Here's a timeline I made on the old board. Please feel free to comment or question.
Part 1
POD- In 1274, at the Council of Lyons, the King of France, Louis IX (St Louis) achieves sufficient support for a motion to merge the Knights of the Temple (Templars) and the Knights of Saint John (Hospitalers), and the motion is passed.
In 1291, the Syrian port city of Acre holds out against Muslim forces due to Paladin forces. As a result, public opinion of the Order increases. The Paladins re-conquer Krak des Chevaliers in 1296, retake the Principality of Antioch in 1299, re-conquer Beaufort Castle in 1300, and subsequently conquer Damascus, with the strong support of their Armenian allies and the Mongols, in 1305. The popularity of the Paladins goes through the roof.
Philip the Fair of France is envious of the riches of the Paladins and plots their ruin in order to acquire their riches. Hearing of rumours of a plot, the Grand Master of the Paladins begins liquidating all French funds, including all Paladin-owned land in France and transferring such to Venice.
Sometime in the first decade of the 14th century, Phillip the Fair accuses the Order of heresy and points to their leaving of France as proof of their complicity.
In 1307, the Pope, giving the matter some consideration, decrees that there is absolutely no proof of heresy regarding the Holy Order of Saint Peter and that the Order has the complete support of the Church.
In the 1310s, the western Mongols convert to Christianity.
In 1320, the Paladins conquer Rhodes and form an alliance with Venice. In 1321, Poland conquers Pomerania. In 1322, Cilician Armenia conquers the lands of the former County of Edessa. The Khanate of Chagatay converts to Christianity in 1324.
In 1327, the Hanseatic League fails to acquire a monopoly on Danish trade and their political influence in Denmark continues to remain minor. In 1330, Denmark conquers Livonia. The Golden Horde converts to Christianity in 1330.
In the 1330s, the Holy Order of Saint Peter in Venice trains with the Venetian military to solidify their alliance. In 1337, the armies of Cilician Armenia reconquer Armenia proper. A charismatic prince of Armenia, and a young woman named Shoushan ("Tulip"), a gifted military genius, who claims to have visions of God, lead them. The Catholicos gives her his blessing once Armenia proper has been restored. The Paladins lend their support to their Armenian allies and are thanked by the King, the Catholicos, and the people of Armenia (Hayastan).
Upon the death of the Pope, in 1334, the cardinals elect a French Pope.
Hundred Years War: 1337-1446
Early Seventy-Five Years War: 1337-1348
In 1340, the Order expands its navy. In 1348, a group of Paladins, acting as representatives of the Pope, mediate an end to the wars between England and France. The Order begins researching an archery weapon that is as effective as the English longbow and can be used on horseback.
In 1348, the French Pope in Avignon buys the County of Venaissin (which includes Avignon) from Naples for 80,000 florins, and the Royal Order of the Garter is founded in England.
In the 1349 Treaty of Bordeaux, England holds western Brittany, Crecy and Calais, France holds most of Brittany and most of Aquitaine, and the Paladins hold southeastern Aquitaine (the modern provinces of Landes and Pyrenees Atlantique) as a fief of England.
In 1350, the Pope sells Avignon and environs (henceforth called Avignon County) to the Order for 8,000 florins. The Pope wants to keep a close eye on the Order. Avignon County remains a fief of the Church.
In the 1340's and 50's, the Paladins build up Avignon County, and the Order's Navy is given sea access rights down the Rhone. Western Provence is added to Avignon County in 1355.
Between 1350 and 1400, there is little growth of the powers of the English parliament or French Estates General.
In 1351, the Royal Order of the Star is founded in France. In 1352, the Order forms an alliance with the Byzantines.
In 1356, the Pope calls for a Crusade to retake Jerusalem. French, English, German, Italian, and others heed the call. The Paladins are first to give their support for the new Crusade. The Pope invites the Armenian people to join the Crusade, and they agree.
10th Crusade: 1361-1369
In 1361, the Crusade to retake Jerusalem begins. The Knights of the Holy Order of Saint-Peter lead the charge. Several contingents of Armenian troops join the Crusaders. After 3 years of fighting, Jerusalem is liberated from the Moslems. By 1367, all territory won in the First Crusade is again under Latin control. The Holy Order successfully uses crossbows for the first time in combat and to great advantage. Late in 1367, on a sad note, Shoushan of Armenia, a leader of an Armenian contingent, was hit by an arrow and dies shortly after. The Catholicos proclaims her a saint. Moved by her actions and service, the Grand Master of the Paladins makes her the first female (honorary) member of the Holy Order of Saint-Peter. Once word reaches the Pope of her martyrdom, he shortly beatifies her. In 1368, peace is signed.
Treaty of Jerusalem
The Crusaders gain all the lands possessed by the former Kingdom of Jerusalem (including a part of the coast bordering the Gulf of Aquaba) and the former Principalities of Antioch and Tripoli.
The Pope appoints the Grand Master of the Paladins as Protector of Jerusalem.
Cyprus and Malta are given to the Paladins as fiefs of France and Aragon respectively in the same year.
In late 1369, the body of Saint Shoushan is returned to Armenia and is buried in Ani, the new Armenian capital. In 1370, the Holy Order of Saint Peter opens a new chapter in Ani. In 1373, the King of England negotiates the marriage of an English Duke to the Countess of Flanders.
In the years 1375 to 1390, Armenia conquers northern and northeastern Anatolia. Northwestern Anatolia continues to belong to the Ottoman Turks. They resist the Armenians fiercely, and Armenia gains only a fraction of Ottoman territory.
In 1378, Clement VII is elected Pope in Avignon. In Rome, the Italian Cardinals elect their own Pope but he garners less support and influence in Western Europe than the French Pope. The Order supports the "true" Pope Clement VII. In Western Europe, only half of Germany, half of Italy, Ireland and half of Flanders support the "pretender" Pope in Rome. In 1380, the Russians defeat the Khan of the Golden Horde, at the Battle of Kulikova
Late Seventy-Five Years War: 1383-1446
War breaks out between England and France in 1383. The Holy Roman Empire adds eastern Provence to Paladin Avignon. The Turfan Uighurs convert to Christianity in 1382. In 1385, Toghrol, a Christian Uzbek, conquers Muslim Il’Khans.
In 1385, the Union of Kalmar is founded. In 1389, a new Pope is elected in Rome. Five years later, he abdicates and thus the Schism of the Papacy ends.
In 1388, England and Burgundy sign a treaty of alliance.
In 1391-95, the Mongols conquer western Syria; push south and 10 years later, a Mongol army is camped at the coast of the Gulf of Aquaba. In 1396, the Pope calls for a crusade against the Ottoman threat.
11th Crusade: 1396-1401
At that time the Ottomans held northwestern Anatolia, some islands in the Aegean, and part of the Bulgarian coast. As expected the Paladins and the Teutonic Knights mobilize quickly and take the lead. The Ottomans are an even greater threat to Armenia, and the King and Cathlolicos call on the people of Armenia to volunteer to fight. After 2 years of fighting, the Ottomans have lost most of their territory, but they fight hard. The Allies pull back and maintain the blockade of all supply routes by sea or land. By mid-1400, Allied forces assault the weakened, war-weary Ottomans and subsequently secure all Ottoman lands following the Ottoman’s unconditional surrender. Peace is signed in late 1401. A significant number of Crusaders, Paladins and Teutonic Knights remain in conquered Ottoman territory. The territory becomes Papal territory.
In 1408, the Paladins and Teutonic Knights lead the Crusaders along with Armenian troops, in occupied former Ottoman territory, against the remnants of the Byzantine Empire as the Venetian and Paladin navies, and a multinational army of Crusaders march through the southeastern-most part of the Balkans. In 1413, the Byzantines accept the terms of the peace treaty proposed by the Allies.
1413 Treaty of Constantinople:
All former Byzantine lands become Papa territory.
The Venetians will acquire all former Byzantine coastlines along the Adriatic Sea and the Cyclades Island group.
The Paladins, as representatives of the Pope, and Venice, will control the Black Sea, Sea of Marmarra, and the Straits of the Dardanelles jointly with Armenia.
Armenia is granted all former Ottoman territories in Anatolia and has rights to the straits between the Black and Mediterranean Seas.
The city of Adrianople and environs is given to the Holy Order of Saint Peter.
The Eastern Orthodox Church will continue to reside in Constantinople under the Patriarch, and it will have full rights under the law.
The Paladins establish new chapters in Constantinople and Adrianople.
Poland-Lithuania War: 1408-1415
In 1408, Mongol and Scandinavian forces invade Lithuania and then Poland.
In 1413, Lithuania falls. In 1415, Poland falls. Bohemian forces grab Poznan and Crackow by the end of the war.
In 1413, Venice absorbs the Genoan islands off Western Anatolia with Paladin and Teuton support. In 1414, following up on their victories the previous year, Venice, the Paladins and Teutons assemble the Paladin and Venetian fleets for an attack on Genoan Crimea. The allied navies attack the Genoan vessels as Paladin and Teuton forces land in the eastern part of the peninsula. By 1415, formerly Genoan Crimea is firmly in the hands of Venice.
In 1414, the Mongol armies in the Sinai invade Mamluk Egypt, conquer the Sinai, and are stopped at the Nile, taking heavier than predicted losses. In 1416, The Paladins and Teutonic Knights offer support to the Mongols in exchange for the Sinai and Egyptian lands east of the Nile (which would be attached to the Kingdom of Jerusalem). In 1418, the Sinai is in Paladin hands. The Paladin naval forces and army attacks by sea and land. In 1419, most of Egypt has been conquered and occupied. The Paladins and Teutonic Knights push south towards Christian Ethiopia while the Mongols push west across North Africa. The Mongols take Tripoli in 1421. Paladins and Teutons take northern Sudan in 1424. In 1429, the Holy Order of Saint Peter and the Teutonic Knights control all land between the Red Sea and the Nile (or Blue Nile) north of the Kingdom of Ethiopia.
In 1415, peace is signed in northeastern Europe. Northern Lithuania and northern Poland are annexed by the Kalmar Union. The Golden Horde takes southern Lithuania and southern Poland. Bohemia annexes the lands up to Poznan and Cracow.
In 1422, the Mongols stop their north-African advance to regroup. Mongols now control all of North Africa; west of the Nile, east of OTL Libya/Tunisia, Libya/Algeria borders and north of a latitude running thru Aswan.
In 1422, the English deal a devastating blow to the French forces in the Battle of Agincourt.
In 1431, peace is signed. The Kingdom of Ethiopia gains all lands south of the latitude thru the confluence of the Niles, west to the Blue Nile and east to the Red Sea. The restored Christian Kingdom of Nubia encompasses all lands between the latitude thru Aswan and another thru the confluence of the Niles and a southwestern border at OTL’s Sudan’s southwestern border. The Kingdom of Jerusalem annexes the Sinai and all Egyptian lands between the Red Sea and Nile north of Aswan.
By 1435, England controls Flanders, Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine, and her forces lie poised on the banks of the Loire. In 1437, the Grand Master of the Holy Order of Saint Peter, Charles Xavier, calls on the Pope to return to Rome for his own safety and for the sake of Christianity (Roman), which is growing more and more divided with each passing year. If His Holiness does not, the Bishop of Rome will replace him as Pope shortly for he will surely be captured or killed in the war.
The Pope acknowledges the wisdom of the Grand Master's words, but he decides to remain in Avignon.
In 1423, the Mongols begin advancing westward in North Africa. Tunis falls to the Mongols in 1424. The states of the Hafsid Kingdom, the Emirate of the Zab, Gafsa and Tozeur are conquered by 1427. The Zayanid Kingdom falls in 1428. Once the Paladins finish occupying the southern part of the former Mamluk Empire, they meet up with the Mongols in North Africa and persuade them to join their attack on the Kingdom of Granada. The two sides agree to let the Paladins take Granada and the Mongols to keep North Africa. The Allied forces invade the Kingdom of the Marinids. They capture and occupy Tangier and Tetoun in 1433. The allies launch an attack on Granada, and Paladin forces in Castile attack at the same time.
By 1435, the allies have captured and occupied the Kingdom of Granada. The Mongols return to Africa, and peace is signed. Granada is given to the Holy Order of Saint Peter as a fief of Castile.
In 1438, Aragonese forces join the Paladins, from their lands in Aquitaine and Provence, as they strike for the heart of France. At the same time, the English and Burgundians continue to advance on the Limoges region.
In 1440, Savoy grabs southeastern Dauphine. In 1442, the Aragonese halt their advance once Toulouse is secure, having no wish to lose more lives.
In 1447, the Pope decides to leave Avignon in secret and flee to the island of Elba. In 1448, the Bishop of Rome is proclaimed the new Pope since the last Pope had been missing and presumed dead for several months.
In 1448, English, Burgundian and Paladin forces conquer Limoges and thus put an end to native rule of the Kingdom of France. Peace is signed the following year. The Kingdom of Aragon keeps the French lands it conquered including the city of Toulouse. The Paladins gain a swath of land connecting their lands in Aquitaine (the English gave them the former fief) with Provence and southwestern Dauphine. The English and Burgundians hold the rest. The Burgundians receive northern Dauphine. Savoy receives southeastern Dauphine.
Between 1400 and 1460, the House of York rules England.
War of the Roses: 1460-1493
In 1460, fighting erupts between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians. In the same year, the Grand Master of the Paladins pleads for the Houses of York and Lancaster to settle their differences. He also proclaims that the Paladins will support whoever has the most support. The King tells the Grand Master to stay out of English affairs.
A cultural re-awakening during the years of 1415-1513 in Armenia marked by great advances in knowledge. This period would come to be called the Aradjadimutyun, a re-birth or cultural awakening. Artisans and scholars abound. Science and technological knowledge advances more rapidly. By the mid 1400s, Armenian artisans and scholars frequent the courts of Constantinople, Jerusalem, Cairo, Adrianople, Vienna, Venice, Florence, Baghdad and elsewhere throughout southeastern Europe and the Middle East. By the end of the 14th century, Armenian scholars and artisans are to be found as far as Milan, Moscow, London, Delhi, and Axum. A similar phenomenon in Europe, called in Latin the Renatio, beginning around the same time, is sped up by the influx of Armenians.
In 1427, Portugal discovers the Azores and begins colonizing Madeira and Porto Santo. A Portuguese captain rounds Cape Bojador on the west coast of Africa in OTL’s Western Sahara in 1434. The same captain reaches the mouth of a river (OTL Senegal River) in 1436.
Around 1430, a part of the Golden Horde splits off to form the Khanate of the Crimea. In 1431, former Byzantine lands in Greece, Byzantine islands in the Aegean and the city of Constantinople are given to the Holy Roman Empire. Former Ottoman lands in northwestern Anatolia are given to the Kingdom of Armenia. The Paladins retain Adrianople and environs as a fief of the Holy Roman Empire.
In 1435, The Holy Roman Empire shores up defences in its Byzantine territories fearing incursions by the Serbs or Bulgars. In 1438, the Empire prepares to attack Bulgaria. In 1440, the Empire launches a war against the Kingdom of Bulgaria.
In 1440, having secured North Africa, Emperor Toghrol returns to Syria leaving North Africa to his top General, Shur‘tu. In 1443, a Portuguese captain arrives at the Bay of Arguin off the coast of OTL’s Mauritania. These voyages return African slaves to Portugal.
In 1444, the Imperial advance into Bulgarian territory has slowed considerably. During an informal truce, the Empire forms a temporary alliance with the Republic of Venice against the Bulgars promising the latter the Bulgarian coastline for their assistance. With the aid of the Venetian Navy and Venetian troops, the Imperial armies win a series of victories.
In 1444, the Portuguese discover the heavily forested Cape Verde Islands and also explore the mouth of the Senegal River. In 1445, a part of the Golden Horde splits off to form the Khanate of Kazan. In 1446, Aragon conquers the Kingdom of Naples.
By 1448, only small pockets of resistance against the Holy Roman Empire remain. The war ends in 1450, and peace is signed in 1451. In 1452, the Holy Roman Empire annexes Bulgaria (all the lands up to the Danube in the north, Serbia in the west, and the coastal territory promised Venice in the east). The territory Venice annexes includes the cities of Anchialos, Messembria, and Varna.
In 1450, Emperor Toghrol dies and leaves his empire to his son Wutu. In 1453, the Pope decrees that henceforth the Papal Guards will be drawn exclusively from the Order of Saint-Peter.
In 1456, the Portuguese arrive at the coast of OTL’s Guinea. The following year, they reach OTL Sierra Leone. In 1460, Aragon, Venice and the Paladins form an alliance to conquer Genoa, Milan, Savoy, and Navarre.
In 1462, Burgundian forces invade Flanders. The King denounces the Burgundian invasion and promises retribution. Certain Lancastrians ally with the Burgundians promising them land in Flanders. Meanwhile the Paladins invade the Channel Islands in surprise night attacks. The Grand Master calls on the King to step down in favour of the Duke of Lancaster, who was winning and had more support at the time, and make peace. “These islands will remain under our control until your intestine rivalry is ended," proclaims the Grand Master. The King denounces the Grand Master and refuses unequivocally. Fighting rages throughout English France, Flanders and southern England. The Duke of Lancaster marshals an army against the King and defeats him.
In 1462 Aragonese, Venetian and Paladin forces attack and invade Corsica. In 1464, Aragon, Venice and the Paladins conquer Corsica. Portugal conquers Ceuta and some Moroccan coast between 1465 and 1475.
In 1465, the Duke of Lancaster ascends the throne of England. Yorkist factions remain opposed to the Lancaster King. Despite repeated appeals by the previous York King and the present Lancastrian King, the Paladins refuse to relinquish the Channel Islands.
In 1466, a part of the Golden Horde splits off to form the Khanate of Astrakhan.
In 1469, Zeroun Vanetzi, a scholar, artisan, and inventor is invited to the Court of the Armenian King. The King appoints him Royal Scholar and instructs him to share and teach his ideas to his court. Vanetzi has plans to build a machine that uses steam to propel small spheres of metal. In 1475, Giovanni Da Lucca, artisan, inventor and scholar is invited to the Arsenale of Venice to share and teach his ideas. Though a firm pacifist, Da Lucca shares all his ideas with the Venetian military. “I am merely showing you how to build a tool, should you use it as a weapon, it is on your own heads.” Da Lucca proclaimed. He has plans for a machine that runs on steam that can project metal objects. Da Lucca attempts to persuade the Venetians to use non-lethal weapons on several occasions.
In 1468, Aragon, Venice and the Paladins conquer Genoa proper. In 1470, Venetian forces invade eastern Milan. In 1471, Aragonese and Venetian forces conquer eastern Milan. In 1473, Venice and Aragon defeat the Duchy of Milan. In 1474, Paladin, Aragonese, and Venetian forces invade Savoy. In 1475, allied forces conquer Savoy. In 1476, peace is signed. Aragon receives Corsica and western Savoy. Venice receives the Duchy of Milan, Genoa proper and eastern Savoy.
By 1477, all Burgundian lands become the Kingdom of Burgundy. In 1478, Paladin and Aragonese forces invade Navarre.
In 1479, the Duke of York marshals an army, marches against the King and fights against him for several years.
The Kazakh Empire is established in Central Asia in the same year. In 1480, Sergei II throws off the Mongol yoke and proclaims himself Czar of Russia.
In the same year, allied forces occupy Navarre. In 1481, peace is signed. Aragon receives Navarre. Also in 1480, the Armenians invent the world’s first steam engine. Between 1480 and 1520, Burgundy expands into the Netherlands and the western cantons of the Swiss Confederacy.
In 1483, the Duke of York defeats the Lancastrian King. The former King flees to English France. The Berbers and other native tribes reclaim Eastern North Africa by 1485.
In 1487, the Duke of York returns to England with Burgundian allies and an army he marshalled in English France. Fierce fighting between the two factions embroils Flanders, parts of Burgundy, English France and southern England for years.
In 1489, the Paladin-led Egyptian Army and Navy conquer western Egypt (including eastern Libya). In 1490, the Kingdom of Egypt is established independent of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. A former Grand Master and his Armenian wife begin ruling Egypt. The Kingdom of Egypt stops at a longitude thru Suez on the east and extends into western Libya stopping roughly 150 miles from Tripoli.
In 1489, minor leaders of the two factions dispute London. No sizeable forces are present in the capital. In the same year, the Paladins storm London in a surprise night attack. The low number of troops in the capital at the time and the superiority of the Paladins resulted in the Paladins taking the city quickly. The Grand Master declares himself Protector of England and demands an end to the hostilities. The Paladins relinquish the Channel Islands at the same time. Many townsfolk and country folk in southern England, tired of the infighting, support the new Protector. Chastened by the weakened state of their country, the Lancastrian leader and Yorkist leaders make peace in 1490.
In 1491, the new King, of the House of York, is crowned King of England. In 1492, a new Pope is elected in Rome and proclaims that henceforth the Holy Order of Saint Peter shall hand over its French lands and northern Navarre. The Holy Order of Saint Peter administers said lands as fiefs of the Church from now on.
In 1493, the heir to the throne of England marries a daughter of the House of Lancaster thus ending the Wars of the Roses. In 1494, the Pope and the Catholicos sign the Friendship of the Churches. The ruling houses of Castile and Aragon form a dynastic union in the same year thereby uniting their kingdoms.
In 1495, The Holy Roman Emperor calls on the Pope to lend his Paladins to put down instability in the Swiss Confederation promising the southwestern portion of Swiss lands as an Imperial fief to the Paladins upon success of the campaign. The Emperor also calls on the Venetians for aid promising them the southeastern portion of Swiss lands. In 1497, Paladin and Venetian forces invade the Swiss Confederation from the south as the armies of the Holy Roman Empire attack from the north.
In 1497, the Paladin has replaced the Knight in chessboards across Europe.
The Swiss win a few battles against the armies of the Empire during 1497-98, but they lose an important battle in 1499. The Swiss finally sue for peace in mid 1502. The Holy Roman Empire cedes the southeast of the Swiss Confederation to Venice and the southwest of the Swiss Confederation to the Paladins.
In 1505, England and Scotland are joined in dynastic union.
Following heavier than expected losses in the Swiss Campaign, the Holy Order of Saint Peter takes over and expands the University of Avignon between 1502 and 1517 renaming it the University of Saint Peter at Avignon. The University’s funding is increased substantially as well. The Paladins form a College of Military Science and Technology and a College of Engineering at the University in 1505 and 1507 respectively. The Paladins form a separate branch for engineers (the Engineers of Saint Peter or ESP) to build and repair roads, aqueducts, bridges and the like. They also form a separate branch of the Order for scholars (the Scholars of Saint Peter or SSP) to research and develop military science and technology. The University of Saint Peter attracts scholars and artisans from across Europe and the Mediterranean. Several Armenian, Italian, and other Mediterranean scholars take up teaching posts at the University or join the Scholars or Engineers.
Paladin and Venetian forces conquer the city of Tripoli in 1507. Venice annexes a strip of Libyan coast from Tripoli to Paladin Egypt the same year. In 1510, the Venetians invent a steam engine. In 1511, Burgundian forces seize ports along the North African coast (Algeria) south of Burgundy.
In 1518, the Venetian engineers and the Engineers of Saint Peter announce their project to create a canal thru the Suez Peninsula. In 1520, Paladin engineers invent a steam engine.
In 1522, Portuguese ships travel south of the Equator for the first time. The Paladin University of Saint-Peter at Jerusalem is founded in 1527. Castile-Aragon conquers Tangier, Tetoun, Oran, Bona, and Tunis during the period of 1522-28. In 1520, Hungary begins a 12-year war against the Kazan Khanate. Work begins on the Canal in 1523. In 1530, matchlocks are invented by the Venetians. Venice invents a steam pump for mining that same year. In 1533, the Kazan Khanate sues for peace and cedes the eastern half of its territory to Hungary. By 1535, matchlocks are the standard weapons of the Venetian military. A strip of North African coast between Tunis and Tripoli is settled by Venice by 1536. Burgundy settles a strip of North African coast between Algiers and Tunis in the same year as well.
In 1537, with the conquest of Wales, England, English France, and Wales become Great Britain. The Canal of St-Mark and St Peter is completed in 1538. The first all-sea round trips from Cyprus to India, and from Venice to India are completed in 1539.
In the late summer of 1541, 7 Portuguese ships leave Portugal hoping to find a western route to India bypassing the Canal of St-Mark and St-Peter. The Portuguese rest and re-supply in the Cape Verde Islands and head southwest. The Portuguese reach the coast of OTL’s Brazil on September 21st 1541.
In 1540, the Venetians and Paladins conquer the Indian port city of Goa. Venice annexes Goa. In the same year, Hungary becomes a Hapsburg territory. By 1540, matchlocks are the standard Paladin weapons. Armenia invents a Wheelock firearm the same year. In 1540, Burgundy splits from the Holy Roman Empire. Armenia invents a steam pump for mining. The British invent a steam engine in 1541.
In 1544, the Portuguese return from OTL’s Brazil, having explored the some of the coast and acquiring some goods from the natives. In 1543, the Paladins conquer Ceylon. The Paladins annex Ceylon in 1544. In 1545, Malacca is conquered by Venice. In 1546, Castile-Aragon invades the French papal lands. The Paladins ask the Spanish not to but to no avail, so the Paladins evacuate to English Aquitaine and Avignon.
Meanwhile, a leading proponent of Church reform posts a letter with 47 theses to the door of a cathedral in Mainz. Some advocate the execution of the heretical would-be Reformer. The Order stands behind the Church but hints that changes should be made as long as papal authority is not threatened. The liberal minded Pope sees that changes to the Church can be made as long as papal authority is retained. The sale of Indulgences is banned. The Holy Order of Saint Peter, having been falsely accused of heresy in the past and having had close contacts with Armenians, are more understanding and impartial than the Church. The Paladins grant temporary shelter and a fair trial to those accused of heresy.
By 1545, the lands of the Slovenes, the Croats, the Montenegrins, and the Bosnians belong to the Holy Roman Empire and the Republic of Venice. In 1545, the Portuguese set up trading posts along the Brazilian coast. Venice makes first contact with the Kingdom of Siam that same year. By 1546, Venice controls the Straits of Malacca, and Venetian and Paladin forces have conquered the islands of Tindore, Ternate and the 3 smaller islands near Halmahera Island in the northern Moluccas on which grow the only clove trees. In 1547, Great Britain and Scotland are joined politically. In 1548, the Paladins evacuate Granada.
In 1548, Paladins establish the University of St-Peter at Alexandria, Egypt. By 1548, Spanish forces have occupied most of the former French papal lands. In 1549, Venice and the Order conquer Socotra. In the same year, the French papal lands are annexed by Castile-Aragon. In 1550, a Portuguese expedition returns to OTL’s Brazil in search of valuable trade goods or a route to India. In the same year, the Paladins overturn the Spanish government of Malta with Venetian help. In 1551, the Venetians and the Order conquer Java. In the same year, Burgundy and some southern German states invade Spanish held lands in France.
In 1551, a Spanish expedition sets out to circumnavigate Africa and hopefully find a route to India. The Spanish get caught in a storm and lose most of their ships off OTL’s western South Africa. They decide to return home.
In 1552, Great Britain invades northern Aquitaine. In the same year, Venice and the Paladins invade Corsica. Great Britain invades northern Burgundy in a surprise move.
By 1552, the allies return to Goa and Ceylon. Between 1552 and 1554, the Paladins and Venetians conquer the port cities of Aden and Hormuz. Venice and the Paladins come to an agreement: the Spice Islands and India will belong to Venice, but the Venetians will give the Order a share of the profits in exchange for helping govern and defend them. In 1555, missionaries from Venetian Goa are invited to the court of the Mughal Emperor. Having secured the major sea routes between the Far East and the Mediterranean, most of the Paladin and Venetian ships return to the Mediterranean.
In 1554, Corsica becomes independent. In 1555, Naples revolts against Spanish rule. Burgundy cedes Flanders to Great Britain in the same year.
In 1556, Spanish ships land in the Caribbean. By 1560, Spain has been pushed back to the Pyrenees. In 1559, Venice and the Paladins invade Naples. By 1560, Austria breaks from the Holy Roman Empire and forms the Austrian Empire. In the same year, Venetians circumnavigate the world. In 1562, Venice controls Naples. They pull out partially once peace is signed.
In 1555, the Spanish send out another expedition. They round the tip of South Africa and land in Madagascar. They set up a trading colony on the island and set off for India. They arrive in Aden sometime in 1556. They sail to India, land in Bombay, pick up a shipment of trade goods and then return to Madagascar. Rested and replenished, the Spanish leave Madagascar for Spain. They trade their trade goods and make a large profit.
In 1555, the Kingdom of Serbia and the Kingdoms of Moldavia and Wallachia declare war on Venice and the Empire. In 1552, Ivan II subjugates the eastern half of the Kazan Khanate. The Torgholid Empire breaks up in 1553, and the nominal Christian successor states of the Khanate of Persia (Iran, part of Syria, and Iraq), the Central Khanate (part of Iran, northern Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), and the Southern Khanate (southern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and north-western India) are formed in 1555.
Part 1
POD- In 1274, at the Council of Lyons, the King of France, Louis IX (St Louis) achieves sufficient support for a motion to merge the Knights of the Temple (Templars) and the Knights of Saint John (Hospitalers), and the motion is passed.
In 1291, the Syrian port city of Acre holds out against Muslim forces due to Paladin forces. As a result, public opinion of the Order increases. The Paladins re-conquer Krak des Chevaliers in 1296, retake the Principality of Antioch in 1299, re-conquer Beaufort Castle in 1300, and subsequently conquer Damascus, with the strong support of their Armenian allies and the Mongols, in 1305. The popularity of the Paladins goes through the roof.
Philip the Fair of France is envious of the riches of the Paladins and plots their ruin in order to acquire their riches. Hearing of rumours of a plot, the Grand Master of the Paladins begins liquidating all French funds, including all Paladin-owned land in France and transferring such to Venice.
Sometime in the first decade of the 14th century, Phillip the Fair accuses the Order of heresy and points to their leaving of France as proof of their complicity.
In 1307, the Pope, giving the matter some consideration, decrees that there is absolutely no proof of heresy regarding the Holy Order of Saint Peter and that the Order has the complete support of the Church.
In the 1310s, the western Mongols convert to Christianity.
In 1320, the Paladins conquer Rhodes and form an alliance with Venice. In 1321, Poland conquers Pomerania. In 1322, Cilician Armenia conquers the lands of the former County of Edessa. The Khanate of Chagatay converts to Christianity in 1324.
In 1327, the Hanseatic League fails to acquire a monopoly on Danish trade and their political influence in Denmark continues to remain minor. In 1330, Denmark conquers Livonia. The Golden Horde converts to Christianity in 1330.
In the 1330s, the Holy Order of Saint Peter in Venice trains with the Venetian military to solidify their alliance. In 1337, the armies of Cilician Armenia reconquer Armenia proper. A charismatic prince of Armenia, and a young woman named Shoushan ("Tulip"), a gifted military genius, who claims to have visions of God, lead them. The Catholicos gives her his blessing once Armenia proper has been restored. The Paladins lend their support to their Armenian allies and are thanked by the King, the Catholicos, and the people of Armenia (Hayastan).
Upon the death of the Pope, in 1334, the cardinals elect a French Pope.
Hundred Years War: 1337-1446
Early Seventy-Five Years War: 1337-1348
In 1340, the Order expands its navy. In 1348, a group of Paladins, acting as representatives of the Pope, mediate an end to the wars between England and France. The Order begins researching an archery weapon that is as effective as the English longbow and can be used on horseback.
In 1348, the French Pope in Avignon buys the County of Venaissin (which includes Avignon) from Naples for 80,000 florins, and the Royal Order of the Garter is founded in England.
In the 1349 Treaty of Bordeaux, England holds western Brittany, Crecy and Calais, France holds most of Brittany and most of Aquitaine, and the Paladins hold southeastern Aquitaine (the modern provinces of Landes and Pyrenees Atlantique) as a fief of England.
In 1350, the Pope sells Avignon and environs (henceforth called Avignon County) to the Order for 8,000 florins. The Pope wants to keep a close eye on the Order. Avignon County remains a fief of the Church.
In the 1340's and 50's, the Paladins build up Avignon County, and the Order's Navy is given sea access rights down the Rhone. Western Provence is added to Avignon County in 1355.
Between 1350 and 1400, there is little growth of the powers of the English parliament or French Estates General.
In 1351, the Royal Order of the Star is founded in France. In 1352, the Order forms an alliance with the Byzantines.
In 1356, the Pope calls for a Crusade to retake Jerusalem. French, English, German, Italian, and others heed the call. The Paladins are first to give their support for the new Crusade. The Pope invites the Armenian people to join the Crusade, and they agree.
10th Crusade: 1361-1369
In 1361, the Crusade to retake Jerusalem begins. The Knights of the Holy Order of Saint-Peter lead the charge. Several contingents of Armenian troops join the Crusaders. After 3 years of fighting, Jerusalem is liberated from the Moslems. By 1367, all territory won in the First Crusade is again under Latin control. The Holy Order successfully uses crossbows for the first time in combat and to great advantage. Late in 1367, on a sad note, Shoushan of Armenia, a leader of an Armenian contingent, was hit by an arrow and dies shortly after. The Catholicos proclaims her a saint. Moved by her actions and service, the Grand Master of the Paladins makes her the first female (honorary) member of the Holy Order of Saint-Peter. Once word reaches the Pope of her martyrdom, he shortly beatifies her. In 1368, peace is signed.
Treaty of Jerusalem
The Crusaders gain all the lands possessed by the former Kingdom of Jerusalem (including a part of the coast bordering the Gulf of Aquaba) and the former Principalities of Antioch and Tripoli.
The Pope appoints the Grand Master of the Paladins as Protector of Jerusalem.
Cyprus and Malta are given to the Paladins as fiefs of France and Aragon respectively in the same year.
In late 1369, the body of Saint Shoushan is returned to Armenia and is buried in Ani, the new Armenian capital. In 1370, the Holy Order of Saint Peter opens a new chapter in Ani. In 1373, the King of England negotiates the marriage of an English Duke to the Countess of Flanders.
In the years 1375 to 1390, Armenia conquers northern and northeastern Anatolia. Northwestern Anatolia continues to belong to the Ottoman Turks. They resist the Armenians fiercely, and Armenia gains only a fraction of Ottoman territory.
In 1378, Clement VII is elected Pope in Avignon. In Rome, the Italian Cardinals elect their own Pope but he garners less support and influence in Western Europe than the French Pope. The Order supports the "true" Pope Clement VII. In Western Europe, only half of Germany, half of Italy, Ireland and half of Flanders support the "pretender" Pope in Rome. In 1380, the Russians defeat the Khan of the Golden Horde, at the Battle of Kulikova
Late Seventy-Five Years War: 1383-1446
War breaks out between England and France in 1383. The Holy Roman Empire adds eastern Provence to Paladin Avignon. The Turfan Uighurs convert to Christianity in 1382. In 1385, Toghrol, a Christian Uzbek, conquers Muslim Il’Khans.
In 1385, the Union of Kalmar is founded. In 1389, a new Pope is elected in Rome. Five years later, he abdicates and thus the Schism of the Papacy ends.
In 1388, England and Burgundy sign a treaty of alliance.
In 1391-95, the Mongols conquer western Syria; push south and 10 years later, a Mongol army is camped at the coast of the Gulf of Aquaba. In 1396, the Pope calls for a crusade against the Ottoman threat.
11th Crusade: 1396-1401
At that time the Ottomans held northwestern Anatolia, some islands in the Aegean, and part of the Bulgarian coast. As expected the Paladins and the Teutonic Knights mobilize quickly and take the lead. The Ottomans are an even greater threat to Armenia, and the King and Cathlolicos call on the people of Armenia to volunteer to fight. After 2 years of fighting, the Ottomans have lost most of their territory, but they fight hard. The Allies pull back and maintain the blockade of all supply routes by sea or land. By mid-1400, Allied forces assault the weakened, war-weary Ottomans and subsequently secure all Ottoman lands following the Ottoman’s unconditional surrender. Peace is signed in late 1401. A significant number of Crusaders, Paladins and Teutonic Knights remain in conquered Ottoman territory. The territory becomes Papal territory.
In 1408, the Paladins and Teutonic Knights lead the Crusaders along with Armenian troops, in occupied former Ottoman territory, against the remnants of the Byzantine Empire as the Venetian and Paladin navies, and a multinational army of Crusaders march through the southeastern-most part of the Balkans. In 1413, the Byzantines accept the terms of the peace treaty proposed by the Allies.
1413 Treaty of Constantinople:
All former Byzantine lands become Papa territory.
The Venetians will acquire all former Byzantine coastlines along the Adriatic Sea and the Cyclades Island group.
The Paladins, as representatives of the Pope, and Venice, will control the Black Sea, Sea of Marmarra, and the Straits of the Dardanelles jointly with Armenia.
Armenia is granted all former Ottoman territories in Anatolia and has rights to the straits between the Black and Mediterranean Seas.
The city of Adrianople and environs is given to the Holy Order of Saint Peter.
The Eastern Orthodox Church will continue to reside in Constantinople under the Patriarch, and it will have full rights under the law.
The Paladins establish new chapters in Constantinople and Adrianople.
Poland-Lithuania War: 1408-1415
In 1408, Mongol and Scandinavian forces invade Lithuania and then Poland.
In 1413, Lithuania falls. In 1415, Poland falls. Bohemian forces grab Poznan and Crackow by the end of the war.
In 1413, Venice absorbs the Genoan islands off Western Anatolia with Paladin and Teuton support. In 1414, following up on their victories the previous year, Venice, the Paladins and Teutons assemble the Paladin and Venetian fleets for an attack on Genoan Crimea. The allied navies attack the Genoan vessels as Paladin and Teuton forces land in the eastern part of the peninsula. By 1415, formerly Genoan Crimea is firmly in the hands of Venice.
In 1414, the Mongol armies in the Sinai invade Mamluk Egypt, conquer the Sinai, and are stopped at the Nile, taking heavier than predicted losses. In 1416, The Paladins and Teutonic Knights offer support to the Mongols in exchange for the Sinai and Egyptian lands east of the Nile (which would be attached to the Kingdom of Jerusalem). In 1418, the Sinai is in Paladin hands. The Paladin naval forces and army attacks by sea and land. In 1419, most of Egypt has been conquered and occupied. The Paladins and Teutonic Knights push south towards Christian Ethiopia while the Mongols push west across North Africa. The Mongols take Tripoli in 1421. Paladins and Teutons take northern Sudan in 1424. In 1429, the Holy Order of Saint Peter and the Teutonic Knights control all land between the Red Sea and the Nile (or Blue Nile) north of the Kingdom of Ethiopia.
In 1415, peace is signed in northeastern Europe. Northern Lithuania and northern Poland are annexed by the Kalmar Union. The Golden Horde takes southern Lithuania and southern Poland. Bohemia annexes the lands up to Poznan and Cracow.
In 1422, the Mongols stop their north-African advance to regroup. Mongols now control all of North Africa; west of the Nile, east of OTL Libya/Tunisia, Libya/Algeria borders and north of a latitude running thru Aswan.
In 1422, the English deal a devastating blow to the French forces in the Battle of Agincourt.
In 1431, peace is signed. The Kingdom of Ethiopia gains all lands south of the latitude thru the confluence of the Niles, west to the Blue Nile and east to the Red Sea. The restored Christian Kingdom of Nubia encompasses all lands between the latitude thru Aswan and another thru the confluence of the Niles and a southwestern border at OTL’s Sudan’s southwestern border. The Kingdom of Jerusalem annexes the Sinai and all Egyptian lands between the Red Sea and Nile north of Aswan.
By 1435, England controls Flanders, Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine, and her forces lie poised on the banks of the Loire. In 1437, the Grand Master of the Holy Order of Saint Peter, Charles Xavier, calls on the Pope to return to Rome for his own safety and for the sake of Christianity (Roman), which is growing more and more divided with each passing year. If His Holiness does not, the Bishop of Rome will replace him as Pope shortly for he will surely be captured or killed in the war.
The Pope acknowledges the wisdom of the Grand Master's words, but he decides to remain in Avignon.
In 1423, the Mongols begin advancing westward in North Africa. Tunis falls to the Mongols in 1424. The states of the Hafsid Kingdom, the Emirate of the Zab, Gafsa and Tozeur are conquered by 1427. The Zayanid Kingdom falls in 1428. Once the Paladins finish occupying the southern part of the former Mamluk Empire, they meet up with the Mongols in North Africa and persuade them to join their attack on the Kingdom of Granada. The two sides agree to let the Paladins take Granada and the Mongols to keep North Africa. The Allied forces invade the Kingdom of the Marinids. They capture and occupy Tangier and Tetoun in 1433. The allies launch an attack on Granada, and Paladin forces in Castile attack at the same time.
By 1435, the allies have captured and occupied the Kingdom of Granada. The Mongols return to Africa, and peace is signed. Granada is given to the Holy Order of Saint Peter as a fief of Castile.
In 1438, Aragonese forces join the Paladins, from their lands in Aquitaine and Provence, as they strike for the heart of France. At the same time, the English and Burgundians continue to advance on the Limoges region.
In 1440, Savoy grabs southeastern Dauphine. In 1442, the Aragonese halt their advance once Toulouse is secure, having no wish to lose more lives.
In 1447, the Pope decides to leave Avignon in secret and flee to the island of Elba. In 1448, the Bishop of Rome is proclaimed the new Pope since the last Pope had been missing and presumed dead for several months.
In 1448, English, Burgundian and Paladin forces conquer Limoges and thus put an end to native rule of the Kingdom of France. Peace is signed the following year. The Kingdom of Aragon keeps the French lands it conquered including the city of Toulouse. The Paladins gain a swath of land connecting their lands in Aquitaine (the English gave them the former fief) with Provence and southwestern Dauphine. The English and Burgundians hold the rest. The Burgundians receive northern Dauphine. Savoy receives southeastern Dauphine.
Between 1400 and 1460, the House of York rules England.
War of the Roses: 1460-1493
In 1460, fighting erupts between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians. In the same year, the Grand Master of the Paladins pleads for the Houses of York and Lancaster to settle their differences. He also proclaims that the Paladins will support whoever has the most support. The King tells the Grand Master to stay out of English affairs.
A cultural re-awakening during the years of 1415-1513 in Armenia marked by great advances in knowledge. This period would come to be called the Aradjadimutyun, a re-birth or cultural awakening. Artisans and scholars abound. Science and technological knowledge advances more rapidly. By the mid 1400s, Armenian artisans and scholars frequent the courts of Constantinople, Jerusalem, Cairo, Adrianople, Vienna, Venice, Florence, Baghdad and elsewhere throughout southeastern Europe and the Middle East. By the end of the 14th century, Armenian scholars and artisans are to be found as far as Milan, Moscow, London, Delhi, and Axum. A similar phenomenon in Europe, called in Latin the Renatio, beginning around the same time, is sped up by the influx of Armenians.
In 1427, Portugal discovers the Azores and begins colonizing Madeira and Porto Santo. A Portuguese captain rounds Cape Bojador on the west coast of Africa in OTL’s Western Sahara in 1434. The same captain reaches the mouth of a river (OTL Senegal River) in 1436.
Around 1430, a part of the Golden Horde splits off to form the Khanate of the Crimea. In 1431, former Byzantine lands in Greece, Byzantine islands in the Aegean and the city of Constantinople are given to the Holy Roman Empire. Former Ottoman lands in northwestern Anatolia are given to the Kingdom of Armenia. The Paladins retain Adrianople and environs as a fief of the Holy Roman Empire.
In 1435, The Holy Roman Empire shores up defences in its Byzantine territories fearing incursions by the Serbs or Bulgars. In 1438, the Empire prepares to attack Bulgaria. In 1440, the Empire launches a war against the Kingdom of Bulgaria.
In 1440, having secured North Africa, Emperor Toghrol returns to Syria leaving North Africa to his top General, Shur‘tu. In 1443, a Portuguese captain arrives at the Bay of Arguin off the coast of OTL’s Mauritania. These voyages return African slaves to Portugal.
In 1444, the Imperial advance into Bulgarian territory has slowed considerably. During an informal truce, the Empire forms a temporary alliance with the Republic of Venice against the Bulgars promising the latter the Bulgarian coastline for their assistance. With the aid of the Venetian Navy and Venetian troops, the Imperial armies win a series of victories.
In 1444, the Portuguese discover the heavily forested Cape Verde Islands and also explore the mouth of the Senegal River. In 1445, a part of the Golden Horde splits off to form the Khanate of Kazan. In 1446, Aragon conquers the Kingdom of Naples.
By 1448, only small pockets of resistance against the Holy Roman Empire remain. The war ends in 1450, and peace is signed in 1451. In 1452, the Holy Roman Empire annexes Bulgaria (all the lands up to the Danube in the north, Serbia in the west, and the coastal territory promised Venice in the east). The territory Venice annexes includes the cities of Anchialos, Messembria, and Varna.
In 1450, Emperor Toghrol dies and leaves his empire to his son Wutu. In 1453, the Pope decrees that henceforth the Papal Guards will be drawn exclusively from the Order of Saint-Peter.
In 1456, the Portuguese arrive at the coast of OTL’s Guinea. The following year, they reach OTL Sierra Leone. In 1460, Aragon, Venice and the Paladins form an alliance to conquer Genoa, Milan, Savoy, and Navarre.
In 1462, Burgundian forces invade Flanders. The King denounces the Burgundian invasion and promises retribution. Certain Lancastrians ally with the Burgundians promising them land in Flanders. Meanwhile the Paladins invade the Channel Islands in surprise night attacks. The Grand Master calls on the King to step down in favour of the Duke of Lancaster, who was winning and had more support at the time, and make peace. “These islands will remain under our control until your intestine rivalry is ended," proclaims the Grand Master. The King denounces the Grand Master and refuses unequivocally. Fighting rages throughout English France, Flanders and southern England. The Duke of Lancaster marshals an army against the King and defeats him.
In 1462 Aragonese, Venetian and Paladin forces attack and invade Corsica. In 1464, Aragon, Venice and the Paladins conquer Corsica. Portugal conquers Ceuta and some Moroccan coast between 1465 and 1475.
In 1465, the Duke of Lancaster ascends the throne of England. Yorkist factions remain opposed to the Lancaster King. Despite repeated appeals by the previous York King and the present Lancastrian King, the Paladins refuse to relinquish the Channel Islands.
In 1466, a part of the Golden Horde splits off to form the Khanate of Astrakhan.
In 1469, Zeroun Vanetzi, a scholar, artisan, and inventor is invited to the Court of the Armenian King. The King appoints him Royal Scholar and instructs him to share and teach his ideas to his court. Vanetzi has plans to build a machine that uses steam to propel small spheres of metal. In 1475, Giovanni Da Lucca, artisan, inventor and scholar is invited to the Arsenale of Venice to share and teach his ideas. Though a firm pacifist, Da Lucca shares all his ideas with the Venetian military. “I am merely showing you how to build a tool, should you use it as a weapon, it is on your own heads.” Da Lucca proclaimed. He has plans for a machine that runs on steam that can project metal objects. Da Lucca attempts to persuade the Venetians to use non-lethal weapons on several occasions.
In 1468, Aragon, Venice and the Paladins conquer Genoa proper. In 1470, Venetian forces invade eastern Milan. In 1471, Aragonese and Venetian forces conquer eastern Milan. In 1473, Venice and Aragon defeat the Duchy of Milan. In 1474, Paladin, Aragonese, and Venetian forces invade Savoy. In 1475, allied forces conquer Savoy. In 1476, peace is signed. Aragon receives Corsica and western Savoy. Venice receives the Duchy of Milan, Genoa proper and eastern Savoy.
By 1477, all Burgundian lands become the Kingdom of Burgundy. In 1478, Paladin and Aragonese forces invade Navarre.
In 1479, the Duke of York marshals an army, marches against the King and fights against him for several years.
The Kazakh Empire is established in Central Asia in the same year. In 1480, Sergei II throws off the Mongol yoke and proclaims himself Czar of Russia.
In the same year, allied forces occupy Navarre. In 1481, peace is signed. Aragon receives Navarre. Also in 1480, the Armenians invent the world’s first steam engine. Between 1480 and 1520, Burgundy expands into the Netherlands and the western cantons of the Swiss Confederacy.
In 1483, the Duke of York defeats the Lancastrian King. The former King flees to English France. The Berbers and other native tribes reclaim Eastern North Africa by 1485.
In 1487, the Duke of York returns to England with Burgundian allies and an army he marshalled in English France. Fierce fighting between the two factions embroils Flanders, parts of Burgundy, English France and southern England for years.
In 1489, the Paladin-led Egyptian Army and Navy conquer western Egypt (including eastern Libya). In 1490, the Kingdom of Egypt is established independent of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. A former Grand Master and his Armenian wife begin ruling Egypt. The Kingdom of Egypt stops at a longitude thru Suez on the east and extends into western Libya stopping roughly 150 miles from Tripoli.
In 1489, minor leaders of the two factions dispute London. No sizeable forces are present in the capital. In the same year, the Paladins storm London in a surprise night attack. The low number of troops in the capital at the time and the superiority of the Paladins resulted in the Paladins taking the city quickly. The Grand Master declares himself Protector of England and demands an end to the hostilities. The Paladins relinquish the Channel Islands at the same time. Many townsfolk and country folk in southern England, tired of the infighting, support the new Protector. Chastened by the weakened state of their country, the Lancastrian leader and Yorkist leaders make peace in 1490.
In 1491, the new King, of the House of York, is crowned King of England. In 1492, a new Pope is elected in Rome and proclaims that henceforth the Holy Order of Saint Peter shall hand over its French lands and northern Navarre. The Holy Order of Saint Peter administers said lands as fiefs of the Church from now on.
In 1493, the heir to the throne of England marries a daughter of the House of Lancaster thus ending the Wars of the Roses. In 1494, the Pope and the Catholicos sign the Friendship of the Churches. The ruling houses of Castile and Aragon form a dynastic union in the same year thereby uniting their kingdoms.
In 1495, The Holy Roman Emperor calls on the Pope to lend his Paladins to put down instability in the Swiss Confederation promising the southwestern portion of Swiss lands as an Imperial fief to the Paladins upon success of the campaign. The Emperor also calls on the Venetians for aid promising them the southeastern portion of Swiss lands. In 1497, Paladin and Venetian forces invade the Swiss Confederation from the south as the armies of the Holy Roman Empire attack from the north.
In 1497, the Paladin has replaced the Knight in chessboards across Europe.
The Swiss win a few battles against the armies of the Empire during 1497-98, but they lose an important battle in 1499. The Swiss finally sue for peace in mid 1502. The Holy Roman Empire cedes the southeast of the Swiss Confederation to Venice and the southwest of the Swiss Confederation to the Paladins.
In 1505, England and Scotland are joined in dynastic union.
Following heavier than expected losses in the Swiss Campaign, the Holy Order of Saint Peter takes over and expands the University of Avignon between 1502 and 1517 renaming it the University of Saint Peter at Avignon. The University’s funding is increased substantially as well. The Paladins form a College of Military Science and Technology and a College of Engineering at the University in 1505 and 1507 respectively. The Paladins form a separate branch for engineers (the Engineers of Saint Peter or ESP) to build and repair roads, aqueducts, bridges and the like. They also form a separate branch of the Order for scholars (the Scholars of Saint Peter or SSP) to research and develop military science and technology. The University of Saint Peter attracts scholars and artisans from across Europe and the Mediterranean. Several Armenian, Italian, and other Mediterranean scholars take up teaching posts at the University or join the Scholars or Engineers.
Paladin and Venetian forces conquer the city of Tripoli in 1507. Venice annexes a strip of Libyan coast from Tripoli to Paladin Egypt the same year. In 1510, the Venetians invent a steam engine. In 1511, Burgundian forces seize ports along the North African coast (Algeria) south of Burgundy.
In 1518, the Venetian engineers and the Engineers of Saint Peter announce their project to create a canal thru the Suez Peninsula. In 1520, Paladin engineers invent a steam engine.
In 1522, Portuguese ships travel south of the Equator for the first time. The Paladin University of Saint-Peter at Jerusalem is founded in 1527. Castile-Aragon conquers Tangier, Tetoun, Oran, Bona, and Tunis during the period of 1522-28. In 1520, Hungary begins a 12-year war against the Kazan Khanate. Work begins on the Canal in 1523. In 1530, matchlocks are invented by the Venetians. Venice invents a steam pump for mining that same year. In 1533, the Kazan Khanate sues for peace and cedes the eastern half of its territory to Hungary. By 1535, matchlocks are the standard weapons of the Venetian military. A strip of North African coast between Tunis and Tripoli is settled by Venice by 1536. Burgundy settles a strip of North African coast between Algiers and Tunis in the same year as well.
In 1537, with the conquest of Wales, England, English France, and Wales become Great Britain. The Canal of St-Mark and St Peter is completed in 1538. The first all-sea round trips from Cyprus to India, and from Venice to India are completed in 1539.
In the late summer of 1541, 7 Portuguese ships leave Portugal hoping to find a western route to India bypassing the Canal of St-Mark and St-Peter. The Portuguese rest and re-supply in the Cape Verde Islands and head southwest. The Portuguese reach the coast of OTL’s Brazil on September 21st 1541.
In 1540, the Venetians and Paladins conquer the Indian port city of Goa. Venice annexes Goa. In the same year, Hungary becomes a Hapsburg territory. By 1540, matchlocks are the standard Paladin weapons. Armenia invents a Wheelock firearm the same year. In 1540, Burgundy splits from the Holy Roman Empire. Armenia invents a steam pump for mining. The British invent a steam engine in 1541.
In 1544, the Portuguese return from OTL’s Brazil, having explored the some of the coast and acquiring some goods from the natives. In 1543, the Paladins conquer Ceylon. The Paladins annex Ceylon in 1544. In 1545, Malacca is conquered by Venice. In 1546, Castile-Aragon invades the French papal lands. The Paladins ask the Spanish not to but to no avail, so the Paladins evacuate to English Aquitaine and Avignon.
Meanwhile, a leading proponent of Church reform posts a letter with 47 theses to the door of a cathedral in Mainz. Some advocate the execution of the heretical would-be Reformer. The Order stands behind the Church but hints that changes should be made as long as papal authority is not threatened. The liberal minded Pope sees that changes to the Church can be made as long as papal authority is retained. The sale of Indulgences is banned. The Holy Order of Saint Peter, having been falsely accused of heresy in the past and having had close contacts with Armenians, are more understanding and impartial than the Church. The Paladins grant temporary shelter and a fair trial to those accused of heresy.
By 1545, the lands of the Slovenes, the Croats, the Montenegrins, and the Bosnians belong to the Holy Roman Empire and the Republic of Venice. In 1545, the Portuguese set up trading posts along the Brazilian coast. Venice makes first contact with the Kingdom of Siam that same year. By 1546, Venice controls the Straits of Malacca, and Venetian and Paladin forces have conquered the islands of Tindore, Ternate and the 3 smaller islands near Halmahera Island in the northern Moluccas on which grow the only clove trees. In 1547, Great Britain and Scotland are joined politically. In 1548, the Paladins evacuate Granada.
In 1548, Paladins establish the University of St-Peter at Alexandria, Egypt. By 1548, Spanish forces have occupied most of the former French papal lands. In 1549, Venice and the Order conquer Socotra. In the same year, the French papal lands are annexed by Castile-Aragon. In 1550, a Portuguese expedition returns to OTL’s Brazil in search of valuable trade goods or a route to India. In the same year, the Paladins overturn the Spanish government of Malta with Venetian help. In 1551, the Venetians and the Order conquer Java. In the same year, Burgundy and some southern German states invade Spanish held lands in France.
In 1551, a Spanish expedition sets out to circumnavigate Africa and hopefully find a route to India. The Spanish get caught in a storm and lose most of their ships off OTL’s western South Africa. They decide to return home.
In 1552, Great Britain invades northern Aquitaine. In the same year, Venice and the Paladins invade Corsica. Great Britain invades northern Burgundy in a surprise move.
By 1552, the allies return to Goa and Ceylon. Between 1552 and 1554, the Paladins and Venetians conquer the port cities of Aden and Hormuz. Venice and the Paladins come to an agreement: the Spice Islands and India will belong to Venice, but the Venetians will give the Order a share of the profits in exchange for helping govern and defend them. In 1555, missionaries from Venetian Goa are invited to the court of the Mughal Emperor. Having secured the major sea routes between the Far East and the Mediterranean, most of the Paladin and Venetian ships return to the Mediterranean.
In 1554, Corsica becomes independent. In 1555, Naples revolts against Spanish rule. Burgundy cedes Flanders to Great Britain in the same year.
In 1556, Spanish ships land in the Caribbean. By 1560, Spain has been pushed back to the Pyrenees. In 1559, Venice and the Paladins invade Naples. By 1560, Austria breaks from the Holy Roman Empire and forms the Austrian Empire. In the same year, Venetians circumnavigate the world. In 1562, Venice controls Naples. They pull out partially once peace is signed.
In 1555, the Spanish send out another expedition. They round the tip of South Africa and land in Madagascar. They set up a trading colony on the island and set off for India. They arrive in Aden sometime in 1556. They sail to India, land in Bombay, pick up a shipment of trade goods and then return to Madagascar. Rested and replenished, the Spanish leave Madagascar for Spain. They trade their trade goods and make a large profit.
In 1555, the Kingdom of Serbia and the Kingdoms of Moldavia and Wallachia declare war on Venice and the Empire. In 1552, Ivan II subjugates the eastern half of the Kazan Khanate. The Torgholid Empire breaks up in 1553, and the nominal Christian successor states of the Khanate of Persia (Iran, part of Syria, and Iraq), the Central Khanate (part of Iran, northern Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), and the Southern Khanate (southern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and north-western India) are formed in 1555.