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Ask Me Anything — Open Q & A (Patreon)

Published:
2025-05-09 14:53:05
Imported:
2026-06
Tags:
QNA

Content

Got a question about past arcs, future plans, or even something totally off‑topic?Drop it in the comments and I’ll reply right there!

How it works

Post your question.

One question per comment keeps the thread tidy.

I’ll hop in regularly to answer.

Quick ground rules

Minor spoilers are okay

Be kind to fellow patrons.

I may skip super‑personal or NSFW questions.

Fire away, looking forward to the chat!

Sersor

Files

Comments

russell marsh

Alright my question is will the whole hunt for his runaway lover be resolved soon?

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Great question! I’m actually juggling two different ways that whole “hunt‑for‑the‑runaway‑lover” arc could play out, and I haven’t 100 % locked in which one I’m going with yet. What I can promise is that their storyline (and the resolution) is firmly on the roadmap for Book 2, so you won’t have to wait forever for answers.

auburnfighter

Does the other countries know about him making the new cannons and if they do are they interested in figuring out how to make them?

Andy Worcester

Do you listen to any Byzantine podcasts?

Kirra

Will we get a deeper picture of the economic reforms that have or will be implemented? And what other technology has already been or will be introduced, such as Bastion fort.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Definitely! I’m thinking of putting together a quick “Economics & Tech” wiki‑style short so everyone can peek under the hood without slowing the story itself. Right now the big breakthroughs are the printing press, plus the better paper and inks that make it viable, the whole new bookstore/sales model, modern typography concepts, posters and stencil icons, and of course the ever‑evolving weapons. There are also quieter changes, like improved hygiene practices, that look minor now but will snowball over time. And yes, fortification ideas in the Bastion vein are scribbled all over my notes.

Kirra

Yeah, it's the minor things in hygiene practices that really matter. Nostradamus was weirdly one of those people, told people to remove the dead plague victims, practice basic hygiene, and only drink clean water.

kemme008

My question is a two parter. How much background research is going into each chapter? And is byzantine history something you mayor in. Cause the detail in this story is amazing.

Mineseikea

Why Lady Agnes of Cleaves? Why not a female relative of Sigismund? He is Emperor of the hre. Why would he not want to tie his dynasty to the eastern half, and a crown that is hereditary to use it to push for reform for a hereditary hre? Not to mention they sre neighbors. It would practically guarantee that sigismund would not cheat on Constantine by taking his lands.

Empty Crate

Ooo ok after some thought I know my question. With the Ottomans facing several losses now in Europe and rumors of a crusade swell among the various powers. Have the butterflies started helping out the Empire of Trebizond and will we see them in some capacity in the future? Irl they were forced on the backfoot once the Ottomans consolidation of Anatolia ended their main playstyle of putting the disparate Turkish beyliks against each other and with the civilwar among the Byzantines im sure the Komnenos are watching to see if a opportunity to reclaim the Empire for themselves is on the horizon.

Max Müller

Does he actually have the manpower to keep this going? Given the high losses ( considering the size of his current realm) he is taking and a fairly small population base?

fosfato

I saw people complaining in the comments section of royal road that this novel is "story is creeping into christians good Muslims bad", my question is: can you please ignore these haters and make a faithful story? This is a very good take on alternate history don't let these people ruin it. Love from Brazil.

Hugo23

The Agnes match is being pushed by Eugene most likely to preempt Sigismund, he actually only had single daughter and was the last male of his line of Luxemberg. The west is not united, it's factions each wanting something different out of the relationship.

Hugo23

For the record I definitely want to bombard you with every question I have. My first is kind of wide ranging, this era is known for the rapidly increasing secularization and centralization of rule in response to the weakness of the central church, as well as main rulers who had... messanic beliefs about themselves (Charles VIII for example) how do you see Constantine dealing with this? Especially considering how fractured the political system is around the Mediterranean at this time.

Hugo23

2nd question I want to ask about the Venetians with their massive holdings in the former Byzantine lands but I feel like we will see that soon so I am going to ask something different. What do you consider is Constantine's biggest political advantage, like to you what makes Constantine successful in dealing with lords, cardinals and all the minutae of ruling? (the whole man out of time thing seem obvious but a medieval mindset is super different from a modern so I really would like to hear your thoughts on what you think gives him an edge)

Kirra

The interesting thing is that Constantine has more or less 100% say in what to do. Most of the land that will be reclaimed will not have nobles or rulers, at most local village chiefs or town mayors.

Max Müller

Great if you want to build a centralized state

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

I’m actually more of a print‑sources person, so I don’t follow any Byzantine‑history podcasts at the moment. If you’ve got favorites, I’d love to hear them. Most of my deep dives come from books, especially Donald Nicol’s The Immortal Emperor (fantastic study), Sphrantzes’ Chronicon tis Alosis (our boy indeed!), and John Kananos’ short‑but‑vivid Chronicle. Always happy to add new voices to the mix, though, so feel free to send any podcast recs my way!

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Right now the only folks who’ve actually seen the new cannon roar are  Murad  and Sforza. Everybody else is still catching wind of it second‑hand, traders, mercenaries, and the occasional nervous envoy swapping campfire gossip. Medieval intel crawls along mule‑back, so it’ll take a little while for the details to leak out, but leak they will. Once word spreads, every court smith from Ragusa to Vienna will be scrambling to copy the design, and the big guns will start reshaping battlefields in this timeline a lot sooner than they did in ours.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Haha thanks, appreciate that a lot! So, no, I didn’t major in Byzantine history or anything like that. But I am a massive history nerd, and I’ve gone deep into the research rabbit hole for this story. I’ve read several books not just on Byzantium, but also on the Ottomans, the Medici, Sforza, and the broader political and cultural world of the 15th century. The goal was always to keep the setting grounded while still having fun with the “what if” angle. The two main sources I keep coming back to are "The Immortal Emperor" by Donald Nicol—which is probably the best single-volume study of Constantine Palaiologos out there—and George Sphrantzes’ "Chronicon", which is such a gem. Sphrantzes was literally there, one of Constantine’s closest men, so his account of the fall of Constantinople hits especially hard. So yeah, no academic credentials, just a lot of enthusiasm, late-night note-taking, and the kind of obsessive deep dives only a fellow history nut would understand.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Yeah, you’re absolutely right to wonder about that, he doesn’t have a huge manpower pool to draw from. That’s part of the constant tightrope he’s walking. Aside from the field army, he needs a ton of people just for garrison duties across the fortresses, running the factories, working the print shops, helping with the logistics network, and, of course, cultivating the land to keep everything fed. It’s a delicate balance that’s constantly under pressure, and every campaign or expansion stretches things thinner. That’s exactly why he’s pushing so hard for a crusade, it’s not just about morale or legitimacy, it’s also about getting fresh troops and support from outside. Without that, he knows he can’t keep the momentum going forever.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Great question, and absolutely, Trebizond isn’t just sitting on the sidelines. The ripple effects of Constantine's moves and the shifting balance in the region are being felt far beyond Morea. With the tides turning and rumors of crusades in the air, they might just start seeing new openings. We’ll definitely be hearing from Trebizond in the future, no one’s staying untouched for long.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Hey, thanks so much, and love back to Brazil! Yeah, I’ve seen that comment too, but don’t worry, I’m not losing any sleep over it. The story is grounded historical fiction, and I’m doing my best to write it in a way that reflects how I believe the period felt on the ground, with all its complexity, nuance, and contradictions. It’s not about painting one side as “good” and the other as “bad,” but about exploring the people, politics, and pressures of the time. I also try to steer clear of modern bias as much as possible, this isn’t about today’s headlines, it’s about a very different world, with its own context. So rest assured, I’m staying the course.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

That's a fantastic question! For me, Constantine’s greatest political advantage isn't just the modern knowledge he brings, though obviously, that helps. Rather, it's his adaptability and emotional intelligence. He's aware enough to realize that applying a purely modern mindset to medieval problems wouldn't work. Initially, when he first arrived, he was definitely more "fish out of water," struggling to grasp the subtle dynamics of medieval politics and diplomacy. Over time, however, he's learned to carefully blend both worlds. He understands medieval motivations, honor, religion, reputation, and knows how to speak that "language". He treats his allies, whether lords or cardinals, as genuine partners rather than obstacles. Constantine listens closely, identifies their needs, fears, and ambitions, and then aligns their interests with his broader vision. From the end of Book One onwards, you've probably noticed he's leaning more into religious imagery and rhetoric. He's come to realize, cynically, that religion isn't just a spiritual guide but a potent political tool. Of course, this approach is a bit risky for the era. Power in medieval politics was often perceived as zero-sum, where rulers were expected to show strength and decisiveness, sometimes ruthlessness. Constantine’s more collaborative, empathetic style could easily be misread as weakness or manipulation. Not everyone is comfortable with reform; some prefer tradition, stability, or simply preserving their own share of power. But that’s precisely where Constantine’s balancing act becomes compelling for me. He isn't naïve or idealistic, he’s strategic. He knows when to wield an iron fist and when to extend an olive branch. He carefully crafts his image: Lords see him as a pious, steadfast ruler, Priests as a scholarly prince, and merchants as an innovative partner. Behind the scenes, he's continuously assessing and recalibrating each step. In short, Constantine’s true edge is his ability to adapt, to make others feel valued and integral to a shared vision, and to recognize that even in the fifteenth century, real power isn’t only about strength, it's about narrative.

Sif

Will he try and use his fame to get himself some deals on mass quantities of iron for his new forges? If he can't do that I imagine he could buy loads of armor for his men if the Italian states are offering.

Kirra

Will you build a monument or something else where the battle of Domokos took place? Something to remember the fallen souls.

JOSEPH FIRKY

What is the current population of Constantine's realm?

Elaine

after empire do you plan on doing another historical si such as the Chinese 3 kingdoms period or maybe Japan during senggoku period?

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

That’s a great idea, I hadn’t thought about that, but I might just borrow it for a future battle scene. Thanks!

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Constantine’s goal is to be as self-sustaining as possible. That’s why he’s so focused on finding the right experts and building the capability to produce everything locally, from weapons to armor.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

My plan for Empire is probably three books, maybe with a spinoff after. I’ve thought about doing another story down the line, but most of my ideas lean toward the late Roman Republic, that’s the period I know best. I love the Three Kingdoms and Sengoku eras, but I’m not nearly as confident with Chinese or Japanese history.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Right now, Constantine’s realm sits at around 200,000 in the Morea and roughly 80,000 in the ex Duchy of Athens.

Elaine

oh yeah I meant really any period they were just the first that came to my mind that are a similar vain as this weaker nation on brink of collapse and easy tech uplift with storied history thanks for response

Kirra

Will books 2 and 3 be as long as Book 1? And will it follow the journey of Constantine to the very end? Also, will you show us a type of modern side story? Simple to show us how events in this timeline changed.

Kirra

It feels like something Constantine would do.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Yeah, Books 2 and 3 will probably be similar in size to Book 1, maybe a bit longer, depending on how the story unfolds. The plan is to follow Constantine’s journey all the way to the end. As for a modern side story, I’ve thought about maybe doing some alt-history wiki articles or maps showing how the world changed… or even a spinoff set in a kind of “colonial” era after Constantine’s death. Could be a fun way to explore the long-term ripple effects!

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Good point by Kirra here, by this time in Byzantine history, the traditional nobility had really thinned out. At least, there wasn’t a strong landed aristocracy left in the Western European sense. That actually gives Constantine a lot more freedom to build something centralized from the ground up. And yep, we’ll definitely be exploring those themes going forward. His reforms, his image, even just the idea of a Roman comeback… they’re already starting to ripple out and stir the pot. You’ll start to see early signs of new political and religious movements bubbling up as a result.

Kirra

Yeah, the history of the early modern period without the Ottoman Empire will be fascinating. I mean, the Ottoman Empire was the main villain for most Europeans, so to see what history would be without them is interesting.

Max Müller

wait..... this means he has about 8-10% of his entire population under arms ( ok not permanent but... wow)

JOSEPH FIRKY

Oh damn that explains a lot of Constantine's decisions..he doesn't have the population to absorb a lot of loses

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

There is also the population of Zakynthos, around 15,000 to 20,000, along with some refugees and volunteers from nearby Greek regions, but even so, his manpower remains limited.

JOSEPH FIRKY

Yeah..those tocco lands seem worth poaching

Max Müller

then the crusade part makes a lot more sense, because he just doesnt have the manpower for a proteacted conflict. Another 2-3 Victories like Domokos and Constantine will have lost his entire army whilet he ottomans can substain a conflict

Hunter197

I have a question that I am not sure you will answer but I will ask anyways. How are the kings of Eastern Europe going to play into this earlier crusade? I know they themselves went cursading in 1443 and 1444 and lost at Varna and I am curious at what is going to happen here.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Funnily enough, it really does remind me of Pyrrhus of Epirus during his campaign against Rome. He kept winning battles, but each one drained his forces to the point of collapse. That’s exactly the kind of risk Constantine faces too, he might win a few glorious victories, but without broader support like a crusade, he’d bleed himself dry while the Ottomans can just keep replenishing.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

We’ll definitely be exploring that in future chapters. The earlier crusade push is going to ripple across Eastern Europe, so expect to see how the kings and nobles there react and adapt. Their involvement (or hesitation) will play a role, and some familiar faces from Varna might show up a bit earlier than history remembers. Stay tuned!

Kirra

Will we get another time chronicles, plus a map of the surrounding changes ?

Kirra

Can you also put this Q&A somewhere easier to find?

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Absolutely! Another Time Chronicle is on the way, maps included.

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

That’s a great idea, I'll work something out to make it easier to find!

Kirra

Will you do a reaction on Constantine's mother and other people's perspectives on the upcoming crusade?

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Oh absolutely, Constantine’s mother is a character I definitely want to explore at some point. There’s a lot of emotional weight and perspective she can bring, especially with everything unfolding. And yes, I fully plan to include plenty of POVs as the story grows, lots of voices deserve to be heard in a war like this!

Hugo23

I'm going to go ahead and throw another question out what with the crusade kicking off proper. My question has to do with the fleet. From the sound of it they have about 1-2 dozen ships and then the fleet of Venice + a papal squadron so a decent force. Are there any plans/ideas about what they will be doing outside of supporting roles? (I think you can assume why I'm asking, I don't want to say just in case it's spoilers)

EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Constantine’s fleet is actually quite minimal, just two proper warships and a handful of support vessels. The real naval muscle comes from the Venetian and Papal contingents, which combined number around 70–80 ships. So, a significant force, but with very different agendas under the surface. As for what they’ll be doing, can’t say much just yet without tipping my hand. But as mentioned in the book, the initial plan is to move toward Thessaloniki. From there... things get murky.

Hugo23

That makes more sense, I figured it was mostly something akin to armed merchant vessels for most of them. I have a feeling Venice might be looking to get something over on Genoa...