I want to keep a good pace at republishing the DDs now, so most of the Europe ones should be out in a few weeksWhen we will something about Poland or Russia?
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A few days ago we looked at the British Empire, and mentioned their expansion in northern France. Today, we will look at the broken France nation. However, we will also look at the Three Kingdoms to the east: the Kings of Holland, Luxembourg and Belgium, also known as the three Crowns of Benelux.
And at their new religion, Novelism.
France and Benelux in 2555. We will however discuss the powerfull Svizzereich and the territory of Provence in future DDs
Novelism: The Faith of the Book(s)
Novelism is the Faith of the region of France and Benelux. This new religion formed through the oral transmission of texts dating from before the Event, later unified in the Novel, a single book that tells of the many gods and heroes the writers of old told about. Their names and titles have flowed into the French culture and the cultures of Benelux, and the same did the descriptions of their treasures, searched far and wide by the people of this broken nation. The spread of Novelism is mainly due to the Emperors of Numenor, who up from a century ago ruled from Occitania to the Netherlands.
Still, Novelism is far from an organized faith: it will need a great reformer to bring together this scattered religion and turn it into the pillar of the new world. Novelism is a defensive Pagan faith, meaning that it will resist fairly well against the hordes of Britannia and the Swiss.
The dukes under the Brits: The eternal resistance, the erudite young duke and the heir of the Kingdom
Three dukes, besides many minor lords, were forced into sefvitude by the British. And of the three, only one still actively resist the British. Duke Asterix de Gaulle rules on the coast of Normandy from his small castle and the surrounding village. This short man, blessed with a superhuman strength (that some say is created by a legendary magic potion), is the most active rival of Robert Spatstone amongst his vassals, and while he formally pays respect to the Emperor, no Empire can truly rule over Normandy as long as Asterix de Gaulle lives.
More to the south, a young duke of great knowledge rules on Orleanais. Jean Tarrau, is more complacent toward the French rule, maybe because he was born under their rule. Still, he holds on the Novelist faith, and so do his loyal vassals.
Finally, ruling from Orleans, Duke Jeanvaljean d'Orleans claims to come from the line of an ancient King of France, and therefore is considered by many a natural enemy of the British. Others, however, doubt his right to rule, and look instead at Pas de Calais.
Pas de Calais and Grand Est: the heir of the Empire and the Phantom of the East
Outside of the borders of the British Empire, stands the King of Pas de Calais, Aragorn Bonaparte. It was his ancestor, Isildur Bonaparte, whose blood still flows strong in his veins, that spread Novelism far and wide and founded the legendary Empire of Numenor. Along with their loyal vassals, his family has fought against the British for centuries, unfortunately almost always on the losing side. Yet, he and his sons Faramir, Boromir, Arathorn and Waldon, along with his vassals, have great projects for the future of the kingdom... and of France.
Meanwhile, in Grand Est, it is Erik Leroux, the deformed King of Grand Est, that controls the border between the powerful Luxembourgish and the marches of Borbon, lands ruled by small counts continuously fighting for dominance. King Erik, however, has no heirs for his kingdom, who may instead pass to his vassals if his wife, the beautiful swedish queen he has chosen, does not give him a heir.
The minor lords: Poitiers and Berry
The Duchies of Poitiers and Berry are both ruled by kings, like the land of Pas de Calais and Grand Est, but they are far less powerful.
King Marquais de Carabas, from Berry, borders the Marches and could potentially expand, and some whisper the man actually is a magician that can speak to cats, and that their advice is what keeps him free from the shackles of the Brits.
Meanwhile, the King of Poitiers, Philippe Bridau, is in a tougher situation. His brother and heir was forced into submission by the British armies, and were he to die before an heir was born his kingdom would pass under british rule. Only a son can save him from this situation... or alternatively, the fall of the British.
Duke of Languedoc
Far from the looming danger of the British, the occitans have banded together in a single, powerful domain. The current ruler, Duke Edmond Dantés, is a smart man, a trained fighter that his vassals have learned to respect... or fear. And soon, the Brits may have to face him too.
The Brother Kings
Once the first Empire to form after the Event, then a vassal of Numenor, then once again free and united, Benelux fragmented after the death of the last Emperor in three kingdoms: Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Now decently strong kings in the great scheme of things, they are well respected in the region, and their family, House Belgium-Orange-Nassau-Weilburg, is feared by many lords. And yet, each of them has to face one danger.
Holland, ruled by King Henri, this is the growing power of the German states to the west. To increase his power, he has conquered german land, that is however claimed by many powerful neighbours. Only time will tell if this choice was for the best.
Luxembourg, ruled by King Philippe, is a warring state, in eternal conflict with the Swiss to the south, Grand Est to the West and Belgium to the north. While Luxembourg conquered his new lands a long time ago, many still consider them nothing more than invaders.
And finally, where the King of Belgium William could appear in a stronger position than the other two, he rules over Zeeland, for long part of the Kingdom of Holland. More importantly however, is his vassal. With land lost to Luxembourg, the domains of the king are smaller than the domains Duke Arsene Lupin of Flanders rules, and soon the king of Belgium may face danger from inside his own lands.
And with this, the story is told. What happens next, will be the content for a new chapter of the Novel.
And at their new religion, Novelism.
France and Benelux in 2555. We will however discuss the powerfull Svizzereich and the territory of Provence in future DDs
Novelism: The Faith of the Book(s)
Novelism is the Faith of the region of France and Benelux. This new religion formed through the oral transmission of texts dating from before the Event, later unified in the Novel, a single book that tells of the many gods and heroes the writers of old told about. Their names and titles have flowed into the French culture and the cultures of Benelux, and the same did the descriptions of their treasures, searched far and wide by the people of this broken nation. The spread of Novelism is mainly due to the Emperors of Numenor, who up from a century ago ruled from Occitania to the Netherlands.
Still, Novelism is far from an organized faith: it will need a great reformer to bring together this scattered religion and turn it into the pillar of the new world. Novelism is a defensive Pagan faith, meaning that it will resist fairly well against the hordes of Britannia and the Swiss.
The dukes under the Brits: The eternal resistance, the erudite young duke and the heir of the Kingdom
Three dukes, besides many minor lords, were forced into sefvitude by the British. And of the three, only one still actively resist the British. Duke Asterix de Gaulle rules on the coast of Normandy from his small castle and the surrounding village. This short man, blessed with a superhuman strength (that some say is created by a legendary magic potion), is the most active rival of Robert Spatstone amongst his vassals, and while he formally pays respect to the Emperor, no Empire can truly rule over Normandy as long as Asterix de Gaulle lives.
More to the south, a young duke of great knowledge rules on Orleanais. Jean Tarrau, is more complacent toward the French rule, maybe because he was born under their rule. Still, he holds on the Novelist faith, and so do his loyal vassals.
Finally, ruling from Orleans, Duke Jeanvaljean d'Orleans claims to come from the line of an ancient King of France, and therefore is considered by many a natural enemy of the British. Others, however, doubt his right to rule, and look instead at Pas de Calais.
Pas de Calais and Grand Est: the heir of the Empire and the Phantom of the East
Outside of the borders of the British Empire, stands the King of Pas de Calais, Aragorn Bonaparte. It was his ancestor, Isildur Bonaparte, whose blood still flows strong in his veins, that spread Novelism far and wide and founded the legendary Empire of Numenor. Along with their loyal vassals, his family has fought against the British for centuries, unfortunately almost always on the losing side. Yet, he and his sons Faramir, Boromir, Arathorn and Waldon, along with his vassals, have great projects for the future of the kingdom... and of France.
Meanwhile, in Grand Est, it is Erik Leroux, the deformed King of Grand Est, that controls the border between the powerful Luxembourgish and the marches of Borbon, lands ruled by small counts continuously fighting for dominance. King Erik, however, has no heirs for his kingdom, who may instead pass to his vassals if his wife, the beautiful swedish queen he has chosen, does not give him a heir.
The minor lords: Poitiers and Berry
The Duchies of Poitiers and Berry are both ruled by kings, like the land of Pas de Calais and Grand Est, but they are far less powerful.
King Marquais de Carabas, from Berry, borders the Marches and could potentially expand, and some whisper the man actually is a magician that can speak to cats, and that their advice is what keeps him free from the shackles of the Brits.
Meanwhile, the King of Poitiers, Philippe Bridau, is in a tougher situation. His brother and heir was forced into submission by the British armies, and were he to die before an heir was born his kingdom would pass under british rule. Only a son can save him from this situation... or alternatively, the fall of the British.
Duke of Languedoc
Far from the looming danger of the British, the occitans have banded together in a single, powerful domain. The current ruler, Duke Edmond Dantés, is a smart man, a trained fighter that his vassals have learned to respect... or fear. And soon, the Brits may have to face him too.
The Brother Kings
Once the first Empire to form after the Event, then a vassal of Numenor, then once again free and united, Benelux fragmented after the death of the last Emperor in three kingdoms: Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Now decently strong kings in the great scheme of things, they are well respected in the region, and their family, House Belgium-Orange-Nassau-Weilburg, is feared by many lords. And yet, each of them has to face one danger.
Holland, ruled by King Henri, this is the growing power of the German states to the west. To increase his power, he has conquered german land, that is however claimed by many powerful neighbours. Only time will tell if this choice was for the best.
Luxembourg, ruled by King Philippe, is a warring state, in eternal conflict with the Swiss to the south, Grand Est to the West and Belgium to the north. While Luxembourg conquered his new lands a long time ago, many still consider them nothing more than invaders.
And finally, where the King of Belgium William could appear in a stronger position than the other two, he rules over Zeeland, for long part of the Kingdom of Holland. More importantly however, is his vassal. With land lost to Luxembourg, the domains of the king are smaller than the domains Duke Arsene Lupin of Flanders rules, and soon the king of Belgium may face danger from inside his own lands.
And with this, the story is told. What happens next, will be the content for a new chapter of the Novel.
Really looks like an interesting religion! Hoping more novel references are included!A few days ago we looked at the British Empire, and mentioned their expansion in northern France. Today, we will look at the broken France nation. However, we will also look at the Three Kingdoms to the east: the Kings of Holland, Luxembourg and Belgium, also known as the three Crowns of Benelux.
And at their new religion, Novelism.
France and Benelux in 2555. We will however discuss the powerfull Svizzereich and the territory of Provence in future DDs
Novelism: The Faith of the Book(s)
Novelism is the Faith of the region of France and Benelux. This new religion formed through the oral transmission of texts dating from before the Event, later unified in the Novel, a single book that tells of the many gods and heroes the writers of old told about. Their names and titles have flowed into the French culture and the cultures of Benelux, and the same did the descriptions of their treasures, searched far and wide by the people of this broken nation. The spread of Novelism is mainly due to the Emperors of Numenor, who up from a century ago ruled from Occitania to the Netherlands.
Still, Novelism is far from an organized faith: it will need a great reformer to bring together this scattered religion and turn it into the pillar of the new world. Novelism is a defensive Pagan faith, meaning that it will resist fairly well against the hordes of Britannia and the Swiss.
The dukes under the Brits: The eternal resistance, the erudite young duke and the heir of the Kingdom
Three dukes, besides many minor lords, were forced into sefvitude by the British. And of the three, only one still actively resist the British. Duke Asterix de Gaulle rules on the coast of Normandy from his small castle and the surrounding village. This short man, blessed with a superhuman strength (that some say is created by a legendary magic potion), is the most active rival of Robert Spatstone amongst his vassals, and while he formally pays respect to the Emperor, no Empire can truly rule over Normandy as long as Asterix de Gaulle lives.
More to the south, a young duke of great knowledge rules on Orleanais. Jean Tarrau, is more complacent toward the French rule, maybe because he was born under their rule. Still, he holds on the Novelist faith, and so do his loyal vassals.
Finally, ruling from Orleans, Duke Jeanvaljean d'Orleans claims to come from the line of an ancient King of France, and therefore is considered by many a natural enemy of the British. Others, however, doubt his right to rule, and look instead at Pas de Calais.
Pas de Calais and Grand Est: the heir of the Empire and the Phantom of the East
Outside of the borders of the British Empire, stands the King of Pas de Calais, Aragorn Bonaparte. It was his ancestor, Isildur Bonaparte, whose blood still flows strong in his veins, that spread Novelism far and wide and founded the legendary Empire of Numenor. Along with their loyal vassals, his family has fought against the British for centuries, unfortunately almost always on the losing side. Yet, he and his sons Faramir, Boromir, Arathorn and Waldon, along with his vassals, have great projects for the future of the kingdom... and of France.
Meanwhile, in Grand Est, it is Erik Leroux, the deformed King of Grand Est, that controls the border between the powerful Luxembourgish and the marches of Borbon, lands ruled by small counts continuously fighting for dominance. King Erik, however, has no heirs for his kingdom, who may instead pass to his vassals if his wife, the beautiful swedish queen he has chosen, does not give him a heir.
The minor lords: Poitiers and Berry
The Duchies of Poitiers and Berry are both ruled by kings, like the land of Pas de Calais and Grand Est, but they are far less powerful.
King Marquais de Carabas, from Berry, borders the Marches and could potentially expand, and some whisper the man actually is a magician that can speak to cats, and that their advice is what keeps him free from the shackles of the Brits.
Meanwhile, the King of Poitiers, Philippe Bridau, is in a tougher situation. His brother and heir was forced into submission by the British armies, and were he to die before an heir was born his kingdom would pass under british rule. Only a son can save him from this situation... or alternatively, the fall of the British.
Duke of Languedoc
Far from the looming danger of the British, the occitans have banded together in a single, powerful domain. The current ruler, Duke Edmond Dantés, is a smart man, a trained fighter that his vassals have learned to respect... or fear. And soon, the Brits may have to face him too.
The Brother Kings
Once the first Empire to form after the Event, then a vassal of Numenor, then once again free and united, Benelux fragmented after the death of the last Emperor in three kingdoms: Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Now decently strong kings in the great scheme of things, they are well respected in the region, and their family, House Belgium-Orange-Nassau-Weilburg, is feared by many lords. And yet, each of them has to face one danger.
Holland, ruled by King Henri, this is the growing power of the German states to the west. To increase his power, he has conquered german land, that is however claimed by many powerful neighbours. Only time will tell if this choice was for the best.
Luxembourg, ruled by King Philippe, is a warring state, in eternal conflict with the Swiss to the south, Grand Est to the West and Belgium to the north. While Luxembourg conquered his new lands a long time ago, many still consider them nothing more than invaders.
And finally, where the King of Belgium William could appear in a stronger position than the other two, he rules over Zeeland, for long part of the Kingdom of Holland. More importantly however, is his vassal. With land lost to Luxembourg, the domains of the king are smaller than the domains Duke Arsene Lupin of Flanders rules, and soon the king of Belgium may face danger from inside his own lands.
And with this, the story is told. What happens next, will be the content for a new chapter of the Novel.
By the way, are they going to really use Numenorian portraits?
Well their Gods include Eru Iluvatar, Aslan, D'Artagnan, Quasimodo the Hunchback and more (they use The Valar as a generic term) while their evil gods are Jadis the White Witch, Dracula, Frankenstein, Richelieu and similar Balrogs.
EDIT: No they use the normal French portraits, they just call themselves Blood of Numenor.
He is a featured character for a reason, after allAragorn Bonaparte. I think I found my first character to play
haha I love that faith already and probaly just a bunch o' survivors who found a libary full of books and then decided it was real
and probaly just a bunch o' survivors who found a libary full of books and then decided it was real
Dev Diary 5: German rulers
After the End Old World - Dev Diary 5: Kaiser...reichs?
In today's Dev Diary, which took me way too long to repost we take a look at the region that forms the German Empire in AtE. It is a land where four different kings and many, many Dukes and Counts fight for supremacy, with the dream of one day reforming the Ancient German Empire.
Germany in 2555
The four Kings: Prussia, Switzerland, Bavaria and... Leichtenstein?
Long ages have passed since a single ruler has controlled all of Germany. Where once stood a single Emperor, now domains rise and fall in a night, all dreaming to rule once again over all the Germans. And no dinasty embodies this desire to reform the Empire more than the Zollerns of Prussia. Between the 24th and 25th Century, the Zollerns, following an heresy of the Lutheran faith called Prussianism, expanded their control over various neighbouring states.
At it's peak, Prussia ruled most of Saxony and had even conquered up to Holstein, usually installing Prussian Dukes to rule over their new subjects. Then, Prussia looked east, to restore it's rule on the land that they considered theirs. The invasion of Poland and the northern states seemed a success at first, until in 2430 the Prussians came to the walls of the Republic of Danzig. Here, against all odds, the army of the Republic and the mercenary bands they hired fought valiantly, managing not only to defeat the Prussian army, but also to capture the King himself.
Thus, the war ended, and so did the dreams of conquest of the Prussians. They were forced to renounce the Prussianist faith, returning to mainstream Lutheranism, and to give independence to many of their vassals both west and north. Now, Prussia is only a shadow of it's former self, and while some kings did succeed in retaking lands east and west, none has ever brought back the Prussian Kingdom to it's former glory.
To the southwest, on the opposite, Switzerland has gained much since the Event. The Calvinist church has become the country's national church, and many claim that the great conquest in formerly French land is proof of the benevolence of God. Controlling vast territories in France and some in Northern Italy, Switzerland is currently the most powerful German Kingdom. However, the nature of Calvinism makes it so that an unjust ruler risks to be struck down by his own vassals.
The small Kingdom of Bavaria is the youngest of the German Kingdoms, and has to compete with many bordering dukes. Yet, this Catholic domain in the south east seems to be destined to great things, as many notice it's growth year after year. Only time will tell if Bavaria is going to be successful.
Lastly, the small Kingdom of Lichtenstein is an oddity: this minuscule kingdom that from Vaduz rules over what many would consider a single province is surrounded by many, stronger foes. Yet, for all it's history since the event, this kingdom has held on it's independence, under the rule of it's Grand Prince. And while adopting the Calvinist faith was seen by many as a way to bend the knee to Switzerland, no formal tribute has ever been paid to the great kingdom bordering Leichtenstein. What can Leichtenstein expect in the future?
The southern Dukes
In the lands between Bavaria and Switzerland, many dukes and counts have risen and fallen from power since the Event, and many dynasties have come and gone. Austria, Nordgau and Swabia, however, are the only ones that survive to this day.
Austria, ruled by a man that claims descent from the same Von Habsburg that ruled many Empires, is the easternmost power in the country. Bordering the Dukes of Czechia to the north and the King of Bavaria to the west, both claiming lands currently under the Duke's domain, Austria however finds itself in a difficult position, and their dream of restoring the Empire may be destined to an abrupt end.
Nordgau, located between Prussia and Bavaria, is nonetheless in a far better position. Ancient and strong, the High Chiefdom of Nordgau was considered the closest candidate for the crown of Bavaria for many centuries, and so has not taken well the birth of the Kingdom to the south under a feudal ruler. About evenly matched, only time will tell who will come out as the true King of the Bavarian lands.
Swabia, on the other hand, is not locked in any political fight, but rather in a religious fight: many of the subjects of the Duke are still Catholic, and therefore being ruled by a Lutheran lord is source of many issues in the region. The conversion of the Dukes of Swabia dates back to the time of Prussian expansionism, and was seen as a convenient tool to later "accept" the Prussianist faith. However, after the fall of Prussia, the lords have never been able to turn their back to the Lutheran faith, as they could not renounce twice a faith without being considered untrustworthy by the church. However, fact remains that Swabia is the only Lutheran lordship in the south, and may be risking a lot in holding this belief.
The Catholics of Rheinland
The lands of Western Germany, taking the name from the great river Rhein, are usually called Rheinland. And here, unlike in most of the surrounding regions, the Catholic faith still holds, rooted in three small but combative duchies.
Alsace, located to the north of Switzerland and the east of Luxemburg, is however a strong Catholic nation, at least for northern Germany's stander. The risk of invasion from the Calvinist and the Novelist puts the inhabitant of Alsace in constant need of allies, and so it's not surprising that the lack of heirs of the current Duke, and therefore a lack of allies, is seen as a great danger for the nation.
To the north, Trier is ruled by a stronger lord. A veteran that has fought in many wars against the Novelist to the west and the Lutherans to the east, this has left him disfigured and one-handed, but nonetheless Duke Julius still is considered a great ally of all catholics... as long as they don't find themselves in the way of his ambitions.
Finally, the weakest of the Dukes, the Duke of Cologne, finds himself in the most dangerous of locations: with the Lutherans of Hesse and Munster Deutschland to the east, and the Novelist kings to the north and west, many see it only has a matter of time before Cologne falls. Yet, this far, they have survived, at great cost of lifes and money. Wether they can survive or not, depends on the power of the Duke.
The small duchies
In the age of the Prussian expansion, many smaller lord in central Germany chose to band the knee and become tributaries of the Kings of Prussia, instead of falling like the first few had done. After the Battle of Danzig and the Prussian defeat, those same tributaries freed themselves of prussian control and returned to their old ways of fighting for supremacy in central Germany. In 2555, three small duchies control those lands.
Munster Deutschland, the northernmost one, is in a bad situation. With Bremen growing in power to the east and the novelist of Holland taking lands to the north, it seems it's only a matter of time before they fall for the powers surrounding them.
The Duke of Franconia has expanded west, gaining a foothold in the Rheinland. However, this same hold is challenged by the count of Frankfurt, who defeated the Franconian armies many time before. It is up to the Duke to make the count bend the knee.
Hesse, the last small duchy of Central Germany, is in a location considered by many hard to defend: those plains are located right at the center of Germany. Many see Hesse as a country destined to fall, and it is the Duke that once agains has to ensure it's survival.
The dukes that were once Prussians
The three duchies closest to Prussia were once ruled directly by the Kingdom, until gaining independence after the Kingdom's defeat. One of the reasons for this was their different government. After the Event, many lands in Europe fell to tribalism. However, by 2555 most of western and central Europe have returned to Feudalism. It is not the case, however, for Bremen and Saxony. Originally, it was Prussian intention to slowly make the tribes return to feudalism after the victory in the east, to make sure morale remained high during the campaign. Yet, the defeat stopped completely this plan. Since then, the Dukes (spregiativelly called High Chiefs by the bordering lords) have preserved the Tribal rule to make sure they wouldn't be overtrhoned, being not of the same culture as the majority of their subject. Only a great victory could raise the Dukes high enough to become proper feudal lords once again.
The Duchy of Saxony is the closest to Prussia, being the only one that still borders the Kingdom. This tribal lords often raid nearby kingdoms, though never Prussia, since that would be incredibly dangeous. Yet, those raids are seen by many as a way to gain money and fame to expand, and Saxony is kept under watch by many bordering powers.
The Duchy of Bremen, to the east, is a growing power that has conquered many lands in northern Germany. Less prone to raiding than their neighbour, nonetheless the Bremen men are feared and respected in all neighbouring lands. However, the danger of Novelist Holland to the east is in turn a great concern to the Dukes.
Lastly, Holstein is a different situation. The northernmost German lord has his eyes not on Germany, but on the weaker and divided Danish lords. While many of his subjects are less than happy about his intentions, particularly the danish in the north, it is clear that Duke Franz is a man that has more interest to the north than in the south.
Lutherans and Calvinists: the churches of Germany
Lutheranism and Calvinism date long before the Event. Yet, the two religions are in much different situations: Lutheranism, once the majoritarian faith in northern Europe, is now reduced to only west Germany and some lands in Scandinavia, mostly subistituted by newer and older faiths.
Calvinism, on the other hand, while mostly limited to Switzerland, has gained quite a lot of land, expanding into French and parts of Italy,as well as becoming the first Church of Lichtenstein. It's belief on predestination is embodied in the difficulties the rulers can experience if they dare to stride from God's path. Any action in such way would be seen as a sign of predestination to damnation, and therefore harshly opposed by the lords of a Calvinist domain.
In today's Dev Diary, which took me way too long to repost we take a look at the region that forms the German Empire in AtE. It is a land where four different kings and many, many Dukes and Counts fight for supremacy, with the dream of one day reforming the Ancient German Empire.
Germany in 2555
The four Kings: Prussia, Switzerland, Bavaria and... Leichtenstein?
Long ages have passed since a single ruler has controlled all of Germany. Where once stood a single Emperor, now domains rise and fall in a night, all dreaming to rule once again over all the Germans. And no dinasty embodies this desire to reform the Empire more than the Zollerns of Prussia. Between the 24th and 25th Century, the Zollerns, following an heresy of the Lutheran faith called Prussianism, expanded their control over various neighbouring states.
At it's peak, Prussia ruled most of Saxony and had even conquered up to Holstein, usually installing Prussian Dukes to rule over their new subjects. Then, Prussia looked east, to restore it's rule on the land that they considered theirs. The invasion of Poland and the northern states seemed a success at first, until in 2430 the Prussians came to the walls of the Republic of Danzig. Here, against all odds, the army of the Republic and the mercenary bands they hired fought valiantly, managing not only to defeat the Prussian army, but also to capture the King himself.
Thus, the war ended, and so did the dreams of conquest of the Prussians. They were forced to renounce the Prussianist faith, returning to mainstream Lutheranism, and to give independence to many of their vassals both west and north. Now, Prussia is only a shadow of it's former self, and while some kings did succeed in retaking lands east and west, none has ever brought back the Prussian Kingdom to it's former glory.
To the southwest, on the opposite, Switzerland has gained much since the Event. The Calvinist church has become the country's national church, and many claim that the great conquest in formerly French land is proof of the benevolence of God. Controlling vast territories in France and some in Northern Italy, Switzerland is currently the most powerful German Kingdom. However, the nature of Calvinism makes it so that an unjust ruler risks to be struck down by his own vassals.
The small Kingdom of Bavaria is the youngest of the German Kingdoms, and has to compete with many bordering dukes. Yet, this Catholic domain in the south east seems to be destined to great things, as many notice it's growth year after year. Only time will tell if Bavaria is going to be successful.
Lastly, the small Kingdom of Lichtenstein is an oddity: this minuscule kingdom that from Vaduz rules over what many would consider a single province is surrounded by many, stronger foes. Yet, for all it's history since the event, this kingdom has held on it's independence, under the rule of it's Grand Prince. And while adopting the Calvinist faith was seen by many as a way to bend the knee to Switzerland, no formal tribute has ever been paid to the great kingdom bordering Leichtenstein. What can Leichtenstein expect in the future?
The southern Dukes
In the lands between Bavaria and Switzerland, many dukes and counts have risen and fallen from power since the Event, and many dynasties have come and gone. Austria, Nordgau and Swabia, however, are the only ones that survive to this day.
Austria, ruled by a man that claims descent from the same Von Habsburg that ruled many Empires, is the easternmost power in the country. Bordering the Dukes of Czechia to the north and the King of Bavaria to the west, both claiming lands currently under the Duke's domain, Austria however finds itself in a difficult position, and their dream of restoring the Empire may be destined to an abrupt end.
Nordgau, located between Prussia and Bavaria, is nonetheless in a far better position. Ancient and strong, the High Chiefdom of Nordgau was considered the closest candidate for the crown of Bavaria for many centuries, and so has not taken well the birth of the Kingdom to the south under a feudal ruler. About evenly matched, only time will tell who will come out as the true King of the Bavarian lands.
Swabia, on the other hand, is not locked in any political fight, but rather in a religious fight: many of the subjects of the Duke are still Catholic, and therefore being ruled by a Lutheran lord is source of many issues in the region. The conversion of the Dukes of Swabia dates back to the time of Prussian expansionism, and was seen as a convenient tool to later "accept" the Prussianist faith. However, after the fall of Prussia, the lords have never been able to turn their back to the Lutheran faith, as they could not renounce twice a faith without being considered untrustworthy by the church. However, fact remains that Swabia is the only Lutheran lordship in the south, and may be risking a lot in holding this belief.
The Catholics of Rheinland
The lands of Western Germany, taking the name from the great river Rhein, are usually called Rheinland. And here, unlike in most of the surrounding regions, the Catholic faith still holds, rooted in three small but combative duchies.
Alsace, located to the north of Switzerland and the east of Luxemburg, is however a strong Catholic nation, at least for northern Germany's stander. The risk of invasion from the Calvinist and the Novelist puts the inhabitant of Alsace in constant need of allies, and so it's not surprising that the lack of heirs of the current Duke, and therefore a lack of allies, is seen as a great danger for the nation.
To the north, Trier is ruled by a stronger lord. A veteran that has fought in many wars against the Novelist to the west and the Lutherans to the east, this has left him disfigured and one-handed, but nonetheless Duke Julius still is considered a great ally of all catholics... as long as they don't find themselves in the way of his ambitions.
Finally, the weakest of the Dukes, the Duke of Cologne, finds himself in the most dangerous of locations: with the Lutherans of Hesse and Munster Deutschland to the east, and the Novelist kings to the north and west, many see it only has a matter of time before Cologne falls. Yet, this far, they have survived, at great cost of lifes and money. Wether they can survive or not, depends on the power of the Duke.
The small duchies
In the age of the Prussian expansion, many smaller lord in central Germany chose to band the knee and become tributaries of the Kings of Prussia, instead of falling like the first few had done. After the Battle of Danzig and the Prussian defeat, those same tributaries freed themselves of prussian control and returned to their old ways of fighting for supremacy in central Germany. In 2555, three small duchies control those lands.
Munster Deutschland, the northernmost one, is in a bad situation. With Bremen growing in power to the east and the novelist of Holland taking lands to the north, it seems it's only a matter of time before they fall for the powers surrounding them.
The Duke of Franconia has expanded west, gaining a foothold in the Rheinland. However, this same hold is challenged by the count of Frankfurt, who defeated the Franconian armies many time before. It is up to the Duke to make the count bend the knee.
Hesse, the last small duchy of Central Germany, is in a location considered by many hard to defend: those plains are located right at the center of Germany. Many see Hesse as a country destined to fall, and it is the Duke that once agains has to ensure it's survival.
The dukes that were once Prussians
The three duchies closest to Prussia were once ruled directly by the Kingdom, until gaining independence after the Kingdom's defeat. One of the reasons for this was their different government. After the Event, many lands in Europe fell to tribalism. However, by 2555 most of western and central Europe have returned to Feudalism. It is not the case, however, for Bremen and Saxony. Originally, it was Prussian intention to slowly make the tribes return to feudalism after the victory in the east, to make sure morale remained high during the campaign. Yet, the defeat stopped completely this plan. Since then, the Dukes (spregiativelly called High Chiefs by the bordering lords) have preserved the Tribal rule to make sure they wouldn't be overtrhoned, being not of the same culture as the majority of their subject. Only a great victory could raise the Dukes high enough to become proper feudal lords once again.
The Duchy of Saxony is the closest to Prussia, being the only one that still borders the Kingdom. This tribal lords often raid nearby kingdoms, though never Prussia, since that would be incredibly dangeous. Yet, those raids are seen by many as a way to gain money and fame to expand, and Saxony is kept under watch by many bordering powers.
The Duchy of Bremen, to the east, is a growing power that has conquered many lands in northern Germany. Less prone to raiding than their neighbour, nonetheless the Bremen men are feared and respected in all neighbouring lands. However, the danger of Novelist Holland to the east is in turn a great concern to the Dukes.
Lastly, Holstein is a different situation. The northernmost German lord has his eyes not on Germany, but on the weaker and divided Danish lords. While many of his subjects are less than happy about his intentions, particularly the danish in the north, it is clear that Duke Franz is a man that has more interest to the north than in the south.
Lutherans and Calvinists: the churches of Germany
Lutheranism and Calvinism date long before the Event. Yet, the two religions are in much different situations: Lutheranism, once the majoritarian faith in northern Europe, is now reduced to only west Germany and some lands in Scandinavia, mostly subistituted by newer and older faiths.
Calvinism, on the other hand, while mostly limited to Switzerland, has gained quite a lot of land, expanding into French and parts of Italy,as well as becoming the first Church of Lichtenstein. It's belief on predestination is embodied in the difficulties the rulers can experience if they dare to stride from God's path. Any action in such way would be seen as a sign of predestination to damnation, and therefore harshly opposed by the lords of a Calvinist domain.
I suppose that in Russia, in this submod, is some kind of religious pseudo-communism? Well, you know, the holy trinity "Marx, Engels and Lenin" and their prophet - Stalin, the religious order of the KGB (or NKVD) assassins and the military order of the Red Guard...
Or it will be that S.T.A.L.K.E.R inspired Monolith worshipping from originally ATE?
Or it will be that S.T.A.L.K.E.R inspired Monolith worshipping from originally ATE?
My only question, will it be possible to reform this "Prussianist" faith should they reform their great kingdom?
Prussianism is an heresy of Lutheranism. The King of Prussia can actually convert to it from the start since his provinces are still Prussianist, and most of Lutheran Germany can revive the faith if they wish.
I like the stuff for france and england shown so far. Someone here mentioned russia; I'd hope you'd go with the noosphere faith depicted in the default game, if just to elaborate on it and provide it more content. They have a neat potential angle for evangelism, what with the belief in the existence of a wish granter who would be able to undo the damage the event dealt to the collective consciousness, just with the knowledge that such damage exists. It'd imply that they'd have an innate desire to spread the belief in the noosphere in the hope that awareness of its existence is brought to the wish granter. Alternatively, the faith of the novorusskiy in After the end could be one of many russian faiths; I could imagine the monolith religion, a new russian orthodoxy, and neo-communism elevated from economic and social philosophy to a true religion all competing with each other for predominace over the reaches of old Russia.
Something I wonder that hasn't been brought up or depicted in this so far, is the extent of which modern migration affected the populations and cultures of western europe. In after the end, it was mostly reflected by additions of certain names to cultures and through the diversity event modifying the ethnicity of generated characters. For example, the name mohammed (and variants) appears in more than a few canadian cultures, and if I remember right, in some of the californian ones (though this could also be explained by mohammed being one of the gurus). Furthermore is the existence of the Calaotian culture, and other instances of asian names throughout the west coast. Will it purely be done this way in the mod, with for example, a few instances of turkic names having integrated into the greater cultural namebase of german cultures, and a percentage chance of more middle eastern features? Or will it be something more along the lines of jewish peoples in the base mod, where post-migrant populations have formed minority groups of distinct faiths and cultures that in some instances hold small areas of majority population, but otherwise exist at the mercy of the majority people and their ruler? Either way'd be interesting. I think it'd lose something to totally ignore it, though.
Something I wonder that hasn't been brought up or depicted in this so far, is the extent of which modern migration affected the populations and cultures of western europe. In after the end, it was mostly reflected by additions of certain names to cultures and through the diversity event modifying the ethnicity of generated characters. For example, the name mohammed (and variants) appears in more than a few canadian cultures, and if I remember right, in some of the californian ones (though this could also be explained by mohammed being one of the gurus). Furthermore is the existence of the Calaotian culture, and other instances of asian names throughout the west coast. Will it purely be done this way in the mod, with for example, a few instances of turkic names having integrated into the greater cultural namebase of german cultures, and a percentage chance of more middle eastern features? Or will it be something more along the lines of jewish peoples in the base mod, where post-migrant populations have formed minority groups of distinct faiths and cultures that in some instances hold small areas of majority population, but otherwise exist at the mercy of the majority people and their ruler? Either way'd be interesting. I think it'd lose something to totally ignore it, though.
I think it's okay if Russians in Europe follow a religion different from Russians believe in far east. As they may be seperated geographically by many middle Asian hordes, it will be more strange if they share the same faith.
Except the Novorusskiy are clearly depicted in after the end as having a Ukrainian base to their culture. They sprawl across much of russia, you can see it in their names that to some degree, they originate further west. For many of their names, ukrainian forms either exist alongside standard russian forms, or exist in place of the standard russian form. Dmytro, Fedir, Hryhoriy, Kostyantyn, Myhailo, Oleksander, Oleksiy. Still others indicate a presence even further west, possibly in some region of poland or czech, names like Boleslaw and Kvetoslav. These names aren't russian, and they show that the noosphere believing novorusskiy who invade north america aren't purely from eastern russia. There's others I haven't listed, these ones are all from memory.
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My best guess is that novorusskiy as a culture in after the end represents a composite culture of majority nousthreskeian faith cultures from across russia, rather than any specific one. The variety in their names indicates a spread of russian, ukrainian, and in some small amount western slavic. This doesn't mean all of russia practices nousthreskeia, or that all of russia belongs to the cultures that would make up the novorusskiy. But what it does indicate is that there is some russian horde or principality that commands or sprawls across much of russia, including partially in the ukraine, that could command or otherwise direct the invasive colonization of north america. What it also indicates is that at least within this horde or principality, nousthreskeia is a significant religion, to at least some degree. If it indicates anything as well, the mod assigns 10% of novorusskiy portraits to the asian/chinese ethnicity, 80% of their portraits to the slavic ethnicity, and 10% of their portraits to the west slavic ethnicity.
What I'd take away from this is that the center of the nousthreskeian faith is somewhere in western russia and ukraine, and that it (or its influence) spreads out from there to the pacific. Likely not across everything between there, it'd be boring if there weren't central asian turkic peoples who hadn't returned to their own cultures to some degree. But the monolith faith either passes through those regions, or dominates them.
All I'm really saying is that the novorusskiy in After the End are significantly western russians. Just looking at the names (and implied by the nature of their religion) they seem to have roots in the Ukraine. This mod takes place 111 years before After the End, so its always possible that the faith may not have sprung into existence yet, and that it came to be sometime in the late 26th century or the early 27th. But if the mod tries to make it so that the culture and religion that invades north america originates in eastern russia, it won't make sense with After the End's canon.
What I'd take away from this is that the center of the nousthreskeian faith is somewhere in western russia and ukraine, and that it (or its influence) spreads out from there to the pacific. Likely not across everything between there, it'd be boring if there weren't central asian turkic peoples who hadn't returned to their own cultures to some degree. But the monolith faith either passes through those regions, or dominates them.
All I'm really saying is that the novorusskiy in After the End are significantly western russians. Just looking at the names (and implied by the nature of their religion) they seem to have roots in the Ukraine. This mod takes place 111 years before After the End, so its always possible that the faith may not have sprung into existence yet, and that it came to be sometime in the late 26th century or the early 27th. But if the mod tries to make it so that the culture and religion that invades north america originates in eastern russia, it won't make sense with After the End's canon.
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So, Novorusskyi and the Nousthreskeia faith. This was actually a fairly important point for us, because how far into Russia they were, and if they really made it to Europe by the 29th century, when they invade historically. What we went with is that in 2555 they are not yet in Europe (or on the map) but by 2800 they can absolutely be. As for their cultural basis, our lore implies a couple things on them, to explain the presence of Ukrainian and other eastern European names in a force from eastern Russia. This is mostly done because the alternative, as you point out, would be having them exist from Mongolia to the Urals, and that only at game start, which is... Kinda boring honestly, from a gameplay perspective.
I mostly work on cultures, characters and dynasties, so I guess I am the best person to answer this. Right now I mostly add native names, I'll admit. I mix it with literature, history, and even pop culture, but the core of it remains the majoritarian names in a determinate culture. That being said, we do have exceptions.
We also plan to expand and modify the Jewish courtier event, but I won't give details on this because we are still not ready.
Interesting- so you have them as an eastern russian group that, over the course of several hundred years, expands westward to hold predominance over western russia? Or am I reading that wrong? Either way, I'd definitely be interested in the in mod justification for their cultural mix. Would it be possible for them to appear in the old world mod as an invasive force sometime in the 27th century or 28th century or so, just like they appear in north america in the 29th? Could be interesting to see the cultural and religious dynamic of far eastern europe change dramatically from eastern russian invasion, or to fend off against it yourself if you play as a russian.
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I don't know if this is what's implied, but I think islamic courtier events would be interesting for a post apocalyptic europe.
Will there be cultures that appear as foreign merchant cultures, like in the base mod? Would it be possible for a player in portugal, spain, france, or britain to receive merchant envoys from the Gothamites, the Carribean Empire, Chesapeake, or Brazil, just to name a few possibilities? Similarly, would a player in India possibly encounter the Eddoko, Ozzilanders, Tagalog, Hong Kongers, or even Hawaiians and Californians?
Yes I always liked those events so there definitely will be some in the Old World mod.
Dev Diary 6: Italy
Dev Diary 6: Catholic Heartland
Some nations in Europe have an history of being broken in many, many pieces. Italy, is no exception. And it is only to be expected that, after the Event, the country would go back to his ancient rivalries and wars. Yet, new states have emerged from this war. Nations that once were never heard of now battle for supremacy over the Italian Peninsula. From Friuli to Sicilia, new and old states have appeared to claim the throne of Italia... or to die trying.
Italy in 2555
Northern Italy: The Broken Land
Northern Italy, in 2555, can be cleanly divided into an eastern part and a western part. To the west, the pressure of the Swiss conquest keeps the nation divided, broken in many small, regional lords. Some of those claim descent from some ancient ruler before the Event. Only Duke Vittorio Amedeo Savoia, the self-proclaimed Heir of Kings, dares to call himself a Duke, but his power, like that of the other piemontese and lombard rulers, does not extend far.
To the east, on the other hand, many rulers have emerged, battling for power over this corner of the peninsula. One of those is the Duke of Veneto, Romeo Salgari. Not to be underestimated despite his young age, Duke Romeo controls all of ancient Veneto, except for one domain.
The Doge of Venezia, Marco Mose, is still resisting any offer of annexation to the Duke's kingdom. Rich and powerful, Venezia is the only Republic that has resurrected from it's ancient past, all thanks to it's isolated position that protects it from any assault from land (at least since the bridge once built to connect it to the mainland fell apart). Still, the situation of the city state is risky.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Tyrol, Cesare de Gasperi, controls the mountains of Trento and Bolzano. While he nominally claims land beyond the Alps, he has never moved north, probably because the region he claims is actually controlled by the Count of Innsbruck and the powerful Duke of Swabia. Yet, many say a fire burns inside this man, and only time will tell if his future is just isolated in his current lands.
Central Italy: San Marino, Emilia and Toscana
In the central region of Italy, two are the great rulers that fight for control over the region: the Kingdom of San Marino and the Duke of Toscana. On one side, San Marino has greatly expended since the event, taking over the lands of Le Marche and Romagna. San Marino has become the capital of a prosperous kingdom ruled by the powerful King Vincenzo Guidi, recently elected over other lords, including the powerful Duke of Romagna.
On the other hand, the Duke of Toscana controls even more land. Pisa, Piombino, Arezzo, Siena, all proud, powerful cities that have bent the knee and follow the Duke, ruling from Firenze. Duke Niccolò Innocenti however looks with a worried look towards the bordering Kingdom, and prepares for a battle that may come.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Emilia is a minor power, and therefore has to look at both nation with fear. On one side, for generations San Marino has claimed the lands of "all the ancient Emilia-Romagna". On the other, however, he knows that Duke Niccolò is interested in expanding his power. It is an harsh world, and Duke Luca Ferrari has to keep a delicate balance to not be swallowed.
The Papacy in Rome
Of course, the Papacy still holds the great city. The seat of Saint Peter may be weaker than it was in centuries past, but since the time of the Event it has done it's best to protect the Catholic faith. And while it has not always been succesful, some murmur that this will soon change.
Southern Italy: The Five Duchies
In the south, instead, five great duchies rule over the country, constantly fighting to gain advantage over the others. Now calling themselves Neapolitans, Sicilian or Pugliese, all southern ruler aim to unite the nation once more.
Abruzzo, to the north, is the weakest of the Duchies. Yet, Duke Simone Giuliani is one of the best rulers it's land has ever had. Maybe, it is a sign of good times to come. Or perhaps there is nothing he can do to fight against the bordering states.
Meanwhile, no southern country is more extended than Campania. From Napoli, Duke Pietro Napolitano controls all the land from the southern border of Rome to the northern border of Calabria. And with this much power, he can truly look at the crown of Two Sicilies, if only he can hold together his vassals.
But if we talk of military might, Duchess Maria Lorusso, ruler of Puglia, is the strongest. Ruling over the nation closest to the Balcan coast and the powerful Empire on that side, the military of Puglia makes it the most powerful Duchy. However, the first concern of Duchess Maria, the last of her family, is succession.
In a similar position to the Duke of Abruzzo, the Duke of Calabria, Enzo Spadafora, is another weak lord, ruling however over a more defendable position. Yet, it is only up to him to hold together the Duchy his ancestor built.
Lastly, Sicily is at this point a nation of it's own. Ruled by Duke Salvatore Russo, Sicily is more isolated, but this isolation gives it the ability to amass power. Perhaps, even to compete with the other island nation.
The Kingdom of Sardinia: from Provence to Tunisi
The Kingdom of Sardinia is an expansionist nation. Originally closed in the island it takes the name from, however it quickly grew. First it conquered Corsica, allowing however for a Corsu ruler to maintain control of the nation. Then, it invaded Provence, taking lands from the Novelists of the area and even from the Swiss. And now, it has landed in North Africa, capturing Tunis and now menacing the nearby nation. Only time will tell how far the expansion of Sardinia will go. Time, and the will of King Vittorio Saragat and his successors.
The Shield of Christianity, the Holy Knights of Malta
To the south of Italy, in the middle of the Mediterranean, stands the island of Malta. And here was established the base of the Holy Order of the Knights of Malta. While some claim they are direct descendants of the ancient organization that once protected Christianity, other claim they are only a group that chose to bring the order back to life. Either way, the Knights rule Malta and pledge to protect Catholicism from all it's enemies.
Some nations in Europe have an history of being broken in many, many pieces. Italy, is no exception. And it is only to be expected that, after the Event, the country would go back to his ancient rivalries and wars. Yet, new states have emerged from this war. Nations that once were never heard of now battle for supremacy over the Italian Peninsula. From Friuli to Sicilia, new and old states have appeared to claim the throne of Italia... or to die trying.
Italy in 2555
Northern Italy: The Broken Land
Northern Italy, in 2555, can be cleanly divided into an eastern part and a western part. To the west, the pressure of the Swiss conquest keeps the nation divided, broken in many small, regional lords. Some of those claim descent from some ancient ruler before the Event. Only Duke Vittorio Amedeo Savoia, the self-proclaimed Heir of Kings, dares to call himself a Duke, but his power, like that of the other piemontese and lombard rulers, does not extend far.
To the east, on the other hand, many rulers have emerged, battling for power over this corner of the peninsula. One of those is the Duke of Veneto, Romeo Salgari. Not to be underestimated despite his young age, Duke Romeo controls all of ancient Veneto, except for one domain.
The Doge of Venezia, Marco Mose, is still resisting any offer of annexation to the Duke's kingdom. Rich and powerful, Venezia is the only Republic that has resurrected from it's ancient past, all thanks to it's isolated position that protects it from any assault from land (at least since the bridge once built to connect it to the mainland fell apart). Still, the situation of the city state is risky.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Tyrol, Cesare de Gasperi, controls the mountains of Trento and Bolzano. While he nominally claims land beyond the Alps, he has never moved north, probably because the region he claims is actually controlled by the Count of Innsbruck and the powerful Duke of Swabia. Yet, many say a fire burns inside this man, and only time will tell if his future is just isolated in his current lands.
Central Italy: San Marino, Emilia and Toscana
In the central region of Italy, two are the great rulers that fight for control over the region: the Kingdom of San Marino and the Duke of Toscana. On one side, San Marino has greatly expended since the event, taking over the lands of Le Marche and Romagna. San Marino has become the capital of a prosperous kingdom ruled by the powerful King Vincenzo Guidi, recently elected over other lords, including the powerful Duke of Romagna.
On the other hand, the Duke of Toscana controls even more land. Pisa, Piombino, Arezzo, Siena, all proud, powerful cities that have bent the knee and follow the Duke, ruling from Firenze. Duke Niccolò Innocenti however looks with a worried look towards the bordering Kingdom, and prepares for a battle that may come.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Emilia is a minor power, and therefore has to look at both nation with fear. On one side, for generations San Marino has claimed the lands of "all the ancient Emilia-Romagna". On the other, however, he knows that Duke Niccolò is interested in expanding his power. It is an harsh world, and Duke Luca Ferrari has to keep a delicate balance to not be swallowed.
The Papacy in Rome
Of course, the Papacy still holds the great city. The seat of Saint Peter may be weaker than it was in centuries past, but since the time of the Event it has done it's best to protect the Catholic faith. And while it has not always been succesful, some murmur that this will soon change.
Southern Italy: The Five Duchies
In the south, instead, five great duchies rule over the country, constantly fighting to gain advantage over the others. Now calling themselves Neapolitans, Sicilian or Pugliese, all southern ruler aim to unite the nation once more.
Abruzzo, to the north, is the weakest of the Duchies. Yet, Duke Simone Giuliani is one of the best rulers it's land has ever had. Maybe, it is a sign of good times to come. Or perhaps there is nothing he can do to fight against the bordering states.
Meanwhile, no southern country is more extended than Campania. From Napoli, Duke Pietro Napolitano controls all the land from the southern border of Rome to the northern border of Calabria. And with this much power, he can truly look at the crown of Two Sicilies, if only he can hold together his vassals.
But if we talk of military might, Duchess Maria Lorusso, ruler of Puglia, is the strongest. Ruling over the nation closest to the Balcan coast and the powerful Empire on that side, the military of Puglia makes it the most powerful Duchy. However, the first concern of Duchess Maria, the last of her family, is succession.
In a similar position to the Duke of Abruzzo, the Duke of Calabria, Enzo Spadafora, is another weak lord, ruling however over a more defendable position. Yet, it is only up to him to hold together the Duchy his ancestor built.
Lastly, Sicily is at this point a nation of it's own. Ruled by Duke Salvatore Russo, Sicily is more isolated, but this isolation gives it the ability to amass power. Perhaps, even to compete with the other island nation.
The Kingdom of Sardinia: from Provence to Tunisi
The Kingdom of Sardinia is an expansionist nation. Originally closed in the island it takes the name from, however it quickly grew. First it conquered Corsica, allowing however for a Corsu ruler to maintain control of the nation. Then, it invaded Provence, taking lands from the Novelists of the area and even from the Swiss. And now, it has landed in North Africa, capturing Tunis and now menacing the nearby nation. Only time will tell how far the expansion of Sardinia will go. Time, and the will of King Vittorio Saragat and his successors.
The Shield of Christianity, the Holy Knights of Malta
To the south of Italy, in the middle of the Mediterranean, stands the island of Malta. And here was established the base of the Holy Order of the Knights of Malta. While some claim they are direct descendants of the ancient organization that once protected Christianity, other claim they are only a group that chose to bring the order back to life. Either way, the Knights rule Malta and pledge to protect Catholicism from all it's enemies.
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