Europe, 580, A.D.
The time of many changes.
In Northern Africa, a tribe of people called the Berbers begin to slowly settle down from their nomadic ways. For years, they made a living off of raiding caravens and have become adept at camelback warfare, but their current leader orders them to settle down. Still, nobody has heard much of this new kingdom that was established in the land known as Libya. Not even the seemingly all-knowing papacy. But then again, perhaps the Papacy doesn't know that much of what's going on in the world around them at all. In fact, thousands of miles away, a brand new religion is about to be born...
Still, Europe is for the most part blissfully unaware of such foreign events, caught up in her own troubles and inner conflicts. In the tranquille French countryside, a steady peace reigned for the first time in decades. The new city of Orleans had started St. Clotilda's bassilica and was becoming one of the most beutiful cities of Europe. The only noteworthy news, besides the sudden upturn in the French economy, is the mission Guntram sends to Heinrich I of Germany.
Meanwhile, Clotaire II, a healthy robust youngster and son of the deceased Clotaire I begins to gain favor of the king. Rumor has it that he is next in line to succeed once the heirless Guntram dies.
Iberia is just as quiet. The Andorrans sit around constructing their great wonder and increasing their economy, while the Visigoths construct roads and expand slightly to the North and East. Recent explorations by their adventurers have established contact with the two peoples.
In the cold North, King Maati meets good news. A leading noble grants him his daughters hand in marriage. Within a few years, King Maati and his wife, Olga, have a child, Lalli, a healthy 4 year old. A university is build in Helinski, which is quickly becoming one of the most culturally advanced towns in Europe. The only trouble comes from Pagan norsemen from the North, who refuse to accept Christianity and start to raid villages at the Finnish borders.
Hearing of Maati's trouble, King Juhan of Estonia quickly sends aid. 500 Estonian Horsemen, and 500 Finnish Royal Knights quickly destroy all opposition. Thousands are forced to convert, and Finland gains much territory.
Estonia itself is going along very well. A direct land border had recently been established with both the Russians and the Finnish, the three countries all having contact with each other. Estonia also expands farther along the Baltic coast, and rumors of a large kingdom to the West come up. The army grows as the economy worsens, but the future looks bright. A great wonder named the docks of Tallin has been started, as workers continue to work diligently at improving the practically nonexistent Finnish navy. Juhan also asks for trade with the Russians, who agree. The best piece of news is last, as Juhan has recently recieved a heir, a son named Konstantin.
Trade flourishes between Russia and Estonia, however, not in an organized manner. Though the groundwork is established, neither side recieves economic bonuses for the bartering activiites. Untill 572 that is, when the Russians become the first European nation to establish an official trade route. It costs a lot, but Russia will now recieve an economy level every 3 turns.
Russia had also recently ordered many expeditions. The first was to find more Slavic cities and unite them with the Rus, however there they ran into a problem. There didn't seem to be any other Slavic cities. Indeed, the Russians were the most advanced Slavic people's in the world. However, far West, rumors of another Slavic kingdom have emerged. But they're obviously just rumors

. The only rumors Ivan III is concerned with right now is that of a large empire to the South, that of Byzantium. He orders a great expedition to go Sotuhward and establish a tradingpost from where contact with these Byzantines could be started.
Speaking of Constantinople, Emperor Justinian dies. However, not before establishing a line of succession. He is succeeded by a young noble named Maurice I, the new Byzantine empire. Maurice I continues the job his predecessor had started. A new statue is started in Byzantium, the war statue, dedicated to the Byzantine military. Expert craftsmen get set to spend their entire lives working on it. Armenia was recently annexed at the price of an economy level, and Maurice's recent additions to the army don't help either. Further expansion into Anatolia is conducted, and perhaps most importantly, a large caravan leaves with Diplomat Soo for the land of China in 872 A.D. However, nobody has heard of them since. Still, the Byzantine Empire is the most powerful in the known world.
In Germany, the news from the French is greeted lightly. As is the Hungarian presence to the South. The economy is greatly increased, while further expansion is mounted. More germanic tribes join Germany, but the nobles grow uneasy at the King's new power. One in particular, Henry of Saxony, seems ready to revolt.
The Sassanid empire expands farther in ancient Persia, Shah Khorsau I still extremely angry at the Byzantines. Still, he's too far to do anything to them for now. As for the Hungarians, they expand into the Balkans, meeting little resistance from the many Slavic tribes going Southward. The Mediterranean Kingdom, expands into Southern Italy.
And of course, our favorite hell on Earth. Britian!
Learning something from the latest encounter, Ragnar Savag, the Ironfist tries to copy the strategy Alfred III used in their last encounter. For years, Alfred and Ragnar had been fighting numerous small battles, but the biggest yet was about to be fought. The Norwegians and Northumberlandese met, deep in Northumberlandese territory. Alfred's army was boosted with the loyal locals who had picked up arms and joined his ranks, however Ragnar was determined. Surrounding the enemy, Ragnar's huge force completely annhialated Alfred III and his weak army. The fact that it even took a while and took many Norwegian lives is astounding, and a testament to Alfred's capabilities as a strategist. However, Alfred III died in that battle. Ragnar became a great hero of the Norwegians. He had conquered all of Britian and controlled a large chunk of Scandanavia. And nothing could stop the Norwegians from becoming the world's most powerful force!
Or could it....

tongue: sorry Amon. I can't just completely kill of Revolutinary, and besides, you're long overdue for a challenge)
On the way back home to Norway, the heirless Ragnar III dies before returning to Oslo. He is burried in one of Oslo's many Nordic temple, his people weeping around him. All hell breaks lose at that point.
Norway is split into a bunch of warring factions, mainly headed by Ragnar's old generals and nobles. Clubbing each other for years, the ancient kingdom of Norway is practically destroyed. Still... hope remains. A young lad named Eric, nephew of Ragnar, has just gained control over Oslo and the surrounding countryside. Perhaps, with his army of 2000 men... he could lead Norway back to the top of the World.
As for Britian? Northumberland falls into Anarchy as well. Nobody is sure what will happen. However, a druid mysteriously appears in Northumberlandton one day, with a magnificent sword in his hand. As if by magic, he lodges it in a giant boulder and places it in the graveyard of St. Alfred's abby. He proclaims that the man who draws the sword from the stone shall be the rightful heir of Northumberladnton.
As for the Anglo-Saxons? Cedric, the king of Wessex who had years ago beseeched Norway for help gained control of all the kingdoms that had been united by Ragnar. He calls his country "Angloland", which is later shortened to "England". The ancient Roman city of Londonium is rebuilt, and shortened to "London". Cerdic turns his eye to improving his economy, which is strugging, although he also sends a message to Oslo later that year.
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From King Cerdic of England
To Erik of Oslo Territory
We hear you are the rightful heir to our ancient friend, Ragnar Savag the ironfist. If it wasn't for the efforts of that great man, I would never have made our own nation. We offer our help in any way we can so that you may regain the territories your Uncle had lost upon his death.
From King Cerdic of England
To Northumberland
Oh ye people of Northumberlandton. I have no intention of invading you for now. You are free to do as you like, but we welcome you to become a part of England. We only ask that you stay out of our own country for the time being.
From Pope Pegalius
To Estonia and Finland
Excellent work my friends. I think this deserves Sainthood...
From Pope Pegalius
To Oslo Territory
Ahahahahahahahaha! Fool!