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Description
A a textbook-like map that I made in a short space of time for fun. A bit of a Crusader/Mongol wank, but I think it is a fun concept nonetheless. I couldn't think of much else to add, so any suggestions are as welcome as always. I will freely admit that this is not a particularly adventurous map (artistically speaking) but considering I made it quite late at night I am simply pleased it didn't turn out worse.

Essentially the Crusades (referred to as Pilgrimages in TTL) go far better for the Europeans, but the survival of Sartaq Khan in the Golden Horde leads to an eventual invasion of the Nestorian Christian 'Sartaq Horde' (as it was later renamed by historians) in the early 1300s. The Mongols managed to make it as far as southern France before withdrawing to consolidate themselves in Poland and Hungary.

By 1400 the Sartaq Horde is becoming increasingly unstable. Its vassals are becoming restless, its rivalry with the Ilkanate is becoming a costly affair and frequent Polish and Russian uprisings are beginning to take their toll. Although it sill remains the single most powerful entity in Europe, with many of Europe's most important cities under its domination, the Sartaq Horde is showing sings of crumbling under its own weight.

Meanwhile, the Europeans are once again attempting to form a Grand Coalition against the Mongols and once again only the French, the North German League (having grown out of the old Hansa Trading League and the only surviving framework for Germany after the collapse of the HRE) and the Kingdom of Sicily are paying attention. The English were never under any threat by the Mongols and have been focusing more on the conquest of Ireland. The Spanish (having unified earlier that OTL) have been more interested in the completing of the Reconquista rather than dealing with a bunch of horsemen on the other side of the Pyrenees. The Pilgrim States are barely strong enough to deter the Ilkhan from finishing what he started with Antioch, let alone offering any aid to Europe. The Coalition may soon get their chance against the Mongols, however. Rising unrest in Italy over the heavy tribute payments may soon explode into rebellion, one which the Coalition could exploit to their advantage. The Sartaq Horde is crumbling, and the Europeans are poised to reclaim lost lands.

Description
A a textbook-like map that I made in a short space of time for fun. A bit of a Crusader/Mongol wank, but I think it is a fun concept nonetheless. I couldn't think of much else to add, so any suggestions are as welcome as always. I will freely admit that this is not a particularly adventurous map (artistically speaking) but considering I made it quite late at night I am simply pleased it didn't turn out worse.

Essentially the Crusades (referred to as Pilgrimages in TTL) go far better for the Europeans, but the survival of Sartaq Khan in the Golden Horde leads to an eventual invasion of the Nestorian Christian 'Sartaq Horde' (as it was later renamed by historians) in the early 1300s. The Mongols managed to make it as far as southern France before withdrawing to consolidate themselves in Poland and Hungary.

By 1400 the Sartaq Horde is becoming increasingly unstable. Its vassals are becoming restless, its rivalry with the Ilkanate is becoming a costly affair and frequent Polish and Russian uprisings are beginning to take their toll. Although it sill remains the single most powerful entity in Europe, with many of Europe's most important cities under its domination, the Sartaq Horde is showing sings of crumbling under its own weight.

Meanwhile, the Europeans are once again attempting to form a Grand Coalition against the Mongols and once again only the French, the North German League (having grown out of the old Hansa Trading League and the only surviving framework for Germany after the collapse of the HRE) and the Kingdom of Sicily are paying attention. The English were never under any threat by the Mongols and have been focusing more on the conquest of Ireland. The Spanish (having unified earlier that OTL) have been more interested in the completing of the Reconquista rather than dealing with a bunch of horsemen on the other side of the Pyrenees. The Pilgrim States are barely strong enough to deter the Ilkhan from finishing what he started with Antioch, let alone offering any aid to Europe. The Coalition may soon get their chance against the Mongols, however. Rising unrest in Italy over the heavy tribute payments may soon explode into rebellion, one which the Coalition could exploit to their advantage. The Sartaq Horde is crumbling, and the Europeans are poised to reclaim lost lands.