Update 2- 1220 AD
British Isles
England- The war continues well for the English in Wales. While the Welsh raiders have inflicted some sizable casualties on the English army, in pitched battle the English have destroyed all organized Welsh resistance in the countryside. The English have pushed all the way to the walls of Gywnedd, and now have the Welsh capital under siege. However, a sizable army resides behind the walls to repel the final English assault. Meanwhile, in Aquitaine and Normandy, the English have begun an initiative to Anglicize the regions. Two great castles have been built at Caen and Bordeaux to act as the administrative capitals and regional military headquarters for the Duchies. French is being phased out of the schools and offices in the region, and English is fast becoming the sole language. As all this takes place on land, three groups of English ships have set sail from Caen, Bordeaux, and Plymouth to settle the islands west of Spain and Morocco. The voyages have largely succeeded, though one English ship was lost in a storm.
Italy
Sicily- War breaks out between the two great powers of Italy! Angered by Venetian claims to the island of Crete, the Kingdom of Sicily has launched a surprise attack against Venetian interests in both Crete and southern Italy. In Crete, the Venetians were caught almost totally off guard, sending the bulk of their forces against a Sicilian diversionary attack in the north instead of the main thrust in the south. The Venetians have been pushed back to a small pocket of resistance in the far eastern part of the island. On the Peninsula, excellent Sicilian tactics have allowed the Kingdom to route a Venetian field army. However, the bulk of the Venetian forces have remained garrisoned inside the cities of southern Italy, where they have continued to resist the Sicilian army well.
Venice- Caught by the Sicilian attack by surprise, the Venetians have been pushed across Crete and suffered losses in Italy. At sea, the Venetians had attempted to put pressure on the Sicilian colonies on Crete by enforcing a naval blockade; despite their defeats on land, the blockade has been somewhat successful, as Sicilian warships were ordered only to attack Venetian transports. This prevented any conflict at sea. The preparations undertaken by Venice to garrison its cities has paid off, as not one -- save Bari -- has fallen to the Sicilians.
Western Europe
France- The new French King begins a wonder in Paris, French Royal Might. This program will establish the supremacy of the French monarchy, and will increase education by 2 and the economy by 3. Experts say it will take 50 years to implement fully.
Castile- The Christian Castilians have launched an attack against the Muslims of Cordova. The main thrust came on a central axis due south from Leon. The Muslim lines gave way initially, and took heavy casualties against the Castilian knights. However, the Muslims have reformed their ranks and are fighting well.
Eastern Europe
Bohemia- The Hungarian-Polish invasion continues. The Bohemian army has been pushed west, losing the Slovak lands altogether. The Bohemians continue to plead with the HRE for help, but their cries go unanswered.
Russia
Novgorod- Signing a treaty with Sweden, Novgorod has agreed not to expand into Finland.
Kiev- With ports on the Black Sea, the Kievans have begun extensive trade with the Byzantine Empire. The Kievans export the excess wheat and grain grown in the rich fields of the Ukraine, and in return purchase fine Byzantine silks. The Kievan nobility is becoming more and more civilized.
Scandinavia
Sweden- Swedens expansion continues into Finland. Resistance is minimal as the Swedes bring their culture to the barbarian regions.
Middle East
Byzantine Empire- Emperor Alexander has instituted a series of reforms intended to help revitalize the Empire. Among them are reforms of the government that require civil service examinations for all officials and give promotions based on merit, not social status. The reforms in the army have sought to standardize the equipment of the elite Cataphracts, and also to standardize their payment. Furthermore, a great Wonder has been begun in Constantinople, the Byzantine Imperial Rebirth. It is believed that this program will lead to an increase of 3 credits in the treasury and a recruit of some 500 Cataphracts.
Turkmen- The Turkmen exodus westward continues. The Turkmen migrants have rounded the Caspian Sea and entered the northern Caucasus. In the south, a land border has begun with the Turkmens new trading partner, Persia.
Asia
Mongols- The Mongols have continued their relentless advance across Central Asia. Leaving some men behind to collect tribute has yielded them an increase in their economy.
