Earth: Blood and Steel

In a world where gunpowder was never invented, Europe is on the cusp of continental war.   The year is 1914. The recently unified German Empire is under threat by the neighboring powers of Britain, France, and Russia. Violent protests erupt in Austria-Hungary, fresh from their defeat by the Germans, as ethnic Romanians and Serbs threaten to secede. Italy is divided between the regional powers of Venice and Tuscany. Developments in steam artillery lead Ottoman ambitions to turn against the militaristic Byzantine state once again: their allies are weak and the Basileus is sickly - it is the opportune time to strike.   The drums of war sound again. Swords are polished, crossbows are loaded, and the cavalry prepare to charge once more. Who will emerge victorious in this war of blood and steel?