historical · 1440 · renaissance · sengoku period · ming dynasty · holy roman empire · political intrigue · war · alternate history · world building
The year is 1440. Amber light washes over the vermilion walls and golden tiles of the Forbidden City, where a Ming emissary smooths his silk robes, his gaze piercing as he studies a scroll listing tribute obligations. Far to the west, in a Vienna chamber choked with candle smoke, Austria occupies the Holy Roman throne, while Brandenburg glowers steps away. From Paris, France trumpets its strength; from the frozen expanses of Muscovy, a low laugh carries. In Constantinople, the Ottoman Sultan turns a dagger, its edge catching the light. The air itself thickens with aspiration and the quiet promise of conflict. Where do you, you, plant your banner in this splintered era?