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// (!ENG!) (!FRA!) (!DEU!) 
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// at the end of the string.
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// Era descriptions

@["Era_Description_EARLY"]
@{"Okres wczesnego redniowiecza charakteryzuje si absolutn wiar,  oszaamiajc brutalnoci, bezdenn chciwoci, bezlitosnym okruciestwem, przekupstwem, zdrad, gwatownymi wojnami, sab polityk i bezgranicznymi ambicjami."}
@{"Mroczny wiek plemiennych watakw w kocu przemija w Europie. Zwyciscy przywdcy zmienili si w feudaln szlacht i  rodziny panujce, lecz silne rami i miecz ju nie wystarczy by zbudowa choby mae krlestwo. Nie, jeli zamierzasz nim wada i przekaza panowanie swoim dzieciom.  Krlestwo to ju za mao gdy twoi wasale uprawiaj dla ciebie ziemi i su w twoich armiach. Zawsze potrzeba wicej. Ale to jeszcze nie narody - lojalno to cay czas bardziej sprawa osobista ni abstrakcyjne pojcie narodu."}
@{"System feudalny jest w swojej istocie prosty : su swemu panu lennemu mieczem, a w zamian zdobdziesz wpywy i tytu do ziemi jako jego wasal.  Z kolei wasal moe odda mniejsz cze  ziem swoim poplecznikom i tak dalej.  Ci na samej grze staj si niezmiernie wpywowi - to rycerze, baronowie, hrabiowie, ksita i krlowie. Chopi znajduj si na samym dole hierarchii i zmuszani s do zaopatrywania walczcych w dobra zarwno niezbdne do ycia, jak i w zbytki. Wielcy wojownicy mog zdoby ziemi, zwolennikw i tytuy szlacheckie dziki zasugom wojennym, wic s zmotywowani do walki. Jeeli ich krl nie ma wrogw, mog znale wasnych.  Jeeli i tych zabrako, walcz midzy sob. Wiek drobnych watakw moe i dobieg koca, lecz wiek wojen z pewnoci nie!  Ta ciga przemoc moga by jednym z powodw dla ktrych Papie zada Krucjat do Ziemi witej - by moe lepiej eby cierpieli niewierni ni bracia Chrzecijanie!"}
@{"Religia odgrywa wan rol w yciu kadego, ale s jeszcze miejsca gdzie kwitnie pogastwo. Koci zwalcza je, i pomimo schizmy na Koci Katolicki i Prawosawny oba s niezwykle wpywowe. Koci Prawosawny jest niemal  przedueniem administracji  Cesarstwa Bizantyjskiego, wspierajc Cesarza i speniajc jego rozkazy. Katolicki Papie przyznaje sobie prawo do wynoszenia i obalania Katolickich cesarzy i krlw.  Powoduje to napicia midzy wadcami a papiestwem. Wadcy wieccy chc kontrolowa Koci w obrbie swoich ziem; Koci da zwierzchnoci Boga przy koronacji i jest gotw ekskomunikowa tych, ktrzy si sprzeciwi.  Jednak w obliczu herezji i niewiernych, Koci i monowadcy mwi jednym gosem. Herezja zagraa ustalonemu porzdkowi rzeczy; Muzumanie zdaj si zagraa wszystkiemu! Przestraszeni ludzie atakuj tych ktrych postrzegaj jako swoich wrogw; uczestnicz w krucjatach eby "uratowa" wite miejsca przed niewiernymi."}
@{"islam wydaje si apa oddech po gwatownej ekspansji, ale pozostaje kopalni wiedzy : chemii, astronomii, matematyki, filozofii, dyskusji teologicznych, poezji, muzyki i wysokiej sztuki. W skrcie - Islam jest kolebk cywilizacji. Od Kordoby w Hiszpanii do Kairu, Jerozolimy i Bagdadu  islamscy sutanowie i kalifowie   pozostawiaj swoim poddanym zadziwiajc (dla obcych) wolno wyznania i  wspieraj nauk. Nie ma jednak powodu przypuszcza e pochd islamu zatrzyma si i muzumascy ksita s gotowi broni tego, co ju zdobyli i uwaj za swoj ziemi. Na wschodzie, selduccy Turkowie maj ambicje wada znacznie wiksz czci wiata."}
@{"W Cesarstwie Bizantyjskim spiski, intrygi, zdrady i zabjstwa polityczne s na porzdku dziennym ju od ponad  piciu stuleci. Zwycizcy tych bratobjczych walk zasiadaj na tronie; przegrani zostaj olepieni, wykastrowani, wygnani lub jeli maj szczcie - zabici na miejscu. Sowo "bizantyjski" stao si symbolem mrocznych i skomplikowanych intryg i to nie bez powodu.  W Konstantynopolu, Cesarz ma swoje wasne motywy, dla ktrych chce pomocy rycerzy z zachodu.  Motywy te niewiele wsplnego maj z "ratowaniem" witych miejsc a wicej z obron wasnych ziem i wadzy przed zagroeniem ze strony bardziej energicznych wrogw."}


@["Era_Description_HIGH"]
@{"Do XII wieku narody Europy i basenu morza rdziemnego zaczynaj si pojawia w wyniku zmaga midzy europejskimi rodzinami panujcymi, chocia granice tych narodw s cay czas tematem "debaty" za pomoc miecza. Krlestwa s zazwyczaj zbieranin ziem, ktre krl zdoa utrzyma przy pomocy swojego wojska, ich granice zmieniaj si nieustannie z powodu pretensji i da dziedzicw korony i nieustannych dziaa wojennych. Nowe potgi powstaj, inne rozpoczynaj powoli chyli si ku upadkowi i zapomnieniu."}
@{"To wiek mioci dworskiej, ulubionego tematu trubadurw i minstreli. To czas turniejw i rycerskoci, kiedy rycerze mog zdoby wielk saw i bogactwo dziki wasnemu mstwu. Czasami ciko jest wskaza rnice midzy turniejem a zaartym bojem ! To take czas kiedy uczynki wielkie i dobre upaday mimo ideaw rycerskoci i mioci dworskiej. Wojna, wyrachowane aranowanie maestw i przebiega dyplomacja s cay czas sposobem na zdobycie i utrzymanie woci."}
@{"Na zachodzie krlowie i ksita cay czas ni o wyzwoleniu Ziemi witej i "uratowaniu" witych miejsc Chrzecijastwa, nawet pomimo tego, e wikszo muzumaskich wadcw jest tolerancyjna do tego stopnia, e zezwala na prawdziwe pielgrzymowanie. Ta tolerancja nie obejmowaa uzbrojonych tumw pod dowdztwem charyzmatycznych i zupenie pozbawionych skrupuw ludzi, gono wykrzykujcych swoje oddanie sprawie, ktra moga by ju przegrana. W midzyczasie chrzecijascy ksita walcz midzy sob; ich spiskowanie i bezustanne wojny skoniy Koci do deklaracji Dni Pokoju: jednego dnia kadego tygodnia, kiedy Chrzecijanie powinni powstrzyma si od walki z brami w wierze. Dni te zostay zlekcewaone i walki rozgorzay na nowo. Na Soborze Lateraskim Koci prbowa zakaza uywania kusz jako broni nieczystej. Zakaz nie odnis skutku."}
@{"W Hiszpanii Chrzecijanie czasami zaprzestaj walk midzy sob, ale tylko po to, by atakowa wsplnego wroga - Mauretaskich Almohadw.  Na tym polu odnosz sukcesy, ale wydaje si e zdobywanie ziem a potem wykorzenianie wszelkich ladw po ludziach, ich kulturze i religii bdzie bardzo powolnym procesem z uwagi na cige zagroenie ze strony braci chrzecijan. Almohadzi powoli ustpuj, ale s cay czas powanym zagroeniem."}
@{"Na wschodzie  ksita walcz by powoa do ycia dynastie i zbudowa krlestwa z pozostaoci po poprzednich i przyczy do nich bezkresne rwniny rozcigajce si na wschd.  Stamtd te nadchodz szerzcy strach wojownicy stepw - kolejna fala najedcw tak przeraajcych, jakby pochodzili prosto z czeluci Piekie !  W kocu z tyche stepw nadchodzi sam Attyla...  Nawet modlitwy Prawosawnego i Katolickiego duchowiestwa wydaj si daremne wobec takiego zagroenia !"}
@{"Plany Kocia Katolickiego by mie wyczno na koronowanie wadcw na ziemiach Chrzecijaskich zostay pokrzyowane.  Koci zacz zajadle walczy przeciwko niewiernym i heretykom wewntrz granic Chrzecijastwa. Teologiczne debaty  o ubstwie Chrystusa, bogactwie samego Kocioa i o dogmatach mogy doprowadzi uczestniczcych w dyskusji  prosto w oczyszczajce pomienie stosu ! Koci ma teraz now bro do dyspozycji w tych przepychankach: wit Inkwizycj, tajn policj religijn do wykorzeniania niewaciwych pogldw i karania ludzi je wygaszajcych. Oprcz tego w arsenale pozostaje dawna bro,  wezwanie do Krucjat, lecz teraz bro ta wymierzona jest zarwno w "tradycyjne" cele islamskie, jak i  w heretykw i pogan w Europie. Papiestwo zostaje uwikane w polityk, szczeglnie w witym Cesarstwie Rzymskim. Jako e wsparcie Kocioa jest wane dla zamiarw kadego Cesarza - wsparcie to zawsze ma swoj cen! W ten sam sposb Cesarz chcc mie yczliwego Papiea, miesza si w sprawy Kocioa a staje si to codziennoci."}
@{"Cesarstwo Bizantyjskie musi si mierzy z wieloma zagroeniami. Konstantynopol moe i jest najwspanialszym miastem wiata,  lecz jego potga zaczyna upada. Cesarstwo jednak trwao cae wieki i jego wadcy s mistrzami przetrwania w obliczu trudnych czasw:  Cesarz zawsze znajduje sposb by przetrwa. Turcy zupenie nie daj znakw zaniku swojego ducha bojowego i ich wadza rozciga si ju o kilka dni jazdy od Konstantynopola. Ziemia wita - kiedy cz imperium - po raz kolejny zostaa utracona. Teraz naley do Sutanatu Egiptu i cae lata po mierci wielkiego Saladyna jego imi sprowadza trwog do serc Chrzecijan!"}


@["Era_Description_LATE"]
@{"Okoo roku 1320 wiele animozji stao si staymi pogldami. Wrogowie s znani i cay czas prowadz midzy sob wojny. Francuzi i Anglicy spdzili tak wiele czasu wojujc ze sob, e nienawi midzy dynastiami i rywalizacja midzy nimi przemieniy si w instynktown odraz u obu narodw.  Napady, rabunki i grabiee staj si czstszym elementem tych wojen ni otwarte bitwy. Anglia rozpocza ostr rywalizacj rwnie ze Szkocj. Te nienawici trwaj cay czas i nie ma gwarancji na zwycistwo czy porak."}
@{"Wci nie ma czego, co mona by nazwa "Niemcami" lecz Niemcy dominuj w populacji witego Cesarstwa Rzymskiego. W rzeczy samej, Cesarstwo i Niemcy s prawie tym samym i Zakon Krzyacki jest jedn z cesarskich si prcych na wschd, w stron Litwy,  Polski i pogaskich Prus. Wosi i Hiszpanie jeszcze walcz o odrbno narodow  i uzyskuj tosamo i niezaleno od innych narodw. Ich kultura jest bogata, ywa  i pewna, nawet w rodku wojennego zgieku."}
@{"Ksita wci proponuj Krucjaty do Ziemi witej, ale raczej by zdoby przychylno Kocioa ni naprawd poprowadzi takie przedsiwzicie. Zakony rycerzy krzyowych zostay wyparte ze wschodu. Nie robic z tego duego haasu, powiciy si one innym celom. Zakon Templariuszy przesta jednak istnie; templariusze zostali  brutalnie rozwizani, oskareni o herezj i straceni za popenione "przestpstwa". Wspaniay Wiek Krucjat - poza wyprawami przeciwko poganom i heretykom - wydaje si zmierza ku kocowi. Krucjaty staj si niczym wicej jak zawoaniem do walki w odpowiednim dla siebie momencie. Europa Zachodnia pogodzia si z faktem, e si nie uda si wyzwoli Ziemi witej spod panowania muzumaskich wadcw, lecz nie pozbya si inspirowanej przez Koci wrogoci do nich. Pomimo to posowie od chrzecijaskich krlw goszcz na muzumaskich dworach."}
@{"Europa si zmienia. Rosnca populacja i rozwj handlu day jej bogactwo ktrego nie miaa od czasw rzymskich. Coraz wiksza zasobno pozwala na finansowanie budowy wspaniaych katedr w caym chrzecijaskim wiecie oraz niezliczon ilo kociow we Woszech i poza nimi. Powstaje stan mieszczaski z aspiracjami zupenie nie zwizanymi z posiadaniem ziemi - stary porzdek feudalny zostaje poddany prbie przez powstawanie nowych miast i osad. Nauka wraca do ask, na caym kontynencie powstaj nowe uniwersytety, jednak Koci sprawuje starann kontrol nad wieloma z nich."}
@{"Koci Katolicki sam w sobie jest si, jednak jest gboko zamieszany w polityke dynastii panujcych. Wadcy franuscy jak i Cesarstwo mieszaj si do wyboru kolejnych papiey w nadziei zdobycia przewagi politycznej. S tacy, ktrzy sprzeciwiaj si potdze i bogactwu Papiestwa, ale musz to robi bardzo ostronie. wita Inkwizycja jest potna, zwaszcza w Hiszpanii, gdzie wykorzenia tych ktrych uwaa za nieszczerze nawrconych w obawie przed ich zdrad i zwrceniem si ku poprzednim muzumaskim panom."}
@{"wiat Islamu wydaje si 'apa oddech'. Szok po utracie Bagdadu i jego kalifatu na rzecz Mongow mimo e mia miejsce pokolenie wstecz, spowodowa utrat pewnoci we wasne siy. Na zachodnich granicach Islamu Almohadzi powoli cofaj si przed katolickimi armiami Hiszpanii walczc o utrzymanie ziem w kolejnych krwawych bitwach. W Egipcie dynastia panujca - zdominowana przez Mamlukw - zatracia swj pokojowy,  kulturalny charakter i staa si militarn. Turkowie wci naciskaj na kurczce si granice Bizancjum i wyranie daj zna, e nie zostawi go w spokoju i nie pozwol na jego powolny i samoistny upadek."}
@{"Cesarstwo Bizantyjskie jest ju tylko swoim wasnym cieniem, mimo e wci ma dosy siy by zaszkodzi i wystarczajco duo bogactwa by go poda. Dwr cesarski w Konstantynopolu dziaa tak jak dziaa zawsze: spiskuje i zdaje si nie zauwaa zagroenia nadcigajcego pod mury. Koniec Imperium jednak nie jest nieuchronny poniewa bogactwo moe by atwo przeksztacone w potg militarn. Koci prawosawny cofa si z prowincji bizantyjskich spychany przez wiar Turkw - Islam. W Rosji jednak urasta w si, poniewa armie rosyjskich ksiciw daj odpr barbarzycom i poganom ze wschodnich stepw, chocia musz znosi najazdy hord Mongow.  Armie rosyjskie przynosz chwa ksitom Kijowa i Nowogrodu i pozwalaj im zdobywa co raz to nowe ziemie na wschodnich stepach."}


// Faction descriptions - Early Era

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_ALMOHAD_EARLY"]
@{"Pochodzce z koczowniczych ludw, plemiona Berberyjskie pod rzdami Almoravidw i Almohadw zdobyy pnocn Afryk, na wezwanie ksit z pwyspu iberyjskiego przybyli do Hiszpanii by chroni Islam. Stopniowo przejli Hiszpani dla siebie. Kiedy Almoravidzi porzucili prosty tryb ycia na rzecz luksusw, komfortu i wyszukanych uciech, Almohadzi odwrcili si od nich w pogardzie i obalili ich rzdy."}
@{"Almohadzki Kalifat rozciga si teraz wzdu Afryki pnocnej a do Hiszpanii.  Rzdy kalifa s cikie, bezkompromisowe i niezwykle udane. Almohadzi nie s darzeni sympati przez chrzecijan i ydw ktrymi rzdz, poniewa zmieni si ich liberalny stosunek do obu tych grup. Ten brak lojalnoci ma jednak mae znaczenie. Almohadzi maj nadzwyczajn si jako wadcy: ich militarne dokonania s godne podziwu, ich religijnie zmotywowane wojska maj niewielu godnych siebie przeciwnikw. Nie przejmuj si zbytnio odradzajcym si w Kastylii chrzecijastwem. Trzymaj w ryzach niechtn ludno i s gotowi do powanych wojennych wypraw. Niepopularno moe by jednak ich saboci - staa czujno w obliczu nielolajnej ludnoci moe zmczy kadego wadc."}
@{"Almohadzcy kalifowie maj jednak lepsz pozycj do dalszego podboju chrzecijaskiej Europy ni inne muzumaskie potgi. S gotowi by zetrze w proch Hiszpani. Osabiona Francja moe by ich nastpnym celem, kierujc si na poudnie do Woch lub na pnoc w kierunku angielskich nabytkw na kontynencie. Powstrzymanie ataku Hiszpanw daje okazj na zdobycie morza rodziemnego poprzez Egipt i nastpnie Ziemi wit."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_BYZANTINE_EARLY"]
@{"Cesarstwo Bizantyjskie jest potomkiem Imperium Rzymskiego, a raczej greckojzyczn wschodzni czci tego imperium. Zawsze byo potg wiatow, rzdzon przez despotw i zabjcw, gupcw jak i mdrcw, poetw i generaw - caa poczona wadza religijna i wiecka w jednym czowieku. To e pastwo przetrwao, a nawet rozwijao si, to zasuga jego pierwotnej siy i szczliwego pooenia na gwnych szlakach wiata. Prawie caa wymiana handlowa wschodu z zachodem odbywa si za porednictwem Bizancjum i czyni je potniejszym napeniajc jego skarbce podatkami. Bogactwo to oraz wszechobecny przepych na dworze cesarza moe by powodem zazdroci i  zawici ze strony innych pastw."}
@{"Konstantynopol (Bizancjum) zbudowany by jako drugi Rzym przez Konstantyna Wielkiego i jest najwspanialszym miastem Europy a by moe i wiata. Jego mury s niezdobyte, jego armie budz strach za mieszkacy nieprawdopodobnie bogaci i wiatli. System monetarny Bizancjum dominuje w wiatowym handlu i za bizantyjskie monety mona naby towary gdziekolwiek w wiecie. W sprawach religii bizantyjscy patriarchowie odmawiaj uznania zwierzchnoci papiea gdy w kociele nastpuje schizma dzielc wiat chrzecijaski na Prawosawie i Katolicyzm."}
@{"Cesarstwo ma problemy, jednak czai si w nich okazja na nawet wiksz potg w przyszoci. Imperium podjo kroki ku zabezpieczeniu granic zatrudniajc armie najemnikw i utrzymao swoje dawne granice nawet w obliczu Islamskiej ekspansji. Teraz, gdy oddziay s tak dobre jak nigdy dotd, nowe zagroenie pojawio si na wschodzie.  Dobry cesarz bdzie musia skoncentrowa si na rozwoju swojej potgi militarnej - szczeglnie przydatni bd budzcy postrach kataphraktoi przeciwko zagraajcym Turkom Selduckim. W tym samym czasie musi nie przeoczy pojawiajcych si moliwoci: Bakany, Ziemia wita i pnocna Afryka. Polityka morskiej kontroli nad morzem rdziemnym rwnie moe przynie korzyci. Znalezienie wsplnych celw z ktrym z katolickich ksit zachodu moe by rwnie opacalnym przedsiwziciem, bo adna ze stron nie bdzie chciaa zdobywa tego samego terytorium. Cesarz ktry bdzie potrafi umiejtnie wykorzysta potg zachodnich krzyowcw moe rwnie skorzysta z nich osabiajc swoich przeciwnikw."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_DANISH_EARLY"]
@{"Krlestwem Danii nie mona kierowa w tej czci gry"}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_EGYPTIAN_EARLY"]
@{"Rzdzca zgodnie z Islamem, dynastia Fatymidw w Egipcie zostaa obdarowana na wiele sposobw. Serce ich domeny pozostaje tak bogate i yzne jak zawsze, dziki corocznym wylewom Nilu. Wspaniae miasta wzdu jego brzegw s jednymi z najbardziej wyszukanych, bogatych i ttnicych yciem w znanym wiecie. Czciowo zawdziczaj to greckiej i rzymskiej kulturze odziedziczonej po Imperium Rzymskim, Fatymidzi odcisnli na niej swoje znami i zmienili j w co bogatszego: w prawdziwie owiecon i pen erudycji kultur."}
@{"Muzumascy wadcy Egiptu s rwnie tolerancyjni do stopnia nie widzianego nigdzie indziej: ydzi, Prawosawni, Chrzecijanie i wyznawcy Kocioa Koptyjskiego oraz wiele innych sekt maj nieskrpowany dostp do swoich praktyk religijnych, chocia s wykluczeni od sprawowania niektrych stanowisk rzdowych. Polityka taka daje podwaliny pod popularno wrd ludzi, co dobrze rokuje na przyszo."}
@{"Egipt dowiadcza zewntrznych zagroe, jednak jest dobrze przygotowany na do ich przyjcia. Na zachodzie istnieje tendencja do ekspansji Katolicyzmu, ktra moe prowadzi do kopotw. Przyszo muzumaskiej kontroli nad wschodnimi wybrzeami Morza rdziemnego moe by zagroona. Zawsze istnieje szansa na to, e Cesarstwo Bizantyjskie bdzie prbowao odzyska bezporedni kontrol nad swoimi dawnymi prowincjami. W dodatku Almohadzi na zachodzie nie okazuj przyjani ktra powinna charakteryzowa braci Muzuanw i to samo dotyczy Turkw na bliskim wschodzie. Uporanie si z kadym z tych wyzwa pozwala miao patrze w przyszo wadcy Egiptu - bogactwo krajw rdziemnomorskich i wiata Islamu jest do zdobycia!"}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_ENGLISH_EARLY"]
@{"Do roku 1087 Anglia a przynajmniej jej wiksza cz znajduje si pod twardymi rzdami Normaskich wadcw. Krl, jego dworzanie i generaowie s francuskojzycznymi Normanami. Posiadaj ziemie po obu stronach kanau La Manche. Anglia jest tylko czci wikszego pastwa normaskiego, ale dziki handlowi wen staje si coraz bogatsza. Krlewskie majtki we Francji - trzeba to powiedzie - s znacznie cenniejsze ni jego angielskie prowincje."}
@{"Pozycje pocztkowe na obu atwych do obrony wyspach i na kontynencie s dla angielskiego krla jednoczenie szans jak i problemem. Krlestwo jest rozcignite i nie jest atwo go broni w kadym miejscu. S rwnie polityczne czynniki: dziki dawnej przysidze wiernoci krl Anglii jest nominalnie wasalem krla Francji. Oczywicie angielscy krlowie rozmylnie nie zwracaj uwagi na ten fakt, lecz jest on koci niezgody midzy nimi a Francj. Angielskie ambicje by zdoby jak najwicej ziem i wadzy kosztem Francji jest kolejn kwesti  w historii stosukw midzy oboma narodami. Angielscy krlowie s oczywicie katolikami, lecz nie zaprzestaj stara by przej kontrol nad Kocioem w Anglii z rk Rzymu. Wysiki te cay czas nie przynosz efektw. Pomimo tego, krlowie Anglii s w duym stopniu poboni i maj w sercu strach Boy."}
@{"Jak zawsze rozwaajc moliwoci rozwoju, Anglicy musz zwraca uwag na rodzim wysp jak i zamorskie tereny we Francji. Atak na Francuzw wyglda bardzo kuszco, ale kady angielski wadca ktry nie zwraca uwagi na Szkocj prosi si o kopoty. Szkocja, Walia i Irlandia mog zosta ujarzmione najpierw, chocia wie si to z zapat w krwi i zocie, istnieje rwnie ryzyko ataku ze strony Francuzw. Podbite wyspy z pewnoci bd wymaga silnych garnizonw okupacyjnych. Pomimo tych trudnoci Anglicy maj normaski wigor i rosnce poczucie jednoci narodowej ktre wie ich pod panowaniem silnego wadcy. Maj potencja by sta si wielkim zachodnim imperium."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_FRENCH_EARLY"]
@{"Na pierwszy rzut oka sytuacja krla Francji nie wyglda na godn pozazdroszczenia. Centrum jego wadzy - Pary i Ile-de-France wyglda na mae i trudne do obrony, a szlachta czsto otwarcie lekceway jego zwierzchno. To e do tej szlachty nominalnie mona zaliczy take krla Anglii nie daje pocieszenia. W oczach Francuzw angielscy krlowie moe i s wasalami Francji, ale w rzeczywistoci s nieproszonymi panami wielu ziem. Krl Francji nie ma adnej wadzy nad tym co jest jego wasn domen, a gdzie zamieszani s Anglicy. Wczeniej czy pniej ten problem bdzie musia by rozwizany raz i na zawsze."}
@{"Do tego czasu, Francja musi konkurowa z potencjalnie agresywnym ssiadem z pnocy, witym Cesarstwem Rzymskim na wschodzie, stosunkowo sabymi chrzecijaskimi krlestwami Hiszpanii i Woch na poudniu. Zaraz po Anglikach najwikszym rywalem jest wite Cesarstwo Rzymskie szczeglnie gdy Cesarz jako cel wyznaczy sobie podbicie Woch. Jeeli to moliwe, ekspansja na pnocne Wochy jest dobrym sposobem na zabezpieczenie francuskich interesw i pokrzyowanie planw Cesarstwa. Bdzie to szczeglnie wane gdy stosunki z Kocioem Katolickim stan si napite. Francuska armia w Rzymie jest solidnym argumentem w rozmowach z papieem, cho moe powodowa niezadowolenie wrd poddanych i niepokoje na tle religijnym."}
@{"Pomimo e perspektywy Francuzw zdaj si by odmalowane w przygnbiajcych kolorach, nie jest a tak le jak mogoby sie wydawa. Francja jest bardzo bogatym krajem obfitujcym w zasoby. Kiedy francuski krl rozdysponuje je mdrze i zabezpieczy centrum kraju, nieprzyjaciele bd mieli duy problem by je odebra, zwaszcza e broni go bdzie kwiat francuskiego rycerstwa. W przypadku ataku na ssiada Francja ma rwnie t przewag: honor i szlachectwo francuskich rycerzy jest podziwiany w caym wiecie! Ponad wszystko Francuzi unika musz ekspansji (i co za tym idzie przecigajcych si wojen) w kilku kierunkach na raz. Wojna przeciw Anglikom nie moe doprowadzi do utraty innych ziem na rzecz Cesarstwa i vice versa. Francja ma szans by potg, ale tylko gdy bdzie rzdzona umiejtnie."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_GERMAN_EARLY"]
@{"Chocia wydaje si by okrone przez wrogw i wewntrznie skcone, wite Cesarstwo Rzymskie nie jest sabeuszem. Cesarz jest panem olbrzymich poaci Niemiec i wielu innych krain. Jedynym ograniczeniem jego wadzy jest nielojalno i skcenie lokalnych wasali. Niewielu wewntrz Cesarstwa poczuwa si do lojalnoci wobec kogo spoza najbliszego otoczenia, przez co efektywne rzdzenie cesarstwem praktycznie rwna si okupacji. Doda do tego trzeba cig rywalizacj z Papieem o zwierzchno w Cesarstwie: Cesarze kreowali wasnych papiey, przez ktrych byli pniej ekskomunikowani!"}
@{"Jeeli jednak cesarzowi uda si utrzyma wszystkie prowincje wewntrz pastwa, jego sia w przyszych podbojach bdzie ogromna. Kada nowo zdobyta prowincja przy ostrzonych rzdach moe okaza si bardziej lojalna idei Cesarstwa ni stare tereny imperium wewntrz Niemiec."}
@{"Marsz na wschd przeciwko Polsce moe przynie atwe upy przy zachowaniu odpowiedniej uwagi. Polacy mog mie wasne problemy na swoich wschodnich granicach i waciwa presja ze strony Niemiec moe da prawdziwe korzyci. Ruch na poudniowy wschd jest rwnie moliwy, przez Bakany w stron Morza Czarnego zmiatajc po drodze mao znaczce krlestwa. Na poudniu bogate prowincje pwyspu woskiego s kuszce z uwagi na dodatkowe moliwoci jakie daje kontrolowanie Rzymu i tym samym wywieranie wpywu na Papiestwo. Centralna pozycja pozwala Cesarzowi poprowadzi atak w kad ze stron, lecz moe by rwnie powodem agresji w kadym miejscu wzdu rozcignitych granic."}
@{"Na koniec, aden Cesarz nie powinien przeoczy moliwoci jakie mog da Krucjaty, gdy Papie wezwie do nich.  Kt moe powiedzie, jakie ziemie stan si dostpne w wyniku takiego przedsiwzicia?"}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_ITALIAN_EARLY"]
@{"Wosi s obdarzeni bogatymi ziemiami, przemysem i oprcz tego sporymi wpywami z handlu. Wiele z europejskiego bogactwa przepywa przez Wochy i skarbce Papiea i sporo tych funduszy trafia nastpnie do rk woskich kupcw. Sytuacja ta daje wadcy Woch szans na stanie si wielkim, jak to uj  rzymski filozof i mwca Cyceron - "nervos belli, pecuniam infinitam" (nerw wojny - nieskoczone pienidze). Wosi posiadaj rwnie wojownicz i skor do przygd natur, ktra moe sprawi, e czasami bdzie trudno nimi rzdzi. Nie mona zapomina o odwiecznym problemie Rzymu i Papiestwa: religia i uczucia religijne mog dziaa zarwno na korzy, jak i na zgub wadcy."}
@{"Okazje do wykorzystania przez miaego wadc pojawiaj si w wielu formach. Na pnocnym zachdzie poudniowe prowincje Francuzw nie zawsze s tak dobrze zabezpieczone, jakby krl Francji mg sobie yczy; religijne i wieckie rnice mog oznacza e Francja ma problemy z wasnym ludem nawet podczas obrony przed angielskim ekspansjonizmem. Na pnocy potga Cesarstwa moe stopniowo kurczy si i upada. Na wschodzie Bakany mog by kuszcym elementem przyszego imperium. Oczywicie jest rwnie perspektywa budowy morskiej potgi. By moe, w duszym okresie dominacja nad wodami Morza rdziemnego jest najlepszym sposobem na zdystansowanie przeciwnikw. Przeszkod tutaj bd potgi morskie i handlowe Bizancjum oraz krlestw islamskich. Majc do dyspozycji dochody z handlu rdziemnomorskiego i prowincje ojczyste odpowiednio zabezpieczone, woski wadca powinien podoa zbrojnemu powikszeniu swojej domeny."}
@{"Wszystkie z powyszych strategii nios za sob ryzyko. To samo bogactwo ktre pomaga Wochom czyni z nich potencjalny cel napaci dla ssiadw. Krl Francji i Cesarz Niemiecki mog nie oprze si pokusie mieszania si w wewntrzne sprawy Woch, nie mwic ju o zakrojonej na szerok skal zbrojnej napaci. Konkurowanie na morzach oznacza odebranie palmy pierwszestwa Bizantyjczykom, lub nawet osabienie ich w takim stopniu, e nie bd si ju duej mogli oprze przyszej ekspansji islamu. Ale gdyby Wochy mogy skorzysta z tych machinacji i jeszcze z Krucjaty lub dwch..."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_POLISH_EARLY"]
@{"W poprzednim stuleciu Polska czerpaa korzyci ze saboci swoich ssiadw i silnych wizi z Cesarstwem i Papiestwem, pomimo faktu, e mino niewiele ponad 100 lat odkd chrzecijastwo stao si religi jej wadcw i porzucono pogaskich bokw. Polski ksi przysiga lenne posuszestwo Cesarstwu a nawet w niedalekiej przeszoci uczyni swe pastwo podlegym papiestwu. Rosnca sia militarna sprawia, e nadszed czas na rozstanie z Cesarstwem i samodzielne sprawowanie wadzy w pastwie przez polskiego krla. Granice Krlestwa Polski nie s jednak wyryte w kamieniu - szanse jak i zagroenia czaj si ze wszystkich stron."}
@{"Sposobnoci na budowanie potgi znajduj si wok na wycignicie rki. atwym upem wydaj si sabe, mao znaczce ksistwa nie zwizane lennie z adnym silnym krlestwem oraz ziemie mniejszych krlestw. Bez centralnej wadzy, te mae pastewka upadn wobec nagego i dobrze zaplanowanego ataku. Sprytny wadca Polski skorzysta na saboci swoich mniejszych ssiadw. Nawet zagroenie sankcjami kocioa nie jest przeszkod w rozwoju, poniewa cigle jest wiele miejsc, gdzie yj poganie. Ich dusze dojrzay do zbawienia poprzez podbj. Na wschodzie i pnocnym wschodzie lud jest bitny, lecz daleko mu do organizacji ludw z zachodu. Na zachodzie zdobycze s bogatsze, lecz ryzyko o wiele wiksze, poniewa moe doprowadzi do otwartego konfliktu z Cesarstwem w rodkowych Niemczech."}
@{"Potga Cesarstwa moe by problemem, zwaszcza gdy Cesarz wiadomie wybierze, lub okolicznoci skoni go do marszu na wschd. Mdry wadca Polski zrozumie, e moe nie podoa pokonaniu armii Cesarstwa, lecz moe uczyni wojn  tak kosztown w krew i zoto,  e powstzyma jej pochd w gab kraju i odbije to co utraci."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_RUSSIAN_EARLY"]
@{"Ksistwem Rosji nie mona kierowa w tej czci gry"}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_SPANISH_EARLY"]
@{"Chrzecijascy krlowie Hiszpanii nie s jedynymi roszczcymi sobie prawo do ziem na poudnie od Pirenejw. Muzumascy wadcy Almohadzkiego Kalifatu posiadaj znaczn cz pwyspu iberyjskiego i s zaprzysigymi wrogami Hiszpanw. Prawie wygnani ze swoich ziem przez Almohadw, Hiszpanie desperacko broni pozostaych prowincji i staraj si kontratakowa. Obrona chrzecijaskiej Hiszpanii staa si spraw wit, jako e Hiszpanie uwaaj si za obrocw chrzecijastwa na zachodzie. Pomimo to, Almohadzi s wielkim i potnym przeciwnikiem i, wedle wielu miar s znacznie bardziej zaawansowani kulturowo i cywilizacyjnie."}
@{"Zwycistwo nad Almohadzkim Kalifatem musi by podstawowym celem kadego hiszpaskiego krla. Dopki nie wypdzi si Almohadw z Hiszpaskiej ziemi, doputy bd zagroeniem, nawet sama ich obecno jest grona. Pokojowe wspycie jest moliwe, lecz tylko na chwil, plany na duej to po prostu monki. Katolicka Hiszpania i Islamska Hiszpania podaj tych samych ziem i tych samych dusz i katolicki krl Hiszpanii nie moe si godzi na adne kompromisy. Dotychczas nie mona byo sobie pozwoli na luksus tolerancji i wydaje si e w przyszoci rwnie to nie nastpi. Hiszpanie powinni wykorzysta sw arliw wiar w drodze do zwycistwa - Almohadw trzeba pokona w wielu bitwach by zabezpieczy ojczyzn. Jeeli to si nie powiedzie, trzeba bdzie powici zbyt wiele rodkw na utrzymanie garnizonw obronnych aby myle o nowych podbojach."}
@{"Sprowadzenie caej Hiszpanii na ono kocioa ju jest wielkim wyczynem, lecz jeli ju to si uda, dalsza ekspansja jest moliwa. Inwazja na poudniow Francj napotyka na swej drodze trudny i niedostpny teren i bdzie wymagaa od hiszpaskiego krla cakowitej uwagi, ale z dowiadczonymi wojskami jest moliwa do przeprowadzenia. Zadanie to bdzie znacznie atwiejsze, jeeli Anglicy i Francuzi bd si w tym czasie wykrwawia w wojnie midzy sob."}
@{"Hiszpanie raczej nie maj dosy wojsk, by wysa cz z nich na krucjaty do Ziemi witej. Sytuacja ta moe ulec zmianie gdy pokonaj muzumaskich wadcw bliej swojej ojczyzny. Krucjat mona rwnie uy jako potnego narzdzia w wewntrznych bojach na pwyspie; silna to bro, lecz konsekwencje krucjat mog by rwnie okropne i nieprzewidywalne."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_TURKISH_EARLY"]
@{"Turcy to wojowniczy nard nie bez przyczyny dumny ze swoich wojennych umiejtnoci. Kiedy stepowi wojownicy na subie muzumaskich ksit, teraz sami stali si muzumaskm ksistwem dziki swoim zdolnociom. Zbudowali sutanat, ktry nie tylko rzuci wyzwanie potdze Bizancjum, ale rwnie zapanowa nad drogami do Ziemi witej i bogatymi szlakami handlowymi poprzez kraje Lewantu (wschodnie wybrzee Morza rdziemnego). Powstanie tak silnego pastwa nie obyo si bez wewntrznych konfliktw, lecz sutanat Turecki ze wszystkich kryzysw wychodzi silniejszy. Pozycja Turkw jest godna pozazdroszczenia i gotowa na dalsz ekspansj, lecz towarzyszom im rwnie zagroenia."}
@{"Po pierwsze, Prawosawni chrzecijanie z Imperium Bizantyjskiego mog przedstawi ekspansj tureck nie tylko jako zagroenie dla ich wasnej potgi, lecz jako atak na Jerozolim, cel pielgrzymek Chrzecijan z caej Europy. To moe sprowadzi krzyowcw i innych owcw przygd na Bliski Wschd z zamiarem zniszczenia potgi Turkw. Po drugie, samo Bizancjum. Mimo e Cesarstwo chyli si ku upadkowi, wcale nie jest powiedziane, e tak musi si sta. Zrczny wadca bez trudu mgby zgromadzi wystarczajc ilo rodkw, by zaatakowa i pokona Turkw! Mdry sutan utrzymuje armie w gotowoci do wojny, nawet jeli nie planuje natychmiastowej ekspansji."}
@{"Okazji na rozwj jest jednak wiele : bogate i kuszce prowincje Cesarstwa Bizantyjskiego s teraz nie przygotowane na atak po latach dekadencji, a za nimi znajduje si nagroda najwiksza ze wszystkich : Konstantynopol i jego niezmierzone bogactwa. Dalej s ju tylko nic nie znaczce ksistwa na Bakanach. Sutan turecki moe pewnego dnia wada wasnymi ziemiami, jak i wikszoci Europy!  Ziemia wita i daleki Egipt take kusz i mona je zdoby, gdy ma si siy wystarczajce do powstrzymania gniewu zachodnich Chrzecijan i krucjat ktre zostan wysane by broni witych miejsc ich religii."}


// Faction descriptions - High Era

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_ALMOHAD_HIGH"]
@{"The Almohad Caliphate includes North African coastal lands and a large part of the Spanish peninsula. Coming from a desert people, the Berber tribesmen of the Almohad dynasty conquered North Africa and then took Spain from its Islamic princes while supposedly helping them. The Almohads never enjoyed lax morality and easy living, and so have ruled their lands with a rod of iron. The Khalifah's rule has kept his subject Christians and Jews under control, although this is now just as much a reflection of the intolerant attitudes shown by the Kings of Spain towards their Islamic and Jewish subjects."}
@{"Catholic strength in Spain is a problem that needs addressing by the Almohads. Their domain has always been the target for the Spanish who are intolerant of Islam, and they have been slowly driven south. As a consequence, Almohad policy must be a concentration of effort against further Spanish attacks. Unless the Spanish are checked there can be no revival in Almohad fortunes, as the Iberian peninsular provinces are the richest in their empire. The Almohads still have considerable strength: their government is efficient; their military skills are formidable; and their troops have few equals in open battle when handled well, being as fanatical and brave as any Christian "crusader"."}
@{"If the Almohads rise to meet the immediate challenges they face, then they can be a power in the Mediterranean world and beyond. The Spanish are not unbeatable (their own internal problems are great), and beyond them the French and English are still at each other's throats. Both the Christian provinces of Spain and the southern lands of France present rich pickings, and simply reaching the Pyrenees would give the Khalifah's armies a natural defensive line to hold. Across the sea, the southern Italian provinces could also be rich targets, although a direct threat to Rome could unite Catholic forces. Along the north African coast, Egyptian lands may also be vulnerable as the rulers of Egypt are likely to be distracted by Crusaders in the Holy Lands and the possibility of a resurgent Byzantine Empire."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_BYZANTINE_HIGH"]
@{"In the last 100 years or so, the Byzantine Empire has seen its power and influence slowly decline. By the standards of any other Christian land, Byzantium is still fabulously rich, its people heirs to the imperial greatness of Rome. But disaster has struck in the last year: Constantinople has fallen to a so-called crusader army, made up of ambitious and greedy men who should have been fighting Byzantium's enemies. Instead, they took the city as their own, installed a usurping "Latin Emperor", and the rightful Emperor now lives in exile!"}
@{"Although much wealth was plundered when Constantinople was taken, what is left to the Empire still attracts the envy of others. Trade has enriched the Imperial coffers with taxes and bribes, and Byzantine coinage remains universally acceptable. Constantinople (or Byzantium) itself, founded as the second Rome by Constantine the Great, is still the greatest city in Europe, even under the false Latin Emperor. Its walls still look impregnable, the people almost impossibly wealthy and cultured."}
@{"The Byzantine Empire has its share of other problems, beyond simply losing the capital city. Its mercenary armies are no longer quite as formidable as they were and are expensive, but they provide a measure of security. Its ancient frontiers have been broken and overrun, but there is still some maritime greatness. Crusaders from the west have not added to the security of the Empire - they are little better than pillaging barbarians, even if they have diverted Islamic attentions away from the Byzantines. The Pope in Rome and the Byzantine patriarchs are still at loggerheads, however, even in the face of Islamic expansionism."}
@{"From the east and south, the Turkish and Arabic powers threaten to take still more territory. But there is now the possibility of allying with one of the Islamic powers that do not see eye-to-eye on many matters, and using them to strike down their fellow Muslims. All that said, the apparent Byzantine weakness hides an inner strength and a will to survive and thrive. The Empire need not fail, as long as it is under the command of the right Emperor."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_DANISH_HIGH"]
@{"The lands of the north are bleak and uncompromising, but they have always produced superlative fighting men. The Vikings, the Normans, the Rus and even the Varangian Guard in far-off Byzantium are all Norsemen of one sort or another. As navigators, traders and warriors, Norsemen have few rivals in the world, although their raiding voyages are now nearly at an end. Denmark is established as the strongest of the Scandinavian kingdoms, having crushed the pagan Wends in northern Germany and their own pagans in the wilder lands to the north. The kings of Denmark have also cleverly avoided being absorbed into the Empire as just one more province, even though they have had Imperial support in the past."}
@{"With a partly secure power base, the Danes can do well if they avoid being overrun by Imperial forces outside Scandinavia. Their position at the mouth of the Baltic makes development as a maritime power an attractive, and possibly vital, option. If the Baltic can be controlled, then Danish armies can move at will to any point along the coast, creating enclaves of Danish power to the east. The smaller, independent duchies and principalities can be picked off and then used to expand Danish power further along the northern periphery of Eastern Europe. This may be a continuation of the Viking era, but the intention is to hold what is invaded rather than simply despoil the land. It can bring a Danish ruler into competition with Poland, Russia and the Empire, as these kingdoms may be trying to acquire the same lands on the Baltic coast. Southern expansion into the rich provinces of central and western Germany is also an option for a strong Danish ruler, but one that must be carefully timed to avoid an Imperial backlash. It is a strategy that works well when Imperial authority has collapsed, as the resources of an angered Emperor are likely to be great indeed."}
@{"Finally, it is only two centuries ago that Danish rulers could also claim the kingship of England, before the coming of the Norman overlords (descendants of Vikings themselves) who now rule there. Perhaps these old claims could be renewed, and a new maritime kingdom across the Northern seas could be created. Wherever a ship can go there could be a way for the Danish to make a profit - or a killing!"}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_EGYPTIAN_HIGH"]
@{"The Islamic rulers of Egypt have been blessed like the Pharaohs of old by the Nile, which makes the heartland of their domains a rich and fertile place. The great cities of the Nile valley are some of the oldest, most sophisticated and wealthy in the world, thanks in part to the survival of Greek and Roman culture. This learning, however, has been transformed into a distinctly enlightened Arabic form by the influence of ideas from Baghdad and further east. Merchants of all kinds have travelled the same routes as knowledge, and brought back wealth too."}
@{"Until recently, the Egyptian sultans were very tolerant rulers, but they are becoming more militaristic in their outlook. Orthodox Christians, Jews, Coptic Christians, even Catholics and Christian heretic sects are allowed to worship as they wish, but are excluded almost without exception from power. This gives the domain an underlying strength and unity in its Islamic government that stands it in good stead to meet the future. They have a powerful army, including Mamluk slave warriors, and it is a force with few equals in the Christian world where battlefield discipline is concerned."}
@{"External threats and opportunities are two sides of the same coin. There are still the Catholic powers to be concerned about, disguised as their ambitions may be by a veneer of religion. The Almohads to the west are under pressure in Spain and may yet abandon their European lands; and cornered men are often at their most dangerous, striking out at anyone near at hand. Egypt may be vulnerable to an attack along the North African coast. The Turks continue to press forwards, and may choose to advance towards Cairo rather than Constantinople, so then an alliance with the Byzantine Empire could prove profitable. And across the Mediterranean in southern Europe, Italian factionalism presents an opportunity to snatch new lands, alongside the threat of a new maritime power. Providing that each of these challenges can be met, there is plenty to look forward to as a ruler of Egypt - the wealth of the Mediterranean and much of the Islamic world is there for the taking!"}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_ENGLISH_HIGH"]
@{"In 1205 England is a land with potential greatness, but one that has suffered hard knocks in the previous decades and seen its power diminished. The English still have the potential to become a great continental power, uniting the home islands and France beneath a single crown. This almost came about under Henry II fifty years ago, but since then his Angevin empire has been divided and lost."}
@{"England has become an island nation, but a potentially wealthy one (English wealth is based almost exclusively on its unglamorous but profitable wool trade). The fearsome Welsh longbow has begun to make its contribution to English armies too. The overseas holdings of the English Kings are much reduced, lost to the French in a series of disastrous bargains, wars and acts of foolishness. At one point almost masters in France, the English have been on the defensive for generations, holding on to the last valuable lands they own."}
@{"However, the English are now the master in their island home. The Welsh have been subdued, if not yet crushed; Wales still needs strong garrisons. Ireland too is an English possession, although this too needs a formidable garrison. The Scots can be contained, probably, and permanent conquest of Scotland (or dynastic chicanery to achieve the same ends) remains an English ambition, and one that could be fulfilled with sufficient effort."}
@{"Looking abroad, there are the lost French lands of the Angevin kings to re-conquer. The kingdom of France may now rule much of France, but any English king could - and should - make a good claim to rule on French soil. The few lands in France that remain are valuable in themselves, but also offer a toehold to launch an attack to retake what is rightfully English! And once conquered, these lands will need garrisons to protect them from inevitable French reprisals. This struggle for dominance with the French will need to be uppermost in any English ruler's mind, and guide his choice of allies in both the short and long term."}
@{"Overall, the English still represent a credible force in the race to become a power in western Christendom."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_FRENCH_HIGH"]
@{"The star of French kings is definitely in the ascendant. They have done much in the last century to make France strong, and to secure her borders against foreign aggression. Thanks to English carelessness (and the power of French armies) some of the lands that had English overlords are now back in French hands. The French nobility are still intractable and wilful, of course, and flout the King's authority at every opportunity, but the King's position is strong, his treasury wealthy and his prospects better than they have ever been."}
@{"The English, of course, still see much of France as their property and still want to be masters of the realm. The French must contend with this aggressive neighbour to the north, but can counter the English by conducting invasions of their own - the English cannot be strong everywhere! To the east, the Holy Roman Empire is less of a threat than it used to be, perhaps, as opportunities exist for an Imperial move eastwards rather than into France. Expansion into northern Italy still represents a good way of securing French glory, and may also thwart Imperial ambitions in that direction - and damage the Italians too! To the south, the Spanish are likely to be pre-occupied with their wars against the Almohads. The French do have some of the finest knights in the world at their disposal, but more than great valour may be required to win new glory for the crown!"}
@{"This all paints a rosy picture of French strengths and prospects, but a wise ruler knows to allow for contingencies. Spending wisely to secure what is already French is always a good strategy before mounting any expedition to take new lands. Religious differences can tear a realm apart as surely as any others, and the French need to be aware of this, as heresy is a cancer if not cut out. The Catholic Church, not always the easiest of allies, needs to be appeased or controlled, so the power and benefits of a Crusade are also things that a French monarch should bear in mind."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_GERMAN_HIGH"]
@{"Surrounded by rivals and subject to internal dissent, the Holy Roman Empire sometimes appears weak, a realm held together only by the most fragile of bonds. No one within the Empire really thinks of themselves as Imperial subjects - their loyalties are to the principality, the duchy, the free city, or even the village where they live. The Holy Roman Empire seems an ideal in the minds of men more than a physical reality, and in the hands of a weak leader it is sometimes barely this much. But under a strong Emperor, Imperial power can be awesome. The magnates can be forced to bow to Imperial authority, and once dissent and disloyalty are controlled great things can be achieved. The Empire can be held together by force of will and force of arms, and it can be made greater still by both of these."}
@{"Above all other strategic considerations, the Emperor must avoid war against more than one opponent at a time. His central position in Europe may allow attacks in any direction, and the Empire can be strongly defended against counterattacks, but a surrounded man is still surrounded, no matter how great his strength. Imperial power needs to be used against one opponent at a time, and Imperial diplomacy should be aimed at making sure enemies do not act in concert."}
@{"A drive to the east against Poland or Hungary can be profitable, although the warlike nature of these peoples should not be underestimated. Beyond is the space to expand almost at will. To the west, the French may be distracted by war with England, a long running rivalry that can be exploited. In the north, the Danes will need careful watching, intent as they are on creating their own empire. To the south, the rich provinces of the Italian peninsular are a temptation, and the long-running dispute with the Pope as to the nature of Papal authority may require an army to occupy Rome, even if this results in a religious backlash."}
@{"Finally, no Emperor should overlook the possibilities for power presented by a Crusade. Nothing lasting may yet have been achieved in the Holy Lands by Crusaders, but who is to say what benefits might be available to a cunning ruler in the wake of such an adventure?"}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_ITALIAN_HIGH"]
@{"Italy is blessed with rich farmlands, skilled craftsmen and cunning merchants. It is also cursed by the presence of rich farmlands, skilled craftsmen and cunning merchants, or at least by the desire that this wealth provokes in others. Much of the wealth of western and northern Europe flows into and through Italy, into the coffers of the pope and the banking houses of the cities and money can be converted into both military and political clout. The Italians are also blessed with an adventurous and sometimes warlike nature, one that makes them difficult, even rebellious, subjects at times but worthwhile soldiers in times of war."}
@{"There are opportunities on all sides for a skilled and resolute Italian leader. To the northwest the French are likely to be concentrating on their rivalry with England, or looking to the east and more Crusades. To the north the Swiss are defiantly independent and good soldiers to boot. Beyond them the Empire can be a tempting target should it fall into disorder. To the east, the fading power of Byzantium is still something to be treated with respect, but that respect need not be as boundless as it was once. The Byzantines have many problems of their own and may not be able to hold what is currently theirs in the Balkans. To the far south lie the Islamic lands across the Mediterranean. Invasion there would be difficult, and it is a wise Italian prince who remembers that an invasion force can come from the most inconvenient direction. The seas also offer the chance of maritime greatness: profitable trade and warfare can go hand in hand at sea."}
@{"Papal authority may also not be as solid as it was once upon a time, but it's always worth remembering that Italy, the home of the Papacy, is a tempting target for a strong Emperor. Heretical thought has been growing for many years over some of the Church's more dubious practices, such as selling absolution for sins, not to mention the Church's ever-increasing wealth. In many cases, this heresy is no more than a desire to return to simpler, less worldly religious practices. But there are heretics in northern Italy and in France who represent more of a threat to the established order, the Cathars among them. Although it could be a terrible risk, carrying excommunication and damnation as the price of failure, an Italian ruler could exploit these religious differences to his own ends."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_POLISH_HIGH"]
@{"After a century of expansion profiting from the weakness of its neighbours and its strong relationship with the Empire and the Papacy, Poland remains potentially strong, at least for the moment. The Polish monarchy has managed to hold onto many of its relatively new possessions and Polish military strength has allowed resistance to the demands of the Empire as the power relationship changed."}
@{"The borders of the kingdom of Poland are not, however, set in stone: both opportunity and danger wait on all sides. Primogeniture - inheritance by the first-born - is not practiced in Poland, and the division of lands between children in every generation can make it hard to keep a kingdom intact; there is a tendency for the King to be the first among equals compared to the nobility. Even with these problems, the neighbouring petty principalities and dukedoms could fall before an aggressive, organised attack, and a cunning Polish King could take advantage of his smaller neighbours' weaknesses. All around are potentially rich pickings but all have risks, especially any expansionary move that will bring Poland into competition with Imperial power in Germany. The Russian princes to the east are less of a threat, but there are new threats beyond them. The steppe peoples are on the move once again, and a Polish ruler who does not keep an eye on Russian ambitions and the steppes is foolish indeed! Equally foolish is to ignore the intentions of the Holy Roman Emperor should his desire for land lead him to look at Polish territory."}
@{"The Catholic Church remains strong in Poland, and a useful tool for its kings to exploit, as there are pagans and Orthodox Christians to the east as rivals and (potential) enemies. The support of Mother Church can be relied upon, as there are still many places within reach of Polish arms where souls are ripe for salvation through conquest."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_RUSSIAN_HIGH"]
@{"Russia is a vast, hard land, hemmed in on one side by the relative might of Poland, and wide open on the other side, facing the endless steppes and whatever pagan barbarians emerge from the wilderness. Its winters are cruel, and its rulers in the city of Kiev are often the same. The princes of Kiev have withstood attacks by Bulgars, Pechenegs and Khazars, converted to the Orthodox faith and banished paganism from their lands. In defeating these enemies their military skills have been tested and proven, and new lands have been opened up thanks to those same warlike skills. Diplomatic finesse has also been present too: in the last century, the Kievan princes have sought links through marriage with ruling families in Norway, Hungary and even distant France. The Kievan Rus have also adopted the Orthodox faith without falling prey to excessive Greek influences from Byzantium."}
@{"The principality is, however, changing. Polish and German moves to the east mean that further expansion in that direction is likely to be difficult, but not necessarily impossible. Trade routes are also changing, although whether this is to Russia's profit or loss is yet to be become clear."}
@{"The princes of the Rus need to consider their options carefully. There are lands for the taking on many of their borders, but not all lands are equally valuable. The steppes are a land of huge distances and few villages. Looking to the west, Poland, Lithuania and Hungary lie across the shortest routes to central Europe. Along the Baltic coast, Danish ambitions may have to be countered, and to the south there is the imperial power of Byzantium to consider, and the growing power of the Turks, once steppe nomads and now a settled and civilized people."}
@{"Whatever a Russian prince decides, he needs to keep in mind the current crop of steppe nomads. The steppes seem to produce endless hosts of barbarians, and Russian lands are the first outposts of Orthodox Christianity against the pagan barbarians..."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_SPANISH_HIGH"]
@{"A century of warfare has not been enough to free all of Spain from its Almohad overlords and impose a new Catholic order on the country. The Kings of Spain still face a struggle to take all the lands south of the Pyrenees from their traditional blood enemies. It is true that there have been times of peace, but these have also been times of preparation for the next war and the next victory. The further expansion of Christian Spain rather than just its defence has taken on the air of a crusade for the Spanish, and the elimination of Islamic and non-Christian influences inside Spanish domains is now pursued with equal vigour."}
@{"Unless the infidels are driven from Spain, the Spanish will never feel entirely safe. Catholic Spain and Islamic Spain want the same land and the same souls, and Kings of Spain cannot and should not think of compromise. Intolerance is the policy of the state and the Church in Spanish lands, a means of securing loyalty through fear as well as faith."}
@{"Bringing Almohad lands into the Catholic fold may be greatness enough for some, but once it is done further expansion of the Spanish domain is possible. Any invasion into southern France is likely to be across rugged and inhospitable terrain, and this will require the nation's undivided attention. If the Almohads have not been defeated, too many men will be needed as garrisons to allow new conquests to be made, but successful warfare against the Almohads will also give the Spanish an experienced army, one that can be used for other conquests. With the French and English still locked in their long-running dispute and a rise in religiously inspired (and heretical) disloyalty in southern France, there is always the chance a Spanish kingdom with possessions to the north and south of the Pyrenees could be created, and perhaps even with lands in Italy as well."}
@{"There is, of course, always the chance to become involved in a Mediterranean struggle for new territory. Southern Italy can be vulnerable to invasion, especially if weakened by internal struggles, or if France or the Holy Roman Empire repeatedly invade the Italian peninsular from the north."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_TURKISH_HIGH"]
@{"In the last hundred years the warlike Turks have carved away many of the lands of the Byzantine Empire and made them their own. They can be justifiably proud of their martial tradition and skills that have taken them from being steppe warriors to becoming mighty Muslim princes. The Sultanate is now a real challenger to the power of Byzantium, and one that might well bring about the collapse of that ancient empire sooner rather than later. The ruling clan, the Seljuks, command armies that are both skilled and disciplined, the second quality being somewhat lacking in many Christian hosts. With their lands at the eastern end of the Mediterranean and towards the Black Sea, they now control the trading routes to the East and can tap the wealth that these generate. There are still disputes about the succession, but then the same could be said about any of the emerging nations of Europe and the Middle East."}
@{"The Turks are now a significant power in the eastern Mediterranean world. They dominate the approaches to the Holy Land and can draw on significant reserves of manpower for their armies. These hosts are far more disciplined than any Western army, well able to defend the sultanate's frontiers and push forward into disputed lands. These armies will be needed as Christian Crusaders remain a potent and seemingly irrational threat, and Byzantine encouragement of further Crusades is directly aimed at weakening Turkish power and influence. That the last of the Crusaders have been driven from the Holy Land (even though the Egyptian Sultan now rules there) should not be seen as proof that they cannot return to cause mischief. So a wise sultan keeps his armies ready for war, even when not contemplating immediate expansion."}
@{"The Turks, however, can afford to look beyond their immediate challenges and consider their ambitions for new territory. To the west, the Byzantine Empire stands as a shadow of its former greatness, but still a rival that will need to be crushed. Unless the Byzantines are swept aside, any Turkish expansion will be severely constrained. Once the Byzantines are driven back, a secure way to the Mediterranean world is also secured, and this means a sea-road to the lands beyond. Although there are still crusading fanatics to be considered, political reality may now mean that alliances with Christian princes in the west are now possible. They too have ambitions that can be harnessed for Turkish purposes. To the south are the fellow Muslims of Egypt, rivals in power even though they share the Islamic faith. The frontier with Egypt will have to be somewhere, and a sensible Turkish Sultan will make sure that it is as far south as possible."}



// Faction descriptions - Late Era

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_ALMOHAD_LATE"]
@{"The Almohad Caliphate is not a playable faction when using this starting date for a game."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_BYZANTINE_LATE"]
@{"The last one hundred years have been both cruel and kind to the Byzantine Empire. The loss of Constantinople to the Latin Emperors - western, Catholic crusaders who treacherously turned on their fellow Orthodox Christians - marked the lowest point. The small "Byzantine" kingdom that survived this disaster looked like the very last flickering of Roman imperial power, and unlikely to stand for long before its many enemies. But victory, however improbable, can sometimes be snatched from the jaws of the most crushing defeat, and this is what has happened to the Byzantines! The Latin Emperors are gone, and once again an Orthodox Emperor rules in Byzantium. The Empire, however, is much reduced; its borders are closer to the city walls than they have ever been before."}
@{"The root cause of the crusaders' treachery was, of course, money. The wealth of Byzantium, even in these straightened circumstances, is still a matter of awe and wonder to many. Trade still passes through the city in abundance, even though the mercantile cities of northern Italy have taken much trade away. The city walls may no longer be completely impregnable, but they are still mighty. Byzantium might look like it is in the last stages of decline, but this is not necessarily the case: its armies could be mighty again, and wealth could once again flow in uncountable quantities."}
@{"The heirs of the Caesars still have a chance to renew their imperial glory. The Turks are still a threat, and fellow Christians can no longer be trusted as once seemed to be the case, but there is always the chance that another victory can be snatched, that the frontiers can be pushed back, and that Byzantium can live on more than just the memories of past glories. A bold Emperor can carve a new Empire out of the surrounding lands, and make his people great once more!"}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_DANISH_LATE"]
@{"For most of the last century, Danish rulers have done well in extending their power across the northern lands of Europe and around the shores of the Baltic. They have also done well not to be overwhelmed by Imperial power and end up as simply another unhappy province in the Holy Roman Empire. Their Viking heritage has been incorporated into a feudal realm that is the equal of any other Christian kingdom in honour and prestige. There have been setbacks under recent rulers, but there is still an underlying strength to the kingdom. The bleak lands of the north still produce fine warriors: the Varangian Guard in far-off Byzantium still has Norsemen in its ranks!"}
@{"Denmark's strategic position remains potentially strong. Denmark also has the chance to become a strong maritime nation, controlling the northern seas and gaining trade wealth: an "empire of the north" around the Baltic and North Seas is there for the taking. Much of the Baltic coast has now been incorporated in one or other of the larger kingdoms but there are still independent duchies and principalities to be conquered. If a rival kingdom is already embroiled in war, the Danes may be able to overrun a coastal province or two. This can bring the Danes into a confrontation with Poland, Russia and the Holy Roman Empire, as these kingdoms may be trying to hold or take these same lands."}
@{"Southern expansion into the rich provinces of central and western Germany is also an option for a strong Danish ruler, but one that must be carefully timed. It is a strategy that works well when Imperial authority is weakened or has already collapsed, but the resources of a strong Emperor will be great indeed. There are also ancient ties across the North Sea in England that could be exploited too, should that kingdom show signs of weakness. Before the current Norman royal family (descendants of Vikings themselves) took control, Danish blood ran through the veins of English Kings."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_EGYPTIAN_LATE"]
@{"Islamic Egypt has been blessed by the Nile. The homeland is a place where famine is rare; the great cities along the Nile are sophisticated, rich and among the oldest in the world. Thanks to merchants, knowledge and wealth have flowed into the cities in abundance. Learning is prized, from the old knowledge of the Romans and Greeks to the new wisdom of Arabia, India and the east."}
@{"The rulers of Egypt, too, value Islamic learning and culture, if a little indirectly. It is less than 50 years since the Mamluks, the slave soldiers of the Ayyubid dynasty of the mighty Saladin, overthrew their masters and became the new rulers of Egypt. The Mamluks were and are warriors, and they leave the day-to-day management of their lands to functionaries, content as long as taxes are raised to pay for military adventures. Warfare is their chief pursuit, and the Mamluks are very good at making war."}
@{"Mamluk Egypt's opportunities and problems are two sides of the same coin. Although Catholic princes still talk of crusades, there seems to be little to fear from that direction, although the rise of powerful Christian kingdoms should never be entirely ignored. To the west, the Almohads are a people in decline and face serious problems in Spain, but cornered men can often be dangerous as well as vulnerable. The Turks continue their steady, relentless advance against the Byzantine Empire and this may occupy their entire attention, perhaps allowing Egyptian gains along their borders. An alliance with the Byzantine Empire, for example, may also help keep the Turks' attentions on Constantinople rather than Cairo. Across the Mediterranean, an alliance with Catholic Spain is unlikely, but interests are equally unlikely to clash. However, growing Italian mercantile and maritime ambitions could well have to be countered."}
@{"With a little planning, and with Egypt's reliable military strength, there is much to look forward to as ruler of this domain. The wealth of the Mediterranean and much of the Islamic world is there for the taking!"}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_ENGLISH_LATE"]
@{"Over the last century or so English kings have had mixed fortunes. The current ruler, Edward II, faces the hostility of the great nobles at every turn. Poorly considered disputes with the Papacy, fellow monarchs and great lords at home have all weakened the throne considerably. The English, for example, are a pious people and the Kings have suffered accordingly when going against papal authority. The Magna Carta has, in theory, made the King subject to the rule of law in the same way as his subjects, limiting his freedom to govern as he sees fit. England has also changed at the lower levels of society. A new class of petty landowners has come into being, the yeomen. There are still poor farmers, of course, but the yeomen have added greatly to the wealth of the country, and in parallel with their rising wealth they have greater expectations and pride in their new status. They are far less willing to submit meekly to their social betters, as once would have been the case. The loyalty of Englishmen and their willingness to pay taxes at the whim of the King can no longer be counted upon!"}
@{"Even with these concerns, England is wealthy and relatively well governed. The Welsh and Irish are, for the most part, safely subdued. Scotland remains the thorn in English flesh, one that will always need careful attention. All English Kings still hope for the uniting of the English and French crowns - worn, of course, by an Englishman. These ambitions are not as hopeless as they might seem for, although the old Angevin lands are gone, England may still have strength enough to conquer what her Kings claim in France. In turn, the French extend their claim of feudal sovereignty beyond the old English holdings in France to English holdings in England! It is not so many years since French soldiers harried the south coast of England. This continuing struggle for dominance with the French will need to be uppermost in any English ruler's mind, and guide his choice of allies."}
@{"Overall, the English position has promise. The strengths of the country have been ill served, under-used and squandered, but the potential for greatness under a strong leader is very real."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_FRENCH_LATE"]
@{"The last century has been kind to France. French Kings have become the masters in their own kingdom, put their government on a sound financial and administrative footing (something vital to the future health of the realm) and have developed a close relationship with the Papacy. Some would describe this as a domination of the Papacy, even though the Pope is not actually "imprisoned" on French soil. It was partly this influence that allowed the French monarchy to turn on the Knights Templar, accuse them of heresy, strip them of their accumulated wealth and lands and then destroy the crusading order, sending their Templars' Grand Master to the stake."}
@{"Rivalry with England is still central in all French policy, as it has to be to keep the English at bay and off-balance. Although related by marriage to the Kings of England, French rulers rightly have little love for their northern neighbours and treat them with suspicion and hostility, although this is sometimes cloaked beneath soft words! The English would still like to recover their former lands in France; the French cannot allow this, as they would be tenants in their own homes if such a disaster came to pass. To the south, there is the chance to meddle in the affairs of Italy and Spain: driving out the Muslims could easily allow new French possessions beyond the Pyrenees if the Spanish grow careless. To the east and in Italy the Holy Roman Empire is both a threat and an opportunity. A misstep by the Emperor may allow the French to expand their possessions; a strong Emperor bears careful watching."}
@{"In short then, France's position in the world is enviable: its farmlands are rich, its merchants wealthy, its monarchy secure and strong, its royal armies valorous and unmatched in honour. A wise ruler knows to allow for contingencies and secure his own lands before coveting new possessions, but the prospects for the future are excellent."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_GERMAN_LATE"]
@{"Over the last century the Holy Roman Emperors have been remarkable and insignificant in turn. One Emperor managed to get himself excommunicated no fewer than three times, was crowned King of Jerusalem (against the wishes of the Church), "forgot" his promises to go on Crusades, and even made an alliance with the Islamic Egypt! For nineteen years there were two Emperors, both so unimportant that the throne had to be considered empty. But most importantly of all, there has been an end to the Hohenstaufen dynasty and the Hapsburgs are the new Imperial family."}
@{"The Hapsburgs' holdings and family connections are what now give strength to the title of Emperor. The family are masters at the art of dynastic marriage: few opportunities to extend Hapsburg lands by treaty and marriage are ever ignored! And the lands they gain are held and rarely allowed to leave family control. The Holy Roman Empire may not have the power that it once possessed, but the Hapsburg Emperor is a powerful man in Europe. His lands, wealth and armies are the envy of other monarchs. Even the disapproval of the French-influenced Papacy has not been enough to cause him problems."}
@{"Disloyalty still plagues the Empire as its principalities, duchies and free cities all pursue their own policies, but a strong Emperor can overcome these obstacles. In central Europe there are lands to be secured against regional rebels. As long as the homelands of the Empire are secure, there are opportunities for war and diplomacy on all sides. French, Danish, Polish, Hungarian, and Italian lands can all be taken, provided that the other powers can be neutralised at least for the duration of a successful war. A sensible Emperor should always bear in mind that fighting on two borders at once means that Imperial power is, by definition, split. Imperial power, when it can be used against a single target, is crushing. And as long as Imperial diplomacy can keep enemies from uniting, military power can be used in just this fashion."}
@{"Finally, no Emperor should overlook opportunities for lasting alliances with kingdoms beyond his immediate neighbours. A counter-strategy of surrounding rivals by alliances or blood-relatives can be very successful in extending Hapsburg and Imperial influence."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_ITALIAN_LATE"]
@{"Italy is fortunate to have rich farmlands, skilled and industrious craftsmen and profit-hungry merchants. Much of Europe's wealth flows through Italian mercantile houses that are among the cleverest and most sophisticated in Europe. Italian cities are richer than almost any other Christian towns, rivalling Islamic cities (on a modest scale) with their culture and magnificence. In turn, this wealth is readily converted into political and military power. The Italians are an adventurous and occasionally warlike people: rebellious subjects at times but worthwhile soldiers in times of war."}
@{"There are opportunities and perils in unequal measure on all sides for a skilled and resolute Italian leader. To the northwest the French are likely to be concentrating on their rivalry with England. To the north the Swiss are defiantly independent, good soldiers and a valuable buffer against the Empire. Rome, of course, is the natural home of the Papacy, and this may make Italy a route for invasion by other powers intent on using military force for religious ends - Popes tend to be compliant when surrounded! To the east, Byzantium should still be treated with caution, but the days of automatic respect and awe are probably over, unless a strong Emperor emerges in Constantinople. The Byzantines have many problems of their own and may leave chances for an Italian domain to expand. To the south lie the Islamic domains on the far shore of the Mediterranean. Invasion in either direction would be difficult, but it is a wise Italian prince who remembers that an invasion force can come from the most inconvenient direction. But the seas also offer the chance of maritime greatness: profitable trade and warfare go hand in hand at sea."}
@{"Religion and politics also go hand in hand, and a resolute Italian leader may be able to exploit the confusion and problems in the Catholic Church. This could be a terrible risk, however, carrying excommunication and damnation as the price of failure!"}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_POLISH_LATE"]
@{"Poland has survived a century of terrible dangers, none more terrible than the attack of the Mongols in 1241. An army of Polish and Teutonic knights was crushed, and the land was spared only when the Mongols miraculously turned, thanks to the death of their ruler through over-indulgence. Fortunately, these ravening monsters from the steppes have not attacked again. Instead, the Poles have been faced with threats from a different direction, as the Teutonic Knights have continued to push against their borders, into lands that Poles have good cause to see as Polish."}
@{"The Catholic Church remains strong in Poland, a useful unifying force for any king to use. Heretics have a habit of arising in Bohemia and nearby lands, and there are Orthodox lands to the south and east, the homes of potential enemies. The support of Mother Church can generally be relied on in any attempts to bring these souls to true salvation via the sword."}
@{"Poland's borders have changed many times, as lands have been won and then allowed to slip away. Polish kings have lost few opportunities when taking advantage of their neighbours' weaknesses, even as the Teutonic Order has advanced from the west. Behind the Teutonic Order, of course, lie the ambitions of the Holy Roman Emperor. If these can be countered successfully, a warlike and resolute Polish king can still take advantage of his smaller neighbours' weaknesses. The Russian Princes are not, as yet, equals of Poland's monarchy and a move to crush them could be successful, if costly. It is, however, foolish is to ignore the intentions of the Holy Roman Emperor. To the west, the Empire remains a notional structure rather than a royal state in many respects, and one that may be vulnerable. A wrongly timed attack will, naturally, bring down the full wrath of the Emperor."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_RUSSIAN_LATE"]
@{"Russia is a land emerging from the empty spaces and vast forests of the steppes, and its borders are far from established. Its winters and rulers are cruel, making this a hard land of tough men. Space and distance make Russia a very different place from the kingdoms of the west, as does the Russian need to keep the steppe nomads at bay by whatever means necessary - prudent military preparations on the one hand, and bowing to the authority of the Mongol Khans on the other. As long as the Khans are given respect, Princes in Vladimir have a free hand to pursue their own ambitions."}
@{"The Orthodox Church has managed to stay distinctively Russian, making it another source of strength for the Grand Princes. This support has allowed them to move from Kiev to Vladimir as the former city has lost its trading importance. Russia is now ruled from Vladimir, but Moscow could easily be the next seat of royal government if trade patterns continue to change. But Russia is not yet a European kingdom, no matter how much its rulers may want it to be. Russia is Russia: huge, forbidding, empty, and dangerous."}
@{"Looking to the west, Poland, Lithuania and Hungary lie across the shortest routes to central Europe. Along the Baltic coast, Danish and Teutonic ambitions may have to be countered. This is true more than 80 years after Alexander Nevsky defeated the Teutonic Knights and their Scandinavian allies in battle. But Polish and German moves to the east may bring opportunities, if these kingdoms overextend their advance. To the south there is the fading imperial power of Byzantium and the growing power of the Turkish sultanate. And there are always the steppes, the endless lands to the east, although this may mean that the Tartars have to be faced."}
@{"Whatever a Russian Prince decides to do, he needs to remember the steppes and the endless hosts of steppe nomads that seem to come out of them. Russian lands are the first outposts of Orthodox Christianity in the struggle against these monstrous pagans..."}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_SPANISH_LATE"]
@{"Centuries of warfare have not yet been enough to free all of Spain from its Moorish overlords and impose Catholic order on the country. In the far south, a few die-hard Muslims remain unconquered. In the other parts of the land, there is also much work to do in rooting out the vestiges of Islamic influence - not everyone who claims to love the Church does so with the right degree of fervour, and so the Christian Kings of Spain still fight to free their lands from their blood enemies. Times of peace have been the lull before the storm. Until the remaining Muslims are driven from the Iberian peninsular, the Spanish will never feel safe. Catholic Spain has what it considers to be a divine mission to save not just the land, but also the souls of the people, and there can be no rest until the final victory is won."}
@{"Bringing Muslim lands into the Catholic fold may be worthwhile enough for some lords, but once this has been done, there are new possessions to attract the eye of any King of Spain. There is always a chance to become involved in a Mediterranean policy for acquiring new territory. Southern Italy can be vulnerable to invasion, especially if weakened by internal struggles, or if France or the Empire have invaded repeatedly from the north."}
@{"An alliance with the Holy Roman Empire can leave France surrounded and vulnerable, especially if the French are preoccupied with English entanglements. Southern France is a very different country from the north, and may accept a Spanish monarch - if the invasion can be pulled off successfully! And, finally, no King of Spain should ever forget the dynastic possibilities of marriage as a way of forming ties with almost any kingdom. As well as giving Spain claims to new lands, such links can provide allies for all kinds of adventures!"}

@["FSM_faction_info_faction_TURKISH_LATE"]
@{"In the last hundred years the warlike Turks have carved their way into the remaining Byzantine lands and made them their own. It would be wrong, however, to think that the Turks have been a unified force. The ruling clan, the Seljuks, has been challenged and supplanted by a new group, the Ottomans, under their dynamic leader Osman. He has attracted many to his banner and expanded Turkish lands on his own account. The Turks, no matter who rules them, continue to sit astride the most important trade routes to the Far East and thus profit from the merchants passing through their lands."}
@{"Turkish armies remain skilled and resolute in warfare, and a good deal more reliable and disciplined than many Christian troops (although the best Christian soldiers are probably a match for them). They can be justifiably proud of the martial traditions that have taken them from being steppe warriors to becoming mighty sultans. The Turks can draw on significant manpower for their armies, and should be well able to defend their possessions and push forward into disputed lands."}
@{"The Sultanate is the best placed candidate to be the destroyer of Byzantine hopes, the power that will one day bring about the final collapse of Byzantium. A wise Sultan, however, will know better than to make any such assumption, as the Byzantine Empire has weathered many crises. The Turks may be the significant power at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, but they have other enemies who would be happy to see them fail. The Islamic Mamluk military elite now rules in Egypt with plans for its own martial glory and expansion. The Turkish Sultan should keep his armies ready for defence as well as attack, and makes sure that his borders are as far to the south as possible!"}
@{"The Turks are lucky in that they can afford to plan ahead, knowing that time and accumulating wealth are their allies. The Byzantine Empire is a shadow of greatness, and beyond it are the rich pickings of Europe and the Mediterranean. It may even be possible to find Christian allies to help any advance into the Balkans. Christian princes may still profess obedience to their Church, but a certain knowing pragmatism now governs diplomacy, and this is something a powerful Sultan could use to his own benefit."}



["FSM_faction_info_faction_REBEL"]
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}




["FSM_faction_info_faction_ARAGONESE"]
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}



["FSM_faction_info_faction_BURGUNDIAN"]
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}



["FSM_faction_info_faction_GOLDEN_HORDE"]
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}



["FSM_faction_info_faction_HUNGARIAN"]
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}



["FSM_faction_info_faction_NOVGOROD"]
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}



["FSM_faction_info_faction_PAPIST"]
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}



["FSM_faction_info_faction_SICILIAN"]
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}



["FSM_faction_info_faction_SWISS"]
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}




["FSM_faction_info_faction_EXTRA_1"] 
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}
						             


["FSM_faction_info_faction_EXTRA_2"] 
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}
						             


["FSM_faction_info_faction_EXTRA_3"] 
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}


						             
["FSM_faction_info_faction_EXTRA_4"] 
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}


						             
["FSM_faction_info_faction_EXTRA_5"] 
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}
						             


["FSM_faction_info_faction_EXTRA_6"] 
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}
						             


["FSM_faction_info_faction_EXTRA_7"] 
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}
						             


["FSM_faction_info_faction_EXTRA_8"] 
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}


						             
["FSM_faction_info_faction_EXTRA_9"] 
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}
						             


["FSM_faction_info_faction_EXTRA_10"]
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}
						             


["FSM_faction_info_faction_EXTRA_11"]
{"This faction is not playable during this period of the game."}


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["Loading Production Files"]
{"Loading Production Files"}

@["Era_description_VIKING"]
@{"Jest Rok Paski 793. Brytania to zbir drobnych krlestw powstaych po opuszczeniu Wyspy przez ostatnie Rzymskie legiony. Nie ma jeszcze nawet koncepcji powstania jednolitego pastwa."}
@{"Imperium Rzymskie nie ponioso klski w Brytanii. Rzymianie opucili Wysp pozostawijc mieszkacw Brytanii z ich wasnymi nierozwizanymi problemami. W Roku Paskim 410 Cesarz Honrius w licie skierowa listw, krym zwrci uwag na to by mieli szczeglne baczenie na obron. Bya to jedyna pomoc jak mg zaoferowa Cesarz by ostrzec Brytw przed inwazj plemion Saksoskich. Sto lat pniej, ostatni z wielkich cesarzy Rzymskich - Konstantyn zosta ogoszony Cesarzem w pnocnej czci Brytanii - Eboracum. Jednake teraz Brytania i jej mieszkacy zostali ju sami - otoczeni wrogim wiatem. Odlege czci Wysp Brytyjskich nigdy nie byy czci Imperium Rzymskiego. Irlandia i wikszo terenw przyszej Szkocji nigdy nie zostay poddane zwierzchnoci Rzymu."} 
@{"Brytowie z caych si pracowali by doprowadzi ich krain do rozkwitu, niestety Prowincja rozpada si na drobne krlestwa w wyniku nacisku najedzcw i ambicji lokalnych przywdcw. Plemiona Saksoskie przybye z kontynentu zajy wikszo regionw pooonych na poudniowym wybrzeu doszcztnie pustoszc Rzymskie forty. Odtd byo to ju "Saksoskie Wybrzee". Owe forty miay zapobiec najazdom saksoskim. Pod przywdztwem legendarnych wodzw, takich jak Krl Artur, Brytowie odparli atak Saksoczykw, nie zdoali ich jednak wygna z Wyspy. Nawet Chrzecijastwo poczo zanika - podobnie jak panowanie Rzymskie nad Brytani - wypierane przez powracajce kulty pogaskie. Najedzcy pochodzili nie tylko ze wschodu, z dalekiej pnocy na brytw spadli Piktowie wprowadzeni w gb ldu przez Szkockie klany."}
@{"Powrt Chrzecijastwa zaj troch czasu. Papie posya swoich misionarzy do krainy Brytw. Problem polega na tym, i kady z wadcw musia by z osobna przekonywany do chrzecijastwa. Okoo VI wieku poowa Brytanii bya we wadzy Anglo - Saksoskich krlw, ktrzy uwaali si za Krlw nad Krlami. By to czas kiedy wodzowie mogli rozwija swoje ziemie kosztem ssiadw, ktrzy pokrzywdzeni dugo ywili uraz. Czasem wadca sta si na tyle silny by zosta Najwyym Krlem Brytani jak Bretwalda. Jednake by to raczej tytu ni realna wadza."}

@{"Byy i lepsze okresy. Z Kocem VIII wieku Wielki Krl Mercii - Offa nie tylko wybudowa ogromny wa by zatrzyma Walijczykw nad zatok ale rwnie bi pierwsze monety odkd Rzymianie opucili Wysp. By Krlem tak potnym jak krlowie na kontynencie."} 

@{"Na horyzoncie pojawiy si chmury. Chmury przybywajce znad lodowych mrz wschodnich."}


@{"Rok Paski 793 nie zacz si dobrze dla krla i ludu Northumbrii - pnocnego ssiada Mercii. W kronikach Anglo - Saksoskich wiele lat pniej zapisano, co nastpuje: "Zapowiedzi zego przeraziy lud, a po nich nastpiy nieszczcia. Byskawice, sztormy, burze i ogniste smoki na niebie. Gd i mier. Musieli czu si tak jakby z jakiego powodu opuci ich Bg"."}


@{"Ju wydawao si, e zo ustpi, kiedy wczesnym latem przybyy nowe piekielne moce. Zagroenie pojawio si ze wschodu. Dzicy i uzbrojeni w topory w odziach o ksztacie smoka, drapieni niczym wilk pord owiec - Wikingowie!"}

@{"Pierwsi, nieliczni jeszcze najedzcy wyldowali pod klasztorem Lindisfarne, jednym z najstarszych centrw Chrzecijastwa w pnocnej Europie. Dokonali rzezi na mnichach, zagrabili wszystkie skarby jakie tylko zdoali unie i odpyneli."}

@{"Wrc i bdzie ich wicej, a Brytania nigdy nie bdzie ju taka sama."}


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//	Text added after 7th Jan 2003 begins here:
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SetShowTransOff  // Do not translate.
//???? Remove when localised.

