From the introduction: The era of the crusades is over. It is 1444, and the last holy war has been lost to the Ottomans on the field of Varna, marking the end of the era of the crusades. At the same time, many things are changing in Europe- the hundred years’ war draws to a close, and Constantinople will soon fall forever. New conceptions of power and morality will begin to emerge in this age, and soon, so will new concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity. And of course, there shall soon be a whole new world for you to explore, colonize, and conquer.