The last crusade, which started 6 years before, ended in a horrible defeat when the crusaders failed to conquer Nikopolis before being reached by the armies of osmans and serbs. The dream of conquering Jerusalem is forgotten, and European authorities are well aware that over the coming centuries, they will be submerged into defending themselves against osman forces, which have several outposts in Eastern Europe. The roman-catholic church is in a state of devastating dispute and intrigue, and uprisings are clearly just around the corner.
