The rest of Europe, 570, A.D.
In Byzantium, Justinian quickly sets out fo make his mark in Byzantine history. The Byzantine Cataphracts make heavy expansion in the Anatolian peninsula. So much land is annexed that it actually puts a strain on the Byzantine economy (Don't worry guys, if Naervod does his job right, you won't be envious of Byzantium for long). The recent programs started by Justinian to increase it are nullified due to the new lands. But with Byzantine territory nearly doubled, come more responsibilities. Constantinople now had contact with the empires of Sassanid Persia, and directly to the East, Armenia. From a MUCH farther East land, a mysterious ensemble arrives later that year as well.
Also of note, the Antipope alliance is made between Norway and Byzantium. Since the Byzantines and Norwegians are so far away from each other, it's pretty questionable whether much will come of it for the time being.
The new German King, Heinrich, sends out invitations to all Germanic people's to join the Kingdom of Germany. The responses are mixed. Some politely refuse, others laugh, and some don't answer at all. Yet many small tribes throughout Northern Europe listened, and Germany expands in key areas.
More importantly however, Heinrich's merchants, who he had sent out throughout Europe to stimulate trade, not only increased the economy, but met many new kingdoms along the way! Germany now has contact with the Franks, and Hungarians.
In Russia, the Isolated Slavs slowly begin to build up a great empire. A large marketplace is built in Moscow, while the Rus begin to quickly expand Northwest. By 570 A.D., they have established a direct border with Estonia. They can now, once their economy is increased, establish a trade route with the Estonians.
In the Visigoth lands, the Visigoths are united under one ruler, Almarich II. He quickly upgrades his nations army and increases it, while gaining much land in Iberia. However, his economy is now nearly completely destroyed.
In France, Guntram quickly realizes that all of his predecessors had managed to build great buildings during their rule. So he starts St. Clotilda's bassillica in Orléans to honor his Grandmother. However a problem is encountered. Orleans is still a town, and the people are revolting. No progress is made. The overcrowded and unhappy Orleans peasentry demand that Orleands be upgraded into a city (2 economy levels). Speaking of the economy, it's decreased by 2 once Burgundian swordsmen are trained (You can't increae economy and troops in the same turn Feanor). Also of note, the Franks now have diplomatic contact with Germany.
And in Andorra, St. Guillem's Cathedral is continued. Besides that, not too much is going on. The economy becomes ever better, and relations are established with an organized kingdom of Visigoths to the South.
In Estonia, a Great Wonder is started. Nobody is sure what it is, but peasents work diligantly at making "something" nontheless. Horsemen are mysteriously added into the Estonian army, which quickly gains new lands along the Baltic sea. The economy is increased due to trading between the Slavs all around them. Speaking of which, Russia now shares a direct border with Estonia.
And in Finland, the Royal Knights continue to gain much territory. This time, their focus is turned to the North, where they ecnounter Nordic people's who worship Pagan deities. Pope Pegalius asks for Maati to convert them. He is greatly pleased with the recent completion of St. Volum's Cathedral, a splendid building rounding off old-town Helsinski.
Elsewhere, Charles, King of the Mediterranean Kingdom dies. He is replaced by his son Karl. King Karl uses the Mediterranean Kingdom's navy to expand to Sicily. The Pope had recently given him permission to expand into Italy.
New Contacts
Byzantine Empire - Sassanid Empire
Byzantine Empire - Armenia
Byzantine Empire - China
Germany - France
Germany - Hungary
Andorra - Southern Visigoths
Diplomacy
From Emperor Khorsau I of the Sassanids
To Emperor Justinian of the Byzantin Empire
Greetings oh powerful ruler of the Romans. We have had experience with your like throughout our long history, and would rather that this turn out differently than before. However your Eastward expansion worries us. We kindly ask you to refrain from expanding any further then Eastern Anatolia. If your soldiers put one foot into Mesopotamia, we shall destroy you.
From Diplomat Soo
To Emperor Justinian of the Byzantine Empire
I come from a distant land. We have heard rumors of your greatness and wish to inquire about the possibility of a trade deal.
From Lord Vazgen of Armenia
To Emperor Justinian of the Byzantines
You are much stronger than us, and we are in need of a mighty protector. We would be more than honored to join your great nation! If the price is right...
From Pope Pegalius
To Emperor Justinian of the Byzantines
You fool! An antipope alliance? That is it! We will convert the Slavs in the Balkans to Catholicism and have them attack you untill Constantinople is nothing but a pile of rocks and rubble!
From King Alan of Hungary
To Heinrich of Germany
We aren't too interested in you, as our focus lies primarily in SouthEastern European. We do however, hope for good-natured cooperation between our two peoples.
From Pope Pegalius
To Guntram
Excellent! Seeing that you weren't Childebert's son, I was a bit worried you might stray off his path. Howver all my worries have been put to rest. I send you the blessing for your expansions and hope it meets nothing but success. Also, I'd recommend you upgrade Orleans into a city so that St. Clotilda's bassilica can be completed.
From Pope Pegalis
To Finland
We hear you have encountered pagans to the North. We are sure you know what you must do.