Europe, 700 A.D.
Funny how new centuries always seem to begin with wars on this continent. Pope Alexus gives a lengthly speech about morality and peacufulness before a celebration in the Vatican. Once he is out of the public eye, he orders the recruitment of 1000 more Swiss mercenaries. Indeed, war has begun.
In the cold Northern lands, the Norwegians had been traveling for many kilometers before they reached the hated French colony. With a giant uproar, the Norwegians get set to attack the little fort, when they realize that it's flying a Finnish banner. Indeed, it turns out that the French have sold their colonial possesions to Finland for a future economy level, and safe passage through the Baltic. Enraged, the Norwegians try to make another chain, but this time fail miserably as the distance is far too great.
Another bit of bad news for the Norwegians, prince Jarred dies in a hunting accident. Ragnar Savag the great is upset for a long time, but a few years later his wife gives birth again. The problem is that it's to two twins, Olaf and Erich.
Several hundred kilometers to the South, the French land on German soil, however the Germans don't seem to mind at all. In fact, some German guardsmen from a local noble are seen welcoming the French. Apparently, the Germans had allowed the Franks safe passage through German lands since they couldn't get back home otherwise due to the great chain of Norway. Coincidentally, most of Italy now wears the German banner.
The French armies finally reach Paris several years later, just in time for an Icelander assault on France. Along with his whole army of 1000 men, the Icelandic king had attacked France from the West. However, though a mighty seafaring country, Iceland's 1000 footmen and Irish conscripts are no match for the several thousand French paladins and Burgundian swordsman. They are slaughtered, at only a slight loss to French troops.
Thus far, one might assume that France is winning the war. However, that all quickly changes.
The first massive loss on France's part is on the French channel, where the entire Northumberland navy attacks what remains of France's armada. The battle is a lengthly one, as what the French lacked in number, they made up in experience. However, Northumberland reigns supreme in the end, having destroyed France's entire navy.
The real losses start lining up to the South. Honoring the old alliance between Oslo and Constantinople, the Byzantines stage a massive attack. They first conquer Crete, which was virtually undefended by it's Wallonian owners, and which quickly embraces the Orthodox church. Next, they stage an attack on Wallonian Africa, which proves a tougher battle than anticipated, but falls in the end (alhtough several dozen heavily loaded trading cogs escaped for France).
Next the Byzantines stage an attack on Italia, but here they falter a bit. The attack on Sicily is pushed back by the many French pikemen on the island. This force regroups with another much larger one (including over 2000 cataphracts) and attacks mainland Italy. The attack is at first an overwhelming success... but then the Pope's 4000 Swiss guardsman get word of the invasion. All in all, it looks to be a fierce fight between the best Byzantium has to offer, against the Pope's legions and several hundred Frenchmen.
The many troop movements of the Byzantines have left some of their possesions considerably less guarded. This encourages more muslims to settle the areas, spreading Islam in the outskirts of the regions.
Back in Meccah, the only thing saving the large empire from collapsing are the many reforms the Caliph Abu Bakr is placing on the country. Many call him a savior. However, Abu Bakr, already a hundred years old, dies the following year. The Islamic world is torn over who shall succeed Bakr. Uhmar, the intellectual governor, or Ali, the prophet's long-time companion who claims Mohammed promised him the role of Caliph.
France's allies of Estonia and Hungary are now in uncomfortable positions. In the meanwhile, Estonia has secured much land to the SouthEast, and Hungary settled disputes with tribes of Slavs to the East. Serbia is elavated to the status of a kingdom. To the North, Poland also expand, primarily Eastward.
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From France
To Estonia, Hungary, Andorra
The time has come! You must help us overthrow the evil forces besieging our nation.
From Visigoths
To Andorra
We shall remain neutral in the conflict, but would like to reaffirm our pact of non-agression.