Ideal Medieval Starting Period

[kataphraktoi]

Its seems that the problem with 1080 starting period in MTW2 is the fact that factions are usually lumped together for conveniences sake. Its understandable with the annoying fragmented politics in that era.

What would be your ideal starting medieval period timw that has:
1) enough diverse factions
2) states have not fragmented on a large scale yet.

My ideal starting time period would be AD904.

At this stage in history, the Abbasd Caliphate is starting to weaken but still formidable. Nomads from the Eurasian steppes are still a major threat with the Magyars recent new arrivals in the Danubian region. West Francia (France) and East Francia (Germany) are slowly developing their own distinctions. Italy, at least half of it, is united under a Frankish King in the Kingdom of Italy. YOu have other Muslim challengers that threaten the length and breadth of the Mediterranean Sea like the Ummayad Emirate of Cordova (later a Caliphate), the Fatimids (note in the map I upload, it shows the Aghlabids, because it is the year 900), The Tulunids of Egypt and the Idrissids in Morocco. The presence of the Fatimids will be an interesting struggle between the Sunnis and Shias. my idea closing period would be 1100, but thats just me anyways.

AND NO, this is not an idea for a MOD or telling CA what to do. Just wishful thinking thats all.

In total there are:
6 Muslim Factions:
Volga-Bulgaria, Tulunid Emirate, Abbasids, Idrissids, Fatimids and the Ummayad Emirate

2 Orthodox Factions:
Byzantium and Bulgaria

5 Pagan Factions:
Magyars, Principality of Kiev, Denmark, Norway, Poland

7 Catholic Factions:
West Francia, East Francia, Kingdom of Asturias/Galicia, Kingdom of Italy, Kingdom of Alba, Kingdom of Wessex and Great Moravia

I couldn't fit everyone in the starting 21, but hopefully with unlockable factions we could include the following as playable:

1) Papal States
2) Burgundy (Lower or Upper, don't care)
3) Croatia
4) Kingdom of Abhazia (not the same as Georgia)
5) Rashka (Serbia)
6) Kingdom of Tahert
7) Pechenegs (Patzinaks or Pigeoneggs)

Link to pic:
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/...0dotted9qd.jpg