Europe, 530, A.D.
In Europe, several key developments occur. First of them being in the now well-established kingdom of the Franks, Parisian France. Headed by king Childebert, son of the Great Clovis, Childebert seeks to take his young nation where his father never did, and he's doing well so far. The great Winyard of Paris is finally completed. The splendid brewery and accompying winyard become a trademark of Paris, and the Franks become known as excellent wine-growers. The "Parisian Royal" brand of wine becomes the oldest recorded wine company in Europe. However the biggest news comes from the South in Burgundy.
Sigmisund, the youngest son of the late King Gundabad of Germany asks Childebert for help in defeating his brothers, and Childebert obeys. He equips his men with horses, but the Franks, not known for this skill feel much more comfortable on the ground. The horses are merely used to get to Northern Burgundy, Sigmisund's lands, as quickly as possible. From there the men dismounted and went on on foot. The 2000 Frankish footmen quickly joined up with Sigmisund's 500 poorly trained Burgundians and marched Southwest into the lands of his brother Charles. A great battle ensues, in which the Franks lose 200 men, and the Burgundians 300. Charles's forces of 600 footmen though, are completely annhialated, and the victorious forces move Southward. They have yet to completely secure Charles's lands, as Charles is still alive and trying to set up a last defense at his capital.
In England, wedding bells toll. The Pictish king, eagerly agreed for the neighboring Celtic king of Alfred II to marry his daughter, and the ceremony occurs in the recently started wonder of "St. Alfred's Abby", which should be completed in 40 turns brinigng the Northumberland culture and economy significantly up. Yes, Pope Felix had agreed to make Alfred's father, Alfred the First, the first Northumberlandese Saint, and thus the new abby was set to be named after him. The Pictish king swears to Alfred that he alone shall have all of his lands once he (the Pictish king) is no longer alive. Meanwhile, Northumberland troops march South. Their priests slowly convert the immediate locals, but farther South, a people known as the Anglo-Saxons have established several small kingdoms and look to push North into Celtic Britian.
One more minor detail. Alfred's wife soon gives birth to his son, Alfred III in 523 A.D., giving Alfred a successor to his powerful throne.
In Byzantium, the great canal is finished. Greatly expanding the Byzantine port, the economy increases, not only because of the wonder but due to the efforts of Justinian himself. The army expands in all directions at the same time. A young architect by the name of Honorus Constantov presents a plan to Justinian to build a great church, the "Hagia Sofia".
In Germany, the Goths still meet very little resistance in their expansions. Other Germanic nobles however start to worry of the power held by Dietrick, and start whispering behind his back. The people hardly notice, the newly increased economy keeping them content. The gift of fine wine, brought by travelers from lands to the Southwest, brings the population mood up considerably. The beverage tastes very good and brings one to ease. On it, written in latin letters, is "Brasserie Française Royale". The local monks, are the only ones able to read it, but refuse to explain, calling the drink immoral, saying they want to have no part in it.
In Finland, soldiers March on East. The locals are also Nordic and join willingly. Finland now has the biggest army in the world, and the recently increased economy isn't doing too bad either.
Farther South in Estonia, things turn strange. The economy is not what's worrying them, for it's much improved. However, expansion to the South is met with hordes of people rapidly moving Eastward. They have no ruler, and are split into tribes. They are not christian, but rather have their own beliefs different from both Catholocism, Orthodoxy, and even Nordic mythology. Everyone is perplexed, but the Slavs don't seem to be a threat.
In Andorra, trouble. While the army expands into Aquitane and annexes the Basques and some peaceful Goths that live there, the Basque provinces are having problems. The Southern people called Visigoths, are conducting more and more raids, plundering Andorra's rich economy. The people ask for an immediate response to the barbarians. The recently increased army should allow for this.
Meanwhile, in Austria, the Austrians go down the Danube. They come ever closer to the Huns, but the Austrian populace's mood is finally sattisfied thanks to the increased economy.
(Stat update later)
Meanwhile in a distant sandy land ruled by camel-led caravans, a man named Abd Allah Al Quaresh and a woman named Amina meet each other for the very first time as children.
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Diplomacy
From Charles of West Burgundy
To brothers Godomar, and Louis, of South, and East Burgundy
We must unite at least temporarily! If we do not, our wicked Sigmisund and his new ally will destroy us all one by one.
From Godomar, Warlord of South Burgundy
To Charles of West Burgundy
We will have none of it! I'll never forget how you've been a thorn in my side all these years. As the eldest, the throne was mine to begin with!
From Louis, King of East Burgundy
To Charles of West Burgundy
I suppose, it is time we unite. Alea Acta Est as they say. At least temporarily. I will send our horseman to help you as soon as possible.
From King Almaric of Eastern Visigoths
To Andorra
We demand an economy level of tribute, and we'll let you keep the lands you unrightfully stole from us.