Update 1- 1210 AD
British Isles
England- HAIL BRITANNIA! That was the war cry let loose by the English army as it charged across the Welsh border. Under the leadership of Prince Richard the Lionheart, a cousin of the King, the English Army has invaded Wales. Under Richards excellent tactical leadership, the English trounced the unorganized Welsh forces in a series of pitched battles. The initial battle took place just across the border, outside the Welsh village of Hay-on-Wye. Lasting for nearly seven bloody days, the Battle of Hay-on-Wye decimated the brave Welsh defenders. The Welsh army was forced to retreat; after some small running battles, the retreat became a route. The English army advanced quickly into central Wales, as the Welsh forces gave way before them. Most of the Welsh formations have collapsed, splintering into small guerilla groups that have dispersed into the countryside. Though organized resistance is scarce, the marauding Welsh raiders have inflicted a good deal of harm on the English forces; furthermore, word is that a strong army is being raised in Gywnedd to resist the English assault.
Italy
Venice- Spurred by the blossoming economy at home, Venice has begun to expand into new lands. A massive Venetian naval armada has taken control of eastern Crete, contesting Sicilian claims to the island. A naval clash between the passing fleets took a small toll on both sides in terms of ships, though there was a considerable loss of life. Small skirmishes on land have heightened tensions between the two nations even further. A treaty with the Byzantine Empire has granted Venice control over the Byzantine holdings in southern Italy. Backed by a seemingly bottomless treasury, Venetian ambassadors have been sent throughout Italy to take up audiences with Italian nobles. After extensive negotiations and some under-the-table monetary dealings, the Duchy of Bari has defected to Venice, under the condition that the Duke maintain local power. The Kingdom of Sicily is not pleased. While Sicily is unhappy at this recent development, most nations in Europe are happy to open trade with Venice, which is quickly becoming the dominant economic power in the Mediterranean. While most of Venices energy is focused on economic expansion, some Venetian soldiers have begun experimenting with a new weapon, a combination of a pike and an axe which they are calling a halberd. However, the weapons are still rough and clumsy, and will not see service with the Venetian army any time soon.
Kingdom of Sicily- After expending considerable funds to increase their land and sea power, the Sicilians have set out to settle the islands of Crete and Cyprus. On Crete they came into conflict with the Venetians. A small naval battle was damaging to both sides. The island has been divided between the Sicilians in the west and the Venetians in the east. With orders to use force to control the entire island, the ground forces in Crete are on the brink of all-out war. Western Cyprus is annexed more peacefully, with Sicilian settlers landing without incident. However, a border has been established the Byzantine settlers who have taken control of the eastern portion of the island.
Papal States- The Pope has issued an edict denouncing Englands war in Wales, calling it an unjust war against fellow Christians. The Papacy has also denounced the conflict in Crete, calling for a peaceful solution.
Western Europe
Holy Roman Empire- The Holy Roman Emperor has begun a program to strengthen the army in anticipation of a possible Crusade in the near future. The army is remaining vigilant on all fronts, watching for signs of trouble from the Empires neighbors.
France- Tempers flare in France as the English crown refuses to cede its Continental holdings. A buildup of English forces in Caen and Bordeaux has led to increased French recruitment of Knights from the upper classes of society.
Eastern Europe
Bohemia- Surprise attack! Without warning, allied Polish and Hungarian forces storm into the country on multiple fronts, overwhelming the Bohemian defenders. The Bohemian army has retreated inland towards Prague, seeking advantageous ground in which to put up a defense.
Poland- Polish forces have advanced quickly into Bohemia, catching the enemy by surprise. With the Bohemians in retreat, the Polish Knights are giving chase, unwisely moving ahead of their supporting infantry.
Hungary- In conjunction with Poland, the Hungarian army has opened a southern front against Bohemia. A westward bulge around the territory of the HRE puts the Hungarians closer to Prague than the Poles.
Scandinavia
Sweden- By land and sea, Swedish settlers and the Swedish military begun expanding into Finland. Resistance is minute, as the Finno-Ugric natives take kindly to the Swedes. Only in the isolated inner marshes is any type of resistance put up, with minimal casualties to the Swedish.
Russia
Novgorod- The Novgorod army has begun expansion in all directions. In the north, the troops set up camps between Lake Ladoga and the Baltic Sea. In the south, scouts well ahead of the front lines of expansion report of approaching Muscovite settlers.
Kiev- The Kievans have reached the Black Sea, establishing their first bluewater port. This has helped foster trade with the Byzantine Empire, strengthening the Kievan economy and increasing Byzantine cultural influence over the kingdom.
Middle East
Byzantine Empire- After a period of partial decline, a revival has begun in the Byzantine Empire. Under Emperor Alexander, the Empire has once again begun to expand, moving into Cyprus, Armenia, Crimea, and Dacia. Monetary reforms mandated by the Emperor have helped initiate economic growth in the Empire.
Turkmen- Under the orders of the Shah, Turkmen census-taker, or Inkmen, have set out to take account of everything in the Shahs lands. This has led to tremendous increases in stability and economics in the Turkmen realm. On the Shahs orders, Turkmen migrants have also begun a mass movement northwest to the Caspian Sea.
Asia
Mongols- Under the continued leadership of Temujin, the Mongols have greatly expanded their dominion over Asia. The fast-moving Mongol hordes conquer all before them, though little resistance is put up against their advance. Those that do resist have their villages burned to the ground. The conquered tribes of the region have begun paying tribute to the Khan in earnest, although with all the Mongols moving west there are few horsemen left to collect the tribute. The Mongol domain is a paper empire, as they have not left a government in place to rule their conquered territories.
NPC Diplo
To France:
From Flanders:
Yes, we will agree to a Non-Aggression Pact. How about a defensive alliance, also?
To France:
From Burgundy: Yes, we can agree to a NAP.
To Byzantine Empire:
From Abbasid Caliphate:
No, we will sign no such treaty with you infidels.
To Byzantine Empire:
From Serbia:
Yes, we will agree to a NAP.
To Sweden:
From Denmark:
No, we will keep our lands. That region is sovereign Danish soil, and all who defile it shall die. Do your worst.
To Sweden:
From Norway:
We cannot enter into such an alliance at this time.
To Holy Roman Empire:
From Bohemia:
Help! The Hungarians and Poles are overrunning our country! Protect us from them and we promise the Bohemian throne to the Holy Roman Emperor!
To England:
From Scotland:
NAP?
World Map, 1210 AD
