Konig des Menschen VII (Archive 5)

Turn XXI: 1700-1705
Map in progress, sorry guys.

Mod Events

 * The Question of Eskos: To the Protestant Princes of the Holy Roman Empire, empowering the Catholic within their power is absolutely unacceptable - a sentiment has all but grew after the Great Turkish War. Ludwig von Falkenhayn's settlement during the war, which saw Catholic Eskos regaining massive territories, fueled speculation and accusation that he was a Catholic himself, or that he colluded with Bavaria and Westria to strengthen the Catholic Circle, or both. The Conclave of Bielefeld, held two weeks after the end of the war, would see prominent Protestant leaders aiming to present a resolution in the upcoming Imperial Diet of 1700 to strip Eskos-Westria of the newly-(re)gained territories, instead assigning them to independent princedoms under Imperial oversight, effectively stripping away the Catholic Circle's rejuvenation. Though the Conclave took place in secret, news was leaked to Ludwig at Württemberg, who was purposely left in the dark. Knowing such a vote would pass with ease, and in turn potentially destabilising the new acquisitions of Christendom and the Holy Roman Empire in general, he sought to find a means to ensure the resolution would not be approved. Fortunately, the Empire's Imperial Circles system allowed a motion proposed by any normal prince to be struck down in the event of a tie - in other words, an additional three circles would have to be convinced to vote against the measure if he wanted to ensure the selfish Protestants do not get their way. As luck would have it, his advisors have pointed out the three most susceptible to persuasion, at least for this particular vote, and Ludwig set out to secure their backing. First in the list was the Swiss Circle - an anomaly within the Empire itself, as the Swiss Confederation and the County of Vaduz officially left the Empire after the Thirty Years' War, which led to the conundrum of the Swiss having one vote in the Imperial Diet despite not having to contribute in taxes or levies whatsoever. Imperial envoys arrive at the cantons, convincing the representatives of each to support a vote against the upcoming motion, quickly exhaustively covering the entirety of the Swiss lands. Through mainly monetary concessions, the Swiss vote was secured, though some was displeased with the Protestant Confederation being persuaded to vote against a motion that supposedly benefits other Protestants. Next was the North Sea Circle, the collective of Northern German princes bordering the sea. Though diverse in name, the circle was dominated by Vestkyst, the revitalised heathen sovereignty of the North, by means of the Duchy of Holsten, acquired some time before the Thirty Years' War and re-asserted after it. Persuasion was made somewhat easier, as Iris av Sólskjær, Duchess of Holsten, took part in the Great Turkish War alongside the Princes of the Holy Roman Empire (though more so for Hersker Henrietta to tighten Vestkyst's grip on the circle than actually wanting involve themselves in the mainland's war). A fruitful round of negotiation in Kiel led to a somewhat peculiar settlement: In exchange for the North Sea Circle's vote in the Imperial Diet, the heir apparent of Vestkyst requested a matrilineal marriage with one of Ludwig's sons, Maximillian von Falkenhayn - a proposition that was eventually accepted. The union with a Protestant noble raised a few eyebrows within courtiers in the Ásatrú court in Holsten, the Duchess' assurance and Henrietta's blessing ensured that the ceremony would proceed without incident. Last but not least was the Alsatian Circle. Another anomaly, all of Alsace proper was ceded to France after the Thirty Years' War, and although still consisting of several duchies, the vote is de facto firmly controlled by the French Crown. The French are officially Catholic - surely this would mean requesting their advocacy for a (supposedly) pro-Catholic cause would be easier, no? An audience with Louis XV led to a very clear demand to secure the Alsatian vote: the French monarch wanted confirmation that the Holy Roman Empire would not interfere in any of France's succession ambitions in Europe - a resolution Ludwig saw fit to accept, though as usual, there was a minority of opinion concerned that the neutral stance may cost the Empire its influence. After another brief meeting to ascertain the votes, the Imperial Diet of 1700 was officially held in the Imperial Free City of Dortmund. The hot topic of the day was, of course, the resolution to place the territories gained in the Great Turkish War into independently organised duchies under oversight of the Empire, effectively stripping them from Eskos. The matter was greatly debated, both from the most vocal King of Vesnia and Duke of Bohemia, and most opposing Archduke of Westria, who was also King of Eskos. Succeeding the heated arguments was the time for a vote within the circle leaders - a plebiscite that will undoubtedly change everything. And changed it did. The votes were tallied. The result? A 4-4 tie. On that day, the measure to revoke Eskosian gains had died right on the floor of the Raskopfhallen. The halls erupted, both in cheer and in anger. The Westrian contingent was visibly delighted - their senior partner's homelands had just been successfully defended, and this victory might go a way to countering the Protestant oppression in the Empire. The leading Protestant delegation, however, was clearly upset. This anger would end up causing an internal schism within the Protestant bloc, which might prove to be vulnerable to exploitation should any aimed for a power grab in the near future... As for Ludwig von Falkenhayn himself, the outcome was bittersweet. While the vote had gone down in defeat, it only exacerbated the already negative beliefs surrounding the situation. Depending on who is asked, his legacy would either be the liberator of Christendom territories, a Judas to the Protestant Empire, or a complicated and muddled mix of both - a footprint stained by political wrangling. In his attempts to subdue the vote and hold together a strong Holy Roman Empire, did he make any missteps along the way? Contemporaries insisted that to be the case, but the full picture may only be truly known in due time. One thing is certain however: for the near future at least, his legacy would not be truly reflective of what he had done.
 * Cascadia Earthquake: Occuring along the Cascadia subduction zone on January 26, 1700, the earthquake measured an estimated moment magnitude of 8.7–9.2 along the northwestern Arcadian continent, affecting some 1000 kilometers. Reportedly the earthquake generated tsunamis that hit the west coast of Arcadia and the coast of Japan.
 * Italia Trembles: In the span of less than three weeks in early 1703, the regions around the Apennines in central Italy saw three devastating earthquakes. The epicenters of these earthquakes are identified to be Norcia (14 January), Montereale (16 January) and L'Aquila (2 February), all involving active fault lines between Norcia and L'Aquila. Some 10 thousand people were said to have perished to the calamity, though considering the overlap, the true figure cannot be accurately estimated.
 * Pretty Derby: The Arabian horse Darley Arabian was bought in Beroea, then part of the Atouman Empire's Levant area by one Thomas Darley and shipped to stud in Albion. By all accounts, the Darley Arabian stood about 15 hands high and was of substantial beauty and refinement. The stallion would go on to become the most important foundation stock for all thoroughbred horses in Albion, and by the modern era, some 95% of racehorses would trace their lines back to this single specimen.
 * Zwickau Porcelain: The first European hard-paste porcelain, first experimented on Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and continued by Johann Friedrich Böttger was produced in the royal factory in Zwickau in Saxony in 1703. Its trademark logo, the crossed swords, would be added a few years after production in order to protect its trade, making it one of the oldest trademarks in the world. The production of porcelain in the royal factory attracted artists and artisans to establish, arguably, the most famous porcelain manufacturer known throughout the world.
 * The Death of Iberia: When Manuel II were alive, he were a popular, well-liked man. One of the few monarchs in all of Europe to carry that reputation. When he was dead, he became the most villified figure in the Mediterranean. It had all come down to his gamble. Willingly letting Iberia into the French sphere in order to protect its colonies from Albionite attack, then rebuilding and re-asserting itself during the time. It was a controversial gamble, even in his own court; but one that led to him making the concession of Phillippe I’s succession to the Iberian throne. It was the only move of his entire tenure that had tarnished him so thoroughly it was known as the ‘black stain’ of the Manuel line. And when Philippe arrived in August 1701, riots broke out against him. House Agousta at large was in fact satisfied with most of the arrangement; it was not House Agousta nor House Castille, but rather the merchants, whom were deathly afraid that French rule would force them to acclimate to French taxes and allow competition in Iberian ports. Merchants whom sought Albionite backing to prevent this from happening - and combined with the growing power of the new Western European capitalist class, London was placed under pressure to back their rebellion. Philippe, for all his faults, was in fact a relatively popular King, more a populist than a proper monarch. He regularly made entendres to gather support from the two houses and more broadly used his connections to Paris to bring in French resources to solidify his own rule. The Medicins-sans-Frontieres, once cut off by poor leadership on the part of the Paladin military order, once again flowed broadly into Iberia; and so too did broad famine relief during a particularly severe one in 1702. This support did nothing to alleviate Iberian merchants, who began publicly fraternising with the concept of rebellion - or, a new state. An idea regarding Grenada was floated, but in the end, finding the few disgruntled members of House Agousta, the Kingdom of Agousta was once again declared. And with that in 1703, French troops poured into the country to back Philippe, beginning the Iberian Wars of Succession.
 * Cracks in the Waters: Due to the war in Europe, much attention has been shifted away from the Shattered Isles (Caribbean). Thus, many incentives for privateers to remain... well, privateers has greatly diminished. By now, knowledge of the Iberian navy, their patterns, and their movements became common knowledge among them. This leaves many to become more confident in doing things 'under the radar' and get away before anyone arrives. The situation has worsened since the shifted attention leaves room to attract more suspicious activities. From the start of the 18th century, some privateers have already begun to retire or go rogue, taking opportunities to raid unprotected merchant ships and avoid combat with other navies. Several others who were neither privateers or pirates have already begun considering a life of piracy as well.

NPC Events

 * Order of Avesta: They agree. (To Matagaskar)

Empire of Matagaskar | Empira Matagasykara

 * Government: Imperial Feudal Monarchy
 * Monarch: Emperor Andriandambomanafika (B 1660 - Age 44, alive) (R 1694 - Present)
 * Consort: Emperor Andriamifonozozoro (B 1662 - Age 42, alive) (consort of Ravololondrenitrimo), Empress Rafaravavy (B 1663 - Age 41, alive)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Hova
 * Chief of Kômôro: Kifeda II (B 1651 - Age 53, alive) (R 1683 - Present)
 * Co-Protector of Ranjevasy: Toavina (B 1649 - Age 55, alive) (R 1677 - Present)
 * Co-Protector of Maorisy: Harinjatovo (B 1652 - Age 52, alive) (R 1688 - Present)
 * Order of Succession: Prince Andriamasinavalona (B 1692 - Age 12, alive), Princess Andriamahefaparany (B 1692 - Age 12, alive), Prince Andrianjakanavalondambo (B 1664 - Age 40, alive), Prince Andriamanitrinitany (B 1677 - Age 27, alive), Princess Hanitriniaina (B 1678 - Age 26, alive), Princess Andriamanjakatokana (B 1636 D 1692 - Age 55), Prince Razafindramahata (B 1621 D 1700 - Age 78), Princess Mialitiana (B 1651 - Age 53, alive)...
 * Economy: The economy of Matagaskar is based mainly on agriculture and fishing as well as trade, mostly with the Swahili states of East Africa but also other foreign merchants. The Malagasy economy stands as one of the strongest and most developed in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, mostly due to the effect of foreign contact. Matagaskar controls the entire island of the same name and holds influence in parts of East Africa. The Fanery is the traditional currency of Matagaskar.
 * Allies: Mtende, Pemba and Bangalla (vassals), Mutapa (personal alliance), Albion (declaration of friendship)
 * Clients: Mtende, Pemba and Bangalla (vassals)
 * Capital: Antananarivo
 * Demographics:
 * Population: ca 803 000 total
 * Mahajanga: 9 100
 * Antananarivo: 8 000
 * Toamasina: 4 700
 * Manakara: 3 300
 * Ambanja: 2 500
 * Morafenobe: 2 500
 * Toliara: 2 100
 * Antsiranana: 2 000
 * Moroni: 1 100
 * Antsirabe: 900
 * Fipetrahana: 650
 * Amorontsiraka: 650
 * Rural regions: ca 769 000
 * Ethnicities: 88% Malagasy (consisting of 18 ethnic groups, the three largest of which, in order, are the Merina, Betsimisaraka and Sakalava), 6% Komoro Natives (Swahili), ca 5% Adnanite, >1% Albionite (Fort Dolphin and nearby areas)
 * Religion: 98% Tombovelan Zoroastrianism, ca 2% Haintenism (traditional Merina folklore) and other traditional folk religions, >1% Anglican Christianity
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * N/A
 * Military: Due to Matagaskar being a rural realm, a large amount of units can be raised for warfare, but usually about 1% of the population is the most trained and prepared soldiers that can be drafted. Parentheses means the deployed units in cases where not all units are deployed for war.
 * Deployed units: None
 * Total (1%): 8 000
 * 2 080 Spearmen
 * 1 000 Swordsmen
 * 1 000 Musketeers
 * 1 800 Crossbowmen
 * 1 500 Light Cavalry
 * 800 Fossa Warriors
 * Navy:
 * 20 Adananita class ships
 * 16 Mer'ana class ships
 * 14 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:
 * Order of Avesta: Further negotiations are being done, basically us exerting more influence over them in a friendly-ish way.
 * Events:
 * Internal Affairs: Here we go again, another turn. During the reign of the current emperor there is a significant emphasis on developing the military in terms of new weaponry, an expansion of the navy as well as training armies with the best commanders available. Andevos (slaves) start to be eligible for being drafted into the army as well if needed and the Fossa Warriors become more and more of a luxury rank. Christianity is a small community that has been spreading slightly over recent years but is still vastly outnumbered by the Zoroastrian faith. Nevertheless, Andriandambomanafika is not a fan of it and believes it needs to be curbed and not spread anymore so that it could threaten the Zoroastrian hegemony.
 * To do this, he introduces several new laws on Christianity. The display of any christian symbols, as well as any christian rituals or other practices in public is banned. They are restricted to the homes of the few christians in Matagaskar. Another law bans christians from becoming Fossa Warriors and restricts their choice of occupation in general. Andriandambomanafika creates these laws, believing it will force the christians to convert back to Zoroastrianism. We’ll see if it is successful.
 * The heir to the Malagasy throne is not the current Emperor’s child, but rather the short-lived Empress’: Andriamasinavalona. He has mainly been raised by Botokeky as his “father” is too busy ruling the realm in not the greatest of ways, ignoring his advisors’ advice and throwing feasts. Not getting a lot of time to be with his father and the fact that Andriamasinavalona met a christian girl that he fell in love with: Asaramanitra (and we all know what Andriandambomanafika thinks of that), makes the young boy resent his father and preferring his “mother” instead, even though she’s basically just female Andriandambomanafika except not as stringent. Put simply, he just feels like he doesn’t fit in, like he isn’t actually Andriandambomanafika’s son (which he isn’t, he never got to know his mother and father, who are still around as servants for the royals, but banned from ever seeing their son).
 * External Affairs: The internal affairs, mainly the military stuff, is a big part of what the royal court is basing its external affairs on. Influence, influence, influence. That is the key word here. Matagaskar built itself up like this from influence coming from the outside world and now it uses influence to gain power and to spread ideas and technology to its neighbours. Muskets, a recent gain of ours has now been given to a close friend and major Zoroastrian player in southern Africa: Mutapa, and obviously we’ve just been important in general in this region.
 * The western Indian Ocean is a fascinating area. The world shall know the name of the Malagasy!
 * An Interesting Development in the Maskareina Archipelago: Haha insert incredibly funny and creative inbreeding joke that nobody has heard before here. For decades now, the Maskareina islands have been dominated by the two families descended from Ranjeva (the Malagasy explorer that discovered the islands) and Zozimar respectively. With a few exceptions these two families pretty much only married into each other, due to there not being many noble houses in the archipelago and when arranged marriages are a thing and the families are good friends they’ll end up arranging marriages between only themselves and not a family on the mainland (of course not counting a few exceptions).
 * Obviously, this means people have been marrying cousins and other relatives that are a tad bit too closely related to marry if this was the modern world. But the big thing now is that the heirs of both islands: Harinjatovo (son of Harinjatovo) and Henintsoa (daughter of Toavina) have married. This means that should everything go as expected, the married couple will inherit respective islands and depending on how things go, one of (or maybe the only one) of their children could end up ruling both islands.
 * Solofonantenaina, the Retired: After releasing his book, Solofo settles down for real and retires, living the rest of his life in Kano. He does take an apprentice: a young Hausa man named Oringo, whom he teaches in various arts, but otherwise he’s retired. Let’s see if the book he has released will have any kind of impact, shall we? (It’d be awkward if it didn’t)

Notable People of Matagaskar/Imerina (in chronological order) [WIP]:
 * Past Rulers:
 * Ammagari dynasty (ca 1392-1517):
 * Andrianerinerina (ca 1360s-1418): Legendary first king, said to be the son of the god Zanahary himself. Reigned from ca 1392 to 1418.
 * Andrianjavonana (1391-1447): Ruled during a period of language and alphabet-development. Reigned from 1418 to 1447.
 * Andrianamponga (1427-1455): Encountered the Adnanites, expanded the rule over the Comoros. Died in a mysterious event. Reigned from 1447 to 1455.
 * Andrianamboniravina (1429-1469): Formed the Fossa Warriors, fought the Avestan invaders. Reigned from 1455 to 1469.
 * Zafimahova (1434-1488): Regent for Rafandrandrava. De facto ruler even after Rafandrandrava’s coming of age. Official regency lasted from 1469 to 1471. De facto queen regnant from 1469 to 1488.
 * Rafandrandrava (1453-1494): Underage at the time of ascension, was basically just a de jure ruler for most of his reign. Oversaw the expansion into the Central Highlands. Reigned from 1469 to 1494.
 * Andriamasindohafandrana (1477-1513): Continued adapting foreign technology and expanding south. Visited the Ahuric Empire. Murdered by conspiring Fossa Warriors. Reigned from 1494 to 1513.
 * Rafandrampohy (1495-1550): Conducted a massive crackdown on the conspirators who killed his father. Abdicated in favor of his wife Rangitamanjakatrimovavy, triggering the Merina Civil War. After this he became a religious person. Reigned from 1513 to 1517.
 * Hova dynasty (current):
 * Rangitamanjakatrimovavy/Rangita (1493-1552): First true queen of Imerina and ruler from the Hova dynasty. Won the Merina Civil War, moved the capital to Mahajanga. Reigned from 1517 to 1552.
 * Rafohy (1528-1572): Established contact with Mutapa, expanded the kingdom, and made the Order of Sihanaka official. Died of a miscarriage. Reigned from 1552 to 1572.
 * Andriamanelo the Great (1546-1605): Unifier of the entire island. Last king of Imerina and first emperor of Matagaskar. Considered the greatest monarch in Malagasy history (so far). Reigned from 1572 to 1605.
 * Ralambo (1566-1612): Legalized polygamy, introduced the fandroana celebration, reformed the feudal system. Died of a sexually transmitted disease. Reigned from 1605 to 1612.
 * Andrianjaka (1571-1628): Founded Antananarivo upon the former settlement of Analamanga and moved the capital there. Improved infrastructure, held a census. Deposed by his son and wife in an internal conflict. Reigned from 1612 to 1626.
 * Andriantsitakatrandriana (1608-1658): Married the Shona woman Raviro who became his wife and empress. Defeated the Order of Yasht during their rebellion. Reigned from 1626 to 1658.
 * Andriantsimitoviaminandriandehibe (1632-1693): Reigned from 1658 to 1693.
 * Ravololondrenitrimo (1661-Present): Reigned from 1693 to 1694.
 * Andriandambomanafika (1660-Present): Emperor since 1694.
 * Others:
 * Hainteny (ca 1370s-1423): Philosopher and writer. First person to truly take advantage of writing when it came into being in Imerina. Formed the basis of the Haintenist faith.
 * Tsilavohery (ca 1410s-1467): Writer in service of Andrianamponga. Was a friend of Rakotomanjato until their falling out due to differing views on the death of said king.
 * Rakotomanjato (ca 1421-1505): Writer in service of Andrianamponga. Was a friend of Tsilavohery until their falling out due to differing views on the death of said king. He betrayed the Merina and became king of a group of Bara peoples. That polity did not last too long however and was eventually conquered by Imerina.
 * Ndahimananjara (ca 1440s-1503): First ever Fossa Warrior. Married into the Ammagari dynasty. His branch would eventually rule the island.
 * Andriantompokoindrindra (1467-1527): Father of Andriamihaja and Rangitamanjakatrimovavy. Andriantompokoindrindra and his son fought the Merina Civil War for Andriamihaja to be placed on the throne, but they lost and were both executed in 1527 for treason.
 * Tombovelo (ca 1480s-1543): Religious figure who essentially was the one to create the Malagasy variant of Zoroastrianism. He also traveled and studied in the Ahuric Empire.
 * Andriamihaja (1496-1527): Son of Andriamihaja. Was next in line to the throne of Imerina when Rafandrampohy declared female successors and abdicated in favor of his wife Rangita, who was Andriamihaja’s sister. Andriamihaja and his father fought the Merina Civil War for Andriamihaja to be placed on the throne, but they lost and were both executed in 1527 for treason.
 * Ratsifandrihamanana (1493-1556): Second husband of Rangita.
 * Rakotomazava (ca 1510s-1577): Founder of the Order of Sihanaka, which later became the Order of Rakotomazava.
 * Rakotomanjafy (ca 1520s-1590s): Mpiady of the Order of Sihanaka.
 * Ranjeva (ca 1540s-ca 1603): Explorer and discoverer of the Mascarene Islands.
 * Rafidy (ca 1580s-1642): Co-Protector of Ranjevasy.
 * Tsiajotso/Rakotomazava II (ca 1589-1647): Leader of the southern Order of Rakotomazava and later leader of the Order of Yasht. Exiled himself and the Order to Mtende.
 * Zozimar (ca 1590s-1639): Co-Protector of Maorisy.
 * Ramalalaharivololona (ca 1590s-1657): Usurped the position of High Chief of Mahajanga, but was defeated by a coalition of lords and imprisoned. Died in prison in 1657.
 * Rambolazafy (1599-1653): High Chieftess of Mahajanga.
 * Tombomankara (ca 1595-1647): Mpiady of the Order of Rakotomazava from 1628 to 1647.
 * Boazandrivelo/Rakotomazava III (ca 1600-1663): Originally just a soldier of the Order of Rakotomazava and later of the Order of Yasht. He became an important associate of Tsiajotso. He took over as Mpiady of the Order of Yasht after Tsiajotso died, becoming Rakotomazava III.
 * Tsivalaka (1603-1668): Mpiady/Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava.
 * Catherine Burwick (1603-1691): Noble Scottish woman who married Mamangy and had a child with him.
 * Mamangy “Andrew” Burwick (1605-1679): Chef, considered to have been the first one to make a popular dish out of dodo meat. Traveled to Europe via British trade vessels.
 * Raviro (1608-1657): A princess of Mutapa and now Empress consort, first non-Malagasy consort of a ruler.
 * Mafilaza/Rakotomazava IV (ca 1610-1676): Impressive soldier of the Order of Yasht. Became Rakotomazava IV as Mpiady of the Order of Yasht after the death of Boazandrivelo.
 * Rabenirina (ca 1615-1677): Co-Protector of Ranjevasy.
 * Tovondrava (1614-1688): Co-Protector of Maorisy.
 * Manorohanta (1620-1655): Advisor and explorer. Went on an expedition to the Nyafo (Rodrigues) island, but it led to a shipwreck where all of the crew died Fs in the chat.
 * Rakotomandimbindraibe (1622-1696): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava from 1668 to 1696.
 * Botokeky (1633-Present): Tompon-daka of the Fossa Warriors.
 * Andrianantoano “Gordon” Burwick (1643-present): Son of Mamangy, a successful but strict chef, basically Gordon Ramsay except Malagasy and he lives in the 17th century.
 * Solofonantenaina (1642-present): An explorer who went on an expedition into mainland Africa.
 * 'Anaishe (1644-present): Solofo’s wife.
 * Rinjala/Rakotomazava V (ca 1650-present): Mpiady of the Order of Yasht since 1676.
 * Ramilijaona (1666-Present): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava since 1696.
 * Ramilijaona (1666-Present): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava since 1696.

Most Serene Republic of Venice | Serenìsima Repùblega Vèneta

 * Government: Parliamentary oligarchic merchant republic
 * Head of State: Doge Silvestro Valier (B 1630 - Age 70, alive) (R 1694 - Present)
 * Consort: Dogaressa Elisabetta Querini (B 1628 - Age 72, alive)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Valier Family
 * Head of Government: The Doge
 * Duke of Irákleio (Crete): Theodore Oirundi (B 1649 - Age 51, Alive), (R 1699 - Present)
 * Legislature:
 * Upper Chamber: The Senate
 * Lower Chamber: The Council of Ten
 * Economy: The economy of Venice is built on mainly trade in the mediterranean sea. Though it has declined and we were quite crippled after the war.
 * Allies:
 * Capital: Venice
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 2 000 000
 * Major Cities population
 * Venice: 140 000
 * Ethnicities: "Venetian", Greeks and smaller minorities.
 * Religion: Majority Catholic but also a bit orthodox among the greek population on Crete.
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * N/A
 * Military: We recently were in a conflict. Our navy has been in a long decline since the 16th century.
 * Total: 18 000
 * 13 000 Light Infantry
 * 2 000 Light Cavalry
 * 3 000 Artillerymen
 * Navy:
 * 100 Frigates
 * 15 Ship of the line
 * 50 Galleys
 * 40 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:
 * Events:
 * Problematic lifestyle of the Doge: Despite being constantly sickly and our economy crippled because of the recent war, our Doge are still partying hard with no regards to our current situation. He was expected to die very soon since he is sickly but the Doge is stubborn as a mule when it comes to dying. His problematic lifestyle have already made the part of the population very angry.
 * Administrating new territories: Our new gained territory from the recent war have been put into our administration and we have started to try and empower the local aristocracy using them as a force to control the territories if they are cooperatable. This also gives them considerable autonomy but there isn't much we can do since our power have declined since the 15th century.
 * Building ships: New land means new territories to defend we are currently building more ships as that is what we need to defend ourselves. (may add more events and details if I have time later)
 * Building ships: New land means new territories to defend we are currently building more ships as that is what we need to defend ourselves. (may add more events and details if I have time later)

Confederacy of Privateers

 * Government: Pirate Confederacy

Captains:


 * Anne Dieu-le-Veut (1635-) (p. 1658-1671, 1700-): Another frenchwoman, who joined the Brethren of the Coast in 1658, having never hidden her sex. She adopted Delahaye’s flag, inspired by her incredible achievements. She fell in love with Prins, after sailing with him and staying in Los Lagartos. She also helped in the raids of Baran’kígia and Magdalena, which were successful enough to inspire Myngs to do his own massive raid. She escaped with her husband in 1671, joining his husband in his financial ventures, but this was not to last, as she divorced her husband in 1694. In 1700 she took her ship, along with the one of his husband back to the Shattered Isles, with a mission to retake Los Lagartos and reestablish the Brethren, which she renamed by suggestion of her daughter. Jacquotte Delahaye's fancy flag.png
 * Marie Catherine Dieu-le-Veut (1674-) (p. 1700-): The daughter of Anne Dieu-le-Veut, she looked up to her mother, even joining her in her expedition to the Shattered Isles. She was inventive in her methods, unlike her mother, which still was stuck using outdated tactics from 30 years earlier.
 * David Herriot (1668-) (p. 1701-): A former logwood hauler from Belize, David took his ship and turned to more risky endeavors, by joining the Confederacy of Privateers in 1701. He would usually trick people into believing he was a simple wood hauler, and then surprising them in the night, which was mildly successful as most of his crew knew french.
 * John Cockram (1662-) (p. 1702-): A merchant by nature, John Cockram was a smuggler and part time privateer, who supplied most of the Confederacy’s ammo and weapons. He had no allegiance to them, so his connection with them was mostly business related.
 * John Quelch (1666-1704) (p. 1703-1704): A decent scammer and swashbuckler, Quelch joined the Confederacy in 1703, seeking to get a letter of marque, which he did get, but as scummy as he was, he falsified a letter of marque to fight the Agoustans off of Vera Cruz, capturing nine ships before trying to retire in the Plymouth Territory, where he and most of his crew were captured, trialed and executed, such as would be the fate of many of the later Golden Age pirates. "Old Roger".png
 * Black Caesar (1676-) (p. 1704-): One of the few black captains of the Golden Age, who joined the Confederacy in 1704, making a small outpost in the Catonzia Keys from which he sent his raiding expeditions. He met the mutineer Nicholas Dunbar late in the year, and pretty much enlarged his privateering enterprise twofold.
 * Nicholas Dunbar (1672-) (p. 1704-): Mutineer formerly from Quelch’s crew, he left Quelch with about a third of the crew and became a periaguas privateer, joining up in the same area as Black Caesar, with whom he became good friends with.

Territories:

Los Lagartos (1659-1672, 1701-)


 * Description: An island as big as Tortuga west of New Hispania, which is inhabited by Taínos, which was captured by Delahaye, Prins and Dieu-le-Velt in 1659, being effectively separate from the Brethren in all but name, it was destroyed by an Iberian raid in 1672, with most of the pirate population being killed. it was recaptured in 1700 by Dieu-le-Velt
 * Population: 200+150

Navy: The navy of the Confederacy is made up of privateers that joined mostly after the start of the War of Iberian Succession, as privateering blew up.


 * Schooners: Double or triple masted ships, which mainly use gaff sails, as well as some square sails. These are faster and usually better than ketches, as well as being able to carry more cargo.
 * Charles, schooner 10+4 guns and 46 crewmembers, captain John Quelch


 * Ketches: Double masted ships, which use gaff sails usually, as well as square sails. These are a middle point between sloops/cutters and brigs, usually having stronger hulls than schooners.
 * Le Petit Athénes, ketch 14+4 guns and 50 crewmembers, captain Anne Dieu-le-Veut


 * Cutters: Single masted ships, which are similar to sloops, but use one or two mains’ls in that mast as well as the jibs. This ship is usually called sloop by some, but the line is blurry, with it being technically correct to call them sloops.
 * Adventure, cutter 6+2 guns and 30 crewmembers, captain David Herriot


 * Sloops: Ships with only one mast, which do not have a bowsprit, as well as a gaff sail, and one jib as well. These ships are small in size, not being able to carry much cargo. This ship is commonly confused with cutters.
 * Marianne, sloop 8+2 guns and 40 crewmembers, captain Marie Catherine Dieu-le-Veut


 * Periaguas: Improvised boats, which have become common for pirates and privateers due to their swiftness, low cost and low maintenance
 * Rose, periaguas 1 cannon and 14 crewmembers, captain Black Caesar
 * Charleston, periaguas 1 cannon and 16 crewmembers, captain Nicholas Dunbar

Contracted Pirates


 * David Herriot (1701): David Herriot joined the confederacy as a privateer with his vessel, the 8 gun Adventure
 * John Cockram (1702): John Cockram joined the confederacy, mostly to trade with other privateers, supplying most of the ammo and materials for the ships.
 * John Quelch (1703): John Quelch was the most aggressive of the bunch, joining in 1703 and having a short but successful career of one year.
 * Black Caesar (1704): A black man, who joined the Confederacy in 1704, using a periaguas to raid iberian shipping near the Catonzia Keys

Events

Quelch’s Misfortune (Feb 1703-Jul 1704):


 * Quelch had been living off of scamming traders and robbing log haulers for a couple years before joining the Confederacy, which made Harriot make Dieu-le-Veut try to reconsider it, as he could make the Albionites take action against the confederacy, so Marie Catherine, as inventive as she was, devised a plan to give Harriot a spanish letter of marque, in which they succeeded, giving it to Quelch, whom then sailed eastwards, capturing the Genoan ship Drago Volante, which was full of riches, then stayed going east capturing eight Agoustan ships. When he came back to the Shattered Isles, his first mate Nicholas Dunbar escaped with 16 members of the crew in a periaguas, raiding near the Catonzia Keys. Quelch and his remaining crewmates tried to stay under the radar in the Plymouth Territory, but news of their exploits spread, and the crewmates that were found were executed, including Quelch, who was sent to the gallows on the 30th of September 1704. Quelch also made his own flag, which featured a man stabbing a heart with a sand clock on the other hand, which his crew named “Old Roger”

The United Kingdoms of the British Isles (Albion)

 * Note: If you wish to engage in diplomacy with me, please DM me on Discord (BubbleRocket1#8016)

Government: Constitutional Monarchy


 * Drakes:
 * George I (M, b. 1662 - ) (R: 1684 - )
 * Important People:
 * King Family
 * Jocelyn King (F, b. 16?? - 169X)
 * Fortuna King (F, b. 1609 - 169X)
 * Lumi King (F, b. 164X - )

Economy: The economy of British Isles consists of trade and commerce of a variety of materials. The primary export products of the UK are fish, wool, cloth, and a variety of vegetables.

Main Religion: Christianity

Cities and Demographics:


 * Population:  11.943 million
 * British Mainland: 8.156 million
 * British Settlers: 175k
 * Elysian Population: 29,002
 * Catonzia Population: 25,627
 * HALO Settlement: 5,427
 * Eldia Population: 61,623
 * Lansenia: 54,975
 * Vinland Local Population: 1,865 thousand external subjects
 * Elysian Local Population: 714 thousand external subjects
 * Includes the population of the states of Elysia and Laconia
 * Elysia: 501k
 * Laconia: 100k
 * Deasaheim: 67k
 * New York: 46k
 * Eldia Local Population: 306 thousand external subject (subject to change)
 * Catonzia Local Population: 425 thousand external subjects
 * British Bahamas: Roughly 2,300 overall (for both island chains in the area)
 * Yolgnu Local Population: 208 thousand external subjects
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito: 3,138
 * Port Kingpin: 1,389
 * Albish Galapagos: 763
 * Albish Falklands: 842
 * British Bahamas: 82,058
 * British Shattered isles: 5,423
 * British Belize: 494


 * Cities
 * Brighton: A newer shipbuilding facility located on the English Channel.
 * Birmingham: A quiet town that is the location of McCarthy Arms Company, one of, if not, the oldest firearms companies to date.
 * Calais: One of the few French towns still owned by the British, it is a prosperous city that is one of the most important trading hubs in the North Sea.
 * Dover: Main location of the British navy. While elements of the navy are located throughout the territory, the headquarters of the navy are located here. In addition, Dover is the main trading hub between it and Caen.
 * Dublin: Main hub of Ireland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * Elysiapolis: The capital of the Elysian province, as well as the main headquarters for the BFG Company.
 * Fort Avalon: An old British camp located in Vinland. Though mostly uninhabited, it is staffed by a skeleton crew, in the event of a British ship stranding itself on the Vinland island.
 * Though the island is now under Vestkyst control, the British still maintain control of the small fort.
 * Gibraltar: An important town the British claimed in the League Wars. Essentially give them control of who can and cannot leave the Mediterranan, though the British generally let anyone pass, not wishing to piss anyone off.
 * Glaemchester: A British town north of London, this city is known to house various wealthy nobles, with some of the finest tapestries being produced here.
 * Glasgow: Main hub of Scotland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * London: The capital of England, and location of the throne.
 * New London: The location of the British East Indian Company’s base-of-operations in India. Population primarily of locals, though as time progresses, more European influence seeps into the town.
 * Portsmouth: The location of the first drydocks in history, which became the founding of various legendary ships of the Royal Navy
 * Port Kingpin: Though not the capital of Yolngu, it does serve as the main hub by which the BAKA Gaikokuhito operate from, in addition to the main location of the local British garrison.
 * York: Main center of England’s eastern fishing company. Also where a bulk of British trading companies are located, evident from the various merchant caravels present there.
 * Colonial Forts/Towns
 * British East India Company
 * Cape Town (South Africa)
 * Fort Dolphin (Africa - Matagaskar)
 * New London (India) (Known as Diu to India)
 * BAKA Mitai
 * Fort Akan (Africa)
 * Fort Galatoi (Galatoi, Africa)
 * BFG Company
 * Fort Epheria (Elysia)
 * Fort Elysia (Elysia)
 * Jamestown (Elysia)
 * HALO Company
 * Fort Infinity (Amekrogu)
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito
 * Port Kingpin (Yolngu)
 * Portsmith (Galapagos)
 * Port Stanley (Falklands)
 * Other
 * Fort Avalon (Vestkyst-Vinland)
 * New Glaemchester (Lansenia)

Wars and Conflicts


 * North America: British companies begin to exert control over regions with usage of promises of trade and prosperity
 * Though it should be said that some companies add in the risk of war if the British do not get their way in the matter, though others are far more friendly with their actions.
 * Australia: Due to the combined influence of both Britain and the local Yolngu trade, their influence over the island-continent spreads

Armed Forces


 * Total: 280,266 Manpower (3.9% of population)
 * British Royal Army Corps
 * Total: 159,295
 * British Defense Force: (British Mainland)
 * Marksman Infantry: 15,050
 * Light Cavalry: 5,250
 * Heavy Cavalry: 3,050
 * Field Artillerymen: 5,634
 * Field cannons: 1,378
 * Logistical Support: 23,000
 * British Arcadian Force: (In Arcadia)
 * Catonzia Garrison
 * Marksman Infantry: 7,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 7,000
 * Catonzian Musketeers: 8,260
 * Field Artillerymen: 1,000
 * Field cannons: 500
 * Logistical Support: 3,500
 * Elysian Garrison
 * Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 5,000
 * Marksman Infantry: 10,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 3,000
 * Light Cavalry: 1,000
 * Elysian Cavalry: 300
 * Heavy Cavalry: 350
 * Bow Cavalry: 300
 * Field Artillerymen: 501
 * Field cannons: 167
 * Logistical Support: 7,000
 * British Vinland
 * Marksman Infantry: 6,000
 * Field Artillerymen: 344
 * Field cannons: 100
 * British Gibraltar:
 * Marksman Infantry: 30,000
 * Light Cavalry: 2,500
 * Field Artillerymen: 464
 * Field cannons: 142
 * British Yolngu
 * Marksman Infantry: 5,000
 * Light Cavalry: 750
 * Yolngu Local Army: Unknown
 * Roundtable Knights (Elite): 8,900
 * These are Britain’s elite forces. A rebirthed version sprouting from Artoria’s original group of holy knights, this force has never lost a battle, and has unwavering loyalty to the crown and the Order of the Roundtable, willing to fight to the death for the survival of the British Isles.
 * While most are able to fight, members of the Roundtable are encouraged to branch out into their own craft, such as pottery and sheepherding, with the idea that everyone should act like a Roundtable Knight and give their all into both their craft and their country.
 * The only way to become a Roundtable Knight is to be selected by an existing member of the group. Most knights tend to make apprentices out of those they recruit to the Roundtable, and generally, no one usually complains when a Roundtable Knight selects someone to join the ranks of the Roundtables. Depending on the country/chapter, one can also be appointed to the Roundtable by the crown.
 * In 1527, three factions were formed within the Roundtables
 * The Crimson Sun
 * The Azure Moon
 * The White Orchids
 * Renames themselves Orchid Heaven in 1542
 * With the victory of the Crimson Sun at the end of the conflict, things have settled down.
 * Modernization of 1602: Reforms the Roundtable Knights to act as elite units within the Army, as well as guards for Royalty.
 * In 1615, the London Guard is formed, to both protect the Royal Family, Parliament, and the citizens of the city as a police force, though will prioritize the protection of government personnel and property than that of the citizen
 * Notable (Living) Members:
 * The Drake Family
 * Sir Oliver Cromwell
 * British Merchant Arms Company:
 * An organization owned by the British government that was established to help veterans from the League Wars slowly assimilate back into civilian life while giving them the opportunity to see the world.
 * Mainly employed by the British Merchant Companies to secure their gains and the likes.
 * Personnel: 21,500
 * British Mainland: 17,000
 * Eldia: 2,000
 * Amekrogu: 1,000
 * British Royal Navy Corps:
 * Personnel: 28,122 (combined between both fleets)
 * Rating System (1667): Devised by Fortuna King and Samuel, this serves as a rough guide for the sizes of ships at the British’s disposal. (Shown below is the rating system in the 18th century)
 * First Rate: 100+ guns, 600+ sailors
 * Second Rate: 80-99 guns, 500-599 sailors
 * Third Rate: 60-80 guns, 400-499 sailors
 * Fourth Rate: 50-60 guns, 300-399 sailors
 * Fifth Rate: 30-49 guns, 200-299 sailors
 * Sixth Rate: 20-29 guns, up to 200 sailors
 * Naval Vessels:
 * Luke-class First-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 2
 * 96-gun ship-of-the-lines built. Based on HMS Prince Royal, but with slightly reworked interiors, allowing for four more additional guns to be mounted.
 * HMS Prince Royal
 * 92-gun First-rate Ship-of-the-Line
 * The first ship-of-the-line built as a ship-of-the-line.
 * Royal Oak-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 4
 * 76-gun vessels that are more than capable of holding their own.
 * HMS Sovereign of the Seas (1637)
 * Though originally a terrible ship (handling-wise), after its modification in the 1660’s, the 76-gun second-rate razee is a force to be reckoned with.
 * Warspite-class Third-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 10
 * 64-gun vessels that are capable of serving as flagships in their own regards, though cannot hold much of a candle to larger vessels in terms of firepower.
 * Victory-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Victory
 * 50-gun warships designed to breakthrough enemy formations, and is the largest ship in the British arsenal until 1637
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Ember-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Ember
 * 45-gun warships, obsolete by the 1600's
 * Only the HMS Ember is kept for training purposes, as a permanent drydock is built for her.
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Stolen by the Dutch in 1674
 * Glaemchester-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 10
 * Essentially a Swallow-class Interceptor, but built to stand up to combat against other ships of its size.
 * 42-gun Frigate that’s cheaper to maintain than the Victory-class while stronger than the Third-rates
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667
 * Swallow-class Fourth-rate Interceptor: 15
 * Designed to be the fastest ships in the world (for their size) without sacrificing too much firepower.
 * 40-gun frigates that sacrifice durability in return for speed (for their size)
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Suffolk-class Fourth-rate Interceptor-Xebec: 7
 * 34-gun fourth-rate xebec that is essentially an upsized Yellowfin-class interceptor.
 * Phoenix-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 21
 * 32-gun frigates that form the backbone of the British Navy
 * The replacement for the Cabigail-class Carrack, with a hull design based on the Victory-class
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667.
 * Cabigail-class Fourth-rate Carrack: 36
 * 30-gun caravels that form the backbone of the British Navy
 * Super-Spyder-class Carrier Vessels: 5
 * Lightly armed frigates around the same size as the Ember-class First-rate frigates designed to carry both marines and Vinland longboats for use in various operations, such as supporting fleets in areas where the large size of the British vessels are a hindrance, as well as serving as landing craft for said marines onboard.
 * Capacity: 16 Vinland longboats (12 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 480
 * Spyder-class Carrier Caravel: 5
 * Lightly armed caravels retrofitted to carry eight Vinland longboats within for use in narrower areas, where the caravels and galleons would have issues navigating
 * Capacity: 12 Vinland longboats (8 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 400
 * Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor: 7
 * A 28-gun interceptor based on designs found in Northern Africa. Has the same firepower as other frigates of its size while being much faster.
 * Vinlandia-class Fifth-rate Galley-Frigate: 8
 * 26-gun fifth-rate galley frigate that uses both oars and sails for movement
 * Upon successful sea trials in 1668 as well as success in small skirmishes raiding New Netherlands merchant vessels, 6 more ships were ordered for the Vinlandia-class
 * Phoenix-class Fifth-rate Frigate: 24
 * A 24-gun ship that’s smaller than the usual capital ships found in the fleet. Mainly used in distant areas, such as Yolngu and India.
 * Olive-class Fifth-rate Multi-purpose Frigate: 100
 * The replacement for the Dove-class Dual-purpose Merchant Caravels. While being around the same size as the Dove’s, the internal design of the ship is improved, allowing for more cargo to be stored within.
 * Mainly given to British merchants for their merchant fleets, though still kept on record in British documents to bloat the numbers.
 * Bombardier-class Brigs: 73
 * Small 18-gun ships smaller than even the old carracks. Due to their price, the British can afford to purchase a lot of Brigs in order to leave squadrons of them at various naval ports around the globe.
 * Abalone-class Sloops: 31
 * Small multi-role 12-gun ships meant to fill roles that can’t be easily filled with the larger Brigs
 * Ketone-class Ketch: 6
 * A ketch around the size of the Abalone-class sloops designed specifically for ship-to-ground combat. Armed primarily with mortars and light cannons for self-defense.
 * Vinland Longboats: (depends on the number of carriers)
 * Small vessels that can be deployed in regions to support larger ships from carrier vessels with their smaller cannons and enhanced mobility.
 * Armed with two 2-pounder MAC Cannons
 * British Royal Marine Corps:
 * A branch of both the Army and Navy, consisting of units who are trained in unorthodox tactics to bring around victory.
 * Special Programs:
 * SPARTAN Program: In addition, a program was opened up for the select Marines in 1616 to become elite troops within a program for SPecialized Armed forces for Reconnaissance, Tactical, And Neutralizing Operations, or SPARTAN Ops for short.
 * Those within the unit are known as SPARTANS, and are pulled from both the Marines and Roundtable Knights
 * Often would be given experimental weapons for field testing
 * These units are the penultimate guerilla troop within the British ranks, primarily acting in operations deep behind enemy lines, though can also fight alongside normal troops when necessary
 * These troops provide a large morale boost to allied units in their vicinity as their infamy spreads
 * Personnel: 44,200
 * Multi-Purpose Shock Marines (MPSM): 42,400
 * Mainland Britain: 16,900
 * Gibraltar: 10,000
 * Arcadia: 3,500
 * 500 Elysian MPSM
 * Amekrogu: 12,000
 * SPARTANS: 350
 * Mainland Britain: 275
 * Elysia: 25
 * Amekrogu: 50
 * Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry (SSLC): 4,050
 * Mainland Britain: 3,050
 * Gibraltar: 500
 * Arcadia: 500
 * Light Artillery Pieces: 3,260
 * Mainland Britain: 3,000
 * Gibraltar: 200
 * Arcadia: 0
 * Amekrogu: 60

Notable Companies and Organizations

McCarthy Arms Company (MAC):

Arms Race: Due to the creation of flintlock muskets in France, MAC enters into an arms race with their French counterparts, leading to rapid advancements in the creation of both muskets and cannons.


 * In 1610, they created a flintlock musket using various components from French flintlocks. This musket (and its various modifications) became the main firearm of the British Military in the League Wars and other conflicts in the early 1600’s.

Produced models:

FL1610 “Wasp MkI” Flintlock Musket (1610)


 * The first musket in the series of muskets made in response to “Manufacture d'armes de Châtellerault” and their flintlock musket.
 * Hastily made, the musket has various issues, and has a higher-than-usual casualty rate among those who use it due to the tendency for the musket’s barrel to implode.
 * Due to this reputation, the musket was given an additional nickname: “Barrel of Surprises”

FL1610E1 “Wasp MkII” Flintlock Musket (1611)


 * A modified L1610 that doesn't implode (more than most muskets of the era).

FL1610E2 “Wasp MkIII” Flintlock musket (1612)


 * The version of the musket that was used by the British Military when they joined the League Wars the same year.
 * This musket features a slightly redesigned barrel, slightly increasing the range and improving the reliability of the musket even more.

FL1610E3 “Wasp MkIV” Flintlock Musket (1614)


 * Essentially the Wasp MkIII, but its components are simplified a bit, allowing for easier production.

FL1616 “Honey MkI” Flintlock Musket (1616)


 * A modified version of the Wasp MkIV for use in hunting.
 * Essentially a simplified version of the Wasp MkIV for commercial purchase
 * Also becomes the model of musket that was exported to allies during the League Wars

FL1610E4 “Wasp MkV” Flintlock Musket (1619)


 * A version of the Wasp MkIV that is made from Yolngu steel, giving the musket more durability

FL1616E1 “Honey MkII” Flintlock Musket (1621)


 * An improved version of the Honey MkI, taking feedback from its users when making said improvements.

FL1625 “Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket (1625)


 * The successor to the Wasp series of muskets, featuring a slightly simplified design for the firing mechanism, allowing for easier construction of the musket, though early versions of the musket has issues due to kinks that weren’t figured out (though not as bad as was seen on the first Wasp muskets)

FL1625E1 “Hornet MkII” Flintlock Musket (1626)


 * Sent into the field in late 1626, the musket fixes the issues seen in the Hornet MkI.

FL1616E2 “Honey MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1627)


 * An improvement over the Honey MkII that features some improvements that were seen on the Hornet-series of muskets.

FL1625E2 “Hornet MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1632)


 * An improved version of the Hornet MkII, and is the primary musket used by the BMAC Company in its early years.

FL1636 “Hornet 2 MkI” Flintlock Musket (1636)


 * Originally just a simple upgrade, the Hornet 2 musket had so many improvements made to it that the company reclassified it as its own series of muskets.
 * Included in the many changes made is the narrower barrel. Though the bullets are smaller, due to a smaller round being used, the bullets are faster, have longer ranges, slightly faster reload, and are marginally more accurate than the original version of the Hornet.
 * Though the musket doesn’t have as good of a stopping power, its improvements arguably offset this weakness.

FL1636E1 “Hornet 2 MkII” Flintlock Musket (1642)


 * Modifications related to its reliability in hot, humid regions are added to the musket.
 * In addition, this is the first musket (used by the British) that was able to mount a bayonet.

XRS1652 “Thunderer” Experimental Revolving Sidearm (1652)


 * An experimental 3-shot revolver produced in extremely few quantities (around 56 or so)
 * The idea is for rounds to be pre-loaded into the revolving barrel of the pistol, which is locked in place by three pins when firing. Once a bullet is expended, the user delaches the pins and manually rotates the barrel before locking it back in place. This process is tedious and doesn’t give the gun that much of an advantage over normal conventional pistols on account of the cumbersome barrel, in addition to the pistol’s unreliability (even by standards of the time)

FL1656 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1656)


 * The third version of the Hornet musket, which took the FL1636E1 model of musket and made the musket easier to produce. Still features the capability for using a bayonet that is secured under the barrel of the musket from the FL1636E1.

FL1656-EXP “Honey 2” Flintlock Musket (1657)


 * Essentially an FL1636E1 musket that is cailbered in the conventional ammo size used by most nations. Also features the capability for usage of a plug bayonet.
 * Since both this musket and the “Hornet 3” musket have the same catalog name, the “Honey 2” was given the -EXP notation at the end to distinguish it as the export musket.

FS1659 “Thunderer 2” Flintlock Sidearm (1659)


 * A non-revolver version of the XRS1652 musket. This sidearm is provided both to officers and cavalry units in the military and only in small numbers.

FL1656E1 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1666)


 * Slight improvement to the Hornet 3 that was used in the Anglo-Dutch War. The gun features a slight improvement to its accuracy as well as a better mechanism for the bayonet, which is now custom-built for the musket itself and can double as a knife when necessary.

FL1686 “Super Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket


 * A modernized version of the Hornet 3 Musket. This version of the musket is even easier to maintain and manufacture than the Hornet 3.

FL1686E1 “Super Hornet” MkII Flintlock Musket (1702)


 * Updated version of first version of the Super Hornet that has slightly increased range and versatility.

MAC Cannons: MAC continues to produce MAC Cannons (McCarthy Arms in a variety of calibers and sizes, ranging from small 6 pound field cannons to 32 pound naval cannons. At least in Britain, McCarthy Industries has the monopoly on the firearms industry.

Produced models:

2-pounder “snub-nose” MAC Cannon (1608)


 * Created for usage on Vinland longboats, more to fire on smaller vessels than anything else
 * Can be argued that muskets would be more effective than these small peashooters, but the extra punch is helpful

6-pounder medium field MAC Cannon (1578)


 * The main cannon used by both the British Royal Army and Marine Corps.
 * Also used on British Carrier Vessels

9-pounder “tickler” MAC Cannon


 * The lightest cannon used on British Warships (excluding Carriers)

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1588)


 * The mainstay cannon of British Warships

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1641)


 * An updated version of the 16-pounder cannon.

32-pounder “long-nose” MAC Cannon (1603)


 * Heaviest cannon that the British uses. Reserved for the largest of British vessels.

Research and Development


 * Hwacha!: A weapon imported from Japan, the British take one of the two Hwachas purchased from the Toyotomi Shogunate and reverse-engineer it, as they look into reducing the cost of production while they use the other for testing.
 * Tests show that the weapon takes a long time to reload, but due to the sound it makes and the area of effect, it could be a great weapon to use against cavalry, though effective enough against infantry.
 * It should be noted that the weapon has a shorter range than cannon fire, but has a larger area-of-effect, in terms of what it can hit.
 * In 1665, a few prototypes were handed out to various ships throughout the fleet, including to the Fortune’s Bounty II.
 * From its use in its limited capacity, sailors note that it is a deadly weapon that takes too long to reload. As such, development is poured into ideas that could either increase the lethality of the weapon or shorten its reload.
 * Fireworks: Upon receiving fireworks from Naranga, the British begin investigating into the feasibility of using fireworks within the military
 * Development is disguised as a means for entertainment, with prototype rockets being used in celebrations, as phosphorus is used with the fireworks to give the fireworks color, even if used overnight.


 * Naval Vessels: Continued development on galleons is performed, to see if it is possible to improve British vessels further. They experiment with two aspects; size and firepower. British Naval Engineers hope to determine proper ratios for size, durability, and firepower, as well as taking note of various lessons learned in the field, such as logistical issues found in British Caravels.

Training and Production


 * British Royal Army Corps


 * British Mainland
 * None.
 * British America
 * Elysia/Laconia
 * None
 * Eldia:
 * None
 * Catonzia
 * None
 * Amekrogu:
 * None
 * British Yolngu
 * None


 * British Royal Navy Corps
 * British Mainland
 * Elysia-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 2
 * 80-gun warship
 * Bluefin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor Xebec: 3
 * Improved version of the Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor. Features the same number of guns but is slightly faster.
 * Hotel-class Third-rate Carrier Vessel: 1
 * A ship built from the ground-up to carry both supplies, British Marines, and Vinland Longboats for various situations. Always escorted by vessels of similar size or larger.
 * HMS Sovereign of the Seas brought into drydocks for scrapping.
 * The hull is reused in the next ship to bear the name “Sovereign of the Seas”
 * British Yolngu
 * N/A
 * Drydocks in Kingpin are completed by 1704
 * Whatever equipment and personnel is required to maintain numbers on the frontline.
 * Older models of ships are scrapped

Diplomacy


 * Akan: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.
 * Amekrogu: The British observe the civil war raging on in war-ravaged Amekrogu. They keep watch, waiting for an opportunity to hop in
 * Arkansa: The British continue to make efforts to strengthen their ties with Arkansa, as they seek assistance in the form of British mercenaries.
 * Australia: Both British and Yolngu Influence spreads, slowly acquiring land under British jurisdiction
 * Europe (Generally): Though not offered the top-line models, Britain does allow McCarthy Arms Company to sell some of their wares overseas to those willing to purchase them
 * Gujarat: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.
 * Indian Nations: Seeing that the countries of India are friendly, the British East India Company reaches out to all the nations in the area, hoping to strengthen their ties with all nations and open up trade routes with all.
 * Revived Huancan Empire: Delegates from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company reach out to the South American nation, requesting the ability for ships to dock in the Tacna region while they pass around the southern tip of South America
 * The British are aware of the Spanish conquests centuries prior, and wish to make amends, to at least show that not all Europeans are scumbags
 * Vijayanagara: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.

Allies


 * Galatoi: Trading partner with the BAKA company.
 * Naranga: British ally on the Asian mainland.
 * Occitania: British ally on the European mainland.
 * Toyotomi Shogunate: British ally (through the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company) in Asian area.
 * Vestkyst: Norweigan allies in the North Sea. The oldest ally of Britain, harkening back to the British Empire’s founding.
 * Yolngu: The furthest of Britain’s allies, the island-continent has metals far better than those in the region. As such, the majority of the trade from the region primarily consists of metals.

Events


 * The Unification of the Land Down Under (WiP):
 * The BAKA Gaikokuhito, now jointly in control of the country of Yolngu along with the tribal leaders of Yolngu.
 * With the assimilation of Yolngu into the British Empire came the additional baggage of the penultimate plan of Yolngu: the unification of Australia (name still a WiP)
 * As such, diplomats are sent to neighboring countries in the entire Australian continent, trying to open trade routes with as many groups as possible
 * In addition, though never mentioned, the British do allow the Dutch colony to spread in Southern Australia, so they could pose as a unifying force for Australia.
 * Expansion Beyond the Horizon:
 * American Colonies
 * Consolidation of Power: Forts are constructed in British territory claimed in the war, both to protect from potential retaliation from the Spanish as well as from various tribes in the region.
 * In addition, British civilians are finally granted permission to move to British Catonzia and Elysia, as the British begin to slowly integrate Catonzia into the British Empire, much like what was done with Elysia.
 * Catonzia and Arroz: With the discovery of rice in the East, the British decide to give rice-making a try. With the new territory in Catonzia (as well as somewhat similar temperatures), the British decided to try and start rice crops in Catonzia, to mixed success. It will take a while before the British learn how to make rice themselves, as well as for the rice to adapt to the different environment.
 * Miscellaneous Stuff
 * The following states are created from the previous states:
 * Eldia is split into North Eldia and South Eldia
 * Catonzia is split into East Catonzia and West Catonzia

The British Merchant Companies: (CLICK [EXPAND] TO EXPAND)


 * British Faviero Greek Company: “The BFG Company” for short, this company has taken an interest in the region of Elysia. Its leaders, Faviero and Raleigh have enacted a multi-decade long plan to wrestle control of the region for themselves, though if other situations were to come up, they’d adapt on the fly.
 * Elysian Region: Having complete control over the area, the BFG Company begins to import more colonists into the region.
 * Laconia: In 1619, the region was reclassified into its own province for administration reasons.
 * The regions of Laconia, Demetrios, and Erakki become apart of the Laconia Province
 * Eventually becomes the State of Laconia
 * Desaheim: The company begins the process of integrating the province into their company, as they begin setting up administrative bodies to run the area.
 * When the Dutch attacked in 1668, the company was forced to temporarily retreat from Desaheim, only to come back as British forces retaliated.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Doomslayer
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association: Started up by a British and German family, BAKA began operations in 1573, when they received a fleet of four merchant caravels. With this fleet, the company sets sail for Africa, wishing to set up a port town where they can trade with the locals.
 * In 1602, the company was split in two, due to the focus on where to colonize.
 * The branch known as “BAKA Mitai” is continuing the old company’s efforts in Africa
 * The branch known as “BAKA Gaijin” (renamed to BAKA Gaikokuhito in 1608) has its focus directed towards Southeast Asia, specifically Yolngu for its operations.
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association - Mitai Division:
 * Akan: Due to their presence in the area, the BAKA Mitai company slowly expands their influence through the area.
 * Due to continued trade with the locals in the area, British influence spreads throughout Akan.
 * Galatoi: The company trades with Galatoi, giving them McCarthy Firearms and other supplies in return for indigenous supplies as well as slaves for use in Elysia and other portions of their claims.
 * Slave Trade Deal: The company creates a tie with the MOM company, importing slaves from the Galatoi region and sending them to the Eldia region for use on the various crops in the region.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Resolute
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association - Gaikokuhito Division:
 * More Pitstops: Even with the two islands claimed, the distance between each stop is far too long. As such, the Gaikokuhito Division devices various locations along the way to establish naval bases to allow British vessels places of refuge
 * The British reached out to various nations on the Western coast of South America, asking if they could construct ports on their coastlines to allow British ships to stop on their journey to Yolngu, in addition to opening trade with the regions in question.
 * Australium: Rare metals have been found on the island continent. As such, operations are created to extract the metals with the help of the locals (in return for exotic species and other foreign goods)
 * Finalization of Acquisition: With the British Protectorate of Yolngu established, the King family can lean back and drink away; a century-long dream has been finally completed, though a long road lays ahead for what’s to come next.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Golden Hind
 * The Henry Amerigo League of Observance: A group (nicknamed HALO) that is headed by Henry of Glaemchester. Now a competent company, the HALO company travels the seas, now intermingling with a faction known as the Amekrogu’s to the south.
 * Rebuilding from the Ground Up: The HALO company constructs new fortifications in the region, rebuilding what they lost prior. As this happens, the company slowly monitors the Civil War raging on in Amekrogu, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
 * In addition, they reward the tribes that allied themselves with the British, allowing them to reside in peace, in addition to supplying them with food and the likes
 * The Millers Operative Manufacturing: A company that focuses on tobacco and leather in 1565, the company slowly worked its way into league with the larger companies of Britain by the 1580’s, eventually leading to the company receiving a grant to receive 7 Dove-class Merchant Caravels, as well as permission to construct a custom “flagship” for themselves.
 * Tobacco: As their influence spreads through Eldia, the MOM company begins to cultivate Nicotiana tabacum tobacco plants, leading to an increase in profits due to its sweeter taste.
 * The selling of this tobacco increases MOM’s income, leading to them being able to hire more mercenaries to arrest control of Eldia from the locals.
 * Rice: Ordered by the British Royal Navy to produce the crop, the company also constructs rice crops within their territory, with assistance from Asian farmers.
 * Slave Trade Deal: The company creates a tie with the BAKA Mitai company, as the MOM Company begins to import slaves from the Galatoi region for the purpose of working on the farms.
 * Company Flagship: The Independence
 * British East India Company: With a grant from the British government, the company begins to make plans for their future ventures into Asia, with their eyes set on both the island chains between mainland Asia and Yolgnu as well as Hindustan.
 * Expanding Influence: With the wealth the company has, they begin to trade with the locals, providing them with products in larger quantities or new to the area altogether, with the hopes to make the locals reliant on the British for their daily necessities
 * Subsidiary Alliance Plan: The Company reaches out to the various countries in India, asking for the stationing of a British force within their territory for the country’s protection, in return for supplying the maintenance cost to maintain the force in the area.
 * Lansenia: Since 1565, the “Azure Pilgrims” set up the Plymouth colony in hopes to be free from religious (and political) persecution. At first, the faction ran into many issues, mainly trying to survive the winter. They were helped by a local tribesman nearby and the colony has just begun to become stabilized.
 * In 1662, the regional government was officially formed.
 * Naming the region “Lansenia” after the head governor, Laffey D Lansen, the region is accepted as an official colony within the British Government.
 * Naming the region “Lansenia” after the head governor, Laffey D Lansen, the region is accepted as an official colony within the British Government.

Notable Deaths


 * Rulers
 * Pendragon:
 * Artoria “Ember” Pendragon (F, b.1317- 1389?) (Reign: 1351 ~ 1369 - 1389)
 * Ash I (M, b. 1347 - 1434) (Reign: 1390 - 1434)
 * Sister: Aura (F, b.1350 - 1434)
 * Ash II (M, b. 1399 - 1442) (Reign: 1434 - 1442)
 * Amber (F, b. 1424 - ) (Reign: 1442 - 1482)
 * Brother: Edward (M, b. 1441 - 1481)
 * Mordue:
 * River Mordue (F, b. 1322 - 1393) (Reign: 1369 - 1393)
 * Henry (M, b. 1353 - 1429) (Reign: 1393 - 1429)
 * Daughter: Mary (F, b. 1382 - 1399)
 * Lionel (M, b. 1388 - 1482) (Reign: 1430 - 1482)
 * Son: Leo I (M, b. 1407 - 1465)
 * Leo III (M, b. 1445 - 1478)
 * Son: Leo II (M, b. 1423 - 1478)
 * Brother: Henry II (M, b. 1398 - 1478)
 * Drake:
 * Casimir (M, b. 1454 - 1533)
 * Queen Abigail (F, b. 1455 - 1533)
 * Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - 1561)
 * David (M, b. 1537 - 1554)
 * Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - 1565)
 * Nephew: Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
 * Queen Elizabeth (F, b. 1541 - 1618) (R: 1561 - 1618)
 * Sister: Francis (F, b. 1541 - 1619)
 * Aunt: Frances (F, b. 1497 - 1564)
 * Albus (M, b. 1519 - 1580)
 * Nephew: George (M, b. 1542 - 1584)
 * Son: Avery (M, b. 1572 - 1632)
 * Daughter: Elysia (F, b. 1582 - 1609)
 * Nephew: Gregory (M, b. 1554 - 1596)
 * Cousin: Eldegard (F, b. 1517 - 1592)
 * Married off to a Westrian prince
 * Cousin: Alvin (M, b. 1545 - 1585)
 * Daughter: Valerie (F, b. 1569 - 1602)
 * Son: Peter (M, b. 1573 - 1606)
 * Cousin: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Cousin: Carol (F, b. 1549 - 1629)
 * Son: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Son: Janet (M, b. 1580 - 1629)
 * King: Luke I (M, b. 1567 - 1638) (R: 1618 - 1838)
 * King: Luke II (M, b. 1604 - 1658) (R: 1838 - 1658)
 * Son: Luke III (M, b. 1628 - )
 * Son: Luke IV (M, b. 1636 - )
 * Daughter: Leia (F, b. 1636 - )
 * Brother: Escavalier (M, b. 1615 - 1667)
 * Cousin: Jessie (F, b. 1607 - 1672)
 * Cousin: James (M, b. 1607 - 1668)
 * Roundtable Knights
 * Joan “Anne” of Arc (Died in 1431)
 * Sir George Cromwell of Cotswold (Died in 1445)
 * Sir George Cromwell II of Cotswold (Died in 1482)
 * Sir Rex of Dover (Died in 1482)
 * Joanna Palaiologos McCarthy (Died in 1528)
 * Misc
 * Frederik King (Died in ???)
 * Head of the BAKA Company, essentially has ties in about half of the world
 * Fortuna King (Died in 169X)
 * Forged together the modern Albish Navy
 * Assisted in the Vestkyst Civil War
 * Forged a diplomatic relationship with Naranga
 * Also assisted them in their war against the Qing
 * Shauna McCarthy (Died in 1489)
 * Founder of McCarthy Arms Company, one, if not, the oldest firearms companies in the world.

Famous Vessels

HMS Victory (15XX)


 * Laid down in 15XX and launched in 15XX, the HMS Victory is a 50-gun First-class Frigate.
 * The namesake of her class, HMS Victory was the first pride-and-joy of the Royal Navy.
 * Famously captained by Admiral Francis Drake, the ship would lead the British navy to victory when it defeated the Spanish Armada, directly leading to one of the major reasons why Britain won in the Anglo-Spanish War in the late 16th century.
 * From there, it would also see combat in the League Wars as it ensured that those opposing Britain felt the wrath of her powerful broadside.
 * Eventually, the ship was retired in 1647, where it was put into the reserve fleet as a training vessel for new sailors.

HMS Fortune’s Bounty (1626)


 * An Olive-class Multi-purpose Merchant Frigate given to the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company from the British government. Laid in 1624 and left on its maiden voyage in 1626, the ship would find itself under the ownership of Fortuna King, a woman well-known for her assistance in the Wu-Narangan War in 1633 when she was involved in both a trading run to Naranga in addition to the assassination of the Wu General in the region.
 * Though the ship would remain in East Asia for most of its life, it would also visit Britain and the Mediterranean Sea during its time afloat under the ownership of Fortuna.
 * In 1661, while returning to Britain from Yolngu, the ship encountered rough seas around the southernmost tip of South America. Though it survived, the ship was badly beaten, as it limped to the British outpost on the Falklands Island. From there, Fortuna and her crew hitched a ride on a vessel back to Britain, where she received permission from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company to purchase a replacement vessel: the Fortune’s Bounty II.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1661

HMS Fortune’s Bounty II (1662)


 * A 28-gun xebec ordered by Fortuna King.
 * Also was equipped with two hwachas for testing purposes
 * Saw effective use under Fortuna’s captainship.
 * Notable for the Battle of the Vestkyst Fjords (1667) as well as for its involvement with rescuing Duchess Anastasia during the Vestkyst Civil War (1666).
 * Given to Lumi when Fortuna passed.
 * Fate: ???

HMS Warspite (1668)


 * A 64-gun ship-of-the-line that served as Fortuna King’s flagship during the Anglo-Dutch War
 * Led the British fleet to victory against the Dutch fleet in the sole naval engagement in the “European front”
 * Fate: ???

HMS Sovereign of the Seas (1637)


 * Laid down in 1634 and launched in 1637, this ship is essentially an engineer’s wet dream. Built “just because,” the ship has more than double the guns of the next largest ships (the Victory-class) and was also over double the size, this ship towered over anything the British would build for the next half-decade or so.
 * That being said, the ship was also ladened with issues, such as poor handling and the likes.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1705 to be used in the next Sovereign of the Seas

Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth| Riųpublika Avarmadok Volhùmadùn

 * Government: de facto Elective Monarchy, de jure Absolute Monarchy
 * King:
 * Yohan III Klessiviu (b.1646) (r.1679-1705)
 * INTERREX: Vilhèlm Klessiviu (b.1648) (r.1705)
 * KING-ELECT:François Louis de Bourbon (b.1676) (---)
 * Caste System: Note: Caste names are given in the plural of the native Avar term.
 * Magnasès|Magnates: The Magnasès, called Magnaty in Vedenan, are the highest-ranking caste of Avaro-Vedena. Traditionally, they were nobles powerful enough to own estates encompassing entire towns. By the early 17th century, the Magnasé began to be classified as a separate caste due to them gaining rights not held by the lower nobility and their predominance over Avaro-Vedena political machinery. Due to their importance, the Magnasé do not have the right of alienation of their lands.
 * Beges|Nobility: The Beges, called Kivis in Vedenan, are the noble estate of Avaro-Vedena. They are defined by their possession of noble titles and symbols of investiture, their right to participate in local electorates, and their obligation to serve in the military. Otherwise, they are indistinguishable from the Bures. Indeed, some Beges do not even own land and must make a living leasing from their more wealthy peers. Compared to nobility elsewhere, the Beges are massive in size, comprising nearly 1/6th of the population of the Avaro-Vedenan-Commonwealth. This is the result of Avar succession practices which stipulate that all sons and daughters of a noble from a patrilineal like inherit their title, and the historical willingness of Vedenan monarchs to bestow the title of 'noble' upon their subjects.
 * Bures|Commoners: The Bures, called Plebe in Vedenan, make up the majority of the Avaro-Vedenan population. They correspond roughly to the Third Estate in traditional European social hierarchy. Under the broad term ‘Bures’ there are a variety of more specific social subclasses, which are described in detail below.
 * Bulgáres:  The Bulgáres are land-owning commoners roughly equivalent to Burghers and gentry outside of the AVC. In recent times, many have begun to own folwarks, exceeding much of the nobility in power. As such, there have been calls to either curb the power of the nobles, or grant the Bulgáres the same legal rights.
 * Yutasnaviks: The Yutasnaviks are a social class unique to Avaro-Vedena. They are landless commoners who are not tied to landed estates, and can be thus analyzed as a class of tenants. Unlike the Lákanktas, the Yutasnaviks are under full protection of the law and have the freedom to lease and possess property. In farming, Yutasnaviks provide their own animals and tools, unlike the Daųnšas who do not own capital.
 * Daųnšas: The Daųnšas are a class of peasants tied to their lessor’s estates. They are the Avaro-Vedenan equivalent to serfs elsewhere.
 * Lákanktas|Unhoused: The Lákankta are a caste unique to Avaria, though analogous concepts do exist within the rest of the Commonwealth. They are legally unable to own land, cannot receive inheritance, and are deprived of all legal protection. Thus, anyone is legally able to persecute and murder them. Unlike the other four primary castes, the state of being a Lákankta may be received. Traditionally, becoming a Lákankta was a punishment which replaced the death penalty, though by the Early Modern Period the Lákanktas had become a separate social class at the bottom of society. The Lákanktas are kindred to Adytite untouchables.
 * Noble Clans:
 * House of Fuscinus: The House of Fuscinus was the traditional ruling family of Vedena prior to the unification of Avaria and Vedena in the 16th century. They are granted privileged status in the Commonwealth, above even that of the Magnates, and as such have vast estates across Vedena and Albarus.
 * House of Adamùciviu: The House of Adamuciviú was the ruling house of Avaria from 1390 to 1679 and is a cadet branch of the House of Fuscinus. Despite no longer being the ruling house, they still influence the politics of Avaro-Vedena greatly. Many wish to gain the favor of the Adamùviu for it garners one power and respect beyond bounds.
 * House of Klessiviu: The House of Klessivyú is a major noble house that has hereditary rule of a vast semi-autonomous territory in Northeast Avaro-Vedena. They trace their lineage back to Claes Kjær, a 16th century Svean king. They enjoy close ties with the Adamùciviu and generally oppose the Lasnin Coalition, believing an enlightened monarchy to be the best form of government for the AVC.
 * House of Pregel: The House of Pregel was the former ruling family of Altpreußen and Wießel. Following the Teutonic Order’s takeover of Wießel, the Pregel family assumed a subordinate role to the Teutonic Order as the Landmeisters of Prussia. Later, in 1453, the sitting Prussian Landmeister married his sister to King Mavlet of Avaria and rebelled against the Teutonic Knights, sparking the Thirteen Year’s War. With the signing of the Treaty of Thorn in 1466, the Pregels were placed on the throne of the newly-created Duchy of Prussia. King Mavlet then declared the female descendants of the former Landmeister’s daughter to be the Wiessel-Pregel family and gave them a fief around Danzig, thus marking the first creation of a matrilineal noble house in Avaria in five centuries. However, anti-Pregel sentiment in Avaria resulted in the Wiessel-Pregels retreating from politics and vanishing from historical records. Not long after, the True Pregel line was subsumed into the House of Kaufmann after the Duchy of Prussia formed a personal union with Vesnia. The whereabouts of the Wiessel-Pregel family is still unknown.
 * House of Marko: The House of Marko is a minor noble house residing by the Baltic Sea. Historically, the Markos were of great importance, their members consistently bringing Avaria military victories. However, by the 16th century, they were irrelevant and married into more powerful families to cling into power. The Markos took over many of the House of Šarvas' assets following the defeat of the Lasnin Coalition. They own and operate Pomeranian Atlantic Company (Avar: Atlancikù Firma Pomoraša), a company given jurisdiction over Avaro-Vedenan participation in the colonization of Meridia and West Africa.
 * Economy: The economy of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth is based largely upon agriculture, with cereals, fur, and cattle amounting to around 80% of all exports from the AVC to Western European markets. The country plays a significant role in the supply of Western Europe by the export of grain, cattle, furs, timber, linen, cannabis, ash, tar, carminic acid and amber. In turn, Avaro-Vedena is a major importer of wine, beer, luxury goods, and industrial products. In the agricultural sector, feudal plantations called Folwarks dominate. Though Folwarks are owned traditionally by the nobility, in recent times many have begun to be operated by wealthy commoners.
 * Capital: Kánsbaurg, Lutsk (Vedena)
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 12,190,000
 * Avaria: 6.22M
 * Vedena: 4.11M
 * Other Territories: 1.86M
 * Military: The military of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth consists of the two administratively separate armies of the Kingdom of Avaria and the Republic of Vedena. Due to the Avaro-Vedenan military’s lack of centralized logistical apparati, Avaro-Vedenan units are encumbered by large baggage trains. During the 16th and the 17th centuries, this disadvantage was slightly reversed with the perfection of the wagon-fort and the adoption of smaller unit sizes. There is a small standing military of around 7,000 men, paid for by the king, stationed along the unruly southern border. In times of war, it is supplemented by the Begamv Tumèn; a feudal levy of nobles, and the Misvótos Tumèn; a force of commoners recruited by military commanders during peacetime, dispatched during war, and paid following military service. Apart from the nation military of Avaro-Vedena Commonwealth, local militia (Ašnèt Fiulaka, lit. ‘Settled Guards’) and Magnate armies (Magnasanų Tumèn) are two other prominent components of the Avaro-Vedenan military, with Magnate contribution on the frontlines sometimes eclipsing that of the state military. The Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth, notably, has a tradition of staffing much of its military with foreign soldiers, many of whom later integrated into their new home. These foreign soldiers, currently, are well-represented in elite infantry and artillery divisions.
 * Total Military Size: ~230,000 (~1.9% of Population)
 * Royal Standing Army: 7,320
 * Begamv Tumèn (Feudal Levy): ~47,000 (~2.3% of nobility)
 * Misvótos Tumèn (Recruited Army): ~16,000
 * Ašnèt Fiulaka (City Militia): ~90,000
 * Magnasanų Tumèn (Magnate Army): ~68,500

The Stallion and the Stag [Broad Overview & Introduction]: On January 6th, 1700, the Lasnin Coalition surrendered. In fury, King Yohan III Klessiviu seized Silènka castle, mass-confiscated properties owned by members of the Lasnin Coalition, and declared the entire Šarvas line Látkankas - practically a death sentence. With the surrender of its last defenders, the Aristocratic Democracy the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth was once known so well for was now standing on its last legs, its continued existence into the future in peril.

For many though, this however was cause for jubilation. Proponents for an absolutist state cheered as the last vestiges of the old seemed to be torn down in front of their own two eyes. A select few noble clans, typically opposed to further expansion of kingly power, celebrated as well. Many assets once owned by the Šarvas and the Gedzimina were transfered to smaller houses the king viewed as dependable, one of them being the Markos, who now found themselves overseeing the Pomeranian Atlantic Company.

Still, for fans of the king, not all was well. The revived Order of the Ashes, lead by Vrisùrik Dulluč, the leader of a mercenary company on the side of the Lasnin Coalition, and Kazimir Fuscinus, heir apparent to the patriarch of the House of Fuscinus, began to attract Avaro-Vedenan citizens from all walks of life. In addition, starting in 1702, Yohan Klessiviu's health, never robust to begin with, began to slowly deteriorate. First it was a bout of chills, then flu, and then streaks of red in his vomit. By autumn of 1705, the ailing king was bedridden and could hardly carry out the duties of state. By December, he could hardly speak nor write. Most worrying was the fact that he had not yet chosen an heir.

In Kánsbaurg, a group of nobles convened and determined that the transfer of the throne was to be determined by election and the king's younger brother was to assume the position of interex upon Yohan III Klessiviu's death. The Duchy of Saxony and the Kingdom of France offered two candidates, Augustus III and François-Louis de Conti, the latter of whom would be elected as king. Believing the election to be fraudulent, a diplomatic crisis soon ensues between Saxony and France. The Klessivius immediately employed Fabian of Allenstein to acclimate French noble to his position as King of Avaro-Vedena.

Slowly but surely, times are changing.

EVENT CHAIN: The Lord of Lepers [1]: The Dead Speak - 1700:

In Avaria, there is a tale warriors tell their sons.

Many years ago, when the Avars still roamed the steppes north of the Black Sea under a sky achingly blue, there was a queen. Though her reign was fraught with troubles, from drought to foreign invasion, she herself by no means stood out. Just one queen among many.

One night, an old hag, draped in tasseled deerskin robes, came to her door. A shaman. Upon entrance, the shaman refused the queen's milk and meat, and instead stood up as stiff as a spear and began to speak.

That night, a prophecy was delivered.

The queen, hearing the shaman's words, immediately enlisted a scribe to carve the prophecy onto stone. When the scribe finished, the queen snatched the slab away and had both the scribe and the shaman executed, believing the prophecy to be so grievous that if left to freely disseminate, it would become a matter of national security. The queen hid it away in a vault in Pulsburg, now called Kánsbaurg, and decreed that the vault only be opened when the very fate of the Avar people was at risk.

The queen's efforts were successful. In two lifetimes the location of the vault was forgotten and tales of the prophecy deemed apocryphal. Even when the Avar people faced extermination at the hands of Sigmar III, no real effort was made to recover the prophecy, in part due to the sheer impossibility of locating the vault in which it was stored.

As all things do, that stone slab with the words of a long-dead shaman etched onto it has been lost to the sands of time, surviving only in half-remembered whispers of that night on the steppe centuries ago.

Unless...

~*~

In the center of the room there sits a statue.

At first glance, Kazimir believes it to be in the form of a human. It lays there nude, with flowing hair reaching the waist and a serene expression on her upturned face. Her eyelids are closed, lowered enough that she appears to be in deep sleep. At hip-level, inclined slightly, are a pair of alabaster hands positioned as if to receive something from ahead.

Upon further inspection though, Kazimir notes that the nails on those hands and feet resembled that of a tiger’s more than anything human. The statue’s head is crowned with a great pair of backwards-curving horns, mimicking the arc of the statue’s back. Her mouth bears the impression of fangs.

Lovatär, Kazimir thinks with a shiver crawling down his back. One of the old gods. Heyhäŋ’s baleful bride, who accompanied the Children of the Earth on their migration west.

Or so the texts go.

“We should be close now,” someone mutters. Raisa. A companion of his, brung along to decipher any ancient texts they come across. “This looks like it dates back to Khaganate times,” she continues, holding a torch to the base of the statue. From the darkness, rows of runes inscribed on a stone tablet embedded into the pedestal

emerge.

"I presume this is Old Avar. Translate," says Kazimir. Raisa kneels down and squints at the etchings. There is a slight grumble in her tone as she speaks.

"As you wish."

~*~

I, Simlunta, write this testament on behalf of Xätun Kovrat and Yadäv ''Sayris. O Gods under Earth, let our progeny know the words of the dead.''

When Heavenly Earth's neck is wrung,

With waxing years and the sins of man,

Crushing, caging, dead aiŋi shall crawl from their mother's womb.

When the daughters of Bonïrä are slaves to tyrants;

Both alien and of their own blood,

Beasts ferocious with hunger will cross the rivers.

When the winters are cold,

Colder than Asötkuran 's fiercest fury,

From a tarnished family The Tongueless Seer will be born.

There shall too be a Lord of Lepers;

He who by his tongue seduces a great troop,

And wage great war upon his brothers.

Scorching, blasting, tempting, skin of insanity.

Rejoice, for this Leper-King will devastate the sons of his own creation.

And so into a cage of iron will the whores to desting be drawn,

By the efforts of this incensed world,

While the forest's beloved wishes them farewell.

With sword drawn from the blood of dead gods,

The Tongueless Seer will master the world,

And bring an end to the agony of Horned Earth's children.

~*~

"That's all," Raisa announces, before carefully prying the tablet away from the pedestal and storing it in her bag. "A few terms - those found untranslatable - I left out. It should be intelligible enough."

Kazimir's mind, meanwhile, races at an disorientating pace. The tales are true. The prophecy is true. It all is true.The Lord of Lepers, the Tongueless Seer, peace eternal, the forest’s beloved. Threads of thought race through his mind, weaving themselves into a tapestry of realization.

“Whoever this Tongueless Seer is, she’s mine to find."

Life in Atonement:

"Which family are you from?"

It was a question Fabian received every few days. He always replied, quite curtly, that he was from 'a fallen clan', after which most people learned not to further pry. Fabian's lack of a listed surname did arouse suspicions, especially as he climbed higher and higher up the administrative ladder, but most serious inquiries were shut down by the Klessiviu family. If the Klessivius, the saviors of Avaria, trusted Fabian, then what was there to fear?

Fabian supposed that in keeping his provenance unknown, he was neither lying nor telling the truth. To him though, survival was the law of the land. Living in the shades of grey between truth and falsehood was nothing to fret over. If it were revealed that Fabian - Fabian the statesman, Fabian the official - was the last man alive to hear the Pregel name, he'd surely be expelled from his post and sent to rot in a jail cell deep underground Kánsbaurg. The Pregels were not just any noble clan, no, they were the former rulers of Altpreußen, the perpetrators of the Avar Genocide, whose name was equally feared and revolved across Eastern Europe.

Since leaving home for the frontlines in 1699, Fabian had not seen or heard from home. During his free time, with the powers his position entailed, he scoured through records searching for any mention of his family. As far as he could tell, his parents were at best missing, captured by Lasnin forces during their raid on Allenstein, or, at worst, dead; either unceremoniously executed or left to starve. As for his younger sister, Aumsel, she seemed to have simply disappeared off the face of the earth, but Fabian had the slightest hunch that she was still alive, having changed her surname to evade capture.

Some mornings, Fabian thought of his sister and considered treading the same path. Abandoning his office, changing his surname, and living out the rest of his days as a commoner would save him a thousand wounds and a million tears. It, logically, was the best course of action.

If he abandoned ministerial life though, who would there be to redeem and carry on the Pregel name? Who would there be to bring Avaria peace and prosperity?

No one. Absolutely no one.

And so Fabian toiled, day after day.

~*~

"Sit down, sit down," Mešaván says, sliding a mug of coffee across the desk. "Make yourself at ease, friend. How did your interview with Vrisùrik go?"

"Exactly as advertised," Fabian sighs, taking a seat and taking a sip of coffee. "He's a loon, through and through. Need I say more?"

Mešaván chuckles; a deep, earthy sound. Though he is Fabian's senior by only two years, there is a warm dullness in his eyes which gives the impression that he is much older than he is.

“Now, we meet here not for pleasure, friend. Do you know of the King-Elect?”

“Oh, the Frenchman?” Fabian says with a raise of his eyebrow. “Mešaván, how wouldn’t I know of him? My colleagues complain about him every damn day. They’ve all gone off the deep end.”

“I suppose then, friend,” Mešaván muses, “You’ve heard all the hearsay, then? That’s he’s a cinaedus, a libertine, many foul things.”

“That and many things more,” Fabian grimly remarks. “So, what about him?”

“Let me be blunt. I will not mince my words. You are to be his primary advisor, friend. This has already been decided.”

“Wait, wait wait wait. What?”

EVENT CHAIN: Untethered [1]: Who You Pretend I am:

Every night, Kyria told herself the same story.

~*~

''Once upon a time there was a king with many children, nieces, and nephews. With his life he was content.''

''One night, the queen announced that she was pregnant with a girl. The king was overjoyed and prepared a grand celebration to commemorate the birth of yet another child.''

But alas, all was not as one might have hoped.

The child was no more than a mousling.

''There was no celebration. No announcements were made. The king sent all the cooks, the musicians, the poets, and the artisans he hired back to their hometowns.''

''The queen was consumed by shame. One of her children was nothing more than a rodent. She would never sparkle, radiant and blessed, how the members of the royal family were expected to.''

''The children grew and the mouseling as well. She was clever, always keeping her whiskers clean, and was well-admired for her intelligence among her peers. She befriended the castle rodents and the king's subjects equally.''

''Still, she disgusted both the king and queen. As soon as the mouseling was able, his father set her on her feet, gave him a small satchel in which she placed a blueberry and some nuts, and set her off to complete his errands, hoping that in so doing she would perish.''

''But she returned. No matter the task, she always came home, knocking on the castle door. She was naïve then, still believing that there was a place for her in her father's heart, despite the whole world screaming otherwise. ''

''Eventually, she grew up and left her home for good. The mousling had seen enough for courtly life to know that should she had stayed home, she would have remained a pariah in her own family, an endless wellspring of humiliation to her mother and anyone who knew her.''

As the mouseling walked into the great, wide, world beneath a sky achingly blue, she did not even look back at the castle that she had once called home.

Now, she was free to go forth and make a name for herself outside the walls of her castle, her prison.

Perhaps,

Like she had done many times before,

She'd come home one day

And burn that

Fucking

Palace

To the ground.

~*~

Aumsel was a strange woman, in ways both tangible and abstract.

The first thing most people would notice, and indeed, the first thing Kyria noticed, would be the foot-long antelope horn hanging at her waist, encrusted with nails and bolts and incised lengthwise with rows of heraldic motifs. Kyria inferred it to be an antique, an heirloom of sorts. At its end was a stout column of text which Kyria never quite found the opportunity to read. Kyria had considered inquiring after Aumsel's relic more times than she could count on her fingers, but the courage to approach her always drifted out of reach, tantalizingly close but never truly there. Around Aumsel, Kyria was always skittish, nervous, pathetic.

Perhaps that was the abstract, the unquantifiable.

Well, no, not entirely.

Kyria was well aware that she had a fervent, itching, attraction towards Aumsel. Hell, Aumsel, keen as she was, probably knew of it. She had long given up trying to deny it. Nonetheless, she had no intention of advancing their relationship further. The very task was impossibly daunting. Still, very often was she overcome with the urge to just confess, to let spill all of her feelings and see where the winds would bring her heart.

Perhaps it’d do Kyria well to list the ways Aumsel captivated her.

Aumsel spoke with more than just her voice. The soothing coolness of balms applied and the stirrings of her hands adjusting her grass-green cap - that was Aumsel's secret language, unspoken yet still wholly understood. With each upward stretch, with every gaze into the underbrush, she reassured Kyria of her being. You're fine, I don't judge, she seemed to say. ''It's fine. There's no one here but me''.

Perhaps this was an invention of Kyria's loneliness, a black cloud which had  followed her for as long as she could remember. But her feelings were real, undeniably real, and that's all that really mattered, right? She couldn't deny them, she couldn't rid herself of them, all that she could do was live with them.

There were times though that Kyria swore that her feelings were not just unfeigned, but also mutual. When Kyria had insisted that the two stay together, living off the land in the forests of Pomerania, Aumsel was quick to agree despite her having all the reason to refuse, almost as if she were desperate, longing. When Kyria occasionally saw Aumsel throw knowing glances her way, while trapping or hunting, Kyria was certain, painfully certain, that her pining was mutual, even if just for a few moments.

And then she took a step back and convinced herself otherwise.

But above all, Aumsel felt, deeply, intimately, familiar. When Aumsel told Kyria passed-down tales of heroes long-dead and spoke of the forest's bounties and their many uses, she instinctively recognized Aumsel's words, though she was sure she had never heard them before. When Kyria found herself staring at Aumsel - her back arched like a bridge over a stream, her hands both calloused and gentle - it was a familiar sight, like Kyria was running hands over stones she was born clutching. Speaking to her felt like a joy she was meant for. It was right and completing, as if she was remembering conversations had years ago, rather than having them for the first time. This déjà vu, this hippocampal vertigo, latched tightly to Kyria's psyche, and she, try as she might, could not pry it off.

Aumsel, somehow, anyhow, made a mess of Kyria.

And she wasn't quite sure whether she loved or hated it.

~*~

As the sun takes its leave, ushering in the blue of dusk, Kyria limps to camp, clutching a gash on her arm.

Aumsel, as always, notices immediately.

"It's late," she observes, as she treads. "And here I was wondering where you were. In this bag here I ha-"

"I mean, it's really no big deal," Kyria interrupts. "My leg'll be fine by tomorrow, I insist."

Before Kyria could respond, Aumsel has already grabbed her by the arm. A shock shoots up Kyria's spine.

"Here, here," Aumsel intones, her tone becoming softer, fainter. With a wag of the finger she beckons Kyria to sit down on a rock nearby. "I'll tell you a story."

“Isn’t it dark though? Can you see?”

“For someone who can hardly walk five paces you’re quite ballsy.”

“No, I mea-”

Aumsel grabs both Kyria’s shoulders and pushes her to arm’s length. Kyria falls silent, unresisting, as she tries to avert her gaze.

“You are injured. I am not. Anyhow - should I begin?”

Kyria nods.

“Not long ago there was a maiden,” Aumsel starts, “who was friends with a young warrior. The two had met while swimming in the same lake. The young warrior was vivacious, energetic, extroverted; all considered her to be a friend to all. The young maiden, on the other hand, was quiet and laughed rarely. Most ignored her. Still, the young warrior held the maiden close to her heart, and for that the maiden was forever grateful.”

As Aumsel says this she reaches for her gauze and bandages, having finished rubbing ointments into Kyria’s legs. She stops to give Kyria a stroke on the head.

“Well, one day, the young warrior had to go off to war, at the behest of his local lord. The maiden and the warrior exchanged sprigs of rosemary, which was said to retain memory, to each other, as souvenirs of their time together.”

“When the young warrior returned though, the maiden was scarcely able to recognize her. Their conversations were terse and awkward. The maiden even suspected that the young warrior had no recollection of her. Eventually, the young warrior was forced to fight in a war far away, and the maiden did not wish her goodbye. The warrior did not return for the harvest. Now, every day, the maiden sits on a bridge, looking over the river where she and the warrior met, and plays the harmonica to the wind.”

As Aumsel finishes bandaging up Kyria and telling her tale there is silence in the air.

“That’s all?” Kyria asks.

“That’s all.”

“Tragic.”

“Tragic indeed,” Aumsel agrees.

“Rather sapphic, dontcha think?”

“Maybe. It’s up to your interpretation.”

Everything seems so real, Kyria thinks. There is a deep vividness to the night. Here is the camp and within it the tent, the sky sweeping ahead like a tarp stretched taut. Here the eggshell moon cloistered behind the singing trees, so woundedly bright. Here is Aumsel, her eyes now aimed downwards and half-closed, her hands swift as they organize medical supplies arrayed out on the soil. She’s just so, painfully beautiful, Kyria thinks. She is beautiful as the babbling brook in the summer, beautiful as rays of sunlight refracted through clustered ways, beautiful in a way both intimate yet alien. Kyria reflects back to all the times Aumsel could have left her for somewhere else, but never did. Aumsel chose me, some part of her whispers, and just for a moment Kyria finds bliss in knowing that Aumsel may love her just as she loves Aumsel.

"Ah, so on that note, you're... very special to me. You know, it'd be nice if I had met you earlier," Kyria finally admits after a long silence, running a finger through her hair.

Aumsel freezes. A single teardrop, bloated like a tick, crawls down her cheek.

Was she happy? Was a tearful confession to come?

No, no. Aumsel strikes Kyria as rusted, tired. Her face is worn, like the edges of fraying cloth. Something must’ve clicked in Aumsel’s mind, and whatever it was, it must’ve broken her.

Kyria’s blood runs cold.

Is there something that Aumsel knew about Kyria that she herself did not?

Royaume de France | Reialme d’França | Frañs-Rouantelezh | Kingdom of France
(All names in modern French)

General Information
 * Demographics
 * Population & Distribution
 * Population estimate (1675): 21.4 million
 * Distribution (by Parlement) (1675):
 * Auvernhe: 9%
 * Arpitania: 4%
 * Aquitania: 6%
 * Belgium: 2%
 * Bretagne: 9%
 * Bordeaux: 10%
 * Ile-de-France: 26%
 * Lengadoc: 9%
 * Lorraine: 3%
 * Picardy: 5%
 * Provenca: 7%
 * Normandy: 6%
 * Orleans: 4%
 * Distribution (by urban region) (1675):
 * Urban regions in excess of 10,000 people: 12%
 * Urban regions of 1,000 - 9,999 people: 21%
 * Rural townships and communes: 67%
 * Ethnolinguistic demography (to be completed)
 * Ethnicities:
 * Anglican: The descendants of long and continuous English rule in the West, the Anglican (or Reliquae) ethnicity dominates the Western and Northeast coasts of the French Kingdom. To describe them as literal Englishmen would be an insult - there were no shortage of Englishmen left behind during the Great Exodus of 1468, but the Anglicans are not English - just heavily influenced by them. They are closer related to the remnants of the Western Roman Empire than any Briton, and are descended from Roman-Celtic contact in the mid-400s. As of 1675, they play host to the remaining Protestant denominations of France and retain a distinct language known as Albionic Frankish, a distinct mix of Breton, Albionite and French; the myriad culture they possess makes a mark in its own theatres, its own entertainment, and in the records they keep that will let the world know of them long after they are gone.
 * Albionic: The remaining Albionites of France are almost entirely new settlers in the Northeastern port cities or descendants of the Great Exodus of 1468. Most of them speak Standardised English and French, while retaining strong ties in their rather insular communities and towards Albion itself. They are, however, almost exclusively Catholic, having retained the religion from before the Church of England’s split from the Catholic Church, and side rather strongly on religious matters with the French fundamentalists.
 * Berber: Berbers emigrated North from their homelands in North Africa during the late Roman era but have since steadily settled throughout the Western Mediterrenean. The vast majority are influential merchants or have assimilated into southern Occitan society; many of whom taking up strong Catholic traditions or carrying along traditional Berber religion to France.
 * Breton: The Bretons trace their origins to Briton migration to France during Roman rule, and they remember Rome the most fondly of the various ethnic groups of France - a time before the in-and-out of a veritable factory line of conquerors. This has led to the Breton culture emphasising a practically isolationist sense of community, and its position as one of the foremost stewards of the Catholic Church at a time when Rome’s power wanes with every passing moment. Despite their lack of common origin, they are also arguably the friendliest group in France to the Occitans for that exact reason, both joined in their mutual stewardship of Catholicism as of 1675. This aspect often sways them in favour of their Occitan brethren down south.
 * Dutch:
 * French:
 * Germanic:
 * Occitan:
 * Valcan:
 * Religion
 * Catholicism
 * French Protestantism
 * Occitan Catholicism

Broad Overview

Louis XV stood tall over an empire that he felt he had practically no real control over. Even his uncle Philippe, in war-torn Iberia, seemed more a King than Louis was in every way; at least, with foreign relations secured, there was no threat of Dutch or Holy Roman intervention in France’s affairs. Internal affairs, however, were a different matter altogether.

Occitania was on the loose, now more literally than ever. Its dogged pursuit of splitting from the Roman Catholic Church was dangerously endangering France’s position in the European theologic sphere and and when the Cardinal of Montpellier outright called the Pope a ‘heretic in regal robes’ he was done with it. Furious, he outright ordered the Cardinal exiled for his behaviour; the Cardinal stayed in Montpellier, making him look like the laughing stock of Europe. When Albionite diplomatic relations with the Count of Lengadoc became known Louis turned into an even larger laughing-stock, one that literally couldn’t control his own core territories; even small diplomatic victories could not save his reputation.

Infuriated, he fully dipped his ring into the succession crisis quickly enveloping the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth, plunging royal resources into another foreign war. In Iberia, Philippe had secured the loyalty of most of House Castille, ensuring that France’s main goals in Iberia were certainly complete - but the merchants were still up in arms. Philippe was also a… particularly poor general, and at the Battle of Grenada (1702) he in his infinite wisdom allowed for the collapse of most allied forces into a small corridor out of the city which enabled devastating losses. It didn’t help that the man opposing them, a man identifying himself as ‘Afonso III’, had none of Philippe’s flaws (if none of his advantages, too,) and was able to quickly secure territories lining the primary Southern road to Lisbon.

In the winter of 1702, he recouped his losses and sued for an aggrieved peace where the merchants would be given everything they wanted; but the factions opposing him had most certainly grown. Louis XV was furious that he had done this, hoping to exact some level of control over the wayward, ailing state, but Philippe had other ideas - he asked that Louis XV follow through on his father’s policies, specifically the one he had created to permit homosexuality as long as Philippe was cooperative. XV, infuriated and wishing to send a message to him, on top of facing challenges by French Catholics outraged at the visibility of queer persons in France, promptly proceeded to repeal the law outright and then order royal police to arrest anyone on suspicion of being homosexual.

The King of Iberia was so outraged by this he instead proceeded to the Occitan Parlementary bloc and offered them something that few others had: recognition as a separate if not necessarily sovereign state. This, obviously, ran the risk of ruining France’s hand over the southern state, but Philippe was far more concerned with being able to survive his civil war than the rotten hand of his brother’s son. And the math seemed obvious. Not only could the Occitans whack a far stronger army than the current motley Agoustan force he faced, but his association with France had very nearly cost him his popularity when French forces promptly attempted to disarm Castillian ones; and so, for the first time, there was a definition of Occitania, the state.

Bounded by the Bay of Biscay and the Alps, this new ‘State of Occitania’ was claimed to have an autonomous government (the Parlements and counts), a distinct mix of brotherly cultures (the Catalan, Valken, and Occitan cultures), and a military (the Parlementary militia). And it also so thoroughly outraged King Louis that he formally issued a protest to Philippe to end that recognition of this new State - but the new supposed leader of this new state, Duke and now Duchess of Lengadoc following his death, Maria de Lengadoc, then proceeded to send Louis the practical equivalent of a ‘fuck you’ letter.

At the same time, the Archbishop of Montpellier passed away, leaving a critical religious position open for grabs. The obvious replacement, his favoured one too, was a seasoned priest who had faithfully served under him for some years; but neither Louis nor Lengadoc wanted the bastard in the job. Louis sponsored Pau de Cazalet, a Bordeaux-born boy with just enough popularity to be able to eke his way through the meeting of the Occitan clergy; Maria decided to go for the long shot. Instead, she sponsored Fleur de Benoit, Jean-Luc Francois’ pet saint, and then asked for the election of the new Archbishop to move ahead faster - ensuring that it would primarily be Southernmost clergy voting. Fleur, viewed favourably as a saint in urban areas of the sort where Francois paraded his campaign, barely eked out a victory against the obvious man. De Cazalet was relegated to the periphery.

In a shocking move for both Maria and Louis, Fleur immediately then abdicated the position - and passed it to a comparatively unknown girl by the name of Saissa Foucault, a third-generation Berber-Occitan. This was entirely permissible, since elections had only specified someone of de Benoit’s will; and thus a random nobody became the Archbishop of Montpellier. Unexpectedly, Foucault served extremely popularly in her position by immediately denouncing Rome and Paris, before calling the Occitan clergy to vote to entirely break away from Rome - a plan that de Lengadoc had already kept in mind, but had not initially intended to carry out without Iberian support.

Nonetheless, the plan was just popular enough it led to the 1704 Occitan Split, where Occitania established a rival church to the Roman Catholic Church - leading to France’s excommunication - and the beginning of the Originalist movement. Thankfully for a certain François-Louis, it did nothing to crimp his ambitions for the Avaro-Vedenan throne - but it did entirely crimp France’s relations with a certain Kingdom in the Holy Roman Empire. Saxony was outraged at his contest for the position, demanding that he immediately cease - Emperor Ludwig of the H.R.E demanded their accession, but they promptly ignored him and declared war not on France, not on its government, but François-Louis. A small coalition force of Saxonian and Magdeburgite troops then proceeded into France with the goal of seizing François-Louis; this instead resulted in the Franco-Saxonian War of 1704.

And then? Things were changing quickly. Industrialisation was beginning to grip France and its colonial thirst was turning harder to ignore, the slowly-growing cotton and textile industries driven by the spread of wider mechanisation and the Breton Indian trade. This was the beginning of a new era for France - and the beginning of the end for the Ancien Regime.

Turn XXII: 1705-1710
LINK TO MAP

Mod Events

 * The Boy Who Loved Clocks - [6]: Artturi was now positively the most powerful man in Keisaria. It didn't much matter, the opinions of others; the man essentially ruled as a dictator, a small group of technocrats following him around. On the outside it looked like Artturi was a man of immense charisma and strength, ruling by sheer force, and issuing cold, modernist decrees from his palace in Merya without a care in the world. In reality? Artturi was possibly the mildest man in Merya. His advisors were the real force behind the government - the forced purges of old elements of the Regent's former line, moves to attempt to subjugate the Adytite Empire in full for Keisaria. The only thing Artturi ever truly took any interest in was playing the fool, as if he had no real control. "It is the most effective form of politics', he remarked, 'to be the one person everyone is terrified and admirative of." On the edge came yet another new issue. The topic of the Svean Inkeri. Most of them had formerly been Keisarian, living in their lands until a humiliating defeat over a hundred years ago. And Artturi had adopted a new title - 'protector of the Inkeri' - compelling him to discuss the issue with the Svean King. So while he approved another advisor's plans to begin the building of large factories, he was forced to start diplomatic negotiations with the Sveans, culminating in an incident along the rough border between the two states known as Bloody Friday: Svean and Keisarian troops exchanging fire when the negotiations fell through. Artturi was a bit perturbed. His rule had lasted for just ten years now, and he was already to enter a war? Where would Keisaria even gain the strength to fight from? Modernisation had most certainly not taken real fruit, and even his private Royal corp were incapable of putting a real fight against the army of Svearike into the picture. If he entered the war, it would be a devastating failure - and there would be nothing he could do about it. He'd be executed in weeks. Publicly, however, he had to pretend to have the gracious enthusiasm of a real dictat. "We will burn every banner that threatens our strength," he more famously remarked in 1708, "And we will celebrate on their corpses with wine!" Alcohol. That was the thing he had really liked. The Regent had had a few good ideas, after all; one was establishing a strong royal hold on the alcoholic trade. It hadn't taken much with the significant royal finances to quickly buy up distilleries, and if he simply turned traditional wine recipes into heavily alcoholic beverages he'd be able to substitute their main ingredients for things as menial as potatoes, making expansion far easier, and he used the connections of the state to encourage consumption of this new variant of traditional Keisarian wine. But it also meant he had to deal with a growing force in the south he had tried to ignore. The Bonrics were viewed as the second-class citizens of Keisaria - not as low as a 'barbaric Easterner', but most certainly not in their eyes human. Yet they controlled the primary potato-producing regions of Keisaria, and were possibly the only people in Keisaria that were still producing significant surpluses. So he moved to work with several Bonric leaders on creating a stable mechanism whereupon he would purchase the surplus at a bargain price - in exchange for looking the other way at Bonric mobilisation and militiae, which had become a stronger force as Inkeri moved south, forced south by both war and the instable conditions of Keisaria's hinterlands. As if it were not an issue already, Artturi soon found that the alcohol was so effective that it actually made calls for war stronger. It had just been small calls at first but the Keisarian nationalist movement had begun seeping through and suddenly spread with the new customs of 'revived masculinity', so thoroughly that serfs, peasants, lords, craftsmen, even the bloody guilds, supported war. With his advisors' hopes for modernisation coasting on many of those political forces' support or indifference, he further encouraged even more anti-Svean sentiment throughout the country; and as war approached, he began privately preparing a plan future historians would know as the 'Great Flight'.
 * The August Departs (1705): Honourable and just Hersker Henrietta was, time caught up to her, as with everyone. While she has suffered from chronic colds for decades, it was only in the recent past that her symptoms seemed to have worsened, as she started experiencing constant coughs, fatigues and fevers, a severe occurence of which nearly took her life. However, whenever they happened, she would brush it off as nothing. Then, grave news arrived. Henrietta has been diagnosed with pneumonia. And quite a severe bout, at that. At the rate her health was deteriorating, court physicians estimated that she had about a month or two left. It looked as if it was time to settle whatever unfinished business she still had. That meant leaving her will and testament. And when that was done, there was one more thing on her mind. Out of the blue, she invited her brother, the aging King of Svearike Oskar, to an impromptu meeting. While his retinue did not clear him to go, he overpowered their decision anyway, setting off to Visby. It was only the two of them, enjoying tea and one another's company in Henrietta's Gotland estate as the siblings recounted their rivalry and reigns. It must have been liberating for the two to be able to interact like brother and sister and not as bitter rivals. Then, she revealed the extent of her illness to Oskar, who, upon hearing the news, was distraught. The next few days were spent making up for lost time, and despite her pneumonia her brother did not care about the risks it posed to him. At the end of it, Oskar remarked that Henrietta "has indeed truly eclipsed him", a comment she couldn't be happier to hear. Three weeks later, Hersker Henrietta succumbed to her illness. In the wake of the event, the Storforsamling declared a week of realm-wide mourning, effective immediately, and as a gesture of respect, posthumously bestowed her the name Augusta (meaning "great", "majestic" or "venerable). Crown Princess Iris, her executor and heir to the throne, was responsible for the fulfillment of her will. This saw Henrietta's personal wealth divided between her sole child, the Crown Princess (as the Consort Regent passed away early and the Hersker opted not to remarry), members of the Great Assembly, and the inhabitants of Gotland. Her estate in Visby was, as per her wish, converted to a public park and opened to the people and her remains, after a formal funeral, was transported to a small, circular structure within the estate, which would later be dubbed the Mausoleum of Henrietta by later generations. Lastly, the Great Assembly affirmed Iris as the successor to the throne, and crowned her Hersker, marking the end to one of the most celebrated reigns in Vestkyst's history. And with that, Henrietta Augusta's story came to a close. Iris' reign would be the continuation of a prosperous era, made possible by the policies and edicts of her predecessor, but what entailed was a story for another time.
 * The Grand Winter: In the winter of 1708/09, as part of the Little Ice Age, a period of extraordinary cold winter occured in Europe, becoming the coldest season in recent history. The frost happened during time of low sunspot activity, and temperatures were measured as low as −12 °C in London and −15 °C elsewhere in Europe. Anecdoctal events include frozen livestocks, frozen lakes and rivers, sailors dying from cold, wheat crop, and bread froze so hard an axe is needed to cut it. France was one of the most hard-hit regions during this cold spell, inducing widespread crop failure, though other regions also suffered. In the words of Albionite scientist William Derham, "I believe the Frost was greater (if not more universal also) than any other within the Memory of Man."
 * The Succession War: Ironically, for a period known as the Wars of the Spanish Succession, the handover of titles was in fact relatively war-free. Riots were common, often a result of guild agitation against the idea of French merchants moving in to disrupt their trade; the result of this were the methodry laws, where state cooperated with guild to restrict the methods of agriculture, a direct attack on French merchants attempting to make headway in the country. But the most important issue was that by and large, Philippe was well-loved. A genuine populist by every measure, he was viewed as the statesman of Europe, competing with Artturi of Keisaria for that title. And that was extremely devastating to Agoustan seperatists, whom with extensive Albionite backing were still being forced to defend territory far apart and scattered. This was about to change in their favour. Philippe first blundered, deliberately splitting apart elements of the House of Castille and therefore disgruntling a large section of his own political base; and even more than that, his supposed cooperation between guild, company and state was in reality a farce built on nothing more than legalese that didn't really matter on the ground. But the biggest mistake he ever made was promising Iberian support for Occitania - which split Iberia from the Catholic Church and made Philippe look like a literal heretic to one of the places in Europe with numerous avid followers of Rome. This pushed the Iberian Catholic Church to the side of the Agoustans, whom along with numerous privateers and capitalists started a renewed war in 1709 to seperate Agousta from Hispania.
 * Kölnisch Wasser: Originally produced in Köln, a Free City, in 1709, by an Italian perfume maker, described as "a fragrance that reminds me of an Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain". The Eau de Cologne was used as a perfume and delivered to most royal houses within the Holy Roman Empire and the rest of Europe, as the high cost of it makes the perfume difficult to attain by a normal person. The original manufacturer's ability to produce a constantly homogeneous fragrance consisting of dozens of monoessences was seen as a sensation at the time.(edited)
 * Great Nippon Calamities: On October 28, 1707, a great earthquake struck central Nihon, most affected of all Osaka, becoming the strongest in Japanese history so far. With a magnitude of 8.6 or 8.7 Mw, it caused destructive tsunamis and caused more than 5000 deaths and injuries. The same quake may have triggered the eruption of Mount Fuji less than two months later, making "cinder and ash that fell like rain"
 * A Silent Force: Further riots in Iberia are barely quelled by a series of sudden concessions made by Philippe I, including essentially carving new houses out of the House of Agousta and the House of Castille. The strange settlement soon because apparent as Philippe was seen with a new advisor in private: a strange man by the name of Clement. Rumours of the man's apparent reach into Iberian politics spread, and soon Philippe is forced to relinquish his advisor entirely, expelling him West - to the New World. Clement's influence over Philippe is strange. He is not someone like Jean-Luc Francois, he is not a politician; but most certainly, his influence is political. Legends spread of his apparent hand in causing Philippe to play to being King of Iberia more than a puppet French king, and the reputation he begins to gain is as a nefarious force, dangerously manipulating European politics in the vein of a master puppeteer.

NPC Events

 * Butwe: They finally reach an agreement with Mwenemutapa after the conquest of the Empire’s old gold-producing regions, establishing a monopoly on the gold and iron trades. In exchange, the Butwe Confederacy agrees to a defence pact with Mwenemutapa, whereupon they defend one another from mutual external threat, primarily from the South or the Sea - birthing the 1706 Butwe-Mutapan Accord. It also gives birth to a tenous peace, but one which gives credence to the ruling Torwa Dynasty in its efforst to firmly establish the state as the resource entrepot of the region, giving it enormous economic and political advantage over other states in the region.
 * Republic of Pirates: Raids by Hispanian ships has left several islands, mainly places like New Providence, vulnerable to attack due to their defenses being constantly damages. This causes disorder among the colony, and things there got became a bit chaotic. This chaos soon was filled by a power vaccum; pirates. On 1706, former privateers (pirates) and disgruntled sailors has found the island to be a safe haven for questionable activities and formed the Republic of Pirates.

Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth| Riųpublika Avarmadok Volhùmadùn

 * Government: de facto Elective Monarchy, de jure Absolute Monarchy
 * King:
 * Yohan III Klessiviu (b.1646) (r.1679-1705)
 * INTERREX: Vilhèlm Klessiviu (b.1648) (r.1705)
 * François Louis de Bourbon (b.1676) (r.1706-)
 * Caste System: Note: Caste names are given in the plural of the native Avar term.
 * Magnasès|Magnates: The Magnasès, called Magnaty in Vedenan, are the highest-ranking caste of Avaro-Vedena. Traditionally, they were nobles powerful enough to own estates encompassing entire towns. By the early 17th century, the Magnasé began to be classified as a separate caste due to them gaining rights not held by the lower nobility and their predominance over Avaro-Vedena political machinery. Due to their importance, the Magnasé do not have the right of alienation of their lands.
 * Beges|Nobility: The Beges, called Kivis in Vedenan, are the noble estate of Avaro-Vedena. They are defined by their possession of noble titles and symbols of investiture, their right to participate in local electorates, and their obligation to serve in the military. Otherwise, they are indistinguishable from the Bures. Indeed, some Beges do not even own land and must make a living leasing from their more wealthy peers. Compared to nobility elsewhere, the Beges are massive in size, comprising nearly 1/6th of the population of the Avaro-Vedenan-Commonwealth. This is the result of Avar succession practices which stipulate that all sons and daughters of a noble from a patrilineal like inherit their title, and the historical willingness of Vedenan monarchs to bestow the title of 'noble' upon their subjects.
 * Bures|Commoners: The Bures, called Plebe in Vedenan, make up the majority of the Avaro-Vedenan population. They correspond roughly to the Third Estate in traditional European social hierarchy. Under the broad term ‘Bures’ there are a variety of more specific social subclasses, which are described in detail below.
 * Bulgáres:  The Bulgáres are land-owning commoners roughly equivalent to Burghers and gentry outside of the AVC. In recent times, many have begun to own folwarks, exceeding much of the nobility in power. As such, there have been calls to either curb the power of the nobles, or grant the Bulgáres the same legal rights.
 * Yutasnaviks: The Yutasnaviks are a social class unique to Avaro-Vedena. They are landless commoners who are not tied to landed estates, and can be thus analyzed as a class of tenants. Unlike the Lákanktas, the Yutasnaviks are under full protection of the law and have the freedom to lease and possess property. In farming, Yutasnaviks provide their own animals and tools, unlike the Daųnšas who do not own capital.
 * Daųnšas: The Daųnšas are a class of peasants tied to their lessor’s estates. They are the Avaro-Vedenan equivalent to serfs elsewhere.
 * Lákanktas|Unhoused: The Lákankta are a caste unique to Avaria, though analogous concepts do exist within the rest of the Commonwealth. They are legally unable to own land, cannot receive inheritance, and are deprived of all legal protection. Thus, anyone is legally able to persecute and murder them. Unlike the other four primary castes, the state of being a Lákankta may be received. Traditionally, becoming a Lákankta was a punishment which replaced the death penalty, though by the Early Modern Period the Lákanktas had become a separate social class at the bottom of society. The Lákanktas are kindred to Adytite untouchables.
 * Noble Clans:
 * House of Fuscinus: The House of Fuscinus was the traditional ruling family of Vedena prior to the unification of Avaria and Vedena in the 16th century. They are granted privileged status in the Commonwealth, above even that of the Magnates, and as such have vast estates across Vedena and Albarus.
 * House of Adamùciviu: The House of Adamuciviú was the ruling house of Avaria from 1390 to 1679 and is a cadet branch of the House of Fuscinus. Despite no longer being the ruling house, they still influence the politics of Avaro-Vedena greatly. Many wish to gain the favor of the Adamùviu for it garners one power and respect beyond bounds.
 * House of Klessiviu: The House of Klessivyú is a major noble house that has hereditary rule of a vast semi-autonomous territory in Northeast Avaro-Vedena. They trace their lineage back to Claes Kjær, a 16th century Svean king. They enjoy close ties with the Adamùciviu and generally oppose the Lasnin Coalition, believing an enlightened monarchy to be the best form of government for the AVC.
 * House of Pregel: The House of Pregel was the former ruling family of Altpreußen and Wießel. Following the Teutonic Order’s takeover of Wießel, the Pregel family assumed a subordinate role to the Teutonic Order as the Landmeisters of Prussia. Later, in 1453, the sitting Prussian Landmeister married his sister to King Mavlet of Avaria and rebelled against the Teutonic Knights, sparking the Thirteen Year’s War. With the signing of the Treaty of Thorn in 1466, the Pregels were placed on the throne of the newly-created Duchy of Prussia. King Mavlet then declared the female descendants of the former Landmeister’s daughter to be the Wiessel-Pregel family and gave them a fief around Danzig, thus marking the first creation of a matrilineal noble house in Avaria in five centuries. However, anti-Pregel sentiment in Avaria resulted in the Wiessel-Pregels retreating from politics and vanishing from historical records. Not long after, the True Pregel line was subsumed into the House of Kaufmann after the Duchy of Prussia formed a personal union with Vesnia. The whereabouts of the Wiessel-Pregel family is still unknown.
 * House of Marko: The House of Marko is a minor noble house residing by the Baltic Sea. Historically, the Markos were of great importance, their members consistently bringing Avaria military victories. However, by the 16th century, they were irrelevant and married into more powerful families to cling into power. The Markos took over many of the House of Šarvas' assets following the defeat of the Lasnin Coalition. They own and operate Pomeranian Atlantic Company (Avar: Atlancikù Firma Pomoraša), a company given jurisdiction over Avaro-Vedenan participation in the colonization of Meridia and West Africa.
 * Economy: The economy of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth is based largely upon agriculture, with cereals, fur, and cattle amounting to around 80% of all exports from the AVC to Western European markets. The country plays a significant role in the supply of Western Europe by the export of grain, cattle, furs, timber, linen, cannabis, ash, tar, carminic acid and amber. In turn, Avaro-Vedena is a major importer of wine, beer, luxury goods, and industrial products. In the agricultural sector, feudal plantations called Folwarks dominate. Though Folwarks are owned traditionally by the nobility, in recent times many have begun to be operated by wealthy commoners.
 * Capital: Kánsbaurg, Lutsk (Vedena)
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 12,190,000
 * Avaria: 6.22M
 * Vedena: 4.11M
 * Other Territories: 1.86M
 * Military: The military of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth consists of the two administratively separate armies of the Kingdom of Avaria and the Republic of Vedena. Due to the Avaro-Vedenan military’s lack of centralized logistical apparati, Avaro-Vedenan units are encumbered by large baggage trains. During the 16th and the 17th centuries, this disadvantage was slightly reversed with the perfection of the wagon-fort and the adoption of smaller unit sizes. There is a small standing military of around 7,000 men, paid for by the king, stationed along the unruly southern border. In times of war, it is supplemented by the Begamv Tumèn; a feudal levy of nobles, and the Misvótos Tumèn; a force of commoners recruited by military commanders during peacetime, dispatched during war, and paid following military service. Apart from the nation military of Avaro-Vedena Commonwealth, local militia (Ašnèt Fiulaka, lit. ‘Settled Guards’) and Magnate armies (Magnasanų Tumèn) are two other prominent components of the Avaro-Vedenan military, with Magnate contribution on the frontlines sometimes eclipsing that of the state military. The Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth, notably, has a tradition of staffing much of its military with foreign soldiers, many of whom later integrated into their new home. These foreign soldiers, currently, are well-represented in elite infantry and artillery divisions.
 * Total Military Size: ~230,000 (~1.9% of Population)
 * Royal Standing Army: 7,320
 * Begamv Tumèn (Feudal Levy): ~47,000 (~2.3% of nobility)
 * Rugsùn Tumèn (State Army): ~75,000
 * Misvótos Tumèn (Recruited Reserves): ~19,000
 * Ašnèt Fiulaka (City Militia): ~70,000

authors note: alright gamers with the 1st 2 turns done the “introduction” has finished. this turn is mostly character shit so if you’re all abt that political intrigue and shit ur gonna have to wait for next turn, but man im proud of the writing in this turn so please read. The Stallion and the Stag [Broad Overview & Introduction]: With the ascension of François-Louis de Bourbon to the Avaro-Vedenan throne, a veritable cascade of French officials entered the Commonwealth as François-Louis took the reins of government. Brushing aside his initial reluctance, François-Louis, with the aid of his advisors, made sweeping reforms during the inductive years of his reign. Many of these reforms were hardly original, having been proposed in Yohan Klessiviu’s court years prior, but for enacting them François-Louis is undoubtedly deserving of praise. In 1707, all private military forces were outlawed and the remaining magnate armies were transferred to the state. The following year, a spelling reform, thought up by Fabian of Allenstein, was enacted.

But other than that, there was little that happened during this half-decade.

A moment of calm before the storm. Interlude I - ΧΑΙΡΕ Ω ΘΑΝΑΤΕ: For All my Griefs:

Since Father left me, a wide and windless desert has followed me.

I think I have accepted it. It is my lot in life to love, to be abandoned, and to love again. Until I reunite with the earth, I will keep this truth near to my heart. I will remember that they stripped me of all I loved, that they ridded me of my mind, that they mottled my body with yellow-green bruises so horrific that even saints fled at the sight of me.

I cannot let this go. To forget my rage is to relinquish any right to recompense.

I cannot let the spirits die a second death so easily.

~*~

In the street there was a man. There were many men like himself; men who used me and taught me the way of blood as I trudged further and further westward, but he was special, implacably so. Perhaps it was his scent. I do recall him smelling of sour tobacco and firewood spoiled by rain.

Rain.

When I met him, it was raining. There was a downpour, a cascade, a biblical deluge; the rain hacked at the trees and threw itself against thatched roofs and cobblestone streets. Under darkened skies the torrent came roaring, shrieking; I could scarcely hear the man’s words over the cacophony of ten thousand beads of rain hitting the ground. But that was alright. I could understand their intention.

He turned. A smile, bent like a willow branch thrust into a stream by the rain, was on his lips.

He introduced himself as Vrisùrik.

I knew him as Uncle.

He did not take well to the name. When he heard my voice call him Uncle he screamed and yelled and threw words like daggers. I was not sure why. I do not remember much of him. Only that as so many others did, he hurt me. Things my body could not do I was forced to do. His friends, arriving with notepads and quills and speaking in hushed tones, assured me that he was a kind man, just one that could ill-afford mercy.

They were liars. He was a cruel man.

And yet, I think I remember loving him. I had tried to tempered the extremes of his passions, and had attempted to speak to him of life and its many paths. My love for him was the desperation of a serpent coiled around its nest. For my devotion, I think he may have loved me back. His love was twisted and torturous and stung like obsidian in my chest, but it was love.

I was broken. I was repaired, only to be broken again.

~*~

I’m not sure what set me off.

I was talking. To my friends. I think it's right to call them my friends. Just me, and a few others. I was talking, and then-

Bang. The door was thrown open. Uncle entered.

Uncle. He was loud. Not angry loud - something rare - but still loud.

His mouth stopped moving but he still yelled. Too loud. Too many voices talking. I coiled up into a ball but I could still hear. The din. Too loud. Too loud

The room began to spin, kaleidoscopic and disorienting. Colors, so many colors, bright and jagged like shards of stained glass, swirled about my vision. Too much. It's too much. The mahogany of the table. The floor. Blue. White. Amber. Yellow.

And then clarity. All-encompassing, divine, aching, clarity.

I will teach this world mercy and I will teach this world pain.

With clarity came voices. Perhaps they were just my thoughts expressing themselves strongly. I call them voices regardless. The voices chanted, the voices screamed, the voices led my legs forward and pushed my hand forward to grab a dagger off a shelf.

With the voices came memory. Blinding, torturous memory. I remembered accepting - first reluctantly, then graciously - the viscera that trailed down my throat like ribbons every night that Uncle so generously proffered. I remembered scars, over scars, over scars eternal, a lattice of wounds covering my body.

My blade found my target.

And then there was blood.

Blood, oh, blood, sweet, infatuating, glorious blood! How I missed blood, my old friend! The image of it splattered onto my fragile flesh had long since made itself the background to my thoughts, but blood on the skin of others, oh that was a sight I had seen in so long - too long.

I will teach this world mercy and I will teach this world pain.

This I remember clearly. I remember wedging my blade, my trusted blade, into Uncle’s abdomen and the growing mass of blood that followed. I remember thinking, telling myself, not to kill Uncle. He must know mercy. But first he must know pain.

And then all went silent.

I felt eyes on me.

And I ran.

Fly, Blackbird:

I call myself Aumsel Leverk. This year, 1710, I am twenty-six. I am many things, but above all, I am a fool.

Let me tell you my story.

~*~

When does a girl become a woman?

Thirteen, fifteen, seventeen, nineteen?

Is it when she enters puberty? When she is married? When she loses her virginity? Or is it something more abstract, like when she no longer requires validation from others to live or when she knows clearly the consequences of her actions?

For Kyria Marko, none of these answers are true.

She became a woman the day I lost her.

~*~

Nobody expected Kyria and I to become friends.

Sharing my past isn't the coolest thing in the world though, so I'll keep this brief.

I was the quiet girl, the one who spoke to the old widows more than her peers, the one who slept in the woods more days than not. There were few that tried befriending me, and fewer still that later did become my friends. Even today, more than a decade later, I can recall their names, their faces, almost everything about them. Clear in my mind are even the most ephemeral of things, like the rhythm of their gait and the way their smiles made up for those I lacked.

Of course, most left me, growing apart with the passage of years. But that was fine. I was used to people coming and going. Besides, what right do I have to demand them to stay, to tether them to myself?

Most left me, all except one.

Kyria.

I can't remember much of my introduction to her. I like it that way. It lends her a sense of permanence, like she was always there with me and would be with me forever. It's comforting.

I had first thought her too doting, obnoxious even. Strange coming from me, I know. She laughed too much, she insisted on play-sparring too much, she just did too much. I couldn't stand it. But she was always there.

Gradually, I got used to it. I suppose I just wasn't used to someone genuinely enjoying my presence.

Man, I miss those times.

Kyria, as I grew to learn, was a member of the Marko family. Like her antecessors, she was vowed to live by the sword, with the sword. In more ways than one, she was a living embodiment, though perhaps not the living embodiment, of the Bogatyrs of the past. And goddamn, for young me, that was fucking cool. When asked why Kyria was not with her family in Eltbyrg, she replied that her mother was not on the best terms with the family patriarch. A good enough answer for me. I'm never one to pry.

Things, gradually, began to change. I grew older, and my friends did too. One, an Inkerian girl two years my senior, left Allenstein for the east. My brother left to pursue a full-time military career and my father grew more unstable, so I spent more and more time in the forest, on the streets, but always with Kyria. Kyria began to show the marks of her profession. With my knowledge of medicine I made sure to treat her wounds when able, once even asking to accompany her to Elbing for a tournament organized by the Marko patriarch and his Šarvas allies. She and I were fourteen then. Too young for these sorts of things.

Perhaps that was a mistake. She didn't return after a week, the expected time. She didn't return after two. A month later, she still hadn't returned.

Later, I had heard through the grapevine that Kyria, despite winning and securing the transfer of some trading company to the Markos, had sustained injuries and stayed in Danzig. Whether she recovered or died was unknown.

I was heartbroken. Even if Kyria was out there, still alive, with a leg missing or an eyepatch of whatever, it didn't matter.

I was alone again.

In desperation, I turned to the forest. In Christian Avar myth, the forest was a corrupting force, the last bastion of the vengeful old gods. The black depths of the forest were associated with hysteria, witchcraft, everything undesirable in a girl.

Well, I was born a pagan, and my mother was too. I supposed the deities of old had no grudge against me, so, whatever.

Months after Kyria's vanishing, tragedy struck again. The forces of the Lasnin Coalition attacked my town during their Pomeranian campaign and captured my parents, somehow having learnt of their status as the last bearers of the Pregel name. In my last moments with her, my mother passed me a Saiga horn, the Pregel family's, my family's, symbol of investiture. The thing that designates us as not just nobles, but legally members of the high nobility, despite that being a massive fucking lie. Not that I cared too much about such things, but still, important shit.

Well, back to Kyria, I suppose.

Less than a year after I thought her gone, I found her again. But something, deep and intimate, had changed.

I noticed it first when she slipped and fell flat on her face when I first met her. An unexpected bout of clumsiness couldn't mean anything though, right? Then I noticed that the light in her eyes had changed shades, and something about the way she held herself changed too. Perhaps the natural consequence of ahez I thought.

And then I realized.

When I grabbed her up by the arm, in her eyes was the mist of amnesia. When she got to her feet and smiled, she asked for my name.

She had forgotten who she was. Traumatic retrograde amnesia. A blight on the soul and the mind. I had heard tales of warriors unable to remember anything of their past lives after a grave injury, but even during the year I spent fretting over her, I had never considered that it was this take took Kyria out of commission.

Man, I was a dumbass.

Our roles reversed. Perhaps that was for the better, so I wouldn't be reminded of past Kyria whenever I saw the new Kyria. I doted in Kyria, caring for her like she was my firstborn daughter, a precious member of my family. I didn't want to lose her again. In the past year I had grown, I had stiffened. I had grown less anxious, less angry, having made amends with the ways of the world. As for Kyria, there was something slightly different about her, something I couldn't pinpoint but something significant nonetheless. Perhaps it was loneliness. Perhaps it was perspective.

In November of 1703, while in Vesnia, Kyria asked for us to leave for Silesia. She needed to knock the Marko patriarch down a few pegs, she told me, and wanted me to come. I refused. This was her fight. I could not bring myself to interfere. Kyria was evidently disappointed, and for a few moments I thought I had said the wrong thing, made the wrong decision. But the look she gave me afterwards told me that she accepted my answer. She was always too nice to hold such grudges.

Ugh, damn it. Almost tearing up about Kyria and my past again. I need to throw that damn Saiga horn out already. Keeps me dwelling on dumb shit.

~*~

Outside my cabin there was a girl, appearing more like a ghost than a human. She refused food, she refused drink, though she seemed direly in need of both.

Instead, she asked me a question.

"Adïrdáŋïm vänüsatúrï?"

Adytite. A language of the east, of fern trees coated in snow and the winter wind. I presumed she asked whether I could understand it. Slowly, I shook my head.

"Ah...Dävadawńem fe-...soyžaš-ai?"

This language I could not even recognize, much less recognize. Again, I shook my head.

"Do you know Avar?" I asked. The girl seemed to ponder this for a while

Still, she had to be spoken to.

I rattled my brains, thinking of what other languages the girl standing ahead could possibly know. Inkerian, perhaps? No, no, I could scarcely count to ten in it. The girl's clothing seemed to be of Southern Varangian provenance. Perhaps she'd know Inkerian then? Growing up, I knew a few Keisarian merchants and clockmakers who resided in my town. Though my Inkerian was hardly proficient, I could hold a conversation well enough, and that's all that mattered.

"Ah...Sa-...Puhutko Ižoran Kieltä?" I asked, tripping over my words as the foreign syllables squirmed on my tongue. Still, the girl nodded and let her arms hang free at her sides as she breathed a sigh of relief. She understood.

"Yes. Thank you."

"Your name?" I ventured.

"...Sailan. Sailan, yes, that's the name Father gave me."

Sailan. I silently tested the name on my lips. A pretty name.

"I like it."

As spring turned to summer turned to autumn, I learned a few things about my guest.

For one, she had her quirks. She had very many of them, in fact. She dutifully maintained a stack of rocks outside our cabin, for example. She grew to have a habit of taking my hand on her mouth when in private. Instead of smiling, she rocked back and forth to express her happiness much of the time. Perhaps other people would have found this disconcerting. I found it endearing, cute, even.

On another, more bleaker note, her past was not...particularly savory, to say the least. From what I could glean, her entire community had been taken from her and she spent her entire adolescence wandering around. During this wandering, something had happened to her, something so traumatic that she insisted on not speaking Avar. In time, she did begin to use the language, allowing herself to grow independent, but still. Whatever she suffered must’ve been fucking horrific.

There were times I had to remind myself that Sailan was any other woman. In a few ways she seemed young for her age, yes, and to others she’d be considered a genuine nutcase. But like any other woman, she had her interests, such as gardening and playing her flute, and a childhood. A healthy one, one where she swam in the River Samara and played dice with her friends.

Well, I should stop dodging the point. Life with Sailan was nice, relaxing.

Perhaps, I could’ve lived like that forever.

~*~

1709

When Kyria returned that year, she was many things, some of them new.

She was injured, in typical Kyria-esque fashion. She came to me with a shitfaced grin and a nasty gash on her thigh. I naturally offered to treat it.

She was also more solemn, more demure. I first thought it to be the result of the newfound unfamilitary that had grown between me and her (I mean, hot damn, it was already six years) but I soon learned the real reason why.

She remembered.

Not everything, I soon came to learn, but enough to warp the way things previously had been. That, I assured her, was perfectly fine. It hardly mattered that we stood on different ground now. She, thank the spirits, took this to heart.

The callouses that war brung remained stuck to her soul. She, more often than not, had the air of a soldier, not the air of a duelist or an athlete. Indeed, the mercenary group she had founded (And told me of way too late) had wedged itself into her heart, as not long after her returned she asked me to come with her to the forests of Polesia to join her organization. At first, I planned to refuse, but could Kyria, or myself for that matter, spend another six years seeing each other for just a few days a year at most? Sailan was doing fine. There was no risk to my departure. I had to accept.

But none of that really was the point, wasn't it? None of this fundamentally changed our relationship, not really.

It was her desperation that really mattered. When she returned she was desperate - desperate for my love, desperate for the return of her love, desperate like a mother with a wounded son single-mindedly intent on keeping him alive.

And so I loved her.

I loved her fiercer and firmer than I even could have anticipated. I had once thought myself ill-suited for romance, even incapable of romance, but oh, was I proven wrong.

Was I happy discovering that side of myself? Maybe, maybe not.

But Kyria was delighted, so it hardly mattered, didn't it?

Most Serene Republic of Venice | Serenìsima Repùblega Vèneta

 * Government: Parliamentary oligarchic merchant republic
 * Head of State: Doge Silvestro Valier (B 1630 - Age 75, alive) (R 1694 - Present)
 * Consort: Dogaressa Elisabetta Querini (B 1628 - D 1708)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Valier Family
 * Head of Government: The Doge
 * Duke of Irákleio (Crete):
 * Duke Theodore Oirundi (B 1649 - Age 56, Alive), (R 1699 - 1708)
 * Duke Giovanni Barbarigo (B 1675 - Age 30, Alive) (R 1708 - present)
 * Legislature:
 * Upper Chamber: The Senate
 * Lower Chamber: The Council of Ten
 * Economy: The economy of Venice is built on mainly trade in the mediterranean sea. Though it has declined and we were quite crippled after the war.
 * Allies:
 * Capital: Venice
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 2 000 000
 * Major Cities population
 * Venice: 140 000
 * Ethnicities: "Venetian", Greeks and smaller minorities.
 * Religion: Majority Catholic but also a bit orthodox among the greek population on Crete.
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * N/A
 * Military: We recently were in a conflict. Our navy has been in a long decline since the 16th century.
 * Total: 16 000
 * 11 000 Light Infantry
 * 2 000 Light Cavalry
 * 3 000 Artillerymen
 * Navy:
 * 100 Frigates
 * 15 Ship of the line
 * 50 Galleys
 * 40 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:


 * Events:
 * Problematic lifestyle of the Doge: Despite being constantly sickly and our economy crippled because of the recent war, our Doge are still partying hard with no regards to our current situation. He was expected to die very soon since he is sickly but the Doge is stubborn as a mule when it comes to dying. His problematic lifestyle have already made the part of the population very angry.
 * The war was worthless?: Ideas that the war was worthless and we gained little compared of how har we fought is commong among the population in Venice. Many blame the doge thinking he is the one to blame.
 * Riots of 1706: On the 26th of May 1706, a riot broke out during a protests against the doge when military officials attacked protester after being provoked. Chants like "The Doge is a Venetian Imposter" and "The Doge works for our enemies" and "The Doge is a fool" was common during these riots. It all began when the military officials were sent to try and calm down the angry men that were protesting and blocking the road not to long from where the old Doge lived. Commander Giovanni barbarigo had arrived with the rest of the Serenissmo Reggimento. The angry men primary of the middle class started to yell at the guards in anger that they support the doge. Yelling grew louder and some even tried provoke the guards in multiple ways. Giovanni ordered the guards to force the people out of the way since they blocked the road. Some guards provoked by the yelling, was a bit to harsh when they tried to disperse the people. Multiple of the people got hurt while the guards disparsed them. The people would respond violently using stone bricks from the ground to throw at the guards. Violent encounters would contine for a week when violence naturally calmed down. Giovanni was dismissed his position as commander shortly after.
 * The stubborn Barbarigo: Ever since dismissed the former young commander Giovanni Barbarigo have himself joined and supported the protests and as a member of a prominent family in Venetia it seen as something problematic. The council of ten have barred him from politicial office because of this. He is commonly referred by the people as "Capitano del popolo" as he is seen taking a stand against what the protesters think are a corrupt society lead by the Doge. The Doge have tried to appease the people and try to take him away from them by making him duke of Crete or as it is called in venice Irákleio because that is the largest city on the island and the region capital.
 * Riot of 1709: Another riot happened on the 1st July of 1709 when people in an attempt tried to storm the senate but were stopped by an overhelming amount of soldiers. Later tha tevening rioters tried to make their way to the Doge residence but were stopped before they even got close to it. A another riot happened during 11th September when people tried to storm again the senate but this time the venetian military was prepared and the riot ended quickly.
 * Building ships: New land means new territories to defend we are currently building more ships as that is what we need to defend ourselves.
 * Building ships: New land means new territories to defend we are currently building more ships as that is what we need to defend ourselves.

Empire of Matagaskar | Empira Matagasykara
Notable People of Matagaskar/Imerina (in chronological order) [WIP]:
 * Government: Imperial Feudal Monarchy
 * Monarch: Emperor Andriandambomanafika (B 1660 - Age 49, alive) (R 1694 - Present)
 * Consort: Empress Rafaravavy (B 1663 - Age 46, alive)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Hova
 * Chief of Kômôro: Kifeda II (B 1651 - Age 58, alive) (R 1683 - Present)
 * Co-Protector of Ranjevasy: Toavina (B 1649 D 1708 - Age 59) (R 1677 - 1708), Henintsoa (B 1683 - Age 26, alive) (R 1708 - Present)
 * Co-Protector of Maorisy: Harinjatovo (B 1652 - Age 57, alive) (R 1688 - Present)
 * Order of Succession: Prince Andriamasinavalona (B 1692 - Age 17, alive), Princess Andriamahefaparany (B 1692 - Age 17, alive), Prince Andrianjakanavalondambo (B 1664 - Age 45, alive), Prince Andriamanitrinitany (B 1677 - Age 32, alive), Princess Hanitriniaina (B 1678 - Age 31, alive), Princess Mialitiana (B 1651 - Age 58, alive)...
 * Economy: The economy of Matagaskar is based mainly on agriculture and fishing as well as trade, mostly with the Swahili states of East Africa but also other foreign merchants. The Malagasy economy stands as one of the strongest and most developed in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, mostly due to the effect of foreign contact. Matagaskar controls the entire island of the same name and holds influence in parts of East Africa. The Fanery is the traditional currency of Matagaskar.
 * Allies: Mtende, Pemba and Bangalla (vassals), Mutapa (personal alliance), Albion (declaration of friendship)
 * Clients: Mtende, Pemba and Bangalla (vassals)
 * Capital: Antananarivo
 * Demographics:
 * Population: ca 806 000 total
 * Mahajanga: 9 100
 * Antananarivo: 8 300
 * Toamasina: 4 700
 * Manakara: 3 300
 * Ambanja: 2 500
 * Morafenobe: 2 500
 * Toliara: 2 100
 * Antsiranana: 2 000
 * Moroni: 1 200
 * Antsirabe: 900
 * Fipetrahana: 650
 * Amorontsiraka: 650
 * Rural regions: ca 770 000
 * Ethnicities: 88% Malagasy (consisting of 18 ethnic groups, the three largest of which, in order, are the Merina, Betsimisaraka and Sakalava), 6% Komoro Natives (Swahili), ca 5% Adnanite, >1% Albionite (Fort Dolphin and nearby areas)
 * Religion: 98% Tombovelan Zoroastrianism, ca 2% Haintenism (traditional Merina folklore) and other traditional folk religions, >1% Anglican Christianity
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * Taolankarana Revolt (March 1708): A chunk of the villagers of Taolankarana (a village just by Fort Dolphin, which due to foreign contact with the English, has a sizable christian population) revolt against the new policies that discriminate towards christians and favors zoroastrians. The revolt spread to a few nearby villages as well and about one thousand people were involved. A few levies were raised and since the revolters were not able to capture any good produced weaponry aside from the few soldiers they killed, the revolt was rather quickly put down after only 3 weeks.
 * Military: Due to Matagaskar being a rural realm, a large amount of units can be raised for warfare, but usually about 1% of the population is the most trained and prepared soldiers that can be drafted. Levies can also be raised from our vassal territories. Parentheses means the deployed units in cases where not all units are deployed for war.
 * Deployed units: None
 * Total (1%): 8 000
 * 2 080 Spearmen
 * 1 000 Swordsmen
 * 1 000 Musketeers
 * 1 800 Crossbowmen
 * 1 500 Light Cavalry
 * 800 Fossa Warriors
 * Navy:
 * 22 Adananita class ships
 * 18 Mer'ana class ships
 * 14 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:
 * Order of Avesta: Further negotiations are being done, basically us exerting more influence over them in a friendly-ish way.
 * Mtwara: Become a vassal please or you know… be invaded.
 * Mutapa: We are interested in buying Angoche Island, would you like to negotiate that?
 * Events:
 * Internal Affairs: The reign of Andriandambomanafika has become quite… strict and more authoritarian. With a focus on improving the military and establishing absolute discipline (especially after Botokeky passed away in 1707), he himself takes center stage as Tompon-daka and Emperor because why not and also puts the production of weapons like muskets and spears on very high priority. This together with the doubling down on christians, something that has angered the small community in the village of Taolankarana, right next to Fort Dolphin. They are angered so much that they revolt (check Wars and Conflicts).
 * So Andriandambomanafika has become the closest Matagaskar has had to a dictator (well technically there’s always been a mostly absolute monarch but he has brought it to quite the level).
 * External Affairs: Nothing much to say here other than that we are aiming to expand our influence more in this region. This through expanding and improving the navy as well as three other things. Number one is to vassalize the state of Mtwara, this would grant us the city of Kilwa. Number two is continuing our influence over the Order of Avesta. Finally number three is to get a hold of Angoche Island (btw the city of Angoche is actually not on Angoche Island it’s on the mainland northeast of it use google maps kbye)
 * An Interesting Development in the Maskareina Archipelago: Well, someone dieded. That certain someone is Toavina. And also it takes 8 years before it happens. But yeah the situation when it comes to romance and relationships and all that is quite… complex. Basically there is quite a lot of incest going on since polygamy is legal and in the Maskareina archipelago pretty much everyone is related to each other. It’s like what Guy Bloke said: “This is how incest happens, when you have so many bloody relatives that you don’t know which one’s which and just roll with it.”
 * Anyway the important thing to note here is that Henintsoa becomes the new Co-Protector of Ranjevasy and she is of course married to the son of Harinjatovo (also named Harinjatovo) who is next in line for ruling Maorisy. They are expecting their first child soon, who may end up ruling both islands.
 * Past Rulers:
 * Ammagari dynasty (ca 1392-1517):
 * Andrianerinerina (ca 1360s-1418): Legendary first king, said to be the son of the god Zanahary himself. Reigned from ca 1392 to 1418.
 * Andrianjavonana (1391-1447): Ruled during a period of language and alphabet-development. Reigned from 1418 to 1447.
 * Andrianamponga (1427-1455): Encountered the Adnanites, expanded the rule over the Comoros. Died in a mysterious event. Reigned from 1447 to 1455.
 * Andrianamboniravina (1429-1469): Formed the Fossa Warriors, fought the Avestan invaders. Reigned from 1455 to 1469.
 * Zafimahova (1434-1488): Regent for Rafandrandrava. De facto ruler even after Rafandrandrava’s coming of age. Official regency lasted from 1469 to 1471. De facto queen regnant from 1469 to 1488.
 * Rafandrandrava (1453-1494): Underage at the time of ascension, was basically just a de jure ruler for most of his reign. Oversaw the expansion into the Central Highlands. Reigned from 1469 to 1494.
 * Andriamasindohafandrana (1477-1513): Continued adapting foreign technology and expanding south. Visited the Ahuric Empire. Murdered by conspiring Fossa Warriors. Reigned from 1494 to 1513.
 * Rafandrampohy (1495-1550): Conducted a massive crackdown on the conspirators who killed his father. Abdicated in favor of his wife Rangitamanjakatrimovavy, triggering the Merina Civil War. After this he became a religious person. Reigned from 1513 to 1517.
 * Hova dynasty (current):
 * Rangitamanjakatrimovavy/Rangita (1493-1552): First true queen of Imerina and ruler from the Hova dynasty. Won the Merina Civil War, moved the capital to Mahajanga. Reigned from 1517 to 1552.
 * Rafohy (1528-1572): Established contact with Mutapa, expanded the kingdom, and made the Order of Sihanaka official. Died of a miscarriage. Reigned from 1552 to 1572.
 * Andriamanelo the Great (1546-1605): Unifier of the entire island. Last king of Imerina and first emperor of Matagaskar. Considered the greatest monarch in Malagasy history (so far). Reigned from 1572 to 1605.
 * Ralambo (1566-1612): Legalized polygamy, introduced the fandroana celebration, reformed the feudal system. Died of a sexually transmitted disease. Reigned from 1605 to 1612.
 * Andrianjaka (1571-1628): Founded Antananarivo upon the former settlement of Analamanga and moved the capital there. Improved infrastructure, held a census. Deposed by his son and wife in an internal conflict. Reigned from 1612 to 1626.
 * Andriantsitakatrandriana (1608-1658): Married the Shona woman Raviro who became his wife and empress. Defeated the Order of Yasht during their rebellion. Reigned from 1626 to 1658.
 * Andriantsimitoviaminandriandehibe (1632-1693): Had the longest reign of all monarchs so far. Reigned from 1658 to 1693.
 * Ravololondrenitrimo (1661-Present): Reigned from 1693 to 1694.
 * Andriandambomanafika (1660-Present): Emperor since 1694.
 * Others:
 * Hainteny (ca 1370s-1423): Philosopher and writer. First person to truly take advantage of writing when it came into being in Imerina. Formed the basis of the Haintenist faith.
 * Tsilavohery (ca 1410s-1467): Writer in service of Andrianamponga. Was a friend of Rakotomanjato until their falling out due to differing views on the death of said king.
 * Rakotomanjato (ca 1421-1505): Writer in service of Andrianamponga. Was a friend of Tsilavohery until their falling out due to differing views on the death of said king. He betrayed the Merina and became king of a group of Bara peoples. That polity did not last too long however and was eventually conquered by Imerina.
 * Ndahimananjara (ca 1440s-1503): First ever Fossa Warrior. Married into the Ammagari dynasty. His branch would eventually rule the island.
 * Andriantompokoindrindra (1467-1527): Father of Andriamihaja and Rangitamanjakatrimovavy. Andriantompokoindrindra and his son fought the Merina Civil War for Andriamihaja to be placed on the throne, but they lost and were both executed in 1527 for treason.
 * Tombovelo (ca 1480s-1543): Religious figure who essentially was the one to create the Malagasy variant of Zoroastrianism. He also traveled and studied in the Ahuric Empire.
 * Andriamihaja (1496-1527): Son of Andriamihaja. Was next in line to the throne of Imerina when Rafandrampohy declared female successors and abdicated in favor of his wife Rangita, who was Andriamihaja’s sister. Andriamihaja and his father fought the Merina Civil War for Andriamihaja to be placed on the throne, but they lost and were both executed in 1527 for treason.
 * Ratsifandrihamanana (1493-1556): Second husband of Rangita.
 * Rakotomazava (ca 1510s-1577): Founder of the Order of Sihanaka, which later became the Order of Rakotomazava.
 * Rakotomanjafy (ca 1520s-1590s): Mpiady of the Order of Sihanaka.
 * Ranjeva (ca 1540s-ca 1603): Explorer and discoverer of the Mascarene Islands.
 * Rafidy (ca 1580s-1642): Co-Protector of Ranjevasy.
 * Tsiajotso/Rakotomazava II (ca 1589-1647): Leader of the southern Order of Rakotomazava and later leader of the Order of Yasht. Exiled himself and the Order to Mtende.
 * Zozimar (ca 1590s-1639): Co-Protector of Maorisy.
 * Ramalalaharivololona (ca 1590s-1657): Usurped the position of High Chief of Mahajanga, but was defeated by a coalition of lords and imprisoned. Died in prison in 1657.
 * Rambolazafy (1599-1653): High Chieftess of Mahajanga.
 * Tombomankara (ca 1595-1647): Mpiady of the Order of Rakotomazava from 1628 to 1647.
 * Boazandrivelo/Rakotomazava III (ca 1600-1663): Originally just a soldier of the Order of Rakotomazava and later of the Order of Yasht. He became an important associate of Tsiajotso. He took over as Mpiady of the Order of Yasht after Tsiajotso died, becoming Rakotomazava III.
 * Tsivalaka (1603-1668): Mpiady/Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava.
 * Catherine Burwick (1603-1691): Noble Scottish woman who married Mamangy and had a child with him.
 * Mamangy “Andrew” Burwick (1605-1679): Chef, considered to have been the first one to make a popular dish out of dodo meat. Traveled to Europe via British trade vessels.
 * Raviro (1608-1657): A princess of Mutapa and now Empress consort, first non-Malagasy consort of a ruler.
 * Mafilaza/Rakotomazava IV (ca 1610-1676): Impressive soldier of the Order of Yasht. Became Rakotomazava IV as Mpiady of the Order of Yasht after the death of Boazandrivelo.
 * Rabenirina (ca 1615-1677): Co-Protector of Ranjevasy.
 * Tovondrava (1614-1688): Co-Protector of Maorisy.
 * Manorohanta (1620-1655): Advisor and explorer. Went on an expedition to the Nyafo (Rodrigues) island, but it led to a shipwreck where all of the crew died Fs in the chat.
 * Rakotomandimbindraibe (1622-1696): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava from 1668 to 1696.
 * Botokeky (1633-Present): Tompon-daka of the Fossa Warriors.
 * Andrianantoano “Gordon” Burwick (1643-present): Son of Mamangy, a successful but strict chef, basically Gordon Ramsay except Malagasy and he lives in the 17th century.
 * Solofonantenaina (1642-present): An explorer who went on an expedition into mainland Africa.
 * 'Anaishe (1644-present): Solofo’s wife.
 * Rinjala/Rakotomazava V (ca 1650-present): Mpiady of the Order of Yasht since 1676.
 * Ramilijaona (1666-Present): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava since 1696.
 * Ramilijaona (1666-Present): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava since 1696.

Most Serene Republic of Venice | Serenìsima Repùblega Vèneta

 * Government: Parliamentary oligarchic merchant republic
 * Head of State: Doge Silvestro Valier (B 1630 - Age 70, alive) (R 1694 - Present)
 * Consort: Dogaressa Elisabetta Querini (B 1628 - Age 72, alive)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Valier Family
 * Head of Government: The Doge
 * Duke of Irákleio (Crete): Theodore Oirundi (B 1649 - Age 51, Alive), (R 1699 - Present)
 * Legislature:
 * Upper Chamber: The Senate
 * Lower Chamber: The Council of Ten
 * Economy: The economy of Venice is built on mainly trade in the mediterranean sea. Though it has declined and we were quite crippled after the war.
 * Allies:
 * Capital: Venice
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 2 000 000
 * Major Cities population
 * Venice: 140 000
 * Ethnicities: "Venetian", Greeks and smaller minorities.
 * Religion: Majority Catholic but also a bit orthodox among the greek population on Crete.
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * N/A
 * Military: We recently were in a conflict. Our navy has been in a long decline since the 16th century.
 * Total: 18 000
 * 13 000 Light Infantry
 * 2 000 Light Cavalry
 * 3 000 Artillerymen
 * Navy:
 * 100 Frigates
 * 15 Ship of the line
 * 50 Galleys
 * 40 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:
 * Events:
 * Problematic lifestyle of the Doge: Despite being constantly sickly and our economy crippled because of the recent war, our Doge are still partying hard with no regards to our current situation. He was expected to die very soon since he is sickly but the Doge is stubborn as a mule when it comes to dying. His problematic lifestyle have already made the part of the population very angry.
 * Administrating new territories: Our new gained territory from the recent war have been put into our administration and we have started to try and empower the local aristocracy using them as a force to control the territories if they are cooperatable. This also gives them considerable autonomy but there isn't much we can do since our power have declined since the 15th century.
 * Building ships: New land means new territories to defend we are currently building more ships as that is what we need to defend ourselves. (may add more events and details if I have time later)
 * Building ships: New land means new territories to defend we are currently building more ships as that is what we need to defend ourselves. (may add more events and details if I have time later)

Confederacy of Privateers

 * Government: Pirate Confederacy

Captains:


 * Anne Dieu-le-Veut (1635-) (p. 1658-1671, 1700-): Another frenchwoman, who joined the Brethren of the Coast in 1658, having never hidden her sex. She adopted Delahaye’s flag, inspired by her incredible achievements. She fell in love with Prins, after sailing with him and staying in Los Lagartos. She also helped in the raids of Baran’kígia and Magdalena, which were successful enough to inspire Myngs to do his own massive raid. She escaped with her husband in 1671, joining his husband in his financial ventures, but this was not to last, as she divorced her husband in 1694. In 1700 she took her ship, along with the one of his husband back to the Shattered Isles, with a mission to retake Los Lagartos and reestablish the Brethren, which she renamed by suggestion of her daughter. Jacquotte Delahaye's fancy flag.png
 * Marie Catherine Dieu-le-Veut (1674-) (p. 1700-): The daughter of Anne Dieu-le-Veut, she looked up to her mother, even joining her in her expedition to the Shattered Isles. She was inventive in her methods, unlike her mother, which still was stuck using outdated tactics from 30 years earlier.
 * David Herriot (1668-) (p. 1701-): A former logwood hauler from Belize, David took his ship and turned to more risky endeavors, by joining the Confederacy of Privateers in 1701. He would usually trick people into believing he was a simple wood hauler, and then surprising them in the night, which was mildly successful as most of his crew knew french.
 * John Cockram (1662-) (p. 1702-): A merchant by nature, John Cockram was a smuggler and part time privateer, who supplied most of the Confederacy’s ammo and weapons. He had no allegiance to them, so his connection with them was mostly business related.
 * John Quelch (1666-1704) (p. 1703-1704): A decent scammer and swashbuckler, Quelch joined the Confederacy in 1703, seeking to get a letter of marque, which he did get, but as scummy as he was, he falsified a letter of marque to fight the Agoustans off of Vera Cruz, capturing nine ships before trying to retire in the Plymouth Territory, where he and most of his crew were captured, trialed and executed, such as would be the fate of many of the later Golden Age pirates. "Old Roger".png
 * Black Caesar (1676-) (p. 1704-): One of the few black captains of the Golden Age, who joined the Confederacy in 1704, making a small outpost in the Catonzia Keys from which he sent his raiding expeditions. He met the mutineer Nicholas Dunbar late in the year, and pretty much enlarged his privateering enterprise twofold.
 * Nicholas Dunbar (1672-) (p. 1704-): Mutineer formerly from Quelch’s crew, he left Quelch with about a third of the crew and became a periaguas privateer, joining up in the same area as Black Caesar, with whom he became good friends with.

Territories:

Los Lagartos (1659-1672, 1701-)


 * Description: An island as big as Tortuga west of New Hispania, which is inhabited by Taínos, which was captured by Delahaye, Prins and Dieu-le-Velt in 1659, being effectively separate from the Brethren in all but name, it was destroyed by an Iberian raid in 1672, with most of the pirate population being killed. it was recaptured in 1700 by Dieu-le-Velt
 * Population: 200+150

Navy: The navy of the Confederacy is made up of privateers that joined mostly after the start of the War of Iberian Succession, as privateering blew up.


 * Schooners: Double or triple masted ships, which mainly use gaff sails, as well as some square sails. These are faster and usually better than ketches, as well as being able to carry more cargo.
 * Charles, schooner 10+4 guns and 46 crewmembers, captain John Quelch


 * Ketches: Double masted ships, which use gaff sails usually, as well as square sails. These are a middle point between sloops/cutters and brigs, usually having stronger hulls than schooners.
 * Le Petit Athénes, ketch 14+4 guns and 50 crewmembers, captain Anne Dieu-le-Veut


 * Cutters: Single masted ships, which are similar to sloops, but use one or two mains’ls in that mast as well as the jibs. This ship is usually called sloop by some, but the line is blurry, with it being technically correct to call them sloops.
 * Adventure, cutter 6+2 guns and 30 crewmembers, captain David Herriot


 * Sloops: Ships with only one mast, which do not have a bowsprit, as well as a gaff sail, and one jib as well. These ships are small in size, not being able to carry much cargo. This ship is commonly confused with cutters.
 * Marianne, sloop 8+2 guns and 40 crewmembers, captain Marie Catherine Dieu-le-Veut


 * Periaguas: Improvised boats, which have become common for pirates and privateers due to their swiftness, low cost and low maintenance
 * Rose, periaguas 1 cannon and 14 crewmembers, captain Black Caesar
 * Charleston, periaguas 1 cannon and 16 crewmembers, captain Nicholas Dunbar

Contracted Pirates


 * David Herriot (1701): David Herriot joined the confederacy as a privateer with his vessel, the 8 gun Adventure
 * John Cockram (1702): John Cockram joined the confederacy, mostly to trade with other privateers, supplying most of the ammo and materials for the ships.
 * John Quelch (1703): John Quelch was the most aggressive of the bunch, joining in 1703 and having a short but successful career of one year.
 * Black Caesar (1704): A black man, who joined the Confederacy in 1704, using a periaguas to raid iberian shipping near the Catonzia Keys

Events

Quelch’s Misfortune (Feb 1703-Jul 1704):


 * Quelch had been living off of scamming traders and robbing log haulers for a couple years before joining the Confederacy, which made Harriot make Dieu-le-Veut try to reconsider it, as he could make the Albionites take action against the confederacy, so Marie Catherine, as inventive as she was, devised a plan to give Harriot a spanish letter of marque, in which they succeeded, giving it to Quelch, whom then sailed eastwards, capturing the Genoan ship Drago Volante, which was full of riches, then stayed going east capturing eight Agoustan ships. When he came back to the Shattered Isles, his first mate Nicholas Dunbar escaped with 16 members of the crew in a periaguas, raiding near the Catonzia Keys. Quelch and his remaining crewmates tried to stay under the radar in the Plymouth Territory, but news of their exploits spread, and the crewmates that were found were executed, including Quelch, who was sent to the gallows on the 30th of September 1704. Quelch also made his own flag, which featured a man stabbing a heart with a sand clock on the other hand, which his crew named “Old Roger”

The United Kingdoms of the British Isles (Albion)

 * Note: If you wish to engage in diplomacy with me, please DM me on Discord (BubbleRocket1#8016)

Government: Constitutional Monarchy


 * Drakes:
 * George I (M, b. 1662 - ) (R: 1684 - )
 * Important People:
 * King Family
 * Jocelyn King (F, b. 16?? - 169X)
 * Fortuna King (F, b. 1609 - 169X)
 * Lumi King (F, b. 164X - )

Economy: The economy of British Isles consists of trade and commerce of a variety of materials. The primary export products of the UK are fish, wool, cloth, and a variety of vegetables.

Main Religion: Christianity

Cities and Demographics:


 * Population:  11.943 million
 * British Mainland: 8.156 million
 * British Settlers: 175k
 * Elysian Population: 29,002
 * Catonzia Population: 25,627
 * HALO Settlement: 5,427
 * Eldia Population: 61,623
 * Lansenia: 54,975
 * Vinland Local Population: 1,865 thousand external subjects
 * Elysian Local Population: 714 thousand external subjects
 * Includes the population of the states of Elysia and Laconia
 * Elysia: 501k
 * Laconia: 100k
 * Deasaheim: 67k
 * New York: 46k
 * Eldia Local Population: 306 thousand external subject (subject to change)
 * Catonzia Local Population: 425 thousand external subjects
 * British Bahamas: Roughly 2,300 overall (for both island chains in the area)
 * Yolgnu Local Population: 208 thousand external subjects
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito: 3,138
 * Port Kingpin: 1,389
 * Albish Galapagos: 763
 * Albish Falklands: 842
 * British Bahamas: 82,058
 * British Shattered isles: 5,423
 * British Belize: 494


 * Cities
 * Brighton: A newer shipbuilding facility located on the English Channel.
 * Birmingham: A quiet town that is the location of McCarthy Arms Company, one of, if not, the oldest firearms companies to date.
 * Calais: One of the few French towns still owned by the British, it is a prosperous city that is one of the most important trading hubs in the North Sea.
 * Dover: Main location of the British navy. While elements of the navy are located throughout the territory, the headquarters of the navy are located here. In addition, Dover is the main trading hub between it and Caen.
 * Dublin: Main hub of Ireland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * Elysiapolis: The capital of the Elysian province, as well as the main headquarters for the BFG Company.
 * Fort Avalon: An old British camp located in Vinland. Though mostly uninhabited, it is staffed by a skeleton crew, in the event of a British ship stranding itself on the Vinland island.
 * Though the island is now under Vestkyst control, the British still maintain control of the small fort.
 * Gibraltar: An important town the British claimed in the League Wars. Essentially give them control of who can and cannot leave the Mediterranan, though the British generally let anyone pass, not wishing to piss anyone off.
 * Glaemchester: A British town north of London, this city is known to house various wealthy nobles, with some of the finest tapestries being produced here.
 * Glasgow: Main hub of Scotland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * London: The capital of England, and location of the throne.
 * New London: The location of the British East Indian Company’s base-of-operations in India. Population primarily of locals, though as time progresses, more European influence seeps into the town.
 * Portsmouth: The location of the first drydocks in history, which became the founding of various legendary ships of the Royal Navy
 * Port Kingpin: Though not the capital of Yolngu, it does serve as the main hub by which the BAKA Gaikokuhito operate from, in addition to the main location of the local British garrison.
 * York: Main center of England’s eastern fishing company. Also where a bulk of British trading companies are located, evident from the various merchant caravels present there.
 * Colonial Forts/Towns
 * British East India Company
 * Cape Town (South Africa)
 * Fort Dolphin (Africa - Matagaskar)
 * New London (India) (Known as Diu to India)
 * BAKA Mitai
 * Fort Akan (Africa)
 * Fort Galatoi (Galatoi, Africa)
 * BFG Company
 * Fort Epheria (Elysia)
 * Fort Elysia (Elysia)
 * Jamestown (Elysia)
 * HALO Company
 * Fort Infinity (Amekrogu)
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito
 * Port Kingpin (Yolngu)
 * Portsmith (Galapagos)
 * Port Stanley (Falklands)
 * Other
 * Fort Avalon (Vestkyst-Vinland)
 * New Glaemchester (Lansenia)

Wars and Conflicts


 * North America: British companies begin to exert control over regions with usage of promises of trade and prosperity
 * Though it should be said that some companies add in the risk of war if the British do not get their way in the matter, though others are far more friendly with their actions.
 * Australia: Due to the combined influence of both Britain and the local Yolngu trade, their influence over the island-continent spreads

Armed Forces


 * Total: 280,266 Manpower (3.9% of population)
 * British Royal Army Corps
 * Total: 159,295
 * British Defense Force: (British Mainland)
 * Marksman Infantry: 15,050
 * Light Cavalry: 5,250
 * Heavy Cavalry: 3,050
 * Field Artillerymen: 5,634
 * Field cannons: 1,378
 * Logistical Support: 23,000
 * British Arcadian Force: (In Arcadia)
 * Catonzia Garrison
 * Marksman Infantry: 7,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 7,000
 * Catonzian Musketeers: 8,260
 * Field Artillerymen: 1,000
 * Field cannons: 500
 * Logistical Support: 3,500
 * Elysian Garrison
 * Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 5,000
 * Marksman Infantry: 10,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 3,000
 * Light Cavalry: 1,000
 * Elysian Cavalry: 300
 * Heavy Cavalry: 350
 * Bow Cavalry: 300
 * Field Artillerymen: 501
 * Field cannons: 167
 * Logistical Support: 7,000
 * British Vinland
 * Marksman Infantry: 6,000
 * Field Artillerymen: 344
 * Field cannons: 100
 * British Gibraltar:
 * Marksman Infantry: 30,000
 * Light Cavalry: 2,500
 * Field Artillerymen: 464
 * Field cannons: 142
 * British Yolngu
 * Marksman Infantry: 5,000
 * Light Cavalry: 750
 * Yolngu Local Army: Unknown
 * Roundtable Knights (Elite): 8,900
 * These are Britain’s elite forces. A rebirthed version sprouting from Artoria’s original group of holy knights, this force has never lost a battle, and has unwavering loyalty to the crown and the Order of the Roundtable, willing to fight to the death for the survival of the British Isles.
 * While most are able to fight, members of the Roundtable are encouraged to branch out into their own craft, such as pottery and sheepherding, with the idea that everyone should act like a Roundtable Knight and give their all into both their craft and their country.
 * The only way to become a Roundtable Knight is to be selected by an existing member of the group. Most knights tend to make apprentices out of those they recruit to the Roundtable, and generally, no one usually complains when a Roundtable Knight selects someone to join the ranks of the Roundtables. Depending on the country/chapter, one can also be appointed to the Roundtable by the crown.
 * In 1527, three factions were formed within the Roundtables
 * The Crimson Sun
 * The Azure Moon
 * The White Orchids
 * Renames themselves Orchid Heaven in 1542
 * With the victory of the Crimson Sun at the end of the conflict, things have settled down.
 * Modernization of 1602: Reforms the Roundtable Knights to act as elite units within the Army, as well as guards for Royalty.
 * In 1615, the London Guard is formed, to both protect the Royal Family, Parliament, and the citizens of the city as a police force, though will prioritize the protection of government personnel and property than that of the citizen
 * Notable (Living) Members:
 * The Drake Family
 * Sir Oliver Cromwell
 * British Merchant Arms Company:
 * An organization owned by the British government that was established to help veterans from the League Wars slowly assimilate back into civilian life while giving them the opportunity to see the world.
 * Mainly employed by the British Merchant Companies to secure their gains and the likes.
 * Personnel: 21,500
 * British Mainland: 17,000
 * Eldia: 2,000
 * Amekrogu: 1,000
 * British Royal Navy Corps:
 * Personnel: 28,122 (combined between both fleets)
 * Rating System (1667): Devised by Fortuna King and Samuel, this serves as a rough guide for the sizes of ships at the British’s disposal. (Shown below is the rating system in the 18th century)
 * First Rate: 100+ guns, 600+ sailors
 * Second Rate: 80-99 guns, 500-599 sailors
 * Third Rate: 60-80 guns, 400-499 sailors
 * Fourth Rate: 50-60 guns, 300-399 sailors
 * Fifth Rate: 30-49 guns, 200-299 sailors
 * Sixth Rate: 20-29 guns, up to 200 sailors
 * Naval Vessels:
 * Luke-class First-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 2
 * 96-gun ship-of-the-lines built. Based on HMS Prince Royal, but with slightly reworked interiors, allowing for four more additional guns to be mounted.
 * HMS Prince Royal
 * 92-gun First-rate Ship-of-the-Line
 * The first ship-of-the-line built as a ship-of-the-line.
 * Royal Oak-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 4
 * 76-gun vessels that are more than capable of holding their own.
 * HMS Sovereign of the Seas (1637)
 * Though originally a terrible ship (handling-wise), after its modification in the 1660’s, the 76-gun second-rate razee is a force to be reckoned with.
 * Warspite-class Third-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 10
 * 64-gun vessels that are capable of serving as flagships in their own regards, though cannot hold much of a candle to larger vessels in terms of firepower.
 * Victory-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Victory
 * 50-gun warships designed to breakthrough enemy formations, and is the largest ship in the British arsenal until 1637
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Ember-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Ember
 * 45-gun warships, obsolete by the 1600's
 * Only the HMS Ember is kept for training purposes, as a permanent drydock is built for her.
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Stolen by the Dutch in 1674
 * Glaemchester-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 10
 * Essentially a Swallow-class Interceptor, but built to stand up to combat against other ships of its size.
 * 42-gun Frigate that’s cheaper to maintain than the Victory-class while stronger than the Third-rates
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667
 * Swallow-class Fourth-rate Interceptor: 15
 * Designed to be the fastest ships in the world (for their size) without sacrificing too much firepower.
 * 40-gun frigates that sacrifice durability in return for speed (for their size)
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Suffolk-class Fourth-rate Interceptor-Xebec: 7
 * 34-gun fourth-rate xebec that is essentially an upsized Yellowfin-class interceptor.
 * Phoenix-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 21
 * 32-gun frigates that form the backbone of the British Navy
 * The replacement for the Cabigail-class Carrack, with a hull design based on the Victory-class
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667.
 * Cabigail-class Fourth-rate Carrack: 36
 * 30-gun caravels that form the backbone of the British Navy
 * Super-Spyder-class Carrier Vessels: 5
 * Lightly armed frigates around the same size as the Ember-class First-rate frigates designed to carry both marines and Vinland longboats for use in various operations, such as supporting fleets in areas where the large size of the British vessels are a hindrance, as well as serving as landing craft for said marines onboard.
 * Capacity: 16 Vinland longboats (12 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 480
 * Spyder-class Carrier Caravel: 5
 * Lightly armed caravels retrofitted to carry eight Vinland longboats within for use in narrower areas, where the caravels and galleons would have issues navigating
 * Capacity: 12 Vinland longboats (8 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 400
 * Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor: 7
 * A 28-gun interceptor based on designs found in Northern Africa. Has the same firepower as other frigates of its size while being much faster.
 * Vinlandia-class Fifth-rate Galley-Frigate: 8
 * 26-gun fifth-rate galley frigate that uses both oars and sails for movement
 * Upon successful sea trials in 1668 as well as success in small skirmishes raiding New Netherlands merchant vessels, 6 more ships were ordered for the Vinlandia-class
 * Phoenix-class Fifth-rate Frigate: 24
 * A 24-gun ship that’s smaller than the usual capital ships found in the fleet. Mainly used in distant areas, such as Yolngu and India.
 * Olive-class Fifth-rate Multi-purpose Frigate: 100
 * The replacement for the Dove-class Dual-purpose Merchant Caravels. While being around the same size as the Dove’s, the internal design of the ship is improved, allowing for more cargo to be stored within.
 * Mainly given to British merchants for their merchant fleets, though still kept on record in British documents to bloat the numbers.
 * Bombardier-class Brigs: 73
 * Small 18-gun ships smaller than even the old carracks. Due to their price, the British can afford to purchase a lot of Brigs in order to leave squadrons of them at various naval ports around the globe.
 * Abalone-class Sloops: 31
 * Small multi-role 12-gun ships meant to fill roles that can’t be easily filled with the larger Brigs
 * Ketone-class Ketch: 6
 * A ketch around the size of the Abalone-class sloops designed specifically for ship-to-ground combat. Armed primarily with mortars and light cannons for self-defense.
 * Vinland Longboats: (depends on the number of carriers)
 * Small vessels that can be deployed in regions to support larger ships from carrier vessels with their smaller cannons and enhanced mobility.
 * Armed with two 2-pounder MAC Cannons
 * British Royal Marine Corps:
 * A branch of both the Army and Navy, consisting of units who are trained in unorthodox tactics to bring around victory.
 * Special Programs:
 * SPARTAN Program: In addition, a program was opened up for the select Marines in 1616 to become elite troops within a program for SPecialized Armed forces for Reconnaissance, Tactical, And Neutralizing Operations, or SPARTAN Ops for short.
 * Those within the unit are known as SPARTANS, and are pulled from both the Marines and Roundtable Knights
 * Often would be given experimental weapons for field testing
 * These units are the penultimate guerilla troop within the British ranks, primarily acting in operations deep behind enemy lines, though can also fight alongside normal troops when necessary
 * These troops provide a large morale boost to allied units in their vicinity as their infamy spreads
 * Personnel: 44,200
 * Multi-Purpose Shock Marines (MPSM): 42,400
 * Mainland Britain: 16,900
 * Gibraltar: 10,000
 * Arcadia: 3,500
 * 500 Elysian MPSM
 * Amekrogu: 12,000
 * SPARTANS: 350
 * Mainland Britain: 275
 * Elysia: 25
 * Amekrogu: 50
 * Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry (SSLC): 4,050
 * Mainland Britain: 3,050
 * Gibraltar: 500
 * Arcadia: 500
 * Light Artillery Pieces: 3,260
 * Mainland Britain: 3,000
 * Gibraltar: 200
 * Arcadia: 0
 * Amekrogu: 60

Notable Companies and Organizations

McCarthy Arms Company (MAC):

Arms Race: Due to the creation of flintlock muskets in France, MAC enters into an arms race with their French counterparts, leading to rapid advancements in the creation of both muskets and cannons.


 * In 1610, they created a flintlock musket using various components from French flintlocks. This musket (and its various modifications) became the main firearm of the British Military in the League Wars and other conflicts in the early 1600’s.

Produced models:

FL1610 “Wasp MkI” Flintlock Musket (1610)


 * The first musket in the series of muskets made in response to “Manufacture d'armes de Châtellerault” and their flintlock musket.
 * Hastily made, the musket has various issues, and has a higher-than-usual casualty rate among those who use it due to the tendency for the musket’s barrel to implode.
 * Due to this reputation, the musket was given an additional nickname: “Barrel of Surprises”

FL1610E1 “Wasp MkII” Flintlock Musket (1611)


 * A modified L1610 that doesn't implode (more than most muskets of the era).

FL1610E2 “Wasp MkIII” Flintlock musket (1612)


 * The version of the musket that was used by the British Military when they joined the League Wars the same year.
 * This musket features a slightly redesigned barrel, slightly increasing the range and improving the reliability of the musket even more.

FL1610E3 “Wasp MkIV” Flintlock Musket (1614)


 * Essentially the Wasp MkIII, but its components are simplified a bit, allowing for easier production.

FL1616 “Honey MkI” Flintlock Musket (1616)


 * A modified version of the Wasp MkIV for use in hunting.
 * Essentially a simplified version of the Wasp MkIV for commercial purchase
 * Also becomes the model of musket that was exported to allies during the League Wars

FL1610E4 “Wasp MkV” Flintlock Musket (1619)


 * A version of the Wasp MkIV that is made from Yolngu steel, giving the musket more durability

FL1616E1 “Honey MkII” Flintlock Musket (1621)


 * An improved version of the Honey MkI, taking feedback from its users when making said improvements.

FL1625 “Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket (1625)


 * The successor to the Wasp series of muskets, featuring a slightly simplified design for the firing mechanism, allowing for easier construction of the musket, though early versions of the musket has issues due to kinks that weren’t figured out (though not as bad as was seen on the first Wasp muskets)

FL1625E1 “Hornet MkII” Flintlock Musket (1626)


 * Sent into the field in late 1626, the musket fixes the issues seen in the Hornet MkI.

FL1616E2 “Honey MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1627)


 * An improvement over the Honey MkII that features some improvements that were seen on the Hornet-series of muskets.

FL1625E2 “Hornet MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1632)


 * An improved version of the Hornet MkII, and is the primary musket used by the BMAC Company in its early years.

FL1636 “Hornet 2 MkI” Flintlock Musket (1636)


 * Originally just a simple upgrade, the Hornet 2 musket had so many improvements made to it that the company reclassified it as its own series of muskets.
 * Included in the many changes made is the narrower barrel. Though the bullets are smaller, due to a smaller round being used, the bullets are faster, have longer ranges, slightly faster reload, and are marginally more accurate than the original version of the Hornet.
 * Though the musket doesn’t have as good of a stopping power, its improvements arguably offset this weakness.

FL1636E1 “Hornet 2 MkII” Flintlock Musket (1642)


 * Modifications related to its reliability in hot, humid regions are added to the musket.
 * In addition, this is the first musket (used by the British) that was able to mount a bayonet.

XRS1652 “Thunderer” Experimental Revolving Sidearm (1652)


 * An experimental 3-shot revolver produced in extremely few quantities (around 56 or so)
 * The idea is for rounds to be pre-loaded into the revolving barrel of the pistol, which is locked in place by three pins when firing. Once a bullet is expended, the user delaches the pins and manually rotates the barrel before locking it back in place. This process is tedious and doesn’t give the gun that much of an advantage over normal conventional pistols on account of the cumbersome barrel, in addition to the pistol’s unreliability (even by standards of the time)

FL1656 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1656)


 * The third version of the Hornet musket, which took the FL1636E1 model of musket and made the musket easier to produce. Still features the capability for using a bayonet that is secured under the barrel of the musket from the FL1636E1.

FL1656-EXP “Honey 2” Flintlock Musket (1657)


 * Essentially an FL1636E1 musket that is cailbered in the conventional ammo size used by most nations. Also features the capability for usage of a plug bayonet.
 * Since both this musket and the “Hornet 3” musket have the same catalog name, the “Honey 2” was given the -EXP notation at the end to distinguish it as the export musket.

FS1659 “Thunderer 2” Flintlock Sidearm (1659)


 * A non-revolver version of the XRS1652 musket. This sidearm is provided both to officers and cavalry units in the military and only in small numbers.

FL1656E1 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1666)


 * Slight improvement to the Hornet 3 that was used in the Anglo-Dutch War. The gun features a slight improvement to its accuracy as well as a better mechanism for the bayonet, which is now custom-built for the musket itself and can double as a knife when necessary.

FL1686 “Super Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket


 * A modernized version of the Hornet 3 Musket. This version of the musket is even easier to maintain and manufacture than the Hornet 3.

FL1686E1 “Super Hornet” MkII Flintlock Musket (1702)


 * Updated version of first version of the Super Hornet that has slightly increased range and versatility.

MAC Cannons: MAC continues to produce MAC Cannons (McCarthy Arms in a variety of calibers and sizes, ranging from small 6 pound field cannons to 32 pound naval cannons. At least in Britain, McCarthy Industries has the monopoly on the firearms industry.

Produced models:

2-pounder “snub-nose” MAC Cannon (1608)


 * Created for usage on Vinland longboats, more to fire on smaller vessels than anything else
 * Can be argued that muskets would be more effective than these small peashooters, but the extra punch is helpful

6-pounder medium field MAC Cannon (1578)


 * The main cannon used by both the British Royal Army and Marine Corps.
 * Also used on British Carrier Vessels

9-pounder “tickler” MAC Cannon


 * The lightest cannon used on British Warships (excluding Carriers)

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1588)


 * The mainstay cannon of British Warships

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1641)


 * An updated version of the 16-pounder cannon.

32-pounder “long-nose” MAC Cannon (1603)


 * Heaviest cannon that the British uses. Reserved for the largest of British vessels.

Research and Development


 * Hwacha!: A weapon imported from Japan, the British take one of the two Hwachas purchased from the Toyotomi Shogunate and reverse-engineer it, as they look into reducing the cost of production while they use the other for testing.
 * Tests show that the weapon takes a long time to reload, but due to the sound it makes and the area of effect, it could be a great weapon to use against cavalry, though effective enough against infantry.
 * It should be noted that the weapon has a shorter range than cannon fire, but has a larger area-of-effect, in terms of what it can hit.
 * In 1665, a few prototypes were handed out to various ships throughout the fleet, including to the Fortune’s Bounty II.
 * From its use in its limited capacity, sailors note that it is a deadly weapon that takes too long to reload. As such, development is poured into ideas that could either increase the lethality of the weapon or shorten its reload.
 * Fireworks: Upon receiving fireworks from Naranga, the British begin investigating into the feasibility of using fireworks within the military
 * Development is disguised as a means for entertainment, with prototype rockets being used in celebrations, as phosphorus is used with the fireworks to give the fireworks color, even if used overnight.


 * Naval Vessels: Continued development on galleons is performed, to see if it is possible to improve British vessels further. They experiment with two aspects; size and firepower. British Naval Engineers hope to determine proper ratios for size, durability, and firepower, as well as taking note of various lessons learned in the field, such as logistical issues found in British Caravels.

Training and Production


 * British Royal Army Corps


 * British Mainland
 * None.
 * British America
 * Elysia/Laconia
 * None
 * Eldia:
 * None
 * Catonzia
 * None
 * Amekrogu:
 * None
 * British Yolngu
 * None


 * British Royal Navy Corps
 * British Mainland
 * Elysia-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 2
 * 80-gun warship
 * Bluefin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor Xebec: 3
 * Improved version of the Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor. Features the same number of guns but is slightly faster.
 * Hotel-class Third-rate Carrier Vessel: 1
 * A ship built from the ground-up to carry both supplies, British Marines, and Vinland Longboats for various situations. Always escorted by vessels of similar size or larger.
 * HMS Sovereign of the Seas brought into drydocks for scrapping.
 * The hull is reused in the next ship to bear the name “Sovereign of the Seas”
 * British Yolngu
 * N/A
 * Drydocks in Kingpin are completed by 1704
 * Whatever equipment and personnel is required to maintain numbers on the frontline.
 * Older models of ships are scrapped

Diplomacy


 * Akan: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.
 * Amekrogu: The British observe the civil war raging on in war-ravaged Amekrogu. They keep watch, waiting for an opportunity to hop in
 * Arkansa: The British continue to make efforts to strengthen their ties with Arkansa, as they seek assistance in the form of British mercenaries.
 * Australia: Both British and Yolngu Influence spreads, slowly acquiring land under British jurisdiction
 * Europe (Generally): Though not offered the top-line models, Britain does allow McCarthy Arms Company to sell some of their wares overseas to those willing to purchase them
 * Gujarat: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.
 * Indian Nations: Seeing that the countries of India are friendly, the British East India Company reaches out to all the nations in the area, hoping to strengthen their ties with all nations and open up trade routes with all.
 * Revived Huancan Empire: Delegates from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company reach out to the South American nation, requesting the ability for ships to dock in the Tacna region while they pass around the southern tip of South America
 * The British are aware of the Spanish conquests centuries prior, and wish to make amends, to at least show that not all Europeans are scumbags
 * Vijayanagara: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.

Allies


 * Galatoi: Trading partner with the BAKA company.
 * Naranga: British ally on the Asian mainland.
 * Occitania: British ally on the European mainland.
 * Toyotomi Shogunate: British ally (through the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company) in Asian area.
 * Vestkyst: Norweigan allies in the North Sea. The oldest ally of Britain, harkening back to the British Empire’s founding.
 * Yolngu: The furthest of Britain’s allies, the island-continent has metals far better than those in the region. As such, the majority of the trade from the region primarily consists of metals.

Events


 * The Unification of the Land Down Under (WiP):
 * The BAKA Gaikokuhito, now jointly in control of the country of Yolngu along with the tribal leaders of Yolngu.
 * With the assimilation of Yolngu into the British Empire came the additional baggage of the penultimate plan of Yolngu: the unification of Australia (name still a WiP)
 * As such, diplomats are sent to neighboring countries in the entire Australian continent, trying to open trade routes with as many groups as possible
 * In addition, though never mentioned, the British do allow the Dutch colony to spread in Southern Australia, so they could pose as a unifying force for Australia.
 * Expansion Beyond the Horizon:
 * American Colonies
 * Consolidation of Power: Forts are constructed in British territory claimed in the war, both to protect from potential retaliation from the Spanish as well as from various tribes in the region.
 * In addition, British civilians are finally granted permission to move to British Catonzia and Elysia, as the British begin to slowly integrate Catonzia into the British Empire, much like what was done with Elysia.
 * Catonzia and Arroz: With the discovery of rice in the East, the British decide to give rice-making a try. With the new territory in Catonzia (as well as somewhat similar temperatures), the British decided to try and start rice crops in Catonzia, to mixed success. It will take a while before the British learn how to make rice themselves, as well as for the rice to adapt to the different environment.
 * Miscellaneous Stuff
 * The following states are created from the previous states:
 * Eldia is split into North Eldia and South Eldia
 * Catonzia is split into East Catonzia and West Catonzia

The British Merchant Companies: (CLICK [EXPAND] TO EXPAND)


 * British Faviero Greek Company: “The BFG Company” for short, this company has taken an interest in the region of Elysia. Its leaders, Faviero and Raleigh have enacted a multi-decade long plan to wrestle control of the region for themselves, though if other situations were to come up, they’d adapt on the fly.
 * Elysian Region: Having complete control over the area, the BFG Company begins to import more colonists into the region.
 * Laconia: In 1619, the region was reclassified into its own province for administration reasons.
 * The regions of Laconia, Demetrios, and Erakki become apart of the Laconia Province
 * Eventually becomes the State of Laconia
 * Desaheim: The company begins the process of integrating the province into their company, as they begin setting up administrative bodies to run the area.
 * When the Dutch attacked in 1668, the company was forced to temporarily retreat from Desaheim, only to come back as British forces retaliated.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Doomslayer
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association: Started up by a British and German family, BAKA began operations in 1573, when they received a fleet of four merchant caravels. With this fleet, the company sets sail for Africa, wishing to set up a port town where they can trade with the locals.
 * In 1602, the company was split in two, due to the focus on where to colonize.
 * The branch known as “BAKA Mitai” is continuing the old company’s efforts in Africa
 * The branch known as “BAKA Gaijin” (renamed to BAKA Gaikokuhito in 1608) has its focus directed towards Southeast Asia, specifically Yolngu for its operations.
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association - Mitai Division:
 * Akan: Due to their presence in the area, the BAKA Mitai company slowly expands their influence through the area.
 * Due to continued trade with the locals in the area, British influence spreads throughout Akan.
 * Galatoi: The company trades with Galatoi, giving them McCarthy Firearms and other supplies in return for indigenous supplies as well as slaves for use in Elysia and other portions of their claims.
 * Slave Trade Deal: The company creates a tie with the MOM company, importing slaves from the Galatoi region and sending them to the Eldia region for use on the various crops in the region.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Resolute
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association - Gaikokuhito Division:
 * More Pitstops: Even with the two islands claimed, the distance between each stop is far too long. As such, the Gaikokuhito Division devices various locations along the way to establish naval bases to allow British vessels places of refuge
 * The British reached out to various nations on the Western coast of South America, asking if they could construct ports on their coastlines to allow British ships to stop on their journey to Yolngu, in addition to opening trade with the regions in question.
 * Australium: Rare metals have been found on the island continent. As such, operations are created to extract the metals with the help of the locals (in return for exotic species and other foreign goods)
 * Finalization of Acquisition: With the British Protectorate of Yolngu established, the King family can lean back and drink away; a century-long dream has been finally completed, though a long road lays ahead for what’s to come next.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Golden Hind
 * The Henry Amerigo League of Observance: A group (nicknamed HALO) that is headed by Henry of Glaemchester. Now a competent company, the HALO company travels the seas, now intermingling with a faction known as the Amekrogu’s to the south.
 * Rebuilding from the Ground Up: The HALO company constructs new fortifications in the region, rebuilding what they lost prior. As this happens, the company slowly monitors the Civil War raging on in Amekrogu, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
 * In addition, they reward the tribes that allied themselves with the British, allowing them to reside in peace, in addition to supplying them with food and the likes
 * The Millers Operative Manufacturing: A company that focuses on tobacco and leather in 1565, the company slowly worked its way into league with the larger companies of Britain by the 1580’s, eventually leading to the company receiving a grant to receive 7 Dove-class Merchant Caravels, as well as permission to construct a custom “flagship” for themselves.
 * Tobacco: As their influence spreads through Eldia, the MOM company begins to cultivate Nicotiana tabacum tobacco plants, leading to an increase in profits due to its sweeter taste.
 * The selling of this tobacco increases MOM’s income, leading to them being able to hire more mercenaries to arrest control of Eldia from the locals.
 * Rice: Ordered by the British Royal Navy to produce the crop, the company also constructs rice crops within their territory, with assistance from Asian farmers.
 * Slave Trade Deal: The company creates a tie with the BAKA Mitai company, as the MOM Company begins to import slaves from the Galatoi region for the purpose of working on the farms.
 * Company Flagship: The Independence
 * British East India Company: With a grant from the British government, the company begins to make plans for their future ventures into Asia, with their eyes set on both the island chains between mainland Asia and Yolgnu as well as Hindustan.
 * Expanding Influence: With the wealth the company has, they begin to trade with the locals, providing them with products in larger quantities or new to the area altogether, with the hopes to make the locals reliant on the British for their daily necessities
 * Subsidiary Alliance Plan: The Company reaches out to the various countries in India, asking for the stationing of a British force within their territory for the country’s protection, in return for supplying the maintenance cost to maintain the force in the area.
 * Lansenia: Since 1565, the “Azure Pilgrims” set up the Plymouth colony in hopes to be free from religious (and political) persecution. At first, the faction ran into many issues, mainly trying to survive the winter. They were helped by a local tribesman nearby and the colony has just begun to become stabilized.
 * In 1662, the regional government was officially formed.
 * Naming the region “Lansenia” after the head governor, Laffey D Lansen, the region is accepted as an official colony within the British Government.
 * Naming the region “Lansenia” after the head governor, Laffey D Lansen, the region is accepted as an official colony within the British Government.

Notable Deaths


 * Rulers
 * Pendragon:
 * Artoria “Ember” Pendragon (F, b.1317- 1389?) (Reign: 1351 ~ 1369 - 1389)
 * Ash I (M, b. 1347 - 1434) (Reign: 1390 - 1434)
 * Sister: Aura (F, b.1350 - 1434)
 * Ash II (M, b. 1399 - 1442) (Reign: 1434 - 1442)
 * Amber (F, b. 1424 - ) (Reign: 1442 - 1482)
 * Brother: Edward (M, b. 1441 - 1481)
 * Mordue:
 * River Mordue (F, b. 1322 - 1393) (Reign: 1369 - 1393)
 * Henry (M, b. 1353 - 1429) (Reign: 1393 - 1429)
 * Daughter: Mary (F, b. 1382 - 1399)
 * Lionel (M, b. 1388 - 1482) (Reign: 1430 - 1482)
 * Son: Leo I (M, b. 1407 - 1465)
 * Leo III (M, b. 1445 - 1478)
 * Son: Leo II (M, b. 1423 - 1478)
 * Brother: Henry II (M, b. 1398 - 1478)
 * Drake:
 * Casimir (M, b. 1454 - 1533)
 * Queen Abigail (F, b. 1455 - 1533)
 * Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - 1561)
 * David (M, b. 1537 - 1554)
 * Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - 1565)
 * Nephew: Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
 * Queen Elizabeth (F, b. 1541 - 1618) (R: 1561 - 1618)
 * Sister: Francis (F, b. 1541 - 1619)
 * Aunt: Frances (F, b. 1497 - 1564)
 * Albus (M, b. 1519 - 1580)
 * Nephew: George (M, b. 1542 - 1584)
 * Son: Avery (M, b. 1572 - 1632)
 * Daughter: Elysia (F, b. 1582 - 1609)
 * Nephew: Gregory (M, b. 1554 - 1596)
 * Cousin: Eldegard (F, b. 1517 - 1592)
 * Married off to a Westrian prince
 * Cousin: Alvin (M, b. 1545 - 1585)
 * Daughter: Valerie (F, b. 1569 - 1602)
 * Son: Peter (M, b. 1573 - 1606)
 * Cousin: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Cousin: Carol (F, b. 1549 - 1629)
 * Son: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Son: Janet (M, b. 1580 - 1629)
 * King: Luke I (M, b. 1567 - 1638) (R: 1618 - 1838)
 * King: Luke II (M, b. 1604 - 1658) (R: 1838 - 1658)
 * Son: Luke III (M, b. 1628 - )
 * Son: Luke IV (M, b. 1636 - )
 * Daughter: Leia (F, b. 1636 - )
 * Brother: Escavalier (M, b. 1615 - 1667)
 * Cousin: Jessie (F, b. 1607 - 1672)
 * Cousin: James (M, b. 1607 - 1668)
 * Roundtable Knights
 * Joan “Anne” of Arc (Died in 1431)
 * Sir George Cromwell of Cotswold (Died in 1445)
 * Sir George Cromwell II of Cotswold (Died in 1482)
 * Sir Rex of Dover (Died in 1482)
 * Joanna Palaiologos McCarthy (Died in 1528)
 * Misc
 * Frederik King (Died in ???)
 * Head of the BAKA Company, essentially has ties in about half of the world
 * Fortuna King (Died in 169X)
 * Forged together the modern Albish Navy
 * Assisted in the Vestkyst Civil War
 * Forged a diplomatic relationship with Naranga
 * Also assisted them in their war against the Qing
 * Shauna McCarthy (Died in 1489)
 * Founder of McCarthy Arms Company, one, if not, the oldest firearms companies in the world.

Famous Vessels

HMS Victory (15XX)


 * Laid down in 15XX and launched in 15XX, the HMS Victory is a 50-gun First-class Frigate.
 * The namesake of her class, HMS Victory was the first pride-and-joy of the Royal Navy.
 * Famously captained by Admiral Francis Drake, the ship would lead the British navy to victory when it defeated the Spanish Armada, directly leading to one of the major reasons why Britain won in the Anglo-Spanish War in the late 16th century.
 * From there, it would also see combat in the League Wars as it ensured that those opposing Britain felt the wrath of her powerful broadside.
 * Eventually, the ship was retired in 1647, where it was put into the reserve fleet as a training vessel for new sailors.

HMS Fortune’s Bounty (1626)


 * An Olive-class Multi-purpose Merchant Frigate given to the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company from the British government. Laid in 1624 and left on its maiden voyage in 1626, the ship would find itself under the ownership of Fortuna King, a woman well-known for her assistance in the Wu-Narangan War in 1633 when she was involved in both a trading run to Naranga in addition to the assassination of the Wu General in the region.
 * Though the ship would remain in East Asia for most of its life, it would also visit Britain and the Mediterranean Sea during its time afloat under the ownership of Fortuna.
 * In 1661, while returning to Britain from Yolngu, the ship encountered rough seas around the southernmost tip of South America. Though it survived, the ship was badly beaten, as it limped to the British outpost on the Falklands Island. From there, Fortuna and her crew hitched a ride on a vessel back to Britain, where she received permission from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company to purchase a replacement vessel: the Fortune’s Bounty II.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1661

HMS Fortune’s Bounty II (1662)


 * A 28-gun xebec ordered by Fortuna King.
 * Also was equipped with two hwachas for testing purposes
 * Saw effective use under Fortuna’s captainship.
 * Notable for the Battle of the Vestkyst Fjords (1667) as well as for its involvement with rescuing Duchess Anastasia during the Vestkyst Civil War (1666).
 * Given to Lumi when Fortuna passed.
 * Fate: ???

HMS Warspite (1668)


 * A 64-gun ship-of-the-line that served as Fortuna King’s flagship during the Anglo-Dutch War
 * Led the British fleet to victory against the Dutch fleet in the sole naval engagement in the “European front”
 * Fate: ???

HMS Sovereign of the Seas (1637)


 * Laid down in 1634 and launched in 1637, this ship is essentially an engineer’s wet dream. Built “just because,” the ship has more than double the guns of the next largest ships (the Victory-class) and was also over double the size, this ship towered over anything the British would build for the next half-decade or so.
 * That being said, the ship was also ladened with issues, such as poor handling and the likes.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1705 to be used in the next Sovereign of the Seas

Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth| Riųpublika Avarmadok Volhùmadùn

 * Government: de facto Elective Monarchy, de jure Absolute Monarchy
 * King:
 * Yohan III Klessiviu (b.1646) (r.1679-1705)
 * INTERREX: Vilhèlm Klessiviu (b.1648) (r.1705)
 * KING-ELECT:François Louis de Bourbon (b.1676) (---)
 * Caste System: Note: Caste names are given in the plural of the native Avar term.
 * Magnasès|Magnates: The Magnasès, called Magnaty in Vedenan, are the highest-ranking caste of Avaro-Vedena. Traditionally, they were nobles powerful enough to own estates encompassing entire towns. By the early 17th century, the Magnasé began to be classified as a separate caste due to them gaining rights not held by the lower nobility and their predominance over Avaro-Vedena political machinery. Due to their importance, the Magnasé do not have the right of alienation of their lands.
 * Beges|Nobility: The Beges, called Kivis in Vedenan, are the noble estate of Avaro-Vedena. They are defined by their possession of noble titles and symbols of investiture, their right to participate in local electorates, and their obligation to serve in the military. Otherwise, they are indistinguishable from the Bures. Indeed, some Beges do not even own land and must make a living leasing from their more wealthy peers. Compared to nobility elsewhere, the Beges are massive in size, comprising nearly 1/6th of the population of the Avaro-Vedenan-Commonwealth. This is the result of Avar succession practices which stipulate that all sons and daughters of a noble from a patrilineal like inherit their title, and the historical willingness of Vedenan monarchs to bestow the title of 'noble' upon their subjects.
 * Bures|Commoners: The Bures, called Plebe in Vedenan, make up the majority of the Avaro-Vedenan population. They correspond roughly to the Third Estate in traditional European social hierarchy. Under the broad term ‘Bures’ there are a variety of more specific social subclasses, which are described in detail below.
 * Bulgáres:  The Bulgáres are land-owning commoners roughly equivalent to Burghers and gentry outside of the AVC. In recent times, many have begun to own folwarks, exceeding much of the nobility in power. As such, there have been calls to either curb the power of the nobles, or grant the Bulgáres the same legal rights.
 * Yutasnaviks: The Yutasnaviks are a social class unique to Avaro-Vedena. They are landless commoners who are not tied to landed estates, and can be thus analyzed as a class of tenants. Unlike the Lákanktas, the Yutasnaviks are under full protection of the law and have the freedom to lease and possess property. In farming, Yutasnaviks provide their own animals and tools, unlike the Daųnšas who do not own capital.
 * Daųnšas: The Daųnšas are a class of peasants tied to their lessor’s estates. They are the Avaro-Vedenan equivalent to serfs elsewhere.
 * Lákanktas|Unhoused: The Lákankta are a caste unique to Avaria, though analogous concepts do exist within the rest of the Commonwealth. They are legally unable to own land, cannot receive inheritance, and are deprived of all legal protection. Thus, anyone is legally able to persecute and murder them. Unlike the other four primary castes, the state of being a Lákankta may be received. Traditionally, becoming a Lákankta was a punishment which replaced the death penalty, though by the Early Modern Period the Lákanktas had become a separate social class at the bottom of society. The Lákanktas are kindred to Adytite untouchables.
 * Noble Clans:
 * House of Fuscinus: The House of Fuscinus was the traditional ruling family of Vedena prior to the unification of Avaria and Vedena in the 16th century. They are granted privileged status in the Commonwealth, above even that of the Magnates, and as such have vast estates across Vedena and Albarus.
 * House of Adamùciviu: The House of Adamuciviú was the ruling house of Avaria from 1390 to 1679 and is a cadet branch of the House of Fuscinus. Despite no longer being the ruling house, they still influence the politics of Avaro-Vedena greatly. Many wish to gain the favor of the Adamùviu for it garners one power and respect beyond bounds.
 * House of Klessiviu: The House of Klessivyú is a major noble house that has hereditary rule of a vast semi-autonomous territory in Northeast Avaro-Vedena. They trace their lineage back to Claes Kjær, a 16th century Svean king. They enjoy close ties with the Adamùciviu and generally oppose the Lasnin Coalition, believing an enlightened monarchy to be the best form of government for the AVC.
 * House of Pregel: The House of Pregel was the former ruling family of Altpreußen and Wießel. Following the Teutonic Order’s takeover of Wießel, the Pregel family assumed a subordinate role to the Teutonic Order as the Landmeisters of Prussia. Later, in 1453, the sitting Prussian Landmeister married his sister to King Mavlet of Avaria and rebelled against the Teutonic Knights, sparking the Thirteen Year’s War. With the signing of the Treaty of Thorn in 1466, the Pregels were placed on the throne of the newly-created Duchy of Prussia. King Mavlet then declared the female descendants of the former Landmeister’s daughter to be the Wiessel-Pregel family and gave them a fief around Danzig, thus marking the first creation of a matrilineal noble house in Avaria in five centuries. However, anti-Pregel sentiment in Avaria resulted in the Wiessel-Pregels retreating from politics and vanishing from historical records. Not long after, the True Pregel line was subsumed into the House of Kaufmann after the Duchy of Prussia formed a personal union with Vesnia. The whereabouts of the Wiessel-Pregel family is still unknown.
 * House of Marko: The House of Marko is a minor noble house residing by the Baltic Sea. Historically, the Markos were of great importance, their members consistently bringing Avaria military victories. However, by the 16th century, they were irrelevant and married into more powerful families to cling into power. The Markos took over many of the House of Šarvas' assets following the defeat of the Lasnin Coalition. They own and operate Pomeranian Atlantic Company (Avar: Atlancikù Firma Pomoraša), a company given jurisdiction over Avaro-Vedenan participation in the colonization of Meridia and West Africa.
 * Economy: The economy of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth is based largely upon agriculture, with cereals, fur, and cattle amounting to around 80% of all exports from the AVC to Western European markets. The country plays a significant role in the supply of Western Europe by the export of grain, cattle, furs, timber, linen, cannabis, ash, tar, carminic acid and amber. In turn, Avaro-Vedena is a major importer of wine, beer, luxury goods, and industrial products. In the agricultural sector, feudal plantations called Folwarks dominate. Though Folwarks are owned traditionally by the nobility, in recent times many have begun to be operated by wealthy commoners.
 * Capital: Kánsbaurg, Lutsk (Vedena)
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 12,190,000
 * Avaria: 6.22M
 * Vedena: 4.11M
 * Other Territories: 1.86M
 * Military: The military of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth consists of the two administratively separate armies of the Kingdom of Avaria and the Republic of Vedena. Due to the Avaro-Vedenan military’s lack of centralized logistical apparati, Avaro-Vedenan units are encumbered by large baggage trains. During the 16th and the 17th centuries, this disadvantage was slightly reversed with the perfection of the wagon-fort and the adoption of smaller unit sizes. There is a small standing military of around 7,000 men, paid for by the king, stationed along the unruly southern border. In times of war, it is supplemented by the Begamv Tumèn; a feudal levy of nobles, and the Misvótos Tumèn; a force of commoners recruited by military commanders during peacetime, dispatched during war, and paid following military service. Apart from the nation military of Avaro-Vedena Commonwealth, local militia (Ašnèt Fiulaka, lit. ‘Settled Guards’) and Magnate armies (Magnasanų Tumèn) are two other prominent components of the Avaro-Vedenan military, with Magnate contribution on the frontlines sometimes eclipsing that of the state military. The Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth, notably, has a tradition of staffing much of its military with foreign soldiers, many of whom later integrated into their new home. These foreign soldiers, currently, are well-represented in elite infantry and artillery divisions.
 * Total Military Size: ~230,000 (~1.9% of Population)
 * Royal Standing Army: 7,320
 * Begamv Tumèn (Feudal Levy): ~47,000 (~2.3% of nobility)
 * Misvótos Tumèn (Recruited Army): ~16,000
 * Ašnèt Fiulaka (City Militia): ~90,000
 * Magnasanų Tumèn (Magnate Army): ~68,500

The Stallion and the Stag [Broad Overview & Introduction]: On January 6th, 1700, the Lasnin Coalition surrendered. In fury, King Yohan III Klessiviu seized Silènka castle, mass-confiscated properties owned by members of the Lasnin Coalition, and declared the entire Šarvas line Látkankas - practically a death sentence. With the surrender of its last defenders, the Aristocratic Democracy the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth was once known so well for was now standing on its last legs, its continued existence into the future in peril.

For many though, this however was cause for jubilation. Proponents for an absolutist state cheered as the last vestiges of the old seemed to be torn down in front of their own two eyes. A select few noble clans, typically opposed to further expansion of kingly power, celebrated as well. Many assets once owned by the Šarvas and the Gedzimina were transfered to smaller houses the king viewed as dependable, one of them being the Markos, who now found themselves overseeing the Pomeranian Atlantic Company.

Still, for fans of the king, not all was well. The revived Order of the Ashes, lead by Vrisùrik Dulluč, the leader of a mercenary company on the side of the Lasnin Coalition, and Kazimir Fuscinus, heir apparent to the patriarch of the House of Fuscinus, began to attract Avaro-Vedenan citizens from all walks of life. In addition, starting in 1702, Yohan Klessiviu's health, never robust to begin with, began to slowly deteriorate. First it was a bout of chills, then flu, and then streaks of red in his vomit. By autumn of 1705, the ailing king was bedridden and could hardly carry out the duties of state. By December, he could hardly speak nor write. Most worrying was the fact that he had not yet chosen an heir.

In Kánsbaurg, a group of nobles convened and determined that the transfer of the throne was to be determined by election and the king's younger brother was to assume the position of interex upon Yohan III Klessiviu's death. The Duchy of Saxony and the Kingdom of France offered two candidates, Augustus III and François-Louis de Conti, the latter of whom would be elected as king. Believing the election to be fraudulent, a diplomatic crisis soon ensues between Saxony and France. The Klessivius immediately employed Fabian of Allenstein to acclimate French noble to his position as King of Avaro-Vedena.

Slowly but surely, times are changing.

EVENT CHAIN: The Lord of Lepers [1]: The Dead Speak - 1700:

In Avaria, there is a tale warriors tell their sons.

Many years ago, when the Avars still roamed the steppes north of the Black Sea under a sky achingly blue, there was a queen. Though her reign was fraught with troubles, from drought to foreign invasion, she herself by no means stood out. Just one queen among many.

One night, an old hag, draped in tasseled deerskin robes, came to her door. A shaman. Upon entrance, the shaman refused the queen's milk and meat, and instead stood up as stiff as a spear and began to speak.

That night, a prophecy was delivered.

The queen, hearing the shaman's words, immediately enlisted a scribe to carve the prophecy onto stone. When the scribe finished, the queen snatched the slab away and had both the scribe and the shaman executed, believing the prophecy to be so grievous that if left to freely disseminate, it would become a matter of national security. The queen hid it away in a vault in Pulsburg, now called Kánsbaurg, and decreed that the vault only be opened when the very fate of the Avar people was at risk.

The queen's efforts were successful. In two lifetimes the location of the vault was forgotten and tales of the prophecy deemed apocryphal. Even when the Avar people faced extermination at the hands of Sigmar III, no real effort was made to recover the prophecy, in part due to the sheer impossibility of locating the vault in which it was stored.

As all things do, that stone slab with the words of a long-dead shaman etched onto it has been lost to the sands of time, surviving only in half-remembered whispers of that night on the steppe centuries ago.

Unless...

~*~

In the center of the room there sits a statue.

At first glance, Kazimir believes it to be in the form of a human. It lays there nude, with flowing hair reaching the waist and a serene expression on her upturned face. Her eyelids are closed, lowered enough that she appears to be in deep sleep. At hip-level, inclined slightly, are a pair of alabaster hands positioned as if to receive something from ahead.

Upon further inspection though, Kazimir notes that the nails on those hands and feet resembled that of a tiger’s more than anything human. The statue’s head is crowned with a great pair of backwards-curving horns, mimicking the arc of the statue’s back. Her mouth bears the impression of fangs.

Lovatär, Kazimir thinks with a shiver crawling down his back. One of the old gods. Heyhäŋ’s baleful bride, who accompanied the Children of the Earth on their migration west.

Or so the texts go.

“We should be close now,” someone mutters. Raisa. A companion of his, brung along to decipher any ancient texts they come across. “This looks like it dates back to Khaganate times,” she continues, holding a torch to the base of the statue. From the darkness, rows of runes inscribed on a stone tablet embedded into the pedestal

emerge.

"I presume this is Old Avar. Translate," says Kazimir. Raisa kneels down and squints at the etchings. There is a slight grumble in her tone as she speaks.

"As you wish."

~*~

I, Simlunta, write this testament on behalf of Xätun Kovrat and Yadäv ''Sayris. O Gods under Earth, let our progeny know the words of the dead.''

When Heavenly Earth's neck is wrung,

With waxing years and the sins of man,

Crushing, caging, dead aiŋi shall crawl from their mother's womb.

When the daughters of Bonïrä are slaves to tyrants;

Both alien and of their own blood,

Beasts ferocious with hunger will cross the rivers.

When the winters are cold,

Colder than Asötkuran 's fiercest fury,

From a tarnished family The Tongueless Seer will be born.

There shall too be a Lord of Lepers;

He who by his tongue seduces a great troop,

And wage great war upon his brothers.

Scorching, blasting, tempting, skin of insanity.

Rejoice, for this Leper-King will devastate the sons of his own creation.

And so into a cage of iron will the whores to desting be drawn,

By the efforts of this incensed world,

While the forest's beloved wishes them farewell.

With sword drawn from the blood of dead gods,

The Tongueless Seer will master the world,

And bring an end to the agony of Horned Earth's children.

~*~

"That's all," Raisa announces, before carefully prying the tablet away from the pedestal and storing it in her bag. "A few terms - those found untranslatable - I left out. It should be intelligible enough."

Kazimir's mind, meanwhile, races at an disorientating pace. The tales are true. The prophecy is true. It all is true.The Lord of Lepers, the Tongueless Seer, peace eternal, the forest’s beloved. Threads of thought race through his mind, weaving themselves into a tapestry of realization.

“Whoever this Tongueless Seer is, she’s mine to find."

Life in Atonement:

"Which family are you from?"

It was a question Fabian received every few days. He always replied, quite curtly, that he was from 'a fallen clan', after which most people learned not to further pry. Fabian's lack of a listed surname did arouse suspicions, especially as he climbed higher and higher up the administrative ladder, but most serious inquiries were shut down by the Klessiviu family. If the Klessivius, the saviors of Avaria, trusted Fabian, then what was there to fear?

Fabian supposed that in keeping his provenance unknown, he was neither lying nor telling the truth. To him though, survival was the law of the land. Living in the shades of grey between truth and falsehood was nothing to fret over. If it were revealed that Fabian - Fabian the statesman, Fabian the official - was the last man alive to hear the Pregel name, he'd surely be expelled from his post and sent to rot in a jail cell deep underground Kánsbaurg. The Pregels were not just any noble clan, no, they were the former rulers of Altpreußen, the perpetrators of the Avar Genocide, whose name was equally feared and revolved across Eastern Europe.

Since leaving home for the frontlines in 1699, Fabian had not seen or heard from home. During his free time, with the powers his position entailed, he scoured through records searching for any mention of his family. As far as he could tell, his parents were at best missing, captured by Lasnin forces during their raid on Allenstein, or, at worst, dead; either unceremoniously executed or left to starve. As for his younger sister, Aumsel, she seemed to have simply disappeared off the face of the earth, but Fabian had the slightest hunch that she was still alive, having changed her surname to evade capture.

Some mornings, Fabian thought of his sister and considered treading the same path. Abandoning his office, changing his surname, and living out the rest of his days as a commoner would save him a thousand wounds and a million tears. It, logically, was the best course of action.

If he abandoned ministerial life though, who would there be to redeem and carry on the Pregel name? Who would there be to bring Avaria peace and prosperity?

No one. Absolutely no one.

And so Fabian toiled, day after day.

~*~

"Sit down, sit down," Mešaván says, sliding a mug of coffee across the desk. "Make yourself at ease, friend. How did your interview with Vrisùrik go?"

"Exactly as advertised," Fabian sighs, taking a seat and taking a sip of coffee. "He's a loon, through and through. Need I say more?"

Mešaván chuckles; a deep, earthy sound. Though he is Fabian's senior by only two years, there is a warm dullness in his eyes which gives the impression that he is much older than he is.

“Now, we meet here not for pleasure, friend. Do you know of the King-Elect?”

“Oh, the Frenchman?” Fabian says with a raise of his eyebrow. “Mešaván, how wouldn’t I know of him? My colleagues complain about him every damn day. They’ve all gone off the deep end.”

“I suppose then, friend,” Mešaván muses, “You’ve heard all the hearsay, then? That’s he’s a cinaedus, a libertine, many foul things.”

“That and many things more,” Fabian grimly remarks. “So, what about him?”

“Let me be blunt. I will not mince my words. You are to be his primary advisor, friend. This has already been decided.”

“Wait, wait wait wait. What?”

EVENT CHAIN: Untethered [1]: Who You Pretend I am:

Every night, Kyria told herself the same story.

~*~

''Once upon a time there was a king with many children, nieces, and nephews. With his life he was content.''

''One night, the queen announced that she was pregnant with a girl. The king was overjoyed and prepared a grand celebration to commemorate the birth of yet another child.''

But alas, all was not as one might have hoped.

The child was no more than a mousling.

''There was no celebration. No announcements were made. The king sent all the cooks, the musicians, the poets, and the artisans he hired back to their hometowns.''

''The queen was consumed by shame. One of her children was nothing more than a rodent. She would never sparkle, radiant and blessed, how the members of the royal family were expected to.''

''The children grew and the mouseling as well. She was clever, always keeping her whiskers clean, and was well-admired for her intelligence among her peers. She befriended the castle rodents and the king's subjects equally.''

''Still, she disgusted both the king and queen. As soon as the mouseling was able, his father set her on her feet, gave him a small satchel in which she placed a blueberry and some nuts, and set her off to complete his errands, hoping that in so doing she would perish.''

''But she returned. No matter the task, she always came home, knocking on the castle door. She was naïve then, still believing that there was a place for her in her father's heart, despite the whole world screaming otherwise. ''

''Eventually, she grew up and left her home for good. The mousling had seen enough for courtly life to know that should she had stayed home, she would have remained a pariah in her own family, an endless wellspring of humiliation to her mother and anyone who knew her.''

As the mouseling walked into the great, wide, world beneath a sky achingly blue, she did not even look back at the castle that she had once called home.

Now, she was free to go forth and make a name for herself outside the walls of her castle, her prison.

Perhaps,

Like she had done many times before,

She'd come home one day

And burn that

Fucking

Palace

To the ground.

~*~

Aumsel was a strange woman, in ways both tangible and abstract.

The first thing most people would notice, and indeed, the first thing Kyria noticed, would be the foot-long antelope horn hanging at her waist, encrusted with nails and bolts and incised lengthwise with rows of heraldic motifs. Kyria inferred it to be an antique, an heirloom of sorts. At its end was a stout column of text which Kyria never quite found the opportunity to read. Kyria had considered inquiring after Aumsel's relic more times than she could count on her fingers, but the courage to approach her always drifted out of reach, tantalizingly close but never truly there. Around Aumsel, Kyria was always skittish, nervous, pathetic.

Perhaps that was the abstract, the unquantifiable.

Well, no, not entirely.

Kyria was well aware that she had a fervent, itching, attraction towards Aumsel. Hell, Aumsel, keen as she was, probably knew of it. She had long given up trying to deny it. Nonetheless, she had no intention of advancing their relationship further. The very task was impossibly daunting. Still, very often was she overcome with the urge to just confess, to let spill all of her feelings and see where the winds would bring her heart.

Perhaps it’d do Kyria well to list the ways Aumsel captivated her.

Aumsel spoke with more than just her voice. The soothing coolness of balms applied and the stirrings of her hands adjusting her grass-green cap - that was Aumsel's secret language, unspoken yet still wholly understood. With each upward stretch, with every gaze into the underbrush, she reassured Kyria of her being. You're fine, I don't judge, she seemed to say. ''It's fine. There's no one here but me''.

Perhaps this was an invention of Kyria's loneliness, a black cloud which had  followed her for as long as she could remember. But her feelings were real, undeniably real, and that's all that really mattered, right? She couldn't deny them, she couldn't rid herself of them, all that she could do was live with them.

There were times though that Kyria swore that her feelings were not just unfeigned, but also mutual. When Kyria had insisted that the two stay together, living off the land in the forests of Pomerania, Aumsel was quick to agree despite her having all the reason to refuse, almost as if she were desperate, longing. When Kyria occasionally saw Aumsel throw knowing glances her way, while trapping or hunting, Kyria was certain, painfully certain, that her pining was mutual, even if just for a few moments.

And then she took a step back and convinced herself otherwise.

But above all, Aumsel felt, deeply, intimately, familiar. When Aumsel told Kyria passed-down tales of heroes long-dead and spoke of the forest's bounties and their many uses, she instinctively recognized Aumsel's words, though she was sure she had never heard them before. When Kyria found herself staring at Aumsel - her back arched like a bridge over a stream, her hands both calloused and gentle - it was a familiar sight, like Kyria was running hands over stones she was born clutching. Speaking to her felt like a joy she was meant for. It was right and completing, as if she was remembering conversations had years ago, rather than having them for the first time. This déjà vu, this hippocampal vertigo, latched tightly to Kyria's psyche, and she, try as she might, could not pry it off.

Aumsel, somehow, anyhow, made a mess of Kyria.

And she wasn't quite sure whether she loved or hated it.

~*~

As the sun takes its leave, ushering in the blue of dusk, Kyria limps to camp, clutching a gash on her arm.

Aumsel, as always, notices immediately.

"It's late," she observes, as she treads. "And here I was wondering where you were. In this bag here I ha-"

"I mean, it's really no big deal," Kyria interrupts. "My leg'll be fine by tomorrow, I insist."

Before Kyria could respond, Aumsel has already grabbed her by the arm. A shock shoots up Kyria's spine.

"Here, here," Aumsel intones, her tone becoming softer, fainter. With a wag of the finger she beckons Kyria to sit down on a rock nearby. "I'll tell you a story."

“Isn’t it dark though? Can you see?”

“For someone who can hardly walk five paces you’re quite ballsy.”

“No, I mea-”

Aumsel grabs both Kyria’s shoulders and pushes her to arm’s length. Kyria falls silent, unresisting, as she tries to avert her gaze.

“You are injured. I am not. Anyhow - should I begin?”

Kyria nods.

“Not long ago there was a maiden,” Aumsel starts, “who was friends with a young warrior. The two had met while swimming in the same lake. The young warrior was vivacious, energetic, extroverted; all considered her to be a friend to all. The young maiden, on the other hand, was quiet and laughed rarely. Most ignored her. Still, the young warrior held the maiden close to her heart, and for that the maiden was forever grateful.”

As Aumsel says this she reaches for her gauze and bandages, having finished rubbing ointments into Kyria’s legs. She stops to give Kyria a stroke on the head.

“Well, one day, the young warrior had to go off to war, at the behest of his local lord. The maiden and the warrior exchanged sprigs of rosemary, which was said to retain memory, to each other, as souvenirs of their time together.”

“When the young warrior returned though, the maiden was scarcely able to recognize her. Their conversations were terse and awkward. The maiden even suspected that the young warrior had no recollection of her. Eventually, the young warrior was forced to fight in a war far away, and the maiden did not wish her goodbye. The warrior did not return for the harvest. Now, every day, the maiden sits on a bridge, looking over the river where she and the warrior met, and plays the harmonica to the wind.”

As Aumsel finishes bandaging up Kyria and telling her tale there is silence in the air.

“That’s all?” Kyria asks.

“That’s all.”

“Tragic.”

“Tragic indeed,” Aumsel agrees.

“Rather sapphic, dontcha think?”

“Maybe. It’s up to your interpretation.”

Everything seems so real, Kyria thinks. There is a deep vividness to the night. Here is the camp and within it the tent, the sky sweeping ahead like a tarp stretched taut. Here the eggshell moon cloistered behind the singing trees, so woundedly bright. Here is Aumsel, her eyes now aimed downwards and half-closed, her hands swift as they organize medical supplies arrayed out on the soil. She’s just so, painfully beautiful, Kyria thinks. She is beautiful as the babbling brook in the summer, beautiful as rays of sunlight refracted through clustered ways, beautiful in a way both intimate yet alien. Kyria reflects back to all the times Aumsel could have left her for somewhere else, but never did. Aumsel chose me, some part of her whispers, and just for a moment Kyria finds bliss in knowing that Aumsel may love her just as she loves Aumsel.

"Ah, so on that note, you're... very special to me. You know, it'd be nice if I had met you earlier," Kyria finally admits after a long silence, running a finger through her hair.

Aumsel freezes. A single teardrop, bloated like a tick, crawls down her cheek.

Was she happy? Was a tearful confession to come?

No, no. Aumsel strikes Kyria as rusted, tired. Her face is worn, like the edges of fraying cloth. Something must’ve clicked in Aumsel’s mind, and whatever it was, it must’ve broken her.

Kyria’s blood runs cold.

Is there something that Aumsel knew about Kyria that she herself did not?

Royaume de France | Reialme d’França | Frañs-Rouantelezh | Kingdom of France
(All names in modern French)

General Information
 * Demographics
 * Population & Distribution
 * Population estimate (1675): 21.4 million
 * Distribution (by Parlement) (1675):
 * Auvernhe: 9%
 * Arpitania: 4%
 * Aquitania: 6%
 * Belgium: 2%
 * Bretagne: 9%
 * Bordeaux: 10%
 * Ile-de-France: 26%
 * Lengadoc: 9%
 * Lorraine: 3%
 * Picardy: 5%
 * Provenca: 7%
 * Normandy: 6%
 * Orleans: 4%
 * Distribution (by urban region) (1675):
 * Urban regions in excess of 10,000 people: 12%
 * Urban regions of 1,000 - 9,999 people: 21%
 * Rural townships and communes: 67%
 * Ethnolinguistic demography (to be completed)
 * Ethnicities:
 * Anglican: The descendants of long and continuous English rule in the West, the Anglican (or Reliquae) ethnicity dominates the Western and Northeast coasts of the French Kingdom. To describe them as literal Englishmen would be an insult - there were no shortage of Englishmen left behind during the Great Exodus of 1468, but the Anglicans are not English - just heavily influenced by them. They are closer related to the remnants of the Western Roman Empire than any Briton, and are descended from Roman-Celtic contact in the mid-400s. As of 1675, they play host to the remaining Protestant denominations of France and retain a distinct language known as Albionic Frankish, a distinct mix of Breton, Albionite and French; the myriad culture they possess makes a mark in its own theatres, its own entertainment, and in the records they keep that will let the world know of them long after they are gone.
 * Albionic: The remaining Albionites of France are almost entirely new settlers in the Northeastern port cities or descendants of the Great Exodus of 1468. Most of them speak Standardised English and French, while retaining strong ties in their rather insular communities and towards Albion itself. They are, however, almost exclusively Catholic, having retained the religion from before the Church of England’s split from the Catholic Church, and side rather strongly on religious matters with the French fundamentalists.
 * Berber: Berbers emigrated North from their homelands in North Africa during the late Roman era but have since steadily settled throughout the Western Mediterrenean. The vast majority are influential merchants or have assimilated into southern Occitan society; many of whom taking up strong Catholic traditions or carrying along traditional Berber religion to France.
 * Breton: The Bretons trace their origins to Briton migration to France during Roman rule, and they remember Rome the most fondly of the various ethnic groups of France - a time before the in-and-out of a veritable factory line of conquerors. This has led to the Breton culture emphasising a practically isolationist sense of community, and its position as one of the foremost stewards of the Catholic Church at a time when Rome’s power wanes with every passing moment. Despite their lack of common origin, they are also arguably the friendliest group in France to the Occitans for that exact reason, both joined in their mutual stewardship of Catholicism as of 1675. This aspect often sways them in favour of their Occitan brethren down south.
 * Dutch:
 * French:
 * Germanic:
 * Occitan:
 * Valcan:
 * Religion
 * Catholicism
 * French Protestantism
 * Occitan Catholicism

Broad Overview

Louis XV stood tall over an empire that he felt he had practically no real control over. Even his uncle Philippe, in war-torn Iberia, seemed more a King than Louis was in every way; at least, with foreign relations secured, there was no threat of Dutch or Holy Roman intervention in France’s affairs. Internal affairs, however, were a different matter altogether.

Occitania was on the loose, now more literally than ever. Its dogged pursuit of splitting from the Roman Catholic Church was dangerously endangering France’s position in the European theologic sphere and and when the Cardinal of Montpellier outright called the Pope a ‘heretic in regal robes’ he was done with it. Furious, he outright ordered the Cardinal exiled for his behaviour; the Cardinal stayed in Montpellier, making him look like the laughing stock of Europe. When Albionite diplomatic relations with the Count of Lengadoc became known Louis turned into an even larger laughing-stock, one that literally couldn’t control his own core territories; even small diplomatic victories could not save his reputation.

Infuriated, he fully dipped his ring into the succession crisis quickly enveloping the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth, plunging royal resources into another foreign war. In Iberia, Philippe had secured the loyalty of most of House Castille, ensuring that France’s main goals in Iberia were certainly complete - but the merchants were still up in arms. Philippe was also a… particularly poor general, and at the Battle of Grenada (1702) he in his infinite wisdom allowed for the collapse of most allied forces into a small corridor out of the city which enabled devastating losses. It didn’t help that the man opposing them, a man identifying himself as ‘Afonso III’, had none of Philippe’s flaws (if none of his advantages, too,) and was able to quickly secure territories lining the primary Southern road to Lisbon.

In the winter of 1702, he recouped his losses and sued for an aggrieved peace where the merchants would be given everything they wanted; but the factions opposing him had most certainly grown. Louis XV was furious that he had done this, hoping to exact some level of control over the wayward, ailing state, but Philippe had other ideas - he asked that Louis XV follow through on his father’s policies, specifically the one he had created to permit homosexuality as long as Philippe was cooperative. XV, infuriated and wishing to send a message to him, on top of facing challenges by French Catholics outraged at the visibility of queer persons in France, promptly proceeded to repeal the law outright and then order royal police to arrest anyone on suspicion of being homosexual.

The King of Iberia was so outraged by this he instead proceeded to the Occitan Parlementary bloc and offered them something that few others had: recognition as a separate if not necessarily sovereign state. This, obviously, ran the risk of ruining France’s hand over the southern state, but Philippe was far more concerned with being able to survive his civil war than the rotten hand of his brother’s son. And the math seemed obvious. Not only could the Occitans whack a far stronger army than the current motley Agoustan force he faced, but his association with France had very nearly cost him his popularity when French forces promptly attempted to disarm Castillian ones; and so, for the first time, there was a definition of Occitania, the state.

Bounded by the Bay of Biscay and the Alps, this new ‘State of Occitania’ was claimed to have an autonomous government (the Parlements and counts), a distinct mix of brotherly cultures (the Catalan, Valken, and Occitan cultures), and a military (the Parlementary militia). And it also so thoroughly outraged King Louis that he formally issued a protest to Philippe to end that recognition of this new State - but the new supposed leader of this new state, Duke and now Duchess of Lengadoc following his death, Maria de Lengadoc, then proceeded to send Louis the practical equivalent of a ‘fuck you’ letter.

At the same time, the Archbishop of Montpellier passed away, leaving a critical religious position open for grabs. The obvious replacement, his favoured one too, was a seasoned priest who had faithfully served under him for some years; but neither Louis nor Lengadoc wanted the bastard in the job. Louis sponsored Pau de Cazalet, a Bordeaux-born boy with just enough popularity to be able to eke his way through the meeting of the Occitan clergy; Maria decided to go for the long shot. Instead, she sponsored Fleur de Benoit, Jean-Luc Francois’ pet saint, and then asked for the election of the new Archbishop to move ahead faster - ensuring that it would primarily be Southernmost clergy voting. Fleur, viewed favourably as a saint in urban areas of the sort where Francois paraded his campaign, barely eked out a victory against the obvious man. De Cazalet was relegated to the periphery.

In a shocking move for both Maria and Louis, Fleur immediately then abdicated the position - and passed it to a comparatively unknown girl by the name of Saissa Foucault, a third-generation Berber-Occitan. This was entirely permissible, since elections had only specified someone of de Benoit’s will; and thus a random nobody became the Archbishop of Montpellier. Unexpectedly, Foucault served extremely popularly in her position by immediately denouncing Rome and Paris, before calling the Occitan clergy to vote to entirely break away from Rome - a plan that de Lengadoc had already kept in mind, but had not initially intended to carry out without Iberian support.

Nonetheless, the plan was just popular enough it led to the 1704 Occitan Split, where Occitania established a rival church to the Roman Catholic Church - leading to France’s excommunication - and the beginning of the Originalist movement. Thankfully for a certain François-Louis, it did nothing to crimp his ambitions for the Avaro-Vedenan throne - but it did entirely crimp France’s relations with a certain Kingdom in the Holy Roman Empire. Saxony was outraged at his contest for the position, demanding that he immediately cease - Emperor Ludwig of the H.R.E demanded their accession, but they promptly ignored him and declared war not on France, not on its government, but François-Louis. A small coalition force of Saxonian and Magdeburgite troops then proceeded into France with the goal of seizing François-Louis; this instead resulted in the Franco-Saxonian War of 1704.

And then? Things were changing quickly. Industrialisation was beginning to grip France and its colonial thirst was turning harder to ignore, the slowly-growing cotton and textile industries driven by the spread of wider mechanisation and the Breton Indian trade. This was the beginning of a new era for France - and the beginning of the end for the Ancien Regime.

Turn XXII: 1705-1710
LINK TO MAP

Mod Events

 * The Boy Who Loved Clocks - [6]: Artturi was now positively the most powerful man in Keisaria. It didn't much matter, the opinions of others; the man essentially ruled as a dictator, a small group of technocrats following him around. On the outside it looked like Artturi was a man of immense charisma and strength, ruling by sheer force, and issuing cold, modernist decrees from his palace in Merya without a care in the world. In reality? Artturi was possibly the mildest man in Merya. His advisors were the real force behind the government - the forced purges of old elements of the Regent's former line, moves to attempt to subjugate the Adytite Empire in full for Keisaria. The only thing Artturi ever truly took any interest in was playing the fool, as if he had no real control. "It is the most effective form of politics', he remarked, 'to be the one person everyone is terrified and admirative of." On the edge came yet another new issue. The topic of the Svean Inkeri. Most of them had formerly been Keisarian, living in their lands until a humiliating defeat over a hundred years ago. And Artturi had adopted a new title - 'protector of the Inkeri' - compelling him to discuss the issue with the Svean King. So while he approved another advisor's plans to begin the building of large factories, he was forced to start diplomatic negotiations with the Sveans, culminating in an incident along the rough border between the two states known as Bloody Friday: Svean and Keisarian troops exchanging fire when the negotiations fell through. Artturi was a bit perturbed. His rule had lasted for just ten years now, and he was already to enter a war? Where would Keisaria even gain the strength to fight from? Modernisation had most certainly not taken real fruit, and even his private Royal corp were incapable of putting a real fight against the army of Svearike into the picture. If he entered the war, it would be a devastating failure - and there would be nothing he could do about it. He'd be executed in weeks. Publicly, however, he had to pretend to have the gracious enthusiasm of a real dictat. "We will burn every banner that threatens our strength," he more famously remarked in 1708, "And we will celebrate on their corpses with wine!" Alcohol. That was the thing he had really liked. The Regent had had a few good ideas, after all; one was establishing a strong royal hold on the alcoholic trade. It hadn't taken much with the significant royal finances to quickly buy up distilleries, and if he simply turned traditional wine recipes into heavily alcoholic beverages he'd be able to substitute their main ingredients for things as menial as potatoes, making expansion far easier, and he used the connections of the state to encourage consumption of this new variant of traditional Keisarian wine. But it also meant he had to deal with a growing force in the south he had tried to ignore. The Bonrics were viewed as the second-class citizens of Keisaria - not as low as a 'barbaric Easterner', but most certainly not in their eyes human. Yet they controlled the primary potato-producing regions of Keisaria, and were possibly the only people in Keisaria that were still producing significant surpluses. So he moved to work with several Bonric leaders on creating a stable mechanism whereupon he would purchase the surplus at a bargain price - in exchange for looking the other way at Bonric mobilisation and militiae, which had become a stronger force as Inkeri moved south, forced south by both war and the instable conditions of Keisaria's hinterlands. As if it were not an issue already, Artturi soon found that the alcohol was so effective that it actually made calls for war stronger. It had just been small calls at first but the Keisarian nationalist movement had begun seeping through and suddenly spread with the new customs of 'revived masculinity', so thoroughly that serfs, peasants, lords, craftsmen, even the bloody guilds, supported war. With his advisors' hopes for modernisation coasting on many of those political forces' support or indifference, he further encouraged even more anti-Svean sentiment throughout the country; and as war approached, he began privately preparing a plan future historians would know as the 'Great Flight'.
 * The August Departs (1705): Honourable and just Hersker Henrietta was, time caught up to her, as with everyone. While she has suffered from chronic colds for decades, it was only in the recent past that her symptoms seemed to have worsened, as she started experiencing constant coughs, fatigues and fevers, a severe occurence of which nearly took her life. However, whenever they happened, she would brush it off as nothing. Then, grave news arrived. Henrietta has been diagnosed with pneumonia. And quite a severe bout, at that. At the rate her health was deteriorating, court physicians estimated that she had about a month or two left. It looked as if it was time to settle whatever unfinished business she still had. That meant leaving her will and testament. And when that was done, there was one more thing on her mind. Out of the blue, she invited her brother, the aging King of Svearike Oskar, to an impromptu meeting. While his retinue did not clear him to go, he overpowered their decision anyway, setting off to Visby. It was only the two of them, enjoying tea and one another's company in Henrietta's Gotland estate as the siblings recounted their rivalry and reigns. It must have been liberating for the two to be able to interact like brother and sister and not as bitter rivals. Then, she revealed the extent of her illness to Oskar, who, upon hearing the news, was distraught. The next few days were spent making up for lost time, and despite her pneumonia her brother did not care about the risks it posed to him. At the end of it, Oskar remarked that Henrietta "has indeed truly eclipsed him", a comment she couldn't be happier to hear. Three weeks later, Hersker Henrietta succumbed to her illness. In the wake of the event, the Storforsamling declared a week of realm-wide mourning, effective immediately, and as a gesture of respect, posthumously bestowed her the name Augusta (meaning "great", "majestic" or "venerable). Crown Princess Iris, her executor and heir to the throne, was responsible for the fulfillment of her will. This saw Henrietta's personal wealth divided between her sole child, the Crown Princess (as the Consort Regent passed away early and the Hersker opted not to remarry), members of the Great Assembly, and the inhabitants of Gotland. Her estate in Visby was, as per her wish, converted to a public park and opened to the people and her remains, after a formal funeral, was transported to a small, circular structure within the estate, which would later be dubbed the Mausoleum of Henrietta by later generations. Lastly, the Great Assembly affirmed Iris as the successor to the throne, and crowned her Hersker, marking the end to one of the most celebrated reigns in Vestkyst's history. And with that, Henrietta Augusta's story came to a close. Iris' reign would be the continuation of a prosperous era, made possible by the policies and edicts of her predecessor, but what entailed was a story for another time.
 * The Grand Winter: In the winter of 1708/09, as part of the Little Ice Age, a period of extraordinary cold winter occured in Europe, becoming the coldest season in recent history. The frost happened during time of low sunspot activity, and temperatures were measured as low as −12 °C in London and −15 °C elsewhere in Europe. Anecdoctal events include frozen livestocks, frozen lakes and rivers, sailors dying from cold, wheat crop, and bread froze so hard an axe is needed to cut it. France was one of the most hard-hit regions during this cold spell, inducing widespread crop failure, though other regions also suffered. In the words of Albionite scientist William Derham, "I believe the Frost was greater (if not more universal also) than any other within the Memory of Man."
 * The Succession War: Ironically, for a period known as the Wars of the Spanish Succession, the handover of titles was in fact relatively war-free. Riots were common, often a result of guild agitation against the idea of French merchants moving in to disrupt their trade; the result of this were the methodry laws, where state cooperated with guild to restrict the methods of agriculture, a direct attack on French merchants attempting to make headway in the country. But the most important issue was that by and large, Philippe was well-loved. A genuine populist by every measure, he was viewed as the statesman of Europe, competing with Artturi of Keisaria for that title. And that was extremely devastating to Agoustan seperatists, whom with extensive Albionite backing were still being forced to defend territory far apart and scattered. This was about to change in their favour. Philippe first blundered, deliberately splitting apart elements of the House of Castille and therefore disgruntling a large section of his own political base; and even more than that, his supposed cooperation between guild, company and state was in reality a farce built on nothing more than legalese that didn't really matter on the ground. But the biggest mistake he ever made was promising Iberian support for Occitania - which split Iberia from the Catholic Church and made Philippe look like a literal heretic to one of the places in Europe with numerous avid followers of Rome. This pushed the Iberian Catholic Church to the side of the Agoustans, whom along with numerous privateers and capitalists started a renewed war in 1709 to seperate Agousta from Hispania.
 * Kölnisch Wasser: Originally produced in Köln, a Free City, in 1709, by an Italian perfume maker, described as "a fragrance that reminds me of an Italian spring morning, of mountain daffodils and orange blossoms after the rain". The Eau de Cologne was used as a perfume and delivered to most royal houses within the Holy Roman Empire and the rest of Europe, as the high cost of it makes the perfume difficult to attain by a normal person. The original manufacturer's ability to produce a constantly homogeneous fragrance consisting of dozens of monoessences was seen as a sensation at the time.(edited)
 * Great Nippon Calamities: On October 28, 1707, a great earthquake struck central Nihon, most affected of all Osaka, becoming the strongest in Japanese history so far. With a magnitude of 8.6 or 8.7 Mw, it caused destructive tsunamis and caused more than 5000 deaths and injuries. The same quake may have triggered the eruption of Mount Fuji less than two months later, making "cinder and ash that fell like rain"
 * A Silent Force: Further riots in Iberia are barely quelled by a series of sudden concessions made by Philippe I, including essentially carving new houses out of the House of Agousta and the House of Castille. The strange settlement soon because apparent as Philippe was seen with a new advisor in private: a strange man by the name of Clement. Rumours of the man's apparent reach into Iberian politics spread, and soon Philippe is forced to relinquish his advisor entirely, expelling him West - to the New World. Clement's influence over Philippe is strange. He is not someone like Jean-Luc Francois, he is not a politician; but most certainly, his influence is political. Legends spread of his apparent hand in causing Philippe to play to being King of Iberia more than a puppet French king, and the reputation he begins to gain is as a nefarious force, dangerously manipulating European politics in the vein of a master puppeteer.

NPC Events

 * Butwe: They finally reach an agreement with Mwenemutapa after the conquest of the Empire’s old gold-producing regions, establishing a monopoly on the gold and iron trades. In exchange, the Butwe Confederacy agrees to a defence pact with Mwenemutapa, whereupon they defend one another from mutual external threat, primarily from the South or the Sea - birthing the 1706 Butwe-Mutapan Accord. It also gives birth to a tenous peace, but one which gives credence to the ruling Torwa Dynasty in its efforst to firmly establish the state as the resource entrepot of the region, giving it enormous economic and political advantage over other states in the region.
 * Republic of Pirates: Raids by Hispanian ships has left several islands, mainly places like New Providence, vulnerable to attack due to their defenses being constantly damages. This causes disorder among the colony, and things there got became a bit chaotic. This chaos soon was filled by a power vaccum; pirates. On 1706, former privateers (pirates) and disgruntled sailors has found the island to be a safe haven for questionable activities and formed the Republic of Pirates.

Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth| Riųpublika Avarmadok Volhùmadùn

 * Government: de facto Elective Monarchy, de jure Absolute Monarchy
 * King:
 * Yohan III Klessiviu (b.1646) (r.1679-1705)
 * INTERREX: Vilhèlm Klessiviu (b.1648) (r.1705)
 * François Louis de Bourbon (b.1676) (r.1706-)
 * Caste System: Note: Caste names are given in the plural of the native Avar term.
 * Magnasès|Magnates: The Magnasès, called Magnaty in Vedenan, are the highest-ranking caste of Avaro-Vedena. Traditionally, they were nobles powerful enough to own estates encompassing entire towns. By the early 17th century, the Magnasé began to be classified as a separate caste due to them gaining rights not held by the lower nobility and their predominance over Avaro-Vedena political machinery. Due to their importance, the Magnasé do not have the right of alienation of their lands.
 * Beges|Nobility: The Beges, called Kivis in Vedenan, are the noble estate of Avaro-Vedena. They are defined by their possession of noble titles and symbols of investiture, their right to participate in local electorates, and their obligation to serve in the military. Otherwise, they are indistinguishable from the Bures. Indeed, some Beges do not even own land and must make a living leasing from their more wealthy peers. Compared to nobility elsewhere, the Beges are massive in size, comprising nearly 1/6th of the population of the Avaro-Vedenan-Commonwealth. This is the result of Avar succession practices which stipulate that all sons and daughters of a noble from a patrilineal like inherit their title, and the historical willingness of Vedenan monarchs to bestow the title of 'noble' upon their subjects.
 * Bures|Commoners: The Bures, called Plebe in Vedenan, make up the majority of the Avaro-Vedenan population. They correspond roughly to the Third Estate in traditional European social hierarchy. Under the broad term ‘Bures’ there are a variety of more specific social subclasses, which are described in detail below.
 * Bulgáres:  The Bulgáres are land-owning commoners roughly equivalent to Burghers and gentry outside of the AVC. In recent times, many have begun to own folwarks, exceeding much of the nobility in power. As such, there have been calls to either curb the power of the nobles, or grant the Bulgáres the same legal rights.
 * Yutasnaviks: The Yutasnaviks are a social class unique to Avaro-Vedena. They are landless commoners who are not tied to landed estates, and can be thus analyzed as a class of tenants. Unlike the Lákanktas, the Yutasnaviks are under full protection of the law and have the freedom to lease and possess property. In farming, Yutasnaviks provide their own animals and tools, unlike the Daųnšas who do not own capital.
 * Daųnšas: The Daųnšas are a class of peasants tied to their lessor’s estates. They are the Avaro-Vedenan equivalent to serfs elsewhere.
 * Lákanktas|Unhoused: The Lákankta are a caste unique to Avaria, though analogous concepts do exist within the rest of the Commonwealth. They are legally unable to own land, cannot receive inheritance, and are deprived of all legal protection. Thus, anyone is legally able to persecute and murder them. Unlike the other four primary castes, the state of being a Lákankta may be received. Traditionally, becoming a Lákankta was a punishment which replaced the death penalty, though by the Early Modern Period the Lákanktas had become a separate social class at the bottom of society. The Lákanktas are kindred to Adytite untouchables.
 * Noble Clans:
 * House of Fuscinus: The House of Fuscinus was the traditional ruling family of Vedena prior to the unification of Avaria and Vedena in the 16th century. They are granted privileged status in the Commonwealth, above even that of the Magnates, and as such have vast estates across Vedena and Albarus.
 * House of Adamùciviu: The House of Adamuciviú was the ruling house of Avaria from 1390 to 1679 and is a cadet branch of the House of Fuscinus. Despite no longer being the ruling house, they still influence the politics of Avaro-Vedena greatly. Many wish to gain the favor of the Adamùviu for it garners one power and respect beyond bounds.
 * House of Klessiviu: The House of Klessivyú is a major noble house that has hereditary rule of a vast semi-autonomous territory in Northeast Avaro-Vedena. They trace their lineage back to Claes Kjær, a 16th century Svean king. They enjoy close ties with the Adamùciviu and generally oppose the Lasnin Coalition, believing an enlightened monarchy to be the best form of government for the AVC.
 * House of Pregel: The House of Pregel was the former ruling family of Altpreußen and Wießel. Following the Teutonic Order’s takeover of Wießel, the Pregel family assumed a subordinate role to the Teutonic Order as the Landmeisters of Prussia. Later, in 1453, the sitting Prussian Landmeister married his sister to King Mavlet of Avaria and rebelled against the Teutonic Knights, sparking the Thirteen Year’s War. With the signing of the Treaty of Thorn in 1466, the Pregels were placed on the throne of the newly-created Duchy of Prussia. King Mavlet then declared the female descendants of the former Landmeister’s daughter to be the Wiessel-Pregel family and gave them a fief around Danzig, thus marking the first creation of a matrilineal noble house in Avaria in five centuries. However, anti-Pregel sentiment in Avaria resulted in the Wiessel-Pregels retreating from politics and vanishing from historical records. Not long after, the True Pregel line was subsumed into the House of Kaufmann after the Duchy of Prussia formed a personal union with Vesnia. The whereabouts of the Wiessel-Pregel family is still unknown.
 * House of Marko: The House of Marko is a minor noble house residing by the Baltic Sea. Historically, the Markos were of great importance, their members consistently bringing Avaria military victories. However, by the 16th century, they were irrelevant and married into more powerful families to cling into power. The Markos took over many of the House of Šarvas' assets following the defeat of the Lasnin Coalition. They own and operate Pomeranian Atlantic Company (Avar: Atlancikù Firma Pomoraša), a company given jurisdiction over Avaro-Vedenan participation in the colonization of Meridia and West Africa.
 * Economy: The economy of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth is based largely upon agriculture, with cereals, fur, and cattle amounting to around 80% of all exports from the AVC to Western European markets. The country plays a significant role in the supply of Western Europe by the export of grain, cattle, furs, timber, linen, cannabis, ash, tar, carminic acid and amber. In turn, Avaro-Vedena is a major importer of wine, beer, luxury goods, and industrial products. In the agricultural sector, feudal plantations called Folwarks dominate. Though Folwarks are owned traditionally by the nobility, in recent times many have begun to be operated by wealthy commoners.
 * Capital: Kánsbaurg, Lutsk (Vedena)
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 12,190,000
 * Avaria: 6.22M
 * Vedena: 4.11M
 * Other Territories: 1.86M
 * Military: The military of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth consists of the two administratively separate armies of the Kingdom of Avaria and the Republic of Vedena. Due to the Avaro-Vedenan military’s lack of centralized logistical apparati, Avaro-Vedenan units are encumbered by large baggage trains. During the 16th and the 17th centuries, this disadvantage was slightly reversed with the perfection of the wagon-fort and the adoption of smaller unit sizes. There is a small standing military of around 7,000 men, paid for by the king, stationed along the unruly southern border. In times of war, it is supplemented by the Begamv Tumèn; a feudal levy of nobles, and the Misvótos Tumèn; a force of commoners recruited by military commanders during peacetime, dispatched during war, and paid following military service. Apart from the nation military of Avaro-Vedena Commonwealth, local militia (Ašnèt Fiulaka, lit. ‘Settled Guards’) and Magnate armies (Magnasanų Tumèn) are two other prominent components of the Avaro-Vedenan military, with Magnate contribution on the frontlines sometimes eclipsing that of the state military. The Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth, notably, has a tradition of staffing much of its military with foreign soldiers, many of whom later integrated into their new home. These foreign soldiers, currently, are well-represented in elite infantry and artillery divisions.
 * Total Military Size: ~230,000 (~1.9% of Population)
 * Royal Standing Army: 7,320
 * Begamv Tumèn (Feudal Levy): ~47,000 (~2.3% of nobility)
 * Rugsùn Tumèn (State Army): ~75,000
 * Misvótos Tumèn (Recruited Reserves): ~19,000
 * Ašnèt Fiulaka (City Militia): ~70,000

authors note: alright gamers with the 1st 2 turns done the “introduction” has finished. this turn is mostly character shit so if you’re all abt that political intrigue and shit ur gonna have to wait for next turn, but man im proud of the writing in this turn so please read. The Stallion and the Stag [Broad Overview & Introduction]: With the ascension of François-Louis de Bourbon to the Avaro-Vedenan throne, a veritable cascade of French officials entered the Commonwealth as François-Louis took the reins of government. Brushing aside his initial reluctance, François-Louis, with the aid of his advisors, made sweeping reforms during the inductive years of his reign. Many of these reforms were hardly original, having been proposed in Yohan Klessiviu’s court years prior, but for enacting them François-Louis is undoubtedly deserving of praise. In 1707, all private military forces were outlawed and the remaining magnate armies were transferred to the state. The following year, a spelling reform, thought up by Fabian of Allenstein, was enacted.

But other than that, there was little that happened during this half-decade.

A moment of calm before the storm. Interlude I - ΧΑΙΡΕ Ω ΘΑΝΑΤΕ: For All my Griefs:

Since Father left me, a wide and windless desert has followed me.

I think I have accepted it. It is my lot in life to love, to be abandoned, and to love again. Until I reunite with the earth, I will keep this truth near to my heart. I will remember that they stripped me of all I loved, that they ridded me of my mind, that they mottled my body with yellow-green bruises so horrific that even saints fled at the sight of me.

I cannot let this go. To forget my rage is to relinquish any right to recompense.

I cannot let the spirits die a second death so easily.

~*~

In the street there was a man. There were many men like himself; men who used me and taught me the way of blood as I trudged further and further westward, but he was special, implacably so. Perhaps it was his scent. I do recall him smelling of sour tobacco and firewood spoiled by rain.

Rain.

When I met him, it was raining. There was a downpour, a cascade, a biblical deluge; the rain hacked at the trees and threw itself against thatched roofs and cobblestone streets. Under darkened skies the torrent came roaring, shrieking; I could scarcely hear the man’s words over the cacophony of ten thousand beads of rain hitting the ground. But that was alright. I could understand their intention.

He turned. A smile, bent like a willow branch thrust into a stream by the rain, was on his lips.

He introduced himself as Vrisùrik.

I knew him as Uncle.

He did not take well to the name. When he heard my voice call him Uncle he screamed and yelled and threw words like daggers. I was not sure why. I do not remember much of him. Only that as so many others did, he hurt me. Things my body could not do I was forced to do. His friends, arriving with notepads and quills and speaking in hushed tones, assured me that he was a kind man, just one that could ill-afford mercy.

They were liars. He was a cruel man.

And yet, I think I remember loving him. I had tried to tempered the extremes of his passions, and had attempted to speak to him of life and its many paths. My love for him was the desperation of a serpent coiled around its nest. For my devotion, I think he may have loved me back. His love was twisted and torturous and stung like obsidian in my chest, but it was love.

I was broken. I was repaired, only to be broken again.

~*~

I’m not sure what set me off.

I was talking. To my friends. I think it's right to call them my friends. Just me, and a few others. I was talking, and then-

Bang. The door was thrown open. Uncle entered.

Uncle. He was loud. Not angry loud - something rare - but still loud.

His mouth stopped moving but he still yelled. Too loud. Too many voices talking. I coiled up into a ball but I could still hear. The din. Too loud. Too loud

The room began to spin, kaleidoscopic and disorienting. Colors, so many colors, bright and jagged like shards of stained glass, swirled about my vision. Too much. It's too much. The mahogany of the table. The floor. Blue. White. Amber. Yellow.

And then clarity. All-encompassing, divine, aching, clarity.

I will teach this world mercy and I will teach this world pain.

With clarity came voices. Perhaps they were just my thoughts expressing themselves strongly. I call them voices regardless. The voices chanted, the voices screamed, the voices led my legs forward and pushed my hand forward to grab a dagger off a shelf.

With the voices came memory. Blinding, torturous memory. I remembered accepting - first reluctantly, then graciously - the viscera that trailed down my throat like ribbons every night that Uncle so generously proffered. I remembered scars, over scars, over scars eternal, a lattice of wounds covering my body.

My blade found my target.

And then there was blood.

Blood, oh, blood, sweet, infatuating, glorious blood! How I missed blood, my old friend! The image of it splattered onto my fragile flesh had long since made itself the background to my thoughts, but blood on the skin of others, oh that was a sight I had seen in so long - too long.

I will teach this world mercy and I will teach this world pain.

This I remember clearly. I remember wedging my blade, my trusted blade, into Uncle’s abdomen and the growing mass of blood that followed. I remember thinking, telling myself, not to kill Uncle. He must know mercy. But first he must know pain.

And then all went silent.

I felt eyes on me.

And I ran.

Fly, Blackbird:

I call myself Aumsel Leverk. This year, 1710, I am twenty-six. I am many things, but above all, I am a fool.

Let me tell you my story.

~*~

When does a girl become a woman?

Thirteen, fifteen, seventeen, nineteen?

Is it when she enters puberty? When she is married? When she loses her virginity? Or is it something more abstract, like when she no longer requires validation from others to live or when she knows clearly the consequences of her actions?

For Kyria Marko, none of these answers are true.

She became a woman the day I lost her.

~*~

Nobody expected Kyria and I to become friends.

Sharing my past isn't the coolest thing in the world though, so I'll keep this brief.

I was the quiet girl, the one who spoke to the old widows more than her peers, the one who slept in the woods more days than not. There were few that tried befriending me, and fewer still that later did become my friends. Even today, more than a decade later, I can recall their names, their faces, almost everything about them. Clear in my mind are even the most ephemeral of things, like the rhythm of their gait and the way their smiles made up for those I lacked.

Of course, most left me, growing apart with the passage of years. But that was fine. I was used to people coming and going. Besides, what right do I have to demand them to stay, to tether them to myself?

Most left me, all except one.

Kyria.

I can't remember much of my introduction to her. I like it that way. It lends her a sense of permanence, like she was always there with me and would be with me forever. It's comforting.

I had first thought her too doting, obnoxious even. Strange coming from me, I know. She laughed too much, she insisted on play-sparring too much, she just did too much. I couldn't stand it. But she was always there.

Gradually, I got used to it. I suppose I just wasn't used to someone genuinely enjoying my presence.

Man, I miss those times.

Kyria, as I grew to learn, was a member of the Marko family. Like her antecessors, she was vowed to live by the sword, with the sword. In more ways than one, she was a living embodiment, though perhaps not the living embodiment, of the Bogatyrs of the past. And goddamn, for young me, that was fucking cool. When asked why Kyria was not with her family in Eltbyrg, she replied that her mother was not on the best terms with the family patriarch. A good enough answer for me. I'm never one to pry.

Things, gradually, began to change. I grew older, and my friends did too. One, an Inkerian girl two years my senior, left Allenstein for the east. My brother left to pursue a full-time military career and my father grew more unstable, so I spent more and more time in the forest, on the streets, but always with Kyria. Kyria began to show the marks of her profession. With my knowledge of medicine I made sure to treat her wounds when able, once even asking to accompany her to Elbing for a tournament organized by the Marko patriarch and his Šarvas allies. She and I were fourteen then. Too young for these sorts of things.

Perhaps that was a mistake. She didn't return after a week, the expected time. She didn't return after two. A month later, she still hadn't returned.

Later, I had heard through the grapevine that Kyria, despite winning and securing the transfer of some trading company to the Markos, had sustained injuries and stayed in Danzig. Whether she recovered or died was unknown.

I was heartbroken. Even if Kyria was out there, still alive, with a leg missing or an eyepatch of whatever, it didn't matter.

I was alone again.

In desperation, I turned to the forest. In Christian Avar myth, the forest was a corrupting force, the last bastion of the vengeful old gods. The black depths of the forest were associated with hysteria, witchcraft, everything undesirable in a girl.

Well, I was born a pagan, and my mother was too. I supposed the deities of old had no grudge against me, so, whatever.

Months after Kyria's vanishing, tragedy struck again. The forces of the Lasnin Coalition attacked my town during their Pomeranian campaign and captured my parents, somehow having learnt of their status as the last bearers of the Pregel name. In my last moments with her, my mother passed me a Saiga horn, the Pregel family's, my family's, symbol of investiture. The thing that designates us as not just nobles, but legally members of the high nobility, despite that being a massive fucking lie. Not that I cared too much about such things, but still, important shit.

Well, back to Kyria, I suppose.

Less than a year after I thought her gone, I found her again. But something, deep and intimate, had changed.

I noticed it first when she slipped and fell flat on her face when I first met her. An unexpected bout of clumsiness couldn't mean anything though, right? Then I noticed that the light in her eyes had changed shades, and something about the way she held herself changed too. Perhaps the natural consequence of ahez I thought.

And then I realized.

When I grabbed her up by the arm, in her eyes was the mist of amnesia. When she got to her feet and smiled, she asked for my name.

She had forgotten who she was. Traumatic retrograde amnesia. A blight on the soul and the mind. I had heard tales of warriors unable to remember anything of their past lives after a grave injury, but even during the year I spent fretting over her, I had never considered that it was this take took Kyria out of commission.

Man, I was a dumbass.

Our roles reversed. Perhaps that was for the better, so I wouldn't be reminded of past Kyria whenever I saw the new Kyria. I doted in Kyria, caring for her like she was my firstborn daughter, a precious member of my family. I didn't want to lose her again. In the past year I had grown, I had stiffened. I had grown less anxious, less angry, having made amends with the ways of the world. As for Kyria, there was something slightly different about her, something I couldn't pinpoint but something significant nonetheless. Perhaps it was loneliness. Perhaps it was perspective.

In November of 1703, while in Vesnia, Kyria asked for us to leave for Silesia. She needed to knock the Marko patriarch down a few pegs, she told me, and wanted me to come. I refused. This was her fight. I could not bring myself to interfere. Kyria was evidently disappointed, and for a few moments I thought I had said the wrong thing, made the wrong decision. But the look she gave me afterwards told me that she accepted my answer. She was always too nice to hold such grudges.

Ugh, damn it. Almost tearing up about Kyria and my past again. I need to throw that damn Saiga horn out already. Keeps me dwelling on dumb shit.

~*~

Outside my cabin there was a girl, appearing more like a ghost than a human. She refused food, she refused drink, though she seemed direly in need of both.

Instead, she asked me a question.

"Adïrdáŋïm vänüsatúrï?"

Adytite. A language of the east, of fern trees coated in snow and the winter wind. I presumed she asked whether I could understand it. Slowly, I shook my head.

"Ah...Dävadawńem fe-...soyžaš-ai?"

This language I could not even recognize, much less recognize. Again, I shook my head.

"Do you know Avar?" I asked. The girl seemed to ponder this for a while

Still, she had to be spoken to.

I rattled my brains, thinking of what other languages the girl standing ahead could possibly know. Inkerian, perhaps? No, no, I could scarcely count to ten in it. The girl's clothing seemed to be of Southern Varangian provenance. Perhaps she'd know Inkerian then? Growing up, I knew a few Keisarian merchants and clockmakers who resided in my town. Though my Inkerian was hardly proficient, I could hold a conversation well enough, and that's all that mattered.

"Ah...Sa-...Puhutko Ižoran Kieltä?" I asked, tripping over my words as the foreign syllables squirmed on my tongue. Still, the girl nodded and let her arms hang free at her sides as she breathed a sigh of relief. She understood.

"Yes. Thank you."

"Your name?" I ventured.

"...Sailan. Sailan, yes, that's the name Father gave me."

Sailan. I silently tested the name on my lips. A pretty name.

"I like it."

As spring turned to summer turned to autumn, I learned a few things about my guest.

For one, she had her quirks. She had very many of them, in fact. She dutifully maintained a stack of rocks outside our cabin, for example. She grew to have a habit of taking my hand on her mouth when in private. Instead of smiling, she rocked back and forth to express her happiness much of the time. Perhaps other people would have found this disconcerting. I found it endearing, cute, even.

On another, more bleaker note, her past was not...particularly savory, to say the least. From what I could glean, her entire community had been taken from her and she spent her entire adolescence wandering around. During this wandering, something had happened to her, something so traumatic that she insisted on not speaking Avar. In time, she did begin to use the language, allowing herself to grow independent, but still. Whatever she suffered must’ve been fucking horrific.

There were times I had to remind myself that Sailan was any other woman. In a few ways she seemed young for her age, yes, and to others she’d be considered a genuine nutcase. But like any other woman, she had her interests, such as gardening and playing her flute, and a childhood. A healthy one, one where she swam in the River Samara and played dice with her friends.

Well, I should stop dodging the point. Life with Sailan was nice, relaxing.

Perhaps, I could’ve lived like that forever.

~*~

1709

When Kyria returned that year, she was many things, some of them new.

She was injured, in typical Kyria-esque fashion. She came to me with a shitfaced grin and a nasty gash on her thigh. I naturally offered to treat it.

She was also more solemn, more demure. I first thought it to be the result of the newfound unfamilitary that had grown between me and her (I mean, hot damn, it was already six years) but I soon learned the real reason why.

She remembered.

Not everything, I soon came to learn, but enough to warp the way things previously had been. That, I assured her, was perfectly fine. It hardly mattered that we stood on different ground now. She, thank the spirits, took this to heart.

The callouses that war brung remained stuck to her soul. She, more often than not, had the air of a soldier, not the air of a duelist or an athlete. Indeed, the mercenary group she had founded (And told me of way too late) had wedged itself into her heart, as not long after her returned she asked me to come with her to the forests of Polesia to join her organization. At first, I planned to refuse, but could Kyria, or myself for that matter, spend another six years seeing each other for just a few days a year at most? Sailan was doing fine. There was no risk to my departure. I had to accept.

But none of that really was the point, wasn't it? None of this fundamentally changed our relationship, not really.

It was her desperation that really mattered. When she returned she was desperate - desperate for my love, desperate for the return of her love, desperate like a mother with a wounded son single-mindedly intent on keeping him alive.

And so I loved her.

I loved her fiercer and firmer than I even could have anticipated. I had once thought myself ill-suited for romance, even incapable of romance, but oh, was I proven wrong.

Was I happy discovering that side of myself? Maybe, maybe not.

But Kyria was delighted, so it hardly mattered, didn't it?

Most Serene Republic of Venice | Serenìsima Repùblega Vèneta

 * Government: Parliamentary oligarchic merchant republic
 * Head of State: Doge Silvestro Valier (B 1630 - Age 75, alive) (R 1694 - Present)
 * Consort: Dogaressa Elisabetta Querini (B 1628 - D 1708)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Valier Family
 * Head of Government: The Doge
 * Duke of Irákleio (Crete):
 * Duke Theodore Oirundi (B 1649 - Age 56, Alive), (R 1699 - 1708)
 * Duke Giovanni Barbarigo (B 1675 - Age 30, Alive) (R 1708 - present)
 * Legislature:
 * Upper Chamber: The Senate
 * Lower Chamber: The Council of Ten
 * Economy: The economy of Venice is built on mainly trade in the mediterranean sea. Though it has declined and we were quite crippled after the war.
 * Allies:
 * Capital: Venice
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 2 000 000
 * Major Cities population
 * Venice: 140 000
 * Ethnicities: "Venetian", Greeks and smaller minorities.
 * Religion: Majority Catholic but also a bit orthodox among the greek population on Crete.
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * N/A
 * Military: We recently were in a conflict. Our navy has been in a long decline since the 16th century.
 * Total: 16 000
 * 11 000 Light Infantry
 * 2 000 Light Cavalry
 * 3 000 Artillerymen
 * Navy:
 * 100 Frigates
 * 15 Ship of the line
 * 50 Galleys
 * 40 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:


 * Events:
 * Problematic lifestyle of the Doge: Despite being constantly sickly and our economy crippled because of the recent war, our Doge are still partying hard with no regards to our current situation. He was expected to die very soon since he is sickly but the Doge is stubborn as a mule when it comes to dying. His problematic lifestyle have already made the part of the population very angry.
 * The war was worthless?: Ideas that the war was worthless and we gained little compared of how har we fought is commong among the population in Venice. Many blame the doge thinking he is the one to blame.
 * Riots of 1706: On the 26th of May 1706, a riot broke out during a protests against the doge when military officials attacked protester after being provoked. Chants like "The Doge is a Venetian Imposter" and "The Doge works for our enemies" and "The Doge is a fool" was common during these riots. It all began when the military officials were sent to try and calm down the angry men that were protesting and blocking the road not to long from where the old Doge lived. Commander Giovanni barbarigo had arrived with the rest of the Serenissmo Reggimento. The angry men primary of the middle class started to yell at the guards in anger that they support the doge. Yelling grew louder and some even tried provoke the guards in multiple ways. Giovanni ordered the guards to force the people out of the way since they blocked the road. Some guards provoked by the yelling, was a bit to harsh when they tried to disperse the people. Multiple of the people got hurt while the guards disparsed them. The people would respond violently using stone bricks from the ground to throw at the guards. Violent encounters would contine for a week when violence naturally calmed down. Giovanni was dismissed his position as commander shortly after.
 * The stubborn Barbarigo: Ever since dismissed the former young commander Giovanni Barbarigo have himself joined and supported the protests and as a member of a prominent family in Venetia it seen as something problematic. The council of ten have barred him from politicial office because of this. He is commonly referred by the people as "Capitano del popolo" as he is seen taking a stand against what the protesters think are a corrupt society lead by the Doge. The Doge have tried to appease the people and try to take him away from them by making him duke of Crete or as it is called in venice Irákleio because that is the largest city on the island and the region capital.
 * Riot of 1709: Another riot happened on the 1st July of 1709 when people in an attempt tried to storm the senate but were stopped by an overhelming amount of soldiers. Later tha tevening rioters tried to make their way to the Doge residence but were stopped before they even got close to it. A another riot happened during 11th September when people tried to storm again the senate but this time the venetian military was prepared and the riot ended quickly.
 * Building ships: New land means new territories to defend we are currently building more ships as that is what we need to defend ourselves.
 * Building ships: New land means new territories to defend we are currently building more ships as that is what we need to defend ourselves.

Empire of Matagaskar | Empira Matagasykara
Notable People of Matagaskar/Imerina (in chronological order) [WIP]:
 * Government: Imperial Feudal Monarchy
 * Monarch: Emperor Andriandambomanafika (B 1660 - Age 49, alive) (R 1694 - Present)
 * Consort: Empress Rafaravavy (B 1663 - Age 46, alive)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Hova
 * Chief of Kômôro: Kifeda II (B 1651 - Age 58, alive) (R 1683 - Present)
 * Co-Protector of Ranjevasy: Toavina (B 1649 D 1708 - Age 59) (R 1677 - 1708), Henintsoa (B 1683 - Age 26, alive) (R 1708 - Present)
 * Co-Protector of Maorisy: Harinjatovo (B 1652 - Age 57, alive) (R 1688 - Present)
 * Order of Succession: Prince Andriamasinavalona (B 1692 - Age 17, alive), Princess Andriamahefaparany (B 1692 - Age 17, alive), Prince Andrianjakanavalondambo (B 1664 - Age 45, alive), Prince Andriamanitrinitany (B 1677 - Age 32, alive), Princess Hanitriniaina (B 1678 - Age 31, alive), Princess Mialitiana (B 1651 - Age 58, alive)...
 * Economy: The economy of Matagaskar is based mainly on agriculture and fishing as well as trade, mostly with the Swahili states of East Africa but also other foreign merchants. The Malagasy economy stands as one of the strongest and most developed in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, mostly due to the effect of foreign contact. Matagaskar controls the entire island of the same name and holds influence in parts of East Africa. The Fanery is the traditional currency of Matagaskar.
 * Allies: Mtende, Pemba and Bangalla (vassals), Mutapa (personal alliance), Albion (declaration of friendship)
 * Clients: Mtende, Pemba and Bangalla (vassals)
 * Capital: Antananarivo
 * Demographics:
 * Population: ca 806 000 total
 * Mahajanga: 9 100
 * Antananarivo: 8 300
 * Toamasina: 4 700
 * Manakara: 3 300
 * Ambanja: 2 500
 * Morafenobe: 2 500
 * Toliara: 2 100
 * Antsiranana: 2 000
 * Moroni: 1 200
 * Antsirabe: 900
 * Fipetrahana: 650
 * Amorontsiraka: 650
 * Rural regions: ca 770 000
 * Ethnicities: 88% Malagasy (consisting of 18 ethnic groups, the three largest of which, in order, are the Merina, Betsimisaraka and Sakalava), 6% Komoro Natives (Swahili), ca 5% Adnanite, >1% Albionite (Fort Dolphin and nearby areas)
 * Religion: 98% Tombovelan Zoroastrianism, ca 2% Haintenism (traditional Merina folklore) and other traditional folk religions, >1% Anglican Christianity
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * Taolankarana Revolt (March 1708): A chunk of the villagers of Taolankarana (a village just by Fort Dolphin, which due to foreign contact with the English, has a sizable christian population) revolt against the new policies that discriminate towards christians and favors zoroastrians. The revolt spread to a few nearby villages as well and about one thousand people were involved. A few levies were raised and since the revolters were not able to capture any good produced weaponry aside from the few soldiers they killed, the revolt was rather quickly put down after only 3 weeks.
 * Military: Due to Matagaskar being a rural realm, a large amount of units can be raised for warfare, but usually about 1% of the population is the most trained and prepared soldiers that can be drafted. Levies can also be raised from our vassal territories. Parentheses means the deployed units in cases where not all units are deployed for war.
 * Deployed units: None
 * Total (1%): 8 000
 * 2 080 Spearmen
 * 1 000 Swordsmen
 * 1 000 Musketeers
 * 1 800 Crossbowmen
 * 1 500 Light Cavalry
 * 800 Fossa Warriors
 * Navy:
 * 22 Adananita class ships
 * 18 Mer'ana class ships
 * 14 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:
 * Order of Avesta: Further negotiations are being done, basically us exerting more influence over them in a friendly-ish way.
 * Mtwara: Become a vassal please or you know… be invaded.
 * Mutapa: We are interested in buying Angoche Island, would you like to negotiate that?
 * Events:
 * Internal Affairs: The reign of Andriandambomanafika has become quite… strict and more authoritarian. With a focus on improving the military and establishing absolute discipline (especially after Botokeky passed away in 1707), he himself takes center stage as Tompon-daka and Emperor because why not and also puts the production of weapons like muskets and spears on very high priority. This together with the doubling down on christians, something that has angered the small community in the village of Taolankarana, right next to Fort Dolphin. They are angered so much that they revolt (check Wars and Conflicts).
 * So Andriandambomanafika has become the closest Matagaskar has had to a dictator (well technically there’s always been a mostly absolute monarch but he has brought it to quite the level).
 * External Affairs: Nothing much to say here other than that we are aiming to expand our influence more in this region. This through expanding and improving the navy as well as three other things. Number one is to vassalize the state of Mtwara, this would grant us the city of Kilwa. Number two is continuing our influence over the Order of Avesta. Finally number three is to get a hold of Angoche Island (btw the city of Angoche is actually not on Angoche Island it’s on the mainland northeast of it use google maps kbye)
 * An Interesting Development in the Maskareina Archipelago: Well, someone dieded. That certain someone is Toavina. And also it takes 8 years before it happens. But yeah the situation when it comes to romance and relationships and all that is quite… complex. Basically there is quite a lot of incest going on since polygamy is legal and in the Maskareina archipelago pretty much everyone is related to each other. It’s like what Guy Bloke said: “This is how incest happens, when you have so many bloody relatives that you don’t know which one’s which and just roll with it.”
 * Anyway the important thing to note here is that Henintsoa becomes the new Co-Protector of Ranjevasy and she is of course married to the son of Harinjatovo (also named Harinjatovo) who is next in line for ruling Maorisy. They are expecting their first child soon, who may end up ruling both islands.
 * Past Rulers:
 * Ammagari dynasty (ca 1392-1517):
 * Andrianerinerina (ca 1360s-1418): Legendary first king, said to be the son of the god Zanahary himself. Reigned from ca 1392 to 1418.
 * Andrianjavonana (1391-1447): Ruled during a period of language and alphabet-development. Reigned from 1418 to 1447.
 * Andrianamponga (1427-1455): Encountered the Adnanites, expanded the rule over the Comoros. Died in a mysterious event. Reigned from 1447 to 1455.
 * Andrianamboniravina (1429-1469): Formed the Fossa Warriors, fought the Avestan invaders. Reigned from 1455 to 1469.
 * Zafimahova (1434-1488): Regent for Rafandrandrava. De facto ruler even after Rafandrandrava’s coming of age. Official regency lasted from 1469 to 1471. De facto queen regnant from 1469 to 1488.
 * Rafandrandrava (1453-1494): Underage at the time of ascension, was basically just a de jure ruler for most of his reign. Oversaw the expansion into the Central Highlands. Reigned from 1469 to 1494.
 * Andriamasindohafandrana (1477-1513): Continued adapting foreign technology and expanding south. Visited the Ahuric Empire. Murdered by conspiring Fossa Warriors. Reigned from 1494 to 1513.
 * Rafandrampohy (1495-1550): Conducted a massive crackdown on the conspirators who killed his father. Abdicated in favor of his wife Rangitamanjakatrimovavy, triggering the Merina Civil War. After this he became a religious person. Reigned from 1513 to 1517.
 * Hova dynasty (current):
 * Rangitamanjakatrimovavy/Rangita (1493-1552): First true queen of Imerina and ruler from the Hova dynasty. Won the Merina Civil War, moved the capital to Mahajanga. Reigned from 1517 to 1552.
 * Rafohy (1528-1572): Established contact with Mutapa, expanded the kingdom, and made the Order of Sihanaka official. Died of a miscarriage. Reigned from 1552 to 1572.
 * Andriamanelo the Great (1546-1605): Unifier of the entire island. Last king of Imerina and first emperor of Matagaskar. Considered the greatest monarch in Malagasy history (so far). Reigned from 1572 to 1605.
 * Ralambo (1566-1612): Legalized polygamy, introduced the fandroana celebration, reformed the feudal system. Died of a sexually transmitted disease. Reigned from 1605 to 1612.
 * Andrianjaka (1571-1628): Founded Antananarivo upon the former settlement of Analamanga and moved the capital there. Improved infrastructure, held a census. Deposed by his son and wife in an internal conflict. Reigned from 1612 to 1626.
 * Andriantsitakatrandriana (1608-1658): Married the Shona woman Raviro who became his wife and empress. Defeated the Order of Yasht during their rebellion. Reigned from 1626 to 1658.
 * Andriantsimitoviaminandriandehibe (1632-1693): Had the longest reign of all monarchs so far. Reigned from 1658 to 1693.
 * Ravololondrenitrimo (1661-Present): Reigned from 1693 to 1694.
 * Andriandambomanafika (1660-Present): Emperor since 1694.
 * Others:
 * Hainteny (ca 1370s-1423): Philosopher and writer. First person to truly take advantage of writing when it came into being in Imerina. Formed the basis of the Haintenist faith.
 * Tsilavohery (ca 1410s-1467): Writer in service of Andrianamponga. Was a friend of Rakotomanjato until their falling out due to differing views on the death of said king.
 * Rakotomanjato (ca 1421-1505): Writer in service of Andrianamponga. Was a friend of Tsilavohery until their falling out due to differing views on the death of said king. He betrayed the Merina and became king of a group of Bara peoples. That polity did not last too long however and was eventually conquered by Imerina.
 * Ndahimananjara (ca 1440s-1503): First ever Fossa Warrior. Married into the Ammagari dynasty. His branch would eventually rule the island.
 * Andriantompokoindrindra (1467-1527): Father of Andriamihaja and Rangitamanjakatrimovavy. Andriantompokoindrindra and his son fought the Merina Civil War for Andriamihaja to be placed on the throne, but they lost and were both executed in 1527 for treason.
 * Tombovelo (ca 1480s-1543): Religious figure who essentially was the one to create the Malagasy variant of Zoroastrianism. He also traveled and studied in the Ahuric Empire.
 * Andriamihaja (1496-1527): Son of Andriamihaja. Was next in line to the throne of Imerina when Rafandrampohy declared female successors and abdicated in favor of his wife Rangita, who was Andriamihaja’s sister. Andriamihaja and his father fought the Merina Civil War for Andriamihaja to be placed on the throne, but they lost and were both executed in 1527 for treason.
 * Ratsifandrihamanana (1493-1556): Second husband of Rangita.
 * Rakotomazava (ca 1510s-1577): Founder of the Order of Sihanaka, which later became the Order of Rakotomazava.
 * Rakotomanjafy (ca 1520s-1590s): Mpiady of the Order of Sihanaka.
 * Ranjeva (ca 1540s-ca 1603): Explorer and discoverer of the Mascarene Islands.
 * Rafidy (ca 1580s-1642): Co-Protector of Ranjevasy.
 * Tsiajotso/Rakotomazava II (ca 1589-1647): Leader of the southern Order of Rakotomazava and later leader of the Order of Yasht. Exiled himself and the Order to Mtende.
 * Zozimar (ca 1590s-1639): Co-Protector of Maorisy.
 * Ramalalaharivololona (ca 1590s-1657): Usurped the position of High Chief of Mahajanga, but was defeated by a coalition of lords and imprisoned. Died in prison in 1657.
 * Rambolazafy (1599-1653): High Chieftess of Mahajanga.
 * Tombomankara (ca 1595-1647): Mpiady of the Order of Rakotomazava from 1628 to 1647.
 * Boazandrivelo/Rakotomazava III (ca 1600-1663): Originally just a soldier of the Order of Rakotomazava and later of the Order of Yasht. He became an important associate of Tsiajotso. He took over as Mpiady of the Order of Yasht after Tsiajotso died, becoming Rakotomazava III.
 * Tsivalaka (1603-1668): Mpiady/Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava.
 * Catherine Burwick (1603-1691): Noble Scottish woman who married Mamangy and had a child with him.
 * Mamangy “Andrew” Burwick (1605-1679): Chef, considered to have been the first one to make a popular dish out of dodo meat. Traveled to Europe via British trade vessels.
 * Raviro (1608-1657): A princess of Mutapa and now Empress consort, first non-Malagasy consort of a ruler.
 * Mafilaza/Rakotomazava IV (ca 1610-1676): Impressive soldier of the Order of Yasht. Became Rakotomazava IV as Mpiady of the Order of Yasht after the death of Boazandrivelo.
 * Rabenirina (ca 1615-1677): Co-Protector of Ranjevasy.
 * Tovondrava (1614-1688): Co-Protector of Maorisy.
 * Manorohanta (1620-1655): Advisor and explorer. Went on an expedition to the Nyafo (Rodrigues) island, but it led to a shipwreck where all of the crew died Fs in the chat.
 * Rakotomandimbindraibe (1622-1696): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava from 1668 to 1696.
 * Botokeky (1633-1707): Tompon-daka of the Fossa Warriors.
 * Andrianantoano “Gordon” Burwick (1643-1709): Son of Mamangy, a successful but strict chef, basically Gordon Ramsay except Malagasy and he lives in the 17th century.
 * Solofonantenaina (1642-present): An explorer who went on an expedition into mainland Africa.
 * 'Anaishe (1644-present): Solofo’s wife.
 * Rinjala/Rakotomazava V (ca 1650-present): Mpiady of the Order of Yasht since 1676.
 * Ramilijaona (1666-Present): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava since 1696.
 * Ramilijaona (1666-Present): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava since 1696.

The Confederacy of Greater Abenanka

 * Government: Feudal Parliamentary Tribal Monarchy
 * Ruler: Yupoaka Fure-echinge (b. 1592, r. 1642-)
 * Chief General: Yuape Norakuro (b. 1649, r. 1683-)
 * Parliament of Abenanka: After growing closer to the Tlingit states, some of their customs and practices are adopted, one of which is a parliamentary system of government. Each clan in Abenanka sends one delegate to a parliament, Poroninu, that advises the Yupoaka on important matters. 24 different representatives meet in Sunak with Yupoaka Fure-echinge. The representatives from Ekimne and Sinnam are not given a vote when no initial consensus can be reached, meaning for now they can just propose plans and watch. The clans are divided into regions, namely Abenanka-Tsu, Abenanka-Hom, Abenanka-Mem, Abenanka-Nah. The latter three all have one clan with three votes that acts as a regional leader.
 * Three Votes: Central and large clans, namely Nakniq, Abe-na-Funi, Abe-na-Fure, Abe-no-Wak, Abe-na-Nis, and Wakka-Ep.
 * Two Votes: Somewhat relevant clans and clans that the government owes favors to. A few are Takahkae, Sakpok, Aanoye, Aachi-sei, Wakkanna, and Aachi-aea.
 * One Vote: All others, including Ekimne, Sinnam, and Suaka.
 * Notable Figures:
 * Royal Family:
 * Yumatace Tsra-Yerui (b. 1639)
 * Rimatace Atusanum (b. 1594)
 * Matace Norebe (b. 1615)
 * Yupace Kupray (b. 1618)
 * Yupace Sukki (b. 1644)
 * Wappo, the brilliant moose tamer, and milker apparently (b. 1600)
 * Issam, sailor who reunited the Abenanka with Asia (b. 1622)
 * Sepake, pioneer of Abenankan music (b. 1628)
 * Norakuro, rising commander of Abenankan forces (b. 1649)
 * Kayu Immugoki, foreign diplomat and historian (b. 1603)
 * Deceased:
 * Yupace Yaichinane, prince whose death triggered Abenanka’s expansionism (b. 1591, d. 1607)
 * Yupoaka Yukki, the last ruler of a time before Abenankan domination (b. 1569, d. 1642; r. 1599-1642)
 * Yutara, general who led Abenankan troops to victory over neighbors (b. 1574, d. 1648)
 * Apsitako, the dog who indirectly invented grilled cheese (b. 1639, d. 1657)
 * Kurasaro Kurupas, failed explorer turned trade king (b. 1594, d. 1684)
 * Economy: The Abenanka are a more urban civilization than its primitive neighbors, with gravel streets dividing up short rows of businesses and houses. The constant flow of boats carrying food, goods, artifacts and treasures between deep ports in remote cities keeps the nation’s internal and external trade with neighbors strong and unifies the nation. The door to Asia has reopened after a spell of isolation, and the borrowing of social practices and construction tactics have brought Abenanka to new levels of prosperity. Metalworking and scientific experimentation continues to grow more prevalent and beneficial as the nation’s economic needs grow. Some basic aquaculture has sprung up in the deep inlets and bays surrounding Kasukuak, and planting of some vegetables such as potatoes and onions at the northern border helps enrich the diet of the people. In the warmer climates of the eastern Abenanka-Nah region, some rice fields have developed. Shipbuilding of larger, stronger ships brings jobs to the larger cities. The discovery of gold in the rivers to the north and the mountains in the western land has caused a rush for extraction of gold, silver, and other valuable minerals and metals nationwide. These are often traded for foods, goods, and rare items (especially turquoise) from nations far to the south. The nation is divided amongst different clans that each pay tributary to the Chief General and Yupoaka in Sunak. Each clan has their own specialty and trade, such as the warrior Nakniq, or the expert fisher Takahkae. Our trading business has now extended to the attempted construction of a permanent trading post in the South near our turquoise dealers to cut out the middleman in a way and extensive missions to the West.
 * Capital: Sunak
 * Demographics:
 * Population:
 * Abenanka Proper: 185,000
 * Sunak: 27,000
 * Kasukuak: 15,000
 * Nomiom: 13,500
 * Illiamna: 12,000
 * Poksia: 11,000
 * Nanwalek: 9,500
 * Other Cities: ~19,400
 * Outside Cities: ~77,600
 * Wakka Region: ~34,650
 * Adaax: 9,000
 * Atxax: 8,800
 * Ipip: 6,000
 * Nakniq Region: ~24,800
 * Ekimne Region: ~22,750
 * Udamagax: 12,250
 * Ugasik: 4,300
 * Ikatan: 3,000
 * Sinnam Region: ~21,800
 * Amaxnax: 8,000
 * Chalukax: 6,500
 * Frontier Regions: ~11,000
 * Religion:
 * Abenankan Religion: 97%
 * Buddhism: 3%
 * Other: 3%
 * Ethnicities:
 * Abenankan: The vast majority and a mix of Ainu and some Dena’inu, 81%
 * Eastern Clans (Ekimne, Sinnam, etc.): Groups with more Ainu influence, 15%.
 * Oresu’guru: Asians from, well, Asia, or Sahnyate, 3%.
 * Dena’inu Clans: Mostly assimilated tribes, >1%.
 * Aashiru: Others, >1%.
 * Military: 
 * Manpower: 
 * There is no actual military in Abenanka, except for the Yupoaka’s guards, but they rarely leave the ruler’s side. Each local chief selects people from their clan to fight whenever it is necessary. Every person sent to the front lines has some minor combat training, a spear or bow, simple chainmail armor and a helmet. Some veterans can get access to better weapons, such as Rayketek, and prized scale mail armor. Security forces, the Hempakayu, have sprung up in each major port, policing trade and maritime activities.
 * Soldiers: a lot
 * Aimakipako: ~3,500
 * Rayketaynu: ~5,000
 * Hempakayu: ~10,000
 * Weapons:
 * The bow and arrow is a common weapon with most male Abenankans having at least some training in it. The spear is the most common melee weapon, although tomahawks, knives and swords are also seen in combat.
 * Rayketek: The introduction of a handful of firearms from the Tlingit states and Asia boosts our military advantage over our enemies substantially.
 * Aimakipako: The best of the best Abenankan soldiers have training in moose riding, which has led to the domestication of moose and use as steeds in combat. Taking the role of the horse or chariot elsewhere, moose have become a common sight on the battlefield, either for carrying soldiers or supplies.
 * Wars and Conflicts:
 * Abenankan Conquests: With much of the conquest and bloodshed a distant memory, Abenanka has reached a point of stability. With no competition on its borders, Abenanka has easily become the regional power and a fierce enemy for any contenders.
 * Terrors of the Sea: With the stability of Abenanka secured, some ex-soldiers missing the thrill of combat and glory have turned to taking jobs on ships sailing in the Sea of Naqnik to the Northwest of the nation. These ships raid the isolated towns and villages of Nauka, Togiak, and their neighbors, bringing back supplies to their families. As nearly all the pirates are citizens of Abenanka and raiding parties rarely stray south of Nauka, the government is willing to turn a blind eye.
 * Diplomacy:
 * Taqwúba and surrounding nations: Uhh who wants it again I didn’t catch it the first time (pls answer and put on map)
 * Some East Asian nation iirc I believe a trade deal was discussed? (You can just put it in the turn but it won’t affect much since I’m most likely moving on)
 * Sahnyate: So yeah a personal alliance? (This was discussed probably months ago but I never actually bothered to write it, they should be fine with it)
 * Events:
 * The Turquoise Fleet: Our trade expands south. Our trading vessels show up in Hennauke, Makah, Luqal and surrounding tribes, picking up things such as turquoise and rare metals not found in Abenanka, furs and artifacts, exotic and rare materials and natural resources only obtainable further south, and foreign weapons. The large quantities of the precious blue material give our fleet its colorful name. Turquoise is a hot commodity up and down the coast, traded for marked-up prices and usually making our merchants a pretty penny. The trade spans from Ikatan in the north and west all the way to the Chinook tribes in the south and east.
 * Manifesting our Destiny: The eastern expansion along the Sakpok brings more ethnic diversity to the nation as we begin to assimilate the Dena’ina and introduce them to civilized concepts like democracy, metalworking, and sussiku iwamuke.
 * Play Us a Song, Mr. Aksepone Man, Part Final: The musical scene in Abenanka has grown greatly in the decades since Sepake’s return, with simple wind instruments carrying folk melodies with western influence, and a multitude of percussive sounds fueling the cultural fire of storytelling, religion and faith, and positive interactions with the nearby nations. Sepake dies a peaceful death, hailed as one of the pioneers of a cultural revolution.
 * City of Gold, Part The Last: Poksia continues to grow in population, becoming a cultural center for the displaced Oresu’guru and Dena’inu tribes. Gold, silver, and valuable resources are abundant in the nearby hills and mountains, and trade with Suacit helps its size grow as well. A basic fur trade begins to grow out of the city, with townsfolk taking trips into the untouched forests to the South and East and returning with pelts and skins to be sold and traded in Kasukuak or Suacit. The rich resources nearby are instrumental in solidifying our position as a trading center of the region.
 * The Big Sick: Renewed contact with the Western lands and the tribes to the southeast who have been exposed to Europeans have caused a mysterious disease to infect Abenankans. It runs rampant in our cities, weakening our military. Our traditional medical practices are barely effective, so we seek out the medicine of the West. This proves helpful, and we pursue closer relationships with the Ainu nations there and with the larger empires, particularly Nihon, Koryo, and Azure Cathay.
 * Scouting ahead: To protect our interests in the Salish coast, trade is increased in the area. The idea for a permanent trading outpost of sorts is conceived, and we enter talks with some native states.

The United Kingdoms of the British Isles (Albion)

 * Note: If you wish to engage in diplomacy with me, please DM me on Discord (BubbleRocket1#8016)

Government: Constitutional Monarchy


 * Drakes:
 * George I (M, b. 1662 - ) (R: 1684 - )
 * Important People:
 * King Family
 * Jocelyn King (F, b. 16?? - 169X)
 * Fortuna King (F, b. 1609 - 169X)
 * Lumi King (F, b. 164X - )

Economy: The economy of British Isles consists of trade and commerce of a variety of materials. The primary export products of the UK are fish, wool, cloth, and a variety of vegetables.

Main Religion: Christianity

Cities and Demographics:


 * Population:  11.943 million
 * British Mainland: 8.162 million
 * British Settlers: 225.7k
 * British Arcadia: 175k
 * Elysian Population: 29.3k
 * Catonzia Population: 25.8k
 * HALO Settlement: 5.5k
 * Eldia Population: 62.1k
 * Lansenia: 55.2k
 * Other: 50.7k
 * British Yolngu: 50.7k
 * Vinland Local Population: 1.902 million external subjects
 * Elysian Local Population: 773 thousand external subjects
 * Includes the population of the states of Elysia and Laconia
 * Elysia: 537k
 * Laconia: 109k
 * Deasaheim: 74k
 * New York: 53k
 * Eldia Local Population: 317 thousand external subject (subject to change)
 * Catonzia Local Population: 432 thousand external subjects
 * British Bahamas: Roughly 2,400 overall (for both island chains in the area)
 * Yolgnu Local Population: 211 thousand external subjects
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito Island Bases: 3,138
 * Port Kingpin: 1,389
 * Albish Galapagos: 763
 * Albish Falklands: 842
 * British Bahamas: 82,058
 * British Shattered isles: 5,423
 * British Belize: 494


 * Cities
 * Brighton: A newer shipbuilding facility located on the English Channel.
 * Birmingham: A quiet town that is the location of McCarthy Arms Company, one of, if not, the oldest firearms companies to date.
 * Calais: One of the few French towns still owned by the British, it is a prosperous city that is one of the most important trading hubs in the North Sea.
 * Dover: Main location of the British navy. While elements of the navy are located throughout the territory, the headquarters of the navy are located here. In addition, Dover is the main trading hub between it and Caen.
 * Dublin: Main hub of Ireland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * Elysiapolis: The capital of the Elysian province, as well as the main headquarters for the BFG Company.
 * Fort Avalon: An old British camp located in Vinland. Though mostly uninhabited, it is staffed by a skeleton crew, in the event of a British ship stranding itself on the Vinland island.
 * Though the island is now under Vestkyst control, the British still maintain control of the small fort.
 * Gibraltar: An important town the British claimed in the League Wars. Essentially give them control of who can and cannot leave the Mediterranan, though the British generally let anyone pass, not wishing to piss anyone off.
 * Glaemchester: A British town north of London, this city is known to house various wealthy nobles, with some of the finest tapestries being produced here.
 * Glasgow: Main hub of Scotland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * London: The capital of England, and location of the throne.
 * New London: The location of the British East Indian Company’s base-of-operations in India. Population primarily of locals, though as time progresses, more European influence seeps into the town.
 * Portsmouth: The location of the first drydocks in history, which became the founding of various legendary ships of the Royal Navy
 * Port Kingpin: Though not the capital of Yolngu, it does serve as the main hub by which the BAKA Gaikokuhito operate from, in addition to the main location of the local British garrison.
 * York: Main center of England’s eastern fishing company. Also where a bulk of British trading companies are located, evident from the various merchant caravels present there.
 * Colonial Forts/Towns
 * British East India Company
 * Cape Town (South Africa)
 * Fort Dolphin (Africa - Matagaskar)
 * New London (India) (Known as Diu to India)
 * BAKA Mitai
 * Fort Akan (Africa)
 * Fort Galatoi (Galatoi, Africa)
 * BFG Company
 * Fort Epheria (Elysia)
 * Fort Elysia (Elysia)
 * Jamestown (Elysia)
 * HALO Company
 * Fort Infinity (Amekrogu)
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito
 * Port Kingpin (Yolngu)
 * Portsmith (Galapagos)
 * Port Stanley (Falklands)
 * Other
 * Fort Avalon (Vestkyst-Vinland)
 * New Glaemchester (Lansenia)

Wars and Conflicts


 * North America: British companies begin to exert control over regions with usage of promises of trade and prosperity
 * Though it should be said that some companies add in the risk of war if the British do not get their way in the matter, though others are far more friendly with their actions.
 * Australia: Due to the combined influence of both Britain and the local Yolngu trade, their influence over the island-continent spreads
 * Little Ice Age: Mainland Britain is hit with the colder temperatures, and is forced to import food from abroad to accomodate for the crop failures due to the cold.
 * Also allowed for potatoes to become more prevalent in Britain due to its hardiness, leading to potatoes becoming a larger part of the British diet.

Armed Forces


 * Total: 280,266 Manpower (3.9% of population)
 * British Royal Army Corps
 * Total: 159,295
 * British Defense Force: (British Mainland)
 * Marksman Infantry: 15,050
 * Light Cavalry: 5,250
 * Heavy Cavalry: 3,050
 * Field Artillerymen: 5,634
 * Field cannons: 1,378
 * Logistical Support: 23,000
 * British Arcadian Force: (In Arcadia)
 * Catonzia Garrison
 * Marksman Infantry: 7,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 7,000
 * Catonzian Musketeers: 8,260
 * Field Artillerymen: 1,000
 * Field cannons: 500
 * Logistical Support: 3,500
 * Elysian Garrison
 * Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 5,000
 * Marksman Infantry: 10,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 3,000
 * Light Cavalry: 1,000
 * Elysian Cavalry: 300
 * Heavy Cavalry: 350
 * Bow Cavalry: 300
 * Field Artillerymen: 501
 * Field cannons: 167
 * Logistical Support: 7,000
 * British Vinland
 * Marksman Infantry: 6,000
 * Field Artillerymen: 344
 * Field cannons: 100
 * British Gibraltar:
 * Marksman Infantry: 30,000
 * Light Cavalry: 2,500
 * Field Artillerymen: 464
 * Field cannons: 142
 * British Yolngu
 * Marksman Infantry: 5,000
 * Light Cavalry: 750
 * Yolngu Local Army: Unknown
 * Roundtable Knights (Elite): 8,900
 * These are Britain’s elite forces. A rebirthed version sprouting from Artoria’s original group of holy knights, this force has never lost a battle, and has unwavering loyalty to the crown and the Order of the Roundtable, willing to fight to the death for the survival of the British Isles.
 * While most are able to fight, members of the Roundtable are encouraged to branch out into their own craft, such as pottery and sheepherding, with the idea that everyone should act like a Roundtable Knight and give their all into both their craft and their country.
 * The only way to become a Roundtable Knight is to be selected by an existing member of the group. Most knights tend to make apprentices out of those they recruit to the Roundtable, and generally, no one usually complains when a Roundtable Knight selects someone to join the ranks of the Roundtables. Depending on the country/chapter, one can also be appointed to the Roundtable by the crown.
 * In 1527, three factions were formed within the Roundtables
 * The Crimson Sun
 * The Azure Moon
 * The White Orchids
 * Renames themselves Orchid Heaven in 1542
 * With the victory of the Crimson Sun at the end of the conflict, things have settled down.
 * Modernization of 1602: Reforms the Roundtable Knights to act as elite units within the Army, as well as guards for Royalty.
 * In 1615, the London Guard is formed, to both protect the Royal Family, Parliament, and the citizens of the city as a police force, though will prioritize the protection of government personnel and property than that of the citizen
 * Notable (Living) Members:
 * The Drake Family
 * Sir Oliver Cromwell
 * British Merchant Arms Company:
 * An organization owned by the British government that was established to help veterans from the League Wars slowly assimilate back into civilian life while giving them the opportunity to see the world.
 * Mainly employed by the British Merchant Companies to secure their gains and the likes.
 * Personnel: 21,500
 * British Mainland: 17,000
 * Eldia: 2,000
 * Amekrogu: 1,000
 * British Royal Navy Corps:
 * Personnel: 28,122 (combined between both fleets)
 * Rating System (1667): Devised by Fortuna King and Samuel, this serves as a rough guide for the sizes of ships at the British’s disposal. (Shown below is the rating system in the 18th century)
 * First Rate: 100+ guns, 600+ sailors
 * Second Rate: 80-99 guns, 500-599 sailors
 * Third Rate: 60-80 guns, 400-499 sailors
 * Fourth Rate: 50-60 guns, 300-399 sailors
 * Fifth Rate: 30-49 guns, 200-299 sailors
 * Sixth Rate: 20-29 guns, up to 200 sailors
 * Naval Vessels:
 * Luke-class First-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 2
 * 96-gun ship-of-the-lines built. Based on HMS Prince Royal, but with slightly reworked interiors, allowing for four more additional guns to be mounted.
 * HMS Prince Royal
 * 92-gun First-rate Ship-of-the-Line
 * The first ship-of-the-line built as a ship-of-the-line.
 * Elysia-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 2
 * 80-gun warships designed off of the Roal Oak-class
 * Royal Oak-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 4
 * 76-gun vessels that are more than capable of holding their own.
 * HMS Sovereign of the Seas (1637)
 * Though originally a terrible ship (handling-wise), after its modification in the 1660’s, the 76-gun second-rate razee is a force to be reckoned with.
 * Scrapped in 1704
 * Hotel-class Third-rate Carrier Vessel: 1
 * A ship built from the ground-up to carry both supplies, British Marines, and Vinland Longboats for various situations. Always escorted by vessels of similar size or larger.
 * Warspite-class Third-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 10
 * 64-gun vessels that are capable of serving as flagships in their own regards, though cannot hold much of a candle to larger vessels in terms of firepower.
 * Victory-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Victory
 * 50-gun warships designed to breakthrough enemy formations, and is the largest ship in the British arsenal until 1637
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Ember-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Ember
 * 45-gun warships, obsolete by the 1600's
 * Only the HMS Ember is kept for training purposes, as a permanent drydock is built for her.
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Stolen by the Dutch in 1674
 * Glaemchester-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 10
 * Essentially a Swallow-class Interceptor, but built to stand up to combat against other ships of its size.
 * 42-gun Frigate that’s cheaper to maintain than the Victory-class while stronger than the Third-rates
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667
 * Bluefin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor Xebec: 3
 * Improved version of the Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor. Features the same number of guns but is slightly faster.
 * Swallow-class Fourth-rate Interceptor: 15
 * Designed to be the fastest ships in the world (for their size) without sacrificing too much firepower.
 * 40-gun frigates that sacrifice durability in return for speed (for their size)
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Suffolk-class Fourth-rate Interceptor-Xebec: 7
 * 34-gun fourth-rate xebec that is essentially an upsized Yellowfin-class interceptor.
 * Phoenix-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 21
 * 32-gun frigates that form the backbone of the British Navy
 * The replacement for the Cabigail-class Carrack, with a hull design based on the Victory-class
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667.
 * Cabigail-class Fourth-rate Carrack: 36
 * 30-gun caravels that form the backbone of the British Navy
 * Super-Spyder-class Carrier Vessels: 5
 * Lightly armed frigates around the same size as the Ember-class First-rate frigates designed to carry both marines and Vinland longboats for use in various operations, such as supporting fleets in areas where the large size of the British vessels are a hindrance, as well as serving as landing craft for said marines onboard.
 * Capacity: 16 Vinland longboats (12 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 480
 * Spyder-class Carrier Caravel: 5
 * Lightly armed caravels retrofitted to carry eight Vinland longboats within for use in narrower areas, where the caravels and galleons would have issues navigating
 * Capacity: 12 Vinland longboats (8 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 400
 * Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor: 7
 * A 28-gun interceptor based on designs found in Northern Africa. Has the same firepower as other frigates of its size while being much faster.
 * Vinlandia-class Fifth-rate Galley-Frigate: 8
 * 26-gun fifth-rate galley frigate that uses both oars and sails for movement
 * Upon successful sea trials in 1668 as well as success in small skirmishes raiding New Netherlands merchant vessels, 6 more ships were ordered for the Vinlandia-class
 * Phoenix-class Fifth-rate Frigate: 24
 * A 24-gun ship that’s smaller than the usual capital ships found in the fleet. Mainly used in distant areas, such as Yolngu and India.
 * Olive-class Fifth-rate Multi-purpose Frigate: 100
 * The replacement for the Dove-class Dual-purpose Merchant Caravels. While being around the same size as the Dove’s, the internal design of the ship is improved, allowing for more cargo to be stored within.
 * Mainly given to British merchants for their merchant fleets, though still kept on record in British documents to bloat the numbers.
 * Bombardier-class Brigs: 73
 * Small 18-gun ships smaller than even the old carracks. Due to their price, the British can afford to purchase a lot of Brigs in order to leave squadrons of them at various naval ports around the globe.
 * Abalone-class Sloops: 31
 * Small multi-role 12-gun ships meant to fill roles that can’t be easily filled with the larger Brigs
 * Ketone-class Ketch: 6
 * A ketch around the size of the Abalone-class sloops designed specifically for ship-to-ground combat. Armed primarily with mortars and light cannons for self-defense.
 * Vinland Longboats: (depends on the number of carriers)
 * Small vessels that can be deployed in regions to support larger ships from carrier vessels with their smaller cannons and enhanced mobility.
 * Armed with two 2-pounder MAC Cannons
 * British Royal Marine Corps:
 * A branch of both the Army and Navy, consisting of units who are trained in unorthodox tactics to bring around victory.
 * Special Programs:
 * SPARTAN Program: In addition, a program was opened up for the select Marines in 1616 to become elite troops within a program for SPecialized Armed forces for Reconnaissance, Tactical, And Neutralizing Operations, or SPARTAN Ops for short.
 * Those within the unit are known as SPARTANS, and are pulled from both the Marines and Roundtable Knights
 * Often would be given experimental weapons for field testing
 * These units are the penultimate guerilla troop within the British ranks, primarily acting in operations deep behind enemy lines, though can also fight alongside normal troops when necessary
 * These troops provide a large morale boost to allied units in their vicinity as their infamy spreads
 * Personnel: 44,200
 * Multi-Purpose Shock Marines (MPSM): 42,400
 * Mainland Britain: 16,900
 * Gibraltar: 10,000
 * Arcadia: 3,500
 * 500 Elysian MPSM
 * Amekrogu: 12,000
 * SPARTANS: 350
 * Mainland Britain: 275
 * Elysia: 25
 * Amekrogu: 50
 * Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry (SSLC): 4,050
 * Mainland Britain: 3,050
 * Gibraltar: 500
 * Arcadia: 500
 * Light Artillery Pieces: 3,260
 * Mainland Britain: 3,000
 * Gibraltar: 200
 * Arcadia: 0
 * Amekrogu: 60

Notable Companies and Organizations

McCarthy Arms Company (MAC):

Arms Race: Due to the creation of flintlock muskets in France, MAC enters into an arms race with their French counterparts, leading to rapid advancements in the creation of both muskets and cannons.


 * In 1610, they created a flintlock musket using various components from French flintlocks. This musket (and its various modifications) became the main firearm of the British Military in the League Wars and other conflicts in the early 1600’s.

Produced models:

FL1610 “Wasp MkI” Flintlock Musket (1610)


 * The first musket in the series of muskets made in response to “Manufacture d'armes de Châtellerault” and their flintlock musket.
 * Hastily made, the musket has various issues, and has a higher-than-usual casualty rate among those who use it due to the tendency for the musket’s barrel to implode.
 * Due to this reputation, the musket was given an additional nickname: “Barrel of Surprises”

FL1610E1 “Wasp MkII” Flintlock Musket (1611)


 * A modified L1610 that doesn't implode (more than most muskets of the era).

FL1610E2 “Wasp MkIII” Flintlock musket (1612)


 * The version of the musket that was used by the British Military when they joined the League Wars the same year.
 * This musket features a slightly redesigned barrel, slightly increasing the range and improving the reliability of the musket even more.

FL1610E3 “Wasp MkIV” Flintlock Musket (1614)


 * Essentially the Wasp MkIII, but its components are simplified a bit, allowing for easier production.

FL1616 “Honey MkI” Flintlock Musket (1616)


 * A modified version of the Wasp MkIV for use in hunting.
 * Essentially a simplified version of the Wasp MkIV for commercial purchase
 * Also becomes the model of musket that was exported to allies during the League Wars

FL1610E4 “Wasp MkV” Flintlock Musket (1619)


 * A version of the Wasp MkIV that is made from Yolngu steel, giving the musket more durability

FL1616E1 “Honey MkII” Flintlock Musket (1621)


 * An improved version of the Honey MkI, taking feedback from its users when making said improvements.

FL1625 “Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket (1625)


 * The successor to the Wasp series of muskets, featuring a slightly simplified design for the firing mechanism, allowing for easier construction of the musket, though early versions of the musket has issues due to kinks that weren’t figured out (though not as bad as was seen on the first Wasp muskets)

FL1625E1 “Hornet MkII” Flintlock Musket (1626)


 * Sent into the field in late 1626, the musket fixes the issues seen in the Hornet MkI.

FL1616E2 “Honey MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1627)


 * An improvement over the Honey MkII that features some improvements that were seen on the Hornet-series of muskets.

FL1625E2 “Hornet MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1632)


 * An improved version of the Hornet MkII, and is the primary musket used by the BMAC Company in its early years.

FL1636 “Hornet 2 MkI” Flintlock Musket (1636)


 * Originally just a simple upgrade, the Hornet 2 musket had so many improvements made to it that the company reclassified it as its own series of muskets.
 * Included in the many changes made is the narrower barrel. Though the bullets are smaller, due to a smaller round being used, the bullets are faster, have longer ranges, slightly faster reload, and are marginally more accurate than the original version of the Hornet.
 * Though the musket doesn’t have as good of a stopping power, its improvements arguably offset this weakness.

FL1636E1 “Hornet 2 MkII” Flintlock Musket (1642)


 * Modifications related to its reliability in hot, humid regions are added to the musket.
 * In addition, this is the first musket (used by the British) that was able to mount a bayonet.

XRS1652 “Thunderer” Experimental Revolving Sidearm (1652)


 * An experimental 3-shot revolver produced in extremely few quantities (around 56 or so)
 * The idea is for rounds to be pre-loaded into the revolving barrel of the pistol, which is locked in place by three pins when firing. Once a bullet is expended, the user delaches the pins and manually rotates the barrel before locking it back in place. This process is tedious and doesn’t give the gun that much of an advantage over normal conventional pistols on account of the cumbersome barrel, in addition to the pistol’s unreliability (even by standards of the time)

FL1656 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1656)


 * The third version of the Hornet musket, which took the FL1636E1 model of musket and made the musket easier to produce. Still features the capability for using a bayonet that is secured under the barrel of the musket from the FL1636E1.

FL1656-EXP “Honey 2” Flintlock Musket (1657)


 * Essentially an FL1636E1 musket that is cailbered in the conventional ammo size used by most nations. Also features the capability for usage of a plug bayonet.
 * Since both this musket and the “Hornet 3” musket have the same catalog name, the “Honey 2” was given the -EXP notation at the end to distinguish it as the export musket.

FS1659 “Thunderer 2” Flintlock Sidearm (1659)


 * A non-revolver version of the XRS1652 musket. This sidearm is provided both to officers and cavalry units in the military and only in small numbers.

FL1656E1 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1666)


 * Slight improvement to the Hornet 3 that was used in the Anglo-Dutch War. The gun features a slight improvement to its accuracy as well as a better mechanism for the bayonet, which is now custom-built for the musket itself and can double as a knife when necessary.

FL1686 “Super Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket


 * A modernized version of the Hornet 3 Musket. This version of the musket is even easier to maintain and manufacture than the Hornet 3.

FL1686E1 “Super Hornet” MkII Flintlock Musket (1702)


 * Updated version of first version of the Super Hornet that has slightly increased range and versatility.

MAC Cannons: MAC continues to produce MAC Cannons (McCarthy Arms in a variety of calibers and sizes, ranging from small 6 pound field cannons to 32 pound naval cannons. At least in Britain, McCarthy Industries has the monopoly on the firearms industry.

Produced models:

2-pounder “snub-nose” MAC Cannon (1608)


 * Created for usage on Vinland longboats, more to fire on smaller vessels than anything else
 * Can be argued that muskets would be more effective than these small peashooters, but the extra punch is helpful

6-pounder medium field MAC Cannon (1578)


 * The main cannon used by both the British Royal Army and Marine Corps.
 * Also used on British Carrier Vessels

9-pounder “tickler” MAC Cannon


 * The lightest cannon used on British Warships (excluding Carriers)

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1588)


 * The mainstay cannon of British Warships

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1641)


 * An updated version of the 16-pounder cannon.

32-pounder “long-nose” MAC Cannon (1603)


 * Heaviest cannon that the British used. Reserved for the largest of British vessels.

Research and Development


 * Weaponized Fireworks: Using the lessons learned from both the Hwacha and the fireworks imported from Naranga, the British begin development into combining the two weapons together into an artillery piece that excels in the anti-infantry role.
 * Though each individual rocket is inaccurate, the hope is for the rockets to be launched in groups at large battalions of ground units to unleash catastrophic damage against enemy units and morale.


 * Naval Vessels: Continued development on galleons is performed, to see if it is possible to improve British vessels further. They experiment with two aspects; size and firepower. British Naval Engineers hope to determine proper ratios for size, durability, and firepower, as well as taking note of various lessons learned in the field, such as logistical issues found in British Caravels.

Training and Production


 * British Royal Army Corps


 * British Mainland
 * None.
 * British America
 * Elysia/Laconia
 * None
 * Eldia:
 * None
 * Catonzia
 * None
 * Amekrogu:
 * None
 * British Yolngu
 * None


 * British Royal Navy Corps
 * British Mainland
 * HMS Sovereign-class First-rate Ship-of-the-Line: A brand-new first-rate warship developed by British naval engineers. Also uses some of the wood from the HMS Sovereign of the Seas.
 * Elysia-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 3
 * 80-gun warship
 * Bluefin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor Xebec: 2
 * Improved version of the Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor. Features the same number of guns but is slightly faster.
 * Hotel-class Third-rate Carrier Vessel: 4
 * A ship built from the ground-up to carry both supplies, British Marines, and Vinland Longboats for various situations. Always escorted by vessels of similar size or larger.
 * British Yolngu
 * Reef-class Weaponized Catamaran: 7
 * Prototype catamarans designed to act in support of larger vessels.
 * Serves a similar role to the Vinland longboat, though is more nimble, at the cost of firepower.
 * Whatever equipment and personnel is required to maintain numbers on the frontline.
 * Older models of ships are scrapped

Diplomacy


 * Akan: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.
 * Amekrogu: The British observe the civil war raging on in war-ravaged Amekrogu. They keep watch, waiting for an opportunity to hop in
 * Arkansa: The British continue to make efforts to strengthen their ties with Arkansa, as they seek assistance in the form of British mercenaries.
 * Australia: Both British and Yolngu Influence spreads, slowly acquiring land under British jurisdiction
 * Europe (Generally): Though not offered the top-line models, Britain does allow McCarthy Arms Company to sell some of their wares overseas to those willing to purchase them
 * Gujarat: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.
 * Indian Nations: Seeing that the countries of India are friendly, the British East India Company reaches out to all the nations in the area, hoping to strengthen their ties with all nations and open up trade routes with all.
 * Revived Huancan Empire: Delegates from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company reach out to the South American nation, requesting the ability for ships to dock in the Tacna region while they pass around the southern tip of South America
 * The British are aware of the Spanish conquests centuries prior, and wish to make amends, to at least show that not all Europeans are scumbags
 * Vijayanagara: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.

Allies


 * Galatoi: Trading partner with the BAKA company.
 * Naranga: British ally on the Asian mainland.
 * Occitania: British ally on the European mainland.
 * Toyotomi Shogunate: British ally (through the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company) in Asian area.
 * Vestkyst: Norweigan allies in the North Sea. The oldest ally of Britain, harkening back to the British Empire’s founding.
 * Yolngu: The furthest of Britain’s allies, the island-continent has metals far better than those in the region. As such, the majority of the trade from the region primarily consists of metals.

Events


 * The Unification of the Land Down Under (WiP):
 * The BAKA Gaikokuhito, now jointly in control of the country of Yolngu along with the tribal leaders of Yolngu.
 * With the assimilation of Yolngu into the British Empire came the additional baggage of the penultimate plan of Yolngu: the unification of Australia (name still a WiP)
 * As such, diplomats are sent to neighboring countries in the entire Australian continent, trying to open trade routes with as many groups as possible
 * In addition, though never mentioned, the British do allow the Dutch colony to spread in Southern Australia, so they could pose as a unifying force for Australia.
 * Expansion Beyond the Horizon:
 * American Colonies
 * N/A
 * Miscellaneous Stuff
 * The following states are created from the previous states:
 * Eldia is split into North Eldia and South Eldia
 * Catonzia is split into East Catonzia and West Catonzia

The British Merchant Companies: (CLICK [EXPAND] TO EXPAND)


 * British Faviero Greek Company: “The BFG Company” for short, this company has taken an interest in the region of Elysia. Its leaders, Faviero and Raleigh have enacted a multi-decade long plan to wrestle control of the region for themselves, though if other situations were to come up, they’d adapt on the fly.
 * Elysian Region: Having complete control over the area, the BFG Company begins to import more colonists into the region.
 * Laconia: In 1619, the region was reclassified into its own province for administration reasons.
 * The regions of Laconia, Demetrios, and Erakki become apart of the Laconia Province
 * Eventually becomes the State of Laconia
 * Desaheim: The company begins the process of integrating the province into their company, as they begin setting up administrative bodies to run the area.
 * When the Dutch attacked in 1668, the company was forced to temporarily retreat from Desaheim, only to come back as British forces retaliated.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Doomslayer
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association: Started up by a British and German family, BAKA began operations in 1573, when they received a fleet of four merchant caravels. With this fleet, the company sets sail for Africa, wishing to set up a port town where they can trade with the locals.
 * In 1602, the company was split in two, due to the focus on where to colonize.
 * The branch known as “BAKA Mitai” is continuing the old company’s efforts in Africa
 * The branch known as “BAKA Gaijin” (renamed to BAKA Gaikokuhito in 1608) has its focus directed towards Southeast Asia, specifically Yolngu for its operations.
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association - Mitai Division:
 * Akan: Due to their presence in the area, the BAKA Mitai company slowly expands their influence through the area.
 * Due to continued trade with the locals in the area, British influence spreads throughout Akan.
 * Galatoi: The company trades with Galatoi, giving them McCarthy Firearms and other supplies in return for indigenous supplies as well as slaves for use in Elysia and other portions of their claims.
 * Slave Trade Deal: The company creates a tie with the MOM company, importing slaves from the Galatoi region and sending them to the Eldia region for use on the various crops in the region.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Resolute
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association - Gaikokuhito Division:
 * More Pitstops: Even with the two islands claimed, the distance between each stop is far too long. As such, the Gaikokuhito Division devices various locations along the way to establish naval bases to allow British vessels places of refuge
 * The British reached out to various nations on the Western coast of South America, asking if they could construct ports on their coastlines to allow British ships to stop on their journey to Yolngu, in addition to opening trade with the regions in question.
 * Australium: Rare metals have been found on the island continent. As such, operations are created to extract the metals with the help of the locals (in return for exotic species and other foreign goods)
 * Finalization of Acquisition: With the British Protectorate of Yolngu established, the King family can lean back and drink away; a century-long dream has been finally completed, though a long road lays ahead for what’s to come next.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Golden Hind
 * The Henry Amerigo League of Observance: A group (nicknamed HALO) that is headed by Henry of Glaemchester. Now a competent company, the HALO company travels the seas, now intermingling with a faction known as the Amekrogu’s to the south.
 * Rebuilding from the Ground Up: The HALO company constructs new fortifications in the region, rebuilding what they lost prior. As this happens, the company slowly monitors the Civil War raging on in Amekrogu, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
 * In addition, they reward the tribes that allied themselves with the British, allowing them to reside in peace, in addition to supplying them with food and the likes
 * The Millers Operative Manufacturing: A company that focuses on tobacco and leather in 1565, the company slowly worked its way into league with the larger companies of Britain by the 1580’s, eventually leading to the company receiving a grant to receive 7 Dove-class Merchant Caravels, as well as permission to construct a custom “flagship” for themselves.
 * Tobacco: As their influence spreads through Eldia, the MOM company begins to cultivate Nicotiana tabacum tobacco plants, leading to an increase in profits due to its sweeter taste.
 * The selling of this tobacco increases MOM’s income, leading to them being able to hire more mercenaries to arrest control of Eldia from the locals.
 * Rice: Ordered by the British Royal Navy to produce the crop, the company also constructs rice crops within their territory, with assistance from Asian farmers.
 * Slave Trade Deal: The company creates a tie with the BAKA Mitai company, as the MOM Company begins to import slaves from the Galatoi region for the purpose of working on the farms.
 * Company Flagship: The Independence
 * British East India Company: With a grant from the British government, the company begins to make plans for their future ventures into Asia, with their eyes set on both the island chains between mainland Asia and Yolgnu as well as Hindustan.
 * Expanding Influence: With the wealth the company has, they begin to trade with the locals, providing them with products in larger quantities or new to the area altogether, with the hopes to make the locals reliant on the British for their daily necessities
 * Subsidiary Alliance Plan: The Company reaches out to the various countries in India, asking for the stationing of a British force within their territory for the country’s protection, in return for supplying the maintenance cost to maintain the force in the area.
 * Lansenia: Since 1565, the “Azure Pilgrims” set up the Plymouth colony in hopes to be free from religious (and political) persecution. At first, the faction ran into many issues, mainly trying to survive the winter. They were helped by a local tribesman nearby and the colony has just begun to become stabilized.
 * In 1662, the regional government was officially formed.
 * Naming the region “Lansenia” after the head governor, Laffey D Lansen, the region is accepted as an official colony within the British Government.
 * Naming the region “Lansenia” after the head governor, Laffey D Lansen, the region is accepted as an official colony within the British Government.

Notable Deaths


 * Rulers
 * Pendragon:
 * Artoria “Ember” Pendragon (F, b.1317- 1389?) (Reign: 1351 ~ 1369 - 1389)
 * Ash I (M,  b. 1347 - 1434) (Reign: 1390 - 1434)
 * Sister: Aura (F,  b.1350 - 1434)
 * Ash II (M,  b. 1399 - 1442) (Reign: 1434 - 1442)
 * Amber (F, b. 1424 - ) (Reign: 1442 - 1482)
 * Brother: Edward (M, b. 1441 - 1481)
 * Mordue:
 * River Mordue (F, b. 1322 - 1393) (Reign: 1369 - 1393)
 * Henry (M, b. 1353 - 1429)  (Reign: 1393 - 1429)
 * Daughter: Mary (F, b. 1382 - 1399)
 * Lionel (M, b. 1388 - 1482) (Reign: 1430 - 1482)
 * Son: Leo I (M, b. 1407 - 1465)
 * Leo III (M, b. 1445 - 1478)
 * Son: Leo II (M, b. 1423 - 1478)
 * Brother: Henry II (M, b. 1398 - 1478)
 * Drake:
 * Casimir (M, b. 1454 - 1533)
 * Queen Abigail (F, b. 1455 - 1533)
 * Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - 1561)
 * David (M, b. 1537 - 1554)
 * Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - 1565)
 * Nephew: Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
 * Queen Elizabeth (F, b. 1541 - 1618) (R: 1561 - 1618)
 * Sister: Francis (F, b. 1541 - 1619)
 * Aunt: Frances (F, b. 1497 - 1564)
 * Albus (M, b. 1519 - 1580)
 * Nephew: George (M, b. 1542 - 1584)
 * Son: Avery (M, b. 1572 - 1632)
 * Daughter: Elysia (F, b. 1582 - 1609)
 * Nephew: Gregory (M, b. 1554 - 1596)
 * Cousin: Eldegard (F, b. 1517 - 1592)
 * Married off to a Westrian prince
 * Cousin: Alvin (M, b. 1545 - 1585)
 * Daughter: Valerie (F, b. 1569 - 1602)
 * Son: Peter (M, b. 1573 - 1606)
 * Cousin: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Cousin: Carol (F, b. 1549 - 1629)
 * Son: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Son: Janet (M, b. 1580 - 1629)
 * King: Luke I (M, b. 1567 - 1638) (R: 1618 - 1838)
 * King:  Luke II (M, b. 1604 - 1658) (R: 1838 - 1658)
 * Son: Luke III (M, b. 1628 - )
 * Son: Luke IV (M, b. 1636 - )
 * Daughter: Leia (F, b. 1636 - )
 * Brother: Escavalier (M, b. 1615 - 1667)
 * Cousin: Jessie (F, b. 1607 - 1672)
 * Cousin: James (M, b. 1607 - 1668)
 * Roundtable Knights
 * Joan “Anne” of Arc (Died in 1431)
 * Sir George Cromwell of Cotswold (Died in 1445)
 * Sir George Cromwell II of Cotswold (Died in 1482)
 * Sir Rex of Dover (Died in 1482)
 * Joanna Palaiologos McCarthy (Died in 1528)
 * Misc
 * Frederik King (Died in ???)
 * Head of the BAKA Company, essentially has ties in about half of the world
 * Fortuna King (Died in 169X)
 * Forged together the modern Albish Navy
 * Assisted in the Vestkyst Civil War
 * Forged a diplomatic relationship with Naranga
 * Also assisted them in their war against the Qing
 * Shauna McCarthy (Died in 1489)
 * Founder of McCarthy Arms Company, one, if not, the oldest firearms companies in the world.

Famous Vessels

HMS Victory (15XX)


 * Laid down in 15XX and launched in 15XX, the HMS Victory is a 50-gun First-class Frigate.
 * The namesake of her class, HMS Victory was the first pride-and-joy of the Royal Navy.
 * Famously captained by Admiral Francis Drake, the ship would lead the British navy to victory when it defeated the Spanish Armada, directly leading to one of the major reasons why Britain won in the Anglo-Spanish War in the late 16th century.
 * From there, it would also see combat in the League Wars as it ensured that those opposing Britain felt the wrath of her powerful broadside.
 * Eventually, the ship was retired in 1647, where it was put into the reserve fleet as a training vessel for new sailors.

HMS Fortune’s Bounty (1626)


 * An Olive-class Multi-purpose Merchant Frigate given to the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company from the British government. Laid in 1624 and left on its maiden voyage in 1626, the ship would find itself under the ownership of Fortuna King, a woman well-known for her assistance in the Wu-Narangan War in 1633 when she was involved in both a trading run to Naranga in addition to the assassination of the Wu General in the region.
 * Though the ship would remain in East Asia for most of its life, it would also visit Britain and the Mediterranean Sea during its time afloat under the ownership of Fortuna.
 * In 1661, while returning to Britain from Yolngu, the ship encountered rough seas around the southernmost tip of South America. Though it survived, the ship was badly beaten, as it limped to the British outpost on the Falklands Island. From there, Fortuna and her crew hitched a ride on a vessel back to Britain, where she received permission from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company to purchase a replacement vessel: the Fortune’s Bounty II.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1661

HMS Fortune’s Bounty II (1662)


 * A 28-gun xebec ordered by Fortuna King.
 * Also was equipped with two hwachas for testing purposes
 * Saw effective use under Fortuna’s captainship.
 * Notable for the Battle of the Vestkyst Fjords (1667) as well as for its involvement with rescuing Duchess Anastasia during the Vestkyst Civil War (1666).
 * Given to Lumi when Fortuna passed.
 * Fate: ???

HMS Warspite (1668)


 * A 64-gun ship-of-the-line that served as Fortuna King’s flagship during the Anglo-Dutch War
 * Led the British fleet to victory against the Dutch fleet in the sole naval engagement in the “European front”
 * Fate: ???

HMS Sovereign of the Seas (1637)


 * Laid down in 1634 and launched in 1637, this ship is essentially an engineer’s wet dream. Built “just because,” the ship has more than double the guns of the next largest ships (the Victory-class) and was also over double the size, this ship towered over anything the British would build for the next half-decade or so.
 * That being said, the ship was also ladened with issues, such as poor handling and the likes.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1704 to be used in HMS Sovereign

Confederacy of Privateers | Republic of Pirates
Government: Pirate Republic
 * Magistrates: Henry Jennings, Benjamin Hornigold and Marie Catherine Dieu-le-Veut

Captains:


 * Anne Dieu-le-Veut † (1635-1706) (p. 1658-1671, 1700-1706): Another frenchwoman, who joined the Brethren of the Coast in 1658, having never hidden her sex. She adopted Delahaye’s flag, inspired by her incredible achievements. She fell in love with Prins, after sailing with him and staying in Los Lagartos. She also helped in the raids of Baran’kígia and Magdalena, which were successful enough to inspire Myngs to do his own massive raid. She escaped with her husband in 1671, joining his husband in his financial ventures, but this was not to last, as she divorced her husband in 1694. In 1700 she took her ship, along with the one of his husband back to the Shattered Isles, with a mission to retake Los Lagartos and reestablish the Brethren, which she renamed by suggestion of her daughter. she died of old age in 1706, after an extremely long career on piracy.
 * Marie Catherine Dieu-le-Veut (1674-) (p. 1700-): The daughter of Anne Dieu-le-Veut, she looked up to her mother, even joining her in her expedition to the Shattered Isles. She was inventive in her methods, unlike her mother, which still was stuck using outdated tactics from 30 years earlier. She razeed her mother’s ketch in 1707, as the ketch was too slow for the new tactics for pirating, making it a decent ship again. She led the pirates to the Bahamas after the Spaniards discovered their base in Los Lagartos, renaming the Confederacy into the Republic of Pirates.
 * David Herriot (1668-) (p. 1701-): A former logwood hauler from Belize, David took his ship and turned to more risky endeavors, by joining the Confederacy of Privateers in 1701. He would usually trick people into believing he was a simple wood hauler, and then surprising them in the night, which was mildly successful.
 * John Cockram (1662-) (p. 1702-): A merchant by trade, John Cockram was a smuggler and part time privateer, who supplied most of the Confederacy’s ammo and weapons. He had no allegiance to them, so his connection with them was mostly business related. He expanded his business, moving to Eleuthera, providing the Republic with supplies and ammo.
 * Black Caesar (1676-) (p. 1704-): One of the few black captains of the Golden Age, who joined the Confederacy in 1704, making a small outpost in the Catonzia Keys from which he sent his raiding expeditions. He met the mutineer Nicholas Dunbar late in the year, and pretty much enlarged his privateering enterprise twofold. He expanded his small periagua base in the Catonzia Keys, naming the island after himself. He moved to Eleuthera in 1708, establishing a pirate haven there with Cockram.
 * Nicholas Dunbar † (1672-1709) (p. 1704-1709): Mutineer formerly from Quelch’s crew, he left Quelch with about a third of the crew and became a periaguas privateer, joining up in the same area as Black Caesar, with whom he became good friends with. he moved to a neighbouring key, naming it after himself. After the death of Anne Dieu-le-Veut, he was given the sloop Marianne. He was killed in a battle with a spanish brig in 1709.
 * Henry Jennings (1682-) (p. 1708-): Son of a pirate from the olden days, he often dreamed about becoming one just like his father, so when the privateering licenses were started to be given out, he jumped at the opportunity with open arms. He fitted his own ship the Bersheba with a decent amount of cannons and sailed to the Shattered Isles, joining the confederacy in 1708, and becoming rivals with Ben Hornigold. He was a social individual, convincing many to join his crew through charisma alone.
 * Benjamin Hornigold (1680-) (p. 1708-): A peasant from Norwich, he joined a privateering enterprise, rising through the ranks and becoming first mate when the captain of the sloop Happy Return was killed, after which the crew elected him as captain. He then went to the Bahamian pirate haven of New Providence, quickly getting a reputation due to his excellent use of periagua tactics. He started a rivalry with Jennings after a dispute over loot from a ship they both attacked. He became enamoured with the freedom the Republic and its democracy gave him, as he felt more freedom than he ever had experienced.

Territories:

Los Lagartos (1659-1672, 1701-1707)


 * Description: An island as big as Tortuga west of New Hispania, which is inhabited by Taínos, which was captured by Delahaye, Prins and Dieu-le-Veut in 1659, being effectively separate from the Brethren in all but name, it was destroyed by an Iberian raid in 1672, with most of the pirate population being killed. it was recaptured in 1700 by Dieu-le-Veut, but it was abandoned in 1707 for Eleuthera, as they risked being eradicated by the Spanish.
 * Population: 200


 * New Providence (1706-)
 * Description: Formerly the spanish town of Los Pan Serpiente, it was a decently big settlement in the Bahamas that became a pirate haven in 1706, as the Iberians raided and scoured the northern half of the colony. The pirate haven has become a real hotspot for smugglers, and it is supplied by John Cockram, the pirate trader of Eleuthera.
 * Population: 240+170


 * Eleuthera (1708-)


 * Description: An island in the Bahamas, which after british authority was thwarted from the area due to spanish raids, was nearly abandoned, allowing the confederacy to settle in the area. It is right next to the bigger pirate haven of New Providence.
 * Population: 120+70

Navy: The navy of the Confederacy is made up of privateers that joined mostly after the start of the War of Iberian Succession, as privateering blew up in popularity. It is composed mostly of smaller ships, as they are better for raiding ships, with the most radical example of this being the periaguas which are pretty much boats with sails that are used to raid unarmed merchants.

Schooners: Double or triple masted ships, which mainly use gaff sails, as well as some square sails. These are faster and usually better than ketches, as well as being able to carry more cargo.


 * Richard and John, schooner 12+4 guns and 50 crewmembers, captain John Cockram

Ketches: Double masted ships, which use gaff sails usually, as well as square sails. These are a middle point between sloops/cutters and brigs, usually having stronger hulls than schooners.


 * Le Petit Athènes, razee ketch 8+4 guns and 40 crewmembers, captain Marie Catherine Dieu-le-Veut

Sloops: Ships with only one mast, which do not have a bowsprit, as well as a gaff sail, and one jib as well. These ships are small in size, not being able to carry much cargo. This ship is commonly confused with cutters.


 *  Marianne , sloop 8+2 guns and 40 crewmembers, captain Nicholas Dunbar
 * Adventure, cutter 6+2 guns and 30 crewmembers, captain David Herriot
 * Bersheba, sloop 12+4 guns and 50 crewmembers, captain Henry Jennings
 * Happy Return, sloop 10+4 guns and 50 crewmembers, captain Benjamin Hornigold

Periaguas: Improvised boats, which have become common for pirates and privateers due to its swiftness and low cost.


 * Rose, periaguas 1 cannon and 20 crewmembers, captain Black Caesar

Arrivals


 * Henry Jennings (1708): The firstborn son of an old piratical family of Bermuda, he went back to the business, going south to join the pirates with his sloop Bersheba
 * Benjamin Hornigold (1708): An Albionite from Norwich, he took a license in Catonzia, establishing himself in New Providence with his sloop Happy Return.

Events

Growing Rivalries (1709): It was a quiet day on the Strait of Osnerol, when two ships appeared on the distance. The captain was confident that they were not a threat so he let them draw closer, but what he did not know is that these ships were pirates, who had come to raid his ship, but they had covered their guns. The two ships approached and the facade was dropped, as they dropped their cloth coverings and both aimed at the spanish brig. The captain was paralyzed, scared for his life, as even if his 16+4 gun brig could sink one, the other would destroy him, so he simply surrendered, with the pirates taking all of his cargo of rum and sugar that he was going to deliver in Europe. These pirates were Benjamin Hornigold and Henry Jennings. After this they disputed over the cargo, as Hornigold’s crew had taken most of the cargo. Jennings left for New Providence, where he started to dislike Hornigold.

Royaume de France | Reialme d’França | Frañs-Rouantelezh | Kingdom of France
(All names in modern French)

General Information
 * Demographics
 * Population & Distribution
 * Population estimate (1675): 21.4 million
 * Distribution (by Parlement) (1675):
 * Auvernhe: 9%
 * Arpitania: 4%
 * Aquitania: 6%
 * Belgium: 2%
 * Bretagne: 9%
 * Bordeaux: 10%
 * Ile-de-France: 26%
 * Lengadoc: 9%
 * Lorraine: 3%
 * Picardy: 5%
 * Provenca: 7%
 * Normandy: 6%
 * Orleans: 4%
 * Distribution (by urban region) (1675):
 * Urban regions in excess of 10,000 people: 12%
 * Urban regions of 1,000 - 9,999 people: 21%
 * Rural townships and communes: 67%
 * Ethnolinguistic demography (to be completed)
 * Ethnicities:
 * Anglican: The descendants of long and continuous English rule in the West, the Anglican (or Reliquae) ethnicity dominates the Western and Northeast coasts of the French Kingdom. To describe them as literal Englishmen would be an insult - there were no shortage of Englishmen left behind during the Great Exodus of 1468, but the Anglicans are not English - just heavily influenced by them. They are closer related to the remnants of the Western Roman Empire than any Briton, and are descended from Roman-Celtic contact in the mid-400s. As of 1675, they play host to the remaining Protestant denominations of France and retain a distinct language known as Albionic Frankish, a distinct mix of Breton, Albionite and French; the myriad culture they possess makes a mark in its own theatres, its own entertainment, and in the records they keep that will let the world know of them long after they are gone.
 * Albionic: The remaining Albionites of France are almost entirely new settlers in the Northeastern port cities or descendants of the Great Exodus of 1468. Most of them speak Standardised English and French, while retaining strong ties in their rather insular communities and towards Albion itself. They are, however, almost exclusively Catholic, having retained the religion from before the Church of England’s split from the Catholic Church, and side rather strongly on religious matters with the French fundamentalists.
 * Berber: Berbers emigrated North from their homelands in North Africa during the late Roman era but have since steadily settled throughout the Western Mediterrenean. The vast majority are influential merchants or have assimilated into southern Occitan society; many of whom taking up strong Catholic traditions or carrying along traditional Berber religion to France.
 * Breton: The Bretons trace their origins to Briton migration to France during Roman rule, and they remember Rome the most fondly of the various ethnic groups of France - a time before the in-and-out of a veritable factory line of conquerors. This has led to the Breton culture emphasising a practically isolationist sense of community, and its position as one of the foremost stewards of the Catholic Church at a time when Rome’s power wanes with every passing moment. Despite their lack of common origin, they are also arguably the friendliest group in France to the Occitans for that exact reason, both joined in their mutual stewardship of Catholicism as of 1675. This aspect often sways them in favour of their Occitan brethren down south.
 * Dutch:
 * French:
 * Germanic:
 * Occitan:
 * Valcan:
 * Religion
 * Catholicism
 * French Protestantism
 * Occitan Catholicism

Broad Overview

Excommunication took a ready toll on France. It politically isolated the country and further alienated it from other Catholic states in Europe, and made it quite so difficult for them to protest when promptly Westria, Eskos and the Papacy immediately formed embargoes against the state. This, paradoxically, also had the effect of preventing the Saxonian alliance from expanding, since now allying would seem like joining a Catholic cause on top of generally challenging the most powerful land empire this side of the continent.

The effect of this was that the war saw little more than a large and bloody skirmish at the Battle of Strasbourg (March 1705); where French troops garrisoned in the newly French city defeated disorganised Saxon forces and disarmed their Magdeburgite allies. Most other fighting then consisted of French forces chasing retreating Saxon forces back to Leipzig, whereupon the brief Battle of Leipzig (May 1705) saw French forces seize the Saxon King and force him to renounce his claim to the throne of the A.V.C. With his son, the heir apparent, missing since the beginning of April, the Saxon King finally agreed to peace. Thus ended the Franco-Saxonian War, and thus began a huge contingent of German anger towards France - after all, they had just waltzed into the H.R.E and sacked a princely state.

And broader anger towards France began to boil over. Westria began clamouring with the other Catholic states to gain full control of the Church in the absence of French influence; this culminated in Rome issuing a formal declaration that its eight French cardinals were to be expelled for condoning ‘treasonous activities towards the continuation of the work of God’. The tit-for-tat response saw Occitania further assert itself as the Occitan Militias seized control of the city of Bordeaux in an effort to depose the city’s Lord Mayor in June 1705, and it was quickly becoming clear that the ‘State of Occitania’ was a real thing. Outraged at the apparent inability and even entire disloyalty of the South, Louis XV ordered the arrest of the entire Parlement of Auvernhe and Lengadoc in an event known as the Deposition (September 1705); although his ruling ministers cautioned against the activity, and Louis himself was apprehensive about the entire matter, he carried it out nonetheless, irked by his political allies’ seeming powerlessness to act.

The Deposition failed miserably. Occitan lords and even Francophonic lords that happened to be in Occitan regions refused to surrender their positions en masse, with Occitan forces moving to occupy major cities and slowly take control of the Southern half of the French Kingdom. Alarmed at the possibility of secession, Louis then organised a sizeable 30,000 man force to take control of Montpellier and execute Maria de Lengadoc, whom he viewed as the woman in control of the entire situation. This misjudged state of affairs actually incensed Occitan leaders further, many confused as to what the State would even entail; in the confusion, November 1705 saw the French army try and fail to take control of Montpellier. This led to the outbreak of yet another civil war.

Hoping for the support of the Anglicans and the Bretons, Louis had already entered negotiations with Anglican leaders whom were primarily concerned with the failure of trade with recent events. While he was able to pin the blame for the excommunication of France from the Catholic Church on the Occitans, he was unable to convince Anglican leaders to support the deposing of the Occitan power-bloc, well aware that if that was to happen, it would entirely collapse their political hand. With none of their assistance, the subsequent Franco-Occitan War of 1705-1706 was far more evenly matched than hoped for, especially with demoralised and unwilling French troops marching into neighbouring villages and communities and occupying them, often many recruited from towns just nearby where they would be fighting. The other disadvantage that French troops had were the simple fact that the thrust of the French army was a strong, concentrated infantry easily circumvented by the activities of decentralised warfare.

But the war did go on. French troops were expelled from Montpellier’s outskirts on the 1st day of 1706, and they went on to join a larger force which successfully sieged down and then executed the lord of Lyon during the ides of March. The Occitans successfully secured the spectre of Albionite support and Anglican neutrality in a single swoop when Albion first formally recognised the State of Occitania and presented a diplomatic letter to Louis to cease with the ‘trespassing of the sovereignty of any region’, evidently still trying to shake any recognition of its secret alliance with the Occitans. The French, shaken by the possibility of Albionite intervention, finally acceded.

On May 16th, 1706, the Franco-Occitan War concluded with the First revision to the Treaty of Four Quarters; here, France conceded that all four parties to the Treaty were in fact autonomous, with distinct territory that the General-government had to share joint control with. Even more importantly, Louis conceded joint control of French Atlasiyan economic ventures and agreed to ask France’s African allies to treat Occitania as separate but equal to France. This should have been the end. But on the edge, Rome was still incensed with the events in France and now Occitania - and now, it seemed as if the Occitans were becoming more powerful.

In a letter to Louis XV, the Pope offered to renounce France’s excommunication if he was to bring the State under control, but Louis rebuffed the offer. ‘It has become clear to me that your position is under heavy pressure to act… but so too am I under pressure, and I hope the Lord will forgive my requirement to remain steward of state.’ At the very least, Franco-Westrian relations deteriorated no slower than the rapidly declining reputation of the Occitan clergy in Southern Europe; and the excommunication meant that Occitania now had to figure out its own new way. The Incitist belief that the Roman Catholic Church was the most corrupt part of the Catholic religion, however, had been the primary justification under which all of this had been pursued; now, it was going to be carried to full. On August the 2nd, 1706, Saissa Foucault was relieved of her duties as Archbishop of Occitania: and became the First Occitan Pope, her old friend De Benoit replacing her in the position.

This finally broke the straw on the camel’s back. The Papal States declared Occitania not just excommunicado, but essentially no longer Catholic in even name. Lengadoc responded by formally inviting members of the French Arzhamic Legion, the Albish Protestant Church, and the Zoroastrian Temple of Naples to witness the signing of a law enshrining religious freedom in Occitan territory; and now, outright sponsoring the religion that had humiliated Catholic Westria a hundred years ago, the stage was set for the new showdown.

But with the conditions achieved by the War of the Hispanian Succession Occitania secured political alliance with Iberia and Atlasiya, before assuring Genoese and Venetian support or neutrality by signing the Treaty of Amiens, where both states were allowed to access French ports world-wide and set up trading companies in French colonies, albeit under Occitan supervision. More importantly, the Protestant factions of the H.R.E were so astounded and confused as to how to deal with the still-Catholic but the apparently Protestant-supporting Occitania that their majority support, required to declare a war, never materialised. Eskos, having just finally won a desperate war a few years against the Atoumans for their own territory, denied Westrian demands for a war against Occitania. And thus, the hypothetical war of 1708 never materialised.

Louis, on the other hand, was reeling. This was the biggest humiliation any monarch in Europe had ever faced, and for a man seeking to reclaim his father’s absolutist reputation, it were more devastating. And so he dipped his hands into more local matters in the Ile-de-France - specifically, a mounting pressure point between his own lords and a small new political movement known as the Lasallians; community-organised educators whom established small schools for the poor.

Hoping to better ingratiate himself with local lords he organised the Paris Police to arrest De La Salle and his teachers, something which the Lord Mayor of Paris had previously done to little fanfare. This supposed quick political move spiralled into the Paris Riots of 1708, where Parisians burnt the Bastille to the ground in an event where the French army killed almost three hundred people, many incensed with both increased taxes, Louis’ apparent weakness and now local leaders being taken for no reason. De La Salle himself was then asked desperately by Troyes to mediate the situation, which he did, and the riots slowly subsided as the end of the decade approached.

At long last there was a little peace in Louis’ life. Even humiliated, early 1709 saw a period of relative calm, where he could shake his legs and enjoy a few days’ off being a tyrant and a failure.

And then an entertainer returned to haunt France.

Turn XXIII: 1710-1715
LINK TO THE MAP

Mod Events

 * Hanarjukai's Flight: When he had been young, he had been popular and powerful, the son of a reknowned craftsman and scientist. But now he lay closer to death than ever, and the Japanese dictatorship showed no signs of ever letting him or his colleagues go. So he ran. On the eve of the 28th of May, 1714, Hanarjukai and over 530 scientists from the Japanese Scientific Institute fled the country for Cathay and beyond. It was the greatest single flight of intellectuals in human history, and witnessed them not just bringing their own knowledge but a veritable treasure trove of histories, arts and treasures overseas; one that also included restricted documents for more streamlined steel production processes, practically antique documents on barrel rifling and indeed musket projectiles. Most of them ended up settling in Cathay, but some fled South. Records of an Ainu man whom brought a small community to settle in Pahang, a Ryukyuan who brought confidential documents before the Bangali government; some more mythical than others. But the exodus marked the end of the Golden Age of Japanese scientific achievement. No more would those isles produce something so impressive for some hundred years.
 * The Boy who loved Clocks - [7]: It's 1711. The calls for war are growing stronger, and Artturi has prepared his greatest trick. He calls his generals, the staffs, and numerous lords and other local rulers together for a conference which reads something like: "Would you like to run and turn tail?" "Fuck yeah." Crude as his solution were, Artturi knew better than anyone else the writing on the wall. He was threatened with riots if he balked at war; abdication and execution if he followed through. But consigned he was, and on February 11th that year he received news of a small skirmish on the border - one which quickly evolved to him realising his troops had accidentally triggered a war with Svearike while drunk. It took a month for Svean troops to overrun his defensive perimeter, forcing them to dig in around Merya and hope for the set-in of winter. Not that the ‘Great Restoration War’ of which Artturi spoke became any more winnable as they set in for the Siege of Merya (June 1711), with defenders outnumbered and demoralised. It didn’t much help that promptly after the Siege’s triggering, battalions of Keisarian forces then attempted to assault a seemingly undefended section of the Svean line only to then be smashed by a smaller encircling movement. The Siege of Merya ended after just two months - and the municipal surrender of Keisarian forces occurred right then and there. What of Artturi? He had taken his entire ruling establishment and run off. Without command, Keisarian lines collapsed entirely, most troops under the (correct) impression their C.Os had simply ran for the hills, and Svean troops advanced with the tides - sweeping through most of Keisaria in a campaign that lasted barely four months. They then set up the Inkeri Protectorate, a government-general designed to facilitate Svean occupation in the region, while they involved themselves with quelling the Bonric Southerners. Bonric forces, largely civilian militias and small levies, put up a much more substantial fight along the banks of the Volga and in the fields and forests surrounding their towns; Svean troops, unused to the Southerly summer climate they emerged in at the beginning of 1712, eventually settled on a wide defensive perimeter as the Svearikean monarchy organised a foray into the inner territories of Varangia. Artturi, on the other hand, was busy keeping power. After fleeing east, he pressured local lords into consolidating into the State of Nevogardas, before settling on a brilliant new strategy: keep losing. He was hopeful that the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth would take advantage of Svean weakness to pummel into their lines; instead, for the rest of 1712, it became abundantly clear that the AVC had no plans of entering the war. Finally, in January 1713, Artturi sent a small-time diplomat through Svean lines to organise for peace. It was here where they formally recognised him as King of Nevogardas, Emperor of Varangia; but in the tone where he would be expected to answer to Svean demands as a Svean vassal. It was a humiliating defeat for most. For Artturi? He was alive… and that would do.
 * Hoist the Black Flag: The state of war in Europe has led to a second outbreak of piratical activity. Following the foundation of the Pirate Republic just some time earlier, numerous piratical bands, independent from the Republic assembled their own ship and for some, their own ensign, and set for the seas. A plethora of small islands were taken by various piratical policies, mostly converging in the Virgin Islands and the Antilles, but also went as far as Bermuda, and it was from these newly captured islands that would see piratical activity flourish, frequently disrupting trade and commerce in the Blessed Isles.

NPC Events

 * Sahnyate: They wholeheartedly accept the Abenanka proposal for an alliance.
 * Xaays and Taqwuba: They accept. (To Abenanka)
 * Mtwara: They allow themselves to be vassalized, for fear of invasion (To Matagaskar)
 * Mutapa: They agree to sell Angoche island for a sum of gold. (To Matagaskar)

The United Kingdoms of the British Isles (Albion)

 * Note: If you wish to engage in diplomacy with me, please DM me on Discord (BubbleRocket1#8016)

Government: Constitutional Monarchy


 * Drakes:
 * George I (M, b. 1662 - ) (R: 1684 - )
 * Important People:
 * King Family
 * Jocelyn King (F, b. 16?? - 169X)
 * Fortuna King (F, b. 1609 - 169X)
 * Lumi King (F, b. 164X - )

Economy: The economy of British Isles consists of trade and commerce of a variety of materials. The primary export products of the UK are fish, wool, cloth, and a variety of vegetables.

Main Religion: Christianity

Cities and Demographics:


 * Population:  12.252 million
 * British Mainland: 8.162 million
 * British Settlers: 231.8k
 * British Arcadia: 180.5k
 * Elysian Population: 29.9k
 * Catonzia Population: 26.4k
 * HALO Settlement: 5.7k
 * Eldia Population: 62.7k
 * Lansenia: 55.8k
 * Other: 51.3k
 * British Yolngu: 51.3k
 * Vinland Local Population: 1.954 million external subjects
 * Elysian Local Population: 796 thousand external subjects
 * Includes the population of the states of Elysia and Laconia
 * Elysia: 546k
 * Laconia: 115k
 * Deasaheim: 80k
 * New York: 55k
 * Eldia Local Population: 321 thousand external subject (subject to change)
 * Catonzia Local Population: 433 thousand external subjects
 * British Bahamas: Roughly 2,400 overall (for both island chains in the area)
 * Yolgnu Local Population: 213 thousand external subjects
 * Nagasatoan Local Population: 138 thousand external subjects
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito Island Bases: 3,138
 * Port Kingpin: 1,389
 * Albish Galapagos: 763
 * Albish Falklands: 842
 * British Bahamas: 82,058
 * British Shattered isles: 5,423
 * British Belize: 494


 * Cities
 * Brighton: A newer shipbuilding facility located on the English Channel.
 * Birmingham: A quiet town that is the location of McCarthy Arms Company, one of, if not, the oldest firearms companies to date.
 * Calais: One of the few French towns still owned by the British, it is a prosperous city that is one of the most important trading hubs in the North Sea.
 * Dover: Main location of the British navy. While elements of the navy are located throughout the territory, the headquarters of the navy are located here. In addition, Dover is the main trading hub between it and Caen.
 * Dublin: Main hub of Ireland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * Elysiapolis: The capital of the Elysian province, as well as the main headquarters for the BFG Company.
 * Fort Avalon: An old British camp located in Vinland. Though mostly uninhabited, it is staffed by a skeleton crew, in the event of a British ship stranding itself on the Vinland island.
 * Though the island is now under Vestkyst control, the British still maintain control of the small fort.
 * Gibraltar: An important town the British claimed in the League Wars. Essentially give them control of who can and cannot leave the Mediterranan, though the British generally let anyone pass, not wishing to piss anyone off.
 * Glaemchester: A British town north of London, this city is known to house various wealthy nobles, with some of the finest tapestries being produced here.
 * Glasgow: Main hub of Scotland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * London: The capital of England, and location of the throne.
 * New London: The location of the British East Indian Company’s base-of-operations in India. Population primarily of locals, though as time progresses, more European influence seeps into the town.
 * Portsmouth: The location of the first drydocks in history, which became the founding of various legendary ships of the Royal Navy
 * Port Kingpin: Though not the capital of Yolngu, it does serve as the main hub by which the BAKA Gaikokuhito operate from, in addition to the main location of the local British garrison.
 * York: Main center of England’s eastern fishing company. Also where a bulk of British trading companies are located, evident from the various merchant caravels present there.
 * Colonial Forts/Towns
 * British East India Company (India)
 * Cape Town (South Africa)
 * Fort Dolphin (Africa - Matagaskar)
 * New London (India) (Known as Diu to India)
 * BAKA Mitai (Africa)
 * Fort Akan (Africa)
 * Fort Galatoi (Galatoi, Africa)
 * BFG Company (Elysia Area)
 * Fort Epheria (Elysia)
 * Fort Elysia (Elysia)
 * Jamestown (Elysia)
 * HALO Company (Amekrogu)
 * Fort Infinity (Amekrogu)
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito (Southeast Asia)
 * Port Kingpin (Yolngu)
 * Portsmith (Galapagos)
 * Port Stanley (Falklands)
 * Other
 * Fort Avalon (Vestkyst-Vinland)
 * New Glaemchester (Lansenia)

Wars and Conflicts


 * North America: British companies begin to exert control over regions with usage of promises of trade and prosperity
 * Though it should be said that some companies add in the risk of war if the British do not get their way in the matter, though others are far more friendly with their actions.
 * Australia: Due to the combined influence of both Britain and the local Yolngu trade, their influence over the island-continent spreads
 * New Zealand: BAKA Gaikokuhito ships discovered the island of New Zealand in 1714 while establishing trading routes around the Eastern Coast of Australia.
 * With its discovery comes plans for the colonization of the island.

Armed Forces


 * Total: 280,266 Manpower (3.9% of population)
 * British Royal Army Corps
 * Total: 159,295
 * British Defense Force: (British Mainland)
 * Marksman Infantry: 15,050
 * Light Cavalry: 5,250
 * Heavy Cavalry: 3,050
 * Field Artillerymen: 5,634
 * Field cannons: 1,378
 * Logistical Support: 23,000
 * British Arcadian Force: (In Arcadia)
 * Catonzia Garrison
 * Marksman Infantry: 7,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 7,000
 * Catonzian Musketeers: 8,260
 * Field Artillerymen: 1,000
 * Field cannons: 500
 * Logistical Support: 3,500
 * Elysian Garrison
 * Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 5,000
 * Marksman Infantry: 10,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 3,000
 * Light Cavalry: 1,000
 * Elysian Cavalry: 300
 * Heavy Cavalry: 350
 * Bow Cavalry: 300
 * Field Artillerymen: 501
 * Field cannons: 167
 * Logistical Support: 7,000
 * British Vinland
 * Marksman Infantry: 6,000
 * Field Artillerymen: 344
 * Field cannons: 100
 * British Gibraltar:
 * Marksman Infantry: 30,000
 * Light Cavalry: 2,500
 * Field Artillerymen: 464
 * Field cannons: 142
 * British Yolngu
 * Marksman Infantry: 5,000
 * Light Cavalry: 750
 * Yolngu Local Army: Unknown
 * Roundtable Knights (Elite): 8,900
 * These are Britain’s elite forces. A rebirthed version sprouting from Artoria’s original group of holy knights, this force has never lost a battle, and has unwavering loyalty to the crown and the Order of the Roundtable, willing to fight to the death for the survival of the British Isles.
 * While most are able to fight, members of the Roundtable are encouraged to branch out into their own craft, such as pottery and sheepherding, with the idea that everyone should act like a Roundtable Knight and give their all into both their craft and their country.
 * The only way to become a Roundtable Knight is to be selected by an existing member of the group. Most knights tend to make apprentices out of those they recruit to the Roundtable, and generally, no one usually complains when a Roundtable Knight selects someone to join the ranks of the Roundtables. Depending on the country/chapter, one can also be appointed to the Roundtable by the crown.
 * In 1527, three factions were formed within the Roundtables
 * The Crimson Sun
 * The Azure Moon
 * The White Orchids
 * Renames themselves Orchid Heaven in 1542
 * With the victory of the Crimson Sun at the end of the conflict, things have settled down.
 * Modernization of 1602: Reforms the Roundtable Knights to act as elite units within the Army, as well as guards for Royalty.
 * In 1615, the London Guard is formed, to both protect the Royal Family, Parliament, and the citizens of the city as a police force, though will prioritize the protection of government personnel and property than that of the citizen
 * Notable (Living) Members:
 * The Drake Family
 * Sir Oliver Cromwell
 * British Merchant Arms Company:
 * An organization owned by the British government that was established to help veterans from the League Wars slowly assimilate back into civilian life while giving them the opportunity to see the world.
 * Mainly employed by the British Merchant Companies to secure their gains and the likes.
 * Personnel: 21,500
 * British Mainland: 17,000
 * Eldia: 2,000
 * Amekrogu: 1,000
 * British Royal Navy Corps:
 * Personnel: 28,122 (combined between both fleets)
 * Rating System (1667): Devised by Fortuna King and Samuel, this serves as a rough guide for the sizes of ships at the British’s disposal. (Shown below is the rating system in the 18th century)
 * First Rate: 100+ guns, 600+ sailors
 * Second Rate: 80-99 guns, 500-599 sailors
 * Third Rate: 60-80 guns, 400-499 sailors
 * Fourth Rate: 50-60 guns, 300-399 sailors
 * Fifth Rate: 30-49 guns, 200-299 sailors
 * Sixth Rate: 20-29 guns, up to 200 sailors
 * Naval Vessels:
 * HMS Sovereign (First-rate Ship-of-the-Line)
 * 102-gun ship-of-the-line continuing the legacy of HMS Soverign of the Seas
 * Luke-class First-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 2
 * 96-gun ship-of-the-lines built. Based on HMS Prince Royal, but with slightly reworked interiors, allowing for four more additional guns to be mounted.
 * HMS Prince Royal
 * 92-gun First-rate Ship-of-the-Line
 * The first ship-of-the-line built as a ship-of-the-line.
 * Elysia-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 4
 * 80-gun warships designed off of the Royal Oak-class
 * Royal Oak-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 4
 * 76-gun vessels that are more than capable of holding their own.
 * Hotel-class Third-rate Carrier Vessel: 5
 * A ship built from the ground-up to carry both supplies, British Marines, and Vinland Longboats for various situations. Always escorted by vessels of similar size or larger.
 * Capacity: 14 Vinland longboats (10 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 550
 * Warspite-class Third-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 10
 * 64-gun vessels that are capable of serving as flagships in their own regards, though cannot hold much of a candle to larger vessels in terms of firepower.
 * Victory-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Victory
 * 50-gun warships designed to breakthrough enemy formations, and is the largest ship in the British arsenal until 1637
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Ember-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Ember
 * 45-gun warships, obsolete by the 1600's
 * Only the HMS Ember is kept for training purposes, as a permanent drydock is built for her.
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Stolen by the Dutch in 1674
 * Glaemchester-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 10
 * Essentially a Swallow-class Interceptor, but built to stand up to combat against other ships of its size.
 * 42-gun Frigate that’s cheaper to maintain than the Victory-class while stronger than the Third-rates
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667
 * Bluefin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor Xebec: 5
 * Improved version of the Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor. Features the same number of guns but is slightly faster.
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Suffolk-class Fourth-rate Interceptor-Xebec: 7
 * 34-gun fourth-rate xebec that is essentially an upsized Yellowfin-class interceptor.
 * Phoenix-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 21
 * 32-gun frigates that form the backbone of the British Navy
 * The replacement for the Cabigail-class Carrack, with a hull design based on the Victory-class
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667.
 * Super-Spyder-class Carrier Vessels: 5
 * Lightly armed frigates around the same size as the Ember-class First-rate frigates designed to carry both marines and Vinland longboats for use in various operations, such as supporting fleets in areas where the large size of the British vessels are a hindrance, as well as serving as landing craft for said marines onboard.
 * Capacity: 16 Vinland longboats (12 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 480
 * Spyder-class Carrier Caravel: 5
 * Lightly armed caravels retrofitted to carry eight Vinland longboats within for use in narrower areas, where the caravels and galleons would have issues navigating
 * Capacity: 12 Vinland longboats (8 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 400
 * Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor: 7
 * A 28-gun interceptor based on designs found in Northern Africa. Has the same firepower as other frigates of its size while being much faster.
 * Vinlandia-class Fifth-rate Galley-Frigate: 8
 * 26-gun fifth-rate galley frigate that uses both oars and sails for movement
 * Upon successful sea trials in 1668 as well as success in small skirmishes raiding New Netherlands merchant vessels, 6 more ships were ordered for the Vinlandia-class
 * Phoenix-class Fifth-rate Frigate: 24
 * A 24-gun ship that’s smaller than the usual capital ships found in the fleet. Mainly used in distant areas, such as Yolngu and India.
 * Olive-class Fifth-rate Multi-purpose Frigate: 100
 * The replacement for the Dove-class Dual-purpose Merchant Caravels. While being around the same size as the Dove’s, the internal design of the ship is improved, allowing for more cargo to be stored within.
 * Mainly given to British merchants for their merchant fleets, though still kept on record in British documents to bloat the numbers.
 * Bombardier-class Brigs: 73
 * Small 18-gun ships smaller than even the old carracks. Due to their price, the British can afford to purchase a lot of Brigs in order to leave squadrons of them at various naval ports around the globe.
 * Abalone-class Sloops: 31
 * Small multi-role 12-gun ships meant to fill roles that can’t be easily filled with the larger Brigs
 * Ketone-class Ketch: 6
 * A ketch around the size of the Abalone-class sloops designed specifically for ship-to-ground combat. Armed primarily with mortars and light cannons for self-defense.
 * Vinland Longboats: (depends on the number of carriers)
 * Small vessels that can be deployed in regions to support larger ships from carrier vessels with their smaller cannons and enhanced mobility.
 * Armed with two 2-pounder MAC Cannons
 * Reef-class Weaponized Catamaran: 7
 * Prototype catamarans designed to act in support of larger vessels in Southeast Asia.
 * Serves a similar role to the Vinland longboat, though is more nimble, at the cost of firepower.
 * British Royal Marine Corps:
 * A branch of both the Army and Navy, consisting of units who are trained in unorthodox tactics to bring around victory.
 * Special Programs:
 * SPARTAN Program: In addition, a program was opened up for the select Marines in 1616 to become elite troops within a program for SPecialized Armed forces for Reconnaissance, Tactical, And Neutralizing Operations, or SPARTAN Ops for short.
 * Those within the unit are known as SPARTANS, and are pulled from both the Marines and Roundtable Knights
 * Often would be given experimental weapons for field testing
 * These units are the penultimate guerilla troop within the British ranks, primarily acting in operations deep behind enemy lines, though can also fight alongside normal troops when necessary
 * These troops provide a large morale boost to allied units in their vicinity as their infamy spreads
 * Personnel: 44,200
 * Multi-Purpose Shock Marines (MPSM): 42,400
 * Mainland Britain: 16,900
 * Gibraltar: 10,000
 * Arcadia: 3,500
 * 500 Elysian MPSM
 * Amekrogu: 12,000
 * SPARTANS: 350
 * Mainland Britain: 275
 * Elysia: 25
 * Amekrogu: 50
 * Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry (SSLC): 4,050
 * Mainland Britain: 3,050
 * Gibraltar: 500
 * Arcadia: 500
 * Light Artillery Pieces: 3,260
 * Mainland Britain: 3,000
 * Gibraltar: 200
 * Arcadia: 0
 * Amekrogu: 60

Notable Companies and Organizations

McCarthy Arms Company (MAC):

Arms Race: Due to the creation of flintlock muskets in France, MAC enters into an arms race with their French counterparts, leading to rapid advancements in the creation of both muskets and cannons.


 * In 1610, they created a flintlock musket using various components from French flintlocks. This musket (and its various modifications) became the main firearm of the British Military in the League Wars and other conflicts in the early 1600’s.

Produced models:

FL1610 “Wasp MkI” Flintlock Musket (1610)


 * The first musket in the series of muskets made in response to “Manufacture d'armes de Châtellerault” and their flintlock musket.
 * Hastily made, the musket has various issues, and has a higher-than-usual casualty rate among those who use it due to the tendency for the musket’s barrel to implode.
 * Due to this reputation, the musket was given an additional nickname: “Barrel of Surprises”

FL1610E1 “Wasp MkII” Flintlock Musket (1611)


 * A modified L1610 that doesn't implode (more than most muskets of the era).

FL1610E2 “Wasp MkIII” Flintlock musket (1612)


 * The version of the musket that was used by the British Military when they joined the League Wars the same year.
 * This musket features a slightly redesigned barrel, slightly increasing the range and improving the reliability of the musket even more.

FL1610E3 “Wasp MkIV” Flintlock Musket (1614)


 * Essentially the Wasp MkIII, but its components are simplified a bit, allowing for easier production.

FL1616 “Honey MkI” Flintlock Musket (1616)


 * A modified version of the Wasp MkIV for use in hunting.
 * Essentially a simplified version of the Wasp MkIV for commercial purchase
 * Also becomes the model of musket that was exported to allies during the League Wars

FL1610E4 “Wasp MkV” Flintlock Musket (1619)


 * A version of the Wasp MkIV that is made from Yolngu steel, giving the musket more durability

FL1616E1 “Honey MkII” Flintlock Musket (1621)


 * An improved version of the Honey MkI, taking feedback from its users when making said improvements.

FL1625 “Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket (1625)


 * The successor to the Wasp series of muskets, featuring a slightly simplified design for the firing mechanism, allowing for easier construction of the musket, though early versions of the musket has issues due to kinks that weren’t figured out (though not as bad as was seen on the first Wasp muskets)

FL1625E1 “Hornet MkII” Flintlock Musket (1626)


 * Sent into the field in late 1626, the musket fixes the issues seen in the Hornet MkI.

FL1616E2 “Honey MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1627)


 * An improvement over the Honey MkII that features some improvements that were seen on the Hornet-series of muskets.

FL1625E2 “Hornet MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1632)


 * An improved version of the Hornet MkII, and is the primary musket used by the BMAC Company in its early years.

FL1636 “Hornet 2 MkI” Flintlock Musket (1636)


 * Originally just a simple upgrade, the Hornet 2 musket had so many improvements made to it that the company reclassified it as its own series of muskets.
 * Included in the many changes made is the narrower barrel. Though the bullets are smaller, due to a smaller round being used, the bullets are faster, have longer ranges, slightly faster reload, and are marginally more accurate than the original version of the Hornet.
 * Though the musket doesn’t have as good of a stopping power, its improvements arguably offset this weakness.

FL1636E1 “Hornet 2 MkII” Flintlock Musket (1642)


 * Modifications related to its reliability in hot, humid regions are added to the musket.
 * In addition, this is the first musket (used by the British) that was able to mount a bayonet.

XRS1652 “Thunderer” Experimental Revolving Sidearm (1652)


 * An experimental 3-shot revolver produced in extremely few quantities (around 56 or so)
 * The idea is for rounds to be pre-loaded into the revolving barrel of the pistol, which is locked in place by three pins when firing. Once a bullet is expended, the user delaches the pins and manually rotates the barrel before locking it back in place. This process is tedious and doesn’t give the gun that much of an advantage over normal conventional pistols on account of the cumbersome barrel, in addition to the pistol’s unreliability (even by standards of the time)

FL1656 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1656)


 * The third version of the Hornet musket, which took the FL1636E1 model of musket and made the musket easier to produce. Still features the capability for using a bayonet that is secured under the barrel of the musket from the FL1636E1.

FL1656-EXP “Honey 2” Flintlock Musket (1657)


 * Essentially an FL1636E1 musket that is cailbered in the conventional ammo size used by most nations. Also features the capability for usage of a plug bayonet.
 * Since both this musket and the “Hornet 3” musket have the same catalog name, the “Honey 2” was given the -EXP notation at the end to distinguish it as the export musket.

FS1659 “Thunderer 2” Flintlock Sidearm (1659)


 * A non-revolver version of the XRS1652 musket. This sidearm is provided both to officers and cavalry units in the military and only in small numbers.

FL1656E1 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1666)


 * Slight improvement to the Hornet 3 that was used in the Anglo-Dutch War. The gun features a slight improvement to its accuracy as well as a better mechanism for the bayonet, which is now custom-built for the musket itself and can double as a knife when necessary.

FL1686 “Super Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket


 * A modernized version of the Hornet 3 Musket. This version of the musket is even easier to maintain and manufacture than the Hornet 3.

FL1686E1 “Super Hornet” MkII Flintlock Musket (1702)


 * Updated version of first version of the Super Hornet that has slightly increased range and versatility.

FL1686E2 “Super Hornet” MkIII Flintlock Musket (1712)


 * Small changes are made to increase the reliability of the weapon

MAC Cannons: MAC continues to produce MAC Cannons (McCarthy Arms in a variety of calibers and sizes, ranging from small 6 pound field cannons to 32 pound naval cannons. At least in Britain, McCarthy Industries has the monopoly on the firearms industry.

Produced models:

2-pounder “snub-nose” MAC Cannon (1608)


 * Created for usage on Vinland longboats, more to fire on smaller vessels than anything else
 * Can be argued that muskets would be more effective than these small peashooters, but the extra punch is helpful

6-pounder medium field MAC Cannon (1578)


 * The main cannon used by both the British Royal Army and Marine Corps.
 * Also used on British Carrier Vessels

9-pounder “tickler” MAC Cannon


 * The lightest cannon used on British Warships (excluding Carriers)

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1588)


 * The mainstay cannon of British Warships

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1641)


 * An updated version of the 16-pounder cannon.

32-pounder “long-nose” MAC Cannon (1603)


 * Heaviest cannon that the British used. Reserved for the largest of British vessels.

Research and Development


 * Weaponized Fireworks: Using the lessons learned from both the Hwacha and the fireworks imported from Naranga, the British begin development into combining the two weapons together into an artillery piece that excels in the anti-infantry role.
 * Though each individual rocket is inaccurate, the hope is for the rockets to be launched in groups at large battalions of ground units to unleash catastrophic damage against enemy units and morale.
 * Though the concept is sound, the issue is that fireworks are too expensive to produce. As such, efforts are made into researching how to decrease the cost of fireworks for more widespread use.


 * Naval Vessels: Continued development on galleons is performed, to see if it is possible to improve British vessels further. They experiment with two aspects; size and firepower. British Naval Engineers hope to determine proper ratios for size, durability, and firepower, as well as taking note of various lessons learned in the field, such as logistical issues found in British Caravels.
 * Catamarans of the Sea: The British and Yolngu experiment with implementing catamarans among the local fleet. Though less armed, the catamarans are more nimble, allowing them to scout ahead of the main naval force with ease.
 * Interesting Doctrine of the Land Down Under: The British and Yolngu Armies begin developing tactics to work alongside one another, coming up with a mishmash of the Yolngu’s ability to maneuver with the British ability to smash through enemy lines.
 * In fact, this ability of the Yolngu for maneuvering warfare impressed the British so much that a British Marine Training Facility is established in Yolngu in 1715

Training and Production


 * British Royal Army Corps


 * British Mainland
 * None.
 * British America
 * Elysia/Laconia
 * None
 * Eldia:
 * None
 * Catonzia
 * None
 * Amekrogu:
 * None
 * British Yolngu
 * 5,000 Yolngu Marksman Infantry


 * British Royal Navy Corps
 * British Mainland
 * N/A
 * British Yolngu
 * N/A
 * Whatever equipment and personnel is required to maintain numbers on the frontline.
 * Older models of ships are scrapped

Diplomacy


 * Akan: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.
 * Amekrogu: The British observe the civil war raging on in war-ravaged Amekrogu. They keep watch, waiting for an opportunity to hop in
 * Arkansa: The British continue to make efforts to strengthen their ties with Arkansa, as they seek assistance in the form of British mercenaries.
 * Australia: Both British and Yolngu Influence spreads, slowly acquiring land under British jurisdiction
 * Europe (Generally): Though not offered the top-line models, Britain does allow McCarthy Arms Company to sell some of their wares overseas to those willing to purchase them
 * Gujarat: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.
 * Indian Nations: Seeing that the countries of India are friendly, the British East India Company reaches out to all the nations in the area, hoping to strengthen their ties with all nations and open up trade routes with all.
 * Jaisalmer: The British ask the government if it is possible for them to purchase a port city, or at least a location for British ships and merchants to operate out of.
 * In addition, Britain (through the McCarthy Arms Company) looks into local companies in the country in order to purchase them.
 * Revived Huancan Empire: Delegates from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company reach out to the South American nation, requesting the ability for ships to dock in the Tacna region while they pass around the southern tip of South America
 * The British are aware of the Spanish conquests centuries prior, and wish to make amends, to at least show that not all Europeans are scumbags
 * Vijayanagara: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.

Allies


 * Galatoi: Trading partner with the BAKA company.
 * Naranga: British ally on the Asian mainland.
 * Occitania: British ally on the European mainland.
 * Toyotomi Shogunate: British ally (through the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company) in Asian area.
 * Vestkyst: Norweigan allies in the North Sea. The oldest ally of Britain, harkening back to the British Empire’s founding.
 * Yolngu: The furthest of Britain’s allies, the island-continent has metals far better than those in the region. As such, the majority of the trade from the region primarily consists of metals.

Events


 * The Unification of the Land Down Under (WiP):
 * The BAKA Gaikokuhito, now jointly in control of the country of Yolngu along with the tribal leaders of Yolngu.
 * With the assimilation of Yolngu into the British Empire came the additional baggage of the penultimate plan of Yolngu: the unification of Australia (name still a WiP)
 * As such, diplomats are sent to neighboring countries in the entire Australian continent, trying to open trade routes with as many groups as possible
 * In addition, though never mentioned, the British do allow the Dutch colony to spread in Southern Australia, so they could pose as a unifying force for Australia.
 * Expansion Beyond the Horizon:
 * American Colonies
 * N/A
 * India
 * The British East India Company hatches a plan to acquire more control over the continent
 * They get wealthy British merchants to settle in India and purchase land from the government at slowly gain influence over their territory, eventually allowing Britain to gain control over vast territories of land in India
 * In addition to this plan, the British purchase various companies in India, allowing them to become more integrated into the Indian economy
 * Yolngu
 * The combined efforts of Britain and Yolngu slowly spread throughout Australia, as the tribes of Australia became friendlier towards the two powers.
 * In addition, BAKA Gaikokuhito ships discovered the island of New Zealand in 1714 while establishing trading routes around the Eastern Coast of Australia.
 * With its discovery comes plans for the colonization of the island.
 * Miscellaneous Stuff
 * The following states are created from the previous states:
 * Eldia is split into North Eldia and South Eldia
 * Catonzia is split into East Catonzia and West Catonzia

The British Merchant Companies (Final Turn Before Section is Deleted):


 * British Faviero Greek Company: “The BFG Company” for short, this company has taken an interest in the region of Elysia. Its leaders, Faviero and Raleigh have enacted a multi-decade long plan to wrestle control of the region for themselves, though if other situations were to come up, they’d adapt on the fly.
 * Elysian Region: Having complete control over the area, the BFG Company begins to import more colonists into the region.
 * Laconia: In 1619, the region was reclassified into its own province for administration reasons.
 * The regions of Laconia, Demetrios, and Erakki become apart of the Laconia Province
 * Eventually becomes the State of Laconia
 * Desaheim: The company begins the process of integrating the province into their company, as they begin setting up administrative bodies to run the area.
 * When the Dutch attacked in 1668, the company was forced to temporarily retreat from Desaheim, only to come back as British forces retaliated.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Doomslayer
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association: Started up by a British and German family, BAKA began operations in 1573, when they received a fleet of four merchant caravels. With this fleet, the company sets sail for Africa, wishing to set up a port town where they can trade with the locals.
 * In 1602, the company was split in two, due to the focus on where to colonize.
 * The branch known as “BAKA Mitai” is continuing the old company’s efforts in Africa
 * The branch known as “BAKA Gaijin” (renamed to BAKA Gaikokuhito in 1608) has its focus directed towards Southeast Asia, specifically Yolngu for its operations.
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association - Mitai Division:
 * Akan: Due to their presence in the area, the BAKA Mitai company slowly expands their influence through the area.
 * Due to continued trade with the locals in the area, British influence spreads throughout Akan.
 * Galatoi: The company trades with Galatoi, giving them McCarthy Firearms and other supplies in return for indigenous supplies as well as slaves for use in Elysia and other portions of their claims.
 * Slave Trade Deal: The company creates a tie with the MOM company, importing slaves from the Galatoi region and sending them to the Eldia region for use on the various crops in the region.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Resolute
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association - Gaikokuhito Division:
 * More Pitstops: Even with the two islands claimed, the distance between each stop is far too long. As such, the Gaikokuhito Division devices various locations along the way to establish naval bases to allow British vessels places of refuge
 * The British reached out to various nations on the Western coast of South America, asking if they could construct ports on their coastlines to allow British ships to stop on their journey to Yolngu, in addition to opening trade with the regions in question.
 * Australium: Rare metals have been found on the island continent. As such, operations are created to extract the metals with the help of the locals (in return for exotic species and other foreign goods)
 * Finalization of Acquisition: With the British Protectorate of Yolngu established, the King family can lean back and drink away; a century-long dream has been finally completed, though a long road lays ahead for what’s to come next.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Golden Hind
 * The Henry Amerigo League of Observance: A group (nicknamed HALO) that is headed by Henry of Glaemchester. Now a competent company, the HALO company travels the seas, now intermingling with a faction known as the Amekrogu’s to the south.
 * Rebuilding from the Ground Up: The HALO company constructs new fortifications in the region, rebuilding what they lost prior. As this happens, the company slowly monitors the Civil War raging on in Amekrogu, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
 * In addition, they reward the tribes that allied themselves with the British, allowing them to reside in peace, in addition to supplying them with food and the likes
 * The Millers Operative Manufacturing: A company that focuses on tobacco and leather in 1565, the company slowly worked its way into league with the larger companies of Britain by the 1580’s, eventually leading to the company receiving a grant to receive 7 Dove-class Merchant Caravels, as well as permission to construct a custom “flagship” for themselves.
 * Tobacco: As their influence spreads through Eldia, the MOM company begins to cultivate Nicotiana tabacum tobacco plants, leading to an increase in profits due to its sweeter taste.
 * The selling of this tobacco increases MOM’s income, leading to them being able to hire more mercenaries to arrest control of Eldia from the locals.
 * Rice: Ordered by the British Royal Navy to produce the crop, the company also constructs rice crops within their territory, with assistance from Asian farmers.
 * Slave Trade Deal: The company creates a tie with the BAKA Mitai company, as the MOM Company begins to import slaves from the Galatoi region for the purpose of working on the farms.
 * Company Flagship: The Independence
 * British East India Company: With a grant from the British government, the company begins to make plans for their future ventures into Asia, with their eyes set on both the island chains between mainland Asia and Yolgnu as well as Hindustan.
 * Expanding Influence: With the wealth the company has, they begin to trade with the locals, providing them with products in larger quantities or new to the area altogether, with the hopes to make the locals reliant on the British for their daily necessities
 * Subsidiary Alliance Plan: The Company reaches out to the various countries in India, asking for the stationing of a British force within their territory for the country’s protection, in return for supplying the maintenance cost to maintain the force in the area.
 * Lansenia: Since 1565, the “Azure Pilgrims” set up the Plymouth colony in hopes to be free from religious (and political) persecution. At first, the faction ran into many issues, mainly trying to survive the winter. They were helped by a local tribesman nearby and the colony has just begun to become stabilized.
 * In 1662, the regional government was officially formed.
 * Naming the region “Lansenia” after the head governor, Laffey D Lansen, the region is accepted as an official colony within the British Government.
 * Naming the region “Lansenia” after the head governor, Laffey D Lansen, the region is accepted as an official colony within the British Government.

Notable Deaths


 * Rulers
 * Pendragon:
 * Artoria “Ember” Pendragon (F, b.1317- 1389?) (Reign: 1351 ~ 1369 - 1389)
 * Ash I (M,  b. 1347 - 1434) (Reign: 1390 - 1434)
 * Sister: Aura (F,  b.1350 - 1434)
 * Ash II (M,  b. 1399 - 1442) (Reign: 1434 - 1442)
 * Amber (F, b. 1424 - ) (Reign: 1442 - 1482)
 * Brother: Edward (M, b. 1441 - 1481)
 * Mordue:
 * River Mordue (F, b. 1322 - 1393) (Reign: 1369 - 1393)
 * Henry (M, b. 1353 - 1429)  (Reign: 1393 - 1429)
 * Daughter: Mary (F, b. 1382 - 1399)
 * Lionel (M, b. 1388 - 1482) (Reign: 1430 - 1482)
 * Son: Leo I (M, b. 1407 - 1465)
 * Leo III (M, b. 1445 - 1478)
 * Son: Leo II (M, b. 1423 - 1478)
 * Brother: Henry II (M, b. 1398 - 1478)
 * Drake:
 * Casimir (M, b. 1454 - 1533)
 * Queen Abigail (F, b. 1455 - 1533)
 * Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - 1561)
 * David (M, b. 1537 - 1554)
 * Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - 1565)
 * Nephew: Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
 * Queen Elizabeth (F, b. 1541 - 1618) (R: 1561 - 1618)
 * Sister: Francis (F, b. 1541 - 1619)
 * Aunt: Frances (F, b. 1497 - 1564)
 * Albus (M, b. 1519 - 1580)
 * Nephew: George (M, b. 1542 - 1584)
 * Son: Avery (M, b. 1572 - 1632)
 * Daughter: Elysia (F, b. 1582 - 1609)
 * Nephew: Gregory (M, b. 1554 - 1596)
 * Cousin: Eldegard (F, b. 1517 - 1592)
 * Married off to a Westrian prince
 * Cousin: Alvin (M, b. 1545 - 1585)
 * Daughter: Valerie (F, b. 1569 - 1602)
 * Son: Peter (M, b. 1573 - 1606)
 * Cousin: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Cousin: Carol (F, b. 1549 - 1629)
 * Son: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Son: Janet (M, b. 1580 - 1629)
 * King: Luke I (M, b. 1567 - 1638) (R: 1618 - 1838)
 * King:  Luke II (M, b. 1604 - 1658) (R: 1838 - 1658)
 * Son: Luke III (M, b. 1628 - )
 * Son: Luke IV (M, b. 1636 - )
 * Daughter: Leia (F, b. 1636 - )
 * Brother: Escavalier (M, b. 1615 - 1667)
 * Cousin: Jessie (F, b. 1607 - 1672)
 * Cousin: James (M, b. 1607 - 1668)
 * Roundtable Knights
 * Joan “Anne” of Arc (Died in 1431)
 * Sir George Cromwell of Cotswold (Died in 1445)
 * Sir George Cromwell II of Cotswold (Died in 1482)
 * Sir Rex of Dover (Died in 1482)
 * Joanna Palaiologos McCarthy (Died in 1528)
 * Misc
 * Frederik King (Died in ???)
 * Head of the BAKA Company, essentially has ties in about half of the world
 * Fortuna King (Died in 169X)
 * Forged together the modern Albish Navy
 * Assisted in the Vestkyst Civil War
 * Forged a diplomatic relationship with Naranga
 * Also assisted them in their war against the Qing
 * Shauna McCarthy (Died in 1489)
 * Founder of McCarthy Arms Company, one, if not, the oldest firearms companies in the world.

Famous Vessels

HMS Victory (15XX)


 * Laid down in 15XX and launched in 15XX, the HMS Victory is a 50-gun First-class Frigate.
 * The namesake of her class, HMS Victory was the first pride-and-joy of the Royal Navy.
 * Famously captained by Admiral Francis Drake, the ship would lead the British navy to victory when it defeated the Spanish Armada, directly leading to one of the major reasons why Britain won in the Anglo-Spanish War in the late 16th century.
 * From there, it would also see combat in the League Wars as it ensured that those opposing Britain felt the wrath of her powerful broadside.
 * Eventually, the ship was retired in 1647, where it was put into the reserve fleet as a training vessel for new sailors.

HMS Fortune’s Bounty (1626)


 * An Olive-class Multi-purpose Merchant Frigate given to the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company from the British government. Laid in 1624 and left on its maiden voyage in 1626, the ship would find itself under the ownership of Fortuna King, a woman well-known for her assistance in the Wu-Narangan War in 1633 when she was involved in both a trading run to Naranga in addition to the assassination of the Wu General in the region.
 * Though the ship would remain in East Asia for most of its life, it would also visit Britain and the Mediterranean Sea during its time afloat under the ownership of Fortuna.
 * In 1661, while returning to Britain from Yolngu, the ship encountered rough seas around the southernmost tip of South America. Though it survived, the ship was badly beaten, as it limped to the British outpost on the Falklands Island. From there, Fortuna and her crew hitched a ride on a vessel back to Britain, where she received permission from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company to purchase a replacement vessel: the Fortune’s Bounty II.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1661

HMS Fortune’s Bounty II (1662)


 * A 28-gun xebec ordered by Fortuna King.
 * Also was equipped with two hwachas for testing purposes
 * Saw effective use under Fortuna’s captainship.
 * Notable for the Battle of the Vestkyst Fjords (1667) as well as for its involvement with rescuing Duchess Anastasia during the Vestkyst Civil War (1666).
 * Given to Lumi when Fortuna passed.
 * Fate: ???

HMS Warspite (1668)


 * A 64-gun ship-of-the-line that served as Fortuna King’s flagship during the Anglo-Dutch War
 * Led the British fleet to victory against the Dutch fleet in the sole naval engagement in the “European front”
 * Fate: ???

HMS Sovereign of the Seas (1637)


 * Laid down in 1634 and launched in 1637, this ship is essentially an engineer’s wet dream. Built “just because,” the ship has more than double the guns of the next largest ships (the Victory-class) and was also over double the size, this ship towered over anything the British would build for the next half-decade or so.
 * That being said, the ship was also ladened with issues, such as poor handling and the likes.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1704 to be used in HMS Sovereign

Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth| Riųpublika Avarmadok Volhùmadùn
authors note: i am writing smth very gay keep your little eye orbs peeled The Stallion and the Stag [Broad Overview]: In 1711, news arrived from Merya.
 * Government: de facto Elective Monarchy, de jure Absolute Monarchy
 * King:
 * Yohan III Klessiviu (b.1646) (r.1679-1705)
 * INTERREX: Vilhèlm Klessiviu (b.1648) (r.1705)
 * François Louis de Bourbon (b.1676) (r.1706-)
 * Caste System: Note: Caste names are given in the plural of the native Avar term.
 * Magnasès|Magnates: The Magnasès, called Magnaty in Vedenan, are the highest-ranking caste of Avaro-Vedena. Traditionally, they were nobles powerful enough to own estates encompassing entire towns. By the early 17th century, the Magnasé began to be classified as a separate caste due to them gaining rights not held by the lower nobility and their predominance over Avaro-Vedena political machinery. Due to their importance, the Magnasé do not have the right of alienation of their lands.
 * Beges|Nobility: The Beges, called Kivis in Vedenan, are the noble estate of Avaro-Vedena. They are defined by their possession of noble titles and symbols of investiture, their right to participate in local electorates, and their obligation to serve in the military. Otherwise, they are indistinguishable from the Bures. Indeed, some Beges do not even own land and must make a living leasing from their more wealthy peers. Compared to nobility elsewhere, the Beges are massive in size, comprising nearly 1/6th of the population of the Avaro-Vedenan-Commonwealth. This is the result of Avar succession practices which stipulate that all sons and daughters of a noble from a patrilineal like inherit their title, and the historical willingness of Vedenan monarchs to bestow the title of 'noble' upon their subjects.
 * Bures|Commoners: The Bures, called Plebe in Vedenan, make up the majority of the Avaro-Vedenan population. They correspond roughly to the Third Estate in traditional European social hierarchy. Under the broad term ‘Bures’ there are a variety of more specific social subclasses, which are described in detail below.
 * Bulgáres:  The Bulgáres are land-owning commoners roughly equivalent to Burghers and gentry outside of the AVC. In recent times, many have begun to own folwarks, exceeding much of the nobility in power. As such, there have been calls to either curb the power of the nobles, or grant the Bulgáres the same legal rights.
 * Yutasnaviks: The Yutasnaviks are a social class unique to Avaro-Vedena. They are landless commoners who are not tied to landed estates, and can be thus analyzed as a class of tenants. Unlike the Lákanktas, the Yutasnaviks are under full protection of the law and have the freedom to lease and possess property. In farming, Yutasnaviks provide their own animals and tools, unlike the Daųnšas who do not own capital.
 * Daųnšas: The Daųnšas are a class of peasants tied to their lessor’s estates. They are the Avaro-Vedenan equivalent to serfs elsewhere.
 * Lákanktas|Unhoused: The Lákankta are a caste unique to Avaria, though analogous concepts do exist within the rest of the Commonwealth. They are legally unable to own land, cannot receive inheritance, and are deprived of all legal protection. Thus, anyone is legally able to persecute and murder them. Unlike the other four primary castes, the state of being a Lákankta may be received. Traditionally, becoming a Lákankta was a punishment which replaced the death penalty, though by the Early Modern Period the Lákanktas had become a separate social class at the bottom of society. The Lákanktas are kindred to Adytite untouchables.
 * Noble Clans:
 * House of Fuscinus: The House of Fuscinus was the traditional ruling family of Vedena prior to the unification of Avaria and Vedena in the 16th century. They are granted privileged status in the Commonwealth, above even that of the Magnates, and as such have vast estates across Vedena and Albarus.
 * House of Adamùciviu: The House of Adamuciviú was the ruling house of Avaria from 1390 to 1679 and is a cadet branch of the House of Fuscinus. Despite no longer being the ruling house, they still influence the politics of Avaro-Vedena greatly. Many wish to gain the favor of the Adamùviu for it garners one power and respect beyond bounds.
 * House of Klessiviu: The House of Klessivyú is a major noble house that has hereditary rule of a vast semi-autonomous territory in Northeast Avaro-Vedena. They trace their lineage back to Claes Kjær, a 16th century Svean king. They enjoy close ties with the Adamùciviu and generally oppose the Lasnin Coalition, believing an enlightened monarchy to be the best form of government for the AVC.
 * House of Pregel: The House of Pregel was the former ruling family of Altpreußen and Wießel. Following the Teutonic Order’s takeover of Wießel, the Pregel family assumed a subordinate role to the Teutonic Order as the Landmeisters of Prussia. Later, in 1453, the sitting Prussian Landmeister married his sister to King Mavlet of Avaria and rebelled against the Teutonic Knights, sparking the Thirteen Year’s War. With the signing of the Treaty of Thorn in 1466, the Pregels were placed on the throne of the newly-created Duchy of Prussia. King Mavlet then declared the female descendants of the former Landmeister’s daughter to be the Wiessel-Pregel family and gave them a fief around Danzig, thus marking the first creation of a matrilineal noble house in Avaria in five centuries. However, anti-Pregel sentiment in Avaria resulted in the Wiessel-Pregels retreating from politics and vanishing from historical records. Not long after, the True Pregel line was subsumed into the House of Kaufmann after the Duchy of Prussia formed a personal union with Vesnia. The whereabouts of the Wiessel-Pregel family is still unknown.
 * House of Marko: The House of Marko is a minor noble house residing by the Baltic Sea. Historically, the Markos were of great importance, their members consistently bringing Avaria military victories. However, by the 16th century, they were irrelevant and married into more powerful families to cling into power. The Markos took over many of the House of Šarvas' assets following the defeat of the Lasnin Coalition. They own and operate Pomeranian Atlantic Company (Avar: Atlancikù Firma Pomoraša), a company given jurisdiction over Avaro-Vedenan participation in the colonization of Meridia and West Africa.
 * Economy: The economy of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth is based largely upon agriculture, with cereals, fur, and cattle amounting to around 80% of all exports from the AVC to Western European markets. The country plays a significant role in the supply of Western Europe by the export of grain, cattle, furs, timber, linen, cannabis, ash, tar, carminic acid and amber. In turn, Avaro-Vedena is a major importer of wine, beer, luxury goods, and industrial products. In the agricultural sector, feudal plantations called Folwarks dominate. Though Folwarks are owned traditionally by the nobility, in recent times many have begun to be operated by wealthy commoners.
 * Capital: Kánsbaurg, Lutsk (Vedena)
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 12,190,000
 * Avaria: 6.22M
 * Vedena: 4.11M
 * Other Territories: 1.86M
 * Military: The military of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth consists of the two administratively separate armies of the Kingdom of Avaria and the Republic of Vedena. Due to the Avaro-Vedenan military’s lack of centralized logistical apparati, Avaro-Vedenan units are encumbered by large baggage trains. During the 16th and the 17th centuries, this disadvantage was slightly reversed with the perfection of the wagon-fort and the adoption of smaller unit sizes. There is a small standing military of around 7,000 men, paid for by the king, stationed along the unruly southern border. In times of war, it is supplemented by the Begamv Tumèn; a feudal levy of nobles, and the Misvótos Tumèn; a force of commoners recruited by military commanders during peacetime, dispatched during war, and paid following military service. Apart from the nation military of Avaro-Vedena Commonwealth, local militia (Ašnèt Fiulaka, lit. ‘Settled Guards’) and Magnate armies (Magnasanų Tumèn) are two other prominent components of the Avaro-Vedenan military, with Magnate contribution on the frontlines sometimes eclipsing that of the state military. The Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth, notably, has a tradition of staffing much of its military with foreign soldiers, many of whom later integrated into their new home. These foreign soldiers, currently, are well-represented in elite infantry and artillery divisions.
 * Total Military Size: ~230,000 (~1.9% of Population)
 * Royal Standing Army: 7,320
 * Begamv Tumèn (Feudal Levy): ~47,000 (~2.3% of nobility)
 * Rugsùn Tumèn (State Army): ~75,000
 * Misvótos Tumèn (Recruited Reserves): ~19,000
 * Ašnèt Fiulaka (City Militia): ~70,000

Following a skirmish on the border of Keisaria and Svearike, war had ignited between the two powers. Within months, much of northern Keisaria was occupied by Svean forces. In the south, however, local Bonric militias and levies managed to maintain a sturdy defense against the Svean army.

In 1712, news arrived again.

The Keisarians were requesting Commonwealth intervention.

The Avaro-Vedenan administrative elite and nobility did not respond kindly to this request. The newly-arrived French expatriates were the mildest of the bunch, who advised a policy of waiting the war out to later assess the situation. This was in stark contrast to the numerous Sarmatist and Messianistic groups within the Commonwealth who universally expressed outrage at the Keisarian request, with some even advocating for intervening against the Keisarians. The Ascirbanèt Revival Society, for example, declared that 'national vengeance' was required to prolong the existence of the current Avaro-Vedenan golden age. The native Avaro-Vedenan Republicans ranged between these two ideals.

Oddly enough, it was the cessation of hostilities between Svearike and Varangia that ignited Avaro-Vedenan worries. With the decoupling of core Keisarian territory from the rest of the Varangian Empire, Svearike seemed poised to become the juggernaut of Northern Europe, possibly overshadowing both Vestkyst and the Commonwealth. With the Varangian Empire's continued survival maintained by the numerous Bonric peoples which inhabited the confederation, aiding Varangia became much more palatable to the Avaro-Vedenan populace. In February of 1713, Kazimir Fuscinus, a a prominent anti-enlightenment and baroque figure and cofounder of the Order of the Ashes, proudly declared that Avaria was the 'savior of the nations of steppe and taiga' and urged François-Louis to declare war on Svearike.

And so he did. Amidst a surge of support for bashing the Sveans, the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth officially intervened following a staged border incident in May, thus reigniting the flames of the Great Northern War.

The war began with failure.

In June of 1713, a force of 24,000 men was mobilized to besiege the city of Narva, but was ultimately thwarted by a relief contingent a third of its size lead personally by Karl VI of Svearike. Due to poor infrastructure in the region, much of Avaro-Vedenan Inkeri was captured by the invading Svean army and a defensive perimeter was formed around the Daugava river. However, a Varangian victory in the Battle of Kazan redirected Svean interests back to the land of the Artarians, allowing the Avaro-Vedenan army to recuperate and reassess the situation.

In May of 1714, a force of 14,000 men crossed the Daugava river to attack the city of Daugavpils. 200 landing boats and a sufficient supply of wood to construct a bridge were obtained earlier that year under the leadership of General Fabian von Allenstein. The operation was supposed to be done in strict confidentiality to ensure a surprise attack on the enemy host. However, bad weather ruined plans to attack instantly, and the assault had to be postponed. The Svean army, lead by Gustav Rehnskiöld, overestimated their numerical and positional advantage, and were assured of an easy victory. However, with the use of small barges armed with cannons and smoke screens, the battle was won by Commonwealth forces. Amidst the aftermath, the Svean army retreated north across the Gauja river to Maavald and Ladoga, allowing Avaro-Vedenan forces to capture Riga in July of 1714.

With Livonia subjugated, the Avaro-Vedenan command then decided to reclaim the lands they lost in 1713, expecting little real resistance due to the flat topography and poor infrastructure of the region. In August of 1714 Avaro-Vedenan forces laid siege to Peipsinpohja, winning a decisive victory. However, poor weather resulted in an Avaro-Vedenan defeat in the Battle of Varntio (October 1714) and stalled any Avaro-Vedenan efforts to advance any further north.

True breakthrough came in November of 1714, though. For one, Artturi refused the passage of Svean troops into the AVC, hampering the planned Svean counterattack and straining relations between Nevogardas and Svearike. Similarly, in the Battle of Dorpet, king Karl VI of Svearike was shot dead, allegedly by Fabian von Allenstein himself. The death of the king spelled the end of Svean rule in the Baltics and initiated a succession crisis which was soon taken advantage of by Varangia and Vestkyst.

The Lord of Lepers [2]: The King:

Fabian had never been to the King's room before.

There was no reason why he couldn't really - sometime between their first embrace and now a deep trust has developed, but this was still new, unexpected.

"What's wrong?" François-Louis asks, hands cradling Fabian's cheeks. His face was painted with gentle concern, nothing like what Fabian had first expected from the notorious libertine.

"Your room looks...normal," Fabian says, trying to augment the scrap of surprise in his voice. In front of François-Louis it goes poorly. Normally, Fabian would be shamed, humiliated, but in front of the king and only the king, it seemed...fine.

"Ah, well, I don't use the other one. Reminds me too much of my cousin's old crib. You'd understand my choice, wouldn't you, Fabian?" François-Louis says with a chuckle.

You'd understand. Fabian understanding the king, François-Louis, a man so perfect he might as well have been the second son of God. Not just knowing. Understanding. Deeply knowing François-Louis, like how he knew the buttons on his coat or every mercenary in Danzig after searching for Aumsel or how he knew the horror he had to wash away as last member of the Pregel f-

No, no, no. He was with the king, alone, in his private room. For just one night, there'd be no need to worry about other things. Just him and the king. Together.

Ah, but that word 'understanding', how intimate it was! Just the notion of himself having the privilege to understand the king made Fabian giddy.

Well, if only.

François-Louis flopped onto the bed in his typical lackadaisical manner that Fabian grew to adore. With apprehension, Fabian crawled down with him.

It's not that Fabian has never seen the king relaxed before, of course. The king seemed perpetually relaxed, to be honest. But in front of others, his calm torpor seemed to be a mask, a quality assumed to win the hearts of his subjects over. With just him in the room though, it felt.. different.

Fabian thinks back to that word, understanding. What part of François-Louis does Fabian understand, really? Maybe it was his lips, soft, gentle, and warm. Even doing the most mundane of action, François-Louis seemed ethereal, divine, so holy that Fabian doubted whether he had the right to see.

But it was Fabian, and only Fabian, out of the myriad souls more worthy, that was allowed to see.

Just thinking about it dunks Fabian's head into a sea of emotion.

Fabian is suddenly yanked down by his hair and pulled close to François-Louis. He smells like firewood and rosewater, Fabian thinks. Fabian releases the breath he had been holding in as François-Louis hugs him right, rubbing his hands, calloused yet gentle, cold yet comforting, on his back.

"I just wanted to hold you," François-Louis said, taking note of Fabian's unease. "You're so nice to hug."

"Oh, that's fine," Fabian squeaked out. "Anything you'd like."

François-Louis' hands shifted from Fabian's back to his hair, carefully untying knots with a level of care alien to Fabian. Instinctually, he arched hiis back. It felt nice, so blissfully nice, but a hole still gaped in Fabian's heart. What was he meant to do? Fabian could present the head of a thousand criminals or a million signed papers to the king's feet, but he could not muster the strength to say something as mundane as 'I love you' to express his deep, unfettered, appreciation for the man embracing him.

Suddenly, François-Louis' hands paused their thaumaturgy. Had Fabian had something wrong? Oh god, I fucked it up again, a voice blares in his head. His voice.

"You know, Fabian, sometimes I wish you'd do something. Ask something."

"Huh?" Fabian freezes.

"You've never even asked to kiss me. Or hug me. Or anything really," François-Louis says with a wistfulness and weight that sinks to the bottom of Fabian's heart like an anchor, leaden and sad. Fabian gulps.

"Oh, uh- I can kiss you if you'd li-"

"No, no. You don't need to. Do what feels right for you, not what you think will please me, alright? There's nothing you can't ask. You're safe."

"C-can I...kiss you?" Fabian asks, no longer the hardened statesman he usually was, but rather not much more than a child.

François-Louis nods, his face blooming like the sweetest spring flower. ''Yes. Yes, you may.''

Fabian's hands come clumsily to François-Louis' cheeks, but François-Louis doesn't mind. Fabian lifts François-Louis' jaw to meet his achingly slow, and finally kisses him with all the passion he wished he had.

"That's the first time you kissed me. I'm...happy," François-Louis says when they break away. Fabian, panicking with shame and guilt for this and a trillion other things, freezes knowing that it was he who made the king happy, he who kissed the king.

"Me too."

Most Serene Republic of Venice | Serenìsima Repùblega Vèneta

 * Government: Parliamentary oligarchic merchant republic
 * Head of State:
 * Doge Silvestro Valier (B 1630 - 1711) (R 1694 - 1711)
 * Vacant (R 21st June 1711 - 1st August 1711)
 * Doge Sebastiano Cornaro (B 1648 - 62, Alive) (R 1st August 1711 - present)
 * Consort:
 * None (R 1710 - 1711)
 * Caterina Cornaro (R 1711 - present)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Cornaro Family
 * Head of Government:
 * Capitano del Popolo Giovanni Barbarigo (B 1675 - Age 35, Alive) (R 20th July 1711 - present)
 * Duke of Irákleio (Crete):
 * Duke Giovanni Barbarigo (B 1675 - Age 35, Alive) (R 1708 - present)
 * Legislature:
 * Upper Chamber: The Senate
 * Lower Chamber: The Council of Ten
 * Economy: The economy of Venice is built on mainly trade in the mediterranean sea. Though it has declined and we were quite crippled after the war.
 * Allies:
 * Capital: Venice
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 2 002 000
 * Major Cities population
 * Venice: 140 700
 * Ethnicities: "Venetian", Greeks and smaller minorities.
 * Religion: Majority Catholic but also a bit orthodox among the greek population on Crete.
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * N/A
 * Military: We recently were in a conflict. Our navy has been in a long decline since the 16th century.
 * Total: 15 000
 * 10 000 Light Infantry
 * 2 000 Light Cavalry
 * 3 000 Artillerymen
 * Navy:
 * 100 Frigates
 * 15 Ship of the line
 * 50 Galleys
 * 40 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:
 * Events:
 * Problematic lifestyle of the Doge: Despite being constantly sickly and our economy crippled because of the recent war, our Doge are still partying hard with no regards to our current situation. He was expected to die very soon since he is sickly but the Doge is stubborn as a mule when it comes to dying. His problematic lifestyle have already made the part of the population very angry. He died in 1711
 * The war was worthless?: Ideas that the war was worthless and we gained little compared of how har we fought is commong among the population in Venice. Many blame the doge thinking he is the one to blame.
 * Riots of June 1711: Riots would broke out again in 1711 people infuriated with the Doge as he lives a lavish lifestyle while the state and people are suffering. Fighting ensued as people tried to reach the senate. The unrest continued for three days straight in Venice. During the unrest the Doge died on the 21st of June. This meant that a new doge has to be chosen.
 * Riots of July 1711: In the beginning of July new riots began this time to stop the aristocratic families to choose a new candidate as Doge. Clashes between rioters and the military is very common. The Venetian bishop Sebastiano Orso would famously say "Venice has gone from beaing a pearl to a city of chaos and despair" Riots an unrest would continue through July stopping the aristocrats from assembling properly in Venice.
 * The stubborn Barbarigo: Barbarigo would arrive in Venice in 20th July. Having heard about the unrest in the city, he would take the opportunity to take power. He arrived with some of his most loyal soldiers from the Duchy of Crete. Riots had cooled down at this point even though unrest still persisted around the city. The council of ten had finally been able to meet eachother. "Capitano del Popolo" would some people burst out as they saw Barbarigo arrive at the dockyard. The local guards were quick to notice the arrival of Barbarigo since crowds of people had already reached the dockyard where he was. The guards would notice the council of ten of his arrival but by that time. Barbarigo was already with his soldiers leading a riot towards the council. By that time the venetian regiment in Venice arrived. The council trying to avert bloodshed, save their own lives and fortune incase of a defeat and pressured by the people decided to withdraw the soldiers from the streets and announce Barbarigo as the Capitano del Popolo a seperate title of the Doge.
 * A new Doge: Finally we got a new doge elected on the 1st of August 1711
 * A very different Barbarigo: Within a year after taking office Barbarigo have made multiple changes in his own capacity as Capitano del Popolo. Most of these changes benefitted himself and he also kept the title duke of Crete despite not even being active governor on the island. On August the 5th 1712 a coup by Barbarigo would be launched directly against the council of the ten and the senate. The coup succeded because of popualr support as many people beliving that this was neccessary to remove the "corrupt leaders of the nation" and there were celebrations in Venice. Outside of the city in the vast territories around it that were controlled not much really changed. Giovanni was viewed there as just another ruler. After the coup Giovanni would be the one mainly charge of the nation with the senate and Doge having almost just a ceremonial role and council of ten replaced with his own allies.
 * A very different Barbarigo: Within a year after taking office Barbarigo have made multiple changes in his own capacity as Capitano del Popolo. Most of these changes benefitted himself and he also kept the title duke of Crete despite not even being active governor on the island. On August the 5th 1712 a coup by Barbarigo would be launched directly against the council of the ten and the senate. The coup succeded because of popualr support as many people beliving that this was neccessary to remove the "corrupt leaders of the nation" and there were celebrations in Venice. Outside of the city in the vast territories around it that were controlled not much really changed. Giovanni was viewed there as just another ruler. After the coup Giovanni would be the one mainly charge of the nation with the senate and Doge having almost just a ceremonial role and council of ten replaced with his own allies.

Empire of Matagaskar | Empira Matagasykara
Notable People of Matagaskar/Imerina (in chronological order) [WIP]:
 * Government: Imperial Feudal Monarchy
 * Monarch: Emperor Andriandambomanafika (B 1660 D 1713 - Age 52) (R 1694 - 1713), Emperor Andriamasinavalona (B 1692 - Age 22, alive) (R 1713 - Present)
 * Consort: Empress Rafaravavy (B 1663 - Age 46, alive), Empress Renibodonimerina (B 1693 - Age 21, alive)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Hova
 * Chief of Kômôro: Kifeda II (B 1651 D 1712 - Age 61) (R 1683 - 1712), Abdu III (B 1684 - Age 30, alive) (R 1712 - Present)
 * Co-Protector of Ranjevasy: Henintsoa (B 1683 - Age 31, alive) (R 1708 - Present)
 * Co-Protector of Maorisy: Harinjatovo (B 1652 D 1714 - Age 62) (R 1688 - 1712), Harinjatovo II (B 1684 - Age 30, alive) (R 1712 - Present)
 * Order of Succession: Princess Andriamahefaparany (B 1692 - Age 22, alive), Prince Andrianjakanavalondambo (B 1664 - Age 50, alive), Prince Andriamanitrinitany (B 1677 - Age 37, alive), Princess Hanitriniaina (B 1678 - Age 36, alive), Princess Mialitiana (B 1651 D 1710 - Age 59)...
 * Economy: The economy of Matagaskar is based mainly on agriculture and fishing as well as trade, mostly with the Swahili states of East Africa but also other foreign merchants. The Malagasy economy stands as one of the strongest and most developed in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, mostly due to the effect of foreign contact. Matagaskar controls the entire island of the same name and holds influence in parts of East Africa. The Fanery is the traditional currency of Matagaskar.
 * Allies: Mtende, Pemba and Bangalla (vassals), Mutapa (personal alliance), Albion (declaration of friendship)
 * Clients: Mtende, Pemba and Bangalla (vassals)
 * Capital: Antananarivo
 * Demographics:
 * Population: ca 806 000 total
 * Mahajanga: 9 100
 * Antananarivo: 8 300
 * Toamasina: 4 700
 * Manakara: 3 300
 * Ambanja: 2 500
 * Morafenobe: 2 500
 * Toliara: 2 100
 * Antsiranana: 2 000
 * Moroni: 1 200
 * Antsirabe: 900
 * Fipetrahana: 650
 * Amorontsiraka: 650
 * Rural regions: ca 770 000
 * Ethnicities: 88% Malagasy (consisting of 18 ethnic groups, the three largest of which, in order, are the Merina, Betsimisaraka and Sakalava), 6% Komoro Natives (Swahili), ca 5% Adnanite, >1% Albionite (Fort Dolphin and nearby areas)
 * Religion: 98% Tombovelan Zoroastrianism, ca 2% Haintenism (traditional Merina folklore) and other traditional folk religions, >1% Anglican Christianity
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * N/A
 * Military: Due to Matagaskar being a rural realm, a large amount of units can be raised for warfare, but usually about 1% of the population is the most trained and prepared soldiers that can be drafted. Levies can also be raised from our vassal territories. Parentheses means the deployed units in cases where not all units are deployed for war.
 * Deployed units: None
 * Total (1%): 8 000
 * 2 080 Spearmen
 * 1 000 Swordsmen
 * 1 700 Musketeers
 * 1 000 Crossbowmen
 * 1 500 Light Cavalry
 * 1 000 Fossa Warriors
 * Navy:
 * 23 Adananita class ships
 * 18 Mer'ana class ships
 * 14 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:
 * Order of Avesta: Further negotiations are being done, basically us exerting more influence over them in a friendly-ish way.
 * Events:
 * A New Emperor: Andriandambomanafika breathes his last breath in early 1713. His reign has been marked with further territorial expansion through vassalization and purchase of land, it was also marked with emphasis on military and also the discrimination of christians, a slowly growing community with its origin in the south by the Albionite colony of Fort Dolphin. Similar to when he himself was to inherit the throne, there is some trouble with succession. Andriamasinavalona and his step-sister Andriamahefaparany were born the same year and while Andriamasinavalona is older and thus the one set to inherit, as Andriandambomanafika promised, he didn’t have a lot of support considering he hated his “father” who didn’t bother raising him and who also took him away from his actual family from the girl he loved: a christian girl named Renibodonimerina.
 * Also Andriamahefaparany was the actual eldest child of Andriandambomanafika and thought that the whole agreement the short-lived empress Ravololondrenitrimo made with her brother Andriandambomanafika was total bullshit and that she had the right to rule the empire. When she made this statement, Andriamasinavalona realized his mother and father were not his real parents, causing him to have a nervous breakdown. An interregnum occurred for a month while this was all sorted out, since both candidates for succession didn’t want to cause another crisis like last time or worse, a civil war. The latter could seriously damage the empire which is at its height right now. Andriamasinavalona did have something on his side though even if he didn’t have too much political support from other nobles: the army. Andriamasinavalona was raised by Botokeky, the tompon-daka of the Fossa Warriors and an important military figure.
 * Andriamasinavalona decided to take a dangerous risk: threatening to use the military if he wasn’t to be crowned in exchange for Andriamahefaparany getting to stay in the line of succession and all that. Andriamasinavalona had earlier also controversially decided to marry his childhood love Renibodonimerina but considering the low view of christians, he makes it clear that she would convert to zoroastrianism. These decisions could have torn the fabric of Matagaskar apart, but the opposing side yielded, putting the empire’s best in front of who they wanted to rule. Thus Andriamasinavalona was crowned emperor. Being married to a christian, who did convert but secretly practices some christian rituals, he decides to cut back on the discriminatory policies that his “father” had put in place. He couldn't give them full rights necessarily as it would be very much not liked, but he did remove some unfair policies on taxes and such. Still though, christians are not allowed to practice their beliefs in public and preaching about christianity to others is strictly forbidden. Andriamasinavalona “shuffles” his court up, putting new people into charge as he takes on the task of running this powerful realm.
 * External Affairs - Control over the Western Indian Ocean: Through our influence, Matagaskar has a relatively powerful naval presence in the Western Indian Ocean, not full control obviously but still. Angoche, the Comoros, a big sliver of the Swahili Coast, our home island and a good amount of influence over the Avestan Isles is definite. In the Mozambique Channel, there has also over the years been the discovery of very small islands (otl Glorioso, Bassas da India, Europa etc.) as well as otl Tromelin island off the east coast of our island. All these islands are uninhabited but are claimed by us, much like Nyafo (Rodrigues). What claimed here means is that the sailors who have found them declared them to be ours and they are written down in the records for the territories we hold.
 * An Interesting Development in the Maskareina Archipelago: Harinjatovo I is succeeded by Harinjatovo II and thus both main Maskareina islands are ruled by a married couple. They have had one child so unless they get more there will be only one ruler of the protectorate. Also yes haha maskareina incest alabama meme reddit moment chungus 100.
 * Past Rulers:
 * Ammagari dynasty (ca 1392-1517):
 * Andrianerinerina (ca 1360s-1418): Legendary first king, said to be the son of the god Zanahary himself. Reigned from ca 1392 to 1418.
 * Andrianjavonana (1391-1447): Ruled during a period of language and alphabet-development. Reigned from 1418 to 1447.
 * Andrianamponga (1427-1455): Encountered the Adnanites, expanded the rule over the Comoros. Died in a mysterious event. Reigned from 1447 to 1455.
 * Andrianamboniravina (1429-1469): Formed the Fossa Warriors, fought the Avestan invaders. Reigned from 1455 to 1469.
 * Zafimahova (1434-1488): Regent for Rafandrandrava. De facto ruler even after Rafandrandrava’s coming of age. Official regency lasted from 1469 to 1471. De facto queen regnant from 1469 to 1488.
 * Rafandrandrava (1453-1494): Underage at the time of ascension, was basically just a de jure ruler for most of his reign. Oversaw the expansion into the Central Highlands. Reigned from 1469 to 1494.
 * Andriamasindohafandrana (1477-1513): Continued adapting foreign technology and expanding south. Visited the Ahuric Empire. Murdered by conspiring Fossa Warriors. Reigned from 1494 to 1513.
 * Rafandrampohy (1495-1550): Conducted a massive crackdown on the conspirators who killed his father. Abdicated in favor of his wife Rangitamanjakatrimovavy, triggering the Merina Civil War. After this he became a religious person. Reigned from 1513 to 1517.
 * Hova dynasty (current):
 * Rangitamanjakatrimovavy/Rangita (1493-1552): First true queen of Imerina and ruler from the Hova dynasty. Won the Merina Civil War, moved the capital to Mahajanga. Reigned from 1517 to 1552.
 * Rafohy (1528-1572): Established contact with Mutapa, expanded the kingdom, and made the Order of Sihanaka official. Died of a miscarriage. Reigned from 1552 to 1572.
 * Andriamanelo the Great (1546-1605): Unifier of the entire island. Last king of Imerina and first emperor of Matagaskar. Considered the greatest monarch in Malagasy history (so far). Reigned from 1572 to 1605.
 * Ralambo (1566-1612): Legalized polygamy, introduced the fandroana celebration, reformed the feudal system. Died of a sexually transmitted disease. Reigned from 1605 to 1612.
 * Andrianjaka (1571-1628): Founded Antananarivo upon the former settlement of Analamanga and moved the capital there. Improved infrastructure, held a census. Deposed by his son and wife in an internal conflict. Reigned from 1612 to 1626.
 * Andriantsitakatrandriana (1608-1658): Married the Shona woman Raviro who became his wife and empress. Defeated the Order of Yasht during their rebellion. Reigned from 1626 to 1658.
 * Andriantsimitoviaminandriandehibe (1632-1693): Had the longest reign of all monarchs so far. Reigned from 1658 to 1693.
 * Ravololondrenitrimo (1661-Present): Reigned from 1693 to 1694.
 * Andriandambomanafika (1660-1713): Reigned from 1694 to 1713.
 * Andriamasinavalona (1692-Present):
 * Others:
 * Hainteny (ca 1370s-1423): Philosopher and writer. First person to truly take advantage of writing when it came into being in Imerina. Formed the basis of the Haintenist faith.
 * Tsilavohery (ca 1410s-1467): Writer in service of Andrianamponga. Was a friend of Rakotomanjato until their falling out due to differing views on the death of said king.
 * Rakotomanjato (ca 1421-1505): Writer in service of Andrianamponga. Was a friend of Tsilavohery until their falling out due to differing views on the death of said king. He betrayed the Merina and became king of a group of Bara peoples. That polity did not last too long however and was eventually conquered by Imerina.
 * Ndahimananjara (ca 1440s-1503): First ever Fossa Warrior. Married into the Ammagari dynasty. His branch would eventually rule the island.
 * Andriantompokoindrindra (1467-1527): Father of Andriamihaja and Rangitamanjakatrimovavy. Andriantompokoindrindra and his son fought the Merina Civil War for Andriamihaja to be placed on the throne, but they lost and were both executed in 1527 for treason.
 * Tombovelo (ca 1480s-1543): Religious figure who essentially was the one to create the Malagasy variant of Zoroastrianism. He also traveled and studied in the Ahuric Empire.
 * Andriamihaja (1496-1527): Son of Andriamihaja. Was next in line to the throne of Imerina when Rafandrampohy declared female successors and abdicated in favor of his wife Rangita, who was Andriamihaja’s sister. Andriamihaja and his father fought the Merina Civil War for Andriamihaja to be placed on the throne, but they lost and were both executed in 1527 for treason.
 * Ratsifandrihamanana (1493-1556): Second husband of Rangita.
 * Rakotomazava (ca 1510s-1577): Founder of the Order of Sihanaka, which later became the Order of Rakotomazava.
 * Rakotomanjafy (ca 1520s-1590s): Mpiady of the Order of Sihanaka.
 * Ranjeva (ca 1540s-ca 1603): Explorer and discoverer of the Mascarene Islands.
 * Rafidy (ca 1580s-1642): Co-Protector of Ranjevasy.
 * Tsiajotso/Rakotomazava II (ca 1589-1647): Leader of the southern Order of Rakotomazava and later leader of the Order of Yasht. Exiled himself and the Order to Mtende.
 * Zozimar (ca 1590s-1639): Co-Protector of Maorisy.
 * Ramalalaharivololona (ca 1590s-1657): Usurped the position of High Chief of Mahajanga, but was defeated by a coalition of lords and imprisoned. Died in prison in 1657.
 * Rambolazafy (1599-1653): High Chieftess of Mahajanga.
 * Tombomankara (ca 1595-1647): Mpiady of the Order of Rakotomazava from 1628 to 1647.
 * Boazandrivelo/Rakotomazava III (ca 1600-1663): Originally just a soldier of the Order of Rakotomazava and later of the Order of Yasht. He became an important associate of Tsiajotso. He took over as Mpiady of the Order of Yasht after Tsiajotso died, becoming Rakotomazava III.
 * Tsivalaka (1603-1668): Mpiady/Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava.
 * Catherine Burwick (1603-1691): Noble Scottish woman who married Mamangy and had a child with him.
 * Mamangy “Andrew” Burwick (1605-1679): Chef, considered to have been the first one to make a popular dish out of dodo meat. Traveled to Europe via British trade vessels.
 * Raviro (1608-1657): A princess of Mutapa and now Empress consort, first non-Malagasy consort of a ruler.
 * Mafilaza/Rakotomazava IV (ca 1610-1676): Impressive soldier of the Order of Yasht. Became Rakotomazava IV as Mpiady of the Order of Yasht after the death of Boazandrivelo.
 * Rabenirina (ca 1615-1677): Co-Protector of Ranjevasy.
 * Tovondrava (1614-1688): Co-Protector of Maorisy.
 * Manorohanta (1620-1655): Advisor and explorer. Went on an expedition to the Nyafo (Rodrigues) island, but it led to a shipwreck where all of the crew died Fs in the chat.
 * Rakotomandimbindraibe (1622-1696): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava from 1668 to 1696.
 * Botokeky (1633-1707): Tompon-daka of the Fossa Warriors.
 * Andrianantoano “Gordon” Burwick (1643-1709): Son of Mamangy, a successful but strict chef, basically Gordon Ramsay except Malagasy and he lives in the 17th century.
 * Solofonantenaina (1642-present): An explorer who went on an expedition into mainland Africa.
 * 'Anaishe (1644-present): Solofo’s wife.
 * Rinjala/Rakotomazava V (ca 1650-present): Mpiady of the Order of Yasht since 1676.
 * Ramilijaona (1666-Present): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava since 1696.
 * Andriamahefaparany (1692-Present):
 * Andriamahefaparany (1692-Present):

Republic of Pirates
Government: Pirate Confederacy


 * Magistrates: Henry Jennings and Benjamin Hornigold

Captains:


 * Jacquotte Delahaye's fancy flag.pngMarie Catherine Dieu-le-Veut (1674-) (p. 1700-): The daughter of Anne Dieu-le-Veut, she looked up to her mother, even joining her in her expedition to the Shattered Isles. She was inventive in her methods, unlike her mother, which still was stuck using outdated tactics from 30 years earlier. She razeed her mother’s ketch in 1707, as the ketch was too slow for the new tactics for pirating, making it a decent ship again. She led the pirates to the Bahamas after the Spaniards discovered their base in Los Lagartos, renaming the Confederacy into the Republic of Pirates. In 1712 she captured a schooner near Tortuga, making it her new ship, and abandoning the enemy crew on her old ketch. She fell into irrelevancy, as her small band of pirates could not exert the influence it could when it was founded.
 * David Herriot (1668-) (p. 1701-): A former logwood hauler from Belize, David took his ship and turned to more risky endeavors, by joining the Confederacy of Privateers in 1701. He would usually trick people into believing he was a simple wood hauler, and then surprising them in the night, which was mildly successful.
 * John Cockram (1662-) (p. 1702-): A merchant by trade, John Cockram was a smuggler and part time privateer, who supplied most of the Confederacy’s ammo and weapons. He had no allegiance to them, so his connection with them was mostly business related. He expanded his business, moving to Eleuthera, providing the Republic with supplies and ammo. He funded Hornigold’s expeditions, taking usually about 10% of their loot
 * Black Caesar (1676-) (p. 1704-): One of the few black captains of the Golden Age, who joined the Confederacy in 1704, making a small outpost in the Catonzia Keys from which he sent his raiding expeditions. He met the mutineer Nicholas Dunbar late in the year, and pretty much enlarged his privateering enterprise twofold. He expanded his small periagua base in the Catonzia Keys, naming the island after himself. He moved to Eleuthera in 1708, establishing a pirate haven there with Cockram. He fell into irrelevancy, as his one periagua could not raid much, althoough he kept on his pirate adventures on Eleuthera for a while
 * Henry Jennings' flag.pngHenry Jennings (1682-) (p. 1708-): Son of a pirate from the olden days, he often dreamed about becoming one just like his father, so when the privateering licenses were started to be given out, he jumped at the opportunity with open arms. He fitted his own ship the Bersheba with a decent amount of cannons and sailed to the Shattered Isles, joining the confederacy in 1708, and becoming rivals with Ben Hornigold. He was a social individual, convincing many to join his crew through charisma alone. He started finding friends in other pirate confederacies such as in the Virgin Islands, finding some allies in the Taíno kingdom of Vieques, as well as the pirate confederacies at the Virgin Islands and Bermuda.
 * Benjamin Hornigold's flag.pngBenjamin Hornigold (1680-) (p. 1708-): A peasant from Norwich, he joined a privateering enterprise, rising through the ranks and becoming first mate when the captain of the sloop Happy Return was killed, after which the crew elected him as captain. He then went to the Bahamian pirate haven of New Providence, quickly getting a reputation due to his excellent use of periagua tactics. He started a rivalry with Jennings after a dispute over loot from a ship they both attacked. He became enamoured with the freedom the Republic and its democracy gave him, as he felt more free than when he was in Albion. In 1713 he organized a raiding party near Cuba, in which John West and Daniel Stillwell joined, gaining about 4,000 pounds in loot
 * John West (1682-) (p. 1713-): A privateer from Albion, he joined in 1713, capturing a couple sloops and then taking part in Hornigold’s raiding expedition, gaining some loot and establishing himself in Eleuthera
 * Daniel Stilwell (1684-?) (p. 1713-1714): The Son of the owner of the Happy Fortune, he went to New Providence once he heard Hornigold was there. Hornigold, as sly as he was, convinced West to join him on an expedition, in which he could get a new ship. This succeeded, and John West went back to Albion with the Happy Fortune, after which nothing is known of him.
 * William Moody flag.pngWilliam Moody (1681-?) (p. 1714-): A mutineer who joined the Republic in 1714, he was one of the first to design his own flag, as well as having one of the best ships on the republic. He had a red flag, for he took no quarter on captured crews, making him one of the most bloodthirsty pirates of the Republic

Territories:

New Providence (1706-)


 * Description: Formerly the spanish town of Los Pan Serpiente, it was a decently big settlement in the Bahamas that became a pirate haven in 1706, as the Iberians raided and scoured the northern half of the colony. The pirate haven has become a real hotspot for smugglers, and it is supplied by John Cockram, the pirate trader of Eleuthera.
 * Population: 240+350

Eleuthera (1708-)


 * Description: An island in the Bahamas, which after british authority was thwarted from the area due to spanish raids, was nearly abandoned, allowing the confederacy to settle in the area. It is right next to the bigger pirate haven of New Providence.
 * Population: 120+120

Navy: The navy of the Confederacy is made up of privateers that joined mostly after the start of the War of Iberian Succession, as privateering blew up in popularity. It is composed mostly of smaller ships, as they are better for raiding ships, with the most radical example of this being the periaguas which are pretty much boats with sails that are used to raid unarmed merchants.

Brigs: a two masted medium sized ship, that uses mostly square saild, with a gaff sail in the afterside mast. These can easily use stuns’ls in their masts, effectively increasing the ship’s speed by a decent margin. These ships can carry more guns than any schooner, some even allowing up to 30 guns


 * Resolution, brig 14+4 guns and 60 crewmembers, captain William Moody
 * Ranger, brig 26+4 guns and 100 crewmembers, captain Benjamin Hornigold

Schooners: Double or triple masted ships, which mainly use gaff sails, as well as some square sails. These are faster and usually better than ketches, as well as being able to carry more cargo.


 * Richard and John, schooner 12+4 guns and 50 crewmembers, captain John Cockram
 * Grande Athènes, schooner 14+4 guns and 60 crewmembers, captain Marie Catherine Dieu-le-Veut

Ketches: Double masted ships, which use gaff sails usually, as well as square sails. These are a middle point between sloops/cutters and brigs, usually having stronger hulls than schooners.


 * Le Petit Athènes, razee ketch 8+4 guns and 40 crewmembers, captain Marie Catherine Dieu-le-Veu t

Sloops: Ships with only one mast, which do not have a bowsprit, as well as a gaff sail, and one jib as well. These ships are small in size, not being able to carry much cargo. This ship is commonly confused with cutters. They are the main ships used by the Republic


 * Adventure, cutter 6+2 guns and 30 crewmembers, captain David Herriot
 * Bersheba, sloop 12+4 guns and 50 crewmembers, captain Henry Jennings
 * Happy Return, sloop 10+4 guns and 50 crewmembers, captain Benjamin Hornigold (until 1714) John West (1714-), retired

Periaguas: Improvised boats, which have become common for pirates and privateers due to its swiftness and low cost.


 * Rose, periaguas 1 cannon and 20 crewmembers, captain Black Caesar

Arrivals


 * (1713) John West: a pirate or privateer, who joined in 1713 with his sloop Swallow, accompanying Hornigold in his expedition and then establishing base in Eleuthera
 * (1713) Daniel Stillwell: A privateer from the Plymouth Territory, he joined the Republic in 1713, reclaiming his father’s ship from Hornigold after the great prize was captured and leaving.
 * (1714) William Moody: A pirate, he joined the Republic in 1714 with his 14+4 gun brig Resolution

Events


 * Hornigold’s Shenanigans (1714): After Daniel Stillwell arrived in Nassau, Hornigold got anxious, as Stillwell was the owner of his ship, so he quickly organized a raid, inviting West to the raid. They first passed near the Catonzia Keys, passing near Black Caesar’s base, after which they found and captured a spanish sloop, then going north of Dysia, which Hornigold boldly suggested, as the guardacosta privateers guarded the coasts usually. The gang saw a spanish schooner, which they captured, getting surprised by the amount of riches it had on board. Their actions were noticed by Spanish authorities, who sent a guardacosta privateer against them. Hornigold attacked first, with the others following. The Happy Return managed to board the ship, with Hornigold and his first mate Edward Thatch killing many of the enemies

Royaume de France | Reialme d’França | Frañs-Rouantelezh | Kingdom of France
(All names in modern French)

General Information
 * Demographics
 * Population & Distribution
 * Population estimate (1675): 21.4 million
 * Distribution (by Parlement) (1675):
 * Auvernhe: 9%
 * Arpitania: 4%
 * Aquitania: 6%
 * Belgium: 2%
 * Bretagne: 9%
 * Bordeaux: 10%
 * Ile-de-France: 26%
 * Lengadoc: 9%
 * Lorraine: 3%
 * Picardy: 5%
 * Provenca: 7%
 * Normandy: 6%
 * Orleans: 4%
 * Distribution (by urban region) (1675):
 * Urban regions in excess of 10,000 people: 12%
 * Urban regions of 1,000 - 9,999 people: 21%
 * Rural townships and communes: 67%
 * Ethnolinguistic demography (to be completed)
 * Ethnicities:
 * Anglican: The descendants of long and continuous English rule in the West, the Anglican (or Reliquae) ethnicity dominates the Western and Northeast coasts of the French Kingdom. To describe them as literal Englishmen would be an insult - there were no shortage of Englishmen left behind during the Great Exodus of 1468, but the Anglicans are not English - just heavily influenced by them. They are closer related to the remnants of the Western Roman Empire than any Briton, and are descended from Roman-Celtic contact in the mid-400s. As of 1675, they play host to the remaining Protestant denominations of France and retain a distinct language known as Albionic Frankish, a distinct mix of Breton, Albionite and French; the myriad culture they possess makes a mark in its own theatres, its own entertainment, and in the records they keep that will let the world know of them long after they are gone.
 * Albionic: The remaining Albionites of France are almost entirely new settlers in the Northeastern port cities or descendants of the Great Exodus of 1468. Most of them speak Standardised English and French, while retaining strong ties in their rather insular communities and towards Albion itself. They are, however, almost exclusively Catholic, having retained the religion from before the Church of England’s split from the Catholic Church, and side rather strongly on religious matters with the French fundamentalists.
 * Berber: Berbers emigrated North from their homelands in North Africa during the late Roman era but have since steadily settled throughout the Western Mediterrenean. The vast majority are influential merchants or have assimilated into southern Occitan society; many of whom taking up strong Catholic traditions or carrying along traditional Berber religion to France.
 * Breton: The Bretons trace their origins to Briton migration to France during Roman rule, and they remember Rome the most fondly of the various ethnic groups of France - a time before the in-and-out of a veritable factory line of conquerors. This has led to the Breton culture emphasising a practically isolationist sense of community, and its position as one of the foremost stewards of the Catholic Church at a time when Rome’s power wanes with every passing moment. Despite their lack of common origin, they are also arguably the friendliest group in France to the Occitans for that exact reason, both joined in their mutual stewardship of Catholicism as of 1675. This aspect often sways them in favour of their Occitan brethren down south.
 * Dutch:
 * French:
 * Germanic:
 * Occitan:
 * Valcan:
 * Religion
 * Catholicism
 * French Protestantism
 * Occitan Catholicism

Julie d’Aubigny.

Oh, France, you really should have missed her.

Regardless of the truth of the rumours it was becoming amply clear that d’Aubigny’s activities were becoming more and more notorious across Europe. It was now a trope in itself. If she came into contact with a heir, a monarch… they disappeared. They vanished. Houses left in ruin at the hands of a charlatan. Her reputation was also earning her the ire of the Westrian Royal Family, and it finally came to a head when the daughter of the Westrian King, heiress-apparent and arranged wife to the Prince of Eskos, apparently blinked out of existence.

And it became ample cause for them to then blame Louis for the entire matter. After all, it was public knowledge that his cousin, Francois-Louis, had let her go; which made the Louis-Bourbon public enemy number one for the entire affair. At least, Louis XV had the amazing respite of having a heart attack and then becoming incapacitated due to poor treatment by his doctor; which left him out of the fight - leaving only one person to fight it all - not Philippe, now the King of Iberia, most certainly not Francois-Louis, the King of the A.V.C. It left his thirteen-year-old son, Charles, to fight the entire thing on his own.

Charles, with about as much sense as his father but at least a few more pairs, decided to do the unthinkable: He asked his uncle (Francois-Louis) to bring her back to France. The decision wasn’t entirely unfounded; after all, with a single master stroke, even if not necessarily in the way desired by the French, she had managed to cause royal chaos in Eskos-Westria. No matter what it were for, bringing her to justice would probably also implicate a nearby French monarch, and that was one thing Charles’ ministers advised against the hardest. As thus, on March 18, 1711, Julie d’Aubigny returned to France in secret.

Of course, it couldn’t be kept secret for long. It took roughly four months for the Westrians to discover that she had escaped arrest at French hands; at which point the Westrian King was so infuriated that he wanted to declare war on France and Occitania alike to take her back. Charles, acting as steward of state, increasingly used his inexperience to try to draft peace, and with d’Aubigny still relatively unknown outside of the halls of power, he began a massive media and diplomatic campaign to convince the Protestant H.R.E and most of Europe that she had in fact rescued the heir apparent of the Westrian Kingdom from Catholic servitude.

Aside from the absurdity of a Catholic kingdom appealing to Protestant assistance, it also enraged the Westrians and the Protestants, especially Saxony, whose ailing king viewed the claim as akin to claiming his son left on his own. And thus, with Westria still tied by both royal chaos and the Eskosian crown, the Second Franco-Saxonian War broke out on August 9th, 1711, when a broad coalition of Protestant troops marched into Strasbourg.

And it quickly evolved into a much more disastrous war for the Germans. While the French army had been weakened by regionalisation, it was resupplemented by the fact that the Occitan Militia was obliged to fight against it as part of the agreements signed in the Treaty of Four Quarters - meaning that a battle-hardened force of roughly 230,000 men advanced against German forces primarily fighting for no real reason. The entire matter with nobles disappearing had become more popularly known among peasants as nobles not disappearing, but simply up and leaving - a symbol of their own weakness.

Not only that, but the end of the Atouman war had left a lull in experienced military officers - most retiring to new land grants at home or in Dalmatia, and being replaced by new, inexperienced, largely bloodline-based or ‘meritocratic’ admissions. The result was that, combined with the failure of their tactics, lowered morale due to the extraordinary situation of the conflict, by the end of 1711, Franco-Occitan troops were piling on the gates to Aachen, and German forces could muster little to oppose them.

Westria, despite wanting to invade, also knew it could use the situation to its own advantage, and the Westrian King prioritised passing a series of laws re-enshrining Catholicism and Westria’s own position in the empire over actually intervening. Without hope of intervention the sturdy advance continued with the capitulation of Aachen on February 2nd, 1712; when Westria had finally negotiated their way through the entire thing in March, French troops were on the verge of crossing the Rhine into Dusseldorf, and Protestant forces capitulated to France on March the 13th. With no hope for victory against France without Protestant support, Westria cancelled its planned intervention. The Second Franco-Saxon War ended in a resplendent French victory.

And it also marked the practical end of the Holy Roman Empire as Europe knew it. The organisation still existed, but when Franco-Occitan negotiators revealed the new map of the H.R.E along the Rhine, it was all but clear that the Emperor was finished as a real political force.

Charles was celebrated as a hero. He had delivered a victory completely unlike the disappointments of his father’s reign, and with Louis XV still ailing, pressure mounted on his father to quickly abdicate the throne to his son. When it was discovered that d’Aubigny had managed to convince Louis’ youngest wife to leave for Versailles, it was the final straw - the humiliation forced him to finally abdicate the French throne. Charles of Louis-Bourbon became Louis XVI, and once more France was a force to be reckoned with.

…right, you didn’t read the memo.

…...right.

Because Charles’ reign began with Julie d’Aubigny escaping the country - with his arranged partner in marriage and her father. It was the last anyone ever saw of d’Aubigny in the public sphere, and whether she did end up escaping to Occitan Meridia as speculated is rather irrelevant as far as most are concerned. The important thing is, Charles now had no spouse.

And he really, really, really… needed to get a spouse, to ensure he had a bloodline to work with to begin with. This thus forced him to do the unthinkable: he married Carmine of Piedmont; and it finally triggered the real showdown that everyone had been waiting for. In 1713, the Papal States, alarmed at an apparent French intrusion into Italy, requested Charles annul his marriage; Charles refused. And rather than wait on his ass, he gave a green light to the Occitans to invade the Papacy.

The resulting Occitan-Papal-Westrian war saw Occitan and Westrian forces clash in Italy over various city-states in a bloody campaign that stretched from Nice to Naples. Venice and Genoa only escaped the carnage by declaring their own neutralities, creating the Veneto-Genoese Alliance to ensure that both would be formally aligned with one another. Westrian intervention finally collapsed when Eskos demanded that Westria cease the war, rightly pointing out the fact that intervening would sap the weakened resources of the union. And with Westrian pull-out, the Papacy had to surrender. For the first time in history, the future of the entire Catholic Church was now thoroughly at the mercy of a sovereign state.

The Occitan Papacy saw the instatement of Foucault as Pope in Rome, as well as a purge of existing cardinals and other priests. The result was the strange religious organisation that remained Catholic, but now recognised the Protestant church and even possessed honorary Protestant cardinals (the same treatment then afforded to Arzhamites and Orthodox Christians). And for the first time its seats were clearly allotted by state and not by Rome - which meant that Westria lost its undivided influence over the Papacy, and indisputably the Occitans took those reins of power and used it as they wished. This was the end of brief Westrian Papacy - and the formal beginning of the Occitan System.

Turn XXIV: 1715-1720
LINK TO MAP

Mod Events

 * Inoculation: In 1715 the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society publishes an account by John Woodward in 1709 documenting Atouman usage of innoculation. Following a smallpox outbreak and further accounts of similar practices in West Africa and Cathay, sufficient interest arose that John Woodward as able to test innoculation on 6 Newgate Prison inmates. In 1719, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu publishes a paper in which she details her theory on the spread of disease following her observation of the process of innoculation. In it, she explains how she believes that disease is caused by 'small particulates, invisible to the human eye' which is present in the human body during infection. She also posits that immunity is caused by the blocking of certain passageways into the bloodstream during sickness, which renders future infection much less severe.
 * Far-Faring Falcon (Part 8, FINAL): It is the year of 1718, a carriage travels through the countryside of Wurttemburg on a dark night. Surrounding the carriage is a group of powerful guards, normally they would carry the banner of the Emperor, but this is more of a quiet operation and thus did not wear normal uniforms. Though, the only iconic thing identifying them would be papers, a helmet, and the cuirass. This armor that has been somewhat outdated in most European armies at this point asides from ceremonial or specialized reasons (such as cavalry). The aging Ludwig peers out through the window, looking up at the stars, his wife (Lumi) is sleeping next to him. This year will mark his final journey through life, and he is aware of this. He sent his children over to watch over the rising castle of Ludwigsberg somewhere in southern Wurttemburg, and the castle itself has attracted the families of the servants and attendants living there to settle in houses close by, many retired servants chose to stay. The place has finished being built for over two decades now, and it already starts to see itself growing into a small community. One of his plans after his arrival, and one of the final decisions as Emperor, would be to pass it over to one of his children and giving the community a sort of 'barony' or 'fief' status (or the equivalent) once its population hits at least 1000 people for the foreseeable future. Ludwig would later pass away early next year on 1719 at the age of 79, thinking about his family and his old pupil/friend Clement.
 * The Inheritor (I): The War in the North has been going on for some time. It was mostly a scuffle between the Sveans and the Keisarians, and Vestkyst, though interested, has been observing from the sidelines. No point in intervening if it doesn't concern us, Iris thought. They did not owe the Sveans anything, and the same went for them. Her late mother Henrietta's ascension meant that the two northern realms have valid claims on the throne of one another, and while this made for a tenuous state of affairs, there has been no war for a full generation. Then, in the end of 1717, grave herald arrived. The King of Svearike had died in battle. Heirless. The Hersker contemplated. Such a tumultous turn could mean damage to Vestkysten interests. An emergency assembly was called, and the Storforsamling was to discuss and make the appropriate call. The issue of inheritance was brought up, and the proposal of issuing an official claiming of throne would be quite the contemptuous issue. Debate raged through the halls of the Assembly building about whether enforcing the claim was worth the possible fallout. Several days later, a resolution was met: Vestkyst will go to war. The threat of possible Varangian hegemony over Scandinavia was too much to ignore, and should that happen, it would be a blow to the Herskerike's position to power. When the close vote was announced, Iris along with her first two daughters Johanna and Ingrid quickly departed for Oslo to foresee the impending war. An official declaration of war was drafted and sent to Stockholm as soon as the decision was taken. Two days later, Vestkysten armies crossed the border.
 * Hunt for Blackbeard: Pirates led by Edward Teach, more popularly referred to as "Blackbeard", and Benjamin Hornigold capture the French slave transport Concorde near island of OTL Saint Vincent. Blackbeard renames the vessel Queen Anne's Revenge, adds to its armaments, and makes it his flagship. Blackbeard teams up with Stede Bonnet and begins plundering ships approaching North American ports. In 1718, a group of privateers hired by the governor of New Hispania was sent to track him down. After many weeks of sailing and traveling, they managed to engage Blackbeard and captured him. They managed to catch wind of a possible location of treasure somewhere in the Bahamas, after turning in Blackbeard (who later escaped but was captured again and was executed) they searched for the treasure. They finally found it after enduring hostile wildlife and also uncovered mysterious grail with the engraving "18" on it. The grail was given to the leader of the group, their name is unknown and lost to history.
 * The Enlightened Man: François-Marie Arouet is sentenced to imprisonment in the Bastille for eleven months, because of a satirical verse about the Queen of France. Arouet will emerge with the pseudonym Voltaire. Arouet's first play, Oedipus, premieres in a theatre in Paris.
 * Calico Jack: John Rackham, also known as Calico Jack, was a notable pirate who became a captain after a dispute with another captain led to his ousting. As captain, he made a career of plundering small vessels close to shore, along with several large ships off the coast of Bermuda and other islands. At some point in 1719, him and his crew came to the Albionite governor of the area requesting amnestly, claiming a prominent captain of the Pirate Republic has forced them to be come pirates, a request that was accepted, but they did not remain honest people for long. While in port, Rackham began an affair with one Anne Bonny, who was married to one of the men working under the governor. After the offer to purchase the divorce was rejected, they escaped to sea together (along with his crew), stealing a sloop and taking over other pirate ships. Rackham was eventually captured in late 1720 and was executed, but Anne Bonny and Mary Read (another female crewmate of Rackham's) claimed pregnancy at their trials, which delayed their execution. Read was said to have died of fever relating to childbirth the next year, and no historical documentation on Bonny's release or death was found, but some have speculated that the two are, in fact, alive, and still out there, somewhere.
 * The Boy Who Loved Clocks - [8]: With a new year came better news. The Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth had finally intervened in the war over Keisaria; this marked a good opportunity for Artturi to take back his own native land. But now as King of Nevogardas, he still had more pressing issues south: namely, that in response to his own activities, the Bonrics had declared the state of Rasilud, the Kazakhs re-established the Kazakh Kingdom, and it was unlikely they would approve of ambitions without first his approval of their new statehoods within Varangia. Reluctantly, with the winter of 1715 quickly subsiding, he admitted Rasilud, Kazakhie, Nevogardas to the agreement; but Adytia, that was the real problem. Simply put: there was nothing it would willingly offer Artturi than loose association. He also broadly hated them. This itself was not surprising; the Adytites carried an extremely poor reputation, with Empress Mikaela having been the primary force behind their admission to Varangia and them having never truly acted as if they were ever since. As it were, they ran the roads, they ran their resources, and possibly the biggest infuration to Keisarian colonialists was the fact they stood in stark contrast to the rest of the Indigenous groups of Siberia as an organised, modernised society with a developed base for economics. Artturi had already come up against them for twenty years of his reign, and proceedingly it had become more and more difficult to deal with them, unwilling to remain in the Confederation with the rules changed. The Empress was possibly the only Keisarian that any Adytite respected - and she was half-Davan. But that was a distant memory. As the AVC turned the Svean army into a burning wreck on the edge of Inkeri territory Artturi took the opportunity to launch an incursion towards the ancient capital of the Inkeri Kingdom, Kiaranlahti; hoping to take back control of Varangian core territory and even gain more from Inkeri territory around the Baltic Sea. His barely-modernised force was able to lead itself to victory near Merya, but primarily due to the surprise of his troops intervening; Svean forces had remained mostly packed on the Southern Volga, waiting for Rasilud forces to intervene. This fatal mistake precipitated a rapid advance as Artturi, inexperienced as he were, swept forward with his meagre troops towards the capital. Alarmed, Svean forces abandoned their lines South to fight him just long enough that Volga forces broke Svean lines and forced them back. The chaos of the battle meant that by the end of 1617, Artturi hurriedly discovered that his forces had managed to kill the Svean King, Charles, which brought the conflict to a hurried end. Svearike rushed for peace. The agreement was tumultuous and rushed but by the end of it Artturi had enough that he could return to Merya and become a national hero - he secured the ancestral capital, and most Inkeri land south of Svean core territory, sans that controlled by the AVC. That was good enough for him for a day. And as he returned, he began to take back control of the modernised systems that had been set in place by his advisors. Something stuck in him after so many years struggling for power in this crazed place. Why bother? Why not just take it all for yourself? The time ticked closer to midnight.
 * Behind the Curtains: Clement. It was a familiar name for veterans of the Iberian Succession conflict. The mysterious advisor who had appeared to assist Philippe for a brief time had been forgotten after his brief appearance… until he popped up again. And again. And again. He’d been in France. He’d been in Valcania. He’d been in Atlasiya and he’d been in Louisiana. The rumour of the moving statesman, the myth, that would be what he’d be remembered for. But the one last thing he turned out for was a funeral - that of his old mentor, Ludwig, in 1719. Some of the members of the funeral saw him and asked his name - and all he replied: “The man behind the curtain.” One of those who heard was a young lord by the name of Alberich von Arnhem, attending as a guest of the late Emperor. And now he needed to know who this mysterious, strange man was. He’d learn more than he ever bargained for.

NPC Events

 * Papal States: Under Occitan ‘guidance’, the Papal States admit four Albionite Cardinals (all Protestant), several members of the Arzhamic Temple of Constantinople and others to residence in Rome. The Roman Catholic Church formally foreswears control by or over any political institution in the 1717 Rome Declaration, which also means that the Papal States reforms to the Italian States under the Guidance of the Holy See. Incoming Pope Joan the First (personal name Saissa Foucault) formally relinquishes the power of executive direction over the Papal States, restricting herself to purely religious matters; the Bishop of Rome is allowed to take the position of Director of State, becoming the formal political leader of the new Kingdom of Christian Italy.

Empire of Matagaskar | Empira Matagasykara
Notable People of Matagaskar/Imerina (in chronological order) [WIP]:
 * Government: Imperial Feudal Monarchy
 * Monarch: Emperor Andriamasinavalona (B 1692 - Age 27, alive) (R 1713 - Present)
 * Consort: Empress Renibodonimerina (B 1693 - Age 26, alive) [Andriamasinavalona has three other wives: Ramananandrianjaka, Ramananimerina and Raseranolona, although only his first wife is considered empress consort.]
 * Ruling Dynasty: Hova
 * Chief of Kômôro: Abdu III (B 1684 - Age 35, alive) (R 1712 - Present)
 * Co-Protector of Ranjevasy: Henintsoa (B 1683 - Age 36, alive) (R 1708 - Present)
 * Co-Protector of Maorisy: Harinjatovo II (B 1684 - Age 30, alive) (R 1712 - Present)
 * Order of Succession: Prince Andriamborosy (B 1719 - Age <1, alive), Princess Reninandriankotofananina (B 1719 - Age <1, alive), Princess Andriamahefaparany (B 1692 - Age 27, alive), Prince Andrianjakanavalondambo (B 1664 - Age 55, alive), Prince Andriamanitrinitany (B 1677 - Age 42, alive), Princess Hanitriniaina (B 1678 - Age 40, alive)...
 * Economy: The economy of Matagaskar is based mainly on agriculture and fishing as well as trade, mostly with the Swahili states of East Africa but also other foreign merchants. The Malagasy economy stands as one of the strongest and most developed in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, mostly due to the effect of foreign contact. Matagaskar controls the entire island of the same name and holds influence in parts of East Africa. The Fanery is the traditional currency of Matagaskar.
 * Allies: Mtende, Pemba and Bangalla (vassals), Mutapa (personal alliance), Albion (declaration of friendship)
 * Clients: Mtende, Pemba and Bangalla (vassals)
 * Capital: Antananarivo
 * Demographics:
 * Population: ca 809 000 total
 * Mahajanga: 9 050
 * Antananarivo: 8 500
 * Toamasina: 4 750
 * Manakara: 3 500
 * Ambanja: 2 700
 * Morafenobe: 2 600
 * Toliara: 2 500
 * Antsiranana: 2 000
 * Moroni: 1 200
 * Antsirabe: 1 000
 * Fipetrahana: 650
 * Amorontsiraka: 650
 * Rural regions: ca 773 000
 * Ethnicities: 88% Malagasy (consisting of 18 ethnic groups, the three largest of which, in order, are the Merina, Betsimisaraka and Sakalava), 6% Komoro Natives (Swahili), ca 5% Adnanite, >1% Albionite (Fort Dolphin and nearby areas)
 * Religion: 98% Tombovelan Zoroastrianism, ca 2% Haintenism (traditional Merina folklore) and other traditional folk religions, >1% Anglican Christianity
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * N/A
 * Military: Due to Matagaskar being a rural realm, a large amount of units can be raised for warfare, but usually about 1% of the population is the most trained and prepared soldiers that can be drafted. Levies can also be raised from our vassal territories. Parentheses means the deployed units in cases where not all units are deployed for war.
 * Deployed units: None
 * Total (1%): 8 000
 * 2 080 Spearmen
 * 1 000 Swordsmen
 * 1 700 Musketeers
 * 1 000 Crossbowmen
 * 1 500 Light Cavalry
 * 1 000 Fossa Warriors
 * Navy:
 * 23 Adananita class ships
 * 18 Mer'ana class ships
 * 14 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:
 * Order of Avesta: For maximum effective co-operation, you should become a branch of the Order of Rakotomazava (basically a vassalization). You may end up under our sovereignty, but we will not encroach much on your internal politics and you will get to keep control of your military and all that.
 * Events:
 * A New Emperor: The current emperor ended up in this position in spite of the existing odds. He is not very popular but intends to change this. He declared himself the leading force of the zoroastrian people to please the religious hierarchy, whilst secretly allowing his wife, who “converted” from christianity to zoroastrianism, to practice certain christian rituals. Andriamasinavalona basically just creates this image of himself as a zealot when in reality even though he was a believer, he was tolerant of other religions.
 * He introduces new policies, including the banning of physical violence against Andevos (slaves) without concrete justification, the banning of systematic discrimination on the basis of ethnicity (concerning the ethnicities of Matagaskar such as Merina, Sakalava etc., not ethnicity in general), the decree that women are free to choose their own husbands and more. He creates a concrete system of sub-castes within the social hierarchy of Matagaskar, with these sub-castes having different social roles and such
 * Matagaskar receives its first cannons through trade with Europeans. Since there is enough knowledge and mastering of gunpowder for there to be a Malagasy-run production of muskets, the cannon doesn’t take long to come into use. He also looked at how succession had become messy due to women and men inheriting fiefs on the same grounds and polygamy also being legal. To regulate this, he establishes that all children born of a noble’s head partner (the person they married first, in the case of the royal family: the emperor/empress consort) are viable for succession. Children born of other wives/husbands must be legitimized by the parents themselves. Children born out of wedlock are not eligible at all. The trial by ordeal is regulated to only be used for the most heinous crimes. Lesser crimes are gone through using more “normal” trial methods.
 * The emperor marries two other women in order to have more children, which he intends to legitimize to secure succession as safe but also to push his step-sister Andriamahefaparany back the line of succession as much as possible to prevent her from taking power.
 * External Affairs - Order of Rakotomazava: After over a decade of increasing its influence on another zoroastrian holy order: the Order of Avesta, we now aim for them also to be a Malagasy subject, although it is approached in a different way. Basically we look to establish the Order of Avesta as a subsidiary branch of the Order of Rakotomazava.
 * Order of Yasht: With Rakotomazava V’s death in 1717, his successor Akashinga becomes the first Shona Mpiady of the holy order/band of mercenaries. As all the others before him he becomes Rakotomazava VI.


 * Past Rulers:
 * Ammagari dynasty (ca 1392-1517):
 * Andrianerinerina (ca 1360s-1418): Legendary first king, said to be the son of the god Zanahary himself. Reigned from ca 1392 to 1418.
 * Andrianjavonana (1391-1447): Ruled during a period of language and alphabet-development. Reigned from 1418 to 1447.
 * Andrianamponga (1427-1455): Encountered the Adnanites, expanded the rule over the Comoros. Died in a mysterious event. Reigned from 1447 to 1455.
 * Andrianamboniravina (1429-1469): Formed the Fossa Warriors, fought the Avestan invaders. Reigned from 1455 to 1469.
 * Zafimahova (1434-1488): Regent for Rafandrandrava. De facto ruler even after Rafandrandrava’s coming of age. Official regency lasted from 1469 to 1471. De facto queen regnant from 1469 to 1488.
 * Rafandrandrava (1453-1494): Underage at the time of ascension, was basically just a de jure ruler for most of his reign. Oversaw the expansion into the Central Highlands. Reigned from 1469 to 1494.
 * Andriamasindohafandrana (1477-1513): Continued adapting foreign technology and expanding south. Visited the Ahuric Empire. Murdered by conspiring Fossa Warriors. Reigned from 1494 to 1513.
 * Rafandrampohy (1495-1550): Conducted a massive crackdown on the conspirators who killed his father. Abdicated in favor of his wife Rangitamanjakatrimovavy, triggering the Merina Civil War. After this he became a religious person. Reigned from 1513 to 1517.
 * Hova dynasty (current):
 * Rangitamanjakatrimovavy/Rangita (1493-1552): First true queen of Imerina and ruler from the Hova dynasty. Won the Merina Civil War, moved the capital to Mahajanga. Reigned from 1517 to 1552.
 * Rafohy (1528-1572): Established contact with Mutapa, expanded the kingdom, and made the Order of Sihanaka official. Died of a miscarriage. Reigned from 1552 to 1572.
 * Andriamanelo the Great (1546-1605): Unifier of the entire island. Last king of Imerina and first emperor of Matagaskar. Considered the greatest monarch in Malagasy history (so far). Reigned from 1572 to 1605.
 * Ralambo (1566-1612): Legalized polygamy, introduced the fandroana celebration, reformed the feudal system. Died of a sexually transmitted disease. Reigned from 1605 to 1612.
 * Andrianjaka (1571-1628): Founded Antananarivo upon the former settlement of Analamanga and moved the capital there. Improved infrastructure, held a census. Deposed by his son and wife in an internal conflict. Reigned from 1612 to 1626.
 * Andriantsitakatrandriana (1608-1658): Married the Shona woman Raviro who became his wife and empress. Defeated the Order of Yasht during their rebellion. Reigned from 1626 to 1658.
 * Andriantsimitoviaminandriandehibe (1632-1693): Had the longest reign of all monarchs so far. Reigned from 1658 to 1693.
 * Ravololondrenitrimo (1661-Present): Reigned from 1693 to 1694.
 * Andriandambomanafika (1660-1713): Reigned from 1694 to 1713.
 * Andriamasinavalona (1692-Present):
 * Others:
 * Hainteny (ca 1370s-1423): Philosopher and writer. First person to truly take advantage of writing when it came into being in Imerina. Formed the basis of the Haintenist faith.
 * Tsilavohery (ca 1410s-1467): Writer in service of Andrianamponga. Was a friend of Rakotomanjato until their falling out due to differing views on the death of said king.
 * Rakotomanjato (ca 1421-1505): Writer in service of Andrianamponga. Was a friend of Tsilavohery until their falling out due to differing views on the death of said king. He betrayed the Merina and became king of a group of Bara peoples. That polity did not last too long however and was eventually conquered by Imerina.
 * Ndahimananjara (ca 1440s-1503): First ever Fossa Warrior. Married into the Ammagari dynasty. His branch would eventually rule the island.
 * Andriantompokoindrindra (1467-1527): Father of Andriamihaja and Rangitamanjakatrimovavy. Andriantompokoindrindra and his son fought the Merina Civil War for Andriamihaja to be placed on the throne, but they lost and were both executed in 1527 for treason.
 * Tombovelo (ca 1480s-1543): Religious figure who essentially was the one to create the Malagasy variant of Zoroastrianism. He also traveled and studied in the Ahuric Empire.
 * Andriamihaja (1496-1527): Son of Andriamihaja. Was next in line to the throne of Imerina when Rafandrampohy declared female successors and abdicated in favor of his wife Rangita, who was Andriamihaja’s sister. Andriamihaja and his father fought the Merina Civil War for Andriamihaja to be placed on the throne, but they lost and were both executed in 1527 for treason.
 * Ratsifandrihamanana (1493-1556): Second husband of Rangita.
 * Rakotomazava (ca 1510s-1577): Founder of the Order of Sihanaka, which later became the Order of Rakotomazava.
 * Rakotomanjafy (ca 1520s-1590s): Mpiady of the Order of Sihanaka.
 * Ranjeva (ca 1540s-ca 1603): Explorer and discoverer of the Mascarene Islands.
 * Rafidy (ca 1580s-1642): Co-Protector of Ranjevasy.
 * Tsiajotso/Rakotomazava II (ca 1589-1647): Leader of the southern Order of Rakotomazava and later leader of the Order of Yasht. Exiled himself and the Order to Mtende.
 * Zozimar (ca 1590s-1639): Co-Protector of Maorisy.
 * Ramalalaharivololona (ca 1590s-1657): Usurped the position of High Chief of Mahajanga, but was defeated by a coalition of lords and imprisoned. Died in prison in 1657.
 * Rambolazafy (1599-1653): High Chieftess of Mahajanga.
 * Tombomankara (ca 1595-1647): Mpiady of the Order of Rakotomazava from 1628 to 1647.
 * Boazandrivelo/Rakotomazava III (ca 1600-1663): Originally just a soldier of the Order of Rakotomazava and later of the Order of Yasht. He became an important associate of Tsiajotso. He took over as Mpiady of the Order of Yasht after Tsiajotso died, becoming Rakotomazava III.
 * Tsivalaka (1603-1668): Mpiady/Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava.
 * Catherine Burwick (1603-1691): Noble Scottish woman who married Mamangy and had a child with him.
 * Mamangy “Andrew” Burwick (1605-1679): Chef, considered to have been the first one to make a popular dish out of dodo meat. Traveled to Europe via British trade vessels.
 * Raviro (1608-1657): A princess of Mutapa and now Empress consort, first non-Malagasy consort of a ruler.
 * Mafilaza/Rakotomazava IV (ca 1610-1676): Impressive soldier of the Order of Yasht. Became Rakotomazava IV as Mpiady of the Order of Yasht after the death of Boazandrivelo.
 * Rabenirina (ca 1615-1677): Co-Protector of Ranjevasy.
 * Tovondrava (1614-1688): Co-Protector of Maorisy.
 * Manorohanta (1620-1655): Advisor and explorer. Went on an expedition to the Nyafo (Rodrigues) island, but it led to a shipwreck where all of the crew died Fs in the chat.
 * Rakotomandimbindraibe (1622-1696): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava from 1668 to 1696.
 * Botokeky (1633-1707): Tompon-daka of the Fossa Warriors.
 * Andrianantoano “Gordon” Burwick (1643-1709): Son of Mamangy, a successful but strict chef, basically Gordon Ramsay except Malagasy and he lives in the 17th century.
 * Solofonantenaina (1642-present): An explorer who went on an expedition into mainland Africa.
 * 'Anaishe (1644-present): Solofo’s wife.
 * Rinjala/Rakotomazava V (ca 1650-1717): Mpiady of the Order of Yasht from 1650-1717..
 * Ramilijaona (1666-Present): Grand Mobad of the Order of Rakotomazava since 1696.
 * Andriamahefaparany (1692-Present):
 * Andriamahefaparany (1692-Present):

The United Kingdoms of the British Isles (Albion)

 * Note: If you wish to engage in diplomacy with me, please DM me on Discord (BubbleRocket1#8016)

Government: Constitutional Monarchy =
 * Drakes:
 * George I (M, b. 1662 - ) (R: 1684 - )
 * Important People:
 * King Family
 * Jocelyn King (F, b. 16?? - 169X)
 * Fortuna King (F, b. 1609 - 169X)
 * Lumi King (F, b. 164X - )

Economy: The economy of British Isles consists of trade and commerce of a variety of materials. The primary export products of the UK are fish, wool, cloth, and a variety of vegetables.

Main Religion: Christianity

Cities and Demographics:


 * Population:  12.252 million
 * British Mainland: 8.162 million
 * British Settlers: 231.8k
 * British Arcadia: 180.5k
 * Elysian Population: 29.9k
 * Catonzia Population: 26.4k
 * HALO Settlement: 5.7k
 * Eldia Population: 62.7k
 * Lansenia: 55.8k
 * Other: 51.3k
 * British Yolngu: 51.3k
 * Vinland Local Population: 1.954 million external subjects
 * Elysian Local Population: 796 thousand external subjects
 * Includes the population of the states of Elysia and Laconia
 * Elysia: 546k
 * Laconia: 115k
 * Deasaheim: 80k
 * New York: 55k
 * Eldia Local Population: 321 thousand external subject (subject to change)
 * Catonzia Local Population: 433 thousand external subjects
 * British Bahamas: Roughly 2,400 overall (for both island chains in the area)
 * Yolgnu Local Population: 213 thousand external subjects
 * Nagasatoan Local Population: 138 thousand external subjects
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito Island Bases: 3,138
 * Port Kingpin: 1,389
 * Albish Galapagos: 763
 * Albish Falklands: 842
 * British Bahamas: 82,058
 * British Shattered isles: 5,423
 * British Belize: 494


 * Cities
 * Brighton: A newer shipbuilding facility located on the English Channel.
 * Birmingham: A quiet town that is the location of McCarthy Arms Company, one of, if not, the oldest firearms companies to date.
 * Calais: One of the few French towns still owned by the British, it is a prosperous city that is one of the most important trading hubs in the North Sea.
 * Dover: Main location of the British navy. While elements of the navy are located throughout the territory, the headquarters of the navy are located here. In addition, Dover is the main trading hub between it and Caen.
 * Dublin: Main hub of Ireland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * Elysiapolis: The capital of the Elysian province, as well as the main headquarters for the BFG Company.
 * Fort Avalon: An old British camp located in Vinland. Though mostly uninhabited, it is staffed by a skeleton crew, in the event of a British ship stranding itself on the Vinland island.
 * Though the island is now under Vestkyst control, the British still maintain control of the small fort.
 * Gibraltar: An important town the British claimed in the League Wars. Essentially give them control of who can and cannot leave the Mediterranan, though the British generally let anyone pass, not wishing to piss anyone off.
 * Glaemchester: A British town north of London, this city is known to house various wealthy nobles, with some of the finest tapestries being produced here.
 * Glasgow: Main hub of Scotland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * London: The capital of England, and location of the throne.
 * New London: The location of the British East Indian Company’s base-of-operations in India. Population primarily of locals, though as time progresses, more European influence seeps into the town.
 * Portsmouth: The location of the first drydocks in history, which became the founding of various legendary ships of the Royal Navy
 * Port Kingpin: Though not the capital of Yolngu, it does serve as the main hub by which the BAKA Gaikokuhito operate from, in addition to the main location of the local British garrison.
 * York: Main center of England’s eastern fishing company. Also where a bulk of British trading companies are located, evident from the various merchant caravels present there.
 * Colonial Forts/Towns
 * British East India Company (India)
 * Cape Town (South Africa)
 * Fort Dolphin (Africa - Matagaskar)
 * New London (India) (Known as Diu to India)
 * BAKA Mitai (Africa)
 * Fort Akan (Africa)
 * Fort Galatoi (Galatoi, Africa)
 * BFG Company (Elysia Area)
 * Fort Epheria (Elysia)
 * Fort Elysia (Elysia)
 * Jamestown (Elysia)
 * HALO Company (Amekrogu)
 * Fort Infinity (Amekrogu)
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito (Southeast Asia)
 * Port Kingpin (Yolngu)
 * Portsmith (Galapagos)
 * Port Stanley (Falklands)
 * Other
 * Fort Avalon (Vestkyst-Vinland)
 * New Glaemchester (Lansenia)

Wars and Conflicts


 * North America: British companies begin to exert control over regions with usage of promises of trade and prosperity
 * Though it should be said that some companies add in the risk of war if the British do not get their way in the matter, though others are far more friendly with their actions.
 * Australia: Due to the combined influence of both Britain and the local Yolngu trade, their influence over the island-continent spreads
 * New Zealand: BAKA Gaikokuhito ships discovered the island of New Zealand in 1714 while establishing trading routes around the Eastern Coast of Australia.
 * With its discovery comes plans for the colonization of the island.

Armed Forces


 * Total: 280,266 Manpower (3.9% of population)
 * British Royal Army Corps
 * Total: 159,295
 * British Defense Force: (British Mainland)
 * Marksman Infantry: 15,050
 * Light Cavalry: 5,250
 * Heavy Cavalry: 3,050
 * Field Artillerymen: 5,634
 * Field cannons: 1,378
 * Logistical Support: 23,000
 * British Arcadian Force: (In Arcadia)
 * Catonzia Garrison
 * Marksman Infantry: 7,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 7,000
 * Catonzian Musketeers: 8,260
 * Field Artillerymen: 1,000
 * Field cannons: 500
 * Logistical Support: 3,500
 * Elysian Garrison
 * Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 5,000
 * Marksman Infantry: 10,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 3,000
 * Light Cavalry: 1,000
 * Elysian Cavalry: 300
 * Heavy Cavalry: 350
 * Bow Cavalry: 300
 * Field Artillerymen: 501
 * Field cannons: 167
 * Logistical Support: 7,000
 * British Vinland
 * Marksman Infantry: 6,000
 * Field Artillerymen: 344
 * Field cannons: 100
 * British Gibraltar:
 * Marksman Infantry: 30,000
 * Light Cavalry: 2,500
 * Field Artillerymen: 464
 * Field cannons: 142
 * British Yolngu
 * British Marksman Infantry: 5,000
 * Light Cavalry: 750
 * Yolngu Marksman Infantry: 5,000
 * Yolngu Local Army: Unknown
 * Roundtable Knights (Elite): 8,900
 * These are Britain’s elite forces. A rebirthed version sprouting from Artoria’s original group of holy knights, this force has never lost a battle, and has unwavering loyalty to the crown and the Order of the Roundtable, willing to fight to the death for the survival of the British Isles.
 * While most are able to fight, members of the Roundtable are encouraged to branch out into their own craft, such as pottery and sheepherding, with the idea that everyone should act like a Roundtable Knight and give their all into both their craft and their country.
 * The only way to become a Roundtable Knight is to be selected by an existing member of the group. Most knights tend to make apprentices out of those they recruit to the Roundtable, and generally, no one usually complains when a Roundtable Knight selects someone to join the ranks of the Roundtables. Depending on the country/chapter, one can also be appointed to the Roundtable by the crown.
 * In 1527, three factions were formed within the Roundtables
 * The Crimson Sun
 * The Azure Moon
 * The White Orchids
 * Renames themselves Orchid Heaven in 1542
 * With the victory of the Crimson Sun at the end of the conflict, things have settled down.
 * Modernization of 1602: Reforms the Roundtable Knights to act as elite units within the Army, as well as guards for Royalty.
 * In 1615, the London Guard is formed, to both protect the Royal Family, Parliament, and the citizens of the city as a police force, though will prioritize the protection of government personnel and property than that of the citizen
 * Notable (Living) Members:
 * The Drake Family
 * Sir Oliver Cromwell
 * British Merchant Arms Company:
 * An organization owned by the British government that was established to help veterans from the League Wars slowly assimilate back into civilian life while giving them the opportunity to see the world.
 * Mainly employed by the British Merchant Companies to secure their gains and the likes.
 * Personnel: 21,500
 * British Mainland: 17,000
 * Eldia: 2,000
 * Amekrogu: 1,000
 * British Royal Navy Corps:
 * Personnel: 28,122 (combined between both fleets)
 * Rating System (1667): Devised by Fortuna King and Samuel, this serves as a rough guide for the sizes of ships at the British’s disposal. (Shown below is the rating system in the 18th century)
 * First Rate: 100+ guns, 600+ sailors
 * Second Rate: 80-99 guns, 500-599 sailors
 * Third Rate: 60-80 guns, 400-499 sailors
 * Fourth Rate: 50-60 guns, 300-399 sailors
 * Fifth Rate: 30-49 guns, 200-299 sailors
 * Sixth Rate: 20-29 guns, up to 200 sailors
 * Naval Vessels:
 * HMS Sovereign (First-rate Ship-of-the-Line)
 * 102-gun ship-of-the-line continuing the legacy of HMS Soverign of the Seas
 * Luke-class First-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 2
 * 96-gun ship-of-the-lines built. Based on HMS Prince Royal, but with slightly reworked interiors, allowing for four more additional guns to be mounted.
 * HMS Prince Royal
 * 92-gun First-rate Ship-of-the-Line
 * The first ship-of-the-line built as a ship-of-the-line.
 * Elysia-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 4
 * 80-gun warships designed off of the Royal Oak-class
 * Royal Oak-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 4
 * 76-gun vessels that are more than capable of holding their own.
 * Hotel-class Third-rate Carrier Vessel: 5
 * A ship built from the ground-up to carry both supplies, British Marines, and Vinland Longboats for various situations. Always escorted by vessels of similar size or larger.
 * Capacity: 14 Vinland longboats (10 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 550
 * Warspite-class Third-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 10
 * 64-gun vessels that are capable of serving as flagships in their own regards, though cannot hold much of a candle to larger vessels in terms of firepower.
 * Victory-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Victory
 * 50-gun warships designed to breakthrough enemy formations, and is the largest ship in the British arsenal until 1637
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Ember-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Ember
 * 45-gun warships, obsolete by the 1600's
 * Only the HMS Ember is kept for training purposes, as a permanent drydock is built for her.
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Stolen by the Dutch in 1674
 * Glaemchester-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 10
 * Essentially a Swallow-class Interceptor, but built to stand up to combat against other ships of its size.
 * 42-gun Frigate that’s cheaper to maintain than the Victory-class while stronger than the Third-rates
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667
 * Bluefin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor Xebec: 5
 * Improved version of the Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor. Features the same number of guns but is slightly faster.
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Suffolk-class Fourth-rate Interceptor-Xebec: 7
 * 34-gun fourth-rate xebec that is essentially an upsized Yellowfin-class interceptor.
 * Phoenix-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 21
 * 32-gun frigates that form the backbone of the British Navy
 * The replacement for the Cabigail-class Carrack, with a hull design based on the Victory-class
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667.
 * Super-Spyder-class Carrier Vessels: 5
 * Lightly armed frigates around the same size as the Ember-class First-rate frigates designed to carry both marines and Vinland longboats for use in various operations, such as supporting fleets in areas where the large size of the British vessels are a hindrance, as well as serving as landing craft for said marines onboard.
 * Capacity: 16 Vinland longboats (12 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 480
 * Spyder-class Carrier Caravel: 5
 * Lightly armed caravels retrofitted to carry eight Vinland longboats within for use in narrower areas, where the caravels and galleons would have issues navigating
 * Capacity: 12 Vinland longboats (8 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 400
 * Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor: 7
 * A 28-gun interceptor based on designs found in Northern Africa. Has the same firepower as other frigates of its size while being much faster.
 * Vinlandia-class Fifth-rate Galley-Frigate: 8
 * 26-gun fifth-rate galley frigate that uses both oars and sails for movement
 * Upon successful sea trials in 1668 as well as success in small skirmishes raiding New Netherlands merchant vessels, 6 more ships were ordered for the Vinlandia-class
 * Phoenix-class Fifth-rate Frigate: 24
 * A 24-gun ship that’s smaller than the usual capital ships found in the fleet. Mainly used in distant areas, such as Yolngu and India.
 * Olive-class Fifth-rate Multi-purpose Frigate: 100
 * The replacement for the Dove-class Dual-purpose Merchant Caravels. While being around the same size as the Dove’s, the internal design of the ship is improved, allowing for more cargo to be stored within.
 * Mainly given to British merchants for their merchant fleets, though still kept on record in British documents to bloat the numbers.
 * Bombardier-class Brigs: 73
 * Small 18-gun ships smaller than even the old carracks. Due to their price, the British can afford to purchase a lot of Brigs in order to leave squadrons of them at various naval ports around the globe.
 * Abalone-class Sloops: 31
 * Small multi-role 12-gun ships meant to fill roles that can’t be easily filled with the larger Brigs
 * Ketone-class Ketch: 6
 * A ketch around the size of the Abalone-class sloops designed specifically for ship-to-ground combat. Armed primarily with mortars and light cannons for self-defense.
 * Vinland Longboats: (depends on the number of carriers)
 * Small vessels that can be deployed in regions to support larger ships from carrier vessels with their smaller cannons and enhanced mobility.
 * Armed with two 2-pounder MAC Cannons
 * Reef-class Weaponized Catamaran: 7
 * Prototype catamarans designed to act in support of larger vessels in Southeast Asia.
 * Serves a similar role to the Vinland longboat, though is more nimble, at the cost of firepower.
 * British Royal Marine Corps:
 * A branch of both the Army and Navy, consisting of units who are trained in unorthodox tactics to bring around victory.
 * Special Programs:
 * SPARTAN Program: In addition, a program was opened up for the select Marines in 1616 to become elite troops within a program for SPecialized Armed forces for Reconnaissance, Tactical, And Neutralizing Operations, or SPARTAN Ops for short.
 * Those within the unit are known as SPARTANS, and are pulled from both the Marines and Roundtable Knights
 * Often would be given experimental weapons for field testing
 * These units are the penultimate guerilla troop within the British ranks, primarily acting in operations deep behind enemy lines, though can also fight alongside normal troops when necessary
 * These troops provide a large morale boost to allied units in their vicinity as their infamy spreads
 * Personnel: 44,200
 * Multi-Purpose Shock Marines (MPSM): 42,400
 * Mainland Britain: 16,900
 * Gibraltar: 10,000
 * Arcadia: 3,500
 * 500 Elysian MPSM
 * Amekrogu: 12,000
 * SPARTANS: 350
 * Mainland Britain: 275
 * Elysia: 25
 * Amekrogu: 50
 * Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry (SSLC): 4,050
 * Mainland Britain: 3,050
 * Gibraltar: 500
 * Arcadia: 500
 * Light Artillery Pieces: 3,260
 * Mainland Britain: 3,000
 * Gibraltar: 200
 * Arcadia: 0
 * Amekrogu: 60

Notable Companies and Organizations

McCarthy Arms Company (MAC):

Arms Race: Due to the creation of flintlock muskets in France, MAC enters into an arms race with their French counterparts, leading to rapid advancements in the creation of both muskets and cannons.


 * In 1610, they created a flintlock musket using various components from French flintlocks. This musket (and its various modifications) became the main firearm of the British Military in the League Wars and other conflicts in the early 1600’s.

Produced models:

FL1610 “Wasp MkI” Flintlock Musket (1610)


 * The first musket in the series of muskets made in response to “Manufacture d'armes de Châtellerault” and their flintlock musket.
 * Hastily made, the musket has various issues, and has a higher-than-usual casualty rate among those who use it due to the tendency for the musket’s barrel to implode.
 * Due to this reputation, the musket was given an additional nickname: “Barrel of Surprises”

FL1610E1 “Wasp MkII” Flintlock Musket (1611)


 * A modified L1610 that doesn't implode (more than most muskets of the era).

FL1610E2 “Wasp MkIII” Flintlock musket (1612)


 * The version of the musket that was used by the British Military when they joined the League Wars the same year.
 * This musket features a slightly redesigned barrel, slightly increasing the range and improving the reliability of the musket even more.

FL1610E3 “Wasp MkIV” Flintlock Musket (1614)


 * Essentially the Wasp MkIII, but its components are simplified a bit, allowing for easier production.

FL1616 “Honey MkI” Flintlock Musket (1616)


 * A modified version of the Wasp MkIV for use in hunting.
 * Essentially a simplified version of the Wasp MkIV for commercial purchase
 * Also becomes the model of musket that was exported to allies during the League Wars

FL1610E4 “Wasp MkV” Flintlock Musket (1619)


 * A version of the Wasp MkIV that is made from Yolngu steel, giving the musket more durability

FL1616E1 “Honey MkII” Flintlock Musket (1621)


 * An improved version of the Honey MkI, taking feedback from its users when making said improvements.

FL1625 “Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket (1625)


 * The successor to the Wasp series of muskets, featuring a slightly simplified design for the firing mechanism, allowing for easier construction of the musket, though early versions of the musket has issues due to kinks that weren’t figured out (though not as bad as was seen on the first Wasp muskets)

FL1625E1 “Hornet MkII” Flintlock Musket (1626)


 * Sent into the field in late 1626, the musket fixes the issues seen in the Hornet MkI.

FL1616E2 “Honey MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1627)


 * An improvement over the Honey MkII that features some improvements that were seen on the Hornet-series of muskets.

FL1625E2 “Hornet MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1632)


 * An improved version of the Hornet MkII, and is the primary musket used by the BMAC Company in its early years.

FL1636 “Hornet 2 MkI” Flintlock Musket (1636)


 * Originally just a simple upgrade, the Hornet 2 musket had so many improvements made to it that the company reclassified it as its own series of muskets.
 * Included in the many changes made is the narrower barrel. Though the bullets are smaller, due to a smaller round being used, the bullets are faster, have longer ranges, slightly faster reload, and are marginally more accurate than the original version of the Hornet.
 * Though the musket doesn’t have as good of a stopping power, its improvements arguably offset this weakness.

FL1636E1 “Hornet 2 MkII” Flintlock Musket (1642)


 * Modifications related to its reliability in hot, humid regions are added to the musket.
 * In addition, this is the first musket (used by the British) that was able to mount a bayonet.

XRS1652 “Thunderer” Experimental Revolving Sidearm (1652)


 * An experimental 3-shot revolver produced in extremely few quantities (around 56 or so)
 * The idea is for rounds to be pre-loaded into the revolving barrel of the pistol, which is locked in place by three pins when firing. Once a bullet is expended, the user delaches the pins and manually rotates the barrel before locking it back in place. This process is tedious and doesn’t give the gun that much of an advantage over normal conventional pistols on account of the cumbersome barrel, in addition to the pistol’s unreliability (even by standards of the time)

FL1656 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1656)


 * The third version of the Hornet musket, which took the FL1636E1 model of musket and made the musket easier to produce. Still features the capability for using a bayonet that is secured under the barrel of the musket from the FL1636E1.

FL1656-EXP “Honey 2” Flintlock Musket (1657)


 * Essentially an FL1636E1 musket that is cailbered in the conventional ammo size used by most nations. Also features the capability for usage of a plug bayonet.
 * Since both this musket and the “Hornet 3” musket have the same catalog name, the “Honey 2” was given the -EXP notation at the end to distinguish it as the export musket.

FS1659 “Thunderer 2” Flintlock Sidearm (1659)


 * A non-revolver version of the XRS1652 musket. This sidearm is provided both to officers and cavalry units in the military and only in small numbers.

FL1656E1 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1666)


 * Slight improvement to the Hornet 3 that was used in the Anglo-Dutch War. The gun features a slight improvement to its accuracy as well as a better mechanism for the bayonet, which is now custom-built for the musket itself and can double as a knife when necessary.

FL1686 “Super Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket


 * A modernized version of the Hornet 3 Musket. This version of the musket is even easier to maintain and manufacture than the Hornet 3.

FL1686E1 “Super Hornet” MkII Flintlock Musket (1702)


 * Updated version of first version of the Super Hornet that has slightly increased range and versatility.

FL1686E2 “Super Hornet” MkIII Flintlock Musket (1712)


 * Small changes are made to increase the reliability of the weapon

MAC Cannons: MAC continues to produce MAC Cannons (McCarthy Arms in a variety of calibers and sizes, ranging from small 6 pound field cannons to 32 pound naval cannons. At least in Britain, McCarthy Industries has the monopoly on the firearms industry.

Produced models:

2-pounder “snub-nose” MAC Cannon (1608)


 * Created for usage on Vinland longboats, more to fire on smaller vessels than anything else
 * Can be argued that muskets would be more effective than these small peashooters, but the extra punch is helpful

6-pounder medium field MAC Cannon (1578)


 * The main cannon used by both the British Royal Army and Marine Corps.
 * Also used on British Carrier Vessels

9-pounder “tickler” MAC Cannon


 * The lightest cannon used on British Warships (excluding Carriers)

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1588)


 * The mainstay cannon of British Warships

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1641)


 * An updated version of the 16-pounder cannon.

32-pounder “long-nose” MAC Cannon (1603)


 * Heaviest cannon that the British used. Reserved for the largest of British vessels.

Research and Development


 * Weaponized Fireworks: Using the lessons learned from both the Hwacha and the fireworks imported from Naranga, the British begin development into combining the two weapons together into an artillery piece that excels in the anti-infantry role.
 * Though each individual rocket is inaccurate, the hope is for the rockets to be launched in groups at large battalions of ground units to unleash catastrophic damage against enemy units and morale.
 * Though the concept is sound, the issue is that fireworks are too expensive to produce. As such, efforts are made into researching how to decrease the cost of fireworks for more widespread use.


 * Naval Vessels: Continued development on galleons is performed, to see if it is possible to improve British vessels further. They experiment with two aspects; size and firepower. British Naval Engineers hope to determine proper ratios for size, durability, and firepower, as well as taking note of various lessons learned in the field, such as logistical issues found in British Caravels.
 * Catamarans of the Sea: The British and Yolngu experiment with implementing catamarans among the local fleet. Though less armed, the catamarans are more nimble, allowing them to scout ahead of the main naval force with ease.
 * Interesting Doctrine of the Land Down Under: The British and Yolngu Armies begin developing tactics to work alongside one another, coming up with a mishmash of the Yolngu’s ability to maneuver with the British ability to smash through enemy lines.
 * In fact, this ability of the Yolngu for maneuvering warfare impressed the British so much that a British Marine Training Facility is established in Yolngu in 1715

Training and Production


 * British Royal Army Corps


 * British Mainland
 * None.
 * British America
 * Elysia/Laconia
 * None
 * Eldia:
 * None
 * Catonzia
 * None
 * Amekrogu:
 * None
 * British Yolngu
 * None


 * British Royal Navy Corps
 * British Mainland
 * N/A
 * British Yolngu
 * N/A
 * Whatever equipment and personnel is required to maintain numbers on the frontline.
 * Older models of ships are scrapped

Diplomacy


 * Akan: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.
 * Amekrogu: The British observe the civil war raging on in war-ravaged Amekrogu. They keep watch, waiting for an opportunity to hop in
 * Arkansa: The British continue to make efforts to strengthen their ties with Arkansa, as they seek assistance in the form of British mercenaries.
 * Australia: Both British and Yolngu Influence spreads, slowly acquiring land under British jurisdiction
 * Europe (Generally): Though not offered the top-line models, Britain does allow McCarthy Arms Company to sell some of their wares overseas to those willing to purchase them
 * Gujarat: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.
 * Indian Nations: Seeing that the countries of India are friendly, the British East India Company reaches out to all the nations in the area, hoping to strengthen their ties with all nations and open up trade routes with all.
 * Jaisalmer: The British ask the government if it is possible for them to purchase a port city, or at least a location for British ships and merchants to operate out of.
 * In addition, Britain (through the McCarthy Arms Company) looks into local companies in the country in order to purchase them.
 * Revived Huancan Empire: Delegates from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company reach out to the South American nation, requesting the ability for ships to dock in the Tacna region while they pass around the southern tip of South America
 * The British are aware of the Spanish conquests centuries prior, and wish to make amends, to at least show that not all Europeans are scumbags
 * Vijayanagara: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.

Allies


 * Galatoi: Trading partner with the BAKA company.
 * Naranga: British ally on the Asian mainland.
 * Occitania: British ally on the European mainland.
 * Toyotomi Shogunate: British ally (through the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company) in Asian area.
 * Vestkyst: Norweigan allies in the North Sea. The oldest ally of Britain, harkening back to the British Empire’s founding.
 * Yolngu: The furthest of Britain’s allies, the island-continent has metals far better than those in the region. As such, the majority of the trade from the region primarily consists of metals.

Events


 * The Unification of the Land Down Under (WiP):
 * The BAKA Gaikokuhito, now jointly in control of the country of Yolngu along with the tribal leaders of Yolngu.
 * With the assimilation of Yolngu into the British Empire came the additional baggage of the penultimate plan of Yolngu: the unification of Australia (name still a WiP)
 * As such, diplomats are sent to neighboring countries in the entire Australian continent, trying to open trade routes with as many groups as possible
 * In addition, though never mentioned, the British do allow the Dutch colony to spread in Southern Australia, so they could pose as a unifying force for Australia.
 * Expansion Beyond the Horizon:
 * American Colonies
 * N/A
 * India
 * The British East India Company hatches a plan to acquire more control over the continent
 * They get wealthy British merchants to settle in India and purchase land from the government at slowly gain influence over their territory, eventually allowing Britain to gain control over vast territories of land in India
 * In addition to this plan, the British purchase various companies in India, allowing them to become more integrated into the Indian economy
 * Yolngu
 * The combined efforts of Britain and Yolngu slowly spread throughout Australia, as the tribes of Australia became friendlier towards the two powers.
 * In addition, BAKA Gaikokuhito ships discovered the island of New Zealand in 1714 while establishing trading routes around the Eastern Coast of Australia.
 * With its discovery comes plans for the colonization of the island.
 * Miscellaneous Stuff
 * The following states are created from the previous states:
 * Eldia is split into North Eldia and South Eldia
 * Catonzia is split into East Catonzia and West Catonzia

The British Merchant Companies (Final Turn Before Section is Deleted):


 * British Faviero Greek Company: “The BFG Company” for short, this company has taken an interest in the region of Elysia. Its leaders, Faviero and Raleigh have enacted a multi-decade long plan to wrestle control of the region for themselves, though if other situations were to come up, they’d adapt on the fly.
 * Elysian Region: Having complete control over the area, the BFG Company begins to import more colonists into the region.
 * Laconia: In 1619, the region was reclassified into its own province for administration reasons.
 * The regions of Laconia, Demetrios, and Erakki become apart of the Laconia Province
 * Eventually becomes the State of Laconia
 * Desaheim: The company begins the process of integrating the province into their company, as they begin setting up administrative bodies to run the area.
 * When the Dutch attacked in 1668, the company was forced to temporarily retreat from Desaheim, only to come back as British forces retaliated.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Doomslayer
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association: Started up by a British and German family, BAKA began operations in 1573, when they received a fleet of four merchant caravels. With this fleet, the company sets sail for Africa, wishing to set up a port town where they can trade with the locals.
 * In 1602, the company was split in two, due to the focus on where to colonize.
 * The branch known as “BAKA Mitai” is continuing the old company’s efforts in Africa
 * The branch known as “BAKA Gaijin” (renamed to BAKA Gaikokuhito in 1608) has its focus directed towards Southeast Asia, specifically Yolngu for its operations.
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association - Mitai Division:
 * Akan: Due to their presence in the area, the BAKA Mitai company slowly expands their influence through the area.
 * Due to continued trade with the locals in the area, British influence spreads throughout Akan.
 * Galatoi: The company trades with Galatoi, giving them McCarthy Firearms and other supplies in return for indigenous supplies as well as slaves for use in Elysia and other portions of their claims.
 * Slave Trade Deal: The company creates a tie with the MOM company, importing slaves from the Galatoi region and sending them to the Eldia region for use on the various crops in the region.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Resolute
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association - Gaikokuhito Division:
 * More Pitstops: Even with the two islands claimed, the distance between each stop is far too long. As such, the Gaikokuhito Division devices various locations along the way to establish naval bases to allow British vessels places of refuge
 * The British reached out to various nations on the Western coast of South America, asking if they could construct ports on their coastlines to allow British ships to stop on their journey to Yolngu, in addition to opening trade with the regions in question.
 * Australium: Rare metals have been found on the island continent. As such, operations are created to extract the metals with the help of the locals (in return for exotic species and other foreign goods)
 * Finalization of Acquisition: With the British Protectorate of Yolngu established, the King family can lean back and drink away; a century-long dream has been finally completed, though a long road lays ahead for what’s to come next.
 * Company Fleet Flagship: The Golden Hind
 * The Henry Amerigo League of Observance: A group (nicknamed HALO) that is headed by Henry of Glaemchester. Now a competent company, the HALO company travels the seas, now intermingling with a faction known as the Amekrogu’s to the south.
 * Rebuilding from the Ground Up: The HALO company constructs new fortifications in the region, rebuilding what they lost prior. As this happens, the company slowly monitors the Civil War raging on in Amekrogu, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
 * In addition, they reward the tribes that allied themselves with the British, allowing them to reside in peace, in addition to supplying them with food and the likes
 * The Millers Operative Manufacturing: A company that focuses on tobacco and leather in 1565, the company slowly worked its way into league with the larger companies of Britain by the 1580’s, eventually leading to the company receiving a grant to receive 7 Dove-class Merchant Caravels, as well as permission to construct a custom “flagship” for themselves.
 * Tobacco: As their influence spreads through Eldia, the MOM company begins to cultivate Nicotiana tabacum tobacco plants, leading to an increase in profits due to its sweeter taste.
 * The selling of this tobacco increases MOM’s income, leading to them being able to hire more mercenaries to arrest control of Eldia from the locals.
 * Rice: Ordered by the British Royal Navy to produce the crop, the company also constructs rice crops within their territory, with assistance from Asian farmers.
 * Slave Trade Deal: The company creates a tie with the BAKA Mitai company, as the MOM Company begins to import slaves from the Galatoi region for the purpose of working on the farms.
 * Company Flagship: The Independence
 * British East India Company: With a grant from the British government, the company begins to make plans for their future ventures into Asia, with their eyes set on both the island chains between mainland Asia and Yolgnu as well as Hindustan.
 * Expanding Influence: With the wealth the company has, they begin to trade with the locals, providing them with products in larger quantities or new to the area altogether, with the hopes to make the locals reliant on the British for their daily necessities
 * Subsidiary Alliance Plan: The Company reaches out to the various countries in India, asking for the stationing of a British force within their territory for the country’s protection, in return for supplying the maintenance cost to maintain the force in the area.
 * Lansenia: Since 1565, the “Azure Pilgrims” set up the Plymouth colony in hopes to be free from religious (and political) persecution. At first, the faction ran into many issues, mainly trying to survive the winter. They were helped by a local tribesman nearby and the colony has just begun to become stabilized.
 * In 1662, the regional government was officially formed.
 * Naming the region “Lansenia” after the head governor, Laffey D Lansen, the region is accepted as an official colony within the British Government.
 * Naming the region “Lansenia” after the head governor, Laffey D Lansen, the region is accepted as an official colony within the British Government.

Notable Deaths


 * Rulers
 * Pendragon:
 * Artoria “Ember” Pendragon (F, b.1317- 1389?) (Reign: 1351 ~ 1369 - 1389)
 * Ash I (M,  b. 1347 - 1434) (Reign: 1390 - 1434)
 * Sister: Aura (F,  b.1350 - 1434)
 * Ash II (M,  b. 1399 - 1442) (Reign: 1434 - 1442)
 * Amber (F, b. 1424 - ) (Reign: 1442 - 1482)
 * Brother: Edward (M, b. 1441 - 1481)
 * Mordue:
 * River Mordue (F, b. 1322 - 1393) (Reign: 1369 - 1393)
 * Henry (M, b. 1353 - 1429)  (Reign: 1393 - 1429)
 * Daughter: Mary (F, b. 1382 - 1399)
 * Lionel (M, b. 1388 - 1482) (Reign: 1430 - 1482)
 * Son: Leo I (M, b. 1407 - 1465)
 * Leo III (M, b. 1445 - 1478)
 * Son: Leo II (M, b. 1423 - 1478)
 * Brother: Henry II (M, b. 1398 - 1478)
 * Drake:
 * Casimir (M, b. 1454 - 1533)
 * Queen Abigail (F, b. 1455 - 1533)
 * Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - 1561)
 * David (M, b. 1537 - 1554)
 * Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - 1565)
 * Nephew: Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
 * Queen Elizabeth (F, b. 1541 - 1618) (R: 1561 - 1618)
 * Sister: Francis (F, b. 1541 - 1619)
 * Aunt: Frances (F, b. 1497 - 1564)
 * Albus (M, b. 1519 - 1580)
 * Nephew: George (M, b. 1542 - 1584)
 * Son: Avery (M, b. 1572 - 1632)
 * Daughter: Elysia (F, b. 1582 - 1609)
 * Nephew: Gregory (M, b. 1554 - 1596)
 * Cousin: Eldegard (F, b. 1517 - 1592)
 * Married off to a Westrian prince
 * Cousin: Alvin (M, b. 1545 - 1585)
 * Daughter: Valerie (F, b. 1569 - 1602)
 * Son: Peter (M, b. 1573 - 1606)
 * Cousin: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Cousin: Carol (F, b. 1549 - 1629)
 * Son: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Son: Janet (M, b. 1580 - 1629)
 * King: Luke I (M, b. 1567 - 1638) (R: 1618 - 1838)
 * King:  Luke II (M, b. 1604 - 1658) (R: 1838 - 1658)
 * Son: Luke III (M, b. 1628 - )
 * Son: Luke IV (M, b. 1636 - )
 * Daughter: Leia (F, b. 1636 - )
 * Brother: Escavalier (M, b. 1615 - 1667)
 * Cousin: Jessie (F, b. 1607 - 1672)
 * Cousin: James (M, b. 1607 - 1668)
 * Roundtable Knights
 * Joan “Anne” of Arc (Died in 1431)
 * Sir George Cromwell of Cotswold (Died in 1445)
 * Sir George Cromwell II of Cotswold (Died in 1482)
 * Sir Rex of Dover (Died in 1482)
 * Joanna Palaiologos McCarthy (Died in 1528)
 * Misc
 * Frederik King (Died in ???)
 * Head of the BAKA Company, essentially has ties in about half of the world
 * Fortuna King (Died in 169X)
 * Forged together the modern Albish Navy
 * Assisted in the Vestkyst Civil War
 * Forged a diplomatic relationship with Naranga
 * Also assisted them in their war against the Qing
 * Shauna McCarthy (Died in 1489)
 * Founder of McCarthy Arms Company, one, if not, the oldest firearms companies in the world.

Famous Vessels

HMS Victory (15XX)


 * Laid down in 15XX and launched in 15XX, the HMS Victory is a 50-gun First-class Frigate.
 * The namesake of her class, HMS Victory was the first pride-and-joy of the Royal Navy.
 * Famously captained by Admiral Francis Drake, the ship would lead the British navy to victory when it defeated the Spanish Armada, directly leading to one of the major reasons why Britain won in the Anglo-Spanish War in the late 16th century.
 * From there, it would also see combat in the League Wars as it ensured that those opposing Britain felt the wrath of her powerful broadside.
 * Eventually, the ship was retired in 1647, where it was put into the reserve fleet as a training vessel for new sailors.

HMS Fortune’s Bounty (1626)


 * An Olive-class Multi-purpose Merchant Frigate given to the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company from the British government. Laid in 1624 and left on its maiden voyage in 1626, the ship would find itself under the ownership of Fortuna King, a woman well-known for her assistance in the Wu-Narangan War in 1633 when she was involved in both a trading run to Naranga in addition to the assassination of the Wu General in the region.
 * Though the ship would remain in East Asia for most of its life, it would also visit Britain and the Mediterranean Sea during its time afloat under the ownership of Fortuna.
 * In 1661, while returning to Britain from Yolngu, the ship encountered rough seas around the southernmost tip of South America. Though it survived, the ship was badly beaten, as it limped to the British outpost on the Falklands Island. From there, Fortuna and her crew hitched a ride on a vessel back to Britain, where she received permission from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company to purchase a replacement vessel: the Fortune’s Bounty II.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1661

HMS Fortune’s Bounty II (1662)


 * A 28-gun xebec ordered by Fortuna King.
 * Also was equipped with two hwachas for testing purposes
 * Saw effective use under Fortuna’s captainship.
 * Notable for the Battle of the Vestkyst Fjords (1667) as well as for its involvement with rescuing Duchess Anastasia during the Vestkyst Civil War (1666).
 * Given to Lumi when Fortuna passed.
 * Fate: ???

HMS Warspite (1668)


 * A 64-gun ship-of-the-line that served as Fortuna King’s flagship during the Anglo-Dutch War
 * Led the British fleet to victory against the Dutch fleet in the sole naval engagement in the “European front”
 * Fate: ???

HMS Sovereign of the Seas (1637)


 * Laid down in 1634 and launched in 1637, this ship is essentially an engineer’s wet dream. Built “just because,” the ship has more than double the guns of the next largest ships (the Victory-class) and was also over double the size, this ship towered over anything the British would build for the next half-decade or so.
 * That being said, the ship was also ladened with issues, such as poor handling and the likes.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1704 to be used in HMS Sovereign

Most Serene Republic of Venice | Serenìsima Repùblega Vèneta

 * Government: Parliamentary oligarchic merchant republic under a hereditery dictatorship
 * Head of State:
 * Doge Sebastiano Cornaro (B 1648 - 67, Alive) (R 1st August 1711 - present)
 * Consort:
 * Caterina Cornaro (R 1711 - 1717)
 * Vacant (1717 - present)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Cornaro Family
 * Head of Government:
 * Capitano del Popolo Giovanni Barbarigo (B 1675 - Age 40, Alive) (R 20th July 1711 - present)
 * Duke of Irákleio (Crete):
 * Duke Giovanni Barbarigo (B 1675 - Age 40, Alive) (R 1708 - 1716)
 * Duke Roberto Barbarigo (B 1714 - Age 1, Alive) (R 1716 - present)
 * Legislature:
 * Upper Chamber: The Senate
 * Lower Chamber: The Council of Ten
 * Economy: The economy of Venice is built on mainly trade in the mediterranean sea. Though it has declined and we were quite crippled after the war.
 * Allies:
 * Capital: Venice
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 2 006 000
 * Major Cities population
 * Venice: 141 200
 * Ethnicities: "Venetian", Greeks and smaller minorities.
 * Religion: Majority Catholic but also a bit orthodox among the greek population on Crete.
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * N/A
 * Military: We recently were in a conflict. Our navy has been in a long decline since the 16th century.
 * Total: 15 000
 * 10 000 Light Infantry
 * 2 000 Light Cavalry
 * 3 000 Artillerymen
 * Navy:
 * 110 Frigates
 * 15 Ship of the line
 * 50 Galleys
 * 40 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:
 * Genoa: We have an alliance that have made us stay neutral during recent conflicts in Italy.
 * Events:
 * "Major" reforms: New reforms have been made in Serene republic of Venice which includes curtailing the power of the nobility and aristocraty in the country which already had lost power during Giovanni's takeover not to long ago. Though in reality it was only the anti-Barbarigo noble that got their power curtailed as they were viewed as a threat. Rebellious aristocratic families would seat up their own secret councils around the town of Venice in an attempt to discuss what to do with what power they had left since most government institutions have been overtaken by Barbarigo loyalists. Other reforms included that you can't posess more than one major title and what was a "major" title was up to the government to decide. Shortly there after Barbarigo would relingquish his title as Duke of Crete and give it to his very young son. The Doge power was officially removed during these reforms making him officially nothing but a ceremonial figure. Another part of the reforms was to make the Capitano del Popolo title hereditary which would mean that eventually Giovannis son would take over.
 * Administration reforms in the mainland: Efforts are made to re-organize the mainland into two provinces with two different duchies similiar to Crete. Giovanni claims that he does this because of decentralization purposes and give the regions more autonomy. But many noble families view this with suspicion rather consider it to be unnecessary since the mainland region are still very close to the city of Venice and that he is trying to make new titles to bestow to families close to him. Especially considering that Roberto Salamoni is considered as duke and that his daughter got recently married to Giovanni Barbarigo after his wife recently died and their families have been closer ever since. This "decentralization efforts" are expected to be done in 1722.
 * Administration reforms in the mainland: Efforts are made to re-organize the mainland into two provinces with two different duchies similiar to Crete. Giovanni claims that he does this because of decentralization purposes and give the regions more autonomy. But many noble families view this with suspicion rather consider it to be unnecessary since the mainland region are still very close to the city of Venice and that he is trying to make new titles to bestow to families close to him. Especially considering that Roberto Salamoni is considered as duke and that his daughter got recently married to Giovanni Barbarigo after his wife recently died and their families have been closer ever since. This "decentralization efforts" are expected to be done in 1722.

Sovereign Realm of Vestkyst | Herskeriket Vestkyst

 * Government: Unicameral constitutional monarchy, matrilineal succession.
 * Hersker: Iris Henriettasdotter (b. 1671, r. 1705 - )
 * Ruling Dynasty: Sólskjær (since 1397)
 * Arving:' Johanna Irisdotter (b. 1700-)
 * Storforsamling: 80 seats, consisting of 18 barons and 62 elected officials.
 * Economy: Driven mainly through export of maritime products (mainly fish and whales), lumbering and trans-Atlantic trade. Other sources of income, such as the Øresund toll, are also explored.
 * Diplomatic Relations:
 * Allies: Albion.
 * Enemies: none.
 * Capital: Bergen (Secondary: Oslo)
 * Demographics: (total population: approx. 3,8 million) (1710)
 * Vestkyst Proper: 3,45 million (90,8%)
 * Bergen: 75k
 * Hamborg: 69k
 * Oslo: 61k
 * København: 52k
 * Trondheim: 48k
 * Stavanger: 41k
 * Sigridshavn: 35k
 * Lund: 30k
 * Vänernstad: 26k
 * Odense: 25k
 * Lybæk: 24k
 * Esbjerg: 18k
 * Ålesund: 16k
 * Tromsø: 10k
 * Smaller Settlements & Rural Localities: 3,02 million.
 * Iceland: 63k (1,6%)
 * Overseas Territories: (approx. 250k, 6,6%)
 * Spekkeborg: 150
 * Grønland: 1k
 * Vinland: 248k
 * Ethnicity: 60% Vestkysten, 16,7% Dano-Vestkysten, 15,6% Vinlander, 4,1% German, 2,6% Sámi, approx. 1% other ethnicities (Albionite, Svean,...)
 * Effectively, Dano-Vestkysten is more of a geographical than ethnic designation as the population of the region has been more or less integrated over time through the union.
 * Religion: 98,7% Ásatrú denominations, 1,3% others (Christian sects, etc.)
 * Military:
 * Army:
 * Standing Army: Official land forces of the Herskeriket, these troops are available consistently and act as both internal security forces as well as men for war. Officially called (Hersker)hæren.
 * 56 000 total (approx 1,47% total population)
 * 36 000 infantry
 * 8 000 cavalry
 * 12 000 artillerymen
 * Levies: While diminished in stature, the few barons around still provide some personal levies, only called up in times of war.
 * Approximately 1500 to 1700, mostly infantry.
 * Navy: Known officially as Herskermarinen or colloquially Sjøforsvaret, the Vestkysten Royal Navy bears the prefix HVM (Herskeren Vestkysten Marine), a practice borrowed from the Albionite counterpart. Mainly used for coastal defence and enforcing free trade and thus mostly consisting of smaller, more agile but more lightly armed vessels, the Royal Navy does possess several notable ships, namely:
 * HVN Fiete Kjær: The de facto flagship of the Sjøforsvaret, the Fiete Kjær is originally a 90-gun ship-of-the-line. Ten additional guns were fitted in some time after 1700, bringing the total number to 100 guns.
 * HVN Anastasia & Løvenskiold: 82-gun ship-of-the-lines, two of the newest vessels constructed.
 * HVN Ålesund: 40-gun frigate. Built shortly before the Four Claimants’ War, the Ålesund is the oldest ship in the Royal Navy, having survived the war relatively unscathed and maintained generally well.
 * Liljesriddere: Commonly known as the Knights of the North, they have their roots in Fiete Kjær’s Knights of the Round Table branch and serve as the Royal family’s personal guards, retinues, escorts and also acts as an elite fighting force in wars. Swordsmanship is a compulsory skill for a Liljesridder, but members are also trained in more contemporary weaponry (e.g. firearms) for warfare.
 * 500 members.
 * Reserves: Manpower not part of the army but can be drafted in times of war. Logistical / non-frontline personnel are also included.
 * 185 000, mainly of Vestkysten and Dano-Vestkysten ethnicities.
 * Wars and Conflicts:
 * Vestkysten War for the Svean Throne:
 * Cause of War: Valid claim on heirless Svean throne.
 * Pro-Vestkyst Support: Areas surrounding the capital of Stockholm and the affluent Finnish city of Åbo have been identified to be locations with substantial support for the Vestkysten claim by the Herskermarinen; however, support from Bergen would be scant as carrying troops through the Baltic Sea is deemed to great a risk against the Svean navy. Until we break through, they will have to hold out on their own.
 * Scanian Front: After a strategic meeting in Lund, Scania, an attack from the fylke up the eastern Svean coastline was authorised, deeming it to be capable of cutting off the Svean navy’s reinforcements from elsewhere while also providing a path to connect with Stockholm. A large part of Hæren was pooled in Malmø in preparation of the campaign, which set out in November 1717. Sweeping over the towns of Rotnæby and Karlskrona with minimal resistance, Vestkysten forces reached the town of Oskarshamn by January 1718, putting the city of Kalmar under siege. An auxiliary wing took the town of Växjo after a brief skirmish, and after six months, the city of Kalmar fell into Vestkysten hands. By the start of 1720, Västervik had been taken as well.
 * Romerike Front: While Romerike isn’t an active front for Vestkysten incursions, it had been the site of several Svean attempts. Towns of Elverum and Trollhättan were threatened and the latter was taken at some point, but by the end of 1719 Svean forces were only present in border rural localities.
 * Laponian Front: One detail noticed by surveyors during the early stages of the war is that Svearike proper and their Finnish holdings are connected by a thin strip of land nearing the Bottenviken, in the region broadly called Laponia (Lappland). The Laponian Legion, made up of Sámi and Vestkysten personnel, was formed in Inari in mid-1718, and by the end of 1719 occupied Kiemi and Tornio, two key towns that marked control of the Bothnian Corridor.
 * Maavald Campaign: Conducted by the Sjøforsvaret, the goal was to gain whatever untouched by the Keisarian advance - namely, the two major Maavalda islands - Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The latter was taken after an amphibious landing on Kärdla, the island’s municipal center, and without much resistance (in part due to the Keisarian mishap), the entire island was occupied just in time for winter.
 * Diplomacy:
 * Events:
 * The Inheritor - Interlude: (Rain)

Royaume de France | Reialme d’França | Frañs-Rouantelezh | Kingdom of France
(All names in modern French)

General Information
 * Demographics
 * Population & Distribution
 * Population estimate (1675): 21.4 million
 * Distribution (by Parlement) (1675):
 * Auvernhe: 9%
 * Arpitania: 4%
 * Aquitania: 6%
 * Belgium: 2%
 * Bretagne: 9%
 * Bordeaux: 10%
 * Ile-de-France: 26%
 * Lengadoc: 9%
 * Lorraine: 3%
 * Picardy: 5%
 * Provenca: 7%
 * Normandy: 6%
 * Orleans: 4%
 * Distribution (by urban region) (1675):
 * Urban regions in excess of 10,000 people: 12%
 * Urban regions of 1,000 - 9,999 people: 21%
 * Rural townships and communes: 67%
 * Ethnolinguistic demography (to be completed)
 * Ethnicities:
 * Anglican: The descendants of long and continuous English rule in the West, the Anglican (or Reliquae) ethnicity dominates the Western and Northeast coasts of the French Kingdom. To describe them as literal Englishmen would be an insult - there were no shortage of Englishmen left behind during the Great Exodus of 1468, but the Anglicans are not English - just heavily influenced by them. They are closer related to the remnants of the Western Roman Empire than any Briton, and are descended from Roman-Celtic contact in the mid-400s. As of 1675, they play host to the remaining Protestant denominations of France and retain a distinct language known as Albionic Frankish, a distinct mix of Breton, Albionite and French; the myriad culture they possess makes a mark in its own theatres, its own entertainment, and in the records they keep that will let the world know of them long after they are gone.
 * Albionic: The remaining Albionites of France are almost entirely new settlers in the Northeastern port cities or descendants of the Great Exodus of 1468. Most of them speak Standardised English and French, while retaining strong ties in their rather insular communities and towards Albion itself. They are, however, almost exclusively Catholic, having retained the religion from before the Church of England’s split from the Catholic Church, and side rather strongly on religious matters with the French fundamentalists.
 * Berber: Berbers emigrated North from their homelands in North Africa during the late Roman era but have since steadily settled throughout the Western Mediterrenean. The vast majority are influential merchants or have assimilated into southern Occitan society; many of whom taking up strong Catholic traditions or carrying along traditional Berber religion to France.
 * Breton: The Bretons trace their origins to Briton migration to France during Roman rule, and they remember Rome the most fondly of the various ethnic groups of France - a time before the in-and-out of a veritable factory line of conquerors. This has led to the Breton culture emphasising a practically isolationist sense of community, and its position as one of the foremost stewards of the Catholic Church at a time when Rome’s power wanes with every passing moment. Despite their lack of common origin, they are also arguably the friendliest group in France to the Occitans for that exact reason, both joined in their mutual stewardship of Catholicism as of 1675. This aspect often sways them in favour of their Occitan brethren down south.
 * Dutch:
 * French:
 * Germanic:
 * Occitan:
 * Valcan:
 * Religion
 * Catholicism
 * French Protestantism
 * Occitan Catholicism

Broad Overview

A string of political victories had finally brought Occitania to the forefront, and the Occitan ruling class was planning to use them sparingly. Hoping to ensure the continued relevance of the state, de Lengadoc immediately began importing huge amounts of Indian industrial material through Brittany; the renewed relevance of India serving as the catalyst for Occitania’s establishment of diplomatic relations with the city-state of Mumbai in August 1715. Furthermore, although the Parlement system was still in action, de Lengadoc and most of the rest of the elite decided on the creation of a more advanced branched bureaucracy; the central tenets of the new government primarily based around the advent of two: the Département des Affaires de l'état (Department of State Affairs, in French), and the Département des Affaires Catholiques (Department of Catholic Affairs).

Both departments were technically domestically involved, only that the DAC was primarily focused on maintaining a distinct branch of the Catholic church that had fully developed in Occitania known as the Montpellierite Catholic Church; the DAC actively persecuted followers of Rome in order to stamp out any continuing dissent but to also strengthen the new state’s control on religious life. This was where the DAC and DSA both crossed in their duties, because of a single goal: the settler-colonisation of the new world. Both organisations cooperated heavily in developing a new impetus for turning what had previously been at most several thousand colonists to the new world per year into the tens of thousands. Followers of the Roman Catholic Church were encouraged to migrate to the New World, the promise of religious freedom and the establishment of their own convents compared to suppression at home seeming exceedingly capricious. This narrative was actively perpetuated by de Lengadoc, who wrote that ‘this ensures that Catholics of two stripes remain in peace for all time’.

In reality, it was used as an excuse to evict thousands of Roman Catholics, but not to the so-called premier territories of Avoyelle or Meridia, but Louisiana and New France, viewed as not necessary for the continuance of France’s colonial exploits. One might be compelled to question as to why Paris, still following Rome, did nothing about it; the reality is, however, the new Church now promised no real intervention, and as far as Louis XVI was concerned, Occitan economic expansion also benefited Paris, as it kept industrialists that threatened the feudal basis of the French throne subordinate and away from the Ile-de-France.

The organisation that tied all of these efforts together was the Occitan Catholic Church, led by Archbishop De Benoit, whom for all intents and purposes turned the majority of her effort towards the perpetuation of the new colonisation effort, which she referred to as the ‘Necessary Exodus’. In fact, not-insignificant amounts of Arzhamites in France still left the country, irked by heightened nationalist sentiment and looking for new places to settle. Such that it was that the first Arzhamic Church of Arcadia was established in Nouveau-Orleans in 1724; a sister institution established several months apart in Meridia.

This actually arose a new rift between Montpellier and Rome, where the newly-installed Pope Joan I returned to France in the hopes of getting the Archbishop to end her crusade against Roman Catholics. She was so amiss to find that total silence was demanded of her that the supposed Occitan puppet proceeded to break from Montpellier and became a fierce politician in her own right. The spat grew so public that the Pope was forced into self-exile from her own homeland to the West, and it would only be the beginning of the new Rome’s differences from Montpellier.

But even further on the horizon was a simple fact: That Brittany and Anglia now both wanted their own distinct territories in the French Kingdom. The rise of Occitania had precipitated a distinct sovereignty movement for the various distinct elite classes of the country; many of whom saw their future in union, but not necessarily under Paris. The balance of power itself had already shifted south, with Occitan autonomy; now it was time to formalise that. In late 1719 Louis XVI received a proposal to reform France from the old Ancien Regime to the Grand Empire - four entirely distinct territories all united into one federal union under him.

He received the proposal with silence.

Turn XXV: 1720-1725
LINK TO MAP

Mod Events

 * The Boy who loved Clocks - [9]: Finally back in control, Artturi soon found control more exhausting than being on the run. There was much for him to do, not least confirming six states into Varangia and trying to repair his reputation back at home, where he was viewed (rightly) as a cowardly despot. And so he went into damage control. He declared the day that the Sveans left Varangian Liberation Day and began massively expanding the magnitude of his alcoholic sale operations; and to ensure no one would challenge him he began approving visionary projects left and right, all under his name. A curious one entailed using a larger generator to melt off the snow of the Far Eastern steppes and create habitable land; another would establish dedicated educational institutions not unlike schools, but primarily for noble scholars and what not. This birthed the Varangian Universities and their subsequent intellectual melting pots. The most important thing for Artturi now, however, was turning his attention to the Adytites. Nationalist sentiments were again boiling after his government's excuse for the loss (that Adytia had 'betrayed them' by not immediately sending support) was once again ratcheting sentiments with the state; and it worsened that colonialists made renewed attempts to wrestle away Adytite settlements or settle in Adytite territory. The part that made him pay proper attention was the state's resistance to his alcoholic enterprise. It bothered him deeply that they refused to even allow its passage through their land to the Varangian Far East, and even as emperor, it was unlikely they would really listen. And as a man supposedly enlightened in his meritocratic ways, it would not do for them to simply ignore him. Far from it. Not since the territory also contained the critical natural resources required for him to be able to construct industry to begin with, it meant he had to negotiate. Again. At this point Artturi's reputation was running the gauntlet down the toilet as a technocrat - not that his faction was doing much better to begin with. The modernised bureaucracy he had created had turned tail and joined the Sveans the moment he capitulated, and many complained they preferred Svean overlordship to his. After all, Svearike actually had a monarch which joined the fighting. No matter what the case was, Artturi was smart enough to avoid fighting. At least... for now.
 * Critical Writings on the Church: A collection of French, German, Iberian and other writings critiquing the various Catholic denominations of Europe finds its way into the public sphere in 1723, propelling writers like the thus-far unknown Voltaire into prominence - and others like Frederick von Manheim into prison. The writings are an anthology regarding the nature of the Church and State, especially a response to the Occitan sacking and deposing of the traditional Papal States; all taking a position generally supportive of the 'Enlightened character of the independent churches', they advocate the seperation of church and state, some others taking abolitionist or liberal stances on the role of the church in the century.
 * Great Hurricane of 1722: La Nouvelle-Orléans, a major settlement of the French colony of Avoyelle was hit by a great hurricane in September 23, 1722, leaving most public buildings in the city 'totally ruined'. The hurricane is said to have started with waves over 2 meters tall and winds excess of 160 km/h
 * Monuments of Time Past: On April 5, 1722, also an Easter Sunday, Dutch admiral Jacob Roggeveen made landfall on an island, named Easter Island after the date of discovery. The island is remarkable for the numerous almost identical-looking human sculptures that dotted the islands, a work of the indigenous Rapa Nui, known as the Moai.
 * The End of Iberia: Iberia was finally over. And not even by a war. With the advent of the First French Constitution, Philippe could no longer expect abundant support from France for his endeavours; and the compounding issue of the guilds' position in the country asked that he continue to support the joint company system in order to drive out the pesky guilds as he needed. And yet it still were not enough to keep the merchants happy. After decades of concessions and other political moves to placate the merchants, Philippe I, already ailing, finally gave up entirely on trying to keep them in the union. And it was becoming abundantly clear there wasn't much he'd have to give up. By the flick of a pen, he declared that the Republic of Agousta was restored, and asked Albion to choose its new monarch. The territories he seceded to the new Republic largely consisted of Agousta interior, and several other lordships and feudoms scattered across the country; which he kept connected via a free-movement clause with Agousta. At long last, Iberia ceased to be more than an identification for the loose customs union between Agousta and Hispania on March the 19th, 1722. Long Live Iberia.
 * The Four Seasons: Composed by Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi in 1718-20 and published in Amsterdam in 1724-25, The Four Seasons is published as part of The Contest Between Harmony and Invention, a 12 concerti collection. The pieces were a revolution in musical conception, where Vivaldi represented various signature symbols of each season through his music. These concerti are also published with accompanying sonnets to elucidate the spirit of what it was in the spirit of each season that his music was intended to evoke. Therefore, thee concerti stand as one of the earliest and most detailed examples of what would come to be called program music - music with a narrative element.
 * The Inheritor (II):The war was thought to be a trivial matter. Svearike was embroiled in crisis, and their king has just died in battle - surely Vestkyst could wrap this up in a few years? Not exactly. In Örebro, one noble proclaimed himself King, and with some others backing him, he mustered up some sort of a defense. The Vestkyst-supporting exclaves in Stockholm and Åbo are gradually closed down, and though Vestkyst has occupied the south, the war was proving to be a more tiring ordeal than originally expected. Then disaster struck. Though its details remained mostly obscured, partially due in part to wanting to erase such an embarrassment of a campaign, it was known that in June 1722, a campaign was organised in an attempt to connect Vestkysten gains to the south with supporting pockets in Stockholm. In short, it was an unmitigated diasaster. Most details on the campaign was unknown, but Hersker Iris was incapacitated, the heiress Johanna was captured and the second in line Ingrid was slain during the messy retreat. With one sudden blow to the Vestkysten leadership, Svean forces loyal to the pretender king saw the opportunity to push on. They occupied Scania and Viken, threatening Gøteborg, Lund and Malmø, major cities in the area, and looked poised to assault Oslo amidst the disorganised state of Vestkyst. The Storforsamling scrambled in the sudden misfortune. The Hersker was alive, but her severe injury and the trauma from losing two of her children in the campaign left her unfit to rule, at least for the time being. Maximillian von Falkenhayn took over as regent at the behest of his wife, taking over the day-to-day running of the state. The Swabian consort also proposed that Isolde, their third-born child, be named heiress by the Assembly due to Johanna's capture; while some other prominent members prefered Ludvig, the only prince, claiming that Isolde was absolutely disinterested in ruling. The argument was further complicated by the fact that neither were prepared for the throne. Two weeks after the matter was brought up, Isolde was named heiress in place of her captive sister, in part thanks to Maximillian's backing, an argument neither of the remaining royal children actually knew happened. Beliefs that the austere princess wasn't interested in royal dealings were then quashed as Isolde appeared in Bergen two days after the decision on carriage - too fast, surely, so word spread that she may have been tipped off, but that hardly mattered. She confirmed the title, and with her new friend (and sister-in-law), Baroness Marianne "Mieke" Lindemann, she set out for Oslo, ready to take on the war effort.
 * The Slaves Must Go!: In a region where feudalism largely required and encouraged the usage of slaves, a small text decrying slavery was an unwelcome and curious sight. The Slaves Must Go! was a joint work by various anonymous Hausa scholars against the continuation of the institution of corporate slavery, primarily concerned with the economic impact of a large non-representative labour force on the rest of the economy of the Hausa Confederacy. Reviewed poorly in its time, it was the first of locally-grown Hausa political literature to gain notoriety overseas, primarily as a punching bag by pro-slavery scholars in the Iberian peninsula.

NPC Events

 * Aceh: Aceh seizes control of the Southernmost of the remnant Naamyeung Southern Territories, promptly forcing a surrender of the colony. The section on mainland Borneo is given to Brunei, while the island territories are given to a 'free auction' between both Albion and the Netherlands, to be decided by which state can give the highest bid.
 * Dutch Republic: Signs an agreement with the Kingdom of Bremen-Hanover to form a trade union.
 * Kongo: Kongo formally declares itself as a distinct ally to the French Realms, allowing for the entry of Franco-Occitan companies into its territory in exchange for the construction of various port and trading settlements and the introduction of certain mechanised technologies.
 * Sokoto: Backed by its age-old Hausa allies, it launches an incursion into the Alvi successor state in the hopes of taking control of old Galatoi gold mines.
 * Order of Avesta: After years of Malagasy influence, they agree to the deal proposed.

British Western Territories | Albionite New World Colonies

 *  Government:  Due to reformations dating back to 1717 (Self-Enlightenment and Governance Act, the Commonwealth Act), the British territories in the Western Hemisphere has gradually drifted into a sort of self-governance made up of 'colonies', some of which were once protectorates. In the face of the native threat, many colonies has turned to being organized into commonwealths, an organization of neighboring colonies for the purpose of promoting their own economic and military protection. Each commonwealth has their own informal 'council', they rarely meet unless for group decisions in the event of an emergency. Even while they are indirectly controlled or influenced by companies from their mother country, their influence waned over the colonies. As such, many once local companies, led by powerful families that originated from or based in the New World, has quickly grown enough to be able to have influence on par with the "motherland" companies.
 * Self-Enlightenment and Governance Act (1717): As the Enlightenment spread to the colonies, there were increasing calls for a more 'local' brands of governance. Direct control by the mainland British government would be slowly switched to 'indirect', and control by companies based overseas would be phased out in favor of more separate local rule. In some colonies, local branches (or local companies) would become heavily favored. However, in practice this would turn into a subtle power-vacuum for local powerful families to fill in the gaps.
 * Commonwealth Act (1718): As most protection under the British companies would be lost, and the British government would take more of a 'backseat', a more defensive system is set in place in order. Commonwealths were set up to provide a rapid and combined response in the case of hostile attack from outside forces such as other colonies or hostile native kingdoms/empires rather than tribes.
 *  Commonwealths & Colonies (w/ Population):  6.400M Total. With the establishment of the Commonwealths, there has been a more accurate census for the population of each colony, which turned out to be larger than previously recorded. One of the many reasons was due to the records only showing subjects from Britain themselves and not other places such as the Germanic states, France, or Hispania. Of the total ethnicities, only almost a fifth are descendants from British settlers. But all colonists would consider themselves subjects of Albion. The number of slaves are around 427k, mostly in Elysia and Catonzia Commonwealths.
 *  Vinland Commonwealth:  1,958k. The Vinland Commonwealth, once the kingdom of Vinland that ruled over the northern part of the continent, they have a long history of brutal conflict and division. It was not until the arrival of the British that things have rapidly calmed down. The Vinland colonies eventually fell under the influence of Albion and were naturally divided up by their own accord, but a significant amount of customs still survive (like Odinism). They experience greater autonomy over other colonies, as unlike others they peacefully and willingly joined. The colony has strong Norse influence, but in recent times became more "British" as a diverse range of settlers came rolling in. This is also in part due to the slower population growth due to emigration to other colonies, only other settlers would stunt the decline. However, half of the Vinland colonies fell under the influence of other families.
 * Agatha: The Realm of Frost and snowy Homesteads is founded and integrated as a fully fledged British colony by 1643. The Schaefer family recently established themselves here, from the German states. They easily established themselves as popular within the Agatha Militiamen.
 * Asturia: Once known as Asturgatan, the British colony was founded in 1643 and has strong Odinist roots. They have one of the longest histories compared to the other colonies, with the exception of Belamane.
 * Belamach (Belamane): The beating heart of the old Vinland realm and Odinism in Arcadia, it mainly centers itself on the edges of the (OTL) St. Lawrence river. It became integrated up as an official British colony by 1643.
 * Culland: While established as a colony like its neighbors in 1643, they actually owned a small part of its modern form when it was first created. It was not only until a couple decades later that the land that belonged to the tribes were gradually integrated into the colony. The Owens family, descendants of Erin Owens, became an influential family in this place. They led the expansion and development of the land over generations.
 *  Midland Commonwealth:  542k. The Midland Commonwealth, also known as the northern Heartlands, is the heartland of recent European settlement in the colonies, with the colonies in the Commonwealth typically covered with more modern architecture dating to the Enlightenment Era. Although Deasaheim (or Desaham) and New York has non-British origins, their populations are quickly outnumbered by settlers coming from different parts of Europe. The Midlands are also the economic center of the colonies north of Elysia, and has quickly grown to rival their neighbors to the south in terms of trade, setting up future cultural and economic boundaries. They are experiencing the highest rapid growth over the other commonwealths around this time.
 * Deasaheim (Desaham): Early history of the former Norse colony dates back hundreds of years before the arrival of the British, it was not until the early 1510s that the region truly took shape, taking its name off of the city "Deasaheim." The British wouldn't start slowly absorbing and establish it as a colony until the late 1630s. By 1645, it has been fully established as a fully-fledged colony. Unlike most other colonies, the colony was populated by a secondary wave of immigrants who came from other colonies instead of those who migrated directly from Europe. In the late 1600s, the Hammet family, the most influential family in the colony, moved from Pendraconia to establish a settlement called Trentowne. It became a center hub for many settlers from Pendraconia to go to, and serves as a gateway for immigration into the colony. Natural resources in the colony included agricultural land, forests (timber), iron ore, coal, and furs. Major exports from the colony included livestock, rice, wheat, indigo, rice, grain and other agricultural products.
 * New York: Originally founded as a Dutch colony in the early 1600s, "New Netherlands" was birthed from blood and fire. They experienced rapid expansion after conquering all hostile tribes from all sides. It was not until 1674 that the colony fell under British rule. A separate branch of the King family that just recently settled in Arcadia established a new independent branch of the BAKA company was set up in the colony shortly after it was fully set up as a fully-fledged colony and the occupation ceased. It has no formal governing powers, but it did not grow into influence until after recent reformations. The King family has a shadowy influence in the colony's affairs.
 * Lansenia: The colony was originally founded as a safehaven colony in 1565 for Azure Pilgrims, with the early name of "Plymouth", led by John(?) Mordue. At first, the faction ran into many issues, mainly trying to survive the winter. They were helped by a local tribesman nearby and the colony has just begun to become stabilized. Since then, the colony experienced great growth and expansion. In the present time, they became a hub for fishing and other coastal industries in the northern colonies.
 * Pendraconia: The colony was set up by William Penn in 1681, a colony splintered off from Elysia to become a haven for diverse beliefs, ranging from oppressed Catholics to Quakers. The Baskerville is the most powerful family in this colony, but considering the family has branches that served the King family (also the same ones that influences New York), the King family also has considerable influence in Pendraconia as well (especially the north). The colony is known for their friendliness towards the native tribes, specifically the Lenape and Nitanee. Their vast groundwork potential for farms, lumber, coalmines, and iron production are also not to be underestimated.
 *  Elysian Commonwealth:  2,400K Elysian Commonwealth, also known as the southern Heartlands are colonies that were once part of the greater Elysian realm. Architecture there has been dated to as far back as the 1200s and 1300s, and more recent buildings has taken on a more "Neo-Byzantine" style once Elysia and its neighbors to the south has been gradually absorbed into the British sphere. Since then, their rapid expansion outwards has found a greater need for slaves, and by the 1700s the colonies in the Commonwealth has taken on a more agrarian lifestyle beyond the cities of the coastlines, with a fifth of the population being African slaves in hand. Cash crops like tobacco, rice, and cotton are considered the staple to the economy of the southern colonies. Many native tribes that were absorbed into these colonies (willingly) has been considered to be 'civilized', though has faced some discrimination and hostilities due to their mixed history with the old Greek settlers. However, much of the colonies located in this Commonwealth set an example for the rest of the colonies to follow due to being one of the first British colonies.
 * Elysia: the Realm of Marble and Wine, the origin of all Greeks in the New World. The colony has shown its earliest settlement in the early 1200s after the 4th Crusade. Ever since, it has became a hub of diverse beliefs, a mix of both Orthodox Christianity and cult Hellenism (paganism), while there were tensions between the two groups, they somehow get along (at least within the current borders of the Elysian colony). The colony has fields of tobacco and wine, and early permanent British settlement began in the 1561, with the establishment of Jamestown after a devastating Elysian War that started in 1553. Since then, the large state/colony of Elysia has been slowly chipped away to other newer states or colonies under the BFG company. Since the reformations, the Faber family became the most influential house in this place, supplanting the older Greek houses, with an industry and desire to travel west.
 * Laconia: Laconia was once a heavily divided history, with the Grand Duchy of Crotania long before that. On more recent maps, they are shown as a united place, and referred to as such. The colony has remnants of the Powhatans, though many more people are those who could trace their origins to Elysian settlers from the north. The Lloyd family, a powerful family with a military background, has taken up shop here after the Atouman Wars in Europe and quickly gained respect among the local population. The Trengouses also has some influence in a couple cities in this colony.
 * North Eldia: The old united Eldia colony had a long history of conflict in its pre-British years. Only had finally been united by its establishment as a colony under the control of the MOM company by the 1600s. The colony was split in 1705 and by the reformation, the MOM company was gradually supplanted by the local Kilmer and Trengouse families. There has also been a long time rivalry between the two families, as the Trengouse are coastal urban elites, trading fish and other seafoods. Meanwhile, the Kilmer family are more powerful in the countryside where the agrarian society resides, growing the standard cash crops.
 * South Eldia: The Realm of Summer and Indigo, the colony was established in 1705 after the Eldia colony was split by the British. The biggest production of this colony is its cash crops like tobacco, rice, and cotton. But the economy of indigo is almost exclusively in South Eldia. The Solheim family plantations are the leading producers of indigo and rice, dominating the flow of trade that comes in and out of South Eldia. Though, they merely have gotten a head start due to their rich and noble origins from Vestkyst. The colony seeks new frontiers with its colonial government having generally positive relations with the neighboring native states.
 *  Catonzian Commonwealth:  963k. If one were to travel to the Catonzian Commonwealth, you would be amazed at the number of Hispanian, French, or "Native New-Worlders" inhabiting these parts. Though many of them remain separate, with many Natives being considered "second-class", but are still above slaves, with the exception of Cofitachequi. It is considered one of the more culturally distinct parts of the colonies as they are the most recent non-British entities to be influenced. Many older buildings in these colonies typically takes on a more Hispanian look. Like the neighboring Elysian Commonwealth to the north, the colonies of the deep south has been touched by a growing reliance on slavery. Their cash crops are mainly rice and cotton.
 * Cofitache: Cofitache, a land belonging to the people once known as the Cofitachequi, is dominated by Muskogean native culture. They are newest colony of the bunch and are still in development since its integration, but boasts plenty of settled places as well. Unlike most colonies, it already came with its own developed apparatus largely intact from its peaceful integration. Since then, many settlers poured across the border, but were mostly restricted to certain places to help keep the old native kingdom's integrity. The most influential family of the colony is the family of its native leader. Settler/colonist-wise, the Stonehart family has recently moved in and helped began economic development. The Stonehart family mainly came from the coastal cities along northern East Catonzia.
 * East Catonzia: (Rewritten) The history of Catonzia had been once a powerful state in the gulf before it became subjected to a colony. It was later ruled by the Hispanians through a combination of deals and conquests. In 1705, the colony was established as a split from the main state, as the British administration considered the territory too large to administer. The territory is the center of the rice trade of the colonies, as the experiment originated there. The Suazo family took up shop there, becoming a little more influential due to spearheading the spread of rice.
 * West Catonzia: In 1705, West Catonzia has an identity separate from East Catonzia. Most of West Catonzia was not originally part of Osnerol, the original exonym to the region given by the conquering Hispanians. Therefore, most of West Catonzia is filled by Hispanian, French, and British colonists. The Emanuel family is the most popular one in the region, serving as its governors as recently as the start of the 18th century.
 * Atlantean Commonwealth?: 88k.
 * Bahamas: Once known as New Valcanor, the island was acquired from the war with Hispania, the same one where the British sunk the Hispanian Armada.
 * Belize (Honduras): Acquired after the League Wars from Iberia/Hispania. They are known for their timber.
 * Mosquito Coast: Acquired after the League Wars from Iberia/Hispania. They are known for their timber, like their northern counterpart.
 * Virgin Islands (Shattered Isles): Nothing happens in the Virgin Islands.
 * Other: 22k. Those who are not under a Commonwealth
 * British Amazon: The lands here are remnants of a long struggle to keep it, after an uprising of native tribes of the Amazons has pushed the British to the shores. Many veterans were produced from this war that lasted for decades and many generations. Only bases on their islands are left standing.
 * British Falklands: Discovered a long time ago, though to the British its by Captain Drake, they are the most inhabited colony outside of the commonwealths.
 * British Galapagos? N/A
 * British Hudson Bay: Settlers from the great White North, roughly around OTL Hudson Bay. 10k+
 * British Hudson Bay: Settlers from the great White North, roughly around OTL Hudson Bay. 10k+


 *  Military  Most of the colonial military of the colonies are currently directly controlled by the British. But since the Self-Enlightenment and Governance Act, troops are being slowly pulled out in favor of local militias. The Commonwealths are formed to help provide each other economic and military support in times of crisis as a result of this pull out.
 * Catonzia Commonwealth (26,760 Men total)
 * Marksman Infantry: 7,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 7,000
 * Catonzian Musketeers: 8,260
 * Field Artillerymen: 1,000
 * Logistical Support: 3,500
 * Elysian Commonwealth (27,501 Men total)
 * Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 5,000
 * Marksman Infantry: 10,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 3,000
 * Light Cavalry: 1,000
 * Elysian Cavalry: 300
 * Heavy Cavalry: 350
 * Bow Cavalry: 300???
 * Field Artillerymen: 501
 * Logistical Support: 7,000
 * Midland Commonwealth (13,500 Men total)
 * Lansenia Militia: 4,000
 * New York Militia: 2,500
 * Pendraconia Militia: 3,000
 * "Desaham" Militia: 4,000
 * Vinland Commonwealth (6,344 Men total)
 * Marksman Infantry: 6,000
 * Field Artillerymen: 344
 * Other Colonies: 5,895
 * Total Army: 80,000 Troops (including Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillerymen)
 * Total Navy: Between 80 to 130 ships, mostly light or armed merchant trade ships (WIP)
 *  Diplomacy: 
 * Nitanee: The British colony of Pendraconia offers the native state peaceful integration and reservations of land for settlers in exchange for protection against the growing Yenreshkanaan threat.
 *  Events; 
 * Check "Self-Enlightenment and Governance" and the "Commonwealth" Acts under " Government "
 * Check Diplomacy.
 * Road to Self-Governance: Most of the colonial military of the colonies are currently directly controlled by the British. But since the Self-Enlightenment and Governance Act, troops are being slowly pulled out in favor of local militias. The Commonwealths are formed to help provide each other economic and military support in times of crisis as a result of this pull out. (copypasted from  Military )
 * TL;DR:
 * Nitanee, offered a deal, would go through peaceful integration into Pendraconia by 1732.
 * British Hudson Bay will attempt to expand along the northern coastlines, a thing that has been lagging for decades.

Sovereign Realm of Vestkyst | Herskeriket Vestkyst

 * Government: Unicameral constitutional monarchy, matrilineal succession.
 * Hersker: Iris Henriettasdotter (b. 1671, r. 1705 - )
 * Consort-Regent: Maximilian von Falkenhayn (from June 1722)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Sólskjær (since 1397)
 * Arving: Johanna Irisdotter (b. 1700) (until June 1722), Isolde Irisdotter (b. 1701) (from June 1722)
 * Storforsamling: 82 seats, consisting of 18 barons and 64 elected officials.
 * Economy: Driven mainly through export of maritime products (mainly fish and whales), lumbering and trans-Atlantic trade. Other sources of income, such as the Øresund toll, are also explored.
 * Diplomatic Relations:
 * Allies: Albion.
 * Enemies: Svearike.
 * Capital: Bergen (Secondary: Oslo)
 * Demographics: (total population: approx. 3,8 million)
 * Vestkyst Proper: 3,45 million (90,8%)
 * Bergen: 75k
 * Hamborg: 69k
 * Oslo: 61k
 * København: 52k
 * Trondheim: 48k
 * Stavanger: 41k
 * Sigridshavn: 35k
 * Lund: 30k
 * Vänernstad: 26k
 * Odense: 25k
 * Lybæk: 24k
 * Esbjerg: 18k
 * Ålesund: 16k
 * Tromsø: 10k
 * Smaller Settlements & Rural Localities: 3,02 million.
 * Iceland: 63k (1,6%)
 * Overseas Territories: (approx. 250k, 6,6%)
 * Spekkeborg: 150
 * Grønland: 1k
 * Vinland: 248k
 * Ethnicity: 60% Vestkysten, 16,7% Dano-Vestkysten, 15,6% Vinlander, 4,1% German, 2,6% Sámi, approx. 1% other ethnicities (Albionite, Svean,...)
 * Effectively, Dano-Vestkysten is more of a geographical than ethnic designation as the population of the region has been more or less integrated over time through the union.
 * Religion: 98,7% Ásatrú denominations, 1,3% others (Christian sects, etc.)
 * Military:
 * Army:
 * Standing Army: Official land forces of the Herskeriket, these troops are available consistently and act as both internal security forces as well as men for war. Officially called (Hersker)hæren.
 * 56 000 total (approx 1,47% total population)
 * 36 000 infantry
 * 8 000 cavalry
 * 12 000 artillerymen
 * Levies: While diminished in stature, the few barons around still provide some personal levies, only called up in times of war.
 * Approximately 1500 to 1700, mostly infantry.
 * Navy: Known officially as Herskermarinen or colloquially Sjøforsvaret, the Vestkysten Royal Navy bears the prefix HVM (Herskeren Vestkysten Marine), a practice borrowed from the Albionite counterpart. Mainly used for coastal defence and enforcing free trade and thus mostly consisting of smaller, more agile but more lightly armed vessels, the Royal Navy does possess several notable ships, namely:
 * HVN Fiete Kjær: The de facto flagship of the Sjøforsvaret, the Fiete Kjær is originally a 90-gun ship-of-the-line. Ten additional guns were fitted in some time after 1700, bringing the total number to 100 guns.
 * HVN Anastasia & Løvenskiold: 82-gun ship-of-the-lines, two of the newest vessels constructed.
 * HVN Ålesund: 40-gun frigate. Built shortly before the Four Claimants’ War, the Ålesund is the oldest ship in the Royal Navy, having survived the war relatively unscathed and maintained generally well.
 * Liljesriddere: Commonly known as the Knights of the North, they have their roots in Fiete Kjær’s Knights of the Round Table branch and serve as the Royal family’s personal guards, retinues, escorts and also acts as an elite fighting force in wars. Swordsmanship is a compulsory skill for a Liljesridder, but members are also trained in more contemporary weaponry (e.g. firearms) for warfare.
 * 500 members.
 * Reserves: Manpower not part of the army but can be drafted in times of war. Logistical / non-frontline personnel are also included.
 * 185 000, mainly of Vestkysten and Dano-Vestkysten ethnicities.
 * Wars and Conflicts:
 * Vestkysten War for the Svean Throne:
 * Cause of War: Valid claim on heirless Svean throne.
 * Pro-Vestkyst Support: Areas surrounding the capital of Stockholm and the affluent Finnish city of Åbo have been identified to be locations with substantial support for the Vestkysten claim by the Herskermarinen; however, support from Bergen would be scant as carrying troops through the Baltic Sea is deemed to great a risk against the Svean navy. Until we break through, they will have to hold out on their own.
 * Scanian Front: The disastrous defeat of June 1622 set back the war effort greatly, ending up with Svean forces occupying Scania and southern Viken, while setting siege to the important city of Gøteborg. Isolde’s retreat and regroup proved fruitful as it allowed the city to be relieved, serving as a springboard to push out Svean occupancy in Vestkysten territory. (refer The Inheritor)
 * Romerike Front: The front was relatively silent until Iris returned to the field, capturing Örebro in November 1724. (refer Steelborne)
 * Laponian Front: Laponian legions moved onwards to capture the city of Uleåborg while the corridor of occupancy ending at Tornio and Kiemi remained heavily contested.
 * Maavald Campaign: Conducted by the Sjøforsvaret, the goal was to gain whatever untouched by the Keisarian advance - namely, the two major Maavalda islands - Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The latter was taken after an amphibious landing on Kärdla, the island’s municipal center, and without much resistance (in part due to the Keisarian mishap), the entire island was occupied just in time for winter. Hiiumaa was also captured some time in 1720.
 * Diplomacy:
 * Events:
 * Steelborne:  There was only one word that described the Vestkysten line that day. Untenable. No one knew what happened, but the assault that was thought to be a clear victory turned to disaster - and for the Hersker, even more so. In a single day, Iris lost two of her daughters - one in battle, and one captured, and had to be carted out haemorrhaging. At the mercy of Hel, she was barely alive after surgeons had to amputate her right leg below the knee and left hand after irreversible injuries taken on the field. As if the mental trauma isn’t already enough, the physical loss meant she was effectively incapacitated from her usual duties. To think that three decades of warfare all came crashing down in just one moment… While the consort, Maximilian von Falkenhayn returned to Bergen and assumed regency, Iris remained confined in Oslo, inconsolable and grieving. For the first few weeks, her only solace was Isolde’s visit, who came by after being named Arving to take over the command of the war effort. Though what transpired was unknown, Iris insisted on being provided crutches and would start taking daily walks in the garden, despite her physicians’ vehement disapproval for fear of her health. It would be the start of a period where, away from the heat of battle in Scania and the political dealings in Bergen, the old Hersker would attempt to return to her normal routine. Then one of her trusty aides brought up a certain innovation - prostheses. With such devices, perhaps she can ease her return to normalcy. Shortly after, a steel hand and leg was made to fit the Hersker, taking the place of the lost digits almost seamlessly. Isolde would return once again to visit her mother in 1624, days after the successful Reconquest of Lund, under the pretense of mustering extra reserves for the ever bloodier frontline. News of the gradual progression pleased Iris, who was nonetheless still disappointed she did not get to see the advance with her own eyes. Her third daughter, on departure, asked her to remain in place to nurse her health - a sincere wish, no doubt. But Iris had other plans. Her aides and advisors have known it from day one. Isolde, who was overseeing the war, did not. The Hersker would return to the battlefield. For her adult life has been full of warfare, a prolonged stint out of possibly the biggest conflict in her career was disheartening, but she would not let trivial things like losing a hand and leg stop her from returning. With prostheses equipped, and her small retinue assembled, the steel-clad Hersker departed Oslo one early December night. Two weeks later, Örebro was captured. From the fleeing garrison spread the story of an invincible steelborne figure, striking from the nocturnal darkness, haunting and annihilating those who stood in her path, in search of revenge for those who wronged her - the Chevalier of Steel.
 * The Inheritor: Isolde did not expect that she would have to shoulder such a responsibility, until the disaster happened. Two weeks hence, she was the new heiress to the throne and leader of the war effort. With the frontlines undermanned, she made the difficult tactical decision to pull back and wait for reserves to be called up. A direct consequence of this was that Svean forces were able to advance unquestioned into Viken and Scania, and half a year afterwards, Svean occupation cornered the cities of Lund, Malmø and Gøteborg. At the suggestion of Mieke Lindemann, who had been organising resupply fleets to Scania, she took another harsh decision - abandoning the Scanian Front and focusing on defending Gøteborg. This allowed Svearike to occupy all of Scania, taking Malmø by June 1623, however, a continuation into Sjælland proved impossible due to Vestkysten naval superiority and control of the Øresund. Two days later, Gøteborg was relieved with the arrival of Lindemann’s newly assembled reserves, and from there, Isolde ordered a push southwards. In just over a year, her meticulous planning and cautious attitude ensured that Vestkyst would slowly but firmly retake lost territories, inflicting key victory after key victory. In September 1624, the new Arving crossed the border once again, ending a remarkable turnaround from that devastating loss just two years ago. Now, they were going to be on the offensive. The throne was within reach.
 * Vinland Relocation: The state of overpopulation in Vinland requires an immediate solution, as it was deemed that the island cannot sustainably support quarter a million people at this point in time. The Vestkysten North Atlantic Company devised a scheme to move some ten to twenty thousand people to settlements in Iceland and Vestkyst proper, with reimbursements promised to those who agreed to the movement. The scheme was brought up in the Great Assembly and approved, and the scheme officially went into effect in 1721. The process is projected to take a long time.

The United Kingdoms of the British Isles (Albion)

 * Note: If you wish to engage in diplomacy with me, please DM me on Discord (BubbleRocket1#8016)

Government: Constitutional Monarchy


 * Drakes:
 * George I (M, b. 1662 - 1719) (R: 1684 - 1719)
 * Richard I (M, b. 1697 - ) (R: 1719 - )
 * Important People:
 * King Family
 * Jocelyn King (F, b. 16?? - 169X)
 * Fortuna King (F, b. 1609 - 169X)
 * Lumi King (F, b. 164X - )

Economy: The economy of British Isles consists of trade and commerce of a variety of materials. The primary export products of the UK are fish, wool, cloth, and a variety of vegetables.

Main Religion: Christianity

Cities and Demographics:


 * Population:  20.910 million
 * British Mainland: 8.923 million
 * British Settlers: 1.758 million
 * British Arcadia: 1.665 million
 * Elysian Population: 502.6k
 * Includes Elysia, Laconia, Desaheim, and New York
 * Eldia Population: 394.1k
 * Includes North and South Eldia
 * Catonzia Population: 421.7k
 * Includes East and West Catonzia
 * Cofitache Population: 37.3k
 * Pendraconia Population: 53.4k
 * Lansenia Population: 256.7k
 * Other: 92.8k
 * British Yolngu: 54.5k
 * British Gujarat: 15.5k
 * British Nagasato: 10.3k
 * British Amekrogu: 12.5k
 * British Arcadian Slaves: 427k
 * British External Subjects: 9.835 million
 * Vinland Local Population: 1.958 million external subjects
 * Agatha: 1,005k
 * Asturia: 123k
 * Belamach: 503k
 * Culland: 327k
 * Elysian Local Population: 1.508 million external subjects
 * Includes the population of the states of Elysia and Laconia
 * Elysia: 951k
 * Laconia: 325k
 * Deasaheim: 153k
 * New York: 79k
 * Eldia Local Population: 323 thousand external subject
 * Cofitache Local Population: 70 thousand external subjects
 * Catonzia Local Population: 435 thousand external subjects
 * East Catonzia:110k
 * West Catonzia: 325k
 * British Honduras: Roughly 2,500 overall (for both island chains in the area)
 * Yolgnu Local Population: 237 thousand external subjects
 * Gujarat Local Population: 5,017 thousand external subjects
 * Nagasatoan Local Population: 347 thousand external subjects
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito Island Bases: 4,008
 * Port Kingpin: 2,428
 * Albish Galapagos: 9,653
 * Albish Falklands: 1,422
 * British Bahamas: 84,187
 * British Shattered isles: 6,323
 * British Belize: 513


 * Cities
 * Brighton: A newer shipbuilding facility located on the English Channel.
 * Birmingham: A quiet town that is the location of McCarthy Arms Company, one of, if not, the oldest firearms companies to date.
 * Calais: One of the few French towns still owned by the British, it is a prosperous city that is one of the most important trading hubs in the North Sea.
 * Dover: Main location of the British navy. While elements of the navy are located throughout the territory, the headquarters of the navy are located here. In addition, Dover is the main trading hub between it and Caen.
 * Dublin: Main hub of Ireland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * Elysiapolis: The capital of the Elysian province, as well as the main headquarters for the BFG Company.
 * Fort Avalon: An old British camp located in Vinland. Though mostly uninhabited, it is staffed by a skeleton crew, in the event of a British ship stranding itself on the Vinland island.
 * Though the island is now under Vestkyst control, the British still maintain control of the small fort.
 * Gibraltar: An important town the British claimed in the League Wars. Essentially give them control of who can and cannot leave the Mediterranan, though the British generally let anyone pass, not wishing to piss anyone off.
 * Glaemchester: A British town north of London, this city is known to house various wealthy nobles, with some of the finest tapestries being produced here.
 * Glasgow: Main hub of Scotland, and location of the regional capital of the area.
 * London: The capital of England, and location of the throne.
 * New London: The location of the British East Indian Company’s base-of-operations in India. Population primarily of locals, though as time progresses, more European influence seeps into the town.
 * Portsmouth: The location of the first drydocks in history, which became the founding of various legendary ships of the Royal Navy
 * Port Kingpin: Though not the capital of Yolngu, it does serve as the main hub by which the BAKA Gaikokuhito operate from, in addition to the main location of the local British garrison.
 * York: Main center of England’s eastern fishing company. Also where a bulk of British trading companies are located, evident from the various merchant caravels present there.
 * Colonial Forts/Towns
 * British East India Company (India)
 * Cape Town (South Africa)
 * Fort Dolphin (Africa - Matagaskar)
 * New London (India) (Known as Diu to India)
 * BAKA Mitai (Africa)
 * Fort Akan (Africa)
 * Fort Galatoi (Galatoi, Africa)
 * BFG Company (Elysia Area)
 * Fort Epheria (Elysia)
 * Fort Elysia (Elysia)
 * Jamestown (Elysia)
 * HALO Company (Amekrogu)
 * Fort Infinity (Amekrogu)
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito (Southeast Asia)
 * Port Kingpin (Yolngu)
 * Portsmith (Galapagos)
 * Port Stanley (Falklands)
 * Other
 * Fort Avalon (Vestkyst-Vinland)
 * New Glaemchester (Lansenia)

Wars and Conflicts


 * North America: British companies begin to exert control over regions with usage of promises of trade and prosperity
 * Though it should be said that some companies add in the risk of war if the British do not get their way in the matter, though others are far more friendly with their actions.
 * Hudson Bay: Britain begins work on a drydock in the area, with the plans of turning the Hudson Bay into both a town for fisherman and shipbuilders.
 * Yolngu Australia: Due to the combined influence of both Britain and the local Yolngu trade, their influence over the island-continent spreads, especially along the coast.
 * New Zealand: BAKA Gaikokuhito ships discovered the island of New Zealand in 1714 while establishing trading routes around the Eastern Coast of Australia.
 * The island is named “Sealand” by some of its earliest British settlers (which doesn’t make much sense)
 * In 1723, a base camp was established in the island, known as Fort Sealand. From there, expeditionary groups on the island run into the natives, as they begin forging a relationship (with heavy assistance from the Yolngu people)
 * Creation of Kings: The British, now in control of the following territories, establishes a local government in each territory that is loyal to the British. WIth the only criteria being that the countries must assist Britain when necessary, they will experience the protection of the British Military as well as enjoy British trade
 * British Gujarat: Largely, the local government remains the same, though some of the higher-ups are swapped with those loyal to the British.
 * British Akan: Tribes are asked to have an informant for each tribe who act as a governing body to assist the British-established Akan King with governing the territory.

Armed Forces


 * Total: 280,266 Manpower (1.3% of population)
 * British Royal Army Corps
 * Total: 159,295
 * British Defense Force: (British Mainland)
 * Marksman Infantry: 15,050
 * Light Cavalry: 5,250
 * Heavy Cavalry: 3,050
 * Field Artillerymen: 5,634
 * Field cannons: 1,378
 * Logistical Support: 23,000
 * British Arcadian Force: (In Arcadia)
 * Catonzia Garrison
 * Marksman Infantry: 7,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 7,000
 * Catonzian Musketeers: 8,260
 * Field Artillerymen: 1,000
 * Field cannons: 500
 * Logistical Support: 3,500
 * Elysian Garrison
 * Multi-purpose Shock Infantry: 5,000
 * Marksman Infantry: 10,000
 * Elysian Musketeers: 3,000
 * Light Cavalry: 1,000
 * Elysian Cavalry: 300
 * Heavy Cavalry: 350
 * Bow Cavalry: 300
 * Field Artillerymen: 501
 * Field cannons: 167
 * Logistical Support: 7,000
 * British Vinland
 * Marksman Infantry: 6,000
 * Field Artillerymen: 344
 * Field cannons: 100
 * British Gibraltar:
 * Marksman Infantry: 30,000
 * Light Cavalry: 2,500
 * Field Artillerymen: 464
 * Field cannons: 142
 * British Yolngu
 * Marksman Infantry: 10,000
 * Light Cavalry: 750
 * Yolngu Local Army: Unknown
 * Roundtable Knights (Elite): 8,900
 * These are Britain’s elite forces. A rebirthed version sprouting from Artoria’s original group of holy knights, this force has never lost a battle, and has unwavering loyalty to the crown and the Order of the Roundtable, willing to fight to the death for the survival of the British Isles.
 * While most are able to fight, members of the Roundtable are encouraged to branch out into their own craft, such as pottery and sheepherding, with the idea that everyone should act like a Roundtable Knight and give their all into both their craft and their country.
 * The only way to become a Roundtable Knight is to be selected by an existing member of the group. Most knights tend to make apprentices out of those they recruit to the Roundtable, and generally, no one usually complains when a Roundtable Knight selects someone to join the ranks of the Roundtables. Depending on the country/chapter, one can also be appointed to the Roundtable by the crown.
 * In 1527, three factions were formed within the Roundtables
 * The Crimson Sun
 * The Azure Moon
 * The White Orchids
 * Renames themselves Orchid Heaven in 1542
 * With the victory of the Crimson Sun at the end of the conflict, things have settled down.
 * Modernization of 1602: Reforms the Roundtable Knights to act as elite units within the Army, as well as guards for Royalty.
 * In 1615, the London Guard is formed, to both protect the Royal Family, Parliament, and the citizens of the city as a police force, though will prioritize the protection of government personnel and property than that of the citizen
 * Notable (Living) Members:
 * The Drake Family
 * Sir Oliver Cromwell
 * British Merchant Arms Company:
 * An organization owned by the British government that was established to help veterans from the League Wars slowly assimilate back into civilian life while giving them the opportunity to see the world.
 * Mainly employed by the British Merchant Companies to secure their gains and the likes.
 * Personnel: 21,500
 * British Mainland: 17,000
 * Eldia: 2,000
 * Amekrogu: 1,000
 * British Royal Navy Corps:
 * Personnel: 28,122 (combined between both fleets)
 * Rating System (1667): Devised by Fortuna King and Samuel, this serves as a rough guide for the sizes of ships at the British’s disposal. (Shown below is the rating system in the 18th century)
 * First Rate: 100+ guns, 600+ sailors
 * Second Rate: 80-99 guns, 500-599 sailors
 * Third Rate: 60-80 guns, 400-499 sailors
 * Fourth Rate: 50-60 guns, 300-399 sailors
 * Fifth Rate: 30-49 guns, 200-299 sailors
 * Sixth Rate: 20-29 guns, up to 200 sailors
 * Naval Vessels:
 * HMS Sovereign (First-rate Ship-of-the-Line)
 * 102-gun ship-of-the-line continuing the legacy of HMS Soverign of the Seas
 * Luke-class First-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 2
 * 96-gun ship-of-the-lines built. Based on HMS Prince Royal, but with slightly reworked interiors, allowing for four more additional guns to be mounted.
 * HMS Prince Royal
 * 92-gun First-rate Ship-of-the-Line
 * The first ship-of-the-line built as a ship-of-the-line.
 * Elysia-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 4
 * 80-gun warships designed off of the Royal Oak-class
 * Royal Oak-class Second-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 4
 * 76-gun vessels that are more than capable of holding their own.
 * Hotel-class Third-rate Carrier Vessel: 5
 * A ship built from the ground-up to carry both supplies, British Marines, and Vinland Longboats for various situations. Always escorted by vessels of similar size or larger.
 * Capacity: 14 Vinland longboats (10 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 550
 * Warspite-class Third-rate Ship-of-the-Line: 10
 * 64-gun vessels that are capable of serving as flagships in their own regards, though cannot hold much of a candle to larger vessels in terms of firepower.
 * Victory-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Victory
 * 50-gun warships designed to breakthrough enemy formations, and is the largest ship in the British arsenal until 1637
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Ember-class Third-rate British Frigate: 1
 * Main flagship: HMS Ember
 * 45-gun warships, obsolete by the 1600's
 * Only the HMS Ember is kept for training purposes, as a permanent drydock is built for her.
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Stolen by the Dutch in 1674
 * Glaemchester-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 10
 * Essentially a Swallow-class Interceptor, but built to stand up to combat against other ships of its size.
 * 42-gun Frigate that’s cheaper to maintain than the Victory-class while stronger than the Third-rates
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667
 * Bluefin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor Xebec: 5
 * Improved version of the Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor. Features the same number of guns but is slightly faster.
 * Reclassified as a Third-rate vessel in 1667
 * Suffolk-class Fourth-rate Interceptor-Xebec: 7
 * 34-gun fourth-rate xebec that is essentially an upsized Yellowfin-class interceptor.
 * Phoenix-class Fourth-rate Frigate: 21
 * 32-gun frigates that form the backbone of the British Navy
 * The replacement for the Cabigail-class Carrack, with a hull design based on the Victory-class
 * Reclassified as a Fourth-rate vessel in 1667.
 * Super-Spyder-class Carrier Vessels: 5
 * Lightly armed frigates around the same size as the Ember-class First-rate frigates designed to carry both marines and Vinland longboats for use in various operations, such as supporting fleets in areas where the large size of the British vessels are a hindrance, as well as serving as landing craft for said marines onboard.
 * Capacity: 16 Vinland longboats (12 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 480
 * Spyder-class Carrier Caravel: 5
 * Lightly armed caravels retrofitted to carry eight Vinland longboats within for use in narrower areas, where the caravels and galleons would have issues navigating
 * Capacity: 12 Vinland longboats (8 under deck, 4 on deck)
 * Marines: 400
 * Yellowfin-class Fifth-rate Interceptor: 7
 * A 28-gun interceptor based on designs found in Northern Africa. Has the same firepower as other frigates of its size while being much faster.
 * Vinlandia-class Fifth-rate Galley-Frigate: 8
 * 26-gun fifth-rate galley frigate that uses both oars and sails for movement
 * Upon successful sea trials in 1668 as well as success in small skirmishes raiding New Netherlands merchant vessels, 6 more ships were ordered for the Vinlandia-class
 * Phoenix-class Fifth-rate Frigate: 24
 * A 24-gun ship that’s smaller than the usual capital ships found in the fleet. Mainly used in distant areas, such as Yolngu and India.
 * Olive-class Fifth-rate Multi-purpose Frigate: 100
 * The replacement for the Dove-class Dual-purpose Merchant Caravels. While being around the same size as the Dove’s, the internal design of the ship is improved, allowing for more cargo to be stored within.
 * Mainly given to British merchants for their merchant fleets, though still kept on record in British documents to bloat the numbers.
 * Bombardier-class Brigs: 73
 * Small 18-gun ships smaller than even the old carracks. Due to their price, the British can afford to purchase a lot of Brigs in order to leave squadrons of them at various naval ports around the globe.
 * Abalone-class Sloops: 31
 * Small multi-role 12-gun ships meant to fill roles that can’t be easily filled with the larger Brigs
 * Ketone-class Ketch: 6
 * A ketch around the size of the Abalone-class sloops designed specifically for ship-to-ground combat. Armed primarily with mortars and light cannons for self-defense.
 * Vinland Longboats: (depends on the number of carriers)
 * Small vessels that can be deployed in regions to support larger ships from carrier vessels with their smaller cannons and enhanced mobility.
 * Armed with two 2-pounder MAC Cannons
 * Reef-class Weaponized Catamaran: 7
 * Prototype catamarans designed to act in support of larger vessels in Southeast Asia.
 * Serves a similar role to the Vinland longboat, though is more nimble, at the cost of firepower.
 * British Royal Marine Corps:
 * A branch of both the Army and Navy, consisting of units who are trained in unorthodox tactics to bring around victory.
 * Special Programs:
 * SPARTAN Program: In addition, a program was opened up for the select Marines in 1616 to become elite troops within a program for SPecialized Armed forces for Reconnaissance, Tactical, And Neutralizing Operations, or SPARTAN Ops for short.
 * Those within the unit are known as SPARTANS, and are pulled from both the Marines and Roundtable Knights
 * Often would be given experimental weapons for field testing
 * These units are the penultimate guerilla troop within the British ranks, primarily acting in operations deep behind enemy lines, though can also fight alongside normal troops when necessary
 * These troops provide a large morale boost to allied units in their vicinity as their infamy spreads
 * Personnel: 44,200
 * Multi-Purpose Shock Marines (MPSM): 42,400
 * Mainland Britain: 16,900
 * Gibraltar: 10,000
 * Arcadia: 3,500
 * 500 Elysian MPSM
 * Amekrogu: 12,000
 * SPARTANS: 350
 * Mainland Britain: 275
 * Elysia: 25
 * Amekrogu: 50
 * Skirmisher Shock Light Cavalry (SSLC): 4,050
 * Mainland Britain: 3,050
 * Gibraltar: 500
 * Arcadia: 500
 * Light Artillery Pieces: 3,260
 * Mainland Britain: 3,000
 * Gibraltar: 200
 * Arcadia: 0
 * Amekrogu: 60

Notable Companies and Organizations

McCarthy Arms Company (MAC):

McCarthy Arms Company (MAC) is the main firearms and cannon manufacturer for the British Military. Though other smaller companies exist, none have the prestige nor manufacturing capabilities MAC has.

Produced models:

FL1610 “Wasp MkI” Flintlock Musket (1610)


 * The first musket in the series of muskets made in response to “Manufacture d'armes de Châtellerault” and their flintlock musket.
 * Hastily made, the musket has various issues, and has a higher-than-usual casualty rate among those who use it due to the tendency for the musket’s barrel to implode.
 * Due to this reputation, the musket was given an additional nickname: “Barrel of Surprises”

FL1610E1 “Wasp MkII” Flintlock Musket (1611)


 * A modified L1610 that doesn't implode (more than most muskets of the era).

FL1610E2 “Wasp MkIII” Flintlock musket (1612)


 * The version of the musket that was used by the British Military when they joined the League Wars the same year.
 * This musket features a slightly redesigned barrel, slightly increasing the range and improving the reliability of the musket even more.

FL1610E3 “Wasp MkIV” Flintlock Musket (1614)


 * Essentially the Wasp MkIII, but its components are simplified a bit, allowing for easier production.

FL1616 “Honey MkI” Flintlock Musket (1616)


 * A modified version of the Wasp MkIV for use in hunting.
 * Essentially a simplified version of the Wasp MkIV for commercial purchase
 * Also becomes the model of musket that was exported to allies during the League Wars

FL1610E4 “Wasp MkV” Flintlock Musket (1619)


 * A version of the Wasp MkIV that is made from Yolngu steel, giving the musket more durability

FL1616E1 “Honey MkII” Flintlock Musket (1621)


 * An improved version of the Honey MkI, taking feedback from its users when making said improvements.

FL1625 “Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket (1625)


 * The successor to the Wasp series of muskets, featuring a slightly simplified design for the firing mechanism, allowing for easier construction of the musket, though early versions of the musket has issues due to kinks that weren’t figured out (though not as bad as was seen on the first Wasp muskets)

FL1625E1 “Hornet MkII” Flintlock Musket (1626)


 * Sent into the field in late 1626, the musket fixes the issues seen in the Hornet MkI.

FL1616E2 “Honey MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1627)


 * An improvement over the Honey MkII that features some improvements that were seen on the Hornet-series of muskets.

FL1625E2 “Hornet MkIII” Flintlock Musket (1632)


 * An improved version of the Hornet MkII, and is the primary musket used by the BMAC Company in its early years.

FL1636 “Hornet 2 MkI” Flintlock Musket (1636)


 * Originally just a simple upgrade, the Hornet 2 musket had so many improvements made to it that the company reclassified it as its own series of muskets.
 * Included in the many changes made is the narrower barrel. Though the bullets are smaller, due to a smaller round being used, the bullets are faster, have longer ranges, slightly faster reload, and are marginally more accurate than the original version of the Hornet.
 * Though the musket doesn’t have as good of a stopping power, its improvements arguably offset this weakness.

FL1636E1 “Hornet 2 MkII” Flintlock Musket (1642)


 * Modifications related to its reliability in hot, humid regions are added to the musket.
 * In addition, this is the first musket (used by the British) that was able to mount a bayonet.

XRS1652 “Thunderer” Experimental Revolving Sidearm (1652)


 * An experimental 3-shot revolver produced in extremely few quantities (around 56 or so)
 * The idea is for rounds to be pre-loaded into the revolving barrel of the pistol, which is locked in place by three pins when firing. Once a bullet is expended, the user delaches the pins and manually rotates the barrel before locking it back in place. This process is tedious and doesn’t give the gun that much of an advantage over normal conventional pistols on account of the cumbersome barrel, in addition to the pistol’s unreliability (even by standards of the time)

FL1656 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1656)


 * The third version of the Hornet musket, which took the FL1636E1 model of musket and made the musket easier to produce. Still features the capability for using a bayonet that is secured under the barrel of the musket from the FL1636E1.

FL1656-EXP “Honey 2” Flintlock Musket (1657)


 * Essentially an FL1636E1 musket that is cailbered in the conventional ammo size used by most nations. Also features the capability for usage of a plug bayonet.
 * Since both this musket and the “Hornet 3” musket have the same catalog name, the “Honey 2” was given the -EXP notation at the end to distinguish it as the export musket.

FS1659 “Thunderer 2” Flintlock Sidearm (1659)


 * A non-revolver version of the XRS1652 musket. This sidearm is provided both to officers and cavalry units in the military and only in small numbers.

FL1656E1 “Hornet 3” Flintlock Musket (1666)


 * Slight improvement to the Hornet 3 that was used in the Anglo-Dutch War. The gun features a slight improvement to its accuracy as well as a better mechanism for the bayonet, which is now custom-built for the musket itself and can double as a knife when necessary.

FL1686 “Super Hornet MkI” Flintlock Musket


 * A modernized version of the Hornet 3 Musket. This version of the musket is even easier to maintain and manufacture than the Hornet 3.

FL1686E1 “Super Hornet” MkII Flintlock Musket (1702)


 * Updated version of first version of the Super Hornet that has slightly increased range and versatility.

FL1686E2 “Super Hornet” MkIII Flintlock Musket (1712)


 * Small changes are made to increase the reliability of the weapon

FL1686E3 “Super Hornet” MkIV Flintlock Musket (1724)


 * Further upgrade to the Super Hornet, increasing range slightly.

MAC Cannons: MAC continues to produce MAC Cannons (McCarthy Arms in a variety of calibers and sizes, ranging from small 6 pound field cannons to 32 pound naval cannons. At least in Britain, McCarthy Industries has the monopoly on the firearms industry.

Produced models:

2-pounder “snub-nose” MAC Cannon (1608)


 * Created for usage on Vinland longboats, more to fire on smaller vessels than anything else
 * Can be argued that muskets would be more effective than these small peashooters, but the extra punch is helpful

6-pounder medium field MAC Cannon (1578)


 * The main cannon used by both the British Royal Army and Marine Corps.
 * Also used on British Carrier Vessels

9-pounder “tickler” MAC Cannon


 * The lightest cannon used on British Warships (excluding Carriers)

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1588)


 * The mainstay cannon of British Warships

16-pounder MAC Cannon (1641)


 * An updated version of the 16-pounder cannon.

32-pounder “long-nose” MAC Cannon (1603)


 * Heaviest cannon that the British used. Reserved for the largest of British vessels.

Research and Development


 * Weaponized Fireworks: Using the lessons learned from both the Hwacha and the fireworks imported from Naranga, the British begin development into combining the two weapons together into an artillery piece that excels in the anti-infantry role.
 * Though each individual rocket is inaccurate, the hope is for the rockets to be launched in groups at large battalions of ground units to unleash catastrophic damage against enemy units and morale.
 * Though the concept is sound, the issue is that fireworks are too expensive to produce. As such, efforts are made into researching how to decrease the cost of fireworks for more widespread use.


 * Naval Vessels: Continued development on galleons is performed, to see if it is possible to improve British vessels further. They experiment with two aspects; size and firepower. British Naval Engineers hope to determine proper ratios for size, durability, and firepower, as well as taking note of various lessons learned in the field, such as logistical issues found in British Caravels.
 * Catamarans of the Sea: The British and Yolngu experiment with implementing catamarans among the local fleet. Though less armed, the catamarans are more nimble, allowing them to scout ahead of the main naval force with ease.
 * Interesting Doctrine of the Land Down Under: The British and Yolngu Armies begin developing tactics to work alongside one another, coming up with a mishmash of the Yolngu’s ability to maneuver with the British ability to smash through enemy lines.
 * In fact, this ability of the Yolngu for maneuvering warfare impressed the British so much that a British Marine Training Facility is established in Yolngu in 1715

Training and Production


 * British Royal Army Corps


 * British Mainland
 * None.
 * British America
 * Elysia/Laconia
 * None
 * Eldia:
 * None
 * Catonzia
 * None
 * Amekrogu:
 * None
 * British Yolngu
 * None


 * British Royal Navy Corps
 * British Mainland
 * N/A
 * British Yolngu
 * N/A
 * Whatever equipment and personnel is required to maintain numbers on the frontline.
 * Older models of ships are scrapped

Diplomacy


 * Arkansa: The British continue to make efforts to strengthen their ties with Arkansa, as they seek assistance in the form of British mercenaries.
 * Australia: Both British and Yolngu Influence spreads, slowly acquiring land under British jurisdiction
 * Europe (Generally): Though not offered the top-line models, Britain does allow McCarthy Arms Company to sell some of their wares overseas to those willing to purchase them
 * Gujarat: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.
 * Indian Nations: Seeing that the countries of India are friendly, the British East India Company reaches out to all the nations in the area, hoping to strengthen their ties with all nations and open up trade routes with all.
 * Jaisalmer: The British ask the government if it is possible for them to purchase a port city, or at least a location for British ships and merchants to operate out of.
 * In addition, Britain (through the McCarthy Arms Company) looks into local companies in the country in order to purchase them.
 * Revived Huancan Empire: Delegates from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company reach out to the South American nation, requesting the ability for ships to dock in the Tacna region while they pass around the southern tip of South America
 * The British are aware of the Spanish conquests centuries prior, and wish to make amends, to at least show that not all Europeans are scumbags
 * Vijayanagara: Due to trading with locals of the region, British influence spreads through the area, though slowly.

Allies


 * Galatoi: Trading partner with the BAKA company.
 * Naranga: British ally on the Asian mainland.
 * Occitania: British ally on the European mainland.
 * Toyotomi Shogunate: British ally (through the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company) in Asian area.
 * Vestkyst: Norweigan allies in the North Sea. The oldest ally of Britain, harkening back to the British Empire’s founding.
 * Yolngu: The furthest of Britain’s allies, the island-continent has metals far better than those in the region. As such, the majority of the trade from the region primarily consists of metals.

Events


 * The Unification of the Land Down Under (WiP):
 * The BAKA Gaikokuhito, now jointly in control of the country of Yolngu along with the tribal leaders of Yolngu.
 * With the assimilation of Yolngu into the British Empire came the additional baggage of the penultimate plan of Yolngu: the unification of Australia (name still a WiP)
 * As such, diplomats are sent to neighboring countries in the entire Australian continent, trying to open trade routes with as many groups as possible
 * In addition, though never mentioned, the British do allow the Dutch colony to spread in Southern Australia, so they could pose as a unifying force for Australia.
 * Expansion Beyond the Horizon:
 * American Colonies
 * N/A
 * India
 * The British East India Company hatches a plan to acquire more control over the continent
 * They get wealthy British merchants to settle in India and purchase land from the government at slowly gain influence over their territory, eventually allowing Britain to gain control over vast territories of land in India
 * In addition to this plan, the British purchase various companies in India, allowing them to become more integrated into the Indian economy
 * With the takeover of Gujarat, the British East India Company
 * Yolngu
 * The combined efforts of Britain and Yolngu slowly spread throughout Australia, as the tribes of Australia became friendlier towards the two powers.
 * New Zealand: BAKA Gaikokuhito ships discovered the island of New Zealand in 1714 while establishing trading routes around the Eastern Coast of Australia.
 * The island is named “Sealand” by some of its earliest British settlers (which doesn’t make much sense)
 * In 1723, a base camp was established in the island, known as Fort Sealand. From there, expeditionary groups on the island run into the natives, as they begin forging a relationship (with heavy assistance from the Yolngu people)

British Merchant Companies


 * British Faviero Greek Company (Elysia Region)
 * Bilateral Albish-King Association
 * BAKA Mitai (Africa Division)
 * BAKA Gaikokuhito (Southeast Asia Division)
 * British East India Company (India)
 * Henry Amerigo League of Observance (Amekrogu)
 * Millers Operative Manufacturing (Eldia)

Notable Deaths


 * Rulers
 * Pendragon:
 * Artoria “Ember” Pendragon (F, b.1317- 1389?) (Reign: 1351 ~ 1369 - 1389)
 * Ash I (M,  b. 1347 - 1434) (Reign: 1390 - 1434)
 * Sister: Aura (F,  b.1350 - 1434)
 * Ash II (M,  b. 1399 - 1442) (Reign: 1434 - 1442)
 * Amber (F, b. 1424 - ) (Reign: 1442 - 1482)
 * Brother: Edward (M, b. 1441 - 1481)
 * Mordue:
 * River Mordue (F, b. 1322 - 1393) (Reign: 1369 - 1393)
 * Henry (M, b. 1353 - 1429)  (Reign: 1393 - 1429)
 * Daughter: Mary (F, b. 1382 - 1399)
 * Lionel (M, b. 1388 - 1482) (Reign: 1430 - 1482)
 * Son: Leo I (M, b. 1407 - 1465)
 * Leo III (M, b. 1445 - 1478)
 * Son: Leo II (M, b. 1423 - 1478)
 * Brother: Henry II (M, b. 1398 - 1478)
 * Drake:
 * Casimir (M, b. 1454 - 1533)
 * Queen Abigail (F, b. 1455 - 1533)
 * Queen Victoria (F, b. 1499 - ) (R: 1533 - 1561)
 * David (M, b. 1537 - 1554)
 * Brother: Albert (M, b. 1495 - 1565)
 * Nephew: Rupert (M, b. 1517 - 1553)
 * Queen Elizabeth (F, b. 1541 - 1618) (R: 1561 - 1618)
 * Sister: Francis (F, b. 1541 - 1619)
 * Aunt: Frances (F, b. 1497 - 1564)
 * Albus (M, b. 1519 - 1580)
 * Nephew: George (M, b. 1542 - 1584)
 * Son: Avery (M, b. 1572 - 1632)
 * Daughter: Elysia (F, b. 1582 - 1609)
 * Nephew: Gregory (M, b. 1554 - 1596)
 * Cousin: Eldegard (F, b. 1517 - 1592)
 * Married off to a Westrian prince
 * Cousin: Alvin (M, b. 1545 - 1585)
 * Daughter: Valerie (F, b. 1569 - 1602)
 * Son: Peter (M, b. 1573 - 1606)
 * Cousin: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Cousin: Carol (F, b. 1549 - 1629)
 * Son: Noah (M, b. 1577 - 1608)
 * Son: Janet (M, b. 1580 - 1629)
 * King: Luke I (M, b. 1567 - 1638) (R: 1618 - 1838)
 * King:  Luke II (M, b. 1604 - 1658) (R: 1838 - 1658)
 * Son: Luke III (M, b. 1628 - )
 * Son: Luke IV (M, b. 1636 - )
 * Daughter: Leia (F, b. 1636 - )
 * Brother: Escavalier (M, b. 1615 - 1667)
 * Cousin: Jessie (F, b. 1607 - 1672)
 * Cousin: James (M, b. 1607 - 1668)
 * Roundtable Knights
 * Joan “Anne” of Arc (Died in 1431)
 * Sir George Cromwell of Cotswold (Died in 1445)
 * Sir George Cromwell II of Cotswold (Died in 1482)
 * Sir Rex of Dover (Died in 1482)
 * Joanna Palaiologos McCarthy (Died in 1528)
 * Misc
 * Frederik King (Died in ???)
 * Head of the BAKA Company, essentially has ties in about half of the world
 * Fortuna King (Died in 169X)
 * Forged together the modern Albish Navy
 * Assisted in the Vestkyst Civil War
 * Forged a diplomatic relationship with Naranga
 * Also assisted them in their war against the Qing
 * Shauna McCarthy (Died in 1489)
 * Founder of McCarthy Arms Company, one, if not, the oldest firearms companies in the world.

Famous Vessels

HMS Victory (15XX)


 * Laid down in 15XX and launched in 15XX, the HMS Victory is a 50-gun First-class Frigate.
 * The namesake of her class, HMS Victory was the first pride-and-joy of the Royal Navy.
 * Famously captained by Admiral Francis Drake, the ship would lead the British navy to victory when it defeated the Spanish Armada, directly leading to one of the major reasons why Britain won in the Anglo-Spanish War in the late 16th century.
 * From there, it would also see combat in the League Wars as it ensured that those opposing Britain felt the wrath of her powerful broadside.
 * Eventually, the ship was retired in 1647, where it was put into the reserve fleet as a training vessel for new sailors.

HMS Fortune’s Bounty (1626)


 * An Olive-class Multi-purpose Merchant Frigate given to the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company from the British government. Laid in 1624 and left on its maiden voyage in 1626, the ship would find itself under the ownership of Fortuna King, a woman well-known for her assistance in the Wu-Narangan War in 1633 when she was involved in both a trading run to Naranga in addition to the assassination of the Wu General in the region.
 * Though the ship would remain in East Asia for most of its life, it would also visit Britain and the Mediterranean Sea during its time afloat under the ownership of Fortuna.
 * In 1661, while returning to Britain from Yolngu, the ship encountered rough seas around the southernmost tip of South America. Though it survived, the ship was badly beaten, as it limped to the British outpost on the Falklands Island. From there, Fortuna and her crew hitched a ride on a vessel back to Britain, where she received permission from the BAKA Gaikokuhito Company to purchase a replacement vessel: the Fortune’s Bounty II.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1661

HMS Fortune’s Bounty II (1662)


 * A 28-gun xebec ordered by Fortuna King.
 * Also was equipped with two hwachas for testing purposes
 * Saw effective use under Fortuna’s captainship.
 * Notable for the Battle of the Vestkyst Fjords (1667) as well as for its involvement with rescuing Duchess Anastasia during the Vestkyst Civil War (1666).
 * Given to Lumi when Fortuna passed.
 * Fate: ???

HMS Warspite (1668)


 * A 64-gun ship-of-the-line that served as Fortuna King’s flagship during the Anglo-Dutch War
 * Led the British fleet to victory against the Dutch fleet in the sole naval engagement in the “European front”
 * Fate: ???

HMS Sovereign of the Seas (1637)


 * Laid down in 1634 and launched in 1637, this ship is essentially an engineer’s wet dream. Built “just because,” the ship has more than double the guns of the next largest ships (the Victory-class) and was also over double the size, this ship towered over anything the British would build for the next half-decade or so.
 * That being said, the ship was also ladened with issues, such as poor handling and the likes.
 * Fate: Scrapped in 1704 to be used in HMS Sovereign

Most Serene Republic of Venice | Serenìsima Repùblega Vèneta

 * Government: Parliamentary oligarchic merchant republic under a hereditery dictatorship
 * Head of State:
 * Doge Sebastiano Cornaro (B 1648 - 72, Alive) (R 1st August 1711 - present)
 * Consort:
 * Vacant (1717 - present)
 * Ruling Dynasty: Cornaro Family
 * Head of Government:
 * Capitano del Popolo Giovanni Barbarigo (B 1675 - Age 45, Alive) (R 20th July 1711 - present)
 * Duke of Irákleio (Crete):
 * Duke Roberto Barbarigo (B 1714 - Age 6, Alive) (R 1716 - present)
 * Legislature:
 * Upper Chamber: The Senate
 * Lower Chamber: The Council of Ten
 * Economy: The economy of Venice is built on mainly trade in the mediterranean sea. Though it has declined and we were quite crippled after the war.
 * Allies:
 * Capital: Venice
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 2 008 000
 * Major Cities population
 * Venice: 141 300
 * Ethnicities: "Venetian", Greeks and smaller minorities.
 * Religion: Majority Catholic but also a bit orthodox among the greek population on Crete.
 * Wars and Conflicts (italics: Potential War):
 * N/A
 * Military: We recently were in a conflict. Our navy has been in a long decline since the 16th century.
 * Total: 15 000
 * 10 000 Light Infantry
 * 2 000 Light Cavalry
 * 3 000 Artillerymen
 * Navy:
 * 110 Frigates
 * 15 Ship of the line
 * 50 Galleys
 * 40 transport ships
 * Diplomacy:
 * Genoa: We have an alliance.
 * Events:
 * New "duchies" in the republic: Finally the two duchies were created in 1724. Roberto Salamon would become duke over Giuali basically everything mainland east of Venezia and everything west of Venezia would belong to the duchy of Padova led by Marco Cornaro. In reality this didn't change much how the regions were ruled though that may change drastically.
 * Denouncing critical writers: in 1724 the Capitano del Popolo would denounce writings critical of the catholic church stating that the church brings unity too the people. This statement would temporarily alarm the orthodox greeks on Crete as they interpreted this as him referring only to the catholic church which they do not belong to. Opponents of him would claim that he wants to make Venice into a papal puppet state as Venice have always before tried to balance the church influence in the country.
 * Denouncing critical writers: in 1724 the Capitano del Popolo would denounce writings critical of the catholic church stating that the church brings unity too the people. This statement would temporarily alarm the orthodox greeks on Crete as they interpreted this as him referring only to the catholic church which they do not belong to. Opponents of him would claim that he wants to make Venice into a papal puppet state as Venice have always before tried to balance the church influence in the country.

Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth| Riųpublika Avarmadok Volhùmadùn

 * Government: de facto Elective Monarchy, de jure Absolute Monarchy
 * King:
 * Yohan III Klessiviu (b.1646) (r.1679-1705)
 * INTERREX: Vilhèlm Klessiviu (b.1648) (r.1705)
 * François Louis de Bourbon (b.1676) (r.1706-)
 * First Chancellor The First Chancellor is a position established in 1716 which is roughly equivalent to the position of Prime Minister in other nations.
 * Fabian von Wiessel-Pregel (b.1681) (s.1715-1716)
 * ACTING LEFT-HAND MINISTER: Hruegèl Ernaksiviu (b.1679) (s.1716)
 * Organizations of Note:
 * Ascirbanèt Revival Society: The Ascirbanèt Revival Society is a Sarmatist organization supporting the Adamùciviu claim to the Avaro-Vedenan throne. They, naturally, are in conflict with the ruling administration led by Fabian von Allenstein, and have been sidelined politically in recent years.
 * Leader: Hitèmèk Ruogzal
 * Order of the Ashes: The Order of the Ashes is a Messianic organization based around the city of Žytómyr, Vedena. It was founded during the 12th century, following the Avar Genocide as an proto-nationalist union of disgruntled individuals with a thirst for vengeance. Since its revival in the 1600s, its actions have occupied a moral and legal grey zone, and as such most of their activities have been kept clandestine. Its exact membership is unknown, but it is evident they have at their disposal vast resources and many allies considering the scale of the April 7th incident. Their machinations are not well understood but many Republicans believe the Order of the Ashes to be an existential threat to the harmony of the Commonwealth.
 * Leader: Kazimir Fuscinus
 * Bogatyrs of Peresvet: Established in 1707 and formally recognized in 1715, the Bogatyrs of Peresvet is the oldest existing legal paramilitary organization within the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth. Tasked with guarding the forests of Polesia and Southern Albarus, the border between the lands of Inkeri and Vedena. Their ranks are composed of numerous knights from disenfranchised families and mercenaries integrated into its organization. It has prevented a potential cossack takeover of northern Vedena and is a minor participant in the ongoing war between Keisaria and Varangia.
 * Leader: Kyria Marko
 * Scionless Compact:  The Scionless Compact is a paramilitary group notable for its feat of assasination and espionage. Most notably, it is an active spearhead in rifling technology, which it uses to a great extent. It holds military control of Northern Inkeri and was officially recognized in 1717 following dissent from the governor-generals ruling Northeast Avaria, serving as an effective replacement. The ideology of the Scionless Compact is almost socialist in nature, wishing to establish a state occupying core Inkeri territory free from the 'injustices of the nobility and the burghers'.
 * Leader: Kaurila Paraske
 * Noble Clans:
 * House of Fuscinus: The House of Fuscinus was the traditional ruling family of Vedena prior to the unification of Avaria and Vedena in the 16th century. They are granted privileged status in the Commonwealth, above even that of the Magnates, and as such have vast estates across Vedena and Albarus.
 * House of Adamùciviu: The House of Adamuciviú was the ruling house of Avaria from 1390 to 1679 and is a cadet branch of the House of Fuscinus. Despite no longer being the ruling house, they still influence the politics of Avaro-Vedena greatly. Many wish to gain the favor of the Adamùviu for it garners one power and respect beyond bounds.
 * House of Klessiviu: The House of Klessivyú is a major noble house that has hereditary rule of a vast semi-autonomous territory in Northeast Avaro-Vedena. They trace their lineage back to Claes Kjær, a 16th century Svean king. They enjoy close ties with the Adamùciviu and generally oppose the Lasnin Coalition, believing an enlightened monarchy to be the best form of government for the AVC.
 * House of Pregel: The House of Pregel was the former ruling family of Altpreußen and Wießel. Following the Teutonic Order’s takeover of Wießel, the Pregel family assumed a subordinate role to the Teutonic Order as the Landmeisters of Prussia. Later, in 1453, the sitting Prussian Landmeister married his sister to King Mavlet of Avaria and rebelled against the Teutonic Knights, sparking the Thirteen Year’s War. With the signing of the Treaty of Thorn in 1466, the Pregels were placed on the throne of the newly-created Duchy of Prussia. King Mavlet then declared the female descendants of the former Landmeister’s daughter to be the Wiessel-Pregel family and gave them a fief around Danzig, thus marking the first creation of a matrilineal noble house in Avaria in five centuries. However, anti-Pregel sentiment in Avaria resulted in the Wiessel-Pregels retreating from politics and vanishing from historical records. Not long after, the True Pregel line was subsumed into the House of Kaufmann after the Duchy of Prussia formed a personal union with Vesnia. The whereabouts of the Wiessel-Pregel family is still unknown.
 * House of Marko: The House of Marko is a minor noble house residing by the Baltic Sea. Historically, the Markos were of great importance, their members consistently bringing Avaria military victories. However, by the 16th century, they were irrelevant and married into more powerful families to cling into power. The Markos took over many of the House of Šarvas' assets following the defeat of the Lasnin Coalition. They own and operate Pomeranian Atlantic Company (Avar: Atlancikù Firma Pomoraša), a company given jurisdiction over Avaro-Vedenan participation in the colonization of Meridia and West Africa.
 * Economy: The economy of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth is based largely upon agriculture, with cereals, fur, and cattle amounting to around 80% of all exports from the AVC to Western European markets. The country plays a significant role in the supply of Western Europe by the export of grain, cattle, furs, timber, linen, cannabis, ash, tar, carminic acid and amber. In turn, Avaro-Vedena is a major importer of wine, beer, luxury goods, and industrial products. In the agricultural sector, feudal plantations called Folwarks dominate. Though Folwarks are owned traditionally by the nobility, in recent times many have begun to be operated by wealthy commoners.
 * Capital: Kánsbaurg, Lutsk (Vedena)
 * Demographics:
 * Population: 12,190,000
 * Avaria: 6.22M
 * Vedena: 4.11M
 * Other Territories: 1.86M
 * Military: The military of the Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth consists of the two administratively separate armies of the Kingdom of Avaria and the Republic of Vedena. Due to the Avaro-Vedenan military’s lack of centralized logistical apparati, Avaro-Vedenan units are encumbered by large baggage trains. During the 16th and the 17th centuries, this disadvantage was slightly reversed with the perfection of the wagon-fort and the adoption of smaller unit sizes. There is a small standing military of around 7,000 men, paid for by the king, stationed along the unruly southern border. In times of war, it is supplemented by the Begamv Tumèn; a feudal levy of nobles, and the Misvótos Tumèn; a force of commoners recruited by military commanders during peacetime, dispatched during war, and paid following military service. Apart from the nation military of Avaro-Vedena Commonwealth, local militia (Ašnèt Fiulaka, lit. ‘Settled Guards’) and Magnate armies (Magnasanų Tumèn) are two other prominent components of the Avaro-Vedenan military, with Magnate contribution on the frontlines sometimes eclipsing that of the state military. The Avaro-Vedenan Commonwealth, notably, has a tradition of staffing much of its military with foreign soldiers, many of whom later integrated into their new home. These foreign soldiers, currently, are well-represented in elite infantry and artillery divisions.
 * Total Military Size: ~230,000 (~1.9% of Population)
 * Royal Standing Army: 7,320
 * Begamv Tumèn (Feudal Levy): ~47,000 (~2.3% of nobility)
 * Rugsùn Tumèn (State Army): ~75,000
 * Misvótos Tumèn (Recruited Reserves): ~19,000
 * Ašnèt Fiulaka (City Militia): ~70,000

EVENTS COMING SOON THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE :]