1850 : Alternative Divergence [AH][OOC][CLOSED]

[New Granadeseret]

Finally...

Full Nation Name : The Caliphate of Al-Andalus, Dominion of the House Blessed by Allah, the Sacred Blood of the Umayyad's
Majority/Official Culture : Andalusian; ethnically a mix of Berber and Gothic, the culture and traditions are firmly rooted in their Berber/Arabic origins
Territorial Core : http://i.imgur.com/w07MqPC.png
Territorial Claim :This depends largely on who you ask. Those with a more colonial streak want to establish dominance over West Africa and the Parana river region in, while those with a more land-based agenda dream of restoring the Italian peninsula to Andalsian rule

Capital City : Córdoba https://www.google.com/maps/place/C%C3% ... 78a575ca10

Population : 38.3 Million

Government Type : Semi-Constitutional Monarchy; faced with the rising tide of liberal ideals, the Caliphate has chosen to take a "bend before you break"; originally to empower and earn the loyalty of the nation's subjects as a buffer against machinations by the lower nobility and military, but over time this 'tradition' has become the default measure for retaining the Turban without resorting to bloody civil war. Further details on the exact method are in the government description

Government Ideology/Policies : Efficient Administration, Economic Growth, security through friendly nations on the borders... by whatever means that requires

Government Focus : The primary goal of the Caliphate's government is the security (physical, economic, or any other form), of it's citizenry. The later achieved in several different ways, including a strict and storied tradition of rooting out corruption, support and contracts for upstanding companies and crackdowns/nationalizations of inefficient or overbloated ones, and reasonable tariffs, while the former is, alongside being a military effort, a diplomatic effort to insure that hostile or potentially hostile powers. Passive international support is used to try to support governments that are at least tolerant and neutral of the country, while those in opposition will be undermined at key opportunities (usually, offically to support an Andalusian 'ally' nearby to earn favor)

Head of State : By the Grace of God and The People, Caliph Ilban II of the Umayyad House , Sultan of Al-Andalus, Mooretania, Gallecia , Leon, Navarra, Barcelona, and Aragon; Emir of Sicily and Cagliari, High Chief of the Isles Guanche, and Custodian of the Red Mosque in Rome

Head of Government : Grand Vizier Ihgon Ben-Aharon

Government Description : Officially, the theory of the government is very simple and has existed for nearly a millennium; The Caliphate is the sole property of the Caliph, who rules by the will of God and who bears the final responsibility for all the laws of the land and he alone holds true sovereignty. As time has passed, however, various amendments to the basic idea have been passed so; while not technically stripping the Caliph of any of his rights, they have been effectively curtailed and many elements of republicanism allowed to flourish. For instance, the Caliph is obviously a very busy man, and ruler of far too great and populous a realm to handle all the affairs of justice. As such, Emirs are appointed to act in his name across the borders of his realm... but if he were to micromanage all these Emirs then the affairs of the nation would suffer. So, as part of their duties of fealty to him, the Caliph commands the citizenry to insure only the highest quality Emirs remain in office, and to provide 'advisories' to Cordoba in the form of a mass survey (effectively an election; but it's not officially called that!) of some sort.

By 1850, the Caliphate can't reasonably be called an absolute monarchy but does retain several 'sovereign' powers that are legally prevented from ever being handed over. The Caliph alone possesses the power to declare war, make peace, command the army, and write treaties retaining to military or land-based matters. He also maintains the power of suspensive veto on other policy matters (He can delay a law pushed through the Grand Council for up to 2 sessions, in case a more sympathetic party gets into power), and has the authority to appoint the Chief Qadi/judge of any system of courts (though only the Grand Council has the power to make them, and require the Caliph's permission to destroy or suspend them). In the event that a particular power isn't clearly defined as belonging to anybody else, the default assumption is that it belongs to the Monarch

Most other matters, however are handled by the Grand Council; an 'advisory' body of 176 people; 3 each elected from the 58 territories of the Caliphate and one each from the Army and Navy, who are considered of special interest and have no home territory. Advisors are elected for a period of 2 years each, and the Council is in charge of all areas the Caliph is not (Things like economic policy, the police force, natural resource management, ect.), and while they technically only have the power to issue 'petitions' rather then 'laws', there was only one point in history which the Caliph actually struck down a petition in full rather then just suspending it, and the general backlash was strong enough it is impudent to do so without evidence of mass popular support. To be a Councilman (or vote for one), one must be a male subject of the Caliphate, over 20 years of age, have a residence and be able to speak, read, and write Andalusian fluently (You will be tested)

The territories are run in a slightly more haphazard manner, depending on local tastes and what deals the minor local nobility managed to strike to keep their fancy titles and hats. All are run by an Emir, who acts as the head of government for the province and, while technically appointed by the Caliph, 90% of the time is the candidate who received the most support in the local survey. Emirs are appointed for 5 year periods, with no term limits, and at the end can be dismissed either by a new survey or a command from the Caliph. They have veto power over local decisions, though they can be overruled by methods that differ from territory to territory. Most of the territories are ruled by something resembling a republic (either by everybody, landowners, those with X amount of money, ect.), except for Cordoba (which is ruled by the Caliph and Council directly), and the 3 overseas islands territories, over which the Emirs have more or less absolute power.



Majority/State Religion : Sunni Islam; Mu'tazila school
Religious Description : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mu%60tazila

Economic Ideologies : Interventionist Capitalism.
Major Production : Mainland Andalusia: Wool and Woolens, Glassworks, Wheat, Citrus, Fish
Sicily and Cagliari: Assorted fruits and nuts, Fish, Cattle
Morocco: Textiles,
Economic Description : Andalusia could best be described as a semi-industrialized economy; lower concentrations of domestic coal having given her an initial disadvantage in the first stages of the Industrial Revolution she's never quite made up. The nation operates primarily under free market principals; naturally growing out of the ideology that if you can trust people by and large to advise the government, they can, by and large, be trusted to run the day to day affairs of keeping people feed without having to make a huge bureaucracy around it. Since any economic policy is primarily concerned with the nation's health, though, if a particular company or industry is seen is grossly corrupted or inefficient, however, the government isn't over confiscating it, cleaning house, and then selling it back to more responsible owners. This only happens every now and again, and usually because the population as a whole is asking for it... but as a tool it remains useful in keeping inefficiency to a minimum.

The majority of Andalusia's population is still rural; the countryside filled with farms and pasture. More and more, these are being condensed into large farmers with a single company's ownership, but independent farmers having been pushing back by pooling themselves into co-operatives, creating a duel, competitive system the government tolerates for it's encouragement to raise wages and produce more despite the increased conflict. Thanks to centuries of improvement to irrigation and several highly fertile areas under her control, both her European and New World portions are agriculturally self-sufficient; producing tropical crops for export; the New World in particular being the world's largest producer of coffee. Industry is concentrated along the southernmost parts of the mainland and the Atlantic rim; largely based around textiles and food process, but including a thriving craft industry. Some holdouts of artisanry remain; the swordsmiths of Toledo, in particular, scoff at the idea of mass production of blades, but even they are slowly fading from relevance.

Army Strength : The Holy Armies are primarily designed to be a defensive force, and their training clearly reflects that. With the ideal of always being on the tactical defensive even during a strategic offensive, soldiers are rigorously trained to throw up field fortifications, including holes, palisades, stakes, earthenworks, ect, and unless caught completely unawares can usually produce something rather substantial before engaging an enemy. This tactic is generally refered to as the "Tortoise"; a slow but difficult to halt march.

This ideal is carried over to the homeland, where the country can boost some of the finest fortifications in Europe. Though nearly all of them are of above-average quality, of particular note are the four "Gate" fortresses which command the Caliphate's most strategic points. Mujahedeen Gate at Messina, The Moonset and Sunset Gates at The Rock and Ceuta, and the Frankish Gate at Treaty Pass; the one major non-mountainous route on the eastern edge of the Pyrenees. Recently built up and fitted with the most modern guns and curtain walls, they can withstand withering fire and carry and impressive stockpile themselves

Army Weakness : One of Andalusia's primary issue's is the army's heavy dependence on is a somewhat haphazard and slow logistics system; as the army is expected to move slow to minimize danger, it's virtually impossible to live off the land while marching, requiring a link back to the homeland/base of operations. The below average weight/firepower ratio of her artillery only emphasizes this problem by forcing armies to keep pace with their guns, making conquests a slow and tedious affair if they enemy will not do battle. This weakness isen't particularly present when on the defensive, thanks to internal lines of communication and a friendly populace, but it does mean she depends on a slower grind or the enemy making battle rather then decisive seizures to force a piece

Naval Strength : Primarily a brown-water fleet, the Andalusian fleet is focused on staying power; insuring her ships can fire long, sail longer, last longer and, even if damaged, get into port and fixed up quick so they can be of use longer. The country only really has 3 models of ship, and has invested in dockyards optimized for ships of their similar sizes and shapes; repair and production of new ships is generally faster and cheaper, and can be depended on to have some light armor and be more maneuverable then other ships their size.

Naval Weakness : With much of her money invested in facilities and the logistical issues of treating massive ships, the fleet has to keep their ships downsized in exchange for uniformity and maneuverability. Andalusian has many few 1st tier capital ships then her rivals, and has trouble making and supporting them as a result. Their ships also generally have a lower compliment of guns, replacing the extra weight with armor and extra rigging to help speed and defense

Further Military Description : [[OPTIONAL]]

National Goals :
-Eliminate/Subdue all those who would violate Andalusian sovereignty
-Settle internal disputes between the rising forces of collectivism vs. corporatism.
-Insure the security of kindred nations, so they might secure ours
*This includes friendly primitives, who we will *ahem* 'bring under our benevolent protection' if it seems a foreign power is trying to dominate them. This, in particular, involves the protection/liberation of our co-ethnics (Berbers and Arabize Berbers) of the Maghreb(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Maghreb), as they are extremely close culturally, religiously, linguistically, and historically to Andalusia and thus should be reasonably more easily integrated into the national brotherhood then other, potentially governorable peoples.
National Issues :

-Radical Revanchists (For instance, Byzantium if they are accepted), need to be declawed, preferably by proxy but with open war if it comes down to that

-The current evolution of economic ideals needs to be directed in one way or the other; namely, the question of if corporations are collections of people or alien entities must be decided without bringing one side to open revolt

-Knit diplomatic ties between our allies/friendlies, and build up a trustworthy reputation

-To fuel these efforts, a dependable supply of precious, precious coffee must be obtained.

National Figures of Interest :

Antonio Faqih: Generally referred to as one of the Fathers of Modern Socialism, Antonio is Sicilian and best known for his 1842 treatise Dirigisme: The Logical Conclusion of Republicanism. He is well known in most socialist circles, though not always liked as his theories call for reconciliation with micro-scale capitalism, and is considered the socially acceptable face of the economic Left in most civilized societies.

National Ambition/Aspirations : A nation where fear and hunger are banished from memory, where Andalusian culture is toasted around the globe, and the milk and honey flow in abundance. And possibly have the Vatican converted into a Mosque.

History :
The changes to events in Al-Andalus began in mid 900's, with the life of Sultan Al-Hakam II. Though 'cursed' with deep homosexual desires for much of his life, though advise, self-discipline, and a quest to find some rather boyish-looking women, he managed to forcibly develop some level of desire towards his wives, allowing him to give birth to a proper heir in 955: Hisham II. 21 at the time of his father's death and blessed with good advisors, he was easily able to crush an attempt by the court eunuchs to place his younger brother on the throne, developing a tradition for solid succession in the newly-established sovereign state following the collapse of the Umyyads in Damscus. With the loyal service of his general and greatest advisor, al-Mansur bi-llah, his reign from 955 to 1000 C.E saw many great advances and victories for the Sultanate, including 5 different campaigns against Barcelona and the Catalonean counties (4 of which lead to the sacking of a major city and seizure of more territory for the Sultanate, until the final surrender of the Counts in 973), and defeating the Kingdom of Narvara, bringing the Basque into the Islamic fold. The introduction of large-scale irrigation allowed for an agricultural sector much more productive then anywhere else in Europe, turning Córdoba into city second only in size, economy, and culture to Constantinople, and are credited with the birth of modern medicine, philosophy, and the natural science, attracting students from across Europe. This would continue under his successors, and while many agree the first stage of the Golden Age ended in around 1070, this was more due to other parts of Europe starting to catch up and a general slowing down rather then any particular decline

Hisham also expanded the Empire's ambitions into Italy: every dreaming of an eventual conquest of Rome. This was most notable in his intervention in 980, supporting the Sunni revolt against the Shia leadership imposed by the Fatimid caliph. After destroying the Fatimid fleet and isolating the island, a two year war was fought between the island's Shias and Sunnis; the latter supported by Andalusian professional troops and ultimately victorious. Their rule was solidified in 983 after the arrival of the Germanic troops of Christendom; seeking to take advantage of the chaos to reclaim the island for Catholicism, and the stunning victory of the Sultan's forces at The Battle of Messina. This lead to the assention of the island as a province in Andalusia (though with several special privileges), and acted as a springboard for later attacks to seize parts of the faltering Byzantine possessions in Italy, a smattering of southern principalities, and the assentation of Sardinia after successful missonary efforts to convert the Judge of Cagliari to Islam; their military intervention of the island to protect him in the resulting 4 war between the states resulting in his agreement to vassaldom in 1062, and heavy efforts to convert the rest of the population: this cumulating in 1101 and 1102 when, with much of Christiandom's forces distracted in the Holy Land and aiding an ailing Byzantium, Umyyad armies were able to march all the way to the gates of Rome itself; putting the city under a grueling 4 month siege but unable to break in before the arrival of relief forces. The Battle of Rome ended in a decisive Umyyad Victory; in the end the Pope's starving troops trying to hurl themselves out of the city in a duplication of Antioch, but this time Islam's forces were prepared and chopped them down like wheat. However, had been sufficiently weakened to not be able to hold that ground against a Lombard force riding to the Papacy's aid, forcing them to withdraw back towards the "Emirate of Sicily". They did, however, managed to gain one more major victory in Naples, forcing the Papacy to come to the table and call an end to the Crusades and an acceptance of "Islam's Right to Exist" and assent to the Andalusian occupation of the south of Italy. In exchange, the Umyyads agreed not to sack Rome and agreed not to aid the Muslim forces in Anatolia.

Thus began the Century Peace with the Catholic Church; 97 years in which Andalusia would not make war with a single Christian state. Rather, much of it's time was spent in relative peace; indeed even amongst Muslims and Pagans the war standard was not raised for 25 years; the majority of which was under the reign of Sultan Muhammad IV; known either as the "Craven" or the "Peacemaker" depending on the temperament of who was writing. However, in 1147, it was heard that the last of the Almoravid sultans of Morocco and father of the First Wife of the current Caliph Zamrak al-Rahmen I, had perished; leaving behind 17 daughters but not a single son. Though his wife was only the 8th daughter, Zamrak sought to claim Morocco's wide domains by right of inheritance and sailed his men across the channel. Two generations of peace and with an unskilled Sultan, however, the Andalusian armies found themselves impossibly overwhelmed by the mobility and ferocity of the Berber nomads; Zamrak bring his untrained men blindly into the mountains and desert only to be cut down by hidden tribesmen supporting the other claimants. With 5,500 loses and forced to retreat back to Andalusia in shame when his soldiers nearly mutinied on him, never the less, the crest of Morocco would remain in the Caliph's halls, and he would continue claiming the titles as his own with hopes that, one day, they would be able to return.

In addition for this failure, Zamrak would be known for his rather ignoble death in 1158, of which we can't go into great detail but does explain one of the nation's more exotic laws, in which women are not allowed to carry scourges anywhere in the country. He was ascended by his 15 year old son Sulayman I, who thanks to his father's misadventures had little formal training. An unimpressive Caliph, he was saved from major social disorder by a unity of efforts among his various Emirs, who sought to maintain the appearance of stability lest the Christians break their truce and attack. Other then a brief but intense up rising in the Barcelona counties, however, no serious threat to the dynasty arose as of yet, Sulayman passing from a pox by 1185. During his reign, the nation saw several poor harvests in the north, leading to the migration of many addition citizens to the central part of the peninsula, and the earliest successful signs of the Islamization of the Sicily.

His son, al-Mundhir II, however, was a different man altogether. It was generally understood he was man driven by a sense of shame in his family's failures... and after two weak Sultans could hear the whispers of coup in his palace. As such, he threw himself deeply into proving his worth to the military and nobles; raising a fleet of ships crewed by Berber veterans to halt the Christian freebooting on the coasts and sea lanes between his dominions, sought to build roman-style roads to connect the great cities of his nation, and established a more efficient taxation system by mixing local collectors with Royal agents. While not universally popular among the peasants (who had to pay for and build these things), al-Mundhir did survive with a positive reputation thanks to good harvests and rebound the upper classes back to Cordoba. Though he reigned for but 20 years, passing in 1205, Mundhir's reforms would play a key role in his predicessor's handling of potential threats to their power.

Following him was Al-Hakam III; notable for being the longest-reigning Sultan in the nation's history as well as one of it's most successful. Indeed, the day he ascended to the throne he began his first war. This had actually been do to negotiations with his marriage to the Princess of Castile (The romance was an exceeding complicated one and involved elopement, and actually turned into the tragic play Al-Hakam and Isabel in the 17th century); technically the only surviving child of the prior King after a pox had swept through Castile. Though heir to some small area by virtue of her station her uncle, eager to avoid losing some of his Kingdom, declared the laws changed following his death and formalizing the rule that non-Catholics could not inherit. Al-Hakam, in response, declared war for his rightful claim, bringing the first official Holy War the Caliphate had had in a great while, Castile's allies in Gallecia joining the fray. Considering the sheer sizes, however, the final outcome was never in doubt; the combined Northern armies being routed and Burgos sacked and seized. Fearful of losing any of their own territory or paying money out of a near empty treasuring, the Gallecians agreed to acknowledge Isabel's (brief) assentation to the throne of Castile by her husband's whim; the realm ceasing to exist as an independent country following it's fusion of it's crown with Andalusia's back what would be known as the Lover's Treat, signed in Cordoba in 1210. Al-Hakam would be recognized as a gentle and just ruler throughout his reign (secretly writing quite a bit of poetry under assumed names), though also a warrior. In 1218, he would lead an expedition to conquer the Guanche-habitated islands off the Moroccan coast as hopes of using them as raiding base for an (eventual) campaign to take the throne; defeating the scattered, Neolithic-level locals with great ease and his soldiers being rewarded with war-wives and land on their new conquests to populate the area with local Andalusian. In 1229, he would enter into a 3 year war with the French over disputes over what the Pyrenees as a border actually meant (France asserted the mountains belonged to them and it was only in the lowlands Cordoba's reign began, while Andalusia declared precisely the opposite). However, with France on the attack and Cordoba able to use the narrow passes to funnel in French troops, they were eventually able to seize the region's directly across from the mountains; now able to depend on border stones in an easily visable land to keep a stable border. Though he did not go to war in the North-west as per his treaties, he did begin machinations among the vassals of Gallecia; hoping to sow discontent and open a path to conquest when the time was right. Trade with the East was rising, tensions on the borders resolved, and in his older years Al-Hakam would make only small wars; defending Portucal from the last gasp of the Viking raiders, a forta against and crushing a few minor Italian rebellions, spending much more time investing in the domains of his favored vassals; additional swords kept down to fund waterwheels, canals, and libraries.

Hakam's death in 1274 was followed by a short series of mediocore Caliph; Sulayman II, Hisham III, and Marwan III; ruling from 1274-1303 in some very uneventful years. A few notable things occurred during these years; the rebuilding of the Great Mosque of Cordoba from 1276-1279, the first Andalusian firearms appearing from modified Chinese imports in 1301, and a few dry advances in Calculus. 1303, however, saw perhaps the greatest land-grab in Andalusian history with the collapse of the Abdelwadid dynasty in Morocco following a bloody murder of the Sultan's family in a sort of palace coup while he was off on the Hajj; leaving nobody to take the throne for the many month's the Sultan would need to be gone and the local houses each at eachother's throat over the position. As a neutral party, Marwan sent his forth (and this very unlikely to inherit) son Yazid to act as a sort of unofficial regent and arbiter until the Sultan's return... though placing none of his troops in the capital. After a year of waiting though, the Sultan was nowhere to be seen and the local leaders presumed him dead; beginning a struggle for the empty throne. Yazid, however, was a clever man, and made promises of increased power and positions of prestige with Al-Andalus in exchange for their fealty. With the addition of men secretly recruited from Sicily, he pulled a coup de grace and seized the Moroccan capital... his new friends fishing the fighting in the deserts for him and thus making him by far the most prestigious of Marwan's sons. Though his elder brothers did protest and make several assassination attempts, Yazid managed to survive to take Cordoba; having his brother's seized and strangled for seeking to kill their Caliph.

Yazid IV, "Berber-friend", would be known not only for the many Moroccans he brought to the court, but to a certain degree the influence they brought with him. A far stricter Muslim then his predecessors, the lacks enforcement of the Sacred Law essentially disappeared for the 24 years of his rule. Idolatry, alcohol, any kind of vice that lived was clamped down upon, largely by newly-raised Berber troops. This created a great deal of resentment among the local lords; particularly when their position of high power started to be taken away, but there was little they could do but wait; their men hardly willing to march on the capital and Yazid's glory too great. That is, until his harsh policies of banning churches finally lit South Italy alight; being seen as a violation of the treaties from the time of the Crusades and Jihad and the Italians eager to come to their local's aid. His Emirs provided no troops out of Protest; Yazid leading the army himself but being captured and brutally murdered by zealots somewhere on the Italian heel. His successor, Ilban I, was forced to make peace and retreat from the Italian mainland; ending 225 years of Muslim rule in the region.

Ilban himself wasen't a bad Sultan, but found himself in a difficult spot as he tried to appease the Berbers, Andalusian Lords, and the minority religious communities Yazid had alienated. Seeing none of them would give up power and at least two would be going for his throat, Ilban turned to the last people he could; his subjects. Sneaking out of the palace in the dead of night, he began issuing proclamations from a merchant's house in Cordoba; declaring that the high and mightiest lords were acting like animals squabbling over meat rather then civilized people. Declaring he could not solve the problem merely by listening to those who had the most to gain, he sent out riders to the wisest men in the realm to join him in an advisory session; over the next two months 41 arriving from various corners of the nation. Declaring them his "Council", he finally returned to the palace with a guard of citizen-soldiers eager to make their own opinion heard; the resulting agreement that was hammered out becoming known as The Sacred Pact Between the Caliph, His Servants, and his Subjects ( Or just the Sacred Pact); restoring the old rights of the Jewish and Christian communities and establishing an open Council in his court; from which a man would be brought in from each major city to speak on their behalf. The Pact still stands (heavily amended), as a piece of Basic Law for the Andalusian government, first entering existence in 1338.

To please the Berbers, hungry for war, he decided he would engage in one of the most important in Andalusian history; the conquest of Gallecia; the last Christian stronghold. After spending a year rallying his troops and trumping up some Christian raids his ships in the Atlantic, he unleashed his Moroccons upon the hapless Gallecia; the nation hardly expecting an attack that late in the campaigning session. Raiding the countryside with impunity, the forced the Gallecians to try to rally, a force of 18,000 eventually clashing with 16,000 Berbers in the Battle of Leon. The Berbers, however, had a large contingent of camel cavalry; completely unknown to Gallecia's steeds, causing their knights to flee and open up the Christian right flank for a charge... what few managed to escape limping back to the fortress in shame. The Gallecian king came, pleading for terms, but held back by his promises to the Berbers for lordships and glory for the faith all he could offer was conversion or the sword. Choosing the later, Gallecia's men mad a heroic last stand atop the walls of Santiago after fleeing... but with word of his flight spreading most of his other fortresses capitulated when the black flag approached, the last Christian stronghold falling on Christmas Day, 1342.

Of course, such a move sent diplomatic shockwaves through the rest of Europe, and no sooner had Gallecia been suppressed and regular, less burn-and-plunder garrisions moved in, were the Berbers transferred north-east to defend against an inevitable Christian onslaught. Thankfully, though, the French, British, and Germans were too busy beating each other over the heads to care about their hopelessly isolated sister, thus giving the central government time to consolidate their new gains. Berber officials were put in place (though in command of Andalusian troops), and the settlers from both Africa and the south moved in to help settle the land. Leon itself become a second city for the Caliphate; Ilban keen to Andalize the region as much as possible, constructing a summer palace and there and pumping the plunder back into public works. That, combined with the military presence made the citizens more or less resigned; pliable targets for the huge missionary offensive about to be launched in the region to remove the "Catholic Question" as peacefully as possible.

Ilban's regain continued to 1381, during which time the fortification of her border with France became a top priority. His later reign was also the time of what scholars would call "the Golden Generation"; the young adults coming to their own a seemingly endless wellspring of new ideas; such things as the truly standardized compass, early arquebus, more efficient plows, and one of the first moveable type machines coming out of Andalusian workshops and universities. With this stretch of inventions came a number of social changes; young sons of the merchantable and lower noble classes looking deeper into things like Averroism philosophy and ancient Greek texts, raising number of questions about the order of the state. Being the moderate he was, Ilban actually encouraged these debates in his court and presence, much to the dismay of some of his advisors and African vassals, for a brief time rekindling the great spark of superior scholarship that the country had at it's onset before these ideas were swallowed up into other European courts and expanded upon.

Ilban's son, Muhammed V, was a man much after his father's mold and a child of the Golden Generation, though with a general slowing down of the society he was a giant trying to lead mortal men. More a scholar then a warrior, he actually created a public workshop in Cordoba; encouraging tinkers and metelworkers to try inventing full time, and was known for his live of classical-age literature. It was under him the first Andalusian copyright laws were passed in 1401 (the punishment for breaking them was having one's hand cut off), as well as establish the Grand Assembly with a permanent building and meeting schedule, in addition to some other legal reforms that clarified the law code and did away with legal loopholes for vassals to shirk their duties and payments to the Caliph. Under fairly good advise, his nation saw a period of steady growth under his command; a few military adventures in Algers hardly noticeable in the grand scheme of things. Ruling until 1412, Muhammed also left behind the Great Library of Toldeo; having heard wondrous tales of the Great Library of Alexandria and collecting as many texts as he could in hopes of restoring a shadow of it. Though not nearly as great, it was still a very impressive collection of books, which would be added to as time went on and is certainly in the top 5 concentrations of recorded knowledge in the world.

The next Sultan Hahmurb I, was an entirely different beast. Actually Muhammed's 3rd son from his first wife, his father's lack of interest in family affairs over those of the mind and state left him primarily in the hands of his custodian; the Berber Emir of the Rif and future Grand Vizer Akmed Bouyeri. Said to have been raised on the back of a camel, Hahmurb was culturally a stranger to the refined court setting of Cordoba; feeling more at home on the open field and chatting with his generals then his viziers. What he did gain in Mooretania, however, was a keen strategic mind and the commanding presence his troops respected... as well as loyal members of desert assassins who were glad to remove those standing in his way to power. Thus, when Hahmurb took the throne it was seen as a surprise to anybody... the army pleasantly pleased and the more refined reeling in shock from a man who looked like he could have just wandered out of the desert sitting in the Caliph's seat. Thankfully for their sensitivities, however, he was not a Caliph to sit in the throne; much of that left to Akmed, instead leading the Andalusian army into glorious combat; after signs of oppression of Muslims in South Italy, he eagerly road to reclaim the peninsula for Andalusia, actually succeeding in 1416 with a march on Naples (Thankfully, he was talked out of taking the battle to the Papacy), before taking Berber men he had trained with since childhood on a great conquest of the Deseret; moving into the Sahara and impressing many of the tribes with his martial zeal, bringing them (albet temporarily) into line then turning north and staging a major invasion of France with his new cohort; briefly expanding Andalusia's borders to their largest yet with the conquest of Aquatine, ; a hold which would not long outlast his death . As one would imagine, all this campaigning did a number of Hahmurb's body; the man dying at the young age of 35 when an old wound he'd received in his childhood opened up during battle (which he fought through regardless... and won), but dying before proper care could be given. He was buried at the sight of his greatest triumph; the Battle of Auvergene Forest, and Andalusian legends say he fathered no less then 100 French bastards.

His young, neglected child of 14 took the throne in 1433; the Unfortunate Al-Hakam IV, and could hardly to expected to hold this new territory together; the unpopular Bouyeri being kicked from his seat following his patrons death and creating a power vacuum in the region. Without trustworthy advisors to guide him, Al-Hakam's minority was finished off with the Grand Assembly acting as his regent; being thanked for their loyalty upon his assentation with a further expansion of their policy. Aquatine would only be in the Andalusian sphere for 20 years, however, before Andalusian armies withdrew back to their old borders; the treat of a France now resurgent once England abandoned her claims on the continent combined with major revolts leaving them no choice then a war they couldn't afford to fight. Al-Hakam IV, though not a bad Caliph by any means, is generally lambasted by historians for surrendering Aquatine so easily, his work in the Andalusian road system downplayed. He ruled until 1460, slipping and hitting his head on the side of the royal bath, succeeded by son al-Mundhir III.

Reigning from 1460-1484, al-Mundhir III's reign began with the trickling to a crawl of tribute from the Sahara; the old generation having died off and the new ones not impressed by Andalusian might. Rather then going after them, though, al-Mundhir's legacy was in his many trade mission to the Mali empire and his establishment of trade relation with several regions on the African coast; known as "The Imam" for the effort he put into converting the natives of the West and West-central African coast. Fun fact: his reign also saw the first regular Andalusian newspaper, the Voice of the World, published monthly in Cordoba, and in 1461 the first printed copy of the Quran. His only martial accomplishments of note were putting down some revolts in South Italy.

His heir was Marwan IV, reign 1484-1491. Through his rule was brief and fairly unnotable, the story of his removal (and it's combination to the next Sultan, his brother Yazid V). Highly favorable towards the maritime trade and the navy, a few years into his rule Marwan decided he would begin shifting money away from the army to construct an armada of ships... something that would allow the conquest of or at least hegemony over the African coast. This however, was not taken well by the military leadership, who turned to his younger brother Yazid as a potential supporter. Though he pled with the Caliph to work to spare his life, Yazid could find no hope in the starry-eyed Marwan and agreed to act as figurehead to the palace coup to keep a Umayyad on the throne. On not entirely false charges of homosexuality, Marwan was disposed and Yazid taking his place, insuring the funds were shifted back to the army. To avoid the two clashing, however, he agreed to insure there would be an open dialogue by inviting them to establish a presence in the Grand Assembly; granting them one seat each to avoid too strong a war party. Yazid would actually reign over Tunis for 18 years (As the figurehead for a cousiour's takeover; he received some funds, had his name in Friday prayer and had his face on the coins but never actually went to the city), as well as his 21 year command for the combined crowns of Al-Andalus, 1512 coming with Yazid V having established a number of trading posts in West Africa, fighting a brief war with France that ended in reparations and the removal of some claims over this or that region of Aquatine, and seeing a new quarter added to Cordoba.

Yazid V was succeeded by Muhammad VI, reign 1512-1555. Known as "The Wayfarer", Muhammed VI's reign was most notable for the first expeditions to the Americas; largely directed southward and driven by the Sultan's newfound taste for a strange bean imported from south-west Africa; the coffee bean. During a trade mission to obtain their leader's desires, a small number of ships were caught in a tropical storm (Not quite strong enough to sink them, thankfully), which blew them entirely off course, eventually finding a strange jungle-covered land. Or at least that's what they thought; the land they discovered actually part of a wider continent. Exploration of the coast lead Muhammed VI To achieve this nickname; the later part of his reign including the conversion and colonization of the Toltec civilization in the north to found the colony of Mexica; a gem of the Caliphate that would remain in the nation until near the modern day. He also founded a number of fort-trading posts along the African coast, exchanging culture and goods with the tribal locals. Though the southern land was deemed too inhospitable to colonize en-mass (or, at least, very few people were willing to go after the tails of all the terrible illnesses one could catch there started to spread), the region they discovered was eventually settled by the small community of Catholics who still lived along the northern part of the West Coast and refused to learn the Andalusian tounge; the Andalusians saying good ridence to such a troublemaking group.

Muhammad VI left the world with 12 viable sons... none of whom were particularly highly suited for the position of Caliph. This lead to the rather infamous Night of Blood; a palace coup taking place 3 days after Muhammad's death as members of the court who supported each of the sons conducted many cloak and dagger murders. By the end, only Muhammad's 3rd and 4th youngest remained; sheltered by sympathizers in the Council though one did end up with a bum leg and the otherseveral major scars from his assailants. The older Marwan V (reign 1555-1564), would have a short reign due to a bad plate of clams (Claims of his brother poisoning him are generally believed to be false), and would actually be more famous for what occurred during his rule then what he actually accomplished. He was not a particularly good or bad ruler; known more for the conquest of the Maya cities by freebooter Miquel al-Barcen over the course of 3 years. The economy also saw a bit of a boost as gold started come in from Mexica, Marwan having little taste for luxury and donating much of his share to charitable organizations. This is why his name is remembered; by the many honorary plaques baring it in mosques, public kitchens, and poorhouses.

Marwan was succeeded by his younger brother, Al-Hakam V. (1564-1592) More of a spend-thrift then his brother, Al-Hakam is generally known as "The Greedy", though only in contrast to the generosity of his predecessor. Al-Hakam was far more keen to spend Mexica gold on workers for a national, Roman-style road system to connect even the smaller regional centers, as well as expanding the older invetor's institute in hopes of keeping on the top floor with new technologies. Thus, he was much more admired by the burgening merchant and professional class then the poor. He also provided the approval and funding to make Mexica's main port, the city, Hakam-Costa, bearing his name as a result. His reign saw the solidification of a civilian presence and permanent civil government in the new world, as well as the first mixed-race Councilors as the region was extended seats. This era also saw Andalusian naval dominance in the Mediterranean; something that would last for about the next 1.5 centuries.

Al-Hakam's son Hahmurb II (1592-1640), besides having such a long reign spent a great deal of his life on trips abroad; establishing permanent embassies in Paris, London, and Constantinople as part as of a wider expansion of peaceful relations over those countries being 'hostile on principal. The Territory of the New World Islands was established during his rule, as was a war over the Italian peninsula fought, including taking control of the mid-eastern coastline opposite Rome (and occupation that would last from 1613-1695). This period also saw the Catalian Uprising (1530-1531), in which some regions tried to press for their independence; surpressed first with military force and the rebellious regions placated with additional representation in the capital and the shuffling about of a few efficient, but unpopular Emirs. This was part of a wider movement to dissolve additional rights to the people and provinces, as the population (thanks to the now-widespread use of the potato in the mountainous regions who once found it hard to support crops), was booming to the point governing everything from Cordoba was next to impossible with just horses.

Hahmurb's son, The Wicked Caliph Hisham, actually was not as bad as his name would imply. Ruling from 1640-1664, Hisham was actually a surprisingly reform-minded man; establishing the first few University Preperatory schools in the regional capitals (to insure those who entered had the basic skills needed to crank up te University curriculum), increased the standing army to allow for a small, more select conscription class, and introducing a uniform filling system for the royal departments to allow for better recordkeeping. Unfortunately, this took place during an economic downturn, as Mexica gold began to run out and illness decimated the nation's sheep flocks. To continue funding these advances, he sought approval for a new national tax from the Council... but, at the advice of their suffering constituents, an 'advisory' was sent to keep the import duties rate as is. Desperate to finance his projects, however, Hisham ordered additional tax collectors to the main ports anyway, enforcing his will despite the disapproval of the Council. This lead to a massive backlash by the sailors and residents of these towns; beating and tarring anybody who tried to enforce the new duties and craftsmen making a huge assembly before the Caliphatal Palace. Hisham refused to relent, calling on his men to scatter the protestors... which they did, but killed none and did not resist when they quickly came to re-occupy the square. Hisham's orders could not be heard over the constant shouting of the crowds, the streets became clogged... and, eventually, was forced to abdicate under popular protest and the treat of a riot, his brother Sulayman III taking the throne in his place and dutifully applying the Council's requests... though making it very clear he was doing it for the good of his subjects not because the Council had any authority over him.

Sulayman III (1664-1680), or "The Caliph who Lost Italy"... well, did just that. His dreams of a great West African empire were dashed during the Andalusian-Malan War (1668-1672), being defeated mainly by his supply lines being constantly haressed through the desert and his discovery the guns they were using faired very poorly in heavy sand. Wary of France at the time, he gained the soldiers he needed by stripping down the mainland... and his efforts to lead the campaign and poor choice of vizers meaning there was nobody with enough authority to put down the mainland Italians when they revolted. The treasury heavily spent and his reputation ruined, Sulayman had to debase the Andalusian coinage for the first time in 2 centuries...something that name has never really managed to live down. He eventually died by being pushed off the haram walls by a serving maid who'd brother had been killed in the West African campaign.

Uthman II (1680-1700), had a somewhat inconsequential reign, besides some side adventures to intervene in the succession of the thrones of Tunis and Algers. His most noticeable feature was actually being born during the Breaking of the Fast (Hence being named after the dynasty's founder in hopes of greatness... something it was generally agreed he wasen't).

Al-Hakam VI (1700-1731) was arguably much more deserving of that name, though somewhat bolstered by the upswing new technologies were providing to Europe. He was said to live life with great gusto; never doing anything half-way be it with pleasure or work. Though this did earn him a reputation as a glutton and lecher, it was also what allowed him to seamlessly handle the People's Revolts of the 1710's; a series of nation-wide attacks against the entrenched wealth and privilege of a number of (increasingly isolated), hereditary Emirs (Resulting in another Corollary to the Caliph's Pact that transferred the appointment of most territorial executive positions to the Caliph... who then granted it backhandedly to the people through asking for 'advisory surveys', or managing to settled the Craftsman's Feud that almost lead to class warfare between the Journeymen and Masters of various tradesmen's associations along the Western coast. Suffice to say, weather he was a hero or wicked depends on who you ask, but nobody can doubt that he played a huge role in moving power away from hereditary elites (partially for his own benefit as a hereditary elite...), usually ranked amongst Ilban the First in admiration by Liberals.

Zamrak II (1731-1757) was a rather militant Sultan, fighting several campaigns into the Rockies and the French to little effect. His largest contribution is in the field of artillery theory, where he began the practice of the deploying large cannons as field artillery by using specially-trained draft oxen. Though he could cause great lose of life, he did create a good deal of debt with is expansion of the artillery corpse, and was rather unpopular with Christians for commonly requisitioning church bells for much-needed bronze. Notably, he also took a Hebrew woman as his second wife, and passed laws allowing for Jews to take up several government positions they previously couldn't.

Yazid VI (1757-1776), reigned during the construction of the New Caliphatal Palace, after his father was crushed by the ceilings of one of the older rooms collapsing under the strain of age. This was largely funded by loot from a campaign into West Africa, France, and major piracy against Brazil (some of the last major pirate actions by a government), and the new money from mass cattling expansion in northern Mexica. Andalusia also developed one of the earlier models of steam engine near the end of his reign (the first to produce 15 horse-power, and a large piston design) , though it would take several decades for the true potential to be realized; the inefficiency of these early models compared to the available animal and waterpower of high-quality Andalusian mills making them seem far less desirable... the capitalists of the nation not realizing until some other nations already had a fair head start.

Zamrak III (1776-1792), "The Revolutionary", was a proud Liberal from a young age; his tutors having been surprisingly firebrand thanks to pressures of his mother; daughter of a barely-noble Mexica family who's wealth came far more from trade then their meager land holdings. Upon his assention, he willingly handed several additional powers over to the Council (Though, this was partially to secure support for the establishment of a National Bank; something that was not universally acceptable amongst the private creditors of the Turban), and established a new, more meritocratic tests for the bureaucracy (the old ones having long since been poked full of loopholes of corruption), and briefly considered making the state purely secular (Though on this his advisors were forced to stop him). Andalusia saw a fairly large economic contraction as industry boomed elsewhere; Zamrak trying to encourage it by establishing technical schools but the results not being visable until after his assassination by an unhappy artisan during a parade through the streets.

Muhammed VII (1792-1835), presided over the lose of Mexica; showing only token resistance out of respect for his Grandmother's family and in hopes of maintaining good connections (and to avoid cranking up the national debt even more with war spending; which Zamrak's idea of cutting taxes and raising spending had necessitated). During this time infant industry began to develop in the country, allowing Muhammed to jusify the raising tarrifs to bring the budget to something closer to a balance, alongside the scrapping of many prestige project or aging capital ships to bring a bloated navy back into line.

Comparison Points – Political : 3
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 2
Comparison Points – Economy : 3
Comparison Points – Military : 2
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : 10/10

[Oscalantine]

Finally...

Full Nation Name : The Caliphate of Al-Andalus, Dominion of the House Blessed by Allah, the Sacred Blood of the Umayyad's
Majority/Official Culture : Andalusian; ethnically a mix of Berber and Gothic, the culture and traditions are firmly rooted in their Berber/Arabic origins
Territorial Core : http://i.imgur.com/w07MqPC.png
Territorial Claim :This depends largely on who you ask. Those with a more colonial streak want to establish dominance over West Africa and the Parana river region in, while those with a more land-based agenda dream of restoring the Italian peninsula to Andalsian rule

Capital City : Córdoba https://www.google.com/maps/place/C%C3% ... 78a575ca10

Population : 38.3 Million

Government Type : Semi-Constitutional Monarchy; faced with the rising tide of liberal ideals, the Caliphate has chosen to take a "bend before you break"; originally to empower and earn the loyalty of the nation's subjects as a buffer against machinations by the lower nobility and military, but over time this 'tradition' has become the default measure for retaining the Turban without resorting to bloody civil war. Further details on the exact method are in the government description

Government Ideology/Policies : Efficient Administration, Economic Growth, security through friendly nations on the borders... by whatever means that requires

Government Focus : The primary goal of the Caliphate's government is the security (physical, economic, or any other form), of it's citizenry. The later achieved in several different ways, including a strict and storied tradition of rooting out corruption, support and contracts for upstanding companies and crackdowns/nationalizations of inefficient or overbloated ones, and reasonable tariffs, while the former is, alongside being a military effort, a diplomatic effort to insure that hostile or potentially hostile powers. Passive international support is used to try to support governments that are at least tolerant and neutral of the country, while those in opposition will be undermined at key opportunities (usually, offically to support an Andalusian 'ally' nearby to earn favor)

Head of State : By the Grace of God and The People, Caliph Ilban II of the Umayyad House , Sultan of Al-Andalus, Mooretania, Gallecia , Leon, Navarra, Barcelona, and Aragon; Emir of Sicily and Cagliari, High Chief of the Isles Guanche, and Custodian of the Red Mosque in Rome

Head of Government : Grand Vizier Ihgon Ben-Aharon

Government Description : Officially, the theory of the government is very simple and has existed for nearly a millennium; The Caliphate is the sole property of the Caliph, who rules by the will of God and who bears the final responsibility for all the laws of the land and he alone holds true sovereignty. As time has passed, however, various amendments to the basic idea have been passed so; while not technically stripping the Caliph of any of his rights, they have been effectively curtailed and many elements of republicanism allowed to flourish. For instance, the Caliph is obviously a very busy man, and ruler of far too great and populous a realm to handle all the affairs of justice. As such, Emirs are appointed to act in his name across the borders of his realm... but if he were to micromanage all these Emirs then the affairs of the nation would suffer. So, as part of their duties of fealty to him, the Caliph commands the citizenry to insure only the highest quality Emirs remain in office, and to provide 'advisories' to Cordoba in the form of a mass survey (effectively an election; but it's not officially called that!) of some sort.

By 1850, the Caliphate can't reasonably be called an absolute monarchy but does retain several 'sovereign' powers that are legally prevented from ever being handed over. The Caliph alone possesses the power to declare war, make peace, command the army, and write treaties retaining to military or land-based matters. He also maintains the power of suspensive veto on other policy matters (He can delay a law pushed through the Grand Council for up to 2 sessions, in case a more sympathetic party gets into power), and has the authority to appoint the Chief Qadi/judge of any system of courts (though only the Grand Council has the power to make them, and require the Caliph's permission to destroy or suspend them). In the event that a particular power isn't clearly defined as belonging to anybody else, the default assumption is that it belongs to the Monarch

Most other matters, however are handled by the Grand Council; an 'advisory' body of 176 people; 3 each elected from the 58 territories of the Caliphate and one each from the Army and Navy, who are considered of special interest and have no home territory. Advisors are elected for a period of 2 years each, and the Council is in charge of all areas the Caliph is not (Things like economic policy, the police force, natural resource management, ect.), and while they technically only have the power to issue 'petitions' rather then 'laws', there was only one point in history which the Caliph actually struck down a petition in full rather then just suspending it, and the general backlash was strong enough it is impudent to do so without evidence of mass popular support. To be a Councilman (or vote for one), one must be a male subject of the Caliphate, over 20 years of age, have a residence and be able to speak, read, and write Andalusian fluently (You will be tested)

The territories are run in a slightly more haphazard manner, depending on local tastes and what deals the minor local nobility managed to strike to keep their fancy titles and hats. All are run by an Emir, who acts as the head of government for the province and, while technically appointed by the Caliph, 90% of the time is the candidate who received the most support in the local survey. Emirs are appointed for 5 year periods, with no term limits, and at the end can be dismissed either by a new survey or a command from the Caliph. They have veto power over local decisions, though they can be overruled by methods that differ from territory to territory. Most of the territories are ruled by something resembling a republic (either by everybody, landowners, those with X amount of money, ect.), except for Cordoba (which is ruled by the Caliph and Council directly), and the 3 overseas islands territories, over which the Emirs have more or less absolute power.



Majority/State Religion : Sunni Islam; Mu'tazila school
Religious Description : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mu%60tazila

Economic Ideologies : Interventionist Capitalism.
Major Production : Mainland Andalusia: Wool and Woolens, Glassworks, Wheat, Citrus, Fish
Sicily and Cagliari: Assorted fruits and nuts, Fish, Cattle
Morocco: Textiles,
Economic Description : Andalusia could best be described as a semi-industrialized economy; lower concentrations of domestic coal having given her an initial disadvantage in the first stages of the Industrial Revolution she's never quite made up. The nation operates primarily under free market principals; naturally growing out of the ideology that if you can trust people by and large to advise the government, they can, by and large, be trusted to run the day to day affairs of keeping people feed without having to make a huge bureaucracy around it. Since any economic policy is primarily concerned with the nation's health, though, if a particular company or industry is seen is grossly corrupted or inefficient, however, the government isn't over confiscating it, cleaning house, and then selling it back to more responsible owners. This only happens every now and again, and usually because the population as a whole is asking for it... but as a tool it remains useful in keeping inefficiency to a minimum.

The majority of Andalusia's population is still rural; the countryside filled with farms and pasture. More and more, these are being condensed into large farmers with a single company's ownership, but independent farmers having been pushing back by pooling themselves into co-operatives, creating a duel, competitive system the government tolerates for it's encouragement to raise wages and produce more despite the increased conflict. Thanks to centuries of improvement to irrigation and several highly fertile areas under her control, both her European and New World portions are agriculturally self-sufficient; producing tropical crops for export; the New World in particular being the world's largest producer of coffee. Industry is concentrated along the southernmost parts of the mainland and the Atlantic rim; largely based around textiles and food process, but including a thriving craft industry. Some holdouts of artisanry remain; the swordsmiths of Toledo, in particular, scoff at the idea of mass production of blades, but even they are slowly fading from relevance.

Army Strength : The Holy Armies are primarily designed to be a defensive force, and their training clearly reflects that. With the ideal of always being on the tactical defensive even during a strategic offensive, soldiers are rigorously trained to throw up field fortifications, including holes, palisades, stakes, earthenworks, ect, and unless caught completely unawares can usually produce something rather substantial before engaging an enemy. This tactic is generally refered to as the "Tortoise"; a slow but difficult to halt march.

This ideal is carried over to the homeland, where the country can boost some of the finest fortifications in Europe. Though nearly all of them are of above-average quality, of particular note are the four "Gate" fortresses which command the Caliphate's most strategic points. Mujahedeen Gate at Messina, The Moonset and Sunset Gates at The Rock and Ceuta, and the Frankish Gate at Treaty Pass; the one major non-mountainous route on the eastern edge of the Pyrenees. Recently built up and fitted with the most modern guns and curtain walls, they can withstand withering fire and carry and impressive stockpile themselves

Army Weakness : One of Andalusia's primary issue's is the army's heavy dependence on is a somewhat haphazard and slow logistics system; as the army is expected to move slow to minimize danger, it's virtually impossible to live off the land while marching, requiring a link back to the homeland/base of operations. The below average weight/firepower ratio of her artillery only emphasizes this problem by forcing armies to keep pace with their guns, making conquests a slow and tedious affair if they enemy will not do battle. This weakness isen't particularly present when on the defensive, thanks to internal lines of communication and a friendly populace, but it does mean she depends on a slower grind or the enemy making battle rather then decisive seizures to force a piece

Naval Strength : Primarily a brown-water fleet, the Andalusian fleet is focused on staying power; insuring her ships can fire long, sail longer, last longer and, even if damaged, get into port and fixed up quick so they can be of use longer. The country only really has 3 models of ship, and has invested in dockyards optimized for ships of their similar sizes and shapes; repair and production of new ships is generally faster and cheaper, and can be depended on to have some light armor and be more maneuverable then other ships their size.

Naval Weakness : With much of her money invested in facilities and the logistical issues of treating massive ships, the fleet has to keep their ships downsized in exchange for uniformity and maneuverability. Andalusian has many few 1st tier capital ships then her rivals, and has trouble making and supporting them as a result. Their ships also generally have a lower compliment of guns, replacing the extra weight with armor and extra rigging to help speed and defense

Further Military Description : [[OPTIONAL]]

National Goals :
-Eliminate/Subdue all those who would violate Andalusian sovereignty
-Settle internal disputes between the rising forces of collectivism vs. corporatism.
-Insure the security of kindred nations, so they might secure ours
*This includes friendly primitives, who we will *ahem* 'bring under our benevolent protection' if it seems a foreign power is trying to dominate them. This, in particular, involves the protection/liberation of our co-ethnics (Berbers and Arabize Berbers) of the Maghreb(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Maghreb), as they are extremely close culturally, religiously, linguistically, and historically to Andalusia and thus should be reasonably more easily integrated into the national brotherhood then other, potentially governorable peoples.
National Issues :

-Radical Revanchists (For instance, Byzantium if they are accepted), need to be declawed, preferably by proxy but with open war if it comes down to that

-The current evolution of economic ideals needs to be directed in one way or the other; namely, the question of if corporations are collections of people or alien entities must be decided without bringing one side to open revolt

-Knit diplomatic ties between our allies/friendlies, and build up a trustworthy reputation

-To fuel these efforts, a dependable supply of precious, precious coffee must be obtained.

National Figures of Interest :

Antonio Faqih: Generally referred to as one of the Fathers of Modern Socialism, Antonio is Sicilian and best known for his 1842 treatise Dirigisme: The Logical Conclusion of Republicanism. He is well known in most socialist circles, though not always liked as his theories call for reconciliation with micro-scale capitalism, and is considered the socially acceptable face of the economic Left in most civilized societies.

National Ambition/Aspirations : A nation where fear and hunger are banished from memory, where Andalusian culture is toasted around the globe, and the milk and honey flow in abundance. And possibly have the Vatican converted into a Mosque.

History :
The changes to events in Al-Andalus began in mid 900's, with the life of Sultan Al-Hakam II. Though 'cursed' with deep homosexual desires for much of his life, though advise, self-discipline, and a quest to find some rather boyish-looking women, he managed to forcibly develop some level of desire towards his wives, allowing him to give birth to a proper heir in 955: Hisham II. 21 at the time of his father's death and blessed with good advisors, he was easily able to crush an attempt by the court eunuchs to place his younger brother on the throne, developing a tradition for solid succession in the newly-established sovereign state following the collapse of the Umyyads in Damscus. With the loyal service of his general and greatest advisor, al-Mansur bi-llah, his reign from 955 to 1000 C.E saw many great advances and victories for the Sultanate, including 5 different campaigns against Barcelona and the Catalonean counties (4 of which lead to the sacking of a major city and seizure of more territory for the Sultanate, until the final surrender of the Counts in 973), and defeating the Kingdom of Narvara, bringing the Basque into the Islamic fold. The introduction of large-scale irrigation allowed for an agricultural sector much more productive then anywhere else in Europe, turning Córdoba into city second only in size, economy, and culture to Constantinople, and are credited with the birth of modern medicine, philosophy, and the natural science, attracting students from across Europe. This would continue under his successors, and while many agree the first stage of the Golden Age ended in around 1070, this was more due to other parts of Europe starting to catch up and a general slowing down rather then any particular decline

Hisham also expanded the Empire's ambitions into Italy: every dreaming of an eventual conquest of Rome. This was most notable in his intervention in 980, supporting the Sunni revolt against the Shia leadership imposed by the Fatimid caliph. After destroying the Fatimid fleet and isolating the island, a two year war was fought between the island's Shias and Sunnis; the latter supported by Andalusian professional troops and ultimately victorious. Their rule was solidified in 983 after the arrival of the Germanic troops of Christendom; seeking to take advantage of the chaos to reclaim the island for Catholicism, and the stunning victory of the Sultan's forces at The Battle of Messina. This lead to the assention of the island as a province in Andalusia (though with several special privileges), and acted as a springboard for later attacks to seize parts of the faltering Byzantine possessions in Italy, a smattering of southern principalities, and the assentation of Sardinia after successful missonary efforts to convert the Judge of Cagliari to Islam; their military intervention of the island to protect him in the resulting 4 war between the states resulting in his agreement to vassaldom in 1062, and heavy efforts to convert the rest of the population: this cumulating in 1101 and 1102 when, with much of Christiandom's forces distracted in the Holy Land and aiding an ailing Byzantium, Umyyad armies were able to march all the way to the gates of Rome itself; putting the city under a grueling 4 month siege but unable to break in before the arrival of relief forces. The Battle of Rome ended in a decisive Umyyad Victory; in the end the Pope's starving troops trying to hurl themselves out of the city in a duplication of Antioch, but this time Islam's forces were prepared and chopped them down like wheat. However, had been sufficiently weakened to not be able to hold that ground against a Lombard force riding to the Papacy's aid, forcing them to withdraw back towards the "Emirate of Sicily". They did, however, managed to gain one more major victory in Naples, forcing the Papacy to come to the table and call an end to the Crusades and an acceptance of "Islam's Right to Exist" and assent to the Andalusian occupation of the south of Italy. In exchange, the Umyyads agreed not to sack Rome and agreed not to aid the Muslim forces in Anatolia.

Thus began the Century Peace with the Catholic Church; 97 years in which Andalusia would not make war with a single Christian state. Rather, much of it's time was spent in relative peace; indeed even amongst Muslims and Pagans the war standard was not raised for 25 years; the majority of which was under the reign of Sultan Muhammad IV; known either as the "Craven" or the "Peacemaker" depending on the temperament of who was writing. However, in 1147, it was heard that the last of the Almoravid sultans of Morocco and father of the First Wife of the current Caliph Zamrak al-Rahmen I, had perished; leaving behind 17 daughters but not a single son. Though his wife was only the 8th daughter, Zamrak sought to claim Morocco's wide domains by right of inheritance and sailed his men across the channel. Two generations of peace and with an unskilled Sultan, however, the Andalusian armies found themselves impossibly overwhelmed by the mobility and ferocity of the Berber nomads; Zamrak bring his untrained men blindly into the mountains and desert only to be cut down by hidden tribesmen supporting the other claimants. With 5,500 loses and forced to retreat back to Andalusia in shame when his soldiers nearly mutinied on him, never the less, the crest of Morocco would remain in the Caliph's halls, and he would continue claiming the titles as his own with hopes that, one day, they would be able to return.

In addition for this failure, Zamrak would be known for his rather ignoble death in 1158, of which we can't go into great detail but does explain one of the nation's more exotic laws, in which women are not allowed to carry scourges anywhere in the country. He was ascended by his 15 year old son Sulayman I, who thanks to his father's misadventures had little formal training. An unimpressive Caliph, he was saved from major social disorder by a unity of efforts among his various Emirs, who sought to maintain the appearance of stability lest the Christians break their truce and attack. Other then a brief but intense up rising in the Barcelona counties, however, no serious threat to the dynasty arose as of yet, Sulayman passing from a pox by 1185. During his reign, the nation saw several poor harvests in the north, leading to the migration of many addition citizens to the central part of the peninsula, and the earliest successful signs of the Islamization of the Sicily.

His son, al-Mundhir II, however, was a different man altogether. It was generally understood he was man driven by a sense of shame in his family's failures... and after two weak Sultans could hear the whispers of coup in his palace. As such, he threw himself deeply into proving his worth to the military and nobles; raising a fleet of ships crewed by Berber veterans to halt the Christian freebooting on the coasts and sea lanes between his dominions, sought to build roman-style roads to connect the great cities of his nation, and established a more efficient taxation system by mixing local collectors with Royal agents. While not universally popular among the peasants (who had to pay for and build these things), al-Mundhir did survive with a positive reputation thanks to good harvests and rebound the upper classes back to Cordoba. Though he reigned for but 20 years, passing in 1205, Mundhir's reforms would play a key role in his predicessor's handling of potential threats to their power.

Following him was Al-Hakam III; notable for being the longest-reigning Sultan in the nation's history as well as one of it's most successful. Indeed, the day he ascended to the throne he began his first war. This had actually been do to negotiations with his marriage to the Princess of Castile (The romance was an exceeding complicated one and involved elopement, and actually turned into the tragic play Al-Hakam and Isabel in the 17th century); technically the only surviving child of the prior King after a pox had swept through Castile. Though heir to some small area by virtue of her station her uncle, eager to avoid losing some of his Kingdom, declared the laws changed following his death and formalizing the rule that non-Catholics could not inherit. Al-Hakam, in response, declared war for his rightful claim, bringing the first official Holy War the Caliphate had had in a great while, Castile's allies in Gallecia joining the fray. Considering the sheer sizes, however, the final outcome was never in doubt; the combined Northern armies being routed and Burgos sacked and seized. Fearful of losing any of their own territory or paying money out of a near empty treasuring, the Gallecians agreed to acknowledge Isabel's (brief) assentation to the throne of Castile by her husband's whim; the realm ceasing to exist as an independent country following it's fusion of it's crown with Andalusia's back what would be known as the Lover's Treat, signed in Cordoba in 1210. Al-Hakam would be recognized as a gentle and just ruler throughout his reign (secretly writing quite a bit of poetry under assumed names), though also a warrior. In 1218, he would lead an expedition to conquer the Guanche-habitated islands off the Moroccan coast as hopes of using them as raiding base for an (eventual) campaign to take the throne; defeating the scattered, Neolithic-level locals with great ease and his soldiers being rewarded with war-wives and land on their new conquests to populate the area with local Andalusian. In 1229, he would enter into a 3 year war with the French over disputes over what the Pyrenees as a border actually meant (France asserted the mountains belonged to them and it was only in the lowlands Cordoba's reign began, while Andalusia declared precisely the opposite). However, with France on the attack and Cordoba able to use the narrow passes to funnel in French troops, they were eventually able to seize the region's directly across from the mountains; now able to depend on border stones in an easily visable land to keep a stable border. Though he did not go to war in the North-west as per his treaties, he did begin machinations among the vassals of Gallecia; hoping to sow discontent and open a path to conquest when the time was right. Trade with the East was rising, tensions on the borders resolved, and in his older years Al-Hakam would make only small wars; defending Portucal from the last gasp of the Viking raiders, a forta against and crushing a few minor Italian rebellions, spending much more time investing in the domains of his favored vassals; additional swords kept down to fund waterwheels, canals, and libraries.

Hakam's death in 1274 was followed by a short series of mediocore Caliph; Sulayman II, Hisham III, and Marwan III; ruling from 1274-1303 in some very uneventful years. A few notable things occurred during these years; the rebuilding of the Great Mosque of Cordoba from 1276-1279, the first Andalusian firearms appearing from modified Chinese imports in 1301, and a few dry advances in Calculus. 1303, however, saw perhaps the greatest land-grab in Andalusian history with the collapse of the Abdelwadid dynasty in Morocco following a bloody murder of the Sultan's family in a sort of palace coup while he was off on the Hajj; leaving nobody to take the throne for the many month's the Sultan would need to be gone and the local houses each at eachother's throat over the position. As a neutral party, Marwan sent his forth (and this very unlikely to inherit) son Yazid to act as a sort of unofficial regent and arbiter until the Sultan's return... though placing none of his troops in the capital. After a year of waiting though, the Sultan was nowhere to be seen and the local leaders presumed him dead; beginning a struggle for the empty throne. Yazid, however, was a clever man, and made promises of increased power and positions of prestige with Al-Andalus in exchange for their fealty. With the addition of men secretly recruited from Sicily, he pulled a coup de grace and seized the Moroccan capital... his new friends fishing the fighting in the deserts for him and thus making him by far the most prestigious of Marwan's sons. Though his elder brothers did protest and make several assassination attempts, Yazid managed to survive to take Cordoba; having his brother's seized and strangled for seeking to kill their Caliph.

Yazid IV, "Berber-friend", would be known not only for the many Moroccans he brought to the court, but to a certain degree the influence they brought with him. A far stricter Muslim then his predecessors, the lacks enforcement of the Sacred Law essentially disappeared for the 24 years of his rule. Idolatry, alcohol, any kind of vice that lived was clamped down upon, largely by newly-raised Berber troops. This created a great deal of resentment among the local lords; particularly when their position of high power started to be taken away, but there was little they could do but wait; their men hardly willing to march on the capital and Yazid's glory too great. That is, until his harsh policies of banning churches finally lit South Italy alight; being seen as a violation of the treaties from the time of the Crusades and Jihad and the Italians eager to come to their local's aid. His Emirs provided no troops out of Protest; Yazid leading the army himself but being captured and brutally murdered by zealots somewhere on the Italian heel. His successor, Ilban I, was forced to make peace and retreat from the Italian mainland; ending 225 years of Muslim rule in the region.

Ilban himself wasen't a bad Sultan, but found himself in a difficult spot as he tried to appease the Berbers, Andalusian Lords, and the minority religious communities Yazid had alienated. Seeing none of them would give up power and at least two would be going for his throat, Ilban turned to the last people he could; his subjects. Sneaking out of the palace in the dead of night, he began issuing proclamations from a merchant's house in Cordoba; declaring that the high and mightiest lords were acting like animals squabbling over meat rather then civilized people. Declaring he could not solve the problem merely by listening to those who had the most to gain, he sent out riders to the wisest men in the realm to join him in an advisory session; over the next two months 41 arriving from various corners of the nation. Declaring them his "Council", he finally returned to the palace with a guard of citizen-soldiers eager to make their own opinion heard; the resulting agreement that was hammered out becoming known as The Sacred Pact Between the Caliph, His Servants, and his Subjects ( Or just the Sacred Pact); restoring the old rights of the Jewish and Christian communities and establishing an open Council in his court; from which a man would be brought in from each major city to speak on their behalf. The Pact still stands (heavily amended), as a piece of Basic Law for the Andalusian government, first entering existence in 1338.

To please the Berbers, hungry for war, he decided he would engage in one of the most important in Andalusian history; the conquest of Gallecia; the last Christian stronghold. After spending a year rallying his troops and trumping up some Christian raids his ships in the Atlantic, he unleashed his Moroccons upon the hapless Gallecia; the nation hardly expecting an attack that late in the campaigning session. Raiding the countryside with impunity, the forced the Gallecians to try to rally, a force of 18,000 eventually clashing with 16,000 Berbers in the Battle of Leon. The Berbers, however, had a large contingent of camel cavalry; completely unknown to Gallecia's steeds, causing their knights to flee and open up the Christian right flank for a charge... what few managed to escape limping back to the fortress in shame. The Gallecian king came, pleading for terms, but held back by his promises to the Berbers for lordships and glory for the faith all he could offer was conversion or the sword. Choosing the later, Gallecia's men mad a heroic last stand atop the walls of Santiago after fleeing... but with word of his flight spreading most of his other fortresses capitulated when the black flag approached, the last Christian stronghold falling on Christmas Day, 1342.

Of course, such a move sent diplomatic shockwaves through the rest of Europe, and no sooner had Gallecia been suppressed and regular, less burn-and-plunder garrisions moved in, were the Berbers transferred north-east to defend against an inevitable Christian onslaught. Thankfully, though, the French, British, and Germans were too busy beating each other over the heads to care about their hopelessly isolated sister, thus giving the central government time to consolidate their new gains. Berber officials were put in place (though in command of Andalusian troops), and the settlers from both Africa and the south moved in to help settle the land. Leon itself become a second city for the Caliphate; Ilban keen to Andalize the region as much as possible, constructing a summer palace and there and pumping the plunder back into public works. That, combined with the military presence made the citizens more or less resigned; pliable targets for the huge missionary offensive about to be launched in the region to remove the "Catholic Question" as peacefully as possible.

Ilban's regain continued to 1381, during which time the fortification of her border with France became a top priority. His later reign was also the time of what scholars would call "the Golden Generation"; the young adults coming to their own a seemingly endless wellspring of new ideas; such things as the truly standardized compass, early arquebus, more efficient plows, and one of the first moveable type machines coming out of Andalusian workshops and universities. With this stretch of inventions came a number of social changes; young sons of the merchantable and lower noble classes looking deeper into things like Averroism philosophy and ancient Greek texts, raising number of questions about the order of the state. Being the moderate he was, Ilban actually encouraged these debates in his court and presence, much to the dismay of some of his advisors and African vassals, for a brief time rekindling the great spark of superior scholarship that the country had at it's onset before these ideas were swallowed up into other European courts and expanded upon.

Ilban's son, Muhammed V, was a man much after his father's mold and a child of the Golden Generation, though with a general slowing down of the society he was a giant trying to lead mortal men. More a scholar then a warrior, he actually created a public workshop in Cordoba; encouraging tinkers and metelworkers to try inventing full time, and was known for his live of classical-age literature. It was under him the first Andalusian copyright laws were passed in 1401 (the punishment for breaking them was having one's hand cut off), as well as establish the Grand Assembly with a permanent building and meeting schedule, in addition to some other legal reforms that clarified the law code and did away with legal loopholes for vassals to shirk their duties and payments to the Caliph. Under fairly good advise, his nation saw a period of steady growth under his command; a few military adventures in Algers hardly noticeable in the grand scheme of things. Ruling until 1412, Muhammed also left behind the Great Library of Toldeo; having heard wondrous tales of the Great Library of Alexandria and collecting as many texts as he could in hopes of restoring a shadow of it. Though not nearly as great, it was still a very impressive collection of books, which would be added to as time went on and is certainly in the top 5 concentrations of recorded knowledge in the world.

The next Sultan Hahmurb I, was an entirely different beast. Actually Muhammed's 3rd son from his first wife, his father's lack of interest in family affairs over those of the mind and state left him primarily in the hands of his custodian; the Berber Emir of the Rif and future Grand Vizer Akmed Bouyeri. Said to have been raised on the back of a camel, Hahmurb was culturally a stranger to the refined court setting of Cordoba; feeling more at home on the open field and chatting with his generals then his viziers. What he did gain in Mooretania, however, was a keen strategic mind and the commanding presence his troops respected... as well as loyal members of desert assassins who were glad to remove those standing in his way to power. Thus, when Hahmurb took the throne it was seen as a surprise to anybody... the army pleasantly pleased and the more refined reeling in shock from a man who looked like he could have just wandered out of the desert sitting in the Caliph's seat. Thankfully for their sensitivities, however, he was not a Caliph to sit in the throne; much of that left to Akmed, instead leading the Andalusian army into glorious combat; after signs of oppression of Muslims in South Italy, he eagerly road to reclaim the peninsula for Andalusia, actually succeeding in 1416 with a march on Naples (Thankfully, he was talked out of taking the battle to the Papacy), before taking Berber men he had trained with since childhood on a great conquest of the Deseret; moving into the Sahara and impressing many of the tribes with his martial zeal, bringing them (albet temporarily) into line then turning north and staging a major invasion of France with his new cohort; briefly expanding Andalusia's borders to their largest yet with the conquest of Aquatine, ; a hold which would not long outlast his death . As one would imagine, all this campaigning did a number of Hahmurb's body; the man dying at the young age of 35 when an old wound he'd received in his childhood opened up during battle (which he fought through regardless... and won), but dying before proper care could be given. He was buried at the sight of his greatest triumph; the Battle of Auvergene Forest, and Andalusian legends say he fathered no less then 100 French bastards.

His young, neglected child of 14 took the throne in 1433; the Unfortunate Al-Hakam IV, and could hardly to expected to hold this new territory together; the unpopular Bouyeri being kicked from his seat following his patrons death and creating a power vacuum in the region. Without trustworthy advisors to guide him, Al-Hakam's minority was finished off with the Grand Assembly acting as his regent; being thanked for their loyalty upon his assentation with a further expansion of their policy. Aquatine would only be in the Andalusian sphere for 20 years, however, before Andalusian armies withdrew back to their old borders; the treat of a France now resurgent once England abandoned her claims on the continent combined with major revolts leaving them no choice then a war they couldn't afford to fight. Al-Hakam IV, though not a bad Caliph by any means, is generally lambasted by historians for surrendering Aquatine so easily, his work in the Andalusian road system downplayed. He ruled until 1460, slipping and hitting his head on the side of the royal bath, succeeded by son al-Mundhir III.

Reigning from 1460-1484, al-Mundhir III's reign began with the trickling to a crawl of tribute from the Sahara; the old generation having died off and the new ones not impressed by Andalusian might. Rather then going after them, though, al-Mundhir's legacy was in his many trade mission to the Mali empire and his establishment of trade relation with several regions on the African coast; known as "The Imam" for the effort he put into converting the natives of the West and West-central African coast. Fun fact: his reign also saw the first regular Andalusian newspaper, the Voice of the World, published monthly in Cordoba, and in 1461 the first printed copy of the Quran. His only martial accomplishments of note were putting down some revolts in South Italy.

His heir was Marwan IV, reign 1484-1491. Through his rule was brief and fairly unnotable, the story of his removal (and it's combination to the next Sultan, his brother Yazid V). Highly favorable towards the maritime trade and the navy, a few years into his rule Marwan decided he would begin shifting money away from the army to construct an armada of ships... something that would allow the conquest of or at least hegemony over the African coast. This however, was not taken well by the military leadership, who turned to his younger brother Yazid as a potential supporter. Though he pled with the Caliph to work to spare his life, Yazid could find no hope in the starry-eyed Marwan and agreed to act as figurehead to the palace coup to keep a Umayyad on the throne. On not entirely false charges of homosexuality, Marwan was disposed and Yazid taking his place, insuring the funds were shifted back to the army. To avoid the two clashing, however, he agreed to insure there would be an open dialogue by inviting them to establish a presence in the Grand Assembly; granting them one seat each to avoid too strong a war party. Yazid would actually reign over Tunis for 18 years (As the figurehead for a cousiour's takeover; he received some funds, had his name in Friday prayer and had his face on the coins but never actually went to the city), as well as his 21 year command for the combined crowns of Al-Andalus, 1512 coming with Yazid V having established a number of trading posts in West Africa, fighting a brief war with France that ended in reparations and the removal of some claims over this or that region of Aquatine, and seeing a new quarter added to Cordoba.

Yazid V was succeeded by Muhammad VI, reign 1512-1555. Known as "The Wayfarer", Muhammed VI's reign was most notable for the first expeditions to the Americas; largely directed southward and driven by the Sultan's newfound taste for a strange bean imported from south-west Africa; the coffee bean. During a trade mission to obtain their leader's desires, a small number of ships were caught in a tropical storm (Not quite strong enough to sink them, thankfully), which blew them entirely off course, eventually finding a strange jungle-covered land. Or at least that's what they thought; the land they discovered actually part of a wider continent. Exploration of the coast lead Muhammed VI To achieve this nickname; the later part of his reign including the conversion and colonization of the Toltec civilization in the north to found the colony of Mexica; a gem of the Caliphate that would remain in the nation until near the modern day. He also founded a number of fort-trading posts along the African coast, exchanging culture and goods with the tribal locals. Though the southern land was deemed too inhospitable to colonize en-mass (or, at least, very few people were willing to go after the tails of all the terrible illnesses one could catch there started to spread), the region they discovered was eventually settled by the small community of Catholics who still lived along the northern part of the West Coast and refused to learn the Andalusian tounge; the Andalusians saying good ridence to such a troublemaking group.

Muhammad VI left the world with 12 viable sons... none of whom were particularly highly suited for the position of Caliph. This lead to the rather infamous Night of Blood; a palace coup taking place 3 days after Muhammad's death as members of the court who supported each of the sons conducted many cloak and dagger murders. By the end, only Muhammad's 3rd and 4th youngest remained; sheltered by sympathizers in the Council though one did end up with a bum leg and the otherseveral major scars from his assailants. The older Marwan V (reign 1555-1564), would have a short reign due to a bad plate of clams (Claims of his brother poisoning him are generally believed to be false), and would actually be more famous for what occurred during his rule then what he actually accomplished. He was not a particularly good or bad ruler; known more for the conquest of the Maya cities by freebooter Miquel al-Barcen over the course of 3 years. The economy also saw a bit of a boost as gold started come in from Mexica, Marwan having little taste for luxury and donating much of his share to charitable organizations. This is why his name is remembered; by the many honorary plaques baring it in mosques, public kitchens, and poorhouses.

Marwan was succeeded by his younger brother, Al-Hakam V. (1564-1592) More of a spend-thrift then his brother, Al-Hakam is generally known as "The Greedy", though only in contrast to the generosity of his predecessor. Al-Hakam was far more keen to spend Mexica gold on workers for a national, Roman-style road system to connect even the smaller regional centers, as well as expanding the older invetor's institute in hopes of keeping on the top floor with new technologies. Thus, he was much more admired by the burgening merchant and professional class then the poor. He also provided the approval and funding to make Mexica's main port, the city, Hakam-Costa, bearing his name as a result. His reign saw the solidification of a civilian presence and permanent civil government in the new world, as well as the first mixed-race Councilors as the region was extended seats. This era also saw Andalusian naval dominance in the Mediterranean; something that would last for about the next 1.5 centuries.

Al-Hakam's son Hahmurb II (1592-1640), besides having such a long reign spent a great deal of his life on trips abroad; establishing permanent embassies in Paris, London, and Constantinople as part as of a wider expansion of peaceful relations over those countries being 'hostile on principal. The Territory of the New World Islands was established during his rule, as was a war over the Italian peninsula fought, including taking control of the mid-eastern coastline opposite Rome (and occupation that would last from 1613-1695). This period also saw the Catalian Uprising (1530-1531), in which some regions tried to press for their independence; surpressed first with military force and the rebellious regions placated with additional representation in the capital and the shuffling about of a few efficient, but unpopular Emirs. This was part of a wider movement to dissolve additional rights to the people and provinces, as the population (thanks to the now-widespread use of the potato in the mountainous regions who once found it hard to support crops), was booming to the point governing everything from Cordoba was next to impossible with just horses.

Hahmurb's son, The Wicked Caliph Hisham, actually was not as bad as his name would imply. Ruling from 1640-1664, Hisham was actually a surprisingly reform-minded man; establishing the first few University Preperatory schools in the regional capitals (to insure those who entered had the basic skills needed to crank up te University curriculum), increased the standing army to allow for a small, more select conscription class, and introducing a uniform filling system for the royal departments to allow for better recordkeeping. Unfortunately, this took place during an economic downturn, as Mexica gold began to run out and illness decimated the nation's sheep flocks. To continue funding these advances, he sought approval for a new national tax from the Council... but, at the advice of their suffering constituents, an 'advisory' was sent to keep the import duties rate as is. Desperate to finance his projects, however, Hisham ordered additional tax collectors to the main ports anyway, enforcing his will despite the disapproval of the Council. This lead to a massive backlash by the sailors and residents of these towns; beating and tarring anybody who tried to enforce the new duties and craftsmen making a huge assembly before the Caliphatal Palace. Hisham refused to relent, calling on his men to scatter the protestors... which they did, but killed none and did not resist when they quickly came to re-occupy the square. Hisham's orders could not be heard over the constant shouting of the crowds, the streets became clogged... and, eventually, was forced to abdicate under popular protest and the treat of a riot, his brother Sulayman III taking the throne in his place and dutifully applying the Council's requests... though making it very clear he was doing it for the good of his subjects not because the Council had any authority over him.

Sulayman III (1664-1680), or "The Caliph who Lost Italy"... well, did just that. His dreams of a great West African empire were dashed during the Andalusian-Malan War (1668-1672), being defeated mainly by his supply lines being constantly haressed through the desert and his discovery the guns they were using faired very poorly in heavy sand. Wary of France at the time, he gained the soldiers he needed by stripping down the mainland... and his efforts to lead the campaign and poor choice of vizers meaning there was nobody with enough authority to put down the mainland Italians when they revolted. The treasury heavily spent and his reputation ruined, Sulayman had to debase the Andalusian coinage for the first time in 2 centuries...something that name has never really managed to live down. He eventually died by being pushed off the haram walls by a serving maid who'd brother had been killed in the West African campaign.

Uthman II (1680-1700), had a somewhat inconsequential reign, besides some side adventures to intervene in the succession of the thrones of Tunis and Algers. His most noticeable feature was actually being born during the Breaking of the Fast (Hence being named after the dynasty's founder in hopes of greatness... something it was generally agreed he wasen't).

Al-Hakam VI (1700-1731) was arguably much more deserving of that name, though somewhat bolstered by the upswing new technologies were providing to Europe. He was said to live life with great gusto; never doing anything half-way be it with pleasure or work. Though this did earn him a reputation as a glutton and lecher, it was also what allowed him to seamlessly handle the People's Revolts of the 1710's; a series of nation-wide attacks against the entrenched wealth and privilege of a number of (increasingly isolated), hereditary Emirs (Resulting in another Corollary to the Caliph's Pact that transferred the appointment of most territorial executive positions to the Caliph... who then granted it backhandedly to the people through asking for 'advisory surveys', or managing to settled the Craftsman's Feud that almost lead to class warfare between the Journeymen and Masters of various tradesmen's associations along the Western coast. Suffice to say, weather he was a hero or wicked depends on who you ask, but nobody can doubt that he played a huge role in moving power away from hereditary elites (partially for his own benefit as a hereditary elite...), usually ranked amongst Ilban the First in admiration by Liberals.

Zamrak II (1731-1757) was a rather militant Sultan, fighting several campaigns into the Rockies and the French to little effect. His largest contribution is in the field of artillery theory, where he began the practice of the deploying large cannons as field artillery by using specially-trained draft oxen. Though he could cause great lose of life, he did create a good deal of debt with is expansion of the artillery corpse, and was rather unpopular with Christians for commonly requisitioning church bells for much-needed bronze. Notably, he also took a Hebrew woman as his second wife, and passed laws allowing for Jews to take up several government positions they previously couldn't.

Yazid VI (1757-1776), reigned during the construction of the New Caliphatal Palace, after his father was crushed by the ceilings of one of the older rooms collapsing under the strain of age. This was largely funded by loot from a campaign into West Africa, France, and major piracy against Brazil (some of the last major pirate actions by a government), and the new money from mass cattling expansion in northern Mexica. Andalusia also developed one of the earlier models of steam engine near the end of his reign (the first to produce 15 horse-power, and a large piston design) , though it would take several decades for the true potential to be realized; the inefficiency of these early models compared to the available animal and waterpower of high-quality Andalusian mills making them seem far less desirable... the capitalists of the nation not realizing until some other nations already had a fair head start.

Zamrak III (1776-1792), "The Revolutionary", was a proud Liberal from a young age; his tutors having been surprisingly firebrand thanks to pressures of his mother; daughter of a barely-noble Mexica family who's wealth came far more from trade then their meager land holdings. Upon his assention, he willingly handed several additional powers over to the Council (Though, this was partially to secure support for the establishment of a National Bank; something that was not universally acceptable amongst the private creditors of the Turban), and established a new, more meritocratic tests for the bureaucracy (the old ones having long since been poked full of loopholes of corruption), and briefly considered making the state purely secular (Though on this his advisors were forced to stop him). Andalusia saw a fairly large economic contraction as industry boomed elsewhere; Zamrak trying to encourage it by establishing technical schools but the results not being visable until after his assassination by an unhappy artisan during a parade through the streets.

Muhammed VII (1792-1835), presided over the lose of Mexica; showing only token resistance out of respect for his Grandmother's family and in hopes of maintaining good connections (and to avoid cranking up the national debt even more with war spending; which Zamrak's idea of cutting taxes and raising spending had necessitated). During this time infant industry began to develop in the country, allowing Muhammed to jusify the raising tarrifs to bring the budget to something closer to a balance, alongside the scrapping of many prestige project or aging capital ships to bring a bloated navy back into line.

Comparison Points – Political : 3
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 2
Comparison Points – Economy : 3
Comparison Points – Military : 2
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : 10/10

Need I say more? APPROVED and ACCEPTED. I'll update the changes to the map in the next update. Feel free to post whenever you wish!!

[Oscalantine]

OFFICIAL IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Due to massively quick-paced IC posts (good job dudes.) I am resetting the date system to 1 page = 2 months.

The current dating system states that... right now, in page 3... the RP is in SUMMER of 1850 CE. And thus... next seasonal change will take place in page 5.

[In Gentem Et De Libris Scientiam]

OFFICIAL IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Due to massively quick-paced IC posts (good job dudes.) I am resetting the date system to 1 page = 2 months.

The current dating system states that... right now, in page 3... the RP is in SUMMER of 1850 CE. And thus... next seasonal change will take place in page 5.

Fuck yeah?!

[New Granadeseret]

Hopefully this isen't too intrusive, but since it doesn't affect anybody's government or practical workings...

Guidance Name : Rihla Dawah (The Great Journey of Invitation)
Guidance Description : The Great Journey of Invitation was an expansive network of missionaries, merchants, and converted leaders of African states originally formed during the early 14th century, but still active to this day as one of the largest organized groups religious groups on the planet. It was founded by notable Moroccan traveler and scholar Ibn Battuta (Though not intentionally), after his Hajj in 1325; the experience having filled him with a religious zeal and the journey filling his legs with wanderlust. His exploits are recorded in the famous novel A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling, Ibn spent his life on a 32 year exploration of the globe alongside a collection of aṣ-ṣaḥābah made up of other visitors to the Holy Cities. Over the course of his adventures, he and his companions would stop in many wondrous places they recorded in great detail: The great trade cities of Mogadishu in the land of the Somalis and the city-states of the Swahili coast, traveling around the Arabic peninsula to stop in Persia and minor principalities of North India and the strange land of the Saxahvall where they wear horns atop their helms to celebrate sacred cattle, yet act much like the raiders of the Far North. He traveled to the jungles of the Viet and Thailand, where the temples commanded water and the kings were supposed gods incarnate, to the lands under the protection of the Great Khan in China where barbarity and the must groomed of cultures sit side by side, to where that culture survived in the far south alongside the isles of pepper and ginger. Sailing back through India, around the furthers south of Africa and the great, unorganized Savanna's, to the river tribes of the Congo and the great city of Mali with the Sultan rich in gold. the nomadic lands of the Tuerg and coastal folks of Tunis, Algers, and Tripolitania before finishing it off with a trip up the Nile to the pyramids and great buildings of Alexandria before finally taking his trip home alone. Along the way, in many of the places they stopped, one of his companions would take a fancy; remaining behind and teaching the locals of the Ways of the Prophet... setting off the spark in some of their souls which would fill them with the drive to convert, in a self-feeding cycle which would fan across the countryside in wave of holy fire. This was most effective where there was little organized force to halt the practice; casting the worship of totems and hills spirits to the four winds and stiffening the continent's souls against those who would make God three, though it did not take nearly the same hold where strong state church was there to squelch it, the converts and the decedents of the converts of each of the companions slowly coming to the realization of one another to trade and travel; lodges and orders dedicated to a particular Companion springing up to officiate the worship and care of these different fragments of the Ummah in each of their respective nations. Ibn spent much of the rest of his days composing his masterpiece to the greatest of his ability, and as a result A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling has by this point been translated into nearly every language and is one of the most popular secular books on the planet and has earned him a place second only to Mohammed in the roster of Islamic figures. It's close companion, A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Dearth of the Faith and it's Appeal to All Mankind, which is a collection of stories from Ibn's Companions preserved by their followers, was finally assembled in 1780, and is considered a holy book by most Muslim scholors

(Practical Effects: The native populations of Africa are overwhelming loyal Sunni Muslim, and with notable minority communities also existing in North India/Hindustan, Southern China (if The Khanate approves), and Southeast Asia (Or majority for empty areas, if the fillers prefer it), and in smattered around other places as a result of emigration/conversion from people in those areas )

Affected Area : Africa, North India, Southern Asia

[In Gentem Et De Libris Scientiam]

Sure.
Should I do a guidance?

[Second Helghan Empire]

Oscal have you seen my guidance a page or so back?

[Second Helghan Empire]

CODE: SELECT ALL
Guidance Name : A Hamburg spark of Genius
Guidance Description : In 1756 a Hansa man by the name of Willhelm Kruft, designed aachine to increase his mill's production. The first steam powered engine was crude and tempermental. But a friend of Kruft, Joseph Richter saw vast potential. By 1785 he had several businesses running on a steam engine and had sold plans to his brother Rudolf Richter who drew up plans for another ground breaking machine, it took him 15 years and all his inheritance and some of his brothers but eventually became a reality. The Richter Steam powered transport. A train. In 1791 the Hansa government bought the design from the brothers and began developing extensive rail lines in and around Hamburg.

The new railroad system allowed for more ideas to spring to the forefront. Soon Hansa became the most advanced nation in europe. It attempted to keep all its technology to itself but by 1800 nearly every nation in europe had at least begun design of a steam engine.

However with a leg up on the competition Hansa remained technologically advanced by 1850 it was clear. Repeater support guns and repeater rifles protect all its cities. Rail lines allow the easy movement of materials and people, and factories pump out goods night and day at an unbelievable rate.
Affected Area : I would say global but correct me if i am wrong.

[In Gentem Et De Libris Scientiam]

Oscal have you seen my guidance a page or so back?

Don't bother Pascal.

[The imperial canadian dutchy]

Full Nation Name : Kingdom of the Levant (Not actually controlling Jerusalem...like most of them hahaha)/ Regno di il Levante/ Royaulme de le Levant/ Koningreich von die Levante
Majority/Official Culture : [[What your people identify themselves with… French, Chinese, Iroquois, Touareg, etc.]]
Germans, Italians, Normans, Venetians, Greeks, Generally most of them put themselves into the general Catholic group, not minding the language they speak.
Territorial Core : [[place where you have absolute control over]]The Levant around the unclaimable Jerusalem
Territorial Claim : Jerusalem ( I sincerely hope this section means the land we claim, but do not own?)
Capital City : [[Its IRL location and name]]Beruit, Berytus
Population :

Government Type : [[Monarchy, Republic, etc.]]Monarchy
Government Ideology/Policies : [[OPTIONAL]] [[Militant, Imperialist, Expansionist, etc.]]
Christian Nationalism, Militarism, Monarchism,
Government Focus : [[Tell me a little bit about what is your government’s focus… be it military, economy, culture, legitimacy, etc.]]
Head of State : King Peter X Of Jerusalem/Pietro X di Gerusaleme/Pierre X de Jerusaleme( I speak neither Normand or Venetian, so fuck knows what they call Peter's)
Head of Government : [[highest-ranking defacto ruler]]
Grand Master Victorius F. Iurus, Grand Master of Order of Peter I
Government Description :

Majority/State Religion : [[OPTIONAL]] Roman Catholicism
Religious Description : [[OPTIONAL]]

Economic Ideologies : [[Capitalism, Mercantilism, Socialism, Communism, etc.]]
Major Production :
Economic Description :

Army Strength :
Army Weakness :
Naval Strength :
Naval Weakness :
Further Military Description : [[OPTIONAL]]

National Goals :
National Issues : [[what needs to be fixed in order for your nation to achieve its true potential]]
National Figures of Interest : [[OPTIONAL]] [[Are there any Mother Teresas or Moses that we need to know about?]]
National Ambition/Aspirations : [[OPTIONAL]] [[Not really a set objective, but rather the big picture that your nation is drawing towards]]

History : [[Can be in paragraph or bulletpoint timeline.]]

Comparison Points – Political : [[How much national focus is gone into administrating the government, i.e. espionage, royal marriages, counter-intelligence, etc.]]
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : [[How much national focus is gone into religious and or cultural aspects, i.e. asking for excommunication, call for crusade, soviet revolution in other nations, etc.]]
Comparison Points – Economy : [[How much national focus is gone into economic matters, i.e. embargo/blockade efficiency, lasting through war of attrition, simply feeding your people better, etc.]]
Comparison Points – Military : [[How much national focus is gone into military, i.e. discipline, morale, better tacticians/generals, etc.]]
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : /10

WIP because it's a tad late, Will however get back to this in the morning

[Second Helghan Empire]

Oscal have you seen my guidance a page or so back?

Don't bother Pascal.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

[In Gentem Et De Libris Scientiam]

Don't bother Pascal.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

He is studying. Be quiet

[Second Helghan Empire]

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

He is studying. Be quiet

OMG I'm sorry I misunderstood. I will pipe down.

[Oscalantine]

XDDD thanks dude.

I am a bit boggled down with studies atm. But... noted. I'll take a look at that guidance once I return from school. Thanks for understanding folks... and tbh, keep the TG coming! It is probably the best way to contact me when I am afk.

[Of the Quendi]

Also did everyone get my claim of east african coast between Christendom and Netherlands?

I will get a post up today responding to messages and colonization of my claimed area. I just wanted to make that clear.

I got (some of) that as compensation for not getting Mozambique.

[Oscalantine]

Also did everyone get my claim of east african coast between Christendom and Netherlands?

I will get a post up today responding to messages and colonization of my claimed area. I just wanted to make that clear.

I got (some of) that as compensation for not getting Mozambique.

Absolutely correct. That area would be yours, Brazil. I will have to think about exactly which if where, but you will get some land in the eastern part of Africa.

Why is everyone so eagerly ignoring West Africa, when there has been more sights of better trade/development/lands to expand is beyond me. Oh well, doesn't concern me, I suppose XDDD

[Second Helghan Empire]

I got (some of) that as compensation for not getting Mozambique.

Absolutely correct. That area would be yours, Brazil. I will have to think about exactly which if where, but you will get some land in the eastern part of Africa.

Why is everyone so eagerly ignoring West Africa, when there has been more sights of better trade/development/lands to expand is beyond me. Oh well, doesn't concern me, I suppose XDDD

After my colony in east africa is better established i planned on perhaps somewher in west africa, pretty much what ever prepares me for better expansion into the heart of africa

*cues I want it all by queen*

[Oscalantine]

Absolutely correct. That area would be yours, Brazil. I will have to think about exactly which if where, but you will get some land in the eastern part of Africa.

Why is everyone so eagerly ignoring West Africa, when there has been more sights of better trade/development/lands to expand is beyond me. Oh well, doesn't concern me, I suppose XDDD

After my colony in east africa is better established i planned on perhaps somewher in west africa, pretty much what ever prepares me for better expansion into the heart of africa

*cues I want it all by queen*

XDDD I'll try to squeeze you in a territory in the east... but that swahili coast would most likely be quite filled. Damn Europeans and taking all African lands...

Guess Korea should stick to Spice Islands where I belong. I don't mind, though. Controlling the Spice market and preventing people access to Orient? Dude, I can be the gatekeeper to Asia!!

[Of the Quendi]

Absolutely correct. That area would be yours, Brazil. I will have to think about exactly which if where, but you will get some land in the eastern part of Africa.

Why is everyone so eagerly ignoring West Africa, when there has been more sights of better trade/development/lands to expand is beyond me. Oh well, doesn't concern me, I suppose XDDD

I am not ignoring anything but my goal isn't to build the largest possible colonial empire it is to build a colonial empire controlling the RL territory of the Portuguese Empire, nothing more nothing less.

So if Cambria doesn't take the whole of West Africa in one fell swoop I will eventually get to Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe and Equatorial Guinea.

Also I have now posted about annexing Cape Verde, which I guess is West African.

[Second Helghan Empire]

After my colony in east africa is better established i planned on perhaps somewher in west africa, pretty much what ever prepares me for better expansion into the heart of africa

*cues I want it all by queen*

XDDD I'll try to squeeze you in a territory in the east... but that swahili coast would most likely be quite filled. Damn Europeans and taking all African lands...

Guess Korea should stick to Spice Islands where I belong. I don't mind, though. Controlling the Spice market and preventing people access to Orient? Dude, I can be the gatekeeper to Asia!!

Haha anywho yes whatever you give me there would be much appreciated, and really i picked there because plan for early german africa was thwarted

[The imperial canadian dutchy]

What's the plausibility of another European African Country, Much like the boers...only not them.

[Lenyo]

What's the plausibility of another European African Country, Much like the boers...only not them.

Very plausible. Settler colonialism was very common historically. Algeria, Kenya, the Philippines, the entire western hemisphere...

[The imperial canadian dutchy]

Cut

[New Granadeseret]

Seriously, it's like the world is made of candy if it's being so easily nommed up in a matter of 6 months. And not resulting in any animosity in a huggy Europe too?

[Oscalantine]

Seriously, it's like the world is made of candy if it's being so easily nommed up in a matter of 6 months. And not resulting in any animosity in a huggy Europe too?

XDDD well, tbh, the colonial rule makes it easier to take colonies as well. So it really doesn't matter.

As the RP land begins to close down, I am going to make it so that large land-based empires (I am thinking of China atm, but other massive empires like should Roman Empire be revived, etc) would also suffer the same penalty as colonial empires.

By this, I mean that Colonial Rule in the OP in IC. Basically if your attack/claim to a certain territory goes unnoticed for a day (or until next map update), then it is effectively yours. Of course, you gotta bug the OP when he is making changes to the map so that the application goes through ^^