutei: 21,885
**Ethnicities:
***26.6% Syonanese (340,496 people)
****12.9% Yojin (“pure” Syonanese) (43,924 people)
****87.1% In-jin (mixed race Syonanese) (296,572 people)
***20.8% Native Syonanese (266,580 people)
****22.8% Takairō-jin/Tagalog (60,780 people)
****19.7% Kabishi-jin/Visayan (52,516 people)
****12.5% Rusonto-jin/Ilocano (33,323 people)
****7.4% Ibaruno-jin/Bicolano (19,727 people)
****7.1% Nagasato-jin/Maguindanao (18,927 people)
****30.5% Other groups (81,307 people)
***13.6% Malay (174,489 people)
***8.0% Japanese (102,717 people)
***0.8% Vietnamese (10,906 people)
***0.7% Chinese (9,694 people)
***5.8% Suwawan (73,915 people)
***8.5% Kadazan-Dusun (109,056 people)
***6.4% Bajau (82,398 people)
***2.7% Murut (35,140 people)
***5.3% Dayak (67,857 people)
***0.6% Other (mostly Southeast Asian, Indian and Arabian traders) (7,270 people)
**Religions: Religion in Syonan is not necessarily exclusive, with many Syonanese ascribing to beliefs from 2 or more religions.
***Syonanese Shinto: Syonanese Shinto has diverged greatly from Shinto in the Japanese islands, with many Shinto kami being syncretized with native and Hindu deities, and Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism heavily influencing the religion. Most prevalent in coastal, urban and lowland areas dominated by ethnic Syonanese, Syonanese Shinto is the main religion of Syonan.
****~55% of the population (~705,000 people)
***Syonanese Buddhism: A sect of Buddhism almost totally exclusive to the islands of Syonan, Syonanese Buddhism is heavily influenced by Shinto, Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism and native beliefs. It is by far the most influential Buddhist sect in Syonan, although other sects do manage to gain followers in the Syonanese Isles.
****~50% of the population (~640,000 people)
****Other Buddhist sects (Mahayana, Theravada and Zen Buddhism) are practiced by ~9% of the population (~115,000 people)
***Hinduism: Practiced by many indigenous and mixed-race Syonanese especially in Mindanao and the Visayas, Hinduism in Syonan has been heavily syncretized with Syonanese Buddhism and Shinto (and vice versa), with many Hindu gods in Syonan being almost indistinguishable from the Syonanese variants of Shinto kami. A more “pure” version of Hinduism exists in coastal Tidung and in newly-acquired Sabah.
****~40% of the population (~513,000 people)
***Xianism: Xianism states that the sole god of man, Tian, has endowed humans with the ability to become "Xian", basically deities, unlocked by committing good deeds in Tian's name, and understanding Tian and the way the universe works. Unlike many Eastern religions, Xianism is a monotheistic religion. Practitioners of the religion are mostly confined to the ethnic Chinese minority within Syonan, and are most prevalent in Pemagarong and Mindoru Prefectures.
****~1% of the population (~10,000 people)
***Other: In remote, mountainous areas of inland Syonan, as well as in the jungles of Tidung and Suwawa, many native tribes still live as they did before Syonanese settlement on the islands, and still worship their old gods in much the same way as they once did.
****~15% of the population (~192,000 people)
*Military:
**Grand Army of Syonan:
***Deployed forces: 20,000
***Total forces: 40,000
****8,000 Heavy Breakthrough Elite Infantry
****5,000 Field Artillery Personnel
****20,000 Light Infantry
****7,000 Light Mixed Cavalry
****5,000 Homeland Security Infantry (Military Police)
***Reservists/Potential levies: 0
**Syonan Nikun Royal Navy:
***Total sailors: 26,000
***Total ships (excluding coastal patrol): 380 ships
****SNRN Muramasa-class Oceanic Battlecruiser Muramasa
*****Crew: 120
****SNRN Yamamoto-class Oceanic Battlecruiser Yamamoto
*****Crew: 70
****SNRN Yamamoto-class Oceanic Battlecruiser Higashikata
*****Crew: 70
****12 Muramasa-class Oceanic Battlecruisers
*****Crew: 120
****27 Yamamoto-class Oceanic Battlecruisers
*****Crew: 70
****191 Subarashi Pagong-class Oceanic Cruisers
*****Crew: 60
****157 Subarashi Dātsu-class Oceanic Interceptors
*****Crew: 40
****410 Tsuna-class Torpedo Boats
*****Crew: 10
****383 Transport Ships
*Wars and Conflicts:
**Syonanese Resistance War: The Syonanese Resistance War (1529-) was a low-intensity guerilla war carried out by several different organizations against Japanese shadow-rule of Syonan.
***Siege of Tsuhama - March 1553 - April 1554: The Siege of Tsuhama would be one of the most pivotal confrontations in the entire war, as it was of vital importance for both parties due to vast nearby gold reserves (in fact, most of Noriko-era Japan’s revenue came from exploiting mines in the vicinity of Tsuhama). With 8,000 troops stationed within the city, the Resistance would be hard-pressed to face them face-on, and would thus resort to starting a siege of the city to starve the defenders into submission, as well as putting constant pressure and assaults on all land and water routes leading in and out of the city to repel supplies or military reinforcements, as well as goading and inciting the defending army to come out into the field in a variety of ways, in order to slowly pick them off. After a long and protracted siege, the Resistance would put down the last of the defending army, and charge in victorious into the city walls. Once inside, the Resistance (aided by the local population) would start a slaughter of “Japanese gold-stealers and their accomplices” (re: anyone who wasn’t pure-blooded Syonanese or did not agree with the Resistance), decimating both the city’s population and much of the Japanese mining operations in Syonan.
***May Revolution - May 1554: News of the Syonanese Resistance being victorious at Tsuhama was the final spark in the fire that was the crumbling Syonanese socio-political order. After years of political, social and economic decay, many Syonanese took this good news as the beginning of a resurgence of Syonanese prosperity and hegemony and the final destruction of the Japanese imperialist thieves. Beginning May 2nd, 1554, sporadic demonstrations would spontaneously pop up in what seemed like every city, town, and village, and the cry of “SYONAN BANZAI” rang from every valley, on every hilltop, in every city alley and every jungle in the country. Although at first peaceful celebrations, certain *ahem* overreactions by the Syonanese military in several cities would stoke the flames just enough to start burning, and cause the demonstrations to turn violent. In an eerie repeat of the 1542 Riots, entire city blocks would be razed, pro-government businesses and homes ransacked and looted, anyone perceived to be an “accomplice of Japanese Imperialism” lynched on the street or simply beheaded, and effigies of the Koshaku and the Japanese Empress burned. However, unlike in 1542, the government was not able to simply quell the riots with time. Any attempt at a restoration of order by the military would be met with vicious attacks by rioters armed with an assorted mix of stolen guns, various swords, knives, and even kitchen utensils. Entire neighborhoods of cities would become danger zones for the Army, and a torrent of new Syonanese Resistance guerillas would begin terrorizing the government everywhere it went.
***Fall of Kitahara - November 1554: Among one of the most negatively affected areas of Syonan during the past decades of misrule, Rusonto would be the site of one of the most violent confrontations and successes for the Resistance during the May Revolution. After months of fierce conflict with Syonanese military forces, the rebels would manage to seize Kitahara by November of 1554, and would eventually overrun the entirety of eastern Rusonto by the end of 1555.
Do You Wanna Be A Warlord?: The events of the May Revolution and the heavily increased levels of civil unrest and turmoil after the event would lead to a collapse of government authority in outlying areas, allowing local strongmen to entrench themselves as warlords.
***For more information, see Events.
*Research:
**Type 001 Yajiri Torpedo Mod. 1498: An updated model of the Yajiri Torpedo allowing it to reach faster speeds in water and improving its accuracy.
**Subarashi Kulog Taihou Mk.V: We begin to equip more ships with this cannon.
**Bakuchiku Mk.I: The Bakuchiku cannon is now standard fare for all Syonanese ships.
**Kogata-jū: A variant of the Javanese arquebus indigenous to Syonan, the Kogata-jū has become the standard firearm of choice for the Syonanese Army.
**Arquebus Reverse Engineering: With sporadic trade from Agoustan Brunei reaching our shores, we begin trying to reverse engineer their strange and powerful “arquebuses”, with mixed success.
**Early Rocket Developments: The first primitive rockets are rolled out. Although extremely clunky, they can shoot at targets up to 800 meters away.
**Reptilian Growth: Continued breeding of the Filipino monitor lizard has caused the species to grow in size, through decades, if not centuries will be required for the lizards to grow even larger.
***That being said, they are now large enough to be farmed for food, as these monitor lizards slowly become a delicacy in the Nagasatoan region.
*Diplomacy:
**Japan:ave your gold you retard
*Events:
**I Demand More Assassinations: Tourin Souji continues his warpath, assassinating several Japanese implants with ties to certain aspects of the Syonanese government or military in quick succession, the most notable being Takeda Shizuka, head of Japanese naval operations in Syonan and de facto Supreme Commander of the Syonanese Navy.
==== Valcan West Expedition Alliance (Last Turn probably) ====
* Government: Company under Absolute Monarchy (Colony of Hispania)
** Monarch: Queen Isabella I
** Council of Nueva Valcania
*** President: Fidel Valcio
*** Head of Religious Affairs: Ximeno Sepulveda
*** Head of Foreign Relations: Garsea Abasolo
*** Treasurer: Calixta Suazo
* Economy: New farming and slave labor brings a small boost to the economy, but is it too little too late?
* Headquarters: Valencia, Hispania
* Possessions:
** Nueva Valcania
*** Capital: Nueva Valencia
*** Local Governor: Claudia Collizan
*** Demographics:
**** Population: ~90,000
***** Nueva Valencia: ~10,000
***** Los Pan Serpiente: ~5,000
***** Nueva Perrogo: ~5,000
***** San Vicente: ~2,000
***** Los Agujero: ~1,000
***** Smaller Communities: ~67,000
**** Ethnic Groups:
***** ~58% Osnerolese and Native Tribes
***** ~39% Spanish (Valcan, mainly)
***** ~2% Dysian Greek
**** Religion: 
***** ~79%% Roman Catholic
***** ~20% Shrek Cult and Native Religions
***** ~1% Other
***** Protestant Minority, in hiding
* Military: 8,000 active
** Human Resources:
*** 3,000 Pikemen/Spearmen
*** 1,500 Heavy Infantry
*** 3,500 Archers and Crossbowmen
*** 150 Cannonmen 
*** 1,000 Arquebusiers and... Gunmen I guess?
** 5,000 Reserves
** Siege Weapons and Artillery:
*** 35+ Large Cannons
*** 55+ Small Cannons
*** 800 Arquebuses
*** 300 Wheellock 
** Navy:
*** 30+ Transports
*** 5 Large Transports
*** 24 Sea Gliders
*** 17 Naval Kings
*** 4 Salvaged Scourges
** Trading Fleet:
*** 15+ Cargo Ships 
*** 45+ Merchant Ships
* Wars and Conflicts:
** N/A
* Diplomacy:
** Elysian and Native States: Hi, let’s trade.
* Events:
** Further Explorations, Part 5 (Finale): A full map of the New World is released. Decently accurate coastlines from the southern reaches of Vinland down through Catonzia and Nueva Granada to around OTL French Guiana for the east coast, and for the west down from Taxacola through and beyond Huanca. The unexplored and uninhabited lands in the middle of Arcadia are landed Vacía, and each of the encountered native states are marked. The Hispania Empire of course makes it onto the map, as well as multiple smaller native nations we have come across. Al the islands of Nueva Valcania, Nueva Hispania, San Giorno, and Bermuda make the map too. The ridge of mountains marking the furthest west exploration from the coast are added as well. New France is added to the map as reports of more activity up north grow. This map will help with future exploration of Arcadia.
** Y’all Better Plant Them Crops: The Osnerolese in revolt are subdued and all forced back into labor. Construction continues, though a good amount are sent to new farms and plantations to work and harvest food. The Andros Region and southern Islas Nuevas Feles are centers for agricultural expansion.
** Los Agujero: The settlement of Los Agujero, named after the blue hole nearby, grows to the size of a small city on the lower end of Gatais Island (OTL Cat Island)
** Bring In the Big Guns: The Valcan Arms Company is started up under the VWEA. It is starting out small for now, but hopefully can soon aid the Hispanic Empire in the production and acquisition of firearms.
** Long story short a native and laborer revolt is shut down now we get better labor and economy yay
===Turn XXXII: 1555 - 1560===
====Mod Event====
*Amber Bear (Part 4): Andrus is too dangerous, Aleksander decided. After Andrus' victory against the Daevite forces in 1553, he became more popular than ever over the next few years. Aleksander thought that if he defeated Tulaani himself, it would give him more influence and leverage under his puppet ruler. But Andrus somehow went on to defeat Tulaani. It was unlikely and impossible, it was unfair. Now that Andrus won, it gave him more leverage and he is becoming more independent than ever. Pretty soon, Andrus is gonna turn on Aleksander. He wouldn't like that, and he had to strike first. On one of the darkest days in the winter of 1557, it is where he will strike. Meanwhile, Andrus had strolled through the snow-covered garden, greeting people and many admirers. He was grateful to Aleksander, he had brought Andrus from rags to a high and mighty life. It was because of Aleksander that Andrus still kept on living. Speaking of Aleksander, he invited Andrus over to a private meeting to discuss the future of Keisaria. Andrus agreed to meet him later in the day. When the time came, Aleksander proposed that he should be given a better position in the government. Perhaps one that is closer to the heir. Even if he is a trusted friend, Andrus told him he would consider it. Aleksander, seeing Andrus' hesitation, confirmed that Andrus may still have his doubts about him and lunged at him with a knife. Andrus cried out in alarm, but no one can hear, the guards were dismissed.
*Amber Bear (cont.): After a brief struggle, Andrus managed to gain the upper hand and stabbed Aleksander many times in his stomach. Aleksander collapsed and he cursed Andrus as life faded. While on his knees peering over Aleksander's body, Andrus laughed. He laughed and laughed before breaking down into tears. If he had believed in any forces of good and evil, it crumbled down in his mind. Anything he was taught had been useful to him up to this point, any of those "chosen ones" before him would turn away from the horrendous actions he has done. Most of them, anyway. Any spirit that witnessed his journey would feel pity, not pride. Andrus collapsed from exhaustion and laid there, he's nearly 30, but he's tired. He could feel his mind breaking, surely if Aleksander is this powerful, he has allies. There are enemies everywhere.
*The Roman Epics (Part 1): A story has been published featuring a translated compilation of Ancient Roman stories of "forgotten legends" called the Roman Epics, named from the old Greek epics. The author noted that it might be difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. However, the author said it is up to the reader to determine this themselves. Several stories were prominent ones, sometimes told in different viewpoints. One such story is the tale of Hannibal Gherensi, a famous forgotten Atlas captain and general that commanded most of the Atlasi forces during the Punic Wars, and later defended against an invasion force of roughly 55,000 to 60,000 Roman soldiers. Despite Roman attempts at siege, the population was kept fed. It was until the Romans had an idea. As quoted by Lucius Regulus Frensias, a Roman consul at the time: "the Romans with armies of nearly 10 legions and several auxiliaries began to pour into the countryside of [North Africa] after a lengthy blockade. They [attempt] to cause a bit of disruption while trying to make their way towards the capital." Hannibal's fate was unknown after the end of the Punic War(s).
*The Roman Epics (Part 2): Another Roman Epic would tell of Gaius Julius Caesar, the origin of all emperors of Europe. He was a promising young soldier that has made a name for himself in the Roman-Hellenic Wars. After avoiding death several times throughout the campaign, he thought of a political career after his campaigns in Greece. He was the 66th Consul and led forces in Gaul. He was the last undisputed consul. After Caesar declared himself dictator in 49 BC to make things easier to manage due to wars, some parts of the senate decided to elect Pompeius Magnus. However, Caesar does not recognize this as he was in the Rhine at the time. Marching back to Italy, he crossed the Rubicon and marched into Rome. Pompey promised to uphold the Republic, fearing Caesar would tear down its institutions, and led a campaign against Caesar. Caesar lost his life after assassinations despite winning the brief civil war. But his adopted son Octavian arose with a triumvirate before falling into a civil war yet again. After winning, he declared the Roman Republic an Empire and made himself Emperor in 27 BC.
*Dutch Revolt: Ever since the Westrian annexation of the Lowlands, the local population has been subjected to heavy repression and taxation, made worse by the onset of the Reformation. In 1555, a cabal of Dutch and Flemish nobles, including one William of Orange, founded the Staten-Generaal (States General), after having withdrawn from the Westrian home rule office due to their increasingly draconian methods. Another event, known as the "Beeldenstorm" or "Iconoclastic Fury" led to a pro-Westria duke to lead an army into Brussels, asserting himself and punishing those who he felt to have been tolerant towards Protestantism, which help fueled the unrest. In 1557, William, after funding a mercenary army attempted to invade the Lowlands to uproot misguided ministers, obtaining several victories but ultimately have to retreat due to his running out of funds.
*Dutch Revolt (2): With the threat of a French military intervention, royalist troops are positioned in the South Netherlands, allowing Sea Beggars to capture the city of Brielle in 1558, leading to a host of other cities in the area to defect to William of Orange, who at this point has already been seen as the leader of the revolt. By the start of 1560, most cities in the Northern Netherlands have revolted, alongside several in Flanders. Even with the lack of a secession declaration for the time being, the situation in the Lowlands have become tenuous, and save for Wallonia, the Holy Roman Emperor has either partially or completely lost control of the Netherlands.
*The Man From The North (VI): Kvasir passes away on his journey back to Oslo. He is buried in Trondheim, where it is said that about 33 ravens were in attendance at the funeral before scattering to the four winds. His legacy will define Scandinavia for centuries to come, but as of now, the beginnings of Odinism in Scotland prove to be less popular. Owing to decades of Norse dominance or influence, a good deal of the British Isles consider themselves partial descendants of the great Norsemen of old. Thus, the existence of Odinism serves as a way to reconnect with (former) Norse glory without having to move to Vestkyst. However, London has different plans. Owing to their own religious reformation, the people of the southern British Isles have more or less set aside notions of Norse glory to focus on building British prestige, and find the idea of a renegade Scotland intolerable. Religious tension begins to grow as cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, where local Odinists face discrimination from southern visitors, ironically enough.
*Lion Demon of the Punjab (II): Aslan continues his ambitious yet successful campaigns across a stagnating Delhi Azarkhate. This inspires Dekkan and Vijayanagaran campaigns to sneak off with some territory for themselves, seizing Mahradstra and Nagpur, and Vengi, Eluru and Amaravanti respectively. Meanwhile, Hindustan rolls across the northern lands of India, seizing Ujjain, Dhar, Mathura, Vidisa and Gwalior, stopping to seige Bharbut before advancing further east. The Amir of Punjab is given an offer by Aslan to join his new empire as a vassal or a direct subject province by annexation. It is also noted that the Amir is bribed with gold and artefacts seized from conquered Delhian cities, which may or may not have influenced his decision to outright join the Hindustan Empire as a province.
*Turquoise Kamui Exploration Corps (V): Overseeing many successful trade ventures in exporting turquoise out of Indetah and Ohlone, Sugimoto and Asirpa decide to take up residence in Indetah. Sugimoto himself later retired, leaving management of the Turquoise Kamui Company to his eldest son, advised by a few Indetah and Kemahanan merchants. His second son returned to Hennauke to oversee the maritime trade routes passing through the region, while his youngest daughter became a turquoise merchant, last seen sailing to Nihon to sell her wares from the Furthest East.
*New Discoveries: In 1556, Steven Borough reaches as far as Kara Strait, between Novaya Zemlya and Vaygach Island. Hispanian explorers by the name of Juan Fernández Ladrillero and Cortés Hojea explore the eastern Meridian coastlines; the former passes through the western entrance of the Strait of Magellan to its eastern entrance and back. They thought of calling it "Ereskia", from Ereshkigal. As they consider the place they landed on to be akin to the land of the dead (when they came across the OTL Atacama desert), as read in the Babylonian Cycle. They described the desert as blood red, yet filled with colors, like it contained the burn of souls.
*Plight of the Hispanian Crown: Years of ghost profits, inflation driven by import of New World gold and silver, incompetent and irresponsible management from the Crown, and foreign merchants - particularly Genovese and German - profitting off the trade for themselves, the Hispanian crown finds itself in a sticky situation financially, made worse by the exorbitant amounts of money poured into the military sector to crusade against Protestants. All of this led to the Hispanian crown declaring bankrupt in either 1558 or 1559. Despite the apparent influx of wealth in the nation, the average income of the average Hispanian actually went down.
*Geneva Bible: The New Testament of the Geneva Bible, a Protestant Bible translation into English (produced under the supervision of William Whittingham, and printed in Roman type), is published in Geneva.
*Realdo Colombo: Shortly before his death, Italian anatomist Realdo Colombo publishes his only work De Re Anatomica, including his discovery of pulmonary circulation, of the clitoris and of the position and posture of the human embryo, among others, adding to the collective knowledge of human anatomy.
*The Works of Vesalius: The magnum opus of Andreas Vesalius, renowned anatomist and physician, famous for publishing "De Humani Corporis Fabrica Libri Septem" (On the Fabric of the Human Body) in 1543, releases yet another groundbreaking work. In some ways superceding his previous work, the "Observationes anatomicae" is published as a collaborative work between Vesalius, Fallopio, Colombo, other contemporary anatomists and Cosimo I de Medici. This publication would serve as a medical textbook for the understanding of the human body, and would be the basis for nearly all future medical texts.
*De re metallica: German metallurgist Georgius Agricola publishes "De re metallica" in 1556. The work is a systematic, illustrated treatise on mining and extractive metallurgy. It shows processes to extract ores from the ground, and metals from ore. Needless to say, this will have massive implications in the coming decades.
*Rise of the Snaplock: First invented in 1540s by Pietro Beretta Gun Company (also known as the Beretta Company), particularly in its branch in southern parts of Germany. At around this time, it starts to get notoriety in parts of Northern Europe, quickly becoming a competitor of the McCarthy Arms Company .
*Quick Maths: Welsh-born mathematician Robert Recorde publishes "The Whetstone of Witte" in London, containing the first recorded use of the equals sign and also the first use in English of plus and minus signs.
*Shaanxi Earthquake: In 1556, in the Shannxi region of Ba, an earthquake was recorded, killing somewhere around 830 thousand people, making it one of, if not the deadliest, earthquakes in history
*Poszta Avara: The postal company in Avaria was established in 1558 after a royal decree
====NPC Event====
*Agousta: Jesuit members introduce the printing press to India via Goa for the first time in 1556, while with permission from Wu, and for benefits of trade for merchants, they acquire the island of Macau, making it the first legal treaty port on Chinese soil that forms a long-term Western settlement. They also accept a long overdue alliance with the British.
*France: Heresy is decreed to be punishable by death.
*Kazakh: They are able to shake Daevite influence off of them, and they become fully independent.
*Vestkyst: They formally integrate Sápmi into their realm.
*Nueva Valcania: The Valcan Arms company incur massive losses due to competition with the Fuego Divino, a fellow Hispanian arms company with more prestige and reputation in the region.
==== Kingdom of Galatoi ====
* Government: Monarchy.
** King: Isarnus Aendarus (1552-nowadays). Isarnus, which means "Iron" in Galatoin, is the only son of Magnurius. Since childhood, Isarnus was interested in war and fights and he later studied military science in Mauretania. Isarnus is well-respected in military and among artists.
** Magnurius Aendarus (1531-1552). Magnurius was the only relative to the former king of Galatoi, who passed away in 1530. He was coronated in the times of peace, and peace he promised, and peace he brought. Since then, the new dynasty shall reign: the Aendarus family. 
* Economy: Agrarian economy with heavy focus on gold and slave trade. Due to the devastating civil war, the economy of Galatoi is severely damaged. 
* Capital: Advorix
* Demographics: The population of Blue Galatoi is approximately one million people, most of them (95%) live in rural areas.
* Wars and Conflicts: none
* Military: 12000 troops, big share of them are slaves. Cavalry is also present but in small numbers.
Events:
* Homoeroticism: In recent years, homoeroticism is becoming noticeable in Galatoin mythology and art. The male deities of Ateuritism are paired in stories. In different regions, there are different pairs, which causes tensions between worshippers from different regions of Galatoi. The biggest conflict is between LeuTius followers (Leuceni, God of Instinct and Apathy + Atregtius, God of Justice and Righteousness) and LeuVirus followers (Leuceni, God of Instinct and Apathy + Sacravirus, God of Senseless Destruction). Artists, writers and poets use characters in their works of art to express a variety of feelings and situations. However, priests and religious leaders in general call it heretic and barbaric.
* 1556 religious tax: Much lands in Blue Galatoi have been gradually absorbed by the Church of Advorix since it was created centuries ago. After the war with Ares cultists broke off and Galatoi was defeated, religious figures used current political climate to become the dominant force in the society. Since Isarnus came to the throne, the Advorix Church was not very fond of his policies.During the Inquisition, the stolen property that belonged to the Ares Cult was given to the local lords loyal to the King instead of the Church. In addition, Isarnus supports the artists and the military, which were in conflict with the Church. In 1556, to fill the treasury and weaken the Church, Isarnus introduced the Advorix tax, which includes taxing the Church. A few days later, the leader of the Advorix Church issued an official boycott of the King and his subordinates and later declared "the kingdom of God" in the south. Soon after, the local lords appointed by Magnurius, who have already established themselves there, broke off from Galatoi. Thus, the Galatoin Civil War has begun. (This map shows the state of Galatoi at the beginning of each year)
* Civil war: 
** 1556: The local lords appointed by Magnurius broke off from the Galatoi domain, while the rest of what was left from Galatoi was split between the Church in the south (Baccuso regime) and the King. The Church also had a strong presence in the Velitia region and a few months later they overthrew the local lord and established a theocratic regime there (Veilitian regime). In addition, a few villages to the north-east of Blue Galatoi were subjugated by the Church with the help of the Velitia regime. As the region is becoming more unstable, the kings to the west see this as an opportunity to seize more territories under their control: the kings of Ghana and Djenne conquered some of the neighbouring provinces.
** 1557:  King Isarnus sent a request to the king of Ghana to help him with the civil war. However, he, despite being an ally, refused, which angered Isarnus. However, in a series of crushing victories, Isarnus destroyed the forces of the Velitia regime and took control of the region. The leaders of the regime who overthrew the local lord were publically executed. In the recently subjugated territories by the king of Djenne, a few local lords who had already established themselves there revolted against the king, and with the help from the king of Ghana, the king of Djenne was defeated.
** 1558: While Isarnus was busy fighting the regime in Velitia, the forces of Baccuso regime were approaching Advorix. In the battle for Advorix, Isarnus emerged victorious, but it was not over. Unlike the regime in Velitia, the Church forces in Baccuso were much harder to defeat. In addition, a few local lords break off from the domains of the king of Ghana and local lords in the eastern regions, as the process of fragmentation occurs.
** 1559: At the beginning of 1559, the battle for Baccuso begun that lasted for a few weeks, in which Isarnus emerged victorious. The Church was defeated as its leaders were publically executed, and the war was over. In the eastern regions, the process of fragmentation continues, however the armies of Djenne and Ghana are still weakened after the recent wars.
====The United Kingdoms of the British Isles (Albion)====
*Note: If you wish to engage in diplomacy with me, please DM me on Discord
Government: Absolute Monarchy
*Drakes: 
**Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - )
***David (M, b. 1537 - 1554)
***Elizabeth (F, b. 1541 - )
***Francis (F, b. 1541 - )
**Sister: Frances (F, b. 1497 - )
***Albus (M, b. 1519 - )
****George (M, b. 1542 - )
****Gregory (M, b. 1554 - )
**Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - )
***Eldegard (F, b. 1517 - )
****Married off to a Westrian prince
***Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
****Alvin (M, b. 1545 - )
****Carol (F, b. 1549 - )
*Important People: 
Economy: The economy of British Isles consists of trade and commerce of a variety of materials. The primary export products of the UK are fish, wool, cloth, and a variety of vegetables.
Main Religion: Christianity
Cities and Demographics:
*Population: 6.68 million
*Cities
**Brighton: A newer shipbuilding facility located on the English Channel.
**Birmingham: A quiet town that is the location of McCarthy Arms Company, one of, if not, the oldest firearms companies to date.
**Caen: The main hub where products heading to Britain from land mount ships to cross the channel.
**Calais: One of the few French towns still owned by the British, it is a prosperous city that is one of the most important trading hubs in the North Sea.
**Camp Avalon: An old British camp located on a Vinland island. Though mostly uninhabited, it is staffed by a skeleton crew, in the event of a British ship stranding itself on the Vinland island.
**Dover: Main location of the British navy. While elements of the navy are located throughout the territory, the headquarters of the navy are located here. In addition, Dover is the main trading hub between it and Caen.
**Dublin: Main hub of Ireland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
**Glaemchester: A British town north of London, this city is known to house various wealthy nobles, with some of the finest tapestries being produced here.
**Glasgow: Main hub of Scotland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
**London: The capital of England, and location of the throne.
**Portsmouth: The location of the first drydocks in history, which became the founding of various legendary ships of the Royal Navy
**York: Main center of England’s eastern fishing company. Also where a bulk of British trading companies are located, evident from the various merchant caravels present there.
Wars and Conflicts
*Sonata of the Crimson and Azure: A religious war fought within the Roundtable Knights. See events for more info.
*The Elysian War: A conflict which started as a feud between a British company and the Elysians blossomed into a conflict which dragged the British into sending a substantial portion of their army and navy to deal with. See events for more info.
Armed Forces
*Total: 134,350 Manpower
*Army
**Total: 119,900
**United Drake Forces: 
***Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 20,000
***Marksman Infantry: 48,000
***Light Cavalry: 10,000
****Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry: 1,200
***Heavy Cavalry: 2,000
***Bow Cavalry: 2,900
***Field Artillerymen: 5,800
****Field cannons: 1,760
***Logistical Support: 30,000
*Roundtable Knights (Elite): 8,350
**These are Britain’s elite forces. A rebirthed version sprouting from Artoria’s original group of holy knights, this force has never lost a battle, and has unwavering loyalty to the crown and the Order of the Roundtable, willing to fight to the death for the survival of the British Isles.
**While most are able to fight, members of the Roundtable are encouraged to branch out into their own craft, such as pottery and sheepherding, with the idea that everyone should act like a Roundtable Knight and give their all into both their craft and their country.
**The only way to become a Roundtable Knight is to be selected by an existing member of the group. Most knights tend to make apprentices out of those they recruit to the Roundtable, and generally, no one usually complains when a Roundtable Knight selects someone to join the ranks of the Roundtables. Depending on the country/chapter, one can also be appointed to the Roundtable by the crown.
**As of 1527, three factions are formed within the Roundtables
***The Crimson Sun
***The Azure Moon
***The White Orchids
****Renames themselves Orchid Heaven in 1542
**Notable (Living) Members:
***The Drake Family
*Navy:
**Personnel: 5,800 (combined between both fleets)
**Naval Vessels:
***Ember-class British Galleons: 20
****Main flagship: HMS Ember
***Swallow-class Interceptor: 26
****Designed to be the fastest ships in the world (for their size) without sacrificing too much firepower.
***Cabigail-class Caravel: 60
***London-class British Caravel: 4
****Kept in service for purposes of training new sailors.
***Dove-class Dual-Purpose Merchant Caravel: 100
****These ships are given to British merchants who sail in dangerous waters, and are crewed by either mercenaries hired by said merchants or the merchants themselves. Only included in ship-counts for the navy to deter invasions by sea.
Research and Development
*MAC Cannons: McCarthy Industries continues to produce MAC Cannons in a variety of calibers and sizes, ranging from small 6 pound field cannons to 32 pound naval cannons. At least in Britain, McCarthy Industries has the monopoly on the firearms industry.
**The 32 pounder long-nose MAC Cannons enter service, replacing the aging 24-pound naval cannons on the large British galleons.
*Naval Vessels: Continued development on galleons is performed, to see if it is possible to improve British vessels further. They experiment with two aspects; size and firepower. British Naval Engineers hope to determine proper ratios for size, durability, and firepower, as well as taking note of various lessons learned in the field, such as logistical issues found in British Caravels.
**Modernization efforts are made to the Ember-class of ships, replacing aging wood as needed, as well as upgunning the galleons with newer models of cannons.
*McCarthy Arms Company: Continued efforts are made to improve the wheel lock, with minor changes made over time to allow for easier manufacturing of the rifle.
**In addition, McCarthy Industries continues development on a handgun to complement the rifles, with these models rolling out in 1548.
*Glaemchester: Becomes a city of prominence with the explosion of tapestry-oriented companies settling down in the city, but is slowly being torn apart due to the religious conflicts occuring within its boundaries.
Training and Production
*Reformation of the Army: Upon realizing horses can be trained to not flinch when having guns fired from their back, training begins for light cavalry, to have them be able to fire muskets from horseback, in addition to their normal duties.
**Renamed to “Skirmisher Shock Cavalry”
*Whatever equipment and personnel is required to maintain numbers on the frontline.
Diplomacy
*Americas: With intelligence from the Vinlanders, the British decide to scope out the other nations of the Eastern Coast of North America, and see what they have to offer
**Elysia: (See Events for more details)
*Europeans: Though not offered the top-line models, Britain does allow McCarthy Arms Company to sell some of their wares overseas, to those willing to purchase them, at least
*Vinland: The British send what supplies they can so that the new Vinland thane can maintain their territory and then some. (see events for more details).
**Assistance is requested by the British government as they send their troops in (done in 1556)
*Agousta: Britain asks if they wish to enter into a defensive alliance with one another
Allies
*Vinland: Allies in the New World. Led by Tahmas, Vinland now prospers with the new leadership as they thrive with the protection of the British navy.
*Velkyst: Norweigan allies in the North Sea. The oldest ally of Britain, harkening back to the British Empire’s founding.
*Westria: An ally on mainland Europe who also dislikes France, cause f**k France (jk).
Events
*Sonata of the Crimson and Azure (Part 5: Finale): Both sides receive more support from foreign factions, with a small French force now assisting the Crimson Sun and the Azure Moon receiving assistance from Vestkyst. As the Azure Moon advance, they smash into the Crimson Sun’s defenses, as the battle grinds to a halt. However, upon spotting a crack in the line, the Crimson Sun throws their might at the weak point as a gamble.
**This gamble paid off, with the Azure Moon forces retreating before turning into a full rout. The Crimson Sun won the battle, and while the government is relatively left unscathed by the conflict, the main religion of Britain is considered to be Roman Catholic.
***That being said, the Azure Moon faction still survives, as their gaze turns west across the Atlantic.
*Potato Potata: With the potato becoming a widespread crop in Britain, both British and Irish farmers begin growing potatoes in bulk, with a boom in food surplus present in the British Isles.
*The Rise of the Company Fleets (Part 7): With the world opening up, and rumors of prosperity and gold present, various companies sprout up around Britain, with the goal to investigate various locations of notice with hopes to make it big.
**British Faviero Greek Company: "The BFG Company” for short, this company has taken an interest to the region of Elysia. Its leaders, Faviero and Raleigh have enacted a multi-decade long plan to wrestle control of the region for themselves, though if other situations were to come up, they’d adapt on the fly.
***Phase 2B: As trading between Britain and Elysia becomes more stable, a permanent place for the fleet to moor at is established. Though housed by a skeleton crew, the ‘temporary’ Camp of Roanoke was established in 1537, to allow merchant ships to dock and send their wares inland, as well as a place for BFG expeditionists to rest for a few days before the BFG expeditionaries move inland.
***The Elysian War (Logistics): The BFG Company has blundered massive amounts of money on mercenaries who ultimately failed to claim Elysia for the BFG Company. Eventually, the company is on the verge of going bankrupt when the British Government gives the company a loan to continue their efforts in the area, namely to keep the British army fed, with their fleet of merchant ships making constant trips from the British Isles to Elysia to keep the war effort going.
***Company Fleet Flagship: The Doomslayer
**The Henry Amerigo League of Observance: A group (nicknamed HALO) that is headed by Henry of Glaemchester. Now a competent company, the HALO company travels the seas, now intermingling with a faction known as the Amekrogu’s to the south.
***The Amazon Expedition (Part 2): Continuing to make contact with Amekrogu, Henry does his best to try and win over the heart of Amekrogu’s leader to enter into an alliance with the HALO Company, offering to assist the Amekrogu’s against the threat of Spanish invasion in return for a defensive alliance and trade route (including the trade of British-made Muskets in return for cacao and the likes)
***Company Fleet Flagship: The Pillar of Autumn
*The Elysian War (British Involvement, 1556 - 1560)
**Baptism of Fire: The British Army arrives in late 1556, landing the first 5,000 of the 20,000 troops sent to aid the BFG Company in the invasion of Elysia. As the British built up their forces in the region, the Elysians made various attempts to uproot camp Roanoke. However, with the might of the British Royal Navy, the British Army, and the plethora of British firearms present, the Elysians were driven back each time.
**British Gameplan: The British general in charge of the invasion of Elysia calls for a two-prong attack. One, originating from camp Roanoke, will make a drive for the Elysian capital from the south while the Royal Navy, led by Admiral Drake, will drop off troops further north, within the Elysian bay, for a pinsir maneuver on the Elysian capital.
**The Elysian Bay Offensive of 1558: A combined effort made by the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in tandem with support from Vinland in the form of their longboats. Serving as escorts for the British fleet, Admiral Drake managed to infiltrate deep into the bay, starting with the taking of Nikephora before working their way south towards Elysia to meet up with the southern army. During this venture, the northern task force was forced to fend off various attempts by the Elysians to send them packing, but with 10,000 of the 20,000 troops at the British’s disposal, the most the Elysians could do was delay the inevitable..
***As the British march, the Royal Navy provides the ground troops with the ammunition and food they need, while Vinland longboats provide cover from Elysian raids, with British cannons aboard the ships to provide assistance if needed.
***The northern force manages to take Nikephora after an 8-month siege, managing to link up with the southern army in early 1559.
**The Southern Advance: In the spring of 1558, the BEF began their advance from the south towards the Elysian capital. During this advance, the Elysians have made several attempts to both surround the British army as well as sever their supply lines. However, the British managed to fend off these attacks, as they arrived at the capital of Elysia in October of 1558.
**The Siege of Elysia: The combined armies of the northern and southern taskforce lay siege to the Elysian capital of Elysiapolis in October of 1558. Within the first weeks of the invasion, the combined armies split their forces in half, leaving 5k troops to maintain the siege on Elysia while the other 15k performed a plethora of tasks. First of all, they are tasked with acquiring control of the rest of the territory of Elysia, or at least push the frontlines away from Elysiapolis to make a concentrated push to relieve the city as difficult as possible. Secondly, the troops will keep an eye out for any guerilla movements that might make a break for the city to resupply them with food and supplies. Finally, they act as a show of force in the area, so they won’t interfere with Elysia’s occupation.
***There were several breakout attempts made by the Elysians within, and while the British had cannons, they withheld their use against the city directly, not wishing to destroy the Elysian government too much.
***Eventually, on 7th of December, 1560, after a grueling two-year siege, the city of Elysiapolis surrender to the BEF. The BEF still has a plethora of work to do, including the siege of Ierakipolis as well as suppressing any resistance to British rule, but as far as the BEF was concerned, they are the undisputed victor of the war.
*Rulers
**Pendragon:
***Artoria “Ember” Pendragon (F, b.1317- 1389?) (Reign: 1351 ~ 1369 - 1389)
***Ash I (M, b. 1347 - 1434) (Reign: 1390 - 1434)
****Sister: Aura (F, b.1350 - 1434)
***Ash II (M, b. 1399 - 1442) (Reign: 1434 - 1442)
***Amber (F, b. 1424 - ) (Reign: 1442 - 1482)
****Brother: Edward (M, b. 1441 - 1481)
**Mordue:
***River Mordue (F, b. 1322 - 1393) (Reign: 1369 - 1393)
***Henry (M, b. 1353 - 1429) (Reign: 1393 - 1429)
****Daughter: Mary (F, b. 1382 - 1399)
***Lionel (M, b. 1388 - 1482) (Reign: 1430 - 1482)
****Son: Leo I (M, b. 1407 - 1465)
*****Leo III (M, b. 1445 - 1478)
****Son: Leo II (M, b. 1423 - 1478)
****Brother: Henry II (M, b. 1398 - 1478)
***Casimir (M, b. 1454 - 1533)
***Queen Abigail (F, b. 1455 - 1533)
*Roundtable Knights
**Joan “Anne” of Arc (Died in 1431)
**Sir George Cromwell of Cotswold (Died in 1445)
**Sir George Cromwell II of Cotswold (Died in 1482)
**Sir Rex of Dover (Died in 1482)
**Joanna Palaiologos McCarthy (Died in 1528)
*Misc
**Shauna McCarthy (Died in 1489)
***Founder of McCarthy Arms Company, one, if not, the oldest firearms companies in the world.
==== Kingdom of Imerina ====
* Government: Feudal Monarchy (Kingdom)
** Monarch: Queen Rafohy (B 1528 - Age 31, alive) (R 1552 - Present)
** Consort (and head of the Fossa Warriors): King Razakatsitakatrandriana (B 1527 - Age 32, alive) (C 1547 - Present)
** King Dowager: King Ratsifandrihamanana (B 1494 D 1556 - Age 62)
** Ruling Dynasty: Hova (Ndahimananjara branch of Ammagari)
** Order of Succession: Prince Andriamanelo (B 1546 - Age 13, alive), Princess Rasolobe (B 1556 - Age 3, alive), Prince Manelobe (B 1529 - Age 30, alive), (his children), Princess Ravoamasina (B 1535 - Age 24, alive), (her children), Prince Andrianakotrina [son of Andriamihaja] (B 1519 - Age 40, alive), Prince Andriatanjany (B 1541 - Age 18, alive)...
* Economy: The economy of Imerina is based mainly on agriculture and fishing, there's also trade going on with the Swahili and various peoples on our home island including the other Malagasy states of Betsimisaraka (even though relations are strained at this point), Mahafaly and Bara. The Merina economy stands as one of the strongest and most developed in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, mostly due to the effect of foreign contact. Imerina has started to influence other states through trade.
* Allies: N/A
* Capital: Mahajanga
* Demographics (including rebelling areas):
** Population: ca 550 000 total
** Mahajanga: 8 900
** Toamasina: 4 000
** Ambanja: 2 200
** Analamanga: 1 900
** Morafenobe: 1 800
** Rural regions: ca 532 000
** Ethnicities: 88% Malagasy (divided into 56% Merina and 32% others such as Betsimisaraka, Sakalava, Tsimihety, Sihanaka, Antankarana etc.), 6% Komoro Natives (Swahili), 5% Adnanite
** Religion: 68% Tombovelan Zoroastrianism, 32% Haintenism (traditional Merina folklore)
* Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
** N/A
* Military: Due to Imerina being a rural realm, a large amount of units can be raised for warfare, but usually about 1% of the population is the most trained and prepared soldiers that can be drafted. Parentheses means the deployed units in cases where not all units are deployed for war.
** Deployed units: None
** 1 800 Spearmen
** 200 Swordsmen
** 600 Bowmen
** 1 650 Crossbowmen
** 700 Light Cavalry
** 200 Fossa Warriors
* Navy:
** 10 Adananita class ships
** 7 Mer'ana class ships
** 8 transport ships
* Diplomacy:
** Everyone on Matagasykara: Zoroastrian missionary work.
** Mutapa: Further contact and relation stuff. Also Zoroastrian missionaries.
* Events:
** After a Queen, Another (two): Rafohy continues her reign, mainly sorting out the "feudal" system and working out the kinks of it, as well as giving birth to a daughter in 1556. Nothing else really that special aside from the other events.
** Merina Armor Project: Efforts are put into the manufacturing of Merina armor. Obviously armor has been used for a while because all that interaction with the Ahurics and they have armor and all that, but now knowledgable Adnanites and Merina are brought together to get a grip on this so that our troops are better protected. It's mostly light armor for cavalry and infantry, this going together with the evolution of using spears to a more modern polearm, very similar to that of whatever was used by the Ahurics. Swords also start to be adopted.
** The Return of the Fossa Warriors to Relevancy: After the assassination of Andriamasindohafandrana, the Fossa Warriors were relegated and had many rights revoked. Now that Imerina has practically fully recovered from the civil war and is becoming more and more powerful, the elites could be very useful, not to mention that them being irrelevant for so long has kind of pissed them off and also devalued the legacy of Ndahimananjara quite a bit so yeah. The Fossa Warriors are given new rights and can function as the elite soldiers of Imerina once more. They still function as royal guards and such but are very strictly trained and are and can only be part of the monarch's army, not any of the vassal lords to prevent a disloyal vassal from using them against others and/or the current monarch. The Fossa Warriors are back to having quite a bit of power but now in a different system with a council as well as a semi-feudal society they shouldn't pose too much of a threat should they mostly be kept in check.
** Sorabe to Mutapa: The art of writing as well as the Malagasy Sorabe alphabet and some other stuff like agricultural techniques and various resources are introduced to Mutapa. Also some more Zoroastrian missionaries interacting with the traders of the realm.
** Southern Expansion: Expansion like before, through conversion and settling, but also the direct claiming of land by Fossa Warriors, kinda like the OTL cossacks (please at least give me a border with Bara).
** What are those italics?: They mean that that successor is not the child of the monarch. For Manelobe and Ravoamasina, they are Rafohy's siblings and the others are descendant from Rangita's brother Andriamihaja.
** RIP: King dowager Ratsifandrihamanana passes at age 62.
*
==== Archduchy of Westria ====
* Head of the State: 
** Emperor Friedrich VIII Hohenstaufen (B 1st March 1514 - still alive), (R 12th May 1528 - present)
*** Head of the Government:
**** Archchancellor Hermann von Stroof (B 1488 - still alive), (R 12th January 1541 -present)
***** Government: Absolute Feudal Monarchy ruled by an Archduke. Though a lot of powers are also vested in to a council. The title is By the Grace of God Archduke of Westria, Last of the Romans, Duke of Burgundy, Guleders, Brabant, Flanders and Luxembourg. Our ruling dynasty is Hohenstaufen. We are also the Emperor of the HRE since 1351.
*** Consort:
**** Empress Eldegard Pendragon (B 1517 - still alive), (R 1537 - present)
*** Heir to the throne:
**** Crown Prince Leon Hohenstaufen (B 1539 - still alive), (R 1539 - present)
*** Religious Head: 
**** Archbishop Gerhard von Dress (B 1478 - D 1557), (R 1541 - 1557)
**** Archbishop Lukas von Hohenlaufen (B 1483 - still alive), (R 1557 - present)
*** Governor of Westrian Netherlands
**** Governor Willem Alexander van Frisien (B 1498 - still alive), (12th March 1554 - present)
*** Demographics including foreign occupation:
**** Population:
**** Wien: Population: 21,260
**** Amsterdam: Population: 8,000 Occupied
**** Konr: Population: 9,550
**** Rich: Population: 11,360
**** Polanum: Population: 12,960
**** Bozn: Population: 14,190
**** Trieste: 13,140
**** Antwerp: Population: 6,350 Occupied
**** Liege: Population: 6,350
**** Luxembourg: Population: 4,360
**** Brussels: Population: 7,820
**** Rural and smaller towns population: 2,286,930
**** Total population: 2,403,260
**** Religion: catholic christians (82%), Protestants(18%)( more secret protestants)
**** Ethnicities: 59% Westrian, 2% Venetian, 23% Flemish 11% Wallon and "Luxembourger" 5%
** Economy: We are based on agriculture and trade through the danube river and with most of the HRE. We use our own coins which resembles a lot those of the old Roman empire. We have also started with trade from the sea through our port Trieste and Westrian Netherlands.
* Allies:
* Venice
* Albion
* Escosia
* Wars and conflicts: 
* Dutch revolt: The Westrian forces were pretty easily defeated in the north of the lowlands and quickly escaped down to the brussels area where they are now stationed with the southern troops in the lowlands. They are aproximetely half of the Westrian force togheter. At this moment they are currently trying to defend from any other attacks while waiting on answers from Wien who seems to be pretty shocked by this advancements of the revolt. An offensive to recapture Antwerp are also starting to get planned. Jonas von Hochtenburg would arrive with and aditional 2,000 arquebusiers and 1,000 cavalry and at the command of the Emperor he shall invade Antwerp and crush the revolt which may be a lot harder than it sounds. Sadly for us the managed to get a large number of our navy captured that were in Amsterdam so they are probably a more or less equal naval power to us. We are in a weak postion and with the French threatning to the south many soldiers have bad morale even though Jonas tries to drill them. Multiple smaller militant catholics have also risen up with whatever they got being a force about around 1,000 people not that many and maybe not that helpful considering that they have almost no training.
** Chief Commander: Jonas von Hochtenburg (B 1498 - still alive), (R 1537 - present)
** Army: Total of
** Pikemen: 10,400
** Swordmen: 220
** Bowmen: 2,110
** Cavalry: 6,330
** Crossbowmen: 2,140
** Arquebusier: 10,600
** Navy: Total of
** Cocha: 40
** Cog: 20
** Hoy: 16
** Mediterranean brigantines: 20
** Carrack: 12
** Heavy weaponry
** Cannons: 2,000
*** Events:
**** No One Expects the Return of the Westrian Inqusition: The persecution of non catholics continues in our lands. At the same time we try and co-operate with other still catholic nations to try and defeat the ever growing protestantism.  
**** Inqusition fleeing Amsterdam: Quickly after the capture of the town of Amsterdam the inqusition started running leaving the city while during the dark. Angered villagers would throw things at them or scream insults to them. The inqusition would ignore them trying to flee not everyone survived many would end up getting lynched by angry mobs. At the same time many catholics start fleeing fearing protestant revanchism. The navy at Amsterdam were also captured or destroyed.  
**** Protestant refugees: Protestant refugees from southern lowlands start fleeing up north hearing baout the rebellion either to join it believing that they are a protestant revolution or believe that they will treat them better.  
**** Our mainland has the plague!!: Our mainland has the protestant plague not in small numbers as before in greater numbers. The protestants spread their wings on it as we start to send out the Westrian Inqusition to suppress them and aswell many soldiers to stamp down unwanted protestant unrest.  
**** Expelling protestants: Expelling protestant population seem to be ineffcient there is no positive outcome they start spreading their faith elsewhere.  
**** Cleansing of Amsterdam: The cleansing has offically ended  
**** Westrian Netherlands: Rebellions, unrest, religious tension what life is wonderful in Westrian Netherlands. A civil war aswell so beautiful and the threat of the Frenchies makes the situation even more trickier. There have been multiple call for maybe achieving a favorable peace in the region considering that a french attack on us when we are weak could make this thing a lot more worse. They haven't seemingly decided to declare all outright independence so we try our best to see what their demands currently are before they might get expanded. Losing that region could be seen as a disastrous defeat but maybe concessions would make us look even more weaker? But losing it all would maybe be an even worse option considering the French?  
**** The problematic prince: Prince Hans "the heretic" Hohenstaufen won't die but he is the least of our problem from now on.  
* Diplomacy:
* Dutch revolt: We send out diplomats to see this William's demands if they are somewhat favorable we might accept them in the soon future.
====Dragon's Fire====
*Leadership Structure: There is a leadership structure within Dragon's Fire. They do have the authority and reserve rights to revoke membership. The Grand Dragon, created as a title to go with the de facto leader and obviously coming out from a tavern, has most of the power and the final say in its current leadership structure. There are senior chiefs, but they are small in number and are often appointed by the Grand Dragon or the Representative manually. The group's purpose is not exactly clear, having changed a lot over the past 20 years as of 1540. It is perhaps why historians seem to be intrigued but also forget about its existence. The Operator is known to carry out financial operations of the organisation and handles most of the assets of the organisation.
**Grand Dragon:
***Mechiel Tangelder (b. 1480 - d. 1549, office 1502 - 1542)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502 - d. [1570], office since 1542 - 1559)
***Lars Hatgers (b. 1515, office since 1558)
**Head of the Tangelder Company:
***Mechiel Tangelder (b. 1480 - d. 1549, office 1515 - 1542)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502 - d. [1570], office 1542 - 1551)
***Joris Polder (b. 1520, office since 1551)
**Representative of the Grand Dragon:
***Hubert Bodde (b. 1473 - d. 1536, office c. early 1510s - 1536)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502 - d. [1570], office 1536 - 1546) - abolished
**Operator (Financier): Gert Rutters (b. 1499, office since 1530)
**Senior Chiefs: Six figures
*Membership: 820 members, all of them are concentrated in Westrian Netherlands and based around Den Haag and the surrounding towns within a close range of no more than 30 kilometres. Membership has declined by an amount because of Dutch resistance and rebellion that is happening, where some decided to leave the organisation for good and instead look more forward to the independence of the Dutch people from Westria.
**The Tangelder Company: It is a front company that owns much of the assets that the New World expedition led by the late Grand Dragon holds, along with many of the weapons and ships of the organisation. It is secretly and mainly operated by Dragon's Fire for the purpose of not making the organisation dubious and stashing a lot of gold with intention of revolting, although some of its members are known to have supported other underground groups indirectly since its distancing from its original purpose in the early 16th century.
***270 men
***6 transport ships
***2 caravels
*Diplomacy: N/A
*Operations:
**Dutch Revolt: Though not directly involved, many of the members of this organisation have left for the Dutch Revolt. Some of the mercenaries from the front company of the organisation Tangelder Company are involved in fighting alongside with the Dutch, with some of the funds and assets being transferred by some towards effort of fighting against Westrian control of the Netherlands. It effectively delayed parts of the organisation's long-term efforts and divided the organisation again for the first time , with many having no reason soon to go out of the Netherlands. Seeing their brothers and sisters fighting against Westria, this also led to the plummeting of membership, which will be discussed a little bit later.
*Events: (The lower caps events are hurting me)
**Leadership Shift: Koen van der Wel resigned on 1559 as violence in Westrian Netherlands rose and the Dutch Revolt had truly begun to take shape. Few of the senior chiefs have resigned as well. This led to a restructuring of the organisation as it begins to take a hit for the first time since its early years of formation. Members have left, mainly because they begin to see that a Dutch nation is becoming possible and that their only intentions to join the organisation for the sake of expressing their own opinions. Volunteerism has become dominant within the organisation, where many of the organisation's members are opting into supporting the revolt ore openly than they have before. But the new leader is not deterred by that, but despite the huge unconditional support, the long-term goals of Dragon's Fire is still being put ahead, albeit delayed. (see Operations for more details)
**Still Moving Ahead: With huge division within Dragon's Fire, some were willing to continue their long-term goals by a remainder of 5-1 vote, but they have been put aside for their own fight against Westria. Hatgers is the only one who wanted to continue the goals as van der Wel had pursued and with more members beginning to leave, it is clear that he would be left with a small group of close-minded people who would go on to reach other places to colonise.
====Khitan Khanate====
*Government: Steppe Horde
**Khan/Khatun:
***Khojin (F) (r. 1501 - 1542)
***Erketu (M) (r. 1542 - 1543)
***Arslan (M) (r. 1542 - present)
****Dynasty: Yarud (1501 - present)
*****Parliament: None
*Economy: The Khitan economy is largely based upon trade, herding, and pastoralism, as the Khitans and most of their subjects are nomadic peoples. However, in some areas, such as around cities, the inhabitants are settled agriculturalists.
*Capital: Nerchuu (OTL Nerchinsk)
*Demographics:
**Population: 189,000 (70% Khitans, 21% Jurchen, 5% Mongols, 2% Tungusics, 1% Daevites, 1% other)
**Religion: 87% Tengriism, 5% Arzham, 4% Buddhism, 4% others
*Military: 3,780 troops
*Wars and Conflicts (italics indicate potential wars):
**Partition of the Khalkha Khanate (only if the Daevite Empire accepts offer): More troops are recruited to invade Khalkha. 13,500 troops cross the border with Khalkha to invade. Volley fires are carried out against the Khalkha cavalry charge in order to cause a rout, and the Khitan cavalry is utilized to sweep up the remainder. Defenses are built on the front, and 5,500 troops are recruited to guard the border in case of a counter-attack.
*Diplomacy (italics indicate secret):
**Third Daevite Empire (secret): Hey, wanna partition Khalkha?
*Events:
**Rebirth of Liao? (pt 1): After his victory over Erketu, Arslan’s first move would be to build up his kingdom and to plan ahead. He would improve the infrastructure of major cities and build roads between major cities to make it easier for urban traders to travel from place to place and for the army to move through otherwise difficult terrain. He also prepared for an invasion of the neighboring Khalkha Khanate.
**Royal Academy of Nerchuu: The Royal Academy of Nerchuu, first built during Khojin’s reign and known for its library, comes to prominence.
**Assimilation: The Jurchens of Sahaliyan are slowly assimilated into the Khitan majority (starting since the annexation of Sahaliyan). Cultural diffusion also occurs between the Jurchens and Khitans, making the assimilation process somewhat easier. 
==== Sublime State of Zhaowa ====
* Government: Thalassocratic Mixed Kongsi Republic
** Administration: Zhaowa, like it’s mother state, Li, has an administrative system not dissimilar to the Li system of Prefectures (Chú), Urban Counties (Hwen), and Rural Counties (Vo). There are 21 prefectures.
** Grand Overseer (Taixu): The Taixu is the ruler of Zhaowa as elected by the Grand Tribunal. They have the ability to veto any action done by the Grand Tribunal. Upon their death, the vice-taixu, chosen by the Taixu, becomes the interrex until an election occurs, no more than a year after the Taixu’s death.
*** List of Taixus:
**** Jieu Jengywéi (1492-1526)
**** Kyang Baklangit (1526-1558)
**** Kyang Hyancuetvo (1558-)
** Grand Tribunal (Ta Fapdéng): The Grand Tribunal is the main legislative authority in Zhaowa. It is made up of 81 members who vote on national policy and pass bills.
** Council of Nine (Bát Yén ci Hwai): The Council of Nine oversee the 9 ministries of government in Zhaowa. They are hand-picked by the Taixu. Though meritocratic on paper, the ranks of the Council of Nine come from the same couple of noble families. The 9 ministries of government are the; the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Ceremony, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Supervision, and the Ministry of Households. All of the ministers are subordinate to the Taixu.
** Lower Tribunal (Hyaci Fapdéng): The Lower Tribunal consists of all citizens elected by the Common People’s Tribunal and many high-ranking Bureaucrats. Members of the Lower Tribunal meet once a year to elect members of the Grand Tribunal. There are 873 members of the Lower Tribunal. They function similarly to the Electoral College in OTL US politics.
** Common People’s Tribunal (Kúngyén ci Fapdéng): The Common People’s Tribunal consists of all citizens within the State of Zhaowa. It is by far the largest electoral body within Zhaowa. All citizens have the right to directly elect leaders for their respective counties and prefectures via popular vote. Though they do not directly vote for higher positions, they very much influence their decisions. As representatives those elected are both morally and practically obligated to represent the wishes of those under them, as the common people can easily vote them out if they do not fulfill their wishes.
** Political Parties: While there are no official political parties Within Zhaowa, there are several political blocs within the Tribunals.
*** Aristocrats: The Aristocrats are a large front wishing to preserve the status-quo and increase the power of the noble class. They hold 16 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Tradesmen’s Front (Xángtang): The Tradesmen’s Front, primarily made up of Lower-level officials, merchants, and artisans, is a major political bloc within Zhaowa. They advocate for less trade restrictions, more power to the Hwais, lower tariffs, a strong navy, improving infrastructure, and pacifist foreign policy. They hold 14 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Militarists (Kwúntang): The Stratocrats are a sister group of the Tradesmen's front. They share many of the same beliefs as the Tradesmen's Front. However, they advocate for socially conservative policies and aggressive foreign policy. They hold 17 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Traditionalists (Dauvuttang): The Traditionalist Party, primarily made up of Buddhists and Xianists, is one of the larger political fronts within Zhaowa. They advocate for socially Conservative policies, reforms to the Ministry of Ceremony, and Isolationist Foreign Policy. They hold 6 seats in the Grand Tribunal,
*** Xianists (Xéntang): The Xianists are a fringe political bloc. They advocate for increased authority of Xianist schools, socially Progressive policies, reforms to the Ministry of Ceremony, and exploration into Papua and Australia. They hold 3 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Commoner’s Front (Noungyéntang): Forming the basis of Tsúyén’s support base, the Commoner’s Front is a front consisting of ethnic Toraja, Alfur, Makassarese, Papuan, non-Ternatian Halmaherans, and numerous other ethnic minorities, as well as sinitic lesser officials who managed to claw their way up to the Grand Tribunal. The Makkasan and Nunusakuan nobility is well represented within the Commoner’s Front. In addition, numerous merchants, especially those involved in Western Nusantara are staunch activists of this group. Though with disparate views, they all are united in their support of Tsuyenist policies, which emphasize strengthening of the nation by all means necessary, from proto-communist policies in Papua, to policies increasing the power of foreign Hwais, to the construction of a large and powerful navy. They hold 17 seats within the Grand Tribunal.
* Economy: Zhaowa has a Proto-Capitalist economy, focusing on agriculture, spices, metals, fishing, and forest products. Perhaps the most important part of the Zhaowanese economy is the trade of all of the above. A major feature of the Zhaowanese economy is the Hwai, an economic and societal structure functioning similar to a Renaissance Guild, a Trade/Workers Union, and a Cartel. Hwais evolved from notions of brothership among the Mercantile and Managerial class of Yun-era China. Most citizens are part of or somehow involved in a Hwai. Hwais are commercial organizations consisting of members that provide capital and shared profits. Though much of the population may not be an active member of a Hwai, many citizens work for a member of a Hwai. Since all involved in the Hwai receive equal profits and have equal capital, Zhaowa could also be classified as Proto-Market-Socialist. Zhaowa has a paper and coin based Fiat monetary system. To avoid inflation, all money is in the hands of the Ministry of Finance. All paper money can be exchanged for gold, silver, and copper, or silk with an exchange rate of 3%.
** Main Currency: Ceijen
** Monetary Value: 1 Ceijen coin (制钱) is equivalent to one mace (3.8 grams) of 21K rose gold (12% Copper, 88% Gold).
* Demographics:
* Ethnic Makeup:
** 20.6% Mixed-Sinitic
** 19.3% Sundanese
** 14.3% Makassarese
** 10.2% Lampung
** 6.8% Sumbawan
** 6.3% Pure Sinitic
** 5.9% Moluccan
** 5.3% Minahasan
** 3.6% Papuan
** 3.5% Toraja
** 3.1% Javanese
** 2.1% Malay
* Total Population: 1,038,000
** Maluku: 39,000
** Makassar: 32,500
** Manado: 29,000
** Nimkyóng: 25,000
** Singnakyo: 20,000
** Ampenan: 17,000
** Selam: 16,000
** Launa: 12,000
** Sufu: 8,500
** Jáng Hwi: 4,500
** Tangbana: 1,000
* Religion: 6% Xianist, 15% Mahayana Buddhist, 20% Theravada Buddhist, 6% Hindu, 24% Animist, 5% Arzhamist, 30% Clearwater Buddhist, 1% Other
* Military: 36330 Personnel (~3.5%)
** Army: 12500
*** 400 Military Police
*** 200 Garrison Infantry
*** 200 Garrison Artillery
*** 100 Calvary
*** 3,250 Mixed Infantry (Polearm & Arquebus mixed units)
*** 1500 Shock infantry (Swordsmen)
*** 750 Support Artillery 
*** 100 Military Engineers
*** ~5000 Auxiliaries
*** 1000 Logistical Support
** Navy: 23830 Sailors/Marines, 859 Ships (excluding coastal patrol)
*** 18 Hunghwangjwen/Galleon (45 meters) (1980 crew total)
*** 90 (Full-rigged) Yienkapjwen  (35 meters) (9000 crew total)
*** 180 Supply ships (30 meters) (3240 sailors total)
*** 50 Heavy-Cannon/Rocket Ships (27 meters) (1050 crew total)
*** 193 (Junk-rig) 3-Masted Junks (24 meters) (3860 crew total)
*** 200 (Fore-and-aft) War Perahu (17 meters) (2000 crew total)
*** 50 (Fore-and-aft) Reconnaissance Ships (15 meters) (400 crew total)
*** 80 Troop Transports (800 crew total, able to carry 6400 troops in total)
*** Various Disorganized Levied Coastal Patrol (1500 crew)
* Firearms:
** Cetbang/Jwangpiau: The Jwangpiau is the most commonly used gun in Zhaowa. It is a breech-loading swivel gun, and is used on fortifications and ships. These come in portable (wheeled) and stationary varieties.
** Xépdan-tswáng: The Xépdan-tswang, literally meaning “Ten Shot Gun”, is a gun similar to an Organ Gun. Inspired by the multiple rocket launchers in use across the Sinosphere, instead of firing arrows or rockets, it fires iron or bronze pellets. It is used as an anti-personnel gun. Due to it having 10x more barrels than an average gun, it can shoot 10x more bullets, but it takes 10x more time to clean. Unlike the guns of Europe, it is breech loading, which provides quicker loading time. To seal the breach, paper cartridges or a block are used, though this is quite ineffective. The Xépdan-tswáng is used in very low quantities, with perhaps only 50 being used across Zhaowa.
** Lagatswáng: A Lagastwang is the Zhaowanese term for an Arquebus
*** Jiue Lagatswáng: The Jiue Lagatswáng is an uncommon weapon in Zhaowa, referring to all breech-loaded arquebuses. They have a much faster loading time than standard muzzle-loading Lagatswáng, though they often malfunction.
*** Hwaje Lagatswáng: The Hwaje Lagatswáng is the most common form of Lagatswang in Zhaowa. It is a matchlock firearm, often coming with a stand and a spike attached to the top.
*** Lyuenlagatswáng: The Lyuenlagatswáng is the Zhaowanese term for wheelock guns. Though they are more useful than the Standard Matchlock Lagatswáng in wet conditions, they often malfunction and are hard to produce.
*** Lau Lagatswáng: The Lau Lagatswáng refers to all primitive Lagatswáng.
** Bedil Tombak/Lungencwung: The Lungencwung, literally meaning “Hand Gun”, is a common gun in Zhaowa. It is quite simple, with a socket attached to a pole and a tube from which projectiles are fired from. It commonly has a blade attached to it in case of melee fighting. It is quickly being replaced by the Lagatswang.
** Hwacá: The Hwacá is a multiple rocket launcher or an organ gun, depending on the projectile used. It fires around 150 rockets or arrows, which are contained within a wooden frame. The wooden frame allows the rockets to fly straighter, and, as a result, farther. In elevated positions, they have a range of 600 meters. However, on flat positions, they have a range of only 200 meters. Current rockets have a length of around 15 centimeters. Though with a short range, it has enough force to make a 30 cm-deep crater in a patch of sand. A second, larger rocket is currently being produced, with a length of 45 centimeters, with a range of 1100 meters.
** Cwungdung: The Cwungdung is a common firearm in Zhaowa, used on larger ships and on fortresses. Most models of Cwungdung have a maximum range of around 950 meters, with one model having a maximum range of 1500 meters with darts. Darts are made out of wood tipped with iron, with iron tail fins. Unlike the modern conception of darts, these darts are quite large, slightly less than a meter long. When they strike their target, they generally bury up to their iron fletching. Though less destructive than rockets, they have much better accuracy. Cwungdung also fire numerous iron or stone cannonballs, though they have much lower range, with an average maximum range of 600 meters.
*** Kuveliem: The Kubiliem is a muzzle-loading cannon, specifically referring to Culverins imported by Europeans. Instead of firing darts like the Cwungdung, it fires round cannonballs. Due to this, it has a flat, though comparatively shorter trajectory.
* Research and Production:
** Infrastructure: Infrastructure in captured territories is to be improved. 
* Wars and Conflicts:
** Invasion of Biak: With Majapahit successfully stripped of its power, Zhaowa turns its attention to the numerous remaining states in Eastern Indonesia. In 1558, 120 ships are sent to crush the Biak navy, and assuming that is not sufficient, an additional 1,000 soldiers are to make a landing at the Biak capital. 
* Events:
** Consolidation of Java: Due to the people of Banten and Lampung being only recently given Zhaowanese citizenship, and the census system in these new lands not being ironed out, many of the former subjects of Majapahit are exempt from conscription for the time being. Using the same policies instituted during the conquest of Selayar, many Zhaowanese move to Banten, and many Sundanese move to Papua. It is quickly noted that the lands which Zhaowa has taken have some of the most high-quality pepper in the world. Numerous Hwais set up shop in these newly acquired territories, hiring native workers and bringing along Zhaowanese indentured servants to create pepper plantations. 
** Migration from the Mainland: Following the massive starvation, famine, and overall bad time in China, numerous Chinese migrate to Zhaowa in the years between 1545 and 1560, totalling 15,000. Most of them settle in Papua or around the Sunda strait. Many have little possessions and become Noungnou or Kyánou, with some of the better off one's becoming Byengyén or even Cyúngyén. 
** FENGHUANG OF THE SOUTH SEA EVENTS WILL BE SUBSITUTED FOR EXPOSITION IN ODA RP (help me i can't write.) 
** The Imperial Idea (9):
*** Zhaowanese Superiority: Racial-based oppression has been in Zhaowa for years now, deriving from the Chinese divide between the civilized Zhonghua, and the barbaric peoples at the edges of the world. However, in 1556, it is codified by, you guessed it, Tsuyen. His ideas can be simplified in a few sentences. In essence, he says that certain groups within Zhaowa are either naturally civilized or have become civilized via the efforts of the Sinitic peoples within Zhaowa. However, there are many peoples in and around Zhaowa who are not civilized, and cannot be treated the same as civilized people. The ‘civilized’ races are the Sinitic and mixed-Sinitic peoples, the Makassarese, and to an extent, the Sundanese and the Minahasans, with the Chinese being regarded as the most civilized. The Papuans and Alfur, and the people of the Lesser Java islands are considered completely barbaric, with a few of them being notable exceptions. All other ethnicities within Zhaowa exist in a grayzone, where they are not discriminated against, but are not explicitly favored. To civilize the rest of Nusantara, Zhaowa has the moral duty to conquer lands and impose ‘civilized’ practices on them. Many deem the vast majority of Alfur and Papuan as too barbaric right now to be of use for anything except forced labor as Kyánou or lower-class Noungnou. 
*** Death of Baklangit - 1558: Kyang Baklangit's health had been declining for years now. Just before she left for Japan, Touiku was called to meet Tsuyen and Baklangit at Maluku. Baklangit could hardly speak due to his inflamed throat, but his message was clear enough
**** "After my brother...I hope that it shall be you...w-who...takes the phoenix... I have seen your work in Kansha and Sunda. It...would benefit the state."  
*** Baklangit began wildly coughing afterward, and both Tsuyen and Touiku left the room. One day later, he died.   Hyancuetvo, Baklangit's younger brother, is made Interim-Taixu. ue to Tsuyen practically controlling the Zhaowanese electoral process at this point, Hyancuetvo is later elected Taixu. 
==== Valcan West Expedition Alliance (I lied this is actually the last turn get prankd) ====
* Government: Company under Absolute Monarchy (Colony of Hispania)
** Monarch: IDK, let’s go with Queen Isabella II
** Council of Nueva Valcania and the VWEA
*** President: Fidel Valcio
*** Head of Religious Affairs: Ximeno Sepulveda
*** Head of Foreign Relations: Garsea Abasolo
*** Treasurer: Calixta Suazo
* Economy: New farming and slave labor brings a small boost to the economy, but is it too little too late?
* Headquarters: Valencia, Hispania
* Possessions:
** Nueva Valcania
*** Capital: Nueva Valencia
*** Local Governor: Rosa Collizan
*** Demographics:
**** Population: ~90,000
***** Nueva Valencia: ~10,000
***** Los Pan Serpiente: ~5,000
***** Nueva Perrogo: ~5,000
***** San Vicente: ~2,000
***** Los Agujero: ~2,000
***** Smaller Communities: ~66,000
**** Ethnic Groups:
***** ~59% Osnerolese and Native Tribes
***** ~40% Spanish (Valcan, mainly)
***** ~1% Dysian Greek
**** Religion: 
***** ~84% Roman Catholic
***** ~15% Shrek Cult and Native Religions
***** ~1% Other
***** Protestant Minority, in hiding
* Military: 8,000 active
** Human Resources:
*** 3,000 Pikemen/Spearmen
*** 1,500 Heavy Infantry
*** 3,500 Archers and Crossbowmen
*** 150 Cannonmen 
*** 1,000 Arquebusiers and... Gunmen I guess?
** 5,000 Reserves
** Siege Weapons and Artillery:
*** 35+ Large Cannons
*** 55+ Small Cannons
*** 900 Arquebuses
*** 300 Wheellock 
** Navy:
*** 30+ Transports
*** 4 Large Transports
*** 20 Sea Gliders
*** 15 Naval Kings
*** 4 Salvaged Scourges
** Trading Fleet:
*** 15+ Cargo Ships 
*** 45+ Merchant Ships
* Wars and Conflicts:
** N/A
* Diplomacy:
** Elysia: Well you’re kind of dead now, that makes trading difficult
* Events:
** Nueva Valcania and the VWEA, A Retrospective: As the Hispanic economy begins to stagnate, the VWEA decided to begin to shift its focus away from Nueva Valcania and work more on the defense, military and navy of Hispania, and potential work beyond these islands. The governor and council of Nueva Valcania begins to make more of their own decisions. Farming and new construction and development of cities will continue to be the main provider of economy and work for the nation. Most of the natives were subdued. Cities, community and civilization were constructed. A pig sailed in a boat. A snake monched on some bred. Societal outcasts and the oppressed found some shelter, even if it didn’t last long. Did Hispania prosper? That’s up for discussion. The VWEA started the ball rolling, now it’s up to the Nueva Valcan people to keep the momentum.
** The Suazo Legacy: Calixta Suazo. Pupil of the infamous Hanzila Suazo, survivor of a shroom-filled dungeon, artist and politician, and now governor of Nueva Valencia. Her children will in time grow and travel the world, continuing the Suazo legacy well into the coming century and beyond. Her brother Velasco Suazo. Unknown and forgotten conquistador, disgrace to the Suazo family, and murdered by a salty shroomlord native with a grudge. He will lay forgotten to the world, only existing in the memories of family. Sans Suazo. Still a child in the world’s eyes, great fortune may come to him, or great loss and sacrifice. The wheel in the sky keeps on turning, the clock keeps on ticking, time keeps marching on. The spearhead of his family’s destiny, this child could win or lose it all. (IDK why I’m writing all this, it’s not like he’ll do anything in events or anything.)
** The Osnerolese Rebellion and its Impact: This relatively small uprising ultimately did not shake up Nueva Valcania that much. Aside from stricter working conditions and more farms and early plantations popping up, neither side gained a terrible amount. Another seemingly pointless war, killing family and friends. History will repeat itself in these ways as long as the Earth is green.
==== Nihonese Federation ====
* Government: Federation of Feudal entities, nominally a Republic
** Empress: Uchiha no San-nin (Takagi Anzu)
** Prime Minister: Kanzaki Noriko
** Shogun: N-A
** Congress: A representative body of every single Daimyo, autonomous territory and more, with election methods differing heavily. All headquartered at Osaka Castle, with its two main chambers used for the houses.
*** House of Peers: Nobles and samurai ascended to give them input on the laws of the land. As peers, they have the authority to present laws so long as it is practiced between peers of two different daimyo.
**** No. of Seats: 112, distributed by family, not daimyo
**** Clans (By Representation):
***** Kanzaki with 28 seats
***** Tachibana with 16 seats
***** Satsuma with 10 seats
***** Shiba* with 10 seats
***** Matsudaira with 8 seats
***** Mogami* with 6 seats
***** Tanabe with 6 seats
***** Oda* with 4 seats
***** Ryuzoji with 4 seats
***** Takeda with 4 seats
***** Otomo with 2 seats
***** Nagao with 2 seats
***** Ashina with 2 seats
***** Odawara with 2 seats
***** Nanbu with 2 seats
***** Midoriya with 2 seats
***** Uzumaki with 2 seats
***** Uesugi* with 2 seats
**** Autonomous Territories' Representation: Both Izumo-Matsue and Chiba are allowed to participate as 'outside forces' where they can present legislation with at least two other representatives.
*** House of Representatives: Everyone else. Divided into the merchant quarter, the peasant half and the valued quarter (artisans and religious figures). As Representatives, they have the power to force the House of Peers to a Kaiketsu no Hakken, 'Solution Discovery', where the House of Peers must present legislation satisfactory to at least a majority of the peasant half and either the merchant or valued quarters. Elected via councils, committees or popular votes.
**** No. of Seats: 224
***** Peasant Half: 112
****** Elected by popular vote per familial region.
***** Merchant Quarter: 56
****** Elected by committee. Represents the interests of the companies, majority Kamakura Company, NSC, Kokumotsu ryūtsū kaisha (Grain Distribution Company).
***** Valued Quarter: 56
**** Autonomous Territories' Representation: No representation, voting disallowed.
*** Legislative Process:
**** Introducting a Bill/Law: A bill can only be introduced by the House of Peers, but the House of Representatives can compel the House of Peers to introduce a bill satisfactory to them. The below scenarios introduce the process:
***** Introduction purely by the House of Peers: Should a bill be introduced by two Peers of different daimyo, it must first pass a two-thirds majority in the House of Peers before being given to the House of Representatives, where it must achieve a two-thirds majority with the Peasant Half and a majority with the Merchant and Valued quarters for it to pass to the Prime Minister, who must sign it for it to be passed.
***** Compellation by the House of Representatives: A majority of the representatives must first issue a Solution Discovery which includes a general overview of the grievances that are to be addressed in the bill. Then, the House of Peers must search for a law that not only passes its two-thirds majority but is judged by a committee from the House of Representatives to be 'appropriate and sufficient' for the fulfilling of the Solution Discovery. There it must finally achieve a majority with the Peasant Half, and a majority in at least one of the quarters, to be passed to the Prime Minister.
**** Meetings: Meetings are to be convened every year on the most suitable days of Autumn with at least a 75% turnout rate.
** Clans and Alliances:
*** Oda
**** Main family: Oda (minor branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: N-A
*** Takeda
**** Main family: Takeda (main branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: Matsudaira
*** Tachibana
**** Main family: Tachibana (main branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: Fujiwara
*** Mogami
**** Main family: Mogami (main branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: Odawara, Niigata
*** Kanzaki
**** Main family: Kanzaki (side branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: Mori, Miyoshi, Chosokame, Shin-Yamato
*** Satsuma
**** Main family: Ryukyu (main branch)
**** Side families/daimyo: Ryukyu, Taira, Honkobu-Taira
*** Western Alliance
**** Shiba, Uesugi, Azai, Ashina
*** Tohoku Communion:
**** Nagao, Ashina, Nanbu
** Rule of Law: Nihon practices a proto-law system known as the Taiyo no Hosoku, the Sun's Law, which strictly places an emphasis on political families and the ownership of land. The Hosoku is unique in that it makes the transferral of land owned by a family illegal, rather making the only way to gain land to be political marriage. It explicitly prohibits any form of ritual combat, any form of honour combat, and most of all, war against other daimyo. On top of that, it issues a guarantee of human rights, including the 'right to education', the 'right to food', and the 'right to living space'.
* Allies: Ezo, by personal union with Fujiwara; Joseon, defensive military alliance
* Capital: Kyoto
* Demographics:
** Population: 12,340,000
** Ethnicities: Yamatai (79%), Chinese-origin (4%), Joseonese (8%), Syonanese (6%), Other (2%)
** Official Religion: Shinto, with Buddhist influences
* Population Distribution:
** Urban Population:
*** Percentage of total population: 8% (Approx. 1,010,000)
*** By city (rounded to the nearest 5,000):
**** Edo: 40,000
***** Edo surroundings: 50,000
**** Kyoto: 35,000
***** Kyoto surroundings: 40,000
**** Fukushima: 35,000
***** Fukushima surroundings: 20,000
**** Hiroshima: 30,000
**** Kobe: 25,000
***** Hiroshima-Kobe wider region: 25,000
**** Nagasaki: 25,000
**** Yokohama: 20,000
**** Takaoka: 15,000
**** Niigata: 15,000
**** Izumo-Matsue Au. Region: 25,000
**** Chiba Au. Region: 20,000
**** Others not exceeding 15,000 in population: 590,000
*** By region:
**** Tohoku: 23%
**** Kanto: 21%
**** Kansai: 14%
**** Chubu: 17%
**** Chugoku: 11%
**** Shikoku: 5%
**** Kyushu: 9%
** Rural Population:
*** Percentage of total population: 92% (Approx. 11,630,000)
*** By region:
**** Tohoku: 18%
**** Kanto: 14%
**** Chubu: 19%
**** Kansai: 15%
**** Chugoku: 12%
**** Shikoku: 11%
**** Kyushu: 11%
* Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
** Protection of the Syonanese Government:
*** 50 Kawataro-fune
*** 30 Hayai-fune
*** 75 supply ships
*** 13,000 sailors
** Sengoku Jidai:
*** Events:
**** STATUS:
***** North (Tohoku, Kanto):
****** Dominant clan: Tachibana
****** Competing clans/alliances: Mogami, Tohoku Communion, Western Alliance
****** State of Affairs: Openly hostile, constant skirmishes, inter-family warfare
***** Central (Chubu, Kinki):
****** Dominant clan: Shiba
****** Competing clans/alliances:  Takeda, Western Alliance
****** State of Affairs: Relative peace, limited skirmishes, stable families
***** South (Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu):
****** Dominant clan: Kanzaki
****** Competing clans/alliances: Satsuma
****** State of Affairs: Relative peace, limited skirmishes, stable families
* Army:
** Horses [15,000]: Modest steeds trained to gallop across the rough and uneven terrain of Nihon's islands. They can also be employed for charging out of boats onto land, although that kind of situation is comparably rarer.
** General infantry [24,000]: Rudimentarily trained infantry with a general focus on close-ranged melee and shortrange bow combat. Second priority for usage of battering rams and other siege equipment, usually assisting other infantry and auxillaries with tasks.
** Irregular infantry [25,000]: Infantry-in-training as well as part-time infantry that does not serve for lifetime employment. Mostly the former. First priority for handling of siege equipment.
** Support staff [6,000]: Infantry serving in entirely logistical roles. Equipped with extreme short range equipment such as daggers for self-defence, the bulk of many impromptu convoys.
** Auxillary infantry [3,000]: Long-range bowmen and combat medics. Heavily trained, many chosen to be officers upon promotion in the field.
** Irregular auxillaries [16,000]: Often merchants and mercenaries serving the same role as auxillary infantry, auxillaries-in-training or officers serving in combat.
* Highest-ranking generals:
** N_A
* Navy:
** Kawataro-fune [379]: An armoured slow-moving battleship which covers the deck in metal plating and a layer of steel behind the caravel structure to give it a special amount of versatility. If it is sinking, it can last for enough hours to bring it back to shore or at least into a kamikaze attack.
** Hayai-fune [383]: A restored line of lightly-armoured battleships designed to quickly board another ship before sinking it. Incredibly fragile.
** Supply ships [811]: Unarmoured fast-moving cargo ships as well as heavy lightly-armoured supply ships. The former used to resupply close to land; the latter used to carry along supplies on longer, no-docking expeditions.
** Irregular converteds [29]: Various ships with various amounts of armour and what not attached on; mostly former Kei-fune and and Hayai-fune and cargo ships. Heavily personalised, often used as fleet commander ships.
** Regular sailors [25,000]: close-quarters trained, basic infantry training and ship training
** Reserve sailors [20,000]: see above
* Admirals:
** Takeda Shizuka
* Diplomacy:
**
* Economics:
** Status of the Economy:
*** Value of Gold: While barter has remained one of the biggest methods of trade within the country, gold is the currency by which trade with foreign merchants has been practiced. The main source of gold in Nihon, however, are the Han nations to the East, Kansha and Syonan; it has no actual power over the premier currency it uses. The usage of bronze and copper coins for smaller denominations has become generally more commonplace in urban areas, while barter trade remains common. The national mint is centred in Edo, controlled by a council of retired or former daimyo.
**** Actual monetary value: One ounce of gold can currently buy eight sacks of rice (7.8kg total).
**** Currency:
***** 1-yen coin (copper)
***** 5-yen coin (copper)
***** 10-yen coin (bronze)
***** 100-yen coin (bronze)
***** 1000-yen promissory note (backed in gold)
*** Economic Overview: A significant portion of the Nihonese economy is centred around traditional agriculture, with rice as the national staple of the country; barter trade occurs on a limited communal scale, with the adoption of partial paper and minted currency already having occurred. Small artisanal trades in the fields of writing and artistry have become coveted as prestige symbols; education extends to only roughly 11% of the population, with this small class of artisans a thin sliver of a middle class between the vast majority of the peasantry and the higher nobility.
**** Economic Policy:
***** Re-Militarisation: The building of naval vessels becomes a nationwide priority with the value of ships artificially raised by the Kyoto government in order to create a bubble where old drydocks re-open and re-attract old workers from before the beginning of the Bakufu. This also leads to incredibly rapid ship-building and the further ballooning of the size of the navy.
***** Arquebus Production: Copies of the European weapon, designed for usage by any and all military forces. More commonly known in Nihon as the Tanegashima (after where they first landed). 
**** Economic Trends:
***** Private Conglomerates: Private commercial entities begin to develop in the absence of a central authority, many of whom quickly develop into monopolistic entities that carry multiple different trades and industries all at once. The Kamakura and Nihonese Southern Companies are at the forefront of this, but other mercenary and financial organisations begin formation in urban centres, especially private police who become the primary arbiters of public security in cities and towns.
***** Coastal Centralisation: With the arising of the re-militarisation policy, a significant amount of trade begins to be conducted primarily via sea; previously, what minimal maintenance work that had been done on the old roads connecting Nihon was enough, but with the arising of the first inter-clan conflicts, these no longer remained neutral or safe and thus ports have become the most surefire option to receive goods safely. This leads to the shift of economic power to cities like Edo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Niigata among others; especially those with drydocks.
** Major Economic Organisations:
*** Kamakura Company: Front organisation with dealings in weapons, assassinations and other various activities.
**** Nihon: 6,600 members (150 ninja)
**** Kansha: 1,400 members
**** Syonan: 1,900 members (50 ninja)
**** Wu: 100 members
**** Dai Viet: 100 members
*** Nihonese Southern Company: Mercenary group. Professional army.
**** Nihon: 4,100 members and two hayai-fune
**** Syonan: 12,100 members and 15 hayai-fune + 10 kawataro-fune
**** Kansha: 2,800 members and one kawataro-fune
**** Dai Viet: 1,500 members
* Culture:
** Yamatai: The dominant culture on the three main islands, practiced by the vast majority of ethnic Nihonese; it emphasises the importance of self and the privilege of existence. A partly individualistic culture with overtly communal streaks that designates the greatness of finding a specific calling and engaging it with the most effort possible; giving rise to a society that prizes the arts as well as the value of literature. While it does not shun the sciences, they are not often given priority; meanwhile, the military and warriors are given outsized importance against all else. Its envisioning of Shinto has numerous distinct cultural streaks from the nations that existed before Yamato united the three main islands under its own banner; as well as little reminders of the past.
** Ainu: A distinct, unique culture native to Tohoku and Ezo; a kind of communal culture that emphasises the community and a place within that community. It speaks of the importance of discovering a place within society and fulfilling the callings asked of you by others, and that no individual is above the common good. Its adoption of arts and literature is thus comparably limited, but it is the Ainu which have advanced Nihon's science so far, partly due to the fact that they are encouraged to go to school from younger ages (and generally live in more urbanised societies). Their envisioning of Shinto is more akin to a kind of lifestyle, which promotes certain practices and discourages others; one which has, surprisingly, remained largely sturdy for the last 400 years.
** Joseonese-Han: A minority culture arising from the great giants from across the sea; Joseonese-Han is a monstrous beast of mish-mashed cultures, from distinct Han streaks arising almost 600 years ago to the original Xia cultures. It is almost entirely reliant on distinct, tiny Xianist sects and practices a form of Buddhism mixed with Shinto.
* Religion:
** Shinto: A polytheistic, animistic and pantheistic religion which most Nihonese follow. It revolves around the kami - gods/spirits, which are depending on region omnipresent or omniscient. Worship is mainly practiced in household shrines and public shrines, with family shrines more common for political and clan officials. Extreme levels of localisation, with many in the North having strong Ainu streaks while those in Kyushu and Kansha have subtle Han influence.
* Events:
** The Phoenix of Nihon [14]:
*** The Last Stand - 1557: A breakthrough. How? How on... no. Who cares how - it needed to be defended, fast. Hearing news of the disaster up north confirms to Noriko that she should have personally managed the defence; but meanwhile, multiple things happen all at once. Losing its last actual admiral, Takeda, to the Syonanese, led to a power struggle within the navy, and the navy... were taken over by the Satsuma, who promptly declare their independence from the Federation and seize the vast majority of Nihon's 800 naval vessels. Meanwhile, she receives word that the Tachibana have deserted their section of the Northern Wall and joined with Oda Nobunaga, and that the Uesugi have pledged their allegiance as well. Desperate, she has her forces run a defence that goes from Takaoka to Nagoya; the national army also mounting a great siege in Kyoto. A series of barricades are erected, followed by trenches, watchtowers and more; Kyoto will, at all costs, be the deathbed of Oda Nobunaga if she breaks through. And it confirms to Noriko one thing; privileged as she is in life, it is time to go. She leaves her assets as Prime Minister to Senmyaku, asks the Gang of Seven - now but six people - to take charge of the defences in their nations, and she takes to Kyoto. She knows that she will perish. But it is the first time she has been so certain she will welcome certainty.
** The Death of Nihon [10]:
*** We're In - Autumn 1555: Tachibana, along with Kiyo personally, accepts the offer of alliance with Nobunaga, allowing her forces to pass through their territory and proceed to launch an assault on the Nagao. Kiyo and Wu Jin both travel out of Tachibana, using the excuse of establishing a working relationship with Oda and Uesugi; the moment she meets Nobuna, she bows, and pleads to be allowed to fight with her. She wants out of the uninspired life of being an Empress, and she takes it upon herself to do anything she can to never go back; giving her siblings or perhaps her cousins a chance at reigning. In her first weeks she slowly grows to enjoy the more strenuous activities taken on in the army, and she joins other levies as a rather enthusiastic soldier, perhaps too enarmoured with the life as it is. Wu Jin is less... happy, often taking as much time as he can off via hiding in shrines and claiming he's performing duties. The distance between the two in the next few months closes significantly as friends, and then they both meet someone new. Tala.
*** Musamasa's Death - Spring 1556: In the spring, Muramasa Keigo and all of his secrets perished with him, his assets then immediately seized by his distant family, and Tala left out to pasture. Enraged at their apparent lack of care for his craft, she attempts to take back those assets, but is only able to procure his old sledgehammer and anvil, which she spitefully carries all the way to Nagoya, then to Yokohama, where she meets Kiyo and Wu Jin on their duties. She says she is but a simple blacksmith, but almost immediately dozens recognise an immaculate skill for swordsmithing that she yet refuses to recognise, only deepening her newfound fame as she becomes known as the Kenkyona katanakaji (Humble Swordsmith). This deepens to such a point where she finds herself recruited by Nobunaga personally, who bows to her and asks for her allegiance, something which she is more than happy to offer. The two grow to be something of friends, unlikely as it is, as well as permanently putting her in contact with both Kiyo and Wu Jin. She finds her time passing like sand in the hourglass while in their presence, her self-confidence barely buoyed by the existence of three unconventional friends.
** The Taisho of Nihon [8]:
*** My Allegiance - Summer 1557: Delighted to hear of news of the Satsuma's defection 'to her side', Nobunaga launches a sustained attack all the way through Chubu. She comes to know a little-known military genius by the name of Soryu - Soryu Ritsuko - whom on one of her encounters with the national army easily warns her of the incoming forces' position and location. She takes this mysterious woman under her stewardship; and soon she herself rivals the old Kamakura Company in her effectiveness and simplicity, gaining intel desperately needed during and before battles. Uesugi, in conjunction with Soryu, cooperate to create further military victories at Takaoka, and the encirclement at Matsutaka. This finally brings her brutal campaign to the gates of Kyoto in spring 1559, but the defence is stiff. Her men find it difficult to traverse the new, paved-side Kamo River, which has been specifically redesigned to become a pseudo-swamp, and incursions into the city itself fail. Someone inside knows what they're doing, and she hates it. For the first time in her campaign she is stuck, and the Siege of Kyoto continues all the way through the end of 1559; but how long will it take after? Few know... 
Notable People:
* 1401-1473 [The Last Days of the Heian]:
** Uchiha Tomoko (1387 - 1469) [deceased]: Head of the Yamatai faction during the Civil War and later Empress (1412-1469) under the name 'Uchiha no Ichiban'.
** Mori Kyoko (1378 - 1473) [deceased]: One of the two heads of the Peoples' League during the Civil War, later Speaker of the National Convention unopposed until death. Spouse: Kido Mirio.
** Hori Shizuku (1377 - 1456) [deceased]: The other head of the Peoples' League, a minor political player in Hiroshima after the war. Committed suicide under threat of involuntary execution.
** Midoriya Kaitou (1383 - 1472) [deceased]: A minor player in the Civil War who gained popularity as a capable administrator. Birth name Zhang Kaisheng. Spouse: Midoriya Yuki.
** Seishiro Kirie (1381 - 1463) [deceased]: One of the heads of the Outsiders who found herself alienated from her hometown in her pursuit of political unity. Became a remarkable writer, writing works such as The Use of War, a critical book on the purpose of strife. Spouse: Bakushi Yona.
** Bakushi Yona (1380 - 1463) [deceased]: A Yamatai-Eskosian, best known for fighting for the political rights of the tiny Eskosian minority in Nihon. Became a political kingmaker after the war. Spouse: Seishiro Kirie.
** Hu Jin-Yo (1376 - 1462) [deceased]: A Joseon-Yamatai, best known as a Joseonese reunificationist who participated in a minor role during the Civil War. Afterwards, provided much financial support to the Nihonese army advancing in Kyongsong before dying in a tragic accident.
** Kanzaki Izuku (1394 - 1489) [deceased]: First Shogun then Taisho, well known for unconventional military tactics that precipitated asymmetrical warfare against enemy forces. Lived a relatively stunted life afterwards, travelled into Joseon and participated in its war against Kyongsong before travelling West in hopes of retracing the steps of Bulijin Khatun, a dream promptly foiled. Spouse: Yonekura Hiyori.
** Nishimiya Asuka (1372 - 1479) [deceased]: Shogun after her predecessor Kanzaki was passed over due to ignoring the Empress, she became something of a despot and massively expanded the powers of the military as well as a small secret police under the direction of Empress Uchiha and Speaker Mori. Lived a quiet, nondescript life. Spouse: Ryuzoji Mirio.
* 1474 - 1523 [The Rise of the Bakufu]
** Uchiha Ryu (1467 - 1512) [deceased]: Adopted son of Empress Uchiha, originally groomed to be an apt successor of hers; he was soon convinced to take another path by the Regent. Overthrown in 1487.
** Senjougahara Ryuko (1459 - 1489) [deceased]: Popular regent originally meant to become successor to Uchiha, eventually sidelined. With a massive amount of political power, however, she pulled strings to keep herself as Regent and manipulated the new Emperor as she wished. Murdered by an assassin.
** Senmyaku Hyo-in (1436 - 1486) [deceased]: Powerful orator of the Dochaku who advocated for their betterment. Eventually sidelined due to the maneuvring of Empress Uchiha.
** Yamagata Jiro (1461 - 1503) [deceased]: An upstart military man who became Shogun at the behest of the late Nishimiya Asuka. Soon evolved into a broadly popular political figure who usurped the throne from Uchiha Ryu, but his ambitions overcame him and he was deposed after attempting to re-consolidate power.
** Kanzaki Noriko (1467 - ??): Nationalist despot intent on restoring Nihon to political unitarism. She quickly exploited her way through the chaos of rapid decentralisation to insert herself as the effective leader of Nihon in just one and a half decades, essentially unchallenged.
* 1524 - ?? [Sengoku Jidai]
** Oda Nobuhide (1499 - 1543): Minor yet influential political figure of the exiled main family of the Oda clan. Killed by mistake.
** Takagi Anzu (1497 - ??): Adopted daughter of Kanzaki Noriko, adept fighter, eventually, Nihonese Empress. Fled to Kansha.
** Oda Nobunaga (1534 - ??): The vengeful daughter of Nobuhide; a furious orator and military genius.
** Uesugi Kagetora (1531 - ??): 
* Kanzaki Family: From a minor clan in old Minamoto arose one of the defining political and military families of the early Bakufu. This chronicles its most famous members.
** Izuku (1394 - 1489): Grandfather of the entire family. Began the Kanzaki name by abandoning usage of the old Minamoto clan name and rising as first a potential Emperor before becoming one of the most prolific generals in Nihon's history. However, his attempts at glory were foiled and eventually he gave up, passing his life's work to a strange girl who might just get some use out of it.
** Noriko (1467 - ??): Two generations later, a bored Shinto temple head turned trainer turned puppet master. Exploited the political weaknesses of the political system to make herself a de facto leader, first head of the Kanzaki Clan. Charted the family's rise to prominence and eventually the family's dominance for a few decades; began her ascent hoping to salvage the family name but eventually became a radical republican dead set on changing the world as we know it.
** Setsuna (1482 - ??): Another third generation'er; she went missing in Syonan before being discovered as Noriko travelled to it. Made head of the Nihonese Southern Company. Spouse: Souji Nakamura.
====Atouman Empire====
*Government: Azarkhate
**Aesuit: Ioxamander "The Magnificent" (c. 1519 - )
**House of Atmanaglu:
***-- Nihaevran of Adrianople (b. 1494-1545)
****Ozumuhn (b. 1524-)
*****-- Bulilun of Daeva
****Khanidon (b. 1524-)
*****-- Ismihan of Judea (b. 1530-)
****Abdammet (b. 1529-)
***-- Mahrnet of Adnan (b. 1523-)
****Atman III (b. 1547-)
****Ashura (b. 1555-)
****Indra (b. 1555-)
**Grand Vizier:
***Suleyman II abd-Muttari Pasha (b. 1456-1519) (c. 1501-1503, 1508-1509, 1514-1519)
***Hersekenia abd-Beyid Pasha (b. 1464-1553) (c. 1503-1507, 1513-1514)
***Ozman abd-Jafar Pasha (b. 1481-1550) (c. 1510-1513, 1524)
***Dogukhan abd-Ashur Pasha (b. 1484-1552) (c. 1519-1524, 1531-1533)
***Utman abd-Vedit Pasha (b. 1482-1545) (c. 1524-1531, 1532-1545)
***Khanidon Pasha (b. 1524-) (c. 1545-1558)
***Xodarus abd-Jafar Pasha (b. 1510-) (c. 1558-)
***Grand Council: 1000 seats
****Cult of Ioxamander: 451 seats
****Rationalists: 337 seats
****Fundamentalists: 688 seats
*Economy: The economy of the Atouman Empire was based on a system of iqta', an Arzhamite feudal system, as the Atouman state's ultimate goal, was consolidation and extension of the Azarkh's power, and the way to reach it was by taking advantage of resources and the revenues system by making the productive classes prosperous. So while the agrarian-based economy was fruitful in its development, it ultimately prevented the emergence of social disorder and kept the traditional organization of the culture and society as a whole. Mining operations would also aid as a driving factor of the economy, with copper, iron, silver, and gold being mined in Bulgaria while fruits are grown across the Anatolian region and Balkan peninsula producing bountiful luxuries that are consequently sold at the various port markets in Ionia and Greece. Olive trees grow in wild fashion, with their oil being harvested and sold to the highest bidder. Atouman expansion into Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries would emphasize a Greco-Persian royal sentiment, which would be emphasized furthermore in Azarkh Iskandir I's reign, who famously claimed himself as Padishah, a term historically used to describe the ruling monarch of Persia. This emphasis would lead to the capital cities becoming major commercial and industrial centers, serving as highways between the Greco-Roman-Daevite cultures and mercantile trade. This policy of tolerance would later lead to Azarkh Tayyeb's Mandate of Adrianople, which officially allowed for the Jewish people to reside and prosper in the Atouman Realm far away from the persecution they faced at the hands of Christendom. Most of these people were settled in either Constantinople or other port cities along the Ionian coast. Other exports include cotton, a myriad of fruits, and plenty of slaves, primarily Neo-Pagans and Hellenic Christians in North Africa. The campaigns of Azarkh Ioxamander would lead to a boost in the economic diversity of the Empire, now exporting African goods and re-constructing the coastal cities previously razed during his conquests. A large trade network that extended from the Adnanian subcontinent to the sands of Mauretania and across the Balkan peninsula had been established through Ioxamander's conquests, establishing broad economic security atop of conquering millions of subjects. The Atouman Empire at the end of the 16th century was the most economically profitable empire in Europe and during the 17th century, would only continue to expand further and further.
*Capital: Constantinople
*Demographics:
**Population: 23,130,000
***Anatolia: 5,300,000
***Balkans: 3,550,000
***Egypt: 4,350,000
***Greece: 1,100,000
***Syria: 850,000
***Ifriqiya: 1,025,000
***Atlasiya: 3,555,000
***Hejaz: 400,000
***Mesopotamia: 2,000,000
***Misc: 1,000,000
**Ethnicity:
***Persian: 21.3%
***Greek: 20.1%
***Aegytan: 15.9%
***Adnanite: 14.7%
***Turkish: 8.9%
***Daevite: 5.5%
***Syrian: 4.7%
***Mixed African: 3.8%
***Israelite: 3.3%
***Cyrenaican: 1.8%
**Religion:
***Arzham: Under Atouman authority, Arzham would make a re-emergence in the western world unseen since the collapse of the Askari Azarkhate in the 14th century. Followers of the Xunni belief, the House of Atmanaglu would dedicate a number of resources to spreading the word of Arzhang. This included the construction of Ozman's Temple, which would stand as the largest religious institution until the construction of Ioxamander's Temple in 1547, and numerous methods of prolythesizing that worked to varied results. It would become the most known form of Arzham in Europe at the time, with many religious scholars and priests at the time admiring the state of the Atouman Empire and it's relation to Arzham, as although the empire was not born around Kandahar, it still is seen as rightfully guided in the eyes of the Arzhamic community.
****Xunni Beliefs: The Xunni denomination of Arzham is often characterized by a greater emphasis on the prophet Arzhang, his companions in Persia, and the patronage of the all of the classic Azarkhates’ as rightly-guided successor states in contrast to the Xa’mah belief, which only correlate proper successorship to Arzhang’s original state and the Askari Azarkhate. While the Xa’mah believe that the prophet Arzhang can only be succeeded by relatives or immediate family members, the Xunni deny this concept of succession-by-lineage, instead believing that the Arzhamite community can change and evolve to the point where staying in tradition will only lead to disaster, with this concept being further emphasized by the collapse of the Askari Azarkhate. While most differences between the Xunni and the Xa’mah are relatively political in nature, the Xunni represents a majority of the believers of Arzham that are more wide-spread across Eurasia, with the Xa’mah representing pluralities in places like India and Persia.
***Christianity: Christianity following the collapse of the Byzantine Empire would stagnate during this time, declining into a plurality due to a myriad of policies introduced by the Atouman Empire, such as increased taxing, second-class citizenship, and the banning of proselytizing, which was punishable by death. This decline in Christianity would also be further aided by the re-organization of the Janissaries, which by this part were mostly made up of young Christian slaves from the Balkans that had converted to Islam. During the Atouman-Isetium War, Kaiser Achaeus would institute a similar policy of enslavement and brain-washing, kidnapping the youngest children of various Christian families in Syria and the Levant, as well as re-organizing their numerous churches and cathedrals into mosques or other Arzhamite institutions. As such, the Christian communities in the Atouman Empire declined exceptionally, with most of the Hellenic-influenced Christians converting to Arzham in the face of disaster.
***Judaism: The Jewish communities of the Atouman Empire would flourish in the 16th century due to the former Azarkh Tayyeb’s policy of tolerance. While the Jewish communities of the Empire were small and most located in Constantinople, Kaiser Achaeus would allow the construction of Synagogues along the Ionian coast in exchange for the Jewish communities paying a higher tax as part of the already existing jizya tax. This wouldn’t necessarily bother the Jewish people, for most of the Jews that were able to migrate were mostly bankers that had made fortunes off of their time spent in Europe. The Jewish population were also staunch supporters for Atouman expansion, oftentimes offering funds for extentensive campaigns meant to drive away the heretics from the Holy Land.
***Zoroastrianism: The Zoroastrian community of the Atouman Empire was primarily limited due to Zoroastrian’s decline during the rise of Arzham in Persia and due to a newly realized focus towards Arabia. Zoroastrians in the Atouman Empire were mostly specific to the oriental territories such as Hejaz and Adnania.
***Syncretic Philosophy: Representing a rather small community, Syncretic philosophy in Greece and Anatolia would foster as a result of diversification. Although syncretic schools of thought, such as the Abyadites and Aesunids, were primarily focused on inter-religion unification, other schools like the Smyrnites were more focused on political reform, specifically the adoption of secular political ideologies like democracy and republicanism. The circulation of these differing concepts would lead to Azarkh Tayyeb instituting the eradication of syncretic philosophy in the early years of the 16th century.
*Wars and Events:
**The Horseman: The Third Chapter (1557-)
***Rise of Khanidon: Ioxamander's return to Constantinople in 1554 was met with celebrations, as in the mind of the people in the festivities, Ioxamander had succeeded in walking on the Earth of which the Prophet had walked, only for it to be revealed later that the numerous campaigns in Persia remained futile in properly securing permanent claims on the region. For now though, Ioxamander walked proudly with his son, Khanidon, whom hadn't spoken since they re-grouped in Hattria. This wasn't Ioxamander's story to tell however, so as Khanidon walked up the palace steps, he would thank the people alongside his father before firmly entering the palace. Ioxamander would stop his son, but Khanidon did not wish to speak for the moment, instead telling his father "...maybe another time". Khanidon would spend much of his time post-war in his study, writing poetry about his experiences in the war. He would stumble over the words though, leaving him feeling unsatisfied with his life. As Grand Vizier, Khanidon would keep a role in his father's throne room, but expected shortly that their distance will lead to him be replaced in his position. Frustrated and angered, Khanidon decided instead that, without the council of his father, that he would prove himself not only to his father or to those that would simply label him as "Ioxamander's second", instead he would prove it to himself. With Atman's sword, Khanidon would convene in secret with military officials in order to form a militia so that they may take what his father has not taken yet: Athens, an irritated infection in the Atouman Empire, for how could they be such an 'Empire' if they allow heathens to live in their backyard? Khanidon would pose this question, and while arguments were made, it was decided that night. Over the following year, a military force would be built up in secret, led by Vizier Khanidon Pasha, to finally curbstomp the Venetians in Greece.
***Aegean War (1557-): The time had come for Khanidon to initiate Operation: Homeland, to secure and establish Atouman authority over the rest of Greece. After arriving in Iolcus, where his secret army trained, Khanidon would organize his forces outside the city walls. Knowing that word will spread about this army, Khanidon does not hesitate when mounting his horse and marching. A short skirmish with a Venetian garrison would leave small casualties as Khanidon pressed down the mountainside. It was sun down when they emerged into a small cave, however, emerging under the full moon, Khanidon would see his father standing there with his musket and a campfire. Rubbing his eyes, he could not believe it, but he was there. "Son..." Ioxamander would look back at the city of Athens, turning back to his son, "...what are you doing?" Khanidon would pause momentarily, leaving much of the troops inside the cave hidden behind the shadows. Khanidon would tell his father softly, "I wish... to prove to myself that... I am capable." Ioxamander would smile at this, inviting his son over to the campfire. Ioxamander would speak closely, "Son... I do not wish to put you in harm's way, and the time we spent in that war... I shouldn't have put you in that situation," Ioxamander would rest his hand on Khanidon's shoulder, a tear shedding across his face as he looked at who his son had become. "Father... could you perhaps help me?" Ioxamander would smile again, "Of course son... but you will lead this." Khanidon, re-assured with a sense of confidence, would raise his son to the sky, and with the remaining army now out of the cave, they would begin their march to Athens. The Siege of Athens in 1557 would lead to the Atouman Empire fully occupying Greece, which had previously been occupied in partial sense by the Republic of Venice. Following the fall of Athens, Khanidon and his father, Ioxamander, would go on to siege Rhodes, sacking it and pushing the Genoese merchants out of the Eastern Mediterranean. Khanidon would take a leave on his post as Grand Vizier to live the simple life, but much to the surprise of Ioxamander, would tell his father that when the day came, that he would be by his side.
==== Kingdom of Dardania ====
* Government: Feudal Monarchy
** Monarch: King Tanos
** House of Nobles: Advisors to the king
* Economy: Silver mining brings prosperity to many, and farming helps fill in the gaps. There is a little trade, with Raguza serving as an important port for Venetian ships bringing goods.
* Capital: Eriba 
** Demographics:
*** Population: 1,000,000
**** Eriba, Home of the Kings of Bosnia: 80,000
**** Raguza, Major port and gateway to the world: 100,000
**** Szávaszentdemeter, Where two nations unite: 40,000
**** Kompita, Fortress at the crossroads of culture: 30,000
**** Rural and Smaller Communities: 750,000
*** Ethnic Groups:
**** 84% Dardanians
**** 11% Eskosians
**** 2% Haemite ig? What’s the demonym for Haemus?
**** 3% Other
*** Religion: 
**** ~88% Church of Dardania
**** ~6% Roman Catholic 
**** ~4% Orthodoxy 
**** ~2% Other
* Military: 10,000 active
** Human Resources:
*** 4,000 Pikemen/Spearmen
*** 1,500 Heavy Infantry
*** 3,500 Archers
*** 200 Cannonmen 
*** 800 Arquebusiers
** Reserves: 50,000 
** Siege Weapons and Artillery:
*** 40+ Large Cannons
*** 50+ Small Cannons
*** Multiple battering rams, trebuchets, and some catapults left
*** 1,000 Arquebuses
** Navy:
*** Around 10 transports
*** 1 larger ship, King’s Command, equipped with cannons
** Trading Fleet:
*** Multiple merchant ships
*** A few cargo ships
* Wars and Conflicts:
** N/A
* Diplomacy:
** Munich: The prospect of war brings foreign nations to the table. Would we be able to purchase some troops to assist us in battle? They will be rewarded handsomely for victory. (This kind of happened OTL, so why not make it happen here?)
** Eskosia: The information of potential war is sent to the ruler of Eskosia to warn them of the invasion we may be facing.
* Events:
** Those Atoumans are up to something: Some nobles hear through the grapevine that an Atouman invasion is inevitable within a few years. Forces are gathered from across the kingdom and troops are called to defend their homeland.
** New King: King Tanos has just ascended to the throne of Dardania, and he already faces the threat of the Atoumans. Many consider him a pretty weak ruler, as though he knows his stuff about military, he cares and knows little about the people. Most of the House of Nobles are the ones who hold real power anyways.
** Bang Bang Bang: Some soldiers are trained in the new cannons and guns purchased through Venice, and new military formations are developed around them.
** New City: Kompita (around OTL Novi Pazar, below the 17 on the map near the border with the Atoumans) grows to significance as military buildup begins. It has historically been a conjunction for Dardanian, Eskosian, Haemite, and other merchants and travelers, and as a result a fort and marketplace has grown up around it.
** Tell me if something’s wack and needs changed.
==== Joseon  ====
* Government: Absolute Monarchy
** King - Myeongjong 
** Regent (If need arises) - Queen Munjeong
* Economy: The Joseon economy is a vast web of trade in East Asia, healthy trade relationships are upheld with all Joseonese neighbors as prized porcelain, jewelry, ginseng, and others flow regularly out of the ports of the nation. Merchants from the Han states are taking a bit more of a foothold at the moment due to the situation in Nihon. The vast majority of people, of course, still make their money from agriculture. Class mobility is heavily limited.
* Alliances
* Demographics
** Population - 8,700,000
** Ethinicities 
*** Koreans (93%) - Ethnic "Koreans" born into families of "Korean" blood. Up to 3/4 "Korean" blood is counted in this category.
*** Nihonese (4%) - Mostly refugees fleeing from the conflicts occuring in the area, though a few are those Nihonese came for other reasons. Up to half Nihonese blood is categorized here.
*** "Northerners" (2%) - An umbrella term I'm using for now for those people from the "Semi-Korean" states in the north, such as the Jochueron.
*** Others (1%) - The vast majority of those in this category come from the various Han states, mostly merchants or other relatively well off people who have settled in the kingdom for various reasons. The rest are cobbled from other states down south such as Syonan.
** Religons - 
*** Official Religion - Neo-Confucianism (should that exist) with Joseonese influences. Set in stone already from generations of state sponsorship, there's no way to remove this religion without completely flipping the Korean society upside down 
*** Other Religions, which include
*** Buddhism - A surpressed religion, though it has been making a comeback with Munjeong's regency, her being a Buddhist herself. However, once she lets go of the reins of control, the future of Buddhism in the Joseon Kingdom will be uncertain again.
*** Korean Shamanism - The religion also known as Shindo.  Similarities can be drawn between Nihonese Shintoism, and even possibly Tengrism and otherwise. Branches differ across the land, mainly divided across lines of north and south in theology and otherwise.  
* Cities and Rural
** '​​Hanseong (better known as Seoul) - The capital of the nation, it holds 348,000 people. The outskirts hold 375,000 people.
** Pyongyang - The dominant city in the northern regions, serving also as a backup capital in case of a Southern Invasion. It holds 200,000 people, with 250,000 in the outskirts.
** Jeju - The center of the similarly named Jeju Island, it has a population of 20,000.
** Haeju - A coastal trade-based city well based between Pyonyang and Hanseang. The city itself has 100,000 people, and the outskirts hold 125,000.
** Pyeongtaek - Another trading city, the city has 80,000 and the outskirts with 100,000.
** Chongjin - Small coastal city, the city has 15,000 men.
** Hamhung - Coastal city, the city has 20,000 people.
** Hyesan - The northernmost city, should the Jorchureon invade, this will certainly be the first to fall. Population 25,000.
** Wonju - Some random inland city, Population 30,000 people.
** Daegu - Large inland city with a population of 175,000, the outskirts with 250,000.
** Gongju - Another one of those inland cities, with population of 25,000.
** Jeonju - Inland city, population of 20,000.
** Rural Lands - 6,562,000
* Military - 
** Land Forces 
*** Cavalry (12,500) - The better ones usually hail from the northern territories, other than that, there's not much to say about them. 
*** Infantry (25,000) - The normal, somewhat rudimentarily trained infantry. Most are just trained in close-range melee, though there are some trained in polearms, bows, etc.
*** Officers (2,500) - Officers of all ranks in the Army, whilst some are undeniably of great talent, the roles of others and how they managed to get that job may be questionable. 
*** Logistical Support Infantry (3,500) - Filling in various jobs with supplies of food, weaponry, and so on. 
*** Specialists (6,500) - This comprises mostly of engineers and soldiers working with other advanced weaponry, notably the Hanseong Garrison has the only arquebusiers in the nation, with 1,000 of these troops. The Hwacha, with it's devastating capabilities, is also primarily manned by these people. 
** Navy
*** Geobuksen (30) - Also known as "Turtle Ships", whilst not the improved design laid upon later in the century, they still pack the punch. 
*** Panokseon (100) - A multiple-deck battleship with the capability to deliver devastating fire onto the enemy before it can be boarded. Though only 5 years old and new to the field, it has already gained the respect of the Joseonese Navy in all tiers of command. 
*** Transport/Supply Ships (300) - Unarmored or lightly armored ships with quick speeds made for delivering whatever's needed to it's destination.
*** Converted Ships (50) - Varying greatly for each ship, usualy these are merchant ships purchased by military individuals and then redesigned personally for command. 
*** Sailors (15,000) 
*** Reserve Sailors (20,000) 
* Wars and Conflicts - 
** Currently None
* Diplomacy (If you wanna do Diplomacy, please inform me on Discord)
**
* Events
** Myeongjong's Regency - The emperor is already old enough to run the nation, but Myeongjong, his regent, still refuses to let go of power. Rumors of a palace coup buzz around the courts, and whether or not either her or the king will take action is unknown.
** The Rise of Republican Ideals - The current war raging inside of Nihon brings much interest and worry to various factions in the Joseon court and academics. Though many nations, especially those in Southeast Asia have already been practicing these relatively democratic principles for quite a long time, the fact that Nihon itself now possibly becomes a Federation throws the future of society into the dark, some of these academics have already began gathering to draft a plan for the eventual conversion of the Joseon Kingdom into a Federation themselves.
** The State of the Military - During the inspection held of the military, on Myeongjong's orders, the results coming back are worrisome. Though most of the inspected areas have scored relatively well, the decline from the last inspection and the well known corruption that runs in the institutions makes for uncertainty. Should the Jochureon ever decide to invade, or if the Nihonese war spills over to the Kingdom, will it be able to stand and fight?
==== Mutapa ====
* Government: Monarchy.
** Mwene: Neshangwe Munembire
* Economy: The Economy of Mutapa is pretty good as it is mainly an agrarian nation, with mining as a secondary activity, from mines we get gold and stuff that we can trade for stuff like silk, ceramics and other exotic items. Trade is also a part of our economy as we trade with many of the nations/tribes around us.
* Capital: Ne-we 
* Demographics:
** Population: 812 000 
** Cities:
*** Ne-We: 4 842
** Rural areas: 807 158
** Ethnicites: 80% Shona, 20% Karanga
** Religion: 100% Mwari believers.
* Wars and Conflicts: (italics: Potential War)
* Military of Mutapa: As Mutapa is a rural nation, we can have an active miltary size of 2% (16 240) and reserves size of 1% (8 120) of our total population.
** Active: 2%
*** 6 746 African Spearmen
*** 5 747 bowmen
*** 3 747 Light Cavalry 
** Reserves: not active 1%
*** 3 379 African Spearmen
*** 2 827 bowmen
*** 1 914 Light Cavalry
* Navy:
** Fishing boats: 420
* Diplomacy:
* Events: 
** Agriculture: Even with the war being over, we continue increasing the amounts of wheat etc. we produce to make sure parts of the population won't go starving.
** Integration of the Kiwa, Zulu and Nsokoni people: Same as we did with the Shakiran's, we teach the Kiwa's, Zuluans and Nsokoni's all about how we do everything in Mutapa
** The traveling merchant: a merchant named Nasghen got pretty popular over the nation as he was a master at what he did, negotiation, making deals etc. he even managed to catch the eyes of the Mwene family, thus he was invited to the Mwene's mansion and offered a position as the nations trade dealer (is that a thing? no then i'm making it a thing for kdm)
===Turn XXXIII: 1560- 1565===
====Mod Event====
*Amber Bear (Part 5): It was 1561 and Andrus was perturbed. Out of every one that wants to meet him since he became a despot, this one really surprised him the most. An important military family from Avaro-Vedena (the Commonwealth) has asked to meet him privately. Andrus, being a bit more paranoid lately than before, denied this and would rather walk through the garden with guards by his side. Understandably, they agreed. As they walked through the garden, the military family told them of a boy they found and adopted for themselves. They told him the story of the boy, he lost his family in a bandit attack in his house. When they found him, both parents have disappeared and the maid was killed. They later have heard of Andrus' exploits, and thought he could take the boy in. Andrus was about to deny until he saw the boy for himself... it was a familiar feeling. He could tell that the boy does not really know what's going on, it reminded him of himself a long time ago. Andrus introduced himself as "Andrus of Talinn." The boy introduced himself as "Vallen Ostrovky-Drahoman." Over the next few years, Andrus had make sure to pass his knowledge of the past teachers down to Vallen, including that of his own developments; espionage and projection of fear, and when to apply them. By 1565, Andrus haven't gotten any better at his paranoia, while he had grown to trust Vallen, he was a mere boy yet to face problems an adult has. During one party with neighboring states in the city of Mustajoki, Vallen had grown disinterested in parties and crowds, decidedly sitting in the garden to think to himself. It wasn't until a young woman came along, curious to see him alone when he is the despot. Andrus was suspicious at first, but this woman seems to... have the right words for him. It seems to be suspicious in itself, but Andrus can't help but feel that she is someone that understands him. Which came to a surprise to him when she later revealed she was a Princess of Komi. Normally, he might grown suspicious of why she didn't reveal herself, but he does actually respect she doesn't put her title first over character.
*The Future Prevalence of Order: Under Tulaani's system, they were able to maintain most of their territories for quite a bit. It was in Tulaani's concern that the system falls apart whenever there is a break in succession. Looking at the past Daevite Empires, they relied too much on the life of a single ruler to survive. So she set up a different system of local governances and appointed trusted generals and local leaders to help maintain the system. This is among other efforts to maintain order, but her final pieces are missing with her early death, resulting in a system with a chip in it. Bulilun is different, she is not as strong as her mother, nor was that interested in politics. She still believed in order, yet she also believes in a sort of equality in representation to the system, and had struggled to maintain the masses. Because of this, she is easily intimidated, sometimes manipulated even, to accepting new reforms by those around her. In 1560, she accepted more appointments of local leaders to more powerful positions, many of which were ambitious enough to have alternative ideas. A couple bad winters caused the former northern Daevite states to demand supplies. Bulilun attempted to amend this by taking food surplus from Persia but had proven to not be enough. It turns out, the supplies taken were somhow even more than promised. The former Persian states were furious. The former northern Daevite States' demands were not met and many had revolted after some mass death. Bulilun took some troops to put them down, but were not able to, and reluctantly accepted their independence after local Persian rulers took advantage of the discord to push forward their own independence as well. The Daevites also lose some territory to the vengeful Nogai Khan, sensing blood in the water. With this, Bulilun fears for the future and her recently born children: Sarnai, Jangsai (or Khangsai), Toghrul, and Amani. (Some of the names are twisted)
**Khitan Khanate: Not at the moment.
*Peripheral Secession: With the loss of a figurehead like Tulaani, Arzham Indian princes under the subjugation of the Third Daevite Empire saw it fit to declare secession from the realm, creating a litany of amirates at the southern border, some of which would be swept up by Aslan's Hindustan either through bribes, diplomacy or invasion. Likewise, in Persia, a host of nobles would declare independence, leading to the creation of several smaller realms on the periphery.
*Roman Epics, Part 3: The story of Nera Claudia is a profound one that has a lasting effect on European history. Many European dynasties could trace their origins back to her family (specifically her 5 nephews). The Legend goes that Nera, who's real name has been lost to history, was born a lowly girl at a village near the borders. When recruitment passed by her village, she disguised herself as a man and joined the Legion (as women were not exactly allowed to join the Legion at the time. At most, they joined the less prestigious auxiliary forces). She quickly rose through the ranks, catching the eye of Emperor Theodosius(?), the contemporary emperor. It was later discovered that Nera was, infact, a woman. The emperor was so impressed by her that he took her to become his wife. It was not until his death that Nera took over his duties (against the wishes of others) in order to later combat the Daevite hordes pouring into Europe. In the legend, Nera challenged Attilla to a :duel of fates", and both fought somewhere north of the Balkans. According to one "historical witness account" made by Pius Momus, he claimed that Nera had actually spared Attilla's life (despite witness accounts) and Nera had taken her into hiding under a different name (which has since been lost to history), and may have taken her on as a partner. This spawned a debate between historians where Attilla's body is located since Nera supposedly has kept her in hiding. They may explain why she was unmarried. But some dismissed this to be rumors by her opponents, others did not. No one knows for sure (as of this time).
*New Discoveries: In 1565, Miguel López de Legazpi discovers Mejit, Ailuk and Jemo in the OTL Marshall Islands, while his subordinate Alonso de Arellano discovers Lib in the same island group, as well as five islands (Oroluk, Chuuk, Pulap, Sorol and Ngulu) in the OTL Caroline Islands.
*Rise of the Atlantic Slave Trade: The First Atlantic system was the trade of enslaved Africans to, primarily, South American colonies of the Agoustan and Hispanian empires. During the first Atlantic system, most of these traders were Agoustans, giving them a near-monopoly. Initially the slaves were transported to Seville or Canary Islands, but from the late 1520s slaves were transported directly across the Atlantic to New Hispania. Since the Treaty of Tordesillas had not permitted Hispanians to dock in African ports, Hispania had to rely on Agoustan ships and sailors to bring slaves across the Atlantic. (Similar to OTL) Around 1560 the Agoustans began a regular slave trade to Brazil. This marks the date where the First Atlantic Slave Trade System would start to reach its apex as a regular widespread business rather than only consisting of a couple channels.
*Baltic Sea: The rise of Svearike naval dominance in the Baltic Sea has resulted in a growing animosity between Avaro-Vedena, Keisaria, and Vesnia. The four nations are the main competitors in the Baltics for some time, but Svearike the rise of Keisaria has resulted in Svearike pushing for more dominance in the Baltic sea in order to match their strength (or at least, perform better economically). This rising ambition of Svearike has came to a head when it open fired on Livonian ships, thinking they were pirates as they did not carry a flag. This made the cold wars of the Baltic sea grew "very hot." As a diplomatic breakdown between Svearike and Avaro-Vedena (and POSSIBLY Keisaria) occurs.
*Huguenot Conspiracy: Leaders of a mysterious conspiracy made up of Huguenots, a French protestant sect of Christianity, attempted to make an unsuccessful attempt to storm Versailles, where the young French king and queen are currently residing. They were subsequently caught and executed, along with over 1,000 of his followers. Many rumors say this was an attempt by mysterious forces led by those loyal to Griffin to destabilize the country, others argue otherwise and a coincidence.
*Caledonian Reformation?: Parts of the Scottish territory in Britain wishes for a desire to break with the Catholic church, some locals began to establish their own church, which was strongly Odinists in its outlook.
*Bright Minds, Bright Hearts: The first scientific society, the Academia Secretorum Naturae (ASN), is founded in Naples. Hosting the first actual European scientific thinktank. Outside church influence, it's considered a protestant Intellectual and Scientific Society by multiple scientists.
*The Second Age of Piracy: The great age of piracy in the Caribbean starts around this time as a result of New Hispanian citizens running into mass debt. Many of those in debt turned to piracy.
*Fort Caroline Incident: Fort Caroline was an attempted French colonial settlement in Florida, located on the banks of the St. Johns River in present-day Duval County. It was established under the leadership of René Goulaine de Laudonnière on June 22, 1564, as a new territorial claim in French Florida and a safe haven for Huguenots. The French colony came into conflict with the Spanish, who established St. Augustine in September 1565, and Fort Caroline was sacked by Spanish troops under Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on September 20 and was subsequently abandoned.
*Lion Demon of the Punjab (III): After a brief conquest and speedy negotiations, the azarkhates of Multan and Taksila are annexed into Hindustan. A delegation is sent to Dekkan and Vijayanagara, requesting a council to be formed to determine the division of Delhi amongst the three. Borders are eventually drawn between them, but not before a few border skirmishes between Hindustan and Dekkan. This was later resolved peacefully, but the Rajas of the southern Hindu states are not content with what they control. War may arrive soon in Hindustan, riding a tide of change. In other news, Aslan manages to produce an heir with a court member from the former Punjab Amirate. Many expect great things from the future Aslan II.
*Dutch Revolt (3): Scuffles between royalist and rebels occur on a small scale across the Lowlands, while sieges are undertaken in order to regain the cities under Westrian hands. Leuven was the most egregious example as it was sieged some three times in just under five years, but the defenders held firm. By this time, the Staten-Generaal have already gathered the support of the local counts of Flanders, who felt that Westria's anti-Protestant edicts have been too harmful for their own good.
*Europe: They suffer a massive economic downturn due to high amounts of inflation via the New World
*Siege of Kyoto: Oda Nobunaga sieges Kyoto.
====NPC Event====
*Caen and Bordeaux: They petition Britain for the two cities to join France, having closer ties to them.
*Jochureon: They conquer Lyaodong and Haesamwi
*Vinland: They send aid to the British in their conflict against the Elysians
*Vera Cruz: The city of Rio is founded in 1565 by Agoustan settlers.
*France: Exploiting Hispania's economic issues, they go to war and take over the former Caddo territories. Shortly after, they fall into civil unrest between the Protestant Huguenots and the Catholics. The Protestant Huguenots believed that the power of the church should be broken from France. The massacre of Vassy, on 1 March 1562, provoked open hostilities between the factions supporting the two religions. A group of Protestant nobles, led by the prince of Condé and proclaiming that they were liberating the king and regent from "evil" councillors, organised a kind of protectorate over the Protestant churches. On 2 April 1562, Condé and his Protestant followers seized the city of Orléans. Their example was soon followed by Protestant groups around France. Protestants seized and garrisoned the strategic towns of Angers, Blois, and Tours along the Loire River. Protestants under François de Beaumont, baron des Adrets, attacked Valence; in this attack Guise's lieutenant was killed. Later, the Protestants captured Lyon in 29–30 April and proceeded to demolish all Catholic institutions in the city. But in 1563, there is an uneasy peace between the groups. 
*Safaretids: Several states break away from, citing instability post-Atouman invasion. However, as the more rebellious areas has left, leaving loyal areas staying true to the nation, the Safaretids may start to recover from this. 
==== Kingdom of Galatoi ====
* Government: Monarchy.
** King: Isarnus Aendarus (1552-nowadays). Isarnus, which means "Iron" in Galatoin, is the only son of Magnurius. Since childhood, Isarnus was interested in war and fights and he later studied military science in Mauretania. Isarnus is well-respected in the military and among artists.
** Magnurius Aendarus (1531-1552). Magnurius was the only relative to the former king of Galatoi, who passed away in 1530. He was coronated in the times of peace, and peace he promised, and peace he brought. Since then, the new dynasty shall reign: the Aendarus family. 
* The economy of Galatoi is still devastated by the civil war and the recent conquests by the King. On the other hand, the slave trade made it possible for slaveowners to profit and become major landowners that replaced the lords that were appointed by Magnurius. In addition, during the Iron Conquests, two big goldmines were taken over by the King, so the gold trade was renewed in the region. 
* Capital: Advorix
* Demographics: The population of the kingdom is around 3 million people in 1565 (including tributaries). The population of Blue Galatoi is approximately one million people, most of them (95%) live in rural areas.
** Advorix is the capital and the biggest city of Galatoi. It is the commercial, political, cultural, and religious center of the region, including the slave trade. It was also the center of the Advorix Church before the civil war.
** Although Velitia was the center of the theocratic regime that opposed the King during the Civil War and shrank in size significantly since then, it is still one of the biggest cities of Galatoi and also a major educational and religious center of the region.
** Baccuso is one of the oldest cities in the history of Galatoi, thus an important political center, but also a major naval port.
** Saminia is one of the major commercial and political centers in the region, rivaling with Advorix.
** The location of Donnius made it the biggest naval port of Galatoi and it is home to thousands of sailors.
* Diplomacy:
** Agousta: the messengers were sent to the king of Agousta and the governor of Vera Cruz to discuss signing trade agreements with them to promote slave trade between Galatoi and Agousta and its colonies.
** Wars and Conflicts: the Great Conquests of Isarnus (1559-nowadays)
* Military: 25000 troops (in 1565), a big share of them are slaves. Cavalry is also present but in small numbers. Isarnus opened the very first professional military academy in Advorix in 1554, similar to the one in Mauretania where he studied military science.
* Events:
** Homoeroticism: Homoeroticism has become noticeable in Galatoin mythology and art. The male deities of Ateuritism are paired in stories. In different regions, there are different pairs, which causes tensions between worshippers from different regions of Galatoi. The biggest conflict is between LeuTius followers (Leuceni, God of Instinct and Apathy + Atregtius, God of Justice and Righteousness) and LeuVirus followers (Leuceni, God of Instinct and Apathy + Sacravirus, God of Senseless Destruction). Artists, writers and poets use characters in their works of art to express a variety of feelings and situations. However, priests and religious leaders in general call it heretic and barbaric.​​
** Atlantic Slave Trade: Since the Atlantic Slave Trade emerged, the slaveowners in Galatoi now have access to the markets in the Americas as a source of new profit. Since the economy was severely ruined as a result of the Civil War, the new social class of major landowners who profited from the slave trade with Europeans emerged. In fact, they becme so powerful, that they managed to put enough pressure on the King to sign certain trade agreements with Agousta.
** Decentralisation: Although Isarnus is a genius at warfare and military strategy, his administrative skills leave something to be desired. Like his father Magnurius, Isarnus appointed several people he trusted as vassals in the regions to ensure stability of the expanding empire. Most of the appointed local lords were from the military, because only there he saw true loyalty to him.
** University of Velitia: the University of Velitia has been the most prestigious university in the region since it was founded. However, it was destroyed during the battle for Velitia (1557) as it was used as the center of the theocratic regime that opposed the king there. The reconstruction of the university was commissioned by Taurina, a wealthy slave trader, in 1563, who sooner was appointed as the vassal of the King in the Velitia region.
** Secularisation: The Civil War was the turning point in the history of Ateuritism in Galatoi. Isarnus, who was opposed by the Advorix Church, reformed it by executing the former religious leaders and replacing them with the ones who were loyal to him. In addition, all the property of the Church, except for the church buildings, were expropriated and later distributed to the commoners and the vassals of the King.
* Iron Conquests: after Isarnus emerged victorious in the devastating Civil War, he turned his eyes upon the rest of the reiogn, devastates by the recent Civil War and the collapse of the kingdom.
** 1560: As the process of fragmentation continued in Turquoise Galatoi, Isarnus saw this as an opportunity to expand his kingdom, secure the positions in the Velitia region and get closer to Ghana and Djenne. In a series of successful battles, Isarnus managed to conquer most of the small kingdoms in the region.
** 1561: Saminia has been one of the biggest commercial centers of the region and it was seen as a crucial step for Isarnus. The king of Saminia, Sarmin (sounds similar ngl), has always been loyal to Isarnus, and when he was asked to become a vassal in exchange for expanding his domain, Sarmin graciously accepted (as he couldn’t do anything else about it though). In addition, the King conquered the small kingdom to the south that was a buffer zone between him and Ghana and expanded further south.
** 1562: Isarnus was still bitter about the betrayal of the king of Ghana, and at the beginning of 1562, the former declared war on the latter. At first, Isarnus thought the king of Ghana and his army was no match against his superior military strategy and equipment. However, as soon as he got outnumbered and was on the verge of death during the battle, Isarnus changed his attitude immediately. He managed to achieve victory in the battle of Kankan (1562) and destroyed the army of Ghana soon after. At the same time, the king of Djenne and his army marched through the unprotected lands of Ghana and seized much territory. Isarnus decided to spare the king of Ghana and made him his vassal instead.
** 1563 and 1564: Isarnus restored order in the rest of the region throughout this period of time like he did before, he was acting much more careful this time.
==== Sublime State of Zhaowa ====
* Government: Thalassocratic Mixed Kongsi Republic
** Administration: Zhaowa, like it’s mother state, Li, has an administrative system not dissimilar to the Li system of Prefectures (Chú), Urban Counties (Hwen), and Rural Counties (Vo). There are 21 prefectures.
** Grand Overseer (Taixu): The Taixu is the ruler of Zhaowa as elected by the Grand Tribunal. They have the ability to veto any action done by the Grand Tribunal. Upon their death, the vice-taixu, chosen by the Taixu, becomes the interrex until an election occurs, no more than a year after the Taixu’s death.
*** List of Taixus:
**** Jieu Jengywéi (1492-1526)
**** Kyang Baklangit (1526-1558)
**** Kyang Hyancuetvo (1558-)
** Grand Tribunal (Ta Fapdéng): The Grand Tribunal is the main legislative authority in Zhaowa. It is made up of 81 members who vote on national policy and pass bills.
** Council of Nine (Bát Yén ci Hwai): The Council of Nine oversee the 9 ministries of government in Zhaowa. They are hand-picked by the Taixu. Though meritocratic on paper, the ranks of the Council of Nine come from the same couple of noble families. The 9 ministries of government are the; the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Ceremony, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Supervision, and the Ministry of Households. All of the ministers are subordinate to the Taixu.
** Lower Tribunal (Hyaci Fapdéng): The Lower Tribunal consists of all citizens elected by the Common People’s Tribunal and many high-ranking Bureaucrats. Members of the Lower Tribunal meet once a year to elect members of the Grand Tribunal. There are 873 members of the Lower Tribunal. They function similarly to the Electoral College in OTL US politics.
** Common People’s Tribunal (Kúngyén ci Fapdéng): The Common People’s Tribunal consists of all citizens within the State of Zhaowa. It is by far the largest electoral body within Zhaowa. All citizens have the right to directly elect leaders for their respective counties and prefectures via popular vote. Though they do not directly vote for higher positions, they very much influence their decisions. As representatives those elected are both morally and practically obligated to represent the wishes of those under them, as the common people can easily vote them out if they do not fulfill their wishes.
** Political Parties: While there are no official political parties Within Zhaowa, there are several political blocs within the Tribunals.
*** Aristocrats: The Aristocrats are a large front wishing to preserve the status-quo and increase the power of the noble class. They hold 16 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Tradesmen’s Front (Xángtang): The Tradesmen’s Front, primarily made up of Lower-level officials, merchants, and artisans, is a major political bloc within Zhaowa. They advocate for less trade restrictions, more power to the Hwais, lower tariffs, a strong navy, improving infrastructure, and pacifist foreign policy. They hold 14 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Militarists (Kwúntang): The Stratocrats are a sister group of the Tradesmen's front. They share many of the same beliefs as the Tradesmen's Front. However, they advocate for socially conservative policies and aggressive foreign policy. They hold 17 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Traditionalists (Dauvuttang): The Traditionalist Party, primarily made up of Buddhists and Xianists, is one of the larger political fronts within Zhaowa. They advocate for socially Conservative policies, reforms to the Ministry of Ceremony, and Isolationist Foreign Policy. They hold 6 seats in the Grand Tribunal,
*** Xianists (Xéntang): The Xianists are a fringe political bloc. They advocate for increased authority of Xianist schools, socially Progressive policies, reforms to the Ministry of Ceremony, and exploration into Papua and Australia. They hold 3 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Commoner’s Front (Noungyéntang): Forming the basis of Tsúyén’s support base, the Commoner’s Front is a front consisting of ethnic Toraja, Alfur, Makassarese, Papuan, non-Ternatian Halmaherans, and numerous other ethnic minorities, as well as sinitic lesser officials who managed to claw their way up to the Grand Tribunal. The Makkasan and Nunusakuan nobility is well represented within the Commoner’s Front. In addition, numerous merchants, especially those involved in Western Nusantara are staunch activists of this group. Though with disparate views, they all are united in their support of Tsuyenist policies, which emphasize strengthening of the nation by all means necessary, from proto-communist policies in Papua, to policies increasing the power of foreign Hwais, to the construction of a large and powerful navy. They hold 17 seats within the Grand Tribunal.
* Economy: Zhaowa has a Proto-Capitalist economy, focusing on agriculture, spices, metals, fishing, and forest products. Perhaps the most important part of the Zhaowanese economy is the trade of all of the above. A major feature of the Zhaowanese economy is the Hwai, an economic and societal structure functioning similar to a Renaissance Guild, a Trade/Workers Union, and a Cartel. Hwais evolved from notions of brothership among the Mercantile and Managerial class of Yun-era China. Most citizens are part of or somehow involved in a Hwai. Hwais are commercial organizations consisting of members that provide capital and shared profits. Though much of the population may not be an active member of a Hwai, many citizens work for a member of a Hwai. Since all involved in the Hwai receive equal profits and have equal capital, Zhaowa could also be classified as Proto-Market-Socialist. Zhaowa has a paper and coin based Fiat monetary system. To avoid inflation, all money is in the hands of the Ministry of Finance. All paper money can be exchanged for gold, silver, and copper, or silk with an exchange rate of 3%.
** Main Currency: Ceijen
** Monetary Value: 1 Ceijen coin (制钱) is equivalent to one mace (3.8 grams) of 21K rose gold (12% Copper, 88% Gold).
* Demographics:
* Ethnic Makeup:
** 20.6% Mixed-Sinitic
** 19.3% Sundanese
** 14.3% Makassarese
** 10.2% Lampung
** 6.8% Sumbawan
** 6.3% Pure Sinitic
** 5.9% Moluccan
** 5.3% Minahasan
** 3.6% Papuan
** 3.5% Toraja
** 3.1% Javanese
** 2.1% Malay
* Total Population: 1,038,000
** Maluku: 39,000
** Makassar: 32,500
** Manado: 29,000
** Nimkyóng: 25,000
** Singnakyo: 20,000
** Ampenan: 17,000
** Selam: 16,000
** Launa: 12,000
** Sufu: 8,500
** Jáng Hwi: 4,500
** Tangbana: 1,000
* Religion: 6% Xianist, 15% Mahayana Buddhist, 20% Theravada Buddhist, 6% Hindu, 24% Animist, 5% Arzhamist, 30% Clearwater Buddhist, 1% Other
* Military: 36330 Personnel (~3.5%)
** Army: 12500
*** 400 Military Police
*** 200 Garrison Infantry
*** 200 Garrison Artillery
*** 100 Calvary
*** 3,250 Mixed Infantry (Polearm & Arquebus mixed units)
*** 1500 Shock infantry (Swordsmen)
*** 750 Support Artillery 
*** 100 Military Engineers
*** ~5000 Auxiliaries
*** 1000 Logistical Support
** Navy: 23830 Sailors/Marines, 859 Ships (excluding coastal patrol)
*** 18 Hunghwangjwen/Galleon (45 meters) (1980 crew total)
*** 90 (Full-rigged) Yienkapjwen  (35 meters) (9000 crew total)
*** 180 Supply ships (30 meters) (3240 sailors total)
*** 50 Heavy-Cannon/Rocket Ships (27 meters) (1050 crew total)
*** 193 (Junk-rig) 3-Masted Junks (24 meters) (3860 crew total)
*** 200 (Fore-and-aft) War Perahu (17 meters) (2000 crew total)
*** 50 (Fore-and-aft) Reconnaissance Ships (15 meters) (400 crew total)
*** 80 Troop Transports (800 crew total, able to carry 6400 troops in total)
*** Various Disorganized Levied Coastal Patrol (1500 crew)
* Firearms:
** Cetbang/Jwangpiau: The Jwangpiau is the most commonly used gun in Zhaowa. It is a breech-loading swivel gun, and is used on fortifications and ships. These come in portable (wheeled) and stationary varieties.
** Xépdan-tswáng: The Xépdan-tswang, literally meaning “Ten Shot Gun”, is a gun similar to an Organ Gun. Inspired by the multiple rocket launchers in use across the Sinosphere, instead of firing arrows or rockets, it fires iron or bronze pellets. It is used as an anti-personnel gun. Due to it having 10x more barrels than an average gun, it can shoot 10x more bullets, but it takes 10x more time to clean. Unlike the guns of Europe, it is breech loading, which provides quicker loading time. To seal the breach, paper cartridges or a block are used, though this is quite ineffective. The Xépdan-tswáng is used in very low quantities, with perhaps only 50 being used across Zhaowa.
** Lagatswáng: A Lagastwang is the Zhaowanese term for an Arquebus
*** Jiue Lagatswáng: The Jiue Lagatswáng is an uncommon weapon in Zhaowa, referring to all breech-loaded arquebuses. They have a much faster loading time than standard muzzle-loading Lagatswáng, though they often malfunction.
*** Hwaje Lagatswáng: The Hwaje Lagatswáng is the most common form of Lagatswang in Zhaowa. It is a matchlock firearm, often coming with a stand and a spike attached to the top.
*** Lyuenlagatswáng: The Lyuenlagatswáng is the Zhaowanese term for wheelock guns. Though they are more useful than the Standard Matchlock Lagatswáng in wet conditions, they often malfunction and are hard to produce.
*** Lau Lagatswáng: The Lau Lagatswáng refers to all primitive Lagatswáng.
** Bedil Tombak/Lungencwung: The Lungencwung, literally meaning “Hand Gun”, is a common gun in Zhaowa. It is quite simple, with a socket attached to a pole and a tube from which projectiles are fired from. It commonly has a blade attached to it in case of melee fighting. It is quickly being replaced by the Lagatswang.
** Hwacá: The Hwacá is a multiple rocket launcher or an organ gun, depending on the projectile used. It fires around 150 rockets or arrows, which are contained within a wooden frame. The wooden frame allows the rockets to fly straighter, and, as a result, farther. In elevated positions, they have a range of 600 meters. However, on flat positions, they have a range of only 200 meters. Current rockets have a length of around 15 centimeters. Though with a short range, it has enough force to make a 30 cm-deep crater in a patch of sand. A second, larger rocket is currently being produced, with a length of 45 centimeters, with a range of 1100 meters.
** Cwungdung: The Cwungdung is a common firearm in Zhaowa, used on larger ships and on fortresses. Most models of Cwungdung have a maximum range of around 950 meters, with one model having a maximum range of 1500 meters with darts. Darts are made out of wood tipped with iron, with iron tail fins. Unlike the modern conception of darts, these darts are quite large, slightly less than a meter long. When they strike their target, they generally bury up to their iron fletching. Though less destructive than rockets, they have much better accuracy. Cwungdung also fire numerous iron or stone cannonballs, though they have much lower range, with an average maximum range of 600 meters.
*** Kuveliem: The Kubiliem is a muzzle-loading cannon, specifically referring to Culverins imported by Europeans. Instead of firing darts like the Cwungdung, it fires round cannonballs. Due to this, it has a flat, though comparatively shorter trajectory.
* Research and Production:
** Infrastructure: Infrastructure in captured territories is to be improved. 
* Events
* The Imperial Idea (10):
** Poison and Daggers - 1552: Despite initial hopes, Hyancuetvo’s reign would prove largely uneventful, and the nation of Zhaowa went into a state of decline. You see, to maintain the central government’s power, Zhaowa needs constant internal management which must be done by the Taixu. Delegating much of the work to ministers, Hyancuetvo spends more of his time admiring flowers within his personal garden than managing affairs of state. The censuses of Biak and Sunda have yet to be complete, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Despite being in Zhaowanese control for years, they are still treated like occupied territories. Tsuyen quickly grows tired of him, and opts to find a way to orchestrate his removal. In 1522, on a summer afternoon, while being carried in a palanquin, Hyancuetvo suddenly feels unwell, and suddenly begins to cough up blood. The coughing gets worse, and he begins to shake terribly. He holds his stomach, and suddenly vomits blood. He is rushed to the care of Uyxang, but when he arrives, he is dead. In addition, his wife and children are assasinated.
** Ngaudzoi the Conqueror - 1552: After Hyancuetvo dies, a succession crisis occurs. Hyancuetvo never officially named a vice-taixu officially. Tsuyen nominates Soutsien for the position, but Hyancuetvo’s military hand man, Hauvi Ngaudzoi. Ngaudzoi becomes Taixu, and embarks on a campaign of rapid expansion into Papua. 
* Rise of the Slave Trade: After Ngaudzoi’s conquests in Papua, he begins to sell Papuan Noungnou and Kyanou to Agoustan Brunei to be used on plantations.
==== Kingdom of Imerina ====
* Government: Feudal Monarchy (Kingdom)
** Monarch: Queen Rafohy (B 1528 - Age 36, alive) (R 1552 - Present)
** Consort (and head of the Fossa Warriors): King Razakatsitakatrandriana (B 1527 - Age 37, alive) (C 1547 - Present)
** Ruling Dynasty: Hova (Ndahimananjara branch of Ammagari)
** Order of Succession: Prince Andriamanelo (B 1546 - Age 18, alive), Princess Rasolobe (B 1556 - Age 8, alive), Prince Manelobe (B 1529 - Age 35, alive), (his children), Princess Ravoamasina (B 1535 - Age 29, alive), (her children), Prince Andrianakotrina [son of Andriamihaja] (B 1519 - Age 45, alive), Prince Andriatanjany (B 1541 - Age 23, alive)...
* Economy: The economy of Imerina is based mainly on agriculture and fishing, there's also trade going on with the Swahili and various peoples on our home island including the other Malagasy states of Betsimisaraka (even though relations are strained at this point), Mahafaly and Bara. The Merina economy stands as one of the strongest and most developed in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, mostly due to the effect of foreign contact. Imerina has started to influence other states through trade and the like.
* Allies: N/A
* Capital: Mahajanga
* Demographics (including rebelling areas):
** Population: ca 575 000 total
** Mahajanga: 9 050
** Toamasina: 4 100
** Ambanja: 2 200
** Analamanga: 2 150
** Morafenobe: 1 800
** Rural regions: ca 555 000
** Ethnicities: 88% Malagasy (divided into 56% Merina and 32% others such as Betsimisaraka, Sakalava, Tsimihety, Sihanaka, Antankarana etc.), 6% Komoro Natives (Swahili), 5% Adnanite
** Religion: 73% Tombovelan Zoroastrianism, 27% Haintenism (traditional Merina folklore)
* Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
** N/A
* Military: Due to Imerina being a rural realm, a large amount of units can be raised for warfare, but usually about 1% of the population is the most trained and prepared soldiers that can be drafted. Parentheses means the deployed units in cases where not all units are deployed for war.
** Deployed units: None
** 1 800 Spearmen
** 200 Swordsmen
** 600 Bowmen
** 1 650 Crossbowmen
** 700 Light Cavalry
** 200 Fossa Warriors
* Navy:
** 10 Adananita class ships
** 7 Mer'ana class ships
** 8 transport ships
* Diplomacy:
** Bara: Would you like to be annexed, or do you want to keep your kneecaps?
** Mutapa: Hey are you listening to us? Read events bitte.
* Events:
** After a Queen, Another (three): The duration of this turn sees a little more of the same but also the beginning of the integration of the new territories into the realm and the "feudal" system. King consort Razakatsitakatrandriana is set up as head of the Fossa Warriors, which gives the royal court a little more control over them without them getting pissed off. They have their rights and all that and aren't a big risk to anything, perfect.
** Andriamanelo: Andriamanelo is the heir to the throne of Imerina and like the tradition is amongst the Hovas (descendants of Ndahimananjara), he has been raised to learn the ways of warfare and how to fight. Now Andriamanelo especially is a very charismatic figure, he knows how to talk the talk and he's basically always been seen as a great successor. He already has gotten himself a wife at age 16, without that much input from nobles to arrange a marriage and he's also very much an ambitious person, perhaps the most in Imerina right now. He has a dream of ruling the entirety of Matagasykara, spreading his borders to outside the island and spreading his faith with it, being a staunch and strict Zoroastrian. He still partakes in Haintenist stuff that has been ingrained in the Tombovelan denomination, but it is just that: ingrained and also more akin to mythology rather than religion. In other news Andriamanelo is just like, the coolest guy in Imerina right now, he's very popular, even amongst peasants (but he is someone who will be king and we all know how much kings care about their people lol) and has proved himself worthy in combat multiple times, defeating rivals in duels and other competitions.
** Order of Sihanaka: Did anyone ask for a Malagasy version of the Knights Templar? No? Well tough, you goh tit. A group of missionaries headed by Rakotomazava would during their mission to enforce Zoroastrianism as official religion throughout Imerina's lands, found their own order, dedicated to enforcing, spreading and protecting the religion. They're quite zealous and it doesn't take too long for the order to grow. It is named the Order of Sihanaka from the fact that the original group was fully composed of Sihanaka people and it was founded in the officially recognized lands of the Sihanaka. This order is also not "governmental", like the Templars, they act independently and thus they work on the entire island and can be hired like mercenaries.
** Sorabe to Mutapa: The art of writing as well as the Malagasy Sorabe alphabet and some other stuff like agricultural techniques and various resources are introduced to Mutapa. Also some more Zoroastrian missionaries interacting with the traders of the realm.
** Southern Expansion - the Sakalava coast shall be ours: Imerina is the future. Imerina will be the sole ruler of this island. Do not resist. Okay that was a bit weird but we are the most powerful in this region and to unite the island is our destiny. Expansions further south occur, where the aim is to claim all of the "Sakalava coast", as in the west coast where basically all of the Sakalava people live. Then only the south and remaining states are left to deal with.
** Baran Ultimatum: Bara lies in front of us now, a small and insignificant state. An ultimatum is sent to them in 1563. It is likely they know of the recent Imerina expansion. Like it says in diplomacy this is a situation of "join us or, you know, get invaded". Bara was also originally formed by a Merina person (Rakotomanjato), so legitimacy points for us. Sure, he was a traitor, but selective use of history, my doods.
==== Keisairvalta ====
* Government: Elective Monarchy/ Aristocratic Oligarchy
** King: [Riksdag Rule]
** Dynasty: Varold
* Economy: The Keisairvaltan Economy is based on heavily by trade through the Baltic Sea. As well as agriculture. Although the economy is influenced by Asian trade.
* Capital: Varntio
* Demographics:
** Population: 14 Million (Adjusted for new territories gained)
*** Ingrians: 45%
*** Rostovians: 15%
*** Misc Finnic Cultures: 5%
*** Vesnians: 7%
*** Daeva: 9%
*** Volgans: 10%
*** Varangian: 4%
** Religion:
*** Eastern Orthodox: 80%
*** Catholic: 4%
*** Traditional Religions: 10%
*** Judaism: 4%
** Diplomacy
*** Vestykist-Danemark: We implore you to join the war against Svearike with us. They are a threat to Baltic Peace and trade, with the economy the way it is now you should take all you can get. We'll even allow you annex the entire country if you see fit, theres nothing wrong with Reconquest.
** Conflicts
*** Svearike: On the Finnish land front we have a large amount of troops upwards towards Sapmi in a swoop from the bottom right to avoid carrier flanks. On the naval front we have several ships to damage the harbors as well as carriers to enter the mainland.
** Military
*** Total: 140k
*** Infantry: 90k
*** Cavalry: 30k
**** Light Cavalry: 15k
**** Heavy Cavalry: 10k
*** Artillery: 10k
*** Navy: 102 Ships
** Events
*** Religous Conversion of the Kazakh Territory: The Non-Christan Kazakh Territories are being converted by Christian missonaries, although most arent from the government there are government funded missionaries.
*** Naval Superiority: In the years leading up to the Svearike attack on Livonia, Keisaria had improved their Naval superiority due to the increasingly competitive nature of the Baltic Trade.
====Dragon's Fire====
*Leadership Structure: There has been major restructuring since the advent of the Dutch Revolt. Though they are almost isolated from domestic affairs aside from actively supporting the revolt because the organisation was founded on the basis of dissenting and expressing anti-Westrian sentiment among fellow Dutchmen, the organisation already has a set goal of departing the Netherlands before 1575 at best after a polarising vote that saw the organisation becoming further fractured during the revolt and the company potentially become entirely privatised (the privatisation of the company is not happening yet, there has to be negotiation around transport ships and the caravels that the organisation wants to keep). The Grand Dragon, of course, remains the dominant leader, with most power being handed to him.
**Grand Dragon:
***Mechiel Tangelder (b. 1480 - d. 1549, office 1502 - 1542)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502 - d. [1570], office since 1542 - 1559)
***Lars Hatgers (b. 1515, office since 1558)
**Head of the Tangelder Company:
***Mechiel Tangelder (b. 1480 - d. 1549, office 1515 - 1542)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502 - d. [1570], office 1542 - 1551)
***Joris Polder (b. 1520, office since 1551)
**Representative of the Grand Dragon:
***Hubert Bodde (b. 1473 - d. 1536, office c. early 1510s - 1536)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502 - d. [1570], office 1536 - 1546) - abolished
**Operator (Financier):
***Gert Rutters (b. 1499 - 1562, office 1530 - 1562)
***Rogier Saggers (b. 1526, office since 1562)
**Senior Chiefs: Five figures
*Membership: 740 members, all of them are concentrated in Westrian Netherlands and based around Den Haag and the surrounding towns within a close range of no more than 30 kilometres. Membership has declined by an amount because of Dutch resistance and rebellion that is happening, where some decided to leave the organisation for good and instead look more forward to the independence of the Dutch people from Westria.
**The Tangelder Company: It is a front company that owns much of the assets that the New World expedition led by the late Grand Dragon holds, along with many of the weapons and ships of the organisation. It is secretly and mainly operated by Dragon's Fire for the purpose of not making the organisation dubious and stashing a lot of gold with intention of revolting, although some of its members are known to have supported other underground groups indirectly since its distancing from its original purpose in the early 16th century.
***230 men
***6 transport ships
***2 caravels
*Diplomacy: N/A
*Operations:
**Dutch Revolt (rpt.): Though not directly involved, many of the members of this organisation have left for the Dutch Revolt. Some of the mercenaries from the front company of the organisation Tangelder Company are involved in fighting alongside with the Dutch, with some of the funds and assets being transferred by some towards effort of fighting against Westrian control of the Netherlands. It effectively delayed parts of the organisation's long-term efforts and divided the organisation again for the first time , with many having no reason soon to go out of the Netherlands. Seeing their brothers and sisters fighting against Westria, this also led to the plummeting of membership, which will be discussed a little bit later.
*Events:
**Still Moving Ahead (II): It is agreed by the new Grand Dragon that the fleet would depart before 1570 on 1564. Wives and children are allowed to board onto the ship if their members wish to under such agreements. They spent most of the gold over time to fund the Dutch rebellion substantially and supported them, but with more members leaving and preferring to stay away from Dragon's Fire after deviating further from their original ideology, it would be time for at least 50% of members and some of their wives and children to depart. Expect storms and waves to hit the population... But if they get to OTL South Africa, the joys of the Grand Dragon's goals will ultimately be achieved.
**The Company in Question: The Tangelder Company is also being talked about secretly, believing that the company is starting to part ways ever since it was starting to get involved as part of a greater mecenary army during the Dutch Revolt. Since most of the men in question and even the head that the then-Grand Dragon van der Wel had little interest, negotiations on the control of ships began. Caravels might also be given up, but the current head, Polder is not willing to give up these caravels, but will concede on few transport ships at will. Once negotiations and talks are complete over the ships, full privatisation of the Grand Dragon's front company would commence.
==== Mutapa ====
* Government: Monarchy.
** Mwene: Neshangwe Munembire
* Economy: The Economy of Mutapa is pretty good as it is mainly an agrarian nation, with mining as a secondary activity, from mines we get gold and stuff that we can trade for stuff like silk, ceramics and other exotic items. Trade is also a part of our economy as we trade with many of the nations/tribes around us.
* Capital: Ne-we 
* Demographics:
** Population: 820 000 
** Cities:
*** Ne-We: 4 842
*** Kiwe: 2 000
** Rural areas: 813 158
** Ethnicites: 74,5% Shona, 17% Karanga, 8% Swazi, 0,5% Swahili
** Religion: 100% Mwari believers.
* Wars and Conflicts: (italics: Potential War)
* Military of Mutapa: As Mutapa is a rural nation, we can have an active miltary size of 2% (16 400) and reserves size of 1% (8 200) of our total population.
** Active: 2%
*** 6 800 African Spearmen
*** 5 800 bowmen
*** 3 800 Light Cavalry 
** Reserves: not active 1%
*** 3 400 African Spearmen
*** 2 856 bowmen
*** 1 944 Light Cavalry
* Navy:
** Fishing boats: 420
* Diplomacy:
** Imerina: Trade with the Imerina's is established.
* Events: 
** Agriculture: we continue increasing the amounts of wheat etc. we produce to make sure parts of the population won't go starving.
** Art of writing: The art of writing is introduced to us by the Imerina's, we think a friendship with them is more profitable than if they were to be a foe.
** Malagasy Sorabe alphabet: The Imerina's have shown us some kind of writing called the Malagasy Sorabe alphabet, we've decided to use it as it makes our connection with a strong nation to the east stronger. 
** New agricultural techniques: With the new techniques being introduced we start testing some of them out to see if they're any better than the technique we have been doing thus far.
** thumb|220x220pxCity of Kiwe: A city on the coast of what used to be Kiwa is formed and it is called Kiwe.
** Ekawe tribes: Word is sent to the areas marked in green and the villages will be offered to join Mutapa.
==== The United Kingdoms of the British Isles (Albion) ====
*Note: If you wish to engage in diplomacy with me, please DM me on Discord
Government: Absolute Monarchy
*Drakes: 
**Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - 1561)
***David (M, b. 1537 - 1554)
***Elizabeth (F, b. 1541 - ) (R: 1561 - )
***Francis (F, b. 1541 - )
**Sister: Frances (F, b. 1497 - )
***Albus (M, b. 1519 - )
****George (M, b. 1542 - )
****Gregory (M, b. 1554 - )
**Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - 1565)
***Eldegard (F, b. 1517 - )
****Married off to a Westrian prince
***Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
****Alvin (M, b. 1545 - )
****Carol (F, b. 1549 - )
*Important People: 
Economy: The economy of British Isles consists of trade and commerce of a variety of materials. The primary export products of the UK are fish, wool, cloth, and a variety of vegetables.
Main Religion: Christianity
Cities and Demographics:
*Population: 6.72 million (+330k “external subjects”)
**British Mainland: 6.72 million
**British Settlers: 400
***Jamestown: 110
***Fort Elysia: 100
***Fort Epheria: 95
***Greensfort: 95
***Elysian Local Population: 330 thousand external subjects
*Cities
**Brighton: A newer shipbuilding facility located on the English Channel.
**Birmingham: A quiet town that is the location of McCarthy Arms Company, one of, if not, the oldest firearms companies to date.
**Caen: The main hub where products heading to Britain from land mount ships to cross the channel.
**Calais: One of the few French towns still owned by the British, it is a prosperous city that is one of the most important trading hubs in the North Sea.
**Camp Avalon: An old British camp located on a Vinland island. Though mostly uninhabited, it is staffed by a skeleton crew, in the event of a British ship stranding itself on the Vinland island.
**Dover: Main location of the British navy. While elements of the navy are located throughout the territory, the headquarters of the navy are located here. In addition, Dover is the main trading hub between it and Caen.
**Dublin: Main hub of Ireland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
**Glaemchester: A British town north of London, this city is known to house various wealthy nobles, with some of the finest tapestries being produced here.
**Glasgow: Main hub of Scotland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
**London: The capital of England, and location of the throne.
**Portsmouth: The location of the first drydocks in history, which became the founding of various legendary ships of the Royal Navy
**York: Main center of England’s eastern fishing company. Also where a bulk of British trading companies are located, evident from the various merchant caravels present there.
Wars and Conflicts
*Elysia: Though the majority of the fighting is done, small pockets of resistance is still present, primarily at the city of Ierakipolis (which surrenders in late 1561) and various resistance movements throughout the land, though the British troops in the area does their best with subduing any who oppose the British Empire.
Armed Forces
*Total: 134,350 Manpower
*Army
**Total: 119,900
**British Defense Force: (British Mainland) 
***Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 15,000
***Marksman Infantry: 38,000
***Light Cavalry: 8,500
****Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry: 750
***Heavy Cavalry: 1,650
***Bow Cavalry: 2,600
***Field Artillerymen: 5,634
****Field cannons: 1,878
***Logistical Support: 23,000
**British Expeditionary Force: (In Elysia)
***Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 5,000
***Marksman Infantry: 10,000
***Light Cavalry: 1,500
****Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry: 500
***Heavy Cavalry: 350
***Bow Cavalry: 300
***Field Artillerymen: 501
****Field cannons: 167
***Logistical Support: 7,000
*Roundtable Knights (Elite): 8,350
**These are Britain’s elite forces. A rebirthed version sprouting from Artoria’s original group of holy knights, this force has never lost a battle, and has unwavering loyalty to the crown and the Order of the Roundtable, willing to fight to the death for the survival of the British Isles.
**While most are able to fight, members of the Roundtable are encouraged to branch out into their own craft, such as pottery and sheepherding, with the idea that everyone should act like a Roundtable Knight and give their all into both their craft and their country.
**The only way to become a Roundtable Knight is to be selected by an existing member of the group. Most knights tend to make apprentices out of those they recruit to the Roundtable, and generally, no one usually complains when a Roundtable Knight selects someone to join the ranks of the Roundtables. Depending on the country/chapter, one can also be appointed to the Roundtable by the crown.
**As of 1527, three factions are formed within the Roundtables
***The Crimson Sun
***The Azure Moon
***The White Orchids
****Renames themselves Orchid Heaven in 1542
**Notable (Living) Members:
***The Drake Family
*Navy:
**Personnel: 5,800 (combined between both fleets)
**Naval Vessels:
***Ember-class First-rate British Galleons: 20
****Main flagship: HMS Ember
***Swallow-class Second-rate Interceptor: 26
****Designed to be the fastest ships in the world (for their size) without sacrificing too much firepower.
***Cabigail-class Third-rate Caravel: 60
***London-class Third-rate British Caravel: 4
****Kept in service for purposes of training new sailors.
***Dove-class Fourth-rate Dual-Purpose Merchant Caravel: 99
****These ships are given to British merchants who sail in dangerous waters, and are crewed by either mercenaries hired by said merchants or the merchants themselves. Only included in ship-counts for the navy to deter invasions by sea.
Research and Development
*MAC Cannons: McCarthy Industries continues to produce MAC Cannons in a variety of calibers and sizes, ranging from small 6 pound field cannons to 32 pound naval cannons. At least in Britain, McCarthy Industries has the monopoly on the firearms industry.
**The 32 pounder long-nose MAC Cannons enter service, replacing the aging 24-pound naval cannons on the large British galleons.
*Naval Vessels: Continued development on galleons is performed, to see if it is possible to improve British vessels further. They experiment with two aspects; size and firepower. British Naval Engineers hope to determine proper ratios for size, durability, and firepower, as well as taking note of various lessons learned in the field, such as logistical issues found in British Caravels.
**Lessons were learned from the destruction of HMS Eternal as well as Vinland assistance in the invasion for the necessity of smaller support vessels in inland rivers and other bodies of water. As such, development is made into retrofitting the old London-class Caravels into “carriers”, ships capable of carrying smaller ships (primarily Vinland longboats) within for deployment in a region.
**Newer British Galleons begin construction. These ships are based on the Ember-class galleons, but are slightly larger, faster, and more optimized for warfare. These ships become known as the Victory-class galleons.
*McCarthy Arms Company: Continued efforts are made to improve the wheel lock, with minor changes made over time to allow for easier manufacturing of the rifle.
**In addition, McCarthy Industries continues development on a handgun to complement the rifles, with these models rolling out in 1548.
*Glaemchester: With the religious conflict over, the city begins to rebuild. With the remaining funds from the war, the Crimson Sun pours most of its finances into rebuilding the city, as a form of apology for destroying over half the city in its conflicts.
Training and Production
*4 Victory-class first-rate Galleons
*Reformation of the Army: Upon realizing horses can be trained to not flinch when having guns fired from their back, training begins for light cavalry, to have them be able to fire muskets from horseback, in addition to their normal duties.
**Renamed to “Skirmisher Shock Cavalry”
*Whatever equipment and personnel is required to maintain numbers on the frontline.
Diplomacy
*Americas: With intelligence from the Vinlanders, the British decide to scope out the other nations of the Eastern Coast of North America, and see what they have to offer
**Elysia: (See Events for more details)
*Europeans: Though not offered the top-line models, Britain does allow McCarthy Arms Company to sell some of their wares overseas, to those willing to purchase them, at least
**Caen and Bordeaux: The British allow the two cities to join France, though not immediately, so British assets can be moved away from the city for the gradual passage of ownership would go smoothly.
***That being said, Caen and Bordeaux were released more for their location than anything else. Unlike Calais, the two cities aren’t as easily accessible, so the British didn’t mind giving up the two provinces.
*Vinland: The British send what supplies they can so that the new Vinland thane can maintain their territory and then some. (see events for more details).
**Due to their assistance in The Elysian War, the Vinlanders are given part of the financial bounty (given gold and some of the war prizes), as well as new ships to keep their navy up to European standards
**In addition, they ask permission from Vinland if they can turn Camp Avalon into a naval base so the British could station a small fleet there in case the Spanish or French decide to attack.
*Agousta: Britain asks if they wish to enter into a defensive alliance with one another
Allies
*Vinland: Allies in the New World. Led by Tahmas, Vinland now prospers with the new leadership as they thrive with the protection of the British navy.
*Velkyst: Norweigan allies in the North Sea. The oldest ally of Britain, harkening back to the British Empire’s founding.
*Westria: An ally on mainland Europe who also dislikes France, cause f**k France (jk).
Events
*Sonata of the Crimson and Azure (Epilogue): The Crimson Sun, victorious in their escapades within Glaemchester, begins to rebuild Glaemchester in the wake of the multi-decade long skirmishes that occurred within.
**Orchid Heaven separates from the Roundtable Knights and pledges themselves before the crown, essentially becoming the royal family’s royal guard.
**As for the Azure Moon, though Protestantism isn’t outlawed in Britain, they still choose to flee from mainland Britain to start a community for themselves. Acquiring an obsolete London-class Caravel, HMS Mayflower, in 1563, they reach out to Vinlnad if there was a plot of land they could land at to start a new life away from the politica back at home.
*The Azure Pilgrims: In 1565, the “Azure Pilgrims” set sail across the Atlantic, the Azure Moon encountered various hardships, with a few dying on the dangerous crossing. However, A decent portion of them manage to cross the Atlantic, making landfall in a region they will call "New Glaemchester".
*Succession of Power: With the death of Queen Victoria in 1561, her eldest daughter, Elizabeth, takes ahold of the crown in the same year. Upon taking to the throne, a big issue arises: Spain. With their massive holdings in Central America, Elizabeth fears that the Spanish, feeling threatened by Britain’s new claims, will attempt to contest Britain’s claims in America. However, her sister, Francis, assures her that she already has a plan to deal with Spain.
*The Rise of the Company Fleets (Part 8): With the world opening up, and rumors of prosperity and gold present, various companies sprout up around Britain, with the goal to investigate various locations of notice with hopes to make it big. (on a side note, on the maps, where it says "British-controlled Region" is really just territories where  British influence can be felt, rather than British-occupied territory as mentioned in the key)
**British Faviero Greek Company: “The BFG Company” for short, this company has taken an interest to the region of Elysia. Its leaders, Faviero and Raleigh have enacted a multi-decade long plan to wrestle control of the region for themselves, though if other situations were to come up, they’d adapt on the fly.
***Phase 3: With the end of the Elysian War, the BFG Company licks their wounds and decides to attempt a different strategy in exerting their influence in America. They decide to head further south to establish a foothold in what would be known today as Greensfort, stationing most of their mercenaries in the city. Then, they advertise back home of promising lands where “you can start anew”, so they can gather a sizeable population
***Company Fleet Flagship: The Doomslayer
**The Henry Amerigo League of Observance: A group (nicknamed HALO) that is headed by Henry of Glaemchester. Now a competent company, the HALO company travels the seas, now intermingling with a faction known as the Amekrogu’s to the south.
***The Amazon Expedition (Part 2): Continuing to make contact with Amekrogu, Henry does his best to try and win over the heart of Amekrogu’s leader to enter into an alliance with the HALO Company.
****In addition, they construct a fort on a nearby island to allow the company to more easily unload and load trading materials onto their larger merchant ships. The fort’s name is Fort Epheria.
***Company Fleet Flagship: The Pillar of Autumn
*The Elysian War (Aftermath)
**Fate of Elysia: With BEF Victory in the region, the leaders of the operations, Admiral Francis Drake and Commander York of Dover, decide to keep the Elysian government somewhat intact.
***The plan is to let the Elysian government remain in power, though under the watchful eye of Britain. In essence, the government will have to answer to the British crown and allow British immigrants to move in (though those immigrating to Elysia are primarily traders and merchants), they still maintain control of the region.
***In addition, two British settlements are constructed in Elysia.
****Camp Roanoke is disassembled, though a new fort is constructed further inland. Known as “Jamestown”, this new protected community marks the first “official” colonial fort in the New World owned by the British.
****A new fort is constructed at the southernmost tip of the Elysian Bay. The goal of this fort is to essentially deter the Spanish, with stone masons shipped from Vinland and Britain to begin the construction of a stone castle bearing naval cannons.
*****The name of the fort: “Fort Elysia”
***Lastly, the BEF in Elysia finished claiming all of Elysia under the British crown, completing this task by 1562 with the fall of Ierakipolis.
**Lessons Learned: 
***Do not go to war with an opponent when you have no intelligence on the terrain to their strengths. War should be a last resort, only to be used if other methods fail
****In addition, do not underestimate your opponent under any situation.
***Use caution when employing larger vessels in smaller waters, where they can be ambushed by smaller vessels.
****To solve this issue, either keep your ships at bay or use support vessels of your own to both scout ahead of your larger ships and protect your ship in the event of an ambush.
*****Research begins on ships capable of carrying smaller ships (in this case Vinland longboats) within.
***Befriend the local powers and gradually induct them into the country, rather than by a hostile takeover
****Avoids the bloodshed of a hostile takeover, as well as the civil unrest following said takeover.
**Inflation: Due to Spain’s prosperity in the Americas, an economic depression has taken ahold of all of Europe.
*Rulers
**Pendragon:
***Artoria “Ember” Pendragon (F, b.1317- 1389?) (Reign: 1351 ~ 1369 - 1389)
***Ash I (M, b. 1347 - 1434) (Reign: 1390 - 1434)
****Sister: Aura (F, b.1350 - 1434)
***Ash II (M, b. 1399 - 1442) (Reign: 1434 - 1442)
***Amber (F, b. 1424 - ) (Reign: 1442 - 1482)
****Brother: Edward (M, b. 1441 - 1481)
**Mordue:
***River Mordue (F, b. 1322 - 1393) (Reign: 1369 - 1393)
***Henry (M, b. 1353 - 1429) (Reign: 1393 - 1429)
****Daughter: Mary (F, b. 1382 - 1399)
***Lionel (M, b. 1388 - 1482) (Reign: 1430 - 1482)
****Son: Leo I (M, b. 1407 - 1465)
*****Leo III (M, b. 1445 - 1478)
****Son: Leo II (M, b. 1423 - 1478)
****Brother: Henry II (M, b. 1398 - 1478)
**Drake:
***Casimir (M, b. 1454 - 1533)
***Queen Abigail (F, b. 1455 - 1533)
***Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - 1561)
****David (M, b. 1537 - 1554)
****Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - 1565)
****Nephew: Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
*Roundtable Knights
**Joan “Anne” of Arc (Died in 1431)
**Sir George Cromwell of Cotswold (Died in 1445)
**Sir George Cromwell II of Cotswold (Died in 1482)
**Sir Rex of Dover (Died in 1482)
**Joanna Palaiologos McCarthy (Died in 1528)
*Misc
**Shauna McCarthy (Died in 1489)
***Founder of McCarthy Arms Company, one, if not, the oldest firearms companies in the world.
==== Nihon ====
* Government: Feudalism - effective total regional factionalism
** Empress: Han'ei no Mono (Tachibana Kiyo)
** Shogun: Oda Nobunaga (or Hiyori)
* Allies: Ezo, by personal union with Fujiwara; Joseon, defensive military alliance
* Capital: Kyoto
* Demographics:
** Population: 11,530,000
** Ethnicities: Yamatai (79%), Chinese-origin (4%), Joseonese (8%), Syonanese (6%), Other (2%)
** Official Religion: Shinto, with Buddhist influences
* Population Distribution:
** Urban Population:
*** Percentage of total population: 8% (Approx. 922,000)
*** By city (rounded to the nearest 5,000):
**** Edo: 40,000
***** Edo surroundings: 50,000
**** Kyoto: 10,000
***** Kyoto surroundings: 55,000
**** Fukushima: 35,000
***** Fukushima surroundings: 20,000
**** Hiroshima: 25,000
**** Kobe: 15,000
***** Hiroshima-Kobe wider region: 25,000
**** Nagasaki: 25,000
**** Yokohama: 20,000
**** Takaoka: 15,000
**** Niigata: 15,000
**** Izumo-Matsue Au. Region: 25,000
**** Chiba Au. Region: 20,000
**** Others not exceeding 15,000 in population: 590,000
*** By region:
**** Tohoku: 23%
**** Kanto: 21%
**** Kansai: 14%
**** Chubu: 17%
**** Chugoku: 11%
**** Shikoku: 5%
**** Kyushu: 9%
** Rural Population:
*** Percentage of total population: 92% (Approx. 11,630,000)
*** By region:
**** Tohoku: 18%
**** Kanto: 14%
**** Chubu: 19%
**** Kansai: 15%
**** Chugoku: 12%
**** Shikoku: 11%
**** Kyushu: 11%
* Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
* Army:
** Horses [15,000]: Modest steeds trained to gallop across the rough and uneven terrain of Nihon's islands. They can also be employed for charging out of boats onto land, although that kind of situation is comparably rarer.
** General infantry [24,000]: Rudimentarily trained infantry with a general focus on close-ranged melee and shortrange bow combat. Second priority for usage of battering rams and other siege equipment, usually assisting other infantry and auxillaries with tasks.
** Irregular infantry [25,000]: Infantry-in-training as well as part-time infantry that does not serve for lifetime employment. Mostly the former. First priority for handling of siege equipment.
** Support staff [6,000]: Infantry serving in entirely logistical roles. Equipped with extreme short range equipment such as daggers for self-defence, the bulk of many impromptu convoys.
** Auxillary infantry [3,000]: Long-range bowmen and combat medics. Heavily trained, many chosen to be officers upon promotion in the field.
** Irregular auxillaries [16,000]: Often merchants and mercenaries serving the same role as auxillary infantry, auxillaries-in-training or officers serving in combat.
* Highest-ranking generals:
** N_A
* Navy:
** Kawataro-fune [379]: An armoured slow-moving battleship which covers the deck in metal plating and a layer of steel behind the caravel structure to give it a special amount of versatility. If it is sinking, it can last for enough hours to bring it back to shore or at least into a kamikaze attack.
** Hayai-fune [383]: A restored line of lightly-armoured battleships designed to quickly board another ship before sinking it. Incredibly fragile.
** Supply ships [811]: Unarmoured fast-moving cargo ships as well as heavy lightly-armoured supply ships. The former used to resupply close to land; the latter used to carry along supplies on longer, no-docking expeditions.
** Irregular converteds [29]: Various ships with various amounts of armour and what not attached on; mostly former Kei-fune and and Hayai-fune and cargo ships. Heavily personalised, often used as fleet commander ships.
** Regular sailors [25,000]: close-quarters trained, basic infantry training and ship training
** Reserve sailors [20,000]: see above
* Admirals:
**
* Diplomacy:
**
* Economics:
** Status of the Economy:
*** Value of Gold: While barter has remained one of the biggest methods of trade within the country, gold is the currency by which trade with foreign merchants has been practiced. The main source of gold in Nihon, however, are the Han nations to the East, Kansha and Syonan; it has no actual power over the premier currency it uses. The usage of bronze and copper coins for smaller denominations has become generally more commonplace in urban areas, while barter trade remains common. The national mint is centred in Edo, controlled by a council of retired or former daimyo.
**** Actual monetary value: One ounce of gold can currently buy one hundred sacks of rice (98 kg).
**** Currency:
***** 1-yen coin (copper)
***** 5-yen coin (copper)
***** 10-yen coin (bronze)
***** 100-yen coin (bronze)
***** 1000-yen promissory note (backed in gold)
*** Economic Overview: A significant portion of the Nihonese economy is centred around traditional agriculture, with rice as the national staple of the country; barter trade occurs on a limited communal scale, with the adoption of partial paper and minted currency already having occurred. Small artisanal trades in the fields of writing and artistry have become coveted as prestige symbols; education extends to only roughly 11% of the population, with this small class of artisans a thin sliver of a middle class between the vast majority of the peasantry and the higher nobility.
**** Economic Policy:
***** COLLAPSE!
**** Economic Trends:
***** COLLAPSE!
** Major Economic Organisations:
*** Kamakura Company: Front organisation with dealings in weapons, assassinations and other various activities.
**** Nihon: 6,600 members (150 ninja)
**** Kansha: 1,400 members
**** Syonan: 1,900 members (50 ninja)
**** Wu: 100 members
**** Dai Viet: 100 members
*** Nihonese Southern Company: Mercenary group. Professional army.
**** Nihon: 4,100 members and two hayai-fune
**** Syonan: 12,100 members and 15 hayai-fune + 10 kawataro-fune
**** Kansha: 2,800 members and one kawataro-fune
**** Dai Viet: 1,500 members
* Culture:
** Yamatai: The dominant culture on the three main islands, practiced by the vast majority of ethnic Nihonese; it emphasises the importance of self and the privilege of existence. A partly individualistic culture with overtly communal streaks that designates the greatness of finding a specific calling and engaging it with the most effort possible; giving rise to a society that prizes the arts as well as the value of literature. While it does not shun the sciences, they are not often given priority; meanwhile, the military and warriors are given outsized importance against all else. Its envisioning of Shinto has numerous distinct cultural streaks from the nations that existed before Yamato united the three main islands under its own banner; as well as little reminders of the past.
** Ainu: A distinct, unique culture native to Tohoku and Ezo; a kind of communal culture that emphasises the community and a place within that community. It speaks of the importance of discovering a place within society and fulfilling the callings asked of you by others, and that no individual is above the common good. Its adoption of arts and literature is thus comparably limited, but it is the Ainu which have advanced Nihon's science so far, partly due to the fact that they are encouraged to go to school from younger ages (and generally live in more urbanised societies). Their envisioning of Shinto is more akin to a kind of lifestyle, which promotes certain practices and discourages others; one which has, surprisingly, remained largely sturdy for the last 400 years.
** Joseonese-Han: A minority culture arising from the great giants from across the sea; Joseonese-Han is a monstrous beast of mish-mashed cultures, from distinct Han streaks arising almost 600 years ago to the original Xia cultures. It is almost entirely reliant on distinct, tiny Xianist sects and practices a form of Buddhism mixed with Shinto.
* Religion:
** Shinto: A polytheistic, animistic and pantheistic religion which most Nihonese follow. It revolves around the kami - gods/spirits, which are depending on region omnipresent or omniscient. Worship is mainly practiced in household shrines and public shrines, with family shrines more common for political and clan officials. Extreme levels of localisation, with many in the North having strong Ainu streaks while those in Kyushu and Kansha have subtle Han influence.
* Events:
** The Phoenix of Nihon [15] [FINAL]:
*** A Dream, Perished - 1560: The Siege had taken so long, and for so little. Noriko had plans, and so many back-ups - all ruined by her bad decisions. She discovered, with a little intuitution and quite a bit of logical throughline, that Widyawati had given all her plans to the North - to Oda - and with that she was finished. No wonder none of it had worked. But, in the end, she wanted to hope - even if there was practically none left - and set the most insane trap she had ever imagined. She set the Chrysenthamum Throne and with it the Imperial Palace to explode, using herself as bait, planning to kill Nobunaga and her cronies as they arrived in her presence. In her aging days, almost 100 years of age, she stood alone in the twilight of her life, and she continued to pursue a lapsing dream - a dream that she would never see come true. At the Battle of Kyoto Kanzaki Noriko is killed ingloriously by an irregular squad led by Nobunaga, and as she discovers, her own granddaughter, Miyako; she perishes there in the Imperial Palace, failing to kill the vast majority of those who escape. Her troops, routed, are summarily forced into loyalty or even executed by Nobunaga; and the city of Kyoto is ruined. Its grand buildings no longer stand, it no longer even serves as a valuable fort. Was this what she wanted? Perhaps not, but... it is where she has ended up. Time, she discovers, time she hasn't to consider what she has done in life. She is a despot, a colonialist, a puppet-master - yet a visionary, a generous person, a true hero in some aspects. As she lies on the ground of the Shinshinden, she collapses to the ground, and finally says something she has held for so long:
**** 'Demon... yes. Let me die one.'
*** Noriko may not have been even a good person but at the very least she wished to save a part of it. With her death Nihon loses its most capable ruler, and with it... the Federation plummets into its death throes.
** The Death of Nihon [11] [FINAL]:
*** The Coronation of a New Empress and a New Capital: With Kyoto's destruction and the collapse of the Federal government, Nobunaga is forced to resort to giving Edo, already a rising city in the collapsing nation, full leeway. It becomes the new Imperial Capital, and there Kiyo Tachibana is coronated the new Empress of Nihon to much fanfare; meanwhile, Nobunaga's forces continue to chase down the collapsing Federation, whose adherents have broken back up into their component Daimyo or sworn allegiance to her. Kiyo steps into this role and she balks. Her experiences with Nobunaga have only taught her that she has so much to do, but she fundamentally does not wish to - she wants to go on more adventure, more fun... more time with her friends. Tala, Wu Jin... well... they slip out of her reach. Tala, utterly disgusted by Nobunaga's behaviour during the Siege, including the murder of dozens of medics, hauls up her equipment, hails a boat, and makes her way to Satsuma and then to Kansha; Wu Jin, also finding the cause in quiet distaste, departs on more amicable terms. This leaves her all alone to take up a duty she takes to entirely reluctantly; coronated at Edo Castle. She becomes an Empress of no power - with no control over more than the bit of the army Nobunaga is willing to let her control, while she quietly watches as Nobunaga turns more and more brutal down south...
** The Taisho of Nihon [9]:
*** Hollow Victory: She is a victor. Nobunaga is a victor. Isn't she? At least, she thinks she is as she continues down the rampage, leaving the ashen Kyoto to go conquer the rest of Nihon. Her methods have stalled in their brutality as she passes, pondering the fallen Prime Minister's words every once in a while; she, for the first time, passes on summarily executing Peers in the Autumn of the Battle of Kobe. But still, she has great hope for the future she envisions, its shining star looking out to her ever so bright and beautiful. She has no idea that everything the Prime Minister predicted is coming to pass - the Daimyo have begun to conspire against her, believing that she is too instable to continue ruling as Shogun; furthermore, attempting to convince Satsuma to rejoin has been an utter failure. Whatever, she tells herself - surely everything can eventually be quelled, and like the figures of old - Uchiha no Ichiban, Tomoe Gozen, she will take her place as the great unifiers of Nihon? 
Notable People:
* 1401-1473 [The Last Days of the Heian]:
** Uchiha Tomoko (1387 - 1469) [deceased]: Head of the Yamatai faction during the Civil War and later Empress (1412-1469) under the name 'Uchiha no Ichiban'.
** Mori Kyoko (1378 - 1473) [deceased]: One of the two heads of the Peoples' League during the Civil War, later Speaker of the National Convention unopposed until death. Spouse: Kido Mirio.
** Hori Shizuku (1377 - 1456) [deceased]: The other head of the Peoples' League, a minor political player in Hiroshima after the war. Committed suicide under threat of involuntary execution.
** Midoriya Kaitou (1383 - 1472) [deceased]: A minor player in the Civil War who gained popularity as a capable administrator. Birth name Zhang Kaisheng. Spouse: Midoriya Yuki.
** Seishiro Kirie (1381 - 1463) [deceased]: One of the heads of the Outsiders who found herself alienated from her hometown in her pursuit of political unity. Became a remarkable writer, writing works such as The Use of War, a critical book on the purpose of strife. Spouse: Bakushi Yona.
** Bakushi Yona (1380 - 1463) [deceased]: A Yamatai-Eskosian, best known for fighting for the political rights of the tiny Eskosian minority in Nihon. Became a political kingmaker after the war. Spouse: Seishiro Kirie.
** Hu Jin-Yo (1376 - 1462) [deceased]: A Joseon-Yamatai, best known as a Joseonese reunificationist who participated in a minor role during the Civil War. Afterwards, provided much financial support to the Nihonese army advancing in Kyongsong before dying in a tragic accident.
** Kanzaki Izuku (1394 - 1489) [deceased]: First Shogun then Taisho, well known for unconventional military tactics that precipitated asymmetrical warfare against enemy forces. Lived a relatively stunted life afterwards, travelled into Joseon and participated in its war against Kyongsong before travelling West in hopes of retracing the steps of Bulijin Khatun, a dream promptly foiled. Spouse: Yonekura Hiyori.
** Nishimiya Asuka (1372 - 1479) [deceased]: Shogun after her predecessor Kanzaki was passed over due to ignoring the Empress, she became something of a despot and massively expanded the powers of the military as well as a small secret police under the direction of Empress Uchiha and Speaker Mori. Lived a quiet, nondescript life. Spouse: Ryuzoji Mirio.
* 1474 - 1523 [The Rise of the Bakufu]
** Uchiha Ryu (1467 - 1512) [deceased]: Adopted son of Empress Uchiha, originally groomed to be an apt successor of hers; he was soon convinced to take another path by the Regent. Overthrown in 1487.
** Senjougahara Ryuko (1459 - 1489) [deceased]: Popular regent originally meant to become successor to Uchiha, eventually sidelined. With a massive amount of political power, however, she pulled strings to keep herself as Regent and manipulated the new Emperor as she wished. Murdered by an assassin.
** Senmyaku Hyo-in (1436 - 1486) [deceased]: Powerful orator of the Dochaku who advocated for their betterment. Eventually sidelined due to the maneuvring of Empress Uchiha.
** Yamagata Jiro (1461 - 1503) [deceased]: An upstart military man who became Shogun at the behest of the late Nishimiya Asuka. Soon evolved into a broadly popular political figure who usurped the throne from Uchiha Ryu, but his ambitions overcame him and he was deposed after attempting to re-consolidate power.
** Kanzaki Noriko (1467 - ??): Nationalist despot intent on restoring Nihon to political unitarism. She quickly exploited her way through the chaos of rapid decentralisation to insert herself as the effective leader of Nihon in just one and a half decades, essentially unchallenged.
* 1524 - ?? [Sengoku Jidai]
** Oda Nobuhide (1499 - 1543): Minor yet influential political figure of the exiled main family of the Oda clan. Killed by mistake.
** Takagi Anzu (1497 - ??): Adopted daughter of Kanzaki Noriko, adept fighter, eventually, Nihonese Empress. Fled to Kansha.
** Oda Nobunaga (1534 - ??): The vengeful daughter of Nobuhide; a furious orator and military genius.
** Uesugi Kagetora (1531 - ??): 
* Kanzaki Family: From a minor clan in old Minamoto arose one of the defining political and military families of the early Bakufu. This chronicles its most famous members.
** Izuku (1394 - 1489): Grandfather of the entire family. Began the Kanzaki name by abandoning usage of the old Minamoto clan name and rising as first a potential Emperor before becoming one of the most prolific generals in Nihon's history. However, his attempts at glory were foiled and eventually he gave up, passing his life's work to a strange girl who might just get some use out of it.
** Noriko (1467 - 1560): Two generations later, a bored Shinto temple head turned trainer turned puppet master. Exploited the political weaknesses of the political system to make herself a de facto leader, first head of the Kanzaki Clan. Charted the family's rise to prominence and eventually the family's dominance for a few decades; began her ascent hoping to salvage the family name but eventually became a radical republican dead set on changing the world as we know it. Died at the hands of Oda Nobunaga.
** Setsuna (1482 - ??): Another third generation'er; she went missing in Syonan before being discovered as Noriko travelled to it. Made head of the Nihonese Southern Company. Spouse: Souji Nakamura.
====Atouman Empire====
*Government: Azarkhate
**Aesuit: Ioxamander "The Magnificent" (c. 1519 - )
**House of Atmanaglu:
***Ioxamander (b. 1491-)
****-- Nihaevran of Adrianople (b. 1494-1545)
*****Ozumuhn (b. 1524-)
******-- Bulilun of Daeva
*****Khanidon (b. 1524-)
******-- Ismihan of Judea (b. 1530-)
*******Esaramander (b. 1561-)
*****Abdammet (b. 1529-1563)
****-- Mahrnet of Adnan (b. 1523-)
*****Atman III (b. 1547-)
******-- Dilara of Al-Adniya (b. 1540-)
*******Gokmen (b. 1563)
*****Ashura (b. 1555-)
*****Indra (b. 1555-)
**Grand Vizier:
***Suleyman II abd-Muttari Pasha (b. 1456-1519) (c. 1501-1503, 1508-1509, 1514-1519) 
***Hersekenia abd-Beyid Pasha (b. 1464-1553) (c. 1503-1507, 1513-1514) 
***Ozman abd-Jafar Pasha (b. 1481-1550) (c. 1510-1513, 1524) 
***Dogukhan abd-Ashur Pasha (b. 1484-1552) (c. 1519-1524, 1531-1533) 
***Utman abd-Vedit Pasha (b. 1482-1545) (c. 1524-1531, 1532-1545)
***Khanidon abd-Rum Pasha (b. 1524-) (c. 1545-1558)
***Xodarus abd-Jafar Pasha (b. 1510-) (c. 1558-)
***Gulhadon al-Ashura Pasha (b. 1531-) (c. 1562-)
***Kanzhin al-Mughari Pasha (b. 1523-) (c. 1562-)
***Muhammet al-Aybars Pasha (b. 1527-) (c. 1562-)
**Grand Council: 1000 seats
****Cult of Ioxamander: 751 seats
****Rationalists: 131 seats
****Fundamentalists: 118 seats
*Economy: The economy of the Atouman Empire was based on a system of iqta', an Arzhamite feudal system, as the Atouman state's ultimate goal, was consolidation and extension of the Azarkh's power, and the way to reach it was by taking advantage of resources and the revenues system by making the productive classes prosperous. So while the agrarian-based economy was fruitful in its development, it ultimately prevented the emergence of social disorder and kept the traditional organization of the culture and society as a whole. Mining operations would also aid as a driving factor of the economy, with copper, iron, silver, and gold being mined in Bulgaria while fruits are grown across the Anatolian region and Balkan peninsula producing bountiful luxuries that are consequently sold at the various port markets in Ionia and Greece. Olive trees grow in wild fashion, with their oil being harvested and sold to the highest bidder. Atouman expansion into Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries would emphasize a Greco-Persian royal sentiment, which would be emphasized furthermore in Azarkh Iskandir I's reign, who famously claimed himself as Padishah, a term historically used to describe the ruling monarch of Persia. This emphasis would lead to the capital cities becoming major commercial and industrial centers, serving as highways between the Greco-Roman-Daevite cultures and mercantile trade of the region. This would lead to a policy of tolerance that culminated in Azarkh Tayyeb's "Mandate of Adrianople", which officially allowed for the Jewish people to reside and prosper in the Atouman Realm far away from the persecution they faced at the hands of Christendom. Not only did this Mandate extend a hand of tolerance to the Jewish people, but also extended outwards to a number of Protestant states at the time, due to their own rivalry with the Papacy. Most of these people were settled in either Constantinople or other port cities along the Ionian coast. Other exports include cotton, a myriad of fruits, and plenty of slaves, primarily Neo-Pagans and Hellenic Christians in North Africa. The campaigns of Azarkh Ioxamander would lead to a boost in the economic diversity of the Empire, now exporting African goods and re-constructing the coastal cities previously razed during his conquests. A large trade network was established, due to Ioxamander's conquests, that extended from the Adnanian subcontinent to the sands of Mauretania and across the Balkan peninsula, leading to broader economic security atop of conquering millions of subjects in the process. The Atouman Empire at the end of the 16th century was the most economically profitable empire in Europe and during the 17th century, would only continue to expand further and further.
*Capital: Constantinople
*Demographics:
**Population: 23,130,000
***Anatolia: 5,300,000
***Balkans: 3,550,000
***Egypt: 4,350,000
***Greece: 1,100,000
***Syria: 850,000
***Ifriqiya: 1,025,000
***Atlasiya: 3,555,000
***Hejaz: 400,000
***Mesopotamia: 2,000,000
***Misc: 1,000,000
**Ethnicity:
***Persian: 21.3%
***Greek: 20.1%
***Aegytan: 15.9%
***Adnanite: 14.7%
***Turkish: 8.9%
***Daevite: 5.5%
***Syrian: 4.7%
***Mixed African: 3.8%
***Israelite: 3.3%
***Cyrenaican: 1.8%
**Religion:
***Arzham: Under Atouman authority, Arzham would make a re-emergence in the western world unseen since the collapse of the Askari Azarkhate in the 14th century. Followers of the Xunni belief, the House of Atmanaglu would dedicate a number of resources to spreading the word of Arzhang. This included the construction of Ozman's Temple, which would stand as the largest religious institution until the construction of Ioxamander's Temple in 1547, and numerous methods of prolythesizing that worked to varied results. It would become the most known form of Arzham in Europe at the time, with many religious scholars and priests at the time admiring the state of the Atouman Empire and it's relation to Arzham, as although the empire was not born around Kandahar, it still is seen as rightfully guided in the eyes of the Arzhamic community.
****Xunni Beliefs: The Xunni denomination of Arzham is often characterized by a greater emphasis on the prophet Arzhang, his companions in Persia, and the patronage of the all of the classic Azarkhates’ as rightly-guided successor states in contrast to the Xa’mah belief, which only correlate proper successorship to Arzhang’s original state and the Askari Azarkhate. While the Xa’mah believe that the prophet Arzhang can only be succeeded by relatives or immediate family members, the Xunni deny this concept of succession-by-lineage, instead believing that the Arzhamite community can change and evolve to the point where staying in tradition will only lead to disaster, with this concept being further emphasized by the collapse of the Askari Azarkhate. While most differences between the Xunni and the Xa’mah are relatively political in nature, the Xunni represents a majority of the believers of Arzham that are more wide-spread across Eurasia, with the Xa’mah representing pluralities in places like India and Persia.
***Christianity: Christianity following the collapse of the Byzantine Empire would stagnate during this time, declining into a plurality due to a myriad of policies introduced by the Atouman Empire, such as increased taxing, second-class citizenship, and the banning of proselytizing, which was punishable by death. This decline in Christianity would also be further aided by the re-organization of the Janissaries, which by this part were mostly made up of young Christian slaves from the Balkans that had converted to Islam. During the Atouman-Isetium War, Kaiser Achaeus would institute a similar policy of enslavement and brain-washing, kidnapping the youngest children of various Christian families in Syria and the Levant, as well as re-organizing their numerous churches and cathedrals into mosques or other Arzhamite institutions. As such, the Christian communities in the Atouman Empire declined exceptionally, with most of the Hellenic-influenced Christians converting to Arzham in the face of disaster.
***Judaism: The Jewish communities of the Atouman Empire would flourish in the 16th century due to the former Azarkh Tayyeb’s policy of tolerance. While the Jewish communities of the Empire were small and most located in Constantinople, Kaiser Achaeus would allow the construction of Synagogues along the Ionian coast in exchange for the Jewish communities paying a higher tax as part of the already existing jizya tax. This wouldn’t necessarily bother the Jewish people, for most of the Jews that were able to migrate were mostly bankers that had made fortunes off of their time spent in Europe. The Jewish population were also staunch supporters for Atouman expansion, oftentimes offering funds for extentensive campaigns meant to drive away the heretics from the Holy Land.
***Zoroastrianism: The Zoroastrian community of the Atouman Empire was primarily limited due to Zoroastrian’s decline during the rise of Arzham in Persia and due to a newly realized focus towards Arabia. Zoroastrians in the Atouman Empire were mostly specific to the oriental territories such as Hejaz and Adnania.
***Syncretic Philosophy: Representing a rather small community, Syncretic philosophy in Greece and Anatolia would foster as a result of diversification. Although syncretic schools of thought, such as the Abyadites and Aesunids, were primarily focused on inter-religion unification, other schools like the Smyrnites were more focused on political reform, specifically the adoption of secular political ideologies like democracy and republicanism. The circulation of these differing concepts would lead to Azarkh Tayyeb instituting the eradication of syncretic philosophy in the early years of the 16th century.
*Wars and Events:
**The Horseman: The Third Chapter (1557-)
***Aegean War (1557-1561): Following the Siege of Rhodes, the Atouman Empire would engage in a number of naval battles and conflicts with the Venetians and Genoese, reaching it's apex with the Siege of Lefkosia, which saw nearly 100,000 forces under Ioxamander and Xodarus storming the city and razing it to nothingness. This would lead to Cyprus being annexed into the Atouman Empire. In 1561, Ioxamander would attempt to conquer Krete, but would be forced to retreat after a storm would cut their supply lines and swallow a number of their ships, thus ending the Aegean War.
***Atouman-Eskosian War (1563-): Xodarus abd-Jafar Pasha was a cunning warlord, born in Greece and, for a time, patriarch of the Janissaries. He was intelligent, and he also had grand ambitions to scale with his intellect. Xodarus, like other Grand Viziers and general people outside of the House of Atmanaglu, believed the Atouman Empire to be the "Second" Roman Empire, and thus should take a more direct approach in restoring the ancient Roman state. A lot of Azarkhs styled themselves in similar fashion to the ancient Romans, often times denoting themselves as Kaisars, but this wasn't necessarily a matter of foreign policy, moreso just celebratory and decorative. A lot of historians and scholars believe this sort of ideology to be derived from Ioxamander's campaign in North Africa, which had led to the formation of "Atlasiya" and the Atoumans asserting authority over more than half of the original Roman territory. Xodarus believed that conquering the heart of Europa would lead to the return of prosperity and life fulfillment, so although hesitant, Ioxamander would accept that initiating a campaign would make sense. For Ioxamander, what he wanted out of it was to have one more war, as having lived in the fruits of his labor, he had grown more nihilist towards his legacy, and decided that this would be the final act of his life. In 1561, the Amirate of Rumania would be annexed into the Atouman Empire after a short-lived rebellion would lead to Ioxamander personally leading an army to Vimnatz. Due to the scale of the war and Ioxamander's aged condition, Xodarus would hire three Adnanite mercenaries at the discretion of King Xairata. The mercenaries, namely Gulhadon al-Ashura, Kanzhin al-Mughari, and Muhammet al-Aybar, would provide additional support to the Atouman campaigns and diversify the war cabinet. By 1563, Ioxamander and Xodarus had built an army from their vast tributaries and cities, and on the eve of Spring, Xodarus would lead an army into Dardania while Ioxamander would lead an army into Eskosia. Xodarus' march through Dardania was difficult for a number of reasons: for the one, the moutainous terrain made it extremely difficult logistically for efficient supply lines and defensive positions; secondly, since Ioxamander had taken the bulk of able-bodied men for the Eskosian campaign, Xodarus was left with limited numbers and less options. From summer of 1563 to the autumn period of 1564, the Siege of Kompita would leave the Atoumans failing to capture the city, leading to stalemate and high casualties. For Ioxamander, the Siege of Ujvidek from 1564-1565 would see the piking of Eskosian heads and the falling of the city's walls, with Atouman forces encircling Belgrade by the end of the year.
====Khitan Khanate====
*Government: Steppe Horde
**Khan/Khatun:
***Khojin (F) (r. 1501 - 1542)
***Erketu (M) (r. 1542 - 1543)
***Arslan (M) (r. 1542 - present)
****Dynasty: Yarud (1501 - present)
*****Parliament: None
*Economy: The Khitan economy is largely based upon trade, herding, and pastoralism, as the Khitans and most of their subjects are nomadic peoples. However, in some areas, such as around cities, the inhabitants are settled agriculturalists.
*Capital: Nerchuu (OTL Nerchinsk)
*Demographics:
**Population: 190,500 (74% Khitans, 17% Jurchen, 5% Mongols, 2% Tungusics, 1% Daevites, 1% other)
**Religion: 87% Tengriism, 5% Arzham, 4% Buddhism, 4% others
*Military: 3,810 troops
*Wars and Conflicts (italics indicate potential wars):
**Khalkha War: More troops are recruited to invade Khalkha for a surprise attack. 13,300 troops (including 2,380 professional troops and 10,920 levies) are sent to attack the Khalkha Khanate. A charge is initiated against the Khalkha army. The Khitan troops will then do a false retreat to lure the Khalkha close to a fortification, then exploit their poor position to crush them. Hit-and-run tactics are used to wear down the enemy. 5,500 troops (including 1,430 professional troops and 4,070 levies) to defend the homeland in order to stop a counterattack.
*Diplomacy (italics indicate secret):
**Third Daevite Empire: Hey, would you mind helping us invade the Khalkha?
**Aigun (secret): Would you like an alliance and a trade deal?
*Events:
**Rebirth of Liao? (pt 2): Arslan would have to conquer the Khalkha Khanate if his ambition of restoring the Liao dynasty in all its former glory was to be fulfilled. Also, the Daevite Empire was slowly weakening, so he could no longer depend on them. He bode his time, waiting for a moment of weakness to betray them…
**Assimilation: The Jurchens of Sahaliyan are gradually assimilated into the Khitan majority.
==== Joseon ====
* Government: Absolute Monarchy
** King - Myeongjong 
** Regent (If need arises) - Queen Munjeong (Until 1565)
* Economy: The Joseon economy is a vast web of trade in East Asia, healthy trade relationships are upheld with all Joseonese neighbors as prized porcelain, jewelry, ginseng, and others flow regularly out of the ports of the nation. Merchants from the Han states are taking a bit more of a foothold at the moment due to the situation in Nihon. The vast majority of people, of course, still make their money from agriculture. Class mobility is heavily limited.
* Alliances
* Demographics
** Population - 8,900,000
** Ethinicities 
*** Koreans (93%) - Ethnic "Koreans" born into families of "Korean" blood. Up to 3/4 "Korean" blood is counted in this category.
*** Nihonese (4%) - Mostly refugees fleeing from the conflicts occuring in the area, though a few are those Nihonese came for other reasons. Up to half Nihonese blood is categorized here.
*** "Northerners" (2%) - An umbrella term I'm using for now for those people from the "Semi-Korean" states in the north, such as the Jochueron.
*** Others (1%) - The vast majority of those in this category come from the various Han states, mostly merchants or other relatively well off people who have settled in the kingdom for various reasons. The rest are cobbled from other states down south such as Syonan.
** Religons - 
*** Official Religion - Neo-Confucianism (should that exist) with Joseonese influences. Set in stone already from generations of state sponsorship, there's no way to remove this religion without completely flipping the Korean society upside down 
*** Other Religions, which include
*** Buddhism - A surpressed religion, though it has been making a comeback with Munjeong's regency, her being a Buddhist herself. However, once she lets go of the reins of control, the future of Buddhism in the Joseon Kingdom will be uncertain again.
*** Korean Shamanism - The religion also known as Shindo.  Similarities can be drawn between Nihonese Shintoism, and even possibly Tengrism and otherwise. Branches differ across the land, mainly divided across lines of north and south in theology and otherwise.  
* Cities and Rural
** '​​Hanseong (better known as Seoul) - The capital of the nation, it holds 398,000 people. The outskirts hold 375,000 people.
** Pyongyang - The dominant city in the northern regions, serving also as a backup capital in case of a Southern Invasion. It holds 250,000 people, with 250,000 in the outskirts.
** Jeju - The center of the similarly named Jeju Island, it has a population of 20,000.
** Haeju - A coastal trade-based city well based between Pyonyang and Hanseang. The city itself has 100,000 people, and the outskirts hold 125,000.
** Pyeongtaek - Another trading city, the city has 80,000 and the outskirts with 100,000.
** Chongjin - Small coastal city, the city has 15,000 men.
** Hamhung - Coastal city, the city has 20,000 people.
** Hyesan - The northernmost city, should the Jorchureon invade, this will certainly be the first to fall. Population 25,000.
** Wonju - Some random inland city, Population 30,000 people.
** Daegu - Large inland city with a population of 175,000, the outskirts with 250,000.
** Gongju - Another one of those inland cities, with population of 25,000.
** Jeonju - Inland city, population of 20,000.
** Rural Lands - 6,662,000
* Military - 
** Land Forces 
*** Cavalry (12,500) - The better ones usually hail from the northern territories, other than that, there's not much to say about them. 
*** Infantry (25,000) - The normal, somewhat rudimentarily trained infantry. Most are just trained in close-range melee, though there are some trained in polearms, bows, etc.
*** Officers (2,500) - Officers of all ranks in the Army, whilst some are undeniably of great talent, the roles of others and how they managed to get that job may be questionable. 
*** Logistical Support Infantry (3,500) - Filling in various jobs with supplies of food, weaponry, and so on. 
*** Specialists (6,500) - This comprises mostly of engineers and soldiers working with other advanced weaponry, notably the Hanseong Garrison has the only arquebusiers in the nation, with 1,000 of these troops. The Hwacha, with it's devastating capabilities, is also primarily manned by these people. 
** Navy
*** Geobuksen (55) - Also known as "Turtle Ships", whilst not the improved design laid upon later in the century, they still pack the punch. 
*** Panokseon (200) - A multiple-deck battleship with the capability to deliver devastating fire onto the enemy before it can be boarded. Though only 5 years old and new to the field, it has already gained the respect of the Joseonese Navy in all tiers of command. 
*** Transport/Supply Ships (300) - Unarmored or lightly armored ships with quick speeds made for delivering whatever's needed to it's destination.
*** Converted Ships (50) - Varying greatly for each ship, usualy these are merchant ships purchased by military individuals and then redesigned personally for command. 
*** Sailors (25,000) 
*** Reserve Sailors (30,000) 
* Wars and Conflicts - 
** Currently None
* Diplomacy (If you wanna do Diplomacy, please inform me on Discord)
**
* Events
** Myeongjong's Regency - Though to the average observer, it seems that nothing has changed in the court, as it turns out, tensions are building up to an all-time high. Just as, on 1565, when troops under the king's command planned to storm the queen's quarters, news came out that she had died overnight. The plot was quickly covered up and a period of mourning declared as if nothing happened.
** Post Regency Joseon - Though a bullet was dodged in that case, the end is not near yet. Myeonjong begins purging parts of the court, and many of the academics that plan to install these "Republican" ideas into the kingdom. Many of those begin gathering in the southern provinces, in small safehouses, and begin plotting for a possible violent rebellion. A storm begins brewing.
** The Rise of Republican Ideals - This small group of academics quietly begins the long task of drafting their plans for the reorganization of the nation. Though it is comprehensive and long, chances are that they will have to resort to violence to make their plans go through, as few in the society support them, even secretly. The Joseon Kingdom has always been modeled as a Confucian Bureaucracy, after all. This is not helped by the sieging of Kyoto, which brings uncertainty to the Republican cause in Joseon.
** The State of the Military - Seeing first the Jochureon conquest of many of it's neighbors, panic grips the court as troops are rushed to the northern frontier as the possibility of their invasion comes closer and closer. Several military generals, already corrupt and only out for their own survival, begin forming their underground "alliances", which means possible cooperation with the Jochureon, whilst others simply make plans for independent action, a sudden shortage in payments that extends to a 2 month period for the troops in the north do not make this better. Interest grows in the war in Nihon as Oda sieges Kyoto, which many observers deem as the end of the Republican experiment in the nation.
==== Kingdom of Dardania ====
* Government: Feudal Monarchy
** Monarch: King Tanos the Wimpy
** House of Nobles: Advisors to the king, de facto in power
* Economy: Silver mining brings prosperity to many, and farming helps fill in the gaps. There is a little trade, with Raguza serving as an important port for Venetian ships bringing goods. Jobs from the war are also helping boost economy.
* Capital: Eriba 
** Demographics:
*** Population: 1,005,000
**** Eriba, Home of the Kings of Bosnia: 80,000
**** Raguza, Major port and gateway to the world: 100,000
**** Szávaszentdemeter, Where two nations unite: 40,000
**** Kompita, Fortress at the crossroads of culture: 50,000
**** Rural and Smaller Communities: 755,000
*** Ethnic Groups:
**** 84% Dardanians
**** 10% Eskosians
**** 2% Haemite
**** 4% Other
*** Religion: 
**** ~88% Church of Dardania
**** ~6% Roman Catholic 
**** ~4% Orthodoxy 
**** ~2% Other
* Military: 10,000 active
** Human Resources:
*** 4,000 Pikemen/Spearmen
*** 1,500 Heavy Infantry
*** 3,500 Archers
*** 200 Cannonmen 
*** 800 Arquebusiers
** Reserves: 50,000 
** Siege Weapons and Artillery:
*** 40+ Large Cannons
*** 50+ Small Cannons
*** Multiple battering rams, trebuchets, and some catapults left
*** 1,000 Arquebuses
** Navy:
*** Around 10 transports
*** 1 larger ship, King’s Command, equipped with cannons
** Trading Fleet:
*** Multiple merchant ships
*** A few cargo ships
* Wars and Conflicts:
** Atouman-Dardanian War: The Atoumans laid siege to Kompita, but were ultimately fended off.
** Siege of Kompita: The Atouman forces surrounded the well-defended fort, but were unable to break through.
* Diplomacy:
** N/A
* Events:
** Guess those Atoumans were up to something after all: With the Atouman invasion now threatening the nation, conscription rises as we dip into our reserve forces.
** Weak King: After hearing of the swift Atouman invasion of Eskosia and hearing the information from Xodarus, King Tanos retreats from the capital to the city of Ragusa and pulls forces from the rest of the kingdom to make the city extremely hard to reach and defend himself. The nobles and knights throughout the remainder of the nation shame the king, calling him Tanos the Wimpy. The king’s actions left nobody in charge, and a massive power vacuum for nobles to fill. Local leaders are forced to take up arms for themselves, effectively turning every city into its own nation. Despite this, Dardanian forces unite under their leaders into one cohesive force. This will likely prove fatal to the kingdom in the near future.
** Tell me if something’s wack and needs changed.
=== Turn XXXIV: 1565-1570 ===
==== Mod Event ====
* Amber Bear (Part 6): The wedding was not extravagant. It was, in fact, very humble. Since they day they met in a flower garden, the Princess of Komi had grown closer to Andrus. Whenever he felt a little worried or concerned, she seem to calm his worries. It came to a surprise to Andrus when Komi proposed an offer of marriage to Keisaria. It turns out that the ruler of Komi has not long left, and the princess was his only heir. Over the years, tensions in Komi boiled. A worsening economy in Europe had deeply affected them. He decided that if Komi should survive without a civil war for the throne, he would marry off his daughter to a stronger lord. Though Andrus was hesitant at first, he declined the marriage. About a year later, the king for Komi dies, leaving the throne to the princess. With the urge of advisors, Andrus finally gave in to the opportunity and married the new queen of Komi; Anastasia of Komi. In the deal, if the Queen passes on, Komi would be integrated into Keisaria. In Andrus' case, it's more likely they would become a protectorate or vassal of some kind. Regardless, while Andrus does have feelings for Anastasia, he feels the progress has been forced for political reasons. He is afraid that things would fall apart someday.... and it did. But not in the way one might think. Late in the decade, the rising competition with Svearike has resulted in Andrus attempting to form a stronger navy in the Baltic sea.
* Tensions were not well with Svearike. They invaded Keisaria's land, they invaded the Keisaria's sea, and now they are invading Keisaria's trade. To ease tensions, diplomats from Svearike were sent over to Keisaria. That was the day Andrus woke up with a headache outside of his bedroom, he didn't have good enough sleep lately, not in years. Andrus didn't trust them, and with good reason. They knew, they knew who he was. They didn't do anything about it yet, but he knew something would happen. Maybe he should go consult his wife, she would know what to say. As Andrus walked over to their room, he saw her... body on the floor, lying in a pool of blood. Andrus screamed, who did this? What God has the audacity to take away any source of redemption he ever had? Servants and other nobles came rushing in as Andrus clutched Anastasia's body. The old pain, the pain of the look of betrayal from his old master that he stabbed with a dagger. And the betrayal Andrus felt when he was attacked by Aleksander.... If she were here, she would know what to say, he thinks. But no, he's holding her in his arms. When the diplomats came rushing along, something dark stirred in Andrus. It was Svearike, they were the ones causing all the headaches lately, they take and take, and now they took his wife? This is their fault! Andrus yelled that they should be taken to the dungeons to be immediately executed. Keisaria won't go down, this means war.
* Steel Stallion (Part 1): When Vallen Ostrovsky-Drahoman (or just Vallen Drahoman) was young, his parents were killed. He never know who did it, and why. His family were not the rulers of Avaro-Vedena Commonwealth and all that, but they managed to make a living as nobles in the commonwealth. His adoptive family told him it was bandits, but with no other evidence he was inclined to believe them. But beforehand, he knew of his father's warpath. There was a neighboring noble family somewhere west of their land, both were rivals over the resources the land provides. His father's suspicions of them had consumed himself. Vallen was sure that was the main cause for his family's downfall; paranoia. While he was being mentored by Andrus, he noticed his father's dangerous traits in Andrus. He should probably find a way to stop it.
* Dutch Revolt (IV): Westria was initially successful in suppressing the revolt, even driving the rebellion to only Holland, but the capture of the Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht, helped in part by Sea Beggars and discreet Vestkyster naval support - who has also granted asylum for Dutch revolt leaders seeking to avoid persecution - resurged the rebellion, and the entirety of the north of the Netherlands and Flanders was under revolt control once again. The Staten-Generaal, with the backing of provincial leaders and under the leadership of Willem van Oranje, sent in a letter handing in a formal secession from the Westrian realm, founding the Dutch Republic (Netherlands), and demanding their former overlords recognise their independence, which was unceremoniously shot down by the Westrians. Meanwhile, either through bribes, diplomacy or other means, the dukes of Anglefrizien and Zwolle were persuaded to join the Republic in time, bolstering the forces of the revolt ever more. Dutch emissaries were sent to nearby Protestant kings and duchies across Europe, requesting support in their strive for independence.
* Peripheral Secession (II): Indian counties and duchies nearby Delhi, sensing the discord within the Third Daevite Empire, collectively defected and pledged their allegiance to Aslan and Hindustan.
* New Discoveries: In 1568, Álvaro de Mendaña, hailing from Agousta, discovers the Solomon Islands.
* Battle of Rio: In 1567, a battle between French Huguenot colonists and Agoustan colonists occured near the settlement of Rio. It resulted in the defeat of French colonists, who attempted to establish a colony there as a safehaven from persecution.
* Mercator: The Mercator projection is first used in Gerardus Mercator's world map, "Nova et Aucta Orbis Terrae Descriptio ad Usum Navigantium Emendata". This included the new and more accurate presentation of Arcadia (OTL North America) and Meridia (OTL South America).
==== NPC Event ====
* Keisaria: the nation formally annexes Karjala and Kholmgory. They also form a marriage with Komi.
* Svearike: Despite attempts for diplomacy, Svearike gets ready for war and hold off any invasion from Keisaria. They mostly held off any attacks, aiming for their weaknesses. They plan for a counterattack. They also ask Britain for a defensive alliance.
* France: The peace between French Huguenots and the Catholics did not last long. The uneasy peace broke down when there were rumors of the pro-catholic king would make an attempt to re-establish control. Huguenot forces managed to push all the way towards Paris, but a good counter attack has push them back southwards down to OTL Chartre. The Peace of Longjumeau (also known as the Treaty of Longjumeau or the Edict of Longjumeau) was signed on 23 March 1568 by Charles IX of France and Catherine de' Medici.
* Tonga: For years, the vast Tonga Empire have been settling on every island on the horizon. However, with a recent political upheaval, coupled with unfavourable weather, peripheral islands on either side of the realm has been cut off and can no longer be considered part of the Empire
* New France: They expand further north, annexing Huron and neighboring Amaiqac territories through questionable trade deals. The former Caddo territories became formally part of New France as "Avoyelle"
* Munich: Fine, we'll allow you to afford some troops. (To Dardania)
* Third Daevite Empire: Despite their best efforts, they begin to lose a couple of land in their western reaches. Three new states by the name of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand formed out of the desire for independence, cutting off the Third Daevites from the Caspian sea. Meanwhile, the rest of the Daevite tribes in the north breaks free, following their brethren that broke free from the grip of the Daevites of the south.
* Wu: In 1567, the Longqing Emperor (Longqing, meaning "great celebration") inherited a country in disarray after years of mismanagement and corruption. Realizing the depth of chaos his father's long reign had caused, the Longqing Emperor set about reforming the government by re-employing talented officials previously banished by his father. This will start the process of finally integrating Ba in the next decade.
* Aigun: They accept to an alliance and trade deal.
* Papal States: Pope Mottram (OTL Pius V) expels most prostitutes from Rome, and the Papal States.
* Ekawe Tribes: Some of them join Mutapa, not wishing to be conquered, but most of them decline.
* Bara: They refuse the ultimatum, prefering to die with valor.
==== Kingdom of Galatoi ====
* Government: Monarchy.
** Heir: Macareus Aendarus (born in 1560).
** King: Isarnus Aendarus (1552-nowadays). Isarnus, which means "Iron" in Galatoin, is the only son of Magnurius. Since childhood, Isarnus was interested in war and fights and he later studied military science in Mauretania. Isarnus is well-respected in the military and among artists.
** Magnurius Aendarus (1531-1552). Magnurius was the only relative to the former king of Galatoi, who passed away in 1530. He was coronated in the times of peace, and peace he promised, and peace he brought. Since then, the new dynasty shall reign: the Aendarus family. 
* The economy of Galatoi is still devastated by the civil war and the recent conquests by the King although it is recovering slowly. On the other hand, the Atlantic Slabe Trade made it possible for slaveowners to profit and become major landowners that replaced the lords that were appointed by Magnurius. In addition, during the Iron Conquests, two big goldmines were taken over by the King, so the gold trade was renewed in the region. The local lords appointed by Isarnus introduce local taxes on trade and certain products, which further fragmentises the economic system of Galatoi. 
* Capital: Advorix
* Demographics: The population of the kingdom is around 3 million people in 1565 (including tributaries). The population of Blue Galatoi is approximately one million people, most of them (95%) live in rural areas.
** Advorix is the capital and the biggest city of Galatoi. It is the commercial, political, cultural, and religious center of the region, including the slave trade. It was also the center of the Advorix Church before the civil war.
** Although Velitia was the center of the theocratic regime that opposed the King during the Civil War and shrank in size significantly since then, it is still one of the biggest cities of Galatoi and also a major religious center of the region. In addition, since the University of Velitia has been rebuilt, Velitia managed to regain its status of scientific powerhouse of the region.
** Baccuso is one of the oldest cities in the history of Galatoi, thus an important political center, but also a major naval port.
** Saminia is one of the major commercial and political centers in the region, rivaling with Advorix.
** The location of Donnius made it the biggest naval port of Galatoi and it is home to thousands of sailors.
* Religions:
** Ateuritism is the main religion of Galatoi, which has been the integral part of this country for centuries. However, as a result of the recent Civil War, the influence of the Church in the society has been significantly reduced by the King and the nobility. The regions of Alluci (where the tribes that would become Galatoi moved before Valcanor separated them) and Lutetia (around Paris, the ancient original home of the would-be Galatoi) are considered to be the holy sites of Ateuritism, and thousands of people go there on a piligrimage. There is one supreme God, called Vallus (which is the documented name of a chieftain, who led the Gaulic migrating tribes to their new home after they were separated by the original Kingdom of Valcanor.) It is believed that he created 9 other gods to maintain the balance of the world. But 3 of them went on an evil path and another 3 chose to stay between good and evil and not take a side. This led on an axis based on Law-Chaos and Good-Evil being created for the gods:
*** Good bloc: Atregtius (Lawful Good, God of Justice and Righteousness), Sedia (Neutral Good, Goddess of Practicality and Regulation), Butiro (Chaotic Good, God of Freedom and Self-Defense).
*** Neutral bloc: Vicana (Lawful Neutral, Goddess of Order and Settling), Leuceni (True Neutral, God of Instinct and Apathy), Albic (Chaotic Neutral, God of Individuality and Debauchery).
*** Evil bloc: Trita (Lawful Evil, Goddess of Extortion and Hierarchy), Maglubix (Neutral Evil, God of Greed and Ambition), Sacrovirus (Chaotic Evil, God of Senseless Destruction and Chronic Slaughter)
** Both Islam and Christianity have presence in certain regions of Galatoi, but their influence in the society is nowehere near the one of Ateuritism.
** There are hundreds, if not thousands local pagan religions across the country and despite each having a small following, they make up a big portion of population in general. Since the introduction of Sunday schools and the relative success of Inquisition, Ateuritism slowly spreads there, absorbing one village after another.
* Military: 15'000 troops, a big share of them are slaves. Cavalry is also present but in small numbers. Isarnus opened the very first professional military academy in Advorix in 1554, similar to the one in Mauretania where he studied military science.
* Events:
** Homoeroticism: Homoeroticism has become noticeable in Galatoin mythology and art. Artists, writers and poets use characters in their works of art to express a variety of feelings and situations and male deities of Ateuritism are paired in stories. In different regions, there are different pairs, which causes tensions between worshippers from different regions of Galatoi. The biggest conflict was between LeuTius followers (Leuceni, God of Instinct and Apathy + Atregtius, God of Justice and Righteousness) and LeuVirus followers (Leuceni, God of Instinct and Apathy + Sacravirus, God of Senseless Destruction). However, in 1569, the Advorix Church published the "Velitia Edicts", in which allows the usage of certain "pairings", officialy declaring them canon (such as LeuTius), and forbids the usage of many other "pairings" (such as LeuVirus). This put an end to the conflict between LeuTirus and LeuVius supporters.
** Atlantic Slave Trade: Since the Atlantic Slave Trade emerged, the slaveowners in Galatoi now have access to the markets in the Americas as a source of new profit. Since the economy was severely ruined as a result of the Civil War, the new social class of major landowners who profited from the slave trade with Europeans (Agoustans, mostly) emerged. In fact, they became so powerful, that they managed to put enough pressure on the King to sign certain trade agreements with Agousta. On the other, it also means that a much bigger standing army can be maintained and the royal treasury can be filled.
** Secularisation: The Civil War was the turning point in the history of Ateuritism in Galatoi. The new Advorix Church was made, new leaders of which officialy support king Isarnus and oppose the ideas of the theocratic regimes that opposed him. As it was mentioned before, in 1569, the Advorix Church published the "Velitia Edicts", in which allows the usage of certain "pairings", officially declaring them canon. The Church itself experiences a some king of Reformation (not as major as the Protestant Reformation though), becoming more democratic to the common people and opening Sunday schools across the country (mostly in poorer regions) that are funded either by the state treasury or by the Church.
** The king of Ghana died. He had no children, and so his domain was absorbed by the kingdom of Galatoi and a local lord was appointed by Isarnus.
==== Kingdom of Imerina ====
* Government: Feudal Monarchy (Kingdom)
** Monarch: Queen Rafohy (B 1528 - Age 41, alive) (R 1552 - Present)
** Consort (and head of the Fossa Warriors): King Razakatsitakatrandriana (B 1527 - Age 42, alive) (C 1547 - Present)
** Ruling Dynasty: Hova (Ndahimananjara branch of Ammagari)
** Order of Succession: Prince Andriamanelo (B 1546 - Age 23, alive), Prince Ralambo (B 1566 - Age 3, alive), Princess Rasolobe (B 1556 - Age 13, alive), Prince Manelobe (B 1529 - Age 40, alive), (his children), Princess Ravoamasina (B 1535 - Age 34, alive), (her children), Prince Andrianakotrina [son of Andriamihaja] (B 1519 - Age 50, alive), Prince Andriatanjany (B 1541 - Age 28, alive)...
* Economy: The economy of Imerina is based mainly on agriculture and fishing, there's also trade going on with the Swahili and various peoples on our home island including the other Malagasy states of Betsimisaraka (even though relations are strained at this point), Mahafaly and Bara. The Merina economy stands as one of the strongest and most developed in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, mostly due to the effect of foreign contact. Imerina has started to influence other states through trade and the like.
* Allies: N/A
* Capital: Mahajanga
* Demographics (including rebelling areas):
** Population: ca 582 000 total
** Mahajanga: 9 500
** Toamasina: 4 100
** Ambanja: 2 250
** Analamanga: 2 250
** Morafenobe: 1 800
** Rural regions: ca 562 000
** Ethnicities: 88% Malagasy (divided into 54% Merina and 34% others such as Betsimisaraka, Sakalava, Tsimihety, Sihanaka, Antankarana etc.), 6% Komoro Natives (Swahili), 5% Adnanite
** Religion: 75% Tombovelan Zoroastrianism, 25% Haintenism (traditional Merina folklore)
* Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
** Conquest of Bara: An assault of mainly spearmen, crossbowmen and cavalry is sent into the Baran lands. They're weak and not much of an actual battle plan is required, the troops just need to go in, kill opposing soldiers and capture territory until the Bara eventually surrender. Shouldn't take more than a year.
* Military: Due to Imerina being a rural realm, a large amount of units can be raised for warfare, but usually about 1% of the population is the most trained and prepared soldiers that can be drafted. Parentheses means the deployed units in cases where not all units are deployed for war.
** Deployed units: All
** 1 800 Spearmen
** 200 Swordsmen
** 600 Bowmen
** 1 650 Crossbowmen
** 700 Light Cavalry
** 200 Fossa Warriors
* Navy:
** 10 Adananita class ships
** 7 Mer'ana class ships
** 8 transport ships
* Diplomacy:
** Bara: It's your funeral.
** Mtende, Pemba, Bangalla, Nipele and Mutapa: Regular Zoroastrian missionaries (NOT the Order of Sihanaka) are sent to their coastlines.
* Events:
** After a Queen, Another (and Andriamanelo) (four): Another few years pass by and with new lands brought in, they need to be properly incorporated into Imerina. New administrative divisions are drawn up and the new cultures brought in, mainly the Bara and Antandroy people, are like the others given a representative speaker and all that jazz. Perfectly balanced like all things should be. With Bara conquered most likely, the dream of a united Matagasykara is very close, so close that we can nearly touch it. Already plans are smithed between military personnel as well as Rafohy, Razakatsitakatrandriana and Andriamanelo, plans of an invasion of Betsimisaraka that is. Mahafaly has generally been on friendly terms with us and would probably not risk war. Betsimisaraka however is our enemy since the civil war and the second strongest realm on the island. Even if they would accept being annexed, we can't really risk it as there could be loyalist attempting revolt. Also, we need to show everyone on our home island that we do NOT fuck around, so a conquest would convince everyone that we're boss and that the monarch truly is legitimate and has right to the throne of all of Matagasykara.
** Order of Sihanaka: The order is noticed by the royal court. Rafohy would recognize their existence and work as legitimate, although they would remain a non-governmental order. Rafohy basically told them "if you convert some places for us and don't start going rogue or anything, you can have some money". So she paid the order quite a hefty sum in exchange for the conversion of various places that still have pure Haintenist communities, like in the most mountainous hard-to-reach places. They're also placed in Bara following the conquest.
** Southern Expansion - Imerina rules Matagasykara: Following the Conquest of Bara that would most likely be done by 1567, the lands of Matagasykara that are still under tribal rule would be annexed by Imerina.
====Atouman Empire====
*Government: Azarkhate
**Aesuit:
***Ioxamander "The Magnificent" (c. 1519 - 1568)
***Khanidon "The Righteous" (c. 1568 - )
**House of Atmanaglu:
***Ioxamander (b. 1491-1568)
****-- Nihaevran of Adrianople (b. 1494-1545)
*****Ozumuhn (b. 1524-)
******-- Bulilun of Daeva
*****Khanidon (b. 1524-)
******-- Ismihan of Judea (b. 1530-)
*******Esaramander (b. 1561-)
*******Gekyume (b. 1563-)
*****Abdammet (b. 1529-1563)
****-- Mahrnet of Adnan (b. 1523-)
*****Atman III (b. 1547-)
******-- Dilara of Al-Adniya (b. 1540-)
*******Gokmen (b. 1563)
*****Ashura (b. 1555-)
*****Indra (b. 1555-)
**Grand Vizier:
***Suleyman II abd-Muttari Pasha (b. 1456-1519) (c. 1501-1503, 1508-1509, 1514-1519) 
***Hersekenia abd-Beyid Pasha (b. 1464-1553) (c. 1503-1507, 1513-1514) 
***Ozman abd-Jafar Pasha (b. 1481-1550) (c. 1510-1513, 1524) 
***Dogukhan abd-Ashur Pasha (b. 1484-1552) (c. 1519-1524, 1531-1533) 
***Utman abd-Vedit Pasha (b. 1482-1545) (c. 1524-1531, 1532-1545)
***Khanidon abd-Rum Pasha (b. 1524-) (c. 1545-1558)
***Xodarus abd-Jafar Pasha (b. 1510-) (c. 1558-)
***Gulhadon al-Ashura Pasha (b. 1531-) (c. 1562-)
***Kanzhin al-Mughari Pasha (b. 1523-1568) (c. 1562-1568)
***Muhammet al-Aybars Pasha (b. 1527-) (c. 1562-)
**Grand Council: 1000 seats
****Cult of Ioxamander: 823 seats
****Rationalists: 107 seats
****Fundamentalists: 70 seats
*Economy: The economy of the Atouman Empire was based on a system of iqta', an Arzhamite feudal system, as the Atouman state's ultimate goal, was consolidation and extension of the Azarkh's power, and the way to reach it was by taking advantage of resources and the revenues system by making the productive classes prosperous. So while the agrarian-based economy was fruitful in its development, it ultimately prevented the emergence of social disorder and kept the traditional organization of the culture and society as a whole. Mining operations would also aid as a driving factor of the economy, with copper, iron, silver, and gold being mined in Bulgaria while fruits are grown across the Anatolian region and Balkan peninsula producing bountiful luxuries that are consequently sold at the various port markets in Ionia and Greece. Olive trees grow in wild fashion, with their oil being harvested and sold to the highest bidder. Atouman expansion into Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries would emphasize a Greco-Persian royal sentiment, which would be emphasized furthermore in Azarkh Iskandir I's reign, who famously claimed himself as Padishah, a term historically used to describe the ruling monarch of Persia. This emphasis would lead to the capital cities becoming major commercial and industrial centers, serving as highways between the Greco-Roman-Daevite cultures and mercantile trade of the region. This would lead to a policy of tolerance that culminated in Azarkh Tayyeb's "Mandate of Adrianople", which officially allowed for the Jewish people to reside and prosper in the Atouman Realm far away from the persecution they faced at the hands of Christendom. Not only did this Mandate extend a hand of tolerance to the Jewish people, but also extended outwards to a number of Protestant states at the time, due to their own rivalry with the Papacy. Most of these people were settled in either Constantinople or other port cities along the Ionian coast. Other exports include cotton, a myriad of fruits, and plenty of slaves, primarily Neo-Pagans and Hellenic Christians in North Africa. The campaigns of Azarkh Ioxamander would lead to a boost in the economic diversity of the Empire, now exporting African goods and re-constructing the coastal cities previously razed during his conquests. A large trade network was established, due to Ioxamander's conquests, that extended from the Adnanian subcontinent to the sands of Mauretania and across the Balkan peninsula, leading to broader economic security atop of conquering millions of subjects in the process. The Atouman Empire at the end of the 16th century was the most economically profitable empire in Europe and during the 17th century, would only continue to expand further and further.
*Capital: Constantinople
*Demographics:
**Population: 23,130,000
***Anatolia: 5,300,000
***Balkans: 3,550,000
***Egypt: 4,350,000
***Greece: 1,100,000
***Syria: 850,000
***Ifriqiya: 1,025,000
***Atlasiya: 3,555,000
***Hejaz: 400,000
***Mesopotamia: 2,000,000
***Misc: 1,000,000
**Ethnicity:
***Persian: 21.3%
***Greek: 20.1%
***Aegytan: 15.9%
***Adnanite: 14.7%
***Turkish: 8.9%
***Daevite: 5.5%
***Syrian: 4.7%
***Mixed African: 3.8%
***Israelite: 3.3%
***Cyrenaican: 1.8%
**Religion:
***Arzham: Under Atouman authority, Arzham would make a re-emergence in the western world unseen since the collapse of the Askari Azarkhate in the 14th century. Followers of the Xunni belief, the House of Atmanaglu would dedicate a number of resources to spreading the word of Arzhang. This included the construction of Ozman's Temple, which would stand as the largest religious institution until the construction of Ioxamander's Temple in 1547, and numerous methods of prolythesizing that worked to varied results. It would become the most known form of Arzham in Europe at the time, with many religious scholars and priests at the time admiring the state of the Atouman Empire and it's relation to Arzham, as although the empire was not born around Kandahar, it still is seen as rightfully guided in the eyes of the Arzhamic community.
****Xunni Beliefs: The Xunni denomination of Arzham is often characterized by a greater emphasis on the prophet Arzhang, his companions in Persia, and the patronage of the all of the classic Azarkhates’ as rightly-guided successor states in contrast to the Xa’mah belief, which only correlate proper successorship to Arzhang’s original state and the Askari Azarkhate. While the Xa’mah believe that the prophet Arzhang can only be succeeded by relatives or immediate family members, the Xunni deny this concept of succession-by-lineage, instead believing that the Arzhamite community can change and evolve to the point where staying in tradition will only lead to disaster, with this concept being further emphasized by the collapse of the Askari Azarkhate. While most differences between the Xunni and the Xa’mah are relatively political in nature, the Xunni represents a majority of the believers of Arzham that are more wide-spread across Eurasia, with the Xa’mah representing pluralities in places like India and Persia.
***Christianity: Christianity following the collapse of the Byzantine Empire would stagnate during this time, declining into a plurality due to a myriad of policies introduced by the Atouman Empire, such as increased taxing, second-class citizenship, and the banning of proselytizing, which was punishable by death. This decline in Christianity would also be further aided by the re-organization of the Janissaries, which by this part were mostly made up of young Christian slaves from the Balkans that had converted to Islam. During the Atouman-Isetium War, Kaiser Achaeus would institute a similar policy of enslavement and brain-washing, kidnapping the youngest children of various Christian families in Syria and the Levant, as well as re-organizing their numerous churches and cathedrals into mosques or other Arzhamite institutions. As such, the Christian communities in the Atouman Empire declined exceptionally, with most of the Hellenic-influenced Christians converting to Arzham in the face of disaster.
***Judaism: The Jewish communities of the Atouman Empire would flourish in the 16th century due to the former Azarkh Tayyeb’s policy of tolerance. While the Jewish communities of the Empire were small and most located in Constantinople, Kaiser Achaeus would allow the construction of Synagogues along the Ionian coast in exchange for the Jewish communities paying a higher tax as part of the already existing jizya tax. This wouldn’t necessarily bother the Jewish people, for most of the Jews that were able to migrate were mostly bankers that had made fortunes off of their time spent in Europe. The Jewish population were also staunch supporters for Atouman expansion, oftentimes offering funds for extentensive campaigns meant to drive away the heretics from the Holy Land.
***Zoroastrianism: The Zoroastrian community of the Atouman Empire was primarily limited due to Zoroastrian’s decline during the rise of Arzham in Persia and due to a newly realized focus towards Arabia. Zoroastrians in the Atouman Empire were mostly specific to the oriental territories such as Hejaz and Adnania.
***Syncretic Philosophy: Representing a rather small community, Syncretic philosophy in Greece and Anatolia would foster as a result of diversification. Although syncretic schools of thought, such as the Abyadites and Aesunids, were primarily focused on inter-religion unification, other schools like the Smyrnites were more focused on political reform, specifically the adoption of secular political ideologies like democracy and republicanism. The circulation of these differing concepts would lead to Azarkh Tayyeb instituting the eradication of syncretic philosophy in the early years of the 16th century.
*Diplomacy:
**Avaro-Vedena: No homo bro, but Ioxamander is asking for a non-aggression pact
*Wars and Events:
**The Horseman: The Third Chapter (1557-1568)
***Atouman-Eskosian War (1563-)
****Death of Ioxamander: The sky was burning as a wooden chariot continued it’s trek across the grassy landscape of Eskosia. The sun would be consumed by the night, and soon the wooden chariot would arrive at it’s destination: Belgrade. By the end of 1565, the city had fallen to Atouman forces. What remained of the Eskosian garrison either escaped the city before it’s fall or suffered the fate of decapitation - the heads of Eskosian soldiers would be piked upon ebony wood that would line the city for years to come. “Kanzhin, he’s arrived,” Gulhadon would say as he held his musket, pointed towards a number of civilians as they stood in huddle formation, panicking. The city’s stone structure had been reduced to rubble by the advanced Atouman gunpowder technology. “Okay… I’d like for everybody to listen...” Kanzhin would pronounce profoundly as he stood behind Gulhadon and fifteen other Atouman officers as they remained with their rifles pointed at the group of civilians. Kanzhin would continue his speech, “For today, you have been redeemed in the eyes of God. His new messenger has arrived...” As Kanzhin spoke, the wooden chariot would arrive, the door opening to reveal an old man walking out with a cane. Most did not know this old man’s name, but soon they would, as Kanzhin sounded off, “Ioxamander! Kaiser of the New Roman Empire, Aesuit of Arzham and Azarkh of Greece, King of Africa and Adnania, Pharoah of Egypt.” The people would look on to whom they saw only as an old man, but they could not be prepared for what was to come. As Ioxamander looked at the crowd, their saddened faces in horror, Ioxamander would move his right hand, pointing to the people as they hushed and grew weary, making the call, “Fire.” The ‘Bloody Tuesday’ massacre would see the deaths of nearly fifty-six people and over a hundred injured. Of course, Ioxamander didn’t even see the slaughter of those people, himself stepping back into his chariot once the firing had commenced, and that chariot leaving after he knocked wood. By the end of the winter the following year, the wooden chariot would creek into Ujvidek, and out would come Ioxamander. The Janissaries had outlined a path, Ioxamander himself walking towards a campsite. Gunshots would crack in the distance as buildings continued to crumble from persistent cannon-fire. While the city had been successfully captured in 1564, Eskosian forces would remain relentless in their attacks to reclaim the city. However, this relentless behaviour, some would argue, is detrimental, with the arrival of Ioxamander proving as much. Muhammet al-Aybars Pasha would see Ioxamander as he walked up, shaking his hand and presenting him with the war map. Ioxamander looked over this map, not speaking as he stared and stared for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, he would speak, “Muhammet… I need you to get a messenger to go retrieve my son in Jerusalem.” Muhammet would nod as he nodded to another officer, who would leave the room quickly. Ioxamander would continue, “I would also like you to begin a second campaign in Karpatia.” Muhammet would pause for a second, “Karpatia?” “Yes. I believe that if we set up a second campaign, it would further complicate their force numbers and supply lines. They have men, but lack leadership.” Muhammet would nod in agreement, asking another question, “Who shall help you in this campaign then?” Ioxamander would look up to him again, “I’ll be bringing Kanzhin in. Gulhadon will accompany you in Karpatia as well.” Muhammet would accept this, himself having grown up to stories of romanticized forms of Ioxamander’s conquests. “I will not fail you.” “I know.” Ioxamander would grab his cane, exiting the room and leaving back for his war chariot as it departed back to Belgrade.Over the following few weeks, a few things would happen: for one, Ioxamander would return to Belgrade, leaving Gulhadon to move to Ujvidek while Kanzhin remained in Ioxamander’s presence. The messenger sent by Muhammet would arrive in Jerusalem to Khanidon as he was visiting the market place along the Dead Sea. Upon the officer’s arrival, Khanidon knew immediately what was going on. Kissing his wife’s forehead and their children, Khanidon would leave for Eskosia. In the meantime, Muhammet and Ghuladon would build a reliable army across Rumania and Moldavia before initiating the second front with the Battle of Kolozsvar in 1566 and later succeeding in occupying as far as Debrecen by the end of the decade. Xodarus, on the other hand, would see the odd case of the Dardanian aristocracy, with them deciding that they no longer wished to rule under Eskosian influence and instead, Atouman. Much to Xodarus’ chagrin though, the king would be killed by the aristocrats in Eriba, leaving what remained of the loyalist camps to occupy Raguza before being systematically slaughtered in 1567 by the Xodarus’ re-formed army, leaving Dardania to become a protectorate and tributary of the Atouman Empire.At the end of 1566, the city of Ujvidek would be firmly under Atouman forces, and Khanidon would finally arrive in Belgrade. As he unmounted his horse outside the war room, Ioxamander would emerge, slipping on accident and falling on his back. Khanidon would rush over to help his father, sharing a chuckle with him as he helped him up on his feet. “Son-” “I know father, I am here.” Ioxamander would laugh a little, “Indeed you are… you know, I’m not getting any younger...” As Ioxamander situated himself, he turned to Khanidon, “I wish to see my boy when the moment comes”, Khanidon couldn’t stop himself from smiling as he helped his dad back into the war room. While he couldn’t recognize the other man in the room, Khanidon helped his father to his seat before turning to other man, “Hi I’m Khanidon,” “Kanzhin, nice to meet you,” “Nice to meet you too,” Khanidon would turn to his father as he sat up, “So what’s the situation?” Ioxamander would turn his attention back to his son, “Eskos needs to fall-” Kanzhin would interject, “We we’re hoping you could help us in planning the siege.” Khanidon would look to the map as it rested on the table, turning back to Kanzhin, “You know, you don’t need my help-” “I need it.” Ioxamander would say as he grabbed Khanidon’s arm, “My time is coming to a close. If I were to die, I would need you to lead them.” Khanidon would grab his father’s arm, stating, “Father, I am not a leader.” “You are my son. You led those men in Arashena and Athens, you can lead them again...” Khanidon, while he did promise his father he would return, I guess he couldn’t help but figure this as inevitable - something that was going to come eventually, whether it be now or following his father’s death. After hesitating in his thoughts, Khanidon would look at Kanzhin, “Fine...” then back at his father, pausing before continuing, “So... let’s go over details.” The plan was simple: surround the city to cut off supply lines, decimate the walls, besiege the city and kill the capital garrisons, then find the King. Kanzhin would lead the initial forces ahead of Khanidon and Ioxamander, with the wooden chariot leaving Belgrade in early 1567.The Siege of Eskos would last nearly two year before ending in early 1568. As Kanzhin surrounded the city to the south while Khanidon led forces to the west in an effort to corner their armies to force them into retreating northward. For a while, the plan went smooth. As cannons decimated the walls, the city would fall into siege under the banner of Ioxamander. It would turn out however, much to the chagrin of Khanidon, that the Eskosian king had already abandoned hope at the city and relocated the capital at Pest. The lack of formal morality would lead to the city’s downfall before being occupied by the Atoumans. However, losses were to be suffered in this battle. In a moment of heroism, Kanzhin would push a small group of soldier's out of harms way, leading to him being killed on the spot. Even before the city had fallen, Khanidon would put together a memorial for Kanzhin. Ioxamander’s chariot would roll into the war torn city in March, and as Khanidon stood outside waiting for his father to emerge, instead it was his father’s wife, Dilara. “Where is my father?” he would ask, as he looked around nervously, “He is, uh… you might want to come...” As it would turn out, Ioxamander wouldn’t make it to Eskos as hoped, instead he would suffer what modern scholars believe to be a heart attack and likely a form of cancer, a case of the most feared conqueror falling to his knees when the disease began to spread. As his vision flickered in and out of the living reality, his son’s arrival would see a smile crack across his face, “Nidon...” “Don’t speak so much father, you’ll be fine!” Khanidon would rush to his side, tears going down his face as he looked upon the bed that held his father. “I need you.” “No you don’t, son.” Ioxamander would rest his hands on the shoulder of the boy, “You will make a great king as I have… I love you,” Khanidon would look up from his tears, wiping them away as he held his father’s hand, “Did you… capture Eskos?” Ioxamander would ask, “Of course father, you made that possible,” “I didn’t lead it, did I? I trust you, my son. I have loved you since the day you were born. You know…” Ioxamander would chuckle slightly before wheezy, “I even remember the flowers I brought your mother from Africa when I...” tears would go down his face as he looked at his son, bringing him closer, “Do not make the same mistakes I did, for they will haunt you...” Khanidon would nod his head, with Ioxamander smiling in response. The man that owned the world would perish shortly afterwards, his eyes rolling up as he fell backward, his son catching his fall. Khanidon would leave the tent shortly afterwards, with a large number of Atouman soldiers and officers standing outside, waiting ever so patiently for the return they expected, but when Khanidon emerged, they would get on both knees. As Khanidon looked out among the sea of soldiers, he would grab his musket, raising it in the air, and proclaiming that a new war has begun, and that Eskosia will be erased from the histories.
==== Mutapa ====
* Government: Monarchy.
** Mwene: Neshangwe Munembire
* Economy: The Economy of Mutapa is pretty good as it is mainly an agrarian nation, with mining as a secondary activity, from mines we get gold and stuff that we can trade for stuff like silk, ceramics and other exotic items. Trade is also a part of our economy as we trade with many of the nations/tribes around us.
* Capital: Ne-we 
* Demographics:
** Population: 834 000 
** Cities:
*** Ne-We: 5 342
*** Kiwe: 2 500
** Rural areas: 826 158
** Ethnicites: 74,5% Shona, 17% Karanga, 8% Swazi, 0,5% Swahili
** Religion: 100% Mwari believers.
* Wars and Conflicts: (italics: Potential War)
* Military of Mutapa: As Mutapa is a rural nation, we can have an active miltary size of 2% (16 680) and reserves size of 1% (8 340) of our total population.
** Active: 2%
*** 6 893 African Spearmen
*** 5 893 bowmen
*** 3 894 Light Cavalry 
** Reserves: not active 1%
*** 3 447 African Spearmen
*** 2 902 bowmen
*** 1 991 Light Cavalry
* Navy:
** Fishing boats: 470
* Diplomacy:
** Swazi tribes: Improve relations
** Zulu tribes: Improve relations
* Events: 
====Dragon's Fire====
*Leadership Structure: There has been major restructuring since the advent of the Dutch Revolt. Though they are almost isolated from domestic affairs aside from actively supporting the revolt because the organisation was founded on the basis of dissenting and expressing anti-Westrian sentiment among fellow Dutchmen, the organisation already has a set goal of departing the Netherlands before 1575 at best after a polarising vote that saw the organisation becoming further fractured during the revolt and the company potentially become entirely privatised (the privatisation of the company is not happening yet, there has to be negotiation around transport ships and the caravels that the organisation wants to keep). The Grand Dragon, of course, remains the dominant leader, with most power being handed to him. 
**Grand Dragon:
***Mechiel Tangelder (b. 1480 - d. 1549, office 1502 - 1542)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502 - d. 1570, office since 1542 - 1559)
***Lars Hatgers (b. 1515, office since 1558)
**Head of the Tangelder Company: (not updated anymore)
***Mechiel Tangelder (b. 1480 - d. 1549, office 1515 - 1542)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502 - d. [1570], office 1542 - 1551)
***Joris Polder (b. 1520, office since 1551) - privatised since then, not updated anymore
**Representative of the Grand Dragon:
***Hubert Bodde (b. 1473 - d. 1536, office c. early 1510s - 1536)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502 - d. [1570], office 1536 - 1546) - abolished
**Operator (Financier):
***Gert Rutters (b. 1499 - 1562, office 1530 - 1562)
***Rogier Saggers (b. 1526 - d. [1581], office since 1562 - 1570) - abolished
**Senior Chiefs: Four figures
*Membership: 650 members, all of them are concentrated in Westrian Netherlands and based around Den Haag and the surrounding towns within a close range of no more than 30 kilometres. Membership has declined by an amount because of Dutch resistance and rebellion that is happening, where some decided to leave the organisation for good and instead look more forward to the independence of the Dutch people from Westria. Also including from the privatisation compromise:
**4 transport ships
**1 caravel
*Diplomacy: N/A
*Operations: N/A
*Events:
**Still Moving Ahead (III): Food and stocks were slowly built up over the last few years of preparation. Since the Dutch Revolt has hindered some of the progress given and that it took a while for them to finally eliminate and privatise the mercenary front company of the organisation, by December 1569, most are ready to depart. They are allowed to bring their children and wives along, if they want to. Only at least 20 members of the organisation were actually women. They are crammed onto five ships, as they depart from Den Haag for the first time. They will soon head towards OTL South Africa. (This finally ties up most of my plotline for this organisation, still have to decide something though)
**Numbers and Future of the Group: As numbers were reduced further after the Dutch Revolt were over, the group has undergone another series of restructures. More members left and the financier role is abolished officially as the group sets sail to the seas on a wintery December 1569. Only at least 340 of the members would come as they were the ones who stayed loyal to the Grand Dragon over the country, the rest would be left behind, where they are most likely going to end up dissolving the proper organisation after they have been freed from Westrian oppression.
**The Company in Question (II): The Tangelder Company is privatised officially on 1568 after years of discussions and that the Dutch Revolt was coming to an end, so their irrelevant roles in playing out in the Dutch Revolt are basically over. The deal between the Tangelder Company's head and the Grand Drgaon was that most of their transport ships would be given up, but they can keep some of them. It is unknown what will happen to them afterward, but they would likely collapse within few decades' time.
==== Sublime State of Zhaowa ====
* Government: Thalassocratic Mixed Kongsi Republic
** Administration: Zhaowa, like it’s mother state, Li, has an administrative system not dissimilar to the Li system of Prefectures (Chú), Urban Counties (Hwen), and Rural Counties (Vo). There are 21 prefectures.
** Grand Overseer (Taixu): The Taixu is the ruler of Zhaowa as elected by the Grand Tribunal. They have the ability to veto any action done by the Grand Tribunal. Upon their death, the vice-taixu, chosen by the Taixu, becomes the interrex until an election occurs, no more than a year after the Taixu’s death.
*** List of Taixus:
**** Jieu Jengywéi (1492-1526)
**** Kyang Baklangit (1526-1558)
**** Kyang Hyancuetvo (1558-1562)
**** Hauvi Ngaudzoi (1562-)
** Grand Tribunal (Ta Fapdéng): The Grand Tribunal is the main legislative authority in Zhaowa. It is made up of 81 members who vote on national policy and pass bills.
** Council of Nine (Bát Yén ci Hwai): The Council of Nine oversee the 9 ministries of government in Zhaowa. They are hand-picked by the Taixu. Though meritocratic on paper, the ranks of the Council of Nine come from the same couple of noble families. The 9 ministries of government are the; the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Ceremony, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Supervision, and the Ministry of Households. All of the ministers are subordinate to the Taixu.
** Lower Tribunal (Hyaci Fapdéng): The Lower Tribunal consists of all citizens elected by the Common People’s Tribunal and many high-ranking Bureaucrats. Members of the Lower Tribunal meet once a year to elect members of the Grand Tribunal. There are 873 members of the Lower Tribunal. They function similarly to the Electoral College in OTL US politics.
** Common People’s Tribunal (Kúngyén ci Fapdéng): The Common People’s Tribunal consists of all citizens within the State of Zhaowa. It is by far the largest electoral body within Zhaowa. All citizens have the right to directly elect leaders for their respective counties and prefectures via popular vote. Though they do not directly vote for higher positions, they very much influence their decisions. As representatives those elected are both morally and practically obligated to represent the wishes of those under them, as the common people can easily vote them out if they do not fulfill their wishes.
** Political Parties: While there are no official political parties Within Zhaowa, there are several political blocs within the Tribunals.
*** Aristocrats: The Aristocrats are a large front wishing to preserve the status-quo and increase the power of the noble class. They hold 16 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Tradesmen’s Front (Xángtang): The Tradesmen’s Front, primarily made up of Lower-level officials, merchants, and artisans, is a major political bloc within Zhaowa. They advocate for less trade restrictions, more power to the Hwais, lower tariffs, a strong navy, improving infrastructure, and pacifist foreign policy. They hold 14 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Militarists (Kwúntang): The Stratocrats are a sister group of the Tradesmen's front. They share many of the same beliefs as the Tradesmen's Front. However, they advocate for socially conservative policies and aggressive foreign policy. They hold 17 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Traditionalists (Dauvuttang): The Traditionalist Party, primarily made up of Buddhists and Xianists, is one of the larger political fronts within Zhaowa. They advocate for socially Conservative policies, reforms to the Ministry of Ceremony, and Isolationist Foreign Policy. They hold 6 seats in the Grand Tribunal,
*** Xianists (Xéntang): The Xianists are a fringe political bloc. They advocate for increased authority of Xianist schools, socially Progressive policies, reforms to the Ministry of Ceremony, and exploration into Papua and Australia. They hold 3 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Commoner’s Front (Noungyéntang): Forming the basis of Tsúyén’s support base, the Commoner’s Front is a front consisting of ethnic Toraja, Alfur, Makassarese, Papuan, non-Ternatian Halmaherans, and numerous other ethnic minorities, as well as sinitic lesser officials who managed to claw their way up to the Grand Tribunal. The Makkasan and Nunusakuan nobility is well represented within the Commoner’s Front. In addition, numerous merchants, especially those involved in Western Nusantara are staunch activists of this group. Though with disparate views, they all are united in their support of Tsuyenist policies, which emphasize strengthening of the nation by all means necessary, from proto-communist policies in Papua, to policies increasing the power of foreign Hwais, to the construction of a large and powerful navy. They hold 17 seats within the Grand Tribunal.
* Economy: Zhaowa has a Proto-Capitalist economy, focusing on agriculture, spices, metals, fishing, and forest products. Perhaps the most important part of the Zhaowanese economy is the trade of all of the above. A major feature of the Zhaowanese economy is the Hwai, an economic and societal structure functioning similar to a Renaissance Guild, a Trade/Workers Union, and a Cartel. Hwais evolved from notions of brothership among the Mercantile and Managerial class of Yun-era China. Most citizens are part of or somehow involved in a Hwai. Hwais are commercial organizations consisting of members that provide capital and shared profits. Though much of the population may not be an active member of a Hwai, many citizens work for a member of a Hwai. Since all involved in the Hwai receive equal profits and have equal capital, Zhaowa could also be classified as Proto-Market-Socialist. Zhaowa has a paper and coin based Fiat monetary system. To avoid inflation, all money is in the hands of the Ministry of Finance. All paper money can be exchanged for gold, silver, and copper, or silk with an exchange rate of 3%.
** Main Currency: Ceijen
** Monetary Value: 1 Ceijen coin (制钱) is equivalent to one mace (3.8 grams) of 21K rose gold (12% Copper, 88% Gold).
* Demographics:
* Ethnic Makeup:
** 20.6% Mixed-Sinitic
** 19.3% Sundanese
** 14.3% Makassarese
** 10.2% Lampung
** 6.8% Sumbawan
** 6.3% Pure Sinitic
** 5.9% Moluccan
** 5.3% Minahasan
** 3.6% Papuan
** 3.5% Toraja
** 3.1% Javanese
** 2.1% Malay
* Total Population: 1,038,000
** Maluku: 39,000
** Makassar: 32,500
** Manado: 29,000
** Nimkyóng: 25,000
** Singnakyo: 20,000
** Ampenan: 17,000
** Selam: 16,000
** Launa: 12,000
** Sufu: 8,500
** Jáng Hwi: 4,500
** Tangbana: 1,000
* Religion: 6% Xianist, 15% Mahayana Buddhist, 20% Theravada Buddhist, 6% Hindu, 24% Animist, 5% Arzhamist, 30% Clearwater Buddhist, 1% Other
* Military: 36330 Personnel (~3.5%)
** Army: 12500
*** 400 Military Police
*** 200 Garrison Infantry
*** 200 Garrison Artillery
*** 100 Calvary
*** 3,250 Mixed Infantry (Polearm & Arquebus mixed units)
*** 1500 Shock infantry (Swordsmen)
*** 750 Support Artillery 
*** 100 Military Engineers
*** ~5000 Auxiliaries
*** 1000 Logistical Support
** Navy: 23830 Sailors/Marines, 859 Ships (excluding coastal patrol)
*** 18 Hunghwangjwen/Galleon (45 meters) (1980 crew total)
*** 90 (Full-rigged) Yienkapjwen  (35 meters) (9000 crew total)
*** 180 Supply ships (30 meters) (3240 sailors total)
*** 50 Heavy-Cannon/Rocket Ships (27 meters) (1050 crew total)
*** 193 (Junk-rig) 3-Masted Junks (24 meters) (3860 crew total)
*** 200 (Fore-and-aft) War Perahu (17 meters) (2000 crew total)
*** 50 (Fore-and-aft) Reconnaissance Ships (15 meters) (400 crew total)
*** 80 Troop Transports (800 crew total, able to carry 6400 troops in total)
*** Various Disorganized Levied Coastal Patrol (1500 crew)
* Firearms:
** Cetbang/Jwangpiau: The Jwangpiau is the most commonly used gun in Zhaowa. It is a breech-loading swivel gun, and is used on fortifications and ships. These come in portable (wheeled) and stationary varieties.
** Xépdan-tswáng: The Xépdan-tswang, literally meaning “Ten Shot Gun”, is a gun similar to an Organ Gun. Inspired by the multiple rocket launchers in use across the Sinosphere, instead of firing arrows or rockets, it fires iron or bronze pellets. It is used as an anti-personnel gun. Due to it having 10x more barrels than an average gun, it can shoot 10x more bullets, but it takes 10x more time to clean. Unlike the guns of Europe, it is breech loading, which provides quicker loading time. To seal the breach, paper cartridges or a block are used, though this is quite ineffective. The Xépdan-tswáng is used in very low quantities, with perhaps only 50 being used across Zhaowa.
** Lagatswáng: A Lagastwang is the Zhaowanese term for an Arquebus
*** Jiue Lagatswáng: The Jiue Lagatswáng is an uncommon weapon in Zhaowa, referring to all breech-loaded arquebuses. They have a much faster loading time than standard muzzle-loading Lagatswáng, though they often malfunction.
*** Hwaje Lagatswáng: The Hwaje Lagatswáng is the most common form of Lagatswang in Zhaowa. It is a matchlock firearm, often coming with a stand and a spike attached to the top.
*** Lyuenlagatswáng: The Lyuenlagatswáng is the Zhaowanese term for wheelock guns. Though they are more useful than the Standard Matchlock Lagatswáng in wet conditions, they often malfunction and are hard to produce.
*** Lau Lagatswáng: The Lau Lagatswáng refers to all primitive Lagatswáng.
** Bedil Tombak/Lungencwung: The Lungencwung, literally meaning “Hand Gun”, is a common gun in Zhaowa. It is quite simple, with a socket attached to a pole and a tube from which projectiles are fired from. It commonly has a blade attached to it in case of melee fighting. It is quickly being replaced by the Lagatswang.
** Hwacá: The Hwacá is a multiple rocket launcher or an organ gun, depending on the projectile used. It fires around 150 rockets or arrows, which are contained within a wooden frame. The wooden frame allows the rockets to fly straighter, and, as a result, farther. In elevated positions, they have a range of 600 meters. However, on flat positions, they have a range of only 200 meters. Current rockets have a length of around 15 centimeters. Though with a short range, it has enough force to make a 30 cm-deep crater in a patch of sand. A second, larger rocket is currently being produced, with a length of 45 centimeters, with a range of 1100 meters.
** Cwungdung: The Cwungdung is a common firearm in Zhaowa, used on larger ships and on fortresses. Most models of Cwungdung have a maximum range of around 950 meters, with one model having a maximum range of 1500 meters with darts. Darts are made out of wood tipped with iron, with iron tail fins. Unlike the modern conception of darts, these darts are quite large, slightly less than a meter long. When they strike their target, they generally bury up to their iron fletching. Though less destructive than rockets, they have much better accuracy. Cwungdung also fire numerous iron or stone cannonballs, though they have much lower range, with an average maximum range of 600 meters.
*** Kuveliem: The Kubiliem is a muzzle-loading cannon, specifically referring to Culverins imported by Europeans. Instead of firing darts like the Cwungdung, it fires round cannonballs. Due to this, it has a flat, though comparatively shorter trajectory.
* Research and Production:
** Infrastructure: Infrastructure in captured territories is to be improved. 
* Wars and Conflicts:
** Invasion of Luwu: 451 ships, and 8,100 soldiers are sent to conquer Luwu (read: a metric fuckton). The main focus of the campaign is on the Gulf of Boni. Most of the ships are sent into the gulf to crush any naval resistance to allow troop transports to land safely. From Makassar, many troops march along the coast, aided with naval cover, to attack Luwu. A few days before the mass invasion, ships are to be positioned near the eastern coast of Luwu, to make them believe that the bulk of the invasion will be coming from the east, not the south.
* Events:
* The Imperial Idea (11-FINAL):
** Father and Daughter - 1565: After returning from Kyoto in 1560, Touiku had been preoccupied with her work in and around Kansha. However, in 1565, she finally returns to mainland Zhaowa, Belitung island, specifically. Though 95, Tsuyen insisted on spending the last days of his life on Belitung island. By the time Touiku arrived, on May 4th, 1565, Tsuyen was already on his deathbed. Though it was challenging for him to speak, the two managed to have a quick conversation concerning Touiku’s plans, her experience in Japan, and other things.
** Tsuyen’s Death - 1565: Days after his meeting with Touiku, Tsuyen dies. Funnily enough, he dies minutes after his attendants left the room, after trying to argue with them to leave him alone and get some rest for once. His body is left for the birds and beasts to consume, as per Buddhist tradition, and the remains are then cremated and stored in a pot, which is then put in a small mausoleum. The mausoleum is itself within Bacan Clearwater Buddhist Monastery. 
* Fenghuang of the South Sea (5):
** A Servant’s Rise to Prominence: Ashikaga Kesai, a Kanshai Kyanou serving the ZESC, is emancipated in 1561. However, she is stuck on the bottom rung of society for the next few years. Through her own sweat and blood, she manages to climb up the social ladder, becoming a respected mercenary leader.
** Return to Governing: In 1566, Touiku, now 35, is reinstated as the Magistrate of Serang prefecture in Banten, despite the Zhaowanese Government’s promise to institute an electoral system in conquered territories. She immediately institutes taxation and land reforms in the region, which prove to be incredibly beneficial. As a result, she becomes beloved by those she rules, something rare among the leaders appointed in Zhaowanese Majapahit. She still maintains ties with the ZESC, and uses her position to best represent their interests in Eastern Indonesia.
* Ngaudzoi’s Conquests: Ngaudzoi continues to expand into Papua. However, conquering the vast jungles of Papua aren’t enough for him. In 1567, he launches a massive invasion of Luwu (see Wars and Conflicts).
====The United Kingdoms of the British Isles (Albion)====
*Note: If you wish to engage in diplomacy with me, please DM me on Discord
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
*Drakes: 
**Queen Elizabeth (F, b. 1541 - ) (R: 1561 - )
**Sister: Francis (F, b. 1541 - )
**Aunt: Frances (F, b. 1497 - )
***Albus (M, b. 1519 - )
****Nephew: George (M, b. 1542 - )
****Nephew: Gregory (M, b. 1554 - )
**Cousin: Eldegard (F, b. 1517 - )
***Married off to a Westrian prince
**Cousin: Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
***Nephew: Alvin (M, b. 1545 - )
***Niece: Carol (F, b. 1549 - )
*Important People: 
Economy: The economy of British Isles consists of trade and commerce of a variety of materials. The primary export products of the UK are fish, wool, cloth, and a variety of vegetables.
Main Religion: Christianity
Cities and Demographics:
*Population: 6.78 million (+330k “external subjects”)
**British Mainland: 6.78 million
**British Settlers: 530
***Jamestown: 120
***Fort Elysia: 114
***Fort Epheria: 100
***Greensfort: 95
***New Glaemchester/Plymouth: 100
***Elysian Local Population: 334 thousand external subjects
*Cities
**Brighton: A newer shipbuilding facility located on the English Channel.
**Birmingham: A quiet town that is the location of McCarthy Arms Company, one of, if not, the oldest firearms companies to date.
**Calais: One of the few French towns still owned by the British, it is a prosperous city that is one of the most important trading hubs in the North Sea.
**Camp Avalon: An old British camp located on a Vinland island. Though mostly uninhabited, it is staffed by a skeleton crew, in the event of a British ship stranding itself on the Vinland island.
**Dover: Main location of the British navy. While elements of the navy are located throughout the territory, the headquarters of the navy are located here. In addition, Dover is the main trading hub between it and Caen.
**Dublin: Main hub of Ireland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
**Glaemchester: A British town north of London, this city is known to house various wealthy nobles, with some of the finest tapestries being produced here.
**Glasgow: Main hub of Scotland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
**London: The capital of England, and location of the throne.
**Portsmouth: The location of the first drydocks in history, which became the founding of various legendary ships of the Royal Navy
**York: Main center of England’s eastern fishing company. Also where a bulk of British trading companies are located, evident from the various merchant caravels present there.
Wars and Conflicts
*Americas: British companies begin to exert control over regions with usage of promises of trade and prosperity with the added risk of war if the British do not get their way in the matter.
Armed Forces
*Total: 134,350 Manpower
*Army
**Total: 119,900
**British Defense Force: (British Mainland) 
***Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 15,000
***Marksman Infantry: 38,000
***Light Cavalry: 8,500
****Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry: 750
***Heavy Cavalry: 1,650
***Bow Cavalry: 2,600
***Field Artillerymen: 5,634
****Field cannons: 1,878
***Logistical Support: 23,000
**British Expeditionary Force: (In Elysia)
***Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 5,000
***Marksman Infantry: 10,000
***Light Cavalry: 1,500
****Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry: 500
***Heavy Cavalry: 350
***Bow Cavalry: 300
***Field Artillerymen: 501
****Field cannons: 167
***Logistical Support: 7,000
*Roundtable Knights (Elite): 8,350
**These are Britain’s elite forces. A rebirthed version sprouting from Artoria’s original group of holy knights, this force has never lost a battle, and has unwavering loyalty to the crown and the Order of the Roundtable, willing to fight to the death for the survival of the British Isles.
**While most are able to fight, members of the Roundtable are encouraged to branch out into their own craft, such as pottery and sheepherding, with the idea that everyone should act like a Roundtable Knight and give their all into both their craft and their country.
**The only way to become a Roundtable Knight is to be selected by an existing member of the group. Most knights tend to make apprentices out of those they recruit to the Roundtable, and generally, no one usually complains when a Roundtable Knight selects someone to join the ranks of the Roundtables. Depending on the country/chapter, one can also be appointed to the Roundtable by the crown.
**As of 1527, three factions are formed within the Roundtables
***The Crimson Sun
***The Azure Moon
***The White Orchids
****Renames themselves Orchid Heaven in 1542
**Notable (Living) Members:
***The Drake Family
*Navy:
**Personnel: 5,800 (combined between both fleets)
**Naval Vessels:
***Victory-class First-rate British Galleons: 4
****Main flagship: HMS Victory
***Ember-class First-rate British Galleons: 20
****Main flagship: HMS Ember
***Swallow-class Second-rate Interceptor: 26
****Designed to be the fastest ships in the world (for their size) without sacrificing too much firepower.
***Cabigail-class Third-rate Caravel: 60
***London-class Third-rate British Caravel: 4
****Kept in service for purposes of training new sailors.
***Dove-class Fourth-rate Dual-Purpose Merchant Caravel: 99
****These ships are given to British merchants who sail in dangerous waters, and are crewed by either mercenaries hired by said merchants or the merchants themselves. Only included in ship-counts for the navy to deter invasions by sea.
Research and Development
*MAC Cannons: McCarthy Industries continues to produce MAC Cannons in a variety of calibers and sizes, ranging from small 6 pound field cannons to 32 pound naval cannons. At least in Britain, McCarthy Industries has the monopoly on the firearms industry.
**The 32 pounder long-nose MAC Cannons enter service, replacing the aging 24-pound naval cannons on the large British galleons.
**In addition, they are contracted to create a smaller cannon for use on Vinland longboats. As such, the 2 pounder cannon was created.
*Naval Vessels: Continued development on galleons is performed, to see if it is possible to improve British vessels further. They experiment with two aspects; size and firepower. British Naval Engineers hope to determine proper ratios for size, durability, and firepower, as well as taking note of various lessons learned in the field, such as logistical issues found in British Caravels.
**Carriers: Lessons were learned from the destruction of HMS Eternal as well as Vinland assistance in the invasion for the necessity of smaller support vessels in inland rivers and other bodies of water. As such, development is made into retrofitting the old London-class Caravels into “carriers”, ships capable of carrying smaller ships (primarily Vinland longboats) within for deployment in a region.
***HMS Spyder, a London-class Caravel is partially deconstructed and heavily modified to house modified Vinland longboats within.
**Newer British Galleons begin construction. These ships are based on the Ember-class galleons, but are slightly larger, faster, and more optimized for warfare. These ships become known as the Victory-class galleons.
**Vinland Longboats: In a collaborative effort with Vinland, both British and Vinland engineers get to work on modifying the Vinland longboat for transportation within British “Carriers”, as well as see viable possibilities for mounting cannons (mainly the 2 pounder cannon) on the vessels.
*McCarthy Arms Company: Continued efforts are made to improve the wheel lock, with minor changes made over time to allow for easier manufacturing of the rifle.
**In addition, McCarthy Industries continues development on a handgun to complement the rifles, with these models rolling out in 1548.
*Glaemchester: With the religious conflict over, the city begins to rebuild. With the remaining funds from the war, the Crimson Sun pours most of its finances into rebuilding the city, as a form of apology for destroying over half the city in its conflicts.
Training and Production
*8 Victory-class first-rate Galleons
*Reformation of the Army: Upon realizing horses can be trained to not flinch when having guns fired from their back, training begins for light cavalry, to have them be able to fire muskets from horseback, in addition to their normal duties.
**Renamed to “Skirmisher Shock Cavalry”
*Whatever equipment and personnel is required to maintain numbers on the frontline.
Diplomacy
*Americas: With intelligence from the Vinlanders, the British decide to scope out the other nations of the Eastern Coast of North America, and see what they have to offer
**Elysia: (See Events for more details)
*Europeans: Though not offered the top-line models, Britain does allow McCarthy Arms Company to sell some of their wares overseas, to those willing to purchase them, at least
*Vinland: The British send what supplies they can so that the new Vinland thane can maintain their territory and then some. (see events for more details).
**The British also ask if they could collaborate with the British on creating an improved longboat, one that can mount a small cannon onboard, as well as be used with Britain’s new “carriers”
Allies
*Vinland: Allies in the New World. Led by Tahmas, Vinland now prospers with the new leadership as they thrive with the protection of the British navy.
*Velkyst: Norweigan allies in the North Sea. The oldest ally of Britain, harkening back to the British Empire’s founding.
*Westria: An ally on mainland Europe who also dislikes France, cause f**k France (jk).
Events
*The Azure Pilgrims: In 1565, the “Azure Pilgrims” set sail across the Atlantic, the Azure Moon encountered various hardships, with a few dying on the dangerous crossing. However, A decent portion of them manage to cross the Atlantic, making landfall in modern-day Plymouth.
**The faction runs into a plethora of issues during their first winter, with a harsh snowstorm hitting the region, turning a dire situation into a hopeless one. If it wasn’t for
*British Naval Doctrine (1567): Admiral Drake, foreseeing a conflict with a European rival in the near future, begins drafting up plans for her navy to combat the enemy. After months of input and consideration from various naval officers, she came up with her naval doctrine. (Will be elaborated more on a later date, but I got college atm)
*Elysian Integration: The British government begins to slowly allow Elysian nobles to enter into officer positions in Elysia, with the hopes to eventually integrate the Elysian government into the British government.
*Influences of Religion: With the issues of religion constantly seeping into political affairs, Queen Elizabeth decides to elect a council to assist her in discussing governmental decisions. While Queen Elizabeth will have the final say, she allows those in the council to have their say in matters.
**This body consists of two branches: one that is personally elected by Queen Elizabeth, and the other that is elected “by the people”.
***The queen-elected council must be split even between Catholics and Protestants to ensure that no one faction can rule unfavorably towards the other faction.
***On the other hand, the “publicly-elected” section of the government is elected by governors of each region of Britain (Scotland and Ireland included) to represent said region in the government.
***While political power is given to those in her council, Queen Elizabeth still has complete control of the British army and navy, in addition to her other powers as queen, such as electing officials and the likes. However, Elizabeth hopes this move will both allow her to get a better idea of the realms she controls, as well as allow the people to feel that their pleas are heard.
**The goal of these changes is to minimize
**Overall, these bodies become what will be known as the British Parliament, as Britain becomes a Constitutional Monarchy.
*The Rise of the Company Fleets (Part 9): With the world opening up, and rumors of prosperity and gold present, various companies sprout up around Britain, with the goal to investigate various locations of notice with hopes to make it big.
**British Faviero Greek Company: “The BFG Company” for short, this company has taken an interest to the region of Elysia. Its leaders, Faviero and Raleigh have enacted a multi-decade long plan to wrestle control of the region for themselves, though if other situations were to come up, they’d adapt on the fly.
***Phase 3: After establishing Greensfort, they begin to strengthen their position there, both physically and economically, as they begin to trade with the power in the region, though they are cautious to anger the Spanish.
***Company Fleet Flagship: The Doomslayer
**The Henry Amerigo League of Observance: A group (nicknamed HALO) that is headed by Henry of Glaemchester. Now a competent company, the HALO company travels the seas, now intermingling with a faction known as the Amekrogu’s to the south.
***The Amazon Expedition (Part 3): With the creation of Fort Epheria, the company begins to slowly assert its control over the region, but that’s for the future. For the time being, the country
***Company Fleet Flagship: The Pillar of Autumn
**Inflation: Due to Spain’s prosperity in the Americas, an economic depression has taken ahold of all of Europe.
*Rulers
**Pendragon:
***Artoria “Ember” Pendragon (F, b.1317- 1389?) (Reign: 1351 ~ 1369 - 1389)
***Ash I (M, b. 1347 - 1434) (Reign: 1390 - 1434)
****Sister: Aura (F, b.1350 - 1434)
***Ash II (M, b. 1399 - 1442) (Reign: 1434 - 1442)
***Amber (F, b. 1424 - ) (Reign: 1442 - 1482)
****Brother: Edward (M, b. 1441 - 1481)
**Mordue:
***River Mordue (F, b. 1322 - 1393) (Reign: 1369 - 1393)
***Henry (M, b. 1353 - 1429) (Reign: 1393 - 1429)
****Daughter: Mary (F, b. 1382 - 1399)
***Lionel (M, b. 1388 - 1482) (Reign: 1430 - 1482)
****Son: Leo I (M, b. 1407 - 1465)
*****Leo III (M, b. 1445 - 1478)
****Son: Leo II (M, b. 1423 - 1478)
****Brother: Henry II (M, b. 1398 - 1478)
**Drake:
***Casimir (M, b. 1454 - 1533)
***Queen Abigail (F, b. 1455 - 1533)
***Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - 1561)
****David (M, b. 1537 - 1554)
****Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - 1565)
****Nephew: Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
*Roundtable Knights
**Joan “Anne” of Arc (Died in 1431)
**Sir George Cromwell of Cotswold (Died in 1445)
**Sir George Cromwell II of Cotswold (Died in 1482)
**Sir Rex of Dover (Died in 1482)
**Joanna Palaiologos McCarthy (Died in 1528)
*Misc
**Shauna McCarthy (Died in 1489)
***Founder of McCarthy Arms Company, one, if not, the oldest firearms companies in the world.
====The Syonanese Diarchy | Syonan Nikun-shu====
*Government: Mixed Noble Republic (de facto one party autocratic state)
**Grand Kōshaku of All Syonan, Suwawa and Tidung, Lord Protector of Sabah and Palawan: The Grand Kōshaku is the ruler of Syonan. He is elected by the Syonanese Diet upon the previous Kōshaku’s death, resignation, or impeachment and serves a life term.
***Noriaki Kakyoin (born 1462, ruled 1491-1526)
***Hideki Heihachiro (born 1494, ruled 1526-)
***Keicho Nijimura (born 1488, ruled 1561-)
**Subordinate Kōshakus: The constituent kingdoms of Hiraga and Nagasato are each ruled by a subordinate Kōshaku. Subordinate Kōshakus are the second most powerful positions in Syonan, with a subordinate Kōshaku having almost total control in their respective domains, answering only to the Grand Kōshaku and their respective Diets.
***Hiragan Kōshaku:
****Yoshimune Kira (born 1449, ruled 1475-1514)
****Ryohei Higashikata (born 1455, ruled 1514-)
****Keicho Nijimura (born 1488, ruled 1561-)
***Nagasatoan Kōshaku:
****Ginzo Souji (born 1453, ruled 1482-)
****Shigeki Souji (born 1497, ruled 1540-)
****Keicho Nijimura (born 1488, ruled 1561-)
***Yang di-Pertua Agong of Sabah and Palawan: Serves a similar role to a subordinate Kōshaku, with free reign over the 8 prefectures of Sabah and Palawan.
****Pengiran Dahud Sinaman (born 1470, ruled 1511-)
****Pengiran Sihan Sahatul (born 1531, ruled 1558-)
**Syonanese Diet: The Syonanese Diet is the main legislative body of Syonan. A bicameral system based on Syonan’s 2 constituent kingdoms, it is composed of Syonan’s nobility and particularly powerful burgher families. The Syonanese Diet hosts 732 delegates in total. 
***Hiragan Diet: The Hiragan Diet is the main legislative body of the constituent Kingdom of Hiraga (located in the northern half of Syonan). Made up of notable Hiragan noble and burgher families, the Hiragan Diet hosts 437 delegates. 
****The autonomous province of Sabah and Palawan sends 27 delegates to the Hiragan Diet. 
***Nagasatoan Diet: The Nagasatoan Diet is the main legislative body of the constituent Kingdom of Nagasato (including the overseas territories of Suwawa and Tidung), located in the southern half of the country. Composed of notable Nagasatoan noble and burgher families, the Nagasatoan Diet hosts 295 delegates. 
****Suwawa and Tidung, being governed under Nagasato, is theoretically subject to the Nagasatoan Diet. However, there is little to no representation of the two overseas territories in the Syonanese legislature.
****SYONANESE DIET PURGED - SEE EVENTS
***Unified Outer Diet: The unofficial legislative body of Syonan’s overseas territories, it is de facto the main governing body in Syonanese Borneo and Sulawesi, with their laws holding more clout on the ground than even federal laws. The Unified Outer Diet hosts 201 members, 88 from Sabah, 72 from Tidung, and 51 from Suwawa.
**Political Parties: Although no real political parties exist in Syonan as of yet, there are several loose power blocs within the Syonanese Diet, with borders between specific power blocs sometimes muddy and difficult to discern. Many delegates are influenced by multiple blocs.
***Centralists: The Centralist bloc is composed of those delegates who desire more central government control over local affairs in Syonan. An extremely big tent bloc, Centralists range from those who simply want more government oversight in day to day governance, to supporters of Anjuro Katagiri’s absolutist and imperial policies, to those who want to do away with the Diarchy system altogether. Significantly more powerful in the north than in the south the Centralists, along with their bitter enemies the Federalists, are the two most powerful blocs in the Syonanese Diet.
***Federalists: The Federalist bloc is composed of those delegates who desire less central government control over Syonan. A similarly big tent bloc to the Centralists, they range from feudalists to status quo supporters to even a few Nagastoan secessionists. Significantly more powerful in the south and in the Bornean territories than in the north, the Federalists, along with the Centralists, are the two most powerful blocs in the Syonanese Diet, and are perpetually at odds with one another. PURGED - SEE EVENTS
***Traders: Supporting mercantilist policies and touting the trade guilds as the lifeblood of the Syonanese economy, the traders punch far above their weight in power, mostly due to Syonan’s control over the seas. They are the most staunch supporters of the Sulu Sea sound toll. Many of them tend to agree in part with the Militarists on certain supposed “integral territories of Syonan”. PURGED - SEE EVENTS
***Militarists: The Syonanese militarists are probably by far the most unified bloc in Syonanese politics, uniformly advocating for stratocratic principles and aggressive foreign policy to “keep Syonan great” (read. continue Syonanese near-hegemony over maritime Southeast Asia). They are quite inclined to randomly scream “Syonan Banzai” and debate you for hours on how Palawan and Sabah are integral territories of Syonan stolen by the Bruneians.
***Traditionalists: The traditionalists are a faction dedicated to preserving the status quo. They are the most socially conservative group, and also tout an isolationist foreign policy, which they call “Sakoku”. No one really takes them seriously at the moment.
***Religious Supremacists: Syonan’s religious supremacists are a mostly fringe group that emphasize increased authority of religious bodies over governance and everyday life. Although the Shinto, Buddhist, Hindu and Xianist blocs clash often, their proposed policies are much the same, designed to give their religion more power in state affairs. BUDDHIST, HINDU, AND XIANIST SUPREMACISTS PURGED - SEE EVENTS
***Reformists: Even with the most conventional parliamentary system, there will always be a couple hardy radicals. ‘Nuff said. PURGED - SEE EVENTS
*Administration: Syonan is divided into 2 constituent kingdoms (koku), which are further subdivided into 10 provinces (dō). The 9 provinces are in turn subdivided into 43 prefectures (ken), which are in turn further divided into districts (gun).
**Suwawa and Tidung are considered overseas territories of the constituent Kingdom of Nagasato. They do not have any representation in the Syonanese Diet, and their people are not considered Syonanese citizens (and thus are not awarded the rights of Syonanese citizens) unless they are descended from at least one Syonanese parent or descended from at least one parent that has served in the Syonanese military.
**Sabah and Palawan is an autonomous province under the constituent Kingdom of Hiraga (with the exception of the southernmost portions of former Bruneian Sabah, which has been incorporated into the Kingdom of Nagasato as Tarakan Prefecture). Autonomous provinces are similar to normal provinces except that they have more power domestically, as the constituent kingdom-level government is not allowed to impose laws and restrictions on the autonomous province, with the only power they are able to wield over provincial authorities in an autonomous province being a veto.
*Capital City:
**Syonanese and Hiragan Capital: Morioh
***Sabahan Capital: Sandakan
**Nagasatoan Capital: Nagasato
***Suwawan Capital: Gorontalo
***Tidungese Capital: Kutei
*Economy: Following Grand Koshaku Nijimura Keicho’s 1567 Declaration of Sakoku, the Syonanese economy has been in freefall, with prices of every good conceivable skyrocketing. Robbed of its trading lifeblood, the cities have begun to empty out, causing food insecurity and societal tensions in rural areas immediately adjacent to the former urban centers. Major sectors of the Syonanese economy include agriculture, mining, the spice trade, fishing, and logging.
**Currency: The Syonanese taru is the main currency in Syonan, backed up by gold reserves, with one taru ostensibly equivalent to around 3.2 grams of gold. However, due to decades of mismanagement by Nihonese quasi-colonial rule, as well as the adverse economic effects of Grand Koshaku Nijimura Keicho’s 1567 Declaration of Sakoku, the taru is effectively worthless, with most of Syonan regressing to simple barter economies.
*Demographics:
**Total Population: 1,281,728
***Hiraga: 417,670
****Morioh: 29,025
****Mei-nira: 40,012
****Kitahara: 20,725
****Kanakawa 18,878
****Keishi: 14,193
****Naga: 10,378
***Nagasato (including Tarakan but not Suwawa or Tidung): 303,470
****Nagasato-shi: 24,145
****Davao: 31,104
****Souhama-Shibu: 19,023
****Pemagarong: 17,992
****Tsuhama: 7,170
****Cagayan: 6,992
***Sabah and Palawan: 344,654
****Sandakan: 47,370
****Api: 31,925
***Suwawa: 81,028
****Gorontalo: 12,001
***Tidung: 153,887
****Kutei: 22,424
**Ethnicities:
***30.9% Syonanese (395,496 people)
****12.9% Yojin (“pure” Syonanese) (50,228 people)
****87.1% In-jin (mixed race Syonanese) (344,447 people)
***20.8% Native Syonanese (266,580 people)
****22.8% Takairō-jin/Tagalog (60,780 people)
****19.7% Kabishi-jin/Visayan (52,516 people)
****12.5% Rusonto-jin/Ilocano (33,323 people)
****7.4% Ibaruno-jin/Bicolano (19,727 people)
****7.1% Nagasato-jin/Maguindanao (18,927 people)
****30.5% Other groups (81,307 people)
***12.4% Malay (159,489 people)
***4.9% Japanese (62,717 people)
***0.8% Vietnamese (10,906 people)
***0.7% Chinese (9,694 people)
***5.8% Suwawan (73,915 people)
***8.5% Kadazan-Dusun (109,056 people)
***6.4% Bajau (82,398 people)
***2.7% Murut (35,140 people)
***5.3% Dayak (67,857 people)
***0.6% Other (mostly Southeast Asian, Indian and Arabian traders) (7,270 people)
**Religions: Religion in Syonan is not necessarily exclusive, with many Syonanese ascribing to beliefs from 2 or more religions.
***Syonanese Shinto: Syonanese Shinto has diverged greatly from Shinto in the Japanese islands, with many Shinto kami being syncretized with native and Hindu deities, and Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism heavily influencing the religion. Most prevalent in coastal, urban and lowland areas dominated by ethnic Syonanese, Syonanese Shinto is the main religion of Syonan.
****~55% of the population (~705,000 people)
***Syonanese Buddhism: A sect of Buddhism almost totally exclusive to the islands of Syonan, Syonanese Buddhism is heavily influenced by Shinto, Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism and native beliefs. It is by far the most influential Buddhist sect in Syonan, although other sects do manage to gain followers in the Syonanese Isles.
****~50% of the population (~640,000 people)
****Other Buddhist sects (Mahayana, Theravada and Zen Buddhism) are practiced by ~9% of the population (~115,000 people)
***Hinduism: Practiced by many indigenous and mixed-race Syonanese especially in Mindanao and the Visayas, Hinduism in Syonan has been heavily syncretized with Syonanese Buddhism and Shinto (and vice versa), with many Hindu gods in Syonan being almost indistinguishable from the Syonanese variants of Shinto kami. A more “pure” version of Hinduism exists in coastal Tidung and in newly-acquired Sabah.
****~40% of the population (~513,000 people)
***Xianism: Xianism states that the sole god of man, Tian, has endowed humans with the ability to become "Xian", basically deities, unlocked by committing good deeds in Tian's name, and understanding Tian and the way the universe works. Unlike many Eastern religions, Xianism is a monotheistic religion. Practitioners of the religion are mostly confined to the ethnic Chinese minority within Syonan, and are most prevalent in Pemagarong and Mindoru Prefectures.
****~1% of the population (~10,000 people)
***Other: In remote, mountainous areas of inland Syonan, as well as in the jungles of Tidung and Suwawa, many native tribes still live as they did before Syonanese settlement on the islands, and still worship their old gods in much the same way as they once did.
****~15% of the population (~192,000 people)
*Military:
**Grand Army of Syonan:
***Deployed forces: 25,000
***Total forces: 40,000
****8,000 Heavy Breakthrough Elite Infantry
****5,000 Field Artillery Personnel
****20,000 Light Infantry
****7,000 Light Mixed Cavalry
****5,000 Homeland Security Infantry (Military Police)
***Reservists/Potential levies: 0
**Syonan Nikun Royal Navy:
***Total sailors: 26,000
***Total ships (excluding coastal patrol): 380 ships
****SNRN Muramasa-class Oceanic Battlecruiser Muramasa
*****Crew: 120
****SNRN Yamamoto-class Oceanic Battlecruiser Yamamoto
*****Crew: 70
****SNRN Yamamoto-class Oceanic Battlecruiser Higashikata
*****Crew: 70
****12 Muramasa-class Oceanic Battlecruisers
*****Crew: 120
****27 Yamamoto-class Oceanic Battlecruisers
*****Crew: 70
****191 Subarashi Pagong-class Oceanic Cruisers
*****Crew: 60
****157 Subarashi Dātsu-class Oceanic Interceptors
*****Crew: 40
****410 Tsuna-class Torpedo Boats
*****Crew: 10
****383 Transport Ships
*Wars and Conflicts:
**Syonanese Resistance War: The Syonanese Resistance War (1529-) was a low-intensity guerilla war carried out by several different organizations against Japanese shadow-rule of Syonan.
***Fall of Nagasato - July 1555: The Constituent Kingdom of Nagasato’s namesake city would become the last stand of government forces in the southern half of Syonan against the quickly-advancing Resistance. After a siege and an incredibly fierce urban battle, the Resistance would eventually gain the upper hand. By midsummer of 1555, the city, and with it, all of the South, had fallen to Keicho’s forces.
***Fall of Mei-nira - October 1559: Mei-nira, the largest city in Syonan, was a very tough nut to crack. Surrounded by massive walls and almost impossible to invade via sea thanks to thorough defenses at Ameshima Island (Corregidor Island), the Syonanese Resistance would have to resort to unorthodox tactics to seize the city. The Resistance would stagger groups of 200 undercover troops disguised as merchant convoys coming to trade, allowing them to pass into the city unharmed. In the dead of night, the infiltrated troops would quietly storm the walls, killing the guards defending the gates and opening them for the rest of the Resistance army to flood in. This ingenious strategy would allow the Resistance to seize what was possibly the most fortified city in Southeast Asia within days and with little bloodshed, and turn the war against the Heihachiro government.
***Fall of Morioh - January 1561: By far the most vicious battle of the war, the Battle of Morioh would be the last stand of the Heihachiro government against the triumphant Syonanese Resistance. Cornered, reduced to a few enclaves, and robbed of all foreign help thanks to the fall of Kanzaki Noriko’s Nihonese Federation a year prior, the Heihachiro government fought like crazed dogs, but to no avail: they were outnumbered, outgunned, and simply tired. Although the Heihachiro government never surrendered, they were slaughtered by advancing Resistance troops down to the last man. With the fall of Morioh and the final destruction of the Heihachiro-aligned army, the fight for Syonan’s freedom had finally ended.
***Mopping Up The Filth - 1561-1565: Immediately after the Fall of Morioh, there existed a power vacuum in Syonan, with the Koshaku’s throne vacant, the fate of the nation uncertain, and the loose coalition of anti-Heihachiro and anti-Japanese paramilitary groups beginning to turn on each other. During the next four years, Nijimura Keicho’s League for the Protection of Syonan would emerge victorious, crushing rival groups left and right, and eventually restoring order to the country.
For more information, see Events.
*Research:
**Type 001 Yajiri Torpedo Mod. 1498: An updated model of the Yajiri Torpedo allowing it to reach faster speeds in water and improving its accuracy.
**Subarashi Kulog Taihou Mk.V: We begin to equip more ships with this cannon.
**Bakuchiku Mk.I: The Bakuchiku cannon is now standard fare for all Syonanese ships.
**Kogata-jū: A variant of the Javanese arquebus indigenous to Syonan, the Kogata-jū has become the standard firearm of choice for the Syonanese Army.
**Arquebus Reverse Engineering: With sporadic trade from Agoustan Brunei reaching our shores, we begin trying to reverse engineer their strange and powerful “arquebuses”, with mixed success.
**Early Rocket Developments: The first primitive rockets are rolled out. Although extremely clunky, they can shoot at targets up to 800 meters away.
**Reptilian Growth: Continued breeding of the Filipino monitor lizard has caused the species to grow in size, through decades, if not centuries will be required for the lizards to grow even larger.
***That being said, they are now large enough to be farmed for food, as these monitor lizards slowly become a delicacy in the Nagasatoan region.
*Diplomacy:
**Literally Everyone™: You suck - Nijimura Keicho
*Events:
**Draining the Swamp: One of Nijimura Keicho’s first actions upon coming to power in Syonan is to “root out corruption, decadence, and the foreign rot” from all levels of the Syonanese government (read: purging Syonan’s nobility of all dissent). Starting August 1564, Keicho would send his League undercover operatives to take notes and scout out every member of the nobility in Syonan for suspected “corrupt and decadent activities”. If any lead was found, or if the ruling cadre found it convenient, said person would either be executed or exiled to Nanshindo (Australia), usually alongside their entire family. Between 1564 and 1570 alone, 1,282 members of the nobility would be killed, with another 3,512 nobles exiled to Nanshindo. Casualties included several of Syonan’s most prominent noble families, including the Kira clan (exiled to Nanshindo), the Higashikata clan (summarily executed), the Hatsune clan (summarily executed), the Heihachiro clan (summarily executed), the Shiroichi clan (exiled to Nanshindo), and the Morinobi clan (summarily executed), along with countless others. As terrible as this was, this was only the beginning of the deprivations Keicho would set upon the nation of Syonan.
**The Holy Keicho Trinity: In an unprecedented (or maybe not if you consider that Keicho purged the entire Syonanese government of dissenters and installed yes-men in their place) move, Nijimura Keicho is elected as both the Grand Koshaku of Syonan, as well as the Koshakus of both the constituent kingdoms of Hiraga and Nagasato, effectively giving him complete and total control over the Syonanese state. In order to cement even further control, Keicho would force the Syonanese Diet to vote to dissolve itself in 1566, effectively turning him into a despot.
**The Declaration of Sakoku: In August 1567, Grand Koshaku Nijimura Keicho would deliver the Declaration of Sakoku: closing off Syonan to the world, and most importantly, to global trade. Under the terms of the Declaration of Sakoku, any Syonanese vessel would not be permitted to travel further than 20 nautical miles from the coast of Syonan, and no foreign vessel would be permitted to come within 20 nautical miles of Syonanese shores, on pain of death. Nijimura Keicho would be so serious on this suicidal policy that he would order the entire Syonanese Navy to effectively enforce a blockade on their own country, with any admirals and captains objecting executed on the spot, along with their families to the 5th generation. This policy would be almost immediately detrimental to the Syonanese economy, as prices for everything under the sun began to skyrocket, and the Syonanese taru became effectively worthless.
**Retro Piracy Style: The Declaration of Sakoku would force many merchants to turn to piracy in order to support themselves, as well as smuggle much-needed outside goods into Syonan. For the next few decades, a new, much larger generation of Syonanese pirates, many pushed by sheer necessity, would terrorize the seas of East Asia, from the coasts of Ba to the isles of Zhaowa.
**Country Roads: With the Declaration of Sakoku issued, Syonan’s cities would begin emptying out, their lifeblood now forbidden to them. Many of these former city-dwellers would settle in villages relatively close to the now-empty cities, quickly swelling the population and leading to societal tension and food insecurity in these areas.
**The Great Exodus: With the extremely volatile social, political, and economic situation in the Syonanese Isles, many people would begin to stream out of Syonan, with many being smuggled out to other countries by pirates and foreign ships risking blockade, and even more simply hopping the Sulu Sea over to the territories (especially Sabah). As the Million Isles fell into disarray, Syonanese communities in such cities as Nagasaki, Manado and Saigon would begin steadily growing, as more and more people emigrated.
**Blood-Stained Machetes: Former Resistance paramilitary troops, most likely commanded by Keicho’s order himself, would embark on what can only be adequately described as a program of mass genocide and ethnic cleansing upon Syonan’s non-Syonanese population. Commanded to “root out the gaijin filth”, they would begin slaughtering the Chinese, Japanese, and Malay minorities of Syonan indiscriminately, and would even burn down the villages of the native Austronesian peoples of Syonan to make way for Syonanese farmers. By 1580, their death toll would number in the hundreds of thousands.
**Sihan’s Sideways State: With Nijimura Keicho ascending to the position of Koshaku in Syonan proper, the territories would also have their own succession in this time, with Pengiran Sihan Sahatul ascending as Yang-di-Pertuan Agong of Sabah and Palawan. Taking no heed of Keicho’s “insane Sakoku farce”, Sihan would run Sabah as it had normally run before, with flourishing trade, bustling ports, and a booming economy, and would also use the volatile situation in the Syonanese Isles to his advantage, attracting Syonanese peasants from the isles to Sabah. In effect, Sihan had created a parallel state separate from Syonan proper in all but name, leeching off its poor and downtrodden. However, Sihan was not just interested in making his lands prosper; for he was an ambitious young man, and had designs on controlling the entire country for himself...
**One Last Conversation: Kanzaki Setsuna was on her deathbed. She had done well in her life, fostering a successful mercenary company all on her own wit and willpower, fighting in several wars, and marrying someone she loved. She was all but ready to pass away. However, there was one thing she had to set right before she left this world. Decades ago, her adopted son, Souji Tourin, had ran away from home after learning of Setsuna’s sister’s nefarious plot to control Syonan for her own gains, in the process telling her to “never talk to him again”. Over the years, Setsuna would harbor a great, constant guilt for that moment - for not stopping her sister when she had the chance, for not explaining her situation better, for all sorts of things that had led up to that heart-wrenching moment. But Kanzaki Setsuna could feel her life slowly ebbing away, and realized if there was ever a time to make things right, it was now. On September 11, 1569, Souji Tourin would arrive at his childhood home, after receiving a letter from the mother he had not spoken to in decades. After exchanging a few pleasantries and inquiring about each other's lives from the moment they parted, Setsuna would, on a whim, spill everything. She recounted her entire life, her relationship with Noriko, the fact that she was not consulted or did not even know about the plot until it had already happened, the fact that she had opened up inns along every back road in Syonan just to make sure her son always had a place to sleep everywhere he went. Tourin’s response - in the midst of bittersweet tears, was a simple “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”. His mother replied, weakly, “I didn’t know how to tell you”. It was the last thing Setsuna would ever say. On a rainy afternoon in the fall of 1569, Kanzaki Setsuna, leader of the Nihonese Southern Company for nearly 40 years, Nanshindo War veteran, and mother of one of the most influential people in 16th century Syonan, passed away, with her son holding her, tears in his eyes.
==== Khitan Khanate ====
* Government: Steppe Horde
** Khan/Khatun:
*** Khojin (F) (r. 1501 - 1542)
*** Erketu (M) (r. 1542 - 1543)
*** Arslan (M) (r. 1542 - present)
**** Dynasty: Yarud (1501 - present)
***** Parliament: None
* Economy: The Khitan economy is largely based upon trade, herding, and pastoralism, as the Khitans and most of their subjects are nomadic peoples. However, in some areas, such as around cities, the inhabitants are settled agriculturalists.
* Capital: Nerchuu (OTL Nerchinsk)
* Demographics:
** Population: 193,000 (78% Khitans, 13% Jurchen, 5% Mongols, 2% Tungusics, 1% Daevites, 1% other)
** Religion: 87% Tengriism, 5% Arzham, 4% Buddhism, 4% others
* Military: 3,810 troops
* Wars and Conflicts (italics indicate potential wars):
** Khalkha War:  Extra troops are recruited to fight the Khalkha. 11,600 troops (including both professionals and levies) move to encircle the Khalkha troops in between Khitan-occupied territory and the border with Ččulčontay. Then, 4,600 of these troops stay to make sure that the Khalkha troops don’t break out of the encirclement and to wear them down. The other 7,000 troops head southeast to link up with an advance of 9,600 troops marching from Hulun and surrounding areas. These 16,600 combined troops will head south to the Khalkha-Yan border and then go west.
* Diplomacy (italics indicate secret):
** Aigun: Could you please help us to invade Khalkha? Thanks!
* Events:
** Rebirth of Liao? (pt 3): Arslan stopped paying tribute to the Daevite Empire, seeing that they were on the verge of collapse. Meanwhile, he continued his attack on the Khalkha Khanate.
** Assimilation: The Jurchens of Sahaliyan are gradually assimilated into the Khitan majority.
==== Keisaria ====
* Government: Elective Monarchy/ Aristocratic Oligarchy
** King: Andrus
** Dynasty: Tallinic
* Economy: The Keisairvaltan Economy is based on heavily by trade through the Baltic Sea. As well as agriculture. Although the economy is influenced by Asian trade.
* Capital: Varntio
* Demographics:
** Population: 14 Million (Adjusted for new territories gained)
*** Ingrians: 45%
*** Rostovians: 15%
*** Misc Finnic Cultures: 5%
*** Vesnians: 7%
*** Daeva: 9%
*** Volgans: 10%
*** Varangian: 4%
** Religion:
*** Eastern Orthodox: 80%
*** Catholic: 4%
*** Traditional Religions: 10%
*** Judaism: 4%
** Diplomacy
*** Aaro-Vedena: We offer peace with you. We should team up against the Svearike menace as they threaten our very way of life, but even if you refuse we still offer peace and allow you to keep some of the land you took.
** Conflicts
*** Svearike: We move our troops away from Vedena and redirect them towards Svearike.
** Military
*** Total: 140k
*** Infantry: 90k
*** Cavalry: 30k
**** Light Cavalry: 15k
**** Heavy Cavalry: 10k
*** Artillery: 10k
*** Navy: 102 Ships
** Events
*** Sibir Trade: We start trading and performing diplomatic relations with the Sibir Khanate.
*** The Treason Line'
**** Olavi Barus: Ambassador to Svearike. Was executed for suspected treason.
**** Lucas Of Varntio: Swedish Merchant. Was executed for suspected treason.
**** Aleksander Bilimar: Keisarian General. Was executed for suspected treason.
**** 23 Other Government Officals were executed
==== Nihon ====
* Government: Feudalism - effective total regional factionalism
** Empress: Han'ei no Mono (Tachibana Kiyo)
** Shogun: Oda Nobunaga (or Hiyori)
* Allies: Ezo, by personal union with Fujiwara; Joseon, defensive military alliance
* Capital: Kyoto
* Demographics:
** Population: 11,231,000
** Ethnicities: Yamatai (79%), Chinese-origin (4%), Joseonese (8%), Syonanese (6%), Other (2%)
** Official Religion: Shinto, with Buddhist influences
* Population Distribution:
** Urban Population:
*** Percentage of total population: 8% (Approx. 900,000)
*** By city (rounded to the nearest 5,000):
**** Edo: 40,000
***** Edo surroundings: 50,000
**** Kyoto: 10,000
***** Kyoto surroundings: 55,000
**** Fukushima: 35,000
***** Fukushima surroundings: 20,000
**** Hiroshima: 25,000
**** Kobe: 15,000
***** Hiroshima-Kobe wider region: 25,000
**** Nagasaki: 25,000
**** Yokohama: 20,000
**** Takaoka: 15,000
**** Niigata: 15,000
**** Izumo-Matsue Au. Region: 25,000
**** Chiba Au. Region: 20,000
**** Others not exceeding 15,000 in population: 590,000
*** By region:
**** Tohoku: 23%
**** Kanto: 21%
**** Kansai: 14%
**** Chubu: 17%
**** Chugoku: 11%
**** Shikoku: 5%
**** Kyushu: 9%
** Rural Population:
*** Percentage of total population: 92% (Approx. 10,000,000)
*** By region:
**** Tohoku: 18%
**** Kanto: 14%
**** Chubu: 19%
**** Kansai: 15%
**** Chugoku: 12%
**** Shikoku: 11%
**** Kyushu: 11%
* Economics:
** Status of the Economy:
*** Value of Gold: While barter has remained one of the biggest methods of trade within the country, gold is the currency by which trade with foreign merchants has been practiced. The main source of gold in Nihon, however, are the Han nations to the East, Kansha and Syonan; it has no actual power over the premier currency it uses. The usage of bronze and copper coins for smaller denominations has become generally more commonplace in urban areas, while barter trade remains common. The national mint is centred in Edo, controlled by the Shogun.
**** Actual monetary value: One ounce of gold can currently buy one hundred sacks of rice (98 kg).
**** Currency:
***** 1-yen coin (copper)
***** 5-yen coin (copper)
***** 10-yen coin (bronze)
***** 100-yen coin (bronze)
***** 1000-yen promissory note (backed in gold)
*** Economic Overview: A significant portion of the Nihonese economy is centred around traditional agriculture, with rice as the national staple of the country; barter trade occurs on a limited communal scale, with the adoption of partial paper and minted currency already having occurred. Small artisanal trades in the fields of writing and artistry have become coveted as prestige symbols; education extends to only roughly 11% of the population, with this small class of artisans a thin sliver of a middle class between the vast majority of the peasantry and the higher nobility.
**** Economic Policy:
***** None - the central government has collapsed. May God save Nihon.
**** Economic Trends:
***** Collapse.
***** Total collapse.
***** Okay, you want a fucking event you absolute monster?
***** Disaster: The Nihonese economy rapidly disintegrates. Everything is going to hell. Peasant rebellions are rife in the South, with Kobe and Izumo being the site of two rebellions specifically; meanwhile, Chiba and Izumo-Matsue, once bastions of stability, now lie in ruin at the hands of Nobunaga, who forcibly integrated them back into Nihon, thus leading to their assets seized by loyalist merchants and them being forced to contend with all sorts of laws that caused inane social tensions.
* Culture:
** Yamatai: The dominant culture on the three main islands, practiced by the vast majority of ethnic Nihonese; it emphasises the importance of self and the privilege of existence. A partly individualistic culture with overtly communal streaks that designates the greatness of finding a specific calling and engaging it with the most effort possible; giving rise to a society that prizes the arts as well as the value of literature. While it does not shun the sciences, they are not often given priority; meanwhile, the military and warriors are given outsized importance against all else. Its envisioning of Shinto has numerous distinct cultural streaks from the nations that existed before Yamato united the three main islands under its own banner; as well as little reminders of the past.
** Ainu: A distinct, unique culture native to Tohoku and Ezo; a kind of communal culture that emphasises the community and a place within that community. It speaks of the importance of discovering a place within society and fulfilling the callings asked of you by others, and that no individual is above the common good. Its adoption of arts and literature is thus comparably limited, but it is the Ainu which have advanced Nihon's science so far, partly due to the fact that they are encouraged to go to school from younger ages (and generally live in more urbanised societies). Their envisioning of Shinto is more akin to a kind of lifestyle, which promotes certain practices and discourages others; one which has, surprisingly, remained largely sturdy for the last 400 years.
** Joseonese-Han: A minority culture arising from the great giants from across the sea; Joseonese-Han is a monstrous beast of mish-mashed cultures, from distinct Han streaks arising almost 600 years ago to the original Xia cultures. It is almost entirely reliant on distinct, tiny Xianist sects and practices a form of Buddhism mixed with Shinto.
* Religion:
** Shinto: A polytheistic, animistic and pantheistic religion which most Nihonese follow. It revolves around the kami - gods/spirits, which are depending on region omnipresent or omniscient. Worship is mainly practiced in household shrines and public shrines, with family shrines more common for political and clan officials. Extreme levels of localisation, with many in the North having strong Ainu streaks while those in Kyushu and Kansha have subtle Han influence.
* Events:
** The Taisho of Nihon [10]:
*** A Loyal Friend and Retainer - 1563-1566: Nobunaga finally defeats the last remnants of the Federation at the Battle of Izumo, where she sacks the city and executes the vast majority of those she considers traitors. This includes much of the city’s nobility, triggering a power vaccuum which she personally fills by having Soryu Ritsuko run the region for a bit. Eventually, however, she pulls one of her two last remaining friends out of the city and has Soryu and Kagetora promoted to Generals of the Nihonese Army, giving them control over the rump forces of Nihon. In the meantime, she finds herself yet again promoting a curious man by the name of Kinoshita Tokichita - born, as he informs her, Hiyoshi-maru. He is as deranged and passionate as they come, and serves as a particularly good retainer to her; regardless, he cannot actually take the position, because the Oda were one of the families to adopt strictly blood-related members of council, and Nobunaga is left without the confirming omamori of her family to properly ascend him to the position. Nevertheless he becomes one of the last three people in Nihon to command personal respect from her, while she begins to look for some kind of spouse to carry on this young legacy of hers. Kitsune, a young, feminine man she finds wandering among the dozens of concubines in her service, she immediately becomes smitten to - some claim she was taken in by his beauty, others say she was seduced - but whatever the case, he becomes her husband soon enough. With this in mind she finds herself more reclusive, unable to take as much action as in her prime; she gives herself three children in these short years - Nobutada, the eldest son, Nobukatsu, the middle-of-age daughter, and Nobutaka, the youngest son. Her empire seems to only be properly shaping up - who knows where it'll take her next...
*** Betrayal by the Greats - Autumn 1568: Nowhere, is the correct answer. Nowhere. At the first meeting she finally has with many of the Daimyo she allied with at the beginning of the war she essentially lays out an ultimatum: end your autonomy, swear fealty to me, restore your men to my control. Although some - Nanbu, for example - acquiesce, the vast majority of the Daimyo instead declare her insane and chase her out of Tokyo. Betrayed, out of options, and wanting to protect what she had gained, she retreats to her territory, with her many allies up and around to give her a defence. Nihon's reunifier - is a unifier no more.
** Nihon's Collapse:
*** Nihon has entered states of total feudalism before. Just as it did during the period before Tomoe-gozen came to power, just as it did in the period preceding Uchiha Tomoko's rise to power. This list and the events surrounding it are not exhaustive - nor do they contain everything required to get a full picture of the situation. Nonetheless, the following is as full a picture as I can give you. Welcome to the full-on, Sengoku Jidai!
**** North:
***** Background: The wider Tohoku area has always been a volatile region in Nihon. Despite being home to almost all of Nihon's people - about 60% - it has traditionally exercised almost no power, with Kyoto being at its centre all the time. This is generally reflected in the origins of most leaders - the Minamoto and Yamato clans both originating from the South, for example. And while that isn't inevitable, of the region's conquerors, Oda Nobunaga claims quite a Southern lineage, while Otsuya no Kata, also of Oda fame (sister of Nobuhide) controls the Toyama clan. Tohoku is also the home to the Ainu, who possess a great much power in their influence, maintaining their customs in the far North in conjunction with their brothers and sisters in Hokkaido.
***** Clans: 
****** Nanbu (split into two families, the Nanbu and the Ainu Sunazawa): Occupying the Northmost bits of Tohoku. Notoriously peaceful. The Nanbu family has pledged its loyalty to Oda Nobunaga.
******* Central Fort: Aomori
****** Akita: Occupying modern-day Akita province. Friendly to Nobunaga and her forces; formerly a sub-clan of the Odawara.
******* Central Fort: Akita
****** Mogami (split into several families, but with one single ruling one): Occupies OTL Yamagata, northern Miyagi and southern Iwate provinces. Formerly head of the greater Mogami clan, now a series of rump families pushed into Iwate.
******* Central Fort: Sendai
****** Date: Occupies OTL southern Miyagi province. In an alliance with the Mogami via personal union.
******* Central Fort: Yamagata
****** Oda-Uesugi: The Oda and Uesugi union, formally in control of Nihon. Secured via 'personal union' between Oda Nobunaga and Uesugi Kagetora, although the marriage is entirely farcical and not actually practiced by either side. Arguably the most powerful clan in the region, if not for the presence of the Tachibana. Its Oda side has a direct claim to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
******* Central Fort: Kashiwazaki
****** Ashina: Occupies OTL Western Fukushima Province. A minor clan in alliance with the Tachibana, in a tenuous union between two highly divided families.
******* Central Fort: Utsunomiya
****** Shimotsuke: Occupies OTL Tochigi for the most part. A smaller neutral clan with sympathies towards the Oda-Uesugi.
******* Central Fort: Oyama
****** Hitachi: Occupies OTL Ibaraki. A mostly Ainu clan in alliance with the Tachibana; keeps itself restricted to its own territory for the most part.
******* Central Fort: Hitachinaka
****** Shimosa: Occupies a tiny section of OTL Chiba. A clan that isn't really a clan due to most of the family being branches of the Tachibana and Hitachi.
******* Central Fort: None
****** Tachibana: The former Kingdom of Tachibana, now reduced in size but still powerful. Main families: the Musashi, the Satake, and Fujiwara. Rather powerful due to its size and population, although stripped of much of its resources over the years. It is one of the direct descendants of Himiko no Ichiban and has a direct claim to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
******* Central Fort: Tokyo (capital of Nihon)
****** Sagami: Occupies OTL East Shizuoka. In alliance with the Tachibana. Merchant clan with strong naval presence.
******* Central Fort: Shimoda
****** Satomi: Occupies OTL Chiba. Neutral.
******* Central Fort: None
****** Nagao: Occupies OTL Gunma. In alliance with the Oda-Uesugi. Hostile sympathies towards the Tachibana.
******* Central Fort: Iseyaki
****** Kotsuke: Occupies OTL Northwest Nagano province. Neutral.
******* Central Fort: None
****** The Tachibana and Oda-Uesugi are currently in an alliance.
***** Events: 
****** Tachibana becomes the new Imperial Family, with Tachibana Kiyo in particular being forced to take the name Yamato no Kiyo as the new Empress of Nihon. She is generally unpopular, and discovers very quickly how little anyone wants her there.
****** Unsure of the sanity of Oda Nobunaga, most of the Northern clans make an alliance to expel her from her territory in Tohoku to Nagoya. The few that refuse, such as the Nanbu under Onamihime, still refrain from taking any action against this newfound coalition.
**** Centre:
***** Background: The Centre of Nihon has constantly been a wild-card. It at times has been far more stable and at times has resembled a series of paint-splatters across the wall; it, however, is the centre of any attempt to unite the Nihonese isles. Its military clans are partially centred here, with samurai prolifically emerging from it; the constant shifting of power dynamics in this region making it far more attractive to strategically adept persons.
***** Clans:
****** Takeda: OTL South Nagano + Easterly Shizuoka provinces. Military clan, unfriendly to Nobunaga. One of the more powerful clans in the region. In an alliance with the Matsudaira and on friendly terms with the Ashikaga. Consists of the Shinano and Kai families.
******* Central Fort: Iido 
****** Mastudaira: OTL West Shizuoka Province. Also a military clan unfriedly to Nobunaga, although substantially less powerful. In an alliance with the Takeda and on friendly terms with the Tachibana. Consists of the Tokugawa and Imagawa clans. 
******* Central Fort: Hamamatsu 
****** Oda: OTL Nagoya and surroundings. Part of the Oda-Uesugi clan, see above description. 
******* Central Fort: Nagoya 
****** Echizen: OTL Coastal Ishikawa and Fukui provinces. Informally part of the old Shiba family. In an alliance with the Miki and Mino. 
******* Central Fort: Kanazawa 
****** Miki: OTL Toyama province. Informally part of the old Shiba family. In an alliance with the Echizen and Mino, the latter of which it has a personal union with. 
******* Central Fort: Takaoka 
****** Mino: OTL Shiga province. Informally part of the old Shiba family. In an alliance with the Echizen and Miki. 
******* Central Fort: None 
****** Ise: OTL Mie province. Neutral. Prolific blacksmithing clan. 
******* Central Fort: Nakatsugawa 
****** Kii: OTL Wakayama province. Neutral. The Kii and Awaji families come from this.
******* Central Fort: None 
****** Yamato: OTL Nara province. Friendly towards the Matsudaira clan. 
******* Central Fort: None 
****** Hyogo: OTL Osaka province, contains both Osaka and Kyoto. One of the most powerful clans in the region purely by population, friendly towards the Tanba clan.  
******* Central Fort: Kyoto (Symbolic capital) 
****** There are no other notable inter-clan alliances as of current.
***** Events: 
****** Hyogo and Tanba agree to consolidate their forces as newfound allies. To seal the deal, the last remaining direct descendant of the Minamoto clan, Minamoto no Setsu, is married to the de facto governor of Osaka. This makes them newfound power-players in the region. 
****** Matsudaira and Takeda, already having turned tense relations-wise due to fumblings during the collapse of the Northern Wall, begin a small skirmish along the Tenryu River. Outnumbered, the Takeda pull off an astounding victory under the leadership of Akechi Mitsuhide, a little-known samurai previously serving as a bodyguard for the Empress. 
**** South:
***** Background: The South has always been the most politically stable bit of Nihon - but that doesn't mean it's actually stable. As the main trade route for most of Nihon it has always held outsized power over its currency, its politics and more, but it is also the direct contact point for any kind of foreign power. Tanegashima was where the Agoustans landed, Nagasaki is a Syonanese haven, and more - and because of that, the South, once a bastion of stability, may no longer be in the cards as king...
***** Clans: 
****** Tanba: OTL Hyogo province. Minor branch of the Minamoto clan and the only one with no associations with the Kanzaki; reasonably powerful as the inheritor of the last remaining professional military forces in Nihon. 
******* Central Fort: Kobe 
****** Hariba: [info to be added later] 
****** Inaba: 
****** Bingo: 
****** Izumo: 
****** Iwumo:
****** Mori: 
****** Choshu: 
****** Sanuki: 
****** Awa: 
****** Tosa: 
****** Saioni:
****** Iyo:
****** Bungo: 
****** Satsuma: 
Notable People:
* 1401-1473 [The Last Days of the Heian]:
** Uchiha Tomoko (1387 - 1469) [deceased]: Head of the Yamatai faction during the Civil War and later Empress (1412-1469) under the name 'Uchiha no Ichiban'.
** Mori Kyoko (1378 - 1473) [deceased]: One of the two heads of the Peoples' League during the Civil War, later Speaker of the National Convention unopposed until death. Spouse: Kido Mirio.
** Hori Shizuku (1377 - 1456) [deceased]: The other head of the Peoples' League, a minor political player in Hiroshima after the war. Committed suicide under threat of involuntary execution.
** Midoriya Kaitou (1383 - 1472) [deceased]: A minor player in the Civil War who gained popularity as a capable administrator. Birth name Zhang Kaisheng. Spouse: Midoriya Yuki.
** Seishiro Kirie (1381 - 1463) [deceased]: One of the heads of the Outsiders who found herself alienated from her hometown in her pursuit of political unity. Became a remarkable writer, writing works such as The Use of War, a critical book on the purpose of strife. Spouse: Bakushi Yona.
** Bakushi Yona (1380 - 1463) [deceased]: A Yamatai-Eskosian, best known for fighting for the political rights of the tiny Eskosian minority in Nihon. Became a political kingmaker after the war. Spouse: Seishiro Kirie.
** Hu Jin-Yo (1376 - 1462) [deceased]: A Joseon-Yamatai, best known as a Joseonese reunificationist who participated in a minor role during the Civil War. Afterwards, provided much financial support to the Nihonese army advancing in Kyongsong before dying in a tragic accident.
** Kanzaki Izuku (1394 - 1489) [deceased]: First Shogun then Taisho, well known for unconventional military tactics that precipitated asymmetrical warfare against enemy forces. Lived a relatively stunted life afterwards, travelled into Joseon and participated in its war against Kyongsong before travelling West in hopes of retracing the steps of Bulijin Khatun, a dream promptly foiled. Spouse: Yonekura Hiyori.
** Nishimiya Asuka (1372 - 1479) [deceased]: Shogun after her predecessor Kanzaki was passed over due to ignoring the Empress, she became something of a despot and massively expanded the powers of the military as well as a small secret police under the direction of Empress Uchiha and Speaker Mori. Lived a quiet, nondescript life. Spouse: Ryuzoji Mirio.
* 1474 - 1523 [The Brief Bakufu]
** Uchiha Ryu (1467 - 1512) [deceased]: Adopted son of Empress Uchiha, originally groomed to be an apt successor of hers; he was soon convinced to take another path by the Regent. Overthrown in 1487.
** Senjougahara Ryuko (1459 - 1489) [deceased]: Popular regent originally meant to become successor to Uchiha, eventually sidelined. With a massive amount of political power, however, she pulled strings to keep herself as Regent and manipulated the new Emperor as she wished. Murdered by an assassin.
** Senmyaku Hyo-in (1436 - 1486) [deceased]: Powerful orator of the Dochaku who advocated for their betterment. Eventually sidelined due to the maneuvring of Empress Uchiha.
** Yamagata Jiro (1461 - 1503) [deceased]: An upstart military man who became Shogun at the behest of the late Nishimiya Asuka. Soon evolved into a broadly popular political figure who usurped the throne from Uchiha Ryu, but his ambitions overcame him and he was deposed after attempting to re-consolidate power.
** Kanzaki Noriko (1467 - ??): Nationalist despot intent on restoring Nihon to political unitarism. She quickly exploited her way through the chaos of rapid decentralisation to insert herself as the effective leader of Nihon in just one and a half decades, essentially unchallenged.
* 1524 - ?? [Sengoku Jidai]
** Oda Nobuhide (1499 - 1543) [Deceased]: Minor yet influential political figure of the exiled main family of the Oda clan. Killed by mistake.
** Takagi Anzu (1497 - ??): Adopted daughter of Kanzaki Noriko, adept fighter, eventually, Nihonese Empress. Fled to Kansha.
** Oda Nobunaga (1534 - ??): The vengeful daughter of Nobuhide; a furious orator and military genius. Eventually Shogun and de facto leader of Nihon, but she found herself sidelined by most and was promptly betrayed by many of the daimyo she had returned to power.
** Uesugi Kagetora (1531 - ??): 
** Kinoshita Tokichiro (1542 - ??): 
* Kanzaki Family: From a minor clan in old Minamoto arose one of the defining political and military families of the early Bakufu. This chronicles its most famous members.
** First Generation: 
*** Izuku (1394 - 1489): Grandfather of the entire family. Began the Kanzaki name by abandoning usage of the old Minamoto clan name and rising as first a potential Emperor before becoming one of the most prolific generals in Nihon's history. However, his attempts at glory were foiled and eventually he gave up, passing his life's work to a strange girl who might just get some use out of it. 
** Third Generation: 
*** Setsuna (1482 - ??): Another third generation'er; she went missing in Syonan before being discovered as Noriko travelled to it. Made head of the Nihonese Southern Company. Spouse: Souji Nakamura.
*** Noriko (1467 - 1560): Two generations later, a bored Shinto temple head turned trainer turned puppet master. Exploited the political weaknesses of the political system to make herself a de facto leader, first head of the Kanzaki Clan. Charted the family's rise to prominence and eventually the family's dominance for a few decades; began her ascent hoping to salvage the family name but eventually became a radical republican dead set on changing the world as we know it. Died at the hands of Oda Nobunaga.
* Oda Family: A descendant of the Minamoto as well, the Oda rose up in opposition to the Kanzaki - and won out, going on to define much of the rest of Nihonese history. This chronicles its most famous members. 
** First Generation:
*** Oda Nobuhide (1499 - 1543): His quest for revenge began the family's ascent to power. He finished none of it, trusting in a person that never returned his trust; yet, he would be remembered for what little he had done. 
** Second Generation: 
*** Nobunaga (1533 - ??): 
*** Nobuhiro (1534 - ??): 
*** Nobuyuki (1534 - ??):
*** Meiyo-ko (Hina) (1535 - ??):
** Third Generation: 
=== Turn XXXV: 1570-1575 ===
==== Mod Event ====
*Amber Bear: Despite the plea of advisors around him, Andrus did not budge in his attempts to get rid of Svearike. As the war continued and the losses continued to mount, this drive a longer gap in his relationship between the nobles, the people, and himself. Note, around this time, Andrus had a few children by now when his wife used to be alive. One day, some time after Andrus had dinner and is preparing for bed, he suddenly felt weak. He experienced a loss of balance and threw up shortly after. Physicians rushed to his chambers to examine the sickly despot. After Andrus asked what is wrong, physicians eventually came to the conclusion Andrus experienced poisoning. Later physicians afterwards would clarify it was food poisoning, however the communication error became one of the greatest mistakes in history. Andrus knew that there were growing factions trying to supplant him ever since he entered the ever growing costly war against Svearike in the north. With the despot now believing that the attempted poisoning was likely perpetrated by enemy factions, Andrus decided to carry out one of the most horrible acts. He sent men and soldiers after nobles and other influential figures who has not proved loyalty to the despot (one of the reasons for suspicion, with a strong possbility of being purged, was disapproval of the war). It didn't help that when confronted, the main chef that prepared the food was disapproving of the war (as his son died there). This act drove his apprentice, Vallen Drahoman, to break with his mentor. Andrus had experienced loss, the responsibility and blood was on his hands. But the difference being was that it could be an accident, or even justified. But now, such acts of treachery now was undeniably intended and on purpose.
*Steel Stallion: Vallen has been worried about his mentor for the past few years. He is not an expert on the health of mind, but he knows there is something wrong with Andrus. On the surface, Andrus is a very strong despot, but since Vallen had been his apprentice for a while now, he knew of his mentors' deteriorating health. He knew that his mentor is going in a questionable direction, especially ever since the war with Svearike happened. It did not help that certain factions were rumored to try to take him out. Vallen considers this to be too far... not until Andrus' purge. Now the rooms are just a bit emptier, and it was unsettling to Andrus. He was horrified of his mentor's actions. To think this is the person that taught him virtues of life? On 1575, Vallen received a letter, when asked about it, the messager does not know. This is suspicious. When he finally sat down and read the letter, he found it... disturbing. The letter basically, though a bit veiled, a coup towards the despot. It then lists the reasons why the replacement of the despot should happen, and the consequences of the lack of replacement. The perpetrators do not seek to take Keisaria down, but rather replace the ruler with someone related to his bloodline. Chaos would be the last thing they would seek. Vallen considers whether to take this to Andrus or not.
*The Four Little Khans: Sarnai, Jangsai (or Khangsai), Toghrul, and Amani were quadruplets of Bulilun. Growing up, they were the talk of the palace. There were four of them, but there is only one chair. Who would be the one for the throne? That was something they agreed in their minds that shouldn't come until later. But WERE on their minds, however, were the stories of the fate of the "Last Horseman", the last of the Great Khans in the era of the four great Horseman Empires (aka the Great Khans). They came to know her as Taihou Khatun, wife and co-ruler of the Altaics alongside Dogar Khan. The legend of her fleeing out west and disappearing was one of the tales of the Third Daevite Empire. The group decided that, when they were older, they would go out and try to find her themselves. (Though, secretly, each of them were trying to prove their worth for throne.)
*The War in the East: Svearike had a long and vigorous campaign to fight against an army that is practically bigger than them. But they have one advantage; the quality of troops and knowledge of the terrain. Not to mention, their tactics and discipline were well-grounded and "modern" by then. After years of effort, they managed to push the Keisarians out of their lands by 1573, throwing them down to Kiaranlahti by 1575, putting the great city under siege. Meanwhile, Commonwealth forces decidedly pushed north to capture towns and cities (with exception of OTL Estonia), taking advantage of Keisaria's divided attention, all the way towards Varntio. However, Keisarian forces do manage to push Commonwealth forces away from Mustajoki.
*Rise of France and Westria: With French growing ever more confident in their abilities after recently recovering. Over the past decades, they were wise enough to stay out of most major European affairs as they rebuild themselves from the Two-Hundred Years war. However, with their recent success against Hispania in grabbing Avoyelle (OTL Louisiana) they become ever more emboldened in their success, they are ready to get back into the spotlight as a major world power. Their main obstacle for this is pretty certain, as another power is rising alongside them. France's eyes turning towards Westria. Meanwhile in Westria, their recent acquisition of Boiheim and City of Eskos' fall to the Atoumans resulted in Westria (and to an extent, the Avaro-Vedenian Commonwealth) as Europe's protector.
*First Italian War: Due to the rise of both France and Westria, so does their need for influence (and over each other). France wishes to establish more influence over the northern Italian states (without directly controlling them, but they would like to wrestle control from Westria's sphere of influence via trade and connections). With Atouman's recent conflict with Venice, this inspire France to try to do the same. This causes a problem with Westria, who sees itself as protector of the northern Italian and a bulwark against protestantism, not France (it did not help France was in a civil war between Protestant and Catholic forces). This results in several proxy conflicts where Italians leaders are repeatedly replaced by Pro-Westrian and Pro-French "influencers", sometimes French or Westrian support pours in.
*The Great Wordsmith: Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he was baptised on 1564, William Shakespeare was the son of John Shakespeare, an alderman and a successful glover (glove-maker) originally from Snitterfield, and Mary Arden, the daughter of an affluent landowning farmer. His date of birth is unknown, but is traditionally observed on 23 April. He had a talent for literature at a very young age. Those around him began to take notice of the sharp boy.
*Fall of Eskos (City): In 1568, the siege of the city of Eskos was one of the most iconic Sieges in history. Several leaders on both sides, including Ioxamander of the Atoumans and Louisa of Boiheim, participated in the bloody siege. This resulted in the death of several rulers and commanders, including Ioxamander and Louisa. The battle also ended in the victory for Atouman forces. This sent shockwaves throughout Europe and Eskos' future is thrown into uncertainty, the Crown is considering negotiations. With Avaro-Vedena uninterested in the fight against Atoumans (as they are busy with Keisaria and other affairs) Europe would increasingly look towards the nearest power to challenge the Atoumans (that actually makes sense); Westria.
*Rise of the Snaphaunce: Additional upgrades to the Snaplock were made by the Pietro Beretta Gun Company (also known as the Beretta Company) since 1560, but did not gain popularity until recently. It is still is associated with the Snaplock as an umbrella term, but it brought slight improvements to the design. (though in future RPs, they will fall under snaplock)
*Hussite Revolts: With the ascension of the Holy Roman Emperor on the throne of Boiheim, Hussite proponents and believers, who have seen a recent resurgence due to an empowered Reformation, saw the takeover as a detriment to their way of belief, and sought to remove Westria from power. Revolts break out in the capital city of Königgratz and Reiksberg, led by nobles dissastified with the situation and Hussite adherents, both uniting for a single goal: demand the Archduke of Westria to abdicate from the Boiheimen throne.
*Svearike Church Ordinance 1571: It was the first complete Svearike church order following the Svearike Reformation in the 1520s. The Svearike Church Ordinance of 1571 also proclaimed the need of a schooling system. To benefit trade, craftsmanship and commerce in the cities, the city inhabitants were to have schools for every city child, both boys and girls, to learn how to read, write and count as well as how to manage some kind of basic commercial skill. Girls as well as boys were to be included; no schools for girls were founded, but it became common for girls to be included in the city schools first classes.
*The Holy League: The Holy League of 1571 was arranged by Pope Pius V and included the major Catholic maritime states in the Mediterranean (except France). It was intended to break the Atouman Empire’s control of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, allowing the Hispanians, Papal States, Venice, Genoa, Malta, Tuscany, and other northern Italian states to (though, French interference has hindered their efforts a bit). Their success was recorded in the famous battle of Lepanto, a naval engagement against the Atouman forces off of Greece, which the Holy League had won.
====NPC Turns====
*Boiheim: Their queen chooses to help with the defense of Escosia. Queen Louisa of Boiheim was decisively defeated in the Siege of Eskos by the hands of Atouman forces and subsequently died. As per contract, if there are no other successors, the rule of the kingdom should fall under one of the Hohenstaufen. The Bohemian estates elected the Westrian ruler to succeed Louisa as ruler of Bohemia. Westria would accept, choosing to integrate Boiheim into their realm.
*Westria: With the rise of the Atouman threat, they see themselves as increasingly the protectors of Catholicism (and to an extent Christian Europe), with their integration of Boiheim, they gathered more strength for the fight.
*France: In reaction to the recent ceasefire, Catholic confraternities and leagues sprang up across the country in defiance of the law throughout the summer of 1568. Huguenot leaders such as Condé and Coligny fled court in fear for their lives, many of their followers were murdered, and in September, the Edict of Saint-Maur revoked the freedom of Huguenots to worship. Rumor has it that the Dutch led an army into France to support their fellow protestants, but were paid to leave after. The Huguenots actually gathered a formidable army under the command of Condé, aided by forces from south-east France, led by Paul de Mouvans, and a contingent of fellow Protestant militias from Germany — including 14,000 mercenary reiters (German Pistoliers). The Protestant army laid siege to several cities in the Poitou and Saintonge regions (to protect La Rochelle), and then Angoulême and Cognac. The Huguenots had some success pushing westward. Iit was a nominal victory for the Huguenots, but they were unable to seize control of region of Poitou and were soundly defeated at the Battle of Moncontour (30 October 1569)
*Vinland: They begin a campaign of bringing Amaiqac tribes into the Thanedom peacefully. Several tribes join and the usual infighting amongst the tribes ensues, with Vinland interfering militarily, taking control of yet more tribal lands.
*Huanca: In 1572, they conquer the neo-Wankan state of Qusqu, finally ending the remants of the Wankan Empire. A few years later, the Viceroys of Huanca conquers Chacharuil-smu, adding the region of Ereskia (OTL Chile) to their land.
*Hispania: They arrive and make contact with the Syonanese.
*Vesnia: They increasingly see themselves as the bulwark of the survival of Protestantism in central Europe.
*Avaro-Vedena: They accept the offer for non-aggression pact with the Atoumans this turn, they are not really interested in dividing their own attention with affairs of others at the moment (especially when they have their own internal issues with heresies, others rivals, and wars).
*Tsang: They successfully invade and take over more land in the Third Daevite Empire (approximately to the borders of OTL Tibet), an embarrassment for the Third Daevite Empire.
==== Kingdom of Galatoi ====
* Government: Monarchy.
** Heir: Macareus Aendarus (born in 1560).
** King: Isarnus Aendarus (1552-nowadays). Isarnus, which means "Iron" in Galatoin, is the only son of Magnurius. Since childhood, Isarnus was interested in war and fights and he later studied military science in Mauretania. Isarnus is well-respected in the military and among artists.
** Magnurius Aendarus (1531-1552). Magnurius was the only relative to the former king of Galatoi, who passed away in 1530. He was coronated in the times of peace, and peace he promised, and peace he brought. Since then, the new dynasty shall reign: the Aendarus family. 
** Local lord is a title given by the King to the appointees who are granted almost absolute power over the region they are assigned to govern.
**# Blue Galatoi is governed directly by the King himself. It is the homeland of all the Galatoins, the most influential regon in the kingdom. Advorix is, the biggest commercial, religious and political center of Galatoi and its capital. In addition, the city of Donnius is a major naval port and also a center of slave trade in Galatoi. 
**# Velitia is governed by Taurina, a wealthy slave trader, who also commisioned the reconstruction of the University of Velitia. Velitia is also a major religious and commercial centre of the region. 
**# Baccuso is governed by Albus, one of the allies of Isarnus and a prominent military general, who managed to help defeat the theocratic regime there. Unfortunately, the Baccuso region was damaged the most by the Civil War as the peasants there often experience hunger close to starvation and Baccuso as a city keeps shrinking in size and importance. 
**# Ghana is the most recent region incoporated directly into the kingdom as it was a tributary of Galatoi before the childless king died. Now it is governed by Agisillus, a wealthy noble, military general, and a slave trader (three-in-one). The people of this region are not fond of the King and the local lord, however their dissatisfaction is nowhere near to turn into a revolt or uprising. 
**# Ballou is the second smallest region of Galatoi and little can be told about it. It is currently governed by Cassicia, the daughter of Isarnus. 
**# Baoul is the smallest region of Galatoi. On the other, it is an important strategic place as it shares borders with tje kingdom of Djenne. A lot of military bases take place there and it has quite an advanced logistics system to supply the troops in times of war. It is governed by Tritos, a famous military strategist and engineer, and the best friend of Isarnus. 
**# The people of Kayes are neither Galatoin, nor do they follow Ateuritism. However, Remicus, the local lord of the region, is a religious fanatic to say the least. He opresses the rights of religious minorities and forbids them to take part in trading and governing. Isarnus does not like the policies of Remicus, but he cannot find a better alternative to him. 
**# Unlike, Kayes, the governor of Boke, Dannonus, was born there and respects the people of the region and their heritage, though he still aloows the construction of saturday schools there. 
* The economy of Galatoi is still devastated by the civil war and the recent conquests by the King during the 1560s although it has recovered slightly since then. On the other hand, the Atlantic Slabe Trade made it possible for slaveowners to profit and become major landowners that partially replaced the local lords that were appointed by Magnurius. In addition, during the Iron Conquests, two big goldmines were taken over by the King, so the gold trade was renewed in the region. The local lords appointed by Isarnus introduce local taxes on trade and certain goods, which further fragmentises the economic system of Galatoi. 
* Capital: Advorix
* Demographics: The population of the kingdom is around 3 million people. The population of Blue Galatoi is approximately one million people, most of them (95%) live in rural areas.
** Advorix is the capital and the biggest city of Galatoi. It is the commercial, political, cultural, and religious center of the region, including the slave trade. It was also the center of the Advorix Church before the civil war.
** Although Velitia was the center of the theocratic regime that opposed the King during the Civil War and shrank in size significantly since then, it is still one of the biggest cities of Galatoi and also a major religious center of the region. In addition, since the University of Velitia has been rebuilt, Velitia managed to regain its status of scientific powerhouse of the region.
** Baccuso is one of the oldest cities in the history of Galatoi, thus an important political center, but also a major naval port.
** Saminia is one of the major commercial and political centers in the region, rivaling with Advorix.
** The location of Donnius made it the biggest naval port of Galatoi and it is home to thousands of sailors. It is also a center of slave trade in Galatoi.
* Religions:
** Ateuritism is the main religion of Galatoi, which has been the integral part of this country for centuries. However, as a result of the recent Civil War, the influence of the Church in the society has been significantly reduced by the King and the nobility. The regions of Alluci (where the tribes that would become Galatoi moved before Valcanor separated them) and Lutetia (around Paris, the ancient original home of the would-be Galatoi) are considered to be the holy sites of Ateuritism, and thousands of people go there on a piligrimage. There is one supreme God, called Vallus (which is the documented name of a chieftain, who led the Gaulic migrating tribes to their new home after they were separated by the original Kingdom of Valcanor.) It is believed that he created 9 other gods to maintain the balance of the world. But 3 of them went on an evil path and another 3 chose to stay between good and evil and not take a side. This led on an axis based on Law-Chaos and Good-Evil being created for the gods:
*** Good bloc: Atregtius (Lawful Good, God of Justice and Righteousness), Sedia (Neutral Good, Goddess of Practicality and Regulation), Butiro (Chaotic Good, God of Freedom and Self-Defense).
*** Neutral bloc: Vicana (Lawful Neutral, Goddess of Order and Settling), Leuceni (True Neutral, God of Instinct and Apathy), Albic (Chaotic Neutral, God of Individuality and Debauchery).
*** Evil bloc: Trita (Lawful Evil, Goddess of Extortion and Hierarchy), Maglubix (Neutral Evil, God of Greed and Ambition), Sacrovirus (Chaotic Evil, God of Senseless Destruction and Chronic Slaughter)
** Both Arzham and Christianity have presence in several regions of Galatoi, but their influence in the society is nowehere near the one of Ateuritism.
** There are hundreds, if not thousands local pagan religions across the country and despite each having a small following, they make up a big portion of population in general. Since the introduction of Satuday schools and the relative success of Inquisition, Ateuritism slowly spreads there, absorbing one village after another.
* Military: 15'000 troops, a big share of them are slaves. Cavalry is also present but in small numbers. Isarnus opened the very first professional military academy in Advorix in 1554, similar to the one in Mauretania where he studied military science.
* Events:
** Homoeroticism: Homoeroticism has become noticeable in Galatoin mythology and art. Artists, writers and poets use characters in their works of art to express a variety of feelings and situations and male deities of Ateuritism are paired in stories. In different regions, different pairs were used, which caused tensions between worshippers from different regions of Galatoi. However, in 1569, the Advorix Church published the "Velitia Edicts", in which allows the usage of certain "pairings", officialy declaring them canon (such as LeuTius, Leuceni, God of Instinct and Apathy + Atregtius, God of Justice and Righteousness), and forbids the usage of many other "pairings" (such as LeuVirus, Leuceni, God of Instinct and Apathy + Sacravirus, God of Senseless Destruction).
** Atlantic Slave Trade: Since the Atlantic Slave Trade emerged, the slaveowners in Galatoi now have access to the markets in the Americas as a source of new profit. As the economy was severely ruined as a result of the Civil War and further conquests by the King, the new social class of major landowners who profited from the slave trade with Europeans (Agoustans, mostly) emerged. In fact, they became so powerful, that they managed to put enough pressure on the King to sign certain trade agreements with Agousta. On the other, it also means that a much bigger standing army can be maintained and the royal treasury can be filled to secure the stable position of the kingdom.
** Saturday Schools: across the country, simple educational facilites commonly called "Saturday schools" (because they work only on Saturdays). At saturday schools children and teens are taught how to read and the basics of writing, but most importantly, they are taught Ateuritism.
==== Kingdom of Imerina | Empire of Matagaskar ====
* Government: Imperial Feudal Monarchy
** Monarch: Queen Rafohy (B 1528 D 1572 - Age 44) (R 1552 - 1572), King/Emperor Andriamanelo (B 1546 - Age 23, alive) (R 1572 - Present)
** Consort: Queen/Empress Ramaitsoanala (B 1546 - Age 23, alive)
** King Dowager (and head of the Fossa Warriors): King Razakatsitakatrandriana (B 1527 - Age 47, alive) (C 1547 - Present)
** Ruling Dynasty: Hova (Ndahimananjara branch of Ammagari)
** Order of Succession: Prince Ralambo (B 1566 - Age 8, alive), Prince Andrianjaka (B 1571 - Age 3, alive), Princess Rasolobe (B 1556 - Age 18, alive), Prince Manelobe (B 1529 - Age 45, alive), (his children), Princess Ravoamasina (B 1535 - Age 39, alive), (her children), Prince Andrianakotrina [son of Andriamihaja] (B 1519 - Age 55, alive), Prince Andriatanjany (B 1541 - Age 33, alive)...
* Economy: The economy of Imerina is based mainly on agriculture and fishing, there's also trade going on with the Swahili and various peoples on our home island including the other Malagasy states of Betsimisaraka (even though relations are strained at this point), Mahafaly and Bara. The Merina economy stands as one of the strongest and most developed in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, mostly due to the effect of foreign contact. Imerina has started to influence other states through trade and the like.
* Allies: N/A
* Capital: Mahajanga
* Demographics:
** Population: ca 602 000 total
** Mahajanga: 9 700
** Toamasina: 4 150
** Analamanga: 2 400
** Ambanja: 2 250
** Morafenobe: 1 900
** Manakara
** Toliara
** Rural regions: ca 582 000
** Ethnicities: 88% Malagasy (divided into 48% Merina and 42% others such as Betsimisaraka, Sakalava, Tsimihety, Sihanaka, Antankarana etc.), 6% Komoro Natives (Swahili), 5% Adnanite
** Religion: 79% Tombovelan Zoroastrianism, 21% Haintenism (traditional Merina folklore)
* Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
** Conquest of Betsimisaraka: This should be quite simple, for obvious reasons. Our main matters in terms of tactics is protecting Analamanga due to its close proximity to the border and to put pressure on Manakara. Since they will try to defend it vehemently, we can overwhelm them by invading other regions. By sending a sizeable force of around 1 000 units to put pressure on their capital, we can distract them and send the other units at our disposal through the north and south to overwhelm them. With a sufficient force we can besiege Manakara and take it which will spell victory for us. If things go good for us it shouldn't take a maximum of maybe two years for our victory and conquest.
* Military: Due to Imerina being a rural realm, a large amount of units can be raised for warfare, but usually about 1% of the population is the most trained and prepared soldiers that can be drafted. Parentheses means the deployed units in cases where not all units are deployed for war.
** Deployed units: All
** Total: 5 550
** 1 800 Spearmen
** 500 Swordsmen
** 400 Bowmen
** 1 850 Crossbowmen
** 800 Light Cavalry
** 200 Fossa Warriors
* Navy:
** 10 Adananita class ships
** 7 Mer'ana class ships
** 8 transport ships
* Diplomacy:
** Betsimisaraka: Sorry, but we must cease your existence. (War declared in 1573)
** Mahafaly: The unification of this island is near, join us peacefully and thrive. You know what happened to Bara...
** Mutapa: We offer you some of our knowledge and technology, in return give us some money and also recognize the Zoroastrian minority in your lands.
** Mtende, Pemba, Bangalla, Nipele and Mutapa: Regular Zoroastrian missionaries (NOT the Order of Sihanaka) are sent to their coastlines.
* Events:
** After a Queen, Another (and Andriamanelo) (five, finale): Treading closer to unification, preparations for war started, however something did get in the way. Even in her 40s Rafohy became pregnant with another child, but something went wrong, very wrong. The king's wife ended up severely ill after a terrible miscarriage. Rafohy would pass away from the illness in 1572, her life cut just short. Andriamanelo thus ascends as king. Just before she died Rafohy told her son to "finish what has been started". Her son was obviously quite distraught over the death of his mother and almost immediately after ascending and being done with all the ceremonies and all that he began his plans on the remaining states on the island. Assuming all goes well and Matagasykara is unified by 1575, Andriamanelo would declare himself Emperor over the island. The Kingdom of Imerina (Fanjankan'Imerina) becomes the Empire of Matagaskar (Fanjakan'i Matagasykara).
** Order of Sihanaka: The order continues to have presence on the island, mostly in Imerina because we are the largest state, but the order does start to operate its conversions and other religious work within Mahafaly and Betsimisaraka (up until war time)
** Ultimatum to Mahafaly: An ultimatum like the one sent to Bara is sent to Mahafaly. Although we do not threaten invasion, we hint at the previous war against Bara to influence their decision.
** Other Stuff to Mutapa: Contact between Matagasykara and the Swahili coast and other parts of the East African coast has gone on for several decades and with growing power, Imerina has reached out more and more, with a kickstart of religious influence starting through direct missionary work. Mutapa is a state that we've taken up quite a bit of contact with, we've introduced our alphabet to them and Zoroastrian missionaries have started to bring our religion to them, mainly the merchants first due to trade links. Other things we possess are brought, like more modern technologies for agriculture, some crops and animals found in Matagasykara as well as more Zoroastrian texts and stuff regarding writing and reading.
** Increasing Population: From living standards increasing (by medieval standards) as well as expansion, our population has increased by quite the margin. This will also increase should Mahafaly be annexed and Betsimisaraka be conquered. The city of Moroni is founded as well, on the island of Ngazija (Grande Comore, it's the same location as otl Moroni, capital of the Comoros).
** Post-war Expeditions: Following the end of the war (presumably in 1575), expeditions eastwards into the sea are done, in order to get a better view of the region in general.
====Dragon's Fire | "De Kaap" (Cape)====
*Leadership Structure (last update?): There has been major restructuring since the advent of the Dutch Revolt. Though they are almost isolated from domestic affairs aside from actively supporting the revolt because the organisation was founded on the basis of dissenting and expressing anti-Westrian sentiment among fellow Dutchmen, the organisation already has a set goal of departing the Netherlands before 1575 at best after a polarising vote that saw the organisation becoming further fractured during the revolt and the company potentially become entirely privatised (the privatisation of the company is not happening yet, there has to be negotiation around transport ships and the caravels that the organisation wants to keep). The Grand Dragon, of course, remains the dominant leader, with most power being handed to him. 
**Grand Dragon:
***Mechiel Tangelder (b. 1480 - d. 1549, office 1502 - 1542)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502 - d. 1570, office since 1542 - 1559)
***Lars Hatgers (b. 1515, office since 1558)
**Representative of the Grand Dragon:
***Hubert Bodde (b. 1473 - d. 1536, office c. early 1510s - 1536)
***Koen van der Wel (b. 1502 - d. [1570], office 1536 - 1546) - abolished
**Operator (Financier):
***Gert Rutters (b. 1499 - 1562, office 1530 - 1562)
***Rogier Saggers (b. 1526 - d. [1581], office since 1562 - 1570) - abolished
**Senior Chiefs: Four figures
*Government: A provisional government was established in place upon the settlement of Kaapstad as a provisional outpost and settlement initially. Leadership of the Dragon's Fire remains predominant and for now, the organisation is still mainly the government but as Hatgers ages and is crippling in health after a long journey (thanks scurvy), he intends to eventually dissolve the organisation and slowly roll over to a proper republican government at least.
*Membership: 290 members are 'full' members of this organisation. This does not include the 210 who are brought along, including many children and wives of members who are willing to depart from the Netherlands to a new place. Combined brings the current 'population' of De Kaap (Cape) as 500, though the population would struggle to survive the new climate. Also including from the privatisation compromise are those ships:
**4 transport ships
**1 caravel
*Diplomacy: N/A
*Operations: N/A
*Events:
**Long Trip to the South: For around a year and a half or so trip, they restocked supplies and brought crops along. These crops, along with very few livestock animals that were carried abroad were the only way for long-term survival and they are also packaged into the cargo deck during the departure on 1569. However, many have died along the way from general starvation, where 100 of the people onboard died from various illnesses or health issues such as a lack of fresh water (these had to be carried in barrels or die trying by drinking ocean water which is bad) or from scurvy, as they lack sufficient vitamins (not known at the time but close) or just simple malnourishment. By May 1571, they arrived after months of adventurous mishaps around the coast, they find nobody there. (continued on Settlement)
**Settlement: They found a large rocky cliff called the Cape of Good Hope (yes the same location as OTL). It was perhaps explored by Agoustan explorers decades ago and use it as a pinpoint to the Indian Ocean since the turn of the 15th century. But now for the first time, the members of Dragon's Fire and their children/wives decide to set up camp near Cape of Good Hope, establishing small camps and outposts in the area. It would soon be declared as Kaapstad (should time go by, for now, it is assumed that this settlement would be Kaapstad/Cape Town in the 17th century). Crops are being planted, but the success of this attempted settlement is dependent on long-term survival from crops and whatever they have brought there. Starvation will likely be rife. A provisional government was set up as well as Dragon's Fire even has started to slowly disintegrate. The Grand Dragon is ensuring that basic leadership exists. Bringing 500 people into Cape of Good Hope might've been a bad idea without support...
**Meanwhile in the Netherlands: The Dragon's Fire operatons around Den Haag have collapsed in a span of 2 years as many lost the sense of being part of the organisation. Many simply accept the independence of the Netherlands anyway and decided that it wasn't worth a shot of continuing operations by what they eventually see as the Grand Dragon's elaborate scheme to escape their country. By 1572, all main operations of the organisation are now in South Africa.
==== Sublime State of Zhaowa ====
* Government: Thalassocratic Mixed Kongsi Republic
** Administration: Zhaowa, like it’s mother state, Li, has an administrative system not dissimilar to the Li system of Prefectures (Chú), Urban Counties (Hwen), and Rural Counties (Vo). There are 21 prefectures.
** Grand Overseer (Taixu): The Taixu is the ruler of Zhaowa as elected by the Grand Tribunal. They have the ability to veto any action done by the Grand Tribunal. Upon their death, the vice-taixu, chosen by the Taixu, becomes the interrex until an election occurs, no more than a year after the Taixu’s death.
*** List of Taixus:
**** Jieu Jengywéi (1492-1526)
**** Kyang Baklangit (1526-1558)
**** Kyang Hyancuetvo (1558-1562)
**** Hauvi Ngaudzoi (1562-)
** Grand Tribunal (Ta Fapdéng): The Grand Tribunal is the main legislative authority in Zhaowa. It is made up of 81 members who vote on national policy and pass bills.
** Council of Nine (Bát Yén ci Hwai): The Council of Nine oversee the 9 ministries of government in Zhaowa. They are hand-picked by the Taixu. Though meritocratic on paper, the ranks of the Council of Nine come from the same couple of noble families. The 9 ministries of government are the; the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Ceremony, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Supervision, and the Ministry of Households. All of the ministers are subordinate to the Taixu.
** Lower Tribunal (Hyaci Fapdéng): The Lower Tribunal consists of all citizens elected by the Common People’s Tribunal and many high-ranking Bureaucrats. Members of the Lower Tribunal meet once a year to elect members of the Grand Tribunal. There are 873 members of the Lower Tribunal. They function similarly to the Electoral College in OTL US politics.
** Common People’s Tribunal (Kúngyén ci Fapdéng): The Common People’s Tribunal consists of all citizens within the State of Zhaowa. It is by far the largest electoral body within Zhaowa. All citizens have the right to directly elect leaders for their respective counties and prefectures via popular vote. Though they do not directly vote for higher positions, they very much influence their decisions. As representatives those elected are both morally and practically obligated to represent the wishes of those under them, as the common people can easily vote them out if they do not fulfill their wishes.
** Political Parties: While there are no official political parties Within Zhaowa, there are several political blocs within the Tribunals.
*** Aristocrats: The Aristocrats are a large front wishing to preserve the status-quo and increase the power of the noble class. They hold 16 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Tradesmen’s Front (Xángtang): The Tradesmen’s Front, primarily made up of Lower-level officials, merchants, and artisans, is a major political bloc within Zhaowa. They advocate for less trade restrictions, more power to the Hwais, lower tariffs, a strong navy, improving infrastructure, and pacifist foreign policy. They hold 14 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Militarists (Kwúntang): The Stratocrats are a sister group of the Tradesmen's front. They share many of the same beliefs as the Tradesmen's Front. However, they advocate for socially conservative policies and aggressive foreign policy. They hold 17 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Traditionalists (Dauvuttang): The Traditionalist Party, primarily made up of Buddhists and Xianists, is one of the larger political fronts within Zhaowa. They advocate for socially Conservative policies, reforms to the Ministry of Ceremony, and Isolationist Foreign Policy. They hold 6 seats in the Grand Tribunal,
*** Xianists (Xéntang): The Xianists are a fringe political bloc. They advocate for increased authority of Xianist schools, socially Progressive policies, reforms to the Ministry of Ceremony, and exploration into Papua and Australia. They hold 3 seats in the Grand Tribunal.
*** Commoner’s Front (Noungyéntang): Forming the basis of Tsúyén’s support base, the Commoner’s Front is a front consisting of ethnic Toraja, Alfur, Makassarese, Papuan, non-Ternatian Halmaherans, and numerous other ethnic minorities, as well as sinitic lesser officials who managed to claw their way up to the Grand Tribunal. The Makkasan and Nunusakuan nobility is well represented within the Commoner’s Front. In addition, numerous merchants, especially those involved in Western Nusantara are staunch activists of this group. Though with disparate views, they all are united in their support of Tsuyenist policies, which emphasize strengthening of the nation by all means necessary, from proto-communist policies in Papua, to policies increasing the power of foreign Hwais, to the construction of a large and powerful navy. They hold 17 seats within the Grand Tribunal.
* Economy: Zhaowa has a Proto-Capitalist economy, focusing on agriculture, spices, metals, fishing, and forest products. Perhaps the most important part of the Zhaowanese economy is the trade of all of the above. A major feature of the Zhaowanese economy is the Hwai, an economic and societal structure functioning similar to a Renaissance Guild, a Trade/Workers Union, and a Cartel. Hwais evolved from notions of brothership among the Mercantile and Managerial class of Yun-era China. Most citizens are part of or somehow involved in a Hwai. Hwais are commercial organizations consisting of members that provide capital and shared profits. Though much of the population may not be an active member of a Hwai, many citizens work for a member of a Hwai. Since all involved in the Hwai receive equal profits and have equal capital, Zhaowa could also be classified as Proto-Market-Socialist. Zhaowa has a paper and coin based Fiat monetary system. To avoid inflation, all money is in the hands of the Ministry of Finance. All paper money can be exchanged for gold, silver, and copper, or silk with an exchange rate of 3%.
** Main Currency: Ceijen
** Monetary Value: 1 Ceijen coin (制钱) is equivalent to one mace (3.8 grams) of 21K rose gold (12% Copper, 88% Gold).
* Demographics:
* Ethnic Makeup:
** 20.6% Mixed-Sinitic
** 19.3% Sundanese
** 14.3% Makassarese
** 10.2% Lampung
** 6.8% Sumbawan
** 6.3% Pure Sinitic
** 5.9% Moluccan
** 5.3% Minahasan
** 3.6% Papuan
** 3.5% Toraja
** 3.1% Javanese
** 2.1% Malay
* Total Population: 1,038,000
** Maluku: 39,000
** Makassar: 32,500
** Manado: 29,000
** Nimkyóng: 25,000
** Singnakyo: 20,000
** Ampenan: 17,000
** Selam: 16,000
** Launa: 12,000
** Sufu: 8,500
** Jáng Hwi: 4,500
** Tangbana: 1,000
* Religion: 6% Xianist, 15% Mahayana Buddhist, 20% Theravada Buddhist, 6% Hindu, 24% Animist, 5% Arzhamist, 30% Clearwater Buddhist, 1% Other
* Military: 36330 Personnel (~3.5%)
** Army: 12500
*** 400 Military Police
*** 200 Garrison Infantry
*** 200 Garrison Artillery
*** 100 Calvary
*** 3,250 Mixed Infantry (Polearm & Arquebus mixed units)
*** 1500 Shock infantry (Swordsmen)
*** 750 Support Artillery 
*** 100 Military Engineers
*** ~5000 Auxiliaries
*** 1000 Logistical Support
** Navy: 23830 Sailors/Marines, 859 Ships (excluding coastal patrol)
*** 18 Hunghwangjwen/Galleon (45 meters) (1980 crew total)
*** 90 (Full-rigged) Yienkapjwen  (35 meters) (9000 crew total)
*** 180 Supply ships (30 meters) (3240 sailors total)
*** 50 Heavy-Cannon/Rocket Ships (27 meters) (1050 crew total)
*** 193 (Junk-rig) 3-Masted Junks (24 meters) (3860 crew total)
*** 200 (Fore-and-aft) War Perahu (17 meters) (2000 crew total)
*** 50 (Fore-and-aft) Reconnaissance Ships (15 meters) (400 crew total)
*** 80 Troop Transports (800 crew total, able to carry 6400 troops in total)
*** Various Disorganized Levied Coastal Patrol (1500 crew)
* Firearms:
** Cetbang/Jwangpiau: The Jwangpiau is the most commonly used gun in Zhaowa. It is a breech-loading swivel gun, and is used on fortifications and ships. These come in portable (wheeled) and stationary varieties.
** Xépdan-tswáng: The Xépdan-tswang, literally meaning “Ten Shot Gun”, is a gun similar to an Organ Gun. Inspired by the multiple rocket launchers in use across the Sinosphere, instead of firing arrows or rockets, it fires iron or bronze pellets. It is used as an anti-personnel gun. Due to it having 10x more barrels than an average gun, it can shoot 10x more bullets, but it takes 10x more time to clean. Unlike the guns of Europe, it is breech loading, which provides quicker loading time. To seal the breach, paper cartridges or a block are used, though this is quite ineffective. The Xépdan-tswáng is used in very low quantities, with perhaps only 50 being used across Zhaowa.
** Lagatswáng: A Lagastwang is the Zhaowanese term for an Arquebus
*** Jiue Lagatswáng: The Jiue Lagatswáng is an uncommon weapon in Zhaowa, referring to all breech-loaded arquebuses. They have a much faster loading time than standard muzzle-loading Lagatswáng, though they often malfunction.
*** Hwaje Lagatswáng: The Hwaje Lagatswáng is the most common form of Lagatswang in Zhaowa. It is a matchlock firearm, often coming with a stand and a spike attached to the top.
*** Lyuenlagatswáng: The Lyuenlagatswáng is the Zhaowanese term for wheelock guns. Though they are more useful than the Standard Matchlock Lagatswáng in wet conditions, they often malfunction and are hard to produce.
*** Lau Lagatswáng: The Lau Lagatswáng refers to all primitive Lagatswáng.
** Bedil Tombak/Lungencwung: The Lungencwung, literally meaning “Hand Gun”, is a common gun in Zhaowa. It is quite simple, with a socket attached to a pole and a tube from which projectiles are fired from. It commonly has a blade attached to it in case of melee fighting. It is quickly being replaced by the Lagatswang.
** Hwacá: The Hwacá is a multiple rocket launcher or an organ gun, depending on the projectile used. It fires around 150 rockets or arrows, which are contained within a wooden frame. The wooden frame allows the rockets to fly straighter, and, as a result, farther. In elevated positions, they have a range of 600 meters. However, on flat positions, they have a range of only 200 meters. Current rockets have a length of around 15 centimeters. Though with a short range, it has enough force to make a 30 cm-deep crater in a patch of sand. A second, larger rocket is currently being produced, with a length of 45 centimeters, with a range of 1100 meters.
** Cwungdung: The Cwungdung is a common firearm in Zhaowa, used on larger ships and on fortresses. Most models of Cwungdung have a maximum range of around 950 meters, with one model having a maximum range of 1500 meters with darts. Darts are made out of wood tipped with iron, with iron tail fins. Unlike the modern conception of darts, these darts are quite large, slightly less than a meter long. When they strike their target, they generally bury up to their iron fletching. Though less destructive than rockets, they have much better accuracy. Cwungdung also fire numerous iron or stone cannonballs, though they have much lower range, with an average maximum range of 600 meters.
*** Kuveliem: The Kubiliem is a muzzle-loading cannon, specifically referring to Culverins imported by Europeans. Instead of firing darts like the Cwungdung, it fires round cannonballs. Due to this, it has a flat, though comparatively shorter trajectory.
* Research and Production:
** Infrastructure: Infrastructure in captured territories is to be improved. 
* Wars and Conflicts:
** Invasion of Luwu: In 1576, Ngaudzoi orders an all out assault on the city of Luwu, intending to capture the city once and for all. 6,100 soldiers approach by land from the south, while 300 ships sail to blockade the capital.
* Diplomacy:
** Luwu: hi please surrender.
* Events: 
** sorry i'm just losing interest and can't make myself write turns anymore.
====Atouman Empire ====
*Government: Azarkhate
**Aesuit:
***Khanidon "The Righteous" (c. 1568 - )
**House of Atmanaglu:
***Ioxamander (b. 1491-1568)
****-- Nihaevran of Adrianople (b. 1494-1545)
*****Ozumuhn (b. 1524-)
******-- Bulilun of Daeva
*****Khanidon (b. 1524-)
******-- Ismihan of Judea (b. 1530-)
*******Esaramander (b. 1561-)
*******Gekyume (b. 1563-)
*****Abdammet (b. 1529-1563)
****-- Mahrnet of Adnan (b. 1523-)
*****Atman III (b. 1547-)
******-- Dilara of Al-Adniya (b. 1540-)
*******Gokmen (b. 1563)
*****Ashura (b. 1555-)
*****Indra (b. 1555-)
**Grand Vizier:
***Suleyman II abd-Muttari Pasha (b. 1456-1519) (c. 1501-1503, 1508-1509, 1514-1519) 
***Hersekenia abd-Beyid Pasha (b. 1464-1553) (c. 1503-1507, 1513-1514) 
***Ozman abd-Jafar Pasha (b. 1481-1550) (c. 1510-1513, 1524) 
***Dogukhan abd-Ashur Pasha (b. 1484-1552) (c. 1519-1524, 1531-1533) 
***Utman abd-Vedit Pasha (b. 1482-1545) (c. 1524-1531, 1532-1545)
***Khanidon abd-Rum Pasha (b. 1524-) (c. 1545-1558, 1566-1668)
***Xodarus abd-Jafar Pasha (b. 1510-1575) (c. 1558-1575)
***Gulhadon al-Ashura Pasha (b. 1531-1574) (c. 1562-1574)
***Kanzhin al-Mughari Pasha (b. 1523-1568) (c. 1562-1568)
***Muhammet al-Aybars Pasha (b. 1527-) (c. 1562-)
**Grand Council: 1000 seats
****Cult of Ioxamander: 533 seats
****Rationalists: 249 seats
****Fundamentalists: 218 seats
*Economy: The economy of the Atouman Empire was based on a system of iqta', an Arzhamite feudal system, as the Atouman state's ultimate goal, was consolidation and extension of the Azarkh's power, and the way to reach it was by taking advantage of resources and the revenues system by making the productive classes prosperous. So while the agrarian-based economy was fruitful in its development, it ultimately prevented the emergence of social disorder and kept the traditional organization of the culture and society as a whole. Mining operations would also aid as a driving factor of the economy, with copper, iron, silver, and gold being mined in Bulgaria while fruits are grown across the Anatolian region and Balkan peninsula producing bountiful luxuries that are consequently sold at the various port markets in Ionia and Greece. Olive trees grow in wild fashion, with their oil being harvested and sold to the highest bidder. Atouman expansion into Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries would emphasize a Greco-Persian royal sentiment, which would be emphasized furthermore in Azarkh Iskandir I's reign, who famously claimed himself as Padishah, a term historically used to describe the ruling monarch of Persia. This emphasis would lead to the capital cities becoming major commercial and industrial centers, serving as highways between the Greco-Roman-Daevite cultures and mercantile trade of the region. This would lead to a policy of tolerance that culminated in Azarkh Tayyeb's "Mandate of Adrianople", which officially allowed for the Jewish people to reside and prosper in the Atouman Realm far away from the persecution they faced at the hands of Christendom. Not only did this Mandate extend a hand of tolerance to the Jewish people, but also extended outwards to a number of Protestant states at the time, due to their own rivalry with the Papacy. Most of these people were settled in either Constantinople or other port cities along the Ionian coast. Other exports include cotton, a myriad of fruits, and plenty of slaves, primarily Neo-Pagans and Hellenic Christians in North Africa. The campaigns of Azarkh Ioxamander would lead to a boost in the economic diversity of the Empire, now exporting African goods and re-constructing the coastal cities previously razed during his conquests. A large trade network was established, due to Ioxamander's conquests, that extended from the Adnanian subcontinent to the sands of Mauretania and across the Balkan peninsula, leading to broader economic security atop of conquering millions of subjects in the process. The Atouman Empire at the end of the 16th century was the most economically profitable empire in Europe and during the 17th century, would only continue to expand further and further.
*Capital: Constantinople
*Demographics:
**Population: 23,730,000
***Anatolia: 5,300,000
***Balkans: 4,150,000
***Egypt: 4,350,000
***Greece: 1,100,000
***Syria: 850,000
***Ifriqiya: 1,025,000
***Atlasiya: 3,555,000
***Hejaz: 400,000
***Mesopotamia: 2,000,000
***Misc: 1,000,000
**Ethnicity:
***Persian: 21.3%
***Greek: 20.1%
***Aegytan: 15.9%
***Adnanite: 14.7%
***Turkish: 8.9%
***Daevite: 5.5%
***Syrian: 4.7%
***Mixed African: 3.8%
***Israelite: 3.3%
***Cyrenaican: 1.8%
**Religion:
***Arzham: Under Atouman authority, Arzham would make a re-emergence in the western world unseen since the collapse of the Askari Azarkhate in the 14th century. Followers of the Xunni belief, the House of Atmanaglu would dedicate a number of resources to spreading the word of Arzhang. This included the construction of Ozman's Temple, which would stand as the largest religious institution until the construction of Ioxamander's Temple in 1547, and numerous methods of prolythesizing that worked to varied results. It would become the most known form of Arzham in Europe at the time, with many religious scholars and priests at the time admiring the state of the Atouman Empire and it's relation to Arzham, as although the empire was not born around Kandahar, it still is seen as rightfully guided in the eyes of the Arzhamic community.
****Xunni Beliefs: The Xunni denomination of Arzham is often characterized by a greater emphasis on the prophet Arzhang, his companions in Persia, and the patronage of the all of the classic Azarkhates’ as rightly-guided successor states in contrast to the Xa’mah belief, which only correlate proper successorship to Arzhang’s original state and the Askari Azarkhate. While the Xa’mah believe that the prophet Arzhang can only be succeeded by relatives or immediate family members, the Xunni deny this concept of succession-by-lineage, instead believing that the Arzhamite community can change and evolve to the point where staying in tradition will only lead to disaster, with this concept being further emphasized by the collapse of the Askari Azarkhate. While most differences between the Xunni and the Xa’mah are relatively political in nature, the Xunni represents a majority of the believers of Arzham that are more wide-spread across Eurasia, with the Xa’mah representing pluralities in places like India and Persia.
***Christianity: Christianity following the collapse of the Byzantine Empire would stagnate during this time, declining into a plurality due to a myriad of policies introduced by the Atouman Empire, such as increased taxing, second-class citizenship, and the banning of proselytizing, which was punishable by death. This decline in Christianity would also be further aided by the re-organization of the Janissaries, which by this part were mostly made up of young Christian slaves from the Balkans that had converted to Islam. During the Atouman-Isetium War, Kaiser Achaeus would institute a similar policy of enslavement and brain-washing, kidnapping the youngest children of various Christian families in Syria and the Levant, as well as re-organizing their numerous churches and cathedrals into mosques or other Arzhamite institutions. As such, the Christian communities in the Atouman Empire declined exceptionally, with most of the Hellenic-influenced Christians converting to Arzham in the face of disaster.
***Judaism: The Jewish communities of the Atouman Empire would flourish in the 16th century due to the former Azarkh Tayyeb’s policy of tolerance. While the Jewish communities of the Empire were small and most located in Constantinople, Kaiser Achaeus would allow the construction of Synagogues along the Ionian coast in exchange for the Jewish communities paying a higher tax as part of the already existing jizya tax. This wouldn’t necessarily bother the Jewish people, for most of the Jews that were able to migrate were mostly bankers that had made fortunes off of their time spent in Europe. The Jewish population were also staunch supporters for Atouman expansion, oftentimes offering funds for extentensive campaigns meant to drive away the heretics from the Holy Land.
***Zoroastrianism: The Zoroastrian community of the Atouman Empire was primarily limited due to Zoroastrian’s decline during the rise of Arzham in Persia and due to a newly realized focus towards Arabia. Zoroastrians in the Atouman Empire were mostly specific to the oriental territories such as Hejaz and Adnania.
***Syncretic Philosophy: Representing a rather small community, Syncretic philosophy in Greece and Anatolia would foster as a result of diversification. Although syncretic schools of thought, such as the Abyadites and Aesunids, were primarily focused on inter-religion unification, other schools like the Smyrnites were more focused on political reform, specifically the adoption of secular political ideologies like democracy and republicanism. The circulation of these differing concepts would lead to Azarkh Tayyeb instituting the eradication of syncretic philosophy in the early years of the 16th century.
**Wars and Events:
***20 Years' War (1557 - )
****Great Italian War (1570 - ): Upon Khanidon's succession to the throne, two years had passed since the Atoumans had successfully captured Eskos, and his father, Ioxamander's, death. Within that time period, Khanidon would reform the organization of the military campaigns, instead centering a greater emphasis on invading the Italian peninsula and pressing toward Westria. While many historians at the time, such as Reimar Friedhelm of Venice, would agree that the Atouman Empire was naturally the "Roman Empire" of this period, the Atoumans lacked any legitimate or successful campaigns in Italia since it's initial foundation nearly three centuries prior. In 1569, diplomats of Khanidon in the court of King Charles IX would lead to France re-asserting their alliance with the Atouman Empire, leading to the Atouman Empire's subsequently becoming allied to Sicily, which at the time was in a smaller conflict with Naples over maritime trade routes. This opportunity would lead to nearly 150 Atouman galleys to appear off of the horizon of Bruta, leading to rumors of an Atouman invasion for some time. By 1570, their fears would be met with an amphibious invasion at Tarento, seeing nearly 60,000 troops led by Grand Vizier Xodarus al-Jafar Pasha in a surprise attack on Naples, leading for lines to be drawn and war to be declared. In 1571, Grand Vizier Xodarus al-Jafar Pasha would successfully defeat the Italian forces at Tarento, thus confirming Europe's fears of a war in Italy. In February, Xodarus al-Jafar Pasha would be joined by the Mauretanian warlord, Mujjat, who served as a reminder of friendly relations between the Atoumans and Mauretania. Xodarus would go on to sack a number of Italian cities throughout the year before settling into a siege at Bruta in the summer. Although the Atoumans were superior and more advanced militarily, it would take nearly two years before the city would fall to Xodarus. After seeing the battle to last longer than usual, Mujjat would be directed northward to sack the city of Reggio and to expand as quickly as possible in an effort to knock out Naples and secure territory in the peninsula. By May of 1572, the Empire of Hispania would intervene in the war against "The Alliance" after French advancements neared closer to Genoa. In response, Spanish warships would initiate a blockade on their ports while also landing anamphibious landing in Atlasiya, targetting the city of Goreseum. With 15,000 troops, the Hispanian inquisitor Cesar Alameda would quickly and effective occupy the city, spreading his regiments across the region and besieging the cities of Orrato in 1573, Kalapolis in early 1574 and Ilysium later that year. At the beginning of 1575, Cesar Alameda would capture the city of Tyrenia. In the spring, Xodarus would mount his final schematic of war plans: to siege Naples, and then to siege Rome. To do this, Xodarus would need to capture the city of Salerno to better formulate a base of operations nearby the city in the event of a prolonged siege. With Mujjat occupying Reggio but failing to go northward, Xodarus would believe it upon himself to finally conquer Italia. Although prepared for the battle, Xodarus would fall deathly ill with the bubonic plague shortly before the battle commenced, becoming bed-ridden and dying within weeks. Xodarus' death would lead to a band of Atouman soldiers going on to sack the city under Mujjat, engaging it under siege for the remainder of the year.
****The Righteous Front (1571 - ): While Xodarus Pasha would lead the invasion of Italy, Azarkh Khanidon would lead a second campaign in Eskosia, and with King Tanos' deposition, the newly-appointed King Vidakedes of Dardania would provide logistical and military support for the oncoming war with Westria under the belief of territory gain. While the Dardanian aristocracy were, for the most part, allies to the Atouman Empire, they didn't exactly know how long that could last, and would take advantage in stocking up their own military as well. The first battle of what was dubbed by Atouman war historians at the time as "The Righteous Front", saw Khanidon Pasha leading nearly 100,000 men on to siege the city of Pest, succeeding in a matter of two years' after suffering small setbacks with Westrian re-inforcements. The Siege of Pest would also see the first Italian soldiers in the Balkans during the 20 Years' War, with merchant republics like Venice and Genoa supplying mercenaries and other resources. With war spreading across the Mediterranean, Khanidon would set up a vassal government for Karpathia under the dark Bakugan, who himself once stated in a public forum that he preferred fighting war over residing as a monarchy. Regardless of his own personal views, Khanidon viewed Bakugan as important for his Xunni faith and Eskosian background, although this wouldn't be exactly as wished. In fact, while Khanidon was in Eskos preparing for an invasion of Westria, Bakugan began a genocidal raid across all of northern Eskosia, with some figures estimating the deaths of 150,000 civilians. Blood on his hands, Bakugan became recognized quickly as a prominent and feared dictator in the third Roman empire. By 1575, the Atouman Empire had extended outwards to Lubyan and Pozsony, with Khanidon being remarked as memorable in western canon. While war was persistant in Eskosia, King Vidakedes of Dardania would mount a military invasion of Westria, occupying the city of Trieste near the end of 1575.
====The United Kingdoms of the British Isles (Albion)====
*Note: If you wish to engage in diplomacy with me, please DM me on Discord
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
*Drakes: 
**Queen Elizabeth (F, b. 1541 - ) (R: 1561 - )
***Son: Luke (M, b. 1567 - )
**Sister: Francis (F, b. 1541 - )
**Aunt: Frances (F, b. 1497 - )
***Albus (M, b. 1519 - )
****Nephew: George (M, b. 1542 - )
*****Son: Avery (M, b. 1572 - )
****Nephew: Gregory (M, b. 1554 - )
**Cousin: Eldegard (F, b. 1517 - )
***Married off to a Westrian prince
**Cousin: Alvin (M, b. 1545 - )
**Cousin: Carol (F, b. 1549 - )
*Important People: 
Economy: The economy of British Isles consists of trade and commerce of a variety of materials. The primary export products of the UK are fish, wool, cloth, and a variety of vegetables.
Main Religion: Christianity
Cities and Demographics:
*Population: 6.81 million (+330k “external subjects”)
**British Mainland: 6.85 million
**British Settlers: 530
***Jamestown: 130
***Fort Elysia: 125
***Fort Epheria: 110
***Greensfort: 105
***New Glaemchester/Plymouth: 105
***Elysian Local Population: 340 thousand external subjects
*Cities
**Brighton: A newer shipbuilding facility located on the English Channel.
**Birmingham: A quiet town that is the location of McCarthy Arms Company, one of, if not, the oldest firearms companies to date.
**Calais: One of the few French towns still owned by the British, it is a prosperous city that is one of the most important trading hubs in the North Sea.
**Dover: Main location of the British navy. While elements of the navy are located throughout the territory, the headquarters of the navy are located here. In addition, Dover is the main trading hub between it and Caen.
**Dublin: Main hub of Ireland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
**Fort Avalon: An old British camp located on a Vinland island. Though mostly uninhabited, it is staffed by a skeleton crew, in the event of a British ship stranding itself on the Vinland island.
**Glaemchester: A British town north of London, this city is known to house various wealthy nobles, with some of the finest tapestries being produced here.
**Glasgow: Main hub of Scotland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
**London: The capital of England, and location of the throne.
**Portsmouth: The location of the first drydocks in history, which became the founding of various legendary ships of the Royal Navy
**York: Main center of England’s eastern fishing company. Also where a bulk of British trading companies are located, evident from the various merchant caravels present there.
Wars and Conflicts
*'Americas: 'British companies begin to exert control over regions with usage of promises of trade and prosperity with the added risk of war if the British do not get their way in the matter.
*Spain: See Events for more info
Armed Forces
*Total: 134,350 Manpower
*Army
**Total: 119,900
**British Defense Force: (British Mainland) 
***Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 15,000
***Marksman Infantry: 38,000
***Light Cavalry: 8,500
****Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry: 750
***Heavy Cavalry: 1,650
***Bow Cavalry: 2,600
***Field Artillerymen: 5,634
****Field cannons: 1,878
***Logistical Support: 23,000
**British Expeditionary Force: (In Elysia)
***Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 5,000
***Marksman Infantry: 10,000
***Light Cavalry: 1,500
****Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry: 500
***Heavy Cavalry: 350
***Bow Cavalry: 300
***Field Artillerymen: 501
****Field cannons: 167
***Logistical Support: 7,000
*Roundtable Knights (Elite): 8,350
**These are Britain’s elite forces. A rebirthed version sprouting from Artoria’s original group of holy knights, this force has never lost a battle, and has unwavering loyalty to the crown and the Order of the Roundtable, willing to fight to the death for the survival of the British Isles.
**While most are able to fight, members of the Roundtable are encouraged to branch out into their own craft, such as pottery and sheepherding, with the idea that everyone should act like a Roundtable Knight and give their all into both their craft and their country.
**The only way to become a Roundtable Knight is to be selected by an existing member of the group. Most knights tend to make apprentices out of those they recruit to the Roundtable, and generally, no one usually complains when a Roundtable Knight selects someone to join the ranks of the Roundtables. Depending on the country/chapter, one can also be appointed to the Roundtable by the crown.
**As of 1527, three factions are formed within the Roundtables
***The Crimson Sun
***The Azure Moon
***The White Orchids
****Renames themselves Orchid Heaven in 1542
**Notable (Living) Members:
***The Drake Family
*Navy:
**Personnel: 5,800 (combined between both fleets)
**Naval Vessels:
***Victory-class First-rate British Galleons:12
****Main flagship: HMS Victory
***Ember-class First-rate British Galleons: 20
****Main flagship: HMS Ember
***Swallow-class Second-rate Interceptor: 26
****Designed to be the fastest ships in the world (for their size) without sacrificing too much firepower.
***Cabigail-class Third-rate Caravel: 60
***Spyder-class Carrier Caravel: 1
****Lightly armed caravels retrofitted to carry eight Vinland longboats within for use in narrower areas, where the caravels and galleons would have issues navigating
****Capacity: 12 Vinland longboats
***London-class Third-rate British Caravel: 4
****Kept in service for purposes of training new sailors.
***Dove-class Fourth-rate Dual-Purpose Merchant Caravel: 99
****These ships are given to British merchants who sail in dangerous waters, and are crewed by either mercenaries hired by said merchants or the merchants themselves. Only included in ship-counts for the navy to deter invasions by sea.
***Vinland Cannon Longboat: 12
****Small escort ships to be deployed to protect their mothership and other allied ships from smaller ships coming to raid the fleet.
Research and Development
*MAC Cannons: McCarthy Industries continues to produce MAC Cannons in a variety of calibers and sizes, ranging from small 6 pound field cannons to 32 pound naval cannons. At least in Britain, McCarthy Industries has the monopoly on the firearms industry.
**The 32 pounder long-nose MAC Cannons enter service, replacing the aging 24-pound naval cannons on the large British galleons.
**In addition, they are contracted to create a smaller cannon for use on Vinland longboats. As such, the 2 pounder cannon was created.
*Naval Vessels: Continued development on galleons is performed, to see if it is possible to improve British vessels further. They experiment with two aspects; size and firepower. British Naval Engineers hope to determine proper ratios for size, durability, and firepower, as well as taking note of various lessons learned in the field, such as logistical issues found in British Caravels.
**Carriers: Test trials for HMS Spyder are carried out in the Elysian Bay and the nearby Potomac River. In this area, both the Vinland longboats and the HMS Spyder itself both undergo sea trials as well as training and experimentation of formations and strategies involving ships of various sizes in close areas, namely having one group act as a vanguard and the other act as escort for the fleet, while the HMS Spyder stays out in rougher seas.
**Newer British Galleons begin construction. These ships are based on the Ember-class galleons, but are slightly larger, faster, and more optimized for warfare. These ships become known as the Victory-class galleons.
**Vinland Longboats: In a collaborative effort with Vinland, both British and Vinland engineers get to work on modifying the Vinland longboat for transportation within British “Carriers”, as well as see viable possibilities for mounting cannons (mainly the 2 pounder cannon) on the vessels.
Training and Production
*7 Spyder-class Carrier Caravel
*Whatever equipment and personnel is required to maintain numbers on the frontline.
Diplomacy
*'Americas: With intelligence from the Vinlanders, the British decide to scope out the other nations of the Eastern Coast of North America, and see what they have to offer'
**Elysia: (See Events for more details)
*Europeans: Though not offered the top-line models, Britain does allow McCarthy Arms Company to sell some of their wares overseas, to those willing to purchase them, at least
*Vinland: The British send what supplies they can so that the new Vinland thane can maintain their territory and then some. (see events for more details).
**The British also ask if they could collaborate with the British on creating an improved longboat, one that can mount a small cannon onboard, as well as be used with Britain’s new “carriers”
*Galatoi: The British (specifically the Bilateral Albish-King Association) asks if they wish to become trading partners, trading British goods in return for Galatoi goods. Will include African POW’s for use.
Allies
*Vinland: Allies in the New World. Led by Tahmas, Vinland now prospers with the new leadership as they thrive with the protection of the British navy.
*Velkyst: Norweigan allies in the North Sea. The oldest ally of Britain, harkening back to the British Empire’s founding.
*Westria: An ally on mainland Europe who also dislikes France, cause f**k France (jk).
Events
*The Azure Pilgrims: In 1565, the “Azure Pilgrims” set sail across the Atlantic, the Azure Moon encountered various hardships, with a few dying on the dangerous crossing. However, A decent portion of them manage to cross the Atlantic, making landfall in modern-day Plymouth.
**The faction runs into a plethora of issues during their first winter, with a harsh snowstorm hitting the region, turning a dire situation into a hopeless one. If it wasn’t for Squanto, a lone tribesman of Wampanoag (a tribe of Massachussett peoples). Legend goes he helped them plant crops and taught them how to hunt in an environment that seemed hard to grow food at first.
*Tensions with Spain (Part 1): Tensions begin to rise between the two European Powers with the establishment of BAKA in West Africa in 1574. The settling of Fort Akan was the first conflict between the two countries. Word has it that British and Spanish merchants engaged each other if they spotted each other, and overall, the two countries’ opinions of one another began to deteriorate dramatically.
*Elysian Integration: The British government begins to slowly allow Elysian nobles to enter into officer positions in Elysia, with the hopes to eventually integrate the Elysian government into the British government.
**In addition, the British begin to allow the Elysian government to recruit troops for a local army, which receives training from British officers and serve under an Albish-Elysian flag.
***First use of regional flags with the British flag on it too
*The Rise of the Company Fleets (Part 9): With the world opening up, and rumors of prosperity and gold present, various companies sprout up around Britain, with the goal to investigate various locations of notice with hopes to make it big.
**British Faviero Greek Company: “The BFG Company” for short, this company has taken an interest to the region of Elysia. Its leaders, Faviero and Raleigh have enacted a multi-decade long plan to wrestle control of the region for themselves, though if other situations were to come up, they’d adapt on the fly.
***Phase 4: The BFG Company begins to exert more of its control in the region, with its realm of influence slowly extending throughout Laconia.
***Company Fleet Flagship: The Doomslayer
**Bilateral Albish-King Association: Started up by a British and German family, BAKA began operations in 1573, when they received a fleet of four merchant caravels. With this fleet, the company sets sail for Africa, wishing to set up a port town where they can trade with the locals.
***Akan Encounter: In 1574, the first of BAKA mercenaries and diplomats made landfall near an area consisting of the Akan ethic group in Western Africa. Soon after setting up “Fort Akan”, they begin both trading with the locals as well as exploring the region.
***Galatoi: The company reaches out to the Galatoi, to see if they’re willing to trade with the British and allow them a port to dock at to trade goods. (includes the beginning of the British involvement in the slave trade)
**The Henry Amerigo League of Observance: A group (nicknamed HALO) that is headed by Henry of Glaemchester. Now a competent company, the HALO company travels the seas, now intermingling with a faction known as the Amekrogu’s to the south.
***The Amazon Expedition (Part 3b): With the creation of Fort Epheria, the company begins to slowly assert its control over the region, but that’s for the future. For the time being, the country
****Their influence has spread to the two islands near them in the river basin.
***Company Fleet Flagship: The Pillar of Autumn
**Inflation: Due to Spain’s prosperity in the Americas, an economic depression has taken ahold of all of Europe.
*Rulers
**Pendragon:
***Artoria “Ember” Pendragon (F, b.1317- 1389?) (Reign: 1351 ~ 1369 - 1389)
***Ash I (M, b. 1347 - 1434) (Reign: 1390 - 1434)
****Sister: Aura (F, b.1350 - 1434)
***Ash II (M, b. 1399 - 1442) (Reign: 1434 - 1442)
***Amber (F, b. 1424 - ) (Reign: 1442 - 1482)
****Brother: Edward (M, b. 1441 - 1481)
**Mordue:
***River Mordue (F, b. 1322 - 1393) (Reign: 1369 - 1393)
***Henry (M, b. 1353 - 1429) (Reign: 1393 - 1429)
****Daughter: Mary (F, b. 1382 - 1399)
***Lionel (M, b. 1388 - 1482) (Reign: 1430 - 1482)
****Son: Leo I (M, b. 1407 - 1465)
*****Leo III (M, b. 1445 - 1478)
****Son: Leo II (M, b. 1423 - 1478)
****Brother: Henry II (M, b. 1398 - 1478)
**Drake:
***Casimir (M, b. 1454 - 1533)
***Queen Abigail (F, b. 1455 - 1533)
***Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - 1561)
****David (M, b. 1537 - 1554)
****Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - 1565)
****Nephew: Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
*Roundtable Knights
**Joan “Anne” of Arc (Died in 1431)
**Sir George Cromwell of Cotswold (Died in 1445)
**Sir George Cromwell II of Cotswold (Died in 1482)
**Sir Rex of Dover (Died in 1482)
**Joanna Palaiologos McCarthy (Died in 1528)
*Misc
**Shauna McCarthy (Died in 1489)
***Founder of McCarthy Arms Company, one, if not, the oldest firearms companies in the world.
==== Nihon ====
Government and Demographics
* Government: Feudalism - effective total regional factionalism
** Empress: Han'ei no Mono (Tachibana Kiyo)
** Shogun: Oda Nobunaga (or Hiyori)
* Allies: Joseon, defensive military alliance
* Capital: Kyoto
* Demographics:
** Population: 11,021,000
** Ethnicities: Yamatai (79%), Chinese-origin (4%), Joseonese (8%), Syonanese (6%), Other (2%)
** Official Religion: Shinto, with Buddhist influences
** Population Distribution:
*** Urban Population: Most actual urban areas in the Nihonese isles do not actually exceed four square kilometres in size, with buildings that far more resemble modern suburban density and planning than otherwise. However, these urban areas are often survived and surrounded by vast exceedingly low-density tiny communes of no more than a hundred to two hundred people, making up in some cases secondary urban centres, such as the town of Satsuma.
**** Percentage of total population: 8% (Approx. 900,000)
**** By city (rounded to the nearest 5,000):
***** Edo: 40,000
****** Edo surroundings: 50,000
***** Kyoto: 10,000
****** Kyoto surroundings: 55,000
***** Fukushima: 35,000
****** Fukushima surroundings: 20,000
***** Hiroshima: 25,000
***** Kobe: 15,000
****** Hiroshima-Kobe wider region: 25,000
***** Nagasaki: 25,000
***** Yokohama: 20,000
***** Takaoka: 15,000
***** Niigata: 15,000
***** Izumo-Matsue Au. Region: 25,000
***** Chiba Au. Region: 20,000
***** Others not exceeding 15,000 in population: 590,000
**** By region:
***** Tohoku: 23%
***** Kanto: 21%
***** Kansai: 14%
***** Chubu: 17%
***** Chugoku: 11%
***** Shikoku: 5%
***** Kyushu: 9%
*** Rural Population:
**** Percentage of total population: 92% (Approx. 10,000,000)
**** By region:
***** Tohoku: 18%
***** Kanto: 14%
***** Chubu: 19%
***** Kansai: 15%
***** Chugoku: 12%
***** Shikoku: 11%
***** Kyushu: 11%
Economics
* Status of the Economy:
** Value of Gold: While barter has remained one of the biggest methods of trade within the country, gold is the currency by which trade with foreign merchants has been practiced. The main source of gold in Nihon, however, are the Han nations to the East, Kansha and Syonan; it has no actual power over the premier currency it uses. The usage of bronze and copper coins for smaller denominations has become generally more commonplace in urban areas, while barter trade remains common. The national mint is centred in Edo, controlled by the Shogun.
*** Actual monetary value: One ounce of gold can currently buy one hundred sacks of rice (98 kg).
*** Currency:
**** 1-yen coin (copper)
**** 5-yen coin (copper)
**** 10-yen coin (bronze)
**** 100-yen coin (bronze)
**** 1000-yen promissory note (backed in gold)
** Economic Overview: A significant portion of the Nihonese economy is centred around traditional agriculture, with rice as the national staple of the country; barter trade occurs on a limited communal scale, with the adoption of partial paper and minted currency already having occurred. Small artisanal trades in the fields of writing and artistry have become coveted as prestige symbols; education extends to only roughly 11% of the population, with this small class of artisans a thin sliver of a middle class between the vast majority of the peasantry and the higher nobility.
*** Economic Policy:
**** None - the central government has collapsed. May God save Nihon.
*** Economic Trends:
**** Disaster: The Nihonese economy rapidly disintegrates. Everything is going to hell. Peasant rebellions are rife in the South, with Kobe and Izumo being the site of two rebellions specifically; meanwhile, Chiba and Izumo-Matsue, once bastions of stability, now lie in ruin at the hands of Nobunaga, who forcibly integrated them back into Nihon, thus leading to their assets seized by loyalist merchants and them being forced to contend with all sorts of laws that caused inane social tensions.
* Culture:
** Yamatai: The dominant culture on the three main islands, practiced by the vast majority of ethnic Nihonese; it emphasises the importance of self and the privilege of existence. A partly individualistic culture with overtly communal streaks that designates the greatness of finding a specific calling and engaging it with the most effort possible; giving rise to a society that prizes the arts as well as the value of literature. While it does not shun the sciences, they are not often given priority; meanwhile, the military and warriors are given outsized importance against all else. Its envisioning of Shinto has numerous distinct cultural streaks from the nations that existed before Yamato united the three main islands under its own banner; as well as little reminders of the past.
** Ainu: A distinct, unique culture native to Tohoku and Ezo; a kind of communal culture that emphasises the community and a place within that community. It speaks of the importance of discovering a place within society and fulfilling the callings asked of you by others, and that no individual is above the common good. Its adoption of arts and literature is thus comparably limited, but it is the Ainu which have advanced Nihon's science so far, partly due to the fact that they are encouraged to go to school from younger ages (and generally live in more urbanised societies). Their envisioning of Shinto is more akin to a kind of lifestyle, which promotes certain practices and discourages others; one which has, surprisingly, remained largely sturdy for the last 400 years.
** Joseonese-Han: A minority culture arising from the great giants from across the sea; Joseonese-Han is a monstrous beast of mish-mashed cultures, from distinct Han streaks arising almost 600 years ago to the original Xia cultures. It is almost entirely reliant on distinct, tiny Xianist sects and practices a form of Buddhism mixed with Shinto.
* Religion:
** Shinto: A polytheistic, animistic and pantheistic religion which most Nihonese follow. It revolves around the kami - gods/spirits, which are depending on region omnipresent or omniscient. Worship is mainly practiced in household shrines and public shrines, with family shrines more common for political and clan officials. Extreme levels of localisation, with many in the North having strong Ainu streaks while those in Kyushu and Kansha have subtle Han influence.
* Events:
** The Taisho of Nihon [10]:
*** A Grand Ceremony - 1572: In great stride Nobuna holds a quiet ceremony to celebrate the continued prosperity of the realm in a tongue-in-cheek move. This so thusly angers most of the Daimyo that they march en masse on her territories; with over 30,000 men descending upon the domains of the Uesugi and Oda. While Nobuna is able to protect Nagoya and Kagetora pulls up an adequate response, she thus quickly flees out of the city to make for Kashiwazaki; on her way, she is ambushed by dozens of soldiers who beat her convoy to near-death. "Die, demon," one said, and at once she balked. Demon? She was a demon now? Those thoughts running through her mind she promptly pulled out her arquebus and shot one - then she picked up another's and shot them - and again, and again. Constantly, constantly shooting. By the time her senses had lost their luster she stood practically alone on a field of bodies, having picked up over 30 different arquebuses for single-shots during the battle. Nobuna stares at the corpses and it quietly dawns on her the reality of what she has done - what has occurred in this day. She never shows up to Kashiwazaki.
*** In Defiance - Winter 1574: Placed in charge of both the Oda and Uesugi clans, Kagetora desparately pulls things together. With the massive amounts of gold that Nobuna was able to pull from Kyoto she will be able to last for a while but hundreds of thousands of men lie around their territory, and she has no ability to pursue anything. Seen as a conspirator to the 'Mad Woman' - the nickname passed upon Nobunaga - she is next in line to be killed, and thus far, it seems as if Nobunaga is dead. At Kashiwazaki thirteen thousand men crash upon her garrison of merely two thousand and she prepares to commit sepukku; but moments before that, their lines are suddenly broken. She stares out into the distance to see a sea of yellow, the banners of the Oda seemingly filling the land; all of a sudden she turns around to see Nobuna, very much alive and very much ready to lead the battle. "Nobu." She remarks, expecting the constant barrage of arrogance Nobuna has taken in the years since Kyoto - yet, she is greeted with somberness. "Kagetora," She remarks. "It's time to win a battle." At the Battle of Kashiwazaki 5,000 Oda-Uesugi troops, the flankers led by none other than Soryu Miyako, turn decisive victory into humiliating defeat. As the dust of the battle settles and the leaders of this campaign reconvene, Nobuna is humble. "I've made a lotta mistakes. A lot with you and you and you. I haven't been the best friend. I'm probably some amount of a monster. But it was a privilege to know you."
*** Of The Liars - 1575: Nobuna's siblings, nominally involved in the administration of the region, have all but deserted her in cause except for Meiyo-ko. Nobuhiro disappeared into the mountains after her victory, and her sources tell her that he feeds information to the daimyo by the day. Nobuyuki abandoned the life and instead took up the role of the family farm, quietly raising a large family under the auspices of the peace brought on by Kagetora's administration. Left all alone in this life Nobuna bids a final farewell to her last remaining friends and takes a final boat ride towards Tokyo - she is willing to die so that they, and her nation, may live. The only one of them she brings along is Tokichiro, whom she has taken to calling Hideyoshi; he constantly insists to his lord that this kind of sacrifice will bring nothing. "You conquered Nihon before, why cannot you conquer the rest now?" But she won't listen. She knows that her time is up.
** Nihon's Collapse:
*** Nihon has entered states of total feudalism before. Just as it did during the period before Tomoe-gozen came to power, just as it did in the period preceding Uchiha Tomoko's rise to power. This list and the events surrounding it are not exhaustive - nor do they contain everything required to get a full picture of the situation. Nonetheless, the following is as full a picture as I can give you. Welcome to the full-on, Sengoku Jidai!
**** North:
***** Background: The wider Tohoku area has always been a volatile region in Nihon. Despite being home to almost all of Nihon's people - about 60% - it has traditionally exercised almost no power, with Kyoto being at its centre all the time. This is generally reflected in the origins of most leaders - the Minamoto and Yamato clans both originating from the South, for example. And while that isn't inevitable, of the region's conquerors, Oda Nobunaga claims quite a Southern lineage, while Otsuya no Kata, also of Oda fame (sister of Nobuhide) controls the Toyama clan. Tohoku is also the home to the Ainu, who possess a great much power in their influence, maintaining their customs in the far North in conjunction with their brothers and sisters in Hokkaido.
***** Clans:
****** Nanbu (split into two families, the Nanbu and the Ainu Sunazawa): Occupying the Northmost bits of Tohoku. Notoriously peaceful. The Nanbu family has pledged its loyalty to Oda Nobunaga.
******* Central Fort: Aomori
****** Akita: Occupying modern-day Akita province. Friendly to Nobunaga and her forces; formerly a sub-clan of the Odawara.
******* Central Fort: Akita
****** Mogami (split into several families, but with one single ruling one): Occupies OTL Yamagata, northern Miyagi and southern Iwate provinces. Formerly head of the greater Mogami clan, now a series of rump families pushed into Iwate.
******* Central Fort: Sendai
****** Date: Occupies OTL southern Miyagi province. In an alliance with the Mogami via personal union.
******* Central Fort: Yamagata
****** Oda-Uesugi: The Oda and Uesugi union, formally in control of Nihon. Secured via 'personal union' between Oda Nobunaga and Uesugi Kagetora, although the marriage is entirely farcical and not actually practiced by either side. Arguably the most powerful clan in the region, if not for the presence of the Tachibana. Its Oda side has a direct claim to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
******* Central Fort: Kashiwazaki
****** Ashina: Occupies OTL Western Fukushima Province. A minor clan in alliance with the Tachibana, in a tenuous union between two highly divided families.
******* Central Fort: Utsunomiya
****** Shimotsuke: Occupies OTL Tochigi for the most part. A smaller neutral clan with sympathies towards the Oda-Uesugi.
******* Central Fort: Oyama
****** Hitachi: Occupies OTL Ibaraki. A mostly Ainu clan in alliance with the Tachibana; keeps itself restricted to its own territory for the most part.
******* Central Fort: Hitachinaka
****** Shimosa: Occupies a tiny section of OTL Chiba. A clan that isn't really a clan due to most of the family being branches of the Tachibana and Hitachi.
******* Central Fort: None
****** Tachibana: The former Kingdom of Tachibana, now reduced in size but still powerful. Main families: the Musashi, the Satake, and Fujiwara. Rather powerful due to its size and population, although stripped of much of its resources over the years. It is one of the direct descendants of Himiko no Ichiban and has a direct claim to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
******* Central Fort: Tokyo (capital of Nihon)
****** Sagami: Occupies OTL East Shizuoka. In alliance with the Tachibana. Merchant clan with strong naval presence.
******* Central Fort: Shimoda
****** Satomi: Occupies OTL Chiba. Neutral.
******* Central Fort: None
****** Nagao: Occupies OTL Gunma. In alliance with the Oda-Uesugi. Hostile sympathies towards the Tachibana.
******* Central Fort: Iseyaki
****** Kotsuke: Occupies OTL Northwest Nagano province. Neutral.
******* Central Fort: None
****** The Tachibana and Oda-Uesugi are currently in an alliance.
***** Events:
******
**** Centre:
***** Background: The Centre of Nihon has constantly been a wild-card. It at times has been far more stable and at times has resembled a series of paint-splatters across the wall; it, however, is the centre of any attempt to unite the Nihonese isles. Its military clans are partially centred here, with samurai prolifically emerging from it; the constant shifting of power dynamics in this region making it far more attractive to strategically adept persons.
***** Clans:
****** Takeda: OTL South Nagano + Easterly Shizuoka provinces. Military clan, unfriendly to Nobunaga. One of the more powerful clans in the region. In an alliance with the Matsudaira and on friendly terms with the Ashikaga. Consists of the Shinano and Kai families.
******* Central Fort: Iido
****** Mastudaira: OTL West Shizuoka Province. Also a military clan unfriedly to Nobunaga, although substantially less powerful. In an alliance with the Takeda and on friendly terms with the Tachibana. Consists of the Tokugawa and Imagawa clans.
******* Central Fort: Hamamatsu
****** Oda: OTL Nagoya and surroundings. Part of the Oda-Uesugi clan, see above description.
******* Central Fort: Nagoya
****** Echizen: OTL Coastal Ishikawa and Fukui provinces. Informally part of the old Shiba family. In an alliance with the Miki and Mino.
******* Central Fort: Kanazawa
****** Miki: OTL Toyama province. Informally part of the old Shiba family. In an alliance with the Echizen and Mino, the latter of which it has a personal union with.
******* Central Fort: Takaoka
****** Mino: OTL Shiga province. Informally part of the old Shiba family. In an alliance with the Echizen and Miki.
******* Central Fort: None
****** Ise: OTL Mie province. Neutral. Prolific blacksmithing clan.
******* Central Fort: Nakatsugawa
****** Kii: OTL Wakayama province. Neutral. The Kii and Awaji families come from this.
******* Central Fort: None
****** Yamato: OTL Nara province. Friendly towards the Matsudaira clan.
******* Central Fort: None
****** Hyogo: OTL Osaka province, contains both Osaka and Kyoto. One of the most powerful clans in the region purely by population, friendly towards the Tanba clan.
******* Central Fort: Kyoto (Symbolic capital)
****** There are no other notable inter-clan alliances as of current.
***** Events:
******
**** South:
***** Background: The South has always been the most politically stable bit of Nihon - but that doesn't mean it's actually stable. As the main trade route for most of Nihon it has always held outsized power over its currency, its politics and more, but it is also the direct contact point for any kind of foreign power. Tanegashima was where the Agoustans landed, Nagasaki is a Syonanese haven, and more - and because of that, the South, once a bastion of stability, may no longer be in the cards as king...
***** Clans: 
****** Tanba: OTL Hyogo province. Minor branch of the Minamoto clan and the only one with no associations with the Kanzaki; reasonably powerful as the inheritor of the last remaining professional military forces in Nihon.
******* Central Fort: Kobe
****** Harima: OTL Okayama prefecture. Run by another minor branch of the Minamoto clan, although linked to the Kanzaki defected to join Nobunaga before anything too dangerous could happen. Tiny rump clan.
******* Central Fort: Okayama
****** Inaba: OTL Tottori Prefecture. Friendly to the Tanba and Izumo.
******* Central Fort: Tottori
****** Bingo: Official name of the effective city-state of Fukuyama. Foreigner-friendly, run by the Otomo family - only place in Nihon with a significant amount of Christians, specifically Iberian Protestants. On bad terms with most of the region.
******* Central Fort: Fukuyama
****** Izumo: Centred around the Izumo-Matsue area. Primarily Joseonese-Han - acts like an effectively independent state. Friendly relations with Joseon. Trading clan.
******* Central Fort: Izumo
****** Iwami: OTL Shimane prefecture. Partly-Joseonese-Han. Allied with Izumo.
******* Central Fort: Gotsu
****** Mori: OTL East Yamaguchi prefecture. Associated with Bingo, run by the other branch of the Otomo family.
******* Central Fort: Gofu
****** Choshu: OTL West Yamaguchi prefecture. Neutral.
******* Central Fort: Shimonoseki
****** Sanuki: OTL North Kagawa prefecture. Allied with Awa.
******* Central Fort: Takamatsu
****** Awa: OTL Tokushima prefecture. Allied with Sanuki.
******* Central Fort: Anan
****** Tosa: OTL East Kochi prefecture. Neutral.
******* Central Fort: None
****** Saioni: OTL West Kochi prefecture. Trading clan. Allied with Satsuma.
******* Central Fort: None
****** Iyo: OTL Ehime prefecture. Ruled by the Uzumaki family.
******* Central Fort: None
****** Bungo: North Kyushu. Allied with Satsuma.
******* Central Fort: Kitayushu
****** Satsuma: Kyushu, Ryukyu and Hiroshima prefectures. Powerful trading clan in control of most of Nihon's navy as well as a significant Christian population; with large Syonanese minorities. Most economically significant region of Nihon.
******* Central Fort: Nagasaki
****** No other significant alliances.
***** Events:
******
Notable People:
* 1401-1473 [The Last Days of the Heian]:
** Uchiha Tomoko (1387 - 1469) [deceased]: Head of the Yamatai faction during the Civil War and later Empress (1412-1469) under the name 'Uchiha no Ichiban'.
** Mori Kyoko (1378 - 1473) [deceased]: One of the two heads of the Peoples' League during the Civil War, later Speaker of the National Convention unopposed until death. Spouse: Kido Mirio.
** Hori Shizuku (1377 - 1456) [deceased]: The other head of the Peoples' League, a minor political player in Hiroshima after the war. Committed suicide under threat of involuntary execution.
** Midoriya Kaitou (1383 - 1472) [deceased]: A minor player in the Civil War who gained popularity as a capable administrator. Birth name Zhang Kaisheng. Spouse: Midoriya Yuki.
** Seishiro Kirie (1381 - 1463) [deceased]: One of the heads of the Outsiders who found herself alienated from her hometown in her pursuit of political unity. Became a remarkable writer, writing works such as The Use of War, a critical book on the purpose of strife. Spouse: Bakushi Yona.
** Bakushi Yona (1380 - 1463) [deceased]: A Yamatai-Eskosian, best known for fighting for the political rights of the tiny Eskosian minority in Nihon. Became a political kingmaker after the war. Spouse: Seishiro Kirie.
** Hu Jin-Yo (1376 - 1462) [deceased]: A Joseon-Yamatai, best known as a Joseonese reunificationist who participated in a minor role during the Civil War. Afterwards, provided much financial support to the Nihonese army advancing in Kyongsong before dying in a tragic accident.
** Kanzaki Izuku (1394 - 1489) [deceased]: First Shogun then Taisho, well known for unconventional military tactics that precipitated asymmetrical warfare against enemy forces. Lived a relatively stunted life afterwards, travelled into Joseon and participated in its war against Kyongsong before travelling West in hopes of retracing the steps of Bulijin Khatun, a dream promptly foiled. Spouse: Yonekura Hiyori.
** Nishimiya Asuka (1372 - 1479) [deceased]: Shogun after her predecessor Kanzaki was passed over due to ignoring the Empress, she became something of a despot and massively expanded the powers of the military as well as a small secret police under the direction of Empress Uchiha and Speaker Mori. Lived a quiet, nondescript life. Spouse: Ryuzoji Mirio.
* 1474 - 1523 [The Brief Bakufu]
** Uchiha Ryu (1467 - 1512) [deceased]: Adopted son of Empress Uchiha, originally groomed to be an apt successor of hers; he was soon convinced to take another path by the Regent. Overthrown in 1487.
** Senjougahara Ryuko (1459 - 1489) [deceased]: Popular regent originally meant to become successor to Uchiha, eventually sidelined. With a massive amount of political power, however, she pulled strings to keep herself as Regent and manipulated the new Emperor as she wished. Murdered by an assassin.
** Senmyaku Hyo-in (1436 - 1486) [deceased]: Powerful orator of the Dochaku who advocated for their betterment. Eventually sidelined due to the maneuvring of Empress Uchiha.
** Yamagata Jiro (1461 - 1503) [deceased]: An upstart military man who became Shogun at the behest of the late Nishimiya Asuka. Soon evolved into a broadly popular political figure who usurped the throne from Uchiha Ryu, but his ambitions overcame him and he was deposed after attempting to re-consolidate power.
** Kanzaki Noriko (1467 - 1560) [deceased]: Nationalist despot intent on restoring Nihon to political unitarism. She quickly exploited her way through the chaos of rapid decentralisation to insert herself as the effective leader of Nihon in just one and a half decades, essentially unchallenged. Engaged in the exploitation of Syonan via siphoning its gold reserves to beef those of Nihon, inspiring the local chaos in that nation. Eventually became the leader of the first effectively federal republic in human history, the 13-year Nihonese Federation, but was promptly killed by Oda Nobunaga during the Siege of Kyoto.
* 1524 - ?? [Sengoku Jidai]
** Oda Nobuhide (1499 - 1543) [deceased]: Minor yet influential political figure of the exiled main family of the Oda clan. Killed by mistake.
** Takagi Anzu (1497 - 1572) [deceased]: Adopted daughter of Kanzaki Noriko, adept fighter, eventually, Nihonese Empress. Fled to Kansha. Died in 1572 peacefully.
** Oda Nobunaga (1534 - ??): The vengeful daughter of Nobuhide; a furious orator and military genius. Eventually Shogun and de facto leader of Nihon, but she found herself sidelined by most and was promptly betrayed by many of the daimyo she had returned to power.
** Uesugi Kagetora (1531 - ??): A capable administrator and competent military leader, Kagetora found her calling towards managing and helping her territory more important than the distant calls of Nobunaga's ambitions. While Nihon descended into chaos her territory remained prosperous, and bucking the trends of the daimyo she personally adopted many of the measures designed by the late Prime Minister of Nihon.
** Kinoshita Tokichiro (1542 - ??):
** Kanzaki Miyako or Soryu Ritsuko (1538 - ??):
** Widyawati: 
* Kanzaki Family: From a minor clan in old Minamoto arose one of the defining political and military families of the early Bakufu. This chronicles its most famous members.
** First Generation:
*** Izuku (1394 - 1489): Grandfather of the entire family. Began the Kanzaki name by abandoning usage of the old Minamoto clan name and rising as first a potential Emperor before becoming one of the most prolific generals in Nihon's history. However, his attempts at glory were foiled and eventually he gave up, passing his life's work to a strange girl who might just get some use out of it.
** Third Generation:
*** Setsuna (1482 - ??): Another third generation'er; she went missing in Syonan before being discovered as Noriko travelled to it. Made head of the Nihonese Southern Company. Spouse: Souji Nakamura.
*** Noriko (1467 - 1560): Two generations later, a bored Shinto temple head turned trainer turned puppet master. Exploited the political weaknesses of the political system to make herself a de facto leader, first head of the Kanzaki Clan. Charted the family's rise to prominence and eventually the family's dominance for a few decades; began her ascent hoping to salvage the family name but eventually became a radical republican dead set on changing the world as we know it. Died at the hands of Oda Nobunaga.
* Oda Family: A descendant of the Minamoto as well, the Oda rose up in opposition to the Kanzaki - and won out, going on to define much of the rest of Nihonese history. This chronicles its most famous members.
** First Generation:
*** ​​​​​​​Oda Nobuhide (1499 - 1543): His quest for revenge began the family's ascent to power. He finished none of it, trusting in a person that never returned his trust; yet, he would be remembered for what little he had done.
** Second Generation:
*** ​​​​​​​Nobunaga (1533 - ??):
*** Nobuhiro (1534 - ??):
*** Nobuyuki (1534 - ??):
*** Meiyo-ko (Hina) (1535 - ??):
** Third Generation: 
====The Syonanese Diarchy | Syonan Nikun-shu====
*Government: Mixed Noble Republic (de facto one party autocratic state)
**Grand Kōshaku of All Syonan, Suwawa and Tidung, Lord Protector of Sabah and Palawan: The Grand Kōshaku is the ruler of Syonan. He is elected by the Syonanese Diet upon the previous Kōshaku’s death, resignation, or impeachment and serves a life term.
***Noriaki Kakyoin (born 1462, ruled 1491-1526)
***Hideki Heihachiro (born 1494, ruled 1526-)
***Keicho Nijimura (born 1488, ruled 1561-)
**Subordinate Kōshakus: The constituent kingdoms of Hiraga and Nagasato are each ruled by a subordinate Kōshaku. Subordinate Kōshakus are the second most powerful positions in Syonan, with a subordinate Kōshaku having almost total control in their respective domains, answering only to the Grand Kōshaku and their respective Diets.
***Hiragan Kōshaku:
****Yoshimune Kira (born 1449, ruled 1475-1514)
****Ryohei Higashikata (born 1455, ruled 1514-)
****Keicho Nijimura (born 1488, ruled 1561-)
***Nagasatoan Kōshaku:
****Ginzo Souji (born 1453, ruled 1482-)
****Shigeki Souji (born 1497, ruled 1540-)
****Keicho Nijimura (born 1488, ruled 1561-)
***Yang di-Pertua Agong of Sabah and Palawan: Serves a similar role to a subordinate Kōshaku, with free reign over the 8 prefectures of Sabah and Palawan.
****Pengiran Dahud Sinaman (born 1470, ruled 1511-)
****Pengiran Sihan Sahatul (born 1531, ruled 1558-)
**Syonanese Diet: The Syonanese Diet is the main legislative body of Syonan. A bicameral system based on Syonan’s 2 constituent kingdoms, it is composed of Syonan’s nobility and particularly powerful burgher families. The Syonanese Diet hosts 732 delegates in total. 
***Hiragan Diet: The Hiragan Diet is the main legislative body of the constituent Kingdom of Hiraga (located in the northern half of Syonan). Made up of notable Hiragan noble and burgher families, the Hiragan Diet hosts 437 delegates. 
****The autonomous province of Sabah and Palawan sends 27 delegates to the Hiragan Diet. 
***Nagasatoan Diet: The Nagasatoan Diet is the main legislative body of the constituent Kingdom of Nagasato (including the overseas territories of Suwawa and Tidung), located in the southern half of the country. Composed of notable Nagasatoan noble and burgher families, the Nagasatoan Diet hosts 295 delegates. 
****Suwawa and Tidung, being governed under Nagasato, is theoretically subject to the Nagasatoan Diet. However, there is little to no representation of the two overseas territories in the Syonanese legislature.
****SYONANESE DIET PURGED - SEE EVENTS
***Unified Outer Diet: The unofficial legislative body of Syonan’s overseas territories, it is de facto the main governing body in Syonanese Borneo and Sulawesi, with their laws holding more clout on the ground than even federal laws. The Unified Outer Diet hosts 201 members, 88 from Sabah, 72 from Tidung, and 51 from Suwawa.
**Political Parties: Although no real political parties exist in Syonan as of yet, there are several loose power blocs within the Syonanese Diet, with borders between specific power blocs sometimes muddy and difficult to discern. Many delegates are influenced by multiple blocs.
***Centralists: The Centralist bloc is composed of those delegates who desire more central government control over local affairs in Syonan. An extremely big tent bloc, Centralists range from those who simply want more government oversight in day to day governance, to supporters of Anjuro Katagiri’s absolutist and imperial policies, to those who want to do away with the Diarchy system altogether. Significantly more powerful in the north than in the south the Centralists, along with their bitter enemies the Federalists, are the two most powerful blocs in the Syonanese Diet.
***Federalists: The Federalist bloc is composed of those delegates who desire less central government control over Syonan. A similarly big tent bloc to the Centralists, they range from feudalists to status quo supporters to even a few Nagastoan secessionists. Significantly more powerful in the south and in the Bornean territories than in the north, the Federalists, along with the Centralists, are the two most powerful blocs in the Syonanese Diet, and are perpetually at odds with one another. PURGED - SEE EVENTS
***Traders: Supporting mercantilist policies and touting the trade guilds as the lifeblood of the Syonanese economy, the traders punch far above their weight in power, mostly due to Syonan’s control over the seas. They are the most staunch supporters of the Sulu Sea sound toll. Many of them tend to agree in part with the Militarists on certain supposed “integral territories of Syonan”. PURGED - SEE EVENTS
***Militarists: The Syonanese militarists are probably by far the most unified bloc in Syonanese politics, uniformly advocating for stratocratic principles and aggressive foreign policy to “keep Syonan great” (read. continue Syonanese near-hegemony over maritime Southeast Asia). They are quite inclined to randomly scream “Syonan Banzai” and debate you for hours on how Palawan and Sabah are integral territories of Syonan stolen by the Bruneians.
***Traditionalists: The traditionalists are a faction dedicated to preserving the status quo. They are the most socially conservative group, and also tout an isolationist foreign policy, which they call “Sakoku”. No one really takes them seriously at the moment.
***Religious Supremacists: Syonan’s religious supremacists are a mostly fringe group that emphasize increased authority of religious bodies over governance and everyday life. Although the Shinto, Buddhist, Hindu and Xianist blocs clash often, their proposed policies are much the same, designed to give their religion more power in state affairs. BUDDHIST, HINDU, AND XIANIST SUPREMACISTS PURGED - SEE EVENTS
***Reformists: Even with the most conventional parliamentary system, there will always be a couple hardy radicals. ‘Nuff said. PURGED - SEE EVENTS
*Administration: Syonan is divided into 2 constituent kingdoms (koku), which are further subdivided into 10 provinces (dō). The 9 provinces are in turn subdivided into 43 prefectures (ken), which are in turn further divided into districts (gun).
**Suwawa and Tidung are considered overseas territories of the constituent Kingdom of Nagasato. They do not have any representation in the Syonanese Diet, and their people are not considered Syonanese citizens (and thus are not awarded the rights of Syonanese citizens) unless they are descended from at least one Syonanese parent or descended from at least one parent that has served in the Syonanese military.
**Sabah and Palawan is an autonomous province under the constituent Kingdom of Hiraga (with the exception of the southernmost portions of former Bruneian Sabah, which has been incorporated into the Kingdom of Nagasato as Tarakan Prefecture). Autonomous provinces are similar to normal provinces except that they have more power domestically, as the constituent kingdom-level government is not allowed to impose laws and restrictions on the autonomous province, with the only power they are able to wield over provincial authorities in an autonomous province being a veto.
*Capital City:
**Syonanese and Hiragan Capital: Morioh
***Sabahan Capital: Sandakan
**Nagasatoan Capital: Nagasato
***Suwawan Capital: Gorontalo
***Tidungese Capital: Kutei
*Economy: Following Grand Koshaku Nijimura Keicho’s 1567 Declaration of Sakoku, the Syonanese economy has been in freefall, with prices of every good conceivable skyrocketing. Robbed of its trading lifeblood, the cities have begun to empty out, causing food insecurity and societal tensions in rural areas immediately adjacent to the former urban centers. Major sectors of the Syonanese economy include agriculture, mining, the spice trade, fishing, and logging.
**Currency: The Syonanese taru is the main currency in Syonan, backed up by gold reserves, with one taru ostensibly equivalent to around 3.2 grams of gold. However, due to decades of mismanagement by Nihonese quasi-colonial rule, as well as the adverse economic effects of Grand Koshaku Nijimura Keicho’s 1567 Declaration of Sakoku, the taru is effectively worthless, with most of Syonan regressing to simple barter economies.
*Demographics:
**Total Population: 1,002,651
***Hiraga: 322,175
****Morioh: 20,025
****Mei-nira: 32,012
****Kitahara: 14,725
****Kanakawa 12,878
****Keishi: 9,193
****Naga: 8,378
***Nagasato (including Tarakan but not Suwawa or Tidung): 189,428
****Nagasato-shi: 17,145
****Davao: 23,104
****Souhama-Shibu: 12,023
****Pemagarong: 10,992
****Tsuhama: 5,170
****Cagayan: 4,992
***Sabah and Palawan: 389,458
****Sandakan: 47,370
****Api: 31,925
***Suwawa: 54,275
****Gorontalo: 7,212
***Tidung: 47,315
****Kutei: 1,923
**Ethnicities:
***31.7% Syonanese (318,382 people)
****14.9% Yojin (“pure” Syonanese) (47,439 people)
****85.1% In-jin (mixed race Syonanese) (270,943 people)
***18.8% Native Syonanese (188,595 people)
****22.8% Takairō-jin/Tagalog (43,000 people)
****19.7% Kabishi-jin/Visayan (37,153 people)
****12.5% Rusonto-jin/Ilocano (23,574 people)
****7.4% Ibaruno-jin/Bicolano (13,956 people)
****7.1% Nagasato-jin/Maguindanao (13,390 people)
****30.5% Other groups (57,521 people)
***9.8% Malay (97,820 people)
***1.8% Japanese (17,828 people)
***1.1% Vietnamese (10,906 people)
***0.3% Chinese (3,215 people)
***12.9% Kadazan-Dusun (129,056 people)
***9.2% Bajau (92,398 people)
***5.0% Suwawan (50,414 people)
***4.1% Murut (41,140 people)
***4.6% Dayak (45,627 people)
***0.7% Other (mostly Southeast Asian, Indian and Arabian traders) (7,270 people)
**Religions: Religion in Syonan is not necessarily exclusive, with many Syonanese ascribing to beliefs from 2 or more religions.
***Syonanese Shinto: Syonanese Shinto has diverged greatly from Shinto in the Japanese islands, with many Shinto kami being syncretized with native and Hindu deities, and Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism heavily influencing the religion. Most prevalent in coastal, urban and lowland areas dominated by ethnic Syonanese, Syonanese Shinto is the main religion of Syonan.
****~65% of the population (~650,000 people)
***Syonanese Buddhism: A sect of Buddhism almost totally exclusive to the islands of Syonan, Syonanese Buddhism is heavily influenced by Shinto, Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism and native beliefs. It is by far the most influential Buddhist sect in Syonan, although other sects do manage to gain followers in the Syonanese Isles.
****~60% of the population (~600,000 people)
****Other Buddhist sects (Mahayana, Theravada and Zen Buddhism) are practiced by ~7% of the population (~70,000 people)
***Hinduism: Practiced by many indigenous and mixed-race Syonanese especially in Mindanao and the Visayas, Hinduism in Syonan has been heavily syncretized with Syonanese Buddhism and Shinto (and vice versa), with many Hindu gods in Syonan being almost indistinguishable from the Syonanese variants of Shinto kami. A more “pure” version of Hinduism exists in coastal Tidung and in newly-acquired Sabah.
****~30% of the population (~300,000 people)
***Xianism: Xianism states that the sole god of man, Tian, has endowed humans with the ability to become "Xian", basically deities, unlocked by committing good deeds in Tian's name, and understanding Tian and the way the universe works. Unlike many Eastern religions, Xianism is a monotheistic religion. Practitioners of the religion are mostly confined to the ethnic Chinese minority within Syonan, and are most prevalent in Pemagarong and Mindoru Prefectures.
****<1% of the population (~4,000 people)
***Other: In remote, mountainous areas of inland Syonan, as well as in the jungles of Tidung and Suwawa, many native tribes still live as they did before Syonanese settlement on the islands, and still worship their old gods in much the same way as they once did.
****~15% of the population (~150,000 people)
*Military:
**Grand Army of Syonan:
***Deployed forces: 25,000
***Total forces: 40,000
****8,000 Heavy Breakthrough Elite Infantry
****5,000 Field Artillery Personnel
****20,000 Light Infantry
****7,000 Light Mixed Cavalry
****5,000 Homeland Security Infantry (Military Police)
***Reservists/Potential levies: 0
**Syonan Nikun Royal Navy:
***Total sailors: 26,000
***Total ships (excluding coastal patrol): 380 ships
****SNRN Muramasa-class Oceanic Battlecruiser Muramasa
*****Crew: 120
****SNRN Yamamoto-class Oceanic Battlecruiser Yamamoto
*****Crew: 70
****SNRN Yamamoto-class Oceanic Battlecruiser Higashikata
*****Crew: 70
****12 Muramasa-class Oceanic Battlecruisers
*****Crew: 120
****27 Yamamoto-class Oceanic Battlecruisers
*****Crew: 70
****191 Subarashi Pagong-class Oceanic Cruisers
*****Crew: 60
****157 Subarashi Dātsu-class Oceanic Interceptors
*****Crew: 40
****410 Tsuna-class Torpedo Boats
*****Crew: 10
****383 Transport Ships
*Wars and Conflicts: N/A
*Research:
**Type 001 Yajiri Torpedo Mod. 1498: An updated model of the Yajiri Torpedo allowing it to reach faster speeds in water and improving its accuracy.
**Subarashi Kulog Taihou Mk.V: We begin to equip more ships with this cannon.
**Bakuchiku Mk.I: The Bakuchiku cannon is now standard fare for all Syonanese ships.
**Kogata-jū: A variant of the Javanese arquebus indigenous to Syonan, the Kogata-jū has become the standard firearm of choice for the Syonanese Army.
**Arquebus Reverse Engineering: With sporadic trade from Agoustan Brunei reaching our shores, we begin trying to reverse engineer their strange and powerful “arquebuses”, with mixed success.
**Early Rocket Developments: The first primitive rockets are rolled out. Although extremely clunky, they can shoot at targets up to 800 meters away.
**Reptilian Growth: Continued breeding of the Filipino monitor lizard has caused the species to grow in size, through decades, if not centuries will be required for the lizards to grow even larger.
***That being said, they are now large enough to be farmed for food, as these monitor lizards slowly become a delicacy in the Nagasatoan region.
*Diplomacy:
**Hispania (from Sabah): Trade? Who cares what Keicho thinks, he’s stark raving bonkers anyways.
*Events:
**Hispanian Visitors, Backdoor Deals, and the Death of a Nation: In 1571, a Hispanian expedition led by Miguel López de Legazpi would arrive in the city of Tarakan, located in northern Tidung. Due to the general governmental neglect of the outlying territories, Sakoku was virtually unenforced outside of the Syonanese Isles proper, and the Spanish expedition was able to enter Tarakan without much hassle, and was welcomed warmly by the local population. The Hispanian expedition was quickly noticed by local authorities, eventually working its way all the way to the court of Pengiran Sihan Sahatul, the Yang-di Pertua Agong of Sabah. After a warm reception and a profuse apology on the “small-minded unwillingness to engage in anything beyond the borders of the Syonanese Isles” of the current Syonanese government, Sihan would give Legazpi’s expedition a tour of Syonanese Borneo, showing them the bounties and trade goods of the land (and promising them that this was only a fraction of what one could get in the islands proper), and proposing trade terms with Hispania. Meanwhile, rumors and tales of Legazpi’s expedition would spread back into the Syonanese isles despite the current state of Sakoku, being retold and embellished so many times that when the rumors finally reached the Grand Koshaku’s ear, they had told of a great fleet of Agoustan traders, led by the infamous Simao de Andrade’s youngest son, that came seeking to buy the children of Syonan to serve as slaves in the far-off lands of the West. Outraged by these (by now baseless) rumors, Nijimura Keicho would convene the governors and rulers of the territories in a private meeting in Morioh, where he seeked to know where the expedition had landed and how much “damage” they had already caused. Although Legazpi’s expedition was in Sabah at the time of the meeting, Sihan and the Sabahan representatives pinned the blame on the Tidungese, while denouncing Tidungese claims that the Sabahans had taken the expedition in as slander. Keicho seemed to have trusted the Sabahan delegation more than the Tidungese on the matter, as he would send 10,000 troops to Tidung to investigate the whereabouts of the Hispanian expedition and to punish whoever took them in. As the search for the Hispanian expedition got longer, the actions of the troops tasked to search for the expedition got bloodier and bloodier, to the point where troops would show up at a random village, gruffly ask the village elder if they had seen any white men, and then proceeded to torture the village inhabitants until they made confessions out of pressure and said that the white men had went to the next village over. The soldiers would then hightail it to the next village, find out that white men had also not been sighted at this village, and then return to the original village to burn it down to the ground, salt its earth and hang all its inhabitants in unspeakable ways for “lying”. Over the next 5 years, this story, and many, many other stories like this, would become extremely commonplace in Tidung, as nearly three-quarters of Tidung’s population would be killed due to a wild goose chase looking for something that did not exist. As for Legazpi’s expedition proper, they would safely leave Sabah in 1572, with Sihan’s parting gift of ample amounts of gold, silver, spices, tropical wood, and exotic plants and animals, returning to Hispania without much issue.
**Teal Waters Turned Crimson: State-sponsored genocide of the Malay, Japanese, and Chinese populations of Syonan would intensify, with League forces ordered to burn down every known Malay, Japanese, and Chinese village in all of Syonan and hack every living thing there taller than a wheel to death. No minority was safe from the League death squads, and even many ethnic Syonanese were not spared death by machete. Many Syonanese with non-Syonanese spouses were simply massacred with their entire family (many of these being stripped naked and impaled with the kanji for “traitor” carved into their backs with a knife), and even many Syonanese who looked “too dark” or wore clothes that seemed “too foreign” were simply mistaken for minority populations and murdered on the spot. In many areas with high minority populations, such as the Freedmen’s Belt in interior Nagasato, it is said that streams and rivers ran red with the blood of the damned.
**Famine and Pestilence: The years of 1571 to 1574 rocked Syonan with a series of bad harvests and blights, compounding already-extant food insecurity in many areas, caused by economic collapse spurred on by the Sakoku policy. Meanwhile, several plagues, including smallpox, typhus, and cholera, would plague many regions of Syonan. This double-whammy, combined with severe corruption within the government and the severe lack of granaries and silos across Syonan (many of them having been destroyed during the decades-long Resistance War and with the government being too preoccupied on mass corruption and maintaining a totalitarian hold on the country to rebuild them) would cause a massive population downturn, with Syonan losing nearly half its population in the 1570s alone (much of this population loss being concentrated on the Syonanese Archipelago, where around 65% of the population would either emigrate or succumb to starvation or disease). Of note is that population downturn is dramatically increased amongst minority communities, with Grand Koshaku Nijimura Keicho’s genocidal policies blocking much-needed food aid to minority populations while prioritizing ethnic Syonanese populations, amongst other things.
**The Mad Emperor: By the mid-1570s, the full extent of Nijimura Keicho’s insanity and brutality had reared its ugly head. Syonan was plunged into a reign of terror unsurpassed by even the most deranged of modern-day dictatorships. Any hint of dissent against Keicho was crushed instantly, the offending party simply murdered in their sleep by a League death squad. The meager food supply of the peasantry in many areas was often seized completely, redistributed to support the dying cities. Revolts were handled in downright barbaric and uncivilized manners. An extreme example of this was a minor revolt in Souhama, where starving peasants were revolting due to repeated food confiscations that left communities without a single shred of edible material. Keicho’s Syonanese League goons, sent down to deal with the minor revolt, would decimate each village one by one; in one village killing 2 members of each family and then forcing the surviving family members to eat the raw flesh of their murdered relatives at the point of a knife, while the League goons would taunt them with such taunts as “You said you were hungry? I gave you grandma for dinner. Eat up, pigs. Oink oink.”, and in another, hacking half the village’s population’s body parts off and then creating eerie statues made of the body parts of different people. The Vietnamese-Syonanese poet Tran Thich Quang (1548-1617) described the Syonanese League soldiers as “degenerates with nothing but evil in their heart that all deserve to burn in the fires of the afterlife for 10 million years and then never be reincarnated as anything more worthwhile than a rat”. Meanwhile, Keicho himself would begin to interfere with the daily governance of Syonan less and less, usually only appearing to make some inane statement or nonsensical decree. With age catching up to him, the Grand Koshaku had gone mad, yet no one was willing to speak as much as a word about it, for fear of disappearing in the middle of the night. With a mad Koshaku propped up by the extremely heavy-handed suppression of dissent, and one of the most brutal paramilitary groups/secret police known to history, Syonan was left in a state of total collapse and anarchy, governmental functions having ceased to function long ago and the only law left in the vast majority of the country being roving Syonanese League death squads and whatever leader could survive in the veritable hell on earth that was 1570s Syonan.
**The Mad Emperor’s Court: Although none would dare acknowledge it publicly for fear of retaliation by the Grand Koshaku’s personal fighters, every noble who wasn’t dead, exiled to Nanshindo, or as dumb as a rock knew that Nijimura Keicho’s time was almost up. The one question that weighed on everyone’s mind was “Who will succeed Keicho when he dies?” With the prospect of an impending power vacuum, several different factions from amongst Keicho’s inner circle arose, the main two of which were the Gang of Four, comprised of Souji Tourin, Kakyoin Chiyo, Miyagi Takahiro, and Takahashi Sozen, and the Shigeki Noriogi - Kobayashi Masako - Sugimoto Kenzo Axis.
**The Opposition and Sihan’s Power Play: Sihan was no fool. Even an entire sea away from court intrigue in Morioh, he knew that Keicho was driving himself into a hole he could not dig out of with his idiotic policies. He knew that the best time to strike was now. All he needed was the perfect puppet to use to achieve his control over Syonan without having to forfeit or risk his position as Yang-di Pertua Agong of Sabah. Fortunately, the perfect candidate materialized in 1571. Souji Seizu, a great military genius who helped plan major successful Resistance offensives at the tender age of sixteen, and who had been a part of the Resistance’s plan to destabilize Japan by aiding Oda Nobunaga’s rebellion against Kanzaki Noriko. Leader of his grandmother’s Nihonese Southern Company - now renamed to the Golden Wind Company, a cream-of-the-crop mercenary company with troops trained better than perhaps even the Syonanese Army itself, he had military assets and an extremely adept strategic mind - but no government experience whatsoever. If there was ever a shot Sihan had to back a candidate that simultaneously had the men and genius to win the post-Keicho power vacuum, yet also would be easy to manipulate and puppet from behind, this was it. And so Souji Seizu made a deal with the devil, and accepted refuge in Sabah under Sihan’s protection.
**Puppetception: Ashikaga Kesai’s life story was a veritable rags-to-riches story. Born a slave to the Zhaowanese East Sea Company, she would eventually earn her freedom in 1561, only to quickly rise up the ranks and become the leader of a moderately successful Zhaowanese hwai, as well as managing a mercenary company of her own. It was while on a business errand in Sandakan that she caught the eye of Pengiran Sihan Sahatul, the Yang-di Pertua Agong of Sabah. Although Kesai was at first uninterested in love, they would soon begin to court, partly because Kesai saw an opportunity to gain more power and clout in Syonan by courting and marrying Sihan. After all, if Sihan controlled Syonan, all Kesai would need to do to gain total power was to control Sihan. The couple would marry in 1573, and after realizing Kesai was a much better statesman and ruler than him, Sihan would (privately) delegate much of the decision making in the day-to-day rule of Sabah to his newlywed wife.
**Pirates Gotta Pirate: With the ongoing famine and total chaos in Syonan, many coastal peoples would take to piracy to provide for their families and villages, with some of the more successful ones selling basic staple crops and/or other goods raided from Agoustan Brunei or Zhaowa for exorbitant, marked up prices, and gaining a hefty profit from desperate starving families willing to do anything for food. Syonanese pirates could also run massive human trafficking programs, as with no shortage of families willing to offer up themselves or a son or a daughter for a bowl of rice, pirates could sell up to thousands of Syonanese slaves all across Southeast Asia for premium prices. Many, during this turbulent time, would strike it rich; although many who participated in such crooked business would not live for much longer. In fact, post-Keicho Syonan would sentence anyone who had participated in human trafficking during the Keicho era to death.
==== Mutapa ====
* Government: Monarchy.
** Mwene: Negomo Chirisamhuru
* Economy: The Economy of Mutapa is pretty good as it is mainly an agrarian nation, with mining as a secondary activity, from mines we get gold and stuff that we can trade for stuff like silk, ceramics and other exotic items, and with the increasing interest of gold, the Mwene is increasing our mining to mine more and more gold. Trade is also a part of our economy as we trade with many of the nations/tribes around us.
* Capital: Ne-we 
* Demographics:
** Population: 840 000 
** Cities:
*** Ne-We: 5 842
*** Kiwe: 3 000
** Rural areas: 831 158
** Ethnicites: 74,5% Shona, 17% Karanga, 8% Swazi, 0,5% Swahili
** Religion: 98% Mwari believers, 2% (16 800) Tombovelan Zoroastrianism.
* Wars and Conflicts: (italics: Potential War)
** (READ EVENTS FIRST) Invasion of Nipele: We send half of our army (8 400) to to border of Nipele, and prepare for an invasion in case they decline our peaceful offer (1575). 
* Military of Mutapa: As Mutapa is a rural nation, we can have an active miltary size of 2% (16 800) and reserves size of 1% (8 400) of our total population.
** Active: 2%
*** 6 933 African Spearmen
*** 5 933 bowmen
*** 3 934 Light Cavalry 
** Reserves: not active 1%
*** 3 467 African Spearmen
*** 2 922 bowmen
*** 2 011 Light Cavalry
* Navy:
** Fishing boats: 500
* Diplomacy:
** thumb|220x220pxImerina: We accept all offers, but on the condition that you become an ally of ours. We have plans in the north and wouldn't want to make you an enemy cause of that. We are not against your beliefs, so with me controling the nations on the northern coast it'll be easier for you to spread your religion.
* Events: 
** Zulu and Swazi tribes: An offer is sent to nearby Zulu and Swazi tribes ^ to join Mutapa.
** thumb|220x220pxinvitation of Nipele: An offer is sent out to Nipele asking them to join us peacefully.
** Gold: The new Mwene has found an interest in the golden mines and has decided to increase the mining rate as to get more and more gold.
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Category:Konig des Menschen (Map Game)