Europe, 550, A.D.
The year of many deaths.
In France the Salic law begins to take shape. Looking over various rules and coming up with his own, King Childebert is almost done with what would eventually become his legacy. Meanwhile, the lesser known part of his legacy was finally complete. For almost a year, Childebert's troops starved Louis's men in the castle. The siege was going very well, as the French knew what they were doing. Eventually however, Louis decided it would be best to mount a final counter siege. His several hundred men tore through many a Frankish rank, but the French won anyways. The castle was destroyed, and all of Burgundy became property of Franch, kingdom of Childebert the Conqueror. The 400 horsemen who lost their lives were replaced by 500 auxillary swordsmen sent by Godomar in aid. They arrived late, but have succeeded in bringing the numbers of the French army ever higher. Meanwhile, 9 years later, Burgundy is quietly becoming fully integrated. Just recently new road systems have reached the outlying villages, increaseing the economy throughout the whole empire.
Childebert's son, Clotaire is now a healthy young man, while Godomar is the first in line of Burgundian dukes.
In Finland, the Great Cathedral of Helsinki is nearing completion. Tragically however, King Volum dies and is replaced by his son, energetic Prince Maati, who vows to finish it in honor of his father. Pope Felix decides to name Volum a saint, allowing the new cathedral to be dedicated to him. Meanwhile, Finnish nobles are nearing the final design of a powerful warrior caste, the Royal Knights, who would be tremendous mounted warriors. Even without them however, Finnish soldiers reach the 2nd Great Lake of Finland. Still, they meet little resistence. They do meet more and more Slavs the farther South they go however. Finland's economy is floureshing and Maati is known as "King Maati the Prosperous".
In Germany, many ask to find out where the strange drink called wine comes from. However, Dietrick has bigger concerns. He greatly expands German territory, which is soon split up among the greedy nobles. The King still holds supreme power, and the nobles are happy, however some fear the King may have to deal with them in the near future. The army grows ever larger.
In Briton, the Anglo-Saxons grudginly agree... for now. With the recent acquisition of Pictish territories, and the Picts 500 men, Northumberland is far too powerful for them to consider an invasion, so they don't. Great celebrations ensue upon the passing of the Pictish crwon to Alfred II, King of Northumberland and the Pictish Territories. The cheerful mood is topped by the announcement that St. Alfred's abby is 3/4ths done. The Scots grow ever nervous with the union, and begin to hold monthly diplomatic meetings with the Anglo Saxons. Northumberlandese men watch uneasily as Scottish ships continuisly sail by Northumberland's Western shore, month by month.
In Norway, a great project is begun!! The Saamting, a great marketplace, is started, and is set to be completed in 40 turns. Meanwhile, Amon Savag finally hits the bucket and is replaced by Ragnar Savag. Under his rule, Norway expands and increases their ever growing army. The people become happy for the first time in history.
In Estonia, King Lennart Mari also dies, and is replaced by Prince Juhan. The army rapidly expands, although the economy detiriates. The country follows the army however, and Estonia greatly increases it's size.
Furthermore, Juhan grants help to the Rus Slavs who establish a small kingdom in Eastern Europe with their help. THe new country called Russia is renowned for it's agriculture and horsemen.
In Andorra, the Visigoths slowly gain strength. Andorran expansion turns to the North. The Andorran people grow happier however, and a golden age of poetry begins in Andorra where trombadours, bards, and poets roam the streets by afternoon.
As for Byzantium, the navy is quickly increased and reaches Athens in time to witness the Greek counter-attack. The spirited Greeks attack Athens and manage to kill 200 Byzantine soldiers, however ultimatly fail. Still, word is that this was only the first of many Greek attacks. The soldiers look to Justinian for further orders.
Nothing significant happens elsewhere in the world. The Kingdom of Austria begins to suffer from lack of leadership however.
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Diplomacy
From Pope Felix
To King Maati of Finland
In honor of your late father we grant him the status of sainthood. We encourage you to dedicate the new Cathedral to him.