Europe, 520, A.D.
The many changes that have taken place in Europe during the past 80 years are slowly becoming old news to the Continent's several million inhabitants. What does matter to them, are the recent deaths of King Clovis I, of France, and Pope Symmachus. The new pope, Felix, has every intention to uphold Symmachus's past promises. Just as much of a pacifist as Symmachus, most consider the West Roman Empire as a military power house to be officially dead.
The other death didn't go down quite as easily however. Clovis lived long enough to see road networks built on each side of the Seine, and for his possesions to reach the British Channell. He even got to taste the early results of the labor on the Great Winyard. He was, however, a dissapointed man at death. His offer to the weak kingdom of Burgundy, was kindly rejected by their King, Gundobad. He still made his son and successor, recently crowned Prince Childebert, promise to gain the territories on his deathbed. However, this was not the end, for nearly a few years later, Gundobad himself died. His 4 sons quickly split up his large kingdom and began warring with each other for control. The youngest, Sigmisund, asked Childebert for help that same year... (see diplomacy)
In Finland, the mission sent by Pope Symmachus finally reach Helsinski. At first, Symmachus's death greatly crippled the expedition's organization. Eventually however, with Felix's blessing, they continued their work. Much of Helsinski converts to Catholocism, just as the cities first fort is completed, greatly increasing the King's army. King Volum sends an expedition to Estonia that same year asking for an alliance.
Across the Baltic, the Estonians eagerly accept the alliance. The treaty of Talin becomes the first historically documented work in the Finnish and Estonian languages. Things are going well for the Estonians, as just recently they gained new territory to the South. New farms are quickly popping up, and the economy is slowly but surely increasing.
In the isle of Britian, Rome makes first contact with it's inhabitants since the days of the Roman Empire. The agreement to make a king alfred a saint upon death, becomes the first mention of the illiterate people of Northumberland in history. Little is known of the early days of Northumberland, save that they are a bartering people with many markets. Their king readily accepted Catholicism years ago from a missionary, and wishes to unite the whole of Britian under the church. This might prove harder than he thought, as he is currently facing the warlike Scots and Picts on his Northern borders.
In Constantinople, workers dig day and night, making the strait between the cities two sides even bigger. Upon completion, the great channel of Constantinople will allow for the biggest port in the world. Already huge, Constantinople's harbors aren't big enough to accomadate all the merchant ships coming from the newly accquired Greek territories. The newly increased army however, fits smuggly in Constantinople's walls.
In Austria, many blacksmiths become very apt at their craft. The economy increases, as the plentiful iron deposits in the South allow for Vienna to become a city of iron, the metal being used everywhere for all sorts of purposes. The King could increase his army now, but would need another economy level if he wishes to build 1000 iron-swordsmen. The existing army marches further down the Danube. As they grow ever nearer to the Huns, the people's mood doesn't imporve.
In Norway, the economy improves yet again, fishing becoming a major industry. At around the same time, the state nearly doubles in size. A similar situation is in Andorra, where recently accquired Basque provinces double the countries size. The people expand even farther South, however there they encounter many weak tribes of Visigoths who have no intention of joining Andorra as a province.
Lastly comes Germany. The Baltic sea is finally reached by these Ostrogoths, who have also recently completed a great road system connecting all of their major villages. Some of modern Germany's most important cities are first mentioned at this time.
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Diplomacy
From Sigmisund
To Childebert
Please aid me in vanquishing my brothers, and you will one day be King of Burgundy and France.
From Pope Felix
To King Ferdinand
In fear of another invasion from the vicious huns, we ask you to expand very carefully if you expand any farther down the Danube. Better yet would be if you didn't expand at all, however if Rome is sacked again, the blame will be squarely on your shoulders.
From Pope Felix
To Childebert
The church grieves over the loss of King Clovis of the Franks. May you lead France in the same direction as your father. Surely the son of such a man would convert his Burgundian neighbors to Catholocism?
). Update tomorrow afternoon at latest 
