Composite TL II
- Thread starter DominusNovus
- Start date
Cow and I had come to a consensus on a fusing of Arianism and Catholicism that had orthodox views on the Trinity and Deity of Christ, but endorsed separation of Church and State and, due to the Germanic influence, had a strong "crusade against evil" aspect to it.
Thus was spawned the Crusade against Tamerlane, horrid oppressor of our Nestorian brothers, that delays the discovery of the New World a century or so, as well as my planned Nestorian Turko-Mongol Russia.
Perhaps, in order to preserve the "future" of the TL but still have member autonomy, perhaps the fusion-church (I keep calling it "neo-Arianism" but it probably needs a better name) only takes hold in Spain. Italy has both communities coexisting but not fusing, so a distinct Arian sect survives longer than in OTL.
I wonder what Scott's stuff with Britain and the triumph of the Romanized Celts against the Saxons will do for Pelagianism? For the Celtic rite?
Thus was spawned the Crusade against Tamerlane, horrid oppressor of our Nestorian brothers, that delays the discovery of the New World a century or so, as well as my planned Nestorian Turko-Mongol Russia.
Perhaps, in order to preserve the "future" of the TL but still have member autonomy, perhaps the fusion-church (I keep calling it "neo-Arianism" but it probably needs a better name) only takes hold in Spain. Italy has both communities coexisting but not fusing, so a distinct Arian sect survives longer than in OTL.
I wonder what Scott's stuff with Britain and the triumph of the Romanized Celts against the Saxons will do for Pelagianism? For the Celtic rite?
How seriously did Alaric take his Catholic Baptism?
Well from several sources modern historians have figured that Alaric III genuinely loved his Queen and converted mainly for her. How serious did he take it? As serious as she did
Were the Vasconians Catholic?
they converted sometime in the 500s if i recall correctly and were steadfast Catholics ever since.
How far into Africa did i go?
I didn't touch the green section of the map, i went west of there. Honestly, i did not want to get too close to you.
and here's the rest of the TL (still ten more years to go though man, sorry this is so long, i'll make it shorter in future episodes.)
576
The new year is started with a call for nobles to gather in both Tolouse and Cordoba. Which do they choose? Some send representatives to both, others (the majority) choose one side or the other. Basically there is a North-South division at the Pyrannes. Many on the Peninsula go to Corduba, while those in Aquitaine assemble in Tolouse.
Both sides at first build up defenses and consolidate respective positions. Some lands are siezed and small battles fought between rival nobles and groups but a large group of gentry want no part in a civil war.
Tolouse
Itziar gives birth to a health baby boy named Roderic. Presenting the child to the kingdom and a called Assembly of Nobles, Itziar gives a spellbinding and passionate speech on the child's behalf, or as she would say- the kingdom's behalf. The charismatic woman is officially named Regent of the Kingdom of Tolouse until the child is of age. The Council of Ten is again reinstated, but stripped of all powers.
Roderic is given a Catholic baptism by a converted Arian Bishop of Tolouse, Harol Whitehead.
Rallying the people to her cause, Arantxa calls for the formation of the third Peoples' Legion, which she names after her deceased husband.
Civil War
Several fierce battles are fought on many fronts. The Second Peoples' Legion is largely destroyed by Blue forces (one particularly effective unit bearing the blue hawk as its sigil.) The remaining forces fight a vicious guerilla war throughout much of the peninsula. Fighting slows into the winter but does not stop.
577
Cordoba
Hernan has succeeded in creating an effective political organization in Cordoba to complement the ability of his generals in the field. At the first Assembly, it was agreed upon that the Council would remain in effect and from there a Premiere would be elected to serve indefinitely. The Council was to be renamed, forever in the future to be known as the Senate, and its membership grew to include twenty men. Hernan Lothair, of course, was elected as Premiere.
Peoples' Legion
There is a lull in the fighting as both sides move to recuperate from the small but fierce battles. The Remnants of the 2nd PL take this as their cue and wreak havok on Blue supply lines. They also move north where the people were harshly treated by the nobles, inciting small rebellions, assassinations and the like. Much of the foodstuffs to be sent to the armies at the front (River Ebro) is stolen by the 2nd and returned to the starving peasants in northern hispania. The First PL falls under the leadership of Jose the Bald and waits outside the burgening city of Barcelona for its time to strike. Recovering from the demoralizing effects at failing to protect their King, the First almost disintegrated and would have were it for the charisma of its queen, the men of the 1st PL threw itself into battle with complete disregard for their safety, often winning battles out of sheer bravado. the Legion of Alaric, completely untested, is sent through Vasconia (still claiming neutrality) into the lands of northern hispania. All nobles found by the PL are killed.
578
Africa
Troops from Africa begin to filter into the mainland, mostly by personal choice, choosing to fight for one side or the other. Many side with the Cordobans. Meanwhile, the native tribes of Africa continue to harass the Visigothic forces. the local commander, Leogavil, abandons further territories to consolidate his position closer to the city of Sand.
Navy
Ninety percent of the Navy sides with Tolouse and cuts off Hispania from the outside.
578-580 the back and forth fighting go on for two years. At one point the blue forces can see the walls of Tolouse but are pushed back over the Pyrannes. The Jews are effectively utilized by Aranxta to obtain vital information on enemy movements and more. The Jews also help loyalists to infiltrate key rebel positions within cities, forts and wilderness. Assassinations are numerous.
579
Fourth Peoples' Legion Formed
580
The Peasant Revolt
Northern Hispania erupts in revolt. Groups of rebels (led by Loyalist agents as well as men of the 2nd) rise and capture numerous settlements. The area is a confused mish mash of opposing forces. The Revolt centers largely on religious sentiment, converted Arians and many of the more affluent side with Cordoba, while the others side with Tolouse.
The Front (again the River Ebro)
Alrid, Defender of the North, leads a combined strike, of mercenaries regulars crack troops and peoples legions against a major encampment of Hernan's forces. The Senate army is unable to defend itself properly and its warriors run in many directions. He pushes south, hot on their tails.
581
the Battle of Toledo
For a full week the battle rages between the opposing war machines. It is said that in the city's streets ran rivers of blood. The famous ballad The Walls of Toledo, probably the nations first real national story is based on the Battle of Toledo by the bard Guillam. The battle ends with the death of Alrid and the retreat of the remaining forces of Tolouse. The Blue armies press their advantage and follow the fleeing troops.
The Peasant Revolt
Hernan ignores the rebellion in northern Hispania and concentrates on attacking the Kingdom forces. The Rebels, led by a Sargeant Marcus of the 2nd PL consolidates his position. He recruits at least one man from every family to fight against the Nobles and encourages the rest of the peasants to continue farming. A local noble leads a force against the peasant's rebellion with a troop of Arian volunteers and massacres several villages. Serfdom is abolished and land distributed directly to the peasants.
Hispania
elsewhere accross the area controlled by the Cordoban Senate, Catholics are harshly treated, often accused of being spies, whereby their assets are stolen and their life put in jeoprady.
Roderic is five years old.
582
The Great Massacre
A gathering of Arians celebrating the birth of Christ (or some other holiday that differentiates them from the Catholics) is attacked by armed hostile Catholics in Tolouse. Aranxta sends in troops to stop the killing, but most Arians present are already dead.
The Peasant Revolt
Land is still being distributed, but for defensive purposes the land is owned by a collection of families, pulling resources and equipment and mutually sharing the fruits of their labor.
The Siege of Tolouse 581-585
Senate forces siege the city for four years. Secret passages, control of the river (strong navy) and much in city farming prevents the inhabitants from starving to death. The Siege is finally broken by Alaric's Legion and mercenaries who let the shattered blue forces retreat over the Pyrannes. .
583
Rebels' Rebels-the Peasant Revolt
Under Sargeant Marcus the people have become an effective fighting force (though not as professional as the Visigoths). Having already repulsed two small blue invasions the peasants and people of the cities swell with pride. They have something to fight for- their homes, a taste of freedom and an idolized monarch/government whereas many of the Cordoban Visigothic troups do not.
Visigoths
Visigoth nobles see their influence dwindling with the people and the monarch. Many begin to flee to Cordoban lands despite the growing power of Tolouse over Cordoba.
585
The Front- Pyrannes
Cordoba
Empty coffers and hungry people force Hernan to approach Tolouse with an offer. As a reply he is sent the heads of the negotiating team, a clear message that no quarter will be given- and none asked.
Aranxta sends men into Cordoban Land spreading dissent and readying the people to rebel.
586
Cordoba
Several small scale peasant uprisings force the Senate to enact harsher laws against the people. Frequent sabotage of food supplies result in more taxes for the peasants, which results in more peasant uprisings. Vicious circle.
Tolousan Navy
The Tolousan Navy defeats those allied with the Cordoban Senate in a last stand battle.
Rebels' Rebels
Several priests within 'liberated' territory call for a war against the Senate, citing passages from the Bible during Mass. Fearing the consequences of such an action Marcus stalls the calls for invasion and contacts Tolouse and is requested to travel to the city and meet with the Queen.
Roderic is 10 years old.
587
Tolouse
A plan is drawn up for the invasion of the rebels' lands. Due to lack of money, and against the advice of the Council, Marcus and the peasants will spearhead the invasion. More than that, they will recruit from the peasant body as they march through hispania, in the name of the Queen, the Prince, Tolouse and freedom from the oppressive Visigoths.
Toledo
An organized rebellion occurs when the citizens of Toledo under the guidance of members from the Peasant's Revolt in the north take the city as their own. Arians, seen as sympathizers to the Cordobans are hung from the walls of the town.
Cordoba
Hernan sends troops to eradicate the rebels in Toledo. The next day he recieves word of Peoples' Legions crossing the Pyrannes. The next day he recieves word of armies from the Peasants' lands in the north crossing the Duero river. In responce to the hanging of sympathizers Hernan closes a popular Catholic Church. The move is met by rioting put down by armed forces.
589
The Siege of Cordoba
The Siege lasts six months and is abruptly ended when a traitor from inside opens the main gate allowing the PLs to pour in. Hernan is killed in the confusion but several top officials are captured and taken to Tolouse.
Tolouse
Aranxta calls for week of celebration for the people and a renewal of the Tournamanet games. Many commoners take part in the games and fair fairly well against the usual Visigoth contestants. Meanwhile, Aranxta is burdened with the task of repairing a war torn nation.
590
Edict of Tolouse
The Edict of Tolouse issued by Aranxta addressed the pressing religious attitudes. Many Arians are persecuted by Catholics causing division and fighting within the kingdom. In the Edict, Itziar proposes a reformation of the Church structure. Power is placed in the hands of the Bishop of Tolouse and out of the hands of the state. Arians and Catholics are encouraged to work together and usher in a new era of unity.
Proclamation of Hispania
When the peasants revolted in 581 they soon learned that there was no need to carry the dead weight of the gentry, who did very little but play at their Tournament games and live off the peasants' fruits. With many of the nobles of Hispania (especially northern and eastern sections) there was a question how exactly to run these areas. Marcus personally told the Queen that in no way would the people accept the yoke of another noble person. He preached of a utopia without nobles, a land with regular people who worked for the Monarch and a Monarch that protected the interests of the people. The Proclamation stated that any and all gentry who deserted Tolouse had lost rights to their titles. It also said that all lands once held by said gentry would be placed in control of congresses presided over by representatives of the King/Queen.
Well from several sources modern historians have figured that Alaric III genuinely loved his Queen and converted mainly for her. How serious did he take it? As serious as she did
Were the Vasconians Catholic?
they converted sometime in the 500s if i recall correctly and were steadfast Catholics ever since.
How far into Africa did i go?
I didn't touch the green section of the map, i went west of there. Honestly, i did not want to get too close to you.
and here's the rest of the TL (still ten more years to go though man, sorry this is so long, i'll make it shorter in future episodes.)
576
The new year is started with a call for nobles to gather in both Tolouse and Cordoba. Which do they choose? Some send representatives to both, others (the majority) choose one side or the other. Basically there is a North-South division at the Pyrannes. Many on the Peninsula go to Corduba, while those in Aquitaine assemble in Tolouse.
Both sides at first build up defenses and consolidate respective positions. Some lands are siezed and small battles fought between rival nobles and groups but a large group of gentry want no part in a civil war.
Tolouse
Itziar gives birth to a health baby boy named Roderic. Presenting the child to the kingdom and a called Assembly of Nobles, Itziar gives a spellbinding and passionate speech on the child's behalf, or as she would say- the kingdom's behalf. The charismatic woman is officially named Regent of the Kingdom of Tolouse until the child is of age. The Council of Ten is again reinstated, but stripped of all powers.
Roderic is given a Catholic baptism by a converted Arian Bishop of Tolouse, Harol Whitehead.
Rallying the people to her cause, Arantxa calls for the formation of the third Peoples' Legion, which she names after her deceased husband.
Civil War
Several fierce battles are fought on many fronts. The Second Peoples' Legion is largely destroyed by Blue forces (one particularly effective unit bearing the blue hawk as its sigil.) The remaining forces fight a vicious guerilla war throughout much of the peninsula. Fighting slows into the winter but does not stop.
577
Cordoba
Hernan has succeeded in creating an effective political organization in Cordoba to complement the ability of his generals in the field. At the first Assembly, it was agreed upon that the Council would remain in effect and from there a Premiere would be elected to serve indefinitely. The Council was to be renamed, forever in the future to be known as the Senate, and its membership grew to include twenty men. Hernan Lothair, of course, was elected as Premiere.
Peoples' Legion
There is a lull in the fighting as both sides move to recuperate from the small but fierce battles. The Remnants of the 2nd PL take this as their cue and wreak havok on Blue supply lines. They also move north where the people were harshly treated by the nobles, inciting small rebellions, assassinations and the like. Much of the foodstuffs to be sent to the armies at the front (River Ebro) is stolen by the 2nd and returned to the starving peasants in northern hispania. The First PL falls under the leadership of Jose the Bald and waits outside the burgening city of Barcelona for its time to strike. Recovering from the demoralizing effects at failing to protect their King, the First almost disintegrated and would have were it for the charisma of its queen, the men of the 1st PL threw itself into battle with complete disregard for their safety, often winning battles out of sheer bravado. the Legion of Alaric, completely untested, is sent through Vasconia (still claiming neutrality) into the lands of northern hispania. All nobles found by the PL are killed.
578
Africa
Troops from Africa begin to filter into the mainland, mostly by personal choice, choosing to fight for one side or the other. Many side with the Cordobans. Meanwhile, the native tribes of Africa continue to harass the Visigothic forces. the local commander, Leogavil, abandons further territories to consolidate his position closer to the city of Sand.
Navy
Ninety percent of the Navy sides with Tolouse and cuts off Hispania from the outside.
578-580 the back and forth fighting go on for two years. At one point the blue forces can see the walls of Tolouse but are pushed back over the Pyrannes. The Jews are effectively utilized by Aranxta to obtain vital information on enemy movements and more. The Jews also help loyalists to infiltrate key rebel positions within cities, forts and wilderness. Assassinations are numerous.
579
Fourth Peoples' Legion Formed
580
The Peasant Revolt
Northern Hispania erupts in revolt. Groups of rebels (led by Loyalist agents as well as men of the 2nd) rise and capture numerous settlements. The area is a confused mish mash of opposing forces. The Revolt centers largely on religious sentiment, converted Arians and many of the more affluent side with Cordoba, while the others side with Tolouse.
The Front (again the River Ebro)
Alrid, Defender of the North, leads a combined strike, of mercenaries regulars crack troops and peoples legions against a major encampment of Hernan's forces. The Senate army is unable to defend itself properly and its warriors run in many directions. He pushes south, hot on their tails.
581
the Battle of Toledo
For a full week the battle rages between the opposing war machines. It is said that in the city's streets ran rivers of blood. The famous ballad The Walls of Toledo, probably the nations first real national story is based on the Battle of Toledo by the bard Guillam. The battle ends with the death of Alrid and the retreat of the remaining forces of Tolouse. The Blue armies press their advantage and follow the fleeing troops.
The Peasant Revolt
Hernan ignores the rebellion in northern Hispania and concentrates on attacking the Kingdom forces. The Rebels, led by a Sargeant Marcus of the 2nd PL consolidates his position. He recruits at least one man from every family to fight against the Nobles and encourages the rest of the peasants to continue farming. A local noble leads a force against the peasant's rebellion with a troop of Arian volunteers and massacres several villages. Serfdom is abolished and land distributed directly to the peasants.
Hispania
elsewhere accross the area controlled by the Cordoban Senate, Catholics are harshly treated, often accused of being spies, whereby their assets are stolen and their life put in jeoprady.
Roderic is five years old.
582
The Great Massacre
A gathering of Arians celebrating the birth of Christ (or some other holiday that differentiates them from the Catholics) is attacked by armed hostile Catholics in Tolouse. Aranxta sends in troops to stop the killing, but most Arians present are already dead.
The Peasant Revolt
Land is still being distributed, but for defensive purposes the land is owned by a collection of families, pulling resources and equipment and mutually sharing the fruits of their labor.
The Siege of Tolouse 581-585
Senate forces siege the city for four years. Secret passages, control of the river (strong navy) and much in city farming prevents the inhabitants from starving to death. The Siege is finally broken by Alaric's Legion and mercenaries who let the shattered blue forces retreat over the Pyrannes. .
583
Rebels' Rebels-the Peasant Revolt
Under Sargeant Marcus the people have become an effective fighting force (though not as professional as the Visigoths). Having already repulsed two small blue invasions the peasants and people of the cities swell with pride. They have something to fight for- their homes, a taste of freedom and an idolized monarch/government whereas many of the Cordoban Visigothic troups do not.
Visigoths
Visigoth nobles see their influence dwindling with the people and the monarch. Many begin to flee to Cordoban lands despite the growing power of Tolouse over Cordoba.
585
The Front- Pyrannes
Cordoba
Empty coffers and hungry people force Hernan to approach Tolouse with an offer. As a reply he is sent the heads of the negotiating team, a clear message that no quarter will be given- and none asked.
Aranxta sends men into Cordoban Land spreading dissent and readying the people to rebel.
586
Cordoba
Several small scale peasant uprisings force the Senate to enact harsher laws against the people. Frequent sabotage of food supplies result in more taxes for the peasants, which results in more peasant uprisings. Vicious circle.
Tolousan Navy
The Tolousan Navy defeats those allied with the Cordoban Senate in a last stand battle.
Rebels' Rebels
Several priests within 'liberated' territory call for a war against the Senate, citing passages from the Bible during Mass. Fearing the consequences of such an action Marcus stalls the calls for invasion and contacts Tolouse and is requested to travel to the city and meet with the Queen.
Roderic is 10 years old.
587
Tolouse
A plan is drawn up for the invasion of the rebels' lands. Due to lack of money, and against the advice of the Council, Marcus and the peasants will spearhead the invasion. More than that, they will recruit from the peasant body as they march through hispania, in the name of the Queen, the Prince, Tolouse and freedom from the oppressive Visigoths.
Toledo
An organized rebellion occurs when the citizens of Toledo under the guidance of members from the Peasant's Revolt in the north take the city as their own. Arians, seen as sympathizers to the Cordobans are hung from the walls of the town.
Cordoba
Hernan sends troops to eradicate the rebels in Toledo. The next day he recieves word of Peoples' Legions crossing the Pyrannes. The next day he recieves word of armies from the Peasants' lands in the north crossing the Duero river. In responce to the hanging of sympathizers Hernan closes a popular Catholic Church. The move is met by rioting put down by armed forces.
589
The Siege of Cordoba
The Siege lasts six months and is abruptly ended when a traitor from inside opens the main gate allowing the PLs to pour in. Hernan is killed in the confusion but several top officials are captured and taken to Tolouse.
Tolouse
Aranxta calls for week of celebration for the people and a renewal of the Tournamanet games. Many commoners take part in the games and fair fairly well against the usual Visigoth contestants. Meanwhile, Aranxta is burdened with the task of repairing a war torn nation.
590
Edict of Tolouse
The Edict of Tolouse issued by Aranxta addressed the pressing religious attitudes. Many Arians are persecuted by Catholics causing division and fighting within the kingdom. In the Edict, Itziar proposes a reformation of the Church structure. Power is placed in the hands of the Bishop of Tolouse and out of the hands of the state. Arians and Catholics are encouraged to work together and usher in a new era of unity.
Proclamation of Hispania
When the peasants revolted in 581 they soon learned that there was no need to carry the dead weight of the gentry, who did very little but play at their Tournament games and live off the peasants' fruits. With many of the nobles of Hispania (especially northern and eastern sections) there was a question how exactly to run these areas. Marcus personally told the Queen that in no way would the people accept the yoke of another noble person. He preached of a utopia without nobles, a land with regular people who worked for the Monarch and a Monarch that protected the interests of the people. The Proclamation stated that any and all gentry who deserted Tolouse had lost rights to their titles. It also said that all lands once held by said gentry would be placed in control of congresses presided over by representatives of the King/Queen.
Don't forget Diamond and me...Matt Quinn said:
The New Church would just be Catholicism. It'd be a Catholicism that compromised to bring the wayward Arian brothers back into the fold, but it'd still be the One Holy Catholic and Apostalic Church. I'd think that there'd be no reason to keep the Arians around longer, same for the Pelagians. Perhaps a small Arian community, dispersed across Europe...Matt Quinn said:
Remember, with the seperation of Church and State, there's less to worry about with everyone being the same Church (except for the Monophysites).
Also, I predict stormy relations with Islam. The Church now has much fewer heretics to worry about, and its got a big Crusading Against Evil kick. So, as long as the Church considers Islam evil...
Along those lines, I expect missionary activities into northern and eastern Europe to be stronger, and more often backed by force. A crusade against the Prussians? Thats nothing! The Crusaders will be going after the Vikings! (which actually does make alot of sense, attacking the heathens who are coming to burn your villages and rape your women)
Why not try having some christian priests to go africa and start a christian/african animist syncretic religion in west africa?
well the visis are already there trading. its a hop skip and a jump away from me....
well the visis are already there trading. its a hop skip and a jump away from me....
man! i like just about every idea! especially the strange ones like this.
come on! a successful peasant uprising...what won't i do?
i rely on these guys here to catch me if i fall way too off track.
come on! a successful peasant uprising...what won't i do?
i rely on these guys here to catch me if i fall way too off track.
lol that's great. how's the marijuana consumption at this point? i know its been around for as long as we have but who actually smokes it? and i know this isnt a major tenet, although it is, in rastafarian relgion i'm just curious.
straha- why don't you take an african state and join the tl. don't blame it on amount, or no amount, of knowledge. i don't know anything... shit, this is the first tl i've written.
dude i'm lovin it...but then again, i was born on robert marley's bday so i may be biased.
"With the tribes being unified we could see some sort of rastafarian theocracy..."
A Rastafarian Theocracy? Whoa.
"Also, I predict stormy relations with Islam. The Church now has much fewer heretics to worry about, and its got a big Crusading Against Evil kick. So, as long as the Church considers Islam evil..."
I imagine we can factor that into the Tamerlane business later on. Not only are our Christian brothers being murdered, but they're being murdered by a dastardly Muslim no less.
"Don't forget Diamond and me..."
Y'all were involved in the religious discussion? Yes, I recall you were the one who introduced tolerance of Monophysites into Byzantium (thus saving Egypt and the Levant from being conquered by the Muslims) and Diamond, being the Ostrogoths, has a major interest in whatever happens to Arianism.
"Along those lines, I expect missionary activities into northern and eastern Europe to be stronger, and more often backed by force. A crusade against the Prussians? Thats nothing! The Crusaders will be going after the Vikings! (which actually does make alot of sense, attacking the heathens who are coming to burn your villages and rape your women)"
True, and it's more provoked than "let's go Crusading against these Prussians just b/c they're not Christian." The northern peoples respected power (many who objected to Christianity did so because they would not respect a God who allowed His Son to die). If the Vikings bit off more than they can chew and their Christianized distant relations come up and whip them, many of the other Nordics will be like, "Aha, this crucified fellow is tougher than the old gods."
Plus, if this northern Crusade eats up all of Europe's military efforts, they'll be weakened enough to get mauled by the Mongols in OTL, leading to the renewal of contact with the Nestorian Church and the religious agreements that ultimately lead to the war with Tamerlane on behalf of their co-religionists.
The modern Russian state was founded by Vikings in OTL. If there's a Crusade against the Vikings, perhaps a bunch of defeated Norse die-hards flee down the Volga and Danube to establish little states like Rurik and company did. I can incorporate this into my stuff on Russia...
A Rastafarian Theocracy? Whoa.
"Also, I predict stormy relations with Islam. The Church now has much fewer heretics to worry about, and its got a big Crusading Against Evil kick. So, as long as the Church considers Islam evil..."
I imagine we can factor that into the Tamerlane business later on. Not only are our Christian brothers being murdered, but they're being murdered by a dastardly Muslim no less.
"Don't forget Diamond and me..."
Y'all were involved in the religious discussion? Yes, I recall you were the one who introduced tolerance of Monophysites into Byzantium (thus saving Egypt and the Levant from being conquered by the Muslims) and Diamond, being the Ostrogoths, has a major interest in whatever happens to Arianism.
"Along those lines, I expect missionary activities into northern and eastern Europe to be stronger, and more often backed by force. A crusade against the Prussians? Thats nothing! The Crusaders will be going after the Vikings! (which actually does make alot of sense, attacking the heathens who are coming to burn your villages and rape your women)"
True, and it's more provoked than "let's go Crusading against these Prussians just b/c they're not Christian." The northern peoples respected power (many who objected to Christianity did so because they would not respect a God who allowed His Son to die). If the Vikings bit off more than they can chew and their Christianized distant relations come up and whip them, many of the other Nordics will be like, "Aha, this crucified fellow is tougher than the old gods."
Plus, if this northern Crusade eats up all of Europe's military efforts, they'll be weakened enough to get mauled by the Mongols in OTL, leading to the renewal of contact with the Nestorian Church and the religious agreements that ultimately lead to the war with Tamerlane on behalf of their co-religionists.
The modern Russian state was founded by Vikings in OTL. If there's a Crusade against the Vikings, perhaps a bunch of defeated Norse die-hards flee down the Volga and Danube to establish little states like Rurik and company did. I can incorporate this into my stuff on Russia...