Europe, 600, A.D.
Welcome to the new century folks!!!
The change of all the numbers in the year is not an occurance of great importance to most Europeans, however. Besides the speech in the Vatcian, given by Pegalius, the new century seems very much like the old. Pegalius dies shortly afterward, replaced by a young pope by the name of Gregory. Gregory's first big accomlishment is stopping a small plague in Rome from becoming some sort of giant disaster.
In the land of the Visigoths, King Almarich II dies. He is replaced by his son, Almarich III, who looks to quietly continue his father's job of ruling all the Visigoths. His first act was to bring a stop to the unruly conduct of his own soldiers. The meeting took place in 594 A.D., and resulted in the loss of 50 men. However, new lands came more easily under Visigoth opression, the people no longer feraing the Almarich's quite as much.
In Germany, more roads appear. Apparently based on the old Roman roads, these "brick roads" cover a good deal of the kingdom, making the people fairly happy. Germany expands rapidly to the North and West, but to the East they meet a as of yet undiscovered Kingdom. Poland.
Poland is seemingly the latest of the Slavic kingdoms that are emerging. Throughout East Europe, the Slavic migrations appear to be coming to a halt, as the last of the tribes reach destinations that they're happy with. The Polish king, Boreslaw, asks for a permanent border. Heinrich's mood is raised slightly however, thanks to the birth of his son, Dietrich II.
In Finland, tales of Estonian expansion are greeted with Curiosity. King Matti builds up a navy of 100 ships and sets sail for "Swede-Land". They arrive by the end of the year, and establish a colony a bit North of the Estonian one.
War throughout Frankish lands. A few kilometers off the coast of Britian, 3 French boats were patrolling the waters when spotting a fleet of Nordic looking Vessels making course towards England. They bore no flag and held hundreds of fierce warriors. Before the French could do anything about this, the smaller quicker vessels outmanuevered them and escaped.
The French assault on London is all but over. The starved English finally fall victim to a french assault. Their weakened and malnourished soldiers couldn't put up a fight with the normal footmen, much less the superior Burgundian swordsmen. Cerdic is dragged out of his keep and executed. There is much celebration in London, on the part of the French soldiers. Guntmar leaves Northward to annex Northumberland, while Clotaire II stays behind to defend London. The English populace tries to stay quiet and out of sight.
However the good times don't last. By next morning, a whole armada of ships appear right outside London, from which hordes of warriors land. A quick battle ensues, where the French lose some 200 men, inflicting losses of 300 on their new, lesser-trained enemy. Who are these people? A few captured enemy soldiers refuse to tell too much, even under torture. All that Clotaire II finds out, is that they're from a land called Norway.
Meanwhile, to the North, Guntmar reaches Northumberland, only to find that a new authority has taken it over. A King Azale, has pulled the legendary sword from the stone, and is now widely acknowledged as the King of Northumberland. Guntmar manages to take much of his land before Azale learns anything of this though. Joyous victory? Nope. Guntmar dies within a few days, control of his army given to a trusted general. Clotaire II was supposed to take over the whole country, but a tragedy occured. In London, the Norwegians offered to talk peace. Upon arriving at the Norwegian's camp, Clotaire II is ruthlessly murdered by Norwegians disguised as diplomats. France is now rulerless.
Back in France, the terrible news reaches Queen Marie, the new de facto monarch. She remarkably manages to regain control over France. However, England, though still in French control, has absolutely no rulers whatsoever (although it holds most of the French army). Nobody is sure what will happen. To make things worse, a relatively large army of Norwegians lands in the old Roman province of Gaulia-Belgium, straight on course towards France. Marie must act quickly if her kindom is to survive.
France is not alone however. The Pope, immediatly calls on every single Catholic country in the world to join a crusade against Norway.
Meanwhile, in a distant and far more peacful land, the Russian people are fairly happy. The new tzar, Ivan IV is young but gaining prominence. A road is built, increasing the economy, and expansions are mounted. The Novgorod expansion is continued, and a powerful Boyar establishes an outpost called "Kazan". Things are looking up for the Russians. The money from the trade route with Finland is finally starting to come in.
In Andorra, even better! The economy is grown to good, but it achieves the highest level possible with the completion of St. Guillem's cathedral. Yes indeed, Andorra's economy is so good that it can't even be increased. The people grow very happy. The most important bit of news however, comes from the pope's letter to Guillem III.
In Tripoli, the economy is increased by building roads, a relatively new invention in the lands. The Tripoli people are very happy about this new development. Great expansion is mounted Southward, and the palace of Libyan saints is one third done. The Mediterranean kingdom has recently established a city right next to Tripoli.
In Estonia, King Juhan dies. He is replaced by Konstantin, who continues expansion in Sweden. The note from the Pope reaches him later that year, and he quickly sets to consulting his advisors on what to do.
The Mediterranean kingdom further expands in all directions, and establishes the town of Leptis Marna near Tripoli. Hungary expands further West, and Venice to the East.
War in the near-east! Persia and the Byzantines finally come to blows. After giant expansions by both parties, a border was established at which place the two empires met. A huge battle ensued in which both sides lost many many men. Tensions are at an all time high, as Persia quickly begins to rebuild it's millitary to destroy their pesky neighbors to the East.
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Diplomacy:
From Boreslaw of Poland
To King Heinrich of Germany
Greetings oh Heinrich, from Boreslaw of the Polish people. I have recently come to rule the country between the rivers, unaware of you to the West. We ask that the Western river be our dividing border for the rest of our history!
From Pope Gregory I
To Andorra, Germany, Hungary, Estonia, Finland
I call a crusade!!! It was bad enough that the Pagans controlled a large empire in Scandanavia, but now they're on the verge of conquering France! I plead with you to send immediate assistance to your Frankish brothers!
From Robert of Hungary
To Pope Gregory I
Your holiness, know that if it is your will, Hungary will aid our Catholic brothers, the Franks, in any way possible.
From Robert of Hungary
To Marie of France
Hold back the pagans! We're coming to help you the best we can. I pledge 1000 Footmen to your cause.
From King Karl of the Mediterranean Kingdom
To Tripoli
We're going to build up our economy till we can establish a trade route with you. Au revoir.