Archive 22

Turn 106 - 110.

### **NPC Events:**

* **Byzantine-Arabic War:** A peace is secured between the Byzantine alliance and the Arabs, establishing Sajid independence as well. The Byzantines then start a risky campaign of regaining Sicily. The Aghlabid navy is definitely not superior to the Byzantine one but is able to hold its own to an extent. Several sieges of Syracuse occur due to the difficulty of sieging such a city from the sea. The final one spans 921-922, almost a year, but is eventually taken. Palermo doesn't last as long. The attack on Malta is successful as well. As the Byzantines attack the Aghlabid mainland they call upon Tahert, whom they share a bloodline with, to help. The two are capable of warding off the blockade of Algiers and the siege of Qartajira is another long and bloody one. With determination, power and a little bit of luck Byzantium managed to break into the city itself, causing the Sack of Qartajira. The city was not captured however as a large army attacked and forced the Byzantines to retreat from North Africa. They have however recaptured Sicily and captured Malta. Qurtuba also accepts the alternative deal.
* **The Continuing of the Continuing of the Continuing of the Start of a Schism:** The Papal States and the Pope do respect Byzantiumm to an extent for its victory against the muslims, however that doesn't mean they are friends. Several Christian realms are angry over the ban the Byzantines have cast upon the Papal States as well as the emperor's comments on the Pope. This causes most of them to start breaking their relations with the Byzantine Empire. The Empire itself is doing quite fine but there is a growing resentment of Leo V, some because they support the Papacy and some because of the poverty (in peasant circles) caused by the expensive war against the Arabs, Leo V's attitude towards Jews is also controversial. The Duchy of Naples starts to decline as three main groups of people are established: supporters of being subject to the Byzantines, supporters of the Papacy and supporters of Neapolitan independence. This only worsens with the death of Neapolitan Duke Conrad IV. Meanwhile the missionaries throughout the east are semi-successful. Dragovits is secured as supportive of the Byzantines and the Patriarch and so is Krakov and Lviv. Attempts in Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungaria do not succeed however, as the first is supportive of the Papacy and the two others reject both the Papacy and the Patriarchy. The Rus' also don't really give a shit and are focused on something else. The Pope's own missionary... missions go about the same way, all of Western Europe is on his side but his attempt to convert the Venetii, Rus, Hungaria and Bulgaria fail. Posmark and Lusatien succeed however and also Bohemia, who is quite dependent on East Francia due to their empire falling a while back. It is also at this point in 935 that Pope John XI and his successor Pope Leo VII send a well-liked man named Ansgar off to Scandinavia to be the main force of missionary work there.
* **It Broke Again - 2:** With all the chaos happening, the Xiao dynasty only manages to last until 933 AD. Li Hanzhi overthrows Emperor Ai of Xiao and establishes the Zheng dynasty, however many warlords control other parts of China and declare themselves independent from the Zheng dynasty, causing another fractured period of China. The states of Wu, Ying and Shu ban Buddhism (due to the negative connotations to the Xiao dynasty) and declare Confucianism as their official faith. From the invasion of Buyeo they also establish a vassal dynasty making it technically be nine rivaling dynasties. Those are: Xiong, Yun, Jin (or Jurchen Jin to distinguish from the other one after the fall of Wei, also the vassal of Buyeo), Ma, Zheng, Song, Wu, Ying and Shu. Initially the Ying dynasty erupts into its own civil war due to disagreements of leadership between the two main warlords who established it: Cai Rui and Shang Qingrang (related to Shang Rang). Shang Qingrang won and Cai Rui fled to Formosa where he established his own state, where the government consists of a council of the native Gaoshan people and Cai Rui and his advisors. This becomes Tungning. Oh and there is conflict in the northern regions of Dai Viet but a border is agreed upon not long after the skirmishes begin.
* **Hungaria:** The Magyar tribes were quite united despite not being a state. But this then changes in 922 when a man known as Árpád united all the tribes and took control of all of Magyar territory, starting the Principality of Hungaria. He establishes good relations with the Bulgars and even adopts the Cyrillic script for the Old Hungarian language. Árpád puts a big focus on holding his lands independent from much else. He does convert to Christianity but rejects following any of the two big rivals within the faith: the Pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople, finding them both quite stupid. Instead he hangs with the Bulgars. Some outsiders refer to their form of Christianity as Hungaro-Bulgar, but it's not official.
* **Japan - the Anime, Episode 7 - Victory and Great Liao:** Japan entered a bloody and dangerous war to defend a treaty that was signed like two centuries ago. What. But whatever. Both sides lost a lot of men but Buyeo was defeated, especially when the leader of Buyeo died. His two sons were twins and squabbled before their father's death over who would become king. This is worsened with the fact that one of the sons converted from Tengrism to Buddhism. Well there was an internal conflict and the Buddhist son would continue to rule the weakened Buyeo but at least control the Jin dynasty, while the Tengrist son would establish the Liao dynasty in the north. The campaign against those eastern lands stopped shortly after the whole Buyeo war ended, but began once China br0ke. Liao managed with superior power to conquer the weakened Eastern Khergits as well as the Mongolic peoples and expand even further west, becoming known to many foreigners as the Great Liao. Now after this war, the Samurai would gain even more power within the matters of Japan and some would start to organize themselves into sects and such in secret from the royals.
* **Just Rus' Things:** Pissed at the non-response, they invade Kyiv to take matters into their own hands and get what they want. They initially capture it but Khazar forces show up and a large battle over which power gets to control Kyiv has begun. The construction of settlements between Rurikburg and Kyiv also starts, to hold the massive Rus' state together.
* **The Unification of England:** Englishmen and Vikings continue to clash and now a direct war has spun once more. Edward the Elder continues this large war against the Danelaw, to enforce English rule upon Great Britain. Now he eventually does the thing that everyone does at some point and he is no longer alive. Following him is Æthelstan, son of Edward. By 927 he has unconquered England from Viking rule and has unified it. The Kingdom of England has officially started and Æthelstan is its first king. He dies in 939. The second ever king of England ends up being Edmund I.
* **Viking Time - Something something:** The later period of the Viking Age has definitely begun. The Varangians are still trying to stay relevant. In Hrímland the loyalists of Stéfan Karl and Magnus Scheving start. Magnus Scheving becomes notable for referring to Stefán Karl as "a real villain". Battles broke out and it was indecisive. Eventually the followers of Stefán Karl would gain the upper hand in the largest settlement on the island in otl Reykjavík and the two leaders would eventually duel. Stefán Karl succeeded in defeating and mortally wounding his opponent and the two realized after all the bloodshed that it was slightly pointless and that a compromise of leadership over Hrímland could have been possible through dialogue. The two shared mutual respect and Magnus referred to Stefán as "number one" before dying. With the death of their leader, Stefán Karl's side would win and the settlement would be known as Stefánvík, with one area there being known as Schevingsund in honor of his opponent. While reluctant to it, Stefán is crowned the first king of Hrímland. Thus the Commonwealth of Hrímland is over and the Kingdom has begun. Other than that, the most interesting stuff happens in Sweden. One new state known as Helsingur is founded and I forgot to write it on the list on the map dammit. Anyway the kingdoms of Gautland and Svitjod (I'm not getting all those Old Norse/Icelandic letters ok) start to expand further and become rivals. Which one will be the major power in that region? That is quite the question indeed.
* **Death of Aksum:** A realm that began in the 2nd century BC and was one of the major powers of the world at one point and even possibly the strongest state in Africa has finally seen the end of its time. Lasting over a millennium, the weak state is then attacked by Shewa and separatists also start to revolt. By 938 AD, the Kingdom of Aksum is no more. The city of Axum is also destroyed and Shewa builds a new settlement not far from the ruins, come to be known as Agtam. The remaining Aksumite lands are taken by Bahri and Zagwe.
* **Central Asia:** So, as the Liao conquer the Eastern Khergits, the Western Khergits time to come is not far. Kazakhs capture more lands and the Khergit core is shrinking. Migrating Karluks establish their own Khanate and separate from the Khergits and Kirghiz people also come in, causing conflict with the Khergits and the Karluks. So these three Ks, the **K**hergits, **K**arluks and **K**irghiz... wait a minute... okay let's not go that way. Basically Tonju Khan dies. His son is way too young to rule so here comes Alayen, a warlord who has practically been running things his own way. He overthrows the Western Khergit Khanate putting an end to it. While most people are still ethnically Khergit in a way the Khanate is renamed to the Onoq Khanate, with Onoq meaning ten arrows referring to the banner of Alayen's family. Also the invasion of Ust Yiurt is a success as the Oghuz Yabgu conquer it.
* **Almost Tonga Time:** The islands of the Pacific have their own little civilizations and such just resting, but in what is known as Tonga, something big is about to happen. Small-scaled conflicts between tribes lead to the main island of Tongatapu almost being unified.
* **Rise of Xibalba:** Mayan City-States start to fall one by one to the bigger powers as a Mayan reformation is on its way, with the formerly collapsed empire's lands start to become strong and flourishing once more. The ever-growing rivalry between Xibalba and Togulci is a major part of Mayan politics and diplomacy. An invasion is coming, but when will it start?
* **Virishan-Pratisthanan War:** The war is slow and painful as both powers are just basically the same in terms of power and neither is willing to give up, Virisha does manage to go on the offensive though.
* **The Philippines and Indonesia:** These lands are not known by those names, but I'll cover these small happenings in one go. Banjar expands and establishes a capital. The Buginese also build a capital. Brunei expands and is still mighty pissed at Srivijaya. The lands of the Philippines develop further and Gacatayar also builds a capital. The name of that capital is **Tudar**.
* **Unami:** Unami is formed, a new native american confederation located in otl New Jersey.
* **Nri:** The Igbo Kingdom of Nri is formed by the Eze Nri (ruler title) Eri.
* **Carolingian Empire:** When Charles the Fat died it fell apart there are no more carolingians rip.

### **Byzantine Empire:**

* **Government: Absolute Monarchy**
	+ **Ruler:** Michael I (B 899AD (alive)) (R 942AD - 943AD) Theodora I (B 900AD (alive)) (R 943 - present)
	+ **Dynasty:** Domninian Dynasty
	+ **Economy:** Most of the economy comes from trade mainly through Constantinople where a variety of things are traded. We also possess the ability to intervene in important sectors within the economy to make sure nothing goes off balance and are currently thriving.
	+ **Capital:** Constantinople
	+ **Demographics:**
		- **Population:** Greek 73%, Minorities: Italian 11%, Slavic 6%, Bulgar 4% Other: Khazar, Arabic, Georgian, Armenian 6%
		- **Constantinople:** 670,000
		- **Adrianople:** 78,000
		- **Thessaloniki:** 65,000
		- **Syracuse:** 57,000
		- **Athens:** 54,500
		- **Cities:** ~1,900,000
		- **Rural Areas:** ~8,700,000
		- **Total population:** ~10,500,000
		- **Religion:** Christianity ~93%, Other: Judaism, Eslam, Zoroastrianism, Bulgarian paganism 7%
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
* **Military:**
	+ **Standing army:** Total of 1% (105,000)
	+ 46,000 Cavalry
		- 20,000 Cataphracts
			* 7,000 Cataphract archers
	+ 59,000 Infantry
		- 13,000 Akritai
	+ **Troop placement:**
* **Navy:**
	+ 55 Galleys
	+ 150 Transport ships
	+ 185 Dromons
	+ 90 Triremes
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Aghlabid Sultanate:** Since your capital is mostly in ruins now we see no reason for you to fight any longer. We offer peace, with conditions being that you cannot intervene in European affairs especially against us with repercussions being an onslaught of raids. You also must pay heavy costs for what happened with Sicily or we will take it from you with brute force.
	+ **Duchy of Dragovits:** We ask of you, at this time, seeing by how close we are, to join the empire as a vassal. (this can also allow us to defend you better)
* **Events:**
	+ **Nap time:** We are quite exhausted from war at this point so we are leaving a bit of room for cooling down lest we face more backlash from these wars. Seeing as how his popularity is shifting from the views of the peasants he is deciding to give most of the money we acquired from the sack of Qartajira to the peasants so they dont get angry. A few weeks after Leo V turns 80 his son Michael I has become impatient of waiting to become emperor and kills his father without attracting too much attention. However only a few months into his reign his sister Theodora learns of what really happened usurps the throne and exiles him to Bulgaria. She holds even stronger views of Jews even going to say "Their coexistence is perfectly fine", and also has lighter thoughts on other non-Christians in the empire. Although not *as* strong of views as Leo V she is still a staunch anti-Popeist
	+ **Convert thy heathen:** Even with its limited success missionaries are still being sent, this time knowing who and those who wont convert, we send them more accordingly. We also try to convert slav tribes with asking a bit of help from Krakov and Lviv
	+ **Oh shit money:** Money and banks are reorganized and more efficient taxes are put in place so we will suffer at least a bit less from lower class anger for wars. "Plunder banks" and ships are made in order to better sort spoils and loot and are to be sent to a "plunder bank" (a new section for main theme banks) to divide and set money.
	+ **Eslamic trading?:** trade is attempted to be conducted with Qurtuba, Mayurka and the Idrisids because there are probably some exotic good both might desire.

### **New** **Japanese Empire:**

* **Government: Monarchy**
	+ **Ruler:** Kawa Yamashengu
	+ **Economy:** spice, food, dye, Iron tools.
	+ **Capital: Heian-Kyo**
* **Demographics:**
	+ **Population:** Japanese 99.5%, Other 0.5%
		- **Heian-Kyo:** 225.000
		- **Edo:** 165.000
		- **Yamato:** 140.000
		- **Fukuoka:** 110.000
		- **Komatsu:** 100.000
		- **Hiroshima:** 95.000
		- **Toyama:** 90.000
		- **Nagasaki:** 85.000
		- **Other Cities:** 1.000.000
		- **Rural Areas:** 6.190.000
	+ **Total population:** 8.200.000
	+ **Religion:** 99.5% Shinto-Buddhism, other 0.5%
* **Demographics of Subjects:**
	+ **Population:** Japanese 6%, Ainu 3%, Manchukuo 60%
		- **Otomari:** 15.000
		- **Sunõdorangon:** 8.000
		- **Van-teung:** 5.500
		- **Rural Areas:** 391.500
	+ **Total population:** 420.000
		- **Ezo:** 70.000
		- **Karafu:** 40.000
		- **Manchukuo:** 310.000
	+ **Religion:** 30% Shinto-Buddhism, 10% Ainu Paganism, 60% Buddhism
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
* **Military:**
	+ **Deployed units:** total of 1% 86.200
		- 30.000 Archers. (30.000)
		- 18.000 Spear men (18.000)
		- 20.000 Swordsmen (20.000)
		- 11.000 Cavalry (11.000)
		- 1.500 Tawābasutā (4.500)
		- 2.700 Heavy Infantry (2.700)
* **Navy:**
	+ 150 Galleys
	+ 120 Transport ships
	+ 60 Light warship
	+ 30 Medium warships
	+ Kogo Hana
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Tungning:** Greetings, now that China has crumbled a new power will most likely appear from the mess and there is no saying what their intent will be. We suggest us two should work more together and establish better connections. We have an offer to help us both, allow us 2 unused patches of land, 1 in the north and 1 in the south and allow us to travel through your territory. We will use this to increase our trade with each other and China. This would be great for your economy.
	+ **Okinawa:** We two are inseparable and since we both already share most things we have an offer ready for you. Become a state of Japan and we shall grant you the islands in the area, your leader would be the leader of all Okinawans and we would be able to walk through time as brothers. Become one of us and we will be forever. We respect whatever you may decide.
	+ **Ezo, Karafu:** We want you two to have a royal marriage in the near future to unite your two houses.
	+ **Korean Countries:** China is collapsed and you may become a target, we would like to help you unite. Are you with me?
* **Events:**
	+ **The Big One:** we gather a lot of land and need to hold onto it, Since they alrady practice Buddhism it shouldn't be too hard to introduce Shintoism. We redirect the ore from the territory to be sent to mainland Japan while we build a grand port in Van-teung to increase fishing and transports to and from Japan. This port also allows us to open up a trade rout into Buyeo and Jurchens territory. This increases our trade with them.
	+ **Heiwa:** The emperor had become old and has to decide his heir, a meeting with the family is held where he talks to each one of them one by one about who they want to become the Emperor, and after the meetings he made a decision, his granddaughter Heiwa was chosen as her parents have been fighting. The emperor took her in as his own daughter, teaching her to be an empress directly. She always sat on his lap in the throne room when information was told to the emperor, they where best friends and inseparable. The Emperor got the title Kawa the Glorious after the war, but also known as Kawa the Friendly at the end of the decade.

### **Khazar Khaganate:**

* **Government: Monarchy (Khaganate)**
	+ **Khagan:** Manasseh II
	+ **Dynasty:** Bulanid
	+ **Economy:** Most of the economy comes from trade. We also possess the ability to intervene in important sectors within the economy to make sure nothing goes off balance and are currently thriving.
	+ **Capital: Akashar**
	+ **Demographics:**
		- **Population:** **80% Khazar, 10% Slavic, 8% Aabkhaz, 2% greek.**
		- **Cities: 425.7k**
			* **Akashar: 132.9k**
			* **Galgan: 101.2k**
			* **Karcha: 88.5k**
			* **Korstyam: 77.2k**
			* **Chersonesus: 16.5k**
			* **Kabalaska:** **9.4k**
		- **Rural Areas:** **~1,437.6k**
		- **Total population:** ~**1,863.3k**
		- **Religion:** **83% Judaism, 13% Christianity, 4% Tengri.**
	+ **Demographics of Kyiv:**
		- **Population: 79% Slavs, 10% Khazars, 6% Magyars, 4% Bulgars.**
		- **Cities:**
			* **Kyiv: 10k**
		- **Rural Areas: 114k**
		- **Total population: 124k**
		- **Religion: 91% slavic paganism​, 6% Judaism, 3% Christian. ​​​​​​**
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
	+ **counterattack against the Rus:**
		- '*W'***estern front:** We send 45% (25 155) of the army to push the Rus army to the north where they belong and recapturing the city Kyiv.
		- **Central front:** We send 30% (16 769) of the army to push the Rus army to the north where they belong and out of our country.
		- **Eastern front:** We send 20% (11 180) of the army to the north in order to take land in the east.
* **Military:**
	+ **Standing army:** Total of 3% 55 899 (war time)
		- 37 950 Cavalry
			* 18 025 with Spears
			* 19 925 with Swords
		- 17 949 Infantry with Swords and Shields.
* **Navy**
	+ **For traversing the Caspian sea:​**
		- **5 Transport ships (trade/negotiations with the Khanates)**
		- **16 fishing ships** **(for fishing...)**
	+ **For traversing the black sea:​​​​​​**
		- **5 Transport ships (trade/negotiations with the Byzantine Empire)**
		- **2 traveling ships (travel between the Karcha strait)**
		- **27 fishing ships (for fishing...)**
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Rus:** It's pretty sad that it had to turn out this way.
* **Events:**
* **Events of Kyiv:**

### **NPC Events:**

* **New turn, so let's like always start with the most important thing.**
* **It's Tonga Time:** The ever important island of Tongatapu is unified by 'Aho'eitu, a famed warrior and sailor who proceeds to build the capital of Mu'a. With the formation of the Tongan Kingdom he expands it to all of the Tongan Archipelago. The world shalt tremble as the first real advanced and unified civilization of the Pacific Ocean has been formed and arrived: the Tu'i Tonga Empire. Quiver in fear.
* **Second Zoroastrian War:** In the upcoming years the tensions between the Zoroastrian League (formerly the Shield of Kush and Pamir) and the nearby Eslamic powers. Or more appropriately, between Khwarazm and the Ozbek Khaganate. Samarqand and Bukhara, being Ozbek regions, are absorbed by Yulduz Khatun. Wait what the fuck is a Khatun? It's the female counterpart of "Khan" and "Khagan" so yes the Ozbeks are lead by a woman. Anyway Bactria is a different story and remains a dependency. With internal strife plaguing Khwarazm, The Ozbeks invade in 942. Thus another Zoroastrian War but the Akhtaribs are uninvolved (to start). But yeah, a bunch of fighting happens which generally is the case for wars and the Ozbeks are successful in the north near the Aral Sea while the Khwarazmites do manage to break through in the south on the frontiers of Bactria and Afganistan. The Battle of Bactra in 944 (WHODATHUNKKKK) was an important defense from the Zoroastrians who succeeded in defending it. Following not much longer in early 945 the Battle of Urgench began and suddenly the capital of the Emirate was captured. Good thing Asjkhabad exists. Bad thing that Persian rebels conquered it, at which point the Akhtaribs had enough and joined in. The Samanid dynasty worked together with the Zoroastrians, defeating Khwarazm in 946. The Samanids would then thiccen a whole lot, taking most of Persia before the war was over in 949. Following this the Ozbeks grow in power, the Akhtaribs decrease in power and the Samanids have made Persia Persian again. Are they Zoroastrian? HAHA no. They are Eslamic, but not just Eslamic, they follow Shi'a rather than Sunni, CONTROVERSY. Following the war the Baluchi people would also gain independence, forming Baluchistan.
* **The Cooldown and then Continuing of the Continuing of the Continuing of the Continuing of a Schism:** Well things are relatively peaceful after the war but not for long. The tensions do remain and start to accelerate more as the conflicts between supporters of the Pope and the other still continues within Byzantine territory. The average peasants aren't as pissed but the "semi-Catholics" reject some of the religious propaganda put forth and form secret groups with eachother. Also people really don't like it when Byzantium starts to do more intricate dealing with some of the Eslamic states, especially Qurtuba, something that makes the Christian state there completely break off relations with the Byzantine Empire. Regarding missionaries, they start to not return from their expeditions and neither do the diplomats traveling towards Krakov (later somthen elsss) and Lviv, thus causing null to happen. In Naples a civil war breaks out in 948, which lasts for almost two years to 950. The duchies of Capua and Ancona, loyal to the Pope, secede while the remaining husk of a formerly quite strong duchy is in a bit of trouble. Duke Gerald I declares the realm's tributary state void, due to poverty and having to rely on their own. They do not break their relationship with Byzantium completely though, because that's a really stupid idea. And regarding Dragovits they say they can understand why the Byzantines would want this to an extent however decline due to seeing themselves as strong enough to simply serve as tributary, they are no longer the fledgling poor Slavic state they were when they first were formed and the following decades. They do still want to co-operate with the Byzantines.
* **It Broke Again - 3:** WAR. Well that didn't take long. Several of these Chinese states are at war. This does seem like it won't last as long as the Northern and Southern Dynasties period, that lasted like 200 blaahdy yeers. Jin, which goes from being a vassal of Buyeo to the thiccer and more powerful Liao, invades to try and conquer lands or whatever, but for now it didn't work too well. Ying is off to a shitty start tho as Wu and Shu (haha they rhyme fooni) both ally to yeet them outta here. The big thing however is the contest between Ma Taofeng ofMa and Song Minyun of Song, because the winner has the possibility of making China W H O L E A G A I N. Who will win this battle royale? I don't know don't ask me but it's probably not Marájo.
* **Japan - the Anime, Episode 8 - It's Not the Last Stand of the Samurai:** Sabaton reference. Sorry. Anyway Japan. Their attempts to shinto-ize their new vassals doesn't really work cause even if their mainland has mixed Shinto and Buddhism well it's not completely functional there, the natives just wanna do their buddha stuff and it's not like it's a big problem. The lands are still detached and more difficult to keep in check. The project for Van-teung is possible but not to such a large degree. Now to some diploatic response everyone's favourite. Tungning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQksYLTUMJg. Okay they're not that hostile but they don't trust Japan and have contacts themselves to Shu and Dai Viet to an extent so screw you and lick my toes. Okinawa: They're not mad. They're just disappointed. Okay let me rephrase this so you got it. They tell Japan they agreed that Japan would respect their culture AND independence and therefore find this request ridiculous and they reject it. Ezo and Karafu are not happy over this thing either but are kinda forced to so you know... and finally Baekje and Silla are interested BUUUUUUUT. They need to agree on who should lead it and also Baekje says if this is to happen, then all of Korea should be unified, including the Japanese outposts. In other news, the Samurai grows more and more, gaining more and more power and influence in Japanese society, being hired by rich Daimyos and other landowners and such.
* **Just Rus' Things:** One of those things is losing wars. For now. Yes so a bloody invasion happened and there was a long conflict, but the Khazars manage to defeat the Rus' who would've went on for longer but Igor kinda died. A man named Josip would try to take the throne and did, pulling the Rus' out of the war, losing some lands and also suffering from losing many good men. Kyiv is damaged but the state is sort of fine, ignoring some unrest and eastern lands falling back to tribal ways. Josip then is killed in 950 and is replaced by Olga, Igor's wife who is looking to do... things...
* **Viking Time - Sweden takes the Stage:** The Varangians in their perpetual state of trying to stay relevant fails and they gradually disappear from the Baltic Coast. However in otl Latvia the realm of Kurland is formed, where some Varangian people live, descended from the first raiders of the coast. Danesmark is generally chilling at first, just capturing Gutiland. But then the Danes under Gorm and later a certain Harald Bluetooth team up with Haakon I of Norway to invade England once more. So they conquer England and establish the Danelaw again by 951. Then the English under Eadred and some Norman allies unconquer it back to English rule. In Bristol, several Norwegian soldiers led by legendary viking Eric Bloodaxe were trapped yet held out all the way until 953, being the last area to be conquered. How this happened is like, unknown, but pretty cool I guess. Harald Bluetooth ain't done with doing things yet though as he seeks the throne of Norway for himself. Oh yah this was supposed to focus on Sweden uh let's go. The two major kingdoms of Svitjod and Gautland are at war. Funnily enough it is Eric vs Styrbjörn the Strong, his own nephew. Anyways it is a tense battle as the winner will be the one to take power in what is known as Sweden. In other news Ansgar does quite the job of converting people in Scandinavia to Christianity, with it already taking foot in Norway and Danesmark.
* **Otto I and Some Other Shtick:** So since the 930s not the 1930s the 930s there's a difference, East Francia has been ruled by a certain Otto I. He is quite formidable and eager to do certain things. Currently Berengar II is the king of Italy as well as the Holy Roman Emperor and we can't have that can we? But yeah pushing that aside a bit, new state time. It is none other than Poland being formed by Mieszko I of the Piast dynasty in 956 after overthrowing the Lord of Krakov and leading the Polish to better things. Many are united under Polish rule and just like Otto I is doing, he starts to yeet Posmark, no such petty kingdoms may exist while he is in charge.
* **Regarding the Reconquista:** Iberia has been quite for a while so let's unquiet them shall we? West Francia first gives independence to their Iberian territory, becoming the County of Barcelona and bam we're just gonna throw Iberia into war once more. It's actually quite a small conflict don't get excited. The important things are that Barcelona and Galicia make gains. In what is otl Northern Portugal an identity of the Cálonian peoples is born and such. No one really cares how things happen so just shut up and know that the County of Cálonia is now independent from Galicia.
* **Oman and the Maritime:** Oman has taken shape as quite power in Arabia. They have involved themselves with the Indian Ocean trade which has made them quite rich and they are quite the naval force. Oman proceeds to explore the waters around them quite a bit, going as far as along the East African coast almost all the way to Zanzibar. They encounter the Swahili East African people and they see that they have an oppurtunity to do things their way around here. They also make better relations with the Somali City-States. Especially Mogadishu flourishes from trade and relations with Oman, expanding further and becoming known as the Mogadishu Sultanate. Oman even annexes Soqutra, already forming the foundation of a maritime empire.
* **Other Stuff in the Pacific:** I actually separated Melanesians, Micronesians and Polynesians from eachother now. yay.
* **Kazakh Khanate:** The Kazakhs capture Janarra and after that, Baltabek Khan of the Qasqaric dynasty declares it the capital of the realm and also renames it to Akmola.
* **Beowulf:** It is suspected that this point is when the epic poem Beowulf is written in England.
* **Virishan-Pratisthanan War:** Hisk-Hisk Krishna IV of Virisha is successful, defeating the Rashtrakutas and vassalizing them for his own empire hahaha. Also they took Aiderabad for themselves because why not.
* **Khmer Empire:** They annex Bukhtambas and Champa, making them stronger especially now that they own that chonky and stronky Champan navy. Dai Viet is not amused.
* **Passamaquoddy and Odaawaa:** These new native american politties have gone from not existing to existing. Fascinating.
* **Rise of Xibalba:** The last city-states of the Mayans are absorbed by different powers and every Mayan knows that war is coming soon. Xibalba also invents lost-wax casting. Google it I'm too lazy to explain.
* **Qiao Weiyo:** I don't really know how to end this turn so.... Qiao Weiyo invents the pound lock system.

### **Byzantine Empire:**

* **Government: Absolute Monarchy**
	+ **Ruler:** Theodora I
	+ **Dynasty:** Domninian Dynasty
	+ **Economy:** Most of the economy comes from trade mainly through Constantinople where a variety of things are traded. We also possess the ability to intervene in important sectors within the economy to make sure nothing goes off balance and are currently thriving.
	+ **Capital:** Constantinople
	+ **Demographics:**
		- **Population:** Greek 73%, Minorities: Italian 11%, Slavic 6%, Bulgar 4% Other: Khazar, Arabic, Georgian, Armenian 6%
		- **Constantinople:** 700,000
		- **Adrianople:** 80,000
		- **Thessaloniki:** 66,000
		- **Syracuse:** 58,000
		- **Athens:** 56,000
		- **Cities:** ~1,900,000
		- **Rural Areas:** ~8,700,000
		- **Total population:** ~10,600,000
		- **Religion:** Christianity ~93%, Other: Judaism, Eslam, Zoroastrianism, Bulgarian paganism 7%
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
* **Military:**
	+ **Standing army:** Total of 1% (106,000)
	+ 47,000 Cavalry
		- 21,000 Cataphracts
			* 7,000 Cataphract archers
	+ 59,000 Infantry
		- 13,000 Akritai
	+ **Troop placement:**
* **Navy:**
	+ 55 Galleys
	+ 150 Transport ships
	+ 185 Dromons
	+ 90 Triremes
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Naples:** We understand how some of you might not like us and how you believe that your lack of wealth is because of the tributary price. It may sound pushy but just see the light, you will realize Naples will be more prosperous if you were a part of the empire as a vassal instead of separate from us, so we could bring you and your people to new heights, join the glory of Rome once more, and make a better future for your land. Although it would be a giant pity if you decline, any of your people are more than welcome to come over and join Byzantium.
	+ **Dragovits:** Although politically late we would like to make it official that we are in an alliance together, along with the Khazars.
	+ **Georgia:** Henlo lets be friends ~~also want to go bowling sometime?~~
* **Events:**
	+ **People of the eastern sands:** Although there has always been a royal guard for the Emperor, Theodora has ordered the creation of a body of royal guards called the Golden star (also known as the Kars guard because the start of it was mostly made of people from there) who consist of hardline dedicated Muslims from Byzantine owned Arabic territories. They will go through rigorous tests through loyalty and greed to make sure what happened to the former roman royal guards (the Praetorians) does not repeat with eastern Rome. In somewhat related (because religion) news, although conversion is only allowed to be performed by those of Christian faith persecution of non Christians for heresy is removed and is somewhat replaced by better disturbance of peace laws and such.
	+ **More Eslamic trading:** Although the rest of Europe dislikes us for trading with those of another religion we continue with it, aswell as building up Carails to be an even bigger trade city with its own large port&shipyard along with a small dedicated garrison.

### **Japanese Empire:**

* **Government: Monarchy**
	+ **Ruler:** Kawa Yamashengu
	+ **Economy:** spice, food, dye, Iron tools.
	+ **Capital: Heian-Kyo**
* **Demographics:**
	+ **Population:** Japanese 99.5%, Other 0.5%
		- **Heian-Kyo:** 240.000
		- **Edo:** 180.000
		- **Yamato:** 160.000
		- **Fukuoka:** 120.000
		- **Hiroshima:** 115.000
		- **Komatsu:** 110.000
		- **Toyama:** 95.000
		- **Nagasaki:** 90.000
		- **Other Cities:** 1.075.000
		- **Rural Areas:** 6.590.000
	+ **Total population:** 8.775.000
	+ **Religion:** 99.7% Shinto-Buddhism, other 0.3%
* **Demographics of Subjects:**
	+ **Population:** Japanese 6%, Ainu 94%
		- **Otomari:** 17.000
		- **Sunõdorangon:** 10.000
		- **Van-teung:** 8.000
		- **Rural Areas:** 440.000
	+ **Total population:** 430.000 475.000
		- **Ezo:** 80.000
		- **Karafu:** 50.000
		- **Manchukuo:** 345.000
	+ **Religion:** 35% Shinto-Buddhism, 9% Ainu Paganism, 56% Buddhism
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
* **Military:**
	+ **Deployed units:** total of 1% (Japan + puppets/vassals) 92.500
		- 32.000 Archers. (32.000)
		- 20.000 Spear men (20.000)
		- 20.000 Swordsmen (20.000)
		- 13.000 Cavalry (13.000)
		- 1.500 Tawābasutā (4.500)
		- 3.000 Heavy Infantry (3.000)
* **Navy:**
	+ 160 Galleys
	+ 130 Transport ships
	+ 70 Light warship
	+ 40 Medium warships
	+ 3 Heavy warships
	+ Kogo Hana
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Ezo, Karafu:** Great, now that we have that established, we shall wait until your unification.
	+ **Okinawa:** We are respecting your independence, that's why we asked. We do not believe we are in the wrong here. We do understand however and wish to continue working together further. How about a military collaboration? you would certainly gain a lot of power from that since we are huge nation.
	+ **Korean Nations:** When Japan unified we all married into each other, you could try doing that.
	+ **Tungning:** Looks like one of your Chinese friends are dying, we are always open for negotiations.
	+ **Sakkarin, Kuri:** We should mend our relations a bit.
* **Events:**
	+ **Japanese Fire:** We have heard of some explosive weaponry from China. Weird stuff, we should try to invent something on out own. How about combining Tawābasutās with fire. Great idea, let's do that and call them Chōkyori zenmetsu.
	+ **Heavy Warships:** These big monsters are created, inspired by Kogo Hana these ships are large, and powerful. They are equipped with the new Japanese fire equipment at the long sides as well as Japanese fire bowmen for a more defensive secondary fire. They also have slight leather armor to fend from fire better.
	+ **Explore:** Well, let's try to find something other than Taiwan,
	+ **Manchukuo:** We start improving infrastructure and increase mining in the area.

### **Khazar Khaganate:**

* **Government: Monarchy (Khaganate)**
	+ **Khagan:** Chorpan
	+ **Dynasty:** Bulanid
	+ **Economy:** Most of the economy comes from trade. We also possess the ability to intervene in important sectors within the economy to make sure nothing goes off balance and are currently thriving.
	+ **Capital: Akashar**
	+ **Demographics:**
		- **Population:** **80% Khazar, 10% Slavic, 8% Aabkhaz, 2% greek.**
		- **Cities: 431.7k**
			* **Akashar: 134.7k**
			* **Galgan: 102k**
			* **Karcha: 89k**
			* **Korstyam: 78k**
			* **Chersonesus: 17k**
			* **Kabalaska:** 11**k**
		- **Rural Areas:** **~1,447.6k**
		- **Total population:** ~**1,879.3k**
		- **Religion:** **83% Judaism, 13% Christianity, 4% Tengri.**
	+ **Demographics of Kyiv:**
		- **Population: 79% Slavs, 10% Khazars, 6% Magyars, 4% Bulgars.**
		- **Cities:**
			* **Kyiv: 13k**
		- **Rural Areas: 119k**
		- **Total population: 132k**
		- **Religion: 91% slavic paganism​, 6% Judaism, 3% Christian. ​​​​​​**
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
	+ **Border Control of the North:**
		- 40% (15 034) of our army is at the border with the Rus to make sure that they don't try anything.
	+ **Border Control of the South:** 20% of our army will be standing on the border of nearby countries (Kartli and Georgia)
	+ **Invasion of Kakheti:** We send 30% of our army to push the Kakheti army to the south.
* **Military:**
	+ **Standing army:** Total of 2% 37 586
		- 25 460 Cavalry
			* 12 097 with Spears
			* 13 363 with Swords
		- 12 126 Infantry with Swords and Shields.
	+ **Ready for combat:** **Total of 1% 18 793**
		- 12 730 Cavalry
			* 6 048 with Spears
			* 6 682 with Swords
		- 6 063 Infantry with Swords and Shields.
* **Navy**
	+ **For traversing the Caspian sea:​**
		- **9 Transport ships (trade/negotiations)**
		- **26 fishing ships** **(for fishing...)**
	+ **For traversing the black sea:​​​​​​**
		- **7 Transport ships (trade/negotiations with the Byzantine Empire)**
		- **3 traveling ships (travel between the Karcha strait)**
		- **27 fishing ships (for fishing...)**
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Rus:** You know what will happen if you try that again.
	+ **Aabkhaziya:** improve relations.
* '*Events:'***​​​​​​​**
* **Events of Kyiv:**
	+ **Rebuilding Kyiv:** After the war Kyiv was left in a bad condition, so we start repairing it.
	+ **Integration of Slav tribes:** Slav tribes are invited to join Kyiv.

### **NPC Events:**

* **The Holy Roman Empire:** When we last left off, Otto I was still king of East Francia but he wanted more powah. Therefore he looked at Italy, whose kings were also Holy Roman Emperors, and basically went "NEAT". So Otto I invaded Italy and managed to get through the Alps and straight up conquered it in 962. Pope Benedict V was not happy about this, so Otto I and Benedict's rival Leo VIII team up and overthrow him and Leo has Otto I crowned Holy Roman Emperor the following year. Leo VIII is considered an antipope from 963 to 964 but then a proper pope from 964 to his death. Which was 965. Lol. Now we have a lot of controversy regarding this and Otto needs to solidify his claim to imperial dignity. The new pope: John XIII tries to help him. He first looks at Byzantium to set up a marriage to solidify the claim, but due to what they're doing he knows that will only work when Half-Life 3 comes out. He has quite the trouble finding someone else but decides on West Francia in 967, it's not as legitimate but practically works. There's still controversy but Otto has managed to not get shanked by everyone around him. Rewind to 962 again and he remembers Charlemagne and how it went for his empire when he died, not good. Knowing his lands are too large to manage himself, he sets up a different version of Feudalism to hold it together. The Holy Roman Empire is properly established, a super-weird confederation thingamajig full of a ton of different states: Kingdoms, Duchies, Free Cities, Bishoprics etc. etc. Now there are a fuckton of them that I could try to draw on a map, but fun fact: No. Anyway so after that war with the Venetii the HRE is up and running, with the most notable realms within it being Bavaria, Austria, Saxony, Brandenburg, Bohemia and Schweiz, Otto I being duke of Saxony. In 973 however he dies boo-hoo ugly borders I hated drawing that map moving on.
* **The [...] of the Continuing of a Schism as well as Byzantine shenanigans:** Tensions in Europe are at a high, which you will know more about in future events but whatever. Papal-Byzantine relations are lovely, if your definition of lovely is having a cactus shoved up your ass. Byzantium's new friendship with the muslims doesn't help at all especially when Qurutuba in 966 declares itself a Caliphate under Al-Hakam II. This doesn't just piss of christians, it pisses of other muslims as well, since most of the Eslamic world still recognizes the Akhtaribs as THE caliphate (even if they don't take them too seriously) and also people don't like the Zubayrids. But back to the Pope and Byzantium tossing shit at eachother on a consistent basis. The conflict of Naples is a ticking time bomb even though those don't exist. Naples, after selling the Gargano peninsula to rich bitch Venice, is stuck between siding with the Pope or Byzantium. Difficult decision but in 970 they decide to allow themselves to be vassalized by Byzantium. This calms everyone down. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xtCe1RLfnc. Dragovits agrees to join the alliance. Georgia agrees to start relations as well but they then break them due to a certain armed conflict.
* **It Broke Again - 4:** Back to China. Zheng fights off Liao and Jin, who kinda just leave because they have other things to do and Zheng also takes Yun rather easily. Wu yeets Ying and starts to work on Shu (and also replaces Shu as Tungning's main friend). The long war between Ma and Song continues. Xiong sits by and hopes that no one kills them and then Wu and Zheng start fighting as well. The Battle Royale draws closer and closer to its end but is still going on of course that's a redundant thing to say. But yeah in other news in Zhongguo we have more Gunpowder weapons and fire arrows (using gunpowder) being used in warfare, a guy in the Ma dynasty known as Zhang Sixun uses for the first time liquid mercury instead of water to power the escapement mechanism rotating an armillary sphere. Finally work is done in the Song dynasty on the Great Book of Song, which is basically a Chinese encyclopedia. The guys working on it are very confident that Song will win (will they tho?). The earliest art depicting fire lances and such is made at this point as well.
* **War of the North Caucasus:** So what seemed like just some regular war has actually kinda exploded across a large part of Eastern Europe. The Khazars invade Kakheti, which is not appreciated by the other Georgian states of Georgia and Kartli. While Kakheti is small, it is in the Caucasus mountain range and capable of repelling several attacks due to the fact that cavalry doesn't really work in the mountains. Still they lose some land. In 963, Olga of the Rus' decides to avenge her husband and invades Kyiv once more after claiming several slavic lands, which aren't completely controlled but whatever. Kyiv is captured and then uncaptured by the Khazars ending up in another battle, just as Kyiv the city was started to be built up again. The Rus' make several incursions into Kyiv and the risk of the vassal fracturing is quite high due to the decimation and destruction of important parts of its lands. In the easternmost Rus' lands however, things go well for the Khazars. Cue in 966, the Sajids. They see the failing campaign of the Khazars in Kakheti and decide to help out since the Khazars helped the Sajids gain independence in the first place. Still though Kakheti uses the mountains as much of a shield as possible and the Sajids don't get far. The conflict drags on for long as the other Georgian states tell the Khazars to get out of Kakheti or they will attack. Well it can't get worse actually it can. The Armenians have lived under many other states for long and are kinda getting sick of it. While there are Armenians who converted to Eslam they are otherwise quite christian and sick of having their ethnic lands split between other powers. Thus the revolt of Vagharshapat happens and soon enough many of the Armenian people are all in on it, with major revolts in the Sajid Emirate as well as the conflict spilling over into parts of eastern Byzantium. Also prior to the war, the Volga Magyars aka Volgas was attacked by the Oghuz Yabgu Turks forcing them to migrate further north. The Khazars grabbed some of the land they left behind. One final thing. During the war the Drevlians, in the lands that the Rus' took, revolted. Olga responded by going to their settlements and waging war. The Drevlians held quite well and Olga asked for an interesting peace. "Give me three pigeons...and three sparrows from each house.” It was almost too good to be true and so the peace was settled. Olga then instructed her army to attach a piece of sulphur bound with small pieces of cloth to each bird. At nightfall, Olga told her soldiers to set the pieces aflame and release the birds. They returned to their nests within the city, which subsequently set the city ablaze. She then took the lands once more.
* **Japan - the Anime, Episode 9 - The Liao Hordes Attack:** So Japan is quite chill like it has been for a while (cough cough Samurai), but things will change. Okinawa does agree to co-operate, Ezo becomes the sole vassal in Ezo (Sakhalin) even if the Ainu don't really like that and the start of Korean unification occurs. Baekje and Silla merge but the northern ones (Lyaotong and Goguryeo) are a bit hesitant. Then suddenly in 971 from out of nowhere, the Liao hordes show up and invades Manchukuo. The Japanese defenders fight hard but are overwhelmed. Van-teung is ransacked and next up on the line is Korea. Koreans and Japanese rush to defend but the cavalry of Liao is too strong. Lyaotong doesn't take too long to fall but the Liao fail to get much farther after capturing Hamhung. Manchukuo seems to be a lost cause as the Liao fully take control of that region, but in Korea no one seems to be able to get any farther. Liao also builds a new capital, Jangtsun and turns the westernmost lands into the Mongol Protectorate to prevent the Mongolic people from getting too pissed and revolting. It works to a degree. And also Japan doesn't find much from exploring, only a bit more of the coast of China.
* **Central Asia:** Kind of peaceful for real. The Oghuz Yagbu conquer the Qaraqalpaqs, forcing many of them to flee to the Ozbeks and Kazakhs, who allow them into their lands. Now the Kirghiz had a migration wave going on, mainly due to that whole massive ass Liao dynasty breathing down their necks. They moved into the Karluk Khanate but you know, conflict or whatever. That continues here as they are forced to escape to the southern regions of the Khanate. The Karluks think they are easily gonna win. *Darkestrah starts playing from the Pamir Mountains...* Yeah the Karluks try to attack but suffer a massive defeat. the Kirghiz are exhausted however and the two sides agree to peace. The Kirghiz Khanate is establish with the capital Ichamur, renamed to Bisjgek after their independence.
* **Other European Affairs:** So some random weak dynasty had been ruling West Francia for a while but in 980 Hugh Capet takes over, establishing the Capetian dynasty and this is also the time when West Francia is considered to have become the state of baguettes, wine, cheese and having one of the best military records ever shut up with your surrender jokes that we know as France. Poland is off to a great start. Mieszko is doing great and grabbed most of Pomerania and nabbed the Sorbian Lusatien as a vassal, preventing Otto from getting it into the HRE. CONTROVERSY! In England we also have some CAANTRAAVÄRSI. King Edgar the Peaceful suffers from a severe case of death in 975. His eldest son Edward becomes king BUUUT he was not named heir. Guy rules for 3 years and then suddenly is definitely not murdered at all I mean never. Following Edward the Martyr is Æthelred II and he has to deal with something on the coasts which we will get to in just a minute.
* **Viking Time - The Later Era Arrives:** ONCE AGAIN. The Varangians fail to remain relevant and only maintain a slight presence in parts of otl Königsberg/Kaliningrad. But we don't care about them, they're irrelevant. Ansgar makes quite the mark on Scandinavia as more Danes, Norwegians and Swedes start to convert to Christianity, with the Norse faith starting to disappear (not counting the chad Hrímland). The war between Eric and Styrbjörn the Strong ends with Svitjod winning and Sweden is united. Eric becomes the first Swedish king in 970, known as Eric the Victorious and he gains the title of "the Victorious" from the fact that... well... he was victorious ya dumdum. Stockholm had been very influenced by Svitjod and joins them and so does Uppsalir. The remaining Swedish petty kingdoms of Gefle, Uppsalir and Olavholmr are very influenced by Sweden, which in itself is kind of a loosely united state, with many regions being almost independent. But now, go forth Eric the Victorious of the House of Munsö, towards greatness! Then we have mister Harald Bluetooth. After the death of Haakon I of Norway in 961 and Harald Greycloak followed him as king. He expanded the Norwegian realms and explored the Barents Sea further, leading expeditions into Bjarmaland (basically Arkhangelsk) and such. But his uncle, Harald Bluetooth, wanted the throne of Norway for himself and he teamed up with Haakon Sigurdsson, who tricked Haakon I (fucking hell all these names starting on H) into coming to Danesmark for negotiations. Instead, he was killed. Haakon Sigurdsson was promised to become Haakon II as a vassal king of Harald. But nope. Haakon II only ruled for like a week before he got yeeted. Harald is now king of both Danesmark and Norway, forming a personal union. He also now looks to the coasts of England. Both Danelaws were gone, but he would make sure the vikings would still get their share of loot. And as such we have more viking raids in England. Finally let's take a look at Hrímland. Well, Stefán Karl eventually dies from old age in 972. He had no children but set a man known as Úlfljótr as his heir. Úlfljótr had been a traveler, especially in Norway and parts of Sweden and as king started to set up laws to keep the realm together. He also expanded Hrímland to all of the entire island. Finally, a Norwegian known as Erik the Red shows up in Hrímland, another explorer and warrior. He wanted to explore further west to find new lands to settle and Úlfljótr agrees to help him do that. Erik the Red and his son, a certain Leif Erikson prepare to sail the waves west to find new lands.
* **The Serpent of Light:** In the Amazonas the Yuan-ti cult is at an all-time frenzy and the chiefdom of serpents continues expanding and flourishing. Eventually, Ssethur, the new chief, declares himself Zehrayem, which basically means "mortal chosen by Zehir", Zehir being the first leader of Marájo and considered to be a god. The Zehrayate of Tzuul is declared.
* **Oman Rules the Waves:** Oman has become a bit of a maritime empire, their deals with India and the Horn of Africa makes them gain lots of moneys. Their expiditions along the coast of East Africa also lead to them establishing tiny trade posts there ~~and they also take some slaves from there to sell in the Arabic Slave Trade~~. The Swahili people start to develop from this.
* **Rise of Xibalba:** There is now way that the Mayans won't go to war. But they don't. JK of course they do. Xibalba invades both Tikal and Togulci and things go very well for them. Tikal doesn't take long to lose most of their lands and Xibalba, who has been working towards Mayan reunification under their power for over a century, look to achieve their goal within the coming years as the war draws closer and closer to an end and a Xibalban victory.
* **Another War Between the Vietnamese and the Khmer:** Conflict arises between the two largest powers in Southeast Asia (not counting Srivijaya) over the remaining independent Mon tribes. Although it started over that, the war just kinda boils down to "I hate you" on both sides ~~EU4 Rivalry confirmed~~. Once again, it's practically a stalemate, but new things are happening. Some of the Bai in Nanzhou think they can make it on their own without no Vietnamese help and also they want to kinda capitalize off of China being broke again, so they revolt. Nanzhou eventually falls to that group and Dai Viet has bigger fish to fry so leaves them alone (for now). Nanzhou becomes independent, buuuut it's not like the entire population is on board with this whole "we don't need the Vietnamese" mentality.
* **Tonga Time:** The Tongans start to colonize and expand their island realm. 'Aho'eitu eventually dies, seen as a demi-god by the Tongans. The new chief is Lolofakangalo.
* **Yuruba:** A new African culture group.
* **Zoroastrian League:** After the Second Zoroastrian War the different members start to disagree on various things, most notably Barigaza being more concerned with India rather than dealing with the shiz in Persia regarding the Akhtaribs and Samanids. Eventually they find it not necessary to stay and so leave. Also Mazarum signs an agreement with the Tajiks to gain some land they wanted but who cares.
* **Uru Developments:** More stuff goes down here. Soon enough, the polities of the Rio de la Plata and nearby rivers must face eachother, peace will not last for very long...
* **Native Americans:** Anhaica continues to be the place for all the cool kids and otherwise we have two new states. We have Winripeg in the north and Hutalgalgi in the south.

### **Japanese Empire:**

* **Government: Monarchy**
	+ **Ruler:** Heiwa II Yamashengu
	+ **Economy:** spice, food, dye, Iron tools.
	+ **Capital: Heian-Kyo**
* **Demographics:**
	+ **Population:** Japanese 99.5%, Other 0.5%
		- **Heian-Kyo:** 250.000
		- **Edo:** 180.000
		- **Yamato:** 165.000
		- **Fukuoka:** 135.000
		- **Hiroshima:** 130.000
		- **Komatsu:** 115.000
		- **Toyama:** 100.000
		- **Nagasaki:** 100.000
		- **Other Cities:** 1.135.000
		- **Rural Areas:** 6.990.000
	+ **Total population:** 9.300.000
	+ **Religion:** 99.9% Shinto-Buddhism, other 0.1%
* **Demographics of Subjects:**
	+ **Population:** Japanese 15%, Ainu 85%
		- **Otomari:** 20.000
		- **Sunõdorangon:** 12.000
		- **Fuyu:** 3.000
		- **Rural Areas:** 115.000
	+ **Total population:** 150.000
		- **Ezo:** 150.000
	+ **Religion:** 80% Shinto-Buddhism, 20% Ainu paganism.
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
* **Military:**
	+ **Deployed units:** total of 1% (Japan + puppets/vassals) 94.500
		- 32.000 Archers. (32.000)
		- 22.000 Spear men (22.000)
		- 20.000 Swordsmen (20.000)
		- 13.000 Cavalry (13.000)
		- 1.500 Tawābasutā (4.500)
		- 3.000 Heavy Infantry (3.000)
* **Navy:**
	+ 160 Galleys
	+ 130 Transport ships
	+ 70 Light warship
	+ 50 Medium warships
	+ 10 Heavy warships
	+ Kogo Hana
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Liao:** dick move, but I talked with the game master about it and I get 200k pops + money so yeah, c ya
	+ **Sakkarin:** We have reset, what would you like us to be? friend or foe? because we can be both.
	+ **Dai Viet:** Want to hire us as an Ally? pay up and we can spare 30.000 soldiers, a few generals and some Samurai for you to fight with you
	+ **Zheng:** We have a deal, let us lend 50.000 troops to you and in return you will let us have Tungning (it makes sense since they aren't friends)
	+ **People of China:** Traders spread a word that Japan is willing to let civilians that want to escape the war in.
* **Events:**
	+ **Yameru Oni-chan~^\_^:** the first ever hentai manga was written, it was about some ordinary dude that unlocked tentacle powers and started a harem with sexy babes in it. It even became a 16+ (when you are considered adult) play starring the up and coming (hehe) actress Shiwabuto-ne Yagasaki and the actor Leori Seisin
	+ **Korean Not So Much Colonies:** they are no longer considered as colonies as the people there are more Japanese than Korean, therefore they become a part of Kyushu which was the state that helped them the most.
	+ **Samurai:** Some of them has been acting strange, there is a nip in the air and we want to investigate. To help with the investigation the Emperor sent out a handsome Samurai on the mission to investigate, since he was involved and can't do that he failed his mission, but before he killed himself with his sword the Empress basically said "not with a dirty sword like that, let me clean it" they had fun and he died by suffocating between her thicc thighs.
	+ **Explore the seas:** We explore south
	+ **Ezo:** We work on it's stability further through infrastructure and economic growth. We also start working on their next capital Fuyu.
	+ **Prepare the Population Boom:** Because of these happenings our population may boom soon, we shall prepare with increasing food production
	+ **Float of The Boat:** we build more high tier ships.
	+ **Spies to Wu:** we send a few "traders" that has been educated since their childhood to gather information on Chinese technologies, much like Samurai they will take their lives if they fail, and on them are fake information about an independent group called the white lotus. This is however a secret government agency. They use robes, wrist daggers and stealth.They are also taught to speak and act Chinese.

### **Byzantine Empire:**

* **Government: Absolute Monarchy**
	+ **Ruler:** Justin III
	+ **Dynasty:** Domninian Dynasty
	+ **Economy:** Most of the economy comes from trade mainly through Constantinople where a variety of things are traded. We also possess the ability to intervene in important sectors within the economy to make sure nothing goes off balance and are currently thriving.
	+ **Capital:** Constantinople
	+ **Demographics:**
		- **Population:** Greek 73%, Minorities: Italian 11%, Slavic 6%, Bulgar 4% Other: Khazar, Arabic, Georgian, Armenian 6%
		- **Constantinople:** 730,000
		- **Adrianople:** 84,000
		- **Thessaloniki:** 70,000
		- **Syracuse:** 60,000
		- **Athens:** 57,500
		- **Cities:** ~1,900,000
		- **Rural Areas:** ~8,700,000
		- **Total population:** ~10,600,000
		- **Religion:** Christianity ~93%, Other: Judaism, Eslam, Zoroastrianism, Bulgarian paganism 7%
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
	+ A Cataphract division is sent to deal with the general Armenian rebels, continuing all the way through the Akhtarib borders around Vagharshapat. Orders are to keep casualties at a minimum and negotiate through coaxing or coersion, keep them pacified until the final order is given.
* **Military:**
	+ **Standing army:** Total of 1% (106,000)
	+ 47,000 Cavalry
		- 21,000 Cataphracts
			* 7,000 Cataphract archers
	+ 59,000 Infantry
		- 13,000 Akritai
	+ **Troop placement:**
* **Navy:**
	+ 55 Galleys
	+ 150 Transport ships
	+ 185 Dromons
	+ 90 Triremes
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Kahzar Khaganate:** We recommend ceasing the assault lest this conflict spill out further. We will however send you some Cataphracts to deal with the Rus' ~~also Georgia sounds like a great guy to go bowling with so please stop invading?~~
* **Events:**
	+ **People of the eastern sands part 2:** Noticing what is going on with the Armenians, Theodora sees this not as an opportunity to weaken the Akhtaribs further (just a positive side effect) but to give the Armenians their own place. Should the Cataphracts succeed with their orders a small independent Armenian nation is to be established with minor Byzantine influence. We would help them pick a leader and stay civilized, aswell as garunteeing them, for a very small tribute price. Hopefully this will even greatly improve relations with the Caucasus nations. We also appoint the most militarily intelligent member of the Golden star to be the top general in the east so a native can guide armies throughout there.
	+ **Naples and Justin III:** Theodora the Mellow dies in 992 making Justin III the new Emperor. He keeps the promise with Naples and starts sending them engineers and the like to bring the land up to high Byzantine standard aswell as having the less wealthy inhabitants be taxed much less to help them bounce back from the turmoil and poverty.
	+ **The luxury: Purple silk:** While purple cloth and fine silks are amazing and luxurious on their own, combining them while being made by master craftsmen projects great opulence to peers and other people of high position, possibly gaining more power through mental awe. Very few are to be able to aquire this and even then at a price much higher than gold, and the emperor should have at least 2 sets of clothing of it

### **NPC Events:**

* **Dawn of the New Millennium:** About a thousand years have passed since the end of the time Before Christ, the Middle Ages rage on.
* **The Whatever of a Schism and other Byzantine things:** Relations between the two "sides" of Christianity don't deteriorate much further really, but they're still anti-good. Missionary work on both sides continue. The Pope sees success in Scandinavia as every king but the king of Sweden has converted to the christian faith. Still several Byzantine (and some loyal to the papacy as well) missionaries fail to return to their homeland. This definitely doesn't have anything to do with the Hungarians and Bulgars. Anyway, Poland ends up in an interesting position. Boleslaw I, the king, begins to convert to Christianity but doesn't know what side to be baptized to since missionaries from both sides reach there. Also they secure Lviv as a vassal through royal marriage, to protect from the Rus' and they are already "Orthodox". The situation in Naples is kind of being improved but the land remains unstable, with there still being significant amounts of papal supporters within the walls, some of which leave for Capua and Ancona. In Armenia, the Byzantine expedition is quite successful and the Akhtaribs don't intervene, as it would cause too big of a war in their eyes and it is also not too big of a loss for them. The Kingdom of Armenia is formed, but those rebels weren't all united and revolts and violence still plague the Sajids, Akhtaribs and parts of easternmost Byzantium. The Armenians also still claim lands with large amounts of ethnic Armenians that also used to be part of the ancient Kingdom of Armenia. These claims aren't all uniform, some of them going as far as Tabriz and Kars, but the gray border on the map shows the general consensus of what they want.
* **War of the North Caucasus:** The conflict grows larger and larger every year that passes. In the west, the Rus' front, it is mostly a stalemate until 996 when Olga launched a large attack on Kyiv, capturing it and going farther. She gives herself the name of "Olga of Kiev". This does allow Charkev to be completely taken and for the Khazars and Slavs to get farther there. Otherwise this region remains stuck in an almost limbo-like state. Olga offers peace to the Khazars, telling herself this is a victory for her and her people. Meanwhile in the Caucasus, Kakheti practically falls after years of fighting and also the Sajids being able to invade through mountains that aren't as harsh. Kartli and Georgia have enough and declare war on the Khazars and also Aabkhaziya. Despite not being allies, the Sajids declare war on those two (though war would most likely have broken anyway since the Sajids also occupy lands in Kakheti. So far not much on that front has moved, other than in Aabkhaziya as no one has to cross a massive mountain range. The Sajids also attempt to put down the Armenian revolts, but it doesn't go too well. While several groups are taken down, newer ones rise up almost just as fast. Also the Rus' had some expeditions and established a vassal near Poland.
* **It Broke Again - 5:** The Shu and Ma dynasties are out and done for and aside from Xiong, who is just kinda hoping that the two (or three) big blobs sandwiching them (UwU) leaves them alone, we have three dynasties left. The Song under Song Zuying, the Zheng under Zheng Tianhao and the Wu under Wu Yanyin. Wu starts to get ganged up on and they lose Wuhan, forcing them to move capital. The Song and Zheng also go to war with one another, neither willing to let the other one be more powerful after the fall of Wu. The Zheng also adopt Confucianism over Buddhism. The conflict regarding Jin isn't really anything they care about right now and the fighting ended many many years ago ~~when Persia came ashore.~~ A fight for China is approaching.
* **Viking Time - New Discoveries:** :crab: THE VARANGIANS ARE GONE :crab:. Uh, anyway. In the mid-980s, Sweyn, the son of Harald Bluetooth, rose up against him and seized the throne early. Harald died. Anyway, the Danish grip over Norway fell but Sweyn, come to be known as Sweyn Forkbeard, would go on to ally with some other people to gain it back again, which he did. He also conquered the islands of Ösel and Dagö, previously inhabited by Varangians. So Sweyn manages to keep a hold on all those Norwegian holdings and prepares to go and invade England again like the good old days. Æthelred II of England better be ready... Anyway let's go to Hrímland WEEEEEEEEEEEEEe. The two people I mentioned earlier, Erik the Red and Leif Erikson, well they would go on to do some pretty damn cool shit. A different explorer named Snæbjörn had told of new lands in the west, that seemed uninhabitable, so Erik sailed there and proved Snæbjörn wrong, he established the first settlement on the world's largest island, know to us in the real world as Greenland. He names it Blárland, which means "Blue Land", allegedly the sea and sky looked increasingly blue as he reached the mostly white, icy island. Erik settled down there, with the territory practically being independent but Erik declared it to still be the territory of the King of Hrímland. Years later, Leif would travel to Norway in 998 to do some stuff there. He then landed in Hrímland and later set course to his home in Blárland. However, he was blown off-course, but it ended up in his favor. He encountered new land. The New World. There he encountered other people, the Beothuk. The Norse there would call them "Skrælingar" which might mean something like "yell" as in calling the people loud. Okay mate. Anyway the next year the Hrímlanders heard of this and King Úlfljótr sent Leif on a quest to colonize these new lands and named Leif a vassal of him. And so in 999 and 1000, the colony of Vinland was formed on otl Newfoundland. At last we have Sweden. Eric the Victorious gets a serious case of death in 995. His son and heir is Olof. He becomes known as Olof Skötkonung. He welcomes the christian missionaries with open arms as it is bringing the isolated north and the rest of Europe closer together and he could also become very powerful by converting. He hasn't officially converted to it just yet however. The remaining petty Swedish lands are integrated into the kingdom which is still loosely united but there is now just one Swedish kingdom in existence.
* **Japan - the Anime, Episode 10 - I once again can't come up with a subtitle:** The conflict with Liao waged on for a little while longer but as both sides didn't want to go much further peace was established. Japan lost lands and was on the "worse" side of the deal, but it could have been worse. After the war, the Goryeo state would form under Taejo Wang Geon of Baekje, who unified the kingdoms of Baekje and Goguryeo to create it. Thus almost all of Korea is unified, aside from parts of irl North Korea and the Liaodong (or Lyaotong) peninsula, which in this timeline is culturally Korean. A new king is elected in Okinawa, who unlike the previous one, wants to join Japan and thus was annexed into it. The Samurai are hired by many nobles and rich people, which prevents any big intervention on them to occur although they aren't really suspicious, just powerful. The spies sent to China aren't too successful, they learn of some technology such as that bridge system thing but otherwise not much. Some of them are discovered as not Chinese which makes Wu suspicious, but they need to deal with the big war so yeah. Japanese expeditions cause the discovery of small lands south of Tungning, they are far and difficult and treacherous to reach however. Now time for responses. Sakkarin: Leave us alone please. Dai Viet: I don't need your help. Zheng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ak2ssG56q0 (5:35-5:36). And that's kinda it. Also haha he did the hentai funy secks yolk or something.
* **Central Asia aka Saljuqs - a Revolt :** Onoq declines but no one cares about that the big important thing is happening in the Oghuz Yabgu state. There, a warlord by the name of Duqaq and his son Saljuq had their lands attacked by the Samanids, who raided. Well, Persians did so but there were otherwise no clear evidence that they were Samanids. Duqaq thought that was the case though, but the Khagan, Yunur refused to act on any level, preferring to focus on potentially expanding west into the Khazar lands. Thus, Duqaq and Saljuq and their followers revolted in the south, taking Aqtei quickly and moving to establish their own thing.
* **Fall of the Virishan Empire:** Over the years the Virishan Empire grew a bit too arrogant and started becoming corrupt. Hisk-Hisk Krishna V dies. His son is young and known as Aadavan II becomes the new Hisk-Hisk but dies. Due to succession laws this makes the next monarch Vaishini III, queen. She tries to get an heir but fails and dies from a miscarriage in 987 after 9 years of ruling. Thus her sister, the last of the children of Krishna V: Suthersa becomes queen. Suthersa I rules well and tries to reform the realm but corrupt nobles have too much power. She passes some new laws restricting their power which makes them mad. She was murdered in 992 and there are no heirs. This causes a succession crisis and several places start to break free. The Telugu people secede, Rashtrakuta separates, dealing with two states seceding from them as well and the Chela dynasty is formed in the far south. Sinhal does remain a vassal however. Suthersa's throne is usurped by Indrajith, naming himself Indra VI but he only rules til 998 before an alliance of the Mahlukya dynasty and Sinhal topple him and reinstate the dynasty, now however, the Empire is gone.
* **Sarranid Sultanate:** As a response to the Qurtubans naming themselves a Caliphate along with their activities with the Byzantines as well as the recent Byzantine actions in Akhtarib territory lead them to form an alliance with the Akhtaribs and they also vassalize the Aghlabids through royal marriage to extend their power there as well turning it into the vassal of Qartajira. The Sarranids are ready to act at any point the Byzantines act in a way that could be seen as starting war with them or their contacts.
* **Another War Between the Vietnamese and the Khmer:** The war has raged on for a bit a decade, with the Khmer continually pumping naval assaults on Vietnamese ports and coastal villages while the Vietnamese fought hard using their many archers as well as some War Elephants. But both sides eventually agree on a peace deal. Dai Viet had occupied lands just north of Kauthara and was thus granted them while the Khmer gained some inland lands from Dai Viet. The last Mon tribes were split between the two with the Khmer gaining most of the land to compensate for losing other lands. Dai Viet then focuses on dealing with Nanzhou, who is doing alright but there are regular peasant revolts and such.
* **France:** Hugh Capet is no more but we instead have Robert I and he is quite alright as king. He also plans to integrate Burgundy into his realm, to make the French realm much more like the old Frankish Empire. He also assists the Iberian kingdoms with a certain thing that happens later on, in about 3 events I would predict. Let's see...
* **Decline of Alai:** The Alai Empire starts to decline from weaker rulers and bad harvests. They also find it more difficult to hold onto more remote areas. Lands bordering what is considered "India" secedes and thus the kingdom of Nepal is established.
* **Uru Developments:** Long story short we have war and Yaro is heading it. They have already conquered some places and are working on the rest.
* **Rise of Xibalba:** Xibalba has fought a long hard war and is almost there. They've almost conquered Togulci and re-established the Mayan Empire, however Chichen Itza is hard to take and regularly stops the Xibalbans from getting further. The war becomes bloodier and bloodier.
* **Qurtuba:** Wow I was correct I'm a bloody psychic. Yeah so controversy aside another war of reconquest occurs. The Iberian kingdoms form a temporary alliance known as the Holy Sword and proceed to invade, grabbing some lands so far and being assisted by their good friend Francia (as in France in Spanish not the Frankish Empire obviously).
* **Americas:** One more polity, Niagara and also the Anhaica state becomes more powerful and expands.

### **Japanese Empire:**

* **Government: Monarchy**
	+ **Ruler:** Heiwa II Yamashengu
	+ **Economy:** spice, food, dye, art, porcelain.
	+ **Capital: Heian-Kyo**
* **Demographics:**
	+ **Population:** Japanese 90%, 2% Machurian, 2% Okinawan, 6% Chinese
		- **Heian-Kyo:** 260.000
		- **Edo:** 200.000
		- **Yamato:** 190.000
		- **Fukuoka:** 160.000
		- **Hiroshima:** 130.000
		- **Komatsu:** 130.000
		- **Toyama:** 120.000
		- **Nagasaki:** 105.000
		- **Other Cities:** 1.415.000
		- **Rural Areas:** 8.190.000
	+ **Total population:** 10.900.000
	+ **Religion:** 92% Shinto-Buddhism, Buddhism 4%, Confucianism 4%
* **Demographics of Subjects:**
	+ **Population:** Japanese 18%, Ainu 80%, 1% Chinese, 1% Manchurian.
		- **Otomari:** 20.000
		- **Sunõdorangon:** 12.000
		- **Fuyu:** 6.000
		- **Rural Areas:** 122.000
	+ **Total population:** 160.000
		- **Ezo:** 150.000
	+ **Religion:** 85% Shinto-Buddhism, 14% Ainu paganism, 1% other.
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
* **Military:**
	+ **Deployed units:** total of 1% (Japan + puppets/vassals) 110.600
		- 35.000 Archers. (35.000)
		- 25.000 Spear men (25.000)
		- 21.000 Swordsmen (21.000)
		- 20.000 Cavalry (20.000)
		- 2.200 Tawābasutā (6.600)
		- 3.000 Heavy Infantry (3.000)
* **Navy:**
	+ 160 Galleys
	+ 140 Transport ships
	+ 75 Light warship
	+ 50 Medium warships
	+ 12 Heavy warships
	+ Kogo Hana
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Dai Viet:** We import rice to keep the Chinese populus in Japan fed and improve relations.
* **Events:**
	+ **Overpopulation:** After the war Manchurians got the choice to move to Japan which approximately 200 thousand did, we also allowed Chinese refuges but when Song and Zheng entered a war a huge amount of Chinese refuges arrived. They breed more rapidly than Japanese and our population starts growing faster. We have problems with housing, putting the Manchurians in the old northern towns as they are accustomed with the cold and the town are relatively empty. The Chinese are spread around in Japan, becoming builders and farmers. But many of them are unemployed. We are not starving but food is starting to strain.
	+ **Housing:** Due to overpopulation we start building houses like madmen, we teach homeless to build and give them instructions for houses, this creates new villages and areas in towns with a lot of Chinese people in them.
	+ **Workforce:** Due to the sudden underemployment the government creates jobs through rice farms, kicking the dye industry back in order as well as starting production of Silk and other textures. This unemployment also increase art in Japan
	+ **Printer:** After one of our spies returned with instructions of how to make a Chinese printer 101 the Emperor got real excited to make one. A government facility of Science is opened north of Edo where we basically place an old man in charge that is about to die, he dies and the instructions to make a printer (a copy in Japanese) is left as one of his planned inventions. The facility makes some slight changes and bam, Japanese printer. This is sold to big companies and printing companies start to exist where you can print copies of your work essentially. This spreads literature like a wildfire, and the sexual picture books now known as seiteki (essentially hentai manga) spreading the genre like more than wildfire.
	+ **Art:** Other artforms also spread such as painting, music and even porcelain, making art a part of our export.
	+ **South of ~~Heaven~~ Tungning:** ~~SLAAAAYEEEER~~ "Mrs Emperor, we found islands south of Tungning" - Some dude. "Sadly we have other things to take care of, I'll just send some expeditionary forces to search for ore, crystals or abundances of stuff.
	+ **Samurai:** to contain the Samurai the Emperor arranges a marriage between the heir and the most influential samurai.

### **Byzantine Empire:**

* **Government: Absolute Monarchy**
	+ **Ruler:** Justin III
	+ **Dynasty:** Domninian Dynasty
	+ **Economy:** Most of the economy comes from trade mainly through Constantinople where a variety of things are traded. We also possess the ability to intervene in important sectors within the economy to make sure nothing goes off balance and are currently thriving. Our most valuable and prized goods are silk and purple
	+ **Capital:** Constantinople
	+ **Demographics:**
		- **Population:** Greek 73%, Minorities: Italian 11%, Slavic 6%, Bulgar 4% Other: Khazar, Arabic, Georgian, Armenian 6%
		- **Constantinople:** 760,000
		- **Adrianople:** 87,000
		- **Thessaloniki:** 72,000
		- **Syracuse:** 63,000
		- **Athens:** 59,000
		- **Cities:** ~2,000,000
		- **Rural Areas:** ~8,700,000
		- **Total population:** ~10,700,000
		- **Religion:** Christianity ~94%, Other: Judaism, Eslam, Zoroastrianism 6%
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
* **Military:**
	+ **Standing army:** Total of 1% (107,000)
	+ 47,000 Cavalry
		- 21,000 Cataphracts
			* 7,000 Cataphract archers
	+ 60,000 Infantry
		- 14,000 Akritai
	+ **Troop placement:**
		- Some soldiers are placed in the rebellious areas around Armenia to put them down
* **Navy:**
	+ 55 Galleys
	+ 150 Transport ships
	+ 185 Dromons
	+ 90 Triremes
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Kingdom of Armenia:** We continue to try and stabilize you however we deny your claims to our territory
	+ **Poland:** Most esteemed king Boleslaw I, we see the religious conundrum you are now in. However, we offer a deal. The Rus' have been a pain in our back since they have constantly attacked our ally the Khazars. Convert, see the ecumenical Patriarch as the head of all who follow Christ, and we shall defend you as a brother from the heathens of the east.
	+ **Qurtuba:** ~~hey...want to buy some candy?~~ For our interests, along with regular merchants we send along some other ones, but they are more quick about what they do. They will sell you some odd and inconsistent yet professionally made armor and weapons for some more higher-end goods, and they only show up in military docks in cities instead of towns. They have some odd flags to them, come in times when naval trade is uncommon and if a loyal ruler is present they inform them that they are Byzantine and are in an effort to keep them alive.
* **Events:**
	+ **People of the eastern sands part 3:** The Sarranids are getting quite scary and their alliance with Akhtaribs is even more worrisome. We take more time to study tactics used to nullify heavy cavalry and increase the effectiveness of our own, while increasing military spending a bit to invest in better standardization and discipline to create a stronger army structure. War has not broke yet but we still make plans on how to attack them strategically.
	+ **I am just but a humble missionary:** Missionaries going through the kingdom of Hungary or Bulgaria are to be escorted by a few soldiers so that they return alive.

### **NPC Events:**

* **THE Schism:** Now we all know that Byzantium and the Papal States have been like two kids tossing mud at eachother from a distance for a long time by now but it is now that things have "exploded". Pope Sylvester II and his successors find success (haha) in Scandinavia with Olof Skötkonung becoming the last scandinavian king to convert to christianity in 1005. The competition with Poland big but the Byzantines are able through a certain *event* get to Boleslaw I who converts to the "orthodox" faith the following year of 1006. Pope John XVIII is not happy and thus visits the Kievan Rus' who have been more integrated into "european affairs". Some of the vassal princes convert to christianity and pledge allegiance to the papacy, but not all of it has been "claimed". The event regarding the Polish conversion is seen as the spark that fully divided the two churches, although the actual split doesn't occur until 1008. John XVIII and Italian bishops exchange several letters with the Patriach of Constantinople and Greek bishops eventually leading to both sides in practice severing ties and the two churches splitting. Most of Europe follows the Pope and papacy under Catholicism with a few states in the east instead becoming Orthodox.
* **War of the North Caucasus:** The Rus' gain the upper hand on the Khazars in Kyiv while the Khazars do manage to continue northwest on their border with the Rus'. Olga of Kiev is very mad at not receiving a response from the Khazars and war rages for even longer. Khagan Chorpan loses popularity quickly as the Khazar armies fight a war most see as already lost. Chorpan's brother Benjamin plots against him and overthrows him in 1004, having him put in prison. Benjamin (II) proceeded to make peace with the Rus'. They would receive most of the Kyiv vassal while the Khazars would gain northeastern lands they occupied. Now that Kiev was secured, the Rus' become known as the Kievan Rus' as they move their capital from Rurikburg to there, but the city has to be rebuilt like hell. War continues towards the end of 1005 when Benjamin II secured peace with their enemies. Since Kakheti fell a long time ago the Khazars gain it while otherwise the peace is a status quo ante bellum. The Sajids also make peace with Georgia and Kartli. Meanwhile the Armenian revolts continue, the spark that started them was just so powerful that they still continue. The Sajids suffer from most of it, with there being a few in Akhtarib lands and some in easternmost Byzantine lands. The Byzantines manage to put down most of them, turning the revolts into small little roaming peasant rebellions. One group sparks outside of Kars in late 1009.
* **It Broke Again - 6:** Fiercely the remaining dynasties battled but victory was in Zheng's hands. When Guangzhou was captured the Wu surrendered and Zheng took most of the power and went on to defeat the Song. Thus China is whole again, not counting Jurchen Jin and Xiong. Zhao Heng is crowned Emperor Zhenzong. He takes that whole encyclopedia book the Song were working for and worked on it himself, but changing the name from The Book of Song to The Book of Zheng totally original donut steel. He also made an agreement with the Jurchen Jin and Liao to have a truce in exchange for some other things that will benefit both of them. China is starting to recover now under quite the strong dynasty. In other news, the year 1009 saw the birth of a peasant girl named Hua Mulan. But that is a story for a different turn...
* **The Hungarian Empire Rises:** The Hungarians and Bulgars had good relations for a long while, the Hungarians even adopted the cyrillic script from Bulgaria but this turn sees bad things happening. Long the rulers of both sides discussed war against Byzantium in order for the Bulgars to reconquer lost lands. These talks started to fall apart however as Hungaria started focusing more on their own stuff and got tired of this former empire trying to beg them into helping them become stronk again. A Hungarian caravan was suddenly attacked by an army as it crossed the Bulgarian border. Stephen I of Hungaria was mighty mad and invaded. The war lasted from February to September 1003 and the Bulgars lost. The Hungarians claimed practically all lands west of the Carpathian Mountains. Following this Tsar Samuil was forced to look towards other people for friends. He reluctantly chose the Byzantines and attempted to lessen tensions by stopping hostilities towards missionaries (who were then capable of reaching Poland before the catholics) and also by converting to Orthodoxy.
* **Japan - the Anime, Episode 11 - Pros and Cons:** If Japan was trying to contain the Samurai, they didn't really do it correctly. With the royal family now bound to Samurai through marriage they grow ever more popular. So yeah any noble that has to deal with peasant revolts, bandits or something else can just do one thing: HIRE A SAMURAI. But this also means the Samurai and imperial court are now bound and are directly working together in a much more "stately" fashion. In the meanwhile we have both another resurgence of art and literature as well as a housing crisis, great! Let's start with art haha rhyming. Yeah shit's big and all that and one of the big works being made is *The Tale of Genji* by noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu. The housing crisis isn't very fun however and while some people find new homes and jobs through efforts done, there's still poverty especially among the Chinese who are unable to speak Japanese and can't get many jobs. Small peasant revolts occur, mostly to be met by SAMURAI and be put down. This is a blemish on a still powerful state chilling on their islands.
* **Saljuqs - a Grand War:** Duqaq and Saljuq are successful with their revolt, however Duqaq is killed in the last major battle of the revolt, the Battle of the Aral Sea. After the Saljuq victory there, the Oghuz were scared of exhausting their armies and also of the possibility of a Khazar invasion so they allowed the revolters to secede. Aqtei becomes the capital for the Saljuq state, ruled by Saljuq himself. A few years go by before Saljuq sets his sights on the relatively weak Samanid Empire and he sees a strong future for his Turkic people. Thus in 1006 he invades the Samanids, taking land in almost lightning quick fashion. This also puts him in non-armed conflict with some of the Zoroastrian states, who don't like this.
* **Fall of the Zoroastrian League:** After Barigaza left the alliance the remaining members barely held together, they scrambled around doing mostly their own things. This now puts them in conflict with eachother regarding many things: trade, lands and also definitely why they should stick together and also which state they should stand against. Eventually the Afgans have enough of the Tajiks' shit, they see them as oppressive and they go to war. Panjab joins them and everything falls apart. The Tajiks get Kashmir (formerly Mazarum) on their side, who weren't ever in the league but they overthrew and conquered the "original" Kashmir a bit earlier and have good relations with the Tajiks. This puts the Zoroastrian "area" in trouble due to war and a particular strong Turko-Persian leader looking to expand his ~~dong~~ empire.
* **Viking Time:** Viking time is slowly ending. Now that Olof Skötkonung is christian, the Norse faith fades away, it only remains in Hrímland, its colonies and Vinland. Honestly nothing much happens. What remains is Sweyn Forkbeard doing stuff. You see after the Danelaw was removed there were still many Viking settlers left there. King Æthelred and his annoying ass name was approached by advisors. They basically warned him that the Vikings would band together and kill him. So why don't we kill them first? Thus the St. Brice's Day Massacre happened in 1002 where all Danish men were ordered to be killed. Once this reached Sweyn's ears he was very very very mad. BAM! More viking raids on England and now Sweyn is looking to get some revenge on Æthelred and his dumbass name.
* **Qurtuban and Byzantine Byzness:** So yeah this new plan thing works kind of, but people still recognize the ships as Byzantine by their design, the new flag perplexes certain states like Venice and the Sarranids. Qurtuba themselves have lost another war against the Iberian kingdoms but they look to try and reclaim some of it in the future. Also let's talk the Sarranids real quick. Sarranid Sultan Hakim is a pretty big stronk boi, he's keeping peace and good relations with most of his neighbours, his army is strong with good morale, he's doing fine but is very suspicious of the Byzantines.
* **Rise of Xibalba:** They finally conquer the other Mayan kingdoms and the Maya have been reunited under the Xibalbans.
* **Decline of the Alai Empire:** The Songtsen dynasty is unable to fix the troubles and several more states secede. We have Amdo, Gangdruk, Kamarupa and the Dzongkha-speaking Dzongkhalhok.
* **Oman Rules the Waves:** Oman still stretches their influence along the East African coast and the Swahili coast, while stateless, still is prosperous for trade and such.
* **Uru Developments:** We now have the Yaro Empire, kind of.
* **Native Americans:** We now have the Tanasi and Moswetuset. Also the Caddo found a capital.
* **Virisha:** The remains of the empire hold on. The new Hisk-Hisk moves the capital from Mysore to Bambalir (Pamalí).

### **Japanese Empire:**

* **Government: Monarchy**
	+ **Ruler:** Toshiko Yamashengu
	+ **Economy:** spice, food, dye, art, porcelain.
	+ **Capital: Tōga**
* **Demographics:**
	+ **Population:** Japanese 90.6%, 1.2% Machurian, 1.2% Okinawan, 7% Chinese
		- **Tōga:** 265.000
		- **Edo:** 210.000
		- **Yamato:** 195.000
		- **Fukuoka:** 170.000
		- **Hiroshima:** 140.000
		- **Komatsu:** 135.000
		- **Toyama:** 125.000
		- **Nagasaki:** 110.000
		- **Other Cities:** 1.460.000
		- **Rural Areas:** 8.365.000
	+ **Total population:** 11.175.000
	+ **Religion:** 95% Shinto-Buddhism, Buddhism 2%, Confucianism 3%
* **Demographics of Subjects:**
	+ **Population:** Japanese 20%, Ainu 78%, 1% Chinese, 1% Manchurian.
		- **Otomari:** 18.000
		- **Sunõdorangon:** 10.000
		- **Fuyu:** 12.000
		- **Rural Areas:** 135.000
	+ **Total population:** 175.000
	+ **Religion:** 89% Shinto-Buddhism, 10.5% Ainu paganism, 0.5% other.
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
* **Military:**
	+ **Deployed units:** total of 1% (Japan + puppets/vassals) 113.500
		- 35.000 Archers. (35.000)
		- 25.000 Spear men (25.000)
		- 23.000 Swordsmen (23.000)
		- 20.500 Cavalry (20.000)
		- 2.200 Tawābasutā (6.600)
		- 3.400 Heavy Infantry (3.400)
* **Navy:**
	+ 160 Galleys
	+ 150 Transport ships
	+ 75 Light warship
	+ 50 Medium warships
	+ 15 Heavy warships
	+ Kogo Hana
* **Diplomacy:**
* **Events:**
	+ **Ching Chongs of Japan:** We start teaching the Chinese adults simple Japanese as well as different crafts, house building, rice farming and other easy to understand important employments. The kids however are put into Chinese only schools where we teach advanced Japanese, our culture, religion and other Japanese traits. The plan is that the children are the future and will teach their elders a thing or two.
	+ **The Samurai:** The top dog samurai and leader of the samurai council, Toshiko Tōga, got married to the old empresses daugther. The old Empress died from age which made his pregnant wife the Empress. Surprise she dies due to pregnancy and a fetus can't rule an empire and thus Toshiko is put in charge. He abandons his last name for Yamashengu to respect the Empires heritage and renames the capital to Tōga to respect his heritage. Now the Samurai and Emperor is literally one and the same. He connects the samurai council as advisors to the Emperor and grant military generals a place on the council, but not the rank of samurai.
	+ **Housing:** we build houses, and a group of Chinese people start the new city of Lu-ying (referencing to the Chinese city Luoyang)
	+ **Island of Hentai:** The most acclaimed of seiteki (hentai manga) artists finds out about one of the islands that where found and thus talks with the Emperor. Basically that island becomes the authors own little pervert resort paradise with questionable laws. And thus Mihagayi Shimetku embarks on a quest to map out the seas to his new hentai island.
	+ **Socialism:** we try to make the lower class less lower class through taxing the upper class

### **Khazar Khaganate:**

* **Government: Monarchy (Khaganate)**
	+ **Khagan:** Benjamin
	+ **Dynasty:** Bulanid
	+ **Economy:** Most of the economy comes from trade. We also possess the ability to intervene in important sectors within the economy to make sure nothing goes off balance and are currently doin good.
	+ **Capital: Akashar**
	+ **Demographics:**
		- **Population: 74,7%** **Khazar, 12,6% Slavic, 9,4% Aabkhaz, 1.9% greek 1,4% Georgian.**
		- **Cities: 455.7k**
			* **Akashar: 139.7k**
			* **Galgan: 106k**
			* **Karcha: 93k**
			* **Korstyam: 82k**
			* **Chersonesus: 21k**
			* **Kabalaska:** 14**k**
		- **Rural Areas:** **~1,587.6k**
		- **Total population:** ~2**,043.3k**
		- **Religion:** **83.4% Judaism, 12.9% Christianity, 3.7% Tengri.**
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
	+ **Border patrol (Kievan Rus):** We put 20% (4 087) of our army on the Kievan Rus border.
	+ **Helping the Sajid's:** We send 40% (8 174) of our army to help the Sajid's with the Rebels.
* **Military:**
	+ **Standing army: Total of 1% 20 433**
		- 13 300 Cavalry
			* 6 100 with Spears
			* 7 200 with Swords
		- 7 133 Infantry with Swords and Shields.
	+ **Reserves:** **Total of 2% 40 866**
		- 26 600 Cavalry
			* 12 200 with Spears
			* 14 400 with Swords
		- 14 266 Infantry with Swords and Shields.
* **Navy**
	+ **For traversing the Caspian sea:​**
		- **12 Transport ships (trade/negotiations)**
		- **26 fishing ships** **(for fishing...)**
	+ **For traversing the black sea:​​​​​​**
		- **7 Transport ships (trade/negotiations with the Byzantine Empire)**
		- **5 traveling ships (travel between the Karcha strait)**
		- **27 fishing ships (for fishing...)**
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Kievan Rus:** We ask for a truce lasting about 20-40 years. (2-4 turns)
* **Event:**
	+ **Helping Northern Slavs:** We send the slavs in the north some food and start increasing their opinion of us. (1002) **<(Importanto)**
	+ **Integration of Slavs:** We ask some northern slav tribes if they want to join our nation. (1009) **<(Importanto)**

### **Byzantine Empire:**

* **Government: Absolute Monarchy**
	+ **Ruler:** Justin III
	+ **Dynasty:** Domninian Dynasty
	+ **Economy:** Most of the economy comes from trade mainly through Constantinople where a variety of things are traded. We also possess the ability to intervene in important sectors within the economy to make sure nothing goes off balance and are currently thriving. Our most valuable and prized goods are silk and purple
	+ **Capital:** Constantinople
	+ **Demographics:**
		- **Population:** Greek 73%, Minorities: Italian 11%, Slavic 6%, Bulgar 4% Other: Khazar, Arabic, Georgian, Armenian 6%
		- **Constantinople:** 780,000
		- **Adrianople:** 91,000
		- **Thessaloniki:** 77,000
		- **Syracuse:** 65,000
		- **Athens:** 61,500
		- **Cities:** ~2,000,000
		- **Rural Areas:** ~8,700,000
		- **Total population:** ~10,700,000
		- **Religion:** Eastern Patriarchy ~94%, Other: Judaism, Eslam, Zoroastrianism 6%
* **Wars and Conflicts:**
* **Military:**
	+ **Standing army:** Total of 1% (107,000)
	+ 47,000 Cavalry
		- 21,000 Cataphracts
			* 7,000 Cataphract archers
	+ 60,000 Infantry
		- 14,000 Akritai
	+ **Troop placement:**
* **Navy:**
	+ 55 Galleys
	+ 150 Transport ships
	+ 185 Dromons
	+ 90 Triremes
* **Diplomacy:**
	+ **Poland:** Boleslaw, unless we would want to possibly end up in a two front war, i suggest you repel all western missionaries so the pope doesnt make a new friend with the Rus'. If the light shines down bright enough on us, than perhaps we could even convert the Rus' to our side. For now, we propose creating the Patriarch league, which should consist of all those who follow Eastern patriarchy. We also encourage your people to convert to the Eastern Patriarchy aswell as aiding efforts to convert and integrate tribes to the north of you.
	+ **Bulgaria:** Seeing as you have no one but us to run to, we send you an invitation to the Patriarch league.
	+ **Qurtuba:** Relations are maintained and the "Byzantine blue-flag" ships continue to arrive to aid in revanchism, until 1013 when the last one leaves the docks. They do however say if another war breaks out they will return.
	+ **Hungarian empire:** *(If Bulgaria accepts the offer)* We give you a warning not to attack those within the Patriarch league. However, things might get easier for you if you join the east...
	+ **Duchy of Dragovits:** Mind if you join the Patriarch league?
* **Events:**
	+ **People of the eastern sands part 4:** More studies are going into desert warfare, and we attempt to resolve with armenian rebels through reasoning, most of it pointing to that its pointless to resist and that its probably better for you to remain in the Byzantine empire then go off on your own.
	+ **More missionary spam:** Missionaries are spammed further away, into the Rus', northern slavic tribes, and some are sent as far as Oghuz and Volgas. We also send a few to convince those in Corsica to join the Patriarchy.
	+ **Naval review:** A few ships have begun construction and more checks are done to ensure the three main outer islands are secure (Crete, Malta and Cyprus)