[quote=@Theodorable]
Could I be a Papal States like nation?
[/quote]

Actually, as GM, I'll be playing the Vatican-equivalent of the Ambrusian Church and directing their activities, but you are all free to play the respective prelates or bishops that represent your nations. Expect them to convene frequently at the church's political center.

However, some folks have been interested in playing knightly orders or crusader state-type factions, which I'll allow on a case by case basis. The real focus should be on the nations and how they tread the political and religious waters at their throats. That said, I [i]do[/i] need somebody on the borders with the Timluks to have a Constantinople-esque city; a spiritual Fiorentinan headquarters, so to speak.