Africa
Carthaginian Empire
Carthage was for a long time part of the Phoenician Empire, under whom it quickly grew to become a world-class city. When Phoenicia began to collapse, it was to Carthage that Empress Dido escaped. Here she founded the new Carthaginian Empire which quickly absorbed Phoenicias other N. African colonies. As time progressed they absorbed the entirety of Syracuse and Napoli as well as the islands of Corsica and the Balearics and Minoan Libya. They are now a major power, however they have increasing competition from all sides as well as internal problems, the most obvious of which is corruption among the civilian leadership.
Egyptian Empire
Even when the unstoppable Moesians stormed up the Nile, even when the unbreakable armies of Israel marched on Goshen, even when the Libyan horsemen came in locust-swarms out of the desert, Egypt did not fall. The farthest south they have ever been driven is Thebes, and in Thebes Egypt has always won. When the Moesians drove Egypt south, Egypt conquered Kush. When the Moesians retreated back down the Nile, the Egyptians followed. They have been unsuccessful in finally riding the land of Aramaeans and Israelites, but Egypt is at its strongest. The old and once glorious empire of Cyrenaica is now ruled from Thebes and the old civil wars appear over. However, Egypt still has many challenges ahead. Rashid remains in the hands of G-ddess worshipers and the powers that be in Egypt continue to bicker. Strong leadership will guarantee Egypts stature in the world, but weak leadership will lead it to destruction.
Americas
Caddo Confederation
Bound together for generations upon generations, the Hasinai, Kadohadacho, and the Natchitoches as well as the oppressed and mostly killed in genocide Wichita and Pawnee, form the Caddo Confederation. Up to now the Caddo have resisted the Comanche and Apache, carving out a thriving agricultural and militant civilization. They are a second-tier power compared to Muskogeans and other Mississippi powers. However, the Caddo have a strategic power base and position that could be utilized in a grand rise to power, although they first must continue to stand up to the constant attacks on their borders by the Plains tribes.
Empire of Calusamul
Facing Mayan pressure, the Calusahatchee emperors consolidated their nation and formed a stiff resistance to the Mayan colonizers. The Calusa are an eager nation with large prospects and great hopes; however, they are restricted by their vigilant and wealthy neighbours. It is time for Calusamul to once again rise to the occasion and make the tough decisions that could forge a great new power in the region.
Kaan
As the Golden Age of the Mayan Empire came to an end civil war erupted in the heartland. The major sides were: the central government in Chichén Itzá, Kalakmul, and Mutal. It soon became evident that Chichén Itzá would be completely irrelevant in this war. After many bloody years of fighting the Mayan Empire was split in two: in the north of the Yucatán was Kaan, who also inherited the colonial holdings, and in the south the Mutal Empire. Kaan has continued to focus its attention on the Olmec Gulf [Gulf of Mexico], but they must always keep a vigilant eye on affairs in Mesoamerica.
Karankawamul
Colonized by the Maya, Karankawamul is part of the Mayan world. After the collapse of the Mayan Empire the Karankawamul colony easily established its independence. They now seek to follow the path of Mutal and create a naval, mercantile empire. However, old habits die hard and with the constant pressure of their sworn enemies, the Comanche, Karankawa has found little room to advance. With luck, all that could change.
Muskogean Confederation
The Muskogean confederation, consisting mainly of the Choctaw and Chickasaw, is bound together by language, culture, and faith. It was in Nanih Waya that the Great Southern Cult, which is now the dominant belief system of Mississippi. As the Mayan Empire began to collapse, the Muskogeans dealt a devastating blow by seizing the valuable Mayan colony of Mayan Mississippimul.
Mutalan Empire
After the collapse of the great Mayan Empire, Mutal emerged as the great power in the south. Prevented from dominating the Yucatan by Kalakmul, they instead focused on expanding eastward into the Mayan and non-Mayan regions that the Old Empire had conquered. In the past the city of Chichicatenango was the centre of Mayan religion. However, this has been usurped by Chichén Itzá. This could still be reversed, but it will be hard. The same can be said of Mutal as a whole, which is usurped as the centre of the Mayan world be Kaan, but still has the potential to change this.
Zapotec Empire
The Zapotecs were always the militant backwater of the region. However, they quickly rose to prominence by conquering the ancient and revered Olmec. Now, they stand at a stand still. They are not powerful enough militarily to compete with Mutal, nor economically with Kaan; meanwhile, the Nahua tribes are still too powerful to be dealt with easily. The Zapotecs must now make a choice: either maintain their balanced culture and remain in mediocrity, or choose a new direction and learn to compete with their neighbours.
Asia (West/Iran)
Mamlaka of Arabia
As trade swept through the Persian Gulf several independent nation states arose on the coast. Eventually, Abu Dhabi would rise to the challenge and conquer most of its neighbours with the exception of a smaller Bahraini state in the west. After successfully taking Masqat from the crumbling Minaeans, Abu Dhabi absorbed the slowly declining Bahraini Empire, forming the Mamlaka of Arabia. Their position is strong and their coffers overflowing, but they are dependent on mercenaries and the fickle trade routes, should either of these resources dry up they would find themselves in big trouble.
Aram Damascus
Following the collapse of the Moesian Empire, Aram Damascus filled the power vacuum in Syria. Overtime Aram Damascus successfully brought the collapsed Israelite and Phoenician (except for Sidon, Byblos, and Cyprus) kingdoms under its control. Soon after, both Judaism and Baalism began to gain wild popularity in the kingdom. However, during the reign of Hadadezer the prophet Barel spread the new religion of Elism, a blend of Jewish, Baalist, traditional Canaanite, and traditional Aramaean elements. Elism quickly became the dominant faith of the Aramaeans and many of their subjects gaining a plurality in Aram Damascus. Now, under the zealously religious rule of Hazael, Aram Damascus is at a crossroads. They are one of the greatest powers in the world, but they are also surrounded by the others of the greatest powers in the world. They now have the choice to either propel themselves forward into a new Golden Age, or stagnate as so many other empires have.
Kingdom of Asia
The region now occupied by the Kingdom of Asia has a very long and complicated history. At different points in time ruled by Hittites, Armenians, Neo-Hittites, Dardanians, and Trojans, it was after the collapse of the Moesian Empire that independence for the region was finally won. Two separate kingdoms, Bithynia in the west and Pontus in the east took shape. Pontus quickly evolved into a commercial and naval power controlling much of the Anatolian coast, the Lesser Armenian coast, and even Crimea after the successful conquest and colonization of Crimean Scythia. Bithynia on the other hand evolved into a militant power, ruling a small part of the Anatolian coast as well as all of north-central Anatolia, including inner Hatti. Bithynia even briefly controlled Dardania and Thrace, though not Troy. Under the leadership of Basileus Polemon of Pontus and Basilissa Etazeta of Bithynia, Pontus and Bithynia were peacefully united as the Kingdom of Asia with the capital in the new city of Esnosis Polis (Union City), which has evolved into Enoplis. The Kingdom of Asia now stands as a strong power with both commercial naval traditions and military traditions. However, it is trapped between the more powerful Troy and Scythia with little room to move.
Kingdom of Cyprus
After the capture of the island by Moesian forces, Cyprus experienced a huge influx of Hellenic immigrants and the creation of a large and power Hellenic nobility. After the fall of the Moesian Empire, the subsequent civil wars and genocide of Punic, and rise of Salamis, Cyprus finally became an independent, and unified, nation. Though they are comparatively weak, they have many allies among the mercenaries who find housing in the ports of Cyprus in-between jobs. Cyprus has apparently little hope of creating a great empire, but far wilder things have happened.
Mamlaka of Himyar
As the decadence and corruption of Minaea grew, so did rebellions and with them social change. While the government strived desperately to keep hold of its valuable border territories, a threat even closer to home was brewing. The Minaean Arabs were relatively quickly converted en masse to the imported faith of Judaism. By the time the authorities noticed, it was too late. The rebellion came and the Minaean kingdom was overthrown to be replaced by the new, Jewish, Himyarite Kingdom. Himyar has focused on consolidating its holdings and improving its trade network. Now could well be the time for the young kingdom to take up the sword and march forwards for the glory of the kingdom. Himyar may be young, but it has boundless potential.
Kingdom of Kizzuwatna
After the collapse of the Neo-Hittite Empire at the hands of its neighbours, the remaining Hittite aristocracy fled south to the formerly Luwian region of Kizzuwatna. Here they created a new kingdom. Successfully resisting the efforts of the Phoenicians to conquer and colonize the region, Kizzuwatna managed to hold out until the collapse of the Phoenician Empire. They have subsequently grown slightly and entered the political region as a third-tier power. Surrounded by more powerful neighbours, it is often said that it is only by the Grace of the G-ds that Kizzuwatna still exists. Inhabiting a strategic position, Kizzuwatna has great potential, but it could be excruciatingly hard to utilize that potential given the geo-politics.
Persian Empire
Persia is nearly as eternal as Egypt. For centuries Persia has ruled over their vast empire across the Iranian plateau, at one point even Mesopotamia. They are still extraordinarily powerful and have influence beyond their borders, but the loss of Mesopotamia is still hard felt. Persia is a great power, but needs strong leadership.
Scythian Empire
After the collapse of the Crimean Scythia, the nobility fled across the Crimean Bosporus to seek the aid of its nomadic brethren. From Phanagoria they began to build their empire, first bringing other Scythian tribes under their command and then they destroyed the Slavic states, completely eradicating the Russian Confederation and forcing its civilians into Kyiv, which they subsequently captured.
Trojan Empire
After the collapse of the Dardanian Confederation, Troy lost its standing, and it appeared to be for good. Soon they found themselves, for the first time in its history, the subjects of a foreign power, for the Moesian Empire had stretched across the Dardanelles to take the ancient city. Troy, however, would not tolerate this. It was because of Pleistoanax, the rebel leader of Troy, that the Moesian Empire fell. The subsequent kings of the Pleistonaxian Dynasty rebuilt the power Troy had in the Dardanian Confederation. The Trojan Empire has risen to new heights and dominates nearly all of Hellas. They are the greatest power in the region, but that power is constantly under threat.
Asia (Central/Indian Subcontinent)
Kingdom of Chola
After years of vicious war the Cholas united the southern tip of the Indian Subcontinent. Chola now stands as a fierce rival to their neighbour across the straights in Sinhala, but it also must contend with the un-civilized Tamils to their north. In addition, divisions remain within the nation. If Chola is truly to bring together such a diverse nation and rise to greatness above all of its competition it must conquer its inner enemies as well as its out enemies.
Mughal Empire
Founded by Babur, a claimant to the Sindu throne, who fled persecution and became a prophet. Founding Brahmanism, he gathered to him a large following. Over time the Mughal Empire conquered the surrounding nations and spread its hegemony over northern India. Eventually, it even destroyed its great enemy Sindu. They are now arguably the most powerful nation in the world, a distinction that is beginning to breed corruption and dangerously excessive self esteem.
Kingdom of Sinhala
Sinhala is an extraordinarily young nation. It is the current king, King Vijaya, who led the Sinhalese out of Orissa and to the isle of Lanka where they have found their kingdom and their capital of Anuradhapura. The Sinhalese have dynamic leadership and hold that they have the blessings of the g-ds. If they are correct, then they are destined for greatness, if they are wrong then their future is entirely unpredictable.
Sri Ksetra
The Pyu cities of Burma have always lived in relative peace and seclusion. The only period of real civilization was Suwarbumathumi, but that is long gone. Recently, however, as the Mon culture has infiltrated the region the Pyu have peacefully united around the strongest city state, Sri Ksetra. They are still extreme pacifists and would almost never go to war, but their horizons are broadening and with it the possible necessity of war comes into view. Sri Ksetra is well placed to take the world by storm, and it has many advantages in that matter, but their future is still questionable and their place insecure.
Asia (East)
Kingdom of Bei
After King Wen Di finally destroyed the Xiongnu hegemony over the largely Chinese population in the Battle of Zhuolu, the new Bei (or Northern) Dynasty was established. Years of war with the remnants of the Xiongnu, the collapsing Yue, and the retreating Gojoseon created a Chinese empire stretching from the Liaoding Peninsula to beyond the Huang He in the south and to the east banks of the Huang He in the west. The Bei Dynasty thrived in the north while in the south the Nan (Southern) Dynasty reigned supreme. Though a fierce rivalry existed, the fall of both empires would be at the hand of the rebels in-between the Huang He and Yangtze who would found the Kingdom of Zhong (Central) and rebels in Shan-Dong who would found the Kingdom of Qi. Bei is now a much smaller and much weaker kingdom desperate to hold on to power, but without the trade of Nan and with the threat of Zhong, Qi, and Han they will need a miracle to retain the glory of yore.
Kingdom of Han
While the east of China waged war after civil war, the west was gradually united under the power of the Han. Numerous small powers fell before their hands and now the Han have reason to a place of prominence among their neighbours. However, they are still normally out of the field of vision in Chinese affairs as the eastern states care more about the seas than the land. Han has great potential, if only a strong leader was able to utilize it.
Kuni of Hitachi
Always having been far away from the cultural and political centres of Nippon, Hitachi is a fiercely independent backwater. Here, the battle with the barbarian Ainu still rages on and trade is not even a question. War has hardened these people and in the future, once the Ainu are dealt with, the Mito Daimyos may be able to steal the coveted title of Nipponese Emperor.
Kingdom of Joseon
Joseon is oddly the Old Man of Asia. All other nations from its time have by now collapsed, and Joseon may well follow. Already, it is on the descent. At its height Joseon controlled the whole of Korea, as well as Jeju-Do, the Shandong Peninsula, and much of what is now Bei. Since then an unfortunate series of events has left Joseon clinging to its heartlands in desperation. They still have potential, and still have significant power, but they appear to be on their way out.
Kuni of Kansai
After the collapse of the Yamato, the daimyos of Nara rose to power in the Kansai region. The most powerful of Yamatos successor states in Nippon, they led the movement to create the Nipponese Empire, a close-knit alliance to preserve the independence of Nippon under the threat of Tamnese imperialism. The Daimyo of Kansai is now the Emperor of Nippon, but this power is not as stable as it may seem.
Kuni of Kyukoku
The island of Kyushu has a long history of foreign rule, in particular rule by the mercantile Tamnese of Jeju-Do. This has formed a culture more cosmopolitan than any other in Nippon. However, they are also fiercely independent and even after attaining independence from Tamna they refused to remain subject to Yamato and were even extraordinarily hesitant to join the Nipponese Empire. If it were not for they hesitancy, the Fokuoka Daimyos could have a real chance to steal the coveted title of Nipponese Emperor.
Kingdom of Nan
In time past the Yue dominated the region. At its height, Yue China ruled over the majority of the Chinese cultural sphere. However, this would not last. When Tamna came Yue was already in stagnation and suffering from corruption. They managed to finally push out the Tamnese, but the damage was done. It was not long before the Yue were replaced by a new dynasty, the Nan (South). Nan went on to create an empire over all of southern China, while their counterpart the Bei ruled all of the north. This too, however, would not last. Revolts in central China, on both sides of the Nan-Bei border, resulted in the emergence of the Zhong. Nan has since turned its attention toward the sea, where it is now fighting to overcome the Tamnese and attain naval and commercial supremacy. Nan is the oldest power in China, but its golden age may yet come.
Kuni of Naniwa
After the collapse of the Yamato, the daimyos of Osaka took several steps to secure their position in the region defeating opponents in always powerful Kyoto and strong rival Kobe. This regional competition prevented the Osaka Daimyos from securing their position as the Nipponese Emperors, but now that regional competitors are defeated Naniwa and the Osaka Daimyos can focus on greater achievements and perhaps even steal the title of Emperor of Nippon from the Heijokyo Daimyos.
Kingdom of Qi
At the height of Joseon Qi found itself under their rule. During this period they began to grow more commercial. This was only heightened under Tamnese rule. After return to the Bei, Qi found itself completely incompatible with the Confucian, agrarian Bei. After a grand revolt Qi emerged independent and in control of the valuable Shandong and Liaoding Peninsulas. Qi is now one of the three mercantile powers of the Eastern Sea, along with Nan and Tamna. However, both Bei and Joseon have their eyes on its valuable territory. Qi has an uncertain future, as does the whole of the region.
Tamnese Empire
Under the leadership of Empress Seondeok the Great and later Empress Jindeok the Reformer Tamna not only shook off the shackles of oppression, but managed to conquer a vast maritime empire that at times included everything from the Shandong and (majority of the) Korean Peninsulas, to vast amounts of the Chinese coastline, to the islands of Liuqiu [Taiwan], Kyushu, Shikoku, and the Ryukyus. Tamna is now the greatest naval, commercial, and political power in the region with influence extending far inland in China. Their supremacy is constantly under threat from Qi, Nan, and the Nipponese Empire, but overall they remain the power of the region.
Kingdom of Zhong
The Zhong long lived under domination by either the Nan southerners or the Bei northerners. It was their rebellion that brought the two great dynasties to their knees. Now, they are the weakest power in China and are dependent on Tamna for support. If not for Tamna, the Zhong might well have been conquered already and would be conquered now. Zhong has great potential sitting at the centre of China, but they are dependent on the crutch of Tamna and not likely to relieve themselves of that dependency any time soon.
