I think WWM has a quite good map for Middle East, far better than vanilla. The terrain with some good mods becomes very pretty in Eu3.
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Muhammad Genghisid, Khan of the Timurid Empire, Lord Protector of the Timurid Confederation
Born January 3 1561
Reigned May 31 1580
Died March 14 1594
Diplomacy 4
Admin 3
Military 5
Muhammad was born to Kebek II Genghisid. Muhammad had the horrible misfortune to outlive every single one of his relatives within the Confederation. Muhammad would reign at the age of nineteen and die at the age of thirty-three. During this time frame Muhammad witnessed the deaths of his brothers and three of his sons. Muhammad would also go to war with the Delhi Sultanate and fail to produce any results.
In the year 1584 Muhammad was requested at the court of Temur Qutlugh Genghisid, there he would meet with his elder cousin about a possible war with the Jalayirids following their success with the Mamelukes. Temur Qutlugh stated that the Persian Khanate would need to be taken before any definitive action could be made with the Jalayirids, Muhammad stated that to go to war with the Persian Khanate would be seen as an open act of aggression by both the Mangalai and the Delhi Sultanate.Temur Qutlugh then summoned the Mangalai Sultan, Muhammad Khan into the room. When questioned Muhammad Khan stated that the Persian Sultanate is of close marital ties, far closer than that of the Timurids and that he would pledge his armies against the Timurids. As one might imagine Temur Qutlugh was not amused by such a statement but recognized it's merit, the Mangalai had long since had a marital relationship with the Persians. Muhammad Khan's own wife was from the Persian Khanate. The matter would be dropped.
Before Muhammad returned to Samarkand a pretender to the Confederation's overall leadership would arise in his absence. This pretender was his last living relative within the Timurid holdings. This pretender's name was Hussain Akbar Genghisid, Muhammad would quickly take control of an army and rush after Hussain who had captured Samarkand in Muhammad's leave. The overall engagement would be brief, Muhammad sent an envoy asking why his only possible heir would betray him a reply was given in brief: 'You are too weak to lead!' Taken aback by the statement an engagement would quickly follow some ways away from Samarkand. The battle would last barely a week and Hussain died in the conflict. Muhammad had wanted to give him a pardon, but fate had destined other plans.
Now robbed of all possible successors within the Timurids Muhammad would spend the rest of his days attempting to gain a successor he would take on many young maidens as he desperately sought after an heir. Muhammad has had two sons before, each of them perished as time went on. At last it seemed as if he was truly blessed when he was given another son, but at the age of four he grew sick and died. Left without an heir Muhammad grew sick with grief, though he has no sons he has well over ten daughters but even if he had considered them in succession they were all weak and malleable towards others' wills. Left without any more options Muhammad made his cousin, Temur Qutlugh Genghisid, his heir. Muhammad died just days later. Temur Qutlugh then became the Lord Protector of the Timurid Confederation.
Born January 3 1561
Reigned May 31 1580
Died March 14 1594
Diplomacy 4
Admin 3
Military 5
Muhammad was born to Kebek II Genghisid. Muhammad had the horrible misfortune to outlive every single one of his relatives within the Confederation. Muhammad would reign at the age of nineteen and die at the age of thirty-three. During this time frame Muhammad witnessed the deaths of his brothers and three of his sons. Muhammad would also go to war with the Delhi Sultanate and fail to produce any results.
In the year 1584 Muhammad was requested at the court of Temur Qutlugh Genghisid, there he would meet with his elder cousin about a possible war with the Jalayirids following their success with the Mamelukes. Temur Qutlugh stated that the Persian Khanate would need to be taken before any definitive action could be made with the Jalayirids, Muhammad stated that to go to war with the Persian Khanate would be seen as an open act of aggression by both the Mangalai and the Delhi Sultanate.Temur Qutlugh then summoned the Mangalai Sultan, Muhammad Khan into the room. When questioned Muhammad Khan stated that the Persian Sultanate is of close marital ties, far closer than that of the Timurids and that he would pledge his armies against the Timurids. As one might imagine Temur Qutlugh was not amused by such a statement but recognized it's merit, the Mangalai had long since had a marital relationship with the Persians. Muhammad Khan's own wife was from the Persian Khanate. The matter would be dropped.
Before Muhammad returned to Samarkand a pretender to the Confederation's overall leadership would arise in his absence. This pretender was his last living relative within the Timurid holdings. This pretender's name was Hussain Akbar Genghisid, Muhammad would quickly take control of an army and rush after Hussain who had captured Samarkand in Muhammad's leave. The overall engagement would be brief, Muhammad sent an envoy asking why his only possible heir would betray him a reply was given in brief: 'You are too weak to lead!' Taken aback by the statement an engagement would quickly follow some ways away from Samarkand. The battle would last barely a week and Hussain died in the conflict. Muhammad had wanted to give him a pardon, but fate had destined other plans.
Now robbed of all possible successors within the Timurids Muhammad would spend the rest of his days attempting to gain a successor he would take on many young maidens as he desperately sought after an heir. Muhammad has had two sons before, each of them perished as time went on. At last it seemed as if he was truly blessed when he was given another son, but at the age of four he grew sick and died. Left without an heir Muhammad grew sick with grief, though he has no sons he has well over ten daughters but even if he had considered them in succession they were all weak and malleable towards others' wills. Left without any more options Muhammad made his cousin, Temur Qutlugh Genghisid, his heir. Muhammad died just days later. Temur Qutlugh then became the Lord Protector of the Timurid Confederation.
Sorry about not updating this! School, Life, and Victoria 2 has kept me away. An update will come sometime soon.
Timur Qutlugh Genghisid, Sultan of the Golden Horde, Khan of Khans, Patriarch of the Genghisids, Lord Protector of the Timurid Confederation of tribes.
Born September 9 1551
Reigned March 9 1577
Died December 13 1612
Diplomacy 7
Admin 8
Military 5
Younger brother the the first Khan to go to war with a western superpower in over a century, Timur Qutlugh had to measure up with his elder brother. One of the first things Timur Qutlugh did was approach the Nicea and Trebizond in the southern regions of his lands and request them to come to his court. For many years the Greeks had held a virtual monopoly on the lands on the Southernmost border of the Sultanate ever since Timur Qutlugh's ancestor funded the Greeks in rebellion against Genoa. This met with mixed views within the Sultanate because the Horde was torn between just outright annexation and funding them against the Ottoman and Qara Koyunlu Turks.
The Turks have been in quite a bit of trouble recently, having undergone numerous civil wars, as well as wars against a French supported Nicea. It is unknown to the Khan how Trebizond also made minor gains against Candar. Now there would have been no problem with them running a muck solely in Anatolia and the Greek regions, but their culture is also creeping up and is right at the Golden Horde's doorstep. So far relations have remained amiable, but one cannot be certain that if the Horde were to go to war with a major power in the West that they would not be involved. Emperor Alexios of Nicea and Emperor Ioannis of Trebizond both went to Sarai.
This may seem improper, for two Emperors to meet on foreign land, of a foreign religion, and one of 'lesser' rank. The simple matter of the fact is that either of them would lose horrifically if the Horde had dedicated even a small force to crushing them. Both Trebizond and Nicea had benefited from the Horde's guardian like nature towards both Empires. Each had grown wealthy and successful with the Sultan's guarantee on their independence, as long as they did not involve themselves in the affairs of other nations scattered across Europe and the Middle East they would be protected. Each had come a little closer to restoring the Roman Empire and both have remained allies for the past century, even restoring both Empires to the same Imperial line, the Komnenos. Still, their positions are, and will forever be, tied directly towards the Sultanate and it's wills. The danger of the Horde just annexing the bordering regions and sending the two empires into a state of chaos which neither are likely to survive even with the Ottomans in their weakened state.
Emperor Alexios of the Roman Empire
Emperor Ioannis of the Roman Empire
Both Emperors donated large amounts of wealth. As sort of playful competition between the two Emperors over which of them could essentially give more to the Sultanate to make it's Khan happy. Timur Qutlugh wasn't one to be easily seduced by what he considered 'trivial trinkets', which would have filled an entire ship worth of gold and other valuables. Timur Qutlugh had requested their presence merely to discuss the situation within the meeting point of East and West, or so he stated towards both Emperors. Both stated that things were going well and each speculated at grand schemes to remove the Ottomans, restore the Roman Empire to it's former glory, and then merge kingdoms. Given that Timur Qutlugh knew that the two would never resort to peaceful merging he speculated that eventually when someone's line ended that they would merge, or it would be through bloody war. Both seemed equally plausible and equally likely. The odds of both were also fairly decent. As Timur Qutlugh weighed this on his mind he could sense the tension between the two 'emperors' before him, eventually he finally summoned the Duke of the Ukraine to meet with the two Emperors.
The move was unexpected and to the two Emperors together it seemed as if they were being put as equals to a mere duchy of the far extent of the Horde's lands. Both were infuriated, but both kept their tongues. They knew that to speak out against the Duke's presence would not go well with their seeking of continuing support to Timur Qutlugh. The Duke bowed towards the Sultan and had reported the movements of the Hungarian and Lithuanians. Both were amassing troops along their borders, the move did not surprise Timur Qutlugh and he quickly sent back the Duke with well over 12,000 troops to support his duchy if war were to break out. It had turned out that the Emperor's were upset over nothing, the entire thing was put into place by Timur Qutlugh to learn about them men before him, he had gotten his answer. Arrogant and scared, they wanted protection so that they could put forward their naive thoughts of far flung grandeur. Timur Qutlugh knew that even if they had restored the empire by destroying the Ottomans they would still have to deal with the Venetian republic that controls many greek territories, the Greater Hungarian Empire, the Qara Koyunlu, and France before they would have a secure place in the world. It just appear that they do not realize that the weaker they are, the less of a threat they are to Europe.
While Timur Qutlugh was leaning towards annexation of the northern territories and banishing both empires to their fates, he quickly changed his mind when he began reading a report from some of his sources within the Trebizond Empire, inside the report detailed a complete reworking of the Roman Empire, advanced cultural reforms, and the foundation of a great legal system. From this Timur could determine that even if they were arrogant, and perhaps naive, they were still cultured individuals advancing the state of their nations. After several weeks of discussing affairs with the two Emperors of the Roman Empire, Timur Qutlugh began looking elsewhere.
The Hungarians and Lithuanians did indeed go to war, but not with the Ukraine, but with each other. Both forces clashed on the border and after several months of fighting a white peace was signaled. The news didn't upset Timur Qutlugh, nor made him happy. It was a pointless engagement that served no purpose, it just wasted lives from his point of view. Timur began looking towards the other nations of Europe. Portugal had taken many of the states in Iberia as well as began it's monopolization of Brazil, New Portugal, as well as found colonies in Africa and the Caribbean. The United Kingdom of Wales, Ireland, and England had taken much of the territorial 'Amerigo'. France had taken firm control of Iberia, only sharing it with Portugal and Granada. They had also colonized some minor islands in the Carribean and formed a colony in Guyana. Other nations had also made gains via colonialism such as the Kingdom of Norway situated in Greenland that has since conquered and colonized most of the northern territories. The Kingdom of Aragon has grown to control all of North Africa and has expanded into the interior of the continent. Sweden has but one colony, Swedish Carribino, which was originally a Dutch territory that was captured after the recent Swedish-Dutch war. The Netherlands also made some colonies, particularly in the Kongo.
Deciding that he did not want to insert himself into their affairs too much, Timur Qutlugh decided on Expansion into the East, adopting Quest for the New World and Colonial Venture he made it a point to reach the great sea to the far east and claim all the territory there for the Sultanate. The expansion took well over thirty years to complete, but with it came an Empire that controlled all of northern Asia.
When news came to Timur Qutlugh of the Jalayirid expansion against the Mamelukes he summoned the Mangalai Sultan and the Timurid Khan. Eventually when the option of invading Persia as a route to Jalayirid territory was cut off, the idea was dropped. A few years later the Timurid's Khan died without an heir and Timur Qutlugh was chosen to succeed him. At first Timur did little towards the Timurid Confederation, but as things slowly began to become chaotic Timur Qutlugh took a more direct approach. He invaded various territories in revolt against the Confederation and exterminated the rebel armies there. This campaign of terror had brought much of the rebelliousness of the Confederation down to virtually non-existent levels. Regardless, some territories on the south did defect before they could be quelled. Oddly, Timur Qutlugh did nothing to harm them and simply went back to Sarai while appointing numerous Sultanate officials within the confederation to manage the state.
As Timur grew old he restored relations with the Mangalai to normal, renewed the guarantee on the Roman Empires, and finalized the colonies in the distant east. As Timur departed from this world he left a legacy that many would be hard pressed to find an equal. He was intelligent, strong, and an astute administrator. He left the fate of Confederation and the Sultanate in the hands of his son, Akbar.
Born September 9 1551
Reigned March 9 1577
Died December 13 1612
Diplomacy 7
Admin 8
Military 5
Younger brother the the first Khan to go to war with a western superpower in over a century, Timur Qutlugh had to measure up with his elder brother. One of the first things Timur Qutlugh did was approach the Nicea and Trebizond in the southern regions of his lands and request them to come to his court. For many years the Greeks had held a virtual monopoly on the lands on the Southernmost border of the Sultanate ever since Timur Qutlugh's ancestor funded the Greeks in rebellion against Genoa. This met with mixed views within the Sultanate because the Horde was torn between just outright annexation and funding them against the Ottoman and Qara Koyunlu Turks.
The Turks have been in quite a bit of trouble recently, having undergone numerous civil wars, as well as wars against a French supported Nicea. It is unknown to the Khan how Trebizond also made minor gains against Candar. Now there would have been no problem with them running a muck solely in Anatolia and the Greek regions, but their culture is also creeping up and is right at the Golden Horde's doorstep. So far relations have remained amiable, but one cannot be certain that if the Horde were to go to war with a major power in the West that they would not be involved. Emperor Alexios of Nicea and Emperor Ioannis of Trebizond both went to Sarai.
This may seem improper, for two Emperors to meet on foreign land, of a foreign religion, and one of 'lesser' rank. The simple matter of the fact is that either of them would lose horrifically if the Horde had dedicated even a small force to crushing them. Both Trebizond and Nicea had benefited from the Horde's guardian like nature towards both Empires. Each had grown wealthy and successful with the Sultan's guarantee on their independence, as long as they did not involve themselves in the affairs of other nations scattered across Europe and the Middle East they would be protected. Each had come a little closer to restoring the Roman Empire and both have remained allies for the past century, even restoring both Empires to the same Imperial line, the Komnenos. Still, their positions are, and will forever be, tied directly towards the Sultanate and it's wills. The danger of the Horde just annexing the bordering regions and sending the two empires into a state of chaos which neither are likely to survive even with the Ottomans in their weakened state.
Emperor Alexios of the Roman Empire
Emperor Ioannis of the Roman Empire
Both Emperors donated large amounts of wealth. As sort of playful competition between the two Emperors over which of them could essentially give more to the Sultanate to make it's Khan happy. Timur Qutlugh wasn't one to be easily seduced by what he considered 'trivial trinkets', which would have filled an entire ship worth of gold and other valuables. Timur Qutlugh had requested their presence merely to discuss the situation within the meeting point of East and West, or so he stated towards both Emperors. Both stated that things were going well and each speculated at grand schemes to remove the Ottomans, restore the Roman Empire to it's former glory, and then merge kingdoms. Given that Timur Qutlugh knew that the two would never resort to peaceful merging he speculated that eventually when someone's line ended that they would merge, or it would be through bloody war. Both seemed equally plausible and equally likely. The odds of both were also fairly decent. As Timur Qutlugh weighed this on his mind he could sense the tension between the two 'emperors' before him, eventually he finally summoned the Duke of the Ukraine to meet with the two Emperors.
The move was unexpected and to the two Emperors together it seemed as if they were being put as equals to a mere duchy of the far extent of the Horde's lands. Both were infuriated, but both kept their tongues. They knew that to speak out against the Duke's presence would not go well with their seeking of continuing support to Timur Qutlugh. The Duke bowed towards the Sultan and had reported the movements of the Hungarian and Lithuanians. Both were amassing troops along their borders, the move did not surprise Timur Qutlugh and he quickly sent back the Duke with well over 12,000 troops to support his duchy if war were to break out. It had turned out that the Emperor's were upset over nothing, the entire thing was put into place by Timur Qutlugh to learn about them men before him, he had gotten his answer. Arrogant and scared, they wanted protection so that they could put forward their naive thoughts of far flung grandeur. Timur Qutlugh knew that even if they had restored the empire by destroying the Ottomans they would still have to deal with the Venetian republic that controls many greek territories, the Greater Hungarian Empire, the Qara Koyunlu, and France before they would have a secure place in the world. It just appear that they do not realize that the weaker they are, the less of a threat they are to Europe.
While Timur Qutlugh was leaning towards annexation of the northern territories and banishing both empires to their fates, he quickly changed his mind when he began reading a report from some of his sources within the Trebizond Empire, inside the report detailed a complete reworking of the Roman Empire, advanced cultural reforms, and the foundation of a great legal system. From this Timur could determine that even if they were arrogant, and perhaps naive, they were still cultured individuals advancing the state of their nations. After several weeks of discussing affairs with the two Emperors of the Roman Empire, Timur Qutlugh began looking elsewhere.
The Hungarians and Lithuanians did indeed go to war, but not with the Ukraine, but with each other. Both forces clashed on the border and after several months of fighting a white peace was signaled. The news didn't upset Timur Qutlugh, nor made him happy. It was a pointless engagement that served no purpose, it just wasted lives from his point of view. Timur began looking towards the other nations of Europe. Portugal had taken many of the states in Iberia as well as began it's monopolization of Brazil, New Portugal, as well as found colonies in Africa and the Caribbean. The United Kingdom of Wales, Ireland, and England had taken much of the territorial 'Amerigo'. France had taken firm control of Iberia, only sharing it with Portugal and Granada. They had also colonized some minor islands in the Carribean and formed a colony in Guyana. Other nations had also made gains via colonialism such as the Kingdom of Norway situated in Greenland that has since conquered and colonized most of the northern territories. The Kingdom of Aragon has grown to control all of North Africa and has expanded into the interior of the continent. Sweden has but one colony, Swedish Carribino, which was originally a Dutch territory that was captured after the recent Swedish-Dutch war. The Netherlands also made some colonies, particularly in the Kongo.
Deciding that he did not want to insert himself into their affairs too much, Timur Qutlugh decided on Expansion into the East, adopting Quest for the New World and Colonial Venture he made it a point to reach the great sea to the far east and claim all the territory there for the Sultanate. The expansion took well over thirty years to complete, but with it came an Empire that controlled all of northern Asia.
When news came to Timur Qutlugh of the Jalayirid expansion against the Mamelukes he summoned the Mangalai Sultan and the Timurid Khan. Eventually when the option of invading Persia as a route to Jalayirid territory was cut off, the idea was dropped. A few years later the Timurid's Khan died without an heir and Timur Qutlugh was chosen to succeed him. At first Timur did little towards the Timurid Confederation, but as things slowly began to become chaotic Timur Qutlugh took a more direct approach. He invaded various territories in revolt against the Confederation and exterminated the rebel armies there. This campaign of terror had brought much of the rebelliousness of the Confederation down to virtually non-existent levels. Regardless, some territories on the south did defect before they could be quelled. Oddly, Timur Qutlugh did nothing to harm them and simply went back to Sarai while appointing numerous Sultanate officials within the confederation to manage the state.
As Timur grew old he restored relations with the Mangalai to normal, renewed the guarantee on the Roman Empires, and finalized the colonies in the distant east. As Timur departed from this world he left a legacy that many would be hard pressed to find an equal. He was intelligent, strong, and an astute administrator. He left the fate of Confederation and the Sultanate in the hands of his son, Akbar.
Yeah, after the Ottomans were kicked around by the Hungarians and made an attack on French supported Byzantium, the Byzantines became very powerful and got a few defections. I'm not too sure on how Trebizond got a territory, it might have been from Candar before it was annexed by the Ottmans.
Sorry, life has kept me away. Now, and I promise, I will update this sometime tomorrow.
Muhammad Khan II Genghisid, Sultan of the Mangalai, Khan to the True Mongols
Born May 30 1567
Reigned November 1 1584
Died September 3 1623
Diplomacy 4
Admin 8
Military 4
Muhammad Khan was the first born son of Timur Sultan III. The Mangalai had long since bore the Genghisid Blood that now stretches across all of Central Asia. It is under Muhammad Khan's leadership that the Mangalai assert their dominance over the steppe and all of Northern China. Over Muhammad Khan's 39 year reign fear would be reintroduced into the Chinese populous. Never will they ever forget the fear that is known as the Mongols.
Muhammad Khan ascended the throne at the age of seventeen. Muhammad Khan was never one for diplomacy nor military warfare often delegating the tasks to some of his generals and leaving diplomacy up to his ministers. One such minister, Iskander Sadiq Beg, would often scold Muhammad during his early reign about neglecting the affairs of the nations to the south. The state of the Middle Kingdom was one of balance, as Iskander would emphasis daily. That balance is around numerous kingdoms in steady positions never fully engaging the other in combat. The only ones that were expanding were those near "barbarian" states to the south. Therefore, Iskander would stress, we must not disrupt the balance too much. A slow and steady expansion taking many generations to absorb the continent is far better than disrupting the entire balance of power and making an enemy out of every single on of the states. A war with every Chinese nation as well as Joseon may well prove too much for the Mangalai to handle. Muhammad Khan paid little attention to the old minister, but since Iskander was old and highly cherished by his father, Muhammad thought that he should just outlast him before going on campaigns.
During these few years of quiet the Mangalai opened up relations with the Khanate of Persia. Over the next few years a web of marital alliances were drawn up. It was expressly designed so that if the Timurids would make a move against either force that a two front war would ensue. This would end up being brought up with the Golden Horde. Temur Qutlugh Genghisid, Sultan of the Golden Horde, Patriarch of the Genghisids, requested that Muhammad meet with him in Sarai to discuss "Martial plans" regarding the Jalayirids. When a possible route to the Jalayirids through invading Persia was brought up, Muhammad staunchly refused to assist claiming close marital ties to the Persians and their Khan. After some dispute over the issue the meeting ended up doing nothing, which was what Muhammad wanted. The Sultanate of the Golden Horde is already an exceedingly powerful nation. Far more powerful than anything else in the world. The few nations to actively stand up against the powerful Horde are the powerful nations such as the Kingdom of Lithuania and the Empire of Sweden. The only other nation to stand up against the Horde was the Jalayirids. Separated only by the Qara Koyunlu Khanate. In order for the Mangalai to have any sort of breathing room, especially now since the Horde is a power from Russia to the Pacific Ocean, there must be nations that oppose it. The Timurids are a sleeping giant that could well possibly explode into a large empire should it make headway in any direction. Handing over the Persians to the Timurids is simply not an option.
With the question of war settled, Muhammad turned his attentions inward. While Iskander was off sending diplomats to the various nations of Zhongguo, Muhammad was practicing a form of civil reform. While Muhammad cared little for war nor diplomacy, he did care a great deal towards the matters of his Kingdom, strengthening it, and ensuring it's independence. Among the first things Muhammad did was establish a strict legal code entirely of his own design, adopting many Confucian and Islamic ideals into a maelstrom of ethics and religion to solidify the state. Schools were opened, the rights of the lower classes in the pyramid structure of Mangalai society were increased, and a great network of roads linked the southern, more Chinese, regions. The people in the north, the Mongols of the step, were left pretty much to themselves. Various tribal chieftains were allowed to select a few individuals to go to the heart of Mangalai society and study. An odd mixture of language emerged, and two distinct forms of writing emerged. Arabic and Mandarin emerged. Mandarin and Arabic would be shown side by side detailing instructions and documents. Official documents bound for the west would rely on Arabic, that bound for the south east would adorn mandarin. The Mangalai essentially controlled and were the meeting point between China and the rest of Asia.
As things went on rather well in the administration the Timurids were bound in union with the Golden Horde. This was a truly worrisome affair. The two largest threats to Mangalai dominance became one. The Golden Horde and the Timurid Confederation, both monolithic powers, are now bound together under Temur Qutlugh. Of course the old minister hasn't died yet so the very first thing Muhammad heard from Iskander was to increase relations with the Horde. Muhammad did just that, though with an utter lack of enthusiasm. The Mangalai had no wish to become the Duchy of the Ukraine. Temur Qutlugh would finally agree to an alliance a few years later. When Temur Qutlugh eventually died the Golden Horde fully inherited the Timurid Confederation. They were now one not only in sovereign, but in identity. Muhammad did what he could to stir up rebellion, but they were all thoroughly crushed by the monster army number well over a hundred thousand.
Now, after over thirty years of listening to him, Iskander finally died. He was given a state funeral and the highest honors that could be given to the prestigious officer. Within a month Muhammad Khan was at war with the Lulong and Joseon. Muhammad Beq Khan, the main general leading the war, devastated the Lulong and the Joseon. Their entire armies were destroyed and after two years of campaigning the Joseon renounced the vassalage of the Lulong and emptied out their treasuries. The Joseon had lost control of it's Indo-China possessions. Pretenders swiftly occupied Taiwan and it's southern Island territories. still, they maintained control over Manchuria and Korea proper. The act shocked China because the Joseon had been one of the most powerful of the states. To see it humiliated in such a manor turned the blood in even the southern most kingdoms cold. The Mongols were back. Sadly, while planning a campaign to drive Mangalai forces into the heart of Zhongguo, Muhammad Khan died. Many suspected foul play, but no suspects could be found. Everything was left to his son, Nur ad-Din.
Born May 30 1567
Reigned November 1 1584
Died September 3 1623
Diplomacy 4
Admin 8
Military 4
Muhammad Khan was the first born son of Timur Sultan III. The Mangalai had long since bore the Genghisid Blood that now stretches across all of Central Asia. It is under Muhammad Khan's leadership that the Mangalai assert their dominance over the steppe and all of Northern China. Over Muhammad Khan's 39 year reign fear would be reintroduced into the Chinese populous. Never will they ever forget the fear that is known as the Mongols.
Muhammad Khan ascended the throne at the age of seventeen. Muhammad Khan was never one for diplomacy nor military warfare often delegating the tasks to some of his generals and leaving diplomacy up to his ministers. One such minister, Iskander Sadiq Beg, would often scold Muhammad during his early reign about neglecting the affairs of the nations to the south. The state of the Middle Kingdom was one of balance, as Iskander would emphasis daily. That balance is around numerous kingdoms in steady positions never fully engaging the other in combat. The only ones that were expanding were those near "barbarian" states to the south. Therefore, Iskander would stress, we must not disrupt the balance too much. A slow and steady expansion taking many generations to absorb the continent is far better than disrupting the entire balance of power and making an enemy out of every single on of the states. A war with every Chinese nation as well as Joseon may well prove too much for the Mangalai to handle. Muhammad Khan paid little attention to the old minister, but since Iskander was old and highly cherished by his father, Muhammad thought that he should just outlast him before going on campaigns.
During these few years of quiet the Mangalai opened up relations with the Khanate of Persia. Over the next few years a web of marital alliances were drawn up. It was expressly designed so that if the Timurids would make a move against either force that a two front war would ensue. This would end up being brought up with the Golden Horde. Temur Qutlugh Genghisid, Sultan of the Golden Horde, Patriarch of the Genghisids, requested that Muhammad meet with him in Sarai to discuss "Martial plans" regarding the Jalayirids. When a possible route to the Jalayirids through invading Persia was brought up, Muhammad staunchly refused to assist claiming close marital ties to the Persians and their Khan. After some dispute over the issue the meeting ended up doing nothing, which was what Muhammad wanted. The Sultanate of the Golden Horde is already an exceedingly powerful nation. Far more powerful than anything else in the world. The few nations to actively stand up against the powerful Horde are the powerful nations such as the Kingdom of Lithuania and the Empire of Sweden. The only other nation to stand up against the Horde was the Jalayirids. Separated only by the Qara Koyunlu Khanate. In order for the Mangalai to have any sort of breathing room, especially now since the Horde is a power from Russia to the Pacific Ocean, there must be nations that oppose it. The Timurids are a sleeping giant that could well possibly explode into a large empire should it make headway in any direction. Handing over the Persians to the Timurids is simply not an option.
With the question of war settled, Muhammad turned his attentions inward. While Iskander was off sending diplomats to the various nations of Zhongguo, Muhammad was practicing a form of civil reform. While Muhammad cared little for war nor diplomacy, he did care a great deal towards the matters of his Kingdom, strengthening it, and ensuring it's independence. Among the first things Muhammad did was establish a strict legal code entirely of his own design, adopting many Confucian and Islamic ideals into a maelstrom of ethics and religion to solidify the state. Schools were opened, the rights of the lower classes in the pyramid structure of Mangalai society were increased, and a great network of roads linked the southern, more Chinese, regions. The people in the north, the Mongols of the step, were left pretty much to themselves. Various tribal chieftains were allowed to select a few individuals to go to the heart of Mangalai society and study. An odd mixture of language emerged, and two distinct forms of writing emerged. Arabic and Mandarin emerged. Mandarin and Arabic would be shown side by side detailing instructions and documents. Official documents bound for the west would rely on Arabic, that bound for the south east would adorn mandarin. The Mangalai essentially controlled and were the meeting point between China and the rest of Asia.
As things went on rather well in the administration the Timurids were bound in union with the Golden Horde. This was a truly worrisome affair. The two largest threats to Mangalai dominance became one. The Golden Horde and the Timurid Confederation, both monolithic powers, are now bound together under Temur Qutlugh. Of course the old minister hasn't died yet so the very first thing Muhammad heard from Iskander was to increase relations with the Horde. Muhammad did just that, though with an utter lack of enthusiasm. The Mangalai had no wish to become the Duchy of the Ukraine. Temur Qutlugh would finally agree to an alliance a few years later. When Temur Qutlugh eventually died the Golden Horde fully inherited the Timurid Confederation. They were now one not only in sovereign, but in identity. Muhammad did what he could to stir up rebellion, but they were all thoroughly crushed by the monster army number well over a hundred thousand.
Now, after over thirty years of listening to him, Iskander finally died. He was given a state funeral and the highest honors that could be given to the prestigious officer. Within a month Muhammad Khan was at war with the Lulong and Joseon. Muhammad Beq Khan, the main general leading the war, devastated the Lulong and the Joseon. Their entire armies were destroyed and after two years of campaigning the Joseon renounced the vassalage of the Lulong and emptied out their treasuries. The Joseon had lost control of it's Indo-China possessions. Pretenders swiftly occupied Taiwan and it's southern Island territories. still, they maintained control over Manchuria and Korea proper. The act shocked China because the Joseon had been one of the most powerful of the states. To see it humiliated in such a manor turned the blood in even the southern most kingdoms cold. The Mongols were back. Sadly, while planning a campaign to drive Mangalai forces into the heart of Zhongguo, Muhammad Khan died. Many suspected foul play, but no suspects could be found. Everything was left to his son, Nur ad-Din.
I stayed true to my word, the Mangalai Sultan is up. I'm experimenting a little with maps. I might stick with HoI or I might try something else, that's why there aren't any maps in the update. That, and the Mangalai made no real gains.